Landscaping in the dead of summer in Central Texas can be tricky. How can homeowners ensure their landscaping efforts succeed in the extreme heat instead of being a waste of time and money? Take a look at the tips below to find out!
Water at the Right Time
Water is a valuable resource in Texas that has become more scarce thanks to years of drought. Many cities through the state have now put watering restriction in place, which should be your first guideline for hydrating your landscape. To get the most out of each drop, water your lawn and landscaping when the temperature is at its coolest so there is less evaporation. Set your irrigation system to water during the early morning hours so the water can soak in during the day and plants can dry out before nightfall.
Use Native Plants
Plants that are native to Central Texas are more likely to naturally thrive on their own and are better acclimated to having less water. When you choose native plants it will go a long way to ensuring that your landscape takes. The City of Austin has created a very helpful guide that includes virtually every type native Texas plant from trees to grass.
Use Warm Weather Annuals
Annuals are a great way to add a splash of color and interest to an otherwise green area. Unfortunately, the heat can easily get to many annuals causing them to wilt and have a limited bloom. That’s why it’s important to select warm weather annuals that are able to handle the heat even when it’s over 100 degrees outside. Options to try include:
- Celosias
- Zinnia
- Caladiums
- Cosmos
Incorporate Water Resourceful Design Elements
How you design your landscape can have a huge impact on your water resources. Many homes in Austin and the surrounding areas are elevated up off the street, which is great for avoiding flood situations but also means there will be a lot of runoff when it rains. To keep some of that water from rushing out of your yard you can create layers of terraces that make the water runoff more gradual. Building raised garden beds and using stones or rocks to line paths or make formations can also help to retain some of the rainwater.
Use Mulch to Hold Moisture and Block the Heat
One of the easiest ways to alleviate the heat and dryness of the summer is with mulch. Mulch is a multi-tasker that offers many benefits around the yard. The two top benefits of mulch in the summer is its ability to retain moisture and keep the soil cooler.
Weed areas before laying down a layer of mulch that’s between 2-4” thick depending on the particle size of the mulch. Make sure to leave an inch or two around the base of plants so there’s no chance of the plants rotting. You may need to rake the mulch regularly to prevent a crust from forming on the surface, which could block water from draining down to the soil.
For additional ideas on creating shade for your landscaping with features like a pergola or trellis give Timbertown Austin a call or come by the lumberyard to see the building supplies we have in stock.
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulch
Original Source: http://timbertownaustin.com/landscaping-and-design/tips-for-landscaping-in-the-middle-of-central-texas-heat-waves/
