Summer Lawn Care in Houston Texas

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Ultimate Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Houston, Texas

Summer in Houston, Texas, means sizzling temperatures, high humidity, and long sunny days. While you might be ready for backyard BBQs and poolside lounging, your lawn requires a different kind of preparation to stay green and healthy. But fear not! With the right tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can ensure your yard becomes the envy of the neighborhood. Grab your sun hat and some iced tea as we walk through essential summertime lawn care tips.

Understanding Houston’s Climate

Houston’s unique subtropical climate presents both challenges and opportunities for summer lawn care. The heat and humidity can stress grass but also provide an opportunity for growth—if you know what you’re doing.

The Essentials of Summer Lawn Care

Here are some key practices to keep your Houston lawn looking its best all summer long:

1. Mowing Like a Pro

  • Keep it Tall: For most grass types, cutting your grass to about 3-4 inches in height is ideal during summer. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and helping the grass retain moisture.
  • Sharp Blades Matter: A clean cut reduces stress on your grass. Sharpen your mower blades regularly to avoid tearing the grass, which can cause brown tips and make your lawn more susceptible to disease.

2. Water Wisely

  • Morning Hydration: Watering your lawn in the early morning (before 10 AM) reduces evaporation losses and allows your grass to absorb water efficiently.
  • Deep and Infrequent: Aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth. Typically, 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, is sufficient.

3. Feeding Your Lawn

  • Summer Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to rapid growth that stresses your grass.
  • Watch the Nitrogen: Too much nitrogen can burn your lawn in the summer heat. Look for fertilizers with a balanced mix of nutrients.

4. Weed and Pest Control

  • Stay Vigilant: Weeds and pests can become more active in the summer. Treat weeds early before they spread and use appropriate insecticides if you notice any pest activity.
  • Natural Alternatives: Consider organic options like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to combat pests without harsh chemicals.

5. Aeration and Dethatching

  • Breathe Easy: Aerate your lawn to improve soil compaction and enhance root growth. Late spring or early summer is an excellent time for aeration.
  • Mind the Thatch: Thatch is that layer of dead grass and roots that can prevent water from reaching the soil. Remove excessive thatch to ensure your lawn can breathe.

6. Dealing with Drought

  • Mulch It Up: Mulching around trees and garden beds helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool.
  • Drought-Resistant Grass: Consider overseeding with drought-resistant grass varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia to create a more resilient lawn.

Expert Tips for Houston Lawns

  • Local Knowledge: Always consider local advice and connect with a Houston-based lawn care expert who understands the specific challenges of the region.
  • Monitor Soil Health: Regularly test your soil to ensure it has the right pH and nutrient levels. Adjust your lawn care practices accordingly.

 

Maintaining a lush, green lawn during Houston’s hot summers can be a bit of a science mixed with a dash of art. By following these summer lawn care tips, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful yard all season long.

Interested in a low maintenance landscape that doesn’t require much maintenance–even in Houston’s hottest months? Contact FiveSTAR Landscape today for your FREE landscape design consultation. Your outdoor space should be your favorite place!

Happy gardening! 🌿👩‍🌾

Best Plants for Swimming Pool Landscape Design

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Our 8 Favorite Plants for Pool Landscaping

 

 

Houston’s scorching summer heat calls for a refreshing dip in the pool, and what better way to enhance your poolside paradise than with beautiful, heat-resistant plants? Selecting the right plants can transform your poolside area into a lush, inviting oasis. Here is a definitive guide to choosing the right plants for your swimming pool landscape design.

1. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)

Why it works: This ornamental grass is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun. Its feathery texture adds a soft, elegant touch to your poolside landscape.

Care: Requires minimal water once established. Cut back old foliage in early spring to encourage new growth.

2. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Why it works: With its striking, bird-like flowers and broad, tropical leaves, Bird of Paradise creates a stunning focal point.

Care: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

3. Lantana (Lantana camara)

 

Why it works: Lantana’s vibrant, multi-colored flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and color to your pool area.

Care: Extremely heat and drought-tolerant. Requires minimal watering and thrives in full sun.

 4. Agave (Agave americana)

Why it works: Agave plants are architectural and dramatic, perfect for a modern or desert-inspired poolside design.

Care: Requires very little water and thrives in full sun. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

5. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis)

Why it works: Known for its vibrant, long-lasting flowers, Bougainvillea adds a splash of color that stands out in any landscape.

Care: Loves the heat and requires full sun. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.

6. Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

Why it works: This succulent shrub produces beautiful, rose-like flowers and has a unique, sculptural form.

Care: Needs full sun and well-draining soil. Water moderately, reducing frequency during the winter months.

7. Plumeria (Frangipani)

Why it works: Plumeria’s fragrant flowers and lush foliage give a tropical feel to your pool area.

Care: Thrives in full sun. Requires regular watering during the growing season but should be kept drier in winter.

8. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Why it works: This native shrub is highly drought-tolerant and produces beautiful purple blooms after rain.

Care: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Minimal watering needed once established.

 

Tips for Swimming Pool Landscaping

Choose Heat-Tolerant Varieties: Opt for plants that can withstand the intense Houston sun and high temperatures.

Consider Maintenance: Select plants that require minimal upkeep to enjoy more time in the pool and less time gardening.

Incorporate Containers: Using pots allows for flexible design and easy relocation of plants as needed.

Mind the Mess: Avoid plants that shed a lot of leaves or debris to keep your pool clean.

Creating a lush, inviting poolside retreat is achievable with the right selection of plants. By choosing heat-tolerant, low-maintenance varieties, you can enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space even in the peak of Houston’s summer heat.

Ready to transform your Houston backyard into a summer paradise? Contact FiveSTAR Landscape today for your free consultation! Dive into a lush, vibrant landscape that thrives in the Texas heat!