Serving Austin, Williamson

County and All of Central Texas

Keller Commercial & Home Services - Logo
This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.

Blog Layout

Reducing Water Usage with Xeriscaping
September 20, 2024

Xeriscaping is a fantastic choice for Texas landscapes

Blending beauty with water efficiency. By selecting drought-tolerant plants and incorporating alternative materials like rocks and mulch, homeowners can significantly reduce their water usage while enjoying a vibrant and appealing yard.


Principles of Xeriscaping


At its core, xeriscaping emphasizes the use of plants that thrive on minimal irrigation. This approach encourages homeowners to reduce the expanse of traditional grass lawns and instead integrate hardscape elements such as rocks, mulch, and gravel. By focusing on these principles, you can create a functional, water-efficient yard that remains attractive throughout the year.


Design Tips for Water-Efficient Landscapes


  1. Mix Ground Covers: To minimize water evaporation and introduce visual interest, consider a blend of ground covers like gravel, decomposed granite, and organic mulch. This not only helps retain moisture but also adds texture and variety to your landscape, creating a dynamic and inviting space.
  2. Choose Drought-Resistant Plants: Opt for plants that are well-suited to the hot and dry Texas climate. Varieties such as agave, yucca, and Texas sage not only thrive in these conditions but also provide stunning greenery with low water demands. These hardy plants can enhance your landscape while contributing to significant water savings.
  3. Group Plants by Water Needs: When planning your garden, arrange plants with similar watering requirements together. This strategy allows for more efficient irrigation and ensures that each plant receives the appropriate amount of moisture, promoting healthier growth and reducing waste.
  4. Incorporate Rock Features: Integrating natural stone elements into your landscape can drastically lower water needs while enhancing its visual appeal. Rock gardens, pathways, and decorative boulders not only reduce the area requiring irrigation but also create a beautiful focal point that complements your plant choices.


By embracing xeriscaping, you can design an eye-catching, low-maintenance landscape that remains lush and green without straining our precious water resources. It’s a sustainable choice that benefits both your yard and the environment!

By 7010497897 January 31, 2025
Mulch is that essential layer of material spread on top of soil in garden beds, around trees, or over landscaped areas. Not only does it enhance the appearance of your landscape, but it also improves soil health and conserves moisture. In this post, we explore the benefits of mulching, especially during winter, as well as the importance of tree trimming during this time of year. The Benefits of Mulching As an organic material, mulch gradually breaks down, releasing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil. This process improves soil fertility and supports healthy plant growth. Additionally, mulch creates a moist, nutrient-rich environment that attracts earthworms. These helpful creatures aerate the soil and deposit nutrient-rich castings as they burrow and digest organic matter. To maintain these benefits, it’s essential to reapply mulch every 1 to 2 years, ensuring a thickness of 2 to 4 inches. Too much mulch can suffocate plant roots and trap excess moisture, while too little may not provide adequate coverage. While winters in Texas are milder compared to many other states, sudden freezes are common. Mulch can act as a protective layer, helping insulate pipes, drip lines, and plants from temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of freeze damage. Why Winter is Ideal for Tree Trimming Winter is also an excellent time to trim trees, especially species like live oaks and red oaks. Pruning these trees during winter minimizes the risk of spreading oak wilt, a deadly disease. During winter, most trees are dormant, meaning their growth slows down, and many pests and diseases that can harm trees are inactive. Trimming trees during this time allows wounds to heal more effectively, directing their energy into producing healthy new growth in spring. Proper trimming also improves a tree’s overall structure and vitality, preparing it for the growing season. Another significant benefit of winter tree trimming is the reduced risk of storm damage. Removing weak or overgrown branches in advance minimizes the chances of these limbs breaking during storms and causing harm to people, vehicles, or buildings. By trimming trees in winter, you ensure that hazardous limbs are removed before they can fall. Final Thoughts Mulching and tree trimming are essential practices that enhance the health and appearance of your landscape, especially during winter. By taking these steps, you can protect your garden and trees, ensuring they thrive in the coming growing season.
January 3, 2025
As the new year begins, it's the perfect time to plan your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, setting clear goals and creating a plan will help ensure a successful and beautiful landscape throughout the year. From choosing plants to outlining maintenance tasks, here’s how you can effectively prepare for the gardening season ahead. 
December 26, 2024
During cooler weather, your outdoor space can still be a cozy and inviting retreat with the right seating and design. Whether you’re looking to create a place for relaxation or gathering, thoughtful planning can help you design a comfortable outdoor seating area that works year-round.
December 13, 2024
Transform Your Winter Evenings with a Stylish Fire Pit or Fireplace
December 6, 2024
Nurturing Nature for a Blossoming Spring.
November 25, 2024
Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden, especially during the evening hours. With the right lighting, you can highlight key features of your landscape, improve safety, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.
November 15, 2024
Retaining walls are not just functional elements in a landscape—they can also add beauty and structure to your garden. Whether you need to control soil erosion, create a level area for planting, or simply add a visual element, retaining walls offer many benefits.
November 8, 2024
A well-designed garden walkway not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your landscape but also provides practical paths that guide visitors through your garden. Whether you want to create a formal look or a more relaxed feel, the materials you choose will set the tone for your garden paths. Here are some tips for designing and constructing functional walkways with materials that work well in Texas.
November 4, 2024
Creating a beautiful and functional patio is all about choosing the right materials for your space. With so many options available, selecting the perfect material for your patio can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the pros and cons of popular patio materials, as well as offer design ideas to make the most of your outdoor space.
October 25, 2024
Gardening in shaded areas can be challenging, especially in Texas, where the climate can be harsh. However, with the right plant choices, your shaded spots can thrive with greenery and color. Whether you’re working with full shade or partial shade, there are plenty of plants that can add beauty and texture to these areas.
More Posts
Share by: