Latest Posts

• Money CAN Grow On Trees – Planning Your Landscape Design

  

  While a tree that will rain money down on you might not exist, you CAN increase the value of your property by updating your landscape design, and increasing your curb appeal.  Studies have shown the right updates to your landscaping can increase your property value by 10-12%! While it make sense to make an investment in a well thought out landscape, there are some steps you can take to make sure you make your budget stretch.

  1. Get to know your property better.  Take a tour of the area you’d like to update.  Make note of anything that might be a potential hazard or cause future damage to the area.  Be on the lookout for:
     1. Tripping Hazards
     2. Low hanging limbs
     3. Dead trees
     4. Drainage issues
     5. Overgrown paths
     6. Damaged fences
     7. Leaks in irrigation
  2. Decide what you really want.  Make a list of everything you would like to do in your outdoor space.  What are the ways you will make use of your outdoor space? Do you love to entertain?  Consider an outdoor kitchen or a firepit for your friends and family to gather around. Do you want to lounge in a scenic, serene atmosphere on the weekends?  Think about adding plants as well as rockwork, possibly a patio for you to sit on and enjoy nature. The important thing to remember during this step is to include anything you might want to include in your space.  Some of your dreams may not be feasible at this point, but you are forming a basic idea of what your landscape can become.
  3. Set a budget.  It’s time to decide what you are willing to spend on this project.  Remember, the improvements you are making to your home are going to increase the value of your home, but, more importantly, you will be improving the quality of life you spend in it!
  4. Bring in a professional.  You will be tempted to do all the work yourself, but unless you are well-versed in every aspect of bringing your design to life, it’s a good idea to at least talk to a professional before you begin.  Remember that you are not just planting a couple of plants and calling it a day here, you are creating a space comprised of plants, grass, and most likely rock work. You will need proper drainage and irrigation to keep your plants beautiful, and it’s best to get the input of a professional for anything that might be out of your wheelhouse.  Hiring a professional may seem like a large expense, but remember that fixing a problem after the fact will most likely be more expensive!

  No matter the size of your project, or budget, a bit of landscaping will improve your curb appeal, and make your home a delight to drive up to.  Contact ECO Irrigation and Landscaping to plan the outdoor space of your dreams!

  Read more >

• Drought Tolerant Landscapes

  With 65% of Texas in varying degrees of drought conditions (as of April, 2018), it’s a safe bet that the condition of your landscape will depend on how drought tolerant your design is. Increasingly dry conditions have been predicted over the coming years, and you’ll want to make sure your landscape is prepared in advance.

  When considering how best to prepare for long seasons of drought, consider the following:

  1. Consult with a professional for plant selection.  Plants help to regulate temperature and humidity, protect your soil from erosion in addition to adding beauty to your property.  The right plants will also help to support pollinators and wildlife in your area. A professional will not only take this into consideration, they will also know how large shrubs will grow, and what plants will grow best on your property.  A properly trained landscape professional will understand how best to layer sizes and textures, what will grow best in your property’s soil conditions and climate, and help you choose the right colors and textures for your design.
  2. Consider native plants for your design.  Plants that are adapted to your specific climate will need less water once established in your landscape.  
  3. Adjust your mowing schedule.  Consult with your lawn care professional about how often and high you mow your lawn.  Frequency and height adjustments can go a long way when it comes to weathering an extended dry spell.  Find out what is optimal for your grass variety and adjust your schedule as needed.
  4. Make sure your plants have enough nourishment.  Consider a soil test to check the pH balance of your soil, and consider composting to nourish your plants in a sustainable way.
  5. Retain moisture through mulching.  Check with your landscape pro to find out what type of mulch is right for your property, and get the most attractive and effective mulch for your plants.  Mulching will help to retain water in your garden beds.
  6. Make sure your irrigation system is on point.  Don’t let a small leak or pressure problem cause water (and money) waste in your yard.  Have your irrigation system checked yearly to ensure all zones are working properly.
  7. Consider a water retention upgrade.  Updating your landscape design for water retention can be a great way to help your outdoor space.
  8. Be smart about your irrigation.  An outdated irrigation system is going to waste water and money.  Updating to a smart irrigation system will allow your irrigation system to deliver the right moisture to the right areas.  A smart system can cut water usage up to 40%.

  Taking the right steps now to have a more drought tolerant landscape will save you money in the long run.  Make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your outdoor spaces healthy and thriving during these drought years.  Contact ECO Irrigation & Landscaping today to start your landscaping project!

  Read more >