Despite consistent watering, your grass and plants are likely showing the strain of a long, hot Austin summer. What can you do?
Luckily we’ve still got a few tricks up our sleeves to retain water — saving whatever moisture we can so your ground and plants don’t dry up.
Water retention for your beds: mulch
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Mulch is the number one way to protect the plants in your landscaping from extreme heat and dryness. It’s not just for aesthetics.
A good layer of mulch (2-4 inches) provides a barrier for:
- Water Retention: Mulch helps retain water in your soil by reducing evaporation from the soil surface. A thicker layer of mulch can retain more moisture, which is especially beneficial in hot and dry climates or during drought periods.
- Temperature Regulation: Mulch acts as an insulator, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures. A thicker layer of mulch provides better insulation for the soil, protecting plant roots from both heat and cold stress.
- Weed Suppression: Mulch acts as a barrier, preventing sunlight from reaching weed seeds and thus reducing weed growth.
- Soil Health: As mulch breaks down, it contributes organic matter to the soil, improving soil structure and fertility. A thicker layer of mulch can provide more organic material, enhancing soil health over time.
- Erosion Control: A thicker layer of mulch can help prevent soil erosion by reducing the impact of raindrops and improving water absorption.
Water retention for your lawn: Hydretain
We partner with our friends at Emerald Lawns to provide a special treatment that actually helps retain water in your lawn.
A lot of moisture is lost to evaporation every time you water your lawn, but Hydretain can improve absorption and retention by up to 50%. It’s a super-absorbent powder that retains water for a gradual release back into your lawn. It’s so absorbent that it can even collect moisture from the humidity in the air — and there’s certainly enough of that to go around.
Hydretain is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets. We recommend applying it twice a year during the hottest summer months.
Let’s do it!
Ready to save your landscape from impending doom? Contact us for a fast free quote on mulch, lawn treatment, or irrigation repairs.