You may think that Texas is hot, humid, and dry. But it’s not! It even has a lot of problems when it comes to landscaping. The summers are too harsh for some plants- flooding can damage yards and drown roots in heavy clay soil where many species won't tolerate this area's conditions at all.
But don’t give up hope because we have solutions! Even with these obstacles creating an amazing landscape doesn't need to be difficult; you just need the right tools & plant selection (i.e., natives).
It's summertime, and it might be tough to keep up with all of your yard work. If you're looking for a little help in the gardening department, try some low-maintenance landscaping ideas.
GO ARTIFICIAL
Artificial grass is a common solution for those who don’t want to deal with lawn care. Artificial grass will never require mowing or watering and can withstand flooding better than real turf, which means you won’t have to worry about it as much during the rainy season! Additionally, artificial turf doesn't need excessive heat in order to thrive as normal green grass does so you'll still be able to enjoy your yard without worrying too much if there's an unusually hot day that week.
Artificial grass is also one of the most durable and low-maintenance features you can add to your landscape. It survives many conditions that living grass won't, from natural disasters to frequent trampling by pets or children. While it does cost more than evergreens like pine trees or rocks in order to install, artificial turf pays for itself over time with its durability - not just saving homeowners money on lawn care but offering a safer environment for kids who play outside as well!
GIVE GROUND COVER A CHANCE
If you don't want to mow your lawn during the hot Texas summer, there's a creative alternative. You could cover it with groundcover plants instead of grass and enjoy lush green all year round without having to worry about maintaining this type of vegetation!
Texas is a state with many different types of ground cover. Some are green like traditional grass, while others have flowers that bloom through part of the year and can be any color besides just green. Ground covers that do well in Texas's USDA Hardiness Zone include bugleweed, mondo grass, and periwinkle.
HELPFUL HARDSCAPES
Hardscapes are a great way to increase the value of your property while decreasing time spent on yard work. There is very little maintenance needed for most hardscapes, and they take up space in your yard that would otherwise be used by lawn or plants which need care.
When you install hardscapes made with pavers or flagstone, make sure the foundation is rock solid. If water seeps through your roadway and floods over your landscaping stones, they’ll shift easily which can wreak havoc on any new landscape plans.
EVERGREEN LIVING
Evergreens are a great option for plant beds because they offer low-maintenance and year-round beauty. Whether you need to create privacy or add some color, evergreen plants will never let you down!
As the leaves turn from green to gold, it is a perfect time of year for you to consider adding an evergreen plant or two into your landscape. There are many different types that would work well in Houston- including American holly (pictured), cherry laurel, and several varieties of palm trees.
THE POWER OF PERENNIALS
Perennials are an excellent option for your garden and flower beds. They come back every year on their own, require no maintenance from you, create a beautiful landscape that is healthy without requiring any help to maintain them.
The best perennials for the Texas climate are butterfly weed, yarrow, and daffodils. They thrive in heatwaves that could kill most plants!
CONTAINER GARDENS
If you don’t feel like getting on your knees in the dirt to take care of your garden, consider decorating with a container garden. This is perfect for small spaces or those who have trouble kneeling comfortably.
Container gardens are a great way to plant your garden without the commitment of traditional gardening. They can be just as beautiful and they're much easier for people with limited mobility because you don't have to bend down or use your arms!
CONSIDER AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM
With an automatic irrigation system, you can save time and water by letting the sprinklers take care of your lawn. Simply set a timer to avoid watering days when it isn’t necessary in order to conserve natural resources for those who really need them—and enjoy all that extra free time!
Unlike many other expensive home renovation projects, installing an irrigation system can be worth it since not only will your lawn require less maintenance and thrive in its new environment with more water, but also because sprinklers are said to increase the value of a house.