![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ladybugs-garden-good.jpg\")
Finding insects in your garden isn’t always cause for concern – some are there to help! When it comes to lawn and garden care, there are a variety of insects that provide a benefit for your flowers, herbs, and vegetables by controlling the pests that would otherwise cause damage. Using select insects in your garden […]
\n","content":"\nFinding insects in your garden isn’t always cause for concern – some are there to help! When it comes to lawn and garden care, there are a variety of insects that provide a benefit for your flowers, herbs, and vegetables by controlling the pests that would otherwise cause damage. Using select insects in your garden is also a great way to avoid the usage of pesticides and maintain long-term garden health.
\n\n\n\nWe’ll start with one of the most recognizable insects in North America: the ladybug. This black-spotted insect is attracted to your garden by dill, dandelion, common yarrow, and basket of gold. It feeds on aphids, whiteflies, and Colorado potato beetles, keeping your plants from being stunted, leaves from being coated with foreign substances, and vegetation from contracting diseases.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Aphid-Midges-garden-bugs-good.jpg\")
These small insects measure in at\nless than 1/8th of an inch in length when full grown, but it’s the\nlarvae that we’re interested in. An adult female will deposit between 100 and\n250 eggs at a time that hatch in two to three days. Once the larvae are three\nto seven days old, they will begin eating aphids; one larva can kill between\n10-65 aphids in a day! You can keep these insects happy in your garden by\nplanting dill and pollen-heavy plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Minute-Pirate-Bugs-garden-bugs-good.jpg\")
Minute Pirate Bugs are attracted\nby caraway, fennel, spearmint, and alfalfa and prey on spider mites,\ncaterpillars, aphids, thrips, and insect eggs. You get a one-two punch with\nthis critter since both the adults and nymphs feed on a variety of insects.
\n\n\n\nThey get a bad reputation, but\nspiders really can be your friend! They are great at controlling a variety of\npest populations, including, but not limited to, aphids, roaches, fruit flies,\nbed bugs, and grasshoppers. They enjoy hanging out in tall plants and trees, so\nif you’re trying to attract more, consider planting some leafy grasses or small\ntrees near your garden.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/praying-mantis-good-insect.jpg\")
These majestic creatures can turn their heads 180-degrees to get a good view of their surroundings, which also means they can spot those moths and caterpillars that are wreaking havoc on your plants. They also enjoy feasting on beetles and crickets! Be sure to include some tall grasses, marigolds, and dill to attract them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lacewings-good-garden-bug.jpg\")
The adults and larvae of this\nfamily enjoy a good meal of aphids, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and\nmealybugs. You can plant angelica, sweet asylum and cosmos to attract them and\nkeep them happy. Green and brown lacewings will both get the job done, so feel\nfree to introduce whichever variety you’d like to your garden.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ground-beetles-good-garden-bugs.jpg\")
Since ground beetles are\nnocturnal, they make a great hunter of slugs, snails, maggots, and cutworms\nthat live in your soil. Did you know that just one beetle larva can eat 50\ncaterpillars? Give these creatures a home with plenty of perennials near your\ngarden.
\n\n\n\nWhen you use good bugs in your garden to keep pests at bay,\nyou’re helping the environment! Chemical pesticides might work the first time\nyou have a pest problem, but they wipe out many of the helpful insects as well,\nleaving your garden unprotected when the harmful aphids and mealworms return.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also a cost-effective solution; simply build the insects a home they’ll feel comfortable in and you’ll have pest protection for the seasons to come! Make sure that the climate is appropriate for the insects you bring to your garden, and that they will have enough food to keep them from venturing to other areas for nourishment. Of course, if pest problems persist you can always contact a local pest control company for extra assistance and to protect your hard work! Introducing beneficial insects is a great way to garden as nature intended, and we hope you’ll give it a try.
\n\n\n\nDo you still have questions about lawn care? Visit our Lawn Care page for the best lawn & garden tips n’ tricks on the internet!
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // keynowski
\n","title":"Here are 7 pests that are (surprisingly) beneficial for your garden","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4990619136960601,"src":"/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/86a97/weird-garden-bug.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/107df/weird-garden-bug.jpg 320w,\n/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/293e9/weird-garden-bug.jpg 500w,\n/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/86a97/weird-garden-bug.jpg 799w","srcWebp":"/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/db080/weird-garden-bug.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/67b76/weird-garden-bug.webp 320w,\n/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/8df11/weird-garden-bug.webp 500w,\n/static/a5d95f38a74c1fe08ba946c0dab2eb62/db080/weird-garden-bug.webp 799w","sizes":"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Here are 7 pests that are (surprisingly) beneficial for your garden | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"6b204fcb-5964-5212-b037-b36ed8d694a7","slug":"should-phoenix-homeowners-consider-green-concrete-in-their-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/should-phoenix-homeowners-consider-green-concrete-in-their-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Many folks in Phoenix choose to xeriscape their lawns not only to reduce maintenance while maintaining aesthetics, but also to help conserve water and help the environment. Concrete is a common element of xeriscaping, but have you heard of green concrete? In order to make their hardscapes even more environmentally friendly, Phoenix residents are embracing […]
\n","content":"\nMany folks in Phoenix choose to xeriscape their lawns not only to reduce maintenance while maintaining aesthetics, but also to help conserve water and help the environment.
Concrete is a common element of xeriscaping, but have you heard of green concrete? In order to make their hardscapes even more environmentally friendly, Phoenix residents are embracing green concrete.
Here’s a quick guide on green concrete and how it can play a part in your Phoenix home.
Byproduct Composition
Green concrete is much more than your ordinary building material; comprised of a mixture of fly ash, an industrial waste, and inorganic polymers. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion found in coal-powered industrial plants. The overabundance of this product allows for the production of green concrete while keeping ash out of landfills. Fly ash also doesn’t require additional energy during production, as it is a byproduct of the industrial industry, further benefiting the environment.
Longer Lasting Benefits
The inorganic polymer in green concrete is graphene: a composite that scientists have stated is ten times stronger than steel but lighter than plastic. The strength of this new concrete substance is not only good for production but also those within a green concrete building. This unique blend of materials is more resistant to water and heat, making it a long-lasting construction material especially beneficial for building on floodplains. Engineers are considering using this material more in earthquake-prone areas as well because graphene is more flexible than its counterparts. This fact in itself infers that green concrete benefits the environment by extending a structure’s lifespan.
Fewer Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Typical concrete making processes include the heating of elements to a high temperature emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Green concrete eliminates the need for these ultra heated elements, reducing CO₂ emissions. The use of fly ash in green concrete can reduce carbon dioxide emissions as much as 13%-15% in comparison to conventional concrete manufacturing processes.
New Applications
A better conductor of electricity than traditional concrete, green concrete is sparking new ideas and interest from around the globe. Some have speculated that green concrete could be beneficial on roadways, since it can be electrified to melt snow and ice, further reducing the use of snow plows and chemicals added to the roads. Others have proposed the idea that green concrete walls and floors of a building could double as potential energy storage for solar systems.
High Expense
Although the concept of green concrete is groundbreaking, the cost of making the material is too high for most construction companies. Currently, it is only in concept use as it would be too expensive to use in everyday applications. While fly ash is in abundance, graphene is the component that adds to the overall expense. Scientists hope to see more studies to truly test the longevity of the product as well as if graphene has any critical health risks or potential environmental risks.
Keep in mind, choosing an environmentally friendly concrete isn’t the only way to keep your home green here in Phoenix. When landscaping the backyard, you many want to include environmentally friendly grasses that thrive in the Arizona desert environment and don’t require much watering. You’ll also want to take a close look at the lawn care chemicals you plan to use.
The overall idea of green concrete is fascinating. The strength, reliability, and resistance to water and movement damage make green concrete a potential game changer. The product itself, highly available fly ash mixed with graphene, makes green concrete a substance that could become readily available if we could reduce the cost of creating graphene. Doing so would not only lower carbon dioxide emissions but would also help builders construct buildings that last longer. The added benefit of conducting electricity better than standard concrete structures brings about the potential for many technological advances as well. While green concrete may not be readily available for your next construction project, it could very well be the concrete of the future.
Getting your hands dirty in the garden is a great way to spend time with your kids. Most children already love playing in the dirt, so what better way to pass the hours than to cultivate a green space? Whether you’re planting a vegetable garden or growing a succulent plant indoors, gardening provides kids with […]
\n","content":"\nGetting your hands dirty in the garden is a great way to spend time with your kids. Most children already love playing in the dirt, so what better way to pass the hours than to cultivate a green space?
Whether you’re planting a vegetable garden or growing a succulent plant indoors, gardening provides kids with invaluable life experiences and lessons. Your kids will learn responsibility, essential aspects of science, and understand the special climate of Phoenix. Here are the top gardening activities to do with your kids this spring.
1. Plant a vegetable garden
\n\n\n\nGrowing a vegetable garden is a fantastic way to show children they’ll be rewarded for their hard work. It’s also a failsafe way to get your kids to eat more greens. Go through the seed catalog with your son or daughter, and decide together what you’re going to plant. If you’re planting outdoors, make sure you plant veggies that grow well in Phoenix. In this desert climate, many things won’t thrive.
Even if you don’t have a lot of space outside, there are dozens of plants you can grow in planters indoors – think cherry tomatoes and lettuce.
If you have very young children, consider growing quick-maturing plants, like radishes or spinach, so that they can reap the benefits of their work more quickly.
2. Grow your own herbs
\n\n\n\nDo you have a pizza fanatic on your hand? Consider growing an herb garden. While a full-scale vegetable garden requires a bit more space, you can grow an herb garden on the windowsill for as little as a few dollars. Common herbs like parsley and oregano are easy to grow, and the harvest can then translate to a cooking lesson.
If you decide to create an outdoor herb garden, you can grow a more extensive array of plants. Remember, many of these herbs also keep pests at bay, so that you may have the opportunity for a two-in-one biology lesson here. .
3. Make a hanging basket for Grandma
\n\n\n\nNothing spells a day of fun quite like creating a hanging basket. All you need is a wire basket and a liner, along with some potting mix and some flowering annuals to plant. Help your son or daughter fill the basket with potting mix and the flowers, and you’ll have a lovely gift for that special relative or friend in your child’s life.
4. Start a compost pile
\n\n\n\nA compost pile might not be the prettiest project in the world, but it’s a great way to get your son or daughter involved in every aspect of maintaining a closed-system garden. You can start a box outdoors or even just a small vermicomposting bin in the basement. Your child can take over responsibility for filling the compost once it’s built, and you’ll be able to instill a sense of autonomy as well as an understanding of the circle of life.
5. Create an indoor oasis
\n\n\n\nEven if you live in the heart of Phoenix, there are easy ways to get your child’s hands digging into the dirt. An indoor garden is a great way to show your son or daughter that life can exist in all places, shapes, and forms, and gives you many options to boot. Consider making a terrarium or sprouting some seeds indoors, or try a succulent garden as a low-maintenance experiment. Plus during the summer heat, who doesn’t want to hang out indoors?
6. Teach your kids about desert plants
\n\n\n\nYour kids are fortunate enough to be in beautiful Arizona, but life here means a few different things. In the desert climate of Phoenix, we all know the beauty of cacti and succulents that are foreign to Californians.
7. Finish what you started
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve got the garden planted, it doesn’t mean your work is finished! You need to carry the task through to completion, and that includes weeding, watering and gathering your harvest. These tasks help your kids learn more about plant biology and give them a sense of responsibility.
The best part? You’ll encourage your children to grow potatoes instead of becoming couch potatoes! Both of you will really dig these top gardening activities to do with your kids.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","title":"The Top Gardening Activities To Do With Your Kids in Phoenix","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7914110429447854,"src":"/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/1789c/houseplants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/107df/houseplants.jpg 320w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/293e9/houseplants.jpg 500w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/f2cbb/houseplants.jpg 800w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/1789c/houseplants.jpg 960w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/9e296/houseplants.jpg 2628w","srcWebp":"/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/1dd6e/houseplants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/67b76/houseplants.webp 320w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/8df11/houseplants.webp 500w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/98a65/houseplants.webp 800w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/1dd6e/houseplants.webp 960w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/c86fd/houseplants.webp 2628w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Top Gardening Activities To Do With Your Kids in Phoenix | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"72f6822e-a955-551e-88d2-857adccfbcbf","slug":"5-ways-to-improve-the-curb-appeal-of-your-phoenix-home","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/5-ways-to-improve-the-curb-appeal-of-your-phoenix-home/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"March 7th, 2019","excerpt":"It’s hard not to judge a home by your first impression. Many choice homes sit on the market for far too long because they don’t attract potential buyers at first glance. Make sure that your home stands out because looks matter in the world of real estate. If you’re thinking about selling your home and […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s hard not to judge a home by your first impression. Many choice homes sit on the market for far too long because they don’t attract potential buyers at first glance. Make sure that your home stands out because looks matter in the world of real estate.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re thinking about selling your home and are looking for ways to make it competitive in today’s market, one of the simplest ways to speed up the process is by adding a bit of extra curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nYou probably don’t want to break the bank when giving your home exterior a makeover. After all, curb appeal is used to attract attention–it’s what’s inside that will help you to make a sale. Try these several tactics Phoenix-area homeowners have successfully used to make their homes look more appealing without breaking the bank.
\n\n\n\n![\"Large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/bigstock-Large-Modern-American-Home-Res-3172186.jpg\")
While painting your entire home is a terrific way to make it look new, you can get a similar effect on a much smaller budget by painting your front door.
\n\n\n\n“Front doors are the very first thing a buyer sees when viewing your home,” explains John Crow, CEO of a Glendale real estate brokerage. “So a fresh coat of paint with the right color can really give buyers a great first impression.”
\n\n\n\nA trending choice amongst homeowners is using vibrant colors for the front door. Painting an old door in a modern color can be a fantastic way to make your home look a bit less dated while choosing something cool and welcoming can help to give your home the look of an oasis in the middle of a desert.
\n\n\n\nThe other option is to go with muted/traditional colors like deep blue, dark grey or mint green. These are classic colors that give buyers a sense of majesty.
\n\n\n\nPerhaps the best way to boost your curb appeal is to invest in a bit of local flora. Phoenix is a desert environment, so taking some time to lean into that aesthetic can be an attractive way to make your home harmonize with the region. Adding local flora not only shows off the beauty of the area but also decreases water use in your garden.
\n\n\n\nSome local plants that are perfect for desert landscaping include:
\n\n\n\nYour windows play an integral role in how your house is perceived. Dressing them up a bit can give the outside of your home an entirely new character with relatively little work. New curtains, shades, or blinds add a great deal of personality to your home. They also come with the bonus of keeping the inside cooler in summer. Window dressing is an ideal addition to help give your home a little extra style and comfort in the eyes of potential buyers.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re not willing to get your hands dirty, picking up some front-yard decor is an excellent way to get some curb appeal. If you have trees, consider a nice bench or seating area under the shade. Even something as simple as decorative wreath or doormat can add a splash of color to your home and catch the eyes of visitors. Tasteful front yard furniture can help to make your home look quite attractive. Adding it to a perfectly-landscaped lawn will beautify your home exterior.
\n\n\n\nWhile the desert look is definitely in, one of the best parts about living in Phoenix is that you can use traditional landscaping without having to sacrifice much in the way of utility. If you want to make your home stand out to new transplants, make sure to bring in a splash of green. New turf or a few new plants can give your home a standout aesthetic to those who are aching for the American dream yard. It might seem odd to use a traditional garden to make your house stand out. However, in a neighborhood of desert landscaping, it will certainly be unique.
\n\n\n\nAdding curb appeal doesn’t have to drain your bank account. You can make a few small alterations to completely change the way your home looks to visitors and potential buyers alike, improving your home’s value. Whether you’re looking to update your landscaping or you simply want to add some accent colors. These tips will give your home the facelift it needs.
\n","title":"5 Ways to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Phoenix Home","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4939309056956116,"src":"/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/1789c/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/107df/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.jpg 320w,\n/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/293e9/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.jpg 500w,\n/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/f2cbb/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.jpg 800w,\n/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/1789c/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.jpg 960w,\n/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/9352a/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.jpg 1600w","srcWebp":"/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/1dd6e/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/67b76/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.webp 320w,\n/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/8df11/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.webp 500w,\n/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/98a65/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.webp 800w,\n/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/1dd6e/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.webp 960w,\n/static/bdc42087daca482d098b1e5eedf2e0cc/72532/bigstock-Luxury-Desert-Home-16218164.webp 1600w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Ways to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Phoenix Home | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"From door paint to desert plants, there are a number of ways to improve curb appeal. Maximize your Phoenix home's value with these five easy tips."}}},{"node":{"id":"b8be9bcf-af9a-5959-88dd-04689f01ab90","slug":"the-two-lawn-services-every-dallas-resident-should-get-annually","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/the-two-lawn-services-every-dallas-resident-should-get-annually/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"}],"date":"March 5th, 2019","excerpt":"Taking Care of Your Dallas, TX Lawn Lawn care may not be your favorite hobby, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you plant the right grass type and start following the right mowing techniques, there are services that every Dallas resident must do annually in order to have a […]
\n","content":"\nLawn care may not be your favorite hobby, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you plant the right grass type and start following the right mowing techniques, there are services that every Dallas resident must do annually in order to have a chance at the lawn of the month club.
\n\n\n\nThose two services are overseeding and core aeration. Doing these each year will create a lawn your neighbors will envy.
Aeration is an important step for Dallas lawns because it improves your soil condition and increases resistance against insects, droughts, and diseases. All of these are problems grass may face!
\n\n\n\nDallas residents should consider aeration twice per year – in the early spring and the fall. These times are ideal because the air is cool and the soil is moist, which increases the likelihood of optimal results!
\n\n\n\nHomeowners can purchase the tools to aerate their lawn, but it is also one of the top services that residents outsource to local Dallas-based lawn service businesses. If you opt for the DIY route, it takes some time and money, but your lawn will reap the benefits.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding is the practice of adding extra seeds over existing grass to increase and restore your lawn. It is necessary because, over time, your grass weakens and dies, especially when under stress such as extended periods of drought. Heavy foot traffic or too much water can also cause spots to die.
\n\n\n\nRake the areas you want to overseed to remove any dead grass and to loosen the soil. Proper overseeding requires the seeds to come in contact with soil. Raking also encourages more air flow and drainage. Spread the seeds evenly over the area. Try laying straw over the area to stop rain, wind, and birds from taking off with your new grass seeds.
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"The two lawn services every Dallas resident should get annually","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/42666423f783e4dcbb45f782cd089e16/e0a14/lawn-aeration-plugs-jacksonville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/42666423f783e4dcbb45f782cd089e16/107df/lawn-aeration-plugs-jacksonville.jpg 320w,\n/static/42666423f783e4dcbb45f782cd089e16/293e9/lawn-aeration-plugs-jacksonville.jpg 500w,\n/static/42666423f783e4dcbb45f782cd089e16/e0a14/lawn-aeration-plugs-jacksonville.jpg 700w","srcWebp":"/static/42666423f783e4dcbb45f782cd089e16/a15d5/lawn-aeration-plugs-jacksonville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/42666423f783e4dcbb45f782cd089e16/67b76/lawn-aeration-plugs-jacksonville.webp 320w,\n/static/42666423f783e4dcbb45f782cd089e16/8df11/lawn-aeration-plugs-jacksonville.webp 500w,\n/static/42666423f783e4dcbb45f782cd089e16/a15d5/lawn-aeration-plugs-jacksonville.webp 700w","sizes":"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The two lawn services every Dallas resident should get annually | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you aren't aerating and overseeding your lawn at least once annually, you're really missing out."}}},{"node":{"id":"a2686088-d2d1-5a1c-b532-7c5463bbae8f","slug":"best-grass-types-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/best-grass-types-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"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":"March 5th, 2019","excerpt":"With an average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit in October, it is easy to see why backyard barbecues and frozen margaritas are so popular in Dallas, Texas, and it would be a shame not to show off your lush, green yard. The best grass types for Dallas need little water to thrive in the city’s […]
\n","content":"\nWith an average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit in October, it is easy to see why backyard barbecues and frozen margaritas are so popular in Dallas, Texas, and it would be a shame not to show off your lush, green yard. The best grass types for Dallas need little water to thrive in the city’s hot summers. If you’re installing a new lawn or ready to take your existing yard from drab to fab, consider one of these options for results that will survive the Texas heat.
\n\n\n\nThe city’s hot summers, cold winters, and low precipitation levels are best suited to warm-season grass varieties. Warm-season grasses soak up the sun and actively grow during late spring and go dormant around mid-fall. These varieties grow best in the southern United States, preferring growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most popular Texas grass variety. The hardy, fine-textured turfgrass withstands drought and heavy traffic, making it a durable and versatile option for athletic fields, home lawns, golf courses, and more. It is an aggressive grass that recovers quickly from damage, leading some to consider it an aggressive species.
\n\n\n\nDallas is home to many types of sun-loving bermudagrass. Common bermudagrass has a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Common bermudagrass requires less maintenance than hybrid varieties but is less dense with a more sparse appearance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nDeep roots are one thing Texans and St. Augustinegrass have in common. This warm-season grass is a popular choice for urban Dallas thanks to its shade tolerance. While the quick-growing grass is easy to establish, it does not stand up well to heavy traffic and might struggle during unusually cold Texas winters.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is dark-emerald to blue-green and coarse-textured. It is not as hardy as other warm-season grass types and is susceptible to disease and pests like chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThere are around eleven cultivars of Zoysiagrass available in Texas. These grasses tolerate low mow heights, drought, cold, shade, and heavy traffic, and have low fertilization requirements. Cultivars of Zoysiagrass grow densely, blocking out weed growth thanks to thick stiff leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. Cultivars are not prone to disease or insect infestation but grow slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nTexas native Buffalograss loves to be undisturbed to soak in the Dallas sun. The warm-season grass is drought and cold-tolerant. It requires little fertilization and less mowing than most varieties. Unfortunately, the low-fuss cultivar does not stand up to heavy traffic, shade, or weeds.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss loves hot summers and its gray-green blades are pest and disease resistant.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a low-maintenance cultivar, requiring little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain lush and green. The smooth, flat-bladed grass does not handle heavy traffic, shade, cold, or herbicides well.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass has a pronounced light green color and medium texture. The slow-growing grass is prone to pests and disease when improperly maintained or over watered.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow when the Texas temperatures hit 65 degrees Fahrenheit, usually toward the end of February or the beginning of March. The growing season typically ends with your grass going dormant when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit around mid-November.
You should plant your grass seed in March or April. This gives the seed plenty of time to germinate before the hot Texas summer.
St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-friendly grass type for Dallas.
Dogs and cats love to soak up the summer sun as much as your Texas plants. If your furry friend spends a lot of time outdoors, bermudagrass is your best option. This variety grows densely, withstands heavy traffic, and recovers quickly when man’s best friend has the urge to dig.
All Texas grass varieties thrive in warm weather, but different cultivars have different characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your space and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass variety is just one component of your complete landscape. There are numerous low-maintenance landscaping options available for Dallas. Check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in the dry summer heat.
\n\n\n\nA lush backyard oasis is within reach. Contact a Dallas lawn care pro today to keep your lawn and landscaping green and healthy.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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