The trendy city of Austin, Texas, is home to a variety of attractions, including a shopping center called The Domain. This property features everything from tourist sites and stores to residential space, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the vibrant culture of Austin. It’s also home to several luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus, making it essential to keep the properties looking their best in the fluctuating Texas weather.
At the start of 2021, Austin experienced severe winter weather that caused significant damage to landscapes throughout the city, including the Domain. To clean up the damage and make future improvements to the property, LandCare, based in Frederick, Maryland, was brought in to enhance the feel of the space and focus on the little details that make The Domain a special place.
As LandCare began working on the site, addressing the winter damage was the main priority.
“Beginning with a thorough assessment of winter damage, our team inspected each plant to determine what was salvageable,” says Lucas Brum, branch manager for the North Austin branch. “We conducted meticulous pruning for viable plants to stimulate new growth and mitigate disease risks. These cutbacks took place in late February and early March to align with the end of our harsh winter conditions. Another step was adjusting the irrigation to optimize hydration without overwatering. As spring arrived, we monitored the new growth and adjusted care strategies to address any new issues, like pests or diseases.”
They also focused on building healthy soil by adding organic compost and mulching around each plant to regulate the soil temperatures and reduce weeds.
As LandCare moved forward with the site, a critical task was adding natives that would uphold the luxurious style of the property and withstand the diversity of microclimates.
“In some areas, we have intense afternoon sun that requires frequent watering and heat tolerant species,” Brum says. “In these spots, our irrigation technician adjusts the system to meet the increased water needs during peak heat. Under large trees, we have shaded zones that receive limited sunlight, causing the plants to have less vigor and be prone to fungal diseases. Another challenge is low-lying areas with poor drainage that collect standing water after heavy rains. Choosing water-tolerant plants helps in these spots, and we have added organic amendments to improve the drainage. We’re always making adjustments that fit the needs of each space on the property.”
A few plants have stood out and become favorites for the managers at The Domain, including purple heart (Tradescantia pallida), Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), and inland sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium). Throughout the property, the color palette ranges from bright greens to deep purple and sage green.
With such a high volume of pedestrian traffic, the maintenance team arrives early in the morning to give visitors more parking space later in the day.
“Our maintenance team consists of five skilled and dedicated members who can handle a diverse range of tasks efficiently,” Brum says. “To maintain and enhance the landscaping, our crew operates systemically, dividing the property into manageable sections. They work nearly every day and adhere to a well-planned schedule that ensures no area is neglected. This process ensures consistent care and attention is given to each task, ranging from lawn maintenance and garden care to tree trimming and irrigation management.”
The account and production managers also do frequent walk-throughs to observe foot traffic patterns and adjust the planting beds accordingly. With those walk-throughs, the team can optimize the location of existing and future beds to ensure plants don’t get trampled.
Despite the challenges, each detail goes a long way in making The Domain a must-see place.
“It’s been so rewarding to witness the transformation and the positive impact it has on the client and environment,” Brum adds. “Seeing a once-ordinary landscape evolve into a vibrant and meticulously maintained outdoor space brings a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
This article was published in the November/December issue of the magazine. To read more stories from The Edge magazine, click here to subscribe to the digital edition.
