Living in the Texas Hill Country means living with the land -- limestone soils, live oaks, private wells, septic systems, and a climate that swings from hard freezes to triple-digit heat. If you own a home here, the maintenance calendar looks different from what you would follow in a suburban neighborhood with city water and a standard HOA.
This 12-month calendar organizes the seasonal responsibilities that Hill Country homeowners face -- from HVAC service and freeze preparation to irrigation checks, well-water testing, septic maintenance, oak-wilt treatment, wildfire defensible space, storm preparation, and pool-equipment protection. Whether you are a longtime resident or a recent transplant, these are the tasks that protect your investment and keep your property safe year-round.
IMPORTANT: This calendar is a planning guide, not a universal maintenance schedule. Not every Hill Country home has a private well, septic system, pool, expansive-clay soil, irrigation system or wildfire exposure. Equipment manufacturers, permits, warranties, local authorized agents, groundwater districts, municipalities, water providers, insurers and HOAs may impose different requirements. Follow the requirements that apply to the specific property and use qualified professionals when a task involves electrical, fuel-burning, structural, water-quality, septic, tree-disease or pool-equipment work.
Freeze preparation is the single most important seasonal task in the Hill Country.
Year-Round Safety and Damage-Prevention Tasks
Some of the most important maintenance tasks do not fit neatly into one Hill Country season:
• Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries and alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Inspect HVAC filters monthly during heavy-use periods.
• Check under sinks, around toilets, near water heaters and behind water-using appliances for leaks or moisture.
• Clean the dryer lint screen after each load, confirm that the outside vent opens freely and clean the exhaust duct at least annually.
• Inspect washing-machine and appliance supply hoses and replace damaged, bulging or corroded connections.
• Keep the main water shutoff accessible, labeled and operable.
• Inspect fire extinguishers and replace or service them as directed by the manufacturer.
• After major wind or hail events, inspect the roof, flashing, gutters, attic and drainage areas for damage or water entry.
• Maintain a dated photographic home inventory and annual exterior-condition record for insurance purposes.
• Service fireplaces, chimneys and fuel-burning appliances before seasonal use.
• Test garage-door auto-reverse and photoelectric safety features according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Winter (December, January, February)
Freeze Preparation
Hard freezes are a recurring reality in the Hill Country. Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 demonstrated what happens when infrastructure built for mild winters meets extended subfreezing temperatures. Freeze timing varies substantially across the Hill Country. Begin preparation in the fall and act on National Weather Service forecasts rather than relying on a countywide average first-freeze date.
Before each freeze event: insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape, disconnect and drain garden hoses, and know the location of your main water shut-off valve. Smart water monitors that detect flow anomalies and shut off the main valve automatically are worth considering for homes that sit vacant for extended periods. For more on freeze preparation strategy, see our guide on weather resilience and property preparedness in the Hill Country.
HVAC
Inspect the HVAC filter monthly during periods of heavy heating or cooling use and replace it when dirty or at the interval specified by the equipment and filter manufacturers. Replacement frequency depends on filter thickness, occupancy, pets, dust and system design; a fixed 30-, 45- or 60-day schedule is not appropriate for every system.
A MERV 11–13 filter may help capture more cedar pollen and other fine particles, but only if the HVAC system can accommodate the additional airflow resistance. Installing an overly restrictive filter can reduce airflow and stress the blower. Before increasing the MERV rating, check the equipment specifications or have an HVAC technician verify airflow and static pressure.
Well Water
Protect the pump, pressure tank and exposed piping according to the well-system installer's recommendations. Use only listed heat cable approved for the specific pipe material and install it exactly as directed, including any required GFCI protection. Do not recommend an unattended heat lamp or ordinary portable space heater in a pump house; both can create fire or electrical hazards. If supplemental heat is necessary, use a properly installed, thermostatically controlled product approved for that location. For a deeper discussion of well infrastructure, see our article on first 90 days checklist for new Hill Country homeowners and the wells and Edwards Aquifer infrastructure page.
Septic
Keep vehicles, heavy equipment and livestock off the septic tank, drain field, drip field and spray area. Wet or compacted soil can damage components and interfere with effluent dispersal. Do not state that soil compaction compromises the aerobic treatment process itself; aerobic treatment occurs primarily inside the treatment unit. See our septic systems infrastructure page for more on Hill Country septic considerations.
Roof and Gutters
Check for storm damage from fall weather. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts before winter rain events. In the Hill Country, a single heavy rain event can drop several inches in a few hours; clogged gutters direct water against the foundation and into the crawlspace.
Tree Care: Dormant-season pruning is safe for deciduous trees, but avoid nonessential pruning or wounding of oaks from February through June. If pruning is necessary for safety, immediately paint every cut and wound.
Pool Equipment
Pool freeze protection is equipment-specific. Many Hill Country pools remain open year-round and use automated freeze protection to circulate water through exposed plumbing, but circulation is not a complete safeguard because a power outage or equipment failure can stop the system. Confirm that freeze protection is enabled and that valves, pumps, filters, heaters, water features and exposed plumbing are included as required by their manufacturers.
If the system will be shut down or cannot circulate during freezing weather, have a qualified pool professional isolate and drain the applicable equipment and lines according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not lower the water level, drain equipment or add antifreeze as a universal recommendation. If antifreeze is specifically required, use only a product formulated for swimming-pool plumbing -- never automotive antifreeze.
Land Management
Winter can be a practical time for selective Ashe juniper management, but indiscriminate clearing can expose thin Hill Country soils, accelerate erosion, damage oak roots and remove wildlife habitat. Develop a site-specific plan that retains adequate ground cover, protects desirable trees and avoids wounding oaks.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is when Hill Country property owners tackle irrigation, well testing, and tree care.
Irrigation System and Water Regulations
Turn on the irrigation system and test each zone for leaks, broken heads, poor coverage and overspray. Check the current rules of the property's retail water provider, municipality, groundwater conservation district and HOA before changing the schedule. The Edwards Aquifer Authority's Critical Period Management Plan has five stages and regulates pumping by EAA permit holders using aquifer-level and springflow triggers. It does not create one universal household watering schedule for every Hill Country property.
Well Water Testing
EPA recommends testing private well water annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrate, total dissolved solids and pH through an appropriately certified laboratory. Additional testing should be selected according to local geology, nearby land uses and observed problems. For example, hardness, iron, manganese, sulfate and hydrogen sulfide may be appropriate when there is staining, scaling, taste or odor. Test again after flooding, well or pump repairs, a change in taste, odor or appearance, or a suspected contamination event. For a comprehensive overview of well water issues, see our articles on the truth about well logs and shared wells and water supply corporations. Also see the well water Hill Country buying guide for additional context on what to test for.
Septic Inspection
The required maintenance depends on the permitted OSSF design and the rules of the local authorized agent. Aerobic treatment units and other secondary-treatment systems are common in parts of the Hill Country, but they are not the standard system on every property. Under TCEQ rules, a maintenance provider generally submits a report at least once every four months for covered systems; qualifying electronic monitoring may allow reporting every six months. A single-family homeowner may maintain certain systems personally after the initial service-policy period where local rules allow and applicable requirements are satisfied. Local programs may be stricter. Review the permit, approved design, maintenance contract, manufacturer's instructions and local-authority records for the specific property.
Oak Wilt Prevention and Monitoring
February 1 through June 30 is oak-wilt season in Texas. Avoid nonessential pruning or wounding of oaks from February through June. If pruning is necessary for safety, immediately paint every cut and wound. Fresh wounds attract sap-feeding nitidulid beetles that carry spores of Bretziella fagacearum, the fungus that causes oak wilt. If you see symptoms -- in live oaks, characteristic symptoms can include yellow or brown discoloration along the leaf veins, vein banding, tip burn, marginal necrosis and rapid defoliation. Symptoms alone do not confirm oak wilt; obtain evaluation and, when appropriate, laboratory confirmation. Propiconazole injections may protect selected high-value live oaks and may be used therapeutically in some trees with limited symptoms. Texas A&M guidance indicates that treatment is unlikely to succeed once symptoms affect more than roughly 30 percent of the crown. Injection does not stop underground root transmission and should be performed by an appropriately trained and licensed professional. Read more in our land clearing and oak wilt guide.
HVAC
Schedule the spring AC tune-up before summer heat arrives. The Hill Country routinely sees 100-degree days from June through August. The technician should evaluate airflow, electrical components, coil condition, condensate drainage and refrigerant performance. Low refrigerant charge normally indicates a leak; the leak should be located and repaired rather than repeatedly topping off the system. Inspect and clear the condensate drain and verify that the primary and secondary drain protections operate correctly. A blocked condensate line is a common cause of HVAC-related overflow and interior water damage.
Foundation Inspection
Walk the perimeter and document new or changing cracks, separation at windows or doors, drainage problems, sticking doors, sloping floors and other movement. Hill Country geology varies; not every property sits on the same type or depth of expansive clay. Crack width alone does not diagnose foundation failure. If movement is new, progressive or accompanied by several symptoms, consult a Texas-licensed structural engineer experienced with residential foundations before relying on a repair company's sales evaluation. See our system lifecycles page for more on foundation longevity.
Gutter Cleaning
Clear winter debris from gutters before spring rains arrive. In the Hill Country, spring typically brings the highest rainfall totals of the year, often in the form of slow-moving thunderstorms that drop 2 to 4 inches over a day.
Summer (June, July, August)
Summer heat pushes HVAC systems hard -- monthly filter checks and seasonal tune-ups prevent breakdowns.
HVAC
Inspect the HVAC filter monthly during periods of heavy heating or cooling use and replace it when dirty or at the interval specified by the equipment and filter manufacturers. Replacement frequency depends on filter thickness, occupancy, pets, dust and system design; a fixed 30-, 45- or 60-day schedule is not appropriate for every system. In the Hill Country, dust from caliche roads, cedar pollen, and dry conditions loads filters faster than the standard 90-day recommendation. Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of vegetation, debris, and tall grass -- at least 24 inches of clearance on all sides for proper airflow. If the system is not cooling efficiently, have a technician check refrigerant charge and inspect the compressor. For more on HVAC lifecycles and replacement costs, see our real cost of owning acreage in the Hill Country article.
Inspect the outdoor condenser monthly during dusty periods and keep vegetation, grass and debris from obstructing airflow. Clean the coil only as directed by the manufacturer or HVAC professional. Disconnect power before any permitted homeowner maintenance, and never use a pressure washer because it can damage the coil fins. Homes beside caliche or unpaved roads may require more frequent professional cleaning, but monthly washing should not be presented as a general rule.
Pool Equipment
Operate the circulation and sanitation system for the time needed to maintain water quality and meet the equipment manufacturer's requirements. Required run time depends on pool volume, pump flow, variable-speed settings, sanitizer, temperature, swimmer load and water chemistry; 8-12 hours is not a universal rule. Check chemical levels weekly, especially chlorine and pH, as high heat accelerates chlorine dissipation and pH drift. Inspect exposed plumbing, seals, wiring and control equipment for deterioration, leaks and weather damage. Any shade or enclosure must preserve the ventilation and service clearances required by the manufacturer. Protect automation systems with surge protectors; Hill Country summer storms generate frequent power surges.
Wildfire Defensible Space
Wildfire danger varies with drought, wind, humidity, vegetation and current fuel conditions and can become severe during more than one part of the year. Monitor current Texas A&M Forest Service conditions and local burn bans rather than relying only on fixed seasonal dates. Clear dead vegetation, dry grass, and leaf litter within 30 feet of all structures. Prune limbs six to ten feet above the ground, but remove no more than one-third of the height of a shorter tree. Mow native grasses to about four inches. Use the official zone names: Immediate Zone (0-5 feet) should be noncombustible, Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet) should have widely spaced native plants, and Extended Zone (30-100 feet or to the property line) focuses on thinning trees. Consider replacing combustible mulch (pine bark, shredded cedar) within 5 feet of the foundation with noncombustible materials such as decomposed granite or river rock. Consider a verified Class A roof assembly. The rating applies to the complete roof assembly, not merely the material's generic name. For insurance implications of wildfire risk, see our property insurance guide for the Hill Country and the Texas insurance stack explained.
Storm Preparation
Hill Country summers bring severe thunderstorms, large hail, and flash flooding. Secure outdoor furniture and loose items before predicted storms. Check drainage paths around the home -- French drains, swales, and culverts -- to ensure they are clear. Know your flood zone: properties on creeks and rivers in Kendall, Comal, and Bandera counties are at flash-flood risk even in moderate rain events. Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled, monitor Weather.gov and maintain another reliable warning method such as NOAA Weather Radio or a reputable weather-alert application. The National Weather Service does not provide an official general-purpose mobile weather app. For more on storm preparedness, see our weather resilience article.
Irrigation
Monitor the irrigation system monthly for leaks, broken heads, and overspray onto pavement. Adjust run times upward during the hottest weeks (typically July through mid-August) while staying within local watering restrictions. Comply with the watering schedule imposed by the applicable municipality, retail water provider, groundwater district or other authority.
Well Water
Monitor well performance during peak summer. There is no universal "healthy" production rate for a Hill Country well. Adequacy depends on sustained well yield and recovery, pump capacity, household peak demand, irrigation and pool use, and available storage. A low-yield well can sometimes serve a residence with properly designed storage, while a higher instantaneous flow does not by itself prove dependable drought performance. Obtain a sustained pumping-and-recovery test and have a qualified well professional size any storage tank, booster pump, dry-run protection or low-pressure cutoff.
Foundation
Continue monitoring foundation movement through the summer dry period. Avoid prescribing a universal foundation-watering schedule. Whether perimeter watering is appropriate depends on soil, foundation design, drainage, landscaping, rainfall and local watering restrictions. If a builder or structural engineer recommends moisture management, apply water uniformly and avoid saturating one area, allowing water to collect beside the slab, or directing irrigation beneath the foundation.
Termite Inspection
Schedule an annual termite inspection. Subterranean termites are active throughout the Hill Country summer. Active infestations can cause structural damage that is not visible from the surface. The inspection should include the attic, crawlspace, and exterior perimeter.
Fall (September, October, November)
HVAC
Schedule the fall heating tune-up before the first cold front. Have the technician inspect the heat exchanger, burner assembly, and ignition system. Replace filters. Inspect accessible ductwork for damage, disconnected sections, air leakage or moisture. EPA does not recommend routine duct cleaning; consider it when there is substantial visible mold, vermin infestation or excessive debris being released from registers. For heat pump systems, verify that the reversing valve and backup heat strip function properly.
Roof and Gutter Inspection
Have the roof inspected for damage from summer hailstorms. Wind and hail are major causes of Texas property claims, but avoid claiming that hail is the Hill Country's single most common claim without current, geographically specific data. Even if shingles look intact from the ground, a professional inspection may reveal granule loss, cracked fiberglass mat, or compromised flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Clean gutters thoroughly before fall leaf drop and winter rain.
Freeze Preparation
Begin winterizing before the predicted first freeze date. Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect garden hoses, drain the irrigation system, check weatherstripping around doors and windows, and verify that the heating system is operational. If you have a generator, test it with a load and verify that the transfer switch operates correctly. See our weather resilience article for a comprehensive freeze preparation checklist.
Well Water
Before freeze season, insulate the well house and all above-ground piping. Check that heat tape is functional. Verify that the well cap is secure and that no animals have entered the well house for winter shelter.
Septic
Avoid driving over the drain field during wet fall weather. The Hill Country typically sees its second rainfall peak in October and November. Saturated soil above the drain field reduces treatment efficiency and can cause premature system failure.
Oak Wilt
The peak February-June transmission period has ended, but delay nonessential pruning until cooler fall or winter weather when practical. Paint every wound immediately. However, any fresh wound is a potential infection point, so sealing large cuts with pruning sealer is still advisable in known oak-wilt areas. See our oak wilt guide for detailed pruning protocols.
Wildfire
Continue defensible space maintenance. Clear accumulated leaves from gutters, remove dead vegetation, and maintain 30 feet of clearance around structures.
Pool Closing
Pool freeze protection is equipment-specific. Many Hill Country pools remain open year-round and use automated freeze protection to circulate water through exposed plumbing, but circulation is not a complete safeguard because a power outage or equipment failure can stop the system. Confirm that freeze protection is enabled and that valves, pumps, filters, heaters, water features and exposed plumbing are included as required by their manufacturers.
If the system will be shut down or cannot circulate during freezing weather, have a qualified pool professional isolate and drain the applicable equipment and lines according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not lower the water level, drain equipment or add antifreeze as a universal recommendation. If antifreeze is specifically required, use only a product formulated for swimming-pool plumbing -- never automotive antifreeze.
Cross-Cutting Topics
Oak Wilt -- The Hill Country's Hidden Threat
Oak wilt, caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, is the most destructive tree disease in the Texas Hill Country. It affects both live oaks and red oaks, spreading through interconnected root grafts (allowing the fungus to travel from tree to tree underground) and by nitidulid beetles that feed on sap at fresh wound sites.
Critical pruning rule: Avoid nonessential pruning or wounding of oaks from February through June. If pruning is necessary for safety, immediately paint every cut and wound.
Symptoms: In live oaks, characteristic symptoms can include yellow or brown discoloration along the leaf veins, vein banding, tip burn, marginal necrosis and rapid defoliation. Symptoms alone do not confirm oak wilt; obtain evaluation and, when appropriate, laboratory confirmation. Red oaks exhibit 'flagging' (premature fall color) and develop sweet-smelling, infectious fungal mats under the bark in late winter/early spring.
Treatment and Mitigation: Propiconazole injections may protect selected high-value live oaks and may be used therapeutically in some trees with limited symptoms. Texas A&M guidance indicates that treatment is unlikely to succeed once symptoms affect more than roughly 30 percent of the crown. Injection does not stop underground root transmission and should be performed by an appropriately trained and licensed professional. Trenching is one management option for suitable oak-wilt infection centers; it is not mandatory or practical on every property. Texas A&M guidance generally calls for a trench at least four feet deep and at least 100 feet beyond the visible infection perimeter, positioned to sever interconnected roots. Actual placement requires professional diagnosis because the visible symptomatic trees may not represent the disease front, and limestone, utilities, easements and terrain may affect feasibility. Infected red oaks must be removed immediately to eliminate fungal mats.
Contact: Texas A&M Forest Service provides regional oak wilt guidance. Local certified arborists in the Boerne and San Antonio area offer diagnostic and treatment services. For more detail, see our land clearing and oak wilt article.
Wildfire Defensible Space
Hill Country wildfire risk is not a hypothetical. Grass fires in Kendall, Bandera, and Comal counties have destroyed homes and forced evacuations in recent years. Grass fires can move faster than a person can run, and the steep terrain of the Hill Country accelerates fire spread.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for wildfire defensible space recommend a three-zone approach: Immediate Zone (0 to 5 feet from the structure) should be noncombustible -- no plants, no mulch, no stored firewood. Intermediate Zone (5 to 30 feet) should have widely spaced native plants, trimmed undergrowth, and no ladder fuels (low branches that allow fire to climb from grass to trees). Extended Zone (30 to 100 feet, or to the property line) focuses on thinning trees, removing deadfall, and maintaining low grass height.
Consider a verified Class A roof assembly. The rating applies to the complete roof assembly, not merely the material's generic name. Keep gutters free of dry leaves and debris. For a detailed discussion of insurance coverage for wildfire damage, see our property insurance guide.
Storm Preparation
Hill Country summers produce severe thunderstorms, hail larger than softballs in extreme events, and flash flooding in low-lying areas. The typical severe weather season runs from March through October, with peaks in May and September.
Key preparation steps: secure outdoor furniture and loose items before predicted storms, check that drainage paths around the home are clear, confirm that sump pumps (if installed) are operational, and keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled, monitor Weather.gov and maintain another reliable warning method such as NOAA Weather Radio or a reputable weather-alert application. The National Weather Service does not provide an official general-purpose mobile weather app. If your property is near a creek, river, or low-water crossing, know your evacuation route and have a plan for rising water. Flash flooding in the Hill Country can occur with less than an hour of warning in heavy rain events.
Wind and hail are major causes of Texas property claims, but avoid claiming that hail is the Hill Country's single most common claim without current, geographically specific data. Document the condition of your roof, siding, and outdoor equipment annually with dated photographs for insurance purposes. For more on storm readiness, see our weather resilience article.
Pool Equipment Protection
Hill Country pool owners face specific challenges: hard water (high calcium and mineral content), extreme heat that accelerates chemical evaporation, and freeze events that can crack pipes and damage equipment.
Operate the circulation and sanitation system for the time needed to maintain water quality and meet the equipment manufacturer's requirements. Required run time depends on pool volume, pump flow, variable-speed settings, sanitizer, temperature, swimmer load and water chemistry; 8-12 hours is not a universal rule. Check chemical levels weekly -- chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid. High temperatures accelerate chlorine loss; liquid chlorine or tablet feeders may need adjustment weekly. Inspect exposed plumbing, seals, wiring and control equipment for deterioration, leaks and weather damage. Any shade or enclosure must preserve the ventilation and service clearances required by the manufacturer.
Pool freeze protection is equipment-specific. Many Hill Country pools remain open year-round and use automated freeze protection to circulate water through exposed plumbing, but circulation is not a complete safeguard because a power outage or equipment failure can stop the system. Confirm that freeze protection is enabled and that valves, pumps, filters, heaters, water features and exposed plumbing are included as required by their manufacturers. If the system will be shut down or cannot circulate during freezing weather, have a qualified pool professional isolate and drain the applicable equipment and lines according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not lower the water level, drain equipment or add antifreeze as a universal recommendation. If antifreeze is specifically required, use only a product formulated for swimming-pool plumbing -- never automotive antifreeze.
12-Month Maintenance Calendar
| Month | Priority Tasks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Freeze monitoring, HVAC filter, tree pruning | Preferred dormant-season oak-pruning period; immediately paint every cut. |
| Feb | Freeze prep, gutter cleaning | Avoid nonessential oak pruning from February through June; paint unavoidable wounds immediately. |
| March | Irrigation startup, well water test, ATU service/report if scheduled, HVAC tune-up | Test irrigation zones. Schedule AC service. Septic systems require 4-month servicing. |
| April | Well water testing (if not done), foundation inspection, oak wilt monitoring, termite inspection | Watch for oak wilt symptoms. Get well water test results back before irrigation season peaks. |
| May | HVAC filter change, pool startup, storm prep, irrigation monitoring | Peak storm month. Strong thunderstorms, hail, flash flood risk. Secure outdoor items. |
| June | Defensible space, AC check, pool check | Avoid nonessential oak pruning from February through June; paint unavoidable wounds immediately. |
| July | HVAC filter, well output monitoring, irrigation adjustment, pool equipment check, foundation monitoring, ATU service/report if scheduled | Hottest month. Monitor well output for drought impact. Water foundation on clay soils. |
| August | HVAC filter, wildfire defensible space, storm prep, pool equipment protection, well monitoring | Wildfire danger varies with conditions. Maintain defensible space. Late-summer storms possible. |
| Sept | HVAC fall tune-up, roof/gutter check | The peak February-June transmission period has ended, but delay nonessential pruning until cooler fall or winter weather when practical. Paint every wound immediately. Schedule heating check. |
| Oct | Freeze prep, gutters, tree pruning | Preferred oak-pruning period begins as temperatures moderate; paint every cut immediately. |
| November | Freeze prep final checks, HVAC filter, roof storm check, septic field protection, tree care, ATU service/report if scheduled | First freeze may arrive. Drain irrigation, insulate pipes, test generator. Safe for oak pruning. |
| December | Freeze monitoring, HVAC filter, roof and gutters, well house check, pool freeze protection | Hard freeze events likely. Monitor pipes, maintain heat in well house. Preferred dormant-season oak-pruning period; immediately paint every cut. |
ATU service months shown above are an example only. Follow the property's permit, maintenance contract, monitoring equipment and local-authority requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I test my well water in the Hill Country?
EPA recommends testing private well water annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrate, total dissolved solids and pH through an appropriately certified laboratory. Additional testing should be selected according to local geology, nearby land uses and observed problems. Buyers should obtain appropriate water-quality testing before the applicable option or feasibility deadline whenever possible, rather than waiting until after closing. After taking ownership, retain the results as a baseline and retest after repairs, flooding or material changes in water quality.
When should I prune live oaks in the Hill Country?
Prune live oaks only between July 1 and January 31. Avoid nonessential pruning or wounding of oaks from February through June. If pruning is necessary for safety, immediately paint every cut and wound. For questions about specific trees, contact the Texas A&M Forest Service or a certified arborist.
How much does an aerobic septic system cost to maintain annually?
Costs depend on the system design, county, contract terms, access, required sampling, pumping frequency and repairs. Obtain current written quotes from licensed local providers. Confirm whether the quote includes only inspections and reporting or also chlorine, sampling, pumping, emergency visits and repairs. TCEQ generally recommends pumping a conventional septic tank every three to five years, but actual frequency depends on tank size, occupancy, wastewater volume and solids accumulation.
What should I do to prepare for a hard freeze in the Hill Country?
Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape. Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Know the location of your main water shut-off valve, and verify it operates freely. Drain the irrigation system. Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows. If you have a well, keep the well house above freezing. If you have a pool, winterize before the first freeze. For a full checklist, see our weather resilience article.
Is my property at risk for wildfire?
Any Hill Country property with native grass, cedar, live oak, or proximity to undeveloped land has some wildfire risk. The highest-risk areas are properties in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) -- neighborhoods that border undeveloped ranchland, state parks, or national forest. The Texas A&M Forest Service provides a wildfire risk assessment map. Maintaining defensible space (30 feet of cleared vegetation around structures) and using fire-rated roofing materials significantly reduces risk.
How often should I replace my HVAC filters in the Hill Country?
Inspect the HVAC filter monthly during periods of heavy heating or cooling use and replace it when dirty or at the interval specified by the equipment and filter manufacturers. Replacement frequency depends on filter thickness, occupancy, pets, dust and system design; a fixed 30-, 45- or 60-day schedule is not appropriate for every system.
What are the signs of septic system failure?
Slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors near the tank or drain field, wet or spongy areas in the yard above the drain field, unusually lush or green grass growing in a pattern over the drain field, and backup of sewage into the house. If you experience any of these, stop all water usage and contact a licensed septic service provider immediately. For more detail, see our aerobic septic systems guide.
Do I need flood insurance in the Hill Country?
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding. Federal law generally requires flood insurance for structures in a Special Flood Hazard Area when the mortgage is from a federally regulated, supervised or insured lender; a lender may also require coverage outside those areas. Properties outside mapped high-risk zones can still flood. NFIP premiums are individually calculated using multiple property and risk factors. Obtain a property-specific NFIP and, when appropriate, private-market quote.
Sources
- Texas A&M Forest Service — Oak-Wilt Pruning and Wound Protection. tfsweb.tamu.edu
- Texas Oak Wilt Partnership — Integrated Oak Wilt Management. texasoakwilt.org
- TCEQ — Maintenance of On-Site Sewage Facilities. tceq.texas.gov
- TCEQ — Advice for an Owner of an On-Site Sewage Facility. tceq.texas.gov
- EPA — Protect Your Home's Water. epa.gov
- Texas Well Owner Network — Well Owner's Guide to Water Supply. twdb.texas.gov
- Edwards Aquifer Authority — Critical Period/Drought Management. edwardsaquifer.org
- Texas A&M Forest Service — Fire-Resistant Landscaping. tfsweb.tamu.edu
- U.S. Department of Energy — Proper Installation of HVAC Filters. bsesc.energy.gov
- EPA — Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? epa.gov
- National Weather Service — Preparedness and Warning Methods. weather.gov
- CPSC — Smoke/CO Alarms and Dryer-Vent Safety. cpsc.gov
- FEMA/FloodSmart — Flood Insurance Eligibility and Lender Requirements. floodsmart.gov
- FEMA/FloodSmart — NFIP Risk Rating 2.0 Pricing. agents.floodsmart.gov
Last verified: August 4, 2026
Published August 4, 2026
Updated August 4, 2026