{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-blog-page-blog-page-js","path":"/blog/page/74/","result":{"pageContext":{"posts":[{"node":{"id":"7450a5c7-8f60-5887-90f7-256b3940be0e","slug":"watering-restrictions-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/watering-restrictions-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Every sip of water you (or your lawn) takes in Tampa comes from a unique blend of surface, underground and seawater. It&#8217;s a resource protected by year round watering rules.</p>\n","content":"\n<p>It’s hard to imagine not having enough water to drink and bathe, but dry spells can severely impact reserves in Florida communities. With summertime temperatures in the 90s, watering restrictions in Tampa are in place to keep the taps running for everyone. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tampa is unique in that its utility, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tampa Bay Water, (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tampabaywater.org/tampa-bay-regional-drinking-water-sources\" target=\"_blank\">Tampa Bay Water,</a> is the only utility in the United States to get its supply by blending three sources: </p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer, a giant limestone formation that naturally filters and holds billions of gallons.</li><li>Surface water tapped, when available, from Alafia River, Hillsborough River and the Tampa Bypass Canal.</li><li>Desalinated seawater from its reverse osmosis treatment plant located next to Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While having a multitude of sources spreads the risk of ever running dry, each of the sources has its limits, so the Tampa Bay area imposes year-round water restrictions.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watering Days</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The city of Tampa has specific rules in place for <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tampagov.net/water/info/water-use-restrictions\" target=\"_blank\">watering the grass</a>. </p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Mondays and Thursdays for addresses that end in 0, 1, 2 and 3.</li><li>Tuesdays and Fridays for addresses ending in 4, 5 and 6.</li><li>Wednesdays and Saturdays for addresses ending in 7, 8 and 9.</li><li>Office complexes, shopping centers, and other locations with mixed address can water grassy areas on Wednesdays and Saturdays. </li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The hot sun draws moisture into Tampa’s already-humid air, so it’s best to water between midnight and 8 a.m.&nbsp;(<a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/\">Watering during the heat of the day</a> invites weeds and wastes water.)  The city of Tampa prohibits turning on the sprinklers during the day. The watering day schedule applies to permanent irrigation systems, as well as moveable sprinklers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tampa’s <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tampagov.net/water/info/my-watering-day\" target=\"_blank\">watering restrictions</a> are the same for newly established landscapes, as well as chemical treatments and irrigation system upgrades. But you may hand-water your garden, wash cars, run a cycling fountain and power wash without restrictions … just try not to waste any water. <a href=\"https://www.tampagov.net/water/programs/reclaimed-water\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Reclaimed water</a> is not restricted but only use what you need.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Surrounding Areas</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Outlying areas outside of Tampa, such as Hillsboro, also face watering restrictions. The schedule for Hillsboro County is as follows:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Addresses that end in 0, 1, 2 and 3 — Mondays and Thursdays.</li><li>People with Addresses ending in 4, 5 and 6 — Tuesdays and Fridays.</li><li>Addresses that end in 7, 8 and 9 — Wednesdays and Saturdays.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions\" target=\"_blank\">Southwest Florida Water Management District</a> handles restrictions for several cities in the Tampa area. Unless your city or county imposes more-restrictive water rules, the SFWMD rules are in effect. The rules differ in surrounding neighborhoods. In Temple Terrace, for example, homeowners with even-numbered addresses may water their lawns Thursdays and Sundays.  Odd-numbered addresses may turn on the sprinklers Wednesdays and Saturdays. Watering is only permitted before 10 a.m., and after 4 p.m.  Common areas may irrigate rights-of-way on Tuesdays and Fridays.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consequences</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Blowing off the city of Tampa’s water rules can cost you anywhere from $100 to $450 per violation and require a court appearance. Tampa’s <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tampagov.net/water/programs/water-conservation/water-use-restrictions-enforcement\" target=\"_blank\">Water Use Restrictions Enforcement Plan</a> assesses fines of $100 for the first citation, $200 for the second. Then, because you apparently haven’t gotten the message, you&#8217;ll face a $450 fine and a trip to court. And if you fail to show up to court, the water department can cut off your service completely. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improving Your Lawn’s Drought-Tolerance</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-season grasses for a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/lawn-care/planting-your-florida-lawn.html\" target=\"_blank\">Florida lawn</a> include Zoysia, buffalograss, bahiagrass, and St. Augustine. Planting a drought-tolerant grass, such as buffalo, ensures its hardiness when rainfall is sparse and the sprinklers are off.  Lawns that can best handle periods of drought have deep, spreading root systems. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watering the lawn less frequently but for longer periods is better for the roots. Watering too often prevents the roots from reaching deep into the soil.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apply a half-inch of water when about a third or half of the grass shows signs of wilting. When the blades start to fold, turn a blue-gray color, and don&#8217;t spring back after being walked on, the lawn is telling you it&#8217;s thirsty.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Tampa? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/fl/tampa/\">Tampa Lawn Care page</a>. <br></p>\n","title":"Watering Restrictions in Tampa","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5047021943573669,"src":"/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/1789c/sprinklers-5-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/107df/sprinklers-5-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/293e9/sprinklers-5-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/f2cbb/sprinklers-5-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/1789c/sprinklers-5-1.jpg 960w","srcWebp":"/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/1dd6e/sprinklers-5-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/67b76/sprinklers-5-1.webp 320w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/8df11/sprinklers-5-1.webp 500w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/98a65/sprinklers-5-1.webp 800w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/1dd6e/sprinklers-5-1.webp 960w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Watering Restrictions in Tampa | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When can you water your lawn and when should you turn off the tap? Ignoring the watering restrictions in Tampa could cost you a hefty fine during a drought."}}},{"node":{"id":"0c03fdd8-6e52-5427-b295-fe9c2b026440","slug":"controlling-worst-weeds-charlotte","path":"/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/controlling-worst-weeds-charlotte/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>If you were a weed, wouldn&#8217;t you want to make Charlotte your home? These uninvited guests, however, get in the way of us keeping lawns beautiful.</p>\n","content":"\n<p>You really can&#8217;t blame them: If you were a weed, wouldn&#8217;t you want to make Charlotte your home? These uninvited guests, however, get in the way of us keeping lawns beautiful.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t want to have your yard become a weedy welcome mat, the key is to spot them early and <a aria-label=\"taking care of weeds  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/the-definitive-guide-to-identifying-common-lawn-weeds/\">take care of weeds</a> as they come up. Here&#8217;s a guide for controlling the worst weeds in Charlotte.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clover</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lrBgC06YV-YqYYN7yRqNSriNT1OML-uP_RX86xvcR6G-OFtk8wmECKyCgD2_rNu3YxygamloDHM7HEcBMrPw4_ublc1NsqStMB4bElrsOI4PGVzqqx0Riz1nLQgXUeOk3ZHzzyCl\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This perennial plant once was a standard part of grass seed mixes. But once chemical herbicides were introduced after World War II, clover was redefined as a weed by the industry.  Clover will come back year after year, left unchecked. Winter frost doesn’t slow it down one bit, either. Clover likes nothing better than poorly fertilized grass because it has the upper hand. To beat this persistent weed, start by fertilizing in the spring and fall to give your lawn an advantage. Keep the grass mowed high — 3 inches or taller — to give it an <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"edge over the clover (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://lenoir.ces.ncsu.edu/2016/05/is-clover-a-weed/\" target=\"_blank\">edge over the clover</a>. The last resort is using a broadleaf herbicide to spot-treat the clover, But only do this if your efforts to have the grass overpower the clover fail.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chickweed</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"971\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/chickweed-flowers-stellaria-media-flickr-hedera-baltica-1024x971.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10123\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/chickweed-flowers-stellaria-media-flickr-hedera-baltica-1024x971.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/chickweed-flowers-stellaria-media-flickr-hedera-baltica-300x284.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/chickweed-flowers-stellaria-media-flickr-hedera-baltica-768x728.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/chickweed-flowers-stellaria-media-flickr-hedera-baltica-1080x1024.jpg 1080w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/chickweed-flowers-stellaria-media-flickr-hedera-baltica.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" /><figcaption>Source: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/hedera_baltica/26887282257\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Flickr (opens in a new tab)\">Flickr</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This annual winter weed will creep in beginning in early fall and will persist until spring. Left unchecked, it can spread into <a href=\"https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/weeds-in-turf/common-chickweed/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">large patches</a>. The organic way to control chickweed is to pull up any of the shallow-rooted plants as they come up. You&#8217;ll then need to aerate and reseed to fill in any of the gaps in the turf left behind. Some pre-emergent treatments will kill chickweed when applied in the early spring, and post-emergents will work in the fall. Mow often to prevent these plants from going to seed, at which point a pre-emergent may be the best choice.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hairy Bittercress</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/lDDV_6uILf08I912SlAdce9KrL9TB5G20KhnSxqTrVeD5KFxpWF3D5ofAvkpF6OmhBahCvMG_6K9DCCpCfBFrJ5k9AmkPYIWspIhD2OYQB3Hl-ok5MzUrxMnU8q5Sgp0kL9zePK4\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href=\"https://visualhunt.co/a3/834e5c\">Macleay Grass Man</a> on <a href=\"https://visualhunt.com/re5/6d9aa0eb\">Visual Hunt</a> / <a href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\">CC BY</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hairy bittercress may sound like an ingredient in a Harry Potter spell but will feel like a curse if you ever try to pull it up by the roots. This annual winter weed will send small explosions of seeds in all directions. During winter and spring, go on a bittercress patrol a couple of times a week and pull any emerging plants. Once the seeds start popping, you will have a much bigger problem the following year. Frequent mowings can keep this pesky weed in check, but a severe infestation calls for broadleaf herbicide treatment.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Henbit</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From late fall to spring, this opportunistic weed loves to invade patchy lawns in shady spots. Begin surveying the yard in late summer to scope out any of the telltale purple leaves as it begins to emerge. Hand weed any henbit you find in these first weeks of emergence, and you should be well-positioned to win the battle. Treat any heavy infestations with a pre-emergent in the fall.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purple Deadnettle</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uT_V7ugO7nsiFbU1dxk5CIMFlSXuwIhWQCVUaEfnw50Pfk6NYM2KJyXpzuYXpXQNKkbK0ZifGGcmb4FGEaPhkzlmhQzug9s3WYirdEi205rPn6XsbuiGvK2L9VNb7gN65jtLlWce\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Often mistaken for henbit, this relative of mint is one of the most aggressive lawn weeds around. If you’re able to spot it early and pull it up by the roots, you’ll be in good shape, but if you have an infestation, you’re in trouble. A pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide may be the only way to take care of a bad case of purple deadnettle.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bear in mind that for each of these weeds and countless others, the best offense is a good defense. Aerating, mowing properly, watering and fertilizing at the right times, helps in controlling the worst weeds in Charlotte. Remember, the more energy you put into keeping the lawn healthy and happy, the less time you will spend fighting off weeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/\">Charlotte Lawn Care page.</a><br></p>\n","title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Charlotte, N.C.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3892908827785817,"src":"/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/1789c/chickweed.jpg","srcSet":"/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/107df/chickweed.jpg 320w,\n/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/293e9/chickweed.jpg 500w,\n/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/f2cbb/chickweed.jpg 800w,\n/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/1789c/chickweed.jpg 960w","srcWebp":"/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/1dd6e/chickweed.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/67b76/chickweed.webp 320w,\n/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/8df11/chickweed.webp 500w,\n/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/98a65/chickweed.webp 800w,\n/static/41e46f766a1c55b23d086f7fe50a35f2/1dd6e/chickweed.webp 960w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Charlotte, N.C. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ever wonder why weeds seem to grow faster than our lawns and flowers? Controlling the worst weeds in Charlotte is easier when you can identify them."}}},{"node":{"id":"955faa8e-0da7-5d65-867f-65e3a3f4cd74","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-charlotte-nc","path":"/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/worst-backyard-pests-charlotte-nc/","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":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>The things that make Charlotte a beautiful place to live — short, mild winters and long months of hot, humid weather — make it a haven for insects.  Here are the worst ones and what to do about them.</p>\n","content":"\n<p>The things that make Charlotte a beautiful place to live — short, mild winters and long months of hot, humid weather — make it a haven for insects. If you haven’t encountered any of these pesky interlopers yet, chances are you will at some point. Here’s a list of the worst backyard pests in Charlotte, N.C., and how to deal with them.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aphids</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BLU_yMhW80SMMI1oRONPvyLPmrRvT25vN4tePCqNjbmnM15jryrQIXtUr_Xz0gChposzndRdYhJLTLYsWz_9ybOVTck2pS4zD9wWqulRU3nW1tQZL8V9P6JwK7od8LVUTaiSkaza\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>These little suckers attach themselves to the undersides of the leaves of herbaceous and woody plants and suck the life out of them. The easiest way to detect aphids is to examine the bottoms of leaves from time to time. If you see a plant looking unusually wilted or developing strangely shaped or colored new leaves, the aphids have invaded. It&#8217;s possible to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/?s=aphid\">treat aphids without chemicals</a>, by crushing them, spraying them with water from a hose, or treating them with neem oil. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bagworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll first see these <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu/2015/06/bagworm-pests/\" target=\"_blank\">pests gathering in late spring</a>, forming small bags that resemble upside-down ice cream cones. Conifers are the most susceptible trees. The sooner you notice them, the better. You can treat with a biological, nontoxic pesticide, <em>Bacillus thuringiensis,</em> or BT, but only when the worms are young and feeding. Spinosad is your next line of defense, effective on the adult worms and also low in toxicity. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem, because it will only get worse the following year.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire Ants</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_gfirmzWi6t0nx5-2kpUgsrgLUbSTri7lPAbERHMSOpoxC6I1fpWrG0fSZ-G3zfLiBoLJsqdwtQKDL91eizRApL2hpt-wTubVRzySXRcMDMvtGyadKJA6haLiOaKsHJJcbXJ-M0b\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing ruins a good time in the yard faster than fire ants. These inconsiderate invaders do great damage to the lawn and deliver nasty bites that you won’t soon forget. There are many control methods, from treating mounds with boiling water to drenching them with insecticide. One of the most effective techniques is the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"two-step method (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://articles.extension.org/pages/14345/fire-ant-control:-the-two-step-method-and-other-approacheshttps://articles.extension.org/pages/14345/fire-ant-control:-the-two-step-method-and-other-approaches\" target=\"_blank\">two-step method</a>, which can reduce the population by 80 to 90 percent. This involves spreading a bait over your yard in the early part of fall. The ants will take this back to their nest where it will kill the queen. The second step involves treating individual mounds with a granule or dust insecticide.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mosquitoes</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While mosquitoes don’t do any damage to the lawn, they can ruin a backyard party. They&#8217;re also the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deadliest_animals_to_humans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">deadliest creature</a> on the planet! The best way to take care of this pest is to prevent them from breeding in the first place. Make sure there is absolutely no standing water anywhere in the yard. If you have a birdbath, replace the water every few days, and if you have a pond or water feature, treat it with non-toxic mosquito dunks every couple of weeks.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planting fragrant plants like mint, lavender, geraniums. and rosemary around decks and patios can help to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/home-garden/plants-that-repel-insects/\">repel these bloodsuckers</a>. If all else fails, installing oscillating deck fans can help to at least keep these slow-flying pests at bay.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grubs &amp; Beetles</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8-cnXREv09d7KZnxV_WpM4iROBuk1IaRkCzYF-hehaPeXl15-Re-j9oO5bkUIdF6jDjmSalXZxthOUIDPV7vqq7WAIOai7shYz5OzNysxIZ5RuQ3GdD_mE5xyldYhOV3hGJwhOg4\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you begin to see inexplicable brown spots on an otherwise healthy lawn, you can be almost certain that a grub is to blame. If you suspect you have a grub issue, try to lift up a piece of affected turf. If it rolls up and seems to lack roots, then you know you have grubs. To avoid using chemicals on your lawn, use milky spore, nematodes, or neem oil to kill the grubs in the soil. Remember, the healthier your lawn is, the more difficult it is for grubs to make a dent in it. Mow consistently and make sure you irrigate the right amount.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter what pests you’re dealing with, prevention and early detection are the best defenses you can mount against them. Treating an all-out infestation will always be more difficult and time-consuming. So keep your eyes open and do your best to defeat the worst pests before they become problematic.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our<a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/\"> Charlotte Lawn Care page</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>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.</em><br></p>\n","title":"The Worst Backyard Pests in Charlotte, N.C.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3438320209973753,"src":"/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/1789c/backyard-pests.jpg","srcSet":"/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/107df/backyard-pests.jpg 320w,\n/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/293e9/backyard-pests.jpg 500w,\n/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/f2cbb/backyard-pests.jpg 800w,\n/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/1789c/backyard-pests.jpg 960w,\n/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/a2a79/backyard-pests.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/1dd6e/backyard-pests.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/67b76/backyard-pests.webp 320w,\n/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/8df11/backyard-pests.webp 500w,\n/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/98a65/backyard-pests.webp 800w,\n/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/1dd6e/backyard-pests.webp 960w,\n/static/96e9541eb1a180b7439ea2ed5fba8dab/7aa54/backyard-pests.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Worst Backyard Pests in Charlotte, N.C. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"How do get rid of the bugs that bug you.? We focus on the worst backyard pests in Charlotte, then tell you how to eliminate them."}}},{"node":{"id":"17b1c722-3deb-5849-8754-404243fe183c","slug":"worst-backyard-pests","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/worst-backyard-pests/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.</p>\n","content":"\n<p>After working so hard to make your <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/fl/tampa\">yard and garden perfect</a>, you deserve to enjoy it. Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cockroaches</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/eXZKJCH0nXqblC_uBh4TJCdQgW83fF9v6egxRT3EmKItJtSd2l5OXzJrf6uadMyr1qx5LkSXtgDUShn-GMZCS0iZIuXbbCIUV_rnHG9tpgW6uteKoLIfODTMykjZWF7LUFveyqI9\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/30000/nahled/barata-cucaracha-cockroach.jpg\">Source</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Cockroaches are  generally about 1.5 inches long and love the humidity in Tampa. You’ll find them in your garden, trees, under your sink, in your bathroom, behind the dishwasher, and anywhere there’s moisture. The females will lay eggs anywhere they can find food and water. Avoid leaving pet food out and, to the extent possible, deprive them of the moist, shady outdoor areas in which they thrive, such as stacks of wood, piles of leaves or hollow tree stumps.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many species of cockroaches in Florida. Some fly, some don&#8217;t. Some seek shelter in homes, others don&#8217;t. The giant of them all is the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/roaches/florida_woods_cockroach.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Florida woods cockroach</a>, also known as the palmetto bug. One member of the species was plucked from the obscurity of a woodpile in Apopka, Fla., and won the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"World Cockroach Contest (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1986-08-16-0240360050-story.html\" target=\"_blank\">World Cockroach Contest</a> in 1986. Its length: 2.49 inches. Its name: Longfellow. Its one saving grace: Like other palmetto bugs, it prefers to live outdoors.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cockroaches rarely bite, but many carry bacteria such as salmonella which can contaminate food. Their waste and sheddings can trigger attacks in people with asthma. Boric acid dust and common insecticides help control them, but it’s best to call an exterminator for any substantial infestation. Even a professional won’t be able to totally rid your yard or house of these worst backyard pests in Tampa.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spider Mites</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The tiny mouths of these arthropods allow them to make holes in many of your plants. Getting rid of <a href=\"http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2018/04/17/the-insidious-two-spotted-spider-mite/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"spider mites (opens in a new tab)\">spider mites</a> can be difficult. Try applying a half and half mixture of water and alcohol. Make sure the alcohol is isopropyl, which is toxic to insects but shouldn’t hurt your plants. If the mites are still making your garden and lawn into their home, you may have to research chemical products.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tropical Sod Webworm</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/K3UXOYZ81AKeXZfwZwO9qG3NJbV6eczq6Hgv2I8vQviswAkGhD5gri16byFvUB97GDqnN5mFh0wtB49_r9WmNnTXr4IQyKonStT6LhVlnBQqLkS_bfA4Fk92T3QCzOafsNoWfGRZ\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/tropical-sod-webworm.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tropical sod webworms (opens in a new tab)\">Tropical sod webworms</a> can do a lot of damage. For such tiny creatures, they can have a big impact on your yard. These caterpillars may be hard to spot, as they can turn as green as the grass they eat. If one part of your lawn has brown patches and is shorter than the rest, bend down and inspect it closely to see whether your lawn is infested. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>The adults are annoying triangular-shaped moths that don’t do much damage. But they lay eggs in the lawn, and the hatching larvae feed on the grass blades. To get rid of these tiny troublemakers, try sprinkling soapy water on the lawn. This will usually draw the critters out, so you can remove them. But if you notice a large infestation, you’ll have to resort to an insecticide. Spinosad is an organic product that controls the tropical sod webworm, without hurting the grass or beneficial bugs.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mealybugs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These gray oval bugs can destroy your plants quickly. Their dusty and grainy look is actually a waxy protective coat.&nbsp; Since they may be hard to spot, keep an eye out for dirty or yellow patches on your plants. Your plants looking like they have fur or lint on them may be another sign mealybugs have taken up residence.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get rid of them, spray the plants with <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/pest-control/\">neem oil or insecticidal soap</a>. Another approach is to deter them their natural predators. Tiny wasps, “mealybug destroyer” ladybugs and lacewings will make a quick meal of the mealy bugs.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opossums</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Pulm8_tsekxSdH-8nbUZKxQa8LVaiXskw2AXgxpMwqfdMLBGFwrh8GahZ69xx7qX5b2SIY4pBbv64tPhtQEcrv-hbsQqzEogBZUnc__0-qCMmLfLmCfWT6WweCcCdSlUjBK7kSqO\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Opossums are prevalent in Florida. If they can get ahold of anything in your garden, they will. To keep them away, trim the fruit trees where the critters like to snack. You can also block off and cover individual plants and areas you want to protect. Chemical deterrents for opossums are also available if you &#8216;re at your wits end with these pests. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>While opossums are a nuisance, they can <a href=\"https://www.news-press.com/story/news/2018/06/15/opossum-facts-support-worthiness-florida-critter/702055002/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">also be beneficial</a>. Besides feasting on your citrus trees, they eat ticks, mice, roaches, rats and snakes. They&#8217;re actually immune to rattlesnake venom. Opossums are also the only marsupial in North America and one of the oldest critters on earth.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cats and Dogs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may not immediately think of housepets such as cats or dogs as garden pests, but they can ruin a lawn and garden faster than an opossum. Cats and dogs are naturally curious and like to chew on plants and grass. Cats like to lay and roll in the grass and newly seeded dirt. Dogs love to dig. The best way to keep your pets from chewing on your grass and garden plants is by training them to use a designated area of the yard. You can also try a homemade solution which has garlic, hot pepper or soapy water. Another tip is to water the area your yard where <a href=\"http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/prevent-pet-waste-from-killing-your-lawn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">the dog goes potty</a>. This will help dilute the urine, which can kill the grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the right knowledge and effort, you can protect your home from the worst backyard pests in Tampa. Once your garden is safe, you&#8217;ll have more time to enjoy relaxing in it, than working on it.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><em>Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Tampa? Visit our </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/fl/tampa/\"><em>Tampa Lawn Care page</em></a><em>. </em></p>\n","title":"The Worst Backyard Pests in Tampa","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4645308924485125,"src":"/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/1789c/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/107df/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.jpg 320w,\n/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/293e9/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.jpg 500w,\n/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/f2cbb/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.jpg 800w,\n/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/1789c/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.jpg 960w,\n/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/356ef/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/1dd6e/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/67b76/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.webp 320w,\n/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/8df11/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.webp 500w,\n/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/98a65/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.webp 800w,\n/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/1dd6e/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.webp 960w,\n/static/3c006d2a3de1c138020f6b2c4d4dc06d/93f70/two-spotted-spider-mite-wikipedia-commons.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Worst Backyard Pests in Tampa | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"We squash them, spray them and sometimes scream when we see them. Learn how to identify the worst backyard pests in Tampa and how to get rid of them."}}},{"node":{"id":"88628689-1583-5445-bc6b-94ff9ebdfc5a","slug":"guide-summer-lawn-care-kansas-city","path":"/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/guide-summer-lawn-care-kansas-city/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"05d0f445-881a-5277-b62a-ce38f7c7af9f","name":"Kansas City","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>It takes a little knowhow, but a gorgeous green lawn is possible throughout Kansas City&#8217;s hot summer. We&#8217;ll teach you how with this guide to summer lawn care.</p>\n","content":"\n<p>If you want a yard that <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/a-monthly-lawn-care-guide-for-kansas-city-mo-residents/\">looks like a million bucks</a> through the summer, you have to work at it — even though it’s tempting to stay inside in the AC when the mercury rises above 90 degrees. Here’s a simplified guide to summer lawn care in Kansas City.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Irrigate</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HTw7cXSeV6wctW5M2ruTNy-VT3FT7ENWHGK-E5hwVJ8XcyS6uhpiecYQmVGQ191sZpLTmGF-kJToZAIBiUCcjx1BR5cJ8XAW3TWk_UDs4poCaTvmThj1VqBsPxaZpQ49ArjzNdWi\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing that comes to mind is watering. Yes, your grass needs water when it’s hot, but there&#8217;s <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.epa.gov/watersense/when-its-hot\" target=\"_blank\">a right way</a> to go about it. You may be tempted to over-irrigate, assuming that more is better when it’s hot. In fact, because Kansas City soil has a lot of clay, excessive water simply runs down the curb and into the gutter.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if you water too much or too often, your grass roots will stay near the surface. You want them to go deep. Make them work for their drink! In that same vein, it’s better to water about three times a week rather than every day.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your yard needs 1-2 inches of water per week. That can come from rain or irrigation, or a combination of both. KC typically gets about 23 inches of rain between May and September — so Mother Nature does her part.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moisture Test</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After watering, the soil beneath your turfgrass should be  moist down to 4-6 inches deep. A way to gauge that is to shove a long screwdriver into it and measure the muddy residue on it.  Water in the morning when the dew is on the blades and before the day begins baking. If you water in the afternoon, most of it will just evaporate in the hot air. Evenings are a second-best alternative, but avoid watering at night. When grass stays wet in the cool overnight, it invites in damaging bacteria and fungi.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mow to the Proper Height</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/HYMUoACJ7JELrll3x5HrRsU71Fe6o2xbVdiwy8PmET9n-UeIYgaUyYVZ6T-Pu3P7TDpBjW_nxY2wxZtnrmNETGvVRpgVXFnAo9FBj3UVtmmfzhIj112Mt8MIeUIcz_9kQinQcFH6\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the grass is watered, and the sun is shining. Next comes that all-American summertime ritual — <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/scott/documents/Ag/Quick-Reference-Guides/Lawn-Management.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">mowing</a>. There is a temptation to mow your lawn down until it is as pristine as a putting green. And let’s admit it &#8211; we like to cut it short to stretch out the days between mowing. Summer lawn care in Kansas City means regular mowing. The best types of grass for Kansas City are tall fescue and Zoysia. Both should stay about 2-1/2  to 3 inches tall to be healthy and to keep weeds from claiming squatters’ rights. Keep your lawn mower blade sharp. You want to clip your grass evenly — not beat it into submission.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weed it and Reap</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you did your due diligence and treated your yard with pre-emergent herbicide in the spring, you fired the opening shot in the war on weeds. But the battle will continue through the summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/WZNaV71-7BBNaSkQ6BqgARMhmeobL62w-VRL_QYVN6lad9vpPOYdnmWJ1WheN0TrnKDfasRhxn8CWNWDloKavo930BJlHU2EygHudjwzvpYut97pzA9rP_LSNMqJsLqnBGqFseS6\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You have two ways to fight it. First is the time-honored tradition of hoeing, digging, or pulling up weeds. The other is to use a post-emergent herbicide. &nbsp; Your best bet is a selective post-emergent product. Selective means it should kill certain types of weeds and grasses, but leave others alone. Make sure to read the label and get a product that will kill your weeds, but not your grass. Selective herbicides will kill off the top of your weeds, but will not stop buried weed seeds from germinating.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll also find<em> </em>nonselective post-emergent herbicides, like the popular Roundup brand. These will kill everything they touch, including your grass and yard plants. The best use of these potent products is on weeds and grasses that pop up in the cracks of your sidewalk and driveway and along fence lines.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re a conscientious lawn steward, you fertilized in the spring. Don’t do it again in the heat of summer or you’ll risk chemical burn to your grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pest Control</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep an eye out for brown patches in your lawn. This could be a sign of<a href=\"https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/beetles/grubs-in-lawn.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"> grub worms</a>. A few grubs will not hurt a healthy lawn. But if the turf peels back easily and you see a lot of the fat little creatures, a trip to the garden center for pesticide should nip the problem. Look for a product that contains neonicotinoids or chlorantraniliprole.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping a great yard all summer is an ongoing chore, but follow this regimen, and you should have plenty of time to kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor!</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Kansas City? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/\">Kansas City Lawn Care</a> page. <br></p>\n","title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Kansas City","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/1789c/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/107df/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.jpg 320w,\n/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/293e9/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.jpg 500w,\n/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/f2cbb/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.jpg 800w,\n/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/1789c/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.jpg 960w,\n/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/a2a79/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/1dd6e/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/67b76/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.webp 320w,\n/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/8df11/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.webp 500w,\n/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/98a65/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.webp 800w,\n/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/1dd6e/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.webp 960w,\n/static/dc7bc2b9946498b176ea6b2878169b4f/7aa54/Lawncare-entretien-du-jardin.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Kansas City | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want to turn your neighbors green with envy with a lush green lawn all summer? Follow our guide to summer lawn care in Kansas City, MO for gorgeous grass."}}},{"node":{"id":"6c4e8e7d-907e-5e4d-8c71-95426cbc21d8","slug":"native-plants-for-charlotte","path":"/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/native-plants-for-charlotte/","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":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"July 26th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Gardeners take note: You know those fussy plants that struggle in the hottest months of summer and require special care to survive winter? These are, without a doubt, nonnative species, those interlopers not acclimated to the conditions of this region. If you want to save yourself the hassle of bending over backward to keep these [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Gardeners take note: You know those fussy plants that struggle in the hottest months of summer and require special care to survive winter? These are, without a doubt, nonnative species, those interlopers not acclimated to the conditions of this region. If you want to save yourself the hassle of bending over backward to keep these plants alive, choose native plants for Charlotte.  </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Native plants have the upper hand because they evolved to thrive in North Carolina. They provide excellent habitat and forage for pollinators and wildlife. Best of all, they need little care compared to their invasive counterparts. Here are a few of the best native plants for Charlotte, N.C.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cardinal Flower </h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A local, well-adapted to forests and riverbanks, cardinal flower is a showy native that can grow in the sun and shade. This beautiful perennial can grow from one to six feet tall. While it doesn&#8217;t need much water, it prefers slightly moist soil. Blooming from May until October, you&#8217;ll see lots of hummingbirds stop by to feast on the nectar. &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Butterfly Weed </h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This native flower is a primary <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/gardening-tips/how-to-attract-birds-butterflies-bees-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">food source for monarch butterflies</a>. This variety of milkweed has bright orange blooms that last from May to August. It thrives best in full sun and dry soil, requiring almost no maintenance to flourish. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carolina Lupine</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rBbq0WF4wWvvYwX5TvdFYCNWhhcn72IvOsFDTENKJvS1cheazSie18on_zi-V6DgzlcHiDvp0V2DBN8pip9pQzGlyjPSYrfnJqQ0BuNJ1RWTGheuHOfDLDXLUD6Mge_elInNec9m\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption> Source: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermopsis_villosa#/media/File:Thermopsis_villosa_(syn._T.caroliniana),_Carolina_lupine.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wikimedia (opens in a new tab)\">Wikimedia</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This mountain native loves nothing more than sunshine and well-drained soil. From May to June, large spires of yellow flowers adorn the top of this plant’s branches. It&#8217;s great for adding color and height to the edges of a garden. Standing three to six feet tall, this is a tall perennial that will steal the show with early spring blooms. &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dwarf Crested Iris<em> </em></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The blue blooms of the dwarf crested iris are great if you&#8217;re looking for flowers to plant in shaded areas. Standing less than a foot tall, this miniature blooms from March to May, offering bursts of color and <a href=\"https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/learn/hummingbirds/attract.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">food for hummingbirds</a> in early spring. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beautyberry</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This small shrub features long, arching branches and bright foliage. It blooms with striking clusters of purple berries in fall and winter, providing food for wildlife. Usually reaching heights of three to five feet, beautyberry performs best in part shade. This makes it an ideal understory shrub or edge planting. The beautyberry requires little maintenance and will provide color when most of your other plants are dormant.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buttonbush </h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beloved by gardeners and butterflies alike, buttonbush is a multistemmed shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The round white or pink flowers that dangle from the tips of the branches are irresistible to butterflies. Well suited for shade and part shade, this is another excellent understory plant that performs well on the edge of a property. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is only a taste of the many species native to our area. Hopefully, it can stimulate your imagination about the landscape possibilities when you choose native plants to Charlotte. Remember, the more native your landscape, the more time you can spend enjoying it, rather than maintaining it. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/\">Charlotte, NC lawn care page</a>. <br></p>\n","title":"Native Plants for Charlotte","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/d450468a25f135eb910430f67e2f236a/f2cbb/butterfly-weed.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d450468a25f135eb910430f67e2f236a/107df/butterfly-weed.jpg 320w,\n/static/d450468a25f135eb910430f67e2f236a/293e9/butterfly-weed.jpg 500w,\n/static/d450468a25f135eb910430f67e2f236a/f2cbb/butterfly-weed.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/d450468a25f135eb910430f67e2f236a/98a65/butterfly-weed.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d450468a25f135eb910430f67e2f236a/67b76/butterfly-weed.webp 320w,\n/static/d450468a25f135eb910430f67e2f236a/8df11/butterfly-weed.webp 500w,\n/static/d450468a25f135eb910430f67e2f236a/98a65/butterfly-weed.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants for Charlotte | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ever wonder why your dahlias droop but your lantanas look luscious? Learn why the native plants for Charlotte are easier to grow and maintain."}}}],"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/73/","nextPageLink":"/blog/page/75/","currentPage":74}}}