![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Don’t wait until the last minute to start your outdoor winter prepping. Fall weekends can get awfully busy, but there’s no doubt certain outdoor activities shouldn’t be put on the back burner. Make it a priority to check these tasks off your fall lawn care checklist for Columbus and you will have a healthier and […]
\n","content":"\nDon’t wait until the last minute to start your outdoor winter prepping. Fall weekends can get awfully busy, but there’s no doubt certain outdoor activities shouldn’t be put on the back burner. Make it a priority to check these tasks off your fall lawn care checklist for Columbus and you will have a healthier and more beautiful lawn come spring.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll go over:
\n\n\n\nThe cool autumn weather is a great opportunity to fertilize your lawn, control weeds, and improve the overall health and appearance of your Columbus yard. With some effort on your part now, you’ll have a green, healthy carpet by the time spring rolls around.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEver notice how getting leaves off your lawn immediately boosts your home’s curb appeal? But there’s more to raking leaves than aesthetics.
\n\n\n\nYou can mulch them in your yard to provide some organic nutrients for your soil, but don’t build a thick layer as it can interfere with lawn care treatments and block sunlight. Alternatively, you can gather them up and add them to your compost.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nColumbus residents generally plant cool-season grasses that grow most vigorously in spring and fall. Careful watering in the fall will lead to healthy growth, strong roots, and a good fighting chance for your grass in winter.
\n\n\n\nWater your lawn until the first freeze approaches, around October. Cool-season grass needs around 1 inch of water per week, which includes rainfall. Let your lawn guide you and watch for signs of overwatering, such as:
\n\n\n\nUnderwatering is bad for your lawn as well. A lack of regular watering will result in:
\n\n\n\nAs a rule of thumb, try to follow these watering guidelines:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab, Inc. / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDethatching is the removal of excess thatch (grass clippings, leaves, dead grass, and other organic matter) from your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDethatching is recommended for lawns that are dry, less dense, and unhealthy. It allows nutrients, air, and water to better reach the soil. Not to mention that it keeps pests at bay, which is always a plus.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to dethatch cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue is late August or early September. With proper lawn maintenance, dethatching only needs to be done once every few years.
\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you need to dethatch:
\n\n\n\nHow to dethatch your lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you dream of a lush lawn, you can’t overlook aeration. When you aerate, you reduce soil compaction and allow fertilizer, air, and water to penetrate your lawn’s root system. It’s best to aerate your cool-season grasses in fall.
\n\n\n\nOften, dethatching and aeration go hand in hand. When you dethatch, you remove the dead layer of matter preventing your soil from getting the proper nutrients. Then, you come in with aeration to help your lawn breathe.
\n\n\n\nAs a homeowner, there are three different types of aeration you should know about.
\n\n\n\nWhen to aerate: August through November are ideal for fall aeration in Columbus. Also, if possible, try to aerate around the time you fertilize to enhance root growth.
\n\n\n\nHow often to aerate: Most lawns benefit from annual aeration, but heavily used lawns may require aeration twice a year.
\n\n\n\nWhat to expect after aeration: Immediately after aeration, your lawn will be covered with the small plugs pulled from the soil, but worry not, as they’ll disappear into the lawn within a week or two.
\n\n\n\nAbout seven to 10 days after aeration, white active root growth will fill the holes – a sign that the grass is getting the necessary nutrients from the soil. With repeated aeration, your lawn will be able to go longer between waterings without wilting and its drought and heat tolerance will improve significantly.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lab](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Soil-Fertility-Analysis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alandmanson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoil tests are an excellent investment for lawns, gardens, and landscapes. They’re an inexpensive way to maintain soil health and provide an accurate diagnostic. You can get a complete picture of nutrient levels, also known as N-P-K levels (which stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Though these nutrients are always present in your soil, their levels may not be optimal for grass growth.
\n\n\n\nBy having a soil sample tested, you’ll find out:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to have your soil tested, we explain the process below.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to give this process a shot, you can take advantage of the services provided by Ohio State University Extension in Licking County. The university will help you fill out the submission form and send the samples to an accredited lab. Depending on the soil test results, you’ll know what your lawn needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"Overseeding](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen you look out into your yard, the last thing you want to see is brown patches, spots, and weeds. Luckily, overseeding can prevent all of that. It involves adding seed to your existing grass without tearing up the lawn or soil. Simply put, it’s an easy way to fill in bare spots, improve the density of turf, introduce new grass varieties to your lawn, and enhance color.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to overseed in Columbus is mid to late September, prior to the first frost. If you’ve aerated (which is strongly recommended), overseeding should be done within 48 hours to avoid issues such as decomposition of the aeration plugs or debris getting into the holes.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding can:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawns do a lot more for us than provide a green carpet for our toes to glide through. They improve air quality, reduce heat, and generate oxygen, so keeping them in top shape is important. One of the best ways to do that is to fertilize them.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right fertilizer means knowing what your soil’s exact needs are. If you’re unsure, consider taking some soil samples and sending them out to a lab for testing (Ohio State University offers submission support and helpful information). The diagnostic will provide insight into your soil’s current condition and the correct nutrients it needs to flourish.
\n\n\n\nFor maximum winter hardiness, disease resistance, and root growth, select a fertilizer that has high concentrations of the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (also known as N-P-K ratio).
\n\n\n\nNitrogen is vital for lawn growth and that lovely green grass color. The percentage of nitrogen is always the first number on a fertilizer bag, followed by phosphorus and potassium. It will always be higher than the others because soils generally contain enough phosphorus and potassium.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: When it comes to new lawns, you should pick a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium, to get the lawn established. A typical N-P-K ratio in this case is 12-16-8 or 8-18-12.
\n\n\n\nThe second number represents the percentage of phosphorus. This nutrient is critical in developing and strengthening a healthy root system. Strong grass roots will keep your lawn healthy and sturdy even through the changing stresses of the seasons. It’s important to introduce phosphorus when first establishing turfgrass and continue application as the grass grows.
\n\n\n\nThe last macronutrient vitally important to lawn health is potassium. It supports water absorption, respiration, and protein production. In essence, potassium helps lawns withstand drought, stress, and disease.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers can be slow-release or quick-release.
\n\n\n\nSlow-release fertilizers are much better for your lawn, as they promote steady, uniform growth. As an added bonus, you won’t have to fertilize regularly.
\n\n\n\nQuick-release fertilizers are absorbed at a much faster pace, but there’s a high risk of burning your lawn. Plus, they don’t last as long, so you’ll need to re-apply.
\n\n\n\nWhen to fertilize: Plan for two fertilizer applications between late August and November. Summer heat is stressful on our lawns, so fall’s cooler temperatures provide the perfect opportunity for Columbus lawns to regain strength.
\n\n\n\nFall is the best time to fertilize because:
\n\n\n\nThe best time of day to apply fertilizer is in the morning or early evening. You’ll avoid the warm daytime temperatures that work against the process.
\n\n\n\nHow to fertilize:
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-Clover.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrass grows best in fall, but did you know that weeds do, as well? There are many types of weeds lurking in our yards just waiting for a chance to sow seed. They’re a pain and can cause issues such as allergic reactions.
\n\n\n\nIn Columbus, you’ll likely encounter nuisances such as:
\n\n\n\nThankfully, there are a few good ways to combat these annoying plants. While fertilizer generally keeps weeds at bay, it may not be enough. Applying pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides is a great way to nip the problem in the bud.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicide acts by creating a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil and coating the seeds to prevent them from growing roots. Make sure it becomes incorporated into the soil via rainfall or irrigation, as it must be present whenever weed seeds are germinating.
\n\n\n\nHow it works: It inhibits plant root growth, seed cell division, and specific enzymes critical to the growth of certain plants like weeds.
\n\n\n\nWhen to apply pre-emergent herbicide: Timing is everything. Try to stick to an early to mid-September application and select the right herbicide for your yard.
\n\n\n\nSome weeds will slip past pre-emergent herbicides. In that case, post-emergent herbicide becomes your best friend. It controls weeds that have already germinated and are actively growing.
\n\n\n\nHow it works: It targets specific plant parts, such as leaves and stems. The mixture of chemicals kills the weed and prevents it from growing back.
\n\n\n\nWhen to apply post-emergent herbicide: For Columbus cool-season grasses, post-emergents are best applied in early fall when temperatures are at or slightly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nA non-selective herbicide kills pretty much everything it touches. In contrast, selective herbicide targets specific weed types and leaves other plants alone.
\n\n\n\nWeed control products are generally available in both granular and liquid forms and application varies. Granular herbicide is poured into a spreader and distributed evenly across the area of the lawn. Liquid herbicide is poured into a sprayer and sprayed all over the target area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA good sign that you need to stop mowing is when your grass stops growing. It’s important that your lawn is cut to the right height before winter.
\n\n\n\nMow too high and your grass can develop snow mold during wintertime. Grass that’s cut too short may wither and die in the cold temperatures of Columbus.
\n\n\n\nOnce frost has arrived, stop mowing. Frost freezes the moisture inside the grass blades, so any activity on your turf can break the blade and significantly damage your grass.
\n\n\n\nThe table below highlights the mowing height appropriate for Columbus cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Suggested Fall Mowing Height |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Fine fescue | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Valve.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnless you properly winterize your irrigation system before winter, you’ll likely end up with cracked pipes and broken sprinkler heads come springtime.
\n\n\n\nColumbus homeowners are advised to winterize their sprinklers in October or early November, before the first freeze.
\n\n\n\nThe winterization process involves:
\n\n\n\nIt depends on how loose your soil is. Grass seeds should be placed on loose, prepared soil. If you simply throw it down, there may be some sprouting, but generally speaking the germination rate won’t be very successful. Taking the time to get your soil ready will ensure optimal results.
Good lawn care leads to a lush, great-looking lawn. Avoid making the following mistakes:
• Mowing too short. This causes your lawn to thin out and provides space for weeds to push through.
• Bagging your clippings. Contrary to popular belief, clippings don’t increase thatch. They provide around 25% of the fertilizer your lawn needs, so don’t deprive your grass of readily available free nutrients.
• Cutting your grass with dull mower blades. Don’t use dull mower blades to mow your lawn as the mower tears the grass blades rather than cutting them. The damage can leave your lawn susceptible to lawn disease.
Chemical fertilizers are generally a ‘quick fix’ solution. They provide the nutrients grass needs, but pollute our water, soil, and the environment within the soil itself. In contrast, organic fertilizers are made from natural ingredients that produce long-lasting feeding for your lawn, making them a much better alternative.
Fall in Columbus is a beautiful sight – the leaves are bright and colorful, the weather is perfect for your favorite sweater, and there are tons of activities to enjoy all week long.
\n\n\n\nBut before you go apple picking and pumpkin patch visiting, get your lawn ready for the long winter ahead. Start planning early to avoid being caught unprepared.
\n\n\n\nStill, if you’d rather go bike riding in one of the city’s metro parks or explore the Columbus zoo and aquarium, a Columbus lawn care pro can get your lawn ready for the cold season so you can continue doing all the things you love.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Ohio State University / Dan Keck / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Columbus, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1789c/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/107df/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 320w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/293e9/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 500w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/f2cbb/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 800w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1789c/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 960w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/c26c2/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1dd6e/The-Ohio-State-University.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/67b76/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 320w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/8df11/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 500w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/98a65/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 800w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1dd6e/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 960w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/3cc96/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Columbus, OH","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With Columbus’ snowy winters and frigid temperatures, it’s important to get your lawn ready for the cold ahead by doing some fall maintenance."}}},{"node":{"id":"c4ae7810-cdc6-5cfd-825c-c620f10f37de","slug":"best-native-plants-novi","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/novi/best-native-plants-novi/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"},{"id":"65c71077-8e3e-53cf-bfe2-68e1c598a700","name":"Novi","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/novi/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"A nice lawn is visually pleasing, but great landscaping that features attractive plants, trees and shrubs really takes your yard to the next level. And the best way to ensure they thrive in a climate as diverse as Novi’s is to use native plants that are adapted to the region. There are several key benefits […]
\n","content":"\nA nice lawn is visually pleasing, but great landscaping that features attractive plants, trees and shrubs really takes your yard to the next level. And the best way to ensure they thrive in a climate as diverse as Novi’s is to use native plants that are adapted to the region.
\n\n\n\nThere are several key benefits to using native plants:
\n\n\n\nInterested? Here are some of the best native plants for your Novi, Michigan garden.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
New England asters grow large, purple (or pink-purple) flowers with yellow centers, making them ideal for when you want your garden to have a splash of color. They bloom in late summer to early fall, and their flowers attract butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis plant grows easily from seed and is moderately deer-resistant. Pinching back the stems several times helps control the height of New England asters and promotes bushiness. This eliminates the need to stake them.
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, well-draining
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Nodding-Wild-Onion.jpg\")
The nodding wild onion isn’t a plant you can use for cooking. Instead, it’s a bulb that grows 1-2 feet tall with long grass-like foliage. Pink flowers grow from clusters between June and August, attracting pollinators. The easiest way to propagate them is to divide the bulb offsets (which allows the plant to spread).
\n\n\n\nNodding wild onion grows in well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. You can recognize it by its scrapes hooking downward below the flower to make it seem like it’s nodding (hence the name).
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect, arching
\n\n\n\nMature size: Six inches to 2 feet tall and 4 inches to 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, bulb
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, dry to medium, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nSunlight: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Butterfly weeds are colorful and, as the name implies, attract butterflies like a moth to a flame. It’s a durable plant that tolerates deer, drought, and dry soil. It blooms from May to August and displays from August to September.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it may be toxic, so don’t eat it. Nevertheless, if your garden needs a splash of color, butterfly weed is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, dry to medium, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Swamps might evoke images of vines, decay, and stagnant water, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at this beautiful plant that grows there. Swamp milkweeds have small pink to mauve (or uncommonly white) flowers growing in clusters at the stem ends.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweeds grow in medium to wet soils but surprisingly tolerate average well-drained soils. Butterflies are attracted to them for their nectar.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Clumping, erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, medium to wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blackhaw-Virburnum.jpg\")
This shrub or small tree is a high-value plant for wildlife. White flowers bloom in spring, and showy red flowers bloom in fall. Its berries mature to purple-black and are edible to both humans and birds. You can use its berries in jams and preserves.
\n\n\n\nBlackhaw thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought. It has no serious insect or disease problems and even does well in air pollution.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect, irregular, multi-stemmed, rounded
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12 to 20 feet tall and 6 to15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, dry to medium
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Suppose you want to add a bit of sunshine to your garden. Consider planting black-eyed Susans. Their large yellow flowers attract butterflies, songbirds, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susans tolerate heat, drought, and most soils (the exception being poorly-drained wet ones). They freely self-seed and usually remain in the garden during that time.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is quite beautiful: a gorgeous spring bloom, bright red berries (which birds and mammals can eat, but not humans), an alligator-esque bark, and leaves that turn a brilliant red in the fall. It prefers two to four inches of mulch, which keeps its roots cool and moist in the summer. It also prefers moist, organically rich, acidic soils.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the flowering dogwood is especially vulnerable to diseases, particularly anthracnose, so planting it where anthracnose infestations are present isn’t recommended.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ascending, pyramidal, rounded, spreading
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall, and 15 to 30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Good Fall
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, organically rich, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing native species for your landscape, consider the amount of available sunlight, the type of soil (and how well it drains), as well as whether you have standing water.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding your location’s hardiness zone also helps determine what to plant. Novi’s hardiness zone is 6a, meaning its coldest annual temperature ranges from -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Your plants should be able to handle extreme cold.
\n\n\n\nYou can usually find native plants in garden centers, so check with them. Additionally, understand where these plants come from before buying them. If they come from the wild, they can devastate the local plant populations. (Propagated plants are also healthier than wild ones.)
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve picked and planted your natives, your next step is the lawn. To ensure the healthiest lawn possible, pick from one of our best grass types for Novi. Then, contact one of WikiLawn’s lawn and landscaping pros, and we’ll do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pxfuel
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Novi, Michigan","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/1789c/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg","srcSet":"/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/107df/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 320w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/293e9/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 500w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/f2cbb/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 800w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/1789c/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 960w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/c26c2/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/1dd6e/Native-Plant-Novi.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/67b76/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 320w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/8df11/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 500w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/98a65/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 800w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/1dd6e/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 960w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/3cc96/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Novi, Michigan | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Using native plants that are adapted to their environment gives your yard the best chance of thriving year-round. Here are some of the best"}}},{"node":{"id":"89d4f5bf-07c5-58c6-b032-db8a18fef31c","slug":"best-grass-types-dearborn","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/dearborn/best-grass-types-dearborn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nick Crawford is a blog writer based in Philadelphia. He enjoys writing just as much as he enjoys reading a good book, cooking, and working out in his spare time.","name":"Nick Crawford","id":"5213edde-9943-5767-a5ae-163493ecfae5","path":"/author/nick-crawford/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7ce3281d49bd9eb99cb1c4f0200247d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"3245d8e6-f8d1-5861-b7b9-483ccf7c3781","name":"Dearborn","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/dearborn/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"In Dearborn, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. The balanced mix of rain, shine, and mild temperature is great for most plants. And candidly, it wouldn’t be fair to live in a plant-friendly city and not have an amazing lawn to flaunt. Four grass types, in particular, […]
\n","content":"\nIn Dearborn, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. The balanced mix of rain, shine, and mild temperature is great for most plants. And candidly, it wouldn’t be fair to live in a plant-friendly city and not have an amazing lawn to flaunt.
\n\n\n\nFour grass types, in particular, thrive in this environment, and understanding them will help you achieve a fantastic lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are generally two categories of grass: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses tend to grow thicker and lusher in warmer climates. However, it can get rather chilly in the Midwest, and Michigan is no exception.
\n\n\n\nProximity to the Great Lakes means a lot of cool breezes, so you’ll want to choose cool-season grasses. These grasses germinate faster and perform better in temperatures between 60 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making them well-suited for mild summers.
\n\n\n\nHere are the grass types that will give you an amazing lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass is the most popular and well-known type of turfgrass in Michigan. This cool climate varietal spreads quickly, perhaps even aggressively, in some areas. Its rapid growth allows it to effectively patch bare spots in your lawn, and it provides a visually appealing blue-green turf.
\n\n\n\nWhile Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, it can also tolerate light shade and some cloudy days. It performs best in well-drained, fertile soil with a higher pH between 6.0 and 7.0, but it can also grow in the sandier soil of lakeshore regions.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Kentucky bluegrass does not hold up well to foot traffic. And it is a maintenance-intensive grass, requiring constant watering and a lot of fertilizer to thrive. With its shallow roots, bluegrass is also less resistant to drought and heat than other grass types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low (prefers sunlight)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFine fescue encompasses several kinds of grass, all of which tolerate shade and drier soil conditions. In fact, numerous grass seed mixtures contain some percentage of fescue with the intent to pass on the species’ shade and drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nThe fescue grasses are Chewings fescue, creeping red fescue, sheep fescue, and hard fescue. Each varietal grows with a gray-green color and a fine texture to its leaves. In addition, fine fescues do not require as much maintenance as other grasses
\n\n\n\nWhile fine fescue benefits many seed mixes, it’s rare to see it grown alone. Overwatering, excessive fertilization, and rapid thatch development can cause thinning in a fine fescue lawn, especially during the summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Red fescue spread by below-ground rhizomes, while hard and Chewings fescues are bunch-forming and spread through tillers.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a popular cool-season grass that tolerates all but the most severe of cold weather conditions. As indicated by its name, this grass grows taller than most species.
\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest benefits of tall fescue is its ability to control and limit weed growth. Its height allows it to dominate sunlight intake over weeds that may be lurking. In addition, tall fescue is a low-maintenance grass that requires occasional watering and a small amount of fertilization.
\n\n\n\nHowever, tall fescue’s growth rate, combined with its height, means that you will need to mow your lawn more often. And it may not be an ideal choice if you find coarse grass objectionable.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/7370356864_c9e8d6081f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a hardy and drought-resistant varietal that stays green in dry conditions. Once planted, this grass grows and spreads quickly, allowing it to act as an erosion-controlling factor. In addition, it holds up well to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBecause of their similar qualities, perennial ryegrass is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to keep your lawn verdant during times when other grass types would typically go dormant.
\n\n\n\nPart of the reason perennial ryegrass is seen in mixes is that despite its resilience, it does not tolerate high heat or intense cold on its own. Ryegrass, alone, also has a poor mowing quality due to its tough, fibrous leaves.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Very high, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
\n\n\n\nA mix of fine fescue and perennial ryegrass will have the highest chance of maintaining a healthy green color all year round. Both types of grass are drought resistant and complement each other’s strengths while shoring up their weaknesses.
Cool-season grasses perform well in the Michigan climate, and the best time to plant them is mid-to-late fall. The general rule of thumb is to plant cool-season grass at least 45 days before the estimated time of the first frost.
Fine and tall fescues are very easy to maintain. They are both hardy and crowd out weeds, though tall fescue does so better than fine fescue.
To maintain a beautiful lawn in Dearborn, Michigan, you will need to plant cool-season grasses that can stand up to the chill of the Midwest. You’ll also need to take the proper steps to care for that grass once it’s established. If you would like help with mowing, landscaping, and other general yard maintenance, feel free to hire a lawn care professional to put your mind at ease.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Nicole Yeary / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types For Dearborn, Michigan","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/1789c/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/107df/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 320w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/293e9/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 500w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 800w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/1789c/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 960w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/c26c2/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/67b76/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 320w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/8df11/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 500w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/98a65/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 800w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 960w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/3cc96/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types For Dearborn, Michigan | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you’re living in Dearborn and want your lawn to look stunning, you should know which grasses are best for your area."}}},{"node":{"id":"278def07-8149-5634-b9f1-24f73f3cf7cf","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/spring-lawn-care-tips-columbus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Columbus is known for the Ohio Statehouse, a love of football, its arts scene – and unpredictable weather. While it’s hard to compete with Scioto Mile’s perfect green spaces, transforming your Arch City yard into a lush oasis isn’t as hard as it sounds. We’ve put together eight spring lawn care tips for Columbus to […]
\n","content":"\nColumbus is known for the Ohio Statehouse, a love of football, its arts scene – and unpredictable weather. While it’s hard to compete with Scioto Mile’s perfect green spaces, transforming your Arch City yard into a lush oasis isn’t as hard as it sounds.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve put together eight spring lawn care tips for Columbus to help you understand your lawn’s needs in the spring so it can thrive year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nTo enjoy a fresh, healthy lawn in the summer, you’ll need to hit the ground running in the spring. This is when your lawn responds to nature’s wake-up call after a long, cold Columbus winter.
\n\n\n\nFrom mowing, watering, and fertilizing to treating lawn diseases, springtime lawn care is important if you want to enjoy a thick carpet of green come summer.
\n\n\n\nBy tackling a few tasks early, you’ll help your lawn defend itself against potential diseases, drought, and pests. With the proper maintenance, not only will your lawn burst with health, but it will seriously boost your curb appeal and make you the envy of your neighborhood.
\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-gustavo-fring-5163423.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf it’s springtime, it’s preparation time. Before the grass begins to grow, you’ll want to make sure your lawn equipment is in perfect working condition.
\n\n\n\nHere are some key maintenance checks you should perform sooner rather than later:
\n\n\n\nMaintenance makes a big difference, so get your tools ready ahead of time and have a stress-free summer.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Alandmanson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFull, lush lawns can be a beautiful sight, but a lot goes into achieving and maintaining them. If yours isn’t exactly thriving, your soil could be the problem.
\n\n\n\nDepending on each yard, soil composition and acidity levels can differ. By conducting a soil test, you’ll be able to pinpoint soil nutrient needs. Specifically, you’ll get information on soil pH, cation exchange capacity, lime requirement index, and base saturation.
\n\n\n\nPlus, you’ll find out how much phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) your soil contains and whether you need to add soil amendments.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn early spring, there is still enough rain to keep your lawn moist and healthy. Consider watering your lawn when you notice the first signs of grass growth. Once you start, make sure your cool-season grass gets around 1 inch of water per week. Balance is essential, and it’s best to let your lawn guide you.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also incredibly important to let your lawn dry between waterings. Too much water can invite fungal disease, weeds, and pests, something neither your lawn nor you will appreciate. While flowers and other landscape plants can handle everyday watering, don’t include your lawn in this schedule.
\n\n\n\nWatering deeply, but more infrequently, will lead to stronger root development and drought-resistance than doing so briefly every day.
\n\n\n\nSigns of an overwatered lawn:
\n\n\n\nUnderwatering won’t do your lawn any favors either. Not keeping up with regular watering will leave your turf looking dry and unhealthy. Your grass will turn gray or tan, and it will have imprints when you walk on it.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to water your lawn is before 10 a.m., preferably around 5 or 6 a.m. Your grass will be able to absorb the moisture before it evaporates. In the afternoon, try to water between 4 and 6 p.m. Watering late at night will make your lawn more susceptible to disease, as the moisture will just sit on your grass overnight.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mow-More-Cut-Less.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile lawn mowing is an actual ritual for some homeowners, there’s a certain technique involved.
\n\n\n\nWe recommend waiting until your grass is at least 2 inches tall. Our table below shows the recommended cutting heights for Columbus cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\n| Grass type | Recommended height |
| Tall fescue | 3 – 3 ½ inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 ½ inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 ½ inches |
| Fine fescue | 2 ½ – 4 inches |
Once mowing season kicks off, follow these simple rules for a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chickweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are you love making good use of your Columbus lawn. What’s not so great? Those annoying weeds that seem to pop up out of nowhere. They’re an eyesore and embarrassment.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll definitely want to get rid of them as soon as they shoot up, but how do you go about it? We provide a couple of ways you can control pesky, deceiving weeds that masquerade as flowers.
\n\n\n\nIf cool-season weeds have taken up residence on your property, you’ll have to invest in post-emergent herbicide. Apply this solution in March or early April and keep in mind that it only targets weeds that have already germinated. It doesn’t work as a preventative measure.
\n\n\n\nFor that, look into a pre-emergent herbicide that targets weed seedlings. Apply it around Mid-March to get ahead of early spring and summer weeds.
\n\n\n\nAlso important to note is the difference between annual and perennial weeds.
\n\n\n\nAnnual cool-season weeds won’t bother you in the warmer months and generally die before you have to take action. On the flip side, perennial weeds are stubborn and stick around for longer, so investing in pre- or post-emergent herbicides will be necessary in this case.
\n\n\n\nSome of the most common annual and perennial weed types in Columbus include:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFertilization helps your grass grow evenly and efficiently and reduces the likelihood of weeds. It supplies your soil with three important nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each nutrient serves a different purpose.
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
Fertilize your Columbus lawn in early to mid spring when your grass begins to grow. This is typically around March or April, when temperatures reach and stay around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the early stages of grass growth, when shoots are tender, it’s important to fertilize more lightly. Once grass is actively growing, you can go in with a well-balanced fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou also need to think about what kind of fertilizer you want to use for your yard. Controlled-release fertilizers are granular beads that release nutrients over a period of six to eight weeks. Quick-release fertilizers can be a liquid concentrate or water-soluble beads that act as soon as they’re watered.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some advantages and disadvantages of both:
\n\n\n\n| Factors | Controlled-release | Quick-release |
| Advantages | • No toxic buildup on the soil • Helps with water movement and soil structure • Introduces beneficial soil microbes • Safer to use around children and pets | • Lower cost • Highly concentrated • Acts faster • Higher nutrient ratio |
| Disadvantages | • Lower concentrations of nutrients • Takes longer to absorb • Costs more | • Can cause more toxic buildup • Made from synthetic materials • Can pollute groundwater |
Fertilizer can be organic or synthetic and selecting the right one for your lawn is vital. Below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons:
\n\n\n\n| Factors | Organic fertilizer | Synthetic fertilizer |
| Advantages | • Doesn’t burn lawns • Slow and steady nutrient release • Contains many trace minerals and balanced nutrition for your grass • Improves soil health | • More commonly available • Formulas made for exact lawn needs • Acts quickly • Costs less |
| Disadvantages | • Less nutrient release in cooler temperatures • Costs more • Dependent on microorganisms in the soil • Can cause harmful runoff | • Shorter lifespan • Can deteriorate soil • Can burn lawn • May cause chemical runoff |
How to fertilize your lawn? It’s easier than you think. Run a spreader around the perimeter of your lawn first and then go over the rest of it, slightly overlapping each pass.
\n\n\n\nThe perks? You won’t have to worry about dirty hands and the fertilizer will be spread evenly.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-Armyworm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: uacescomm / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawn pests. We hate them and want them gone. But they’re stubborn and make it that much harder to achieve the perfect lawn most homeowners dream of.
\n\n\n\nIn Columbus, some of the most common springtime pests include grubs, sod webworms, billbugs, chinch bugs, and cutworms. Read on to find out how to identify them and get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nGrubs
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Grubs are the larval stage of different beetle species. As the name implies, they literally grub your grass and attack it at the root level, killing it. When the root system is compromised, grass can’t absorb nutrients and water, leading to severe damage.
\n\n\n\nGrubs are visible to the eye and have a white or brown body that curls into a C shape if bothered. If you notice beetles flying around, it’s a good sign that you have a grub infestation.
\n\n\n\nPlus, you’ll likely see irregular dead spots on your lawn and an increase in animal activity on your property. Raccoons, skunks, and birds like to feed on grub worms – which, if you think about it, is a great eradication method.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: In addition to limiting moisture, you can introduce beneficial nematodes to your lawn. It can take a few years to establish a colony large enough to eradicate grubs, but you won’t have to treat your lawn with chemicals.
\n\n\n\nAnother way is to apply milky spore, a bacteria that also takes a while to develop, but which is deadly to grubs. As a last resort, you can turn to pesticides – the lower the toxicity level, the better.
\n\n\n\nSod webworms
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Sod webworms are lawn-damaging caterpillars. They’re the immature larval stage of various moth types. They appear as small, white, or tan in color, with snout-like projections on their heads. They generally cling to grass blades and can be found with their heads pointing down and their wings rolled tight.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll know you have an infestation if you notice moths flying away as you mow. Moreover, your grass will appear brown and short in certain areas.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: Water regularly and keep thatch at an optimal level, to avoid stresses on your lawn. You can also use beneficial nematodes or insecticidal soap to kill this pest. Lastly, you can apply low-toxicity pesticides.
\n\n\n\nBillbugs
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Billbugs are particularly troublesome, as both the larvae and adults can damage grass. Adult billbugs chew holes in the grass blades and deposit eggs inside. When they hatch, the larvae start damaging the root system and kill the grass from the inside out.
\n\n\n\nThese insects are a type of weevil and can grow up to ½ inch in length. Their hard shells range in color from brown to near black and have a pitted texture. The larvae are white with reddish-brown heads.
\n\n\n\nDamage in this case is hard to diagnose. Grass turns brown, but can be mistaken for drought damage, fungal disease, or simply grass dormancy. Test an affected area by pulling out some grass. If billbugs are the culprit, the grass will break off at the soil line and will be accompanied by sawdust-like excrement.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: Billbug treatment calls for multiple approaches. Target adult billbugs in early spring before they lay their eggs and kill off newly-hatched larvae before they have a chance to wreak havoc on your lawn. Also, maintain your lawn height to reduce the ideal habitat for billbugs and treat your lawn with pesticides if needed.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Chinch bugs are tiny insects that are difficult to spot due to their size. These pests are red in color when they’re young, but turn black as they mature. They also have a white spot on their back in the shape of an ‘X.’ They love St. Augustinegrass and usually live in the thatch layer.
\n\n\n\nChinch bug damage can look like lawn disease, with the grass turning brown in patches, but it’s important to never rule out a possible chinch bug infestation.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: If you suspect chinch bugs are damaging your lawn, it’s recommended that you contact a professional. Homeowners can have a difficult time getting rid of them on their own. Worse, these insects are known to develop a resistance to pesticides and overcome resistance in the host plant itself.
\n\n\n\nCutworms
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Cutworms are general feeders that can damage a wide range of plants. They are smooth, with some hairs, and a length of about 2 inches when fully grown. Different species have different colors, from brown or tan to pink, green, gray, or black. Some larvae are shiny, while others are dull.
\n\n\n\nThey curl their bodies around turfgrass blades or plant stems and feed on them. They’re most active in the evening or at night and hide in debris during the day. Adult moths don’t do damage.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: If you discover damage or larvae, you can opt for non-toxic removal methods, such as plucking and crushing the insects or dropping them in soapy water. Furthermore, you can try a wash of bleach-free dish soap or apply organic pesticides.
\n\n\n\nBy keeping up with your lawn care maintenance, you’ll have an easier time squashing any pest problem early. Otherwise, you’ll come up against a damaged lawn and pesky insects that can make spending time outdoors a nightmare.
\n\n\n\nIf you have to use pesticides, stay away from catch-all types that also kill beneficial insects. Instead, go for selective pesticides that act in a targeted way.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawn diseases can destroy your yard and cause incredible damage to your grass. If your turf is looking patchy, discolored, or just ‘off,’ lawn disease may be the culprit.
\n\n\n\nResidents of Columbus regularly deal with abnormally cool periods, intense heat, humidity, overcast skies, and drought, all factors that contribute to fungal growth. A susceptible lawn will easily succumb to disease pathogens, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
\n\n\n\nWatch out for the following five types affecting Columbus cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nBrown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nDollar Spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nGray Leaf Spot (Magnaporthe oryzae)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat gray leaf spot:
\n\n\n\nPowdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat powdery mildew:
\n\n\n\nFairy Ring (Soil borne Basidiomycete fungi)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat fairy ring:
\n\n\n\nTypically, the fertilizer and soil should be moist, but don’t water so much that puddles begin to form on your grass. About 20 minutes should be enough to avoid washing away the nutrients and carrying away the fertilizer itself. It can contaminate groundwater and nearby streams or ponds.
What are some of the biggest lawn care mistakes to watch out for?
If you’re a homeowner, you’re likely eager to care for your lawn yourself. But there are some things you should know before you start.
• Avoid leaving clippings on your lawn after mowing, as this may kill your grass.
• The best time for aeration and seeding is during the growing season of your particular grass type. Find out when that is and you’ll be good to go.
• Don’t cut your grass with dull lawn mower blades, as they can rip and shred your grass and decrease moisture.
• Don’t over or under water your turf – the former will carry away nutrients and increase the risk of disease, while the latter will dry out your grass.
• Don’t forget to fertilize. Without fertilizer, your grass won’t grow as healthy or green.
If your grass is turning brown and dying despite your best efforts, it may be a result of disease or pests setting up camp. It also may be affected by drought and improper fertilization. Identifying the exact cause will help you find a solution fit for the problem.
Columbus cool-season grasses produce beautiful lawns that can survive the region’s fluctuations in temperature. With some targeted springtime lawn care, you’ll be worry-free for the rest of the year and have a lush, healthy carpet of grass at your disposal.
Still, if lawn care is more of a chore than a hobby, hire a Columbus lawn care pro to take your yard to the next level and free up time for other activities.
Main Photo Credit: Topiary Garden / Slowking4 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n","title":"8 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Columbus, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/1789c/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg","srcSet":"/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/107df/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 320w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/293e9/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 500w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/f2cbb/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 800w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/1789c/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 960w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/c26c2/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/1dd6e/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/67b76/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 320w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/8df11/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 500w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/98a65/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 800w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/1dd6e/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 960w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/3cc96/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Columbus, OH","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Consider our 8 spring lawn care tips for maintaining a green and thriving lawn in Columbus year-round."}}},{"node":{"id":"b402167d-a3ac-5eaf-8d61-7e59e048b233","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/hurricane-resistant-landscaping/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b2c4f6ff-0472-5f66-b3a2-f18459ce21c7","name":"Tallahassee","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Tallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. […]
\n","content":"\nTallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. Here are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to help you prepare your outdoor space for hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Miami Landscaping
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taxodium_Distichum_Bald_Cypress_28894599385.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSustained winds of 90 mph or more will uproot large trees. Even 20 miles from the nearest coast, Tallahassee is no stranger to tropical storm winds during hurricane season. The city endured 12 hours of hurricane-force winds and gusts up to 71 miles per hour when Hurricane Michael ripped across the Gulf of Mexico in 2019.
\n\n\n\nWith 41% of all U.S. hurricanes making landfall in Florida, it is important to plant wind-resistant trees to protect your home and neighborhood from flying branches and falling trees.
\n\n\n\nWind-resistant Tallahassee tree species include:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a hurricane-resistant tree varies depending on the size and type of tree, purchase location, and whether you are having a certified arborist handle your landscaping. If you head to your local nursery to purchase your tree, you can expect to spend between $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/tree-meadow-trunk-woodland-palm-trees-tree-trunks-1097898-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nStorm preparedness and emergency management are second nature to most residents of Leon County. Unfortunately, no matter how much you plan, you know there is no way to completely protect your home and yard from high winds and storm damage. Selecting wind-resistant trees and thoroughly planning your landscape design increases your plants’ survival chances during a storm surge.
\n\n\n\nSome things to consider as you plan your hurricane-resistant landscape include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/40561099854_c6581da4db_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTally sits in the central portion of the Northern Florida panhandle. Native plants are the most salt and wind-tolerant plants you can include in your landscaping, and they are incredibly low-maintenance. Native plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in Tallahassee’s subtropical climate. These plants are hands-off, resistant to local insects and diseases, and more likely to survive flooding from a hurricane churning in from the Gulf.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Tallahassee native plants to choose from. Take a look at some of the most wind-tolerant examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Tree_Pruning.jpg\")
Photo Credit: TreeMinion15 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTallahassee residents get to experience the enviable Florida weather and a short 30-minute drive to sugary white beaches. They also have the added advantage of being inland away from most storm surges during a hurricane, and hurricanes only directly impact Tally once every eight years on average.
\n\n\n\nStill, healthy trees are sturdy trees, and one of the best ways to maintain healthy trees is to perform routine maintenance, including pruning and trimming. Be sure to keep your hedges, shrubs, and trees pruned or trimmed to cut down on the number and size of branches flying across your yard during a tropical storm.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of landscape maintenance:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional tree trimming and landscape maintenance costs between $315 to $700, depending on the size of your yard and the number of trees and shrubs.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4608457413_921dff2b0e_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive DIY job with enormous benefits for your Florida lawn. Mulch comes in many forms and colors. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips that helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protects your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your Tallahassee landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the sandy loam soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Organic mulch absorbs water, prevents puddling, decreases runoff, and assists in flood management.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBest mulch for your Tallahassee landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JiminyPicketVinylFence.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Deniseesser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMany Tallahassee fence contractors specialize in wind-resistant fencing and reinforcement. Like trees, all fences are not created equal, especially for wind resistance. It is important to consider the best type of fencing for your landscape and note that wood fences are not the best choice for wind-resistant fencing. However, if the sustainability and natural beauty of wood are something you cannot live without, be sure to choose a slatted fence design to minimize wind resistance.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some of the most wind-resistant fence types:
\n\n\n\nFence types to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional fence installation costs between $1,330 to $5,550, depending on size, materials, and location.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bird-bath-gdd2579a6f_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe average Florida homeowner spends 37.7 days mowing in their lifetime. That is a lot of time outdoors, which comes as no surprise considering the year-round warm weather. Statues, flower containers, bird baths, small fountains, and patio furniture are all great additions that add a personal touch and visual appeal to your Tallahassee landscape. Unfortunately, these objects are no match for hurricane-force winds. Be sure to remove all movable storm hazards to minimize damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There is no cost to move your landscaping decorations or furniture indoors. However, if you are short on space and want to maximize your storm preparedness, you can rent a storage unit for around $125 per month.
\n\n\n\n![\"Water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-ready-made-3964796-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nTallahassee receives 60 inches of rain per year, and Leon County’s unique topography, including streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, is susceptible to overland flooding. Storm drains are an integral part of your overall landscape. Unfortunately, many homeowners often overlook these necessities because they offer little aesthetic value. Yard waste and organic debris clog your drains, leading to increased flooding and water damage. Be sure to keep paths to your drains clear by maintaining your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of proper drainage:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional French drain installation costs between $1,650 to $12,250, depending on location, size, and excavation needs.
\n\n\n\nThe best hurricane-resistant grasses for your Tallahassee landscape are bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. Both types of grass tolerate submergence and are great warm-season grasses that also stand up well to heavy traffic.
Yes. Most artificial grass is wind-resistant and can withstand up to 50 inches of rain per hour. Most hurricanes generate precipitation at a rate of 6 inches per hour.
Mow regularly once the ground is completely dry. Aim to mow weekly to stimulate grass growth. Be sure to set your mower to the tallest setting to help your grass establish deep roots, making it more flood and drought resistant.
Check hurricane-resistant landscaping off of your storm preparedness list. While you focus on other areas of preparation, consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tallahassee FL Park Ave / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1789c/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/107df/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 320w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/293e9/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 500w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/f2cbb/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 800w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1789c/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 960w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/c26c2/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1dd6e/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/67b76/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 320w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/8df11/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 500w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/98a65/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 800w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1dd6e/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 960w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/3cc96/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Worry less about your storm preparedness with these hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Tallahassee, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"c0505ba7-6cf4-5229-a1c2-0fc57249861f","slug":"best-grass-types-tallahassee","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/best-grass-types-tallahassee/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b2c4f6ff-0472-5f66-b3a2-f18459ce21c7","name":"Tallahassee","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Affectionately known to the locals as Tally, Tallahassee is home to over 89 miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails. The city sits in the northern Panhandle, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its sugary beaches. It has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, dry springs. The best grass types […]
\n","content":"\nAffectionately known to the locals as Tally, Tallahassee is home to over 89 miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails. The city sits in the northern Panhandle, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its sugary beaches. It has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, dry springs. The best grass types for Tallahassee thrive in the city’s hot summers and sandy, infertile soils. If you are installing a new lawn or looking to spruce up your yard, consider one of these options for your Tallahassee landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses prefer growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These varieties go dormant, turning brown, when soil temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. With an annual average winter temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit, it is no surprise that Tallahassee benefits from warm-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nGrass types are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season grass types grow well in Tallahassee’s climatic and soil conditions:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass has a tight growing pattern with fine leaf blades. It is slow-growing and a popular, low-maintenance option for Tallahassee lawns. Cultivars require little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain green. Centipedegrass handles shade but prefers full sun like most warm-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nIt is a smooth, flat-bladed grass that likes to be left alone. It does not handle heavy traffic, cold, or herbicides well and is prone to pests and disease when improperly maintained or over watered. Centipedegrass has a dull light green color, making it a less visually appealing choice for some homeowners.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearls, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is the most popular turfgrass in Florida. A native to warm coastal regions, this cultivar has thick leaf blades and deep roots, making it shade and drought-tolerant. However, keep in mind that this warm-season turfgrass can struggle with the Tallahassee rain, especially in shaded yards. St. Augustinegrass is prone to fungus, like gray leaf spot, if it does not dry out in between watering sessions.
\n\n\n\nThe quick-growing turfgrass has a dense appearance, coarse texture, and blue-green color. It is easy to establish and moderately salt tolerant, but, like centipedegrass, it does not stand up well to herbicides or heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf warm-season grass varieties had a Jack or Jill of all trades, Zoysiagrass would be it. It withstands anything Floridians and Mother Nature throw at it. Zoysiagrass tolerates low mow heights, heavy traffic, shade, drought, and even lower-than-average temperatures. Like centipedegrass, this warm-season variety has low fertilization requirements and grows densely, blocking out weeds with its thick leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is an attractive turfgrass with a dense appearance and a dark green color. New cultivars have increased disease and pest resistance. Zoysia matrella and Zoysia japonica are two popular pest-resistant cultivars in Tallahassee that grow slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is a utilitarian warm-season variety that thrives in the sandy, well-drained Tallahassee soils. It is a low-maintenance cultivar that likes to be left alone. Bahiagrass requires minimal water and fertilizer. It is less dense than other varieties and not known for being an aesthetically pleasing, decorative turfgrass. However, its deep root system persists in infertile soils, making it a splendid choice for pastures, farms, and homes without irrigation systems.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass grows quickly in full sun. It does not stand up well to heavy traffic. It has a light green color, coarse texture, and open growth pattern that forms a sparse lawn easily overtaken by weeds. Homeowners with bahiagrass lawns need to pay close attention to their annual weed maintenance plan.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; susceptible to dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; mole crickets are sometimes a problem
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a southern favorite and another common Florida grass that grows aggressively in full sun. Unlike other warm-season varieties, bermudagrass recovers quickly from damage and stands up to heavy foot traffic, making it a popular choice for golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns. This hardy turfgrass ranges from coarse to fine-textured and is salt and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nTallahassee is home to common and hybrid varieties. Common bermudagrass has a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Hybrid varieties require more maintenance than common bermudagrass, but they are dense like Zoysiagrass forming a carpet-like layer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\nNo. Sinkholes form through a combination of many factors affecting the water table, including construction, blasting, heavy loading, drought, increased rainfall, groundwater pumping, and more. Routine residential watering does not sufficiently impact the water table enough to cause sinkholes.
You should plant your grass seed in April through July. This gives the seed a full growing season before the cooler winter temperatures set in.
St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-friendly grass type for Tallahassee.
Warm-season grass varieties thrive in Tallahassee. They are suited to Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle region and unique USDA Zone, 8b. Be sure to choose a turfgrass variety that works well for your lifestyle and your yard’s unique microclimate.
\n\n\n\nTallahassee residents are blessed by warm weather most of the year. There are numerous landscaping options available. If you are looking to spruce up your home landscape or make it more wind-resistant, check out our spring lawn care tips and hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to create your Florida fortress of solitude for maximum relaxation.
\n\n\n\nBeat the heat and conquer Tally’s humid climate. Contact a lawn care pro in your area today to help you maintain a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tallahassee FL Gaither House02 / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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