5 Natural Ways to Rid Your Outdoor Living Area of Summer Pests

Mosquitoes bugging you? Flies pestering you?

It is summertime in the Kerrville and San Antonio area and we are enjoying entertaining and being outdoors. But, there are insects to deal with. Ever wondered what you can do to avoid bites and waving your arms around like crazy attempting to keep flies off the freshly grilled burgers?

There are choices in how to rid your outdoor living area from annoying pests. Chemical pesticides are an option, but they are expensive and may kill what we consider to be pests. Some bugs are actually beneficial to our environment. These pesticides may also be harmful to our pets and even small children.

Lavender at Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

Rather than resort to chemically treating our patios, yards and gardens, Burroughs Landscaping suggests a natural way to enjoy your summer minus the worry of irritating bites and ruined food.

Consider planting garden herbs in containers close to and around patio doors, gardens, grills; anywhere you plan to spend time with friends and family outdoors this summer. Basil, Lavender, Rosemary, Mint and Lemon Grass are herbs that provide protection from insects, exhibit beauty and can be used to spice up your favorite dishes.

Did you know that basil repels mosquitoes and flies? Create beds or plant basil in pots around outdoor eating areas and near doorways. Basil is an excellent choice for Texas Hill Country as it thrives in full sun. Especially if planted in pots, a splash of water daily will keep this durable herb healthy. The peppery, tangy herb will provide a nice aroma as well as spice up Italian and Asian dishes. If you don’t cook with basil, butterflies will love to visit, providing extra color and entertainment.

Lavender works much the same as basil. Beds or pots of lavender around doorways keeps mosquitoes, flies, fleas and even scorpions away. Along with keeping pests away, lavender adds color to your landscape as well as an exhilarating aroma. Sachets of lavender can help keep moths away in drawers and closets as well.

Rosemary is another choice to keep insects away from your outdoor living area. Sun-loving and requiring little water, rosemary will add some color to your Texas HillCountry landscape with small clusters of light lavender/blue flowers through the fall and into the winter. Rosemary produces oil that repels mosquitoes and scorpions. Also, placing a spring of rosemary on food while it is on the grill will add flavor as well as the scented smoke keeping mosquitoes and flies at a distance. Grow lavender in pots or mix into landscaping beds and borders.

Mint repels fleas, ants and flies. Growing in pots may be the best option for this herb, as it is prone to be invasive. Rub mint on your skin to avoid being bitten.

Lemon grass and lemon balm contain citronella oil which is used for insect repellent and candles. This low maintenance plant with long gray-green leaf blades will prevent mosquitoes in and around your outdoor living area. Deer resistant, lemon grass is an annual, ornamental grass. Low maintenance, yet requiring moisture, partial shade is the perfect location for this carefree grass that can also be used in preparing Asian dishes.

This summer, rather than spending money on costly pesticides,  Burroughs Landscaping suggests considering using herbs to deter insects from disturbing your cookouts and outdoor entertaining in your natural landscape.

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.

The Century Plant

Landscaping can be more enjoyable when it requires less maintenance.  Using plants that are native to your regional climate are easier to care for and resist pests and diseases. Native plants have naturally adapted to their environment over thousands of years so they won't need as much fertilizer and water as non-native plants.

The Century Plant is a perfect plant to add to your landscaping design plans. This iconic agave thrives in full sun or part shade and is a native Texas plant.  This rugged beauty is celebrated by landscapers for its ease of care and durability.  It is also known as the American Agave and has been utilized as a cornerstone resource by indigenous people from its point of origin in the highlands of Mexico to the unforgiving terrain of Arizona and parts of Texas.  This agave century plant has beautiful leaves that can grow to a length of six feet.  These leaves can be a bluish-gray color and have thorns at the bottom so be sure and keep them away from pedestrian areas.

Once established the century plant needs essentially no attention.  It can live up to 25 years and produces only a single set of blooms during its lifetime. The name century comes form the fact that is a slow growth plant and it takes years to bloom, although it doesn't take 100 years! The blooming consists of a cluster flowers on top of the huge central stalk resembling a candelabrum and is a memorable sight if you are lucky to see it!

Burroughs Landscaping will be happy to meet with you to design your landscape plan to fit your needs and wants. Specializing in landscaping tailored the needs of the Hill Country including xeriscaping.

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.

Burroughs Landscaping Receives Comanche Trace Tour of Homes Best Landscaping Award

Burroughs Landscaping is proud to be the recipient of the 2016 Comanche Trace Tour of Homes Best Landscaping award.  Comanche Trace is a beautiful development with amazing views of the Guadalupe River valley and the inherent beauty of the Texas Hill Country.  This development boasts a championship golf course, trails for jogging, walking and hiking, catch & release fishing lake, swimming pool, fitness center and many more amenities.

Burroughs Landscaping's plan for the modern hill country style home located at 1021 Pinnacle View Drive included incorporating the back patio as well as the front and side yards. The amazing views of the golf course, lake, and surrounding hills makes this house a perfect place to relax and unwind. 

Burroughs Landscaping is happy to assist you in designing an award winning plan that is a perfect fit for your yard and lifestyle. Xeriscaping plans include drought-tolerate plants that save water and establishes a waste-efficient landscape.   


Burroughs Landscaping plans include popular choices such as evergreen trees, flowering shrubs, native plants from the Texas Hill Country as well as beautiful rock and cacti.  Give the friendly staff at Burroughs Landscaping a call today!

 

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.

Get Your Best Landscaping Ideas From Your Surroundings

Texas Hill country is full of amazing landscapes and picturesque views.  One of the most unusual natural beauty dotting our horizon is Enchanted Rock. Enchanted Rock is a monadnock, which is an isolated rock, small mountain, hill or knob that rises abruptly from a gently sloping terrain.

Enchanted Rock is located 17 miles north of Fredericksburg and 24 south of Llano, Texas.  It is a great place to spend time with family and friends stargazing, hiking, rock climbing or having a picnic. The area covers 640 acres and is 425 feet above the surrounding terrain with an elevation of 1,825 feet above sea level.

Taking day trips around our beautiful state can give you inspiration for your own landscaping plans. It is so easy to get caught up in everyday life and we forget how beautiful our surroundings truly are! We take for granted the beauty that we see every day and we need to step back and really look at the landscape and enjoy it as someone seeing it for the first time.

Take a drive this weekend around our beautiful state and admire the countryside. Take note of the flowers, cacti, flowering bushes, and even the rock formations. Hike up to the top of Enchanted Rock and marvel at the amazing blue Texas sky, explore the native plants, trees and flowers.  Take pictures to refresh your memory when you return home.  These memories can help you create a natural retreat right in your own backyard.

Burroughs Landscaping offers expert advice for all your landscaping plans.  Contact them today to discuss your ideas and make your dreams come true. The friendly and knowledgeable folks at Burroughs Landscaping can create the outdoor living space that will be the envy of your neighbors. Start planning today, you deserve a special oasis to welcome you home after a long day of work or play.


Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with homeowners, builders, and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics, and aspirations of each client.

The Hills are alive....with COLOR!

Take a look at the Texas Hill Country especially San Antonio, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Bandera and see vivid colored landscapes.  Just because the bluebonnet season is coming to a close doesn't mean the vibrant colors dotting our landscape will fade away!  

No other part of Texas has more wildflowers than the Hill Country.  You will see an explosion of the brilliant colors in fields, parks, gardens and along our highways. Bright yellow poppies, and the favorite striking red corn poppies that range in color from cotton candy pink to intense fuchsia.  You will see a variety of glorious shades of the Showy Primrose, they range in color from white to a deep pink.

Burroughs Landscaping has ideas and expertise for your yard and gardens.  Using amazing colors and low maintenance plants will keep your natural outdoor living area beautiful and cost efficient.  Consider adding wildflowers to your back yard to make it a perfect backdrop for Summer entertaining.  These simple lovelies will add enjoyment and beauty to your landscape without adding extra maintenance.  

Gorgeous xeriscaping is also available with Burroughs Landscaping.  Your backyard can be transformed to the perfect spot in the neighborhood for outdoor parties and cookouts. Give the experts at Burroughs Landscaping a call today.  They will be happy to help you plan the outdoor space you have always imagined.

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with homeowners, builders, and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics, and aspirations of each client.

Bluebonnet Season Is Almost Over

Don't you feel at home when you are driving and you spot the beautiful bluebonnets? Our beautiful Hill Country of Texas is fortunate to have an abundance of the Texas state flower. Bluebonnets have been loved since man first stepped foot in the vast prairies of Texas.  

The bluebonnet became the state flower in 1901 and there are more than one species of bluebonnet so they are all the state flower or state flowers!  Bluebonnets make our highways beautiful thanks to the Texas Highway Department.  In 1932, the department hired Jac Gubbels to maintain, preserve and encourage wildflowers and other native plants along rights of way.  In 1934, the practice began to delay mowing (unless needed for safety) until the spring and early summer wildflowers seasons were over. This practice is still in place and the Texas Department of Transportation buys and sows about 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed each year.

Historian, Jack Maguire wrote, "It's not only the state flower but also a kind of floral trademark almost as well known to outsiders as cowboy boots and the Stetson hat".  He also affirms that "The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France and the tulip to Holland".

As the bluebonnet season comes to a close, be sure and take advantage of viewing these beauties while they last!  Make beautiful memories with your family by taking family pictures in a field of bluebonnets.  As you view the amazing landscapes, let it inspire you to update your home landscaping.  Call the friendly staff at Burroughs Landscaping for all your landscaping needs.  They will be able to bring your vision to life!

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics, and aspirations of each client.

Don't be a Sandpaper Neighbor...

Spring is just around the corner in Texas Hill Country! After the friendly, experienced team of Burroughs Landscaping has your outdoor living space just as you have envisioned, it is time to relax and enjoy family, friends and  just plain relaxing. 

Most of us live close to neighbors so there are a few things Burroughs Landscaping suggests to keep in mind as the warmer months draw near and we will be outdoors more often.

• When blowing leaves or cutting grass, dispose of them properly rather than blowing into a neighbor's yard. If painting, stay far enough away from vehicles, houses, and other personal items to ensure paint doesn't blow.
• During windy spring months, if trees or branches fall into your yard or your neighbor's, clean them up to keep the neighborhood neat.
• Try to avoid using noisy lawn equipment early in the morning or late into the evening hours. 
• Keep weeds away from property lines to avoid them creeping into a neighbor's yard.
• Avoid bright lights shining toward a neighbor's home at night, and be conscious of music volume after a reasonable hour.
• Most of us delight in the tinkling of wind chimes, but for some people the constant chimes may be annoying. If your neighbors are close, be considerate and take them down when not outside enjoying them. 
• Be aware of where cars are parked, especially when having visitors. Confirm neighbor's drives and mailboxes are not blocked.
• Keep debris, such as car parts, yard tools, scrap wood and even toys in the back yard to avoid cluttering curb appeal in your neighborhood.

If you have a sandpaper neighbor who does any of the above, consider the circumstances. Perhaps they are elderly and not able to rake leaves, or are going through a difficult time. Consider asking if they need help with picking papers up from the drive each day. If concerns persist, contact Burroughs Landscaping to add attractive trees, fences or other hardscaping to minimize unappealing views, lights or noise.

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.

Why Should You Choose Burroughs Landscaping?

It just makes sense to choose a professional landscaper.

Burroughs Landscaping has the latest equipment and experienced team to landscape your yard from scratch, or even maintain. It would take an individual hours to accomplish what this knowledgeable group can knock out in a short time with professional materials and tools. 

As much as we love our Texas Hill Country, landscaping can be challenging. It may feel as though our hot, dry summers dictate certain plants that will survive. The knowledgeable, friendly team at Burroughs Landscaping has the experience and creativity to analyze your particular outdoor living area. Allowing the imaginative team to marry your desires with their ability to design an original, amazing space takes the stress out of planning your summer retreat. 

Familiar with Texas Hill Country native plants, trees and flowers allow the helpful experts to offer suggestions in the design and choice of materials and plants for each space in your yard and gardens. Burroughs Landscaping will let you enjoy your summer, guiding you in choosing local native plants, trees and flowers. These wise, but beautiful options require little to no maintenance and extra watering, saving your money and time. Designing your outdoor space is important, placing plants, borders, mulch and other materials in the best suited places. This not only saves money in watering, but in having to replace plants if they don't survive the heat. Deer resistant plants allow a garden to remain beautiful and inviting throughout the entire year. 

The many years of combined experience the team at Burroughs Landscaping has with xeriscaping in the San Antonio and Kerrville area allow them to create your dream outdoor space.

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.

Create or Update Your Outdoor Living Area this Valentine’s Day

A gift for your sweetheart from Burroughs Landscaping will last way beyond Valentine's Day!

A box of chocolates is sweet, a bouquet of cut flowers is beautiful, and a nice dinner out is certainly romantic, but these are all temporary. Allow Burroughs Landscaping, Kerrville, Texas, to transform your yard and gardens for a Valentine's evening that is not only a romantic treat, but a gift for your sweetie that keeps on giving.

Begin with a few small changes, or make over your entire outdoor living space. Summer is just around the corner, what better time to begin? Rather than bouquets of flowers that wilt in a few short days, choose natural flowers and plants that will thrive in your space and provide enjoyment for months, even years. Planting natural flowers, plants and trees means less maintenance, time and cost. The knowledgeable group at Burroughs Landscaping specializes in choosing the right plants, flowers and trees for every spot of your yard. This Valentine's gift for your special someone will entice colorful butterflies, delicate birds and other curious visitors to entertain you for months to come. 

You can enjoy Valentine's Day with your honey with your very own personalized gardens. The friendly, experienced team at Burroughs Landscaping provides a wide variety of pretties for your pretty. Enjoy a cozy dinner and chocolates with new hardscaping surrounding you both. Stepping stones, rock walls and your outdoor patio complete with fire pit is a splendid backdrop to share with your sweetheart, not only on Valentine's Day, but for many nights in the future. It's a new year, begin new traditions while celebrating in your own private, romantic, outdoor living area. Consider celebrating Cupid's favorite day, as well as other momentous occasions with your loved ones. Commemorate the occasion with a heart shaped bird bath, a special bench or have a tree planted that will remind you and your spouse of your special celebration. 

Nature provides joy that is long lasting, not short lived like presents that tend to be the same year after year. Allow Burroughs Landscaping to create a romantic outdoor area to be loved. 

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.

Deer Interested in Your Outdoor Space This Winter?

Those sweet, graceful, but hungry deer are out and about with cooler temperatures in Texas Hill Country.

There are a few ways to prevent your lovely plants from being devoured. Some plants are naturally deer resistant, but uninvited guests may be likely to try anything once!

If you want to deter deer, rabbits and other visitors from your beds, follow these suggestions:

• Surprise four legged company with motion sensor lights that come on as they approach your pretties
• Hungry, unwelcome callers will be less likely to feast on your plants if you have dogs that are outside. The noise and activity will discourage them
• Garden ornaments that are moved frequently may deter snack time from unwelcome visitors
• Plant tall hedges or fencing around delicious looking plants and flowers
• Thorny bushes, lamb's ear or holly may encourage them to move along to your neighbor's more exposed plants
• Scents such as lavender, rosemary and garlic are not appealing to hungry deer and other wildlife who want to make your landscape their lunch. These scents around the entry point in your garden may be enough to save your plants
• Evenly sprinkle or spray around your garden area with liquid or granular animal repellent. It may be necessary to reapply after rain

Burroughs Landscaping offers these tips and many others to make your outdoor living area and gardens a beautiful, enjoyable space to enjoy the cooler months. Contact the neighborly team to discuss reviving your yard before summer by bringing your ideas together with their expertise.

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.

What better time than winter to transform your yard and gardens?

The weather is more comfortable now than in the heat of the summer. This is a great time to visit your landscaping needs, focusing on out with the old (most anything that is not drought resistant), and in with the new (stick with native plants).  

Do you have plants, trees and flowers that are not native to Texas Hill Country and the areas surrounding San Antonio? Too much grass and needy, thirsty plants cost us time, energy and money throughout the year. 

  

The experienced team at Burroughs Landscaping enjoys meeting you and helping to make your part of this earth a natural, beautiful space you will be proud to call your own! You will be pleased to meet the friendly team and share your ideas and questions. Combine your dreams with their expertise, and you will not be disappointed in your outdoor living space!

Planting in the wintertime allows delicate, new root systems to grow and become established before the heat of summer arrives. Choosing plants that will survive in thin soil does not limit you from beauty and color! While there is no guarantee of plant choices that deer won’t decide to make dinner of, there is a wide assortment to choose from that is less appealing to them. Also, Burroughs Landscaping will plan gardens to offer some protection to the more enticing plants!

Keep your outdoor living space natural to encourage colorful visitors, such as butterflies and birds. These pretties who are necessary for our environment will choose your home to make their own. A bird bath is not only helpful to our feathered friends, but provides endless entertainment for us as well!

Making the decision to “go natural” is beautiful, economical and you can spend your time enjoying your family and friends in your amazing new outdoor space!

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.