Living in Eastern Texas, landscaping can be a challenge with our hot, dry climate, especially during summer months or throughout a drought. Instead of focusing on keeping a green lawn, utilizing plants which thrive in the Texas climate can make landscaping easier and add to your property’s curb appeal.

If you want grass in your yard, consider drought resistant grasses such as tall fescue, bermuda grass and zoysia grass. Tall fescue grasses can withstand hot summers and tolerate many soil tyes. Bermuda grass is a popular type of drought resistant grass which can survive long periods dry spells. Zoysia grass is a vibrant green in wetter seasons, but turns straw colored when its dry. Don’t let this color change worry you though, it is a natural survival mechanism which helps this hardy grass thrive in drought conditions. If you keep a typical lawn in your yard, by mowing less frequently, you can help protect any new shoots of grass from the sun, as taller blades will help shade smaller ones.

Ground cover plants are another alternative for lawns. There are many which can thrive with less water: coyote brush, wild lilac, cotoneaster, kurapia and flower carpet roses, to name a few. Some of these, such as the Mexican daisy and lantana (pictured), bloom, while others do not. Fast growing ground covers can be invasive. Regular pruning can help contain growth.

Synthetic turf is a growing landscaping trend which is a great solution for our dry climate. Synthetic turf now looks more realistic, gone are the days of plastic grass, in are top-quality artificial materials with the look and feel of real grass. When considering synthetic, the quality can vary from brand to brand, so shop for it locally, where you can see the product in person.

A great way to cut down on water evaporation, and conserve water, is to mulch between plants with bark, decomposed granite or chips. This will also protect your flower beds from weeds and sun. Avoid plastic mulch, because it keeps out water.

When planning on updating your yard, using a combination of these ideas can create a landscaped yard you will enjoy. For a softer touch, create small spaces of lawn in between hardscape areas such as permeable pavers, gravel or brick. Plant trees to help shade areas and protect the lawn and other plants. Visit your local nursery to discover which trees grow best in the area and within your particular soil.

To encourage healthier root growth when watering, aim to saturate dirt in a controlled manner. A drip hose is a great way to achieve saturation of the ground without wasting water on the driveway. According to Landscape Texas, we must all do our part to ensure efficient use of water, but we can still have beautiful yards with amazing curb appeal!

If you are ready to sell or buy a home, you want to work with a Realtor® who knows the region as well as they know the housing market. My team and I at  REALTY TEXAS LCA, Inc. a resource you can rely on to help with all of your real estate needs! Call me, Laura Austin, at (281) 789-2911 or (936) 321-2977, or email me at Laura@RealtyTx.net. You can also visit me at my website for available listings and additional information.