Is it ever going to rain again? (El Paso: landscaping, college)

[jwb123]

Originally Posted by jread

It is that mentality of the HOAs (and many people who live in the suburbs) that the lawn MUST BE GREEN that is absolutely ridiculous and wasteful. Central Texas is not a place where Bermuda or St. Augustine (especially) would ever survive naturally. Besides, I am much more worried about how much water we have than how my "grass farm" is doing.

I don't disagree with you - and am actually with you that HOA's generally have too much control over what someone does with their own property. This is my first experience living in such a tightly controlled, and mismanaged HOA but that's why I also said

and yes, I know everyone has an HOA opinion and that's a totally other subject

Not everyone has the option to just up and move because they don't like the HOA. Some people (like me!) have never experienced this sort of craziness, and maybe didn't know what to expect, but also can't flit from home to home, neighborhood to neighborhood and just have to make it work, or try and fix it.

[mandib]

it occurred to me just last night that it would be wonderful if the city of Austin stepped in and made it so that all new homes and all HOA's had/allowed xeriscaping in the front (at the very least). They have the final say over the ripping out of trees and such, so is there a reason why they couldn't regulate this? I don't know the legalities, but it seems like a sensible idea. Of course, they'd have to grandfather in older homes/HOA's, but then if one wanted to rip out grass and get an HOA approved xeric yard then you could. That would save a lot of water and people feeling obliged to waste it making a green lawn pretty that needn't be.

Also, buffalo grass. Why do HOA's all want St. Augustine? I had buffalo grass put in the backyard in Steiner and it was great. Looked good all spring and then saved water during the summer and winter!

[twange]

Originally Posted by mandib

it occurred to me just last night that it would be wonderful if the city of Austin stepped in and made it so that all new homes and all HOA's had/allowed xeriscaping in the front (at the very least). They have the final say over the ripping out of trees and such, so is there a reason why they couldn't regulate this? I don't know the legalities, but it seems like a sensible idea. Of course, they'd have to grandfather in older homes/HOA's, but then if one wanted to rip out grass and get an HOA approved xeric yard then you could. That would save a lot of water and people feeling obliged to waste it making a green lawn pretty that needn't be.

Also, buffalo grass. Why do HOA's all want St. Augustine? I had buffalo grass put in the backyard in Steiner and it was great. Looked good all spring and then saved water during the summer and winter!

Don't get me wrong, I think Austin's a great place...but I think they're talking out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to being "green". You can't wear that badge just because of the reputation of a few well-known neighborhood associations or some wealthy developers and homeowners who build expensive modern houses. The "ground zero" type issues are what count. Things that affect most of the community: Water, waste, pedestrian infrastructure, public transit, parks etc...

The City of Austin should absolutely over-ride any HOAs mandate of green lawns and allow HOMEOWNERS to xeriscape. It's the responsible thing to do.

[xsloane]

Originally Posted by Jenbar

Those restrictions are for Austin city limits, or Travis county? I know Round Rock has "voluntary" restrictions.

Is it ever going to rain again? Yes.... but we are loving the heat and sun. Perfect summer weather.

Unfortunately RR seems to be much less strict with their water conservation programs!! I saw the restrictions for Austin and I like it. I like their incentives for better, smarter use of the resourse.

Here in Brushy Creek (un-incorporated RR), the situation is bad... I see people, sometimes the "city" itself watering the sidewalks, dirt, rocks, streets!!! in the middle of the day!!! How are you supposed to educate people if you cannot show them with your example?

[love roses]

I read that article in Sundays paper about John Dromgoole. He HATES St. Augustine grass (as do I). He says if you let it go dormant it does die, it has to have water. Like atxcio says, however, you can change that if you let it stay long, meaning don't cut it short. I just personally don't like St. Augustine grass. It's not good for the area and it isn't soft on the feet like drought tolerant grasses.

[Trainwreck20]

We got two storms yesterday/last night! Yeah!

As for xeriscaping...in this area, it is not really the 'natural' landscape, so I am not so sure about forcing neighborhoods to allow it. I would think that some sort of natural grass, however, would do wonders for water use. I had a 'natural' lawn in the neighborhood I used to live in (not sure what kind of grass it was) and it needed water once or twice a summer to keep from dying. Yes, it was not lush St. Augustine, but it covered the dirt. It was some sort of buffalo grass or something, I am guessing, and it was a much thinner blade and lighter, paler green. I think that the city should require that low maintenance grass be allowed. Regarding the 'xeriscaping' - it can just add to the heat island effect and, to me, it looks so unnatural around here.

[Breezerboat]

2.5 inches in my rain gauge from yesterday. Anderson Mill/Lime Creek area

[xsloane]

I found this website (of the City of Austin) to have very good advice and information regarding the whole watering situation. WCTS - Rainfall Data

[jwb123]

Here is the information on RR's Voluntary Water Wise program. I don't understand why it's voluntary. I know my HOA does not follow these guidelines, so I will be emailing them (or maybe the board members who follow these posts can take note).
City of Round Rock - Water Conservation

[txbreeze01]

I am in Round Rock and my husband and I follow the voluntary schedule that Round Rock has. Our yard is alive, but definitely not as green as our neighbors. On the other hand our bank account is much greener then our neighbors

Originally Posted by Jenbar

Here is the information on RR's Voluntary Water Wise program. I don't understand why it's voluntary. I know my HOA does not follow these guidelines, so I will be emailing them (or maybe the board members who follow these posts can take note).
City of Round Rock - Water Conservation