![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
The city of Spring, Texas, often feels more like summer (because it is hot), and that means warn-season turfs that can withstand the heat are the best grass types for beautiful lawns. Located just a few miles away from the Gulf of Mexico, winds coming from the southwest bring extreme heat and stifling humidity through […]
\n","content":"\nThe city of Spring, Texas, often feels more like summer (because it is hot), and that means warn-season turfs that can withstand the heat are the best grass types for beautiful lawns.
\n\n\n\nLocated just a few miles away from the Gulf of Mexico, winds coming from the southwest bring extreme heat and stifling humidity through most of the year. This proximity to the ocean means there also is plenty of rainfall, which averages almost 50 inches per year.
\n\n\n\nWith Spring’s subtropical climate, these are the four best grass types for lawns:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is easy to care for, extremely drought-tolerant, holds up to foot traffic, and thrives in full sunshine.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Below-ground rhizomes and above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bermudagrass requires weekly to bi-weekly mowing and fertilization during peak growing season, and regular watering and pest control.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Mow to 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine grass isn’t as durable under heavy foot traffic, but the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says it does well in the shade and will remain attractive year-round with proper maintenance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Weekly mowing during peak growing season, fertilization, annual aeration, bi-annual dethatching, pest control.
Recommended mowing height: Mow every five to seven days to a height of 2.5 to 3 inches.
Zoysia is a low-maintenance turfgrass that can handle the Texas heat and rarely struggles with disease or pest problems.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Below-ground rhizomes and above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Light fertilization throughout the year, dethatching in the cool season.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Mow to 0.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nAnother low-maintenance warm-season grass type, centipedegrass is less tolerant of shade, extended drought, and heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Weekly mowing, and this grass type will need dethatching and pest control
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Mow to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nAlthough Spring doesn’t have any specific lawn watering restrictions in place, Harris County recommends watering twice per week before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., when the sun is less likely to evaporate the moisture. Early morning is always best since nighttime irrigation can invite pests and disease.
\n\n\n\nIf you have better (or cooler) things to do than mowing your yard in the heat, hire a lawn care pro in Spring to keep your grass in tip-top shape.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Renelibrary / Businesses in Spring, Texas / CC BY-SA
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types in Spring, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8209408194233687,"src":"/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/1789c/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/107df/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.jpg 320w,\n/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/293e9/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.jpg 500w,\n/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/f2cbb/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.jpg 800w,\n/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/1789c/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.jpg 960w,\n/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/c26c2/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/1dd6e/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/67b76/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.webp 320w,\n/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/8df11/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.webp 500w,\n/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/98a65/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.webp 800w,\n/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/1dd6e/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.webp 960w,\n/static/ffa866ec955b130164645f8d75ff24bd/3cc96/spring-texas-renelibrary-cc40.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types in Spring, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"What are the best grass types to withstand the heat in Spring, Texas? Start with Bermudagrass, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia and centipedegrass."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"d3b8cd53-0983-5731-b5ef-469203c097e7","slug":"summer-lawn-care-guide","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/summer-lawn-care-guide/","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":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"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 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to […]
\n","content":"\nDallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to give your lawn a fighting chance against the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDallas is rainier than most Texas cities, averaging 40 inches annually. However, temps soar to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the summer. These high temperatures and sunny days place a lot of stress on your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nMay is the wettest month of the year, and spring months are ideal for your plants and grass to establish healthy roots to help them survive the tough summer.
\n\n\n\nSummer is the most demanding and damaging time for your lawn. The excessive heat, potential drought conditions, and Dallas water restrictions can lead to a brown and stressed lawn, making proper lawn maintenance from June to September vital.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nHow you water and how often you water are equally important to your Texas landscape. Your Dallas native plants and turfgrass are adapted to withstand Dallas’ USDA hardiness zone 8, including heat and potential drought.
\n\n\n\nFollow Dallas’ ordinances and these watering tips to keep your landscape in the best shape throughout the summer:
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to note that an irrigation system with directed sprinkler heads removes the guesswork from determining how much water your lawn needs. You can program your system to apply the right amount of water for your grass type, saving you time and money while increasing the health of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives in the dense clay North Texas soils. This popular turfgrass stands up to frequent foot traffic and loves full sun. Bermudagrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your bermudagrass twice per week early in the morning before 9 a.m. Aim for 15 minutes of watering per zone for automatic pop-up head sprinklers and 35-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass appears to be the exact opposite of aggressive bermudagrass, but these warm-season grasses thrive in Dallas. St. Augustinegrass does not tolerate foot traffic and prefers partial sun or shade. The fast-growing grass requires only 1 inch of water per week, making it an economical choice for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWater St. Augustinegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. Water each zone for 15 minutes for pop-up head sprinklers, and 30 minutes for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass handles anything you throw at it: drought, traffic, shade, and even low temperatures. The dark green turfgrass requires little fertilization, and its dense blades block out weeds. Like St. Augustinegrass, it only requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your Zoysiagrass lawn twice per week before 9 a.m. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss grows well in the nutrientless clay soils, requiring little fertilization. However, the low-fuss grass does not stand up to heavy foot traffic or weeds. Like Zoysia and St. Augustine, this cultivar requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your buffalograss before 9 a.m., twice per week. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass does not handle traffic or herbicides. However, it is incredibly low-maintenance with low mowing and watering requirements. This smooth, flat-bladed turfgrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week to remain green.
\n\n\n\nWater centipedegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. If you are using pop-up head sprinklers, aim for 15-minute sessions. However, if you are using rotary heads, be sure to extend your sessions to 35 minutes.
\n\n\n\nWe all want to be in the pool or inside in the air conditioning, and it is really tempting to mow our lawns short to make less work for ourselves. However, cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to weeds, scorching, and dormancy.
\n\n\n\nYour grass should never change from green to brown after mowing. Brown grass signals a stressed lawn, meaning you have removed too much at one time. Be sure to raise your mower height after your lawn has recovered before your next mow.
\n\n\n\nTaller grass blades develop deeper roots and provide shade, cooling the soil underneath and minimizing evaporation, which makes your morning watering sessions more efficient. Your lawn will be lusher and stay greener, increasing your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer mowing tips for your warm-season grass:
\n\n\n\nThe recommended mowing height for bermudagrass is 1-2 inches using a traditional mower. During active growing seasons in the spring and early summer, plan to mow your lawn weekly, never cutting more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass prefers higher heights in the summer to help water retention. You should mow your St. Augustine lawn every seven to 10 days, aiming for a mowing height of 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass actively grows in the summer, requiring regular mowing every five to seven days. Like bermudagrass, never cut more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length and aim to keep your lawn between one to two inches high.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss prefers higher heights like St. Augustinegrass. You should aim for a height between two to three inches, requiring a mowing session every seven to ten days.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is another turfgrass, preferring taller heights. Mow weekly with a traditional lawn mower, keeping your grass between 1.5 to two inches high.
\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nFertilizer promotes healthy growth, but be careful, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape. Unseasonably hot and dry Texas summers can lead to dormant grass. It is tempting to over-fertilize your lawn. Unfortunately, this will have the opposite effect and harm your turfgrass by burning it.
\n\n\n\nHere are some summer fertilizing tips for your Dallas lawn:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives with regular fertilizer applications. During the summer, this turfgrass requires 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every month. You should aim to apply 2 to 6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually to keep your lawn healthy.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass has higher fertilization requirements, like bermudagrass. Apply 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually, or 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet monthly during the summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has the similar requirements to bermudagrass. During the summer growing season, apply 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn monthly for a total of 1 to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has incredibly low fertilization requirements. In fact, some homeowners skip applications completely. Typically, buffalograss up to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually. Aim to apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during two months of the active summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance centipede grass requires little fertilization. Aim for 1 pound of nitrogen-based fertilizer per 1,000 square feet applied twice, once in June and again in September.
\n\n\n\nTexas is one of the few places in the U.S. with clay soil. Unlike the loose, sandy soils of the Southeast, impacted and dense clay soils require biannual lawn aeration. Liquid aeration helps your lawn handle the intense heat and dry conditions of summer by opening pathways for air, sunshine, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, resulting in deeper, more drought-resistant roots.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass, require liquid aeration applications in late spring before summer and early fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"an](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spraying-pesticide.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nPlenty of pests hide from the heat of the Texas sun, seeking shaded areas under decks and logs. Unfortunately, white grubs, chinch bugs, and fire ants are notoriously sun-loving Dallas pests that can wreak havoc on your warm-season turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nKeep these pest control tips in mind this summer:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most popular turfgrass choice for Texas lawns. Unfortunately, it has a low resistance to unfriendly visitors. It is prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms.
\n\n\n\nRegular lawn maintenance and irrigation help combat pest infestations. Additionally, spray a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide over infected areas to combat pests.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is fast-growing and shade-loving. It also attracts many pests, including chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs.
\n\n\n\nCombat pests ruining your lush lawn by using a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide. Be sure to look for one containing carbaryl, trichlorfon, or pyrethroid if you are dealing with chinch bugs or grubs.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass stands up to most pests thanks to its thick leaf blades and dense structure. Occasionally, mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, or sod webworms will move in and set up residence in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAlways wait until your grass has greened in the spring or early summer to apply insecticides. Use spot treatments of broad-spectrum pesticides as needed to combat insect infestations.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss resists most pests. However, mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, and chinch bugs can cause the occasional headache.
\n\n\n\nSpot treat affected areas with broad-spectrum repellent-free pesticide.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is low-maintenance and prefers to be left alone. It is moderately prone to pests, including ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars.
\n\n\n\nIrrigate and mow your lawn 24 hours before insecticide applications. Treat affected areas with a broad-spectrum non-repellent insecticide containing carbaryl or pyrethroid. Aim to apply preventative treatments in May before the heat of summer sets in and follow-up with another application in June.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass diseases and weeds love a weak lawn and signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health. They love low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds steal vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and plants while simultaneously spreading pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nMaintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and weeds and diseases won’t stand a chance. There are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best method. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer weeding tips to maintain a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\nOne of the star attributes that makes bermudagrass so popular in North Texas is its disease-resistance. If you are unlucky enough to experience a disease infestation with your bermudagrass, chances are good it is spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, or sheath spot.
\n\n\n\nCombat bermudagrass weeds and diseases using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice brown patches with regular and smooth outlines caused by fungal diseases, treat your entire lawn with a fungicide designed for bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nFor all its strengths, St. Augustinegrass falls short in the disease-resistance category. It is moderately to highly prone to diseases such as gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot.
\n\n\n\nCombat fungal diseases in your St. Augustine lawn with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant designed for plants.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is incredibly resistant to most diseases. However, large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur.
\n\n\n\nLike St. Augustinegrass, fungal diseases are the most common. Treat your lawn with a preventative fungicide program. Apply fungicide in the spring to decrease your chances of developing diseases like large patch. If you notice dead spots in your lawn and have ruled out insect activity, treat the affected area with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant for plants.
\n\n\n\nThanks to its adaptability, buffalograss has high disease-resistance. Treat the most common problem, bipolaris leaf spot, with preventative fungicide at the first sign of brown patches.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is moderately disease-tolerant. It is prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis. Combat these lawn diseases with proper lawn maintenance and apply 2 ounces of iron sulfate per 1,000 square feet if you notice yellowing.
\n\n\n\nSucculents thrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Typically, water your succulent plants once per week when it has not rained.
Organic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost.
Dallas adopted lawn and landscape irrigation ordinances in 2012 to defer the costs of expanding the city’s water supply infrastructure. Drip irrigation, hand watering, and soaker hoses are allowed at any time and on any day.
However, Dallas homeowners can only water with hose-end sprinklers or automatic sprinkler systems twice per week from April 1 to Oct. 31. No watering may take place between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays.
Summer is the perfect time for lazy days. The days are sunny and long, and backyard barbecues and pool parties are in full swing. Reclaim your weekends and sanity by installing low-maintenance landscaping and following our summer lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nInstead of breaking a sweat in the heat, 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 your Longhorns or Aggies.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Dallas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1789c/Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/107df/Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/293e9/Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/f2cbb/Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1789c/Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/c26c2/Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1dd6e/Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/67b76/Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/8df11/Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/98a65/Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1dd6e/Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/3cc96/Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Dallas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Prep your lawn for the summer heat with this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas, TX."}}},{"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":"a77ae56c-2523-51d9-b032-bc80f173ca09","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"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 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"When Texas gets hotter than a fur coat in Marfa, yard work becomes unbearable to even think about. So if time with your family is more important than time with your yard, you might consider adopting some low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Texas yard. Low-maintenance landscaping is, as you’d expect, landscaping that requires minimal care. […]
\n","content":"\nWhen Texas gets hotter than a fur coat in Marfa, yard work becomes unbearable to even think about. So if time with your family is more important than time with your yard, you might consider adopting some low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Texas yard.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance landscaping is, as you’d expect, landscaping that requires minimal care. It doesn’t need as much water, fertilizer, mowing, or pest control. In addition to cutting down on yard work, low-maintenance landscaping helps restore habitats for wildlife and pollinators, so everyone wins.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTexas spans 800 miles from north to south and east to west, giving it a wide range of climatic conditions. For example, East Texas is more humid and wetter than desert-like West Texas, and North Texas is cooler than South Texas. Think of it as going from the desert to the rainforest.
\n\n\n\nBecause Texas’ climate varies so much, landscaping is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. For example, if you live in the desert, you probably won’t get a lush, green lawn, so consider artificial turf or xeriscaping.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHey, speak of the devil! Artificial turf gives you all the benefits of a lawn without the fertilizing, mowing, and watering. You can use it to increase your home’s curb appeal, give your kids and pets a yard to run around in, or use it as a bocce ball court or putting green.
\n\n\n\nBut if you want a natural lawn, it’s important to start with a grass that not only survives but thrives in your area, whether it’s the wet, humid coastal regions or the hot, dry western reaches of the state.
\n\n\n\nThe following grasses are some of the best in Texas:
\n\n\n\nThere’s no single grass that works for every lawn. Your grass choice will be affected by how much shade your lawn gets, how much foot traffic it can withstand, and how drought-tolerant it is.
\n\n\n\nFor a more in-depth look at the best grass types in Texas, see this article.
\n\n\n\n![\"Straggler](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Straggler-Daisy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you don’t like the idea of fake grass, consider ground covers. Ground covers don’t grow tall, and they spread horizontally. You don’t need to mow them, which reduces yard work, and they are dense enough to keep weeds from getting a foothold.
\n\n\n\nHowever, ground covers are still plants, and require water, sunlight, and, in some cases, fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of ground covers you can plant are:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Patio.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Texas Custom Patios / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are any non-living elements in your yard. Hardscapes increase your backyard’s functionality, expand and enhance your living spaces, and boost your home’s curb appeal. Additionally, hardscapes reduce maintenance since there’s less grass to mow.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlanting native plants cuts down on work and money substantially. Native plants are adapted to the climate, so they don’t need as much attention as non-native plants.
\n\n\n\nTexas’ variable climate means some plants do better in specific areas. For example, the beautyberry grows best in Central Texas, while the Arizona cypress thrives in West Texas.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can still grow beautyberry in North Texas or an Arizona cypress in South Texas; doing so just means these plants go from “low-maintenance” to “high-maintenance.” Not so enjoyable when the temperature climbs to 100°F.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Plumbago.jpg\")
Photo Credit: No machine-readable author provided. Calvin Teo assumed (based on copyright claims). / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennials make for a great garden, and they don’t cost a bundle. For many homeowners, winter becoming spring means buying and planting new plants (annuals) to replace the dead ones. Perennials grow back every year, meaning you don’t have to buy new plants, and once they’re established, they don’t need as much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nA few examples of perennials you can grow are:
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaped](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/xeriscaped-lawn-austin-tx.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Downtowngal / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you overwater your plants, you’ll waste water. If you underwater them, they’ll be browner than a bear. Xeriscaping achieves a happy medium.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is a style of landscaping which aims to conserve water, lowering your utility bills in the process. It involves choosing native plants that don’t need much maintenance, attracting birds and butterflies, and saving money on fertilizers and pesticides.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips to help you get started with xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nThere are countless ways to keep lawn chores to a minimum and spend less time in the Texas sun. However, when summer comes, and the heat becomes unbearable, even a few minutes can seem like an eternity.
\n\n\n\nInstead of landscaping and gardening yourself, hire one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do them for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Zilker Botanical Garden / LoneStarMike / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"Best Low-Maintenance Landscaping for Your Texas Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/1789c/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/107df/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/293e9/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/f2cbb/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/1789c/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/c26c2/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/1dd6e/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/67b76/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/8df11/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/98a65/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/1dd6e/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/3cc96/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Texas Yard","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of doing yard work in the hot Texas sun? Here are some low- maintenance landscaping ideas for your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"9b773e35-df5b-51f7-8c97-481acd7b2771","slug":"how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?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":"February 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Austin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek […]
\n","content":"\nAustin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek motto ‘Keep Austin Weird’ in more ways than are obvious to the casual observer. Being a center for creative design and out of the box thinking, Austinites have embraced the idea of getting innovative when it comes to the way they view landscaping and water management. One of these ways is with the healthy use of Rain Gardens. Although the use of rain gardens, bioswales, and other forms of using the landscape to manage rainwater have gained in popularity in the past years, it is good to know the basic fundamentals of what makes for a successful rain garden that can withstand the extremes of the Central Texas climate.
A Solid Foundation. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a rain garden. There are lots of terms and descriptors used to categorize these very similar landscape applications, but they all differ from each other in one way or another. A rain garden is perhaps the simplest of them all. A rain garden is purely an area of planting that you install in a low spot in your landscape. Rain gardens should be designed to hold water for only a brief period of time after a storm, with water quickly infiltrating back into the ground.
\n\n\n\nUnlike a pond or wetland, rain gardens should not generally be more than a foot deep at any given point and should not use any sort of liner. The actual depth and size of your rain garden will vary depending upon how much rainfall you need to collect from your roof or other impervious surfaces.
\n\n\n\nBelow are examples of a rain garden in a dry state versus a wet state.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IZtgwprugCTW6rZfud7Qw5dmJ2qoRXmqzN2xAmCUBS8XmBegxcU4sqHmdh7wvr437JxtdLLoqGjtLrWGp4_rbPHdII_qjLYnXuLQjnmB_8I7ZW3fkpV2anv8HpUFo9Uzm_m7TT_R1EVzVTfdrw\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_MSsZiTdiwZFgSLW5TcZA8NOJgtdX0HB7Y-xxrKmVxgUIx8PUk5_DBG3dOT6DPtDc3ml6HjVqiooQ65lOUtP4OjHj85P3HKmAPDAHT9CWS-eZPY3MKHvV-JjYwTifhsfWEfePS40DRs8GNGJ8Q\")
Small plantings packing a BIG punch. The benefits of rain gardens are multifold. Firstly, they help prevent pollution from runoff water. The water that falls off our roofs, down the street, or across a parking lot isn’t pure rainwater; it collects pollutants as it flows, especially excess nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers. These pollutants can harm rivers and ponds by causing algae blooms and fish kill. The deep roots of native plants readily absorb these nutrients, protecting groundwater quality. During heavy to moderate rain events, this storm surge can cause damaging erosion, sediment buildup, and bring a number of other harms to freshwater ecosystems, negatively impacting freshwater mussels and other aquatic life.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens can also play a part to protect Austin properties from floods. A mature stand of rain garden plants will take up excess water that might normally puddle in your yard, leading to water damage issues in your home. When you get rid of standing water, you also reduce mosquito breeding problems around your home.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens create habitats for wildlife. The traditional Austin front yard is turf grass, a monoculture that does little to nurture wildlife, but a mixed planting of native Texas flowers and grasses will draw butterflies, bees, beneficial insects, and birds. Rain gardens also help conserve water. Once established the native plants that thrive in the rain garden won’t need supplemental irrigation, as they are deep-rooted and have evolved to survive periods of drought between rains.
\n\n\n\nGetting s
If you’re planning to divert your roof gutters into your rain garden, you won’t want to install the feature too far away from your home, but you must place it at least ten feet away from your home. Underground utilities and tree roots may also influence the placement of the rain garden.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to check for these two things before you begin to dig.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2Esyi2eVKRoMKak2UnqoBo4JPdg5DkL4jJUDn8ivE8u9SaQkRaCMvZceYQm97QzCHvIKNEpkUXrPgEUx61iuKp4jt6i6Lkmf3basdfESz35HM-fhBzwH4IlS1mn7ys2BHpWVGxYxsh3ArH6npg\")
Choosing the Right Plants. In order to properly design a rain garden, only use perennial plants. This is because a rain garden functions as a water remediation (cleaning) feature and greatly depends on the deep roots of perennial plants. When considering plants, look at their soil moisture requirements and plan accordingly. While your rain garden should favor plants that can tolerate occasional flooding, this does not mean you are limited to only wetland species or that they are necessarily the best fit for a rain garden. In places like Austin, where rain may be seasonal or intermittent, drought tolerance should be a greater consideration than tolerance of flooding. Luckily, Austin native plants with deep roots that are useful for driving water back into the earth are often drought tolerant as well—making them an excellent choice for rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few good choices of plants for each zone of a rain garden that are well suited to Austin:
\n\n\n\nAdd Some Height. Although a rain garden is not the place to grow a large shade tree, you can add a small ornamental tree or shrub to act as a focal point in the landscape. A Texas redbud tree has beautiful pink-red flowers in the spring and will reach a mature height of 15-20 feet. A cypress or cedar elm specimen can work in a larger landscape, and will greatly increase the water absorption ability of your rain garden. Trees also lend much-needed shade along a street or sidewalk when rain gardens are used in those settings.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bw0nehWRO3FijgqiVY6ni0q7qzRHA_lBeGHvI23vzit05SDMbDt0LdSfjhV_KQ-XxLnxh4korfL2cBKGcH76X8SXDlP5pO4uuI6NK8wVogiMXQV8HTSG9Oh9kJyjnOdQRbun24Fm7FBxdObJJw\")
Create a long life for your g
Rain gardens need to be kept free of weeds, both for plant health and aesthetic value. The best time to weed is right after a strong Austin rain event when the soil becomes soft and weed roots release their hold more easily. Additionally, by adding a three-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil surface weed growth will be further suppressed. Use a fine hardwood mulch, as it’s less likely to float away after a heavy rain.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GAC1IlHN4g6UVu3tqj_NNysGh0QYYz_hfzfhXHhqicwfYyPkgEBP_auAm0HOQogjouBH3a-eLhAzAln7NJ85nc74CW0yNytgWgFTO0CPDvFnQcEQJ35mjPJ6mUQ3SrkPTvhVxaP_1i7kO5LA9A\")
Top Photo: Source
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care? Please visit our Austin, TX lawn care page by clicking here.
\n","title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6,"src":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg","srcSet":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/107df/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/293e9/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/f2cbb/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/c26c2/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/67b76/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/8df11/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/98a65/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/3cc96/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f306e43f-d25e-5a96-a6e2-eaec4e4d56d2","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/low-maintenance-landscaping-dallas/","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":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"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":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"Let’s face it, your weekends are better spent cheering on your favorite team than maintaining your North Texas lawn. Whether you are an Aggie or a Longhorn, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your outdoor chores so you can get back to the “Lone Star Showdown.” Switching to low-maintenance landscaping means […]
\n","content":"\nLet’s face it, your weekends are better spent cheering on your favorite team than maintaining your North Texas lawn. Whether you are an Aggie or a Longhorn, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your outdoor chores so you can get back to the “Lone Star Showdown.”
\n\n\n\nSwitching to low-maintenance landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In subtropical areas like Dallas, where summer temperatures can soar to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, energy and water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennials-landscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Acabashi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe bright blooms you see as you’re strolling through your local store are annuals. These flowers are less expensive and look great, for now, lasting one growing season before dying in late fall. If bright blooms are your thing, consider switching out your annuals for drought-tolerant perennials.
\n\n\n\nPerennials have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals, but they survive the cold winters and bloom every year. They are more expensive upfront. However, they tolerate extreme weather and come in many varieties such as deer-resistant and shade-loving types for your urban Dallas yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty on repeat, check out some of the best heat-tolerant perennials for Dallas:
\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![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/native-plants.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Hippopx
\n\n\n\nNative Texas plants are the most low-maintenance plants you can include in your landscaping project. They promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in the North Texas heat while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive a surprise winter snow. Native plants are hands-off and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Dallas native plants to choose from. Take a look at some examples:
\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![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garden-Bed-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive and low-effort DIY job that will provide a big payoff for your Texas landscape. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches like rubber and gravel are more low-maintenance and durable but do not offer additional nutrients. It is important to note that organic mulches like wood chips must be replaced each year with a fresh layer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\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. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-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![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Backyard-Hardscaping-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bill Wilson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTexas summers are hot, and there’s nothing more you want to do than relax at your backyard barbecue with a refreshing frozen margarita. The fewer plants in your landscaping design, the less time you will spend maintaining your lawn and garden. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nFor the most part, hardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for garden design. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. 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\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscaping-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping and water conservation. In the U.S., landscape irrigation makes up nearly one-third of all residential water use. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except rainfall.
\n\n\n\nDallas native plants are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard. They are naturally 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 be saving around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Groundcover.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: I.Sáček, senior / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWho says your entire yard has to be covered in traditional grass for a thick, green appearance? Low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to traditional turfgrass. Groundcover plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space.
\n\n\n\nGroundcover can fill areas of your lawn to mimic “grass,” while their low-maintenance attitude means less work for you. These plants still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Texas groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought tolerant, and best of all, low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Dallas groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Dallas landscaping experts, Eco Blossom Nursery, groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Perfect Grass / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChannel your inner Brady Bunch with artificial turf. Contrary to popular belief, this synthetic grass is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet. Thanks to technological advancements, it is hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is virtually maintenance-free. However, it is expensive to install and may render 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![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Succulent-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nDallas natives love their Cowboys and Tex-Mex. If you would rather spend more time perfecting your brisket tacos and less time maintaining your yard, consider planting drought-resistant succulents like cacti or agaves.
\n\n\n\nSucculents love dry, arid climates and thrive in the Texas climate thanks to their thick leaves. They prefer to be left alone, so you can forget about watering your plants and let nature take over. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work great in back and front yards.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular succulents that are great for Dallas yards:
\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\nOrganic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost.
Succulents thrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth 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.
Low-maintenance landscaping is the first step to reclaiming your weekends. Unfortunately, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance, and you will still find yourself stuck outside in the blistering sun.
Instead of 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 Margarita Mile.
Main Image Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Dallas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1789c/Landscaping-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/107df/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/293e9/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/f2cbb/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1789c/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/c26c2/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1dd6e/Landscaping-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/67b76/Landscaping-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/8df11/Landscaping-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/98a65/Landscaping-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1dd6e/Landscaping-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/3cc96/Landscaping-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Dallas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spend more time tending to your BBQ with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Dallas, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"7bcb6fbe-2866-5c14-b336-5b2a0bc90c15","slug":"best-grass-types-el-paso","path":"/lawn-care/tx/el-paso/best-grass-types-el-paso/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"4e057be7-5409-52e8-9ec3-ae95b35c691d","name":"El Paso","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/el-paso/"},{"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":"April 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Choosing the best grass types for El Paso can certainly be a challenge due to the hot and dry climate of this southwestern city. But with some knowledge and effort, you can transform your patchy, dusty lawn into a lush oasis. Imagine sitting back with a glass of lemonade and enjoying the bright sun and […]
\n","content":"\nChoosing the best grass types for El Paso can certainly be a challenge due to the hot and dry climate of this southwestern city. But with some knowledge and effort, you can transform your patchy, dusty lawn into a lush oasis. Imagine sitting back with a glass of lemonade and enjoying the bright sun and warm desert breeze in your own verdant paradise. So, let’s dive into the world of grasses that can withstand the heat and dryness of El Paso, TX.
\n\n\n\nTo plant a lawn, you’ll have to make a choice between warm-season and cool-season grasses, depending on the climate you live in.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in warm temperatures, while cool-season grasses do better in cooler climates. Warm-season grasses remain green in spring and summer, becoming dormant in autumn and winter. In contrast, cool-season grasses provide warmth and comfort to the soil during the cooler months.
\n\n\n\nThe choice of grass for your lawn ultimately depends on the climate and weather conditions in your area. In either case, both types can make for a stunning lawn.
\n\n\n\nEl Paso, Texas, a city with temperatures ranging from a mild 34 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to a sizzling 97 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, can be a real challenge when it comes to lawn care. Luckily, there are grasses that can withstand the heat and arid conditions of the region. Since El Paso experiences warmer temperatures most of the year, you’ll have the most success growing warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nImagine looking out your window and seeing a lush green lawn, the perfect setting for a summer barbeque with friends and family, or a peaceful, relaxing spot with a good book. It’s time to put away the patchy, brown lawn and transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and inviting oasis. So let’s dive in and explore these four best types of grass for El Paso.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a top pick for El Paso homeowners looking for durable grass that can withstand the harsh desert climate. This grass is known for its ability to handle high use, drought, and disease easily, making it a good choice for lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Bermudagrass requires full sun and does not do well in the shade, so it’s important to remember this when planning your lawn. Additionally, while Bermudagrass has a moderate tolerance for cold weather, it will lose its color and go dormant after a frost in late fall and remain dormant throughout the winter. Overall, Bermudagrass is a fantastic choice for El Paso homeowners looking for a resilient and attractive lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: 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: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: One of the main challenges of maintaining Bermuda grass is its high demand for nutrients. This grass is a voracious feeder, requiring regular fertilization to sustain its thick and lush growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a fantastic option for El Paso homeowners who want a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn. This grass is known for its ability to withstand heat and drought, requiring only moderate amounts of water thanks to its deep root system. However, in extended periods of drought, Zoysiagrass may turn brown or straw-colored and go dormant.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it is slow to establish and has a slow recovery rate, it has a high traffic tolerance, making it ideal for lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic. Zoysiagrass also has the added advantage of being more tolerant of shade than other grasses. Additionally, Zoysiagrass adapts well to soils with a lack of nutrients, which is common in El Paso.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\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: Zoysia has a remarkable ability to thrive in drought conditions due to its deep-rooted nature, allowing it to reach groundwater and adapt to different environments.
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is an excellent option for El Paso homeowners looking for grass that can withstand drought and requires little water. This grass is highly resistant to drought and disease, making it an ideal choice for areas with limited rainfall, like El Paso. Buffalograss is also well-known for its water conservation abilities and can survive on less water than most other grasses. However, it is important to note that it can turn brown if it doesn’t receive any water at all.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss requires full sun and has no tolerance for shade. During the winter months, it may go dormant for an extended period, losing its color and becoming less attractive. Finally, buffalograss has low traffic tolerance, so it may not be the best choice for lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Requires weed control.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native clay soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Buffalo grass tends to grow thinly, making it vulnerable to weed invasion.
\n\n\n\n![\"Seashore](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Seashore-Paspalum-also-known-as-biscuit-grass-saltwater-couch-silt-grass-and-swamp-couch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Raffi Kojian / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum is perfect for those who live in El Paso, where the climate is hot and dry. It is salt-tolerant and can handle the soil and irrigation water’s salinity, making it a smart choice for homeowners living in this area. It is specifically designed to handle hot temperatures, but it has a moderate drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low to Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Moderate fertilizer and frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: Set the mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate. Common diseases include large patch and dollar spot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Tolerates a wide soil pH range, from 3.6 to 10.2
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including wet, saline soil.
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Seashore Paspalum Grass has a moderate traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is one of the top grasses, not just because of its ability to withstand drought but also due to its gentle texture. When allowed to grow naturally, it creates a modern and billowing appearance in your landscape.
Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Buffalograss are all low-water-requirement grasses that can withstand extended periods of drought without turning brown or withering away.
In as little as 10 days, bermudagrass, the fastest-growing warm-season grass, can start to germinate. Similarly, ryegrass, which thrives in cool climates, can also germinate in a short period.
In conclusion, choosing the right type of grass for your El Paso backyard requires careful consideration of each grass’s unique characteristics. Factors such as water requirements, drought tolerance, and overall appearance should all be taken into account when making a decision.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to remember that selecting the perfect grass is just one component of creating a beautiful and thriving landscape. The best native plants for El Paso can also transform your Texas yard.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure the continued health and maintenance of your backyard, professional help may be needed. Whether for regular lawn care, pest control, or landscaping services, don’t hesitate to contact an El Paso lawn care pro to help keep your outdoor space looking its best.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Magoffin Home / Visit El Paso / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for El Paso, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.1660649819494586,"src":"/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/1789c/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/107df/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 320w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/293e9/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 500w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/f2cbb/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 800w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/1789c/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 960w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/c26c2/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/1dd6e/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/67b76/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 320w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/8df11/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 500w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/98a65/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 800w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/1dd6e/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 960w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/3cc96/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for El Paso, TX","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 4 best grass types for El Paso, TX. Learn about each grass type's unique characteristics and how they can thrive in El Paso's climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"d30dfd89-7cdd-5d62-a619-9b342ae0cbed","slug":"helpful-tips-for-pet-proofing-your-austin-tx-landscape","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/helpful-tips-for-pet-proofing-your-austin-tx-landscape/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?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":"January 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them! Pets, most often […]
\n","content":"\nDogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them!
Pets, most often dogs, like to go outside for playtime or to lay in the sun. Your landscaping practices may pose several threats to your pets as they try to enjoy their time. Things such as fertilizers, pesticides, mulch, and compost could be toxic if your animal tries to eat or lick it. Which is highly likely if you have a puppy because puppies are adventurous and will get into anything!
So, if you need to pet-proof your Austin, TX landscape, here are some tips!
\n\n\n\nYou might spend hours on your seasonal flower bed only for your dog to dig it up and eat the flowers. These things happen! Many common flowers can be poisonous to dogs. If you’re unsure, call your vet to confirm that your flower selections are dog safe.
A few common backyard flowers that are dangerous for dogs include:
\n\n\n\nPet owners have to worry about more than just flowers. Hundreds of common houseplants and garden plants are toxic for your animal. Here are the 10 most common toxic plants in Austin, TX.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a swimming pool or a pond as part of your landscape, you need to take some extra precautions. Yes, dogs can typically swim, but falling into a pond or a pool can be deadly for your pet.
Pet owners should teach their pets how to get out of their pools from the time they’re little in case they ever fall in accidentally. It could save their lives!
\n\n\n\nDo you have your trash can sitting on the side of your house awaiting trash pick-up day? Most of us do, but that can be hazardous to your dog. Make sure the trash cans are secured with appropriately fitting and locking lids.
Dogs are curious, and the smell of old food is appealing. He will happily take a bite of that old burger without realizing its soaked in old cleaning supplies.
\n\n\n\nInsecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may perform an important job for you, but they can be toxic for your pet. If you do decide to use them, keep your pet away from the lawn when it’s recently been treated. Dogs and cats should never walk on freshly sprayed lawns. Put your animal in another area for a few days.
Ideally, you wouldn’t treat the areas that your pet will spend his time. That prevents your pets from accidentally ingesting any of the chemicals. Dogs do sometimes decide to eat grass.
Most importantly, be sure all of these chemicals are locked up out of your pet’s reach. Put them in your shed or garage. A dog would happily take a drink of some chemicals spilled all over the floor.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is fenced, that’s a huge bonus! Fences keep your pets safe and prevent them from running away. Puppies and dogs need plenty of exercise. A dog or little puppy can easily find a small gap or hole in your fence that you may not notice. So, it’s important for you to regularly check your fence to make sure it’s secure for your animals.
\n\n\n\nTall grass can be a haven for ticks and snakes to hide. While most snakes aren’t venomous, a few poisonous snakes do call Austin, TX home like the Western diamondback rattlesnake.
Make sure you mow your grass regularly and remove any branches that are laying around. Clear out debris often. Ticks can be harmful to your dogs! Plus, fleas love tall grass. Unlike other parts of the nation, Austin doesn’t have a specific flea season. Austin doesn’t have multiple days of below-freezing temperatures or extended dry conditions, so fleas can survive year-round. That means you need to pay attention to your pets to be sure they’re flea-free and cut your grass regularly.
\n\n\n\nIt would be nice if Fido understood walking in your new garden bed is a bad idea, but they have no concept of that. Owners have the responsibility of deciding what areas are off-limits by creating physical reminders.
You can do this by making walls, fences, or pieces of wood to create a makeshift fence around the areas you want your pet to stay away from. Another idea is planting tall, native grasses or bushes. Make sure the plants that you pick aren’t poisonous.
\n\n\n\nGrass will turn brown and die in the area that your dog uses the bathroom. Rather than having random spots throughout your entire lawn, pick a spot where you want your dog to do his business.
\n\n\n\nKeep the grass in that area well watered and longer than the other parts of your yard because it helps dilute the urine and hide the brown spots. Some smart pet owners create a bathroom area hidden behind a fence or a wall so guests don’t notice.
You could also hardscape the area where your dog does his business. Hardscaping would make it easier for you to scoop up feces and spray urine away with a hose!
\n\n\n\nPet owners have the responsibility of keeping their animals safe and sound in their environments. Dogs and some cats are adventurous outside, so you have to pay special attention to how you’ll handle your landscape and yard.
The most important thing is to avoid anything that could be toxic to your animal. That means be sure that your flowers and plants aren’t toxic to animals. If you aren’t sure, talk to your vet. Keep all of the chemicals out of their reach, stored inside a shed or garage ideally.
Last, always watch for dangers. That could be a loose fence board or a pond that you think is beautiful. Landscaping and pets can mix harmoniously with a little planning on your end.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care tips? Visit our Austin lawn care page for more information about everything lawn-related.
\n","title":"Helpful Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Austin, TX Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5003663003663004,"src":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1789c/dog-in-the-yard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/107df/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/293e9/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/f2cbb/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1789c/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/d2f4e/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1dd6e/dog-in-the-yard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/67b76/dog-in-the-yard.webp 320w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/8df11/dog-in-the-yard.webp 500w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/98a65/dog-in-the-yard.webp 800w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1dd6e/dog-in-the-yard.webp 960w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/8952c/dog-in-the-yard.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Helpful Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Austin, TX Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b74316bc-0fca-59f9-8d4c-3ea901fbe1ea","slug":"san-antonio-lawn-mowing-maintenance","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/san-antonio-lawn-mowing-maintenance/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"There’s plenty to love about South-Central Texas. You know its iconic historical landmark, the Alamo. But it also has vast landscapes and beautiful waterways such as the San Antonio and Comal rivers. These natural, lush environments thrive without much help. But if you’re living in this part of Texas, you’ll have to put in some […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s plenty to love about South-Central Texas. You know its iconic historical landmark, the Alamo. But it also has vast landscapes and beautiful waterways such as the San Antonio and Comal rivers. These natural, lush environments thrive without much help. But if you’re living in this part of Texas, you’ll have to put in some work to keep the landscape around your home looking as nice. Here’s a guide to lawn mowing and maintenance in San Antonio.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TfgScEVpZpDKMvpYvW4wUo7eDaNC7H4DtTUiCGOAdRb-HSKhut-r6NwJjr0kAEm1RBqwGvmiS_uW1sxQQR1pe83YimHy9n5Xw_wwd-2na_IRF-zIFUCtP0SD_nOtwan026qp9LTt\")
The human body is made up of about 60 percent water. The grass is made up of even more — 85 percent. Just like the human body, grass doesn’t do well when it’s thirsty. That’s why it’s crucial to water once or twice weekly and make sure you’re giving your lawn plenty to keep it healthy.
\n\n\n\nHeat? We get it. San Antonio averages 116 days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want to water in the morning, when it’s cool, before the heat can set in and evaporate that moisture.
\n\n\n\nWatering will depend on what type of grass you have, the time of year, and how much sun it’s getting. St. Augustine and Zoysia are some of the more popular grass types in the San Antonio area and require about 3/4ths of an inch of water each week. You can measure this by placing a shallow, straight-edge can or pan on your lawn as you water. It is better to give the lawn a good soaking once a week than to a shallow watering more often. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper, enabling them to grow stronger.
\n\n\n\nYour trees and shrubs need watering, too. Trees should be watered once or twice a week during the growing season if rainfall is limited. How often you water shrubs will vary, depending on how young or mature the plant is. New shrubs need water two to three times a week. As they get older, watering every six to 10 days should be enough to keep them looking vibrant and fresh.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/NBRfJ3fyOnKzoWlvm7iGVP40KH6kNUHGQ0BfCXTZx3KEQAlXP3TFKHheNQmhVKzDf8RwLR0-DGAr6mSryygsy6kSikUNE5UKuVzMoS5g4GHzoMy_yMCUqWdGb3mtSSPlq2MzTKPj\")
Don’t be that eyesore on the block. Trim your yard on time because an overgrown yard both looks bad and attracts pests. It’s also healthier for the grass and helps keep weeds at bay. Most lawns need mowing about once a week. (You may be able to get away with trimming the edges every two weeks.) Don’t forget to follow the one-third rule: Never cut more than one-third of your grass height at a time. When you cut your lawn too short, the grass weakens and is more susceptible to diseases and pests. Keep mowing your lawn until you notice a slowdown in growth.
\n\n\n\nThe soil becomes compacted and dried out, thanks to the warm, dry weather in San Antonio. Compacted soil makes it tough for water and fertilizer to reach the roots. Aerating — creating holes in the soil — improves the drainage and increases the lawn’s resistance to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nYou should aerate twice a year: once during spring and again in the fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fFcErBkcaWtmH0pRnA3hqlimjOZkl12HGjCU4F40yrLp7o2usyDoWvrtxxoTTblPsvrcovgkS3VkdbhD6Z5ncb81A2tJTB-uXKW6Haw2AN4yGXLXQiwvPQJiGEGW9DIINUpv9IwF\")
Don’t skip out on giving your lawn proper nutrition. This is one way to shrink its life-span and turn your turf from gorgeous green to yucky yellow. But don’t fertilize too soon. Once winter is over, give your grass some time to grow before adding fertilizer to the ground.
\n\n\n\nA lush, healthy lawn will crowd out weeds before they have a chance. Bare spots give the invaders room to sprout. Whether it’s dandelions or crabgrass, weeds will compete with the turf for room and nourishment. They are infamous for hogging water, sunlight, and other nutrients your lawn needs to thrive. A natural vinegar and water mixture is a great organic solution for ridding your yard of these nuisances, but store-bought weed-fighting chemicals work great too. Just make sure you read the label, so you know what you’re putting in your yard. Keep in mind, some weed killers will also kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nSet aside time for the basic lawn care tasks in the early spring. Then set a weekly schedule for mowing and watering and you’ll soon reap the rewards of a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about lawn care in San Antonio? Visit our San Antonio, TX lawn care page for more information.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","title":"San Antonio Lawn Mowing and Maintenance","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.275609756097561,"src":"/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/e50ee/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.png","srcSet":"/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/7b880/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.png 320w,\n/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/49b19/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.png 500w,\n/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/e50ee/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.png 523w","srcWebp":"/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/d641c/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/67b76/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.webp 320w,\n/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/8df11/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.webp 500w,\n/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/d641c/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.webp 523w","sizes":"(max-width: 523px) 100vw, 523px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"San Antonio Lawn Mowing and Maintenance | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Despite the heat, a beautiful lawn is possible in San Antonio, New Braunfels and Central Texas. You just have to know what you're doing. Here's how."}}},{"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.
Mother Nature can be devastating. And that’s especially true when you live in wildfire-prone areas like Texas. With hot, dry weather, Texas is, unfortunately, the second most dangerous state for wildfires. You can’t prevent wildfires from erupting, but you can minimize the damage. Here are five landscaping ideas to protect your Texas home from wildfire. […]
\n","content":"\nMother Nature can be devastating. And that’s especially true when you live in wildfire-prone areas like Texas. With hot, dry weather, Texas is, unfortunately, the second most dangerous state for wildfires.
\n\n\n\nYou can’t prevent wildfires from erupting, but you can minimize the damage. Here are five landscaping ideas to protect your Texas home from wildfire.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nDefensible space is the barrier between your property and the vegetation around it. It slows down or prevents fire from igniting your home. Not just that, but defensible space makes it easy for firefighters to put out the fire without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nThe Texas A&M Forest Service recommends dividing a property’s defensible space into three zones:
\n\n\n\nZone 1 (Immediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 1 includes your home (structure) and extends to 5 feet from the furthest exterior point. Since the intermediate zone is the closest to your structure, you should ensure there are no fire hazards.
\n\n\n\nHere are some guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 2 (Intermediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 2 extends from 6 feet up to 30 feet. Here are some guidelines to prepare this zone for fire.
\n\n\n\nZone 3 (Extended Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 3 extends from 31 feet to 200 feet from your home. This zone obstructs the fire’s path and keeps the flames on the ground.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips for this zone.
\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 helps plants conserve water and reduce weed growth. But choosing the wrong mulch is like adding fuel to the fire.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, pebbles, and river rocks have great fire resistance. These mulches also look good and require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer organic mulches, we recommend wood chips as they are the least flammable. In fact, a study by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension indicates that composted wood chips are the least flammable mulches.
\n\n\n\nAvoid these mulches, as they can quickly catch fire.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/eastern-red-cedar-juniperus-virginiana-joshua-mayer-ccsa20.jpg\")
Eastern red cedar
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC by SA 2.0.
This term is a bit of a misnomer. No plants are fire-resistant. That is, they all burn and die when exposed to flames. But some plants won’t help spread flames.
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant plants:
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the most fire-resistant plants:
\n\n\n\nBut before you start growing these plants, be sure to plant them correctly.
\n\n\n\nFire travels faster uphill, so if you live on a hill, increase the distance between the plants.
\n\n\n\n| Slope Size | Shrub Distance | Tree Distance |
| Flat to mild slope (less than 20%) | 2 times the shrub’s height | 10 feet |
| Mild to moderate slope (20% to 40%) | 4 times the shrub’s height | 20 feet |
| Moderate to steep slope (greater than 40%) | 6 times the shrub’s height | 30 feet |
Wood fences, pergolas, and gazebos look great, but they quickly catch fire and spread. Metal is a fire-resistant alternative to wood.
\n\n\n\nMetal structures don’t look as classy and elegant as wood, but they are cheaper, more durable, and require less maintenance. Just wash metal structures regularly, and they will last for years without you having to worry about decay, rot, and insects.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-pathway-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are non-living materials added to a landscape design. They can be both decorative and practical. Hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned before, don’t use materials like wood for your hardscape. Instead, use concrete, bricks, and metal to minimize fire spread.
\n\n\n\nInstalling retaining walls around plant beds can prevent flames from reaching the plants. Constructing walkways in between your garden can also slow fire spread.
\n\n\n\nLarger hardscapes like patios, pergolas, and gazebos can create a fire-resistant zone around your home. They also help firefighters battle the fire without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nTexas is the second most wildfire-prone state in the country. So, it’s essential to prepare your home for wildfire.
\n\n\n\nWhen wildfire attacks your home, you can’t prevent the damage altogether. But with fire-resistant landscaping, you can minimize the damage.
\n\n\n\nCreating defensible space, growing fire-resistant plants, applying mulch, building hardscapes, and constructing metal structures can help minimize fire damage. Installing artificial grass can also help slow down fire spread.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re busy with your work schedule but want a fire-resistant lawn, Wikilawn Texas lawn care experts are just a click away.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: DigiStu / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"Firewise Landscaping in Texas: 5 Effective Ideas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/1789c/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/107df/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 320w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/293e9/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 500w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/f2cbb/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 800w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/1789c/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 960w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/c26c2/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/1dd6e/Firewise-Landscaping.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/67b76/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 320w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/8df11/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 500w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/98a65/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 800w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/1dd6e/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 960w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/3cc96/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Firewise Landscaping in Texas: 5 Effective Ideas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Texas is the second most wildfire-prone state, but you can minimize the risk to your property with these landscaping strategies."}}},{"node":{"id":"3f1cec6d-e2ca-5725-9e63-6563e46dfcc3","slug":"houstons-worst-weeds","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/houstons-worst-weeds/","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":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"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 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Weeds are troublesome plants growing where we don’t want them, and Houston has plenty of them. They’re classified in several different groups: grasses and broadleaf, and perennials and annuals. Annuals have winter and summer varieties: winter weeds die when it gets hot, and summer annuals die when it cools off in the fall. Many of […]
\n","content":"\nWeeds are troublesome plants growing where we don’t want them, and Houston has plenty of them. They’re classified in several different groups: grasses and broadleaf, and perennials and annuals. Annuals have winter and summer varieties: winter weeds die when it gets hot, and summer annuals die when it cools off in the fall. Many of Houston’s worst weeds are winter annuals because not much plant life holds up in the summer heat. Here are our picks for Houston’s worst weeds:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fKqAFK-BIfeGLfsB02ztqOp27X_hc7_J5yUkbbuOJ4avGMmK6t24WABV03IxEZIkqZT65nDzIVtMIh07lrEzN5fZP7sIKIdhTDGsbESB3Qb_h49ENOJ0DRtodRhn06c7Hg2aJQUz\")
This pervasive weed looks a lot like the grass in your lawn. It’s not always noticeable if you have St. Augustinegrass, a popular type of lawn grass in Houston. While it’s an annual weed that dies in winter, it’s a prolific seeder, and those seeds can stick around for years. It grows in clumps and will choke out your lawn if not removed
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/FFpSpRfFW2Pzol_KlS6X1A7-x0zyxaClVT-flOoOslcCvy9sNy_ydnFWlmqci6Pi3X4cg2cCKXZMvMkF7ykVLbfBFasdCvAjfA7C2WfbvifMAmVmmbq9GjS-f9Fj2ilRiJawyCpH\")
Bluegrass is a winter annual that’s common in Houston. Its upright tufts stand out in dormant St. Augustine lawns. Don’t confuse it with the Kentucky bluegrass that grows in northern climates – winter bluegrass is its homely relative. It appears when the temperatures begin to cool in the fall. It turns a yellowish-white after seeding, which can happen several times over the winter but usually occurs in the spring. It’s a prolific seeder, so you’ll want to remove it before seeding starts.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/5kplB1mD-VCgQ08Hmqcua5w9UoolnJCB98xN8CVpjuyIcUmEfGW9Zaj2A9Axd2kd-r614PSDQCzhmP__sY5t6wdGRUQNPy3gxtApjI87yq2h-QnM0NtpWuIDIMfKit3Bp7x8_muG\")
This is a newer weed on the Houston lawn scene, and it loves the hot, humid climate. It resembles grass and has a small purple flower. It looks innocent enough but does major damage to a yard in a short amount of time. It kills grass then leaves brown patches when it dies in winter. It can spread from yard to yard with lawn clippings.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/uhx0oMNJUdg3GQ5JuG2aNwQROQvaJqCor9wc1j2RRcy36F9h-74I3MSriqrO90a8xgTH8XcqYSiCKQ5EirdnyW1focBKkbqLa3CzMIKqb09XGzQYYhfotDmRACgNIbeTD3QrSE4Q\")
Like doveweed, this hard-to-control weed appears from May to June and loves Houston’s hot and wet conditions. It also spreads quickly and aggressively, then dies in winter. It’s a low-growing, vine-like weed with tiny white flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IRNj46kd1SLINUuuOhiTa_mbT7PgDQhxFdNfzub3v0YA2o3whSHZqEfP_q2zi3h2k4VMS5Ss4M6QB2GdywZj0DrlOEBLCt_SCZFSaJBFQQqtWlhjh_GN6U8DaM68cte-47sPc5zi\")
Your bare feet will have no problem identifying this waxy winter annual. It fruits in late spring with small, sharp (and painful) barbs. Treat spurweed with a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall when the plants first emerge.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ihVKW82DGkzDnVGHmzokPzP5g8b3czdeHjIOOAmUagYdLL-eVpzrTVTzHPRT2j-gd89sPe_NwYC3fjGbYORWshC5r-bXqQdM7NElali5LhGyh1w1IZCdXdtflclhCrTNGXZRaM8h\")
Buttercups are a perennial weed with a pretty yellow flower. The name comes from the shiny, waxy appearance of the flower’s petals. They grow and spread in early spring and will take over your garden year after year if not removed. While they’re attractive and grown in some areas as a desired plant, they’re best left out of lawns and gardens.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/v0moNDc_n0hw0Nasljdm4ol652I-iI-VXTBOlhW-rhdCr8DHjqHyNfFsRqpfnWkZ6X5t5ePpA6wvNMjwRN7bPewtPVzZxH406VObvHRmhrvQsvCEDQcbcIsfctJYr4V-Xn6bJZ9P\")
This grass-like weed may drive you nuts because it’s extremely hard to kill. It has thicker leaves at its base than your regular grass and typically grows in groups of three blades. To get rid of it, you have to get rid of the nut at its base. Here’s the hard part: You have to get rid of all the nuts, every single one, or they’ll be back in short order.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Duchesnea_indica9.jpg\")
While it may seem sad to kill anything with the name “strawberry,” this weed will invade your flowerbeds and produce a decidedly not-tasty (but not poisonous) fruit. Mock strawberry is common in wooded areas or open meadows. It has rounded red berries with hard, protruding seeds.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that a healthy lawn is your best defense against weeds. Aerate, fertilize in spring and fall, mow properly and remove thatch. Work with your lawn care service or local nursery on other strategies to control weeds.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about lawn care in your lawn? Visit our Houston, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
Working outdoors can be brutal during the searing Texas summers. So if you find yourself melting one afternoon while pushing a mower around the lawn, you might begin to wonder if there’s an easier way to get a nice yard. There is. While all yards require some level of care, it’s possible to cut down […]
\n","content":"\nWorking outdoors can be brutal during the searing Texas summers. So if you find yourself melting one afternoon while pushing a mower around the lawn, you might begin to wonder if there’s an easier way to get a nice yard.
\n\n\n\nThere is.
\n\n\n\nWhile all yards require some level of care, it’s possible to cut down on your time, effort and expense by adopting low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your South Texas yard that minimize the required amount of watering, fertilizing, mowing, and weeding. Let’s take a look at some of the best ideas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nGo native and plant some indigenous Texas plants in your garden and landscape. It only makes sense that plants that thrive in the Texas wilderness will also grow well in your yard. So if you’re searching for low-maintenance landscaping ideas, a good place to start is by adding native plants.
\n\n\n\nNative Texas plants already know how to survive in the wild without extra special care, so they won’t require much watering, fertilizing, or pest control. They are also more resistant to local pests and diseases. Planting a mixture of native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs means less maintenance for your yard.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few to start with:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of growing native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The price tag of a native plant depends on the size and type of plant. Here’s a general price range for different types of plants:
\n\n\n\n| Plant Type | Price |
| Shrub | $15 to $50 |
| Vine | $5 to $50 |
| Tree | $200 to $1,500 |
If you are planning a more intensive project, installing a flower bed costs $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not just native plants that thrive in the Texas heat – succulents are hardy, drought-resistant plants that thrive in hot climates, too.
\n\n\n\nSucculents don’t require much maintenance or care, as they are perfectly content on their own, without outside help. Unlike most plants, succulents prefer arid conditions. In fact, they sometimes die if they are overwatered.
\n\n\n\nFrom cacti to agaves, there are many varieties of succulents to choose from, and homeowners can add a desert-like flare to their yard while simultaneously reducing the amount of effort required for lawn upkeep.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: As with any plant, the price depends on the type and size of the succulent. Usually, you can expect to pay about $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: I.Sáček, senior / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWant a natural growing lawn without having to mow weekly? Then ground covers may be just the thing you’re looking for. Ground covers are low-growing plants that usually grow no more than a few inches tall.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are decorative, require little maintenance, and spread over your yard the way a lawn would. Some groundcovers bloom with flowers during the year, adding a touch of floral color to your yard.
\n\n\n\nLook for groundcovers that grow well in South Texas’ USDA hardiness zone, which ranges from 9a to 10a. Some groundcovers that flourish in 9a zones include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground covers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Installing ground covers usually costs around $4.50 to $26 per square foot, although prices vary depending on the type of ground cover. If you have to remove your old grass lawn first, that job will be an additional cost that will depend on the scope of the project.
\n\n\n\nOne easy way to keep an evergreen lawn year-round without ever having to take care of it is to replace your traditional grass lawn with artificial turf.
\n\n\n\nWith artificial turf, you never have to water or mow your yard. You won’t have to worry about the scorching heat burning your grass to a brown crisp or remember to fertilize it at the right time. Even without maintenance, your lawn will look the same all year long.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf can look very realistic, and most people won’t know the difference between a real grass lawn and a synthetic lawn. Artificial grass is available in several different varieties, so you can find the right grass type to fit your landscape design.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Different types of artificial turf are priced differently, but in general professional artificial turf installation costs $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners who want their yards to stay as green as possible all year long should consider planting evergreens.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen shrubs and trees stay green all year, meaning they don’t shed their leaves in the fall. Think about it. No raking.
\n\n\n\nTry some of these evergreens:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of using evergreen plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Evergreens usually cost $20 to $60 per shrub and $150 to $3,000 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Jessamine-Gelsemium-sempervirens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nReplanting new plants in your flower beds every year is a costly endeavor that takes a lot of time. Instead of buying annuals, switch to perennial plants.
\n\n\n\nAnnuals last only a single year and biennials only last 2 years, but perennials keep returning year after year. If you’re tired of all the planning and physical labor it takes to replant your flower beds every year, then redo your landscape with perennials. This approach also spares you the time and effort of nurturing new annuals as they adjust to their new home.
\n\n\n\nTry out some of these perennials:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of gardening with perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Usually it costs $10 to $60 per plant, although costs vary widely across the board depending on what kind of perennial you get. If you hire a professional to plant your perennials for you, that will affect the cost of the project as well.
\n\n\n\nRecently, xeriscaping has become a hot new landscaping trend, as it reduces the amount of time and effort that needs to be spent on yard maintenance.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is drought-resistant landscaping that requires little water, which makes it perfect for weathering Texas heat. Natural rainfall should be the only water that xeriscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nSome xeriscaping methods you can try include:
\n\n\n\nTry one or several of these ideas to reduce the amount of yard work. Every little bit helps, so even if you can’t afford to redo your whole landscape at once, you can slowly add one succulent at a time until, eventually, your yard requires little to no water.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Depending on the nature and scope of the project, xeriscaping projects usually cost $8,737 to $22,226. The upfront cost is expensive, but xeriscaping saves a lot of money on landscaping maintenance in the long run since it reduces both monetary and time costs for watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
\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\nSome homeowners don’t want to deal with a lawn at all, so instead of dealing with a vegetative lawn, you could add more hardscapes to your lawn. Hardscapes take up space that your grass lawn would normally occupy, reducing the area where grass or other plants can grow. And with less lawn comes less mowing.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes generally require little maintenance other than occasional cleaning, which is much less intensive than the regular upkeep of grass lawns.
\n\n\n\nSome ideas for hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of using hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of a hardscape depends on the type and scope of the hardscaping project. If you’re looking for a hardscape project that fits your budget, here is a list of price ranges for different hardscape projects:
\n\n\n\n| Project | Price |
| Decorative rock | $460 – $1,000 |
| Rock garden | $460 – $1,000 |
| Stone paver | $8 – $22 per square foot |
| Pergola | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Gazebo | $4,828 – $9,930 |
| Patio | $2,000 – $6,500 |
| Deck | $4,000 – $11,000 |
| Fire pit | $500 – $3,000 |
| Retaining wall | $3,622 – $9582 |
Mulch is as useful as it is simple. Applying mulch to your yard is a simple matter of buying a bag of mulch and spreading a layer of mulch over your flower bed. After that, it’s just a matter of leaving mulch to do its thing.
\n\n\n\nMulch acts as a protective layer over the dirt of your plant bed by keeping moisture in and weeds out. There are two different categories of mulch to choose from:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulching:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The price is dependent upon the type of mulch, as each mulch type has a different price tag.
\n\n\n\n![\"water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Automatic-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ildar Sagdejev / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAn automatic irrigation system can save you a lot of time and energy spent on watering. Instead of watering your yard by hand, an automatic irrigation system allows you to pre-program your sprinklers for when and how long you want them to water your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSprinklers can even be installed with a sensor that allows them to automatically adjust according to the local water levels.
\n\n\n\nInstalling an automatic underground irrigation system might be an expensive investment, but it will save you a lot of time and make things easier for you and your lawn in the long term.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of an automatic irrigation system:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, installing an automatic irrigation system will cost between $2,400 and $4,200. Above-ground sprinkler head attachments are much cheaper: between $9 and $36. However, they are not as convenient, as they can’t be automatically programmed like an in-ground sprinkler system.
\n\n\n\nWhether you surround your landscaping plants with mulch or rocks is a matter of personal preference, as both stone and mulch offer benefits for your landscaping.
• Both are customizable and come in a variety of colors, textures, types, and shapes.
• Organic mulch requires more maintenance since it has to be replaced every so often.
• As it breaks down, mulch provides nutrients for the plants and soil.
• Rock mulch has more expensive up-front costs but the long-term costs are cheaper than wood mulch
• Gravel is better for high-traffic areas
• Wood mulch is better at retaining water while rock mulch tends to dry out the soil
• Rocks are fireproof, making them good for dry areas in Texas that are prone to wildfires
Bermudagrass, buffalograss, and Zoysiagrass are the best drought-tolerant lawn grasses for South Texas. They can endure long dry spells and high amounts of foot traffic, making them good low-maintenance grasses for your lawn.
For homeowners who don’t want to spend money on mulch, it is possible to make your own, as several different things found around your yard can be used for mulch:
• Compost from your compost bin.
• Grass clippings from when you mow your lawn.
• Leaves can be raked and then run over with a lawnmower to break them down into mulch-sized pieces for your plant beds.
• Pine needles can be chopped up in a wood chipper to cut them into mulch-size pieces.
• Tree branches in your yard can be run through a wood chipper and converted to mulch for your plant beds.
If you don’t own a wood chipper – most people don’t – rent one from a hardware store or home improvement center like Home Depot or Lowes. Organic mulch has to be replenished more frequently than inorganic mulch, but it can act as fertilizer for your plants as well by providing nutrients to your soil and plants.
Redoing your yard’s infrastructure can reduce or eliminate lawn care maintenance. The more you minimize the yard work that needs to be done, the more you can enjoy the air-conditioned indoors and kick back with a cool glass of lemonade.
If the job seems too daunting to tackle on your own, consider using a lawn care pro near you? We have trusted pros in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Pflugerville, San Antonio, and many more cities across the Lone Star State.
Main Image Credit: Victoria, Texas / Surely Shirly / Flickr / CC0 1.0
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