Let your Austin landscape do the work
Whether you’re a dedicated gardener or weekend warrior, taking care of the home landscape means getting your hands dirty. Why not add some smart function to all that lawn care? Here are three tips that can save on cooling costs, control the water bill and keep your yard on level ground.
1. Enjoy the Shade
Trees and shrubs around the house are a beautiful part of the landscape, but they’re also great energy savers because they lower surrounding temperatures by as much as 9 degrees. Tall shades like red maples and cedar elms can save up to 30% on cooling costs. Shrubs do their part to beat the summer heat by shading exterior walls and windows. Esperanza, Texas sage and cenizo are just a few examples of shrubs that thrive around Austin homes, and each one brings a unique look to the yard.
2. Grow More With Less
Xeriscaping is gaining popularity here in the Hill Country because it’s a beautiful landscaping treatment that’s easy on the water bills. This approach to yard renovation also cuts down on weekend chores. Drought-resistant shrubs, ground covers and flowers are low-maintenance alternatives to lawns that need regular watering, mowing and trimming. Bright Texas natives include pomegranate trees, bottlebrush and firecracker fern. These colorful plants are living proof that xeriscaping is about more than water conservation. It’s a dramatic alternative to traditional lawns with unlimited design possibilities.
3. Conquer Rolling Terrain
Austin’s rolling landscape is part of the area’s charm, but those slopes make it hard to water the lawn evenly, and they’re prone to erosion. Consider leveling your terrain with granite or limestone retaining walls. These simple constructions are solid solutions that control water flow and create attractive windbreaks. Whether you build with simple concrete blocks or native fieldstone, retaining walls are ideal for establishing borders, shoring up slopes and creating graceful terraces. They provide shade for gardens, add visual interest and keep your lawn on even footing.
With our wonderful climate and rich Hill Country soil, smart landscaping options are only limited by your green thumb. If you’d like more ideas on combining beauty and function around the house, give us a call here at ABC Home & Commercial Services. We’ll be happy to help make your yard work for you.