Surviving Houston’s Frost: Tips for Winterizing Your Landscape

/in

Hello, Houston Homeowners!

BRRRRRRRRRRR. It is that time of year again! We are lucky to have such temperate winters here in Houston- but there is always that one week that reminds us just how lucky we are. With the recent freeze warning, we wanted to provide some tips on how you can keep your plants and garden alive during these frosty times. From winterizing irrigation lines and fountains to how to cover shrubs and protect your plants, we got you covered.

Protect Your Plants:

When a freeze is imminent, it’s essential to cover your shrubs and other tender plants to prevent damage. Surprisingly, the key here is not as much about keeping out the cold as it is about retaining the warmth from the soil. Tarps and moving blankets are great choices. The harder the freeze, the thicker the material should be. One caveat to this- if you are using a non-porous material- make sure to remove during the daytime if temperatures rise above 32 degrees and replace during the evenings when the temperature dips back down below freezing. Non-porous materials can suffocate the plants, so this is important.

If high winds are expected, cover evergreen plants as well. Be sure to secure the coverings with stakes or heavy rocks to prevent them from blowing away. If you have a large garden, you can use a commercial blanket or tarp designed specifically for protecting plants during frosty weather. Make sure to cover your plants before sunset to trap as much warmth as possible.

Irrigation:

During a freeze, avoid watering your plants as this will only make things worse. Instead, ensure your irrigation system is turned off during the freezing weather to avoid any potential damage. Make sure the water supply is shut off, open the pipes and pumps to drain, and wrap any exposed pipes with insulation. Remember to avoid turning on your irrigation system until the temperature reaches above freezing. These simple precautions will help safeguard your sprinkler system during the occasional chilly week in Houston.

Artificial Water Features:

If you have a fountain or any other artificial water feature in your garden, the best practice is to switch off all pumps and lights connected to the fountain before the temperature drops. This is very important to avoid any damage to the fountain or water feature. If you skip this step, the water can freeze and cause damage to the fountain’s internal structure.

Mulch is Your Friend:

Mulch can be a valuable ally in protecting your plants during frosty weather. When the temperatures drop, a layer of mulch acts as a cozy blanket for the soil, providing insulation and helping to retain heat. This is particularly beneficial for the roots of plants, as they are more sensitive to temperature changes than above-ground parts. Mulch also acts as a barrier, preventing rapid temperature fluctuations in the soil. It helps to conserve moisture, which is crucial during frosty conditions when plants may struggle with water uptake. By spreading a layer of mulch around your plants before the frost hits, you create a protective shield that contributes to the overall health and resilience of your landscape. It’s a simple and effective way to support your garden through the chilly times.

Choosing the Right Plants:

In Houston, choosing the right plants for your garden is vital. Opt for plants that are cold-tolerant and can withstand the freezing weather without getting damaged. Consider talking to a landscape design company to help select the right plants for your garden.

Inspect Your Garden Regularly:

Lastly, it’s essential to inspect your garden regularly to spot any signs of frost damage. Check for any damaged leaves, wilted stems, and discolored foliage. If you spot any of these signs, trim the affected parts immediately to prevent any further damage. Additionally, if the soil around your plants is too wet, it may cause root rot, so keep an eye out for this as well.

At the end of the day, when it comes to safeguarding your landscape from the effects of frost, proactive consideration of temperature fluctuations during the design and planning phase is always going to be the most impactful strategy. By factoring in the diverse conditions your landscape may face, you lay the foundations for resilience. Weatherproofing your landscape is not just about responding to winter’s chilly arrival- it is about preemptively integrating features and choices that can withstand all the Texas seasons.

At FiveSTAR Landscape, we specialize in creating resilient and visually captivating landscapes that can stand the test of all seasons. Connect with us today if you are interested in creating a landscape that not only weathers the frost but emerges with renewed vibrancy in every season. Your outdoor oasis awaits!

Stay warm out there, Houston!

Do You Need a Landscape Design Plan?

/in

If you are a homeowner in Houston, you know the importance of having a beautiful and inviting landscape. We can all agree that a well-designed landscape not only enhances the visual appeal of your home but also adds value to it. However, most homeowners overlook the importance of working with a landscape designer or architect to create a master design plan for their outdoor space. While it is tempting to jump into landscaping projects with enthusiasm, a master design plan serves as the guiding blueprint for turning your visions into reality.

In this blog post we will discuss the critical role that a master design plan and the expertise of a designer or architect play in transforming your outdoor space from ordinary to extraordinary. We’ll explore how a well-crafted landscape design not only elevates your immediate living experience but also contributes to the resale value and marketability of your Houston home and discuss some specific challenges that a master plan addresses for homeowners.

Landscaping/ Maintenance Vs. Landscape Design

First things first, let’s discuss the difference between working with a landscaping company vs. with a landscape design or architecture company. It all starts with a plan. While a landscaping company may come in to add vegetation and maintain it, a landscape designer takes a more holistic approach that involves studying the property, environment, and the owner’s needs and desires. Designers are artists who create a plan with a vision, a sense of place, and a purpose, while a landscaping company mostly provides maintenance services. Hiring a landscape designer ensures that your outdoor space is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and customized to your needs and lifestyle.

When weighing the pros and cons of working with a landscape designer to develop a landscape design plan, it is important to evaluate the outcome you are looking for. If you are overall happy with your outdoor space and you just want to add some new plants in your garden bed, need a turf overhaul, or want to replace existing flagstone- working with a landscape designer may not be necessary. However, if you are seeking to change the functionality of your existing landscape we strongly recommend collaborating with a designer or architect to develop a cohesive master plan that will add value to your property.

Benefits of Working with a Landscape Designer

Designing for your Space

While some landscaping companies may adopt a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach, landscape designers and architects offer personalized solutions that take into account the unique characteristics of your property, your home, your lifestyle and needs. A landscape designer focuses on creating a cohesive plan that works together, whereas a landscaping company may pick plants and hardscape without regard to whether they fit together, or what role they play in an overall design.

A Design Plan Saves You Money in the Long Run

At the end of the day, good design pays for itself. If you are planning on making more than just a few adjustments to your landscape and the initial cost of engaging a landscape designer is something you are debating then consider this: if you work with the right people, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expenses.

Landscape designers use their knowledge and expertise to ensure that your project is completed to the highest standard. They understand what plants grow best in your specific environment, what materials should be used and are able to customize designs to their client’s lifestyle. While the upfront investment in a master design plan may be higher, the long-term value of a cohesive landscape tailored to your home outweighs the expenses. If you work with the right design team, a master plan translates to long-term savings on maintenance, water usage and repairs, as well as adding value to your property for years to come.

So, do you need a design plan…

Ultimately, it is important to weigh and pros and cons while carefully considering your family’s specific needs. If your goal is to enhance functionality or introduce a new element that transforms how you interact with your space—whether its an outdoor kitchen, a pool, a deck, or the like—and you desire a seamless integration of all components, then the answer is a resounding yes. The significance of possessing a well- crafted master plan becomes invaluable.

 

Interested in talking to a landscape designer?

Contact us today for a free consultation- because turning your outdoor dreams into a reality is what we do best!

FiveSTAR Landscape Design Blog

/in

Howdy and Welcome to the FiveSTAR Landscape Design Blog!

We just want to take a moment to introduce ourselves and say how thrilled we are to have the opportunity to connect with all of you landscape design enthusiasts, homeowners, gardeners, green thumbs, and anyone else who has stumbled upon the FiveSTAR Landscape Design Blog.

We are FiveSTAR Landscape, a locally owned, award-winning landscape design and build company in Houston, TX. Our passion for creating sustainable, enduring outdoor spaces is what drives us, and we are thrilled to begin this blogging journey with you.

 

 

As a forward-thinking company, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with contemporary design trends and ensuring our landscapes are as smart and sustainable as possible. Our years of industry experience have equipped us with a wealth of knowledge- and we are not ones to keep things to ourselves. We are here to share, inspire, and bring a touch of Texas charm to your outdoor haven.

We hope this blog will serve as your one stop shop, and go-to resource for the latest industry trends, weatherproofing tips for your Texas garden, insights into our favorite Zone 9 native plants, eco-friendly designs, drought resistant landscaping and so much more! Whether you are planning to re-design your outdoor living space or looking to enhance your current garden, our blog will provide you with unique and innovative ideas.

Thank you for joining us on this journey! We look forward to seeing you back here for all things Texas, Houston and landscape design.

Interestedin talking to a landscape designer?

Contact us today for a free consultation- because turning your outdoor dreams into a reality is what we do best!