- 18
- Jun
With Summer officially just around the corner, it’s time to consider how the changing seasons will affect your plants and overall landscaping. We’ve asked Aaron Phillips of Paradise Landscaping to join us for a few moments and answer some questions to help us get ready for summertime.
Daniel: Hey, Aaron, thanks for joining us.
Aaron: No problem. Glad to help.
Daniel: Let’s get right to it. What types of plants are okay to plant at the beginning of summer?
Aaron: Typically the plants that are currently available at the nursery will work well for the summer. And if you happen to be an idiot savant like I am at times, you can find little tags attached to each plant by the farmers/gardeners. These tags will tell you where and when the plants will do well. Throughout Texas, you should be able to find dozens of plants that do well in full sun.
Daniel: What are some of your favorites?
Aaron: I love Crepe Myrtles. I’m a big fan of Oleander, but it needs lots of room for growth. It’s great to use for a privacy fence or on estate properties. Knock out rose bushes are great for the backyard. Begonias are an awesome summer flower. Canna lillies (though not actually lillies) are gorgeous. They’re great for tropical landscape themes and around pools. Texas Sage is a beautiful grayish leaf with a purple bloom. It’s a drought resistant plant – great for accents and popular for commercial properties.
Daniel: Is there a special type of fertilizer and/or weed killer we should use during the Texas heat?
Aaron: With inconsistent Texas weather, that’s tough to say. The two most common grasses I deal with are Bermuda and Saint Augustine. Right now, I’m using Lesco 50-10-31 for all my yards. If you’re doing it yourself, it’s best to consult with a professional landscaper who is familiar with Texas turf. It varies depending on your grass.
Daniel: When is the best time of day to water my yard during a Texas summer?
Aaron: It’s my experience that optimum time is 5:30am. Let your sprinkler system run for 20 minutes daily in each area until the yard is covered. Same for the beds.
Daniel: How often do I need to water my grass to keep it healthy during summer?
Aaron: Every day is best, but you can get away with every other day.
Daniel: Do you have any other quick tips for lawn care and flower beds during summer?
Aaron: Regular maintenance, watering, and fertilizing will keep things under control. Fresh mulch is great for flower beds. It helps to keep out weeds and keeps the beds looking fresh.
Thanks, Aaron. If you’re reading this and have further questions about maintenance for your yard or property, contact Paradise Landscaping today.
