landscaping for austin texas

Most trees in our area are struggling during our extreme drought.  If you have new trees you should be providing them approximately 10 gallons per caliper inch of water each week.  Unfortunately, irrigation systems are designed to water small plants and grass but will not provide enough water for trees.  Unless your irrigation system has been fitted with bubblers for your trees, you will need to provide additional water to minimize loss.

The best way to accomplish this type of watering is to use the hose with only a trickle of water for a long period of time.  A slow soak for an hour or more will allow the water to soak into the root ball and minimize water run off.

You native existing, well established, trees will also need water.  Remember, they have never experienced this type of drought ever!  Deep water 1" to 3" of water weekly.

Drought is currently the major cause of tree stress, not insects or disease. 

Central Texas mandatory watering restrictions (Stage 2) are in effect or will be implemented very soon for most water suppliers.  The LCRA has information from most water districts on their web page.  www.lcra.org  If you click on "Watering Restrictions Schedule" in the left column of the page.  This will take you to a listing of most water districts in the area.  Pick your water provider to determine your watering stage and watering days. 

Many water districts will allow a variance for new landscaping, but some do not.  Check your water provider to make sure they allow watering each day for the first 10 days to establish the new sod and plants.  

If you are looking to install a new irrigation system and landscape, you may want to consider installing the irrigation system and all your hardscape items now.  When the drought breaks you can install your sod and plants but you will already have your irrigation, patios, walkways, water features etc in place.  This will expedite your project time instead of waiting for everything when we start getting rain.  When the rain starts again everyone will be thinking the same thing "it is time to replace the yard" and landscaping companies will get busy.