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The Top Choice Austin Landscaping Blog

Ever wonder why some plants bloom in the fall?

By Jessie Lacap / December 13, 2024

Here’s why these plants make their move when the seasons change: Some top fall bloomers in Central Texas: 1. Mexican Mint Marigold 2. Gregg’s Mistflower 3. Rock Rose  4. Turk’s Cap  5. Goldenrod 6. Maximilian Sunflower 7. Lantana We love planting things, especially fall bloomers that make your yard come alive this time of year.…

Must-Do Yard Cleanup Tasks

By Nolan Gore / December 9, 2024

Here is your quick list for yard clean up (healthy yard and a bit more peace of mind). 1. Refresh Your Mulch Mulch is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your landscape this season. A fresh layer of mulch insulates plant roots, decreasing the chances of cold damage or even…

Top 5 Trees for Fall Color in Central Texas Landscapes

By Nolan Gore / October 29, 2024

Best Tree Choices for Central Texas Fall Color In Central Texas, the warm autumn days and cool nights can coax some stunning fall colors – if you know where to look! Adding trees that change color can bring a bit of that seasonal magic to your yard. While the fall foliage isn’t as intense here…

Should you do fall top dressing in Austin?

By The Top Choice Team / October 15, 2024

It’s that time of year again when the Top Choice crews fly over Austin to sprinkle their magic pixie dust over the lawns of our favorite customers.  That’s right, it’s time for top dressing! Top Dressing adds a light layer of top-quality soil to your yard to help build a healthy, nutrient base for your…

Fall Yard Tips for Texas

By The Top Choice Team / September 17, 2024

Why is Fall so important for my yard?  Fall is is such an important time of year for your yard. Most people think of spring as the time to add plants, flowers, and to make the world a little greener. Fall is a great time to plant – and in Austin – it may even…

What to know about xeriscaping

By Nolan Gore / August 27, 2024

What is it? Why would you xeriscape part/all of your yard? What are the best plants for xeriscaping in Central Texas? What are common mistakes and misconceptions What are some common landscaping materials used in xeriscaping? What are several areas I should consider xeriscaping in my yard? What should I consider with xeriscaping? Some of our…

Central Texas Summer Weeds: Identification and Control

By Nolan Gore / August 5, 2024

The summer can be a hard time to stay on top of the weeds. As the temperatures rise and start to degrade the health of our common turf grasses, summer weeds can get a foothold. Summer weeds can also grow in your beds – especially if you have been properly irrigating or we have a…

Is rain water better for our landscape than irrigation water?

By Nolan Gore / July 30, 2024

It is all just water, right? Turns out – not all water is created equal. Rainwater is actually better for your landscape than irrigation water. Yes – you heard me correctly. Water from the sky is better for your lawn, plants, lawn gnomes and trees than the water from your pipes. Before I explain why…irrigation…

Live Oaks in Central Texas: Facts & Stories

By Nolan Gore / July 15, 2024

Surrounded by massive live oaks – that was my childhood. My parents moved to Austin in the 1980s. They decided to buy the house before they stepped inside. It was the oaks that made the decision for them. Century oaks. Gnarled and bent. Big and grumpy. Long and horizontal. I got to know these trees…

Texas Live Oak: Quercus fusiformis and Quercus Virginiana

By Nolan Gore / July 15, 2024

What are the differences between the Quercus Virginiana and Quercus Fusiformus? These are two species of trees that are very closely related. In fact, the Fusiformus used to be considered a variance of the Virginiana but is now considered its own species. You ca