5 Seasonal Landscaping Projects to Boost Curb Appeal in Central Texas

Let’s be honest—first impressions matter, and your yard is the first thing people see when they pull up to your house. Whether you’re trying to make your home stand out in the neighborhood, boost its value, or just enjoy a beautiful outdoor space, giving your landscape some seasonal TLC can make all the difference.

The great thing about landscaping in Central Texas is that our weather gives us a lot of flexibility—sure, we get those brutal summers, but we also get mild winters that let us work on outdoor projects year-round. So, if you’re ready to step up your curb appeal, I’ve got five easy-to-tackle seasonal landscaping projects that’ll make your yard look amazing—without overwhelming you.

Spring: Refresh Your Flower Beds with Native Plants

Alright, spring is go-time for getting your yard back in shape after winter. It’s when everything starts waking up, and that includes your flower beds. If you want an easy way to boost curb appeal, a fresh pop of color with Texas-friendly plants is the way to go.
Here’s how to refresh your flower beds the right way:
1. Start with a cleanup. Get rid of any dead plants, leaves, and weeds. If anything looks tired or scraggly from winter, pull it out.
2. Add fresh mulch. This does more than just make your yard look polished—it helps retain moisture, keeps the soil temperature steady, and prevents weeds from taking over. A 2-3 inch layer is perfect.
3. Pick the right plants. Since we live in Central Texas, we’ve got to think about heat and drought resistance. Bluebonnets, black-eyed Susans, and Mexican heather are all great choices because they thrive here.
4. Mix in perennials. These are plants that come back year after year, so you won’t have to replant them every season. Good options? Salvia, lantana, and purple coneflowers.
5. Edge it up. A clean edge makes everything look crisp. Use stone, metal, or even brick to define your flower beds.

Pro Tip: Want that effortlessly lush look? Plant in layers—taller plants in the back, medium ones in the middle, and shorter ones in the front.

Summer: Make Your Lawn Low-Maintenance with Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Now, let’s talk about summer. You know how it goes—scorching sun, barely any rain, and grass that turns brown faster than you can water it. Instead of fighting against the heat, why not make your yard work with the Texas climate?
Here’s how to survive summer without wasting water:

1. Replace some grass with ground cover. Instead of struggling to keep your lawn green, consider swapping some areas for Texas sedge, buffalo grass, or creeping thyme. They use way less water and still give you that lush look.
2. Add decorative rock or gravel. This is a great way to cut down on maintenance while giving your yard a modern touch. Decomposed granite and river rocks are both popular choices.
3. Choose heat-friendly plants. Agave, yucca, and desert willow trees can handle the heat like champs.
4. Install a drip irrigation system. This is a game-changer. Instead of wasting water with sprinklers, a drip system delivers moisture right to the roots, exactly where plants need it.

Pro Tip: If you want to keep some lawn, stick with Bermuda or Zoysia grass—they hold up better in the Texas heat than St. Augustine.

1. Fall: Create a Stone Walkway or Patio
   Fall is the best time for hardscaping projects. The weather is cooler, which means you won’t be sweating buckets while working outside. Plus, adding a stone walkway or patio instantly makes your yard look more inviting and functional.
   How to install a simple DIY stone walkway:
   1. Pick your material. Flagstone, limestone, and pavers all work great.
   2. Mark your path. Lay out a garden hose or use spray paint to map out where you want the walkway.
   3. Dig it out. Remove the grass and dig down about 3 inches.
   4. Lay down a base. Add a layer of crushed gravel or decomposed granite to help with drainage.
   5. Place the stones. Space them out evenly, about 1-2 inches apart, and make sure they’re level.
   6. Fill in the gaps. You can use sand, pea gravel, or even let creeping ground cover plants (like moss or thyme) grow between the stones.

   Bonus Idea: If you have space, extend the walkway into a cozy patio area where you can enjoy the cooler weather with a fire pit or outdoor seating.

2. Winter: Add Outdoor Lighting for a Warm, Welcoming Look
   Even though winter in Central Texas is mild, it gets dark earlier. Adding outdoor lighting is an easy way to keep your home looking inviting and highlight your landscaping at night.
   Best ways to light up your yard:
   • Pathway lights: Place small solar or LED lights along driveways and walkways to make it easier to navigate at night.
   • Uplighting for trees & shrubs: This adds depth and makes your yard look high-end.
   • String lights: These work great around patios, pergolas, or trees to create a cozy outdoor vibe.

   ✨ Pro Tip: Use solar-powered lights to save on energy costs and avoid extra wiring.

3. Year-Round: Install Raised Garden Beds for Easy Gardening
   Want an easy, good-looking addition to your yard that also serves a purpose? A raised garden bed is the way to go. You can grow flowers, herbs, or even fresh vegetables without taking up a ton of space.
   Here’s how to build one:
   1. Pick a spot. Choose a sunny location with good drainage.
   2. Build the frame. Use untreated wood, stone, or metal to create a box about 12 inches deep.
   3. Fill with good soil. A mix of compost, topsoil, and organic matter will give your plants the best start.
   4. Plant smart. Grow herbs like basil and rosemary, or plant seasonal veggies like lettuce in winter and tomatoes in summer.

   Expert Tip: If you don’t want to bend over while gardening, build a taller raised bed or get a pre-made elevated planter.

Final Thoughts: A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

No matter the season, there’s always something you can do to make your yard look amazing. Whether it’s refreshing flower beds in spring, drought-proofing your lawn in summer, laying a stone walkway in fall, adding outdoor lighting in winter, or installing a raised garden bed year-round, these projects will keep your yard looking sharp.

If you want expert help with landscaping, Vet’s Lawn Care has you covered! Give us a call or visit our website, and let’s make your outdoor space one to be proud of.