Top Landscaping Services in The Hills, TX, 78734 | Compare & Call
Gray Lang is a full-service landscaping and construction company serving The Hills, TX. We specialize in transforming challenging properties by addressing common local issues like soil compaction and ...
Stone and Stem is a local landscaping company in The Hills, TX, dedicated to creating durable and beautiful outdoor spaces. We specialize in designing and installing landscapes that thrive in the Texa...
Question Answers
With Stage 2 water restrictions, how can I keep my St. Augustine lawn alive on only two watering days?
Modern Wi-Fi ET-based irrigation controllers are the solution. They automatically adjust watering schedules in real-time based on local evapotranspiration data, soil moisture, and forecasted rainfall. This technology ensures your Raleigh St. Augustine or TifTuf Bermuda receives precise hydration only when needed, maximizing efficiency. Properly programmed, these systems consistently stay within the municipal two-days-per-week limit while maintaining turf health far better than a fixed timer.
I'm tired of weekly mowing and gas blower noise. What's a quieter, lower-maintenance alternative to all this grass?
Transitioning to a climate-adaptive landscape centered on native species drastically reduces maintenance. Incorporating Texas Mountain Laurel, Flame Acanthus, Texas Sage, and Lindheimer's Muhly creates a resilient, biodiverse planting that requires no mowing and minimal watering once established. This shift aligns with evolving 2026 standards, preempting stricter noise ordinances on gas equipment. An electric maintenance fleet can then handle seasonal care of these plantings quietly and efficiently.
My yard's soil is hard as a rock and nothing grows well. Is this just how it is in The Hills?
This is a predictable result of the calcareous clay subsoil common to our region, compounded by construction practices. Homes built around 1997 in The Hills Residential Estates have soil profiles roughly 29 years old, where grading and compaction during building created a dense, low-permeability layer. The high pH (7.8-8.2) further limits nutrient availability. Core aeration coupled with top-dressing composted organic matter is essential to improve soil structure, water infiltration, and biological activity over time.
I think I have invasive Bermuda grass in my flower beds. How do I remove it without harming my other plants or breaking local rules?
Selective removal of invasive Bermuda grass is best achieved through careful, targeted application of a systemic herbicide during its active growth phase, avoiding drift to desirable plants. Crucially, any follow-up soil amendments must comply with The Hills' fertilizer ordinance, which prohibits phosphorus application unless a soil test confirms a deficiency. This prevents nutrient runoff into our watershed. For organic suppression, deep edging and solarization with clear plastic can be effective but require more time.
Water pools against my foundation after every rain. What's the best long-term fix for this drainage problem?
Pooling indicates the low infiltration rate of our calcareous clay soil. The most effective correction integrates subsurface drainage, such as French drains, with surface grading. Replacing impermeable surfaces with permeable Leuders limestone pavers for patios or walkways significantly reduces runoff volume. This approach not only solves the foundation hazard but also helps meet the City of The Hills Building & Development Services' standards for on-site stormwater management by improving permeability.
A storm knocked down a large limb. How quickly can a crew get here for an emergency cleanup to meet HOA rules?
For urgent storm response, our electric fleet can be dispatched from The Hills Country Club. Routing via TX-71 allows for a typical arrival within the 25-35 minute window, even during peak traffic. This schedule adheres to the local noise ordinance, as our battery-powered equipment operates quietly after the 8:00 AM restriction lifts. We prioritize securing the site and clearing hazards to restore safety and HOA compliance immediately.
Is a limestone patio a better choice than a wood deck for durability and fire safety here?
Permeable Leuders limestone pavers are superior for longevity and fire resilience. Unlike wood, limestone is non-combustible, a critical factor for maintaining defensible space in our Moderate (WUI Zone 2) fire risk area. It withstands our temperature extremes without warping, rotting, or requiring chemical treatments. The inherent permeability of a properly installed dry-set paver system also manages runoff effectively, contributing to overall site sustainability and stability for decades.
I want to regrade part of my yard. Do I need a permit, and what should I look for in a contractor?
Yes, significant regrading on a 0.45-acre lot typically requires a permit from the City of The Hills Building & Development Services to ensure proper drainage and erosion control. You must hire a contractor licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for earthwork. This licensing verifies they carry the required insurance and understand local codes. Unlicensed grading can lead to improper water flow, neighbor disputes, and costly corrective orders from the city.
