Houston Climate and the Plants We Select
Houston |
Japan |
Houston monthly temperature chart.
Houston monthly rain fall chart.
Houston monthly sunlight in hours chart.
Houston monthly relative humidity chart.
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Japan monthly temperature chart.
Japan monthly rainfall chart.
Japan monthly sunlight in hours chart.
Japan monthly relative humidity chart.
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This is a side by side comparison of temperature, rainfall, sunlight, and relative humidity of Japan vs Houston. These charts and data where gathered from https://weather-and-climate.com and all rights are reserved.
Houston is classified as a humid subtropical climate. Humid subtropical is a zone of climate characterized by hot and humid summers, and mild winters. This climate is described as having mild temperatures with a range above 32 degrees fahrenheit in cold months and above 72 degrees fahrenheit during hot months. Also, Rainfall peaks are normally during the summer, lacking any predictable dry month. Rainfall is also usually accompanied by thunderstorms that build up due to intense surface heating and string subtropical angle. Weaker tropical lows which flow over the gulf contribute to the rain fall when they pass over land.
The reason for the side by side comparison above is to show why most of the non-native plants used in landscape originate from Japan and South China. This is done by design, these plants are appealing to the eye, but can also adapt well there new home because they come from the same climate. This also means that push come to shove these plants can survive without irrigation. Although it is highly recommended that during establishment of the plant it receives water 2 - 3 times per week. Once established irrigation can actually be shut off which saves water, helps root growth by encouraging deeper and wider patterns, and saves money on utility cost. An irrigation system is still a great investment for your property. Over the years owners spend between 10-20% of the total value of their home on landscape. If thousands of dollars and years of patience where invested it seems to make sense to protect that investment due to drought or long periods away from home where maintenance is at a minimum.
There are many organizations that drive the irrigation, and landscape industry standards toward conservation. A couple of these organizations are WaterSense and USGBC (United States Green Building Council). WaterSense is the organization that plays a large role in the smart controller being developed and ushered to market. Smart controllers gather weather data from the closest weather towers, then runs an algorithm with said data as well as one time user entry data to water efficiently. This algorithm usually calls for weather station data, sprinkler type and number, sun levels, slope, and soil type to make an accurate prediction of soil moisture content. With soil moisture content the system then waters accordly, without a fixed schedule, but when levels fall to low. The USGBC certifies building as green in an effort to have a positive impact on the environment. There requirements are to use smart controllers, local vegetation, local hardscape materials, worker safety, and a whining schedule to nurse plants of irrigation once established.
In short, most plants you find at your local nursery or big box store are native to the humid subtropical climate, and once established can flourish with little to no irrigation input. In houston water is inexpensive and as of now plentiful. But with massive population and property growth along the San Jacinto river this may not always be the case. Its best to save some money now on watering cost in order to save a lot of money in the future when resources become more scarce drive utilities sky high.
The reason for the side by side comparison above is to show why most of the non-native plants used in landscape originate from Japan and South China. This is done by design, these plants are appealing to the eye, but can also adapt well there new home because they come from the same climate. This also means that push come to shove these plants can survive without irrigation. Although it is highly recommended that during establishment of the plant it receives water 2 - 3 times per week. Once established irrigation can actually be shut off which saves water, helps root growth by encouraging deeper and wider patterns, and saves money on utility cost. An irrigation system is still a great investment for your property. Over the years owners spend between 10-20% of the total value of their home on landscape. If thousands of dollars and years of patience where invested it seems to make sense to protect that investment due to drought or long periods away from home where maintenance is at a minimum.
There are many organizations that drive the irrigation, and landscape industry standards toward conservation. A couple of these organizations are WaterSense and USGBC (United States Green Building Council). WaterSense is the organization that plays a large role in the smart controller being developed and ushered to market. Smart controllers gather weather data from the closest weather towers, then runs an algorithm with said data as well as one time user entry data to water efficiently. This algorithm usually calls for weather station data, sprinkler type and number, sun levels, slope, and soil type to make an accurate prediction of soil moisture content. With soil moisture content the system then waters accordly, without a fixed schedule, but when levels fall to low. The USGBC certifies building as green in an effort to have a positive impact on the environment. There requirements are to use smart controllers, local vegetation, local hardscape materials, worker safety, and a whining schedule to nurse plants of irrigation once established.
In short, most plants you find at your local nursery or big box store are native to the humid subtropical climate, and once established can flourish with little to no irrigation input. In houston water is inexpensive and as of now plentiful. But with massive population and property growth along the San Jacinto river this may not always be the case. Its best to save some money now on watering cost in order to save a lot of money in the future when resources become more scarce drive utilities sky high.
