![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Boston is known for its Emerald Necklace, defined by the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed system of green spaces. You can have a little bit of the Emerald Necklace in your landscape with the correct selection of the best grass types for your Boston lawn. These are recommendations for seed or sod. In this article Kentucky Bluegrass […]
\n","content":"\nBoston is known for its Emerald Necklace, defined by the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed system of green spaces. You can have a little bit of the Emerald Necklace in your landscape with the correct selection of the best grass types for your Boston lawn. These are recommendations for seed or sod.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWant a lawn that feels perfect under bare feet? Something soft, able to withstand kid’s play or lounging on the lawn? Kentucky bluegrass is the way to go. Although it requires a little more maintenance, Kentucky blue is one of the top choices in lawns throughout the country.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance includes regular irrigation, mowing and fertilization to retain its bluish-green good looks, even in winter. Pay particular attention to irrigation. Adequate nitrogen application is important, too. Always read and follow the label directions.
\n\n\n\nIf it gets too hot and dry and there’s no irrigation, Kentucky bluegrass will go dormant. Cooler weather, rain or renewed watering the lawn will revive it quickly, unless it went more than about six weeks without water.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Unlike Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass is a good low-maintenance alternative for your Boston landscape. Perennial rye can handle foot traffic and child play, and is great for relaxing on the deep green turf.
\n\n\n\nThe blades of perennial ryegrass are medium textured rather than fine like Kentucky bluegrass. Because it germinates quickly, it sometimes is mixed in with other grass types for overseeding or to fill bare spots. Although a clump grower, it may compete with other grasses to create an odd-looking mix in the lawn. Use about a 20% perennial rye when mixing with Kentucky blue or fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is susceptible to fungal diseases like red thread and dollar spot. Several cultivars of perennial ryegrass contain beneficial fungal endophytes. These internal compounds help protect plants and enhance growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Fine-leaf Fescue
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This type includes creeping fescue, chewings fescue and hard fescue. Each can be used alone or mixed with other grasses. Fine fescues have medium to dark green narrow leaves. They tolerate acidic or low pH soil and also tolerate shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues do not like hot humid conditions, heavy fertilization or excess foot traffic, however. These may also get fungus disease, such as red thread. Although considered low maintenance, fine fescues do best when irrigated and mowed regularly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
As a rough-and-tumble lawn grass, tall fescue is at the top of the list. It is rooted in lawns throughout the country and appreciated for its low maintenance and durability. It tends to grow quickly in spring and fall, especially in open, sunny areas.
\n\n\n\nAlthough slow to establish, tall fescue requires little fertilizer and resists many pests and diseases. This makes it ideal for Boston homeowners who don’t want lawn worries. The leaf color ranges from medium to dark green with a bit of a rough. texture. Newer varieties have been developed with finer textures.
\n\n\n\nThe only warm-season grass that is winter hardy in the Boston area is zoysiagrass. It is available in the market, but homeowners should give it some thought before planting it.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it has many attributes, they may not offset other zoysia habits. For instance, zoysiagrass turns brown as soon as temperatures drop and returns to medium green when the warm season returns. In cold climates, zoysiagrass tends to be brown for a longer period than it is green.
\n\n\n\nZoysia also spreads by under- and above-ground stems (rhizomes and stolons). It readily creeps out of its space to gardens and landscape beds and the neighbor’s yard. Your neighbor will hate it.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass withstands heat, drought and foot traffic, but will thin in shade. It rarely needs to be mowed. It does need regular aeration, however. Also on the plus side, its dense growing habit discourages weeds.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like zoysiagrass grow most actively in late spring and summer when temperatures are around 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform best in the Southern United States.
\n\n\n\nA good lawn and garden center will stock the type of seed that is best for your Boston lawn, but it’s important to understand that most turf grass seed is a blend of seeds. The reason there are mixes is to get a fast-germinating seed to come on first to hold soil in place while slower-germinating seeds start to grow. Usually, a mixed seed selection can be used broadly in the landscape, from moderately shady locations to full sun. Grass seed also is sold as individual types.
\n\n\n\nBuy the best grass seed you can find. Grass is inexpensive compared to other plants in your Boston landscape. Current grass seed products are much improved over what your parents or grandparents sowed.
\n\n\n\nNewer products have been perfected with coatings that ensure good germination, such as a mini dose of fertilizer and enough moisture to get the seed growing.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow most actively in early spring and fall when temperatures are around 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re well-suited to northern climates with distinct seasons and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to sow grass seed is from mid-August to mid-September. The soil still retains summer warmth to help the seed germinate. Rains in fall also help grass seed take root and grow.
\n\n\n\nEven overseeding – sowing seed to fill in bare spots or thicken the lawn – is best down in early fall.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re a busy bee and want to save time, opt for perennial ryegrass and fescues.
Fine fescue is the best option for lawns with abundant shade.
Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass can withstand a lot of foot traffic. Zoysiagrass is also good for a busy lawn.
Fine fescue doesn’t require as much watering as other grass types. Zoysia also needs little watering.
Don’t have time to keep up with your lawn care duties? Hire a Boston lawn care pro to turn your lawn into an emerald jewel.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Unsplash
\n","title":"The Best Grass Types For a Boston Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/107df/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 320w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/293e9/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 500w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/f2cbb/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 800w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 960w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/c26c2/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/67b76/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 320w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/8df11/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 500w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/98a65/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 800w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 960w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/3cc96/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Types For a Boston Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reseeding some bare patches in your grass or putting in a new lawn? Here are the grass types that thrive best in Boston."}}},{"node":{"id":"b14cd4fe-4f86-5be2-a13e-469d23684933","slug":"best-native-plants-milwaukee","path":"/lawn-care/wi/milwaukee/best-native-plants-milwaukee/","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":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"b1cda10d-ab68-5c45-b93c-b382b813fb0e","name":"Milwaukee","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/milwaukee/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"After visiting the art galleries in The Historic Third Ward, you may want to bring some of Milwaukee’s historic charm home with you. While you can’t grab a stage from one of the Third Ward’s theaters, you can set up your yard to reflect the city’s outdoor landscape and the Wisconsin native plants. We’ve found […]
\n","content":"\nAfter visiting the art galleries in The Historic Third Ward, you may want to bring some of Milwaukee’s historic charm home with you. While you can’t grab a stage from one of the Third Ward’s theaters, you can set up your yard to reflect the city’s outdoor landscape and the Wisconsin native plants. We’ve found 9 native plants that thrive in Milwaukee’s short, mild summers and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/9518319219_495c9ab151_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is a Milwaukee favorite because it blooms for at least 6 weeks, starting from late summer to late fall. It’s built to withstand the cooler temperatures of southeastern Wisconsin.
\n\n\n\nThis flower will stop you in your tracks with its bright pink-reddish daisy-looking petals. As they droop and close at night or when it’s cloudy, they appear to fall asleep. They awaken by reopening to show off their yellow center when the sun returns.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster can tower to heights of 6 feet, easily signaling to butterflies to come and have some of its nectar. If grown in the right conditions, this plant saves you money by reseeding if not cut back after it flowers.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster thrives well in yards with a lot of sun or just a little shade. It’s usually found growing as a prairie plant. Use this daisy look-alike in butterfly gardens and borders.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. May require staking or other support if it grows tall. Pinch back stems before midsummer to control the plant height and produce more flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coneflower-Echinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower’s trademark is its double-flower. A bushier, smaller array of smaller petals resembling pom-poms sit atop longer petals.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a contest between which is more striking, the purple coneflower or the New England aster. Both are rich in color. Also called pink double delight because of its pink-purplish double flowers, the purple coneflower is well-adapted to Milwaukee winters. The flower blooms until the first frost.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll see these flowers generously decorating meadows and prairies. They add wonderful excitement to pollinator gardens, wildflower gardens, and borders. If pink is not your favorite color, no worries. The purple coneflower has cultivars that come in many colors and sizes.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is great for homeowners that don’t want to replant every season. Like the New England Aster, the purple coneflower reseeds if the seed heads are not removed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like bright flowers, the stunning orange petals sprouting from butterfly milkweed’s wide green leaves will be an asset to your garden. On the other hand, if you have children, you may want to stay clear of this plant or use it with caution. This perennial herb, which also goes by the name butterfly weed, is not an herb you want to cook with. It has low poison severity, and all parts are considered poison. It can cause vomiting or spasms if ingested and skin or eye irritation when touched.
\n\n\n\nButterflies, bees, and hummingbirds flock to butterfly milkweed for the nectar. Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed plants for their existence, so you’ll give back to the ecosystem by planting this nonedible herb in your butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed likes to be left alone once planted, so make sure you’re certain when you give it a home. It doesn’t transplant well. Fortunately, it’s pest and disease tolerant and requires little maintenance. It’s a great addition to borders and cottage gardens in yards where small children and pets do not wander into the vegetation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to animals and humans if ingested. Possible skin and eye irritant if touched.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou can see why red columbine is also called little lanterns. The red and yellow tubular flowers droop. Sometimes the petals can be found flaring out a little, exposing their yellow stamens. This flower may not be ideal if people tend to discard lit cigarettes on your property. Red columbine is moderately flammable.
\n\n\n\nRed columbine is most at home in soils that remain moist and on properties that get a lot of sun. But it will adapt to partial shade. The flowers come in early spring and only last about a month. But the bright green leaves stay through the summer and make a wonderful groundcover.
\n\n\n\nPlanting these little lanterns allows you to give hummingbirds and other birds a reason to visit. Touching the sap could irritate the skin, so be careful. This plant is easy to grow and a great way to complement a city garden or add some flavor to underplantings for roses and shrubs.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Weekly or whenever the soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Showy-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dseiver / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nShowy goldenrod’s bright yellow cluster of small petals looks optimistically toward the sky. The flower has medium flammability, so it’s best planted away from areas where the barbeque grill is fired up. It works well with other wildflowers and adds sunshine to wildlife gardens, borders, or flower beds.
\n\n\n\nIt’s well-adapted to most soils, so if you have dry or poor soil, showy goldenrod will not let you down. It even self-seeds. The butterflies and birds coming for a nibble are a nice treat for homeowners, but get ready for the bees and beetles it also attracts.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: July to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Medium flammability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to Medium; May have to divide it every 2 years for size management.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5992418976_afc9bf5fe7_o-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMake sure no one uses this flower as an ashtray, as it’s moderately flammable. Flammability appears to be a theme with many of these native Milwaukee plants. But don’t let that scare you away. This flower makes up for its fire rating with other desirable qualities, like being tolerable to multiple soil types, including poor soil, which is not uncommon in Milwaukee.
\n\n\n\nThe wild bergamot’s essential oil is a natural repellent to certain mosquito species, which is another benefit of this native plant. The lavender tubular flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. If Bambi and Bugs Bunny like to visit your yard, you’ll appreciate the deer- and rabbit-resistant qualities of wild bergamot.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Shallow, rocky soil or clay that’s moist, well-drained, or dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Yes; of mint and oregano emitted from foliage
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Natural rainfall should be sufficient; withstands dry soil for a while
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; drought-tolerant, resistant to deer and rabbits
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prairie_Blazing_Star_Liatris_pycnostachya_-_9395264385-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: wackybadger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis flower blooms from the top down. For four weeks or more, these purple, white, or pink fuzzy flowers sit atop tall multi-pronged grass-like leaves. Milwaukee bird lovers love to send these stars blazing in their gardens because they’re easy to grow and maintain, and they feed birds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nBlazing stars are cold, heat, and drought tolerant. Use them as perennial borders or in native gardens. If you’re trying to impress someone who appreciates nature, put some in a dried flower arrangement as a gift. They’ll stand out like a captured shooting star.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, does not need additional watering once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 5 feet, depending on species
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: N/A
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low once established; They require deadheading regularly, which is pruning away seed heads and old growth to allow re-flowering and new growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rattlesnakemaster-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Crazytwoknobs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nRattlesnake Master has a q-tip looking, ball-shaped appearance at its tip. The white parts stick out like porcupine needles. This perennial forb tends to clump together in clusters when growing.
\n\n\n\nIt’s forgiving of soil type, as it thrives in many types, but it prefers well-drained soil. Rattlesnake master is drought-tolerant, so it should work well in a xeriscape design. It has no known toxic hazards to humans, but it has sharp, spiky leaves, so you may not want to touch it.
\n\n\n\nPlant this evergreen in city gardens, or use it as a border or in your flower garden. This plant gets floppy if grown in too much shade. Unless you want wilted-looking plants, make sure this rattlesnake is placed somewhere with lots of sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Evergreen wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers loamy, dry sand and well-drained soil; Adapts well to most soil, including clay and shallow rocky soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid-summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"dark](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American_elderberry_Sambucus_canadensis1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rison Thumboor / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nYou may already be familiar with the health benefits many attribute to elderberry. Elderberry is an eye-opener with its bright green leaves. It also encourages you to take a deep breath to inhale its lemon-scented white flowers that bloom in the summer.
\n\n\n\nBirds flock to the dark berries. If the birds aren’t stingy, they leave a little of the fruit to be made into jellies and jams. The best part is the elderberry wine that is made from this deciduous shrub. But you must be careful to prepare the plant properly. If ingested uncooked, it can make you sick. This plant is great for hedges and, of course, edible gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Deciduous Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer, typically between June and July
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Prefers moist soils but once established, tolerates periods of drought
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 feet tall, 10 feet wide/
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Uncooked berries and other plant parts contain a chemical that can cause nausea and vomiting
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape.
\n\n\n\nWhile native plants are adapted to the local environment, each plant has its own unique characteristics and needs. Choose plants that thrive best on your property’s conditions and your maintenance schedule. For example, if a plant needs a lot of water and you have no irrigation system and don’t plan on watering it regularly, it’s not the best choice.
\n\n\n\nBe familiar with your property’s soil type. You don’t want to buy plants that thrive best in well-drained soil if your soil tends to retain water. You also want to be mindful of plants that may be harmful to pets or children, if you have any.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line is that it’s best to choose plants that are well-suited for your yard’s conditions, your availability for upkeep and maintenance, and your family’s composition and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant is about six weeks before the hard frost, which is when the temperature is consistently below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually in September and October.
Native plants help maintain the Milwaukee ecosystem and create a natural habitat and food source for local butterflies, pollinators, insects, birds, and wildlife. Native species are adapted to the city’s climate, so they take less work to maintain and require less water and fertilizer.
Knowing your area’s hardiness zone helps you pick plants that thrive best in that climate. Milwaukee is in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5. Zones 3 and 4 also make up Wisconsin.
If you’ve been to Lake Park, you’ve seen native plants. Look around you as you’re driving or walking, and you’ll notice the beautiful native greenery and the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife they attract.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local native plant nurseries in the Milwaukee area recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:
\n\n\n\nPlant native greenery and watch your yard come alive with color, butterflies, and birds. You don’t have to stop there. Bring even more excitement to your property with other low-maintenance landscaping designs.
\n\n\n\nAnother secret to a low-maintenance yard? Leaving it to the pros. Connect with a local lawn care pro who can mow, trim, edge, and tend to the yard.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Purple coneflowers / James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Milwaukee","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1789c/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/107df/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/293e9/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/f2cbb/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1789c/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/c26c2/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1dd6e/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/67b76/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/8df11/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/98a65/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1dd6e/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/3cc96/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Milwaukee | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out the best native plants for Milwaukee to find plants that thrive in the city’s climate, plus information on where to buy native plants locally."}}},{"node":{"id":"ae68bdfd-52d6-50a5-ba90-89e84710d625","slug":"best-grass-types-rochester-ny","path":"/lawn-care/ny/rochester-ny/best-grass-types-rochester-ny/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d385702e-0566-5651-8f72-f93cc1c9db6b","name":"New York","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ny/"},{"id":"f1d73a8f-a772-55bf-9f1c-9811bdac76be","name":"Rochester","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ny/rochester-ny/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"With waterfalls around every other corner and over 12,000 acres of natural parks, Rochester is a city that values its green spaces. Shouldn’t your lawn blend in with its lush surroundings? Having a great lawn starts with choosing a grass that’s suitable for the area’s climate. Here are the 4 best grasses for your Rochester […]
\n","content":"\nWith waterfalls around every other corner and over 12,000 acres of natural parks, Rochester is a city that values its green spaces. Shouldn’t your lawn blend in with its lush surroundings? Having a great lawn starts with choosing a grass that’s suitable for the area’s climate.
\n\n\n\nHere are the 4 best grasses for your Rochester lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrass types are divided into two categories: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Here are their differences:
\n\n\n\nRochester’s weather is partly cloudy year-round. While summers are warm, winters can be bitter, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Therefore, cool-season grasses are the best choice. Cornell University specifically recommends choosing between the following grasses for home lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is unique because it forms a thick, dark-green turf with excellent ability to spread and self-repair. It’s common throughout the United States, but especially in Northern areas. It’s slow to establish but then spreads quickly.
\n\n\n\nThis grass handles foot traffic well in the winter months but is susceptible to damage in the heat of summer. It also struggles to handle drought and shade and is susceptible to disease, insect pests, and thatch. For these reasons, Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with other grass types that mitigate some of these issues.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade, but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High, but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5-7 days; fertilize 1-3 times a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
![\"Blades](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Festuca_arundinacea-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue can stay green even through the coldest Rochester months. At the same time, it’s one of the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass types. This grass is happy in either full sun or partial shade and can also withstand other stresses such as foot traffic, weeds, and diseases.
\n\n\n\nHowever, most tall fescue varieties don’t reseed themselves, so you’ll need to reseed your grass if it suffers damage. It also grows relatively quickly and needs to be mowed frequently. Tall fescue is often mixed with other grass types to provide a hardier and more versatile lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed or your lawn will go dormant
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Festuca_arundinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a versatile, easy-care blue-green grass that grows in full sun or partial shade. It grows slowly and is often mixed with other grass types to help it grow in infertile, acidic soils. The many varieties of this grass differ in maintenance, density, germination times, and so forth. Fine fescue may go dormant during droughts, but it’s still relatively drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\nOn the downside, this grass is susceptible to some diseases and isn’t the best choice for high-traffic lawns. Be careful not to overfertilize fine fescue because it can create lots of thatch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Depends on the variant (most variants grow in bunches, but creeping red fescue uses rhizomes)
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Mow every 2-3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2-4 times a year; aerate once a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable
Potential for disease: Moderate
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass stands out for its quick germination and establishment. It turns bright green as soon as the snow melts, tolerates cold, and resists wear once established. It doesn’t produce as much thatch as other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nHowever, perennial ryegrass can’t self-repair. Moreover, it’s susceptible to fungal diseases and can wilt from excessive heat and drought. It also doesn’t like shade as much as some other grasses do. Because perennial ryegrass grows fast, it’s important to mow it frequently.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4-6 weeks
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches, depending on species, weather, and intended use; you can cut even shorter, but very short heights need a reel mower
Potential for disease: High, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
Kentucky bluegrass tolerate foot traffic during cooler months and can self-repair easily. Alternatively, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass handle foot traffic well, too, but won’t self-repair (except for some tall fescue varieties).
Fine fescue has excellent shade tolerance. It’s often mixed with tall fescue to help it grow in shady areas.
Turf-type tall fescue and fine fescue are two easy-care options; choose the one that’s more suitable for you, or get a mix.
If you have pets, planting Kentucky bluegrass can be a good option. It’s resistant during cooler months and can self-repair if damaged. Plus, it has a soft texture.
Now that you know the different types of grass that can thrive in your Rochester lawn, you can narrow down your options to the ones that are most suitable for your needs and preferences. Make sure that you evaluate factors such as foot traffic, maintenance, shade tolerance, and how pet-friendly the grass is before you make a decision.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to make your yard pop, consider adding some plants that are native to the Rochester area. Native plants are not only beautiful but are also used to the weather and soil in your area, which makes them easier to care for and more likely to thrive in your yard. On top of that, they’re better for the environment.
\n\n\n\nGetting the right grass type and plants is just the first step. Make sure you have all your maintenance tasks down, including fall and spring lawn care jobs. Or, you can get in touch with a Rochester lawn care pro who will help you create a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Rochester NY / Andreas F. Borchert / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 DE
\n","title":"4 Best Grasses for Your Rochester, NY, Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/1789c/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/107df/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.jpg 320w,\n/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/293e9/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.jpg 500w,\n/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/f2cbb/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.jpg 800w,\n/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/1789c/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.jpg 960w,\n/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/c26c2/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/1dd6e/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/67b76/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.webp 320w,\n/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/8df11/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.webp 500w,\n/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/98a65/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.webp 800w,\n/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/1dd6e/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.webp 960w,\n/static/b190ccb92efa9ec62b5b6b2ebd97b41b/3cc96/1280px-Rochester_NY_296_East_Henrietta_Road_2002.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grasses for Your Rochester, NY, Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you want a lush lawn, make sure you plant the right grass type. Here are the 4 best grasses for your Rochester lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"00a73f22-caac-574d-99c2-2a008dc381bb","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas","path":"/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"6ef486ca-ccd1-5849-a339-3c49569b40f6","name":"Los Angeles","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Los Angeles’ warm, sunny climate is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, but it can make yard care a challenge. Thankfully, there are many low-maintenance landscaping ideas that can help you create a beautiful yard in LA that requires minimal upkeep. Let’s see how you can make your lawn care a little easier. In this article: […]
\n","content":"\nLos Angeles’ warm, sunny climate is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, but it can make yard care a challenge. Thankfully, there are many low-maintenance landscaping ideas that can help you create a beautiful yard in LA that requires minimal upkeep. Let’s see how you can make your lawn care a little easier.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/47649566962_1092e76082_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you want beautiful flowers that need little care, consider native plants. These plants grow naturally in Los Angeles, which means they are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. There are many kinds of native plants out there, so make sure you choose the ones that fit your needs and preferences.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of choosing native plants:
\n\n\n\nExamples of the best Los Angeles native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of adding native plants to your yard depends on the plant’s type and size. Roughly, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000 for a flower bed and $25 to $60 per shrub. Large shrubs can cost as much as $350. Trees typically cost $150 to $1,850 per tree but can cost as much as $3,335.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Epilobium_canum_Everetts_Choice_kz3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWhat’s the difference between annual and perennial plants? Annuals live for one growing season, whereas perennials come back year after year with proper care. They don’t need to be replaced every year and can even last for decades.
\n\n\n\nIf you want the lowest-maintenance perennial, get a shrub or a tree. You can also plant smaller perennials, but they usually need more care.
\n\n\n\nBut keep in mind that perennials tend to take longer to bloom and have shorter blooming seasons than annuals. When they’re in bloom, their blossoms are usually less vibrant. They also tend to be more expensive. So if you’ve got a bit of time for yard care or want to hire a lawn care pro, a good option is to get a mix of perennials and annuals.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of adding perennial plants:
\n\n\n\nExamples of perennial plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Once again, the cost of adding perennial Los Angeles plants to your lawn will depend on various factors. Some of these factors include the plant type and size, and whether you plant them yourself or hire a pro.
\n\n\n\nBut here are some rough figures. If you plant them yourself, your plants should cost around $2.50 to $60 per plant. However, they can cost over $100, depending on their size and type. Shrubs usually cost between $25 and $60 per shrub, but large shrubs can cost as much as $350. Trees are more expensive. They typically cost between $150 and $1,850 per tree but can cost as much as $3,335.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Aeonium_korneliuslemsii_Crassulaceae_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Magnus Manske / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSucculents are low-maintenance plants that are popular in Southern California and beyond. They do well in the warmest parts of Los Angeles. Planting succulents in your garden save money on water bills and helps conserve water.
\n\n\n\nSome succulents only thrive in climates that never reach low temperatures.Minimum temperatures in Los Angeles County range between 0 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Every Los Angeles area has a different hardiness zone, which is the minimum temperature it reaches each year. Check your area’s minimum temperature here.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nExamples of succulents:
\n\n\n\n| Type of Succulent | Minimum Temperature |
| Supervivum | -30 degrees Fahrenheit and above |
| Aeonium | 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Coastal prickly pear (native) | 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit |
| The jade plant | 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit |
Estimated cost: There are many kinds of succulents out there. Depending on the type and size, their prices usually range from $5 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-tara-winstead-7663973-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nPotted plants are a versatile option that can complete your landscaping project. You can pick from various designs and place them anywhere you want. Moreover, they need less maintenance than in-ground plants, so they’re an easy solution to add an elegant touch to your garden.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of potted plants:
\n\n\n\nWhich plants can you pot? You can grow most plants in a pot as long as you care for them properly. Make sure that you choose the right pot and soil and that you learn about your plants’ needs.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: As mentioned above, your budget for your new plants depends on a number of factors. But to give you some ballpark figures, the typical cost of plants is $2.50 to $60. However, they can cost up to $190, depending on their type and size. If you want a decorative pot, their prices usually range between $4 and $150.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Britt / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulching is excellent at conserving water and reducing weeds. It’s one of the easiest, cheapest ways to keep your garden healthy and hydrated.
\n\n\n\nYou can choose between organic mulch and inorganic mulch. Organic mulch breaks down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. You’ll need to replace it every year. On the other hand, inorganic mulch doesn’t add any nutrients to the soil. However, it can last for several years without needing to be replaced, making it a low-maintenance option.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic mulch:
\n\n\n\nExamples of inorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Mulching typically costs around $85 per cubic yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49950590552_df6d1a4836_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Patrick Alexander / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nJust like plants, there are grass types that thrive in the soil and climate of Los Angeles. Consider selecting a low-maintenance grass type to complement your low-maintenance plants. This can not only save you time and effort in lawn care but also money on water.
\n\n\n\nThe advantages of low-maintenance grass types are obvious:
\n\n\n\nTwo examples of low-maintenance grass types include:
\n\n\n\nOne more option is sand dune sedge, but take note that this grass grows in clumps and won’t create a uniform lawn appearance.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional grass removal typically costs $1.50 per square foot. Professional lawn seeding typically costs between $0.10 and $0.19 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Sedum_lineare_variegatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ghislain118 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you want to go a step further, you can choose a low-maintenance ground cover instead of traditional turfgrass. Ground cover plants are short plants that can create the appearance of a dense lawn without needing as much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of choosing ground cover over turfgrasses include:
\n\n\n\nThese ground cover plants should do well in your Los Angeles lawn:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, the cost of ground covers ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot without installation.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is a landscaping technique that focuses on reducing water usage. So if you want a low-maintenance garden that you won’t need to water much, xeriscaping is a great option for you.
\n\n\n\nThe advantages of xeriscaping include:
\n\n\n\nYou don’t have to xeriscape your entire lawn at once. You can start by taking small but impactful steps. As time goes on, you can gradually incorporate more xeriscaping techniques into your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere’s how you can start xeriscaping today:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of xeriscaping ranges between $5 and $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHardscaping is any non-living element on your lawn, whether it be rocks, furniture, or a patio. By adding a few hardscapes to your landscape design, you can make it more functional and appealing while also making it easier to take care of.
\n\n\n\nThere are many features you can add to your yard to create a low-maintenance, efficient outdoor living space. Some hardscapes, like fences and rock gardens, can even be made into a fun DIY project if you have the skills, tools, and time. If not, you can consider hiring one of WikiLawn’s landscaping pros.
\n\n\n\nThe advantages of hardscaping include:
\n\n\n\nExamples of common hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There are many types of hardscaping projects, and their costs vary. Roughly, a new patio costs $2,200 to $6,500; a new deck costs $3,900 to $10,500; a new fire pit costs $250 to $2,200; a new pergola costs $2,100 to $6,000; a water feature installation can cost $1,100 to $7,500; river rocks cost $60 to $170 per ton; and stone paver projects cost between $3 and $30 per square foot, depending on the type of stone.
\n\n\n\nAs you can see, there are various things homeowners can do to make lawn care easier. But even adding a few native, drought-tolerant plants can go a long way. Just make sure you do your research because plants all have advantages and drawbacks. Some plants are also toxic, so it’s important to be aware of any potential hazards before planting.
\n\n\n\nBut let’s face it: even a low-maintenance lawn requires some level of upkeep. If you’d prefer to enjoy more of your free time without worrying about lawn care, consider hiring one of WikiLawn’s Los Angeles lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Paolo Gamba / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Los Angeles","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4962593516209477,"src":"/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/1789c/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/107df/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/293e9/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/f2cbb/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/1789c/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/c26c2/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/1dd6e/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/67b76/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/8df11/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/98a65/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/1dd6e/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/3cc96/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Los Angeles | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"How can you make your lawn care easier? Read on for 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Los Angeles."}}},{"node":{"id":"c2ad6577-848d-5f38-9db1-0cfb6512cd12","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-cincinnati","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/fall-lawn-care-checklist-cincinnati/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"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 7th, 2023","excerpt":"As the temperature drops and the leaves fall, your lawn demands a little extra TLC. If, like most Cincinattians, you have cool-season grass, expect your grass’s growth to speed up and then go dormant by winter. Properly caring for your lawn in the fall gives it the strength to endure a harsh winter and flourish […]
\n","content":"\nAs the temperature drops and the leaves fall, your lawn demands a little extra TLC. If, like most Cincinattians, you have cool-season grass, expect your grass’s growth to speed up and then go dormant by winter. Properly caring for your lawn in the fall gives it the strength to endure a harsh winter and flourish again come spring. So, make sure you cross everything off Cincinnati’s fall lawn care checklist.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"raking](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pxfuel.com-4-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nIn late September to early October, our leaves change color, then begin to fall. It is essential to manage your fall leaves for the following reasons:
\n\n\n\nSmall amounts of leaves can be mulched with a mower and left to fertilize the grass, but large amounts need removal. Therefore, when the leaves fall, most Cincinattians rake every few days.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWhen fall is in the air, lawn mower engines blare throughout The Queen City. Most Cincinnatians have cool-season grass that flourishes in the spring and fall, so be prepared for rapid fall growth. The table below shows the recommended mowing heights for the best grass types in Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Mow Height |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2.5 – 3.5 inches |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Fine Fescue | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Tall Fescue | 3 – 3.5 inches |
Proper lawn mowing practices include the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nA layer of organic debris called thatch builds up between your grass and the soil. You should dethatch your lawn before the thatch becomes 1/2 inch thick. Dethatching is important for the following reasons:
\n\n\n\nYou can use a power rake to dethatch your lawn, and the best time to do so is early fall, right before aeration.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCincinnati’s soil contains a lot of clay, which makes it prone to soil compaction and drainage issues. Aerating your lawn in September or October will improve soil drainage and prevent the soil from compacting. Thus, after aeration, more water and fertilizer reach your grass’s roots allowing your lawn to grow lush and strong.
\n\n\n\nBy improving the soil’s drainage, lawn aeration also helps you avoid the following problems:
\n\n\n\nThere are three main types of lawn aeration, as shown in the table below.
\n\n\n\n| Aeration method | Description |
| Liquid aeration | A liquid solution that claims to aerate, but Colorado State University says it isn’t effective. |
| Spike aeration | Solid tines puncture the soil. |
| Core aeration | A machine pushes hollow tines into the ground and removes plugs of soil. |
Core aeration is the best type to use on Cincy’s soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"Thick](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/green-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nRight after aerating, is the best time to overseed your lawn. Many Cincinnati homeowners overseed with seeds from cultivars that highly resist insects and diseases. Overseeding can also improve your grass’s tolerance to drought, shade, and foot traffic. As a result of overseeding, your lawn will be fuller and require less water, fertilizer, and chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be careful if you plant to treat your lawn with herbicide. Herbicides may hinder the growth of new grass seeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass requires fertilization in the fall, and here are some tips to help you:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs long as it stays above 40 degrees Farenheit you must continue watering your lawn. Use the following watering tips to ensure your grass thrives:
\n\n\n\nApplying pre-emergent herbicides in the fall will prevent winter weeds from sprouting. Common winter weeds in Cincinnati include:
\n\n\n\nHowever, proper lawn care is the best way to prevent the worst weeds in Cincinnati. Healthy grass can stand strong against weeds.
\n\n\n\nWhen water freezes, it expands, so any water left in your irrigation system can cause its parts to break. Drain all the water from your sprinklers when the temperature drops below freezing, which typically occurs at the end of October.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati’s most infamous fall pests include the following:
Our spring lawn care tips for Cincinnati include:
You should avoid watering your lawn at night because it increases the chance of it getting fungal diseases.
The best way to take care of fall lawn care is to have a professional do it for you. The temperature is dropping, and soon we will be back in brewery season. So instead of working hard in the yard, you should enjoy what’s left of our pleasantly cool fall weather. Call a Cincinnati lawn care pro to take care of your fall lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Rose Hill Avenue, Cincinnati / Warren LeMay / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Cincinnati, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/1789c/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/107df/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/293e9/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/f2cbb/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/1789c/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/c26c2/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/1dd6e/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/67b76/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 320w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/8df11/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 500w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/98a65/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 800w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/1dd6e/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 960w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/3cc96/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Cincinnati, OH | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"We break down all the fall lawn care your Cincinnati lawn needs to withstand a harsh winter and flourish again in spring, including lawn mowing advice."}}},{"node":{"id":"3b247f67-2bd1-541a-8473-53763be8f08a","slug":"best-native-plants-plano","path":"/lawn-care/tx/plano/best-native-plants-plano/","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":"eeca14ff-595b-559f-93ba-b53dc08466da","name":"Plano","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/plano/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"April 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Are you working on some landscape design but don’t know where to start? Get some native plants. They evolved in your area, making them well-equipped to handle the local climate. What are the advantages of using native plants in North Texas? There are several: When choosing new plants, remember that Plano, and the rest of […]
\n","content":"\nAre you working on some landscape design but don’t know where to start? Get some native plants. They evolved in your area, making them well-equipped to handle the local climate.
\n\n\n\nWhat are the advantages of using native plants in North Texas? There are several:
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing new plants, remember that Plano, and the rest of Collin County, sit in hardiness zone 8a, meaning its coldest temperatures range from 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Mexican](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mexican-plum-tree.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Robert Nunnally / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPlum lovers, the Mexican plum tree is for you! This tree sprouts white flowers in spring and plums in the fall. It grows up to 25 feet tall at maturity, making it a good choice for small gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe Mexican plum tree is a favorite with pollinators and, according to Texas A&M, is drought-tolerant. A fun fact is that this tree is usually the first to flower in March, marking the end of winter in Texas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adapts to sandy, loam, clay, or limestone. Prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 25 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rsz_1salvia_splendens_red_hot_sally_0zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, scarlet sage features a spiraling pattern of scarlet flowers. Hummingbirds love the nectar these flowers produce (this plant is also called hummingbird sage for this reason), as do butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nLike most types of sage, scarlet sage thrives in full sun but can tolerate shade and needs well-drained soil. It doesn’t do well in cold weather, so wait until the soil is warm before planting it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loam, clay loam, rocky, caliche type
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, but usually reseeds easily
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-3 feet tall, 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Turks-Cap.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Farr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTurk’s cap red is one of Texas’ most popular ornamentals. In the summer and fall, the petals of its bright red flowers fold into each other, forming a closed bloom. Hummingbirds and butterflies love them.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, Turk’s cap is drought-tolerant. Its red berry-like fruit is edible either raw or cooked, and it tastes like an apple. It’s considered a Texas Superstar plant because it grows exceptionally well in Texas’ harsh conditions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay, limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-3 feet tall (up to 9 feet), 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/rsz_131643526215_71548d6920_h-1024x634.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Renee Grayson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blackfoot daisy is the perfect plant for edging beds or rocky outcroppings. It can handle extreme cold and extreme heat, and it’s said to be deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nBlackfoot daisies are covered in narrow leaves and white, daisy-like flowers from spring to fall. They also don’t need much water, but they need well-draining soil.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, rocky, calcareous
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and wide
\n\n\n\n![\"texas](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/5956822938_67616c59c4_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: time anchor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTexas sage is the official shrub of Texas. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can withstand heat and drought. However, it requires full sun to bloom and remain healthy, and it doesn’t like shade. It prefers alkaline, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nThough wide varieties of Texas sage exist, the most common ones have gray-green leaves with light lavender flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained alkaline soil or acidic soil with added dolomitic limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_4596500345_9f38e0a8fa_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: mikeumo / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPrairie verbena is a short-lived perennial prized for its purple flowers and a long blooming season from March to December. It attracts birds and butterflies and is deer resistant. Additionally, prairie verbena works well as either a groundcover or along walkways and paths.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, or sand, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pavonia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the rock rose, the pavonia is a popular plant in Texas. It has a long bloom period (from spring to fall), accepts full sun to half shade, and thrives in numerous soils and irrigation conditions. It grows pink hibiscus-like flowers that open in the morning and close as the temperatures rise.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nAfter planting, water your native plants once a week for six months. Skip watering each week it rains. When summer arrives, water any plants that show signs of heat stress. Otherwise, let Mother Nature do the rest.
It’s not recommended that you gather native plants from the wild, and in some states, it’s illegal. Because transporting native plants is a delicate process, buying them from a nursery is recommended.
The Center for Plant Conservation states that more than 850 species of native plants are endangered. You need a special permit to dig up endangered plants.
The more local, the better. Don’t freak out if you can’t find the perfect plants. Start with plants native to your county or state and go from there.
After finding the right plants, your lawn is next. Complement your yard with one of the best grass types for Plano. Then hire one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do the work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixnio
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Plano, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1789c/Native-plants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/107df/Native-plants.jpg 320w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/293e9/Native-plants.jpg 500w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/f2cbb/Native-plants.jpg 800w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1789c/Native-plants.jpg 960w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/c26c2/Native-plants.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1dd6e/Native-plants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/67b76/Native-plants.webp 320w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/8df11/Native-plants.webp 500w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/98a65/Native-plants.webp 800w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1dd6e/Native-plants.webp 960w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/3cc96/Native-plants.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Plano, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want landscaping that is both attractive and hardy? Check out these suggestions for native plants that thrive in Plano's hot, dry climate"}}}],"blogPages":[{"id":"ck16oqdtd8fk70a30n2rnn4t8","metaTitle":"WikiLawn | Lawn Care Advice for your Area | Outdoor Services","metaDescription":"Lawn Care Advice for your Area | Outdoor Services"}],"prevPageLink":"/blog/page/39/","nextPageLink":"/blog/page/41/","currentPage":40}}}