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September 20, 2019

Landscaping During the Texas Fall

by Emily Thompson

Written by: Emma Bishop

The temperatures are finally cooling down enough for us to get outside and enjoy our patios and decks. The autumn weather is also perfect for sprucing up the landscape. Now’s the time to install that firepit or outdoor kitchen you’ve always wanted.

Fall is also the ideal time to plant trees in Texas. New trees do well when the soil temperature is above 40 degrees, which is year-round in much of the state. The root systems of balled and burlapped trees can recover from transplanting in the fall. They also have time to develop roots before beginning growth in the spring.

But there are some things you should consider before heading to the nursery. The most important consideration is where you intend to plant your tree. On a residential lot, trees should be planted at least 10 feet from any foundation to allow the trunks and root systems to grow. Be aware of any overhead obstructions, such as utility lines and the boughs of other trees.

Next, consider what kind of tree you want — shade, fruit-bearing, or ornamental.

For shade trees, the live oak is bough and branches above all others. It is the most commonly planted tree in Texas because it grows well virtually anywhere in the state. But live oaks need a lot of space. They can grow up to 40 feet tall and spread their branches 75 feet.

Other Native Shade Trees

  • Cedar elm. This is a very hardy tree that tolerates drought well and thrives in nearly any soil.
  • Texas ash. Because this is a rather small tree, it’s ideal for small properties or side yards. It delivers brilliant colors in autumn.
  • Black cherry. This native is a medium-sized tree, which makes it a good candidate for suburban yards. It produces fragrant white blossoms.

Fruit Bearing Trees

  • Pecan. This is the official state tree because it thrives in most areas, produces abundant shade, and drops tasty, nutritious nuts in the fall.
  • Persimmon. These are native across Texas, but many homeowners choose the Japanese varieties from nurseries. The tree is insect and disease resistant.
  • Peaches, nectarines, and plums. These so-called “stone” trees can produce abundant fruit when properly cared for. The chief enemy of a good crop is a late freeze.

Ornamentals for Texas

  • Crepe Myrtle. These tough, durable ornamentals can be kept at shrub-size or grown to 20 feet tall. Their blooms come in a variety of colors and often blossom twice a year.
  • Redbud. You can find a variety that will thrive in any part of Texas. These trees are early bloomers in spring and do so in brilliant bursts of red.
  • Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum. This native does well in most parts of Texas and only grows to about 18 feet, making it ideal for home landscaping. It delivers large clusters of blossoms in spring.

Know your needs before you buy. Is the area where you intend to plant shady or sunny? What kind of soil do you have? Any well-established, reputable nursery will have people who can help you make the right choice of tree. And nearly every Texas county has an Extension Service office.

When You’re Ready to Plant

  • Handle your tree only by the root ball, never the trunk.
  • Dig a hole that gives the root ball 6 inches of clearance on all sides and is only as deep as the root ball.
  • Backfill the hole with the same soil you took out — never substitute soil.
  • Water thoroughly.
  • Do not use fertilizer until early spring or you risk burning the tree.
  • Mulch around the base to preserve moisture.
  • Water thoroughly every seven to 10 days. Overwatering can damage your tree.

You should also be aware of what trees to avoid. The black walnut tree secretes a toxin that will kill nearby plants and flowers. It’s also incredibly messy. Other messy trees that will drop leaves and junk all over your hardscapes? Cottonwoods and mimosas. Both of these are also brittle with weak root systems.

The right trees are a long-term investment that can enhance the beauty and value of your home. Care for them wisely, and they will return your investment many times over.

Need some help with your landscape design? Here at AquaTerra we strive to be a single source solution for our client’s outdoor needs. Contact us, we’re here to help you have the most beautiful landscape on the block.

Emma Bishop is a lifestyle and design writer, and mother of two beautiful girls. She is a social butterfly and loves to entertain guests at home with beautifully decorated spaces for any occasion.


https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fall-tree.jpg 624 832 Emily Thompson https://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.png Emily Thompson2019-09-20 13:02:262019-09-20 13:02:28Landscaping During the Texas Fall
Santa Barbara style

July 12, 2017

Starwood Before + After

by Heather Bloem

From Mediterranean to Santa Barbara

This Starwood home, located in Frisco, TX,  was originally designed in the Mediterranean-Tuscan style, typical of the late 90’s and early 2k period.  Over the past few years, the home’s interior had been fully renovated to reflect a more clean-transitional look.  Aquaterra’s goal for this landscape, pool and outdoor living renovation project was to harmonize the exterior with the interior by creating that same timeless feel.  Defining new gathering spots, enhancing flow and maximizing space, with a balance of form and function, was our top priority.

Before

Starwood Exterior Before
Starwood Pool Before
Starwood Pool Before

 

After meeting with the client to get a sense of their needs, as well as review our process, program and scope, we sent them a proposal for creative services.  After presenting our vision of transforming their former look into a clean, fresh “Santa Barbara” style, the clients gave us permission to proceed with a new pool and outdoor kitchen design, as well as a new fire pit, additional landscaping and enhanced lighting.  Additionally, Aquaterra updated the outdoor appliances, fans, security light fixtures and re-routed some ugly electrical lines.  

In order to give the entire residence a beachy, California feel, we recommended painting the home white. To complete the look,  Aquaterra was entrusted to have custom light fixtures made, as well as design and provide all the pottery and outdoor furniture required to put the finishing touches on this beautiful project!
 

Construction

Starwood Home Exterior Painted
Pool Construction
Pool Construction

 

After

Santa Barbara style
Santa Barbara style
Pool Complete
Fire pit and pool

 

Beautiful Transformation

As we near final stages of this project, you can see the dramatic change to the exterior of this home. The before, during, and after photos show just how much work goes into a project like this, and the transformation is incredible!

Palms and Pottery
Sweet Potato Vine

 

IPE Deck and Gloster Furniture
Bobe Water Scuppers


Special thanks to some of our suppliers we worked with:
Lynx appliances, Haiku Fans, Pentair pool equipment, Bobe water and fire features, Solara lanterns, Gloster furniture, Finest Finishes plaster

 

https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_9504.jpg 480 640 Heather Bloem https://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.png Heather Bloem2017-07-12 15:36:172017-07-12 16:27:19Starwood Before + After

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