{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-blog-page-blog-page-js","path":"/blog/page/79/","result":{"pageContext":{"posts":[{"node":{"id":"b7a25e61-bcc0-50b0-8908-805eeadcaa03","slug":"native-plants-houston-landscapes","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/native-plants-houston-landscapes/","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":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>When&#8217;s the last time you stopped to smell the roses in Houston? How about any of the native flowers like the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan? These are the native plants for Houston landscapes that attract birds, bees and other pollinators. Since they grow here naturally, they need little maintenance or water to thrive. Planting [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>When&#8217;s the last time you stopped to smell the roses in Houston? How about any of the native flowers like the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan? These are the native plants for Houston landscapes that attract birds, bees and other pollinators. Since they grow here naturally, they need little maintenance or water to thrive. Planting native helps the environment and your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Value</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When designing your landscape, don’t forget the smaller details that set your property apart from the neighborhood. <a href=\"https://npsot.org/wp/houston/files/2018/09/NATIVE-PLANT-GUIDE.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Native plants</a> in Houston and other cities in Texas are celebrated for their visual appeal, and for being eco-friendly. Since they’re easy to maintain, they’ll <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/landscaping/5-reasons-a-home-with-a-well-maintained-yard-will-sell-for-more-money/\">increase the curb appeal</a> of your home.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the trees, vines, shrubs, and plants that grow easily in H-Town.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trees</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/IAujYhyWhiqbOHyzjyFz6NUQFQvuj2I4pc0kkG_GEpPRgkHDbedud1tWw-tSl8u5lLD4SUErYX1jawFWbfdTpNs6zx_Cd8b1hLSby8HcMZmKulLbZukItYRNevfhRyjKn25ZAPKw\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many species of large trees in Texas; oaks are ones you&#8217;ll find everywhere in Houston. They fall into two groups; red and white. Red oaks have jagged leaves with acorns that take two years to mature. White Oaks have smooth foliage with acorns maturing in one season. You’ll also see maple, walnut, ash, cypress, pine, sycamore and tulip trees that typically grow anywhere from 60 to 80 feet tall. The pecan may be our state tree, but don&#8217;t forget about the tree that gave Houston one of its many nicknames. The Southern magnolia tree is losing ground to invasive species, but it continues to be the centerpiece in many Houston gardens.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smaller varieties of native trees include the American holly, with its sharply jagged foliage and bright red berries. Pawpaw gives off a tropical-like appearance that highlights your landscape with maroon-red flowers. Acacia sprouts white-yellow blooms, and crape myrtle comes in a variety of colors including lavender, white, reds and pink. You can&#8217;t walk far in Houston without seeing a <a href=\"https://today.agrilife.org/2016/06/30/new-texas-superstar-introduced-bashams-party-pink-crape-myrtle/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Basham Party Pink Crape Myrtle</a> — a hybrid that can grow up to 30 feet tall.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Gzce4KAaryUIcFtEITJNsdxf48uoM2X-rqy4v2n9DePqDD5Ony7JP9jgifltb08ELuwcOjc22JdH8u6wg9d5e3YiQlTFA5YoTkXn3lgvLU3JH4CWqmssbJ8yv3CpsmsmA6nVLy16\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://i.pinimg.com/736x/40/f0/8f/40f08f4ccba3ef9d875b205d789819ab.jpg\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vines</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Coral honeysuckle</strong> has reddish green stems, dark green leaves and looks similar to small shrubs.&nbsp; This vine climbs fences and features red trumpet-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds. Birds will enjoy a sumptuous feast of orange and red berries during September and October. Coral honeysuckle prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sE86jEBcqWKxF-M92mDKHrnmbixjg18LkCtWraPmOAKx7RwpmT5X4zAaTd3R97gVO77MDiIcii8TBlzOtxFkoZW--1liGil3oSdw6Y5_uXGer1niLxFRqIdjsxlGc_b0MGNJZUwn\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Photo credit: <a href=\"https://visualhunt.co/a2/b796d3\">dunnmary735</a> on <a href=\"https://visualhunt.com/re4/64f2a0ae\">Visualhunt.com</a> / <a href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/\">CC BY-NC</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Carolina Jessamine</strong> climbs high with its long, tapered leaves. In winter, you’ll see bright yellow trumpet flowers tinged with a spicy scent.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Crossvine</strong> blooms in spring with dark-red and yellow flowers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Passionflower vine</strong>. With small lavender blooms from April to September, this vine spreads out over fences and trellises. The deep green leaves also attract colorful butterflies.&nbsp; Passionflower vines can grow 10 to 20 feet tall and sprout tiny melon-like edible fruits. A Yellow passionflower vine grows to about 10 feet, blooming in May to September with bluish-black berries.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Texas native grapevines</strong> draw the birds! With 15 grape species native to Texas, the most common ones are muscadine grape, riverbank grape, and mustang grape.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Trumpet creeper</strong> is a woody vine that climbs trees and fences, producing red-orange flowers.&nbsp; Houston hummingbirds love these blooms! Trumpet creepers thrive in moist soil and partial shade to full sunlight.</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kRurmXejG2XnLwp_LpX1W6xu6z6EVxHo1RnRolb2Fk9B87uTryabo4I7bQbxFf8OT0nX_kvuoX6wKclMNbCXFxgPXAIu_6gBD-0E2-WP6fwrZ40kzIElyG0VArJAnx0VCvBFOE07\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://pixabay.com/photos/flower-trumpet-creeper-plant-summer-4099991/\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shrubs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Agarita</strong> is an evergreen that yields single yellow flowers in the spring and then red berries. Agarita prefers full sunlight and well-draining, alkaline soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gardenia</strong> is an evergreen shrub found in many areas of the South. Its white flowers bring about a pleasant scent.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jasmine</strong> shrubs are evergreens that grow in the Houston area. Primrose and Italian jasmine sprout yellow flowers.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pineapple Guava</strong> is a grayish green shrub that produces white flowers with bright red stamens.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/uNdVGiSx2EG9v5x1-MZfcVx9dcMOe_glWWlidL4AckyX5OPL6tC5boje8E_bDPS2Q4m98CsZLZ-0Me1DHgSCeZ5zayFH1EA1cTsUCeRLAYmm2RYlqJG9rod4bT84eMQGfQ6Phazi\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perennial Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>obedient plant</em> blooms in the spring, with some varieties flowering in autumn. Indigenous to Harris County, they spread thickly through their habitats to protect nearby vegetation, especially in winter. <em>Pigeonberry </em>plants develop red fruits to attract birds, and when the sun shines, you can see a red hue on the foliage. <em>Frog fruit</em> perennials grow just about anywhere; it’s an evergreen thatch in the verbena family. If you prefer something with more of a fleshy root system, <em>Mallows hibiscus</em> helps to stabilize the soil in small landscapes.</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1atdfgu7JUNDWUCbbU9kVRZAJgX6B551nnuyhKZcvt8AcAYRUFQamIJH554Dg5I2Ze6ZZYMPTLxZ0SXB4YJj5BR81Rc7pyqgdHmfyaBCRM9y39ds0lfUQaykbnqUE7njtdQcmcHP\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Photo credit: <a href=\"https://visualhunt.co/a2/8c0b7d\">FritzFlohrReynolds</a> on <a href=\"https://visualhunt.com/re4/1bc9a9d3\">Visualhunt.com</a> / <a href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\">CC BY-SA</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>With thousands of native plants to choose from, there’s no reason to plant anything else in your garden. They’ll bring color to your landscape that will return year after year with little help from you. The native plants for Houston landscapes will thrive in our heat and humidity and keep your yard Texas strong.  </p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><em>Have more questions about landscaping and maintenance? Visit our </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/houston/\"><em>Houston, TX lawn care page</em></a><em> for more guides and additional information.</em></p>\n","title":"Native Plants for Houston Landscapes","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/13082/houston-native-plants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/107df/houston-native-plants.jpg 320w,\n/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/293e9/houston-native-plants.jpg 500w,\n/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/f2cbb/houston-native-plants.jpg 800w,\n/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/13082/houston-native-plants.jpg 920w","srcWebp":"/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/ad840/houston-native-plants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/67b76/houston-native-plants.webp 320w,\n/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/8df11/houston-native-plants.webp 500w,\n/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/98a65/houston-native-plants.webp 800w,\n/static/677aebfbadee6f27d860ee7c69d5a199/ad840/houston-native-plants.webp 920w","sizes":"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants for Houston Landscapes | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c79b4e4e-071e-55f0-8829-0bfbf7158c34","slug":"native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-san-antonio","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-san-antonio/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>It’s hard to go wrong with native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. It’s not only environmentally smart but can save you some head and back aches since they&#8217;re easy to maintain. The city’s humid, subtropical climate produces long summers and short winters and delivers more than 30 inches of rainfall each year.&nbsp; [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>It’s hard to go wrong with native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. It’s not only environmentally smart but can save you some head and back aches since they&#8217;re easy to maintain. The city’s humid, subtropical climate produces long summers and short winters and delivers more than 30 inches of rainfall each year.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, you’ll want to consider plants acclimated to this type of environment to get the best bang for your buck. Here’s a guide to help you pick plants and flowers that will thrive around your home for years to come. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hill Country Penstemon&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QEnhMzkBM8PEIb0Z5S9s8YXyfI7oGxuCdXW2KdvnztAYU4iKgLHfx_0PtXuov4q1SsVU4IfQhZEIl_vdZkSEvCYEZmEHkk9Qy9VRQV7IzqwbwrCi5Zw-tu_czqh8a5KqiaFZ06Ah\" alt=\"Penstemon triflorus (Hill country penstemon) #13158\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=13158\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>This bright, beautiful flower reaches up to two feet tall, with brilliant red petals sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by. Since this plant is native to the San Antonio-New Braunfels region, it doesn’t take much watering to survive.&nbsp; A bonus from this plant? It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies — a feature that could make your yard more entertaining than the one next door.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Texas Mock Orange</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MBdeZYOlLIlL9AlRQZpV3N59wsClbAyAn1YKwhYRlnJeGvFcGvwbEUwFkWsSwobDl56fUiSLqs0t-edKOHo2tc8QIGJNC9IVLKqPQY5Xn5t7A8bLj2QtYYkwTSlhAw6-1vRqMCQy\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://npsot.org/wp/story/2014/5004/\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re looking for a beautiful ornamental shrub bursting with a gentle fragrance, the <a href=\"https://npsot.org/wp/story/2014/5004/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Texas Mock Orange</a> is it. Its white-petaled flowers bloom in the spring. This plant will reach about 1-3 feet high and is deer resistant, so you can enjoy its beauty without a Bambi rummaging around it for food. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Woods’ Rose&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YvkaVkHPwu9JvPWXTNghScxgbOiN9CYiVdCWFZYgu-vxoQwCXJcrFkcPTfTh1i-Zdprik5k4xprCL4dhLR8kc2q3l06XWVibEHxi5mT5LpV-SDSS86COahSVn9ylA0DPWuYxlrND\" alt=\"Rosa woodsii (Woods' rose) #24320\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=24320\">Source </a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rosa woodsii, more commonly known as Woods’ rose, is another eye-catcher. Since this plant is native to South-Central Texas, it does great in the long summer months. This plant also attracts bees gathering pollen since it produces <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/la/new-orleans/planting-for-pollinators/\">nectar</a>. This will keep them coming back for more, which helps<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/06/20/being-serious-about-saving-bees\" target=\"_blank\"> sustain a healthy environment</a>, keeping our food supply abundant.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Agarita</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lNNBwl11na6qMb2pBcKemmzxwtiOQIVr-jLpDxSwjyyPtwewfJpS6dT7hg5qe44ggYcXxv6RD8iRljUn8fJW_-q_IHEMVwIheV6754aYH9I8eJwBkAaFF0_AMDTd-H4veqD8w7LV\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://www.siffordsojournal.com/uploaded_images/agarita_berries_2010_004-100629.jpg\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s the plant that feels like Christmas. This grayish shrub blooms with clusters of yellow flowers that become red fruit that resemble holly. The berries are <a href=\"https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/mahoniatrifol.htm\">edible</a> — great for birds and small mammals and for local jelly-makers. The blooming period for this shrub is February to April. Since it’s a perennial, you won’t have to work to keep it thriving year after year. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Texas Wisteria&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_U1cEom-lvQK7cWVllDA6ODnJWTFIYSZb0WdR8OtSWGTiLD84-RGhiauhfXb41EyXKv9E_vDeeyLyfEyiQAYm1uHKxnSqLbdRund-cSIfxdXQFKcNvVLMtCEV4mkTObdZqkDXZZ\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://visualhunt.co/a2/e7f4687b\" target=\"_blank\">Noel C. Hankamer</a> on <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://visualhunt.com/re4/fadd2bfc\" target=\"_blank\">Visualhunt</a> / <a href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">CC BY-NC-SA</a><strong> </strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Texas wisteria is a beautiful native vine that will make your yard stand out. Its large purple flowers resemble lilacs. They hang like grapes, reaching down about 6-9 inches. The entire vine expands about 30 feet and will need strong support to grow upward. It grows best in well-drained soil that receives plenty of sunlight.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oxblood Lillies</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dhuU9kvt9CMFKKQmeyskgezbf1U1iavGeKJSDa3xEHfGbi8HmUIl-Vdagr9snyuuNCR7zMQ1VklsGnJbQ7avniCjoBp3Ll9cko7S9pLhI922DaTm0l5_8FBQzQ6S6uJJHQulkU86\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server700/asrnch/products/4529/images/12853/Oxblood%252520Lilies__39921.1368008431.1280.1280.JPG?c=2\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>This flower beams with bright blood-orange petals. It’s an excellent native flower to plant if you want to really make your yard pop. This flower loves plenty of sun, but it also does quite well in the shade and doesn’t need much water. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are only a handful of the native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. In addition to being low maintenance, they’ve built up defense systems against local pests. Some of these plants are threatened by invasive species which overcrowd the land and rob the native wildlife of food they need to survive. By choosing these plants, you’re also cutting down on the chemical fertilizers and pesticides that hurt the environment. So go native and keep Texas strong!<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for more information about lawn care and landscaping in the San Antonio area? See our&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/\">San Antonio, TX lawn care page</a>.</p>\n","title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in San Antonio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8518518518518519,"src":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/107df/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/293e9/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/f2cbb/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/398d8/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 1500w","srcWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native-san-antonio-plants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/67b76/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/8df11/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/98a65/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/9dc04/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 1500w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in San Antonio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"9387e11f-aea2-5133-a7a3-1ee3642d3fa9","slug":"water-restrictions-san-antonio-new-braunfels","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/water-restrictions-san-antonio-new-braunfels/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>When you think of how hot the summers get in South-Central Texas, you may want to water your lawn for as long and as often as possible. Not so fast! Getting into this mindset could threaten the water supply. That&#8217;s why there are watering restrictions in San Antonio and nearby cities. Since a stretch of [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>When you think of how hot the summers get in South-Central Texas, you may want to water your lawn for as long and as often as possible. Not so fast! Getting into this mindset could threaten the water supply. That&#8217;s why there are watering restrictions in San Antonio and nearby cities.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since a stretch of Historic<a href=\"https://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2011/11/29/a-history-of-drought-and-extreme-weather-in-texas/\"> droughts</a> in the 1990s, cities across Texas have adopted water restrictions.&nbsp; Here is everything you need to know about conserving water in San Antonio.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">San Antonio</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As do most cities, San Antonio enacted various stages of water restrictions, depending on recent rainfall. So far in 2019, supply seems to be fine in San Antonio. The city is currently under <a href=\"https://www.saws.org/conservation/droughtrestrictions/YearRound.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">year-round restriction status</a>, which means the water supply is at a healthy level — the city’s source, the Edwards Aquifer, is at or above 660 feet.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as the aquifer remains at that level or above, here’s what you need to know about water use:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Fountains (both commercial and residential) are OK to use.</li><li>Sprinkler systems are only allowed before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m., but the best time to water is <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">early in the morning.</a></li><li>Watering by hand is fine any time of day, whether it is with a bucket, drip irrigation, hand-held or soaker hose.</li><li>Water waste is a big no-no at all times, meaning any water run-off into a drain, gutter, or ditch. You could also face a fine for a leaking sprinkler or outside faucet.</li><li>Washing impervious cover, such as parking lots, streets, and driveways, is OK as long as it doesn’t result in water waste. This means water should be contained to the area you&#8217;re washing. </li><li>Commercial car-washes can operate without restrictions.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Should the water level fall below 660 feet, the city will begin to layer on <a href=\"https://www.saws.org/conservation/droughtrestrictions/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">additional water-use restrictions</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Braunfels&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New Braunfels has four stages of water restrictions as well as<a href=\"http://www.nbutexas.com/Portals/11/pdf/19-12664-DroughtRegulationBrochure(14x8.5)0419_04%20FINAL.pdf?ver=2019-05-15-083503-637\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"> nondrought water restriction status</a>, which the city is currently under. That means you can use a water sprinkler or irrigation system twice a week. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your house number determines which days you can water:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Street addresses ending with odd numbers may water Tuesdays and Fridays.&nbsp;</li><li>Watering days for even numbered homes are Mondays and Thursdays.&nbsp;</li><li>Homes with no numbers can turn on the sprinklers Mondays and Fridays.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some exceptions, though. Hand-held and bucket watering, drip irrigation systems, and soakers are okay any day at any time.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What else you need to know</h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Aesthetics, like water fountains and waterfalls, can operate on both commercial and private property.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Ornamental lakes and ponds are OK.</li><li>Vehicle washing over pervious cover, (porous surfaces such as yards and gravel), is permissible at any time.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nzyKNrQr-u9Fiufa2RbOwTiRv-wNXk1emfV2L68LJJnMDMXCQG6_E7JQ_aVE1e8XMuAwKWAZTTIW19SdC7HavuNGnT_hpepLb7pC9rw2B3q3UeaIbre6VJL6buUabdLV8tycY0hf\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"http://1-2-3.in/pools-spas/waterfall-koi-ponds/mg_0363.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I live in a surrounding city?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re living in the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metroplex, it’s a good idea to check your city or community water restriction status. It will most likely be similar to the requirements listed above. A quick online search on your city’s government website can help with this. Failing to follow the water-restriction guidelines can land you a citation or even a fine. Some water districts also attach an extra fee for extravagant water use. So, considering Texas is a drought-prone state, every effort to protect our water systems counts! </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for more information about lawn care and landscaping in the San Antonio area? See our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/\">San Antonio, TX lawn care page</a>.</p>\n","title":"Water restrictions in San Antonio, New Braunfels","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5058823529411764,"src":"/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/1789c/watering-can-flowers.jpg","srcSet":"/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/107df/watering-can-flowers.jpg 320w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/293e9/watering-can-flowers.jpg 500w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/f2cbb/watering-can-flowers.jpg 800w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/1789c/watering-can-flowers.jpg 960w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/356ef/watering-can-flowers.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/1dd6e/watering-can-flowers.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/67b76/watering-can-flowers.webp 320w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/8df11/watering-can-flowers.webp 500w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/98a65/watering-can-flowers.webp 800w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/1dd6e/watering-can-flowers.webp 960w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/93f70/watering-can-flowers.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Water restrictions in San Antonio, New Braunfels | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"1b634a4e-3812-5e5d-a560-bab8337fecd2","slug":"best-native-plants-new-orleans","path":"/lawn-care/la/new-orleans/best-native-plants-new-orleans/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"},{"id":"ead65a59-ae54-536e-a7e9-908c849a1fc5","name":"New Orleans","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/new-orleans/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>If you&#8217;re a proud resident of New Orleans, you know that this city is full of character and charm, from its vibrant music scene to its delicious cuisine. But did you know the local flora is just as unique and fascinating? By planting Louisiana native plants in your backyard, you can add a touch of [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>If you&#8217;re a proud resident of New Orleans, you know that this city is full of character and charm, from its vibrant music scene to its delicious cuisine. But did you know the local flora is just as unique and fascinating? By planting Louisiana native plants in your backyard, you can add a touch of flavor to your landscape while reaping various benefits.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking to create your very own paradise in your New Orleans backyard, you can&#8217;t go wrong with native plants; look at its benefits:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Native plants provide a crucial habitat for local wildlife.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Native plants are perfectly adapted to the city&#8217;s hot, humid climate, requiring less maintenance than non-native species.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>By planting native species, you can help create a thriving ecosystem in your backyard.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Native plants help promote a healthier Texas ecosystem. Here are 8 native plants to help you create a one-of-a-kind oasis that celebrates the beauty of New Orleans.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover the following:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Yard\">8 Native Plants for Your New Orleans Yard</a></strong>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#phlox\">Wild blue phlox</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#weed\">Butterfly weed</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Azalea\">Swamp Azalea</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Sunflower\">Tickseed Sunflower</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Crossvine\">Crossvine</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Watershield\">Watershield</a>&nbsp;</strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Indigo\">Cream Wild Indigo</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Sunflower\">Ashy Sunflower</a></strong></li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Landscape\">How to Choose Native Plants for Your New Orleans Landscape</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Plants\">FAQ About Native New Orleans Plants</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Orleans\">Where to Find Native Plants in New Orleans</a></strong></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Yard\">8 Native Plants for Your New Orleans Yard</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"phlox\">1. Wild blue phlox (<em>Phlox divaricata)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to add some color and charm to your backyard? Look no further than <a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHDI5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wild blue phlox</a>! This lovely native plant boasts delicate lavender-blue spring flowers that bloom in early spring, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. And the best part? They are perfectly adapted to the climate of New Orleans. It is low-maintenance and easy to grow and a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an eco-friendly choice for your garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wild Blue Phlox is susceptible to spider mites and rabbits, as well as powdery mildew, which can cause reduced vigor and stunted growth. Cutting back stems after flowering helps combat mildew.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Herbaceous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone</strong>: 3 &#8211; 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Part shade to full shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist soil but well-drained&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Evergreen perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Sweet scent</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 0.75 to 1.00 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>None</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Medium. Remove spent inflorescences to encourage more flowering. Prevent complete soil dryness. Add compost to enrich the soil as needed</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"weed\">2. Butterfly weed <em>(Asclepias tuberosa)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASTUI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Butterfly weed</a> is a stunning native plant perfect for New Orleans gardens. Its bright orange flowers attract pollinators, and its tuberous roots make it highly drought-tolerant. Butterfly weed is a beautiful addition to any garden. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a host plant for monarch butterflies. By planting this native species in your garden, you can help support the monarch population while enjoying a burst of vibrant color. So why not add some Butterfly weed to your garden and watch it come to life with the fluttering of wings?</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Herbaceous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 3 &#8211; 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Deciduous perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Sweet, vanilla, or candy-like scent</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> Low. It is drought tolerant</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 1 &#8211; 2.5 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>None</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low. If the butterfly weed seed pods are not removed before splitting open, the mature plants may self-seed. Since butterfly weed has a deep taproot, it does not transplant well, and it is best to leave it undisturbed once it is established</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Azalea\">3. Swamp Azalea <em>(Rhododendron viscosum)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gardenia.net/plant/rhododendron-viscosum-swamp-azalea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Swamp Azalea</a> is a stunning native plant that is a must-have for any New Orleans garden. With its delicate, fragrant white flowers and vibrant green foliage, it&#8217;s sure to make a statement in any landscape. This plant thrives in wet areas. It provides important habitat and food for local wildlife, including birds and insects. The Swamp Azalea is a low-maintenance and rewarding plant that is suitable for both seasoned gardeners and beginners.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>While generally disease-resistant, Swamp Azalea can be susceptible to canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips,and whitefly. Regular monitoring and treatment as needed can help keep the plant healthy and thriving.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 4 &#8211; 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>It prefers partial shade but tolerates some full sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Loam, sand. Acid. Prefer moist but well-drained soils, but it tolerates poor drainage&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Deciduous perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Strong clove-like perfume</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium to wet. It tolerates periodic flooding but will not grow in soils where the roots are submerged in water</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 2 &#8211; 8 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>All the parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> It is best situated in a location protected from strong winter winds. As it has a shallow, fibrous root system, it will benefit from a good mulch for moisture retention, stabilization of soil temperatures, and winter protection.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Sunflower\">4. Tickseed Sunflower <em>(Bidens aristosa)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gardenia.net/plant/bidens-aristosa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tickseed Sunflower</a> is a stunning native plant that will brighten up any New Orleans garden. With its golden-yellow blooms and delicate, fern-like foliage, it&#8217;s no wonder this plant is a favorite among gardeners. It looks beautiful in flower beds and rock gardens. Tickseed sunflower is resilient and easy to care for. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>It grows and flowers best in full sun but is also adapted to partial shade. Its nectar-rich flowers attract various pollinators, making it an essential part of any healthy ecosystem. So if you&#8217;re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant, consider adding Tickseed Sunflower to your garden. You won&#8217;t be disappointed with the splash of sunshine it brings!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Herbaceous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 5 &#8211; 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> It grows and flowers best in Full sun but is also adapted to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Clay, loam, sand. Neutral. Moist but well-drained</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Deciduous annual</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Its dried leaves smell like vanilla or honey</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time:</strong> Late summer and autumn</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>High. It needs good drainage</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>2 &#8211; 4 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>None</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low. It is propagated by seed in spring</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Crossvine\">5. Crossvine <em>(Bignonia capreolata)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a stunning native plant to add some flare to your New Orleans garden, look no further than the <a href=\"https://www.gardenia.net/plant/bignonia-capreolata-cross-vine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crossvine</a>. With its vibrant orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers, this vine will turn heads and bring hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>This vine grows easily over a structure such as a trellis, gazebo, or fence. Not only is the Crossvine visually striking, but it&#8217;s also incredibly low maintenance and hardy, making it the perfect addition to any garden. Plus, as a native plant, it&#8217;s perfectly adapted to Louisiana&#8217;s climate and will thrive with minimal effort on your part.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Vine</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 5 &#8211; 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun to part shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well drained</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Evergreen perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Mocha scent</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Late spring, early summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> Medium. It needs good drainage</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>35 &#8211; 50 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> None</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Medium. The vine can spread both by seed and by root suckers. To prevent it from spreading to unwanted areas, removing the root suckers as soon as they are detected is important</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Watershield\">6. Watershield<em> (Brasenia schreberi</em><em>)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/brasenia-schreberi/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Watershield </a>is an aquatic plant known for its striking appearance. It has large round leaves that float on the water&#8217;s surface and delicate purple flowers that bloom in the summer. Water Shield possesses properties that hinder the growth of other nearby plants. As a result, it can dominate and act as a natural means of controlling invasive water weeds. So if you&#8217;re looking for a beautiful addition to your garden, consider adding some Watershield to your pond or water feature.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Aquatic plant</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 &#8211; 10</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>It needs standing water. It does best on the water edge in 8 to 10 inches of water but with the roots planted in the mud of more shallow waters</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>No fragrance</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time:</strong> Summer and autumn</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> High</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>1 &#8211; 3 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>None</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Average. Remove yellow leaves regularly</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Indigo\">7. Cream Wild Indigo <em>(Baptisia bracteata)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.gardenia.net/plant/baptisia-bracteata\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cream wild indigo</a> is a tough and versatile native plant well-suited to New Orleans&#8217; hot and humid summers. It adapts to poor soils and occasional droughts. But don&#8217;t let its toughness fool you; this plant is also a true beauty, with elegant creamy white racemes of pea-like flowers and green leaves that grace its branches in the late spring and early summer. While Wild indigo is beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Herbaceous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 &#8211; 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to part shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>No fragrance</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Late spring and early summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>2 &#8211; 2.5 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>It has toxic properties that can be harmful if ingested.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low. It may need some attention and help when grown in part shade</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Sunflower\">8. Ashy Sunflower <em>(Helianthus mollis)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gardenia.net/plant/helianthus-mollis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ashy Sunflower</a> of New Orleans is a stunning wildflower that never fails to impress. One of its most fascinating features is its ability to follow the sun&#8217;s path each day, earning it the common name of sunflower. As the day progresses, the flower heads slowly turn to face the sun, following its every move from morning until night. But not just humans are drawn to this beautiful plant; birds can&#8217;t resist it either! They love to feast on the seeds directly from the sunflower&#8217;s head. It is spread by rhizomes and self-seed, forming beautiful, vibrant colonies that brighten any landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Herbaceous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>4 &#8211; 9&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Full Sun&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Chalk, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Deciduous perennial&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>No fragrance</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Summer and autumn</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> Dry to medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>2 &#8211; 4 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> None</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low. Best to site plants in locations sheltered from strong winds. It may need staking, mainly if grown in exposed areas</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Yard\">How to Choose Native Plants for Your New Orleans Yard&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re a proud resident of New Orleans and an avid gardener, using native plants in your garden not only ensures that they will be well adapted to the local climate but will also support the local ecosystem.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The climate in New Orleans is classified as humid subtropical, which translates to very hot and humid summers and relatively mild, short winters. The <a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA Hardiness Zone </a>is 9, meaning the average minimum temperature is between 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Native plants have evolved to be resilient to the local weather conditions, making them easy to maintain and care for. They can also add a touch of local flair to your garden and attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Plants\">FAQ About Native New Orleans Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are five benefits of native plants?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Native gardens offer numerous benefits to your garden and the environment. One benefit is their ability to thrive in the local climate and require less watering, fertilizer, and pesticides. This makes them low maintenance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, native plants have deep roots that can prevent water run-off and soil erosion.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is planting native plants sustainable?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Planting native plants is sustainable because they are adapted to the local climate and ecosystem, making them more resilient and resistant to local pests and diseases. They require less maintenance, water, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides than non-native plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are non-native plants dangerous?</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Native plants are better than non-native plants for several reasons. Firstly, they are adapted to the local climate, soil, and other environmental factors, making them more resilient to pests, diseases, and weather fluctuations. This means that they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticide treatments, reducing the need for maintenance and potentially harmful chemicals.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Non-native plants may not provide the same level of support for local wildlife, which can lead to imbalances in the local ecosystem.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Orleans\">Where to Find Native Plants in New Orleans</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to plant native trees and plants in your backyard, you should buy them from a local nursery which ensures that you are getting plants that are specific to your region. Local nurseries have knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on the best plants for your garden and how to care for them, which can help you create a thriving and sustainable landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look at these local nurseries in the New Orleans area suggested by the <a href=\"https://www.npi-gno.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans: </a></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://chickadeenatives.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chickadee Natives</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https://www.mailordernatives.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mail order natives</a> </li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https://www.wildseedfarms.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wildseed Farm</a> (Seed selling)</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https://www.louisiananativeseed.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seed Company</a> (Seed selling)</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While adding native plants to a garden is an important step towards creating a more ecologically friendly landscape, it&#8217;s important to remember that it&#8217;s only one piece of the puzzle. When planning a landscape project, it&#8217;s crucial to consider low-maintenance landscape ideas. Additionally, it&#8217;s important to check your lawn and ensure it&#8217;s healthy, as it plays a major role in your outdoor space&#8217;s overall look.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whenever you are ready to contact a professional to help, let WikiLawn connect you with a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/la/new-orleans/\">local landscaping pro</a> in your area. By adopting a holistic approach to your landscape project, you can create an enduring outdoor space that is not only beautiful but also environmentally sustainable, providing you with years of enjoyment.</p>\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for New Orleans, LA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/1789c/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/107df/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 320w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/293e9/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 500w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/f2cbb/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 800w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/1789c/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 960w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/4fb49/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/1dd6e/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/67b76/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 320w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/8df11/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 500w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/98a65/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 800w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/1dd6e/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 960w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/62477/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for New Orleans, LA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 8 best native plants for your New Orleans garden. Enhance your outdoor space with these resilient and easy-to-maintain plants adapted to the local climate and attract local wildlife."}}},{"node":{"id":"78ad6296-99d7-5db9-9a34-a9f02cefb6a7","slug":"houstons-worst-pests","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/houstons-worst-pests/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Houston has a bug problem. One 2017 survey named the city as the most-pest-infested city in America. We’ve singled out the worst creepy-crawly pests and how to get rid of them.&nbsp; Cockroaches Cockroaches love hot and humid urban environments, which means Houston is perfect.&nbsp;About 38 species of cockroaches live in Texas, and Houston generously hosts [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Houston has a bug problem. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>One 2017 survey named the city as the most-pest-infested city in America.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>We’ve singled out the worst creepy-crawly pests and how to get rid of them.&nbsp;</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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_dPcK3B59iPIv3e_AII1R4K9jbtQ_zI4EY-79b9MZdn8vYAItc-uME8QG4Gu8rvCTxRKpYFBL72hFAgZ-Z51GVUzchazq3RKo0hfPed2UMZJfRUA5xx27nkd6FIHP9bC-_xkcAbA\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption>German cockroach</figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Cockroaches love hot and humid urban environments, which means Houston is perfect.&nbsp;About 38 species of cockroaches live in Texas, and Houston generously hosts all of the four most-common —the&nbsp;German, the brown-banded, the Asian and the American cockroach. According to the 2017 Realtor.com <a href=\"https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/americas-worst-pest-infested-cities/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">survey</a>, Houston has the worst cockroach problem in the United States, with roaches present in 38% of its homes.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s not just that they’re numerous — they’re huge.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1982, The New York Times’ profiled the city of Houston. Much of the article was devoted to the legendary size of Houston’s bugs.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>“The Houston cockroach is a creature of altogether different dimension,” the Times <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/1982/07/18/us/new-houstonians-quickly-discover-truth-and-humbug-about-roaches.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">wrote</a>. “There are those who maintain that it clanks when it walks, bellows like a wounded water buffalo, and stands flat-footed as high as a turkey. One man, new to Houston, upon first seeing a local cockroach, thought it was a Volkswagen and tried to drive it away. Their shadows weigh 15 pounds. ”</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cockroaches live both inside and outside — really, they live wherever they want in Houston. But most species live outside and rarely hazard the indoors. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>They enter your home looking for food and water, so preventive measures will help keep them away. Clean up after cooking or eating, seal outside garbage cans tightly. Boric acid mixed with cornstarch is another popular potion. Roaches love the sweet starch, and the poison will kill them. Note: Boric acid is toxic, so keep it away from pets and kids.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ants</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/VPAFMTfqcE-FPPGGLBzkdr0YcI-FB_IAWQSF7GctJ7R04BGdMbQuQoPyd5Jq33R2DfOCT7dM0D6XmHAaPD6iOvZCH4izr_IoGsopPzmEL6t838q9C7q0stszgiRUEmNvCyNZ2vVA\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://citybugs.tamu.edu/2018/06/14/when-ants-invade/\" target=\"_blank\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ants are high on the list of Houston’s worst pests. Pharaoh, fire, carpenter, odorous, and crazy ants are among the most common species. Their colonies can be huge with as many as 400,000 ants. It’s crucial to eliminate them to make sure they don’t relocate somewhere else. If you’re looking to do your own ant removal, bait boxes are more effective than sprays. Ants take the bait back to their nest and spread it. The poison gets to and kills the queen, preventing future populations. To keep from attracting ants, eliminate food and water sources in your home. Do this by keeping food sealed and cleaning up spills and crumbs. Check for cracks and leaks around windows, floorboards and doors so ants can’t enter your home. Maintain a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/houston/\">healthy lawn</a> to give ants fewer places to hide.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mosquitoes</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/cngZPU93td7dPvjVZfLeVWT7nfmDyiv9kydEvMoZgKhbMZGq_YUI5EHC_iLcnK_P4mjcncDgJg9_xoA6LN7Lhh6jzMUDmbv0h1K1GLLjOYbTW7Wz4xErX1tR2c-V801xYxyWbs-p\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/insectspests/mosquito/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Houston’s subtropical climate attracts mosquitoes like a magnet. It doesn’t help that Houston also has lots of bayous. The wet and humid conditions are breeding grounds for these bloodsuckers. And they breed quickly: females can lay 100 eggs at a time, and those eggs hatch within a couple of days. They need a water source to lay their eggs, so one way to control them is to remove standing water from your property. Make sure windows and screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside and use air conditioning whenever possible. Yellow light bulbs, citronella candles, and mosquito foggers can provide temporary relief. You can also see if your community has a mosquito control program. Use insect repellent when you’re outside and avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. You can also plant <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/home-garden/plants-that-repel-insects/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">mosquito repelling plants</a> such as marigolds, basil, lavender, and chrysanthemums.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Widow and Brown Recluse Spiders</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J88Hp_L4QOCKcLBRtlgDUGk1H8r-WjCZiMFyWFE4IHyhoge5CUuPsjL8CYN9UXRcm2RaRP9aJ_IEmZfoFe4I2NrvwCAKBbhQ8bQs5096QZkZ0tQb8S1SBXWT2VOfwtLKG0OOD_9c\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The humidity in Houston attracts many types of spiders, (and all of them bite), but only two are considered deadly. The black widow is easy to recognize by the hourglass-shaped red marking on her back. (Yes, only the female is poisonous.) The brown recluse is tougher to spot, but it has a violin-shaped marking on its back and six eyes. Like most spiders, both of these find dark corners to hide and can live months without food. But they need water to survive, so it’s best to seal all cracks around leaking pipes avoid leaving standing water around.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Termites</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/MAZ-qI2mSFV5IZUKQz_faGoOri4CZqPn9RwT7wYMS7vnQeUL3g-K_ESXEXwJUG2VYsEDZbiHZUOXSSmACFP3Txi0nkONLmV-QqsDZUR3WdWyFmz-sYMLuS1hSyqcncwNnhO2WrDF\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https://agrilife.org/urban-ipm/2015/04/03/termites/\">Source</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Termites also love Houston’s wet conditions. These persistent pests do significant and <a href=\"https://npmapestworld.org/newsroom/industry-fact-sheet/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">costly damage</a> to homes, buildings, and crops. Prevention is going to be your best friend and a termite’s worst enemy:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Reduce moisture inside and outside of your home</li><li>Repair leaking faucets and pipes.</li><li>Replace any water-damaged or rotted wood.</li><li>Remove yard debris, stumps, and dying trees.&nbsp;</li><li>Make sure wood piles are a good distance from your house.&nbsp;</li><li>Inspect wood foundations regularly.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"https://thebugskiller.com/how-to-kill-termites-and-get-rid-of-them-forever/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">treat infestations yourself</a> or hire a pest control service.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If any of these pests have checked in with no plans to check out, you may want to hire a professional exterminator. These experts can de-bug your house and help you keep them away for good.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in more information about lawns and landscapes in Houston? Make sure to visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/houston/\">Houston, TX lawn care page</a>.<br></p>\n","title":"Houston&#8217;s Worst Pests (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.504,"src":"/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/1789c/cockroach-american.jpg","srcSet":"/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/107df/cockroach-american.jpg 320w,\n/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/293e9/cockroach-american.jpg 500w,\n/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/f2cbb/cockroach-american.jpg 800w,\n/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/1789c/cockroach-american.jpg 960w,\n/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/f28e1/cockroach-american.jpg 3008w","srcWebp":"/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/1dd6e/cockroach-american.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/67b76/cockroach-american.webp 320w,\n/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/8df11/cockroach-american.webp 500w,\n/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/98a65/cockroach-american.webp 800w,\n/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/1dd6e/cockroach-american.webp 960w,\n/static/752706689b74ad827be75d02caacbdde/c7a56/cockroach-american.webp 3008w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Houston's Worst Pests (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b1284be0-1285-5bf5-9829-3e5ed2610fad","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-atlanta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/lawn-mowing-maintenance-atlanta/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>You don’t have to have a gift for the obvious to know that Atlanta, Georgia, is hot and humid, and the plants grow like crazy, especially in the summer. But what you may not know is that not all grass is the same. Knowing the difference can mean you have a lush, green lawn instead [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>You don’t have to have a gift for the obvious to know that Atlanta, Georgia, is hot and humid, and the plants grow like crazy, especially in the summer. But what you may not know is that not all grass is the same. Knowing the difference can mean you have a lush, green lawn instead of a sparse, stressed one. Here are some tips for lawn mowing and maintenance in Atlanta.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What kind of grass?</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/UjItj78JVyWsPYlbdxXMmo4svIO3j-RPUAUeF5Kfle4oKAZKR0PlBprmYo-3VfNktpS_8Y1oJHfPu2oEF-F_5mfAm9-9FiJgyMoRiO1AU04NPLvsQNlJY-a2JJCdvodwo68L1-7B\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>St. Austinegrass</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Georgia, it’s a good bet you have warm-season grass growing on your lawn. They are heat resistant and tolerate a Georgia summer well. The most popular varieties include St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, and centipede grass. If you aren’t sure which kind you have, you can take a few plants down to your local garden store or extension agency, and they can identify it for you.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mowing</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What you don’t want to do is scalp or shave your lawn. Some homeowners love the look of a closely cropped lawn, and others do it because they think it saves them from having to cut it again too soon. But cutting it too close stresses out the grass. Taller grass also shades the soil in the heat of the summer. The recommended height for Bermudagrass is 0.5 &#8211; 1.5 inches tall; Zoysiagrass is the same. Cut centipedegrass to a height of&nbsp; 1.5 and 2.5 inches. St. Augustinegrass does well when it&#8217;s between 2 to 4 inches tall. Cut on the shorter end in the spring to get rid of dead grass, and cut on the longer end in July and August to help keep the soil shaded and retain more water. Keep your blades sharp, and never cut more than one-third of the lawn’s height in any one mowing. Finally, leave the grass clippings to decompose. It helps feed the soil (and cuts down on the amount of work for you!)</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maintenance</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uXkl1_zHYwisQtts50iW2-kerBoBAouSxPfHL6zuJZU5efTQ_nQDc0nFRbmpdFZ5gnyHanrRYjah3u1jilugqxcT9WpBmWYK057E7yFSOQxJfBxi-i8qbgQGZIAN4QR2MySUtRBK\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You should fertilize and put down some pre-emergent herbicide in February, say about Super Bowl Sunday. Some people administer the fertilizer and weed killer separately, others swear by weed-and-feed mixtures. Either way, early spring is the time to give your lawn the proper nourishment it needs for the long growing season ahead, and to get a jump on those weeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your lawn is getting about an inch or so of water a week, whether it’s rain or from a sprinkler. Grass needs a good, long drink a few times a week, rather than a shallow watering every day or so. And in Atlanta, you want to water early in the morning. It’s the coolest time of the day and helps the water soak into the ground, not evaporate. And as the sun rises and the day heats up, it dries up the remaining water droplets on the grass blades, lowering the risk of fungus and disease.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fertilize again at the end of the summer. Aerating before fertilizing in the spring and the fall helps oxygen get into your soil and gives the roots the elbow room they need in the active growing season.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Atlanta&#8217;s heat and humidity are a blessing for homeowners when it comes to their lawns. Your grass can be thick and bright green with just a little regular maintenance from you. Once you do what you can to nurture your yard, let nature give your lawn the boost it needs to be the envy of the block.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have questions about lawns or lawn care in Atlanta? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/\">Atlanta, GA lawn care page</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n","title":"Lawn Mowing and Maintenance in Atlanta","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5375375375375375,"src":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1789c/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/107df/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 320w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/293e9/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 500w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/f2cbb/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 800w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1789c/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 960w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/a2a79/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1dd6e/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/67b76/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 320w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/8df11/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 500w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/98a65/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 800w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1dd6e/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 960w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/7aa54/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Mowing and Maintenance in Atlanta | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}}],"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/78/","nextPageLink":"/blog/page/80/","currentPage":79}}}