Watering Guides
Plants, Trees and sod are alive beings. Newly installed they require additional help to grow roots and to get established:
In over 95 degrees (PEAK OF SUMMER) you will need to water up to 4 times a day.
Avoid watering too close to night time specially in fall and winter and early spring.
The first 2-3 weeks are crucial for plants to get established. After this initial period you can cut back on the watering frequency and time. However newly installed grass and trees will not be established for months so a slow reduction in watering schedule is needed specially in warmer months or in droughts.
WAIT TO MOW: It’s a good idea to wait at least five weeks to mow your lawn after installation in order to avoid cutting the new sod too close to the root and make sure grass trimmings are being bagged and not mulched.
FERTILIZE: New lawns, plants and trees thrive with the application of quality fertilizer, which works to help create and maintain a sustainable root system that will keep your yard lush for years to come.
To know when to water the lawn, simply observe the grass/plant and tree. Wilting and discoloration are signs of water stress. At the first sign of wilting, you have 24 to 48 hours to water before serious injury occurs. Apply 1 inch of water to the lawn as rapidly as possible without runoff.
Smart Plants for Texas
BULBINE
Can be found in Yellow and Orange Colors
LANTANA
Come in various different colors
IRISES
Evergreen flower in Spring
GARLIC
Deer Resistant
DWARF RUELIA
Pink and Purple
VINCA
Evergreen flowering groundcover
PRIDE OF BARBADOS
Drought Tolerant
SAGES
Mostly Evergreen come in different colors:
Pink, Red, Purple and Black & Blue
MAKE SURE YOU CALL THE EXPERTS
DIFFERENT PLANTS SERVCE DIFFERENT PURPOSES
ADVANTAGES OF A WELL-DESIGNED LANDSCAPE
Lower Maintenance Reducing Water Use Cut heating and Cooling Costs Protect your home from wind and sun damage Lower noise
San Antonio is in the hot-humid region It is advisable to shade your home in summer but allowing sun to warm your home in winter. Shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce solar heat gain and avoid air conditioning costs
Planting deciduous trees to the south of your home -- they can screen 70-90 percent of the hot summer sun while allowing breezes through. Plant trees with crowns lower to the ground on the west if you want to shade from lower, afternoon sun angles.
Plant evergreen trees and shrubs to the north and northwest of your home to stop wind.
Landscaping for Water Conservation General Advice:
Reduce the use of turf and use low-water-using types of turf grass. Aerate your soil -- it improves water flow to plants’ roots and reduces water runoff
Water in the morning when it is cooler and evaporation rates are low In the summer, raise your lawn mower cutting height -- longer grass blades help shade each other & retain more water.
Use mulch to keep plant roots cool, minimize evaporation and reduce weed growth.
Sources: Energy Saver (www.energy.gov/energysaver), the Energy Department (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/library/pdfs/16632.pdf) and EPA WaterSense (http://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor/landscaping_tips.html).