Drought Tolerant Landscaping: Tips for Central Texas Homeowners

Posted on 09/29/23 by Tera Stubblefield
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Texas’ natural fauna as well as modern advancements, offer a lot of opportunities for drought tolerant landscaping in central Texas. Maintaining a green, lush lawn during the summers can be a challenging endeavor. With the added stress of a drought and low water tables in Leander, Liberty Hill, and Georgetown, it can feel nearly impossible. But worry not, we’re going to cover grass alternatives and essential tips to nurture your lawn throughout the year, without wasting water.

Understanding Your Grass and Watering Needs

Different grass types have varied water needs. Whether you have Bermuda or St. Augustine grass, understanding their specific requirements can go a long way in maintaining a green lawn with efficient water usage. For instance, Bermuda grass can thrive on 1 to 1.4 inches of water weekly, while St. Augustine grass requires around 1 inch of water every week during the growing season, and even less in its dormant phase.

Drought Tolerant Landscaping Tips: Grass Goes Dormant

WHEN BROWN DOESN’T MEAN DEAD

Seeing your grass turn brown can be disheartening, but fear not! Brown grass is often just dormant, conserving energy to bounce back in more favorable conditions. Learn to recognize the signs of dormancy to avoid over-watering and foster a resilient lawn that can withstand both drought and cold conditions.

 

TIME IT RIGHT

Timing your watering schedule correctly can save a lot of water. Early mornings are generally the best times to water your lawn to prevent evaporation loss and avoid fungal growth. However, as we approach colder months, consider adjusting your watering schedule to suit the changing climate. The easiest way to make sure you’re watering in an eco-friendly way is to invest in a smart sprinkler system like Rain Bird.

 

LAWN CARE FOR COLDER MONTHS

Winter is a time of rest for your lawn. Consider the following tips to prepare your lawn for colder months:

 

  1. Winter Irrigation: Adjust your irrigation system to water less frequently, as the grass’s water needs decrease during the colder months.
  2. Protecting Plants: Ensure to protect your plants from frost by using protective covers during extremely cold nights.
  3. Leaf Removal: Regularly remove leaves and other debris to prevent disease and pests from harboring in your lawn.
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Grass Alternatives: Turf for Residential Homes

One of the best moves for drought tolerant landscaping and pesky water restrictions is turf. It’s the best grass alternative and totally beats spray painting your lawn. Installing synthetic turf is a great, long-term solution for many reasons. And is very popular among Leander and Liberty Hill area homeowners. Here’s why:
  1. Year-Round Green: Turf remains green all year round, giving a consistently lush appearance to your lawn.
  2. Low Maintenance: Unlike natural grass, turf requires minimal maintenance, saving time and water.
  3. Durability: Turf is designed to withstand heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions, proving to be a durable alternative.

 

CLICK HERE for watering restriction updates from the city of Leander, Texas

CLICK HERE for watering restriction updates from the city of Liberty Hill, Texas

A water-wise lawn is not just about conservation; it’s about fostering a landscape that is resilient, beautiful, and attuned to the central Texas climate. With the right strategies in place, you can ensure a happy, healthy garden all year round.

Serving greater Austin areas including Leander, Liberty Hill, Georgetown, and Cedar Park.

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