Donald Gross
Area Construction Manager
Donald has extensive experience in residential construction in Central Texas. He ensures that each member of the construction team works diligently to deliver a high-quality home and an exceptional customer experience.
The unwavering Texas heat can cause damage to your home and systems if preventative action is not taken. Discover essential home maintenance tips to protect your property during drought conditions. During the warmer months, if we do not receive rain in a consecutive two week period, we strongly recommend the following action steps:
1. Water Your Foundation
During a drought, it is imperative to water around the foundation of your home. The soil that supports your foundation can contract with lack of moisture & expand when moisture reoccurs, causing shifting of the soil and potential cracks in your foundation. Watering around your foundation and keeping that soil moist can prevent potential damage. Manually do this with a soaker hose - do not rely solely on your irrigation system. Water 2-5 feet out from your foundation every other day until regular rain showers occur.
2. Time your Irrigation
Omega Builders installs drought-resistant bermuda grass on all of our properties. We understand how hot and dry Central Texas can be, and we want to give you a great start to a lawn that lasts. The best time to water your grass and landscaping is in the evening as the sun sets or in the early morning hours before the sun rises. This minimizes evaporation in the daylight and allows your lawn to soak up as much water as possible. Aim to water deeply (longer) and less frequently to promote root growth. Mulching your landscaping can help your plants maintain moisture. Remember to also follow local drought restrictions and watering times to conserve water for your local community.
3. Reduce your Fire Risk
Drought increases the chances of wildfire because vegetation becomes dry, dormant, or dead. To minimize your risk, remove all dead tree branches on your property and trim tall shrubs or vines away from your home. Cut your grass low and rake up any dry leaves or pine needles. When adding new landscaping, consider choosing fire-resistant plants. It is always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher ready and available on your property.
4. Additional Conservation Tips
To reduce your water bill, implement water-saving practices indoors, such as fixing leaky faucets and toilets, using water-efficient appliances, and taking shorter showers. Collect rainwater in barrels or tanks to use for watering your plants or cleaning purposes. And turn off your faucet when brushing your teeth or washing the dishes.
By implementing water conservation measures both indoors and outdoors, you can significantly reduce your water consumption and protect your home from drought.
