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HOA-Friendly Xeriscaping: Ideas and What You Need to Know

Posted on 11/08/23 by Tera Stubblefield
cover art for blog with Agave plant in the background and text overlay that reads, HOA Friendly Xeriscaping: Ideas and What You Need to Know

The vibrant communities of Liberty Hill and Georgetown, Texas, are known for their unique blend of rural charm and suburban sophistication. Neighborhoods like Rancho Santa Fe, Santa Rita Ranch, and Cimarron Hills exemplify this blend with their lush landscapes and environmentally conscious residents. With an eye on sustainability and legality, let’s delve into the art of xeriscaping — a landscaping philosophy that’s not just beautiful and cost-effective but also a right for Texans living under HOA governance.

What is Xeriscaping?

In the heart of Texas, where the sun bathes the earth in its relentless warmth, xeriscaping emerges not just as a trend but as a necessity. This landscaping technique harnesses the beauty of drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation methods to create verdant outdoor spaces that require minimal water resources. It's an ingenious way to save on utility bills while contributing to the community's aesthetic and ecological well-being.

Texas and Xeriscaping

Despite Texas' reputation for extreme weather and bouts of heavy rainfall, its climate can be unforgivingly dry, making xeriscaping an ideal solution. Recognizing the environmental and economic benefits, the State of Texas has empowered homeowners with the right to adopt water-saving landscaping techniques. This means that while HOAs in areas such as Rancho Santa Fe, Santa Rita Ranch, and Cimarron Hills can guide the aesthetics, they cannot unreasonably restrict the use of drought-resistant landscapes.

Legislative Support for Water Conservation

Under Texas Property Code Section 202.007, homeowners have the right to implement xeriscaping without facing prohibitive HOA regulations. This includes the installation of water-efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation, utilization of rainwater harvesting, and composting. Although HOAs can mandate a review of xeriscaping plans, they must adhere to state laws that favor water conservation.

Eco-Friendly Xeriscaping Ideas

Creating a xeriscape in central Texas communities such as Liberty Hill and Georgetown involves selecting plants that thrive in the local climate while conserving water. Here are some ideas:

 

Turf Squares overlayed on large concrete patio extension with landscaping along edges behind a white house
  • Native Plants: Opt for Texas natives like Blue Sage, Autumn Sage, and Texas Lantana, which are well-adapted to the region's weather patterns.
  • Layering: Implement a layered landscape design using varying plant heights and colors to create depth and interest without relying on water-intensive greenery.
  • Mulching: Use organic mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation, further diminishing the need for irrigation.
  • Grass Alternatives: Instead of traditional lawns, consider buffalo grass or blue grama for a turf that's naturally drought-resistant.

Outdoor Living Spaces and Hardscapes

Xeriscaping extends beyond plant selection into the realm of hardscaping. In Liberty Hill and Georgetown, incorporating stone and native materials can create outdoor living spaces that blend seamlessly with the natural environment while reducing water usage.

 

  • Patios and Walkways: Use local stones or recycled materials to build patios and paths that require no watering at all.
  • Decorative Rocks and Gravel: Replace areas where grass might struggle with an artful arrangement of rocks or gravel that compliments your plants and reduces water demand.
  • Water Features: If desired, add a water feature that recirculates water, offering the tranquil sound of flowing water without high consumption.

HOA Friendly Design Plans: What You Need to Know

When planning your xeriscape, it's crucial to understand HOA requirements in neighborhoods like Cimarron Hills, Santa Rita Ranch, and Rancho Santa Fe. While your right to xeriscape is protected, working within the HOA's guidelines will ensure a smooth transition to your new eco-friendly landscape.
  • Plan Submission: Most HOAs will require a detailed plan of your xeriscape design. This should include plant choices, design layout, and irrigation plans.
  • Aesthetics: While HOAs cannot prohibit xeriscaping, they can regulate it to ensure it complements the neighborhood's look. Choose plants and designs that are both water-wise and visually appealing.
  • Irrigation: Detail your water-conserving irrigation approach, showcasing how it will save water while keeping your landscape thriving.
  • Materials: If your design includes non-plant elements like rocks or gravel, select materials that are in harmony with local standards and natural landscapes.

In conclusion, xeriscaping in central Texas is not only environmentally savvy but also a legally supported approach to landscaping. Whether you reside in the serene expanses of Rancho Santa Fe, the active environs of Santa Rita Ranch, or the luxurious confines of Cimarron Hills, a well-planned xeriscape can enhance your property's value, diminish your water usage, and contribute to a sustainable future. Embrace the beauty of xeriscaping, and transform your outdoor space into a testament to the beauty of Texas that you can enjoy all year.

 

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Trending Landscape Designs in Austin: Merging Function, Sustainability, and Nature

Posted on 07/27/23 by Tera Stubblefield

When envisioning our outdoor spaces for the coming year, we see a clear blend of functional design, eco-conscious materials, and a celebration of the natural environment included in trending landscape designs in Austin. Here’s a dive into some of the key trends in outdoor living:

  1. Eco-Friendly Design & Technology
  2. Accessible & Functional Spaces
  3. Sustainable Materials
  4. Intentional Planting
  5. Innovative Hardscapes

Eco-Friendly Outdoor Technology

The push towards sustainability is driving technological innovations that are kinder to our planet.
  • Smart Sprinkler Systems: Water conservation meets tech. Modern sprinkler systems now come equipped with sensors that adjust based on weather conditions, ensuring optimal watering and minimal waste.
  • Timed Outdoor Lighting: Solar-powered lights and outdoor lighting systems with timers not only save on energy but also provide ambiance when you want, where you want.

Functional Spaces for Modern Living

1. Accessible Spaces:

The modern outdoor design emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring areas are safe and welcoming for everyone. To this end:
  • Safety and Visibility: Enhancements such as adhesive traction tapes on steps, motion-sensing lights in frequented areas, and large, reflective or backlit house numbers improve both accessibility and safety.
  • Ease of Access: Technology-infused features, like being able to lock and unlock doors via smartphones or foot-operated openers installed on door bottom rails, are making a prominent mark, simplifying entries and exits for everyone.

2. Nature-Inspired Spaces / Merging Indoor-Outdoor Spaces:

Today’s homeowners yearn for a seamless transition between the comforts of their interiors and the freshness of the outdoors.
  • Alfresco Designs: Opting for alfresco-friendly flooring, furniture, and décor that align with your home’s interior style ensures a natural flow from indoors to outdoors.
  • Indoor-Outdoor Spaces: Innovative door designs, as Alyce Lopez, Owner and Principal Designer of The True House suggests work, “For homes where square footage is at a premium, adding bi-fold or stacking sliding glass doors is an innovative way to expand interior spaces and embrace the outdoors.” These designs invite in abundant fresh air and natural light, erasing the borders between indoor and outdoor living.
  • Intentional Plantings: Instead of sporadically planting everywhere, create specific plant beds. This can reduce watering needs, as you can group plants by their water requirements. Moreover, fewer but larger beds can be easier to maintain than numerous small ones.

3. Work-From-Home Spaces:

The rise of remote work has spurred the need for tranquil outdoor workspaces.
  • Natural Work Stations: Picture a spacious all-weather table as your desk, shaded by an umbrella. Accents like a gentle water feature or hummingbird feeder can transform your work hours, making them a delightful, nature-infused experience.

Sustainable Materials

With the value of the global sustainable home decor market rising, sustainable materials are not a fleeting trend. They’re here to stay.
  • Reclaimed Elements: Think wood coffee tables made from reclaimed lumber or lounge chairs fashioned from landfill- and ocean-bound plastic.
  • Repurposed with Purpose: Old items get a second life, like DIY planters from repurposed materials or jute welcome mats.
  • Eco-conscious Shopping: Be it biodegradable pots or shopping with brands that prioritize the environment, every choice is a step towards reducing our carbon footprint.

Native Plants

Native plants answer the call for both beauty and sustainability.
  • Vertical Gardens & Drought-Resistant Plants: With changing climate patterns, homeowners are leaning towards water-efficient landscaping. EPA’s digital tools are a great resource, guiding homeowners on the best drought-resistant plants for specific areas and offering water-saving landscaping tips.
  • Alternative Turfs: Traditional lawns are making way for alternative turfs that are more adaptable to various weather conditions and require less maintenance.
  • Celebrating Local Flora: With the unpredictable weather patterns of late, water-efficient landscaping using native and drought-resistant plants is gaining traction. Resources like the EPA’s digital tools guide homeowners toward optimal choices for their specific regions.
yucca plants and flowers native to Texas in natural rock plant bed

Innovative Hardscapes

In Texas, the use of locally-sourced limestone has become increasingly popular. Limestone patios and walkways provide a naturally beautiful, durable, and heat-reflective surface that’s perfect for the Texas sun. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also offers a cooler surface compared to asphalt or concrete, making it a favored choice for many Texan homeowners. Designing your space with functionality in mind, we can use hardscapes to create borders and patios, and add dimension to your landscape design.

Trending landscape designs in Austin are increasingly moving toward a blend of innovative technology, sustainable choices, and designs that prioritize both form and function. As we spend more time in our outdoor spaces, these trends ensure that we do so responsibly, comfortably, and in harmony with nature, and ourselves.

Are you ready to transform your yard? Team up with our expert design team to create a home and life you love. Contact us today to schedule your in-person consultation.

 

Serving Austin and its greater areas including Leander, Liberty Hill, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Marble Falls, Burnet, and Bertram

Best of Texas Landscapes

P.O. Box 1876, Liberty Hill, TX 78642
PH 512-260-1430

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