Choosing plants adapted to Texas’ climate is one of the best ways to create a healthy, low-maintenance landscape. Since most landscape plants prefer well-drained soil, Allen recommends checking soil moisture regularly after planting. Consider the Texas sun: Garden center tags that recommend “full sun” may not account for the intensity of a North Texas summer. Mulch makes a difference: Adding mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperatures and suppress weeds. Rock and plastic mulches tend to trap heat and can make soil temperatures even higher during summer.