Austin lawn care services
Austin, TX has some of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the country, with a location on busy Lady Bird Lake and easy access to some of the state's most popular parks. Austin has grown faster than all other large metro areas in the U.S. over the last five years. With its peaceful rolling landscape and lakes, Austin is a pristine location to grow a beautiful lawn. However, with a lack of consistent rainfall and unusually high temperatures, keeping a healthy green lawn can be a challenge.
The best grasses to grow in Austin
A healthy, attractive yard starts with lush, growing grass. For your yard to reach its fullest potential you have to carefully choose what type of grass you want to grow. Warm-season grasses grow exceptionally well in Austin.
St. Augustine is one the, if not most, popular type of grass in Austin. This grass grows quickly and can even tolerate shade very well. This grass is accustomed to warm weather climates, which means it will survive the hot Austin summers. Alternatively, it does not have strong cold tolerance. St. Augustine requires over six hours of sunlight per day. The blades should be cut to a height of approximately two and a half inches.
Zoysia can also thrive in Austin, due to its shade tolerance and resistance to foot traffic. It definitely grows slow, and takes a while to recover from any damage. It is completely resistant to high temperatures, low water intake, disease, shade, and pests. However, the seeds can be a bit pricier than other types of grass.
Bermuda is very common in Austin, due to its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. The blades are smooth and fine. However, Bermuda doesn't grow well in shaded areas, so be careful if you have lots of trees shading your lawn. Bermuda should be cut to between one and a half to two inches to maintain ideal growth.
Maintenance is dependant upon the seasons in Austin
Fall is the best time to perform an aeration lawn service in Austin. Aeration involves the extraction of tiny plugs of dirt from your lawn, thus relieving compaction while exposing the roots to air, water and valuable nutrients. Overtime, the soil your lawn grows from becomes compacted, which makes it difficult for your lawn to absorb nutrients and water. Aeration alleviates the pressure.
Let's talk about fertilization, the best time to fertilize your lawn is right before the grass hits its growing season. Austin soil is not very nutrient dense, therefore extra fertilization may be necessary. In Austin, the beginning of summer until the near end of spring are considered prime months for fertilization. A second round of fertilizer should be applied toward the very end of summer. This should be completed no later than the end of September. Also, make sure your lawn has plenty of water before you begin the fertilization process.
Spring is a great time to overseed your lawn. This is the process of sowing seeds throughout your lawn. This is one of the most essential components to maintain a strong, lush green lawn. It's best to complete this process after your lawn may have suffered through a hot summer or harsh winter. This will help to repair any bald spots your lawn may have endured.
Austin lawn mowing should be done year round, even in the off season. Check your mower to ensure the blades are sharp, as dull blades can cause more problems for your lawn. It's also recommended to mow in different directions during each season. Mowing this way will keep your lawn height level and the grass growing evenly.
Watering your Austin, TX lawn
Austin is currently in the conservation stage of statewide water restrictions. Residential homeowners may only water their lawns using a hose-end sprinklers two days per week, from midnight to 10am and / or 7pm to midnight. They may use automatic irrigation one day per week. Failing to follow the water restrictions may result in enforcement action, including fines of up to $500 per violation. Don't stress too much though, these restrictions may not affect your lawn as much as you think.
It's important to maintain a schedule when watering your lawn. Watering during the hottest part of the day is the least efficient, as most of the water just ends up evaporating. Watering early in the morning is the best time, because the water will absorb throughout the day and helps your grass ensure the scorching sun. Watering your lawn less frequently with deeper absorption is much better than short, frequent spouts of watering. When you water your grass deeply, the roots develop a strong footing in your lawn. Overall, the water restrictions are bearable and may even help you establish an effective watering routine for Austin lawn care routine.
Professional Austin lawn care
If lawn care maintenance seems overwhelming or you'd just rather do something else with your time, it may be a good idea to consider Austin lawn services. A professional Austin lawn care service can help with anything from Austin gardening to general maintenance. A professional might be just what you need to get your yard exactly how you desire.
Commonly asked questions
Are there any watering restrictions in Austin?
You may water only on your assigned day(s) and times.
Residential:
Hose-end Sprinklers: Two days per week - midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight. Even address - Thursday, Sunday Odd address - Wednesday, Saturday.
Automatic Irrigation: One day per week - midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight (Residential customers may also water a second day with a hose-end sprinkler). Even address - Thursday Odd address - Wednesday.
What are the irrigation standards?
An area equal to at least 50% of the total required landscaped area on a project must be undisturbed natural area(s) or undisturbed existing trees with no potable irrigation; or be irrigated by stormwater runoff conveyed from impervious surfaces on the site.
How much mulch should be applied?
Straw mulch shall be spread uniformly over the area indicated or as designated by the Engineer or designated representative at the rate of 2 to 2½ tons of straw per acre (4.5 to 5.6 megagrams of straw per hectare). The actual rate of application will be designated by the Landscape Architect, Engineer or designated representative. Straw may be hand or machine placed and adequately secured.
