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landscaping SOS

2 years ago

Hello,
This is my first time seeking help online, so please forgive any missteps. I’m struggling with my front and back yard at our home house in Houston, Texas, hardiness zone 9. There is no need for a particular function except aesthetics and switching to deficient maintenance and water use with a curb appeal that can stand out with colors. Houston is getting more freeze sessions now, and all the plants are dying, even if it lasts only two days. So my priorities are:
-drought and weather-tolerant landscaping
-low maintenance and water use
-maybe switching to no lawn alternatives in the future but have a beginning now? However, I’m on a budget, and expensive pavers or stones are not the first option.
-lemon or olive tree is a must (mind you the t I have a tree trunk that I don’t know what to do with)

P.S.: I hate the curb to my front door, but I can’t do anything about it. Also, the queen dog has to approve everything even though she hates going outside :-))
I really appreciate any help you can provide.

Comments (15)

  • 2 years ago

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  • 2 years ago

    I suggest hiring a landscape designer as your first order of business. Someone knowledgeable about your climate . Good luck.

  • 2 years ago

    There are some great texas native, drought tolerant, low maintenance plants you could use like Texas Olive (Cordia boissieri), Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum), Red Yucca (Hesperaloe Parvifolia). Rock mulch would look great with these and wouldn't need watering like a lawn.


    It is possible to get stumps ground down below the surface although I’ve always gone old school and dug them out with the help of a hammer drill and reciprocating saw.





  • 2 years ago

    These look great!! I put them down on the list. Do you think they should go under the window next to the big tree? Thank you so much for your input!

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    There already is Leucophyllum in the bed — they get way too large for that spot and look scraggly with too much shade.

    Cordia boissieri would be very iffy in Houston, especially with how our climate is changing.

    Mature Red Yuccas would also be too large there.

    Houston is not arid and rocky like west Texas, Hill Country, etc, it’s lush and humid. There are so many good choices for plants that would thrive. I’m in an area of D/FW with bad soil … I envy the growing conditions down there.

    Fatima, the first thing I’d do is see about hiring someone to transplant the Yaupon Holly. It’s too big to be in that bed, and they look so much better not sculpted. As much as it would pain me to do it, I’d cut it down if transplanting isn’t possible.

    I’d remove everything from the bed … maybe transplant whatever you can to the backyard …and start over. I’d find an established local nursery, not big box store, to help with suggestions for the beds. Take pictures to show them.

    I’d want a more layered look in the larger section of the bed using proper sized shrubs and perennials. I’d add in a pretty birdbath for interest.

    Google ”Landscaping in Houston” and look at images for inspiration.

    Your house is beautiful, updating the landscaping will look wonderful. :)

  • 2 years ago

    Thank you for the compliment! I love the inside of my house but not the outside:-) Even though the tree is happy there, I agree with you, it’s too big for the space. I will consider moving it to the side of the yard.

    The place where the tree stump is was perfect for a big tree that can give some shade…I bought this chemical that you can put on a dead stump that helps disintegrate it so it’s easier to remove. Do you think I can plant something there once I remove the stump? If not, maybe it’s not worth it to attack it in the first place, and I just can level it and put a birdbath on top of it.
    Thank you for all the feedback. I truly appreciate it!

  • 2 years ago

    That’s something I’d definitely discuss with nursery pros. It is a nice spot for a tree!

    And if you haven’t already, you might want to ask neighbors what bedding plants and trees they’ve had success with.

    Good luck!

  • 2 years ago

    Thank you!!!

  • 2 years ago

    Ohhh thank you so much!! This looks great! Adding planting area next to the curb will solve replacing part of the lawn, especially that it’s dead now. The shrubs on the left side are actually my neighbor so it would be a good idea to blend the look. I LOVE the beam on the door. I never thought of it.
    Thank you again for all your valuable input and for the rendering!

  • 2 years ago

    That added trim looks fabulous!