With the promise of hot weather this summer, those bright green lawns that sprouted in April might not be as lush and lively come July. Fortunately, there’s a trendy and efficient alternative to the traditional grassy lawn that allows you to have a healthy and attractive yard year-round without all the maintenance and hassle.

Xeriscaping is a landscaping option that helps you save water (and money) while incorporating many of the beautiful plants seen throughout the Texas landscape. Here are a few simple tips to help you get started xeriscaping your lawn while conserving our natural resources.

1. Choose appropriate plants. You can research online or speak to a local expert regarding the plants that fit best with your environment. Certain grasses, ground covers, trees, shrubs and flowers have flourished in our local ecosystems for hundreds of years. These plants will differ depending on where you are located.

2. Design effective irrigation. Instead of watering everywhere with a hose or sprinkler, different irrigation options may work better for different types of plants. For example, a spritz with a hose may not give a tree the nourishment it needs like a bubbler or drip emitter would.

3. Contour the landscape. Rain is your lawn’s best friend, and you don’t want all the fresh rain water rolling straight downhill and stripping your yard of healthy soil. Look at the way your lawn is structured and consider whether you can use rocks, plants or other resources to take advantage of the rainfall.

4. Water less frequently. This tip may vary based on your individual lawn, but typically it benefits your plants if you water thoroughly on a less frequent basis, letting the water soak in and strengthen the roots of your plants. Again, this may not apply to every lawn, so check online or consult with an expert before you change your watering habits.

Having a cool, crisp and beautiful lawn isn’t impossible, even during a South Texas summer. If you’re looking for options to improve your lawn or your home’s overall condition, consider a Home Equity Loan. This low-rate loan can give you the financing you need to improve your home's appearance while helping you save money in the long-run.