Austin Shrub Service

What is a shrub? In short, a shrub is any plant that is too small to be a tree and too big to be a flower. This may not be the answer you get from a trained botanist, but for residential landscaping, this is the main purpose of shrubs. Since they don't require several years to mature or the diligent care of flowers, many homeowners find these plants invaluable for their landscaping design. Plus, few homes look their best with nothing more than large, towering trees and a small garden bed.

Bushes, Hedges, and other Shrubs in Austin
By far the most common shrubs are bushes or hedges that cover a portion of your foundation and siding. These shrubs are great for basic improvement of your home's exterior. Just make sure they're not placed in a way that will trap moisture and damage your siding, or have extensive root systems that may damage your foundation. You'll also want to make sure your bushes or other shrubs aren't going to attract pests. These problems are rare, but not unheard of where homeowners casually plant bushes near their home. Keep in mind, too, that shrubs are also great additions around the border of your property as they are pinned against your home.

Choosing Shrubs in Austin
A great rule of thumb is to choose native shrubs, and it's easy to understand why. Native shrubs require considerably less maintenance and retain local appeal. Plus, with hundreds of shrubs indigenous to the Texas climate and soil, you're sure to find several that match the vision you have for your home. At the very least, choose shrubs that have moderate resistance to drought, similar tolerance for sunlight, and can thrive in your yard's soil with minimal fertilizer. Once you've established these basic principles, you'll be able to search out individual shrub species that have colorful and timely blooming, as well as a size that will fit with different areas of your yard. Often, multiple shrubs can be used in different places in your yard for flexibility and diversity in your landscaping design.

Basic Shrub Service in Austin
Whether you choose a shrub that is native to central Texas, has the characteristics to thrive here, or a more high-maintenance shrub, you'll want to research or talk to a professional gardener about your shrub's behavior, characteristics, and warning signs that it is experiencing a problem. Even if you don't have a passion for gardening, knowing a little bit about your shrubs can be the difference in maintaining a healthy shrub, being able to nurture an ailing shrub back to health, and needing to have your shrub removed or replaced.

Austin Shrub Service Contractors
Don't be afraid to get creative. Planting hedges around the base of your home might be the best plan, but there may be better alternatives or minor variations that can make your shrubs stand out. Raising or lowering your yard, adding a small brick wall, diversifying your shrubs and other options can do wonders for your home's curb appeal. Many homeowners have become jaded by their past experiences with contractors. ServiceMagic prescreens contractors and provides homeowners' reviews of our contractors so you can feel confident of quality service with contractors who are willing and able to go that extra mile for your home improvement project.

The cost of hiring an Austin shrub service contractor depends on the nature of your shrubbery needs. Professional gardeners are great for one-time counsel on what shrubs to plant or how to treat an unhealthy or dying shrub. Lawn care contractors are better for continuing service, such as periodic pruning, fertilizing, watering, etc.