![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ah3C0U0Qf7eUWghPnv0n8PpADI2KdSW7EFWSUBTnMGGIdGHQdjdtZj8zvSZESQGRHktIq2duYZyFcaB0BbzqRu0r8U4eP5RwTNtH4tQ32R8MdA40JNDCH7CT6LmIp7lxl5ldWRMm\")
If your peonies are looking puny and your daffodils are drooping, chances are, you planted some seriously unsuitable plants in a hostile environment. In the hot, humid, and often drought-stricken climate of Central Texas, the more native plants in your landscape, the higher your chances of enjoying low-maintenance flowers year-round. To get you started, here’s […]
\n","content":"\nIf your peonies are looking puny and your daffodils are drooping, chances are, you planted some seriously unsuitable plants in a hostile environment. In the hot, humid, and often drought-stricken climate of Central Texas, the more native plants in your landscape, the higher your chances of enjoying low-maintenance flowers year-round. To get you started, here’s a guide to some of the native plants and flowers that thrive in Austin and Round Rock.
\n\n\n\nGround covers serve many purposes. They form a base layer in your landscape design that provides ground-level color and texture. They also shade the ground, which helps to conserve water. Silver ponyfoot is a beautiful, bright ground cover that forms a dense mat of tiny cup-shaped leaves. The leaves cascade over the edges of containers and terraces. Lyre-leaf sage is a hearty, flowering ground cover with evergreen leaves that’s often used around the bases of trees, as it performs well in sun or shade. Sedum is a succulent ground cover that tolerates poor soil. It comes in many shapes and sizes, flowers in the fall and blushes red in the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/m4hgqIsMp92Xm0gQ3CHjzZvb4Q6tg4TVbtVVUUrjP4GB0DwwXlYk9WhK2tVUPQR0DJ2qSMsec66nYnhrSfPj-rYVb1g_7bL7p_X-BltZyO-KBCiEkbx0fS0eF6jQXqag22Vs1D_3\")
Photo credit: AbbeyCF on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nFor concealing unsightly fences and adding vertical color and texture to walls and surfaces, vines are perfect. Fig vine will cling to walls, forming a vertical evergreen carpet, even in part shade. Carolina jessamine creates a wall of foliage with yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Star jasmine features glossy leaves that withstand cold winters and fills the air with the sweetest fragrance. Crossvine and coral honeysuckle add color to walls, fences, and trellises. They also provide nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and birds throughout the seasons.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mFq2WLhtekSRYir9NpDpw4Ndpisqib6U4Iemac2laRObLrTVmgT2s572aWBO3l5EY8WEJN09iEbVOA9w9FanPG30feEjjq--MX4zzu8APB-yqm3kzbTCjtu9szu3oYtvs1HGfoOP\")
For seasonal interest that returns year after year, plant perennials in your landscape. Most of these plants are cut back to a few inches in the winter and return vigorously each spring. Esperanza, or yellow bells, throws out cheerful yellow or orange blooms that last throughout the hottest summer. Cast iron plants have blade-like, evergreen foliage that performs well in the shade. Bicolor iris forms tidy evergreen clumps with creamy, yellow flowers in spring and early summer. Purple coneflower and rock rose throw up pops of pink that draw butterflies. Duranta or skyflower is a dense perennial with deep purplish-blue flowers from summer to autumn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k8BSABeJRTkLyYb615zNykCJUaCnypigNbCZlbjdmb0aAa4MAFCSpgvmUAvcbOygMZK5GbBa34xsLz1SfYkKZ3fNdWSCwiwnHoqEZC57XkE9uxm1uM_-rL5zM0bAm3pweLr9B2ZI\")
Shrubs give landscapes color, texture, and often privacy and structure. Possumhaw holly lends a bit of flair to the yard with festive, red berries in the fall that persist even as the leaves drop off — to dramatic effect. Japanese aralia can give shaded areas a lush, tropical feel. Wooly butterfly bush is an unusual shrub featuring fuzzy, grayish leaves and bizarre orange flowers that butterflies flock to. Texas sage is a silvery-leafed shrub that blooms before rainstorms. That’s why it’s affectionately nicknamed “barometer bush.” Any number of roses, from antique climbers to the knockout cultivars can add fragrant, colorful flowers to your beds year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LdD_mab1Zwv2dUI9UE8oS5uUHEDFTZVd-WJs2PpM9eW954qS7Ij5mUhLhFTp9NTZZq6BmJqIXD8OEr0Ow_-lvI09LbgjqY5_tUyQi5IVcNyqURr83ghSainCOMSKDVTGBSFuBmUN\")
Photo credit: wormwood_3 on VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to understory trees and bold autumn colors, there are a number of small native trees and shrubs that fit the bill. The Texas smoke tree has beautiful fall foliage and flowers that, once spent, display stunning, smoke-like poofs. Mexican redbuds burst into bright pink blooms in springtime. The flameleaf sumac erupts into brilliant flame-like colors in autumn.
This is a very short list to demonstrate the wonderful range of native plants and flowers available in Austin and Round Rock. There are far more natives than you may imagine. By getting back to our roots and with native plants in your landscape, you can spend less time working on the garden and more time enjoying it.
Interested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX, lawn care page.
\n","title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in Austin/Round Rock","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8518518518518519,"src":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native_austin_garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/107df/native_austin_garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/293e9/native_austin_garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/f2cbb/native_austin_garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native_austin_garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/398d8/native_austin_garden.jpg 1500w","srcWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native_austin_garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/67b76/native_austin_garden.webp 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/8df11/native_austin_garden.webp 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/98a65/native_austin_garden.webp 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native_austin_garden.webp 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/9dc04/native_austin_garden.webp 1500w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in Austin/Round Rock | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3163ae33-24fa-539d-a4ae-42162d441c6a","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-fort-worth","path":"/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/lawn-mowing-maintenance-fort-worth/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9ccd5174-167e-5379-890b-68ac830ec905","name":"Forth Worth","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Fort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore. And lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on […]
\n","content":"\nFort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore.
\n\n\n\nAnd lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on it, and more time enjoying the 13th-largest city in the United States.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth likes you to keep up the appearance of your lawn. In fact, it insists, in the form of a code compliance office that will issue you a notice if your grass is taller than 12 inches. Properties overgrown with high grass and weeds are not just unsightly, the city says, but “they pose a fire hazard, block visibility for driers, harbor rodents and snakes and contribute to pests like mosquitoes and chiggers.”
\n\n\n\nIgnore the notice for more than 10 days and the city will send out a crew to cut it for you. The cost: $250, payable within 30 days. Failure to pay can result in a lien being placed against the property.
\n\n\n\nIf your neighbor’s grass gets too high, the city makes it easy to file a complaint online.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the most common grasses for lawns in Fort Worth. Zoysia varieties are also making their mark.
\n\n\n\nIn the mood for something more exotic? Texas-bred native grasses based on buffalograss have great drought tolerance, though the appearance is scruffily untraditional. The Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth is one of many buildings experimenting with a buffalograss blend.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses such as the ones that thrive in Fort Worth have their heaviest growth in the summer, so you’ll want to keep to a regular mowing schedule then. If you’re doing the job yourself in the 90+ degree heat, keep your mower blades sharp to prevent shredding that could injure your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMowing heights for different grass varieties are as follows:
\n\n\n\nIn the past, the typical practice was to remove lawn clippings and have them hauled to the landfill. That’s no longer the case, as lawn clippings are now seen as an important source of fertilizer for the lawn. On a typical lawn, leaving the clippings in place to decompose and return nitrogen to the soil for a full season added enough nutrients for you to skip one round of fertilization.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth’s climate is on the hot side, with average highs in the mid-90s in July and August. Expect about 40 inches of rain, with May, June and October the wettest months. That leaves a lot of hot, dry days in the mid to late summer in between, when your lawn will want a deep drink of water. But you’ll need to follow the city’s watering restrictions, imposed year-round to conserve the resource. Lawn irrigation by sprinkler or irrigation system is banned from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Penalties are stiff for violation: up to $2,000 for each offense.
\n\n\n\nBe polite and don’t mow too early or too late. The city has a noise ordinance. While it does not mention lawn mowers or leaf blowers specifically, it does bar “unreasonable noise,” especially at night.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in Fort Worth? We got you covered! Go to our Fort Worth, TX lawn care page for more information.
Growing an herb garden in your kitchen window is a simple task for Dallas, TX residents. Herbs have been used for centuries to flavor food and for medicinal purposes. Dishes wouldn’t taste the same without herbs to create unique flavor combinations. Learning how to start an herb garden in your kitchen is surprisingly easy. Most […]
\n","content":"\nGrowing an herb garden in your kitchen window is a simple task for Dallas, TX residents. Herbs have been used for centuries to flavor food and for medicinal purposes. Dishes wouldn’t taste the same without herbs to create unique flavor combinations. Learning how to start an herb garden in your kitchen is surprisingly easy.
Most herbs grow exceptionally well in Dallas, TX, so you could start the herbs inside and put them outside later if you wanted. Some people like to have herbs inside and outside!
Spring is the best time of year to start indoor herb gardens! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
\n\n\n\nA majority of the herb plants you could grow desire full sun, and that is the trickiest part about growing herbs inside. You need to find a spot in your kitchen that receives enough sunlight. Herbs prefer six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
Most people find that a south-facing windowsill has the best exposure for maximum sunlight. You can get suction cup window shelves if your windows lack a windowsill or there is no space for a table.
If you’re unable to find an appropriate location in your house, you’ll either have to pick a few herbs that tolerate less sunlight or hang a grow light in your kitchen. You can find small grow light setups for relatively cheap that could set right on your kitchen countertop!
Some people prefer to grow herbs inside because you can move the plants around! When you grow them outside, they’re stuck in the ground, but you can move them from window to window, if you wanted, to ensure they receive the right sunlight. Indoor herbs often receive ample sunlight!
\n\n\n\nNot only does sunlight matter, but temperature does as well! Herbs need to be kept between 65 and 70 degrees, which is perfect for most homes. Take care when you place your herb in the windowsill. Hang a thermometer there a few days before you place your herbs there. You want to make sure the window sill or whatever area you select is the ideal temperature!
\n\n\n\nDue to the climate in Dallas, TX, you can grow a lot of herbs! If you plan to always keep them indoors, you could grow anything, but it’s a good idea to make sure the herbs you do plant grow well in your climate. That way, if you decide you want to transplant it outside, you can!
Some herbs you might want to grow in your Dallas, TX indoor herb garden include:
\n\n\n\nIf you can’t find a window or location that receives full sunlight, shade-tolerant herbs for Dallas, TX residents include:
\n\n\n\nHeirloom varieties are often the hardiest varieties. Look for heirloom plants that thrive in a climate similar to Dallas, TX. Head to a local farm and fleet stores to see what varieties local farmers might sell. These plants are adapted to your area and will give you the best results.
\n\n\n\nAll of your containers should have drainage holes and a saucer. If you do pick a sealed pot, place rocks at the base of the pot along with some vermiculite in the soil. These will increase the drainage in your sealed container. It’s best to pick containers with drainage if possible.
\n\n\n\nAn indoor herb garden needs a potting soil mixture that has additional drainage. The label should tell you that it’s appropriate for indoor garden plants. If the soil is too heavy, try adding some perlite or vermiculite to the mixture.
You should look for a potting mixture rather than a potting soil. A mixture is lighter and has an aerator like perlite already added to it. If you can’t find the mixture, then just adapt the soil to work!
Whatever you do, don’t go outside and use the dirt from your outside garden. It seems like a smart idea, but the soil in your Dallas, TX garden is going to be too compact for indoor growing. It won’t hold onto water for as long, leading to insufficient root growth. Plus, you’ll bring in insects and parasites found outside. Not a good idea!
\n\n\n\nYou don’t have to water and fertilize too much. Doing so is just as harmful as not doing enough! Mark when you fertilized and watered your plants so you don’t overdo it, or you can create a schedule. More inside plants die because of excessive water and fertilizer than not enough!
To determine if your herb needs water, test the soil by placing your finger into it. If it’s dry two inches below the surface, then it’s time to water. The top of the soil dries out first. Watering too soon doesn’t encourage the roots of the herbs to grow deeper into the pot searching for water. A healthy root system creates a healthy plant, so that’s your goal.
\n\n\n\nDon’t harvest your plants until they’re matured for the first time. Then, never harvest more than one-third of the plant at any given time. Make sure that one third grows back before you harvest again.
It’s a good idea to look up each herb you intend to grow and learn about its specific pruning needs. Herbs grow best when pruned properly. You’ll be surprised out large and rapidly they can grow in the right conditions!
\n\n\n\nAll Dallas resident should have an indoor herb garden in their kitchen! It’s incredibly easy! Your first step is to find out what location receives the most sunlight. Then, decide what herbs you want to grow and prepare your containers. Plant your herbs and wait for them to mature. Before you know it, you’ll have fresh herbs in all of your dishes!
\n\n\n\nNeed lawn care advice? Check out our Dallas lawn care guide for helpful tips and tricks.
\n","title":"Dallas Residents: Here’s How to Start an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/1789c/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/107df/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.jpg 320w,\n/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/293e9/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.jpg 500w,\n/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/f2cbb/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.jpg 800w,\n/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/1789c/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.jpg 960w,\n/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/b56d2/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.jpg 4086w","srcWebp":"/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/1dd6e/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/67b76/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.webp 320w,\n/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/8df11/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.webp 500w,\n/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/98a65/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.webp 800w,\n/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/1dd6e/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.webp 960w,\n/static/cf1e9b44c324675e0378a18eda1501d3/002d3/herb_garden_lawnstarter1.webp 4086w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Dallas Residents: Here's How to Start an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"625c266a-eafa-5ef4-9a42-859530b41c03","slug":"raleigh-nc-water-restrictions","path":"/lawn-care/nc/raleigh/raleigh-nc-water-restrictions/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"},{"id":"960004f5-f837-5b2c-8241-8a86613fdf92","name":"Raleigh","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/raleigh/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"Water is one of our most precious natural resources, that’s why many cities and counties put restrictions on lawn watering. The lawn watering restrictions in Raleigh are based on current drought conditions and often change, depending on the current weather patterns. The majority of Raleigh’s water comes from Falls Lake Reservoir in northern Wake County. […]
\n","content":"\nWater is one of our most precious natural resources, that’s why many cities and counties put restrictions on lawn watering. The lawn watering restrictions in Raleigh are based on current drought conditions and often change, depending on the current weather patterns.
\n\n\n\nThe majority of Raleigh’s water comes from Falls Lake Reservoir in northern Wake County. The water is treated at the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant, which process and distributes more than 48 million gallons of water per day.
\n\n\n\nOur area has had a few years of plenty of rainfall along with two watersheds for our community. As of mid-2019, there are no watering restrictions in Wake County, but that could change if we see some of the dry conditions plaguing the southern end of the state. Check the U.S. drought map regularly to see which areas are hurting. The city will also update its website if it becomes necessary to issue restrictions.
The city encourages everyone to practice permanent conservation measures. Under these measures, lawn watering anytime is permitted, but landscapes should receive only 1 inch of water per week. These voluntary guidelines should keep the reservoir from falling to a dangerously low level:
\n\n\n\nThe city has a series of trigger points for imposing restrictions, based on the level of the Falls Lake Reservoir and the time of year. For example, if levels drop below 65 percent of capacity in June, the city will put stage 1 restrictions in place. That means you’ll only be able to water your lawn once a week on a day designated by whether your address ends in an odd or even number. If the reservoir levels should fall below 30 percent in June, stage 3 restrictions go into place. In that case, all lawn watering (even the city’s athletic fields) is off limits.
\n\n\n\nViolating the city’s water restrictions could cost you a fine of up to $500.
\n\n\n\nThe city also offers a reuse water program that treats wastewater into reclaimed or nonpotable water. This helps lower the effect of a drought for homeowners who use this water for their lawns and gardens. The reuse water is not for human, pet, or livestock consumption.
\n\n\n\nYou can get recycled water at the Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility, in Southeast Raleigh, or at the facility at Little Creek WWTP in Zebulon. The reuse water is free, but you’ll have to complete a certification training before picking it up.
\n\n\n\nTaking advantage of the city’s reuse water program is a great way to keep your lawn hydrated even during a severe drought. Cutting down on your lawn size and choosing to xeriscape is another way to decrease your water consumption. Remember, in times of drought, you can do without.
Interested in more information about gardening or lawn care in Raleigh? Visit our Raleigh, N.C., lawn care page.
\n","title":"Raleigh, NC Watering Restrictions","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5041128084606346,"src":"/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/1789c/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/107df/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 320w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/293e9/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 500w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/f2cbb/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 800w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/1789c/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 960w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/356ef/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/1dd6e/sprinkler-pixabay.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/67b76/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 320w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/8df11/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 500w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/98a65/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 800w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/1dd6e/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 960w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/93f70/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Raleigh, NC Watering Restrictions | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0eccde0b-5cfd-55ed-a957-e6374546393e","slug":"water-restrictions-austin-round-rock-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/water-restrictions-austin-round-rock-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"People in the Austin area enjoy mild winters in a city that offers endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation. But the mellow winters come at a price: extreme summer temperatures that come saddled with water restrictions. These regulations can leave homeowners feeling like they have to choose between a healthy lawn and hefty fines. Read […]
\n","content":"\nPeople in the Austin area enjoy mild winters in a city that offers endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation. But the mellow winters come at a price: extreme summer temperatures that come saddled with water restrictions. These regulations can leave homeowners feeling like they have to choose between a healthy lawn and hefty fines. Read on for a guide to water restrictions in Austin/Round Rock.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how much rain Central Texas receives, water restrictions are typically imposed in summer, when the water levels in lakes Travis and Buchanan — the area’s sources of potable water — fall under a specified level.
\n\n\n\nThe restrictions are based on a few variables, including property type, watering method, and property address. Here’s a breakdown of the water restriction stages:
\n\n\n\nAt this point, water use is severely restricted. Your plants are on their own, as all outdoor irrigation is prohibited.
\n\n\n\nAlso banned at this stage are all car washing, patio misting equipment and power washers. You can’t refill your pool. Ornamental fountains have to be turned off, too, unless doing so would kill aquatic life.
\n\n\n\nWater restrictions are no joke, and enforcement is fairly common. In Stage 2, residential violations get slapped with a $75 fine the first time around. Fines go up to $500 for the fourth violation in a year.
\n\n\n\nThe higher the stage, the higher the fine. In Stage 4, the fourth violation will cost as much as $2,000.
\n\n\n\nWhile water restrictions are nothing to scoff at, the reality is that most yards don’t need more than a deep watering every five days. Landscapes can be drought-proofed by using xeriscaping and installing native landscape plants. You may also consider a rain barrel to harvest rainwater as well as reducing your garden watering in lean times.
\n\n\n\nYes, the schedules can be daunting. The good news is that after a season of generous rain, it’s unlikely the area will go past conservation level restrictions this year. Remember: water conservation is not a punishment, but rather an agreement we all make to preserve our most vital natural resource.
If you’re not sure about whether there are currently water restrictions in your area, check the Austin or Round Rock websites.
Interested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Lower Colorado River Authority.
\n","title":"Water Restrictions in Austin, Round Rock, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4912280701754386,"src":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/73f1e/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg","srcSet":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/107df/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 320w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/293e9/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 500w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/f2cbb/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 800w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/73f1e/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 850w","srcWebp":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/05ed0/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/67b76/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 320w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/8df11/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 500w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/98a65/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 800w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/05ed0/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 850w","sizes":"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Water Restrictions in Austin, Round Rock, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"8d4fc8e1-df88-5d3f-b3d3-7fe18bec1c5e","slug":"controlling-the-worst-weeds-in-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/controlling-the-worst-weeds-in-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"Texans fight an uphill battle against the climate to maintain lush, green lawns. While we get wrapped up in mortal combat against scorching heat and epic droughts, another foe wages a battle against us: weeds. Unlike our turf, weeds couldn’t care less when it comes to drought, heat, and neglect. In fact, the conditions that […]
\n","content":"\nTexans fight an uphill battle against the climate to maintain lush, green lawns. While we get wrapped up in mortal combat against scorching heat and epic droughts, another foe wages a battle against us: weeds. Unlike our turf, weeds couldn’t care less when it comes to drought, heat, and neglect. In fact, the conditions that kill the landscapes we love only make them stronger. Once we let down our guard, they sprout and spread. Once these invaders have made landfall, our only hope is to stop them from advancing. Here are some tips for controlling the worst weeds in Austin.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3xloc5YBo1YwFQ690cX2SCF_KZof84QQvmWZAM91v7RDI1GPttiFZrU2rf1rDaPwe08GSA-k4rEUW3w9f3zKKOP5tEmqgP-sYANnTTb907K-HcjNhZgmMCAGsfIkLgBYkD1Vy9UD\")
The best defense against weeds is a vigorous lawn, since that makes it challenging for weeds to gain traction. Your yard is only as safe as its weakest patch of grass. Weeds are opportunists looking for a bare spot where they can put down roots and establish themselves. A number of weeds are waiting for their chance to pounce, but they tend to leave mowed, fertilized, healthy turf alone. Most weeds won’t withstand regular mowing. Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and Saint Augustinegrass all enjoy Austin’s hot, humid summers and with proper care will form a dense mat that resists the enemy.
\n\n\n\nWhen you see weeds invading your lawn, don’t look the other way. Once you allow a weed to go to seed, your front line is compromised, and you’ll have to spend a season working offense. To avoid this, when you spot a weed poking up through the turf, immediately remove it from the roots. String trimmers, aka “weed whackers” are only a temporary fix because when roots remain in the ground, the weed can pop right back up to fight another day.
\n\n\n\nDrop your weeds in the trash to make sure they don’t make a comeback – some weeds can regenerate if you just cast them aside on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDeveloping a strong knowledge of the weeds you’re fighting will help you defeat them. The main categories of noxious weeds in Austin are broadleaf weeds and grass-like weeds. Each requires different techniques to defeat.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IsgL9UTVcXYiG-Mh6w7Kc1qCFfvk5PrGkBaWPso3caR8nai1A70zBNtdaTQeYgvqL-rNnn_6t7AP4pHzVcxBI26_lXxaucrFhflVv2smJkk3nS92--Zaph_tgRlfIDSMQcKfj0Qm\")
Dandelions can be either biennial or perennial but usually burst into full bloom in late spring or early summer. The dandelion’s distinctive appearance makes it easy to identify. There are multiple effective ways to win the war against dandelions. The easiest is to mow often before the flowers have gone to seed. Next, pull them up by the roots. Finally, apply a selective weed killer directly to the plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"Thistle,](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/qHn9KZc9lDtiEA5267GRUtB-oIoQlpfG2Dv6FHv4nF75V7VCMpsrrKzLuQFjg8ZZZ5MYG16qOc-2fTlA_58kcF5FZTyNhc7J8kVM50XYpUzTQvJNBeqlqiMZGnjVbSvmcTtnrpzw\")
Thistles are weeds that can also be either biennial or perennial and can be very tough to fight once established. They can reach a height of several feet and can take up the whole lawn if you let them. Though stubborn, this is one weed that’s easy to control: cut to the ground with a hoe or pull up from the roots. Just remember to bag up the thistle you cut, as they will go to seed wherever they land.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/pyatElKLY5M6EkIRFnfo51BPhVGY4H2Dh69MwmyArT2GulzmGokAtyuHsvYJ5Y7LBtzIarQz9FOp1G9YsbIDdFJ9JEy6KABlmJJDawfXDDaIzJ-vgwmwc8mOyQNqsxZj0hi-2uvU\")
The bane of all homeowners and turf managers, crabgrass is a vigorous weed that thrives under the conditions that kill everything else. It grows flat along the ground, and this low profile allows it to stealthily spread right under the cutting line of mowers. The best way to fight this weed is to apply a pre-emergent weed control treatment at the end of winter before the ground warms.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/iTLOWhTYZYDd_wE23vvq10Pf75B1R4E_1dT7uvhiHpQWB49xqd5jXscCs76jbih_Rv63KujmMW34RzrejlczNuOAexyP44G18srUtvVCJXeViOR1S9pdSUXw4hvpNMeC-YtW3Ozd\")
This warm-season annual grass is tough as nails – mature blades are difficult to cut with a mower if the blades are not razor sharp. Although the first frost of the winter will kill the plants, each plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds. The best method for limiting their expansion is to apply a pre-emergent in the weeks before it sprouts.
\n\n\n\nThe war against weeds is the longest-running battle in human history. Even the most vigilant homeowner finds weeds in their turf from time to time. So keep your eyes peeled and your battle gear handy, because you never know when the weeds will find you.
\n\n\n\nInterested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX lawn care page.
![Source](\"https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTcxWDEwMjQ=/z/WpEAAOSwOdpXzuCP/%24_86.JPG\"){kind=link}
![Source](\"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Harig_vingergras_plant_%28Digitaria_sanguinalis%29.jpg/1280px-Harig_vingergras_plant_%28Digitaria_sanguinalis%29.jpg\"){kind=link}