North Central Austin Edition | July 2023

GUIDE

Local businesses oer home improvement tips

2023 HOME EDITION

COMPILED BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & KATY MCAFEE HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

ASK A GARDEN EXPERT

Central Texas is known for its hot, dry weather. Sheryl Williams, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Travis County and master gardener, shares her tips for xeriscaping—landscaping using native plants with little irrigation—in the Austin area.

TIPS FROM A TRIM MOLDING EXPERT

Blackland prairie clay. In the western areas, one must water more often than in the eastern areas until a deep root system is grown. Native grasses are underutilized in the Central Texas landscapes and can grow on either side of the delineation. There are tons of ornamental grasses that do well in Central Texas and look amazing while also providing habitats for pollinators. WHAT DOES XERISCAPING REQUIRE? Xeriscaping requires the most work during the rst year while the plants gain resilience. The amount of water needed will depend on the natural rainfall received during that rst year, but it is important to maintain a regular watering schedule in the beginning to establish a solid root system. The best time to begin planting is mid-October.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEP TION ABOUT XERISCAPING? The biggest misconception is that xeriscaping is getting rid of plants in the yard and transforming them into gravel gardens, but that is not the case. Xeriscaping encourages more plants, not less, but they need to be native or adapted to the site—especially with the heat and precipitation issues in Central Texas. The goal is to make the landscape look like the surrounding wildscape. HOW DO YOU PICK WHAT TO PLANT? In the Austin area, the [set of plants that will be used] depends on which side of I-35 a person lives: the soil west of I-35 is known as Edward’s Plateau limestone, while land east of I-35 is

Trim is a versatile accessory that can be added to entryways, cabinets, windows, doors or replaces, said Braedan Piotrowski, a remodeling expert at Fit Build Construction. Realistically, residents should hire a contractor for any trim improvements, Piotrowski said; however, he has advice for any Austinites interested in taking on the project themselves.

Cutting wood at a 45-degree angle rather than straight on creates a more modern look. Piotrowski recommends buying a saw with a cord, not a battery. “I have a 12-inch blade and can cut just about anything,” he said.

1 ‘Measure twice, cut once’ Piotrowski said one of the main calls he gets is to x a trim molding job that was done poorly. Measuring twice and cutting once ensures the trim will t properly. 2 Invest in a high-quality saw to achieve clean lines “You can’t use just some old, cheap saw,” Piotrowski said. 3 Utilize 45-degree-angle cuts

Sheryl Williams Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Travis County, master gardener www.tcmastergardeners.org/drought-guide

Braedan Piotrowski Project manager Fit Build Construction

512-382-0334 www.tbuild construction.com

Above is an example trim work. (Courtesy Fit Build Construction)

WEATHER READY AT HOME In addition to preparing for disasters by stockpiling food and water, homeowners can prepare themselves and their homes for severe weather events through home maintenance and repairs.

Measures that can be taken:

Renovations: while updating appliances, ooring, walls and windows

Construction: during the design phase of a new home or addition

Now: immediately and are renter friendly

Walls & oors

Windows & doors

R C Plants Trees can protect

Roofs

Insulating pipes with foam sleeves can protect them from extreme temperatures. N R C

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N R C

Overhanging roofs can shade windows from the sun while still allowing indirect light in.

Weather stripping can protect doors and windows from rain and external moisture.

sunny sides of buildings. Native trees are best adapted to the home’s climate.

R C

N R C

Using mold-resistant insulation can improve air quality, especially in homes that are humid or prone to ooding.

Solar panel installation can be paired with a smart inverter for optimal energy use.

Thermal curtains can protect against both extreme heat and cold while conserving energy.

SOURCES: HOUSTON ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTER, TEXAS STATE ENERGY CONSERVATION OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023