Summer Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the first impression friends, family and passersby have of our homes. For most of us, the front of our home is what greets us each time we arrive, whether at the end of a long day at work, or a fun day out playing! With regular maintenance, it is not overwhelming to keep our yards and gardens in tip top shape and make us look forward to coming home to our private sanctuary each day.

To make our homes inviting, warm and welcoming, there are a few relatively inexpensive updates that will make a world of difference:

• Keeping the grass cut and walkways, trees and bushes trimmed is the first step in looking clutter free
• Replacing mulch will add instant neatness and some color
• Touching up paint on shutters, eaves, doors and fences will make your house look instantly new again
• Clean or replace light fixtures. If they are outdated, painting them black is an inexpensive fix
• Replacing light bulbs will provide beauty, but more importantly safety at night
• Painting and cleaning up around the mailbox will make a statement
• A splash of color with some bright flowers can be added easily enough, even a couple of pretty pots on the front porch
• Pressure washing the walk and drive at the beginning of summer, then sweeping periodically keeps everything else looking tidy
• Wipe, sweep or wash front porch and door to remove any spiders or other unwanted guests
• Investing in a new front door mat will just make you feel happy
• Opening blinds and windows brightens a house from the outside as well as the inside

The back yard and entertainment area is important as well since it is summer and we are spending more time outdoors grilling, entertaining or are lucky enough to have a swimming pool:

• Find a focal point, whether a fire pit, grill or outdoor kitchen. Arrange outdoor seating in an inviting, conversational area. 
• Clean, paint or repair any fencing
• Without being cluttered, arrange yard decorations or decorative pots sparingly for a personal touch

A nicely manicured yard and fresh, bright paint with pops of color from a few beautiful flowers are the first steps toward looking forward to coming home each day.  Mike Burroughs and his team in Hill Country, Texas would love to assist with low maintenance hardscape and a few deer resistant plants. 

Spruce up with Hardscaping

Hardscaping is a very popular preference when landscaping, especially with lack of water combined with the heat during the summer months here in Hill Country, Texas. Hardscaping involves outdoor areas that are not plants, flowers and grass. Hard landscaping includes driveways, walkways, patios, decks, retaining walls, fountains, pools, fencing, etc.

A variety of long lasting, low maintenance materials are used. These may include concrete, rock, stone, brick, gravel, glass, timber, pavers, natural stones, etc. Outdoor furniture, flower pots and the like are also considered 'Hard Landscape'.

Beginning with curb appeal, the drive is the first impression visitors have, not to mention our own "welcome home". The front drive should be pleasing and attractive as well as durable. A unique option is natural stone for drives and walkways alike as this choice will last a lifetime with little maintenance. There are different natural stones to choose from, in all sizes, shapes, textures and colors.

Limestone is ideal for patios. It comes in a variety of colors and has a laid back look. Travertine is related to limestone. Its porous characteristic makes an excellent choice for walkways. As with limestone, there are many color choices. Slate is a good option for pool decks as it is water resistant and is available in rustic shades. Natural stone can withstand temperature changes, impact and most importantly, the test of time. Artificial stones are available, and may be less expensive, but will not compare in endurance and beauty of natural stone.

Pavers are also a great option for walkways, as they allow creative curves to create eye appealing patterns. Pavers are an excellent choice for hot, dry Texas weather as they are durable and require little maintenance. In the event one is damaged, each piece can be easily replaced.

Adding focal points such as fire pits, fireplaces or water features, such as fountains can convert a patio to a true outdoor living space. Creative hardscapes are not only beautiful to look at, but enjoyable to sue as well. They are also more economical in the long run, being virtually maintenance free after installation. When considering southern landscape, hardscaping is a beautiful, low maintenance addition to any outside area.

Xeriscape Landscaping in Hill Country, Texas

Living in Hill Country, Texas, we all know the dry conditions constantly in place. Just because we have limited water, does not mean we cannot have a beautiful yard. Burrough’s Landscaping specializes in Xeriscape (pronounced “zeer-i-scape”). Focusing on drought-resistant plants and beautiful hardscape, it is possible to have attractive scenery.

Burrough’s will begin with establishing a design that works best for the area, and is appealing to an owner, incorporating your ideas and appealing to your lifestyle. Whether there is a large expanse of yard or garden, or a small front yard that needs curb appeal, there are some thoughts to examine.

A plan is the first step. Like plants should be planted together, the ones needing less water separate from ones that may need more attention, such as water and sun. This results in less water being wasted if it is all going in the same direction. Begin by drawing and making a plan.

Examine the current turf area. It is not to say that you cannot have grass, but plan to use grasses that are nativeto the region. Plan for turf in less traveled areas. Incorporate grass in complimentary settings along with flowers and other hardscape.

Choosing plants and flowers that are native to the area is a great start. Keep in mind which plants and flowers need the least amount of water, and can tolerate the most sun. Group them together, making the most use of the natural environment.

Soil is more important than one might think. Most soil is a combination of three soils – clay, silt and sand. Silt is the choice preferred for Xeriscaped gardens, as sand allows too much drainage and clay retains moisture.

It is important to monitor watering, especially in newly planted flowers and plants. Even hardy plants may need water to establish a root system, then eventually slowing down the moisture. Monitor plants regularly, even drought resistant plants may need minimal watering during extreme heat. Watering close to the ground, avoids waste blowing into unneeded areas.

The two types of mulch are organic and inorganic. Choose organic mulch, such as bark mulch, cedar mulch and pine peelings to surround plants and flowers. Wood-based mulch keeps landscapes cooler, but may need to be replaced regularly to avoid rot. Inorganic mulch works best in the shade and for hardscapes. Stone based mulch, such as cobblestone or lava rock will soak up heat from the sun and evaporate any moisture, which can cause a hardship on plants and flowers.

The maintenance should be minimal, but will not be totally nonexistent in Xeriscape landscaping. Since most of the plants are natural to the area, which are typically slow growing, they should require minimal water after they are established. As in any landscape, trim dead or dry branches, leaves and flowers from plants.

Even if it initially seems costly to establish water conserving landscape, the savings can be seen in a few short months of less maintenance. Burrough’s Landscaping offers eco-friendly,innovative ideas for unique drought-resistant landscapes.