A Crisis in Landscaping: Michael Garcia’s Plight
Michael Garcia, the owner of 360 Landscape and Irrigation, faces one of the most challenging periods in his 18-year landscaping business history. Sitting at his desk on South Port Avenue, Garcia waits for the phone to ring—a sound that has grown increasingly rare in the last month and a half.
The implementation of Stage 3 water restrictions has caused Garcia’s business to plummet. Once employing ten workers, he now operates with only four, desperately trying to keep his company afloat.
“We’ve gone from ten workers to four,” Garcia said. “We’re just trying to stay afloat.”
But Garcia isn’t alone in this struggle. These restrictions deeply affect landscaping, irrigation, and nursery businesses across Corpus Christi.
A Lifeline in the Form of Grants and Watering Plans
In collaboration with the city, business owners like Garcia are working on a $2 million grant proposal to help keep their businesses alive. The grant could provide up to $50,000 to at least 40 businesses if approved.
While the grant is a much-needed boost, the real solution, according to these business owners, lies in modifying water restrictions to allow residents to water their plants again.
The plan includes adjusting the drought contingency rules to allow limited watering for trees, bushes, and landscaping starting February 12. However, grass watering would remain prohibited, and the revised regulations would only last temporarily.
Shawn Christopher, the owner of C-Scapes Landscaping and Lawn Care, echoed the sentiment. “Fifty thousand dollars is going to help, but we need water to get past this,” he said.
City Officials Acknowledge the Crisis
City Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn highlighted the urgent need to address the situation. “They are in dire straits. They’ve laid people off. Some are about to close their businesses. We cannot let that happen here,” she emphasized.
City Manager Peter Zanoni added context to the issue, noting that while water restrictions are affecting residents and small businesses, industries that use 60% of the city’s water have already made significant reductions over the past two years. Further cuts, he warned, would lead to reduced operations and layoffs in industrial sectors.
The Road Ahead: Stage 4 Water Restrictions Loom
Even with potential adjustments, the relief for landscaping businesses may be short-lived. Corpus Christi is expected to escalate to Stage 4 water restrictions by May, which would ban all outdoor watering altogether.
For businesses like Garcia’s, time is of the essence. As the clock ticks toward Stage 4 restrictions, the grant and temporary changes to watering rules may offer a lifeline. Still, the long-term survival of these businesses hangs in the balance.