{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-post-post-js","path":"/blog/how-to-test-and-improve-your-soil/","result":{"pageContext":{"wordpressPost":{"id":"c8821141-6409-59b1-9d5a-5a8360c22227","slug":"how-to-test-and-improve-your-soil","path":"/blog/how-to-test-and-improve-your-soil/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"March 11th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>A great-looking lawn begins with great soil. Testing the acidity and composition of your soil is an easy process. Let’s break down why and how to test and improve your soil, as well as the soil amendments you’ll want to consider. In this article, we&#8217;ll cover: Why You Need to Test and Improve Your Soil [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>A great-looking lawn begins with great soil. Testing the acidity and composition of your soil is an easy process. Let’s break down why and how to test and improve your soil, as well as the soil amendments you’ll want to consider.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why\">Why You Need to Test and Improve Your Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#where\">Where to Get Soil Test Kits</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#testing\">How to Test Your Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#soil\">What Are Soil Amendments?</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#best\">Best Soil Amendments</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#types\">Types of Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how\">How to Improve Your Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Testing Your Soil&nbsp;</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why\">Why You Need to Test and Improve Your Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant growth is impacted by the pH balance of the soil. Grass and plants can’t survive in soil that’s too acidic or has too much alkaline. The pH number ranges from 1 to 14.&nbsp; A level below 7 is considered acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. A measurement of 7 is neutral.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing the pH of soil lets you decide what to plant and where. The results of a soil test will also indicate how you can improve plant quality. This includes adding <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn/\">fertilizers</a> and other amendments.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where\">Where to Get Soil Test Kits​​</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can buy a soil test kit at any home improvement or lawn and garden store. Choose a kit based on what you want to learn about your soil. These kits will come with detailed instructions from the manufacturer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>At-home testing kits are accurate enough for the casual gardener and lawn enthusiast. If you’re looking for something more specific, you should consider a <a href=\"https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/soil-compost/how-do-i-test-my-garden-soil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">full nutrient analysis</a>. Your local cooperative extension office can provide you with the soil testing kit and perform the analysis.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"testing\">How to Test Your Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The testing process will vary slightly depending on the kit you purchase, but the general process will be the same.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Clean the tools you will be using to collect the sample.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dig 5 holes about 6 inches deep each.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take about ½-inch slice from the side of each hole, and place the soil in a bucket.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix the samples together and spread the soil on newspaper to dry out.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collect the needed amount from this mixture.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip: </strong>If your sample has lots of earthworms wiggling about, this means your soil already has a strong composition of organic matter.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"soil\">What Are Soil Amendments?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A soil amendment is anything added to the soil to improve nutrients, water retention, pH levels, air intake, and absorption. The goal of mixing amendments into your soil is to improve the environment for healthy root growth.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two categories of <a href=\"https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/choosing-a-soil-amendment/#:~:text=Organic%20amendments%20include%20sphagnum%20peat,chunks%2C%20pea%20gravel%20and%20sand.\">soil amendments:</a></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Organic additives</strong> are derived from something that was once alive. This includes manure, compost, and wood ash.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Inorganic additives</strong> are either mined or man-made. Common inorganic materials include lime, vermiculite, sand, and perlite.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While mulch can be used to improve soil properties, it is not considered an amendment since it sits atop the soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best\">Best Soil Amendments</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many options for amendments depending on what your soil test indicates. <a href=\"https://extension.psu.edu/forage-and-food-crops/cover-crops#:~:text=What%20Are%20Cover%20Crops%3F,and%20diseases%20and%20smother%20weeds.\">Cover crops</a> and composted manure are great options, but not always necessary for home gardeners.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most residential soils will benefit from one of the following common amendments:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Compost:</strong> Decayed kitchen <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/\">scraps and other plant materials</a> such as wood chips, bark, and sawdust.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plant material: </strong>Straw, grass clippings, peat moss, and shredded leaves.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Topsoil: </strong>Additional soil that provides volume and is usually accompanied by lime and other amendments</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some gardens will require very specific adjustments and might require one of the following:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gypsum: </strong>Improves water absorption, reduces erosion, and helps garden plants absorb nutrients.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lime: </strong><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/lime-for-lawns/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/lime-for-lawns/\">Lime for lawns</a> (not the sour green fruit) raises the pH level of acidic soil.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sulfur:</strong> Lowers the pH level of alkaline soil.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\">Types of Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three broad classifications of soil based on the rock particles it contains. Texture can be amended by adding organic matter such as compost or plant material.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clay soil</strong> consists of fine particles that are slow to absorb or drain moisture. It typically becomes baked and dry in the summer heat and waterlogged in winter.<br><br>After an initial amendment of 3 or 4 inches of compost, add an additional inch&nbsp;each year. You can amend the soil structure by adding fine mulch bark or straw.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Silt soil </strong>is characterized by small particles and a floury feel. Silt holds on to moisture and nutrients fairly well.<br><br>Improve the texture by adding 1 inch of organic matter each year.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sandy soil </strong>has large particles that drain quickly. Sandy soil warms quickly but does not hold on to nutrients. <br><br>Three to 4 inches of compost will help water retention. Adding 2 inches of compost each fall will help you maintain a loam.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Loam soil </strong>absorbs and drains water well, provides adequate oxygen to roots, and is rich in organic matter. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/gardening-tips/guide-understanding-soil-types/\">Loamy soil</a> will crumble easily and not form a ball when squeezed.<br><br>Loam is the ideal soil type for all gardening projects.<br><br>To <a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/changing-the-ph-of-your-soil/#:~:text=Vegetables%2C%20grasses%20and%20most%20ornamentals,vigorous%20growth%20and%20nutrient%20deficiencies.\">correct the soil pH</a>, you will need to add lime or sulfur. The amount you use depends on the current pH of your soil and the pH you’d like to reach. Most plants do best with a pH of 6 to 7.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\">How to Improve Your Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Garden soil should be about 5% organic matter. Organic matter ensures the release of nitrogen is adequate to support your lawn and plants without additional fertilizers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>When should you add soil amendments?</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add organic amendments in the fall, allowing earthworms to work it deeper into the ground by spring.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to amend in the spring, do so as soon as the soil is dry enough to work with.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Spread about 2 inches of organic matter across the vegetable garden or flower bed.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li>With a rake or garden fork, thoroughly mix the organic material into the top 6 inches of soil.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water the area and check the moisture.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wait about two weeks before planting.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rake the soil, level it, and remove any unwanted debris before installing your plants.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthy soil is the first step to healthy and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/tips-keep-pests-out-of-vegetable-garden/\">lower maintenance</a> gardens.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Testing Your Soil</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What elements should I keep in mind when amending my soil?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>How often should I test the soil?</strong></li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Frequent testing will help you determine if your amendments are working. Once you get the soil where you want it, you only need to test every couple of years.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Where in my yard should I take the sample from?</strong></li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Samples should come from near the plant roots. This could be a specific garden bed or a tree’s root system. To assess the soil quality in your lawn, take samples from different areas based on conditions.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>What elements should I keep in mind when amending my soil?</strong></li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Phosphorus:</strong> Promotes root growth, plant maturity, and winter hardiness.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potassium:</strong> Disease resistance, drought tolerance, and plant strength.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Calcium:</strong> Improves soil structure, aeration, and water retention.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Magnesium:</strong> Improves plant growth and chlorophyll production.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><em>While testing the soil in your yard might not be an overwhelming task, amending it might. If you find yourself short on time, patience, or ideas, consider calling on a </em><a href=\"http://wikilawn.com\"><em>local lawn care professional</em></a><em>. The pros know just what to do to keep your soil healthy and when to do it, allowing you to simply enjoy the outcome.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.rawpixel.com/image/6073920/planting-azalea\" target=\"_blank\">Rawpixel</a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC0 1.0</a></p>\n","title":"How to Test and Improve Your Soil","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.518987341772152,"src":"/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/1789c/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/107df/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 320w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/293e9/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 500w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/f2cbb/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 800w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/1789c/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 960w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/c26c2/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/1dd6e/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/67b76/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 320w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/8df11/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 500w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/98a65/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 800w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/1dd6e/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 960w,\n/static/6ff1687d7c242a663bf398fbfcca52d9/3cc96/rsz_1screen_shot_2022-08-10_at_14109_pm.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Test and Improve Your Soil | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Healthy soil produces healthy plants and lawns. We’ll show you how to test and improve your soil for a greener lawn."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"9c0691da-f56c-546a-94e5-cef58facaeaf","slug":"how-to-choose-pet-safe-weed-killers","path":"/blog/how-to-choose-pet-safe-weed-killers/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as \"half-feral but mostly harmless\", Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.","name":"Raven Wisdom","id":"4fb83156-96f1-58f1-8074-4a6c5c50eaaa","path":"/author/raven-wisdom/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2813f63a6af9d07a7a5bb212b5645db?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"August 4th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Cats and dogs are curious by nature and will sniff or lick the chemicals you spray on your lawn. That’s why you need to know how to choose pet-safe weed killers. Rather than worry about an emergency trip to the vet, we’ll tell you how to select the safest weed killers for your lawn. Contents: [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Cats and dogs are curious by nature and will sniff or lick the chemicals you spray on your lawn. That’s why you need to know how to choose pet-safe weed killers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than worry about an emergency trip to the vet, we’ll tell you how to select the safest weed killers for your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contents:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#killer\">What to Look for in a Pet-Safe Weed Killer</a></li><li><a href=\"#pet-safe\">Learn Which Ingredients are Pet-Safe</a><ul><li>&nbsp;Look for Certified Products</li><li>&nbsp;Avoid Toxic Ingredients</li></ul></li><li><a href=\"#weed\">How to Make Your Own Pet-Safe Weed Killer</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"killer\"><strong>What to Look for in a Pet-Safe Weed Killer</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many weed and grass killers contain toxic chemicals, which can cause serious harm to your pet. Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine found that using lawn chemicals, like glyphosate, increases a dog’s <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267855/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chance of developing cancer</a> by up to 70%.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>When looking for a<a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/ten-pet-safe-weed-killers/\"> pet-safe weed killer</a>, pay close attention to the labels and check the active ingredients, certifications, types of weeds the product treats, and whether it’s a weed killer or weed preventer. Even if a product is labeled as “organic” or “pet-safe,” you still need to check what’s in it.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pet-safe\"><strong>Learn Which Ingredients are Pet-Safe</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some ingredients commonly found in animal-friendly herbicides include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Strong vinegar: </strong>Contains 20% or more acetic acid.</li><li><strong>Corn gluten meal</strong>: A by-product of cornstarch manufacturing.</li><li><strong>Herbicidal soap</strong>: A fast-acting weed killer that takes care of most weeds.</li><li><strong>Citric acid</strong>: A weak acid produced by citrus fruits.</li><li><strong>Sodium chloride</strong>: More commonly known as salt, it dehydrates plants.</li><li><strong>Clove or lemon oil</strong>: Essential oils derived from clove trees or lemon skin.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Look for Certified Products</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a product says it’s certified, do a little research and verify the organization or governing body that issued the certification. Some reputable organizations include&nbsp; <a href=\"https://www.omri.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Organic Materials Review Institute</a> (OMRI) and <a href=\"https://www.ccof.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California Certified Organic Farmers</a> (CCOF), which are private, non-profit groups.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Avoid Toxic Ingredients</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You should avoid using any chemical weed killers containing:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Glyphosate</strong> (phosphonomethyl glycine)<strong>: </strong>Possibly a canine carcinogenic, causes nausea and vomiting.</li><li><strong>2,4-D </strong>(dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or trimec<strong>)</strong>: Affects a pet’s respiratory and nervous systems.</li><li><strong>Sethoxydim</strong>: In high doses, it causes anemia in dogs.</li><li><strong>Carbon tetrachloride</strong>: Affects the pet’s liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.</li><li><strong>Chloroform</strong>: Causes lethargy. Long-term exposure damages a dog’s liver and kidneys.</li><li><strong>Sodium arsenite </strong>(Arsenic): Affects the pet’s circulatory system and kidneys.</li><li><strong>Ammonium aulfamate </strong>(Ammate herbicide): Affects a pet’s eyes and respiratory system.</li><li><strong>Borax </strong>(sodium tetraborate decahydrate): Affects a pet’s eyes, respiratory system, liver, and kidneys.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Several companies like Get Sunday, Preen, Green Gobbler, and Dr. Kirchner specialize in effective pet-safe weed killers that won’t harm your grass or flowers.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"weed\"><strong>How to Make Your Own Pet-Safe Weed Killer</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can make several <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/weeds/getting-rid-of-grass-in-driveway-cracks/#:~:text=Fill%20a%20sprayer,than%20white%20vinegar.\">homemade weed killers</a> and avoid exposing your dog or cat to harsh chemicals. Make sure your homemade weed killer doesn’t contain anything that could harm your pet. Safe options include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Salt and dish soap: </strong>Both work well mixed with water and used as a spray. Keep the solution off your grass and flowers because it also kills them.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Boiling water</strong>: This will kill the weeds but not prevent seeds from germinating.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Sugar mixed with chili pepper: </strong>This mixture will kill weeds and flowers.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Essential oils:</strong> Lemon oil and clove oil are excellent weed killers mixed with vinegar.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Mulch</strong>: Use mulch around your flower beds to prevent weeds from germinating.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Tarps and weed barriers: </strong>Lay these down before planting your flower beds to prevent weeds.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\"><strong>FAQ</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. What are the symptoms of weed killer poisoning in pets?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The signs to watch for include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Seizures</li><li>Convulsions</li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Lethargy</li><li>Burns or rashes around the nose or mouth</li><li>Gastric problems</li><li>Uncontrolled drooling&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your pet displays these symptoms and you suspect they were exposed to toxic chemicals, contact your vet immediately.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. How long should I wait to let my dogs on the lawn after applying a weed killer?&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait at least 24 hours to make sure the product has completely dried before letting your kids, cats, and dogs play on it. Watering your lawn the next day will help the products dissipate.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. What do I do after spraying weed killer to keep my pet safe?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait a couple of days and pull up the pesky weeds. Make sure you get the root. If the roots are intact, the weeds can grow back. Wait at least two days after applying weed killer to mow.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Are there any downsides to pet-friendly weed killers?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. They don’t work as quickly, can be less effective on certain weeds, and vinegar-based solutions can increase the salt levels in your soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. How do pet-safe weed killers work?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most ingredients like vinegar, salt, and soap, dry out the plant, and corn gluten meal prevents seeds from sprouting.<br><em>Got a yard full of weeds but little time to get rid of them? We can help you find an eco-garden pro or </em><a href=\"http://wikilawn.com\"><em>lawn care professional</em></a><em> who can handle the problem while you and your furry friend relax.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main photo credit: <a href=\"https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1003821\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere</a></p>\n","title":"How to Choose Pet-Safe Weed Killers","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1789c/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/107df/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 320w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/293e9/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 500w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/f2cbb/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 800w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1789c/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 960w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/c26c2/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1dd6e/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/67b76/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 320w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/8df11/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 500w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/98a65/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 800w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1dd6e/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 960w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/3cc96/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Choose Pet-Safe Weed Killers | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You can avoid an expensive trip to the vet if you know how to choose pet-safe weed killers for your lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"d7716a03-3aff-5a3d-b202-48c5102701b3","slug":"how-to-overseed-a-lawn","path":"/blog/how-to-overseed-a-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 28th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Rather than replacing your entire lawn, overseed those brown patches and bald spots. It’s an easy DIY project, as long as you have the right tools and a little patience. Here you’ll find precise tips on just how to overseed your lawn, the benefits of overseeding, and the best time of year to get started. [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Rather than replacing your entire lawn, overseed those brown patches and bald spots. It’s an easy DIY project, as long as you have the right tools and a little patience. Here you’ll find precise tips on just how to overseed your lawn, the benefits of overseeding, and the best time of year to get started.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Table of Contents</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#overseeding\">What is overseeding</a></li><li><a href=\"#tools\">Overseeding tools you’ll need</a></li><li><a href=\"#steps\">How to overseed in 9 steps</a></li><li><a href=\"#lawn\">Why overseed a lawn</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQs About Overseeding</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overseeding\">What is Overseeding?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Overseeding is simply spreading fresh grass seed directly into the existing lawn without tearing up the turf or the soil. It’s an excellent way to make your lawn thicker and greener. By mixing types of grass seed, you can even prolong the life of your lawn and enjoy it year-round.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tools\">Overseeding Tools You’ll Need</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let’s face it: We all end up making twice as many trips to the home store as anticipated, looking for that one last item we forgot. Start here, gather your materials, and finish your shopping in one day.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Lawn rake</li><li>Lawn mower</li><li>Fertilizer spreader, broadcast spreader or drop spreader</li><li>Enriched topsoil, if not included in your seed mixture</li><li>Grass seed&nbsp;</li><li>Dethatcher and aerator</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"steps\">How to Overseed a Lawn in 9 Easy Steps</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Decide When to Overseed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is deciding when to spread the seeds. This is typically done in late summer or early fall, depending on if you have cool-season or warm-season grass in your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Remove Thatch and Aerate</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like any plant, grass seeds need to find their way to the soil to germinate. But thatch can get in the way. <a href=\"https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/what-is-thatch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thatch</a> is the organic matter like grass and leaves that accumulates atop the soil. If you can’t see soil between your existing grass, remove the thatch with a dethatcher.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>After dethatching, you’ll <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\">need to aerate</a>. Spike aeration pokes holes in the solid while core aeration pokes holes and removes plugs of soil, giving your grass seed the space it needs to germinate.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip: </strong>It’s unlikely you have a dethatcher or aerator hanging out in your shed. The local home supply store should have a selection to choose from. Look for rental opportunities while you pick up the fertilizer and grass seed.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Mow the Grass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to help the seeds reach the soil, cut the grass to about one inch. This is likely shorter than you normally mow, so you’ll need to drop the blade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s also important to bag the trimmings and remove them. Again, this is all about increasing the likelihood of the new seeds making soil contact and germinating successfully. If you don’t have a way to bag the clippings, the next step will help.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Rake the Lawn</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rake up all of the leaves, twigs, clippings, and other debris on your lawn. It’s best if you add a little muscle to the raking process, allowing the rake tines to loosen up the soil as well.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Add Nutritious Topsoil&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a fertilizer spreader to add a layer of enriched topsoil on top of your grass. This top layer of soil is filled with organic matter and microorganisms necessary for life to develop. Topsoil makes sure the seeds have access to water, nutrients, and space to germinate.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This layer should be about ¼-inch thick. Some grass seed mixtures include topsoil, so you won’t need to add additional topsoil and can jump to the next step.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Spread the Grass Seed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, it’s time for seeding! Like most aspects of lawn care, it’s essential to know just what <a href=\"https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/article10/Christensen,%20Derek%20Samuel/typesofgrasses.html\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/article10/Christensen,%20Derek%20Samuel/typesofgrasses.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">type of grass </a>you’re working with. Either use the same seed as your existing lawn or a variety that compliments it. For example, overseed a Zoysiagrass lawn with Zoysia seed, or a cool-season ryegrass to add color in the winter.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the bag’s instructions for how much seed to apply per square foot, and fill your drop spreader or broadcast spreader accordingly. Walk the spreader across your lawn in the same direction you mow, depositing the seed in rows.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Apply Fertilizer&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To jumpstart growth and ensure the new seeds have what they need, use a fertilizer spreader to add a <a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/fertilizing-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">starter fertilizer</a> appropriate for your lawn. Starter mixes are specially designed for new growth and should be applied wherever you spread the seeds.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your grass seed mixture already contains fertilizer, you can skip this step.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Stay away from “weed and feed” mixtures as these herbicides can damage to new growth.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Give the Grass a Drink</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New plants always require water, and your new grass seed is no different. As soon as you finish spreading seed and fertilizer, give your lawn a good, healthy drink.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll then water your lawn lightly two to three times each day, ensuring the soil stays moist. This should continue until the new grass is as tall to established grass. Always water in the morning or after sundown so as to prevent evaporation.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also look for signs of overwatering, such as puddles or squishy soil. If you notice this, stop watering right away and wait until conditions return to normal.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 9: Be Patient</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with consistent watering, you should also stay off your grass until it has had a chance to develop. Limit foot and paw traffic until the grass has at least 1- to 2-inches of growth, and don’t pull out the mower until the new grass is similar in height to the established grass. Giving your <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/care-and-maintenance-lawn-after-seeding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new lawn a chance to take hold</a> is the final step in overseeding.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lawn\">Why Overseed the Lawn?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you overseed your lawn, you give it the ability to resist disease, drought conditions, and heavy foot traffic. A thicker lawn is also more resistant to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/pest-control/#:~:text=Common%20Lawn%20and%20Garden%20Pests\">lawn damaging insects</a>. It also requires less fertilizer and maintenance.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQs About How to Overseed a Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Why mow the lawn before overseeding?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>A shorter lawn gives the seeds a better chance of reaching the soil. It’s also important to loosen the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass or thatch, so the grass seed can easily take root and germinate.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. How do I prevent the birds from eating the grass seed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add a layer of topsoil over the seeded areas. This prevents the birds and other wildlife from getting to the seed. If you notice birds or rabbits near the area, get a roll of burlap and place strips of it over the seeded area. Anchor the strips with tent stakes.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. How long after overseeding will I see grass start to grow?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>It takes two to three weeks for germination to begin. With proper watering, you should start to see the grass spout within four weeks. It will take about eight weeks to see a fully established lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. How often should I overseed my lawn?&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Annually. Most lawn care professionals recommend overseeding each year to keep your lawn coming back thicker and greener every spring. If you only see bald spots and thinning every once in a while, you can probably overseed once every two or three years.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Do I need to apply fertilizer when overseeding my lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only if you didn’t fertilize in spring. Adding more fertilizer isn’t necessary, and may actually hinder your new grass seed from growing. Fertilizing just before or after reseeding will force the germinating seeds to compete with the existing grass and weeds. It’s best to wait until the following spring to fertilize.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Overseeding is easy enough to do as a DIY project, but if you’d rather not spend your time checking soil temperatures, dethatching, and aerating, we can help you find a </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/#get-quote\"><em>lawn care professional near you</em></a><strong><em>.</em></strong><br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/author/brendaryan/\">Brenda Ryan</a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/\" target=\"_blank\">LawnStarter</a></p>\n","title":"How to Overseed a Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/1789c/rsz_2img_3650.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/107df/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 320w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/293e9/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 500w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/f2cbb/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 800w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/1789c/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 960w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/c26c2/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/1dd6e/rsz_2img_3650.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/67b76/rsz_2img_3650.webp 320w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/8df11/rsz_2img_3650.webp 500w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/98a65/rsz_2img_3650.webp 800w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/1dd6e/rsz_2img_3650.webp 960w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/3cc96/rsz_2img_3650.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Overseed a Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a thick, lush lawn every spring? We’ll tell you how to overseed a lawn in the fall to keep your lawn coming back greener and thicker every year."}}},{"node":{"id":"19ba5d3d-1386-51f8-84a6-73cafabb2318","slug":"create-safe-sensory-friendly-backyard-landscape-special-needs-child","path":"/blog/landscaping/create-safe-sensory-friendly-backyard-landscape-special-needs-child/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"February 24th, 2020","excerpt":"<p>Playing outside is one of the greatest joys of childhood. There are extra considerations when your child has special needs, but time outside still can offer tremendous therapeutic benefits, especially for children with autism or similar conditions. But it&#8217;s possible to create a sensory-friendly backyard landscape for your child with special needs. If you’re looking [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Playing outside is one of the greatest joys of childhood. There are extra considerations when your child has special needs, but time outside still can offer tremendous therapeutic benefits, especially for children with autism or similar conditions. But it&#8217;s possible to create a sensory-friendly backyard landscape for your child with special needs.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re looking to create a safe and sensory-friendly outdoor sanctuary where your children can enjoy themselves and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280948490_Sachs_N_Vincenta_T_2011_April_Outdoor_environments_for_children_with_autism_and_special_needs_Implications_91_1-7\" target=\"_blank\">learn through nature-based sensory play</a>, it’s imperative first to approach the design and construction with an understanding of your child’s specific needs — including sensory, cognitive, visual, or auditory impairments, as well as issues with fine and gross motor skills. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will focus on techniques to use in creating a sensory-friendly backyard for your child with special needs. You can design a haven that offers plenty of stimulating activities to engage all the senses. At the same time, you can take steps to address accessibility barriers, common behavioral and environmental risks, and potential safety hazards.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6 Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children With Special Needs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might wonder, what’s the point of creating an outdoor space for my child? Are the potential benefits worth the work? Yes, they overwhelmingly are, says pediatric occupational therapist Christine Sadecki. “Outdoor play can address many challenges for children with sensory processing disorders and/or autism. It can be calming or alerting.” Studies show&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110016818302072\" target=\"_blank\">hands-on sensory play can help</a>&nbsp;kids operating on the autism spectrum or experiencing low vision, as well as those working to develop fine motor skills.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Outdoor play encourages listening skills, executive functioning, motor planning, and body awareness, as well as self-control and social development,” says Sadecki. “It also encourages participation in the senses such as touch, sound, sight, vestibular, and proprioception, which can be challenging areas for children with sensory processing disorder or autism.” Playing outdoors helps&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/disability-friendly-backyard-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\">promote kids’ strong, sustained, physical development</a>&nbsp;in a number of ways:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Improves vision</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many children with autism face vision issues, such as a lazy eye or crossed eyes. A study published in the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22350452-brief-report-incidence-of-ophthalmologic-disorders-in-children-with-autism/\" target=\"_blank\">Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders</a> found that 40% of children with autism and related conditions have some issue with their eyes. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual stimulation can help kids with low vision improve their understanding of what’s around them and feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Outdoor landscapes can offer a variety of visual stimuli not available indoors, from flowers and trees to the sky overhead. And they can offer the added benefit of helping even a child with visual impairment become familiar with more organic shapes and colors than are found in manufactured environments.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Increases attention spans</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because there’s more to see outdoors, there are more reasons for your child to stay engaged. Did you see that bird that just flew past? What was that in the bushes? A squirrel? The wind makes the trees seem to dance as it rustles through the leaves.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor environments are constantly changing, constantly inviting engagement and attention. Just being out in nature can increase a child’s attention span, and there’s more room on your back lawn to create new adventures than the indoors could ever provide.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Boosts vitamin D levels</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The sun’s ultraviolet rays can stimulate the&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/outdoors.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">production of vitamin D</a>. Why is this important?&nbsp;<a href=\"https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/\">Vitamin D helps the body</a>&nbsp;absorb the calcium it requires to maintain strong bones. It’s also important to muscles and nerves, and it’s part of the immune system’s defense against viruses and bacteria.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find vitamin D in food supplements, although the most direct source is sunlight. Be sure, though, that your child is&nbsp;<a href=\"https://findthehomepros.com/5-tips-for-backyard-summer-fun-if-you-have-a-child-on-the-autism-spectrum/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">protected from the sun</a>&nbsp;if they’re outside for an extended period. The body can only produce so much vitamin D at one time, and spending prolonged periods outside without protection can increase the risk of skin cancer. For kids with sensory issues, try using fast-application sprays or sun-protective clothing.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Sharpens motor fitness, agility, balance, and coordination</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids need to develop&nbsp;<a href=\"https://playworld.com/blog/playgrounds-develop-balance-coordination-motor-skills/#section5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gross motor skills</a>&nbsp;— the kind they need to walk, jump, and climb — before they can learn to master finer motor skills that require more patience, such as holding a pencil or opening a package. Developing gross motor skills is no easy task. If you’ve ever seen a child learning to walk, you know the amount of concentration and physical effort it takes.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>A backyard lawn can give your child a big, safe place to exercise these skills. A large, flat surface with a soft landing space is a lot better than a hazardous environment such as a staircase or a hard tile floor. An accessible space outdoors provides your child with a safe, fun place to develop balance and coordination.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Increases overall levels of physical activity</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The more room your child has to roam, and the safer the environment, the more she’ll be able to exercise. It’s as simple as that. And the more exercise she gets, the more physically fit she’ll be overall.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is important because children with autism are at&nbsp;<a href=\"https://iancommunity.org/ssc/autism-physical-fitness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">higher risk of obesity</a>&nbsp;than other kids. They also face greater challenges when it comes to balancing or catching a ball because they pay more attention to their own muscles than to watching what’s happening around them. Having a safe backyard play area gives them the space they need to work on their motor skills, while at the same time keeping them physically fit.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Offers cognitive, mental, social and emotional benefits, such as:</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Enhancing imagination, creativity, and sense of wonder.</strong>&nbsp;For years, stories including “Winnie-the-Pooh,” “The Hobbit,” and “Where the Wild Things Are” have transported children’s minds out of their bedrooms and into the great outdoors, where they can marvel at secret gardens, fantastic forests, and hidden worlds filled with curious animals and marvelous mysteries. Why not create a real world of wonder for them, right in your own backyard?<br></li><li><strong>Augmenting the abilities to observe, learn, and concentrate.</strong>&nbsp;Blackboards and desks are fine, but your child’s experience can be so much richer if your backyard is a truly interactive classroom. It’s important for students to learn about the natural world in the pages of books and from the mouths of teachers, but the impact is greater and longer-lasting when that world itself teaches our children in its own way, through direct experience. Hands-on learning can make information come alive for youngsters, and a backyard classroom is a perfect place for that to happen.<br></li><li><strong>Reinforcing interpersonal skills, collaboration, and language development.</strong>&nbsp;What’s that? It’s a beetle! And that flower over there? It’s an iris. Kids can learn the names of things by seeing them up close, making the connection between sight and verbal cues. And they can work together with patient, loving parents to learn the importance of respecting nature as they begin to understand what it takes to plant and maintain a garden, interact with other creatures, recognize natural resources, and support the ecology that maintains all life on this planet, their home.<br></li><li><strong>Reducing stress and reinforcing positive feelings.</strong>&nbsp;Warm sunshine, fluffy white clouds, chirping birds … You can create a sanctuary in your own backyard that is a haven from outside hurry, worry, and distraction. Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s famed&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html\" target=\"_blank\">hierarchy of needs</a>&nbsp;is built on a foundation of physiological needs being met first and safety being assured. Once kids feel safe and loved, they can develop a sense of self-esteem that empowers their natural inclination to learn and explore.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Create a Safe Backyard Sanctuary</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"630\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard-630x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10935\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard-630x1024.jpeg 630w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard-184x300.jpeg 184w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard-768x1249.jpeg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard-480x781.jpeg 480w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard.jpeg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" /><figcaption>Credit: Airman 1st Class Dennis Sloan</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Safety is, of course, the paramount consideration when designing and creating play and learning environments for any kids.&nbsp;<a href=\"https://the-art-of-autism.com/creating-a-sensory-friendly-backyard/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Extra measures must be taken</a>&nbsp;when designing outdoor spaces to accommodate children with special needs.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your backyard landscape will consist of living and nonliving elements. The first is called&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.thespruce.com/softscape-what-it-means-and-your-choices-2131111\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">softscape</a>, comprising primarily horticultural elements: grass, flowers, trees, plants, hedges, vegetable gardens, and so forth. Nonliving or&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/what-is-hardscaping/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hardscape</a>&nbsp;elements, by contrast, can include the following:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Benches</li><li>Retaining walls</li><li>Walkways</li><li>Patios</li><li>Fences</li><li>Decks</li><li>Raised walkways</li><li>Pergolas or gazebos</li><li>Fountains</li><li>Bird feeders and birdbaths</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s important to incorporate both softscape and hardscape elements when designing an outdoor play space for your child with special needs.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessibility and safety considerations to keep in mind include:</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Build or widen walkways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.</strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.ada.gov/reg3a.html#Anchor-18203\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">According to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990</a>&nbsp;(ADA), pathways should be at least 6 inches wider than a wheelchair, or a total of 36 inches. Entries and gates should be at least 32 inches wide.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Emphasize the openness of the outdoors.</strong>&nbsp;Even if your child does not use a wheelchair, pathways should be wide to emphasize the feeling of openness and freedom a garden can provide. This is not a place to feel cramped or crowded. It’s an expansive place to explore! Still, paths should have clear boundaries, so your child knows where the walkway ends and the garden begins. If your child is sensitive to light, install non-glare surfaces and make sure they’re smooth and easy to navigate.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Add wheelchair ramps.</strong>&nbsp;ADA&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/guide-to-the-ada-standards/chapter-4-ramps-and-curb-ramps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">standards</a>&nbsp;require that the grade for wheelchair accessibility ramps rise no more steeply than 5% — and, at most, 2% at entrances and steps.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Eliminate surprises.</strong>&nbsp;Visual aids and signs can help children with special needs feel secure. If they are nonverbal, a system of pictures can help them feel safe. A child who feels lost can grow anxious and worried, and he won’t feel safe enough to explore and enjoy his backyard wonderland. Make sure they always know where they are and consider creating orientation maps to help them get where they want to go next, easily and directly.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Install handrails or handholds</strong>&nbsp;along paths, on decks, and in seating areas. Handrails should be installed on both sides of a pathway. When installing handrails for kids, the ADA calls for heights to be measured at a 90-degree angle from directly above the walking surface. Handrails shouldn’t be more than 28 inches high and should be at least 9 inches apart so kids don’t trap their heads or hands between the uprights.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Install tactile features on or alongside walkways.&nbsp;</strong><a href=\"https://www.simplemost.com/sidewalk-bumps/\">Tactile features</a>&nbsp;include raised bumps, lines, and patterns. They aren&#8217;t to help traction. Instead, they accommodate special needs by helping those with impaired vision know when they’ve entered a new path or they’re about to leave the path they’ve been on.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Strive for consistency.</strong>&nbsp;Once you’ve created the layout of your backyard, keep it constant. Try not to change the location of a bench, water fountain, or bird feeder, for example, unless it’s necessary for safety or functionally essential reasons. Once a child is familiar with his surroundings, you can make small, incremental changes to challenge them as part of the learning process. Children with special needs feel safer when they know what to expect. They’ll blossom in an environment they know they can count on.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Create transitions.</strong>&nbsp;Gradual transitions are much easier for children with special needs to process than abrupt changes. Give them space and time between activities, and provide them with visual and verbal cues to alert them when something new is about to happen. Preparing kids for change helps them accept it and feel safer than springing a new situation or activity on them without warning.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Enclose play areas with fencing or railings.</strong>&nbsp;It’s important to make your backyard as safe as possible. One study found that nearly half of children on the autism spectrum wander from a safe place at some point. Enclosures can help keep this from occurring. Fences improve safety by keeping children from wandering into an area where they shouldn’t be, like a flowerbed or hedge. They also can help them stay focused on the adventure you’ve created. Fences should be at least 5 feet high and shouldn’t provide handholds that kids can use to climb. Smooth surfaces are best.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Label play areas</strong>&nbsp;with Braille or textures to help a child with low vision find the location they’ll be visiting next or the activity you’ve planned for them.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Features to add, hazards to avoid</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Features worth adding can include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Surfaces and structures specialized to accommodate use with various mobility aids or other equipment</li><li>Play structures and platforms at a variety of heights</li><li>Secluded, safe spaces for retreat, like an enclosed playhouse, pod or tube</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hazards to avoid:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Plants that can be toxic or cause allergic reactions; or plants that could puncture or scratch skin</li><li>Surfaces that provide uneven footing, or falling or tripping hazards</li><li>Reflective elements that exacerbate glare or bright-light issues</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsplash-child-sandbox.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10936\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsplash-child-sandbox.jpeg 700w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsplash-child-sandbox-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsplash-child-sandbox-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsplash-child-sandbox-480x320.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sensory Activities That Can be Enjoyed in Your Backyard</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.spdstar.org/basic/about-spd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">STAR Institute</a>, kids with conditions that hinder them from readily processing sensory input may have a hard time knowing where their body is in space. The results can include poor posture, weakness, motion sickness, awkwardness, and clumsiness. So it’s important to identify the&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/outdoor-activities-for-children-with-special-needs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sensory activities</a>&nbsp;that can best help your kids learn, improve their motor skills, and focus on their environment without getting frustrated or distracted. Here are a few sensory play ideas for backyard activities designed to engage your child’s senses:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Touch&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hands-on sensory-based play is one of the best ways to capture a child’s attention and provide much-needed tactile sensory input.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Swinging:</strong>&nbsp;Nearly all kids love to swing, and the benefits include an enhanced&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.verywellhealth.com/proprioception-2696141\" target=\"_blank\">response to proprioception</a>, better coordination and balance, stronger muscles, and a boost in positive mood. A repetitive back-and-forth motion also can be soothing and calming for kids with autism.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadecki, the pediatric occupational therapist, recommends careful attention and assessment to help your child get the most out of swinging: “Swings stimulate the fluid in the inner ear, which activates the vestibular senses. It lets your child know they are moving, and it can also impact the brain&#8217;s ability to process and use sensory information in their environment.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>“However, the amount of vestibular input needed varies by child,” explains Sadecki. “Some crave movement to feel more centered in order to focus and attend to the world around them. Others may be movement-sensitive, which makes things difficult such as riding in a car, so swinging can be used to help desensitize them to movement. Vestibular input as part of a sensory diet should be monitored by an occupational therapist.”</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water activities:&nbsp;</strong>Water is a versatile element that offers so many hands-on sensory possibilities, limited only by your imagination.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Your child can play with&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://frogsandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com/pool-noodle-boats-water-sensory-bin/\" target=\"_blank\">foam “noodle” boats</a>&nbsp;made from cut-up pool noodles, with foam sheets serving as sails and straws for masts. They’re easy to make with just some scissors and a hole punch. Watching the boats float in a pan of water under the warm glow of the sun can be relaxing and boost concentration. (NOTE: For kids with light sensitivity, eye protection may be necessary to guard against the dazzling glare of sun on water.)<br></li><li>You can set up a&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/transportation-tuesday-9/\" target=\"_blank\">toy car wash</a>&nbsp;using nothing more than a pan with some soapy water. Put some toy cars in the water and give your child a brush to wash them.&nbsp;<br></li><li>Create a&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.funathomewithkids.com/2013/08/rainbow-soap-foam-bubbles-sensory-play.html\" target=\"_blank\">bubble rainbow water activity</a>&nbsp;for your child using dish soap and some food coloring or&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.funathomewithkids.com/2013/08/what-are-liquid-watercolors-and-why.html\" target=\"_blank\">liquid watercolors</a>. A large pan of water can become a canvas for your child’s imagination, a kaleidoscope of swirling, changing colors to keep her occupied and focused.<br></li><li>Have your child&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/pom-pom-squeeze-water-play.html\" target=\"_blank\">squeeze some pom poms</a>. Place the pom poms in water, then let him watch them absorb it. When they’re soaked, he can squeeze them out into containers until the containers are full.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Playing in sand and soil: Who says you need the beach to build sandcastles? With a bag of sand and a little water in a small enclosure, that can happen right in your backyard! Otherwise, your child can enjoy the fun of getting their hands dirty by digging and planting in soil.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sight</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clouds:&nbsp;</strong>Invite your child to lie down in the grass with you and stare up at the clouds as they pass by. What shapes does she see? What do they remind her of?&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Leaves:</strong>&nbsp;Collect fallen leaves with her and point out their different shapes, as well as the colorful reds and golds and oranges they turn in autumn. Look for birds that share their various colors. Study the effects of wind and water after a spring rain.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Day and night skies:</strong>&nbsp;Take your child out at daybreak to see the sunrise or at dusk to witness the sunset. Make a wish on the first evening star you see. Look up at the night sky and point out the moon, the stars and the constellations. Find out when the next meteor shower is expected and see how many shooting stars you and your child can count.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Scavenger hunt:</strong>&nbsp;For a more-organized activity, consider a scavenger hunt. Remember how much fun you had getting up early on Easter Sunday for an egg hunt? See how many things your child can find in your backyard. Give him a list and accompany him on his quest for specific plants, birds, animals or perhaps for items you have hidden.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Treasure hunt:</strong>&nbsp;Another possibility is a treasure hunt. Get your child a special treat and hide it in the garden, then&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Treasure-Map\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">make a pirate’s map</a>&nbsp;and help her follow it to discover the secret treasure.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sound</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bird calls/ insect sounds:</strong>&nbsp;Help your child become conscious of sounds we often miss in the background (or take for granted) by listening for bird calls and insect sounds. What does a blue jay sound like? What about a crow, a lark or a sparrow? That high-pitched humming is a cicada; let’s see if we can find it! What’s that rapid rat-a-tat-tat coming from that tree trunk over there. Could it be a woodpecker? Learn about birds and insects yourself. You might want to pick up a book on birdwatching that identifies different species in your area, or listen to recordings of bird calls online. Then point out which birds and insects make which sounds and help your child learn to identify them.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Taste</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>​Garden flavors:</strong>&nbsp;Plant a vegetable garden or fruit trees and let your child taste what you’re growing there. What does a tomato taste like? A strawberry? An apple? You can illustrate the concept of growing food like this: Accompany your kids around your garden and pick samples from vines and trees, showing them the difference between ripe and unripe fruit. Wash the fruit off with then and prepare it as part of a sandwich or simple meal, then make a picnic trip back out to the yard and eat it underneath the tree that shared its fruit with you. Your children will be able to follow the journey of the meal you’ve created from tree to table — or, in this case, picnic basket.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smell</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nature’s aromas:</strong>&nbsp;Help your child learn to recognize the many smells of your yard by getting close to the source of each scent. Let them sniff different flowers and herbs, saying the name for each so they can associate the word with the smell. And this goes for not-so-pleasant outdoor smells, too: Help them find the wild onions, or sniff the recently spread mulch. In other seasons, point out the crisp, clean scent of snow, or that particularly lovely&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.livescience.com/37648-good-smells-rain-petrichor.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">scent in the air just after a spring rain</a>&nbsp;begins.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Multiple senses</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sensory garden:</strong>&nbsp;You can engage all your child’s senses by creating a&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/accessible/sensory-garden-ideas.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sensory garden</a>. Include plants that will attract wildlife like crickets, buzzing bees, and chirping birds; maybe plant some bamboo stems so your child can hear the sound they make in the wind. Set up a birdbath or birdhouse to attract some feathered friends or a hummingbird feeder for those faster-than-the-eye-can see winged wonders.&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/gardening-with-kids-using-themes.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Water fountains and wind chimes</a>&nbsp;can enhance your child’s auditory experience, too.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find plants with fragrant scents such as gardenia and honeysuckle, as well as those with a variety of tactile sensations, from moss to jade trees to lamb’s ear. (No roses, cacti or other thorny plants, though!). Also, seek out plants with a variety of forms, from creeping vines to woody stems to soft grasses.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider dividing these sensory-friendly environments into two areas — one for playtime and another for relaxing and unwinding. If you can, put brightly colored flowers with red or yellow petals in one area of the garden, and provide a shaded area in the other. A pergola or shade trees can provide a haven from the bright sun and vivid colors that provide stimulation but can be overstimulating if your child doesn’t have a calm place of refuge in which to retreat.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another possibility: an outdoor speaker system that plays soothing background music on occasion. Just don’t leave it on all the time. You want your child to notice the natural sounds all around her in your backyard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help your child feel at ease, think about&nbsp;<a href=\"https://kidsgardening.org/garden-activities-theme-gardens/\">creating a theme</a>&nbsp;for your garden that she’ll enjoy: maybe a fairytale character, a favorite game, or an animal.</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10950\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activity Ideas for Children With Different Diagnoses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best outdoor spaces are inclusive, welcoming kids and grown-ups alike with a variety of capabilities, considerations, and objectives. When designing a backyard play space, keep in mind any of your child’s special requirements and build in features to accommodate them. Here are some elements to consider for safe sensory learning environments for kids with different conditions:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For kids who are easily overstimulated&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Secluded, safe spaces provide relief from overwhelming sights and sounds. Look into&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://modularwalls.com.au/blog/how-to-reduce-noise-in-your-backyard/\" target=\"_blank\">which fences or plants work best</a>&nbsp;to block out sound from neighbors’ houses, busy streets, and other sources of noise. Brick walls and modular fences, for example, offer much better sound insulation than wooden fencing. Consider a playhouse furnished with pillows to absorb some of the excess sound while also providing refuge and comfort.&nbsp;<br></li><li>“Cocoon” swings or other therapeutically designed swings allow the swinging sensation without the accompanying visual overstimulation. These swings are like a middle ground between a playground swing and a hammock. Anyone who’s ever spent a leisurely afternoon lying in a backyard hammock knows how soothing it can be. Cocoon swings not only reduce the amount of sensory stimulation coming in from both sides, but they also give the child a feeling of being hugged securely and feeling safe.<br></li><li>Quiet pleasures like picnics, watching clouds, reading, and tending a garden can be soothing alternatives to high-energy activities.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For kids who are visually impaired</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Enclosed play areas offer a physical boundary around the play space, adding to an “I’m in the right place” sense of security.&nbsp;<br></li><li>Level and even walking surfaces make it easier for kids to move around without fear of tripping or stumbling.&nbsp;<br></li><li>Signs and labels in Braille are helpful tools in enabling children to interpret and navigate their surroundings.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For wheelchair users</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Wide, even walkways enhance wheel mobility and guard against tipping over or falling.<br></li><li>Shallow ramps with side rails and no more than a 1:12 slope allow safe and easy ascents, as well as descents without gaining too much speed.<br></li><li>Play stations on raised platforms can bring games, projects, and other learning opportunities up to a convenient height for a child in a wheelchair.&nbsp;<br></li><li>Platform swings and wheelchair merry-go-rounds, key elements of the growing trend toward “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.inclusiveplaygrounds.net/\" target=\"_blank\">inclusive playgrounds</a>,” allow a child to roll their wheelchair right on, clip or strap in, and enjoy swinging or spinning safely.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe/safety-exercise-and-sports\">kids who experience seizures</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Soft surfaces with “give” can prevent head injuries in case of a fall. Concrete isn’t a good idea, and neither are stone pathways — even more so if they’re uneven. Wood mulch is more forgiving. There are several types of&nbsp;<a href=\"https://noahsplay.com/blog/noahsplaytop-5-playground-surface-materials/\">surfaces engineered to absorb impact</a>, but a natural grass lawn can be optimal because it cushions falls, reducing the risk of injury. Guides to safe playground designs are available from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/outdoors/playgrounds\">U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission</a>.<br></li><li>Shallow water features less than 2 inches deep are best to prevent drowning hazards. If you have a swimming pool, be sure to have it fenced off on all sides and keep it locked when not in use.<br></li><li>Ample space should accommodate companions engaging in side-by-side activity. One-on-one activities help kids focus while their companions guide them, without distractions from others.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10951\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5.jpeg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5-480x320.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Troubleshooting Common Issues</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eloping</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people think of eloping as running away to get married, but the word literally just means to run, or lope, outward. In the case of children with special needs, it indicates&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://researchautism.org/elopement-and-autism/\" target=\"_blank\">wandering or running away</a>&nbsp;from a caregiving environment — and it’s a common hazard for people on the autism spectrum.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Studies show that 50% of kids with autism spectrum disorder elope, but it is still unclear as to why,” says Sadecki. “Many parents believe that their child simply enjoys running and exploring, but it could also be because they are escaping anxious or overstimulating sensory situations.”</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The more strongly children are impacted by autism, the more likely they may be to elope. Parenting styles aren’t a factor; most parents in a survey about the phenomenon said their child just enjoyed running and exploring.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes it all the more important to provide plenty of sensory stimuli for children with autism. The more you give them to explore right in their own backyard, the more likely they are to stay focused on the adventures you’re providing — and the less likely they will be to wander off.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even so, it’s important to repair or install continuous fencing, as well as out-of-reach locks or latches on gates and doors to keep your kids inside where they belong. As mentioned before, this is particularly important if you have a pool. Secure fencing and locking gates are important for all young children. Similar gates and fences should be in place around other potentially hazardous areas, such as dog runs, thorny bushes, or rock gardens.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pet waste&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stepping in poo is a perfect way to start a meltdown. Minimize the possibility of your child’s coming into contact with pet waste (which is toxic in some cases and unpleasant in all cases) by designating a separate area for your pet, and/or diligently picking up after their bathroom time.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plastic bags and pooper-scoopers can make this odious (and odorous) task a little more painless. There are even high-tech, dog&nbsp;<a href=\"http://auggiedog.com/how-it-works\">poop</a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https://odditymall.com/dog-poop-vacuum\">vacuums</a>&nbsp;that pull up pet waste, which can then be ejected into a trash bag or toilet.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fertilizer</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.pennington.com/all-products/fertilizer/resources/10-fertilizer-safety-tips-for-pets-kids-and-adults\">Fertilizer can be an irritant</a>&nbsp;— a toxic one, if it contains pesticides or other chemicals. Use fertilizer according to the directions and keep it contained appropriately when not in use. Don’t assume a fertilizer is safe for kids just because it’s labeled as “organic” or “natural.” Also be aware that fertilizers in powder form can drift into other areas on a windy day, so apply them when the air is calm and be sure to sweep any excess away from paths and other areas your child might frequent.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Standing water</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Standing water not only invites messes, just waiting for kids to reach or step in, but it also can be a health hazard, depending on the organisms growing in it. If left around long enough, pools of standing water can attract breeding mosquitoes. Take care to empty any uncovered containers with standing water in them. If you find standing water remaining at a low spot in your yard for any length of time, make sure you find a way to drain it away.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unfriendly plants&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prickly or toxic plants can puncture skin with spines, cause rashes with irritating secretions, initiate a sneezing fit with pollen, or poison a person who ingests any part of them. Make sure your outdoor area is free of poison ivy, poison oak, stinging nettle, and other allergenic plants.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>How do you&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.beprepared.com/blog/15808/how-to-identify-poisonous-plants/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recognize toxic plants</a>? Poison ivy and poison oak each have three leaves growing off a main leaf stem (giving rise to the saying, “leaves in three, let it be.”) Their leaves also alternate on the stem or branch, never growing directly across from one another. Stinging nettle leaves are heart-shaped, prickly-looking, and tapered at the end.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants can be poisonous in two ways: They can irritate the skin if touched, or they can be toxic if ingested. Some very pretty plants, including&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/trees-and-shrubs/oleander-is-a-dangerous-beauty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">oleander</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.poison.org/articles/why-is-monkshood-considered-a-poison--174\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">monkshood</a>, can be dangerous. Be sure you have a medical kit. You can look up information from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.poisonhelp.org/help\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Association of Poison Control Centers</a>, or call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 if you think your child has eaten a toxic plant.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also&nbsp;<a href=\"https://homeguides.sfgate.com/mushrooms-yard-dangerous-kids-91833.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">be on the lookout for mushrooms</a>, which aren’t technically plants, but fungi. Those with scales, warts or white (not brown) gills are likely to be hazardous. Other red flags: a bulb-shaped base, or a ring around the upper or lower stem. The vast majority of mushrooms aren’t toxic, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice mushrooms in your yard, remove them immediately.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Move cactus, agave, and other spiny plants out of traffic areas. Keep fencing around rose gardens so kids can’t wander or stumble into their thorns.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loud noises</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Loud noises are a potential problem outside, where barking dogs, heavy equipment, or a backfiring car nearby can trigger a child’s noise sensitivity. Creating areas buffered from ambient noise with fences, walls, high bushes, or shrubs can help&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110016818302072\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">protect your child from overstimulation by sound</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an age when kids are often glued to their phones or gaming systems indoors, an outdoor adventure can be (literally) a breath of fresh air. Sadecki says electronics should be limited for all children, especially those with special needs. “There have been lots of recent studies done that have shown the impact of too much electronics on kids. Children who spend more than 2 hours a day on electronics are more likely to have emotional, social, and attention problems. They also develop shorter attention spans because their brain develops the need for constant stimulation by bright, fast-paced programming. It makes it more difficult for them to connect to and focus on people and things in their environment that don&#8217;t provide that constant stimulation.”</p>\n\n\n\n<p>We as adults often spend most of our days indoors, too, whether we’re working at the office or around the house, and it’s easy to forget how important it can be to get out of the house. The outdoors can be a forgotten resource to check our worries at the back door and enter a land of refreshment and adventure.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adults need a break from highly structured indoor settings, and so do children with special needs. Why not offer them a safe backyard playground with an expansive lawn and fascinating sights, sounds and smells to explore? It will open up a whole new world to them. And that can make a world of difference!</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Source links:</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n\n<li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280948490_Sachs_N_Vincenta_T_2011_April_Outdoor_environments_for_children_with_autism_and_special_needs_Implications_91_1-7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280948490_Sachs_N_Vincenta_T_2011_April_Outdoor_environments_for_children_with_autism_and_special_needs_Implications_91_1-7</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110016818302072\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110016818302072</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://the-art-of-autism.com/creating-a-sensory-friendly-backyard/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://the-art-of-autism.com/creating-a-sensory-friendly-backyard/</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://www.ada.gov/reg3a.html#Anchor-18203\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://www.ada.gov/reg3a.html</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/guide-to-the-ada-standards/chapter-4-ramps-and-curb-ramps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/guide-to-the-ada-standards/chapter-4-ramps-and-curb-ramps</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://www.curbed.com/2019/8/28/20835467/parks-playgrounds-for-kids-with-autism-disability\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://www.curbed.com/2019/8/28/20835467/parks-playgrounds-for-kids-with-autism-disability</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://researchautism.org/elopement-and-autism/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://researchautism.org/elopement-and-autism/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/outdoor-activities-for-children-with-special-needs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/outdoor-activities-for-children-with-special-needs</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"http://boulderhg.com/13034-2/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">http://boulderhg.com/13034-2/</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://findthehomepros.com/5-tips-for-backyard-summer-fun-if-you-have-a-child-on-the-autism-spectrum/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://findthehomepros.com/5-tips-for-backyard-summer-fun-if-you-have-a-child-on-the-autism-spectrum/</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe/safety-exercise-and-sports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe/safety-exercise-and-sports</a></li><li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://researchautism.org/elopement-and-autism/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://researchautism.org/elopement-and-autism/</a></li>\n<li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/outdoor-activities-for-children-with-special-needs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/blog/outdoor-activities-for-children-with-special-needs</a></li>\n<li style=\"word-break: break-all\"><a href=\"https://first-leap.com/\">https://first-leap.com/</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All the tips in this article were reviewed by licensed pediatric occupational therapist Christine Sadecki, OTR/L, owner of Reach for the Stars Therapy Services, LLC, in Lake Worth, FL. The strategies reflect widely accepted therapeutic practices, however, for specific advice, you should always consult a medical professional.<br></p>\n","title":"How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Backyard Landscape for Your Child With Special Needs","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/1789c/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/107df/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/293e9/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/f2cbb/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/1789c/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/356ef/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/1dd6e/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/67b76/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/8df11/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/98a65/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/1dd6e/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/89be49d6f04b5c7a1a1ccbee83bc18f0/93f70/child-playing-backyard-bubbles-pixabay-1332735_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Backyard Landscape for Your Child With Special Needs | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"17457154-501f-5fec-a746-d6ffe7372caa","slug":"how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-yard","path":"/blog/how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 4th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Rabbits can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden pretty quickly. There are a lot of ways to keep rabbits out of your yard, including natural deterrents, store-bought remedies, and preventative measures.&nbsp; In this article, we’ll talk about solving the big problems caused by these small animals. Table of Contents: Natural Methods [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Rabbits can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden pretty quickly. There are a lot of ways to keep rabbits out of your yard, including natural deterrents, store-bought remedies, and preventative measures.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we’ll talk about solving the big problems caused by these small animals.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Table of Contents:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#nature\">Natural Methods of Deterring Rabbits</a></li><li><a href=\"#store\">Store-bought Options</a></li><li><a href=\"#eliminate\">Eliminate Nesting Areas</a></li><li><a href=\"#how\">How to Know if Rabbits are the Issue</a></li><li><a href=\"#importance\">The Importance of Keeping Rabbits Out of Your Yard</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ </a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nature\">Natural Methods of Deterring Rabbits</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_3497413025_e53b200f4a_c.jpg\" alt=\"Red paper\" class=\"wp-image-11765\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_3497413025_e53b200f4a_c.jpg 799w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_3497413025_e53b200f4a_c-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 799px, 100vw\" /><figcaption><a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkdatlanta/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James Diedrick</a> | <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkdatlanta/3497413025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flickr</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>You likely have a lot of products in your home right now that should help keep bunnies away and minimize your rabbit problems.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red pepper, talcum, and sulfur</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Due in part to their strong sense of smell, rabbits will keep away from all three of these substances. Sprinkle any of these on their favorite plants, and they’ll steer clear.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Irish Spring soap</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This tried and true method takes just a little prep work and offers non-toxic protection. Take a bar of Irish Spring and shave it using a cheese grater or something similar. Place the shavings into small mesh pouches and place them throughout your flower or vegetable garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Onions, garlic, and hot peppers</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rabbits don’t like the pungent smell or taste of these crops. By planting these around tastier veggies, such as carrots and lettuce, you can create a barrier to dissuade bunnies. Asparagus, rhubarb, leeks, and tomatoes are also viable options.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sweet alyssum, marigolds, and snapdragons</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant flowers that rabbits naturally dislike. Geraniums, wax begonias, vincas, and salvia also make the <a href=\"https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1237.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">list of unappealing plants</a> while adding color and vibrancy to flowerbeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s important to note that a hungry rabbit will eat what it can find, and not all rabbits have the same tastes. While these options are likely to work, They certainly aren&#8217;t a guarantee.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"store\">Store-bought Options to Deter Rabbits</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_rabbit-1543716_960_720.jpg\" alt=\"Deter Rabbits\" class=\"wp-image-11759\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_rabbit-1543716_960_720.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_rabbit-1543716_960_720-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/07/26/20/09/rabbit-1543716_960_720.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Pixabay</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re headed to the home supply store, you’ll find lots of options to repel rabbits and protect your lawn and garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fencing</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most effective way to protect your garden and vegetation is by building a fence, and it’s something you can probably DIY in an afternoon. Keep in mind: Rabbits can jump about 2 feet high and squirm through tight spaces. You need to consider this when installing your fence.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chicken wire or mesh</strong> with openings of less than an inch work best. You can also use hardware cloth if you prefer. The fencing needs to be at least 2 feet high and either secured closely to the ground or inset by about 2 inches. This will prevent burrowing critters from sneaking in underneath.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Repellents</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1img_1665.jpg\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption> Photo credit: <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/author/brendastuartryangmail-com/\">Brenda Stuart </a>| Wikilawn</figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Various sprays, powders, and additives are available to keep all garden pests at bay. It’s crucial to read the packaging carefully and follow the directions for how much to apply, where, and when.<br><strong>Dried blood meal</strong> is another option, but you’ll need to reapply it after each rain. Similar to many of the natural ways noted above, rabbits may become accustomed to these remedies. You may want to rotate the products you use.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traps</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"553\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pixnio-42160-800x553-1.jpg\" alt=\"Rabbit in a trape\" class=\"wp-image-11757\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pixnio-42160-800x553-1.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pixnio-42160-800x553-1-480x332.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href=\"https://pixnio.com/fauna-animals/bunny-rabbit/rabbit-was-caught-in-a-national-trap-and-was-later-tested-during-an-arbovirus-study\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USCDCP</a> | <a href=\"https://pixnio.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixnio</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>A final option is live trapping. This isn’t for everyone, and it may not be viable depending on where you live. However, this humane option may be your best bet.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Place traps near popular food sources. You can also add a carrot, apple, or lettuce inside the trap as bait. Check the traps daily. Release trapped rabbits in safe areas several miles away to prevent them from finding their way back.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: Traps don’t discriminate, and you may find yourself with a variety of other animals as well.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"eliminate\">Eliminate Nesting Areas</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The easiest way to deal with any problem is to prevent it in the first place. You can keep rabbits out of your yard by eliminating areas for them to shelter. This, combined with the other remedies noted above, will be your most effective plan.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rabbits aren’t picky about where they burrow and nest, as long as it provides warmth, cover, and quick access to food sources.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Brush piles and wood piles &#8211; </strong>Remove or rearrange your fireplace wood. You can also stack the woodpile in a single row to provide less space for rabbits to burrow.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Weedy and overgrown areas- </strong>Spaces with natural vegetation are ideal for foraging rabbits. You should periodically mow down the overgrowth, which will eliminate the cover rabbits look for. You could also consider <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/landscaping/8-grass-alternatives-to-consider/\">grass alternatives</a>.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Organic matter beneath pine trees &#8211; </strong>Leaves, twigs, and other vegetation accumulate beneath pine trees. We don’t often think of clearing this out, but removing this is key to keeping rabbits from nesting there. The pine tree itself provides cover, while burrowing in the other matter offers warmth.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Other debris and junk &#8211; </strong>Look around your yard and assess any other areas that might be welcoming to rabbits. Playsets and toys that aren’t being used, or sheds that don’t see a lot of movement may also be housing these four-legged critters.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\">How to Know if Rabbits are the Issue</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Deer, chipmunks, moles, groundhogs, opossums, and about a dozen other animals could be responsible for the damage to your yard. Before getting started with rabbit-focused solutions, inspect the damage to ensure rabbits are the cause.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rabbit damage to trees and shrubs will be within 2.5 feet off the ground, as that&#8217;s about as far as the critters can reach when standing on their hind legs. Most telling are the smooth, straight cuts. Other animals leave jagged edges on plants, but rabbits will leave sharp edges on flowers, branches, and vegetables.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the damage you’re inspecting is to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/drought-tolerant-plants/9-ornamental-grasses-for-your-garden-landscape-design/\">ornamental grasses</a> and plants, it’s probably not a rabbit problem.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"importance\">The Importance of Keeping Rabbits Out of Your Yard&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like other wild animals, rabbits increase the presence of endangered birds and insects. However, in the process, rabbits damage many of the plants you’ve spent a lot of time nurturing.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rabbits aren’t picky eaters, and so they will destroy almost any plant they can reach. Grasses are a primary food source for rabbits, but they also enjoy flowers, weeds, sprouts, vegetables, fruits, and even bark.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without intervention, rabbits will nest, nibble, reproduce, and wreak utter havoc.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Are rabbits dangerous or just annoying?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rabbits are just annoying. They don’t pose any harm to humans, and most domestic pets are seen as predators.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. What is the most effective way to get rid of rabbits?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your best bet is a combination of exclusion practices and repellents or fencing. If you&#8217;re raising a vegetable garden, sound fencing is key. If you&#8217;re growing flowers or trying to protect your landscaping, repellents should do the trick..</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. What is the fastest way to solve my rabbit problem?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove their nests and burrows. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. In the afternoon, when you’re likely to be doing yard work, rabbits will be lying low in their dens.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Are cottontails the same as domesticated rabbits?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Cottontails are wild animals that cannot be bought or sold as pets. Domesticated bunnies come in various breeds, most of which look nothing like the cottontails in your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you’ve had enough cottontails in your garden, it might be time to </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\"><em>call in a lawn care or pest control professional to help</em></a><em>. Give the rabbits the boot and get back to enjoying your outdoor space.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/author/brendastuartryangmail-com/\">Brenda Stuart </a>| Wikilawn</p>\n","title":"How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2917115177610334,"src":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1789c/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/107df/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 320w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/293e9/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 500w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/f2cbb/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 800w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1789c/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 960w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/c26c2/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1dd6e/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/67b76/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 320w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/8df11/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 500w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/98a65/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 800w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1dd6e/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 960w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/3cc96/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Those delightful, darling rabbits are downright destructive to your lawn. Find out how to keep rabbits out of your yard for good."}}},{"node":{"id":"8719302c-8e2e-57fd-9765-e22670f44b96","slug":"best-grass-seed-for-overseeding","path":"/blog/best-grass-seed-for-overseeding/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>How do you choose the best grass seed for overseeding? You need to know what grass type you have and then determine whether you want to add to it or use a seed mix or hybrid mix to improve your lawn. In this article, we’ll cover the best grass seed for overseeding your lawn and [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>How do you choose the best grass seed for overseeding? You need to know what grass type you have and then determine whether you want to add to it or use a seed mix or hybrid mix to improve your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we’ll cover the best grass seed for overseeding your lawn and popular seed mixes and hybrid mixes for a lush, green lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contents</strong>:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#grass\">Grass seed varieties</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#mixtures\">Mixtures and hybrids</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#consider\">What to consider before buying grass seed</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#cool-vs-warm\">Cool vs warm-season grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQs about overseeding</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"grass\">Grass Seed Varieties</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the six best grass seed varieties for overseeding:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Kentucky bluegrass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kentucky bluegrass grows densely and is resistant to disease. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/files/e2924.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Kentucky bluegrass</a> isn’t as drought-tolerant as other varieties, but bluegrass seed is the most popular because it produces a thick, dark green turf that stands up well to heavy traffic. This grass type is also self-spreading, making it easy to cultivate.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Fescue</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fescues are known for their rapid growth, providing quick results. Fescue grass is also drought-resistant and tolerates both sun and shade. Based on the texture you desire, you can choose <a href=\"https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/articles08/GarrettSchultz/Fescue%20Grasses.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">different varieties</a> of this cool-season grass, such as fine fescue or tall fescue.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Perennial ryegrass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Perennial ryegrass germinates quickly but requires a lot of water. It does best in the <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/transition-zone-grasses/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/transition-zone-grasses/\">transition zone</a> and works well as an overseed for warm-season grasses. This grass has fine blades and stands up to heavy traffic. Ryegrass seeds are the most popular and typically cost less than other varieties.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Don’t confuse perennial ryegrass with annual ryegrass. Annual ryegrass has a lifespan of only one year. It is more prone to diseases and lawn pests than perennial ryegrass.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Bermudagrass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that’s drought-tolerant and devoted to the sun, so it thrives in the southern parts of the country. While this grass variety will produce a low-maintenance green lawn, it has its drawbacks. Cold temperatures and shade means it&#8217;s not the best grass seed for overseeding in the North.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Buffalograss</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A warm-season grass, <a href=\"https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6730#:~:text=Buffalograss%20is%20a%20warm%2Dseason,the%20base%20of%20the%20plant.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">buffalograss</a> is slower to green than other grass types but requires minimal maintenance. This variety is popular across the Great Plains as well as the Midwest.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Zoysiagrass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoysiagrass is well-suited to the transition zone and southern U.S. It’s a warm-season variety that tolerates colder temperatures and heavy foot traffic. Zoysiagrass prefers the sun and does well with little water, producing a dense turf.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mixtures\">Mixtures and Hybrids</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll find all sorts of hybrid grasses and seed mixes at your local home supply store and online retailers. Seed mixtures are designed to extend the life of your lawn, providing greenery in both the warmer and cooler months. Hybrids and other modifications support germination as well as the health and growth of new grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look for seeds with a coating to retain moisture. This modification helps seeds germinate quickly and effectively once they’ve made soil contact. This will speed up the process, giving you the results you’re looking for faster.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"consider\">What to Consider Before Buying Grass Seed</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you lug out the spreader, rake, hose, and other tools to overseed your lawn, you need to decide what type of seed is best for your yard.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Identify the type of grass on your existing lawn and whether it’s growing well.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify why your grass is thinning: drought, heavy foot traffic, too much shade, or lawn fungus?</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://solanomg.ucanr.edu/files/245158.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">heat zone map</a> to see whether you need warm -or cool-season grass seed.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determine which grass type will grow well on your lawn.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide when to spread the new seed based on your lawn’s condition.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your lawn is doing well, you should overseed with the same grass type. The new seed will repair damage due to heavy traffic or unusual drought.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your lawn is struggling due to too much or not enough sun exposure, prolonged water issues, or other environmental factors, you’re better off overseeding with a different grass type. Mixing seeds with different qualities will produce a vibrant and healthy yard throughout the growing season.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cool-vs-warm\">Cool vs. Warm-Season Grass Types</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/\">Warm-season grasses</a> are best suited to hot temperatures and lots of sun, so they grow best in southern states. These grass types are green and lush when temps are around 75 to 90 degrees. In the fall and winter, when temperatures drop, warm-season grasses lie dormant and turn brown.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/cool-season-grasses/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/cool-season-grasses/\">Cool-season grasses</a> thrive in northern states. These varieties do well with temperature fluctuations, lying dormant in cold weather. Cool-season grasses perk up in the spring, growing best when temps are between 60 and 70 degrees.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">Overseeding FAQs&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. What happens if I use the wrong grass seed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your lawn may look awkward with different textured grass types, or the seed just won’t sprout. You’ll need to overseed again next year to correct the lawn’s appearance.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Different grass varieties also grow at different rates. Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues are quick to sprout. Creeping red fescue and chewing fescue are much slower, so a mixture will give you an uneven lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Should I fertilize the lawn right after I overseed?&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Hopefully, you’ve already fertilized your lawn in the spring. Fertilizing right before or right after overseeding forces the seeds to compete with the existing grass for nutrients. It may also encourage crabgrass growth which will compete with your grass seeds as well.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3.</strong> <strong>How long do I have to wait to walk on the lawn after I overseed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait at least two weeks, but longer if possible. You should limit the use of your lawn until the new seed has grown to about the same height as your existing grass, about 3-4 inches. This is when you can mow the grass for the first time and resume regular use. In total, it will take about three to four weeks.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Overwhelmed by all the grass seed choices? We can help you find a</em><em> </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/#get-quote\"><em>lawn care professional near you</em></a><em> who will overseed, dethatch, aerate and mow your lawn, so you have time to relax and enjoy it.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/author/brendaryan/\">Brenda Ryan</a> | LawnStarter</p>\n","title":"Best Grass Seed for Overseeding","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/1789c/rsz_img_3661.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/107df/rsz_img_3661.jpg 320w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/293e9/rsz_img_3661.jpg 500w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/f2cbb/rsz_img_3661.jpg 800w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/1789c/rsz_img_3661.jpg 960w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/c26c2/rsz_img_3661.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/1dd6e/rsz_img_3661.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/67b76/rsz_img_3661.webp 320w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/8df11/rsz_img_3661.webp 500w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/98a65/rsz_img_3661.webp 800w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/1dd6e/rsz_img_3661.webp 960w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/3cc96/rsz_img_3661.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Seed for Overseeding | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Not every grass seed is created equal. We’ll help you choose the best grass seed for overseeding your lawn to give you a lush green yard,"}}},{"node":{"id":"63adb127-ed71-5bd0-8659-5015876f0e14","slug":"warm-season-grasses-guide","path":"/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Mel Childs","id":"5e563fe7-34e1-5dc2-bc00-a1e777e5dfd5","path":"/author/melisha-childslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8fb37d81bb775d323e0028ec06cb650f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"May 5th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Grass is just grass, right? Not hardly. If you live in southern U.S. states, you most likely have a warm-season grass for your lawn. This guide to warm-season grasses will explain why these are your best choices and detail how to keep your lawn green and healthy.&nbsp; In This Guide: What Are Warm-Season Grasses? Warm-season [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Grass is just grass, right? Not hardly. If you live in southern U.S. states, you most likely have a warm-season grass for your lawn. This guide to warm-season grasses will explain why these are your best choices and detail how to keep your lawn green and healthy.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In This Guide:</h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what\">What Are Warm-Season Grasses?</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#common\">Common Warm-Season Grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#caring\">Caring for Warm-Season Grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Warm-Season Grasses</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\">What Are Warm-Season Grasses?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-season grasses thrive in the southern U.S., where temperatures pretty consistently remain between 75 and 95 degrees. Warm-season grasses tend to go dormant when the temperature drops below 55 degrees.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common types of warm-season grasses are:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#bahia\">Bahiagrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#bermuda\">Bermudagrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#centipede\">Centipedegrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#augustine\">St. Augustinegrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#zoysia\">Zoysiagrass</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain grass types similarly are common in other regions of the country.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cool-season grasses: </strong>These grasses typically thrive well in cooler climates of the northern United States and can withstand colder temperatures better than warm-season grasses. Some cool-season grasses also have strong drought tolerance.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/cool-season-grasses/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/cool-season-grasses/\">Cool-season grasses</a> include fine fescues, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Transition zone grasses: </strong>If you live in a band across the middle of the U.S., also known as the <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/transition-zone-grasses/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/transition-zone-grasses/\">transition zone</a>, you can choose from warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rule of thumb: Though you have a wider range of grass choices in the transition zone, homeowners in the northern part tend to choose a cool-season grass, and if your home is in the southern part you likely would choose a warm-season grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>if you aren’t sure what type of grass you have, contact your local Cooperative Extension office to help you learn the type of grass you have in your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"common\">Common Warm-Season Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-season grasses include bahiagrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass. Here’s what you need to know about each of these warm-season grasses:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bahia\">Bahiagrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bahiagrass.jpg\" alt=\"Bahiagrass in a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-14665\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bahiagrass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bahiagrass-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bahiagrass-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bahiagrass-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bahiagrass-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/starr-environmental/24346119623/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forest and Kim Starr</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bahiagrass is very drought tolerant, disease tolerant, and pest-tolerant, and it’s low maintenance.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to tell if you have </strong><a href=\"https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/turf-types/bahiagrass.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>bahiagrass</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Blades form in a Y shape as they grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bahiagrass can handle a considerable amount of foot traffic but needs frequent mowing because of the seedheads that sprout from the grass. This tough flowering part of the grass can take a toll on mowers, so keep your blades sharp as possible when mowing this grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for Disease</strong>: Low; can develop leaf spot</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade Tolerance</strong>: Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought Tolerance</strong>: Very high</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot Traffic Tolerance</strong>: Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance Needs</strong>:&nbsp;Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing Height</strong>: 3 to 4 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Stolons and rhizomes</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bermuda\">Bermudagrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\" alt=\"Green color bermudagrass focus closeup\" class=\"wp-image-13732\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1-768x528.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1-480x330.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.pexels.com/photo/focus-photography-of-green-bermuda-grass-949584/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bermudagrass is sun loving, drought tolerant and can handle a lot of foot traffic. The only downsides? This grass requires a lot of maintenance and treatments for some common lawn diseases.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to tell if you have </strong><a href=\"https://turf.purdue.edu/common-bermudagrass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>bermudagrass</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Your grass blades are light- or dark-colored and resemble the foot of a bird. Bermudagrass spreads by rhizomes and stolons, and you may see them creeping out of your yard toward the sidewalk.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification</strong>: Warm-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for Disease:</strong> High; may succumb to dollar spot, spring dead spot, large patch, rust, leaf spot</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade Tolerance:</strong>&nbsp;Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought Tolerance:</strong> High&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot Traffic Tolerance</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance Needs:</strong>&nbsp;High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing Height:</strong> 1 to 1.5 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Rhizomes and stolons</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"centipede\">Centipedegrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass.jpg\" alt=\"beautiful green centipede grass in lawn\" class=\"wp-image-12203\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Centipede_Grass.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James Becwar JamesBecwar</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Centipedegrass is a low-maintenance grass that is not prone to many lawn diseases. The only downside? Centipedegrass doesn’t handle foot traffic well.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to tell if you have </strong><a href=\"https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/plantanswers/turf/publications/centipede.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>centipedegrass</strong></a><strong>: </strong>This grass has a light green color and rounded blade tip. Centipedegrass spreads by stolons and has a dense look and coarse texture. Its dense, fast growth helps naturally prevent weeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for Disease:</strong> Moderate; succumbs to large patch (also known as brown patch)</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade Tolerance:</strong> Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought Tolerance:</strong> Moderate&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot Traffic Tolerance:</strong> Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance Needs:</strong> Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing Height:</strong> 1.5&nbsp; to 2 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"augustine\">St. Augustinegrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\" alt=\"Bubble on St. Augustine grass\" class=\"wp-image-12637\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass-300x199.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass-768x510.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass-480x319.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/33193996@N07/3490563956/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jay Morgan</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-ND 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>St. Augustinegrass looks gorgeous, stands up well to foot traffic, and is ideal in coastal areas because it handles the salty environment well. Downside? This grass will require moderate maintenance.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to tell if you have </strong><a href=\"https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/grasses/st-augustinegrass/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>St. Augustinegrass</strong></a><strong>:</strong> This grass has a rich dark green color and coarse texture. St. Augustinegrass is spread by stolons.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for Disease:</strong> High; could develop take-all root rot, gray leaf spot, fairy ring, brown patch, pythium root rot</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade Tolerance:</strong> Low to moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought Tolerance:</strong> Moderate&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot Traffic Tolerance:</strong> Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance Needs:</strong> Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing Height:</strong> 3.5&nbsp; to 4 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"zoysia\">Zoysiagrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\" alt=\"Green color zoysiagrass\" class=\"wp-image-14251\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emeraldzoysia1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Russbach at the English Wikipedia</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoysiagrass is very drought-tolerant and can handle a lot of foot traffic. Additionally, it is generally a low-maintenance grass option but will require frequent mowing. Unfortunately, this grass is susceptible to lots of lawn diseases, but it does naturally resist weeds.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to tell if you have </strong><a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/zoysiagrass/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Zoysia</strong></a><strong>: </strong>This grass has pointy, narrow blades. This grass can look very fine, or it can appear to be very coarse, depending on the cultivar.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for Disease:</strong> Moderate; may develop rust, brown patch, powdery mildew, dollar spot, pythium blight, fairy ring</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade Tolerance:</strong> Low to moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought Tolerance:</strong> High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot Traffic Tolerance:</strong> High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance Needs: </strong>Low to moderate (requires moderate mowing)</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing Height:</strong> 1 to 2 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Rhizomes and stolons</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warm-Season Grasses Compared</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here’s a an easy-to-skim comparison of warm-season grasses, highlighting their foot traffic tolerance, drought-heat tolerance, maintenance, and disease susceptibility:<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>Bahiagrass</strong></td><td><strong>Bermudagrass</strong></td><td><strong>Centipedegrass</strong></td><td><strong>St.</strong><strong>Augustinegrass</strong></td><td><strong>Zoysiagrass</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Foot Traffic Tolerance</strong></td><td>Moderate</td><td>High</td><td>Low</td><td>Moderate</td><td>High</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Drought/Heat Tolerance</strong></td><td>Very High</td><td>High</td><td>Moderate</td><td>Moderate</td><td>High</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Maintenance</strong></td><td>Low</td><td>High</td><td>Low</td><td>Moderate</td><td>Low to Moderate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Disease Susceptibility</strong></td><td>Low<br><br>Develops&nbsp;<br>leaf spot</td><td>High<br><br>Develops<br>spring dead spot, dollar spot, large patch, leaf spot, rust</td><td>Moderate<br><br>Develops<br>large patch (aka brown patch)</td><td>High<br><br>Develops<br>gray leaf spot, take-all root rot, pythium root rot, brown patch, fairy ring</td><td>Moderate<br><br>Develops&nbsp;<br>brown patch, rust, dollar spot, powdery mildew, fairy ring, pythium blight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"caring\">How to Care for Warm-Season Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To keep your warm-season grasses healthy throughout the year you’ll need to:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#mow\">Mow Your Lawn Regularly</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#water\">Water Your Grass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#weeds\">Control Weeds</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#fertilize\">Fertilize Your Lawn</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#aerate\">Aerate the Soil</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#dethatch\">Dethatch Your Lawn</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#treat\">Treat for Lawn Diseases and Lawn Pests</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#overseed\">Overseed When Needed</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mow\">Mow Your Lawn Regularly</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn mower sitting in the middle of a mowed lawn\" class=\"wp-image-11339\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/seanhobson/4353671803/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sean hobson</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mowing your lawn is one of the most important <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/\">lawn care and maintenance</a> tasks. Consistent mowing keeps pests and lawn diseases at bay.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before mowing season starts, sharpen your lawn mower’s blades – and keep them sharp. Here’s why: Cutting your grass with dull blades can put stress on your grass, making your lawn susceptible to pests and disease.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mowing Frequency:</strong> Most warn-season grasses need to be mowed weekly, but check the details above for your particular grass type. Mow your grass until late fall when dormancy starts to set in, and the grass stops growing.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mowing Height:</strong> As the growing season progresses, you will lower and raise your lawn mower’s blades to various heights. In summer, keep a higher grass height to avoid scalping and allow for more moisture to remain in your grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rule of Thumb</strong>: Don’t cut more than ⅓ of the height of your warm-season grass. Additionally, mow your grass until late fall when dormancy starts to set in, and the grass stops growing.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Keep your mower blades clean between cuttings, particularly if your grass has recently had a lawn disease. This will prevent the spread of disease to other parts of our grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this all seems like way too much work and you don’t want to push your lawn mower around your yard, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">hire a lawn care pro near you</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"water\">Water Your Grass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wikilawn-Sprinklers.jpg\" alt=\"Set of automatic sprinklers watering fresh grass\" class=\"wp-image-10326\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wikilawn-Sprinklers.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wikilawn-Sprinklers-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wikilawn-Sprinklers-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/aquamech-utah/24445181093\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aqua Mechanical</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensure that your warm-season grass gets about 1 to 1.5 inches of water from a combination of rain and your sprinkler system. Note and abide by any local watering restrictions.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Timing: </strong>Ideally, water your grass before 8 a.m. This will minimize the growth of disease and water from evaporating during warmer parts of the day before it penetrates the soil. Avoid watering in temperatures below 40 degrees, as this could damage the grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> If you want your grass to have a strong root system, water for longer periods less frequently.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"weeds\">Control Weeds</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort.jpg\" alt=\"Dollarweed in grass\" class=\"wp-image-13399\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hydrocotyle_vulgaris,_marsh_pennywort.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dariusz Kowalczyk</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weeds are another problem that could spring up in your lawn. How weeds damage your lawn: Weeds compete for nutrients that your grass needs.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/the-definitive-guide-to-identifying-common-lawn-weeds/\">Identifying the weed</a> (or weeds) in your yard is the starting point for treatment.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>With warm-season grasses, you may come across warm-season weeds, which include the following:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Chamberbitter</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doveweed</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dollarweed</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goosegrass</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Large crabgrass</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nimblewill</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sandbur</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Virginia buttonweed</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yellow foxtail</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need to treat these and other types of warm-season weeds with either a pre-emergent herbicide or post-emergent herbicide.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-emergent herbicides</strong> attack weeds below ground before they germinate, blocking weeds from sprouting. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in spring when the soil temperature is around 55 degrees and in fall when temperatures are around 70 degrees.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Post-emergent herbicides</strong> are a spray-and-shoot option to get rid of weeds you see on your lawn. Apply post-emergent herbicides in summer (or whenever <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/how-to-kill-off-dandelions/\">dandelions</a> take up residence in your yard).&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also get rid of weeds by pulling them up by hand. Wear garden gloves to keep your hands from getting dirty.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fertilize\">Fertilize Your Lawn</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn Fertilizer Spreader\" class=\"wp-image-13567\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/dionhinchcliffe/3511079754\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dion Hinchcliffe</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apply <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn/\">fertilizer</a> to feed your grass by giving the soil the nutrients it needs to help grass grow and maintain a healthy green color.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Something as simple as grass clippings can fertilize your grass, but you also may want to apply synthetic fertilizers for vibrant and healthy grass throughout the growing season.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frequency:</strong> Every four to six weeks and even longer between fertilizing if you use slow-release fertilizers.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip: </strong>The most important thing is that you don’t over-fertilize your grass because this could kill it and leave patches throughout your lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aerate\">Aerate the Soil</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn aeration tool\" class=\"wp-image-13065\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/wheatfields/3409167404\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">allispossible.org.uk</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aeration minimizes soil compaction and is another way to ensure your grass and soil get all the needed nutrients, particularly air. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\">How to aerate your soil</a>: You can use an aeration tool, aeration shoes, or a spike to poke holes in the ground, loosening compacted soil and letting in more air.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Timing:</strong> For warm-season grasses, it’s best to aerate your lawn in summer.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frequency: </strong>Aerate once a year for highly compacted soil types such as clay. However, if you have a sandy soil type, you may need to aerate your soil only every three years.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dethatch\">Dethatch Your Lawn</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"508\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1.jpg\" alt=\"dethatcher in a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-13861\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1-300x191.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1-768x488.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1-480x305.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/photos/handvertikutierer-rasen-rechen-4212338/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a small layer of dead and living organic matter builds up at the base of your grass, close to the soil, that is called thatch. This can make it hard for your grass to breathe.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-dethatch-your-lawn/\">dethatching</a>? You must clear away this debris with a dethatching tool such as a rake or a mechanical tool.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frequency: </strong>You should dethatch your grass at least every five years or when thatch gets thicker than 1 inch.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> If your lawn is prone to thatching, check for thatch annually.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"treat\">Treat for Lawn Diseases and Lawn Pests</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"527\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\" alt=\"A lawn with a brown patch disease shown\" class=\"wp-image-12437\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1-300x198.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1-768x506.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1-480x316.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brown_Patch.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scot Nelson</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two of the most damaging threats to your grass are lawn pests and lawn diseases.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/pests-and-diseases/get-rid-of-grub-worms-in-lawns/\">Grubs</a>, for example, will feed on your grass until they become mature adults unless you treat them with pesticides. Grubs are the white larvae you see on your grass from beetles that may have infested your yard in the previous season.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your grass also may be damaged by lawn diseases. Some lawn diseases attack the root, while others attack the leaf blades of your grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need to identify the lawn disease before applying a fungicide to eliminate the problem. Otherwise, applying the wrong treatment could create even worse problems.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overseed\">Overseed When Needed</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\" alt=\"Overseeding in the fall\" class=\"wp-image-11480\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 1200w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650-980x735.jpg 980w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overseeding fills in patches and makes your lawn thicker and stronger. A patchy lawn can be the result of scalping or the result of some lawn disease or pest (<a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms/\">armyworms</a>, for example).</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to overseed your lawn:</strong> It’s best to overseed warm-season grasses with a cool-season grass such as perennial ryegrass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Timing:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-overseed-a-lawn/\">Overseed</a> your warm-season grass in mid-October to mid-November. This ensures your overseeded grass remains moist. By the time spring comes around, your lawn’s patches should be slowly disappearing as overseeded areas start to bloom.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to pests, you may also start to see weeds more frequently in mid to late summer. As you see weeds, spot-treat them with a post-emergent herbicide.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Warm-Season Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Plant Warm-Season Grasses in Cool Regions?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. It is possible to plant warm-season grasses in cool regions. However, since they thrive in temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, they will go dormant and turn brown when it gets too cold for these grasses. Once it warms up again, they will turn green.<br><br></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are Warm-Season Grasses More Susceptible to Lawn Disease?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Both warm- and cool-season grasses are susceptible to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7497.html#:~:text=Often%2C%20diseases%20most%20impact%20grasses,grows%20well%20in%20your%20conditions.\" rel=\"noopener\">lawn diseases</a>. They just may succumb to lawn disease at different times of the year.<br><br>For example, cool-season grasses may develop lawn diseases in summer, while warm-season grasses develop lawn diseases in late all through early spring.<br><br></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are Warm-Season Grasses More Drought-Resistant Than Cool-Season Grasses?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Warm-season grasses tend to be more drought-resistant than many of the cool-season grasses. Also, note that some warm-season grasses are more drought-resistant than others.<br><br></p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Hire a Lawn Care Professional</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every homeowner has a green thumb when it comes to taking care of grass. There are many rules to abide by to keep your warm-season grass looking its best.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’d rather not spend hours on yard work every week, turn over this task to a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">local lawn care pro</a> who can regularly maintain your grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Illustration by Juan Rodriguez</p>\n","title":"Guide to Warm-Season Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.444043321299639,"src":"/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/1789c/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/107df/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg 320w,\n/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/293e9/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg 500w,\n/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/f2cbb/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg 800w,\n/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/1789c/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg 960w,\n/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/c26c2/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/1dd6e/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/67b76/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.webp 320w,\n/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/8df11/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.webp 500w,\n/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/98a65/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.webp 800w,\n/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/1dd6e/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.webp 960w,\n/static/d035393a5e0918d7aa41475c6e778b2a/3cc96/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Warm-Season Grasses","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season grasses are best suited for the warmer climate across the southern U.S. We’ll show you how to care for Zoysia and other warm-season grasses."}}},{"node":{"id":"7ad4a3c8-8bbd-5521-bdeb-7e479ce66c55","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-mushrooms-in-your-yard","path":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-mushrooms-in-your-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Mel Childs","id":"5e563fe7-34e1-5dc2-bc00-a1e777e5dfd5","path":"/author/melisha-childslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8fb37d81bb775d323e0028ec06cb650f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Unlike delicious mushrooms in your marinara sauce, the fungi growing on your lawn could make your kids and pets sick. They could also trigger an allergic reaction. So how do you get rid of mushrooms in your yard?&nbsp; You can pull them up, use natural methods, or resort to chemicals. This guide explores ways to [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Unlike delicious mushrooms in your marinara sauce, the fungi growing on your lawn could make your kids and pets sick. They could also trigger an allergic reaction. So how do you get rid of mushrooms in your yard?&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can pull them up, use natural methods, or resort to chemicals. This guide explores ways to eliminate mushrooms and keep them from coming back.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contents:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#natural\">Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mushrooms</a></li><li><a href=\"#chemicals\">Chemicals That Get Rid of Mushrooms</a></li><li><a href=\"#keep\">Ways to Keep Mushrooms from Coming Back</a></li><li><a href=\"#growing\">Why are Mushrooms Growing in my Yard</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ about Mushrooms in Your Yard</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"natural\">3 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can avoid using harmful chemicals on your lawn with these natural methods.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Hand Pulling</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can hand pick all the mushrooms and toss them in the trash. It’s important to wear gloves to avoid an allergic reaction, and it’s crucial that you dispose of them immediately. Put them in a plastic bag, as even carrying them across the yard to your garbage can spread the mushroom spores onto other parts of the lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Horticultural Vinegar</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vinegar works after you’ve removed the mushrooms by hand. We’re not talking about the vinegar in your pantry, but rather a concentrated horticultural vinegar (a <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/vinegar-alternative-glyphosate\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/vinegar-alternative-glyphosate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">good alternative to glyphosate</a>) that you will have to dilute.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle and coat the mushrooms. Wear gloves when you spray this solution onto the area, because vinegar can burn your skin.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Baking Soda</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Baking soda won’t burn your hands, but you must dilute it so it won’t burn your grass. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a gallon of water and pour lightly over the mushrooms and in the area where the lawn fungi may be living.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"chemicals\">Chemicals That Get Rid of Mushrooms</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_screenshot_12.jpg\" alt=\"Chemical Spraying at Lawn\" class=\"wp-image-11595\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_screenshot_12.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_screenshot_12-480x319.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href=\"https://www.rawpixel.com/image/2282437/free-photo-image-insecticide-garden-agriculture\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rawpixel</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>When natural methods don&#8217;t do the trick, you may have to use stronger chemical treatments to keep the mushrooms out of your yard.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fungicides</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fungicides stamp out mushrooms at the source. They don&#8217;t kill mushrooms but rather eliminate the fungus. Most <a href=\"http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/fungicide.html#:~:text=Fungicides%20are%20pesticides,within%20fungal%20cells.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fungicides</a> such as <a href=\"https://www.dhanuka.com/fungicide/lustre\">Lustre</a> or Spectrum work by destroying fungal cell membranes to stop them from producing.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll still have to hand pick the mushrooms before you apply the fungicide to the area, but they will keep the mushrooms from coming back. Therefore, it’s a good idea to remove the mushrooms first. You may have to use the fungicide several times to get the desired results.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nitrogen Fertilizer</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The same nitrogen <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn/\">fertilizer</a> you use on your lawn is great for preventing mushrooms. It doesn’t kill the fungus, but it speeds up organic decomposition. Therefore, mushrooms won&#8217;t have an opportunity to grow on your lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dish Soap</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spray a solution of dish soap and water to disrupt the lifecycle of the fungus that’s growing underneath the mushrooms you removed.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"keep\">8 Ways Keep Mushrooms From Coming Back</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Removing the mushrooms from your yard is only half the battle. The <a href=\"https://homegrown.extension.ncsu.edu/2021/11/why-mushrooms-grow-in-my-yard-sometimes/#:~:text=Mushrooms%20are%20like,pollen%20for%20plants.\">fungus that causes the mushrooms</a> is still present in the soil. Here are seven ways to minimize the fungus and keep new mushrooms from growing.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Clean up excess organic material:</strong> Pet waste is a breeding ground for fungus, as are old mulch and thatch. Remove these, and you remove the mushroom’s food source.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>Let In more light:</strong> Mushrooms are like vampires. They love darkness and shade.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>Prune back those tree branches and limbs:</strong> Those limbs and thick tree canopies provide the shade that mushrooms love. This will allow more sunshine in and help reduce moisture in the area.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\"><li><strong>Cut back on irrigation:</strong> Avoid watering that area where mushrooms are popping up or cut your watering schedule in half.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\"><li><strong>Improve drainage:</strong> Consider planting a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas/#:~:text=First%20Things%20First,into%20the%20ground.\">rain garden</a> or installing a<strong> </strong>French drain to eliminate excess rainwater. You may need to grade your lawn if you’re dealing with severe sloping issues.&nbsp;</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\"><li><strong>Aerate your lawn:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\">Aerating</a> will improve the airflow in your yard, robbing mushrooms of moisture.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\"><li><strong>Remove old tree stumps:</strong> The stumps are a great food source for mushrooms and attract damaging pests such as carpenter ants and termites. Removing a stump and tree roots will help eliminate the unsightly mushrooms and keep these pests from destroying your home.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\"><li><strong>Maintain your yard:</strong> Take a proactive approach to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/\">seasonal lawn care</a>. Develop a regimen or have a professional lawn care service maintain your yard to encourage a healthy lawn and prevent mushroom growth.&nbsp;</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"growing\">Why Are Mushrooms Growing in my Yard?&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"609\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_frank-eiffert-_zsw5aeb4ee-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Mushroom's are Growing\" class=\"wp-image-11594\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_frank-eiffert-_zsw5aeb4ee-unsplash.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_frank-eiffert-_zsw5aeb4ee-unsplash-480x365.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://unsplash.com/@feiffert?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frank Eiffert</a> | <a href=\"https://unsplash.com/photos/_zsw5aEB4eE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Like plants, mushrooms are the &#8220;flowers&#8221; or fruiting bodies that result from the hyphae or fungus in your lawn&#8217;s soil. If you don&#8217;t remove the mushrooms immediately, they will reproduce by spreading spores around your yard via air or pests.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some common reasons you are starting to see more mushrooms growing in your yard?&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Mushrooms like water:&nbsp; </strong>You may be overwatering your lawn or have a drainage problem, creating optimal conditions for the soil to produce mushrooms.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Not enough sunlight:&nbsp; </strong>Mushrooms love darkness and shade and often pop up under trees and other places that don’t get much sun.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Too much organic matter:&nbsp; </strong>Grass clippings, mulch, animal waste, leaves, and dead tree matter are a food source for the fungus ecosystem in the soil.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Thatch:&nbsp; </strong>Mushrooms feed on the organic material around the base of your grass.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don’t automatically assume mushrooms in your yard are a threat. There are very few poisonous mushrooms that can grow on your property, but even the non-toxic mushrooms are unsightly and a magnet for dogs who like to dig.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Mushrooms in Yards</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Are mushrooms in your yard poisonous?</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>They can be. The <a href=\"https://www.britannica.com/list/7-of-the-worlds-most-poisonous-mushrooms#:~:text=Destroying%20Angels%20(Amanita%20species)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">destroying angel</a> and the <a href=\"https://www.britannica.com/list/7-of-the-worlds-most-poisonous-mushrooms#:~:text=Autumn%20Skullcap%20(Galerina%20marginata)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">autumn skullcap</a> are two fatal types of mushrooms that could grow on your lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The destroying angel mushroom is white with a white stalk and white gills that could turn green or grayish as the mushroom matures. The autumn skullcap has a yellow-brown tint on its cap and brownish gills.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Are the mushrooms in my yard edible?</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, unless you&#8217;ve purchased mushroom plants from the store and are growing them in your vegetable garden. Unless you’re an expert at identifying wild mushrooms, it’s best to toss the mushrooms you find in your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Is there a benefit to mushrooms growing in my yard?</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Mushrooms are a sure sign your <a href=\"https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/mushrooms-can-mean-healthy-soil#:~:text=Mycorrhizal%20fungi%20are,kill%20the%20fungi.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">soil is healthy</a> and has the nutrients for other plants, trees, and flowers. Some plants will actually benefit from the fungus in the soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Don’t have the time or find it gross to remove the mushrooms from your yard? We can find a </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\"><em>lawn care pro near you</em></a><em> to remove them and keep the fungus at bay. They can also mow, weed, edge, and dethatch to keep the mushrooms from coming back.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/photos/pilze-wald-sammeln-herbst-454152/\" target=\"_blank\">Pixabay</a> | <a href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/users/jarmoluk-143740/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=454152\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michal Jarmoluk</a></p>\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/1789c/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/107df/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 320w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/293e9/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 500w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/f2cbb/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 800w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/1789c/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 960w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/c26c2/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/1dd6e/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/67b76/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 320w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/8df11/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 500w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/98a65/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 800w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/1dd6e/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 960w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/3cc96/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Unsightly and sometimes dangerous, we’ll tell you how to get rid of mushrooms in your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"6a094859-9498-5386-b616-82a4682ef661","slug":"pests-that-are-good-for-your-garden","path":"/blog/pests-that-are-good-for-your-garden/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"April 1st, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Finding insects in your garden isn’t always cause for concern – some are there to help! When it comes to lawn and garden care, there are a variety of insects that provide a benefit for your flowers, herbs, and vegetables by controlling the pests that would otherwise cause damage. Using select insects in your garden [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Finding insects in your garden isn’t always cause for concern – some are there to help! When it comes to lawn and garden care, there are a variety of insects that provide a benefit for your flowers, herbs, and vegetables by controlling the pests that would otherwise cause damage. Using select insects in your garden is also a great way to avoid the usage of pesticides and maintain long-term garden health. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Ladybugs</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ladybugs-garden-good.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3464\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ladybugs-garden-good.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ladybugs-garden-good-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ladybugs-garden-good-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // scarletizm</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We’ll start with one of the most recognizable insects in North America: the ladybug. This black-spotted insect is attracted to your garden by dill, dandelion, common yarrow, and basket of gold. It feeds on aphids, whiteflies, and Colorado potato beetles, keeping your plants from being stunted, leaves from being coated with foreign substances, and vegetation from contracting diseases. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Aphid Midges</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"543\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Aphid-Midges-garden-bugs-good.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3465\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Aphid-Midges-garden-bugs-good.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Aphid-Midges-garden-bugs-good-300x204.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Aphid-Midges-garden-bugs-good-768x522.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // NY State IPM Program at Cornell University</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These small insects measure in at\nless than 1/8<sup>th</sup> of an inch in length when full grown, but it’s the\nlarvae that we’re interested in. An adult female will deposit between 100 and\n250 eggs at a time that hatch in two to three days. Once the larvae are three\nto seven days old, they will begin eating aphids; one larva can kill between\n10-65 aphids in a day! You can keep these insects happy in your garden by\nplanting dill and pollen-heavy plants. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Minute Pirate Bugs</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"639\" height=\"426\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Minute-Pirate-Bugs-garden-bugs-good.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3466\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Minute-Pirate-Bugs-garden-bugs-good.jpg 639w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Minute-Pirate-Bugs-garden-bugs-good-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // imarsman</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Minute Pirate Bugs are attracted\nby caraway, fennel, spearmint, and alfalfa and prey on spider mites,\ncaterpillars, aphids, thrips, and insect eggs. You get a one-two punch with\nthis critter since both the adults and nymphs feed on a variety of insects. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Spiders </strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>They get a bad reputation, but\nspiders really can be your friend! They are great at controlling a variety of\npest populations, including, but not limited to, aphids, roaches, fruit flies,\nbed bugs, and grasshoppers. They enjoy hanging out in tall plants and trees, so\nif you’re trying to attract more, consider planting some leafy grasses or small\ntrees near your garden. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Praying Mantis</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"561\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/praying-mantis-good-insect.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3461\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/praying-mantis-good-insect.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/praying-mantis-good-insect-300x211.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/praying-mantis-good-insect-768x539.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // David Nice</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These majestic creatures can turn their heads 180-degrees to get a good view of their surroundings, which also means they can spot those moths and caterpillars that are wreaking havoc on your plants. They also enjoy feasting on beetles and crickets! Be sure to include some tall grasses, marigolds, and dill to attract them. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Lacewings</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"568\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lacewings-good-garden-bug.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3467\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lacewings-good-garden-bug.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lacewings-good-garden-bug-300x213.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lacewings-good-garden-bug-768x546.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lacewings-good-garden-bug-400x284.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Lindsey</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The adults and larvae of this\nfamily enjoy a good meal of aphids, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and\nmealybugs. You can plant angelica, sweet asylum and cosmos to attract them and\nkeep them happy. Green and brown lacewings will both get the job done, so feel\nfree to introduce whichever variety you’d like to your garden. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Ground Beetles</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"536\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ground-beetles-good-garden-bugs.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3468\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ground-beetles-good-garden-bugs.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ground-beetles-good-garden-bugs-300x201.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ground-beetles-good-garden-bugs-768x515.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Shazmon</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since ground beetles are\nnocturnal, they make a great hunter of slugs, snails, maggots, and cutworms\nthat live in your soil. Did you know that just one beetle larva can eat 50\ncaterpillars? Give these creatures a home with plenty of perennials near your\ngarden. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why should you consider allowing insects in your garden?</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you use good bugs in your garden to keep pests at bay,\nyou’re helping the environment! Chemical pesticides might work the first time\nyou have a pest problem, but they wipe out many of the helpful insects as well,\nleaving your garden unprotected when the harmful aphids and mealworms return. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s also a cost-effective solution; simply build the insects a home they’ll feel comfortable in and you’ll have pest protection for the seasons to come! Make sure that the climate is appropriate for the insects you bring to your garden, and that they will have enough food to keep them from venturing to other areas for nourishment. Of course, if pest problems persist you can always contact a <a href=\"https://www.cleggs.com/location/charlotte/\">local pest control</a> company for extra assistance and to protect your hard work! Introducing beneficial insects is a great way to garden as nature intended, and we hope you’ll give it a try.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you still have questions about lawn care? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care\">Lawn Care page</a> for the best lawn &amp; garden tips n&#8217; tricks on the internet!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Top Photo:</strong> Flickr // keynowski</em></p>\n","title":"Here are 7 pests that are (surprisingly) beneficial for your garden","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4990619136960601,"src":"/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/86a97/weird-garden-bug.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/107df/weird-garden-bug.jpg 320w,\n/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/293e9/weird-garden-bug.jpg 500w,\n/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/86a97/weird-garden-bug.jpg 799w","srcWebp":"/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/db080/weird-garden-bug.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/67b76/weird-garden-bug.webp 320w,\n/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/8df11/weird-garden-bug.webp 500w,\n/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/db080/weird-garden-bug.webp 799w","sizes":"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Here are 7 pests that are (surprisingly) beneficial for your garden | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"fdce3bbd-95d6-5a64-b3f5-8251b5297d04","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms","path":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Brenda Stuart is a radio journalist and content manager whose goal is to have the greenest lawn and prettiest garden on the block.","name":"Brenda Stuart","id":"fcad9a7b-532b-583f-832f-0cffbbcfa0a3","path":"/author/brendastuartryangmail-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5e5ae7b8ac8b21db046b4f507fbec2aa?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 16th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Armyworms can turn your lawn into their own private mess hall in no time. They travel in platoons like soldiers and can devour a golf course, playing field, or your yard in just two or three days. We will show you how to get rid of armyworms before they destroy your lawn.&nbsp; In this article, [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Armyworms can turn your lawn into their own private mess hall in no time. They travel in platoons like soldiers and can devour a golf course, playing field, or your yard in just two or three days. We will show you how to get rid of armyworms before they destroy your lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we’ll explore:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#identify\">How to Identify Armyworms</a></li><li><a href=\"#get-rid\">How to Get Rid of Armyworms Naturally</a></li><li><a href=\"#insecticides\">Insecticides That Kill Armyworms</a></li><li><a href=\"#prevent\">How to Prevent Armyworms</a></li><li><a href=\"#determine\">How to Determine if Armyworms are the Problem</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Armyworms</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"identify\">How to Identify Armyworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s not the adult armyworms you need to worry about, but the infantry. Yes, the worm in its infant or larva stage devours grass and leaves to grow to adulthood. You can win the battle against this army if you know how to identify the youngest members.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Armyworm Larva</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"456\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1young_-_fall_armyworm_in_oats002.jpg\" alt=\"Armyworm Larva\" class=\"wp-image-11925\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1young_-_fall_armyworm_in_oats002.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1young_-_fall_armyworm_in_oats002-480x274.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo courtesy: <a href=\"https://bygl.osu.edu/sites/default/files/inline-images/YOUNG%20-%20fall_Armyworm_in_oats002.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OSU extension</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The larvae range from dark green and brown to black. They’re only about an inch and a half long, so it might be tough to see the white, orange, and dark brown stripes along the caterpillar’s sides. However, its red or yellowish-capped head is a dead giveaway.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Armyworm Moths</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"610\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_fall_armyworm_moth_14862753532.jpg\" alt=\"Armyworm Moths\" class=\"wp-image-11927\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_fall_armyworm_moth_14862753532.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_fall_armyworm_moth_14862753532-480x366.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:-_9666_%E2%80%93_Spodoptera_frugiperda_%E2%80%93_Fall_Armyworm_Moth_%2814862753532%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Wikimedia Commons</a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the armyworm caterpillar is the grass-eating culprit, it’s the adult moths who lay the eggs – thousands of them at a time. Get rid of moths, and you get rid of the armyworms.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can identify armyworm moths by their inch-and-a-half wingspans. Their underwings are white, and their upper wings are light tan to brown with white specks.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moths are attracted to lights and will lay their white, round eggs on the underside of leaves, grass blades, and structures near turf.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get-rid\">How to Get Rid of Armyworms Naturally</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is armyworms cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees. The bad news? Many species will fly to Florida or South Texas for the winter. There are several ways to get rid of armyworms without using chemicals.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Mow Your Lawn Often</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to running over the caterpillars, the shorter turf leaves survivors to die from exposure to the sun. Even if you plan to use insecticides, a shorter lawn will enable the chemicals to penetrate the soil.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Attract Armyworm Predators to Your Yard</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Birds, ants, spiders, flies, ground beetles, and other <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/pests-that-are-good-for-your-garden/\">beneficial insects</a> feed on armyworms. Don’t be so quick to shoo away the wasps. Their next meal could save your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Add Beneficial Nematodes to Your Soil</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These microscopic organisms feed on armyworm larvae, grubs, and hundreds of other garden pests. <a href=\"https://www.nematodes.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nematodes</a> won’t harm you, your plants, or the pollinators your plants depend on. Make sure you read the package directions and buy a species that targets armyworms.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Plant Armyworm-Repelling Plants</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Aloe and marigolds produce a scent that armyworms find unappealing. Farmers will often plant tick clover or <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmodium\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">desmodium</a> in their corn fields to keep the armyworms away.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Neem Oil&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A light spray of neem oil on your plants and lawn will kill the armyworm caterpillars within three days. This biological solution is perfectly safe for wasps, flies, and other armyworm predators.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Bacillus thuringiensis</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that’s toxic to armyworm larvae. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/btgen.html\" target=\"_blank\">Bt occurs naturally in soil</a>, so it has no adverse effects on the environment. You can buy Bt in dust form, pellets, or sprays and apply it to your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"insecticides\">Insecticides That Kill Armyworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the armyworm population in your yard is out of control, you may have no choice but to resort to an insecticide. Ortho and Spectracide offer several insect-killing lawn products that you can apply directly to your grass. ​​</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before buying an insecticide, make sure it contains one of these ingredients to get rid of armyworms:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Bifenthrin</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This highly toxic chemical will kill armyworms, but it’s also toxic to people, pets, bees, and fish. Be careful that you don’t use so much that it runs off into nearby waterways.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Deltamethrin</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This pyrethroid comes in granular form. It kills armyworms and other grass-munching bugs by disrupting the nervous system. It won’t kill earthworms or birds, but it is toxic to fish and bees.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Permethrin</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another man-made insecticide, permethrin comes in granular and spray forms. Use with extreme caution as permethrin is also poisonous to people.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Spinosad</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This soil bacteria controls a wide variety of lawn pests and usually works within two days. The chemicals break down quickly in the soil and don’t contaminate groundwater. Most products containing spinosad are approved for organic agriculture.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and How to Apply Pesticides for Armyworms</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since armyworm caterpillars are most active at night, it’s best to treat your lawn at sundown. Use a heavier dose if the grass is thick or the armyworm population is extremely high.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before applying an insecticide, water the area well. The moisture will bring the armyworm larvae to the surface.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prevent\">How to Prevent Armyworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The fall armyworm is <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/va/richmond/worst-backyard-pests-in-richmond-va-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/\">one of the worst backyard pests</a> in the U.S., destroying lawns and gardens faster than any other insect or lawn disease. You can reduce your risk of an armyworm invasion with a few preventative measures.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Keep Your Yard Weed Free</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove the weeds, especially the broadleaf weeds like common chickweed and dandelions, where armyworm moths often lay their eggs.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Dethatch</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The debris and grass clippings that build up between your grass and the soil are another great host where the adult armyworm moths can lay eggs. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-dethatch-your-lawn/\">Dethatch your lawn</a> every spring, so the armyworms have no place to hide.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Keep the Ground Moist</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Armyworms look for hot, dry places to lay eggs and feed. Give your lawn at least an inch of water a week to make your yard less inviting.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Preventive Pesticides&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don’t wait for an infestation. Apply a preventive pesticide containing either methoxyfenozide, diflubenzuron, or chlorantraniliprole at the end of the spring and again in the fall. Follow all package instructions and use a slow-release insecticide that will last through the summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Plant Armyworm-Resistant Grass Types</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bunch grasses like ryegrass, St. Augustine, Bermudagrass, and fescue take the biggest hit from armyworms. Grasses with rhizome and stolon growth like Bermudagrass typically recover better.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’re better off planting Zoysiagrass. For some reason, armyworms don’t like the taste of the fine blades. The larva also tend to shy away from grass mixes, so next time you’re overseeding, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/best-grass-seed-for-overseeding/\">add a different variety of seed</a> to your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"determine\">How to Determine an Armyworm Infestation</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Identifying the armyworm enemy is crucial. To determine a count of the armyworms in your yard, begin with a soap flush. Use 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap mixed with 1 gallon of water. Pour the mixture over a small area. Armyworm larvae and other insects will come to the surface.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find only a handful, you can hand-pick them off your plants and drop them into another bucket of soapy water. Entomologists recommend a more extensive treatment when there are more than three caterpillars per square foot.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Armyworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Are armyworms harmful to people or pets?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Armyworms will not bite or sting. They are not poisonous if consumed and do not transmit diseases. They are harmful to plants and cause major economic concerns for farmers.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. What are the signs of an armyworm infestation?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A lawn with an armyworm infestation will give off a frosted appearance or resemble drought stress at first. The tips of the grass blades where the armyworms are feeding will appear translucent. You will also notice a number of birds visiting to feast on the pests.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Are there certain plants and grass types the armyworms prefer?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, the adult moths will look for plants with larger leaves to host their eggs. The armyworm larvae prefer:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Bermudagrass&nbsp;</li><li>Ryegrass</li><li>Fescue&nbsp;</li><li>Bluegrass<br></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, they’ll attack a bentgrass lawn, too. Of these grass types, Bermudagrass has the best chance of recovering since it spreads by fast-growing rhizomes and stolons.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Do armyworms stick to states with warmer climates?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Although armyworms prefer warm, dry weather, you’ll find them in every U.S. state except Alaska.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feel like you’re fighting a losing battle against armyworms and other lawn-destroying insects?&nbsp; We can help you find a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care professional near you</a> to take care of all your lawn pest problems and give you tips to prevent future infestations.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main photo credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/usgsbiml/15936365311/\">USGS Bee</a> | Flickr</p>\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Armyworms","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3714285714285714,"src":"/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/1789c/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/107df/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 320w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/293e9/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 500w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/f2cbb/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 800w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/1789c/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 960w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/c26c2/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/1dd6e/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/67b76/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 320w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/8df11/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 500w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/98a65/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 800w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/1dd6e/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 960w,\n/static/f9e4b9b7e83af4d959ec668358f4b0c2/3cc96/rsz_15936365311_2629dd91d9_k.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Armyworms | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Armyworms are night crawlers marching across your lawn, eating everything in their path. We’ll tell you how to get rid of armyworms and keep them away."}}},{"node":{"id":"e6e2bb3c-02a5-5a14-bdff-acff445ad27f","slug":"gardening-without-a-garden-10-ideas-for-your-patio-or-balcony","path":"/home-garden/gardening-without-a-garden-10-ideas-for-your-patio-or-balcony/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"}],"date":"February 19th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>There is no doubt that vegetables and fruits grown in a garden is 100% better than the same vegetables and fruits purchased at the supermarket. But, many people believe they need a home in the country, with a big yard to plant food. This is not true. Plants do not know where they are planted. [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>There is no doubt that vegetables and fruits grown in a garden is 100% better than the same vegetables and fruits purchased at the supermarket. But, many people believe they need a home in the country, with a big yard to plant food. This is not true. Plants do not know where they are planted. As long as there are sunshine and rain, they will deliver delicious food.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Before you begin &#8211; Make a plan</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to have a successful garden in a small area, you need a plan. Measure the area that</p>\n\n\n\n<p>your garden will have. Be sure you leave walking space so you can tend to the plants. <br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take these things into consideration:<br></h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>What are the measurements of the patio or balcony you will be working with?</li><li>Is the area facing the South?<ul><li>Gardens facing the south get the most amount of sunshine. This will matter when deciding which fruits and vegetables you are going to plant. </li></ul></li><li>What is your budget?\t<ul><li>Patio gardens are not expensive. However many people get caught-up in designer pots, decorations, and tools they do not need. Those extras will add up.</li></ul></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"3025\" height=\"3781\" src=\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pierre-chatel-innocenti-1141208-unsplash.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2286\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pierre-chatel-innocenti-1141208-unsplash.jpg 3025w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pierre-chatel-innocenti-1141208-unsplash-240x300.jpg 240w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pierre-chatel-innocenti-1141208-unsplash-768x960.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pierre-chatel-innocenti-1141208-unsplash-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pierre-chatel-innocenti-1141208-unsplash-1080x1350.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3025px) 100vw, 3025px\" /><figcaption><em>Photo credit: </em><a href=\"https://unsplash.com/photos/EZqmTxg5n-A\"><em>Pierre Chatel-Innocenti</em></a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. There’s an app for you</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be difficult to know what to plant. Can your plants survive the climate where you live? What is the best soil to buy? What do plant illnesses look like? While your seed vendor can give you a lot of information, he cannot see your garden. <br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many free apps online that are just for you. They can answer many of the questions you have when you see something unexpected. Gardening Companion is a great app and it ranks among the highest by novice gardeners.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Research your plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Know how much water the plants need. For example, carrots are a great vegetable to plant this time of year. You must make sure the plants stay moist so the roots will not dry out. Know what you are expected to do for your plant. Your app will remind you when it is time to water if you set it up. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Natures pest control</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pests can ruin your crop, especially when you are new to gardening and miss the signs. However, there are certain flowers and herbs that will repel insects. Consider planting a couple of pots of Marigolds. Try adding some Lemongrass, Rosemary, and Basil to your herb section. These plants have a scent that repels insects. &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Ways to place your plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Stand a 4-foot ladder on your patio or balcony. Place wooden planks on each rung with wider planks at the bottom. This is a great way to take advantage of your vertical space. Some of your plants like pole beans and tomatoes will need a trellis because the plant needs to grow up instead of out. The best way to use these is to place the pots beside the wall. Push the trellis into the plant. As the plant grows it will climb the trellis. <br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Place herb plants in small pots in a tray. Place gravel in the bottom of the tray so they can drain. Use hanging pots that can be taken inside if need be. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Shade</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many plants will tolerate sun well. Your seed vendor will help you select the right seeds. However, if you need at least partial shade, consider putting up an awning. If this is not an option, erect a beach umbrella or two. If your garden is on the balcony, be sure you secure the umbrellas well.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Rain</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to keep your plants as healthy and natural as possible, you can collect rainwater to water the plants. In most places, this is perfectly legal. However, some places have rules against it. Simply place an open barrel or large pot on the patio to collect the rain. &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Supplies you need</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need several clay pots that are 8” to 10”. These are for your vegetables and fruits. You will need a few hanging pots for herbs, strawberries, and smaller plants. Then you need potting soils and handheld gardening tools. You will need high-quality and fresh seeds by experts in the field. Click here: <a href=\"https://www.myseedneeds.com/blogs/seed-needs/growing-lemon-mint\">https://www.myseedneeds.com/blogs/seed-needs/growing-lemon-mint</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Harvests</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people are surprised at how much produce they grow from a few plants. Spinach, tomatoes, squash, and many other plants, produce plants for a while. Have a plan of what to do with them. Canning, drying, and freezing is good options.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/oQpmlRXkirK9dpmWlOyt4C-KLUolWWRCskd6U3XeEjdbrfqdynqurf0G57uoXtG3ogV1MDPaOboxDFKpnuIlbO7tk5ErAiM_nCGEjQjL3mdTgmAc60qcZb1MDqcXZ4xErKkhnWiz\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em>Photo credit: </em><a href=\"https://unsplash.com/photos/vrbZVyX2k4I\"><em>Markus Spiske</em></a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Vegetables that you can plant now</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many plants that you can grow now. This is just a sample list. We encourage you to expand this list to include your preferences.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Carrots</li><li>Beets</li><li>Squash</li><li>Radishes</li><li>Turnip greens</li><li>Mustard greens</li><li>Pole beans</li><li>Eggplant</li><li>Lettuce</li><li>Spinach</li><li>Blueberries</li><li>Strawberries</li><li>Dwarf apples</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, planting a garden on your patio or balcony is a great way to enjoy nature while feeding your family healthy foods. You can change the plants with each season. Life will be delicious at your house! </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page by clicking <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/\">here</a>.</p>\n","title":"Gardening Without A Garden: 10 Ideas For Your Patio or Balcony","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/1789c/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/107df/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/293e9/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/f2cbb/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/1789c/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/356ef/vegetables-790022_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/1dd6e/vegetables-790022_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/67b76/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/8df11/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/98a65/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/1dd6e/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/e5752b6318dc112ee78cbd60171a8d0e/93f70/vegetables-790022_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Gardening Without A Garden: 10 Ideas For Your Patio or Balcony | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f725b102-82bb-57be-a1bc-8bf8c58376b0","slug":"best-grass-types-houston","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/best-grass-types-houston/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Want a lush, green lawn that will last most of the year? The key is selecting the grass type that will grow best in our humid, subtropical climate. Here&#8217;s a list of the four best grass types for Houston: Bermudagrass Seashore Paspalum St. Augustinegrass Zoysiagrass 1. Bermudagrass Popular for its sun-loving, salt-tolerant makeup, Bermudagrass has [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Want a lush, green lawn that will last most of the year? The key is selecting the grass type that will grow best in our humid, subtropical climate. Here&#8217;s a list of the four best grass types for Houston:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Bermudagrass</strong> </li><li><strong>Seashore Paspalum </strong> </li><li><strong>St. Augustinegrass</strong> </li><li><strong>Zoysiagrass</strong> </li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Bermudagrass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular for its sun-loving, salt-tolerant makeup, <a href=\"https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/texas-turfgrasses/bermudagrass/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bermudagrass</a> has a coarse to a medium-fine texture. Its wide leaf ranges in color from light green to dark green, depending on the cultivar (or type).</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass.<br><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems).<br><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> Bermudagrass prefers full sun at all times.<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> High. Regular rainfall should be enough to water it. This type will go dormant during extended dry periods.<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:</strong> Its sturdiness withstands high levels of foot traffic.<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> High. Bermudagrass requires monthly fertilization during the summer. Water as needed to the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. Thatch buildup is a threat.<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> Mow to a height of 1 to 2 inches once or twice a week to keep up with its incessant growth rate.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Seashore Paspalum</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Also resilient in saltwater environments is <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/texas-turfgrasses/seashore-paspalum/\" target=\"_blank\">seashore paspalum</a>. Great for waterfront properties, this type is low-growing and has pointy, medium-coarse blades and a blue-green hue.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass.<br><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons and rhizomes.<br><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> Prefers full sun, but can withstand shade better than Bermudagrass.<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> Low. Seashore paspalum prefers very moist growing environments. Due to its high saline tolerance, you can use saltwater in irrigation.<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:</strong> High. Seashore paspalum’s dense turf stands up well to heavy foot traffic.<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Requires little fertilization throughout the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to scalping, which exposes the grass&#8217;s roots, opening it up to disease, stress, and stunted growth.<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> For a well-manicured, dense lawn, mow to a height of 1 inch.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. St. Augustinegrass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With its dark green color and curved, wide leaf, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/the-definitive-guide-st-augustine-grass/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/the-definitive-guide-st-augustine-grass/\">St. Augustinegrass</a> is another favorite among Houstonians. This salt-resistant grass is one of the most selected options for lawns in the Houston area.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass.<br><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons.<br><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> Unlike most other warm-season types, St. Augustinegrass is able to thrive in shade.<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> Some degree of drought tolerance, but will begin to show stress during long periods of dryness.<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:</strong> Light. Regular lawn foot traffic is no problem.<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Fertilize every eight to 10 weeks and recycle grass clippings to help provide nutrients to this type of lawn. If rainfall isn&#8217;t enough, water to a soil depth of 6 inches when the grass is showing signs of dullness and stress. Over-watering and over-fertilizing can lead to thatch problems.<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> Mow to a height of 2.5 inches.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Zoysiagrass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/texas-turfgrasses/zoysiagrass/\">Zoysiagrass</a> is a popular choice because of its low-maintenance nature. There are many varieties, but Zoysia japonica is one of the best grass types for Houston Lawns. It has a high salt tolerance, pointy leaf blades, and a light- to medium-green color. It turns brown in early winter, going dormant soon after the first frost in November.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass.<br><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons and rhizomes.<br><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> Moderate shade won&#8217;t bother this turf, but it does grow best in full sun and temperatures of 80 degrees or hotter.<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> Zoysia can withstand periods of drought, but as a dry period lingers, it will go dormant and turn brown. Once watered, it will revert to its green color once again.<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: Zoysiagrass grows well in high-traffic areas.<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Low. Fertilize with about two pounds of nitrogen a year, and water about 1 inch a week during the growing season.<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> Keep mower blades sharpened to tackle these stiff leaves, and cut to a height of 1 to 2 inches weekly.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs About</strong> Grass Types for <strong>Houston </strong>Lawns</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>1. <strong>When is the best time to plant grass in Houston</strong>?</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Early March to late May, when the temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees. This is the best time for warm-season grasses to germinate and become established in time for the first frost.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>2<strong>. Can I plant a cool-season grass in Houston?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, but you should wait until September when the ground is a bit cooler (about 50 degrees.) Cool-season grasses like <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/landscaping/everything-to-know-about-kentucky-bluegrass/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/landscaping/everything-to-know-about-kentucky-bluegrass/\">Kentucky bluegrass</a> and tall fescue will give you a greener lawn in the winter, but will not do well in the heat and humidity of the summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Is there such a thing as a no mow grass for Houston?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, buffalograss is one of the easiest grasses  to care for.  It&#8217;s one of the best grass types for Houston since It only needs occasional mowing and is extremely drought-tolerant.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em> If you don’t have the time or energy to replant or reseed your lawn, we&#8217;ll find a</em><a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/\"><em> local lawn care pro</em></a><em> to get the job done for you.</em></p>\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Houston Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1789c/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg","srcSet":"/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/107df/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 320w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/293e9/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 500w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/f2cbb/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 800w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1789c/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 960w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1ff5b/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.jpg 1290w","srcWebp":"/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1dd6e/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/67b76/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 320w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/8df11/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 500w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/98a65/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 800w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/1dd6e/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 960w,\n/static/54e8af60c1e796e0b283f6da408afff4/bdec4/houston-house-1290-pxfuel.webp 1290w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Houston Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a gorgeous lawn that will stay lush and green most of the year. We list the four best grass types for your Houston lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"9d989768-a2c1-5802-8281-1e1758592300","slug":"what-to-expect-when-working-with-a-landscape-architect-design-professional","path":"/blog/landscaping/what-to-expect-when-working-with-a-landscape-architect-design-professional/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"August 27th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>If you have ever tried tackling your own landscape design you might have been overwhelmed by all the choices that need to be made. From plant selection to boulder placement; scheduling deliveries of bulk materials and of course the many hours required to actually install all of your beautiful new additions. With all the moving [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>If you have ever tried tackling your own landscape design you might have been overwhelmed by all the choices that need to be made. From plant selection to boulder placement; scheduling deliveries of bulk materials and of course the many hours required to actually install all of your beautiful new additions. With all the moving pieces that come with home DIY projects, it can be easy to forget some pieces to the puzzle that will ultimately give you the most complete package.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>\tOne simple solution to this problem is to enlist the services of a landscape design professional, either a licensed landscape architect or a landscape designer depending on the type of design work you are looking to include at your property. You might be thinking that a simple backyard makeover is too small for a project to need professional design advice. However, the long term benefits that come with the wide skill set of a professional designer far outweigh the seasons of replanting gardens and pulling up patios that just did not quite work.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p> If you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you have made the smart choice to hire a professional to come alongside and guide you in the planning and design process. Maybe you have had some experience working with architects or interior designers and know what to expect or maybe this is your first time working with anyone in the design professions. The following article will give you a good idea of what to expect so you can best prepare for your first design meeting!</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/zHTXvYE5usmuYEYuXgAJ8rjbV9XvasPRmudLDs6uSVJO4WAxsoD-P86hwh7nJmKsqYCysMJpNZNQkQNxqmNbnGXZ-cO5yV38VObA0uGe59x0DhZpQY5VMTWneG2Fod5_P5gARDFKy4MO6J74ew\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em>Photo Source:</em> <a href=\"https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business-best-practices/landscape-contractors-what-we-gain-from-working-with-landscape-architects/\">totallandscapecare.com</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to expect with a Professional&nbsp; Landscape Architect or Designer: Start to Finish</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Idea Generation</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Landscape architects, and to some extent landscape designers, have years of formal training in subjects ranging from design theory, horticulture, art history, and psychology to name a few. Because of this extensive training, working with a landscape design professional will help kick-start your idea generation. The ability to be abundant with ideas and to spin one idea into a new and improved theory using past experience and industry expertise is a unique talent of design professionals.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Site Inventory &amp; Analysis</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every parcel or lot of land is unique in many ways, not just different shapes, sizes, and geographical locations, but also being part of a larger ecosystem, having challenging topographic qualities or just numerous utility and municipal setbacks that all require consideration. A professional landscape architect will have the skill to understand the macrocosm and microcosms that will dictate the broad-brush strokes of design. They will also have the refined talent to read the site-specific details, which define the unique elements of a single area of focus.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Conceptual Design</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once there is a clear analysis of the project site, it is possible to come up with conceptual design ideas to contemplate. Every site has multiple solutions, but when the background research has been done thoroughly, a professional landscape designer will be able to narrow down the options to a concept that answers the needs, wants and wishes of the landowner while addressing the ecosystem characteristics presented in the existing landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/22492C-6vC6pw5FZv27KHM9vvllX5M4PYCqzom3Yj1TFiZUkTSWBBl68x5kkO87QsNCIew2vgGczelJyrMRjQaWNDJhlfGI6C6_lEGPmp44ore9-Ym1u3jQUuZOQjOAQR0vnf5w5d-cIMwSaYA\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em><a href=\"http://yelpoc.portfoliobox.me/unnamed-1\">Image Source</a></em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Construction Planning</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a landscape architect, I know that when I first meet with a client more than likely they have been giving a great deal of consideration to how they want their property to be designed. Time and experience have taught me, however, that just because a home or property owner has an idea about what they want the final design outcomes to be, doesn’t mean that idea is actually buildable or sustainable. We can dream up some pretty wild stuff after all! By working with a seasoned professional, you can be assured that what you develop together will have the ability to not only be built but also to be sustained creating a longterm successful space.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Budget Creation</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding what things cost is very important. We are all quite familiar with how much any development project cost. The design processes require unhampered imagination and creativity in the beginning, but once the direction and aesthetic are defined it is necessary to bring the project into the reality of money. A professional landscape designer will be able to reasonably provide a project budget range or ballpark budget through experience or be able to guide you through the pricing/bidding process so that you can determine whether to build the project all at once or to phase it in over a few years.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Contractor Liaison</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is greatly important to draw the momentum you and your designer created from the design process into the construction phase. Some designers work with in house contracting operations – known as Design/Build while other designers work solo and have developed strong relationships with professional landscape contractors that they are confident in working with or recommending. These relationships are very useful to anyone planning to hire installers for the construction phase.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Project Management</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the real benefits of working with a professional landscape designer in the design development process is in having this person stick with you through the construction phase. Every project will have the potential to be improved upon as it is being built. Additionally, almost every project will have some “unknown” pop up during construction and it will be important to have someone with your best interest in mind on-site to make informed decisions. Having your designer close at hand, or as your project manager, will ensure that you capitalize on opportunity and minimize any unforeseen pitfalls.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Top Photo:</em> carexdesigngroup.com</p>\n","title":"What to Expect When Working with a Landscape Architect/Design Professional","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/1789c/landscape-architect.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/107df/landscape-architect.jpg 320w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/293e9/landscape-architect.jpg 500w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/f2cbb/landscape-architect.jpg 800w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/1789c/landscape-architect.jpg 960w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/a2a79/landscape-architect.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/1dd6e/landscape-architect.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/67b76/landscape-architect.webp 320w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/8df11/landscape-architect.webp 500w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/98a65/landscape-architect.webp 800w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/1dd6e/landscape-architect.webp 960w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/7aa54/landscape-architect.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What to Expect When Working with a Landscape Architect/Design Professional | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}}],"postCity":{}}}}