{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-post-post-js","path":"/blog/landscaping/hardscaping-guide/","result":{"pageContext":{"wordpressPost":{"id":"3dfa6e5c-df1e-5ed7-8606-0a7e6a31e947","slug":"hardscaping-guide","path":"/blog/landscaping/hardscaping-guide/","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":"June 6th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>What is Known as ‘Hardscaping’ in Landscape Design? Landscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Known as ‘Hardscaping’ in Landscape Design?</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Landscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is not plantings, soils, or earth works.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first thought, it might seem counterintuitive to think of ‘hard’scaping as a wanted element in an environment designers often take great pains to keep natural and soft. So, why would this seemingly contradictory intrusion into the world of soft and floral be a critical part of any landscape design? &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Hardscaping Should be Apart of Any Landscape Design</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardscaping provides many added benefits beyond what plant and soil materials can accomplish on their own. Here are just a few of those reasons: </p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Hardscaping areas provide contrast and added visual interest to planted spaces</li><li>They provide designated areas for user activities within the garden spaces, such as reading, gathering, eating, or relaxing</li><li>Hardscape elements are the most efficient materials to use to create accessibility within your natural spaces. Paths made of stone, brick, or compacted gravel provide a better walking or running surface than those made of organic materials such as hardwood mulch</li><li>Since hardscape materials are natural but inorganic they generally require much less long term maintenance and resources such as fertilizer and water</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to use Rocks &amp; other Hardscape Elements in your Garden Design</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardscaping can be thought of as the bones, or framework, of a garden. It could be sleek flagstone patios, pebble mosaics, brick or rustic gravel walkways; perhaps a uniquely shaped boulder placed as a focal point in the garden or near a building to highlight architectural features. Natural stone, retaining walls, benches, seats, and sculptural landscape features, create the immovable structure through which designers (or handy diy homeowners) can easily weave in combinations of trees, plants, and shrubs into the garden tapestry.\t</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/vI5P4UK5F84BcIDNhjLqQ6YAtkz4edCDUKLCUqtxAx9HusAf638NFDYCWcejX9XyhgWiEm8_fgDbGREno7GdUyu_5C3xtuk5oRkfclVXuBmyxx4fh-SJBUiBUTGwC0SPSkpNSC2iKFvhFzSQpg\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> </em><a href=\"https://www.waterwisedesignsandiego.com/design-styles\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as any good landscape designer should draw plant choices from the natural surrounding landscape, hardscape selection should also relate to the native environment as well as the style of house. For example, a colonial or Georgian house would benefit from the addition of brick or cut stone to add formality. A farmhouse in the countryside would combine well with fieldstone walls and paths of flagstone or flat river stones set in gravel. A Craftsman-style house in the city might call for a pattern of square and rectangular stones, and walls of cut or ashlar stone, or brick. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Archeticulally speaking, a good hardscape plan can help you divide the landscape into a collection of “rooms” or sequence of gardens. This is a timeless method of design as it provides separate spaces for different activities and a sense of surprise and thrill of discovery in moving from ‘room to room’. Stone walls and hedges act as room dividers, and steps and paths act as transitions between these rooms, as well as the necessary means of moving between them. </p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PjLwfGpF64k02uPCOeQV1swJX_fW93HGpyXz5gVRb3MrDevpvdLtAfkdak97rmwql0_onwcMl8cRMUvhIEnEGtcdlXZ1Tl8agxeqN1FCzziGcZSTA_j5_waIvQWSGm8a99tRAJh9pvElObm4jA\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> </em><a href=\"https://www.houzz.com/photos/stone-walls-steps-patios-fireplaces-traditional-landscape-minneapolis-phvw-vp~793944\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>How a patio or terrace will be used in part should dictate your choice of paving material. Flat stones with mortared joints or sand-set brick are preferable for areas to close into the house, entries, and higher traffic areas. Irregular, dry-laid stones, crushed rock or packed decomposed granite are great for garden paths and casual areas. Dining areas or a seating terrace can be on stone, gravel or crushed rock, or wooden decking, depending in part on the furniture chosen for that use. </p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardscape Elements:</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Color</strong></h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides needing to harmonious with the colors found in the landscape plantings and architectural features, the color of your hardscape elements can play an important role. Light colored stone may help to brighten a shady corner but could also create glare in a sunnier spot. Dark stone materials might absorb too much heat for nearby planting materials. </p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Porosity</strong></h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The level of permeability a material has may matter more in some locations than others. A lava rock boulder, with its open honeycomb-like surface, would collect every fallen leaf and flower blossom if it were placed below a flowering ornamental tree. This might not be a bad thing, depending on what aesthetic you are going for or what level of garden maintenance you are willing to put into your landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Finish</strong></h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Much like the porosity of stone materials, the finish can greatly affect the look, feel, and functionality of an outdoor area. Rough cut or chopped limestone blocks offer a rustic, natural feel while the same stone with a saw cut finished edge can transform a wall face or column top to a modern, sleek reveal. Additionally, when dealing with patio or walkway hardscape choices, consider how slick the stone finish will become during periods of precipitation or with a layer of snow or ice. </p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More factors to consider</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Paths need to be stable, easy to walk on, and preferably look like they belong. Again, a sense of fitting in with the natural landscape is important. Gravel, crushed rock and decomposed granite paths should ideally be edged, either with metal edging, wood timbers, or smaller brick or stone pieces. Dry-set paths of flagstone should use thicker stones 2” &#8211; 6”. Stone steps need to be set in concrete for stability, unless they are fairly massive (5-6” thick).</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Lnn5Z38LXNcMGHS4Eczmdvp9L_d985SC9C4g9ZCQTJ9uChaNFckL-0k0fRv8fI2YnXpZYMngKqMm8lKJA-kvjW_D8kXS2LOVdwidZ0zXbe1nlXADqvdcbWooXFSSUqryOPhPi2tzwZayHAsMJQ\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> </em><a href=\"http://paverscostguide.com/cost-install-flagstone-patio/\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The use of large, natural stones or boulders as pure design elements in the garden can help lift an ordinary planting plant to a new level of visual interest. Enormous granite boulders flecked with sparkly quartz, limestone or sandstone outcroppings that mimic those found in nature, large half-buried mossy fieldstones, or even a special grouping of uniquely shaped beach stones you found on your last vacation can help add a truly one of a kind feel to your landscape and make them “pop” with unusual interest.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you’re designing a new garden, or looking to rehabilitate a portion of one already in existence, think of the hardscape components just as carefully as you consider what trees, shrubs, and plants you want to put where. In the end, you’ll have a more integrated, harmonious design, less maintenance, and a more interesting garden!</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PZEdM3YTIs88s5BNsjKaFNlBC_00OT-5jOLe-MmTDcMOL8n20xfpgJPPJ8Om3dqfEG81ZyZmPz_w5NMby2-cACKhHG3VhR6S9kBskkdlEN8txf4_GREewQG1Oax9HhfG56V0Yu_yW3susT-1sw\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> </em><a href=\"http://prolandscape.info/boulder-front-yard-landscape-accent/\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pricing Stone Landscape Elements</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the reasons to add stone and hardscape elements to your landscape design might be numerous and easy to define, setting a price to this addition is not as clear. The cost of stone varies considerably depending on its weight, smoothness or texture, style, and thickness. Another variable is the process of installation, or how much labor will be required to complete the installation and how easily accessible is the final location of the stone or brick. Also, using stone sourced near a quarry will be more economical (not to mention contextually relevant to your natural surroundings). This means if you live in an area naturally rich in stone, like Texas, then getting limestone will be easier on the budget compared to shipping in a Canadian granite. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of those variables aside, the average cost to install a flagstone patio will range somewhere from $15 to $30 per square foot. Natural boulders are usually sold by the pound or ton depending on how big they are. Be sure to account for heavy equipment needed to deliver and set these elements. River rock or other small stone aggregate is sold by the cubic yard (1). </p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this all seems overwhelming, do not be discouraged. In the world of landscape design, pricing and product availability is often changing. The best solution is to work with a local landscape architect that knows the most sound solutions for your specific climate, native plantings, and natural resources.</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/OFnLC5KZjapS6M2mXMtD4cBe6rAhCuWZVy6AnZ5f03wuHI4nKAX79ZbJvZwjZ-p3SfsGX4VzUerOtQxn1SBTmP_RapHwrSFkfmbzmqIMKzPWciVqC1p1CriR1RYLb_VHUh0GdRNHzASUGkU6TQ\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> </em><a href=\"https://www.culbys.com/outdoorliving.htm#\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Stone connects the garden to the land, since stone is literally of the earth. It is a natural material that complements plants, lasts forever, and is intrinsically beautiful. Flagstone terraces, high walls combining large, vertical granite stones with small fieldstones, low traditional dry-laid walls, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, fountains and waterfalls, rock paths and walkways—all woven together create a wonderful weft for the warp of landscape of plants, and work to further enhance natural elements such as wooden pergolas, woven branch fences and antique ornaments or placed artistic objects.</p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sources:</strong></h4>\n\n\n\n<p>1. http://paverscostguide.com</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Top Photo:</strong> Flickr // Redi-Rock International</em></p>\n","title":"Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Hardscaping","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5092114959469418,"src":"/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/1789c/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg","srcSet":"/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/107df/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 320w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/293e9/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 500w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/f2cbb/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 800w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/1789c/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 960w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/d2f4e/hardscaping-with-rocks.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/1dd6e/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/67b76/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 320w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/8df11/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 500w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/98a65/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 800w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/1dd6e/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 960w,\n/static/05de6265d19d1f965869eaafdd3c0afa/8952c/hardscaping-with-rocks.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Hardscaping | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"45e8a502-7227-5a74-a219-3e95a3842073","slug":"which-of-the-countrys-15-biggest-metro-areas-have-the-biggest-homes","path":"/blog/which-of-the-countrys-15-biggest-metro-areas-have-the-biggest-homes/","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":"June 4th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>by John Egan Everything, it seems, is not bigger in Texas. Among the country’s 15 biggest metro areas, neither Dallas-Fort Worth, TX nor Houston, TX, is home to the largest residential units. Rather, Atlanta, GA, boasts the biggest residential units among the 15 metros. A review of 2017 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p><em>by John Egan</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything, it seems, <em>is not</em> bigger in Texas.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the country’s 15 biggest metro areas, neither Dallas-Fort Worth, TX nor Houston, TX, is home to the largest residential units. Rather, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/\">Atlanta, GA</a>, boasts the biggest residential units among the 15 metros.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>A review of 2017 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey shows the median size of an occupied residential unit in the Atlanta area — including houses, apartments and mobile homes — is 1,800 square feet. Atlanta edged out <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/houston/\">Houston</a>, at 1,700 square feet. Tied for third place, with a median size of 1,600 square feet, are Philadelphia, PA; <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/az/phoenix/\">Phoenix, AZ</a>; and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/washington-dc/\">Washington, DC.</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not surprisingly, New York City, NY, has the smallest residential units, with a median square footage of 1,150.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.atlantaintown.com/atlanta-real-estate-agent/Andrea-Morgan\">Andrea Morgan</a>, a Realtor with Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services, partly attributes the overall greater size of homes in her region to a relatively low cost of living, enabling people to “afford more house for the money.” She notes that in 2018, she sold a 4,500-square-foot home in the Atlanta suburb of Stone Mountain — complete with a pool and a tennis court — for less than $500,000.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, Morgan says, because Georgia is a business-friendly and homebuilder-friendly state, there aren’t as many development restrictions as there might be in other states.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor propelling bigger homes, she adds, is the Atlanta area’s constantly snarled traffic.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>“Once you get home, out of traffic, then you really want your home to be an oasis,” Morgan says, “so adding a man cave, theater room, kids’ play area, home gym, mommy ‘escape nook,’ luxury laundry, mudroom — all those rooms add up to lots of square feet. Throw in outdoor living space, and you need a pretty substantial lot to support your dream-home reality.”</p>\n\n\n\n<p>What follows is our rundown of the median square footage of residential units in the biggest metro areas in the U.S., according to 2017 estimates from the <a href=\"https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ahs.html\">American Housing Survey</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Atlanta, GA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" src=\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline.jpg?fit=1024%2C700&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8284\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline-300x205.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/atlanta-ga-skyline-768x525.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Brendan Lim</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,800<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $215,100<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $119.50</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Houston, TX</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8285\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/houston-tx-skyline-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // telwink</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,700<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $192,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $113.47</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3 (tie). Philadelphia, PA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8286\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/philly-skyline-for-big-houses-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Garen M.</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,600<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $250,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $156.81</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3 (tie). Phoenix, AZ</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"592\" src=\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C592&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8287\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses-300x173.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/phoenix-az-skyline-for-big-houses-768x444.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // 1Flatworld</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,600<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $246,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $154.31</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3 (tie). Washington, DC</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" src=\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C575&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8288\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses-300x168.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/washington-dc-skyline-for-big-houses-768x431.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Ted Eytan</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,600<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $424,600<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $265.38</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. </strong><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/dallas/\"><strong>Dallas-Fort Worth, TX</strong></a></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8289\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dallas-tx-skyline-for-big-houses-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Justin Terveen</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,586<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $214,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $135.50</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7 (tie). Riverside-San Bernardino, CA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8290\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/riverside-san-bernadino-ca-street-sign-510x382.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Raymond Yu</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,500<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $342,300<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $228.20</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7 (tie). Seattle, WA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8291\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses-300x201.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/seattle-wa-skyline-for-big-houses-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Bryan the Roving Vagabond</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage: </strong>1,500<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $439,800<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $293.20</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Boston, MA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8292\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boston-ma-skyline-510x382.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // itsjuststan</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,475<br><strong>Median property value: </strong>$441,400<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $299.25</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10 (tie). Chicago, IL</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"499\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8293\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses-300x187.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses-768x480.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chicago-il-skyline-for-big-houses-400x250.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Daniele De Gaudio</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,400<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $240,300<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $171.64</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10 (tie). Detroit, MI</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1023\" height=\"670\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8294\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 1023w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses-300x196.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/detroit-mi-skyline-for-big-houses-768x503.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Ryan Southen</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,400<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $171,600<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $122.57</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. Miami, FL</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg?fit=1024%2C538&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8295\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses-300x158.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/miami-fl-skyline-for-big-houses-768x404.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Cap G.</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,369<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $278,700<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $203.58</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13 (tie). Los Angeles, CA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8296\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-ca-skyline-for-big-houses-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Jim Tsang</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,250<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $617,100<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $493.68</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13 (tie). San Francisco, CA</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8297\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/san-fran-ca-skyline-for-big-houses-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Lorenzo Montezemolo</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,250<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $849,500<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $679.60</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15. New York City, NY</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8299\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses.jpg 799w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc-ny-skyline-for-big-houses-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" /><figcaption><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Flickr // Przemek</em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Median square footage:</strong> 1,150<br><strong>Median property value:</strong> $440,900<br><strong>Estimated cost per sq ft:</strong> $383.39</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Author Bio:</strong>&nbsp;John Egan is a freelance writer who covers everything from personal finance to lawn care. His masterful work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Forbes, and The Guardian.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Top Photo:</strong> http://swgoths.org</em></p>\n","title":"Which of the Country’s 15 Biggest Metro Areas Have the Biggest Homes?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.430976430976431,"src":"/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/73f1e/floor-plan.jpg","srcSet":"/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/107df/floor-plan.jpg 320w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/293e9/floor-plan.jpg 500w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/f2cbb/floor-plan.jpg 800w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/73f1e/floor-plan.jpg 850w","srcWebp":"/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/05ed0/floor-plan.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/67b76/floor-plan.webp 320w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/8df11/floor-plan.webp 500w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/98a65/floor-plan.webp 800w,\n/static/75b773472d7dd168e3df5f1917d7a1a1/05ed0/floor-plan.webp 850w","sizes":"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Which of the Country’s 15 Biggest Metro Areas Have the Biggest Homes? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"7065d0b5-54da-5755-a082-fced4e590d44","slug":"types-of-clover-lawns","path":"/blog/types-of-clover-lawns/","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/"}],"date":"September 4th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Although clover is often thought of as a weed, it belongs to the legume or pea family.&nbsp;Three types of clover species are common across the U.S: white clover, red clover, and strawberry clover. You&#8217;ll learn about these common clover types (and several others) below. In this article: What is a Clover Lawn? A clover lawn [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Although clover is often thought of as a weed, it belongs to the legume or pea family.&nbsp;Three types of clover species are common across the U.S: white clover, red clover, and strawberry clover. <br><br>You&#8217;ll learn about these common clover types (and several others) below.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what\">What Is a Clover Lawn?</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#four\">3 Types of Clover Common in Lawns</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#benefits\">Benefits of Clover Lawns</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#lawn\">Disadvantages of Clover Lawns</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Clover Lawns</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\">What is a Clover Lawn?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A clover lawn is either completely made of clover or combines clover and turfgrass. Clover is a legume from the pea family developed in Europe. Clover arrived in North America in the late 1600s and was a favorite lawn choice until the 1950s when turfgrass gained popularity.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planting clover in your yard has advantages. Clover requires far less maintenance, conserves water, stays green in the summer, and is an environmentally-friendly <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/landscaping/8-grass-alternatives-to-consider/\">grass alternative</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"four\">3 Types of Clover Common in Lawns</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The common word &#8220;clover&#8221; refers to a collection of over 300 plants in the <em>Trifolium </em>genus. However, there are three types of clover species commonly used on lawns in the United States.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. White Clover (<em>Trifolium repens</em>)</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/2022/08/rsz_trifolium-repens-g5288fbabc_1280.jpg\" alt=\"white clover\" class=\"wp-image-11986\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifolium-repens-g5288fbabc_1280.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifolium-repens-g5288fbabc_1280-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifolium-repens-g5288fbabc_1280-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifolium-repens-g5288fbabc_1280-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifolium-repens-g5288fbabc_1280-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/photos/trifolium-repens-wei%c3%9fklee-855444/\" target=\"_blank\">Pixabay</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>White clover is the most common variety, sometimes collectively referred to as “Dutch clover” or “Dutch white.” This cool-season perennial is usually seen growing in lawns, vineyards, and by the sides of roadways.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This clover is frequently utilized as a natural treatment to help reduce fever, ease coughs and colds, and strengthen the immune system.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>White clover thrives in the cold, rainy conditions of zones 6a-9b. It grows best in well-drained, rich soil with a pH of 6 to 7, and prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based mostly on leaf size, white clover has <a href=\"https://southeastagriseeds.com/blog-posts/everything-you-wanted-know-about-white-clover-were-afraid-ask-old-university-professor#:~:text=Botanically%2C%20there%20are%20three%20distinct%2C%20true%20breeding%20polymorphic%20forms%20of%20white%20clover%20based%20mainly%20on%20leaf%20size\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">three common variants</a>:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ladino </strong>(<em>T. repens var. giganteum)</em><strong>:</strong> With its large leaves, this type is largely used as feed or pastures for livestock.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dutch white </strong>(<em>T. repens f. hollandicum)</em><strong>: </strong>Has medium-sized leaves and is often used as a cover crop, ground cover, in pasture blends, in lawns, and to control erosion.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wild white </strong>(<em>T. repens f. repens)</em><strong>: </strong>This wild variety is usually seen along roadsides, fields, and lawns. It’s very attractive to grazing wildlife.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Microclover </strong>(<em>T. repens var. &#8220;Pirouette&#8221;</em> and <em>&#8220;Pipolina&#8221;</em>): The leaves? You guessed it &#8211; tiny. Often blended with turfgrass to increase soil nitrogen and improve lawn development.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>White clover has round pink to white blossoms. It blends well with <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/drought-tolerant-plants/growing-drought-tolerant-grasses/#:~:text=on%20lawn%20care.-,Cool%2DSeason%20Grasses,-This%20type%20of\">cool-season turfgrasses</a> such as fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Red Clover (<em>Trifolium pratense</em>)</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/2022/08/rsz_clover-gd937f9480_1280.jpg\" alt=\"red clover\" class=\"wp-image-11989\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_clover-gd937f9480_1280.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_clover-gd937f9480_1280-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_clover-gd937f9480_1280-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_clover-gd937f9480_1280-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_clover-gd937f9480_1280-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/photos/kleeblatt-bl%c3%bchen-rot-wiese-pflanze-806024/\" target=\"_blank\">Pixabay</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>A perennial herb, red clover grows wild in meadows throughout Europe and Asia but has become established in North America. Cow clover, meadow clover, and wild clover are some of its other names.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Red clover was used in the past to treat a variety of illnesses, including gout, whooping cough, cancer, and asthma. Red clover supplements have been advocated for osteoporosis and menopause symptoms as the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/red-clover#:~:text=isoflavones%E2%80%94compounds%20that%20are%20structurally%20related/similar%20to%20estrogen.%C2%A0Red%20clover%20supplements%20have%20been%20promoted%20for%20menopause%20symptoms%20and%20osteoporosis.\" target=\"_blank\">isoflavones</a> found in red clover are similar to estrogen.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This clover is resilient in acidic soils but prefers well-drained dirt with a pH between 6.0 and 7.2. It does well in 4a-8b hardiness zones. Red clover is vulnerable to fungi that cause diseases such as stem rot and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-to-treat-5-common-lawn-diseases/#:~:text=but%20less%20often.-,4.%20Powdery%20Mildew,-Credit%3A%20Scott%20Nelson\">powdery mildew</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two common types of red clover:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Medium red</strong> (Trifolium pratense): The most common variety, is adaptable and easy to grow. Due to its biennial nature, it will grow in the first season and bloom in the next.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mammoth red </strong>(<em>Trifolium pratense, Mammoth</em>)<strong>:</strong> This type of red clover is a biennial that grows higher than the medium variety. It&#8217;s used as a cover crop to prepare the soil for future plantings by adding nitrogen and organic matter.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Red clover blossoms range from magenta to rose. A cool-season ground cover, it has good performance with perennial ryegrass, white clover, sweet clover, or tall fescue. Red clover mixes well in warm-season lawns when planted with <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-care-the-definitive-guide-to-bermuda-grass/\">Bermudagrass</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Strawberry Clover (<em>Trifolium fragiferum</em> L)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"437\" height=\"480\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifoliumfragiferum2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Strawberry clover\" class=\"wp-image-11969\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifoliumfragiferum2-1.jpg 437w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifoliumfragiferum2-1-273x300.jpg 273w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 437px) 100vw, 437px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TrifoliumFragiferum2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Christian Fischer</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strawberry clover is a perennial herb native to the eastern Mediterranean and southern Asia. While it may not grow in regions with excessive heat or cold, it thrives well in almost all types of soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strawberry clover is a good bee plant, but it is rarely used as animal feed because of its short stature. It works well in lawns and permanent pastures. Strawberry clover grows well in hardiness zones 4a-9b and a soil pH between 5.3 and 8.2</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The white or pink blooms on strawberry clover are smaller than on white clover. It draws birds of all sizes, does well in cool regions, and can withstand flooding very well. Compared to other types of clover, strawberry clover can withstand more salinity and is a good choice for coastal areas.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strawberry clover is also a cool-season variation. It partners well with tall fescue, ryegrass, timothy, reed canarygrass, dallisgrass, bermudagrass, and white clover.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Lucky Clover</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Four-leaf_Clover_Trifolium_repens_2.jpg\" alt=\"A close up image of a four leaf lucky clover\" class=\"wp-image-12469\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Four-leaf_Clover_Trifolium_repens_2.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Four-leaf_Clover_Trifolium_repens_2-300x241.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Four-leaf_Clover_Trifolium_repens_2-768x617.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Four-leaf_Clover_Trifolium_repens_2-480x386.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:Four-leaf_Clover_Trifolium_repens_2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">KEBman</a> / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>OK, maybe you can’t plant good luck but finding a four-leaf clover might bring it. This belief is probably because there is only one of them for every 10,000 clovers with three leaves.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some Celtic cultures in the Middle Ages held the belief that holding a four-leaf clover would enable the bearer to see fairies, fend off evil spirits, and bring good luck.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;&#8220;If a man walking in the fields finds some four-leaved grass, he shall in a brief while after find some good thing,&#8221; or so <a href=\"https://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=69552#:~:text=Middle%20Ages%20believed%20if%20they%20carried%20a%20four%2Dleaf%20clover%2C%20they%20would%20be%20able%20to%20see%20fairies%2C%20and%20the%20first%20literary%20reference%20to%20suggest%20their%20good%20fortune%20was%20made%20in%201620%20by%20Sir%20John%20Melton.%C2%A0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">said John Melton in the 1600s</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you never come across one with four leaves, clover will help your grass stay greener for longer while requiring less upkeep, and that’s lucky.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Forms of Clover</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Farmers who use the plant as a pasture and foraging plant prefer other varieties of clover, especially annuals. Other varieties of clover that aren&#8217;t suitable for lawns:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Arrowleaf clover: </strong>Because it may grow up to 4 feet tall, arrowleaf clover isn&#8217;t a good choice for residential settings. It&#8217;s best for hay, grazing, and wildlife foraging.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crimson clover: </strong>An annual clover used to lengthen the grazing season for farm animals.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alsike clover: </strong>A perennial clover related to white clover used in pastures for hay production and grows to be about 1 to 3 feet tall.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Berseem clover:</strong> A summer or winter annual with yellow flowers, also known as Egyptian clover. It grows up to 4 feet tall.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subterranean clover:</strong> An annual winter clover with white flowers extensively utilized in Oregon and California meadows.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rose clover: </strong>This winter-annual clover has lavender flowers and crimson clover-like growth. This clover shows up as a cover crop in pastures and vineyards.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefits\">Benefits of Clover Lawns</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beautiful to look at, there are benefits to planting a clover lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fixes nitrogen levels</strong>: With the aid of Rhizobium bacteria, clover converts nitrogen from the air into a usable form for plants.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Natural weed control: </strong>Clover’s ability to out-compete harmful weeds reduces the time, energy, and money it takes to manage weeds in your yard.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Green manure:</strong> The plants add organic matter to the soil when the clover seeds have developed and the roots have decomposed.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduces erosion: </strong>Deep taproots help protect the soil and its nutrients from harsh wind, rain, and other natural forces.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pet urine resistant:</strong> Clover isn’t harmed by dog urine and will remain green when most grasses turn brown.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Low maintenance: </strong>Clover can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. It requires less mowing, less water, and is environmentally friendly.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stays green</strong>: In locations with warm winters, like the southern United States, clover remains green all year. Except in extreme drought, it will retain its color throughout the summer.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A grass-clover lawn can give you the benefits of clover while still being resistant to heavy foot traffic.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lawn\">Disadvantages of Clover Lawns</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clover is a good option for lawns across the country, but these are disadvantages of clover worth considering.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bee allergies</strong>: Clover attracts pollinators. It is a favorite of our honeybee and bumblebee friends, which may be problematic if you or a family member is allergic to bees.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Less durable</strong>: If you&#8217;re a homeowner with active kids or pets you may want to try blending clover with grass seed to ensure your lawn is more resistant to wear and tear.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The look</strong>: Compared to a traditional grass lawn, clover might be more sparse, bumpy, and irregular.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need to re-seed</strong>: The amount of reseeding in a pure clover yard will be higher than in a grassy lawn. You’ll need to re-seed every three years.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Is invasive</strong>: Clover will take over nearby garden beds. Place a barrier between your garden and the yard to prevent this.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Clover Lawns</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. When should you plant a clover lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spring and early summer are the best times to plant clover. Clover seeds sprout fastest when temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees and there is no danger of frost. You can plant clover in late summer or early fall but do so at least six weeks before a hard freeze.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Do you need to aerate a clover lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Because clover is a living mulch, it supplies the soil with nutrients while also helping it resist compaction. <a href=\"https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053261.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Macropores</a> are left behind in the soil by decomposing clover roots. This keeps the ground loose, draws earthworms, and reduces thatch buildup.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Is a clover lawn better than a turfgrass lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>That depends. Clover has many advantages, and turfgrass lawns have disadvantages despite their visual appeal. Grass-only lawns deny pollinators of food and habitat and need more water, chemical treatments, and upkeep than a clover lawn does.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you want to hunt for a lucky four-leaf clover instead of planting them then we can help! We&#8217;ll find a </em><a href=\"http://wikilawn.com\"><em>lawn care professional</em></a><em> near you to roll out the green carpet for your new lawn.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main photo credit: <a href=\"https://pxhere.com/en/photo/570523\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere</a></p>\n","title":"Types of Clover Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/1789c/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg","srcSet":"/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/107df/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 320w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/293e9/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 500w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/f2cbb/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 800w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/1789c/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 960w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/c26c2/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/1dd6e/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/67b76/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 320w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/8df11/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 500w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/98a65/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 800w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/1dd6e/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 960w,\n/static/71554556f1f016d5ede923f3477077e2/3cc96/rsz_grass-blossom-plant-field-lawn-meadow-570523-pxherecom.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Types of Clover Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Three types of clover species are commonly found in lawns across the U.S: white clover, red clover, and strawberry clover."}}},{"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":"60342570-630f-51a1-ace2-3c700993b3e1","slug":"artificial-grass-for-dogs","path":"/blog/artificial-grass-for-dogs/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Carmen Dexter is a freelance journalist and teacher who enjoys growing her own organic food and recycling as much as possible.","name":"Carmen Dexter","id":"f23ec685-a615-5004-a3fd-c0bfe6b2c9ec","path":"/author/carmen-dexter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e37085a8a22d319f3383613d59d54c5f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 3rd, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Want a lawn where Fido can jump and play, but not destroy? Artificial grass could save you time and money. Choose the right type of artificial grass for dogs, and it may even be pet-friendlier than the lawn you work so hard on to maintain.&nbsp; Check out these pros and cons, along with other helpful [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Want a lawn where Fido can jump and play, but not destroy? Artificial grass could save you time and money. Choose the right type of artificial grass for dogs, and it may even be pet-friendlier than the lawn you work so hard on to maintain.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out these pros and cons, along with other helpful information about artificial grass for dogs, and you may be ready to turn synthetic turf into pet turf.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contents</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#pros\">Pros of Artificial Grass for Dogs</a></li><li><a href=\"#cons\">Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs</a></li><li><a href=\"#best\">Best Artificial Grass for Dogs</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" scope=\"col\"><strong>Pros</strong> </th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" scope=\"col\"><strong>Cons</strong> </th></tr><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1. Evergreen</th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1. Costly</th></tr><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2. No More Bugs</th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2. Needs Replacing</th></tr><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">3. Less Mess Inside</th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">3. Heats Up</th></tr><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4. Easy Cleanup Outside</th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4. Odor</th></tr><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" scope=\"col\">5. Allergy Free</th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" scope=\"col\"></th></tr></thead></table></figure>\n</div></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pros\">5 Pros of Artificial Grass for Dogs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don’t have to spend the summer mowing and weeding your lawn to placate your pup. Let’s look at the benefits for pet owners and their dogs of installing fake grass.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Evergreen&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tired of <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/5-most-common-lawn-problems/#:~:text=Dog%20urine%20contains%20high%20amounts%20of%20nitrogen%20which%20can%20burn%20your%20grass%20and%20cause%20it%20to%20turn%20brown\">brown or yellow spots</a> on your natural lawn? Chances are, your dog (or someone else’s) has been peeing there. Dog urine has a high concentration of nitrogen and salt that kills grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dead grass isn’t a problem you’ll have to worry about with a synthetic lawn. Artificial turf won’t stain when Lassie does her business, and the yard looks good year-round.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. No More Bugs</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re tired of fleas and ticks hitching a ride inside on your pooch, artificial grass helps put a stop to that. It keeps your pet healthier, helping him to avoid the scratching, red, scaly skin, hair loss, and scabs. You also won’t have to worry about fleas and other pests making your pet seriously ill with tapeworm or anemia.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wildlife carries fleas. Deer and rabbits won’t be dropping by to feed on your artificial grass. You also won’t have to worry about <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/pests-and-diseases/get-rid-of-grub-worms-in-lawns/#:~:text=Grubs%2C%20or%20white,of%20your%20lawn.\">getting rid of grubs</a> or other lawn-destroying bugs since there’s nothing for them to feast on. Synthetic turf’s drainage holes also keep water from pooling, so there’s no standing water to attract insects.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Less Mess Inside</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs aren’t just bringing fleas into your home. They track in dirt with muddy paws and matted fur when you have real grass. Cleanup is no fun, especially if you have wall-to-wall carpet.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Artificial grass turf doesn’t have bare spots where rain leaves a muddy mess for our furry friends to play. And fake grass won’t come off on your pooch’s fur when they roll around and play.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Easy Cleanup Outside</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The smell is a big concern for pet owners considering synthetic lawns. After all, they’re dealing with poop and dog pee daily. Artificial grass products include turf deodorizer that sits between the grass blades and liquid cleaners that eliminate odor.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you have a lawn made of sod or artificial grass, you should pick up dog poop as soon as possible. Waiting too long poses health risks. You’ll have to hose it down several times and spray vinegar and water on the affected area. Use a leaf blower to remove any sticks or debris, then simply hose down the artificial lawn with a garden hose.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Allergen-Free</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pet turf may be your only choice if you or your dog are <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/diagnosing-treating-dogs-grass-allergies/\">allergic to grass</a>. Pets may suffer constant scratching, hair loss, or rashes from rolling or digging in natural grass or just being around it. Synthetic turf is a great way to have a lovely green lawn without sacrificing your dog’s health.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cons\">4 Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Costly</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There’s no way around it. Putting in a synthetic lawn <a href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/cost/artificial-grass-price/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">costs more </a>than real grass- at least at first. Artificial turf installation runs an average of just over $12 per square foot, or about $5,000 for the average lawn, while even the most expensive <a href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/cost/sod-price/#:~:text=Expect%20to%20pay%20between%20%240.30,for%20both%20labor%20and%20materials.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sod averages 83 cents</a> per square foot.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Laying natural grass may require purchasing or renting a sod cutter, roto-tiller, and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-to-lay-sod/#:~:text=%E2%9C%93%20Sod%20cutter%0A%E2%9C%93%20Rototiller%0A%E2%9C%93%20Garden%20rake%20(bow%20rake)%0A%E2%9C%93%20Garden%20hose%20or%20sprinkler%0A%E2%9C%93%20Compost%2C%20sand%2C%20lime%2C%20and%20starter%20fertilizer%2C%20depending%20on%20your%20lawn%E2%80%99s%20needs%0A%E2%9C%93%20Retractable%20utility%20knife%20(razor%20knife%2C%20or%20any%20sharp%20knife)%0A%E2%9C%93%20Personal%20protective%20equipment%3A%C2%A0\">other expensive equipment</a>. Installing artificial grass requires all that plus infill, a weed barrier, edging, adhesives, and the actual synthetic grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost may even out in the long run, as maintenance on real grass is more expensive than that of artificial turf. You’ll have to decide if low maintenance down the road on fake grass outweighs the initial expense.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Needs Replacing</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Replacing synthetic turf is much more costly than replacing sod, and times vary on how often it’s necessary. Turf on a sports field gets more use than in your backyard and needs replacing more frequently.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Assuming normal lawn use, a well-maintained, quality artificial lawn can last 15 to 20 years. Developers continue to improve the durability and appearance of the grass, but pet waste can shorten the synthetic tuff’s lifespan if not cleaned properly, due to build-up on the grass blades.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s cheaper to keep natural grass looking good by overseeding every year. This keeps it greener, creates a thicker carpet, and tacks on years to the lawn at a very small cost. Grass seed <a href=\"https://www.inchcalculator.com/grass-seed-cost-guide/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">averages 8 to 20 cents per square foot</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Heats Up</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Artificial grass can get too hot for our furry friends&#8217; paws when the sun is out. Dogs already run hotter than humans, with an average temperature of 101 degrees. So leaving them outside when the thermometer climbs may lead to dehydration or heat stroke.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>natural grass releases water vapor that leads to cooling, but fake grass can’t do that, so it absorbs the heat. While most studies on the temperature of synthetic turf relate to <a href=\"https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2019/may/synthetic-sports-fields-and-the-heat-island-effect/#:~:text=Another%20study%20conducted%20at%20Brigham,skin%20contact%20in%20two%20seconds.%E2%80%9D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sports fields</a>, it’s estimated that an artificial lawn gets at least 20 degrees hotter than a natural lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can help keep Fido cool by limiting outdoor playtime on the synthetic turf to mornings and evenings and keep your pup inside during the hottest time of the day. You also want to make sure your yard has a shaded area where your pup can rest without feeling the heat.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Odor</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can’t rely on enough steady rain to rinse pet waste from the turf. As we’ve already mentioned, picking up poop as soon as your dog goes keeps it from drying on the fake grass. You should also take immediate action when it comes to pet urine.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dog pee makes its way through the blades of fake grass and congeals in the bottom of the carpet if it’s not removed. As it builds up, so does the smell. Hosing down your artificial turf regularly eliminates the urine and smell.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best\">Best Artificial Grass for Dogs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best artificial grass for dogs is called pet turf. While all synthetic lawn carpets have porous backing for drainage, pet turf has highly durable backing with slightly larger drainage holes. This allows dog pee to pass through the turf without congealing.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pet turf works well for large and small dogs and even multiple furry friends. You can also put it in dog runs and kennels. It’s important to note that the sub-base must be properly installed. If not, dogs can dig up the turf or tear it, especially at the seams and edges.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Considerations</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Material &#8211;</strong> Look for polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or a combination, with built-in antimicrobial products to kill or slow the spread of bacteria, mold, and mildew. You can also use an infill with those same<a href=\"https://www.microban.com/usgreentech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> antimicrobial properties</a> for extra protection.</li><li><strong>Pile height</strong> &#8211; Longer piles look more luxurious, but shorter pile height is easier to clean. Choose an artificial grass that’s about an inch high to handle the increased activity in a dog run or play area.</li><li><strong>Face weight </strong>-This measures the ounces of grass fiber per square yard. The higher the number, the more the synthetic lawn can endure. Face weights range from 40 to 90. Consider the higher end of that range.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, You have to make the choice that works best for you and your dog, whether that’s a natural lawn or synthetic turf. But it’s good to know that low-maintenance, pet-friendly artificial grass is an option.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Artificial Grass for Dogs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1</strong><em>. </em><strong>Is Artificial Grass Safe for Dogs?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, and often it’s safer than sod. Most artificial grass is made of polyethylene, the same plastic used for kids’ toys and common household products.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>What CAN make synthetic grass harmful is lead in the green coloring of the blades or black tire crumbs as infill. Those materials can be toxic, so only use artificial turf and infill that has been tested and is 100% lead and latex free.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2</strong><em>.</em><strong> How Do You Clean Pet Turf?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>A spray with the garden hose is essential after daily bathroom breaks, but you’ll need to do a bit more on a weekly basis.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>After picking up pet waste, add vinegar to the water to keep the urine and poop from congealing at the base of the fake grass. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the affected area, then hose it off.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3</strong><em>. </em><strong>Can Synthetic Lawns be Installed Around Landscaping?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Fake grass can be cut to fit around trees, mailboxes, swing sets, or anything else you may have in your yard. You will have to take some <a href=\"https://www.almostgrass.com/artificial-grass-around-trees-and-plants/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">extra steps</a> while installing it, so be sure to measure twice before making any cuts.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don’t worry about fake grass blocking the tree’s water source. The backing on artificial turf is quite porous, and rainwater easily reaches the roots.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Don’t have the time or energy to install an artificial lawn?&nbsp; We can find a </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\"><em>landscaping pro near you</em></a><em> to install it for you.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Main photo credit: </strong><a href=\"https://www.rawpixel.com/image/3293468/free-photoa-image-dog-animal-ball\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rawpixel</a></p>\n","title":"Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/107df/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 320w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/293e9/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 500w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/f2cbb/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 800w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 960w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/c26c2/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/67b76/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 320w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/8df11/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 500w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/98a65/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 800w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 960w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/3cc96/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Artificial grass may be better for your dog and your landscape than sod. We look at the pros and cons of artificial grass for dogs."}}},{"node":{"id":"2aabb5c7-2f2c-5f83-b362-bdc7bbaf0dd5","slug":"the-25-top-pet-peeves-of-your-neighbors","path":"/blog/the-25-top-pet-peeves-of-your-neighbors/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"April 22nd, 2019","excerpt":"<p>All of us have or have had that annoying neighbor who drives them mad. From rowdy fraternities to the daybreak lawn mowers, some neighbors aren’t very neighborly.   And while many of these offenses don’t warrant a call to the police, they may have us considering building higher fences or even putting our house on the [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>All of us have or have had that annoying neighbor who drives them mad.  From rowdy fraternities to the daybreak lawn mowers, some neighbors aren’t very neighborly.   And while many of these offenses don’t warrant a call to the police, they may have us considering building higher fences or even putting our house on the market.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while we know that we aren’t perfect when it comes to being the best neighbor ever, there are times when a neighbor just goes too far in annoying us. Some of these may not be high on your own list of pet peeves but these are the pet peeves that we have found are most common when it comes to less than neighborly neighbors. Let’s take a look at the worst offenders.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>25. Lawn Jungle</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s tough not to notice a neighbor who doesn’t keep their lawn mowed on a regular basis. Without proper lawn maintenance, their overgrown lawn starts to look like a jungle and the weeds overtake the area and threaten your own sculpted yard.  Those lawns are also a breeding ground for snakes. Cora bought her house next to a golf course thinking she’d always have a great view. But the golf course wasn’t controlled by the homeowners association and the outlying grass was more than a foot tall.  She’s had to call a critter control expert several times to get rid of the rattlesnakes that creep into her backyard.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>24. Barking Dogs</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Who cares if their bark is worse than their bite if it’s the noise that’s keeping you up at night! &nbsp;It’s enough to encourage you to put up the “for sale” sign. Consider asking neighbors to bring their dog inside during certain hours of the day. Other options include asking them to use a bark collar in order to help curb the incessant barking. <br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>23. Neighborhood Cats</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor cats don’t know boundaries, so they invariably become neighborhood cats. They aren’t too bad until you notice that your yard or kid’s sandbox has become their litter box. Wildlife control officers suggest spraying a <a href=\"http://www.wildlifeanimalcontrol.com/straycats.html\">cat repellent </a>around your property. You can also do things to deter cats from your yard like not petting them or having anything outdoors that they could eat or drink.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>22. Loud Parties</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a friend or two over is fine….but a few hundred? &nbsp;Not so great, especially when parties become loud and obnoxious. &nbsp;Any outdoor party that goes past midnight can cause issues for the next door neighbors and anyone else in the neighborhood who wasn’t invited. If it’s a one-time party you may have to just grin and bear it. If it’s a constant pattern you may want to alert your homeowner&#8217;s association before calling the police. <br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>21. Junk Yard</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Neighbors who seem to collect <a href=\"http://www.interest.com/home-equity/slide-show/deal-neighbors-bad-curb-appeal/\">random items in their yard</a> create an eyesore. &nbsp;Usually, those items are in some state of disrepair and end up staying much longer than originally intended. Most cities have ordinances regulating the state of a front yard. &nbsp;A simple call to code enforcement officer might do the trick.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>20. Permanent Driveway Maintenance</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of us have had to work on our car in the driveway. &nbsp;But having a broken down car in the driveway can create problems. Cars that are up on blocks and are always being worked on are an eyesore and create a lot of unwanted noise in a neighborhood. Once again, a call to the city’s code enforcement officer may be in order,<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>19. Over-Decorator</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your neighbor may mean well but living next to the Griswolds (from the movie “Christmas Vacation”) can get old really fast. Add to it those neighbors who keep their decorations up well past the holiday and you’ve got a big pet peeve for many homeowners. You may offer to lend your neighbor a helping hand after the holidays to help remove some of the decor.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>18. Nosy Neighbors</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nosy neighbors who seem to know all of your business, as well as everyone else’s, can become quite annoying. Your best bet is to avoid gossiping about your neighbors with anyone. Kindly confront neighbors who have spread rumors about you and remember that sometimes the best way to stop nosy neighbors is to not engage them and give them the cold shoulder.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17. Trash Heaps</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a few items around your trash cans can be normal but those neighbors who don’t pay for trash service can create quite a nuisance. Large amounts of trash not only smell bad, but they also attract animals that can easily create a problem. Sounds like another city code enforcement issue.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>16. Blaring Music</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone enjoys different kinds of music but it can be hard to live next to neighbors who are always blaring their own music for everyone else to hear. This includes neighbors who always have their windows open with the music on which can create a difficult situation for others. Most municipalities have noise ordinances but they don’t usually go into effect until after 10 p.m.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15. Used Car Lot</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those neighbors who use their front lawn as more of a used car lot can quickly get on people’s nerves. Cars can be either in working condition or in multiple stages of disarray and become an eyesore. Check the zoning in your neighborhood to see if your neighbor is breaking the law.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14. House Maintenance</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Peeling paint and falling gutters can be a time and money issue but those neighbors who have really let their house go can become wearisome for the neighborhood and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-landscaping-affects-home-value-in-austin-tx/\">lower property values</a>. The addition of mold and overgrown vegetation can easily engulf a house as well. Consider checking your neighborhood zoning code to see if a neighbor is in violation.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13. Mean Spirited</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Neighbors who always seem to be grumpy or just plain mean can be a pet peeve. These neighbors seem to always have something bad to say about your home, family members, or even yourself&#8230;and they aren’t shy about sharing their opinions. Consider killing a mean-spirited neighbor with kindness by getting to know them better or bringing them a plate of cookies. You never know what problems a neighbor can be facing until you ask.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. Chatty Neighbors</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We all enjoy talking to our neighbors from time to time, but there are those who always seem to be outside when you are and a cordial conversation turns into an hour-long saga about their best friend’s sisters’ cat recent visit to the vet. Consider coming up with some predetermined excuses on how to get out of a long conversation by saying you need to use the bathroom or even stating that you have something that could burn in the oven.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11. Dog Poo Piles</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you don’t have a dog, you may find your front lawn is being used as a dog relief area from neighbors who walk their dogs on a daily basis. Picking up someone else’s dog mess is just not okay. Place funny signs in your yard that are humorous, but also make a point, to remind neighbors about allowing their dog to use your lawn.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Cigarette Butts</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those neighbors who smoke outside have every right to do so but it can become frustrating for those nearby who see the onslaught of cigarette butts on their property. Consider asking neighbors to refrain from leaving their cigarette butts on your lawn. If needed, try picking up the butts when they are outside as well to make a point.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Too Many Kids</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The overtired mom next door may always send her kids outside which can make your own outside time much less enjoyable. Too many kids can mean a lot of noise, crying, and arguing that can get old really fast. Investing in a great pair of noise-canceling headphones can help keep those screams and cries out of earshot.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Sunrise Lawn Mowing</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing is worse than wanting to sleep in on a Saturday morning only to be woken up by the neighbor who is mowing his lawn or <a href=\"https://handymanprollc.com/best-leaf-blowers-reviews/\">blowing a leaf blower</a> at 6 am. Kindly ask a neighbor to wait to mow the lawn until an appropriate hour. Consider sharing certain aspects of your life, like a late night work shift or a newborn baby, in order to help neighbors understand your issue.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Constant Yelling</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those neighbors who always seem to be in some sort of marital spat can create an uncomfortable situation for neighbors who are slyly trying to make it from their car to the front door without being seen. Try to talk to neighbors who are having issues and remember that everyone can have a bad day sometimes.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Bedroom Noise</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Neighbors who are loud in the bedroom, even without their windows open, can create some uncomfortable situations for others, especially during the daytime. Use subtle hints with your overly vocal neighbors who may not realize that they can be heard from the street.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Too Many Bright Lights</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Flooding your property with safety lights may seem like a bright idea, but many homeowners enjoy the beauty of the night sky without the need for police-style floodlights on all of the time. Suggest motion detector light options that will help conserve energy as well as your sanity. <br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Borrowers</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An occasional cup of sugar is one thing. When you find yourself lending out your lawnmower, chainsaw, hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, and kitchen chairs it starts to get old&#8230;especially when you have to repeatedly ask for the items to be returned. Make a habit to stop allowing neighbors to borrow items when they aren’t returned in a timely manner.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Mail Piles</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While many residents enjoy checking the mail there is always that one neighbor who seems to let the mail pile up and spill out of their mailbox or crowd their front door. Consider taking the neighbors mail to their door with a small note about how crowded their mailbox was to drop a hint.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Boarded Up Windows</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Living next to a home with boarded-up windows or doors creates an eyesore and invites a level of danger to a neighborhood. Ask neighbors if you can help them with their property or possibly bring up the situation to the local zoning board as well.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Anal Neighbors</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those neighbors who need their lawns in mint condition can easily become a pet peeve. Those who are always mentioning that one bush branch that keeps on creeping over the fence line or the leaves from your tree landing in their yard are the worst. Do your best to comply with your neighbor’s concerns but don’t kill yourself over every single leaf.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind, there’s no such thing as a perfect neighborhood. So before you consider retaliating, calling the police or complaining to the neighbor in person, ask yourself “would I be happier living anywhere else?” Even a deserted island has loud wildlife that’s sure to keep you awake!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Happen to have questions about lawn care? Visit our </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care\"><em>lawn care</em></a><em> page for more information.</em></p>\n","title":"The 25 Top Pet Peeves of Your Neighbors","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/1789c/human-3429797_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/107df/human-3429797_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/293e9/human-3429797_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/f2cbb/human-3429797_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/1789c/human-3429797_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/356ef/human-3429797_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/1dd6e/human-3429797_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/67b76/human-3429797_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/8df11/human-3429797_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/98a65/human-3429797_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/1dd6e/human-3429797_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/d9d0440ef206fa319b563647b6623021/93f70/human-3429797_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 25 Top Pet Peeves of Your Neighbors | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"26ba59cd-d2e7-522a-9533-8adbce1b8714","slug":"how-to-mow-a-lawn","path":"/blog/how-to-mow-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":"August 11th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Knowing how to mow a lawn properly is crucial to the health of your grass. Cutting the grass might seem self-explanatory, but there are some rules and tricks that will ensure your yard is the envy of the neighborhood. We’ve broken down the process into six steps and included some tips for specific grass types. [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Knowing how to mow a lawn properly is crucial to the health of your grass. Cutting the grass might seem self-explanatory, but there are some rules and tricks that will ensure your yard is the envy of the neighborhood. We’ve broken down the process into six steps and included some tips for specific grass types.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contents:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#how\">How to Mow a Lawn in 6 Steps</a></li><li><a href=\"#warm\">Mowing Warm-season vs Cool-season Grass Types</a></li><li><a href=\"#safety\">Safety When Mowing</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\">How To Mow a Lawn in 6 Steps</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all lawns are alike, and the way you mow your lawn depends on your grass type and the shape and size of your yard. But no matter what kind of lawn you have, following these six steps will keep your grass healthy and thriving:</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Time Your Mow</li><li>Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blades</li><li>Clear the Area Before You Mow</li><li>Alternate Cutting Patterns</li><li>Cut to the Right Height</li><li>Leave the Grass Clippings on the Lawn</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Time Your Mow</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The time of day you mow is just as important as the season. Mid-morning and late afternoon are the <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/best-time-to-mow-lawn/\">best times to cut your grass</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Avoid mowing at daybreak</strong> because the morning dew forces the mower to work harder, and the moisture tears the grass blades. Mowing in the evening can be stressful on your grass as it won’t have time to recover.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Don’t mow after a rain shower</strong> either; wet grass will dull the lawn mower blades and can create ruts, uneven cuts, and clumping on your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Sharpen the Lawn Mower Blades</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<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_800px-electric_lawn_mower_underside_img_5501-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn Mower\" class=\"wp-image-11916\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_800px-electric_lawn_mower_underside_img_5501-1.jpg 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_800px-electric_lawn_mower_underside_img_5501-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Electric_lawn_mower_underside_IMG_5501.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikimedia Commons</a> | <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Hedwig_Storch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hedwig Storch</a> | <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC By-SA 3.0</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n<p>Sharp blades are essential for a clean and easy cut. Dull blades tear your grass, leading to brown grass and increased disease. Sharp blades that cleanly slice through your grass can help it regrow and repair faster.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can sharpen the blades on your own or hire a professional. If you decide to sharpen them on your own, always remove the mower’s spark plug before you remove and replace the mower blades.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Clear the Area Before You Mow​​</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_img_1651-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Sticks on Lawn\" class=\"wp-image-11733\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_img_1651-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_img_1651-1-980x735.jpg 980w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_img_1651-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, ((min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px)) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/author/brendastuartryangmail-com/\">Brenda Stuart</a> | Wikilawn</figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n<p>Remove any sticks, garbage, or forgotten toys. Debris can get caught in the mower and fly out, injuring someone or damaging property. Mowing over sticks and other items will wear down your mower’s blades much faster.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don’t get too close to landscaping elements or children’s play areas. Removing the grass from these locations can be <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-to-edge-a-lawn/\">done with an edger</a> or string trimmer. This is much safer and worth the extra time.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Alternate Cutting Patterns&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cutting in the same pattern every time you mow compacts the soil and flattens the grass blades. This prevents the lawn from getting enough water and air, ultimately halting growth.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternating mowing patterns can be as simple as cutting east to west one week and north to south the next. This is also an opportunity to get creative and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-to-stripe-a-lawn-in-6-steps/\">stripe your lawn</a> or create a checkerboard pattern and make it look like an MLB playing field.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Want the look of a baseball field without all the work? We can help you find a </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\"><em>lawn care professional </em></a><em>to stripe and design patterns in your lawn.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Cut to the Right Height</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check your mower’s height before starting. Place your mower on a flat and firm surface and measure up from the ground to your mower blade. Set the lever to the desired height. You’ll find the desired height for each grass type in the table below.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>When your grass reaches 3-5 inches tall, you should cut it down incrementally instead of all at once. It’s best to cut your grass by a third of its height each time. This is known as the one-third rule.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the one-third rule helps keep your grass green, prevents soil compaction, and increases your lawn’s defense against pests and disease. Cutting to the right height also limits injury to the crown of the grass blades, where nutrients are stored.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Leave the Grass Clippings on the Lawn</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"444\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_grass_clippings-1024x444.jpg\" alt=\"grass clippings\" class=\"wp-image-11630\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_grass_clippings-1024x444.jpg 1024w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_grass_clippings-980x425.jpg 980w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_grass_clippings-480x208.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, ((min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px)) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" /><figcaption>Photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/users/counselling-440107/\" target=\"_blank\">Counselling</a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/photos/rasenm%c3%a4her-gras-schneiden-938555/\" target=\"_blank\">Pixabay</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n<p>Grass clippings are an excellent mulch for your lawn. The chopped grass blades act as a natural fertilizer and return nitrogen to the soil, so don’t bag them. Contrary to popular belief, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-dethatch-your-lawn/#:~:text=2.%20Do%20grass,nitrogen%2Dbased%20fertilizer.\">grass clippings do not contribute to lawn thatch</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"warm\">Mowing Warm-Season vs Cool-Season Grass Types</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grasses tend to sprout faster than warm-season grass types, but the mowing frequencies and heights vary according to the species.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warm-Season Grasses&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-season grasses begin to grow as the weather hits 65° and thrive in temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees. These types of grasses grow fastest during the summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here’s the recommended height for common warm-season grasses and how often they need mowing.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Warm-Season Grass</strong></td><td><strong>Recommended Height</strong></td><td><strong>Recommended Mowing Frequency</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Buffalograss</td><td>2” &#8211; 3”</td><td>weekly</td></tr><tr><td>Dichondra&nbsp;</td><td>1.5” &#8211; 2”</td><td>bi-weekly</td></tr><tr><td>Centipede Grass</td><td>1” &#8211; 1.5”</td><td>every 5-7 days</td></tr><tr><td>Zoysia&nbsp;</td><td>1.5 &#8211; 3”</td><td>every 7-10 days</td></tr><tr><td>Bermudagrass</td><td>1” &#8211; 1.5”</td><td>every 5-7 days</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cool-Season Grasses</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grasses begin to grow as the weather reaches 60° and enjoy temperatures between 60° &#8211; 75°. This means the <a href=\"https://turf.unl.edu/TurfAdvice/Cool-season%20lawn%20calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">peak growing season</a> is in spring and fall. When growth slows during the summer, you may only need to mow every other week.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cool-Season Grass</strong></td><td><strong>Recommended Height</strong></td><td><strong>Recommended Mowing Frequency</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Perennial Ryegrass</td><td>1.5”- 2.5”&nbsp;</td><td>every 5-7 days</td></tr><tr><td>Tall Fescue&nbsp;</td><td>2” &#8211; 3”</td><td>every 7-10 days</td></tr><tr><td>Kentucky Bluegrass</td><td>2.5“ &#8211; 3”</td><td>weekly</td></tr><tr><td>Red Fescue&nbsp;</td><td>3 &#8211; 3.5“</td><td>every 7-10 days</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mowing Tips&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the six steps listed above, these mowing tips will help make sure you mow your lawn properly:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Find the Right Mower</li><li>Don’t Mow Too Often</li><li>Mowing New Grass&nbsp;</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Find the Right Mower</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding the right lawnmower is one of the best ways to make lawn care easier. Consider the amount of money you want to spend, the size of your yard, and specific conveniences you’d like.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Mulching mowers:</strong> The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/reviews/best-mulching-lawn-mowers/\" target=\"_blank\">best mulching mowers</a> cut the grass finer, so it decomposes faster.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Riding mowers</strong>: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-riding-mowers/\" target=\"_blank\">These mowers</a> are good for larger and hilly lawns.</li><li><strong>Reel mowers:</strong> Inexpensive and good for small, flat lawns. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.walmart.com/browse/patio-garden/reel-lawn-mowers/5428_1102182_1225352_1218918\" target=\"_blank\">Reel mowers</a> also cut down on fuel costs.</li><li><strong>Zero-turn mowers</strong>: Excellent for yards with a lot of hardscaping. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/g63/best-zero-turn-mowers/\" target=\"_blank\">Zero-turn mowers</a> can also save your flower beds.</li><li><strong>Gas-powered mowers:</strong> Great for expansive and challenging lawns. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-20-Push-Lawn-Mower-with-125cc-Briggs-Stratton-Gas-Powered-Engine/227827727?wmlspartner=wlpa&amp;selectedSellerId=0&amp;&amp;adid=22222222227459146647&amp;wl0=&amp;wl1=g&amp;wl2=c&amp;wl3=537897111778&amp;wl4=aud-1651068664546:pla-1394022004726&amp;wl5=9028717&amp;wl6=&amp;wl7=&amp;wl8=&amp;wl9=pla&amp;wl10=8175035&amp;wl11=online&amp;wl12=227827727&amp;veh=sem&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwlqOXBhBqEiwA-hhitNrfMVI9OkSgT_15RboO4arZFb_7FHBRSHcV0cRhTRjSh-7TXYUrFhoClOoQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\">Gas-powered mowers</a> are the most popular.</li><li><strong>Cordless electric mowers</strong>: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-battery-powered-lawn-mowers/\" target=\"_blank\">Run on batteries</a> and are well-suited for medium-sized properties.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Don’t Mow Too Often</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most lawns should be mowed once a week, but some should be cut bi-weekly especially cool-season grasses that grow quickly during the spring and fall. Slower growing lawns should be cut every 7 to 10 days. To conserve water, mow less often during a dry spell.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The one-third rule is the best gauge for how often to mow your grass. Frequency is a balance between the health of your grass and the look of your lawn. Grass is a sensitive plant, and mowing too often can diminish its ability to thrive.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. When to Mow New Grass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s tempting to mow new grass as soon as you see it sprout, but that can damage the lawn. Once the new grass hits an inch above the recommended mowing height, you can give your new lawn a cut.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you wait long enough, that <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/care-and-maintenance-lawn-after-seeding#:~:text=A%20newly%20seeded%20lawn%20requires,and%20require%20more%20frequent%20irrigation.\" target=\"_blank\">first mow can help you grow</a> a robust and healthy lawn with less risk for soil compaction.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"safety\">Safety When Mowing&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nearly 7,000 people a year are injured by lawn mowers. These <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/yard-work-safety/\">injuries can be avoided</a> by adhering to basic safety rules, including:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Wear eye and hearing protection, gloves, and long pants and shirts.</li><li>Tie back long hair and remove loose jewelry.&nbsp;</li><li>Clear debris from your yard before mowing</li><li>Adjust the cutting height before you turn the mower on, and never stick a hand or foot inside the mower while it’s running.&nbsp;</li><li>Have your mower serviced every season.</li><li>Avoid mowing wet grass.&nbsp;</li><li>Never refuel your engine while the mower is running or the engine is hot.&nbsp;</li><li>Don’t pull the mower backward. Always cut by pushing the device forward.&nbsp;</li><li>Move up and down on a slope, never across.</li><li>If you use a riding mower, never let anyone else sit on the mower with you.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ</h2>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Should I edge before or after I mow?</strong></li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p>It really doesn’t matter. Most people find it best to mow first as it cleans up the majority of growth and makes it easier to see the edging.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people find it better to edge first, so you have a better view of the landscaping and other obstacles. This can make it easier to avoid them while mowing.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>How much should I overlap with each mowing pass?</strong></li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically you will overlap by a few inches, but it depends on the width of your mower’s deck. Overlap as much as needed to ensure you don’t miss any spots.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>What should I do if the grass is overgrown?</strong></li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with a string trimmer or weed eater and remove about one-third of the growth. Repeat this process a few days later, and then use a mower to reach the desired height.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><em>Worried about safety, mowing correctly, or finding the right tools? We can help you find a </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\"><em>lawn care professional </em></a><em>to take care of all your mowing, edging, trimming, and mulching.</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 Mow a Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/1789c/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/107df/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/293e9/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/f2cbb/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/1789c/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/a2a79/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/1dd6e/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/67b76/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 320w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/8df11/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 500w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/98a65/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 800w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/1dd6e/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 960w,\n/static/bd24dfa2a6b06ab81e1556e9330b8b35/7aa54/rsz_jjack_mowing-1024x768-1.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Mow a Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Mowing your grass correctly gives you a dense lawn that can fight off disease, weeds, and pests. We’ll show you how to mow a lawn to keep it healthy and green."}}},{"node":{"id":"0f0be98b-9879-5e0b-8848-40350eef9b40","slug":"pampas-grass-when-to-plant-it","path":"/blog/pampas-grass-when-to-plant-it/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Sara Pali","id":"4d4f2af5-a178-5520-b6e1-404b933024b2","path":"/author/sara-pali/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/dfe0834fb23b5aba6b496b1b6a9774d7?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>Pampas grass is an ornamental grass with dramatic foliage that produces beautiful showstoppers in landscapes and floral arrangements. Before learning how to plant and grow pampas grass, you need to understand the plant&#8217;s needs and when to plant it. &nbsp; This article will show you: When to plant pampas grass How to plant pampas grass [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Pampas grass is an ornamental grass with dramatic foliage that produces beautiful showstoppers in landscapes and floral arrangements. Before learning how to plant and grow pampas grass, you need to understand the plant&#8217;s needs and when to plant it. &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article will show you:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#when\">When to plant pampas grass</a></li><li><a href=\"#how\">How to plant pampas grass</a></li><li><a href=\"#best\">Best growing conditions for pampas grass</a></li><li><a href=\"#pampas\">Pampas grass care and pruning</a></li><li><a href=\"#uses\">Uses for pampas grass</a></li><li><a href=\"#cons\">The cons of pampas grass</a></li><li><a href=\"#popular\">Popular pampas grass varieties</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when\">When to Plant Pampas Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best time to plant pampas grass is in early spring, between March and May. This warm-season ornamental grass grows best at temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\">How to Plant Pampas Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;You can grow pampas grass from seed in three easy steps.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Sow the pampas grass seed in a tray in mid-winter. Lightly press grass seeds on top of well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and indoors in temperatures above 65 degrees. The grass seeds require light and take 14-28 days to germinate.&nbsp;</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><li>Transplant the grass seeds into small, individual containers once they begin to sprout.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><li>After the threat of frost is over, the grass seeds are slightly bushy, and the roots are well-developed, move the plants into your garden.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p>It takes 2 to 3 years from planting the pampas grass seeds until their feathery plumes form. If you don’t want to wait, garden nurseries and hardware stores often sell more mature plants in 1-gallon and 3-gallon containers.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best\">Best Growing Conditions for Pampas Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pampas grass grows best in full sun. It tolerates partial shade, so climates in the <a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA zones 7-11</a> are ideal. You’ll find it along the coast of California, the Central Valley, Western Transverse Ranges, and the Mojave Desert. Pampas grass prefers moist, well-draining soil preferring temperatures 75 degrees or higher and high humidity levels.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pampas grass tolerates salt spray and high winds, often growing as high as 6 feet in one year. When growing pampas grass from seed, the plant will take from 2 to 4 years&nbsp; to reach full maturity. Because of its size, it needs a lot of space. If creating a hedge, leave 6 to 8 feet between each plant.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pampas\">Pampas Grass Care and Pruning</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need to water occasionally if planting pampas grass in a container, but once in the ground, pampas grass is low maintenance. No need for additional watering since it thrives on natural rainfall. Applying mulch around the root zones should keep out weeds and keep the soil moist.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pampas grass requires yearly pruning in late winter. Use shears to cut the plant as close to ground level as possible.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Wear gloves and long sleeves</strong> to avoid cuts from its sharp leaf blades.</li><li><strong>Watch for rodents, insects, and snakes. </strong>Pampas grass provides a habitat for various animals.</li><li><strong>Apply fertilizer</strong> to stimulate new growth.</li><li><strong>Remove debris, </strong>so unwanted grass seeds don’t spread. Use the brown blades as mulch.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time pampas grass becomes overcrowded, and the center of the plant dies. Propagation keeps the grass healthy and grows new plants. You can do this in the spring by slicing clumps of grass and planting them in another location.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"uses\">Uses for Pampas Grass&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pampas grass prevents soil erosion with its strong root system. Once established, it has very few pest problems, and deer don’t find it appealing. Since it’s drought-tolerant, it <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/tired-of-traditional-turf-try-a-grass-alternative/\">makes an excellent grass alternative.</a></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Privacy hedge:</strong> Its height and fullness make pampas grass a great choice around pools and yards.</li><li><strong>Shade:</strong> The tall leaves block out the sun.</li><li><strong>Background plant:</strong> Pampas grass provides texture in flower beds. Its feathery plumes add color from late summer into late winter when other flowers are no longer blooming.</li><li><strong>Home decor: </strong>The feathery plumes can be cut and used in floral decorations. Dried pampas feathery plumes are popular for wedding arrangements. Its neutral colors make it versatile in many color pallets.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cons\">The Cons of Pampas Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all plants, pampas has its downsides.</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul><li><strong>Potential fire hazard:</strong> Avoid planting pampas grass close to buildings as dry foliage can become flammable.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Spreads easily:</strong> Pampas grass produces lots of seeds that carry in the wind, allowing them to spread into neighboring yards.</li><li><strong>Invasive:</strong> Pampas grass is native to South America and is considered an invasive species in California, Hawaii, and New Zealand. Due to its strong root systems, pampas grass is difficult to remove if you decide you no longer want it in your landscape.</li></ul>\n</div></div>\n</div></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"popular\">Pampas Grass Varieties&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pampas grass has grass-like foliage and feathery plumes that come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, lavender, and pink. This <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/drought-tolerant-plants/9-ornamental-grasses-for-your-garden-landscape-design/\">ornamental grass</a> also comes in several varieties.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dwarf</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dwarf varieties of pampas grass are the smallest and shortest of the species. Reaching a height of 3 to 6 feet and a width of 3 to 4 feet, dwarf pampas grass grows in zones 6 to 10. It has green foliage and white, feathery plumes.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gold Band</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gold band pampas grass grows in zones 7 to 11. It grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Its foliage is green with a lengthwise yellow stripe, and its feathery plume is white.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andes Silver</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Andes silver pampas grass grows 5 to 7 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Grown in zones 6 to 10, it has a silvery-white, feathery plume and gray-green foliage.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Silver Comet</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Silver comet pampas grass has a creamy-white, feathery plume. Its foliage is green with two white stripes on each blade’s edges. Grown in zones 7 to 10, silver comet pampas grass grows to a height and width of 4 to 6 feet.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purple Pampas Grass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Purple pampas grass is also known as Andean pampas grass. It’s the tallest and largest on this list, growing to heights of 15 to 20 feet tall and up to 19 feet wide. With deep green foliage and purple or pink feathery plumes, purple pampas grass grows in zones 7 to 11.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Male and female flowers differ in pampas grass, with the female plants displaying more color. Male plants lack the silky hairs that cover the flowers and make pampas grass so dramatic. Pampas grass is often propagated by separating the female and male clumps.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs About Growing Pampas Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Does pampas grass come back every year?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Pampas grass is a perennial plant that grows from spring through fall. It goes dormant in the winter.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Is pampas grass poisonous to dogs?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>No. According to the ASPCA, <a href=\"https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/pampas-grass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pampas grass is non-toxic</a> to dogs, cats, and horses, but the sharp edges can sometimes cut their paws.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. When does pampas grass bloom?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pampas grass blooms in late summer through early fall. In warmer climates, it can bloom throughout the winter.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. How do I dry pampas grass to use in a floral arrangement?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wrap the stems together with some string and hang them upside down in a dry place for about three weeks. Use care when handling the dry stems to keep the plumes from shedding.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. How do I care for pampas grass in a floral arrangement?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll need to cut pampas grass’s feathery plumes when they become fluffy before they begin to shed. Inspect plumes for insects and lightly shake to remove. To prevent further shedding once cut, lightly spray with aerosol hairspray. Hang to dry.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>When indoors, keep pampas grass plumes away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Pampas grass’s feathery plumes last up to 2 years when dried.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. How do I remove pampas grass?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Removing pampas grass can be labor-intensive. <a href=\"https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=51032\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UC Master Gardeners of Napa County</a> recommends removing the plant by hand when the soil is moist, before its feathery plumes bloom. You’ll need to remove the roots as well.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><em>If you love the feathery plumes but don’t want to deal with pampas grass’s sharp blades, we can help you find a </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/#get-quote\"><em>landscaping professional near you</em></a><em> who will plant and prune your plants.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit:  <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/users/moshehar-7046690/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=6737539\" target=\"_blank\">Moshe Harosh</a> | <a href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/photos/pampasgras-blumen-pflanzen-gras-6737539/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay</a></p>\n","title":"How to Plant and Grow Pampas Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/1789c/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/107df/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/293e9/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/f2cbb/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/1789c/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/c26c2/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/1dd6e/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/67b76/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/8df11/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/98a65/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/1dd6e/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/3b7d60b4b459a1432f631bba7d03f58c/3cc96/rsz_pampas-grass-g76e898675_1280.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Plant and Grow Pampas Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Pampas grass may be just what you need to spice up your yard. We’ll tell you when and how to plant pampas grass in your yard."}}},{"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":""}}},{"node":{"id":"2564dfb0-d1b0-5c30-b6df-3390e9ffed53","slug":"transition-zone-grasses","path":"/blog/transition-zone-grasses/","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":"August 1st, 2023","excerpt":"<p>If you live in the middle region of the U.S., you likely live in what lawn care experts call the transition zone. In the transition zone, both warm-season and cool-season grass types can grow, but they might suffer during their dormant season. This guide will teach you how to plant and grow transition zone grasses [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>If you live in the middle region of the U.S., you likely live in what lawn care experts call the transition zone. In the transition zone, both warm-season and cool-season grass types can grow, but they might suffer during their dormant season. This guide will teach you how to plant and grow transition zone grasses for a healthy lawn year-round.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#What\">What Are Transition Zone Grasses?</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Where\">Where Transition Zone Grasses Grow and Thrive&nbsp;</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Best\">Best Cool-Season and Warm-Season Grasses for the Transition Zone</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Caring\">Caring For Transition Zone Grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Maintenance\">Maintenance Calendar For Transition Zone Grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#FAQs\">FAQ</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What\">What Are Transition Zone Grasses?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Transition zone grasses are those that grow well in the areas of the U.S. sandwiched between northern, cool-season grass states and southern, warm-season grass states. Transition zone grasses are a combination of both warm- and cool-season grasses.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Transition zone grasses include Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass. Some of these are warm-season grasses, which grow best in hot temperatures and typically thrive in the southern U.S. Others are cool-season grasses, which grow best in cooler temperatures and typically thrive in the northern U.S.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since neither type of grass is well-adapted to the transition zone, they can develop issues at different times of the year. For instance, in an area that is too warm, cool-season grasses might struggle in the heat and drought of summer. On the other hand, warm-season grasses will struggle through harsh winters and especially cold fall seasons.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Where\">Where Transition Zone Grasses Grow and Thrive&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The transition zone includes approximately the middle third of the U.S. The northern third of the country falls into the cool-season grass growing zone, and the southern third falls into the warm-season grass growing zone. See the map below to find out if you&#8217;re in the transition zone.</p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg\" alt=\"Cool Season Warm Season Transition Zone map\" class=\"wp-image-14668\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg 1200w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone-300x208.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone-1024x709.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone-768x532.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone-1080x748.jpg 1080w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone-980x679.jpg 980w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone-480x332.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Illustration by Juan Rodriguez</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some states included in the transition zone:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Arkansas</li>\n\n\n\n<li>California</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delaware</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kansas</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kentucky</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maryland</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missouri</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nevada</li>\n\n\n\n<li>North Carolina</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oklahoma</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tennessee</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Virginia</li>\n\n\n\n<li>West Virginia</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that for some of these states, only the far northern or far southern region falls in the transition zone. It&#8217;s important to find your exact location on the map above to help you get an accurate picture of what grass types you can grow on your lawn. </p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Best\">Best Cool-Season and Warm-Season Grasses for the Transition Zone</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best lawns in the transition zone are usually made up of a combination of cool-season and warm-season grass types, which thrive at different times of the year. Warm-season grass will keep your lawn green and dense during summer, and cool-season grass will help your lawn stay green later into the fall when temperatures start to drop.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cool-Season Grasses for the Transition Zone</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grasses can be found growing in northern regions of the U.S. where there are cold winters and temperatures usually average 60 to 75 degrees. These grasses endure very cold temperatures, and they stay green longer into the fall and green up sooner in spring than warm-season grasses. They grow most actively in spring and fall.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/guide-to-cool-season-grasses\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/guide-to-cool-season-grasses\">cool-season grasses</a> prefer cooler temperatures, they can struggle to stay green in summer and may go dormant.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kentucky Bluegrass</h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"543\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\" alt=\"Backyard featuring Kentucky bluegrass\" class=\"wp-image-13245\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-300x204.jpeg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-768x521.jpeg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-480x326.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></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>This dark green, canoe-shaped cool-season grass is ideal for lawns in the transition zone, particularly those with lots of sun exposure. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/landscaping/everything-to-know-about-kentucky-bluegrass/\">Kentucky bluegrass</a> is a dense turfgrass often used on golf courses and other recreational areas. In regions where temperatures regularly get above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, this grass will go dormant in summer until temperatures cool.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: Moderate to high</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Moderate; likes full sun</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 2.5 to 3.5 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Rhizomes</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perennial Ryegrass</h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"497\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of a perennial ryegrass\" class=\"wp-image-12224\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-300x186.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-768x477.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-400x250.jpg 400w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-480x298.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/marygillhamarchiveproject/26820162412\" target=\"_blank\">Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>This cool-season grass is ideal for homeowners who expect high levels of traffic in their yards. This grass is often combined with Kentucky bluegrass as a mixture. Unfortunately, perennial ryegrass is very high-maintenance and will require lots of mowing. When temperatures reach the high 70s in summer, this grass will go dormant.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Low, needs full sun</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: Low, will go dormant in summer</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: High, requires frequent cutting&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 1.5 to 2.5 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Bunch-type grass</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tall Fescue</h4>\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/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close up image of tall fescue grass with a hand on it\" class=\"wp-image-15470\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://turf.purdue.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">Purdue&#8217;s Turfgrass Science Program</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, tall fescue is a high maintenance grass option, primarily because it grows so fast. On a positive note, this sun-loving grass handles foot traffic well. It also isn’t very susceptible to disease. When temperatures reach the mid to high 80s, this grass will go dormant until temperatures cool. It is one of the most heat-tolerant cool-season grasses.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Moderate; prefers direct sunlight</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: Moderate&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: Fast rate of growth; prepare to mow often</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 3 to 4 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Bunch-type grass</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Warm\">Warm-Season Grasses for the Transition Zone&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-season grasses typically grow in the southern U.S. where there are hot summers, and they thrive in temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand hot temperatures and endure drought conditions much better than cool-season grasses, but they will enter winter dormancy earlier in the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find the best <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/\">warm-season grasses</a> to grow in the transition zone below.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bermudagrass</h4>\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/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bermudagrass\" class=\"wp-image-15561\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1-480x319.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cynodon_dactylon_in_open_forest_near_Larissa_St_7th_Brigade_Park_Chermside_IMGP3068.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">John Robert McPherson</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>This sun-loving grass is able to withstand a lot of foot traffic. Unfortunately, it is very vulnerable to diseases and requires a lot of maintenance. As a warm-season grass, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-care-the-definitive-guide-to-bermuda-grass/\">Bermudagrass</a> can experience plenty of extremely hot temperatures and still grow and thrive. It can even tolerate drought well. However, this grass will fall into dormancy when temperatures remain consistently at about 50 degrees.&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>Foot Traffic Tolerance:</strong> High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade Tolerance: </strong>Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought Tolerance:</strong> High&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance Needs:</strong> High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing Height:</strong> 1 to 1 ½ inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by: </strong>Rhizomes and stolons</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zoysiagrass</h4>\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/zoysiagrass.jpg\" alt=\"lush green zoysia grass in a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-12273\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emeraldzoysia1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Russbach at the English Wikipedia</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoysiagrass is a dense, deeply rich green turfgrass that has a high tolerance for foot traffic. It is also a low-maintenance grass that can keep weeds at bay. One weak spot for this grass is that it is susceptible to various <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-identify-grass-fungus/\">types of lawn diseases</a>. On a positive note, because <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/everything-you-need-to-know-about-zoysia-grass/\">Zoysiagrass</a> is a warm-season grass, it can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions. It tends to go dormant in temperatures below 55 degrees.&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 rings</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot Traffic Tolerance:</strong> High</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>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<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Caring\">Caring For Transition Zone Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Caring for transition zone grasses isn’t much different than caring for cool-season grasses in cooler regions or warm-season grasses in warm regions. The same strategies for irrigation, weed control, pest and disease treatment, fertilization, and mowing should be employed depending on what type of grass is in your yard. Here are some <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/\">basic lawn care tips</a> to keep in mind when caring for both cool and warm-season grasses.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Water grass early in the morning,</strong> preferably before 8 am, particularly in summer, to minimize evaporation of water during the warmest part of the day.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-and-how-to-fertilize-your-lawn/\"><strong>Fertilize your lawn</strong></a><strong> every four to six weeks</strong>, but don’t overfertilize grass, as this could damage it. Only fertilize grass during its active growth period, which means late spring and summer for warm-season grasses and spring and fall for cool-season grasses.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use the ⅓ rule when cutting your grass</strong> during the growing season. In other words, don’t cut off more than ⅓ of the grass&#8217;s height when mowing to avoid scalping it, especially during summer.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\"><strong>Aerate</strong></a><strong> and dethatch your lawn</strong> if it seems that it’s not getting enough nutrients.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Get on a regular weed control schedule</strong> that includes both pre-emergent herbicides and post-emergent herbicides.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use an insecticide</strong> to keep pests out of your grass, particularly <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/pests-and-diseases/get-rid-of-grub-worms-in-lawns/\">lawn grubs</a>.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consider </strong><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-overseed-a-lawn/\"><strong>overseeding your lawn</strong></a> if you have recently experienced lawn disease or have burned your grass from overfertilizing it. Kentucky bluegrass is an excellent grass seed to use for overseeding.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Water your lawn deeply and infrequently</strong>, about once a week, to promote a healthy root system and avoid overwatering. Try to ensure your grass gets 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week from irrigation and rainfall.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Maintenance\">Maintenance Calendar For Transition Zone Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Caring for grass in the transition zone can be tricky because you may have a cool-season or warm-season grass in your yard, and the best time to perform lawn maintenance tasks varies for each.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, before starting with a maintenance routine, it&#8217;s important to know what type of grass is in your yard. Once you know you have warm-season or cool-season grass, you can proceed with seasonal maintenance.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spring</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In spring, both cool-season and warm-season grasses will start to green up after winter dormancy. Once your grass greens up and starts growing again, it&#8217;s time to start mowing and fertilizing regularly.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-season grasses typically start to green up in early spring, while warm-season grasses wait until late spring when the soil warms up a bit. Because it is the beginning of the growing season, late spring is the best time to plant new warm-season grass seeds. It is also the best time to aerate and dethatch warm-season lawns.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summer</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During summer, irrigation will be critical for your transition zone grass, particularly cool-season grasses, which struggle in heat and drought conditions. Water your lawn with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, skipping weeks with rainfall. For cool-season grasses, you may need to increase the frequency of your watering sessions.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if your cool-season grass goes dormant in summer, excess water will not help it but will encourage weeds, pests, and lawn diseases. Dormant cool-season grasses may turn brown, but that doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re dead. Avoid fertilizing them, as fertilizers do nothing for dormant grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, summer is warm-season grass&#8217;s time to shine! This is when these grasses grow most actively, so you will need to mow your lawn at least once per week and maybe more during summer.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once autumn sets in, warm-season grasses will begin to slow their growth, while cool-season grass growth will start to pick up the pace. Fall is the best time to aerate, dethatch, and seed cool-season grasses. You can also fertilize them once in early fall and again in late fall with a specialized fall lawn fertilizer.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should not aerate, dethatch, or plant warm-season grasses in fall, as they are preparing to enter dormancy and need to rest. You can fertilize them in early fall, but be sure to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer designed to help grass through the winter. As the temperatures cool, you can also lower the amount you water your lawn.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During winter in the transition zone, most grass types will go dormant, whether they are warm-season or cool-season types. Don&#8217;t mow or fertilize the lawn during winter dormancy, and do your best to avoid walking or driving on the lawn during this time. The best thing you can do for your grass during this time is leave it alone.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of working on your grass, take this time to winterize your lawn equipment, including lawn mowers, weed eaters, and sprinkler systems.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"FAQs\">FAQs About Transition Zone Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can I Choose The Right Grass For My Transition Zone Yard?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pay attention to how much sun your yard gets, and choose a grass type that thrives in the right level of sun exposure. For example, if your yard is full of huge shade trees, a sun-loving grass like Bermuda probably won&#8217;t grow very well for you.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing to think about is the maintenance level you&#8217;re comfortable with. How much work are you willing to put into your lawn? If the answer is &#8220;not much,&#8221; you should choose a low-maintenance grass that will still look great even if you don&#8217;t do much to help it.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can I Find My Plant Hardiness Zone?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick way to determine which hardiness zone you reside in so that you can discover the best plans and grasses to grow is by typing your zip code into the <a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Transition Zone Grasses More Prone to Dormancy?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Grasses in this region may experience dormancy more than in northern or southern regions because the summers are typically hot, which leads to cool-season grass dormancy, and the fall seasons are typically chilly, which leads to warm-season grass dormancy.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Help Caring For Your Transition Zone Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not everyone was born with a green thumb. And even if you have a knack for planting and growing grass successfully, this doesn’t mean you have the time to do it properly – especially if you live in the transition zone, where lawn care is fraught with challenges. For help maintaining your transition zone lawn so it always looks its best, contact <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">a local lawn care pro</a> to schedule regular maintenance on your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Image Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MADBS6gHV7I-four-season-tree/\" target=\"_blank\">lilkar</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n","title":"Guide to Transition Zone Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1789c/Four-season-tree.jpg","srcSet":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/107df/Four-season-tree.jpg 320w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/293e9/Four-season-tree.jpg 500w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/f2cbb/Four-season-tree.jpg 800w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1789c/Four-season-tree.jpg 960w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/c26c2/Four-season-tree.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1dd6e/Four-season-tree.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/67b76/Four-season-tree.webp 320w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/8df11/Four-season-tree.webp 500w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/98a65/Four-season-tree.webp 800w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1dd6e/Four-season-tree.webp 960w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/3cc96/Four-season-tree.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Transition Zone Grasses | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass for the transition zone is usually a combination of warm-season and cool-season grass. Learn more in this guide to transition zone grasses."}}},{"node":{"id":"fc01ca95-4faa-5ce8-8ef3-c9a4548de41e","slug":"when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed","path":"/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Watering your lawn at the correct time interval after applying weed and feed ensures the product actually works. The type of weed and feed used determines the time frame in which the grass should be watered after administering the product. This article covers when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed, depending on [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Watering your lawn at the correct time interval after applying weed and feed ensures the product actually works. The type of weed and feed used determines the time frame in which the grass should be watered after administering the product. This article covers when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed, depending on the specific type.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading to find out how to get it right the first time.</p>\n\n\n<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-0575cab6-43e7-448b-9c79-d71fe4690274\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\"\n                    data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\">\n                    <div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">In this article:</div></div></div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \"><ul><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#0-when-to-water-the-lawn-after-applying-weed-and-feed>When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#6-what-is-weed-and-feed>What is Weed and Feed?</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#7-what-weed-and-feed-should-you-choose>What Weed and Feed Should You Choose?</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#8-why-weed-and-feed-may-be-bad-for-your-lawn>Why Weed and Feed May Be Bad for Your Lawn</a></li><li><a href=https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/#9-faq-about-watering-after-weed-and-feed>FAQ</a></li></ul></div></div></div>\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-when-to-water-the-lawn-after-applying-weed-and-feed\">When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When to water your lawn after applying weed and feed products is just as important as knowing <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-use-weed-and-feed\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-use-weed-and-feed\">how and when to apply weed and feed</a>. Watering your grass too soon or too late can result in ineffective weed control and keep the fertilizer from creating a healthy lawn full of green grass. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out below when to water the lawn after applying the different types of weed and feed products.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-pre-emergent-weed-and-feed\">Pre-Emergent Weed and Feed</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"633\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\" alt=\"A picture showing a person fertilizing lawn\" class=\"wp-image-12425\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20-300x237.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20-768x608.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20-480x380.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.canva.com/photos/MAEEX3fUtKs/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">groveb</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/pre-emergent-herbicides\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/pre-emergent-herbicides\">Pre-emergent</a> weed and feed products require water to help them penetrate the ground to be effective. You can water the grass 12 to 24 hours after application. For the best results, wait at least 24 hours before watering.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rain:</strong> The rain can help soak the herbicide into the soil. However, do not water the lawn if it rains after you apply weed and feed. Too much water can wash away the treatment.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-post-emergent-weed-and-feed\">Post-Emergent Weed and Feed</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-Fertilizer-spreader-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn fertilizer is spread by hand with a T-shaped tool that spreads fertilizer from both sides of an arrow-shaped element\" class=\"wp-image-12690\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1-480x320.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.shutterstock.com/image-photo/lawn-fertilizer-being-spread-by-hand-1177125406\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dean Clarke</a> / Shutterstock / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Homeowners should use <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/post-emergent-herbicides/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/post-emergent-herbicides/\">post-emergent</a> weed and feed products when it will be dry for a few days. These products are more sensitive to watering than their pre-emergent counterparts. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait two days before watering the lawn to give the herbicide portion of the weed and feed time to absorb into the leaves of the weeds. If watered before 48 hours, the chemicals are washed away and will not work.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rain: </strong>Be sure to check the weather forecast and pick a time to apply weed and feed when it is going to be dry for a few days.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-granular-weed-and-feed\">Granular Weed and Feed</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/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1.jpg\" alt=\"fertilizer for the lawn\" class=\"wp-image-16637\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1-480x360.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.canva.com/photos/MAEE7QnzYUk-feeding-lawn-with-granular-fertilizer-for-perfect-green-grass/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ronstik</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>For granular fertilizer to work, it must be watered into the ground to release the lawn food that makes grass healthy and gives you a green lawn. If the fertilizer does not receive water, it can burn the grass if it sits on the lawn during the summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait 12 to 24 hours before watering your lawn after applying <strong>granular pre-emergent weed and feed</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grass treated with <strong>granular post-emergents</strong> should not be watered for at least 48 hours.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-liquid-weed-and-feed\">Liquid Weed and Feed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike granular products, liquid weed and feed does not require watering to work. And you do not have to wait as long to water the lawn. As a rule of thumb, waiting at least 24 hours is best. Too much watering can render the chemicals ineffective, so be mindful of this when you turn on the sprinklers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-pre-emergent-and-post-emergent-weed-and-feed\">Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed and Feed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The chemicals in these two different types of weed and feed do not mix well. Therefore, homeowners are advised not to use both a pre-emergent and post-emergent at the same time. Here are some reasons why:</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212; They should be watered at different times after application.<br>&#8212; They should be applied at different times to work. Pre-emergents should be used in early spring. Post-emergents should be applied in the late spring.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-what-is-weed-and-feed\">What is Weed and Feed?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Weed and feed is a combination of chemicals to treat weeds and fertilize the grass. The lawn fertilizer – the &#8220;feed&#8221; part – contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, important plant nutrients. The weed control portion can be either a pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-Emergent Weed and Feed: </strong>Pre-emergent weed and feed products have herbicides to stop weed seeds from germinating. Pre-emergent products do not kill weeds. Depending on the ingredients, pre-emergent weed and feed inhibits cell division, prevents root growth, or stops enzyme growth to keep weeds from growing in the first place.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Post-Emergent Weed and Feed: </strong>Post-emergent two-in-one products have chemicals that kill weeds that are already growing. Contact-based products kill the plant parts they come into contact with, which is typically the parts above ground. Systemic post-emergents can be sprayed on any part of the weed and are absorbed into the plant, destroying its entire vascular system.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-what-weed-and-feed-should-you-choose\">What Weed and Feed Should You Choose?</h2>\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/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16736\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213-480x360.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.canva.com/photos/MADnWF3q7YM-chemical-fertilizer/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Srinuan Hirunwat</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent:</strong> If you want to prevent weeds from growing, you’ll want a pre-emergent weed and feed. A post-emergent weed and feed is best in yards already held hostage by weeds.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Liquid vs. Granular:</strong> If you want to spot-treat weeds, liquid weed and feed products allow you to target individual weeds. Granular weed and feeds use a spreader to apply to a larger area. If you have a lot of weeds throughout your yard and want to apply chemicals quickly, a granular product may be best.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grass Type: </strong>The <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/category/grass-types/\">type of grass</a> is also a part of the decision of which weed and feed to select. Weed and feed labels list which types of grass they can be used on and at what stage. For example, pre-emergents should never be used on turfgrass recently seeded.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some chemicals can be used on <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/warm-season-grasses-guide/\">warm-season grasses</a> but not on <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> and vice versa. Scotts Turf Builder is an example of a weed and feed that can be used on both. </p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-why-weed-and-feed-may-be-bad-for-your-lawn\">Why Weed and Feed May Be Bad for Your Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Weed and feed products are conveniently available and can be found at many home improvement brick-and-mortar locations and online stores like Amazon. However, <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/blog/weed-and-feed-bad-for-lawn\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"wikilawn.com/blog/weed-and-feed-bad-for-lawn\">weed and feed can be bad for your lawn</a> for the following reasons:</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212; The best time to fertilize your lawn and the best time to treat weeds are often different.&nbsp;<br>&#8212; The chemicals in weed and feed are dangerous for children and pets.<br>&#8212; Weed products are often only needed in specific areas, while fertilizer is required all across the lawn.&nbsp;<br>&#8212; The harsh chemicals in weed and feed can leach into the surrounding environment.&nbsp;<br>&#8212; Weed and feed can sometimes harm plants other than weeds, including grass, shrubs, and trees.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-faq-about-watering-after-weed-and-feed\">FAQ About Watering After Weed and Feed</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How long should you wait before mowing the grass after using weed and feed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Give the product time to work. Wait at least three days before you <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/how-to-mow-a-lawn/\">mow the grass</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When can you aerate your lawn after applying weed and feed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should wait four weeks after applying weed and feed before <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\">aerating your lawn</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are liquid and granular weed and feed applied differently?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Liquid weed and feed products are applied using a sprayer. Granular weed and feed chemicals are disbursed using a drop-type spreader, rotary spreader, or broadcast spreader.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Should you water your grass before applying weed and feed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watering the lawn before applying granular products is helpful. It can help the granules stick to the weeds. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When is it safe for children and pets to come back on the lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait until after a heavy rainfall before allowing your loved ones back on the grass. You can also water your lawn for a few days in a row to be sure the residual from the chemicals is washed away.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How soon can a lawn be reseeded after applying pre-emergent herbicide?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Homeowners should wait at least 8-10 weeks after applying weed control to reseed a lawn, or the herbicide could kill the grass seeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-final-thoughts-\">Final Thoughts&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting the timing right on when to water your grass after applying weed and feed will determine if the chemicals work. It will also affect whether you end up with an attractive, healthy lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping up with when to water the grass takes time and effort. You could end up spending more time and money correcting your mistake if you do not get it right. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>If you prefer to let someone else handle your lawn care chores and eliminate the risk of you messing up the timing, WikiLawn can connect you with <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care professionals</a> in your area who can help control weeds and maintain your grass for an appealing, healthy lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAB4YoMHRfc-garden-water-sprinkler/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nenovbrothers</a> / Canva Pro / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\">License</a></p>\n","title":"When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1789c/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/107df/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/293e9/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/f2cbb/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1789c/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/c26c2/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1dd6e/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/67b76/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 320w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/8df11/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 500w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/98a65/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 800w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1dd6e/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 960w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/3cc96/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed  | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed so that weed seeds do not germinate, weeds are killed, and the lawn fertilizer works, too."}}},{"node":{"id":"c36b05a7-74f1-5c15-b3a6-19dac76c309b","slug":"everything-to-know-about-kentucky-bluegrass","path":"/blog/landscaping/everything-to-know-about-kentucky-bluegrass/","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>For many lawn owners in the Northern half of the United States, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is synonymous with the ideal lawn, and for good reason. When given its preferred growing conditions and proper care, this grass produces a lush, dense, and durable lawn that lives up to its historic reputation. Part of the charm [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>For many lawn owners in the Northern half of the United States, Kentucky bluegrass (<em>Poa pratensis</em>) is synonymous with the ideal lawn, and for good reason. When given its preferred growing conditions and proper care, this grass produces a lush, dense, and durable lawn that lives up to its historic reputation. Part of the charm of a healthy Kentucky bluegrass lawn is its rich emerald to blue-green color. Add to that its medium to fine texture and a Kentucky bluegrass lawn is both beautiful to look at and comfortable for bare feet and outdoor activities.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kentucky Bluegrass At A Glance</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>cold-season grass with excellent winter hardiness</li>\n\n\n\n<li>prefers sun, limited shade tolerance</li>\n\n\n\n<li>suitable for northern lawns from coast to coast</li>\n\n\n\n<li>will go dormant if subjected to heat- and drought conditions for a lengthy time</li>\n\n\n\n<li>moderate water and maintenance requirements</li>\n\n\n\n<li>dense, traffic-tolerant growth</li>\n\n\n\n<li>some varieties vulnerable to stress damage</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kentucky Bluegrass Basics</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Often referred to in the grass industry by its initials KBG, Kentucky bluegrass quickly rose to become a premier lawn grass throughout much of the country. While the state of Kentucky may be known as the “Bluegrass State,&#8221; Kentucky bluegrass did not actually originate there. Like many common turf grasses in the United States, this widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia (1).  Its first use in the U.S. was as a pasture grass in locations such as Kentucky, where it still covers the state&#8217;s well known gently rolling hills. KBG is what is known as a perennial, <em>cool-season</em> lawn grass. This means it comes back year after year and grows most vigorously during the cool seasons of fall and spring. KBG has the greatest <em>cold hardiness</em> of all the common <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 lawn grasses</a> (2). It is used most extensively in northern climates where moderately warm summers and cold winters follow with its natural preferences and growth cycle.<br></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DsPkopj6RHtdHE9HXf7RqbO-yXYwD86hdHCc0tsrSi6xzCct--93MLshKTLLinUp9WEWX8F_Iu-L70jTEGFkcs2mB6MWgb-8NJzK0bLeyNtaXvNb3P5FE9OWVaUfyjlPAnTfa_bxLicAq9n3hw\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https://kglandscape.com/lawn-care-all-year-long/green-grass-hd-wallpapers-free-download-nature-images/\">Image Source</a></em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Characteristics and Traits of Kentucky Bluegrass</strong>&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to tall fescue, traditional Kentucky bluegrass varieties have relatively shallow roots, which typically lead to l<em>ower tolerances for heat and drought</em> (3). Historically, this has restricted the widespread use of KBG south of the climatically challenging ‘<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>’, where higher heat and humidity favor <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>, such as Zoysia and St. Augustine grass. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a true self-spreading, sod-forming grass. Once established, it spreads readily by using underground stems (known as rhizomes) to form a dense and thick turf. This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage. Depending on your grass growing region and your lawn care goals, Kentucky bluegrass may be a perfect choice for you. As with other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months. During extreme heat or extended drought, the grass will go dormant. However, it recovers quickly with irrigation and a return to normal conditions.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>KBG establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of Kentucky bluegrass (1). Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but some varieties can do well in lightly shaded areas. Look on the seed tag label of many grass seed mixes, including shade and sun &amp; shade mixes, and you&#8217;ll find KBG varieties mixed with other cool-season grasses. Fast-greening perennial ryegrass and shade-tolerant fescues complement Kentucky bluegrass&#8217;s strengths to create versatile, lush, cool-season lawns. Durable KBG is also a regular component of seed mixes for athletic fields.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benefits and Characteristics</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kentucky bluegrass seed is better adapted to high foot-traffic and compacted soil. This makes the grass ideal for yards with children and dogs, park areas and sports fields. For the most part, Bluegrasses have the ability to recover from injury and disturbance due to their spreading rhizomes. This also gives them excellent <em>winter hardiness</em>. When properly watered during its growing seasons, bluegrass will grow back and fill-in after freezing, drought and periods of high-traffic.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kentucky bluegrass matures into a beautiful, sod-forming turf with a fine texture and blue-green blades that form dense, spreading mats. Regular mowing will help bluegrass become thick, lush and uniform lawns.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kentucky Bluegrass Lawn Care:&nbsp;</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Higher Maintenance, Higher Reward</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While Kentucky bluegrass is lovely for many reasons, it can not achieve its full beauty on its own. This grass actually requires a relatively high level of maintenance to look its absolute, but the results of the extra tender loving grass care can be worth it.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season lawn grasses, the best time to plant seed and do major lawn maintenance is during early fall, as KBG growth progress is at its peak. Because of KBG&#8217;s <em>rhizomatous growth</em>, the grass develops thatch easily, which can add to drought stress and potential for disease. Depending on your mowing and care practices, your KBG lawn may need dethatching every year or two.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wise water management is essential for Kentucky bluegrass lawns. Deep, <em>thorough irrigation</em> helps encourage deep root growth, while shallow, frequent watering discourages proper growth. During normal weather, a typical KBG lawn needs at least 1 inch of water weekly from irrigation or rainfall. During warmer weather and in the transition zone, 2 inches or more per week may be needed (1). While the relatively shallow roots of traditional KBG varieties historically required more water than tall fescue or most warm-season counterparts in similar situations, modern developments have greatly improved water efficiency.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass should be <em>mowed highe</em>r than warm-season grasses. Warm-season Bermudagrass, for example, is routinely kept near 1 inch tall, but KBG should be mowed to 2 to 2 1/2 inches high. During periods of high heat and lower rainfall, recommended KBG mowing heights increase to 3 to 4 inches (1).</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kentucky bluegrass lawns typically <em>require more fertilizer</em> than tall fescue and other grasses. In alkaline soils, blades can lose their rich green color due to pH-induced iron deficiency. The optimal soil pH for KBG lawns is near 5.8 to 7.0. (2) Regular soil testing every three to four years can help you maintain a healthy pH balance and rich KBG color with the help of quality lawn fertilizers, soil amendments and mineral supplements (3).</p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this might seem like a lot of maintenance items to keep up on, as we’ve shown the benefits of KBG can definitely outweigh the time and energy required to keep the grass at its peak.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Soil, Sun and Moisture Factors</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kentucky bluegrass seeds will tolerate limited shade but grow best in full sun. Some varieties of bluegrass have been bred to be more tolerant of shading, but dense shade is a limiting factor to the vigor of a bluegrass lawn. KBG requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimal health and beauty (3). Due to shallow roots, bluegrasses will quickly go dormant if subjected to extended drought or under-watering.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>At a Glance: Planting and Management Tips for Kentucky bluegrass</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Mow at 1.5 &#8211; 2.5 inches.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>For optimum performance, mow relatively high, especially during the warm months.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fertilize using 4 &#8211; 6 lbs. nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. per year during the period of active growth (end of February &#8211; end of May; October &#8211; November).</li>\n\n\n\n<li> Plant with seed or use sod.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>If seeding, seed at 2 &#8211; 3 lbs. seed/1000 sq. ft.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water frequently, every 1 &#8211; 3 days during the summer because of the shallow root system. </li>\n\n\n\n<li> Susceptible to most turfgrass diseases and insects</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low drought tolerance </li>\n</ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YmTKd0J57L8dY9g5QF2mSB1CxKB91eK2a--hUA-er__hTUSNFLx6uSZPHU1X2FMPfgDOqVnaUAOTYiVD4MuZDIZg_9MFyz0b5qtU6GeUO0HkktkJ508hYOGztv7DvW_KJ5s0i-yxUZgQYdWoXA\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https://kglandscape.com/lawn-care-all-year-long/green-grass-hd-wallpapers-free-download-nature-images/\"><em>Image Source</em></a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n<p>Still unsure of how to best care for your Kentucky Bluegrass lawn? Check out your state’s agricultural extension office for helpful tips and soil testing kits that will help you determine your best lawn care plan.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live in the northern or central United States and your lawn needs call for a durable and wear-resistant cool-season lawn that can grow thick and lush, Kentucky Bluegrass may be the perfect solution providing you seasons of turfgrass.</p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jvjmWlU9qi9KgOf5g7dtsfdSWxfo8Uv2dyuFP89PYdD_fSP0fTG289tOhbu0PhQ722GWPo297sZoJn7OObm7I1h9wbD07tcFmTE2BYghR_siM3eOlmgV7eYX1VCI7OQ-7oYTMY09l1VUTLQK2w\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https://waterspest.com/pest-control-blog/lawn-care-to-keep-your-grass-healthy-all-year-long/\">Image Source</a></em></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Sources:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Duble, R.L., “Kentucky Bluegrass,&#8221; Texas A&amp;M Agrilife Extension.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Patton, A. and Boyd J., “Choosing a Grass for Arkansas Lawns,&#8221; University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension.   </p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Cook, T., “Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa Pratensis L.,&#8221; Oregon State University Department of Horticulture.  </p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Top Photo:</em> <a href=\"http://dreamvision.info/kentucky-bluegrass-seed/\">Source</a></p>\n","title":"Everything to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4987951807228916,"src":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/9461e/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/107df/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/293e9/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/9461e/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 622w","srcWebp":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/fb518/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/67b76/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/8df11/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/fb518/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 622w","sizes":"(max-width: 622px) 100vw, 622px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Everything to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This is the comprehensive Kentucky Bluegrass guide. Read more to find out characteristics, maintenance do's and don'ts, and more!"}}},{"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."}}}],"postCity":{}}}}