How to Prepare for a Freeze

When you’re expecting freezing temperatures at your home, you need to be proactive about protecting your landscaping. It’s the best way to keep your plants healthy and able to survive freezing weather. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a freeze.

Water

To help lower the risk of freezing damage to your plants, water them thoroughly before the freezing weather arrives. This aids your plants not by providing cold protection exactly, but by preventing your plants from drying out when strong winds occur that often accompany cold weather. However, watering your soil well does help it absorb solar radiation better than dry soil, which promotes re-radiation of the heat during the night.

Location

When possible, transfer your tender hanging baskets and container plants indoors where freezing temperatures will not reach them. Remember to place them in an area that will receive light if they will be kept indoors for an extended period. If you cannot move plants inside a building, group them in a protected area such as the inside corner of a covered patio and cover them with a material like plastic.

Cover

For plants that will stay outside and are not too large, protect them individually by covering them with cardboard or Styrofoam boxes.

Mulch

Plants that are not in containers but grow directly in the ground can be protected using mulches. Loose, dry materials like leaves or pine straw are most helpful. Remember that mulch will only protect areas that it covers so spread it appropriately. Mulch is ideal for preventing freeze damage to crowns or underground portions of plants. It can also be used to completely cover groundcover or low-growing plants up to a four inches deep, but make sure you don’t leave the plants covered for more than four days.

If you have any questions or need help winterizing your landscaping contact us today:

http://www.c4landscape.com/contact.html

Choosing Color for the Fall and Winter in Texas

Just about everyone can find success in their gardens in the spring, when plants are agreeable to growing and blooming. Texas landscapes are brilliant with color in the springtime, and the rest of the year we are stuck with various colors of green. This does not have to be the case! With some planning and plant smarts, you can have your landscaping looking colorful and appealing even during the more challenging times of year.

Some plants don’t put on their color show until late in the growing season. You might not realize that fall is a good time for plants because Texas temperatures are decreasing and rain is increasing. Here are some of the best choices for late season color in your Texas landscaping.

Calendulas

Similar in appearance to daisies, calendulas like cooler temperatures. They can even survive a dip into the mid-20s without having to be covered. Calendulas will provide autumn, winter and spring color in your garden, but may not be able to survive a hot Texas summer.

Alyssum

A fragrant plant with dainty flowers, alyssum will form an appealing border in your fall landscaping. Its tendency to creep along makes it useful along edges and in pathway gaps, and it can be easily cut back and fertilized to encourage more blooms. It thrives in the sun or partial shade, and is an annual that will often reseed. Alyssum is available in white, lavender, and rose colors.

Pansies

Bright color will embrace your landscaping if you plant pansies. Plant them in sunny spots with rich soil, and eliminate old flowers from the pansies each month and add fertilizer for new blooms.

Violas

Also known as Johnny-Jump-Ups, violas are a traditional favorite in Texas gardens. These small, delicate purple and yellow flowers can make a big impact. Violas are a beautiful choice for spilling from clay pots or planter boxes, or in groupings in your garden. They are tolerant of the occasional warm spells that can occur in Texas during the fall and winter months.

Petunias

The sweet smell of petunias will bring life to your landscaping with the dozens of varieties available in Texas. For the best blooms, plant them in at least a half-day’s sun in fertile soil that drains well. Fertilize them once or twice a month to keep them healthy and attractive.

Primroses

Available in a wide range of colors, primroses will bring delight to your garden. These plants thrive in damp, well-draining, enriched soil. Primroses prefer partial sun to bright shade, and will survive temperature drops into the 20s.

Snapdragon

Blooming in colors from deep red to rust to pale yellow, snapdragons flower in the fall, winter, and spring. Tall varieties are perfect for the backs of your flower beds, and dwarf varieties are great for borders. Plant snapdragons in the sun in well-draining, fertile soil.

Drummond phlox

A native plant to Texas, phlox is often seen in red but also available in other shades. Plant phlox in the fall to achieve color all the way through spring. Picking the flowers as they wilt promotes more blooms.

All of these plants are great options for your Texas garden during the fall and winter months. If you need more advice or would like to hand off the planting duties to the pros, call C4Landscape & Design to make your garden pop with a colorful design.

The Basics about Watering Your Landscaping

It sounds like an easy question: how much should I water my yard? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as you might think. Many factors go into the amount of moisture your landscaping requires, such as the type of grass, soil condition, irrigation system, and mowing height. C4 Landscape & Design is here to offer some instructions about keeping your landscaping at its healthiest and most beautiful through the use of water.
 Irrigation scheduleMother Nature plays a role in your irrigation schedule. You must consider the amount of rainfall and the temperature. When daytime temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, lawns do well with 1-1.5 inches of water per week. As temperatures reach 88-92, increase your watering to 1-1.5 inches every 4-5 days. When it’s over 93 degrees outside, your lawn needs water every 2-3 days.
 Length of wateringThere’s a simple trick to figuring out how long it takes for your lawn to receive an inch of water. Put an empty tuna can at the farthest point that your sprinkler spray reaches; when the can is full, you have provided one inch of water. It can take between 15-45 minutes depending upon your irrigation system.
 Time of dayThe best time of day to water your landscaping is early in the morning. There’s less breeze to evaporate the moisture, water pressure is at its best, and the lawn will be able to store water for the often warm Texas day to come. Schedule automatic sprinklers to run between 3-8 a.m. If you don’t have an irrigation system, start your sprinkler as soon as you get up in the morning. Avoid watering at night because it increases the risk of fungal diseases such as brownpatch.
 Type of grassDifferent grasses require varying levels of water. St. Augustine needs the most, Bermuda is next, and Zoysia requires significantly less than the others.
 Soil conditionYour landscaping is dependent upon the soil underneath it. Sandy or clay soils that aren’t enriched with organic matter dry out more quickly, so they need more water. In order to obtain rich organic soil, you’ll need to add soil activators or enriched topsoil every year.
 Mowing heightYou may be tempted to cut your grass short to avoid mowing more often, but don’t fall victim to that trap! Set your mower height setting to as tall as it allows. Higher grass allows the roots to deepen, which in turn draws from deeper moisture in your soil. Also, taller grass provides shade for the surface of the soil so that moisture dissipates less quickly.
 New lawnsIf your lawn is newly sodded, you need to water it every day especially during hot weather. The goal is to keep it wet near the root zone to help the roots establish fully. You don’t want to drown the grass, but make sure the soil is soft to promote good growth.

The Basics about Watering Your Landscaping

It sounds like an easy question: how much should I water my yard? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as you might think. Many factors go into the amount of moisture your landscaping requires, such as the type of grass, soil condition, irrigation system, and mowing height. C4 Landscape & Design is here to offer some instructions about keeping your landscaping at its healthiest and most beautiful through the use of water.

Irrigation schedule

Mother Nature plays a role in your irrigation schedule. You must consider the amount of rainfall and the temperature. When daytime temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, lawns do well with 1-1.5 inches of water per week. As temperatures reach 88-92, increase your watering to 1-1.5 inches every 4-5 days. When it’s over 93 degrees outside, your lawn needs water every 2-3 days.

Length of watering

There’s a simple trick to figuring out how long it takes for your lawn to receive an inch of water. Put an empty tuna can at the farthest point that your sprinkler spray reaches; when the can is full, you have provided one inch of water. It can take between 15-45 minutes depending upon your irrigation system.

Time of day

The best time of day to water your landscaping is early in the morning. There’s less breeze to evaporate the moisture, water pressure is at its best, and the lawn will be able to store water for the often warm Texas day to come. Schedule automatic sprinklers to run between 3-8 a.m. If you don’t have an irrigation system, start your sprinkler as soon as you get up in the morning. Avoid watering at night because it increases the risk of fungal diseases such as brownpatch.

Type of grass

Different grasses require varying levels of water. St. Augustine needs the most, Bermuda is next, and Zoysia requires significantly less than the others.

Soil condition

Your landscaping is dependent upon the soil underneath it. Sandy or clay soils that aren’t enriched with organic matter dry out more quickly, so they need more water. In order to obtain rich organic soil, you’ll need to add soil activators or enriched topsoil every year. 

Mowing height

You may be tempted to cut your grass short to avoid mowing more often, but don’t fall victim to that trap! Set your mower height setting to as tall as it allows. Higher grass allows the roots to deepen, which in turn draws from deeper moisture in your soil. Also, taller grass provides shade for the surface of the soil so that moisture dissipates less quickly.

New lawns

If your lawn is newly sodded, you need to water it every day especially during hot weather. The goal is to keep it wet near the root zone to help the roots establish fully. You don’t want to drown the grass, but make sure the soil is soft to promote good growth.

If you have irrigation questions about irrigation please feel free to reach out to us. We server Katy, Conroe, The Woodlands and the Texas Hill Country. Contact us today.

Professional Help with your Landscaping

A surefire way to increase the value of your residential or commercial property is through landscaping, and the best way to achieve the greatest results is to hire the services of a professional landscaping company.

The first thing that a professional brings to the table is the ability to create a striking and practical landscaping design. The designer will work with you throughout the process by listening to your goals and concerns, and helping you achieve the desired results. The entire process will likely include the initial consultation, evaluation of your property, permits, construction, and complete implementation of the plan.

Once your landscaping is installed, the professional’s job does not end there. The landscaper will either be responsible for continued maintenance, or for teaching you how to maintain the property yourself. This involves caring for the lawn, flower beds, shrubs, vines, and more. Regular tree trimming will also be addressed, as well as mulching to ensure the most appealing look and healthiest vegetation. A landscape expert can be hired to regularly service your property so that all of the landscaping is healthy, vibrant, and adheres to the intended design.

Don’t forget that irrigation is part of your professional landscaping plan. This means making sure that the appropriate amount of water is available to the correct areas of your landscaping. An expert will consider the drainage system so that it is planned correctly, installed well, and properly maintained for the ideal results.

Another area that professionals can help is with landscape lighting, which can create a dramatic night time look for your property. Both residential and commercial areas can greatly benefit from well-planned lighting. A professional will advise about the types of lighting, locations, and maintenance to give you the most favorable effects.

Hiring a professional for your landscaping needs will pay off in the end by providing you with the curb appeal that makes you appreciate their expertise.

Contact C4 Landscape & Design today for all your landscaping needs in Katy, Conroe, The Woodlands and now the Hill Country.

Summer Landscaping Tips

As temperatures rise with the summer months, especially in the sometimes sweltering Texas heat, the challenges of maintaining a healthy and thriving landscape can be daunting. Soil dries out, plants start to wither, and water restrictions may be imposed. That’s why it’s important to take preventative measures and water wisely so that your lawn, beds, trees, and gardens don’t suffer irreparable damage during the summer season.

Risky plants

Some plants are at higher risk than others during the hot, dry weather. Newly planted perennials, newly plants shrubs and trees, or flower beds must be maintained carefully to ensure their survival. Ask the experts at C4 Landscape & Design for advice on the best ways to help your specific at-risk plants get through the season.

Signs of dehydration

Watching for early signs of dehydration is one key to summer landscaping. Keep a close eye on your lawn and plants, and immediately attend to their watering needs if you notice potential problems. The most obvious sign to watch for is wilting, but here are some other tell-tale indicators of dehydration:

• Leaf yellowing
• Shriveled leaf areas
• Browning leaf edges
• Translucent leaves
• Bluish-green foliage color
• Early blossom dropping
• Stems bending over
• Grass and leaves curling upward
• Slow growth

Watering advice

The best way to save your plants and lawn is to water them. At the earliest signs that your landscaping needs water, act fast instead of risking severe damage. To get the most out of your watering, here is some advice to keep in mind:

• Water early for the highest efficiency. You’ll lose the least amount of water to evaporation when you water early in the morning. Evaporation is a big issue especially when you’re using sprinklers, as some of the moisture evaporates before it even hits the ground. This can be a real problem when you water during the hottest times of the summer day. You may choose to water in the evening, but that can bring an increased risk for diseases like moss.
• Water evenly. Don’t ignore areas because they might be harder to reach.
• Water deeper and longer instead of more in frequent, shorter time periods. Roots tend to follow water, so if the water only reaches the top, roots can collect near the soil’s surface. This increases their vulnerability to hot temperatures. To combat this, water less often but for longer amounts so that deep root growth is encouraged.
• Avoid wasting your water with runoff. Make sure your sprinklers are aimed correctly and check on your landscaping now and then during watering. If you notice runoff occurring before you’ve reached a deep watering, turn the sprinklers off a while so the plants and lawn can absorb the water and then restart as needed.
• Know the rules. Some communities in the Houston area and the Hill Country have water restrictions in place. Learn the specifics about any restrictions in your neighborhood, such as how often you can water or what time of day or for how long, and follow them. Even though this can be hard on your landscaping, it’s better to be a good citizen as well as avoid any fines or tickets.

Lawn tips

Your lawn may be the most noticeable thing about your home’s curb appeal at first glance. Here are some hints about keeping it looking its best:

• Walk on your grass and if you leave footprints, your lawn could use water.
• Squeeze your soil into a ball and if it keeps its shape, the soil has enough water. If you squeeze any water out of the soil, hold off on watering because it is overwatered.
• Aerate your lawn yearly to minimize runoff and allow your soil to accept hydration better.
• Lightly spray plants with water during the day to prevent spider mites, which are encouraged by heat and drought.
• To prevent weeds and promote nutrient retention, add mulch around your plants. If weeds develop, remove them so they won’t suck up the water or nutrients that are intended for your plants.

The hot summer months don’t mean that your landscaping has to suffer. Be smart about maintaining your plants and lawn, and seek the help of C4 Landscape & Design if you have questions or concerns.

Too Much Rain Can Impact Your Landscaping

Most of us think that rain is a good thing when it comes to maintaining landscaping and enjoying a beautiful lawn. During this time of year, Spring Showers are usually a welcome sight. The rainfall this spring, however, in the Houston area and the Hill Country has been excessive in many locations. Precipitation records have been surpassed, and the end result can be stress on your landscaping.

What’s the problem with too much rain?

Even though you may not notice it by looking, soil contains spaces between its particles. The spaces hold water and air, both of which are vital to healthy plant roots. When the soil is watered, the spaces fill with liquid and the air is displaced. In ideal water levels, gravity pulls the liquid down and air moves back into the spaces. However, too much rain fills up the spaces with water and there is no oxygen available to nourish the plants. If rain continues, eventually the roots can’t function well and can die. This is what happens when you see wilting plants even though the soil is wet. These conditions can also lead to root rot, which allows fungal organisms to thrive in the soil and badly damage plant roots.

How can you prevent problems?

The best way to avoid waterlogged landscaping is to make sure you have good drainage. A great solution for that is planting shrubs, perennials, bedding plants and ground cover in raised beds. Beds that are 6 to 12 inches higher than the soil around them will drain more quickly and dry out faster than beds planted at ground level. To create a raised bed, the soil should be turned and several inches of organic matter should be added. This will elevate the bed roughly 6 inches, and extra soil brought in can raise it even more. There’s not much you can do about Mother Nature bringing an over-abundance of rain, but planting in raised beds gives your landscape plants an advantage.

Does the season of the year make a difference?

Yes, the time of year makes a difference in the ability of your landscaping to withstand extra moisture. Heavy spring and summer rains can have destructive effects on plants that are in active growth during this time of year. Warmer temperatures also promote the growth of fungal organisms that cause root rot.

What can I do about drainage?

The ideal time to think about the health of your landscaping in the event of too much rain is when the beds are designed and built, and the plants are chosen. It’s more difficult to remedy the problems once the planting is complete. If you don’t install a raised bed in a low area without good drainage, make sure you select plants that thrive in very wet soil. Another option is having a landscape architect inspect your lawn and beds to evaluate how the water flows across your property, and then help design and install drainage as needed. Keep in mind that even with good drainage, it’s important to choose plants that are adapted to heavier rainfall amounts.

C4 Landscaping is knowledgeable and experienced in the best ways to promote a healthy landscape in spite of too much water. We are happy to come out and evaluate your landscaping and drainage situation, and then provide better solutions to maintaining a healthy and beautiful yard. 

Contact us today for your free estimate.