Landscaping Ideas in Texas

Top choices include live oak (drought-tolerant, evergreen in south), bald cypress (handles wet or dry), cedar elm (tough native), and Mexican sycamore (fast shade). Avoid non-native ash trees due to emerald ash borer and poor drought tolerance.

Don't try to replace clay soil—amend it instead. Add 3-4 inches of compost annually, use raised beds for vegetables, plant native species adapted to clay, and avoid overwatering which makes clay even more compacted. Gypsum can help break up dense clay.

Bluebonnets need full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in fall (September-November), scarify seeds or buy pre-treated, barely cover with soil, and water only until germination. They're annuals but reseed if you let seed pods mature before mowing in late spring.

Bermuda grass thrives in sun but goes dormant in winter. St. Augustine tolerates shade and stays greener longer but uses more water. Buffalo grass is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance for full sun. Zoysia is good for high-traffic areas with moderate water needs.

Water deeply but infrequently—1-1.5 inches per week for lawns, less for established natives. Water early morning to reduce evaporation. Most cities restrict watering to twice weekly. Use mulch to retain moisture and consider drip irrigation for shrub beds.