![\"large](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/rsz_8981885395_5d7589d6b6_c.jpg\")
Southeast Texas town, Corpus Christi, and its seven barrier islands are well-versed in hurricane preparedness. Historically, Texans can expect a tropical cyclone to make landfall along a 50-mile segment of its coast once every six years. While these odds may sound good, the only state that has experienced more hurricanes in its history is Florida. […]
\n","content":"\nSoutheast Texas town, Corpus Christi, and its seven barrier islands are well-versed in hurricane preparedness. Historically, Texans can expect a tropical cyclone to make landfall along a 50-mile segment of its coast once every six years. While these odds may sound good, the only state that has experienced more hurricanes in its history is Florida.
\n\n\n\nLike residents of the Sunshine State, Southeast Texans know it pays to be prepared, especially with homes and yards. Here are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to help you prepare your landscape for the Texas hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n10 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Corpus Christi
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Corpus Christi Landscaping
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe recognized hurricane wind scale has five categories, ranging from Category 1 “some damage” up to Category 5 “catastrophic.” All it takes is sustained winds of 90 mph or more to uproot large trees, and even Category 1 hurricanes sustain winds between 74 to 95 mph. With 21% of all U.S. hurricanes making landfall in Texas, it is important to plant wind-resistant trees to protect your home and neighborhood from flying branches and falling trees.
\n\n\n\nAccording to Texas A&M, wind-resistant Corpus Christi tree species include:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a hurricane-resistant tree varies depending on the size and type of tree, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local nursery to purchase your tree, you can expect to spend between $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\nLike most Corpus Christi residents, you have a storm preparedness checklist ready for hurricane season, but no matter how much you plan, you know there is no way to protect your home and yard from storm damage completely. Selecting wind-resistant trees and thoroughly planning your hurricane-resistant landscape increases your plants’ survival chances during a storm.
\n\n\n\nSome things to consider as you plan your hurricane-resistant landscape include:
\n\n\n\nNative South Texas plants are the most salt and wind-tolerant plants you can include in your landscaping project, and they have the added benefits of being incredibly low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plants. Native plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in Corpus Christi’s subtropical climate. These plants are hands-off and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Texas native plants and groundcovers to choose from. Take a look at some of the most salt-tolerant types:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-pathway-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nWeekly lawn maintenance is daunting, and Texas summers are hot. The fewer plants in your backyard landscape, the less time you will spend maintaining your lawn and garden. While some hardscaping ideas like loose rocks are best left to the inland cities of Central Texas like Austin and San Antonio, there are still many hurricane-safe hardscaping options to add sustainable visual interest to your landscape while eliminating weekly maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHurricane-safe hardscape options include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\nRoutine maintenance, including pruning and trimming, helps maintain healthy trees, and healthy trees are sturdy trees. Be sure to keep your hedges, shrubs, and trees pruned or trimmed to cut down on the number and size of branches flying across your yard during a tropical storm.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of landscape maintenance:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional tree trimming and landscape maintenance costs between $315 to $700, depending on the size of your yard and the number of trees and shrubs.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch comes in many forms and colors. It is a type of xeriscaping, a practice focused on low-maintenance landscaping and water conservation. Mulching is an inexpensive DIY job with enormous benefits for your Corpus Christi lawn. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips that helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your South Texas landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Inorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBest mulch for your Corpus Christi landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\nStatues, flower containers, bird baths, small fountains, and patio furniture are all great additions that add a personal touch to your South Texas oasis. Unfortunately, these objects are no match for hurricane-force winds. Be sure to remove all movable storm hazards to minimize damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There is no cost to move your landscaping decorations or furniture indoors. However, if you are short on space and want to maximize your storm preparedness, you can rent a storage unit for around $125 per month.
\n\n\n\nLike trees, some fences cannot stand up to strong winds. Fortunately, many Gulf Coast fence contractors specialize in hurricane-resistant fencing and reinforcement. Be sure to note that wood fences are not the best choice for wind-resistant fencing. However, if the sustainability and natural beauty of wood are something you cannot live without, be sure to choose a slatted fence design to minimize wind resistance.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some of the most wind-resistant fence types:
\n\n\n\nFence types to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional fence installation costs between $1,330 to $5,550, depending on size, materials, and location.
\n\n\n\nThe average elevation of Corpus Christi is only 25 feet above sea level, and thanks to the city’s subtropical climate and seven barrier islands, waterfront homes are popular in the luxury real estate market. When planning your hurricane-resistant landscape, consider your proximity to the water. Building a seawall around your property protects your home and landscape from tumultuous surf, flooding, and erosion.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular hurricane-resistant seawall materials:
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of a seawall:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, a new seawall costs $25,000 for professional installation.
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rsz_130120082286_399903e227_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dan Keck / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nEvery year Corpus Christi has a 74% chance of experiencing a flood, which is the equivalent of one flood every 16 months. Storm drains are an integral part of the city’s infrastructure and your overall landscape.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, many homeowners often overlook these necessities because they offer little aesthetic value. Yard waste and organic debris can clog your drains, leading to increased flooding and water damage. Be sure to keep paths to your drains clear by maintaining your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of proper drainage:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional French drain installation costs between $1,650 to $12,250, depending on location, size, and excavation needs.
\n\n\n\nThe best hurricane-resistant grasses for your Corpus Christi landscape are St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and seashore paspalum. These grass types tolerate saltwater spray and are great warm-season grasses. Both Zoysiagrass and seashore paspalum stand up better to heavy traffic.
Yes. Most artificial grass is wind-resistant and can withstand up to 50 inches of rain per hour. Most hurricanes generate precipitation at a rate of 6 inches per hour.
In Texas, hurricane season falls between June 1 and Nov. 30, with peak occurrences from August through September.
Check hurricane-resistant landscaping off your preparedness list and start focusing on other preparation areas. Consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your lawn care needs so you can focus on other areas of your landscape design.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Robloxsupersuperhappyface / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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\n","content":"\nCorpus Christi’s average temperatures range from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This Southeast Texas beach town is the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast. Named the “Birdiest City in North America,” Corpus Christi has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters that cater to wildlife year-round. The best grass types for Corpus Christi thrive in the city’s long, hot summers. If you are installing a new lawn or looking to freshen up your existing yard, consider one of these options for your Gulf Coast landscape.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTexas and heat go hand-in-hand, and this time we aren’t talking about barbecue. It’s no surprise that the ninth hottest city in Texas benefits from sun-loving native plants and warm-season grass cultivars that prefer growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses come from tropical regions, making them well-adapted to Corpus Christi’s humid climate. These turfgrasses soak up the sun and actively grow year-round in Southeast Texas, though growth slows during the milder winter months.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season grass types are perfectly suited for the climatic and soil conditions of Corpus Christi:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a common warm-season turfgrass that ranges from coarse to fine-textured and withstands salt, drought, and heavy traffic. It is the most popular Texas grass variety and a versatile option used for everything from athletic fields and golf courses to home lawns and parks. Cultivars recover quickly from damage, leading some to consider it an aggressive species.
\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi is home to common and hybrid bermudagrass varieties. Common bermudagrass has a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Hybrid varieties require more maintenance than common bermudagrass, but they are more dense forming a carpet-like layer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, armyworms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/St-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is native to warm coastal regions. It is the most shade-tolerant warm-season cultivar. St. Augustinegrass has an attractive dense appearance and deep roots that make it moderately drought and salt-tolerant. Unfortunately, this turfgrass struggles during bouts of cold weather and does not tolerate heavy traffic or herbicides well.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is quick-growing and has an enviable blue-green color. The most popular cultivars in Texas are Raleigh, Palmetto, and Floratam. Both Raleigh and Palmetto have a high cold and frost resistance compared to other St. Augustine varieties. All cultivars are susceptible to disease and pests like chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, armyworms, webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTexas is home to around 11 cultivars of Zoysiagrass. These grasses tolerate low mow heights, drought, cold, shade, and heavy traffic, and have low fertilization requirements. New cultivars have increased disease and pest resistance. Zoysiagrass grows densely, blocking out weed growth thanks to thick stiff leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nSimilar to St. Augustinegrass’ carpet-like appearance, Zoysiagrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. Fortunately, cultivars are not prone to disease or insect infestations and grow slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and lead spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is another slow-growing cultivar with a tight growing pattern and fine leaf blades. The low-maintenance turfgrass is prone to disease and pests when improperly maintained and over watered. It is a smooth, flat-bladed grass that likes to be left alone.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass has a pronounced light green color and a medium texture. Cultivars require little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain green. This turfgrass handles shade but prefers full sun like most warm-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nNative plants are always a desirable choice for any landscape. Buffalograss is a Texas native turfgrass that loves the sun. The warm-season grass is drought and cold-tolerant and requires little fertilization and less mowing than most varieties.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss loves long hot summers and its gray-green blades are pest and disease resistant. Unfortunately, the low-fuss cultivar does not stand up to heavy traffic, shade, or weeds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; bipolaris leaf spot may occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, and chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Seashore-Paspalum-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum is similar to bermudagrass but has quicker root development. This warm-season cultivar is extremely salt-tolerant and grows in all types of soil. Like bermudagrass, it has an aggressive growth habit and coarse blades with a dense root system.
\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum is light to medium green in color and requires frequent mowing to maintain a low height. This popular coastal turfgrass tolerates hot temperatures, drought, shade, and heavy traffic. It has the lowest nitrogen requirements of any warm-season turfgrass. Unfortunately, seashore paspalum cultivars are more expensive than other varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; moderate water and fertilization needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; fusarium blight and Helminthosporium disease may occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mole crickets, sod webworms, spittlebugs, white grubs, billbugs, cutworms, and fall armyworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 4.5-9.0
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; does not prefer a specific soil type
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Sensitive to dull mower blades and prone to injury from tearing
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best when the Texas temperatures hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit, usually toward the beginning of May. The growing season typically slows when temperatures dip below 80 degrees Fahrenheit around the end of October.
Texas turfgrasses typically go dormant when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit around mid-November, though this does not always occur in Corpus Christi.
You should plant your grass seed in March or April. This gives the seed plenty of time to germinate before the hot Texas summer.
St. Augustinegrass and seashore paspalum are the most shade-friendly grass types for Corpus Christi.
Dogs and cats love to soak up the summer sun as much as your Texas plants. If your furry friend spends a lot of time outdoors, bermudagrass and seashore paspalum are your best options. These varieties grow densely, withstand heavy traffic, and recover quickly when man’s best friend has the urge to dig.
All Texas grass cultivars have different characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your lifestyle and your yard’s microclimate. Warm-season varieties are the best option for your Corpus Christi lawn. They are suited to Southeast Texas’ unique USDA Zones, 9a, 9b, and 10a.
\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi’s year-round warm weather lends itself to numerous landscaping options. Beat the heat with our list of low-maintenance landscaping ideas or batten down the hatches and gear up for the Gulf’s hurricane season with hurricane-resistant landscaping options.
A lush backyard oasis is within reach. Contact a Corpus Christi lawn care pro today to keep your lawn and landscaping healthy.
Main Image Credit: Wozzy25 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Corpus Christi, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/1789c/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/107df/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/293e9/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/f2cbb/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/1789c/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/c26c2/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/1dd6e/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/67b76/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 320w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/8df11/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 500w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/98a65/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 800w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/1dd6e/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 960w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/3cc96/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Corpus Christi, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season, salt-tolerant grasses are the best choice for Corpus Christi, and these six species are great options."}}},{"node":{"id":"afd30bf4-1b53-5f6c-b440-6142b8d21f71","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-corpus-christi","path":"/lawn-care/tx/corpus-christi/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-corpus-christi/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bce60eef-f246-5798-b50e-2cd265e2d7a4","name":"Corpus Christi","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/corpus-christi/"},{"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":"May 9th, 2023","excerpt":"White sand beaches are the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast Capital. Your weekends are best spent surfing snorkeling, kayaking, or fishing, not maintaining your South Texas lawn. Whether you prefer the kid-friendly calm waters at McGee Beach or the breaking waves at Bob Hall Pier, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut […]
\n","content":"\nWhite sand beaches are the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast Capital. Your weekends are best spent surfing snorkeling, kayaking, or fishing, not maintaining your South Texas lawn. Whether you prefer the kid-friendly calm waters at McGee Beach or the breaking waves at Bob Hall Pier, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your outdoor tasks so you can feel the sand between your toes.
\n\n\n\nSwitching to low-maintenance landscaping means spending less time and effort watering, weeding, mowing, and removing pests. In subtropical areas like Corpus Christi, where summer temperatures can soar to well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, energy and water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Corpus Christi
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Corpus Christi
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nLiving near the ocean has its perks, including long walks on the beach and salty breezes. It also means local Corpus Christi water sources test high for salinity. The bright flowers you see while walking through your local store are annuals and are not always salt-tolerant. These inexpensive flowers look great, for now, and last one growing season before dying in late fall, even in Texas.
\n\n\n\nIf bright blooms are your thing, consider switching out your annuals for salt and drought-tolerant perennials. Perennials have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals, but they survive the cold winters and re-bloom every year. Perennials are more expensive upfront. However, they tolerate extreme weather and come in many varieties, such as deer-resistant, shade-loving, and salt-tolerant types for your Corpus Christi yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty on repeat, check out some of the best salt-tolerant perennials for Corpus Christi:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a perennial plant varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blue_Mistflower_Conoclinium_coelestinum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Linda M Morgan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative Texas plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in the South Texas heat and humidity while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive a surprise winter snow. They are the most low-maintenance plants you can include in your landscaping project. Native plants are hands-off and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Corpus Christi native plants to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like perennials, native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Britt / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch locks in soil moisture, reduces weeds, and protects your plants’ roots from heat. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips. Mulching is an inexpensive DIY job that increases the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your South Texas landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Inorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch for your Corpus Christi landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou don’t have to live in Hill Country to experience hot Texas summers. No matter where you live in Texas, weekly lawn maintenance is a daunting task, and there are a million other things you would rather do. The fewer plants in your landscape design, the less time you will spend maintaining your lawn and Texas natives.
\n\n\n\nConsider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance. While some hardscaping ideas like loose rocks and landscape glass are best left to the inland cities of Central Texas like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, there are still many hurricane-safe hardscaping options for your beach-city landscape.
\n\n\n\nHurricane–safe hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. They are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for garden design and don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. Hardscapes are an expensive upfront investment, but they increase home value and curb appeal, saving you time and money in the long run.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIn the U.S., landscape irrigation makes up nearly one-third of all residential water usage. Like hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping with an emphasis on water conservation. This practice involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering outside of regular rainfall.
\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi native plants are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard and giving your irrigation system a break. They are naturally salt-tolerant, drought resistant, and adapted to harsh Texas summers. Besides native plants, some basic steps for xeriscaping your yard include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will save around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Trachelospermum_asiaticum_kz3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to traditional warm-season turfgrass. These plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space. Groundcovers fill areas of your lawn to mimic “grass,” while their low-maintenance needs mean less work for you.
\n\n\n\nMost species still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Texas groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and best of all, low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Corpus Christi groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Corpus Christi landscaping experts, Moon Valley Nurseries, groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/artificial-turf-g91d792f7e_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe grass is always greener when the grass is artificial turf. The Brady Bunch helped put synthetic grass on the map, and its popularity has waxed and waned over the years. Synthetic grass is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is virtually maintenance free, and thanks to technological advancements, it is hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases. Unfortunately, it is expensive to install and there is some debate that it renders your soil unusable in the future.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/moss-rose-purslane-g1d08f2e8c_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDrought-resistant succulents like cacti and agaves may seem better suited to the dry inland cities of Central Texas. However, Corpus Christi’s unique USDA zones, 9a, 9b, and 10a, are well-suited for salt-tolerant succulent varieties.
\n\n\n\nSucculents love arid climates, and some varieties are highly salt tolerant and thrive in coastal regions with polluted or acidic soils thanks to thick leaves or trunks. They prefer to be left alone and work well for xeriscaping a landscape for water conservation. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are incredibly low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nSucculents need:
\n\n\n\nPopular salt-tolerant succulent varieties for Corpus Christi include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the size and type of succulent and ranges from $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nExperts know little about the salinity tolerance of most Texas native wildflowers. Most are hardy, heat and drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance once established. If you want to include wildflowers in your Corpus Christi landscape, check out these salt-tolerant varieties that may or may not be native:
• Common Cordgrass (Sporobolus anglicus)
• Eelgrasses (Zostera spp.)
• Marsh Samphire (Salicornia europaea)
• Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum)
Succulents thrive in the Corpus Christi area. Typically, water your succulent plants once per week when it has not rained.
There are many types of artificial turf, including pet-friendly turf, that are specially designed for your furry family members to be stain and odor resistant and easy to clean.
Hurricane season creates the best surf, but it also wreaks havoc on your Corpus Christi landscape. Check out our list of the best hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to combine with your low-maintenance landscape, so you can reclaim your weekends and spend more time at the beach.
\n\n\n\nBetter yet, stop wasting your time on lawn maintenance. Consider letting Wikilawn hook you up with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to the beaches of the Gulf Coast Capital.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Butterfly Milkweed / Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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