June 12, 2014
A 11
Island Moon
DREAM IT • BUILD IT • LOVE IT.
Bring the Hill Country Home
Beautify Corpus Christi
Greener Pastures
By Chelsea Craig, Executive Director, Beautify Corpus Christi
Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Corpus Christi climate can be a challenge. In the heat of the summer, the task quickly becomes even more daunting. Incorporate these easy lawn care tips to increase your lawn’s chance of thriving through the most stressful weather of the year.
Water, water… wait, don’t water Living on the Coast, especially on an Island, the most natural antidote to the hot, summer days is a day of water. Whether it be a large, cold drink, a dip in the pool, or a day at the beach, the higher the temperature, the more water we need. Contrary to popular belief, your lawn, however, does not always feel the same. A surprising concern in the summer is the possibility of overwatering. A healthy
drought resistant and less vulnerable to weed growth and germination. The short lawn clippings can be returned to the grass and act like a slow releasing fertilizer as they decompose.
Less is More
lawn requires approximately one inch of water per week. Since this is the total amount, it is important to include any rainfall throughout the week as well. Just like your garden, the lawn is better maintained when watered deeply rather than frequently. A slow, even dispersal of water is the best way to ensure your lawn in being properly hydrated. Watering early in the morning is preferred. Your lawn is more likely to hold the moisture before the water evaporates when watered in the morning. Examine the dryness of the soil every few days to know when to water next.
A Cut above the Rest Mowing practices become particularly important to the health of your lawn in the summer. Grass is hardier when kept at just the right length. Knowing whether your grass is a “cool season” or “warm season” variety will influence the ideal height of your lawn. A cool season grass, much less common in this area, should be cut at three to four inches, whereas a warm season grass can be cut at two to three inches. It is also important to mow often enough so that no more than 1/3 of the blade is cut at any given time. If the blade is cut too short, the plant’s ability to produce energy for growth is reduced. Keeping your grass taller, as well as watering deeply, promotes deeper root growth. Lawns with deeper roots are more
A healthy lawn often includes the use of lawn applications, such as fertilizer, weed control, and pest control. During the summer, however, less is definitely more. Chemical fertilizers are likely to burn in the summer heart. It is recommended that chemical fertilizing be stopped at least one month before the summer temperatures set in. Organic fertilizer releases more slowly and is therefore, less likely to burn, but should also be used very sparingly. Creating tender growth will not increase the overall health of your lawn. Weeds should be removed in the summer to prevent them from germinating and seeding in the fall. Weed control containing post-emergent herbicide that targets weeds specifically is recommended to reduce the damage to already stressed grass. The best way to reduce infestation is to maintain a healthy lawn. Lawns that are stressed or go dormant are more vulnerable to pests. Grubs hatch in the summer, so you can start applying grub control mid-summer if you notice signs of grubs or the lawn has a history of infestation. Lawn problems, such as insects, weeds, or disease, should be addressed as they arise. All chemicals should be used sparingly and only as needed on your heat-stressed lawn, as they too are stressful.
More and more homeowners are investing in outdoor retreats. As this trend continues to evolve; we are finding that a typical builder grade
Before
Before dark stained wood and added mounds of dirt to create a hill effect.
pools and outdoor living areas are no longer acceptable. Swimming pools and patio areas and gardens are becoming the main attraction for entertainment and family gatherings.
Here are some tips for building your new pool or outdoor living space.
When my client and I began her swimming pool project; I encouraged my client to make her back yard similar to one of her favorite places to visit. She liked the Hill Country… so we went with that theme. We incorporated a variety of stones, waterfalls, wrought iron,
#2 Incorporate your senses. Think about the sounds you would hear when visiting some of your favorite places. The crackling sounds of a campfire at the ranch, a waterfall in the hill Country or the soothing sounds of dove cooing can all be reproduced in your backyard retreat.
Before
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#1 Choose a theme, such as your favorite vacation spot, for your backyard escape.
#3 Consider the plants, ground cover and trees native to your happy place. Not all plants will adapt to every soil type but soil can be amended and plants can be chosen with certain soil PH in mind. Try to choose your landscaping according to your soil conditions. #4 Definitely incorporate a garden. Even if your vacation fantasy spot doesn’t have a garden; I would strongly suggest that you personalize your outdoor space with a variety of leafy greens, fruits and other edible chlorophyll rich surprises. There’s something to be said for a “show and tell” garden; it almost seems to be magical to guest when they are invited to pick their dinner salad from the dirt outside your back door instead of from the stainless steel refrigerator in your kitchen. Turners Gardenland, between Airline and Nile, is a local favorite for garden needs.
Follow these tips to increase the livelihood of your lawn this summer. With a little work from us all, this city will be more beautiful than ever! Stay tuned in to what the Beautify Corpus Christi Association is working on in your city by following us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/beautifycc. Join in the effort by becoming a member and/or volunteer today! Visit BeautifyCorpusChristi.org or call Chelsea Craig, Executive Director at 361.946.3996 for more information.
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By Jennifer Wither
Maintaining your mower will also be beneficial to your lawn. Dull mower blades are known to tear the grass rather than cut through it. When the mower blades are kept sharp, the grass is better able to recover. In the meantime, a sharper cut will also improve the appearance of the lawn after being mowed. Avoid mowing your grass during a drought period. Drought puts tremendous stress on the plant. Mowing in a drought can cause damage to the grass that it may not be able to recover from while it is compromised.
#5 Be prepared. Research your dream spot providing your pictures or cut out pictures in magazines and books to share with your landscape or pool designer. Give us some insight of how you want your outdoor living space to FEEL, and let us build in your backyard what your eye feels on your vacation.
Want to see more” Before and Afters?” Have a design Question? Visit www.HOMEbyJWA.com Janice Minter, Broker/Owner
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Mary Ann McShane, Realtor, GRI, SRES e-mail: malm335@sbcglobal.net Corpus Christi Realty Group Considering a move to the Island? Let me help you find your piece of Paradise - waterfront or interior homes, condos, townhouses, lots Considering selling your Island Property? Call me for a free consultation to obtain the current market value along with tips to make your property the one buyers will put on their “must see” list
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