DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPING –
In the excitement of buying a new home in San Antonio, remember to plan for the long-term when you start landscaping. San Antonio sits in an area that has experienced drought problems and watering restrictions. So, installing sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping will help you to save on your water bills. Also, your drought tolerant landscaping will survive season to season, saving you both time and money.
Tips for achieving drought tolerant landscape:
What to keep and what to remove from my yard?
Making the landscaping for your San Antonio home impervious to drought does not always mean ripping out everything. For example, if you have large trees, do your best to keep them. They supply a shade canopy for your home, conserving energy. In addition, they provide a protective habitat to native birds and other wildlife, and a cover for other plants. For the most drought tolerant option, consider removing your turf grass. A standard lawn requires constant watering to stay green. Replacing just part of your lawn with a rock garden interspersed with native plants and ground cover can reduce your water bill and increase your environmentally responsible footprint.
What drought tolerant plants are best?
For the best results, plant species native to the San Antonio region. Finding the right plant is not difficult thanks to websites like Plant Native that list regional plants, and the nurseries that can supply you with the right species and give you expert advice state by state. In addition, they provide lists of community service organizations that offer classes and tutorials on local flora. Other places to find information include local universities, plant nurseries and garden shops.
Add ground cover
Removing turf and non-native plants that require consistent watering is just part of the process. Covering exposed ground with lava rock and mulch helps it retain water and reduces erosion. Consider installing ground cloth under your rock and mulch to reduce weed growth and retain additional moisture. According to the University of Ohio, property mulching reduces the soil temperature and adds nutrients to the soil. This makes existing plants more drought tolerant and less susceptible to disease, or to attacks by insects.
Try compost
Adding compost to your soil before you mulch increases the likelihood for the rain or irrigation waters get absorbed into the soil rather than running off. According to the Arboretum and Public Garden at UC Davis, composting is second only to mulching to save water and improve drought survival.
Update your irrigation system
An old or faulty irrigation system wastes precious water and costs money both in increased utility bills and lost landscaping. So, have it inspected to be sure it is operating properly. Did you know that San Antonio Water Systems or ( SAWS ) may provide you a credit on your bill due to a leak in an irrigation system? You will need to provide them with the necessary documentation for them to make a decision. Make sure to water according to the landscaping and soil, including less frequently on clay soils since they store water, and more frequently at smaller amounts for sandy soils. Install modern smart technology controls that automatically sense rainfall and other conditions, and adjust both the water amount and watering frequency. Consider using a rain barrel that collects water from a roof and holds it to water your landscaping. It is a great way to conserve water and it can help protect your property because it reduces the amount of water that flows on the ground.
Proper landscaping increases your San Antonio home’s value and curb appeal. We can help you find local professionals to advise you on the best drought tolerant ideas for your landscaping.
Please call Melissa Muse Wiggans, Owner and Broker of Real Estate Muses for recommendations, should you need a referral.
For other real estate advice or tips on how to improve your San Antonio home, contact Melissa Muse Wiggans, Broker and Owner of Real Estate Muses. Her team of top Realtors specialize in residential real estate for those buying and selling homes in San Antonio. We help military families who PCS as well as those moving or relocating to San Antonio, TX. Visit realestatemuses.com