WaterSaver plants, not lawns, are the way to go green, especially with the ongoing drought.
If you’re thinking cooler weather means your green grass will return, think again. Unfortunately, the forecast for the foreseeable future indicates drought will continue into next year — and with it Stage 3 watering rules.
Green grass is definitely not trending when you look at lawns in South Central Texas. (Perhaps the era of “golden” grass may become the new trend!) Yet, with the arrival of cooler weather, those who crave the eye-catching look of a luscious green lawn may feel a sense of urgency to find an immediate solution to their landscaping dreams: re-sodding turf grass.
Although the idea is pleasant to imagine, the reality of its effect on your water bill and maintenance regimen will provide a harsh wake-up call. Most importantly, during Stage 3 there are no watering variances provided to establish grass sod on existing properties. New sod must be watered in by hand (gulp) and can result in Stage 3 surcharges on your water bill.
Artificial turf is not a viable solution either. There’s more to it than just installing it and forgetting about it.
- On a hot day in full sun, the temperature of artificial turf can get about 40-75 degrees hotter than natural grass.
- The carbon footprint of plastic grass can negatively impact our environment when it comes to disposal of the products at the end of their lifespan.
Remember, Texas is known for its sizzling heat. So, if you’re a fan of green, consider planting trees. Life is better in the shade. Or put it in garden beds with native drought-tolerant plants — they can get established over fall and winter with modest hand-watering.
Visit GardenStyleSA.com for free water-wise landscape designs and details about WaterSaver Landscape Coupons and how to apply for them. You have through Oct. 15 to apply and through Oct. 31 to redeem the coupons — so don’t delay!
Casey Cuellar is an intern working in SAWS Communications.
