Austin's Only Hope: Native Plants

Embracing the Beauty of Native Plants: Sustainable Landscaping in Austin, Texas

Nestled in the heart of Texas, Austin boasts a rich diversity of plants, making it the perfect canvas for embracing the beauty and benefits of native plants. Native plants are those that naturally occur in a specific region and have adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. Incorporating these indigenous treasures into your landscape not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the environment in numerous ways. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of native plants in Austin, Texas, and discover how to use them in your landscape to foster a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.

With the recent freezes, many clients are wondering what can we plant that will not die. The answer is easy… Native plants! They can handle the weather better than anything the mass nursery industries produces. Want a real chance at having your plants survive through the harsh winters? Plant natives! Here is why…

• Adaptation to Climate:

• Austin's hot and often dry climate presents challenges for many non-native plants. Native plants, on the other hand, have evolved over time to withstand the local weather conditions, making them more resilient and low-maintenance. By using native species in your landscape, you can reduce water usage, as these plants are well-suited to survive on the natural rainfall.

• Recommended native plants: Texas Sage (Leucophyllum spp.), Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus), and Texas Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora).

• Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat:

• Native plants play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity by providing essential habitats and food sources for native wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and pollinators. As you cultivate native species in your landscape, you create a haven for these creatures, contributing to the overall health of Austin's ecosystem.

• Designing with wildlife in mind: Create diverse planting zones and incorporate different native plant species to attract a wide range of wildlife. Provide shelter through shrubs and trees, and include nectar-rich flowers to entice pollinators.

• Soil Health and Erosion Control:

• Native plants have deep root systems that help improve soil structure, preventing erosion and promoting water infiltration. This is especially crucial in regions like Austin, where heavy rains can lead to soil runoff and erosion.

• Soil-friendly natives: Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and Lindheimer's Muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri).

• Water Conservation:

• Water scarcity is a significant concern in Austin, making water conservation a top priority for responsible landscaping. Native plants have evolved to thrive on the region's natural precipitation, requiring minimal additional watering once established.

• Xeriscaping with natives: Embrace xeriscaping principles by selecting drought-tolerant native plants and designing your landscape to maximize water efficiency.

• Connecting with Local Heritage:

• Incorporating native plants into your landscape is not only an ecological choice but also a celebration of Austin's unique identity and natural heritage. These plants have been an integral part of the local ecosystem for centuries, reflecting the spirit of Texas and its rich biodiversity.

• Learning and sharing: Educate yourself and your community about the importance of native plants and the role they play in preserving local ecosystems. Participate in local gardening clubs or attend workshops to expand your knowledge.

As we strive to create a sustainable future for Austin, Texas, embracing the beauty and benefits of native plants in our landscapes is a powerful step in the right direction. From conserving water to supporting local wildlife, these indigenous treasures have a profound impact on the environment. By using native plants, you not only enhance the natural beauty of your surroundings but also contribute to the preservation of Austin's unique ecological heritage.

As you embark on your journey of landscaping with native plants, remember to consult with local nurseries, horticultural experts, and resources dedicated to promoting native plant conservation. Together, we can cultivate a landscape that honors Austin's natural heritage while fostering a healthier and more resilient environment for generations to come.

Want to learn more about natives? We could love to come time to you and teach you more about how to use them in your yard.

Navigating the Cost and Weed Control Challenges of Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping, a water-wise landscaping technique, offers numerous benefits in terms of water conservation and reduced maintenance. However, it's essential to understand and address the challenges associated with xeriscaping, particularly the costs involved and the need for effective weed control. We will explore these specific struggles and provide insights on how to overcome them, allowing you to create a beautiful and sustainable xeriscape that fits your budget and minimizes weed growth.

Example of Xeriscaping

1. Cost Considerations: Transitioning from a traditional landscape to xeriscaping will involve some initial costs. Installing sod is much cheaper comparitively. With Xeriscaping it's important to recognize that while there may be upfront investments, these costs are often offset by long-term savings. Here are some cost-related challenges to keep in mind:

a) Irrigation System: Installing an efficient irrigation system, such as drip irrigation and smart irrigation controllers, can be an initial investment. However, these systems deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing water waste and reducing long-term water bills.

b) Plant Selection: Xeriscaping often involves using native drought-tolerant plant species, which may have higher upfront costs compared to traditional garden plants. However, keep in mind that these plants are more resilient, require less water, and may save you money on watering and maintenance in the long run.

c) Material costs: The material cost is much higher to have hardscape or gravels installed, but they can become outdoor rooms, making your yard space more usable. When moving over to xeriscape it also requires the removal of all the existing landscape, which is time consuming.

Overcoming the cost challenges:

• Research and budget: Conduct thorough research to identify cost-effective options for irrigation systems, native or adapted plant species, and material costs. Consider consulting with local landscape professionals (like us) for recommendations tailored to your space.

• Phased implementation: If the initial cost seems overwhelming, consider implementing xeriscaping in phases, tackling one area of your landscape at a time to spread out the expenses.

1. Weed Control: While xeriscaping generally results in fewer weeds compared to traditional landscapes, weed growth can still occur. It's important to address weed control challenges effectively to maintain the aesthetics and health of your xeriscape. Here's how to tackle weed growth:

a) Mulching: Applying a thick layer of mulch, such as hardwood mulch, gravels, or mulched pecan shells , around your plants helps suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating.

b) Manual weeding: Regularly inspect your xeriscape and promptly remove any emerging weeds by hand. Be sure to pull the weeds out by their roots to prevent regrowth.

c) Pre-emergent herbicides: If necessary, consider using pre-emergent herbicides that target weed seeds before they sprout. However, be cautious with herbicide usage and always follow the instructions carefully, opting for eco-friendly and low-toxicity options.

Overcoming weed control challenges:

• Vigilance and regular maintenance: Regularly monitor your xeriscape for weed growth and address it promptly before weeds have a chance to spread and compete with your drought-tolerant plants.

• Mulch effectively: Ensure a thick layer of mulch to smother weed growth effectively. Replenish the mulch as needed to maintain its weed-suppressing properties.

Xeriscaping offers significant water savings and reduced maintenance requirements, but it's important to be aware of the cost challenges involved and the need for effective weed control. By planning ahead, conducting thorough research, and implementing cost-saving strategies, you can manage the initial expenses of xeriscaping. Additionally, by employing techniques such as mulching and regular maintenance, you can effectively control weed growth in your xeriscape, ensuring a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape that embraces sustainability.

Conundrums of a Landscaper Series : Blackstar Gravel

I will preface this post with the statement that my wife thinks I am a total nerd. Landscape nerd. 

I was recently at my favorite rock yard, Whittlesey, buying a ton of Blackstar gravel (sometimes called Basalt) for the small commercial planting seen above. When I thought to myself, "where is Blackstar gravel from?"

The Unfortunate Question

I like to pride myself on the fact that I use native plants and source things as local as possible for my landscape business. I almost did not want to ask where it is from because Blackstar gravel is such a great product. The gravel is functionally one the best for paths and patios. Aesthetically, Blackstar offers a stark contrast to the green of grass or plants. In the right setting it can add a modern touch. If I knew the stone was coming from Arizona or some other far off state I would have a guilty conscious every time I sold it. As I thought about it more, all signs pointed to the fact that it must of come from a secluded beach on Hawaii or something. I have been the the farthest stretches of Texas and never seen a rock like this. The price is much higher compared to similar gravels. After these thoughts flooded my brain, I finally got the nerve to ask the rock yard manager.

The Origins of Blackstar Gravel

Uvalde County, Texas. Yes!

The yard manager let me know a bit of the back story, which I found interesting and thought you may too.

The manager said that the stone was actually Dolomite, not Basalt, like the other name it is frequently called (be sure to read to the end.) According to the manager, the stone is quarried close to Del Rio, Texas, but the reason the price is high is because the railroads use the same gravel to support the railroad ballast. The railroads use it because of its great strength and interlocking qualities. The railroads are driving the demand high for this product, not just the new fancy houses on the east side of Austin.

This new discovery about the Texas sourced Blackstar gravel, fascinated me for a few reasons.

1. Can it really be sourced in Texas? (Despite the good new, I still doubted the stone was from Texas.)

2. Why would a stone commonly be called Basalt when it is actually Dolomite?

First thing I did was call a Geologist buddy. When I mentioned that the stone may be Dolomite and not Basalt, it seemed to make sense to him based off his knowledge of Texas mineral deposits. There was one way to know for sure though.... Hydrochloric Acid of course.

He brought his family over the next day. As our children ran around and played, we ducked behind the garage with our rocks and diluted Hydrochloric acid. The idea was if we pour the acid on the Blackstar gravel and it fizzed it was Dolomite, if not, then it was something else. Dolomite is similar to limestone in composition, and both of carbonate minerals, which react to Hydrochloric acid.  

As both of our heads hunched over the stones with our ears close we poured the hydrochloric acid...... Nothing happened, I said, "those stones must have something wrong with them." We grabbed another handful, and poured some more acid on them, but this time we emptied the vile just to be sure. Nothing happened again. We walked back to our beer bottles as he told me, "I am not really the kind of geologist who is good at rock identification." I gave up on my research for the moment and enjoyed my beer.
 

Well, as any good researcher would do, I finally "googled" it. After some searching in obscure links, I found the clarifying document. As it goes, Blackstar is in fact Basalt. A very hard dark stone that forms from cooled magma. It is found in many places, but in Texas it can be found around the Chisos Mountains, Fort Davis, Guadalupe Peak, and down along the Rio Grande. The manager at the rock yard was misinformed.

Dolomite can also be found in Texas, but did not really match the description. It can be darker brown and grey, but not quite the black/grey of Blackstar. Dolomite is similar to Limestone in hardness and composition. Turns out when we did our Hydrochloric acid test we should have been able to know instantly that is was not Dolomite, which fizzes just like Limestone.

The Bottom Line

Blackstar is Basalt. Basalt is in Texas. Basalt is extremely durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing in landscaping. See clarifying document below.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/books/landscapes/publications/txu-oclc-1033031/txu-oclc-1033031.pdf

Thinking About Adding Trees to Your Landscape? NOW is the Time!

 

Fall special for all tree installations before December 15.
 

Most people assume spring is the only time to work on your landscape, but fall is actually much better, especially in our Texas heat.
Trees need time to set down roots in the fall and winter, so they can thrive in the spring, and actually require far less water to establish in fall and winter as opposed to planting in spring and summer.

So, the truth is, fall is THE time to plant trees!

What type of trees are best for my landscape?

We work with many different species of trees at Terra Dura, but by far our favorites and most recommended are large shade trees which require little water. Not only are they beneficial to the ecosystem and aesthetically beautiful, by installing trees like these to the southwest of your home or office, you can save quite a bit on your utility bills.

Tree spotlight: Mexican Sycamore

The Mexican Sycamore is a great choice for the Austin area. With smooth, white-to-beige peeling bark and large maple-like leaves, It looks very similar to the American Sycamore you may be familiar with, only a bit smaller and with slight differences to the leaf structure.

 While they can grow up to 80 feet in the wild, most of the Mexican Sycamores around here will get up to about 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. They’re deciduous, meaning their leaves will fall off come winter and grow back in the spring.

Although Mexican Sycamore is not technically native to our area, some experts believe that all sycamore trees descended from an ancestral species which is most similar to the Mexican variety. As it exists today, Mexican Sycamore originates from Guatemala up through Mexico.

Benefits of planting Mexican Sycamore include:

• They’re drought resistant, which means less worry and maintenance for you in the hot summers when water is scarce, plus a lower water bill.
• It won’t be long until they fill in your landscape; these guys are really fast growers.
• Unlike American Sycamores, Mexican Sycamores are immune to bacterial leaf scorch, a very common and damaging disease.
• They are well adapted to most soil types, which means chances are you’ll have to do little to no soil adaptations to get them thriving.
• Mexican Sycamores are also pretty hardy against many of the primary predators other trees suffer from, including most insects and diseases.
• Although they originate from a more tropical climate, Mexican Sycamores have shown to do well in even the colder Austin winters, requiring little extra care.

Ready to plant? Save $$$ with our Fall Tree Special!

We want to help you take advantage of the perfect season for trees!
Terra Dura is offering a tree planting special until December 15.

Pick any of these three recommended low-water shade trees for one flat fee of $500 + sales tax for your 30-gallon* (approximately 8- to 20-foot tall) tree plus its installation.

1. Mexican Sycamore

2. Live Oak

3. Mexican White Oak

*other tree options and sizes are available.

Not sure which type of tree is best for you? No problem! Give us a call at 512-560-0148 today and we’ll help you make the best decision.  And if you know you’re ready to go, contact us now to set up your installation time. Your tree will have lots of time to set its roots and get cozy!

Lighten Up: Make Your Backyard Inviting

Summer heat been giving you the blues? We love Texas for all the outdoor fun we have, but sometimes it's just too hot to be outside.

 Now that the evenings are getting cooler, it is easy to start thinking about relaxing in your backyard a little more. Have you ever considered the way professional landscape lights can enhance your outdoor space?

 

 

There are many surprising reasons to install professional landscape lighting:

 1. Aesthetics

Great lighting just looks good. Lighting adds a dimension of beauty to your outdoor space by creating glows, casting shadows, and adding a softness to your environment that standard porch lights can’t provide.

 2. Security

It’s an old trick everyone knows—lighting up your space makes it much harder to hide, and greatly reduces the chances you’ll attract questionable characters or critters. Even keeping your space partially lit at night can make a big difference.

3. Safety

Nobody wants to stumble around or hurt themselves trying to navigate a dark porch or yard. Illuminate dark corners with low lighting to easily see where you’re going at night, and to keep your space safe for kids and family.

 4. Extended Outdoor Time

Most of the time, we find ourselves retreating to the well-lit indoors once the sun goes down. But with a few simple lighting additions, you’ll be able to enjoy evenings outside well into the starlit night, creating a new space to entertain your guests and friends.

 5. Quality

Not all lighting is created equal. You could go to a home improvement store and try to DIY your outdoor lighting, but the quality level and lifetime you’ll receive by going professional is well worth the investment.

Here at Terra Dura, we use Vistapro Landscape LED lights, which last up to 50,000 hours—roughly 50x longer compared to your regular incandescent lights, which last only 1,000 to 2,000. They’ll also use at least 75% less energy.

Here are just a few of the ways professional lighting can enhance your space:

 Pathways: No need to line the edge of your pathway with lights. Try mixing directional path lights with ambient lighting within your landscaped beds for a more natural look.

 Patio: Use diffused down-lighting from above to get a moonlit effect onto your patio.

 Trees: Trees are naturally incredibly beautiful forms to use for up-lighting or cross-lighting.

 Water Features: Underwater lights are both elegant & eye-catching.

 Architectural Elements: Pillars, terraces, and even your home itself can all be lit for dramatic effect.

 Driveway: Consider lighting up the landscaping around your driveway to bring more ambiance for those coming to your home, or for a soothing welcome on your way home from work.

 

Ready to lighten up? Give us a call at (512) 560-0148 and let Terra Dura Landscapes brighten up your yard to create a relaxing, beautiful, and secure environment for you to enjoy.