Frequently Asked Questions

•  Landscaping is a rewarding way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space, but there are several important considerations, especially in Central Texas. Here’s a breakdown:
• Climate and Water Use
  • Drought Tolerance: Central Texas experiences hot, dry summers. Choose drought-tolerant plants like native grasses, succulents, and cacti.
  • Watering Restrictions: Be aware of local water restrictions and consider xeriscaping, which focuses on low-water-use plants.
• Soil Type
  • Soil Testing: Test your soil to understand its pH, texture, and nutrient content. Central Texas soil can be rocky or clay-heavy, which may require soil amendments.
  • Drainage: Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in heavy clay soils.
• Native Plants
  • Adaptation: Native plants are adapted to local conditions, require less water, and are more resistant to local pests and diseases.
  • Wildlife Support: These plants often support local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Sunlight and Shade
  • Plant Selection: Choose plants based on the sunlight available in different areas of your yard. Some areas might receive full sun, while others might be shaded by trees or structures.
  • Tree Placement: When planting new trees, consider their mature size and the shade they’ll provide.
• Maintenance
  • Low-Maintenance Options: If you prefer less upkeep, consider low-maintenance plants and materials, such as mulch, stone paths, or ground covers that suppress weeds.
  • Pruning and Trimming: Some plants require regular pruning, so factor in the time and effort you’re willing to invest.
• Aesthetic and Functional Design
  • Layout: Plan your landscaping with both beauty and function in mind. Consider pathways, seating areas, and how you’ll use the space.
  • Focal Points: Incorporate focal points like water features, sculptures, or flowering plants to draw the eye and create interest.
• Sustainability
  • Composting: Use compost to enrich your soil naturally.
  • Mulching: Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Consider installing a rain barrel to capture rainwater for irrigation.
• Local Regulations
  • Permits and HOA Rules: Check local regulations or homeowners' association rules that may dictate what you can and cannot do with your landscaping.
• Pests and Wildlife
  • Deer-Resistant Plants: If you live in an area with deer, choose plants they are less likely to eat.
  • Integrated Pest Management: Use eco-friendly methods to manage pests and avoid harsh chemicals that can harm beneficial insects.
• Budget
  • Cost: Determine your budget early on and prioritize projects. Landscaping can range from simple DIY projects to professional overhauls.
• Seasonality
  • Planting Time: In Central Texas, fall is often the best time to plant, as it allows roots to establish before the heat of summer.
    

Considering these factors will help you create a landscape that’s beautiful, functional, and suited to the Central Texas environment.

 Xeriscaping (pronounced “zeer-i-scaping”) is a landscaping method designed to reduce water usage, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice. This landscape design is ideally for areas that go through periods of drought  or in need of conserving water.   Many Xeriscape designs in Central Texas include Gravel rock, mulch and Texas Native plants. 

•  Water Conservation: Xeriscaping significantly reduces the need for irrigation by using drought-tolerant plants and designing landscapes that retain moisture naturally. This is especially important in areas with water scarcity or where water restrictions are common. WaterConservingTips.pdf (texas.gov)
• Lower Maintenance: Since xeriscaped gardens use native or adapted plants that thrive in local conditions, they typically require less maintenance. This means less mowing, fertilizing, and pruning, saving you time and effort.
• Cost Savings: By reducing water usage, you'll see lower water bills. Additionally, with fewer needs for fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance, your overall landscaping costs will decrease.
• Environmental Benefits: Xeriscaping reduces the demand on local water supplies and minimizes runoff, which can carry pollutants into water bodies. It also supports local biodiversity by providing habitats for native wildlife.
• Improved Soil Health: Xeriscaping often involves soil improvements like mulching, which helps retain moisture, reduces erosion, and enhances soil fertility over time.
• Aesthetics and Resilience: Xeriscaped gardens can be beautiful and diverse, showcasing a variety of textures, colors, and forms. They are also more resilient to droughts and extreme weather conditions, ensuring that your garden stays attractive year-round.
• Compliance with Local Regulations: In some regions, xeriscaping is encouraged or even required due to water conservation laws. Adopting this landscaping method can help you stay compliant with local regulations.
• Aesthetic Appeal - Xeriscaping can create beautiful and diverse landscapes. By using a variety of native and drought-tolerant plants, you can design a garden that is both attractive and sustainable.
• Increased Property Value - A well-designed xeriscaped garden can increase the curb appeal and value of your property. Many homebuyers appreciate the benefits of a low-maintenance, water-efficient landscape.

Xeriscaping is a practical and sustainable approach to landscaping, especially in areas where water conservation is a priority. 

In Central Texas, where the climate can be quite hot and dry, the decision between planting grass or doing xeriscaping depends on several factors, including your water usage preferences, maintenance effort, and aesthetic goals. 

Planting Grass

Pros:

• Lush Appearance: A well-maintained lawn can provide a lush, green appearance that's appealing.
• Comfort: Grass is softer and more comfortable to walk or play on, making it great for families with kids or pets.
• Cooling Effect: Grass can help cool the immediate environment around your home.

Cons:

• Water Usage: Grass typically requires regular watering, especially in the hot Texas summers. This can lead to higher water bills and isn't as environmentally friendly in drought-prone areas.
• Maintenance: Regular mowing, fertilizing, and pest control are necessary to keep the grass looking good.

Xeriscaping

Pros:

• Water Efficiency: Xeriscaping is designed to minimize water use, making it an excellent choice for Central Texas, where droughts are common.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, xeriscaped areas require minimal upkeep compared to traditional lawns.
• Eco-Friendly: By using native plants, you can create a habitat for local wildlife and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Cons:

• Initial Cost: The initial installation of a xeriscaped yard can be more expensive than planting grass, depending on the materials and plants chosen.
• Aesthetic Preference: Some people prefer the look of a green lawn over the more natural, sometimes sparse look of xeriscaping.

Considerations:

• Water Restrictions: Check if your area has water restrictions, as this might push you towards xeriscaping.
• Personal Use: If you frequently use your yard for activities like playing with kids or pets, grass might be preferable.
• Long-Term Goals: If you're interested in sustainability and reducing your environmental impact, xeriscaping is the better choice.

If you're open to a compromise, you could consider a combination of the two, with grass in areas where you spend the most time and xeriscaping in the rest of the yard.

Contact Us today and we'll be happy to discuss your options with you. 

Resodding your yard can be a good idea for several reasons, depending on the condition of your existing lawn and your goals for your outdoor space:

• Improved Aesthetic Appeal: Fresh sod can instantly transform your yard, giving it a lush, green appearance. If your lawn is patchy, uneven, or overrun with weeds, resodding can make a dramatic difference.
• Better Grass Health: Old lawns can become compacted or suffer from poor soil conditions, leading to weak grass. Resodding provides a fresh start with healthy, well-established grass that can better resist pests, diseases, and drought.
• Weed Control: If your yard is overrun with weeds, starting fresh with new sod can help eliminate them. High-quality sod often outcompetes weeds, giving you a cleaner, more manageable lawn.
• Erosion Prevention: A thick, healthy lawn helps prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with grass roots. Resodding can be particularly beneficial on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
• Increased Property Value: A well-maintained lawn enhances curb appeal, which can increase your property's value. A beautiful yard is often a key selling point for potential buyers.
• Time Efficiency: Unlike seeding, which can take weeks or even months to fully establish, sod provides an instant lawn. This can be a major advantage if you need a quick solution for a special event or if you simply want fast results.
• Correcting Lawn Problems: If your current lawn has problems like poor drainage, uneven ground, or a history of pest issues, resodding allows you to address these problems before laying new grass.

In Central Texas, the best time to resod your yard is during the late spring to early summer, typically between April and June. This timing allows the warm-season grasses, such as Zoysia, Bermuda or St. Augustine, to establish themselves well before the intense summer heat.

However, you can also resod in early fall, from late September to October, as long as there’s enough time for the grass to root before the first frost. Avoid resodding during the peak summer months when the heat can stress the new sod, and during winter when the grass goes dormant.

• Soil Preparation: Before resodding, make sure the soil is well-prepared, removing old grass, weeds, and debris.
• Watering: New sod requires consistent watering, especially in the first few weeks, to help it establish roots.
• Avoid Extreme Weather: Avoid resodding during extreme heat or cold, as it can stress the sod and hinder its establishment.