![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kvAuEOrw2J6Rf64yeayYRFPs7vdll5gzc87aUI9GzrDG5s4y5rHV8_x7F4XEprsAMyX5k_98Oh97CLuJEJTe41I_ZmLa25301ntLTkyO94K91roDjj0-wa8Mux59y4-gMJiBVn7l\")
Buying your first riding mower is a lot like buying your first car. It has a motor, a steering wheel and a seat. And one more similarity: It’s a major investment. Where a push mower will set you back a few hundred dollars, a good low-end model or riding mower starts around $1,200. At the […]
\n","content":"\nBuying your first riding mower is a lot like buying your first car. It has a motor, a steering wheel and a seat.
\n\n\n\nAnd one more similarity: It’s a major investment. Where a push mower will set you back a few hundred dollars, a good low-end model or riding mower starts around $1,200. At the high end, you can easily You could spend anywhere from $1,000 to more than $3,000. But with that big price tag come big mowing advantages that you can expect to enjoy for years to come. Here are some pointers for buying your first riding mower.
\n\n\n\nWith that big price tag come big mowing advantages that you can expect to enjoy for years to come. Here are some pointers for buying your first riding mower.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve been obsessed with lawn care for as long as lawns have been around. Until the 1600s, people were probably too busy focusing on the sheep trimming our grass to enjoy the lawns themselves. But beginning in the 1700s, manicured lawns came into fashion, along with the first lawn mower — the scythe.
\n\n\n\nFor those unfamiliar, the scythe is an ancient tool with a handle and crescent-shaped blade. It’s carried by the mythical Grim Reaper — an appropriate mascot, because anyone who’s used one for more than an hour probably feels like keeling over. This labor-intensive tool was the go-to for lawn care for a couple of centuries. In 1830, Edwin Budding invented an iron-framed reel lawn mower to cut grass in England.
\n\n\n\nIn 1870, a lighter cylinder-style reel mower was invented in the United States by Elwood McGuire of Richmond, Ind. This popular model prevailed until Colonel Edwin S. George came up with a mower with a gas engine in 1919. George established Moto-Mower, a lawn mowing manufacturing plant in Detroit, and continued to develop the product.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MUV976HkZeK-iFZ3MRV96sXHhCDRBEKgWiJK6evGRSWDy2Qlv3H3ii_5bX1bGYwz91LJXUqbeb5-sLcCv-_Vrz9y3_XV7Lg3ZU68ypGr4EVgbpcQl48nWYL7SlXJedO0pM92HL19\")
In the 1930s, a rotary mower appeared on the scene, paving the way for the ride on mower we know and love today. Mowers grew in popularity after World War II, when GIs came home and began mowing their own lawns.
\n\n\n\nToday, we have a staggering number of lawn mowing options. Once you level up to a riding mower, there are many options available. Ride-on mowers fall into three categories: lawn tractor, rear-engine riding mower, and zero-turn mowers. If you want what they use on golf courses, forget about it, that’s another class of mowing machines entirely.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/f5NdarPVhajqHit8ARAVk3N0sMtWlGrovzTND5TWt5073OV_MBhGbeq_0_xYxxhan5-sTVQQLjaT8ev_QcmziAfSdlzMTtnA-T1vW_Gro8iqRH6WFg5-6pepigEsHFHl2XMo_NVx\")
A lawn or garden tractor is what most people choose as their first riding mower. It features a steering wheel and front-mounted engine, which makes it look and feel less like a power mower and more like a car. With mower decks measuring between 42 and 54 inches, they have a much greater cutting capacity than push lawn mowers, making them a top pick for people with acreage.
An added bonus of lawn tractors? They can haul carts and attachments for mulching, bagging, and sweeping. Some brands even offer a snowblower attachment. If you google “the best lawn tractors,” you’ll see John Deere and Toro come up over and over. Expect to spend between $1,000 and $3000 for one of these lawn mowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LsB2llSw4mvFft2dv4olMgnyB0V2HY-zEm5x0YUxigAEJJA9AUTF0zsopgu9vbxK8jcH9iSDYTwBP-a-4Sf-6cwWRokSt9S7xSxm8CWdGeONLwx3X5H-I9ReYjAlgVyhbW2nzsSu\")
A zero-turn mower is ideal when you have a lot of grass to cut and don’t want to spend a ton of time doing it. Mower decks range from 32 to 60 inches, and steering function allows the mower to make tight turns, hugging corners and curves.
\n\n\n\nFor flatter properties with lots of trees and shrubs, this type of riding mower can cut grass closer to obstacles than the others. But, this perk comes at a price. Expect to pay between $1,200 and $6,000 for a zero-turn mower. Even if you can find a special offer, the prices on this class of machine are steep.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Bm75nwHu1hPMDaRX08pcaQVsfG5AFfWTUxTCD62yK450PmmxQPqRrs3d-S2_gKZ_7GMH1uXN2joq0NVhXGY7RG-mEryUwdXGFzDozN5qJNpTOYbZtkaD_Slf0MVg-OEIjz2DjCID\")
Somewhere between the lawn tractor and the zero-turn mower is the rear-engine riding mower. This is for someone with a lawn a little too large for a push mower but too small to justify a bigger machine. Mowing decks on rear-engine mowers are smaller, from 30 to 33 inches, and so is the price tag — from $1,200 to $2,400.
\n\n\n\nYou can pay half as much by buying a used lawn mower, but you must do your research to make sure you get a good deal. Robert Janis, a mower specialist at LawnEq, reminds us, “You need to be aware that the life expectancy of a residential riding lawn mower is about seven years.” When attempting to buy a used mower, he believes that you shouldn’t be shy about asking questions.
\n","title":"How to Buy Your First Riding Lawn Mower","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/1789c/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/107df/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/293e9/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/f2cbb/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/1789c/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/356ef/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/1dd6e/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/67b76/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/8df11/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/98a65/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/1dd6e/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/93f70/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Buy Your First Riding Lawn Mower | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"644212a9-909a-5b8a-8d89-c22c5562a00c","slug":"grass-paver-driveway-why-how-build","path":"/blog/landscaping/grass-paver-driveway-why-how-build/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"Forget the rules about not driving on the grass. One of the newest trends is a green driveway — where the grass and the hardscape work together to create erosion control, flood prevention, and landscaping harmony. In other words, it looks good, and it’s good for you. Here are some tips on how and when […]
\n","content":"\nForget the rules about not driving on the grass. One of the newest trends is a green driveway — where the grass and the hardscape work together to create erosion control, flood prevention, and landscaping harmony. In other words, it looks good, and it’s good for you. Here are some tips on how and when to build a grass driveway.
\n\n\n\nAs cities and signs of human sprawl grow, so does the amount of impermeable cover, such as concrete parking lots and asphalt streets. That’s what’s causing more surface and stormwater pollution, putting a strain on the water table. As the city of Houston found out in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey hit, too many hardscapes cause widespread flooding.
\n\n\n\nThe United States Geological Survey reports, “In a developed watershed, much more water arrives into a stream much more quickly, resulting in an increased likelihood of more frequent and more severe flooding. Frequent flooding causes problems for residents and also the local government, which has to clean up sand and sediment deposited after a flood.” The less impervious hardscape you have, the more places rain or flood water has to go before it reaches your home.
\n\n\n\nPavement is also responsible for the urban heat island effect. If it feels like summer in cities are getting hotter, you can thank all the impermeable surface.
\n\n\n\nOne solution at home could be a grass driveway.
\n\n\n\nGrass driveways are made with stormwater permeable pavers — essentially, pavers with holes where grass can grow through. Water runoff is absorbed into the grass and soil, not the streets and sewer system. It reduces the amount of impermeable cover around your home, making it more environmentally friendly, and lowers your risk of flooding.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/grass-paver-driveway-center-for-watershed-protection-cc20-1024x768.jpg\")
In addition to the environmental reasons, homeowners considering expanding their buildings may have reason to consider a grass driveway. Many government agencies restrict the total amount of impervious cover on individual properties. For you to get that building permit to add on a master bedroom or a new patio, you may have to reduce your impervious footprint elsewhere on the property. Grass driveways represent one way to do so.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hg23Ec8bDHP9tfpJgmqkNBqCRv0iX8u_WfcLMYCtiPk8rPWSvFWRhBKD4bO5hokj5AGv4KFlKd36zwhcPZPXUUSaxcLDkaGqzdXy528joJes04TQIXCquOAi_Xq30lwhEOkRyNpB\")
Grass pavers, also known as grow-through pavers, will cost a little more than traditional driveway pavers.
\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of advantages to using them. There are also some drawbacks.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to preventing flooding, erosion, and stormwater runoff, you’re surrounding your home with more greenery. The more green there is in your environment, the better it is for your mental health. It’s also aesthetically pleasing and looks much nicer than a traditional concrete driveway.
\n\n\n\nThe plastic pavers are durable and can support the weight of several cars, so, yes you will have drivable grass. That’s why some businesses are now using the concept for their parking lots. The paving kits offer easy installation, and unlike a concrete driveway or patio, you don’t need to hire a landscape designer for the project.
\n\n\n\nThink of grass as a thousand tiny plants. They produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. A 25-square-foot area of healthy lawn provides enough oxygen for one adult. The carbon dioxide these plants absorb helps reduce global warming.
\n\n\n\nThe major downside is the maintenance. Like your lawn, a grass driveway will need mowing, edging, weeding, watering, and fertilizing. If you don’t want to use your lawn mower on your driveway, you might consider a gravel driveway. Gravel offers some of the same permeable cover benefits, but not the environmental perks of a grass driveway.
\n\n\n\nThe impact of our hardscaped world can’t be denied. Whether it’s a riverbank worn away by erosion, or groundwater that isn’t replenished and more severe flooding, stormwater causes lots of damage. One grass strip may not change the world, but it’s one step in the right direction — and it looks good, too.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: “Driveway,” Jeremy Reding, CC-bySA-2.0
\n","title":"Grass Driveways: Why, How to Build One","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/1789c/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/107df/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/293e9/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/f2cbb/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/1789c/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/356ef/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/1dd6e/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/67b76/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/8df11/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/98a65/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/1dd6e/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/93f70/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Driveways: Why, How to Build One | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"e4a8d17b-718a-50fa-bae1-49c781b04229","slug":"how-to-kill-off-dandelions","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/how-to-kill-off-dandelions/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Frank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.","name":"Frank Naper","id":"548facf1-0faf-5729-a658-167972066913","path":"/author/frank-naper/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/905ec21d5a8e70f5f8486364c08aa6b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"e80a46cb-c990-5ffe-81c8-aa77d74e07ad","name":"Weeds","count":2,"path":"/category/weeds/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"If you’ve ruled out making wine out of dandelions or adding them to your salad, you’re no doubt looking for ways to get rid of the lawn weeds in your yard. While this isn’t an easy task, it is possible. We’ve rounded up a few options to help you get your yard dandelion-free. The bright […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve ruled out making wine out of dandelions or adding them to your salad, you’re no doubt looking for ways to get rid of the lawn weeds in your yard. While this isn’t an easy task, it is possible. We’ve rounded up a few options to help you get your yard dandelion-free.
\n\n\n\nThe bright yellow, cheerful dandelion is a broadleaf perennial. When it invades your yard, you may feel anything but cheery. They get their name from the French “dent de lion.” It means “tooth of the lion,” and refers to the plant’s serrated green leaves. They’re native to Eurasia. European settlers introduced them to New England in the 1600s as a salad green. They’ve been here ever since, and if without weed control, they’ll take over your lawn and garden.
\n\n\n\nDandelions have a thick taproot that grows vertically into the ground. They also self-pollinate when the yellow flower turns into a grey, fuzzy seed head. One gentle breeze (or helpful child blowing the seeds) later, the seeds land and produce a new crop of dandelions. Here’s a list of suggestions for killing dandelions.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/VBcQiSYg1Ey9yROKr0anneNup94lizlTaq28NNBZ3S199ZwyDZyBIinit2YV77vAF8Thr3gfVHEQQTqYp_psMyQO_Z-0OkuiYD10G2NOzaQvcwjZplQ8aTnDNGny95fESmdN9sAH\")
The best way to kill dandelions is the old-fashioned way: pulling or digging them from the ground. When you mow the grass, it leaves the roots behind. The weeds grow back in a week or two, and you’re back to weeding. You’ll have a better chance of getting the entire taproot if you pick them within a few days after it rains. When the ground is wet, it’s easier to remove the whole plant. Make sure you bag them and get rid of them, so the seeds won’t regerminate.
\n\n\n\nPouring water over the dandelions is effective, but it could damage the grass and nearby plants. If you decide to use the boiling water method, pour the hot liquid over the head, stem, and root. Repeat twice a day until the entire plant has shriveled and died. Pull the dandelion, making sure to get all of the root.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iXTJYZQlPXzWKoBwihG1o5VELINP-GkysZs8nzU0HN6yjbvi51nYbQwOQZ8-hIE312VwFk5jdYsT4p2TQlFZZysclSQRWC8xM2ZVT5vyS4uJI0r2neyAGQgFRwFZ-2AXiJgy4-rQ\")
Using vinegar with 25% acetic acid also works, but again you risk killing the grass and other plants. Common household vinegar is about 5% acetic acid — the more-concentrated form is the one that actually kills plants. Spray the entire plant once a day, being careful not to spray the grass. Repeat the process until it’s dead. Pull the stem by hand, again making sure to get all of the roots. Another DIY remedy is to mix 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 quart vinegar. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray until you’ve covered all parts of the dandelion. Spray again if it hasn’t withered in about three hours.
\n\n\n\nGet a broadleaf herbicide (weed killer) that will kill dandelions and other broadleaf weeds. Follow the instructions carefully. Most broadleaf herbicides start working within a few days. Non-selective herbicides are another option, and they’re generally more effective. They’ll also kill the surrounding grass and other plants, so use them with caution. Pre-emergent herbicide can prevent dandelion seeds from germinating. For it to be effective, you must apply it in early fall and again in early spring. Once the seeds have germinated, it’s too late.
\n\n\n\nMulch is another way to control dandelions and other perennial weeds. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Department suggests, “Mulching with landscape fabrics can be particularly effective for controlling seedlings, reducing the amount of light that is able to reach the soil. Use mulch in flowerbeds to smother existing weeds and prevent new ones from growing.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/GbtVXYoBCgyhvuO-DWDZPlCdBhFPnEDczK15gFtaAT9-k2P-1hTp5-uNQqM4arC-EJfZvlCn5HhmmzejaesqV1LnBMGhOvbrBNJddOPxbfMfP--GS5Gy_Kgw3dsQjVjnFLiOfPgn\")
This farm to lawn idea can be relatively effective. Chickens love dandelions, and you’ll have fresh eggs to boot! The chickens won’t eat the dandelion roots, so this method won’t get rid of them permanently. Once the dandelions grow back, let the chickens chow down on them again. You won’t have dandelions, but the chickens may leave a bigger mess in your yard!
\n\n\n\nRegular lawn care and maintenance can help control dandelions from spreading. Mowing will kill dandelions before they can go to seed, preventing new growth. But your lawn mower can do only so much. Since the root is still in the ground, new plants will soon sprout. Leaving the clippings on the lawn after mowing can also help. The clippings act as a mulch and can keep seeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve decided to battle dandelions, it’s going to take patience, time, and persistence to get rid of them. The best strategy is to stay on top of them before they turn from a yellow flower to a white puffball.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Dandelions, Mike Mozart, CC by 2.0
\n","title":"How to Kill Off Dandelions","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8788990825688074,"src":"/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/1789c/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/107df/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/293e9/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/f2cbb/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/1789c/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/d2f4e/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/1dd6e/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/67b76/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/8df11/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/98a65/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/1dd6e/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/d2f6cdd4e9da65afde32a67fa3f7cbdd/8952c/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Kill Off Dandelions | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"97260ebe-9274-5d73-b454-48940de4090a","slug":"growing-drought-tolerant-grasses","path":"/drought-tolerant-plants/growing-drought-tolerant-grasses/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"2bca3176-5c56-5608-8083-8819b11f4a4c","name":"Drought Tolerant Plants","count":2,"path":"/category/drought-tolerant-plants/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"If you’re looking to conserve water, why not start with your lawn? Choosing drought-tolerant grass will save you money on your water bill. Not only do they need less water, these grass types also don’t need to be mowed or fertilized as often, which will save you time and even more money. As the name […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re looking to conserve water, why not start with your lawn? Choosing drought-tolerant grass will save you money on your water bill. Not only do they need less water, these grass types also don’t need to be mowed or fertilized as often, which will save you time and even more money.
\n\n\n\nAs the name implies, drought-tolerant grasses can survive and even stay green during dry spells. This is helpful if you live in a drier climate or in a community with water restrictions. There are two types of turfgrass to consider when you’re switching to a drought-resistant variety: cool-season and warm-season grass. Choose the type that’s best suited for your climate to increase their hardiness and decrease the time you spend on lawn care.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass types thrive in areas with cold winters and hot summers. Its preferred temperature range is 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why you’ll see more active growth in the spring and fall. These varieties are most common in the upper third of the United States. You’ll also find them in the Midwest, or the “transition zone,” where cool-season and warm-season grasses overlap. They will go dormant in winter when the temperatures get cold.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/15Qv9T51iqfQnmp485RUGDSmxielZf8b72XZIytggcI6Hnl87VQWMzNMcq-wuy2J1f0hHoclryI-XJQcYckibBqwtWQR4tSkZYTYEJzRRXGNwDdjaMbofiqNGxQBySfB_jQZRDit\")
Tall fescue grass is a course-textured, bunching grass with a wide blade that grows well in full sun and shade. It’s becoming more popular as a turfgrass because it looks like other varieties, but doesn’t need as much maintenance. It is well suited to the transition zone because it tolerates both high heat and drought. Its root system reaches deep (2-3 feet), allowing it to find moisture deep in the soil. It only needs 1-1 ¾ inches of water a week.
Sheep fescue is another excellent choice for a drought-tolerant lawn. It needs little water and only infrequent mowing (two to three times a year, and not at all during the summer). Because of its bumpy surface, it’s not ideal for backyard play.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass is a tough, low maintenance grass that grows quickly and holds up well to foot traffic. It’s most commonly used in grass seed mixtures rather than as a stand-alone lawn grass. There are perennial and annual types, and the perennial variety is what you’ll find in permanent lawns.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find warm-season grasses in the southern United States. They prefer temperatures of 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Their most active growth happens in late spring through the summer.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass has the most drought-tolerance of the warm-season grasses. It tolerates heat, drought, high traffic, and even salt, making it popular for lawns, golf courses and football fields in the South. It has deep roots that can extend up to 6 feet, meaning it can find water far underground. It stays green all year in areas where it doesn’t freeze and can recover quickly after going dormant during a drought. It does require more maintenance than some. It needs 1 ¼ inches of water a week during the hottest months. It also grows rapidly, so you’ll need to mow it every five to seven days.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/cmCZ-pouktN7Lzche5bJKvRqPxX7TmDioLyc_0kz-_9GtsJnKqSn1oAPQ-x1shEES7nwn41vUxEwXFkXDBypu87ew7OUjFBWHn6KPg7Yj0piYzv7X4QrMaB6WFeM16lUUMQoAr1Q\")
Buffalograss is native to the Midwest and is growing in popularity as a turfgrass. It’s thick and can survive on less than 1/4 inch of water a week. Newer cultivars are easier to establish in your yard, but it’s still slow to start. The Colorado State University Extension says, “The development of attractive turf-type cultivars and greater availability of seed, sod, and plugs has generated new interest in this grass for home lawns.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/aa8-cN9F14jSdbkKutcB1orwG2IJJ54YA9edneADPtRXB3u3Rfg_VOPSWxTtVD4TYDSk7MrZPTSlxCgYeo6a07DCODyfO3QNRyxApVfe9wb-WDIA8D0yO7sHAHEoL7LerWWQQ3kz\")
Zoysiagrass will give you a dense, green lawn with little maintenance. It grows well in southern states and in the transition zone. It turns brown during winter dormancy, but this happens later in the fall than with other warm-season grass. It also greens up earlier in the spring than other varieties and can grow in partial shade. Like Bermudagrass, it will recover after going dormant in a drought. Zoysia lawns need about an inch of water a week.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a coarser grass that holds up under some foot traffic. It stays green, even when going dormant in the winter, but it is susceptible to disease if overwatered.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. It’s also disease- and pest-resistant, but it won’t do well in shady areas.
\n\n\n\nSwitching a thirsty, high maintenance lawn to one that is water-wise and drought-tolerant is a good ecological and economical choice. You’ll spend less time and money on watering, mowing and fertilizing your lawn, while still having a green outdoor space to enjoy.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Anton Croos, Art of Photography
\n","title":"Growing Drought-Tolerant Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1789c/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/107df/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 320w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/293e9/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 500w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/f2cbb/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 800w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1789c/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 960w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/356ef/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1dd6e/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/67b76/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 320w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/8df11/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 500w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/98a65/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 800w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1dd6e/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 960w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/93f70/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Growing Drought-Tolerant Grasses | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f9879681-f5b4-5ed2-93df-bd0a0ed130bc","slug":"tired-of-traditional-turf-try-a-grass-alternative","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/tired-of-traditional-turf-try-a-grass-alternative/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Max Mustermann","id":"38f26ae5-e768-550f-a948-33b5a37f67de","path":"/author/roblawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7f12ece9fc89be73ee3b329da1a4eb0c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"Traditional lawns are part of the American dream — an ocean of green covering nearly 2% of our nation’s area. But at what cost? Americans view the hassle of mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and pest control our lawns demand as the price we pay for flawless turfgrass. The net effect is a bit grim. Cristina Milesi, […]
\n","content":"\nTraditional lawns are part of the American dream — an ocean of green covering nearly 2% of our nation’s area. But at what cost? Americans view the hassle of mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and pest control our lawns demand as the price we pay for flawless turfgrass. The net effect is a bit grim.
\n\n\n\nCristina Milesi, a NASA researcher who studies lawn area, says, “I estimate there are three times more acres of lawns in the U.S. than irrigated corn.” Her figures reveal turfgrass is the largest crop in America. “Each family may have only a small lawn,” she explains, “but once you add them all up, they have a big impact.”
\n\n\n\nGrass is needy. It needs a mower to manage its length and an edger to tidy its margins. It thrives in full sun and struggles in shady areas. It hungers for fertilizer and thirsts for water. In short, maintaining a grass lawn means spending a lot of time and money on lawn care.
\n\n\n\nThere are lawn alternatives that are low-maintenance and need less water than a traditional lawn. Here’s a selection of lawn replacements that can save you time and make your yard more eco-friendly.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass isn’t all bad: It absorbs carbon dioxide and helps prevent erosion. But the non-native varieties used in the traditional lawn take large volumes of water and fertilizer. Native grasses thrive on poor soil, are drought-tolerant, and don’t mind partial shade. The best part? They require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nThe most common native is buffalo grass (pictured above), a bunch-type grass that once dominated the Plains. Others include bluestem, blue grama and switchgrass. Contact your local county extension agent to see what the most common varieties or blends do best in your area.
\n\n\n\nIf your goal is to reduce lawn maintenance, consider a product like No-Mow-Grass. There are two blends sold commercially under the No-Mow brand. One is a fescue mix for Northern areas where it freezes, and the other is a buffalo grass mix for hot, dry Southern climes. Despite the name, No-Mow-Grass needs mowing once a year in late spring or fall. Like any turf grass that sees heavy foot traffic, No-Mow lawns benefit from a core aeration every couple of years.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/creeping-jenny-groundcover-peter-stevens-cc20.jpg\")
Not all grass alternatives are green. Using mulch, gravel, or even artificial turf to cover large areas of the yard can be aesthetically pleasing and are obviously shade and drought tolerant as can be. The jury is still out on whether artificial grass is a good alternative to turfgrass. Mulch is a fine addition to garden and flower beds because it helps to control weeds, retains soil moisture, and breaks down over time, adding nutrients to the soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QlUzeqrntDZ8N_UfSNMSnnSunjCk2zWaeLEju6OOX3xGIPgKHDk4cfVcuRJl0yRafKRgaV06H3XNxfOpBaQLSq4vYOmFq9Y_Moa9G6WpBF5OKfQ3ggWjzRvhJMxGPOlEfttDpQOn\")
Offering compact, thick green growth, Dutch white clover is a perfect lawn replacement. Its root system generates nitrogen, reducing the need for fertilizing. You can achieve a more drought-tolerant lawn that requires less mowing by encouraging the growth of existing white clover patches. A mixed turfgrass and clover lawn can take heavy foot traffic better than a solid clover lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line? There’s no reason to support a needy front lawn when so many shade-loving lawn replacements exist. Find your groove, make your changes, and pat yourself on the back for doing your part to make the world a little greener.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: “Buffalo grass” by CAJC: in the PNW is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"Tired of Traditional Turf? Try a Grass Alternative","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.439278937381404,"src":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1789c/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/107df/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 320w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/293e9/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 500w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/f2cbb/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 800w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1789c/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 960w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/e0195/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 1517w","srcWebp":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1dd6e/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/67b76/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 320w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/8df11/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 500w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/98a65/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 800w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1dd6e/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 960w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/bab36/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 1517w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Tired of Traditional Turf? Try a Grass Alternative | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"97ed0690-33a4-5dde-86f5-9a94a61287d3","slug":"how-to-edge-a-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-edge-a-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Frank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.","name":"Frank Naper","id":"548facf1-0faf-5729-a658-167972066913","path":"/author/frank-naper/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/905ec21d5a8e70f5f8486364c08aa6b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"bf4daca3-f477-56c4-b0f9-b212905a3b28","name":"Tools, Apps & Accessories","count":6,"path":"/category/garden-accessories/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"Proper lawn care is more of an art than a chore. Nowhere is that more evident than in lawn edging. Your neighbor’s perfect lawn and crisp edges might make you jealous, but with a few simple tools, a little patience, and a lot of practice, you can achieve the clean lines of perfect edging. Here […]
\n","content":"\nProper lawn care is more of an art than a chore. Nowhere is that more evident than in lawn edging. Your neighbor’s perfect lawn and crisp edges might make you jealous, but with a few simple tools, a little patience, and a lot of practice, you can achieve the clean lines of perfect edging. Here are some DIY techniques professional landscapers use to give flower beds and walkways that manicured lawn look you envy.
\n\n\n\nString Trimmer: A quality power edger is an investment, so do your research and don’t skimp on this purchase. Gas trimmers are heavy but ideal for large yards, while electric trimmers are lighter and more eco-friendly. A straight shaft will give you a longer reach and better ability to cut curves than a curved shaft.
\n\n\n\nManual Edging Tool: This tool looks a little bit like a shovel but has a flat, half-moon edger blade. For small yards or an aversion to power tools, this tool is the answer.
\n\n\n\nManual Rotary Edger: This one looks like a stick with a spiky wheel at its end. The spikes are rotating blades that shear off grass in a line. Used to manually edge grass at the edge of sidewalks or other hardscape surfaces. Good for small lawns with thin-bladed grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nHand Shears: For the finishing touches, trimming grass in hard-to-mow spots.
\n\n\n\nGarden Hose or Rope: Use to mark out the edge if you are making new garden beds and need a guide.
\n\n\n\nA Plank of Wood: You’ll only need this if you are using a manual edger to do the job.
\n\n\n\nThere are only a few ways to go about edging a lawn: using a power edger or weed eater, using a manual edging tool, or a combination of both. String trimmers sometimes come with edger attachments that can make short work of overgrown grass spilling into walkways and flower beds. These power tools can make the job easier. They can also make a big mess of an edge in no time if you’re not skilled at using them. Here are some tips for both methods.
\n\n\n\nPower edging is more hardcore than manual edging and requires a little more caution. Follow these steps for a safe, successful experience:
\n\n\n\nMowing with a lawn mower is always the first step in edging. If you are edging in a straight line, you can use a board as a guide. Before you begin, make sure the blade is sharp. If it isn’t, grab a file and go to work.
\n\n\n\nWith your sharp tool in hand, lay your board along the outside of the straight edge you want to cut. Stand on top of the board with one foot to secure it, and then drive the half-moon edger a couple of inches into the turf, using the edge of the board as a guide. If you’re edging against pavers or a sidewalk, you may come up against the edge, cutting a wedge-shaped bit of turf and earth as you go. Rock the edging blade back and forth and then scoop out the grass and dirt you’ve cut away, depositing them out out of the way to be collected later.
\n\n\n\nKeep a consistent angle by using the board edge as a guide, and make sure the blade stays nice and sharp. Susan Harris of Behnke Nursery recommends edging garden beds to avoid high-maintenance mowing around pavers and stone borders. “It’s called a Victorian Trench,” she says. “It does what edging needs to do — holds back the lawn from the garden and the garden from the lawn — without being an eyesore in the garden.” If you’re manually edging along a curved edge, you’ll want to overlap your cuts and double your depth, cutting to a maximum of 6 inches. When you’re finished with flower bed edges, backfill the trench you’ve dug with mulch for a clean, weed-resistant edge.
\n\n\n\nWhile it may seem like a lot of work, edging, like aerating and fertilizing should be a part of your lawn care routine. It gives your yard a tidy, professionally managed look and feel, and instantly increases your curb appeal.
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