Spring & Summer At-Home Landscaping Preventative Care in Austin, TX
Spring in Austin comes quickly, and summer arrives with intense heat, dry spells, and unpredictable storms. Homeowners in Central Texas know how important it is to stay ahead of the game when it comes to landscape maintenance. That’s where preventative care makes all the difference.
Whether you're a DIYer or want to keep things in top shape between professional visits, here are smart ways to protect your yard, plants, and irrigation system as the weather heats up.
1. Inspect and Test Your Irrigation System
Before the first 90°+ day hits, check your irrigation system for:
Leaks or broken sprinkler heads
Uneven coverage (dry spots or puddling)
Clogs in drip lines or emitters
Adjust your watering schedule based on Austin Water’s seasonal guidelines and local restrictions. Overwatering is just as damaging as underwatering, especially with clay soils.
2. Add Mulch to Protect Plant Roots
A fresh 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds helps:
Regulate soil temperature
Conserve moisture
Suppress weed growth
Avoid piling mulch against trunks or stems, which can cause rot.
3. Choose and Support Drought-Tolerant Native Plants
Now is a great time to assess what’s thriving and what’s struggling. Native Texas plants like Texas Sage, Red Yucca, and Blackfoot Daisy are made to handle Austin's climate with minimal intervention.
If you're adding new plants, be sure to:
Plant in early spring before the extreme heat hits
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage root growth
Group plants by water needs
4. Apply Organic Lawn Fertilizer
Give your grass a head start with a slow-release, organic fertilizer made for warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia. This strengthens root systems and helps your lawn resist heat stress.
Avoid synthetic fertilizers in peak summer months, as they can burn grass in high heat.
5. Prune for Health, Not Just Looks
Late winter to early spring is the perfect time to prune most trees and shrubs in Austin. Remove dead or diseased limbs to promote healthy new growth and improve airflow.
During summer, avoid heavy pruning, which can shock plants and increase sun exposure to inner branches.
6. Monitor for Pests & Early Disease Signs
Warm, humid conditions can invite trouble. Check your plants weekly for:
Yellowing or spotted leaves
Mold or mildew
Chewed foliage or stems
Use natural pest control like neem oil or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs where needed.
7. Keep Your Soil Healthy
Austin’s rocky, alkaline soil can become compacted over time. Add compost or organic soil conditioners in spring to boost nutrients, improve drainage, and increase water retention.
Final Tip: Know When to Call in the Pros
Preventative care goes a long way, but some issues need a professional touch — especially irrigation repairs, drainage problems, or large-scale pruning.
At Hill Country Build, we specialize in landscaping and irrigation systems designed to thrive in Central Texas. Whether you're dealing with pooling water, thirsty lawns, or stressed-out plants, we can help.