Seasonal Care: After a long, hot summer, cooler weather is finally blowing in to Texas. The extreme heat and drought conditions of the summer have put a great deal of stress on lawns this year, but there are a few steps you can take to help your lawn recover and prepare it for the coming winter. For the turf, over-seeding and fertilization will help sod replenish its root system, which is the basis of healthy growth year round. By addressing the sod now, it will have time over our mild fall and winter to heal and prepare for the next Texas summer.

Now is also a great time to tackle any other planting you may be considering. The mild weather allows plants to take root without the stress of extreme temperatures and drought. Planting now also allows them to set before the first freeze. By next spring, your plants will be ready for the warm weather and will grow faster, fuller, and with better color.

Milder temperatures are also ideal for handling large trimming and tree care items. The cooler temperatures of fall minimize the spread of disease and fungus, which can threaten even the healthiest of trees. Trimming now can also save unwanted storm damage that can occur during some of our notorious Texas ice storms

As always, if you ever have questions about how to best maintain your lawn, our professionals at Diaz Lawn are always available to address your concerns and to help your lawn look its best.

Benefits of Green Spaces: One of the major benefits of landscaping is that it adds value to your home. On average, landscaping can add 7-15percent to your home’s value. Furthermore, landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100 to 200 percent, whereas bathroom remodeling only has a 20-120 percent recovery rate. Landscaping has other economic values as well. For instance, landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent! Trees are especially valuable and can reduce noise by up to 50 percent as well as lower temperatures by as much as nine degrees.

Landscaping holds inherent environmental benefits as well. Landscaping can reduce heat build up, reduce soil erosion, improve air quality, and preserve water quality by reducing run off. Green spaces also provide significant lifestyle benefits. Studies also show that landscaping can lower stress, blood pressure, improve attention, and enhance self-esteem especially in children.

(cited from Project Evergreen)

www.projectevergreen.com
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/
http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/