![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscaping-garden.jpg\")
Tampa has so much to offer, from Ybor City to Lowry Zoo to the Gulf Coast beaches. So why spend your weekends weeding the yard when you could be out with the family enjoying the sites? If you want more free time and lessen your yard work load, make your landscape easy to maintain. From […]
\n","content":"\nTampa has so much to offer, from Ybor City to Lowry Zoo to the Gulf Coast beaches. So why spend your weekends weeding the yard when you could be out with the family enjoying the sites?
\n\n\n\nIf you want more free time and lessen your yard work load, make your landscape easy to maintain. From xeriscaping to native plants, check out these 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Tampa.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nYard work is a year-round chore in Tampa with the mild climate and hot, humid temperatures. Beat the heat by trying these low-maintenance landscaping ideas so that you can spend less time working on your yard and have more time to enjoy the Tampa sights.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA xeriscape is landscaping that requires very little water, which means they require less care. Natural rainfall should be sufficient for a xeriscape to survive without your landscaping needing any supplemental water.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping includes:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Turning your traditional landscape into a xeriscape costs $1.50-$2.50 per square foot. Depending on the nature and scope of the project, overall costs range from $8,737 to $22,226. Although the initial cost is expensive, decreased watering and maintenance expenses save homeowners money long-term.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want your landscaping to thrive with the minimum amount of effort, a simple solution is to plant Florida-friendly native plants that thrive in subtropical, humid temperatures.
\n\n\n\nLook for plants that are drought-tolerant and pest resistant. The more durable and hardy a plant, the more likely it is to survive on its own without a helping hand. Avoid plants that are delicate or picky, as these take more time and effort to keep happy.
\n\n\n\nSome Florida native plants that are good for Tampa landscapes:
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance native plants require minimal care and don’t need regular watering, pruning, or spraying in order to thrive. These Florida-friendly plants are acclimated to the local environment. Look for plants that are:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Average prices for native plants are $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $150 and $3,000 per tree. For a more thorough project, homeowners can expect to pay $585 to $3,300 for a professional flower bed installation.
\n\n\n\n![\"Patio](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Patio.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for ways to reduce living space for your landscaping plants and grass to grow, try filling those places with hardscapes. Some ideas you can try are:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are easy to maintain because they don’t require trimming, fertilizing, watering, or any of the time-consuming tasks that caring for a lawn and plants require. The only thing that hardscapes require is an occasional cleaning.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Hardscaping can be expensive. The price of the project depends on what kind of landscape design and type of hardscape you are installing in your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\n| Project | Price |
| Decorative rock | $460 – $1,000 |
| Rock garden | $460 – $1,000 |
| Stone paver | $8 – $22 per square foot |
| Pergola | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Gazebo | $4,828 – $9,930 |
| Patio | $2,000 – $6,500 |
| Deck | $4,000 – 11,000 |
| Fire pit | $500 – $3,000 |
| Retaining wall | $3,622 – $9,582 |
![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Blue-daze.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrass takes a long time to mow in the blistering summer heat. Instead of grass, try planting groundcover. These low-growing plants only grow a few inches tall but they act as filler that keeps your lawn green and full. They provide a natural look and require little to no mowing, Groundcovers also attract bees and butterflies to your yard.
\n\n\n\nSome popular groundcovers in Tampa yards include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Trading turfgrass for groundcover can cost $4.50 to $26 per square foot. The type of groundcover will determine the price. If homeowners have to remove their grass from their lawn first, it will cost extra.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a green lawn year-round without the work it requires, consider installing artificial turf. Artificial grass mimics the appearance of real grass. What’s better is that it comes in a variety of different types so you can choose the perfect grass type for your yard. Some artificial turfs are so life-like that your neighbors won’t be able to tell it isn’t real grass!
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: While prices vary depending on the type of artificial grass you choose and the shape and size of your yard, artificial turf costs about $5-$20 per square foot. Although the upfront costs are expensive, artificial turf doesn’t require maintenance, which saves homeowners a lot of expenses on watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a low-maintenance yard, it only makes sense to pick perennial plants. Unlike annuals or biennial plants, perennial plants live for several years. They usually go dormant during the winter and come back again during the warm season.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re tired of buying and planting new plants in your plant beds every year, try investing in perennials for your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost depends on the type of plant. All plants are priced differently and some plants are more expensive than others. Perennials typically are more expensive than annuals, although the long-term cost of perennials will be cheaper than replacing your plants every year.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-3-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch retains water, keeping your plant beds moist during the sweltering summer days. The longer the soil retains moisture, the less frequently your plants need to be watered.
\n\n\n\nThere are two different categories of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is made from plant material such as tree bark, grass clippings, or pine needles. You will have to reapply mulch to your yard more frequently, since after a while organic mulch decomposes and will need to be replaced.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches are made of plastic or stone. Although inorganic mulches are low-maintenance and don’t need to be reapplied to flower beds as frequently as organic mulches, they aren’t as hurricane-resistant as organic mulches are.
\n\n\n\nMulch is inexpensive and readily available. Spreading a layer of mulch around your plants is an easy DIY job that will help your landscape thrive with little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated costs: The price for a bag of mulch costs depends on the type of mulch. Some mulch types, such as leaves or pine needles, are free if they are found around your own yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"Set](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wikilawn-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAutomatic irrigation systems put your mind at ease, as they can be programmed to automatically water areas of the yard with a specific amount of water. With this preprogrammed technology, you can have a watered lawn without the stress of manually watering your grass yourself.
\n\n\n\nSome sprinklers have a rain sensor that allows them to automatically adjust to local water levels. Automatic irrigation systems can also be adjusted by season to fulfill your lawn’s water needs.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners can either have an in-ground sprinkler system installed or buy an above-ground sprinkler head. In-ground irrigation systems have an underground water source. Above-ground sprinkler heads must be attached to a water source above the ground, typically a hose.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of an automatic irrigation system:
\n\n\n\nEstimated costs: The average price of an in-ground automatic irrigation system is between $2,400 and $4,200. An above-ground sprinkler hose attachment costs between $9 and $36.
\n\n\n\nWith Tampa’s hot and humid weather, you want to get a drought-tolerant lawn so you don’t have to spend so much time watering the grass. Bermuadagrass consumes the least amount of water. Other good options are bahiagrass, buffalograss, and centipedegrass.
Warm-season grasses that can tolerate a lot of foot traffic, are disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant are the most hardy types of grasses. Low-maintenance grasses that are perfectly suited for Tampa’s climate include:
• Bahiagrass
• Buffalograss
• Centipedegrass
• Zoysiagrass
One of the cheapest and simplest ways to save time on landscaping maintenance is to use mulch in your landscaping. Organic mulches are inexpensive, great for the environment, and often the materials can be found around your own yard.
Here are some ways you can make your own mulch:
• Compost. If you have a compost bin, use that compost as mulch for your plant bed.
• Grass clippings. If your lawnmower has a bag, then simply use the grass clippings in the bag for mulch. Otherwise, after you mow the lawn, rake up the grass clippings across your lawn and use them for mulch.
• Leaves. Rake up leaves in a pile and then run your lawnmower over the leaves several times to chop them up into mulch.
• Pine needles. Pine needles can be chopped up in a wood chipper to make mulch. They are often combined with homemade wood mulch to make them extra effective.
• Tree branches. Fallen or pruned branches from your tree can be used as mulch. Put the tree branches and sticks through a wood chipper to chop them up into mulch. If you don’t have a wood chipper, you can rent one.
Try mixing grass clippings with wood chips to create an effective mulch that is full of nutrients for your flower bed.
If you’re tired of maintaining your landscaping, it’s time to redesign your Tampa yard. You can have an elegant landscape that is the envy of the neighborhood without all the effort of caring for a traditional lawn. To free up your time, hire a local pro to take care of the trimming, watering, and mowing for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Robles House in Tampa, FL / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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\n","content":"\nOne thing is for sure: Miami is known for its beautiful beaches. Packed with non-stop nightlife, diverse cultural arts, and luxury shopping malls, it’s no surprise this colorful city is a resident’s dream. But thanks to Miami’s tropical monsoon climate, residents enjoy their backyards and water sports year-round. Show off a thick green lawn you are proud of with one of these five best grass types perfect for South Florida’s humid climate.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can always count on South Florida to be humid. The tropical climate is characterized by warm temperatures, frequent rain, and thunderstorms. With average winter temperatures in the mid-70s, Miami is best suited to warm-season grass varieties. These grass types grow best when temperatures hover between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for the southern United States.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nMiami’s tropical climate creates ideal conditions for weeds. Bermudagrass is a hardy, fine-textured variety with deep roots that make it resistant to heavy traffic, drought, and Florida weeds like goosegrass and buttonweed. The aggressive turfgrass recovers from damage quickly, making it an ideal choice for athletic fields, golf courses, and even home lawns.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is medium to dark green with a dense appearance. It establishes quickly, thrives in the sun, adapts to most soils, and is salt-tolerant.
\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; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, sod webworms, and nematodes
\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![\"bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/saint-augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPalmetto, to Miami it’s a giant bug and a cultivar of St. Augustinegrass. This dense, blue-green grass is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass variety. It is easy to establish and quick-growing. Unfortunately, it does not stand up to heavy traffic and is susceptible to chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augstinegrass loves the warm, Florida weather and tolerates the salty air. It is coarse-textured but less dense than bermudagrass. Bitter Blue, a cultivar of St. Augustinegrass, is chinch bug resistant and popular in many areas.
\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; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, grubs, and nematodes
\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![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. This hardy grass shares all of the popular characteristics of bermudagrass but is more shade-tolerant. Cultivars of zoysiagrass are superb choices for homes, athletic fields, and golf courses, standing up to heavy traffic, low mow heights, drought, cold, and shade.
\n\n\n\nThese grass varieties have low fertilization requirements and grow densely and slowly, blocking out weeds. Zoysiagrass is one of the lowest-maintenance South Florida grasses. It is salt-tolerant, disease-resistant, and not prone to insect infestation.
\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: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and lead spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and nematodes
\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/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMost South Floridians love the feel of sand between their toes, and the resilient variety Bahiagrass agrees. This grass loves sandy soil and is drought-resistant, thanks to deep roots. It grows slowly and requires less mowing than other varieties.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass has a coarse texture and light-green color. It requires little fertilization and most Miami homeowners do not need supplemental irrigation for this variety to thrive. Unfortunately, it does not stand up to salt spray, heavy traffic, or shade.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; dollar spot may occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; mole crickets may cause problems
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a low-maintenance and slow-growing cultivar, requiring little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain green. The light-green grass loves the sandy, acidic soils of South Florida, but the smooth, flat blades do not handle heavy traffic, shade, cold, or herbicides well. Centipedegrass is prone to pests and disease when overwatered.
\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: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, lawn caterpillars, and nematodes
\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 in temperatures as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Miami’s tropical weather allows for year-round growth most years.
You should plant your grass seed between April and July. This gives the seed a full growing season before the cold winter.
Chinch bugs love the sun. They are small and difficult to spot. Watch for yellow or brown patches in your lawn and contact a lawn care professional if you see signs of activity. In South Florida, chinch bugs love many grass types, including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass.
South Florida grass varieties thrive in warm weather, salty air, and sandy, acidic soil. Different varieties have different characteristics and needs, so choose a variety that works well for your space and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together with plants, flowers, and outdoor furniture to complete your home landscape. There are many hurricane-resistant landscaping options available for Miami, so you can spend less time worrying about your yard and more time enjoying the pristine beaches before hurricane season rolls around. For even more low-maintenance plants, check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in the tropical climate.
\n\n\n\nA tropical oasis is within reach so long as you provide the rum runner. Contact a Miami lawn care pro today to keep your lawn and landscaping green and chinch-bug-free.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Miami","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1789c/Miami-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/107df/Miami-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/293e9/Miami-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/f2cbb/Miami-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1789c/Miami-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/c26c2/Miami-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1dd6e/Miami-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/67b76/Miami-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/8df11/Miami-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/98a65/Miami-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1dd6e/Miami-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/3cc96/Miami-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Miami | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season, salt-tolerant grasses are the best choice for Miami, and these five species are great options."}}},{"node":{"id":"8cd2fbfb-cdf3-5927-9a97-6f870a0a6439","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Living on the Gulf Coast has nice benefits, like being able to visit the beach anytime you feel like it for a fun day of swimming and building sandcastles. The only problem is that living near the ocean leaves homes vulnerable to hurricane damage from flooding and high winds. You can never have a 100% […]
\n","content":"\nLiving on the Gulf Coast has nice benefits, like being able to visit the beach anytime you feel like it for a fun day of swimming and building sandcastles. The only problem is that living near the ocean leaves homes vulnerable to hurricane damage from flooding and high winds.
\n\n\n\nYou can never have a 100% guarantee that your home will not suffer storm damage, but there are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Tampa that will help protect your property.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa
\n\n\n\nProtect Your Tampa Home Before a Hurricane Strikes
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"group](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wind-tolerant-trees.jpg\")
Photo Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to a hurricane-resistant landscape, it’s best to go native. For your landscaping, pick Floridia-friendly plants that are acclimated to the local climate and weather.
\n\n\n\nHurricane-resistant trees with sturdy trunks and deep-reaching roots are usually the best kind of trees to stand up to strong winds. If you have trees in your Tampa yard, they should be reliable, wind-resistant trees such as:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nCost: Hiring a professional to plant a new tree costs about $150 to $1,850, depending on the size, age, and type of tree. A DIY job will cost less, though you will have to pay for the equipment needed for the job.
\n\n\n\n“Location, location, location” is the motto when it comes to strategic real estate investments, but the principle applies to landscaping trees, as well. Picking the right spot to plant your tree isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about picking the safest and most practical location for your tree.
\n\n\n\nDon’t plant a tree right next to your house. If a tree topples over in a storm, it might fall on top of your home and cause severe damage.
\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to planting trees near power lines. A falling tree might knock over power lines and create a dangerous electric hazard. Avoid this kind of crisis by planting trees a safe distance away from power lines. If your tree grows to over 20 feet tall at maturity, then it needs to be planted at least 20 feet away from power lines.
\n\n\n\nRegularly inspect your trees for damage or illness, and remove any dead or dying trees, especially if they are near your home.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of keeping trees away from structures:
\n\n\n\nCost: The size of a tree determines the size of the job, but generally transplanting a tree costs $229 to $5,440.. Tree removal prices range from $223 to $2,089.
\n\n\n\nThere’s safety in numbers, and when trees are clustered close together, they are more wind-resistant and less likely to topple over in hurricane-force winds. Generally it’s recommended to plant trees in groups of five or more.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also better to have a mixture of different types of trees rather than planting a group of the same type of tree in the same cluster.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of grouping trees:
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree prices range from $150 to $1,850, so budget accordingly for how many trees you need. Don’t forget to consider additional logistical costs, such as the extra trips it will take to transport multiple new trees from the store to your backyard.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trim-Trees.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTake care of your trees and they will take care of you. Trees are a great source of shade, natural beauty, and, depending on the type, delicious fruit. Without proper care and regular pruning, trees aren’t as resistant and durable in a storm. Keeping your trees regularly pruned helps prevent them from being tossed around in fierce hurricane winds. When it comes to pruning, look out for the three D’s: Diseased, damaged, and dead trees.
\n\n\n\nWhen pruning, remember to thin the crowns of your trees. If the crown of a tree is too dense, rough winds can uproot the tree by pulling it right out of the ground.
\n\n\n\nShrubs aren’t as catastrophically destructive as trees, but loose branches from shrubs still cause plenty of problems on their own. Loose branches become dangerous projectiles in high speed winds or cause drainage blockage problems.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of tree and shrub trimming:
\n\n\n\nCost: To get a professional to trim your tree, you are looking at $315 to $700. A hedge trimming costs approximately $57 per hour, trimming a bush costs roughly $9, and tree trimming is often priced around $428 per tree. If you prefer to save money, you can trim your vegetation yourself.
\n\n\n\nThere’s such a thing as too much of a good thing, and you might be giving your trees too much water. If you overwater trees, the roots will stay shallow because they don’t have any need to delve deeper into the soil in search of water when water is readily available near the surface.
\n\n\n\nTrees with a shallow root system are more prone to getting uprooted when fierce storms and damaging winds blow through.
\n\n\n\nTo help your tree develop deeper roots, water it less frequently. If the soil around your tree is still moist, wait a week or so until it dries out. Then when the ground by the tree roots is dry, you can water your tree again. When you do water, give your tree a good, long drink. Trees need a thorough watering every so often to ensure that they continue to grow roots deeper into the ground.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of not overwatering:
\n\n\n\nCost: This will actually be a cost-saving measure. If you water less frequently, you will be saving on your monthly water bill.
\n\n\n\n![\"Ilex](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/31953982266_8871446f01_c-1.jpg\")
American Holly
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Hurricanes are tumultuous tempests that cause wild waves that send salty sea spray flying everywhere. Sometimes gusty winds blow salty seawater right into your yard.
\n\n\n\nTo help your landscaping plants survive a storm, choose tough, salt-tolerant plants such as the ones listed below:
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nIf a plant is not salt tolerant, salt will dry out the plant’s roots. This will hinder the plant from absorbing the water and nutrients it needs to survive, killing the plant.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of salt-tolerant plants:
\n\n\n\nCost: To have your plant bed installed by a professional, service prices typically range around $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to dealing with gusty hurricane winds, you need a fence that allows air to flow through.
\n\n\n\nEven a brand new wooden fence can be easily blown over in powerful high-speed winds if there aren’t gaps wide enough allowing wind to pass through. For this reason, sturdy wooden fences usually aren’t the best options for cities like Tampa. Instead, choose a slatted fencing material, such as:
\n\n\n\nTypes of fencing to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hurricane-resistant fencing:
\n\n\n\nCost: Prices depend on the type of fencing material, although usually fencing costs $7 to $51 per linear foot. Chain link fences cost between $6 and $36 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you live next to the ocean, you might need a seawall. A seawall helps prevent flooding and erosion of your property near the edge where the waves relentlessly batter your property.
\n\n\n\nSeawalls can be made out of several different materials:
\n\n\n\nSeawalls are designed to block out sea waves by holding them at bay so they don’t flood your property. This is especially important during a storm surge when the weather and waves are extra wild.
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of building a seawall:
\n\n\n\nCost: Seawall prices range from $113 to $770 per linear foot. Prices will vary depending on the scope of the project and the type of seawall material you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soft-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: pseudo obscure / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you use mulch in your landscape, avoid hard or sharp mulches such as pea gravel or stone. When blown around by high-speed hurricane winds, mulch becomes dangerous projectiles that cause a lot of damage when they hit windows or batter the surface of your house or car.
\n\n\n\nSoft mulch is gentler and won’t cause the same level of damage. Some soft mulches to consider include:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of soft mulches:
\n\n\n\nCost: Organic mulches such as tree bark, grass clippings, wood chips, or pine needles are usually best for lawns in hurricane territory. Free is always the best price, since some types of mulch types can be found in your yard, like pine needles or grass clippings. Prices of mulch vary depending on the type of mulch you want to purchase.
\n\n\n\nWhen rain is pouring down in torrents, water needs somewhere to drain or else flooding ensues. Before a hurricane hits Tampa, check that nearby storm drains aren’t clogged. This involves checking that nothing in your landscape is obstructing or blocking storm drainage pathways.
\n\n\n\nLeaves, sticks, and other debris get washed down and become blockage. To prevent a blocked drain from causing flooding, don’t slack off on keeping the yard clean and clear, especially if there is a hurricane heading your way. Mowing your lawn before a hurricane also makes it easier for water to drain through your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of clearing storm drains:
\n\n\n\nCost: If there is a lot of clutter in your yard that needs to be removed but you don’t have time to do the job yourself, lawn care professionals offer services at around $154 to $411.
\n\n\n\nBefore a hurricane hits Tampa, bring any loose objects inside, including outdoor chairs, lawn decor and lawn ornaments, toys, etc. Anything left outside might get blown away or become a dangerous projectile that could crash into your windows or car.
\n\n\n\nAlso, if you have a pool, you should cover it to protect it from getting filled with debris.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of bringing your yard decor inside:
\n\n\n\nCost: Clearing your yard should be a DIY job provided you have enough room inside your house to store your lawn decor. If there’s room, your garage can be used as a space to store your yard decor.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Gutter-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf the weather forecast predicts that a hurricane will hit Tampa soon, than you should clean out your gutters. Clearing out leaves, sticks, or other debris clogging your gutter drainage system allows water to drain properly off your roof.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of cleaning your gutters:
\n\n\n\nCost: Hiring a professional to clean your gutters costs $72 to $424, depending on the size of the house and whether the house is a single-story or a multi-story building.
\n\n\n\nWhen there are heavy hurricane rains and the city is in danger of flooding, the last thing needed is more water on your lawn. Turning off your sprinkler systems before a storm hits helps conserve water and protect the pipes from too much pressure.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of turning off the sprinkler system:
\n\n\n\nCost: Switching off the sprinkler system doesn’t cost any money and in fact it will save you some money on water bills.
\n\n\n\nHurricanes are dangerous and have a tendency to leave behind a lot of wanton destruction in their path. You won’t be able to keep your yard impervious to all damage, but taking steps to protect your yard can reduce property damage and repair costs. For hurricane preparedness, follow these steps to protect your yard from damage:
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to plan ahead and have an evacuation plan ready for your and your family. While you can take steps to protect your yard and increase its hurricane resistance, it still won’t guarantee that your yard or home will be safe. Play it safe and have a plan for what to do when a hurricane strikes.
\n\n\n\nThe hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass are the best hurricane-resistant grasses for Tampa yards. They are both warm-season grasses with high salt tolerance and a hardiness that makes them able to weather rough weather.
Yes. Artificial grass is wind-resistant and can handle a large amount of water during heavy hurricane rains.
It’s not just wind-resistant trees you need to think about when it comes to your yard: There are also shrubs, bushes, and flowers to consider, as well as fencing and what mulch types are the safest. Ideally, it’s best for Tampa residents to fill their yard with plants that are native to Florida.
If you want a hurricane-resistant landscape design, then find a Tampa lawn care pro to help you with your next landscaping project.
Main Image Credit: Mark Souther / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1789c/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/107df/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 320w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/293e9/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 500w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/f2cbb/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 800w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1789c/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 960w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/c26c2/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1dd6e/Trees-near-power-lines.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/67b76/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 320w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/8df11/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 500w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/98a65/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 800w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1dd6e/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 960w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/3cc96/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tampa is a prime target for hurricanes. Find out how to make your landscaping more hurricane resistant so your yard can weather the storm."}}},{"node":{"id":"0147d12a-bf6b-528f-9ac4-5f6236453db2","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Tropical weather isn’t all beautiful. Sunny weather may be followed by a tropical storm or a hurricane. While there’s only so much you can do to protect your home, hurricane-resistant landscaping can minimize damage and make cleanup easier. Here are 12 ideas to implement in your yard to help your landscaping weather the storm. In […]
\n","content":"\nTropical weather isn’t all beautiful. Sunny weather may be followed by a tropical storm or a hurricane. While there’s only so much you can do to protect your home, hurricane-resistant landscaping can minimize damage and make cleanup easier. Here are 12 ideas to implement in your yard to help your landscaping weather the storm.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping ideas for Jacksonville
\n\n\n\nHurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30, and during the hurricane season, Floridians don’t want to be caught off-guard. With winds reaching speeds over 157 mph, hurricanes cause a lot of wind damage and often lead to flooding.
\n\n\n\nFor hurricane preparedness, here are some tips to keep your yard safer so you can be ready for the next time a tropical storm strikes Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/777px-Miami_Beach_-_South_Beach_Sand_Dune_Flora_-_Helianthus_debilis_Dune_Sunflower_29.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daniel Di Palma / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSeeing all your hard work go down the drain is heartbreaking if you’re a plant lover. The additional salt water from tropical storms can cause plants to wilt, halt growth, or die. Some plants are susceptible to salinity, but others are more salt tolerant and better adapted to coastal areas.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are more likely to survive local weather and are lower maintenance. However, other plants may be able to brave the storm, as well. Here are some salt-tolerant plant recommendations from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS):
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nWhat about your lawn? St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass are good turfgrass choices for Jacksonville and can handle more salt than other grass types.
\n\n\n\nCost: Planting a tree costs homeowners between $90 and $3,212. Flower bed planting costs between $861 and $3,100. You can save money by planting them yourself, but research the plant thoroughly before planting, so you set it up for success.
\n\n\n\nTrees are a significant hazard during hurricanes. They could fall on your home, fence, or car, causing costly damage. While no tree is entirely immune to high winds, research from the University of Florida has shown these trees to be most wind-resistant:
\n\n\n\nWant to know which trees have poor wind resistance? Avoid these species:
\n\n\n\nCost: Planting a tree costs homeowners between $90 and $3,212.
\n\n\n\nIs your tree at risk of falling? Besides species, tree health is another factor determining which trees survive hurricanes. Sick, diseased, damaged, rotting, and pest-infested trees aren’t in peak condition to face stormy weather. Look for any changes in your tree’s health, and call a certified arborist to assess whether the tree needs to be treated or removed.
\n\n\n\nEven if your trees are healthy, pruning and reshaping will improve their wind resistance. Train your young trees to have one dominant trunk and well-spaced branches. To prepare for a hurricane, contact an arborist to prune any trees over 15 feet tall and remove branches that could pose a danger to your property.
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree trimming costs between $227 and $708. Want to trim your hedges and bushes as well? Expect to pay between $56 and $85 per hour for hedge trimming and $7 to $24 per bush or $45 to $75 per hour. You can trim small plants yourself, but leave large trees to the pros.
\n\n\n\nArborists may offer advice on tree trimming or removal for free but charge $40 to $550 for in-depth consultations or services performed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Power](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Power-Line.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matthew Paul Argall / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTrees are much more dangerous near power lines and your house. They could smash through your roof or take out your power. Don’t plant trees or other tall plants too close to your home or power lines, and move or cut down existing trees that pose a danger.
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree transplants cost between $229 and $5,440. Tree removal costs between $323 and $2,089.
\n\n\n\nHardy plants are an excellent first step, but you should also provide extra protection before the storm hits. Wrap trees and large plants with burlap and small plants with a floating row cover. Make sure to secure them to the ground with garden stakes. While these covers may fail in severe hurricanes, they’ll likely reduce some damage in your yard.
\n\n\n\nCost: Depending on the size, burlap costs between $7 and $180 per roll. Floating row covers cost $11 to $240 per cover, with agricultural covers costing even more.
\n\n\n\nMulch controls weeds in your garden, but hurricanes scatter pieces all over your yard. Avoid hard mulch types like gravel. Strong winds can send them flying through the air and possibly through your windows. Here are some soft mulch types that will cause less damage and be easier to clean up:
\n\n\n\nCost: Mulch costs between $45 to $100 per cubic yard, depending on the type. You also can make mulch for free from grass clippings, pine needles, or newspaper.
\n\n\n\nFlooding is a significant source of damage during hurricane season. A seawall is the first line of defense against rising water levels, redirecting floodwaters away from your property. They are beneficial for properties next to the ocean or rivers. Choose from materials like concrete, wood, steel, and vinyl.
\n\n\n\nCost: Seawall construction costs between $215 and $843 per square foot, depending on the material.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chain-link-fence.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nIf those winds are strong enough to knock down trees, they can destroy most fences. Privacy fences often fall because their large surface area takes the brunt of the wind and floodwaters. Concrete and brick fencing may hold up better, but other materials will be more likely to survive if they have gaps to let the elements through. Consider picket, shadowbox, lattice, or louvered designs.
\n\n\n\nChain-link and metal fences are your best bet if you want to see your fence still standing after the storm. They might be dented by flying objects, but that repair will be easier than a splintered wooden fence.
\n\n\n\nCost: Metal fences cost between $21 and $57 per linear foot, depending on the type of metal. Chain-link fences, also known as cyclone or hurricane fences, cost between $12 and $37 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nThat comfy lounger on your patio may not be so lovely after it’s been thrown around by the wind and flood waters. Your outdoor furniture and decor could easily be damaged or damage other property. Move anything not bolted down to a secure location, such as a shed or garage, so you won’t need to recover or repair them after the storm.
\n\n\n\nCost: Nothing if you already have a shed or garage to store your items in.
\n\n\n\n![\"leaves](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30120082286_d296f7477f_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dan Keck / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nStorm surges during the hurricane can flood your yard. That water won’t leave if it doesn’t have a clear path to nearby storm drains. Leaves and debris can clog the drains, causing flooding for you and your neighbors. Keep your yard clean from debris and avoid placing landscaping features between your yard and the drain if they might prevent water flow.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid standing water in a sloped yard, install a French drain. French drains are ditches filled with gravel with a perforated drain pipe underneath. Rather than pool in your yard or create unwanted rivers, the water will follow the French drain to the municipal storm drain. These installations can redirect water away from your foundation and prevent flooding inside your home.
\n\n\n\nCost: Yard cleanup typically costs between $153 and $374 but can cost as much as $1,059 in extreme cases. French drains cost between $500 and $18,000.
\n\n\n\nLeaving gutters clogged before a hurricane is asking for trouble. To avoid unnecessary flooding, clean your gutters twice a year. It’s best to start with the cleanest slate possible so the leaves don’t pile too high and cause more damage.
\n\n\n\nCost: Gutter cleaning costs between $72 and $424. Costs will be on the higher end for large and multi-story houses.
\n\n\n\n![\"water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Automatic-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ildar Sagdejev / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAutomatic sprinklers make our lives easier most of the year, but more water is the last thing your lawn needs during a hurricane. Your yard will already be saturated for a long while after the storm, and your plants will need to recover from the excess water. You may also want to turn off your water entirely to avoid damage from burst pipes.
\n\n\n\nCost: None. You will actually save money on your water bill.
\n\n\n\nHurricanes are a risk to homeowners all over Florida, and Jacksonville is no exception. Because Jacksonville is right on the coast, even a brush with a hurricane can cause major flooding in the city. Some damage is inevitable, but preparedness can save money and time as you pick up the pieces.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can make your landscape more resilient in storms, it can’t protect you. Create an emergency evacuation plan to keep you and your family safe.
\n\n\n\nHurricane prediction isn’t a perfect science. Jacksonville residents should expect a bush or direct hit from a hurricane every two or three years, with direct hits landing every 11 to 12 years. Direct hits cause the most damage, but even a brush can cause significant damage.
In Florida, hurricane season falls between June and November, with the peak times in August and October. It’s a good idea to start assessing your hurricane preparedness around this time, so you aren’t scrambling to protect your home.
Yes, and not just from hurricanes. The long rainy season from June to November can cause tributaries and creeks to rise and damage nearby properties. The City of Jacksonville warns that any property in the floodplain will likely be damaged at some point, though other properties are also at risk.
Some hurricane preparations you make in your yard will help with these issues, such as clearing paths to storm drains. However, you’ll likely need to make additional preparations.
You have a lot to check off your hurricane preparedness list to keep your family and property safe. Why not get some help to ease your burden? Local landscaping pros can prep your yard for hurricanes and clean up afterward.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Jacksonville","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1789c/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/107df/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/293e9/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/f2cbb/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1789c/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/c26c2/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1dd6e/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/67b76/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 320w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/8df11/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 500w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/98a65/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 800w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1dd6e/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 960w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/3cc96/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Jacksonville | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Hurricanes wreak havoc if you aren’t prepared. Here’s how to implement hurricane-resistant landscaping for your Jacksonville home."}}},{"node":{"id":"50d6ca88-a9c8-5ae0-aadb-dfd25f9ab9de","slug":"best-native-plants-miami","path":"/lawn-care/fl/miami/best-native-plants-miami/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"529a6382-d2d9-58ab-b746-9f305ef45bd4","name":"Miami","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/miami/"}],"date":"March 20th, 2023","excerpt":"Miami is a melting pot of cultures and arts and home to over 147 parks, gardens, and recreation centers. Florida contains over 4,700 species of native plants, so it is easy to create your own diverse cultural stew in your own backyard by filling it with Florida plants. Native plants offer many landscaping benefits, including: […]
\n","content":"\nMiami is a melting pot of cultures and arts and home to over 147 parks, gardens, and recreation centers. Florida contains over 4,700 species of native plants, so it is easy to create your own diverse cultural stew in your own backyard by filling it with Florida plants.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants help promote a healthier Florida ecosystem. Check out these 20 native plants for Miami to create a diverse landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/beautyberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Alter / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry, also known as American mulberry, is a small shrub with bright purple fruits that attract birds and other wildlife. The sprawling shrub works well as a border plant with its long branches arching toward the ground. Some homeowners prune the plant for a more compact appearance.
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry has fuzzy, light-green leaves and small lavender flowers that bloom from spring to summer before maturing to fruits in September. The edible shrub is drought tolerant and loves rich soils, though it will adapt to the acidic, sandy soils of South Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers nutrient-rich soil but tolerates acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers a regular watering schedule and moist roots
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan offers a pop of color for Miami yards. The hardy wildflower is known for its bright golden petals and dark brown center. It is salt and drought-tolerant and makes a great addition to any butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nBlack-Eyed Susan loves full sun and well-drained soil. Flowers grow atop round clumping leaves and work well as cut flowers for an outdoor-to-indoor home display.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable, prefers acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/butterfly_weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a native species of milkweed and is extremely important to healthy Florida landscapes. It is an attractive flowering plant and a nectar source for bees and pollinators as well as a host plant for caterpillars, including the Monarch butterfly. There are around 20 native species of milkweed that call Florida home.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed produces bright orange or yellow flowers from summer to fall. The attractive plant is hardy and loves full sun. It tolerates most soils and is moderately salt and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and less than 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial though some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; milky sap irritates humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"photo](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coontie-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoontie, also known as Florida arrowroot, is a seed plant resembling a small fern and a member of the cycad family. With ancient roots dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, this evergreen plant is the only cycad native to North America and an important member of the Florida ecosystem. It is the larval food source for the rare Atala butterfly.
\n\n\n\nCoontie has shiny, feather-shaped leaves attached to a thick stem. The round plant works well as clumping groundcover. It is drought, salt, and cold-tolerant and will thrive in sunny or shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Clumping groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; seeds are deadly to humans and animals if ingested, and the entire plant is poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-bean-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Everglades National Park / Flickr / License
\n\n\n\nLike seagrape, coral bean, also known as Cherokee bean, thrives in the tropical Miami weather and grows as a large shrub or small ornamental tree. Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the bright red tubular flowers. It grows well in natural landscapes with fertile soil, but keep in mind it is extremely poisonous to humans and animals. Coral bean performs best when planted as part of a mixed border, and the perennial shrub loses its leaves in the winter.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 5-15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, fertile and sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; seeds poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-honeysuckle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOften found climbing the woods, sandhills, and flatwoods of Florida, coral honeysuckle is an evergreen clumping vine. It blooms year-round in South Florida and does its best blooming in the winter. You can find it crawling trellises, walls, and fences, reaching heights up to 18 feet.
\n\n\n\nThe dark, shiny leaves give way to trumpet-shaped red-orange flower clusters from spring to fall, and the vine produces clusters of bright red berries from September to October. Coral honeysuckle attracts songbirds, hummingbirds, and other pollinators thanks to its vibrant flowers and fruit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-18 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coreopsis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zarkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis, or tickseed, is Florida’s state wildflower. The perennial blooms daisy-shaped, bright yellow flowers with brown centers from spring to summer. The drought-tolerant beauties reseed themselves, attracting butterflies and native pollinators. Tickseed makes a great addition to flower beds and container gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"clumps](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fakahatchee_grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFakahatchee grass is another great ornamental grass for Miami landscapes. It is a clumping plant, working well for accents and borders. It is the food of choice for the larval Byssus Skipper butterfly. In nature, you can find it growing along river banks and swamps.
\n\n\n\nFakahatchee grass is easy to grow with grass-like foliage and small white flowers in late spring. It grows best in full sun and loves well-drained, moist soil, though it adapts to drier conditions and will survive flooding. It responds well to pruning but will grow just as well as a low-maintenance plant when left alone.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; well-drained, moist acidic or alkaline soil, sand, loam, clay; extended flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/firebush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mokki / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFirebush is a hardy shrub with bright red flowers that bloom from late spring to the first frost. Popular with hummingbirds, butterflies, and other local wildlife, the semi-woody shrub can reach up to 15 feet tall in South Florida but responds well to pruning for contained growth.
\n\n\n\nFirebush is a popular addition to many landscapes and works well as a standalone shrub, hedgerow, or border plant. The foliage will die after the first freeze but regrows in spring. It adapts to most soil conditions and is heat and drought-tolerant with no natural disease or insect threats.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-12
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; poisonous to humans and animals, though it has a bitter taste most animals avoid
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/florida-anise-tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe Florida anise tree, also known as purple anise, is actually an evergreen shrub with small star-shaped purple to red flowers. Skinny branches droop to the ground, giving the shrub a rounded shape. Flowers bloom in spring with fruits following from late summer to fall. Like its cousin star anise, the fruits of the Florida anise tree give off a distinct licorice odor when crushed.
\n\n\n\nThese shrubs have a dense growth pattern, making them ideal for hedgerows and windbreaks. They prefer full sun but will grow well in partial shade and respond well to pruning. They love rich soil and moisture but will adapt to most conditions. The purple anise does not tolerate Miami saltwater and its foliage is poisonous, making it resistant to insects and deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; foliage is poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/gaillardia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JJ Harrison / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nGaillardia is a perennial with dark green leaves and bright, daisy-like blooms from summer into late fall. Also known as firewheel, or blanket flower, blooms are typically red to orange, attracting butterflies and Miami pollinators. Firewheel reseeds itself and grows well in beds and containers. Fresh-cut flowers make great additions to home vases and floral arrangements. Gaillardia tolerates sun, heat, sandy soils, and salt.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12-24 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/gumbo_limbo_tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Milo44 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA South Florida native, the gumbo-limbo tree is large and semi-evergreen. Mature heights reach up to 60 feet in nature, though they are more compact in home landscaping. They love the tropical Miami climate and make great shade trees.
\n\n\n\nGumbo-limbo trees show off bright green leaves with small clusters of light green flowers and peeling copper bark. It is one of the most wind and hurricane-resistant trees in Florida landscaping.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 10b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 25 to 50 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, alkaline soil, sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water every seven to 10 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/muhly-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMuhly grass lines Florida flatwoods, uplands, and highways and makes a popular choice for home landscapes. It is an easy-to-grow ornamental clumping grass that produces fluffy pink flower stalks every fall.
\n\n\n\nMuhly grass thrives in the Miami sun and is drought-tolerant. The salt-tolerant grass is perfect for coastal areas and grows well in flower beds and along borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, loam, clay; extended flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/nature-plant-flower-purple-bloom-summer-543725-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Passion flower, or maypop, is a flowering vine like coral honeysuckle. It is a butterfly host plant, fast-growing, and hardy. Its dense foliage provides natural cover for wildlife while its large lavender blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The vine also produces edible green fruits, though they do not taste good.
\n\n\n\nPassion flower loves full sun and thrives on a trellis, fence, or archway. It is a spreading vine that will grow to occupy the trellis or fence. They are pest-resistant and tolerate drought conditions. However, the hardy plant is susceptible to nematode damage in South Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet; spreads to occupy the trellis or fence
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water twice weekly during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/scarlet-sage-salvia-close-up.jpg\")
Scarlet salvia goes by many names, including scarlet sage, blood sage, and tropical sage. It is an herbaceous perennial with tubular red flowers that bloom from spring through fall. The attractive plant reaches up to 4 feet tall and attracts Miami wildlife, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nScarlet salvia is drought and salt-tolerant, tolerating the occasional salty spray well. The adaptable plant responds well to pruning and grows well in flower beds and containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous plant
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tree-plant-fruit-leaf-flower-food-829906-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Seagrape is an endangered and protected shrub or tree naturally found growing along the Florida coasts. The salt-tolerant plant produces clusters of edible red fruit resembling grapes, bright-green, round foliage with red veins, and clusters of cream-colored flowers.
\n\n\n\nSeagrape responds well to pruning, and left unattended, it will grow to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. These plants work well as hedges, privacy screens, natural windbreaks, and shade trees. If grown as a tree, an attractive, twisted trunk is visible. Seagrape grows well in full or partial sun and salty acidic soils. It is very low maintenance except for the occasional pruning.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 10A-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 35-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible fruits
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/flower-plant-nature-flora-blossom-botany-1370586-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Miami’s tropical climate creates the perfect environment for crawling vines. Star Jasmine, also known as jessamine and evening trumpet flower, is a fragrant flowering vine with clusters of tiny white flowers that bloom in early spring and summer. It is drought resistant and attracts pollinators to your garden. The vine is also moderately salt-tolerant and adapts to shady conditions, making it a great option for coastal landscapes.
\n\n\n\nThis vine is fast-growing, climbing to occupy any available space. It works well as ground cover but requires frequent pruning. Star jasmine is best planted near lampposts, trellises, arbors, or chain-link fences, and will not climb masonry walls or wooden fences without supports.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine or spreading groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pink-hibiscus-flower-1413634545iIg.jpg\")
Swamp mallow is a variety of hibiscus with many names in South Florida such as scarlet rosemallow and swamp hibiscus. Like all hibiscus flowers, swamp mallow is an herbaceous perennial with large red flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. The woody plant loves heat, humidity, and wet soil, and is moderately salt-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nSwamp mallow grows naturally in the Florida wetlands but tolerates drier soil. It loves full sun and can reach heights up to 8 feet. The swamp mallow makes a great informal privacy screen or standalone plant, and the bright blooms will attract butterflies such as Cloudless Sulfurs and Gulf Fritillaries to your Miami yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water twice per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Viburnum_Reiflers_Dwarf_2zz.jpg\")
Walter’s viburnum is a large shrub or small tree with small white flowers that attracts butterflies. Fruits of the tree ripen in fall, attracting birds and other wildlife. It can reach up to 20 feet tall but responds well to pruning and training and makes a great hedgerow or privacy screen.
\n\n\n\nWalter’s viburnum has dense foliage that acts as a nesting spot for songbirds, and it is the host plant for the Azure butterfly. The shrubs prefer full sun to partial shade and are drought-tolerant. However, these plants do not tolerate salt and need moist, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water twice weekly
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Psychotria_nervosa_2.jpg\")
Wild coffee produces shiny, bright-green leaves with clusters of small white flowers in the spring and summer. Red fruits bloom in the summer resembling coffee berries but contain no caffeine. The evergreen shrub’s elongated leaves and dense growth habit make a great hedgerow or border plant for South Florida lawns.
\n\n\n\nWild coffee serves as the backbone for the life cycle of the rare Atala butterfly, providing a much-needed nectar source for the insect, while its fruits attract birds and other wildlife. The perennial shrub grows well in partial to full shade and loves well-drained soil. It responds well to pruning and is salt-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-10 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate heavy clay soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nNative plants each have their own needs, and not all native plants will grow well in your Miami yard. It is important to consider soil type and proximity to saltwater sprays when selecting plants for your landscape. Select plants suitable for your soil, sun exposure, and watering capabilities.
\n\n\n\nMiami sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, indicating the coldest annual temperature is between 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Florida-native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Miami’s’ hardiness zones. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nThanks to Miami’s year-round tropical climate, you can plant anytime you want. Plants grow faster in the spring and summer, and experts agree the best time to head into your garden is from mid-March to the beginning of April.
Foliage needs time to dry before nightfall, and wet foliage can lead to disease and rot. Early morning or evening are the best times to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun.
Native plants support the Florida ecosystem and beneficial insects like butterflies, bees, and birds. Many are salt and drought-tolerant and adapted to the acidic, sandy soil found in most South Florida yards, making them easier to grow and more beneficial to the local environment.
Create your own landscape melting pot and invite beautiful blooms, butterflies, and songbirds into your yard. If you want to introduce more native plants into your Miami oasis, source your plants ethically from reputable nurseries.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local Miami nurseries recommended by the Dade Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society:
\n\n\n\nMany native plants are salt and wind-tolerant, standing up to occasional flooding and high winds. Be sure to consider other hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to complement your new native plants and check out the best grass types for Miami for a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen you are ready to turn over lawn upkeep to a professional, let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"20 Best Native Plants for Miami","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.0905923344947737,"src":"/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/1789c/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/107df/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/293e9/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/f2cbb/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/1789c/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/c26c2/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/1dd6e/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/67b76/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/8df11/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/98a65/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/1dd6e/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/3cc96/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"20 Best Native Plants for Miami | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out these Florida native plants for Miami to find heat and salt-tolerant plants that thrive in the sun and sandy soil, plus information on where to buy native plants locally."}}},{"node":{"id":"cb5de3f7-9238-5026-81b4-1d17a406324e","slug":"best-grass-types-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/best-grass-types-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 20th, 2023","excerpt":"With the beautiful subtropical climate in Jacksonville, who wouldn’t want a lush lawn to match the greenery? However, you should choose a species that can handle the warm weather, rain or shine. These warm-season grass types are well-suited for the city. Let’s review the pros and cons of each species so you can plant the […]
\n","content":"\nWith the beautiful subtropical climate in Jacksonville, who wouldn’t want a lush lawn to match the greenery? However, you should choose a species that can handle the warm weather, rain or shine. These warm-season grass types are well-suited for the city. Let’s review the pros and cons of each species so you can plant the best lawn for your property.
\n\n\n\nAlmost every lawn you see in Florida is made up of warm-season grass. Warm-season grasses do best in the southern half of the United States, while cool-season grasses do best in the northern states. Warm-season grasses thrive in spring and summer but turn brown and dormant in the winter. Of course, Jacksonville has mild winters, so your lawn will stay green longer.
\n\n\n\nThough many species of warm-season grasses exist, these five are the best-suited for Jacksonville lawns.
\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\nWhile Zoysiagrass originated in Asia, it’s well-adapted to warm, humid weather like that in Jacksonville. This light- to medium-green grass is heat and drought tolerant with low maintenance needs. However, it can still go dormant or die in extreme heat. Zoysiagrass has better cold tolerance than most warm-season grasses, which makes it a good fit for North Florida.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass can tolerate some shade but grows best in full sun. Zoysiagrass’ density helps it resist wear, diseases, weeds, and pests. It also tolerates herbicides more than other grass types. However, it’s slow to establish. Sod works better for establishment than plugs or seeds, even though it’s the more expensive option.
\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: Moderate mowing frequency and low to moderate fertilizer needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches. Cut with a sharp blade and mow taller if it’s in partial shade
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance and not prone to insect infestation
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Depends on the cultivar, but generally, well-draining soils work best
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Zoysiagrass has a good salt tolerance, which makes it ideal for coastal Jacksonville. Because of its dense growth pattern, zoysiagrass is popularly sold as sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermuda-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThis fine- to medium-textured grass is native to tropical and subtropical climates. Bermudagrass can stay bright green year-round with sufficient irrigation or rainfall but will turn brown with the year’s first frost. It thrives in direct sunlight and has a good humidity and salt tolerance. Its deep root system makes it drought-tolerant, though it may go dormant during extended drought.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is suitable for lawns with lots of foot traffic, such as sports fields and play areas. Why? Its fast growth helps it heal quickly from damage. However, this aggressive growth can make it difficult to contain. Bermudagrass requires frequent mowing and fertilization to keep up with its growth pattern.
\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 tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bermudagrass must be frequently mowed to deal with its rapid growth. It also develops thatch easily. Bermudagrass may require monthly fertilization during its peak growing season of late spring.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing 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: Bermudagrass spreads aggressively, so you must watch out for it spreading into garden beds and neighbors’ yards. It has good salt and humidity tolerance. Establish with seeds, sod, sprigs, or plugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis Brazilian grass is low-maintenance, with little water or fertilizer needed. Its extensive root system allows it to survive in drought and sandy, acidic, and infertile soils. However, it may go dormant during extended drought. It also doesn’t do well in salty or alkaline soils.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass isn’t as thick as other grasses and needs full sun to thrive. It’s best for lawns without too much foot traffic. It will take a while to establish with seeds, but you can also install sod. Though it has low fertilizer needs, it is susceptible to iron deficiency.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high. Mow every seven to 14 days. Ensure the blade is sharp so it can cut through the thick leaves and seed head stems.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low with moderate insect tolerance
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils and does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is best grown from seeds or sod. Plugging and sprigging are possible but leave the lawn susceptible to weeds. Overwatered bahiagrass is weaker and more susceptible to weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St.-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the Gulf of Mexico coastline, St. Augustinegrass is one of Florida’s most common turf grasses. It has a coarse texture and blue-green color. Most cultivars have higher shade tolerance than other warm-season grasses. While it grows well in cool and humid coastal climates, it doesn’t do particularly well in drought and turns brown in winter.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass grows quickly, which helps it crowd out weeds. However, it isn’t the densest grass and may not do well with heavy traffic. St. Augustinegrass is vulnerable to chinch bugs and fungal diseases, though some cultivars resist chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate, with one of the highest shade tolerances of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing and fertilizing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3-4 inches for standard varieties and 2.5-3 inches for dwarf varieties; mow tall in shade
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high. St. Augustinegrass is vulnerable to gray leaf spot, large patch, take-all rot, and chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows best in moderately fertile and moist soils with good drainage. It doesn’t tolerate drought or soil compaction.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It will do well in moist soils and mild winters but turn brown during cold winters. St. Augustinegrass has a good salt tolerance. Plant with plugs, sprigs, or sod.
\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\nOriginating in Asia, centipedegrass is well-adapted for Central and North Florida. It’s slow-growing but requires less fertilization and mowing than other grass types in the area. Centipedegrass does well in sandy, acidic soils, making it a good choice for the generally acidic soil in Florida. However, coastal properties may have alkaline soils, so be sure to get a soil test.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass naturally has a medium texture and light green color. Overfertilization could cause centipedegrass decline and dead patches that are difficult to repair. Centipedegrass doesn’t have a high tolerance for salt, traffic, drought, or cold. It is also sensitive to many types of herbicides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate, but it needs at least six hours of full sun daily
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency and fertilization needs; overfertilization causes heavy thatch and centipedegrass decline
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low. Good resistance to diseases and insects. However, centipedegrass is susceptible to nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Can grow in acidic, sandy, and infertile soils. It needs moderately good drainage and doesn’t do well in heavy clay soils.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Centipedegrass is slow-growing and doesn’t have a high cold or salt tolerance. Establish with seed, sod, sprigs, or plugs.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and Zoysiagrass have the best foot traffic tolerance. If you also need durability in the face of drought and disease, Zoysiagrass is well-equipped to face these problems.
Centipedegrass is the easiest to maintain because of its low mowing and fertilization needs. If you need something with a higher traffic tolerance, consider Zoysiagrass.
Jacksonville gets a fair amount of rain, but droughts and dry spells aren’t unheard of. Because of that, it’s best to water on an as-needed basis. When you see folding or wilting leaves, color changes, or visible footprints, give your lawn ½ to ¾ inch of water. Make sure you follow local watering restrictions.
Choosing suitable grass is only the first step. You must plant and properly maintain your lawn to get the desired results. And what about the rest of your yard? Low-maintenance landscaping with native plants will make maintenance easier and allow you to enjoy the beautiful Jacksonville weather surrounded by equally beautiful greenery.
If you need help with your lawn or other yardwork, contact a Jacksonville lawn care professional.
Main Image Credit: indigolotos / Canva Pro / License
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