Preparing For Spring
A healthy green lawn, colorful flowers, and lush shrubs and trees are key components in an attractive landscape design. Whether you have just moved into a new build or are wanting to spruce up your existing home, focusing on your landscaping is smart.
Good landscape design not only makes your home more appealing but it also adds value. In some instances, landscaping can add a 215% return on your investment. We understand that choosing what elements to include in your landscaping can be a bit overwhelming. That’s what we are here for: to help you choose the best elements that compliment both your style and your home.
Shade Producing Drought Tolerant Trees
We all know Texas gets pretty hot, but that’s not the only thing you need to think about when choosing the proper trees. Drought is a major concern during certain parts of the year; so you’ll want to consider installing shade producing trees that don’t require a great deal of water
The Lacebark Elm is a small leafed tree that has a unique, exfoliating “lace” pattern bark, which gives it an unmistakable presence. The bark peels off in a puzzle piece pattern, revealing beautiful patterns of multiple underlying colors (grey, green, brown, orange). This tree can handle harsh conditions, including poor quality soils and harsh winds. During the Fall months, the Lacebark Elm tree leaves turn a bright, fiery reddish-orange – perfect addition to any landscape.
If you are looking for an Oak tree look no further than the Monterrey Oak. This sturdy tree is a medium sized oak that is tolerant to Oak Wilt (a fungal disease that makes the foliage wilt and eventually kills the tree.) It thrives on extra sunlight, which is why it’s perfect for Texas summers. The leaves are a bright and shiny green that transform to a soft shade of yellow in the Fall.
Heat Loving Shrubs
Trees are great investments, but shrubs are also important elements when it comes to landscape design. Shrubs can enhance your curb appeal by accentuating the front of your home; all while creating borders and adding pops of color or texture in flowerbed
The Texas Red Yucca is a hummingbird favorite that produces talk spikes of reddish-pink flowers, whichcontinue to bloom all Summer long. It is also one of the most drought tolerant, flowering succulent plants.
When it comes to ersatile shrubs, the Boxwood is as good as it comes. They bring year round color to your front yard landscape; creating bright moments during those dreary winter months. Their ability to bounce back and withstand regular shearing makes them perfect for hedges and topiaries.
Durable Flowers
Trees and shrubs are beautiful for your yard, but adding some flowers is important for softening up the greenery in your landscape design.
Unfortunately, not all flowers are suited for the sun and heat of Texas; so it is key to know which ones are durable enough to withstand the climate.
Perennial flowers are plants that return year after year. In most cases they die off in the Winter and return to life in the Spring. There is considerable variety when it comes to perennial color; making it possible to have something of interest throughout the year.
For fun and whimsy that will stand the test of time, make sure to include Gerbera Daisies in your flowerbeds or pots. These flowers need full sun; and with proper care, they will thrive.
Columbine flowers are another well suited option. They love the heat, (but will also grow in partial shade) so they work well in flowerbeds with trees and shrubs. They come in many vibrant colors and have an attractive, clover-like foliage.
