If you live in Austin or anywhere in Texas, you know the state is facing the worst drought in its history, even with recent rains. The long-term lack of rain has meant water restrictions in many Texas counties and irrigation challenges for everyone.
Despite the limited amount of water available to maintain outdoor vegetation, it’s still possible to keep the lawns, plants and shrubs around your home or business in reasonably good condition. Following are some tips to help you save your greenery, your wallet and the state’s most precious resource:
- Mow your grass so that it is longer rather than shorter. Longer grass has deeper, stronger roots and is therefore more resistant to drought.
- Reduce the use of fertilizers. While fertilizers may produce more rapid growth, they also cause plants to need more water. When you do use fertilizers, apply them more frequently and in smaller doses.
- Aerate your lawn. Doing so will allow water to penetrate more easily into the soil and provide greater circulation of air around the roots.
- Add a two to three-inch layer of mulch to shrub beds. This will not only reduce the amount of water needed to hydrate the plants, but also cut down on the number of weeds that will sprout.
- Decrease the size of your lawns and fill the extra land space for less water-hungry shrubs and ground cover.
- Consider switching over to synthetic grass, which requires no watering at all.
At South Austin Irrigation, we understand that regardless of what the weather brings—or in this case, withholds—maintaining healthy lawns and gardens is important to you. That’s why our experts are here to help you get the most out of your irrigation system. When you need a tune-up or repairs, contact us for services you can count on, rain or shine.
