Home & Garden Tips

We are here to provide Central Texas home owners the best advice and tips on landscaping, tree, flowers and gardening. Updated 03/21/23

The Best Grass For Droughts

In Texas, warm-season grasses tend to perform best in drought conditions. Some examples of warm-season grasses that are drought-tolerant and well-suited to the Texas climate include:

1. Buffalo grass: a low-maintenance grass that is native to the Great Plains region of North America and can survive on very little water.
2. Bermuda grass: a popular choice in Texas for its durability, heat tolerance, and drought resistance.
3. Zoysia grass: a slow-growing but dense grass that is known for its ability to tolerate drought, heat, and foot traffic.
4. St. Augustine grass: a common turfgrass in Texas that can tolerate periods of drought, but will require supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.

It’s worth noting that even drought-tolerant grasses will require some watering during prolonged periods of drought in order to survive. Additionally, proper soil preparation, fertilization, and maintenance practices can also help promote drought resistance in grasses.

If you need advice for your sod installation project, contact San Marcos Landscaping, Tree & Lawn

Buffalo Grass and it’s amazing benefits

Buffalo grass is a warm-season grass native to the Great Plains region of North America. It is a popular choice for homeowners, landscapers, and golf course superintendents due to its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and attractive appearance.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at buffalo grass, including its characteristics, growing requirements, maintenance needs, and some tips for keeping your lawn looking its best.

Characteristics of Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) is a warm-season grass that is typically green in the summer and dormant in the winter. It is a low-growing grass that typically reaches a height of 4-6 inches when mowed, although it can grow up to 10 inches tall if left uncut.

One of the most distinctive features of buffalo grass is its blue-green color, which can vary slightly depending on the soil and environmental conditions. The blades of buffalo grass are narrow and flat, and they grow in a dense, upright pattern that gives the grass a soft, velvety appearance.

Growing Requirements

Buffalo grass is well-suited to the hot, dry climates of the Great Plains and the southwestern United States. It is also well-adapted to a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, although it prefers well-draining soil.

If you are planning to grow buffalo grass, it is important to choose a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Buffalo grass is not very shade-tolerant, and it will struggle to grow in areas with less than four hours of direct sunlight per day.

Buffalo grass is typically planted as seed or plugs, although it can also be established through sod. If you are planting from seed, it is best to plant in the spring or early summer when soil temperatures are warm and the risk of frost has passed.

Maintenance Needs

One of the biggest advantages of buffalo grass is its low maintenance requirements. Once established, buffalo grass is very drought tolerant and requires very little watering. In fact, over-watering can be a problem for buffalo grass, as it prefers dry soil conditions.

If you do need to water your buffalo grass, it is best to water deeply and infrequently rather than frequent shallow watering. This will encourage the grass to develop deep roots and become more drought tolerant over time.

In terms of mowing, buffalo grass should be mowed to a height of 2-3 inches, although it can be left uncut for a more natural look. It is important to avoid mowing buffalo grass too short, as this can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to disease and pests.

In addition to regular mowing, buffalo grass will benefit from occasional fertilization and weed control. However, it is important to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for buffalo grass, as this grass has different nutrient requirements than other types of lawn grass.

Tips for Keeping Your Buffalo Grass Looking its Best

One central Texas landscaping contractor in Dripping Springs TX that we recommend is Dripping Springs Landscaping.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your buffalo grass looking its best:

1. Water deeply and infrequently: As mentioned earlier, buffalo grass prefers dry soil conditions and can actually be harmed by over-watering. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
2. Mow to the correct height: Mowing your buffalo grass to the correct height (2-3 inches) will help to maintain a healthy lawn and prevent stress and disease.
3. Fertilize and weed control: Occasional fertilization and weed control can help to keep your buffalo grass looking lush and healthy. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for buffalo grass and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
4. Don’t over-fertilize: While fertilization is important for maintaining a healthy lawn, it can be over done burning and damaging your grass.

The Flowers that thrive in Texas

Central Texas is known for its hot and dry climate, which can make it challenging to grow certain types of flowers. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful garden filled with colorful blooms that thrive in this region. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best flowers to grow in Central Texas, along with tips for caring for them.

1. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a bright and cheery flower that is perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden. It is a native wildflower that is well adapted to the hot and dry conditions in Central Texas. Black-eyed Susan prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It blooms from late spring through fall and attracts bees and butterflies.

To grow Black-eyed Susan, plant it in an area with plenty of sunlight and make sure the soil is well-drained. Water it regularly, especially during the hot summer months, but be careful not to overwater it. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth.

2. Mexican Hat

Mexican Hat is another native wildflower that is well-suited to the Central Texas climate. It is a tall, upright plant with unique, cone-shaped flowers that resemble a sombrero. Mexican Hat prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It blooms from late spring through fall and attracts bees and butterflies.

To grow Mexican Hat, plant it in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during the hot summer months, but be careful not to overwater it. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth.

3. Zinnia

Zinnias are a popular choice for Central Texas gardens because they are easy to grow and come in a wide range of colors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They bloom from mid-summer through fall and attract bees and butterflies.

To grow zinnias, plant them in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially during the hot summer months, but be careful not to overwater them. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth.

4. Lantana

Lantana is a tough and hardy plant that is perfect for Central Texas gardens. It comes in a wide range of colors and is a great choice for attracting butterflies. Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It blooms from late spring through fall.

To grow lantana, plant it in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during the hot summer months, but be careful not to overwater it. Prune it back in early spring to promote new growth.

5. Salvia

Salvia is a perennial herb that comes in a variety of colors and is perfect for adding texture to your garden. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It blooms from late spring through fall and attracts bees and butterflies.

To grow salvia, plant it in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during the hot summer months, but be careful not to overwater it. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth.

6. Sunflower

Sunflowers are a classic summer flower that are perfect for Central Texas gardens. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They bloom from mid-summer through fall and attract bees and birds.

To grow sunflowers, plant them in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially during the hot summer months, but be careful not to overwater them. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth.

7. Coneflower

Coneflowers are a tough and hardy plant that is perfect for Central Texas gardens. They come in a variety of colors and attract bees and butterflies. Coneflowers are also perennial flowers that will come back year after year.

You can always trust a professional to plant flowers at your home, we know of a good landscaping contractor in Cedar Park you can contact.

What trees grow the fastest?

Planting trees is a great way to improve the overall aesthetics of your property and contribute to the environment. Trees offer a variety of benefits including providing shade, improving air quality, and increasing property value. However, it can take years for trees to mature and reach their full potential. If you’re looking to add trees to your property and want to see fast results, there are some tree species that grow faster than others.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the fastest-growing trees that are suitable for planting on your property.

1. Hybrid Poplar

Hybrid poplar trees are one of the fastest-growing trees and are often used in commercial timber operations. They can grow up to 8 feet per year and reach a height of 40 to 50 feet in just five years. They are also relatively low maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.

Hybrid poplars are known for their fast growth rate, but they do have some drawbacks. They have a short lifespan compared to other trees, typically living only 30 to 40 years. Additionally, they can be prone to disease and pests.

2. Weeping Willow

Weeping willow trees are another fast-growing tree species. They can grow up to 10 feet per year and reach a height of 50 to 60 feet in just five years. They are also known for their attractive drooping branches and provide excellent shade.

Weeping willows prefer moist soil conditions, so they are ideal for planting near water sources such as ponds and lakes. However, they do have a weak wood structure and can be susceptible to wind damage.

3. Silver Maple

Silver maple trees are another fast-growing tree species that can grow up to 3 to 5 feet per year. They can reach a height of 50 to 80 feet in just 20 years. They are also known for their attractive silver-colored leaves.

Silver maples prefer moist soil conditions and are tolerant of a wide range of soil types. They are also relatively low maintenance and have a long lifespan compared to other fast-growing trees.

4. Northern Red Oak

The northern red oak is a fast-growing tree species that can grow up to 2 to 3 feet per year. They can reach a height of 60 to 75 feet in just 20 years. They are also known for their attractive fall foliage, with leaves turning a bright red color.

Northern red oaks prefer well-drained soil conditions and are tolerant of a wide range of soil types. They are also relatively low maintenance and have a long lifespan compared to other fast-growing trees.

5. Eastern White Pine

Eastern white pine trees are another fast-growing tree species that can grow up to 2 to 3 feet per year. They can reach a height of 50 to 80 feet in just 20 years. They are also known for their attractive needles and are often used as Christmas trees.

Eastern white pines prefer well-drained soil conditions and are tolerant of a wide range of soil types. They are also relatively low maintenance and have a long lifespan compared to other fast-growing trees.

6. Dawn Redwood

The dawn redwood is a fast-growing tree species that can grow up to 2 to 3 feet per year. They can reach a height of 70 to 100 feet in just 20 years. They are also known for their attractive foliage, with leaves turning a reddish-brown color in the fall.

Dawn redwoods prefer well-drained soil conditions and are tolerant of a wide range of soil types. They are also relatively low maintenance and have a long lifespan compared to other fast-growing trees.

Why Sprinkler Schedules are Important

When it comes to lawn and garden maintenance, watering is one of the most crucial tasks. However, it’s not just a matter of turning on the sprinklers and letting them run. The key to keeping your landscape healthy and vibrant is to have a proper sprinkler schedule. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why sprinkler schedules are important and how you can create an effective one for your yard.

1. Water Conservation

The first reason why sprinkler schedules are important is water conservation. Water is a precious resource, and it’s crucial to use it wisely. With a well-planned sprinkler schedule, you can avoid wasting water by only watering your lawn and garden when it’s needed. This not only saves water, but it can also save you money on your water bill.

2. Prevent Overwatering

Overwatering can be just as harmful to your lawn and garden as underwatering. When plants and grass are consistently exposed to too much water, it can lead to root rot, fungal growth, and even death. A sprinkler schedule can prevent overwatering by ensuring that your lawn and garden receive the appropriate amount of water at the right time.

3. Promote Healthy Growth

A consistent watering schedule is essential for promoting healthy growth in your lawn and garden. When plants receive the right amount of water, they can absorb nutrients more effectively and grow stronger. Proper watering can also help prevent stress on plants during periods of drought or high heat.

4. Time Management

Creating a sprinkler schedule can also help with time management. By having a set schedule, you can plan your day or week around your watering needs. This can help you avoid having to rush home to water your lawn or garden and give you more time to focus on other tasks.

5. Customization

Another benefit of a sprinkler schedule is customization. Depending on the specific needs of your lawn and garden, you can create a schedule that works best for you. For example, if you live in an area with high heat and low rainfall, you may need to water more frequently. Alternatively, if you have a lawn with mostly shade, you may need to water less often.

6. Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to lawn and garden maintenance. A sprinkler schedule can ensure that your lawn and garden receive the same amount of water each time, promoting consistent growth and health.

Creating a Sprinkler Schedule

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of a sprinkler schedule let’s talk about how to create one. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Know Your Plants

Different plants have different watering needs. Some require more water than others, while some can tolerate periods of drought. It’s important to know what types of plants you have in your yard and their watering requirements. This information will help you determine how often to water and for how long.

Step 2: Determine Your Soil Type

The type of soil in your yard also affects how often and for how long you should water. Sandy soil, for example, doesn’t retain water as well as clay soil. This means you may need to water more frequently, but for shorter periods. Knowing your soil type will help you determine how much water your lawn and garden need.

Step 3: Consider Your Climate

Your climate is another important factor to consider when creating a sprinkler schedule. If you live in an area with high heat and low rainfall, you may need to water more frequently. Conversely, if you live in an area with cooler temperatures and more rainfall, you may not need to water as often.

Step 4: Plan Your Schedule

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to plan your schedule. Determine how often you need to water and for how long. Keep in mind that it’s better to stick to a plan and adjust according to rainfall amounts.

For help with your sprinkler system installation, please reach out to the landscaping contractor Elgin TX has been trusting for over 10 years that has provided top service in the Elgin Texas area.