![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Baton Rouge is full of scenic views and charming nature. If you want to make your lawn look just as stunning, it’s important to choose the right grass type that will thrive in this steamy, tropical climate. Let’s see what grass types you can choose from. In this article: 4 Warm-Season Grasses for Baton Rouge […]
\n","content":"\nBaton Rouge is full of scenic views and charming nature. If you want to make your lawn look just as stunning, it’s important to choose the right grass type that will thrive in this steamy, tropical climate. Let’s see what grass types you can choose from.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrass types are generally classified as either warm-season or cool-season. The main differences between the two types of grasses are:
\n\n\n\nBaton Rouge is a city of short, brisk winters and long, brutally hot summers. It probably won’t surprise you that warm-season grasses are more suitable. Here’s a closer look at the best.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a gray-green, thick, and durable turfgrass thanks to its rough edges and stems. This grass tolerates drought and withstands heavy foot traffic, most soils, and salt. It’s fast-growing and spreads and repairs itself easily.
\n\n\n\nFrom the common Bermudagrass that needs little maintenance to the hybrid variety that has a finer texture, Bermudagrass comes in several types. Because Bermudagrass grows so aggressively, it’s always important to contain it to prevent it from overtaking flowerbeds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
Spreads by: Spreads aggressively using horizontal stems above-ground (stolons) and below-ground (rhizomes)
Drought tolerance: High, but may turn brown and dormant in extended drought
Foot traffic tolerance: High; grows back quickly after suffering damage
Shade tolerance: Low; some varieties are more shade-tolerant than others
Maintenance needs: Moderate; needs mowing once or twice per week and is susceptible to many pest and disease problems
Recommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a slow-growing grass with a yellow-green color and medium texture. But just because it grows slowly doesn’t mean it won’t look lush and beautiful; in fact, with the right care, centipedegrass will grow into a thick carpet.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to avoid using too much fertilizer on centipedegrass because it can damage it. You can break up your fertilization into four applications throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
Drought tolerance: Moderate to high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Shade tolerance: Low to moderate
Maintenance needs: Moderate
Recommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches, depending on conditions
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a fast-growing grass with a green color and coarse texture. This grass can quickly turn your lawn into a lush carpet if you care for it properly, and it will even do well in partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSomething to keep in mind, though, is that this grass won’t withstand drought, a lot of foot traffic, or other stressors. To thrive, St. Augustinegrass needs the right care and maintenance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
Spreads by: Stolons
Drought tolerance: Low; requires regular watering during dry periods to stay healthy
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Shade tolerance: Moderate; some cultivars are more shade-tolerant than others
Maintenance needs: High; requires regular irrigation and fertilization to grow healthy
Recommended mowing height: 3.5 to 4 inches for standard cultivars; 2 to 2.5 inches for dwarf cultivars
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a light to medium green, dense, slow-growing turf that’s popular for its appearance and weed control. This versatile, durable grass can also handle various soil types, drought, and a lot of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBecause the grass grows and establishes slowly, the best way to create a zoysiagrass lawn quickly is with sod, but it will also be more expensive. Either way, to make sure your zoysiagrass grows well, you need to care for it correctly. That includes fertilization, watering, and so forth. You’ll also find that its thatch builds up quickly, and you’ll need to remove it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
Drought tolerance: Moderate to high, depending on cultivar
Foot traffic tolerance: High; dense growth resists damage, and spreading through stolons and rhizomes allows for quick recovery
Shade tolerance: Moderate (high for a warm-season grass type)
Maintenance needs: Low to moderate
Recommended mowing height: Typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on cultivar and shade; heights below 1 inch need a reel mower (which is recommended anyway)
When it comes to tolerating shade, St. Augustinegrass is the undisputed winner. Zoysiagrass’ shade tolerance comes second.
If you want to keep your lawn maintenance tasks to a minimum, consider centipedegrass. Centipedegrass needs infrequent mowing and little fertilizer, which makes it a suitable low-maintenance option.
Bermudagrass is the best option for busy lawns. Alternatively, zoysiagrass will work, too.
Both bermudagrass and zoysiagrass can handle heavy foot traffic and pet activity, so decide which one of them suits your needs better.
Before you decide which type of grass is right for you, make sure you consider various factors, such as how busy your lawn gets, how many pets you have, your maintenance preferences, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nMake sure you’re ready to dethatch, fertilize, and water your lawn as needed to prevent diseases in Baton Rouge’s humid, subtropical climate. The best time to water your Baton Rouge lawn is between 4 and 8. On the upside, there are a variety of things you can do to make your lawn more low-maintenance. You can, for example, consider xeriscaping, adding native plants, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nEither way, maintaining a lawn takes work and time. If you need help with your lawn care tasks, check out your local lawn care pros to free up some of your time.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Manship House (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) / Tjean314 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Baton Rouge","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/1789c/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/107df/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 320w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/293e9/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 500w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/1789c/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 960w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/c26c2/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/67b76/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 320w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/8df11/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 500w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/98a65/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 800w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 960w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/3cc96/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Baton Rouge | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Creating a stunning lawn starts with choosing the a variety of grass that suits the sultry Baton Rouge climate as well as your lifestyle."}}},{"node":{"id":"cf09f31a-c77d-5f01-ab0d-260ebb7a1881","slug":"best-native-plants-baton-rouge","path":"/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/best-native-plants-baton-rouge/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d1d6935d-c1c2-53e6-93e2-8203b0f7327d","name":"Baton Rouge","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Baton Rouge is a natural wonderland brimming with scenic parks, serene lakes, and bucolic countryside. If you want to replicate that beauty outside your front door, consider incorporating some of the native plants that make Baton Rouge so irresistible in the first place. Read on to discover the best native plants for Baton Rouge and […]
\n","content":"\nBaton Rouge is a natural wonderland brimming with scenic parks, serene lakes, and bucolic countryside. If you want to replicate that beauty outside your front door, consider incorporating some of the native plants that make Baton Rouge so irresistible in the first place.
\n\n\n\nRead on to discover the best native plants for Baton Rouge and the benefits they can provide.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nIf you want a great landscape but don’t want to spend endless days caring for it, natives are the obvious choice. They offer a number of benefits:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hibiscus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Quartl / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nHibiscus may remind you of a tropical vacation, but it’s actually a Louisiana native, and there are many varieties to choose from. This fabulous shrub or tree comes in various colors and can turn any garden into a vibrant butterfly oasis.
\n\n\n\nHibiscus can grow up to 10 feet. If you want to contain it, make sure you prune it in the spring. It grows in medium-to-wet average soil and hot and humid weather. If you want it to thrive, let it get exposed to full sun; just be careful not to let it dry out.
\n\n\n\nSome types of hibiscus, such as the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), are toxic if consumed, so exercise caution with children and pets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nSoil: Average, clay, moist, well-draining
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 7 to 10 feet; Dwarf varieties grow to an average of 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some types, such as Hibiscus syriacus, are toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Louisiana-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe Louisiana phlox, also known as woodland phlox, blue phlox, and wild sweet William, is a delicate wildflower that likes the shade and is commonly found growing between forest trees. It produces petals in a variety of colors that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. You can plant Louisiana phlox under a tree in your yard if you want to add some color to a shady area.
\n\n\n\nRabbits like to munch on the plant’s roots, but this can happen with nearly any plant. You can use repellents to keep them away, although they may not always be effective. If you want to go an extra step to protect your phlox from rabbits, you can use fine-mesh fencing or plant it in a raised flower bed. Additionally, make sure you cut back the plant’s stems after it flowers to protect it from powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nPhlox plants are typically not toxic, but little is known specifically about the effects of the Louisiana phlox. As such, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
Sun: Partial shade to full shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Rich, moist, sandy loam, clay loam, slightly acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 6 to 12 inches
Potential hazards: Lack of data, so be cautious
![\"\"](\"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\nBlack-eyed Susan is a stunning, delicate wildflower. Its bright yellow petals not only look great, but they also attract butterflies.
\n\n\n\nAlthough you’ll need to wait around a year to see the first flowers, the wait will be well worth it; once black-eyed Susan blooms, its blossoms last for months. Moreover, the plant is low-maintenance and adaptable; it tolerates heat, drought, and cold. It can also thrive in various planting zones.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is toxic to animals, so keep them a safe distance away. There isn’t much data regarding its toxicity to humans, but it can cause allergic reactions and asthma when touched and consumed, so enjoy it with your eyes only. Gloves and suitable clothing are advisable for handling the plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
Hardiness zones: 3 to 7
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-draining, acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taxodium_Distichum_Bald_Cypress_28894599385.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe bald cypress is the official state tree of Louisiana and can live up to 600 years. It’s also known for its unusual habit of growing “knees” from its roots. Their purpose is unknown, but they’re believed to help the tree breathe in swampy areas. Furthermore, the bald cypress is flood-tolerant. It does best in moist, sandy, and slightly acidic soil, although it can also live in average soil. But if the soil is too alkaline, there’s a risk of chlorosis.
\n\n\n\nBeing yellow-green in summer and orange-brown in the fall, this tree adds nice color to your garden. As a bonus, its seeds provide food for animals like birds and squirrels.
\n\n\n\nHowever, there isn’t much known about the bald cypress’s toxicity, and it may be harmful to your pets. As a safety measure, make sure neither you nor your pets consume the plant or its cones.
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil: Average, well-draining
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet; up to 9 feet with flower stalk
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Lack of data regarding toxicity; likely toxic for animals; avoid consuming any part of the plant and keep your animals from consuming it
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hawthorn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Hisgett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHawthorn is a small, charming tree that begins to blossom and bear fruit in the spring. It’s perfect for creating a shady spot in your yard as well as providing food for pollinators and songbirds. It’s also a fantastic option for a low-maintenance lawn. While hawthorn will thrive in well-drained loam and full sun, it can also grow in a range of soils and in both full sun and partial shade.
\n\n\n\nAs the name suggests, hawthorn has sharp thorns that grow along its branches. There is also a thornless variety, called the Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn, which is native to Northern America.
\n\n\n\nThere isn’t enough data about hawthorn toxicity, but it may be harmful to vulnerable people, including children, pregnant and nursing women, and those with medical conditions. It’s also harmful to vulnerable animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Hardiness zones: 5 to 9
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Low
Soil: Well-draining, loam, clay
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 25 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Harmful for some people and animals; speak to a professional before consuming
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Louisiana-Iris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nThe vibrant purple petals of the Louisiana iris used to grow in abundance throughout the state. Sadly, its population has dwindled in recent years because of herbicides, development, and saltwater. But this lovely plant can still make its home in your yard.
\n\n\n\nLouisiana iris naturally grows in swamps and bogs, so it’s perfect for water features. Although you don’t need to keep the plant constantly soaked in water, you also don’t need to worry about overwatering it. You should lay a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to protect your Louisiana iris, because its rhizomes lie close to the soil surface.
\n\n\n\nLouisiana iris is poisonous and should not be eaten, so exercise caution.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Hardiness zones: 4 to 9
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: High
Soil: Rich, slightly acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 24 to 36 inches
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Gulf-Coast-Yucca.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nGulf Coast yucca is an evergreen shrub with a bunch of beautiful, summer-blooming flowers surrounded by long leaves. It’s happy in various soil types and either full sun or partial shade. Although the Gulf Coast yucca needs to be watered, it should never sit in water.
\n\n\n\nSometimes, yucca plants become infested with yucca plant bugs. These are small, red and black bugs that feed on its juices. Products like neem will make short work of them, though.
\n\n\n\nGulf Coast yucca is toxic, and its leaves are sharp, so be cautious. Wear gloves and suitable clothing to protect yourself when you handle the plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Hardiness zones: 7 to 11
Sun: Full sun to partial sun
Water needs: Low to moderate
Soil: Average, well-draining
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet; up to 9 feet with flower stalk
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Crossvine-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCrossvine, also known as the trumpet flower, is an evergreen vine with lovely, yellow-orange blossoms produced in clusters of two to five. It’s also a favorite of the ruby-throated hummingbird.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the plant is tolerant to a variety of soil types, it grows best in soil that’s rich in organic matter. Six hours of daily sunlight can help to ensure that your crossvine will thrive. A little shade is fine, but expect to see fewer flowers. Moreover, crossvine has a tendency to spread too much, so be sure to contain it.
\n\n\n\nTake note that crossvine is a toxic plant, so you’ll need to practice caution.
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil: Average, well-draining
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet; up to 9 feet with flower stalk
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"azalea](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pxfuel.com-3-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nAzalea is a vibrant flowering plant that can make a great addition to your Baton Rouge lawn. Its gorgeous blossoms come in a range of colors that last from February to May. They also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThe plant needs regular watering in warm weather, but too much moisture or sun is unsuitable for it. You can improve your soil drainage by topdressing with compost and sand. A filtered canopy from your garden trees can work well to protect your azalea plants.
\n\n\n\nBut be sure to practice caution, because azalea is toxic.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-draining, acidic (4.5-6.0 pH)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\nThis is just a small sample of the plants that are native to Baton Rouge. When you look for the right plants for your landscape, make sure you consider everything from their appearance to their maintenance needs and potential hazards.
\n\n\n\nAs you’ve read above, some plants carry more hazards than others. But take note that just because a plant doesn’t have known hazards doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. If you have pets, you shouldn’t let them consume any of the plants in your yard unless you’re sure they’re pet-safe (or, specifically, dog-safe, if you’re a dog owner). You should consult a medical professional if you’re unsure about the effects of a plant or its fruit.
\n\n\n\nOne more thing to consider is Baton Rouge’s hardiness zone. Baton Rouge has a hardiness zone of 8b and 9a, meaning that its lowest temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the area. We’ve included the hardiness zone of each plant in the descriptions above, so you can check your area’s hardiness zone and make sure it’s a match for the plant you want.
\n\n\n\nYou might see beautiful native plant species in the wild. But if you do, make sure you only appreciate them with your eyes; don’t try to dig them up or take them home with you. Taking native plants directly from the wild can be harmful to ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nInstead, you can find native plants for sale at local nurseries, such as:
\n\n\n\nThere’s a lot that goes into picking the right native plants for your lawn, but it doesn’t end there. You should also learn about the best grass types for Baton Rouge and how to best care for your lawn each season.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to make things easier for yourself, there are various techniques that will take some of the time and effort out of maintaining your yard. Some examples of those are xeriscaping, adding hardscapes, or including potted plants. Does it still sound like a lot of work? Don’t worry. There are many professional lawn care services available that can help you achieve a picturesque yard.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Melissa McMasters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Your Baton Rouge Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/1789c/crossvine.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/107df/crossvine.jpg 320w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/293e9/crossvine.jpg 500w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/f2cbb/crossvine.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/1789c/crossvine.jpg 960w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/c26c2/crossvine.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/1dd6e/crossvine.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/67b76/crossvine.webp 320w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/8df11/crossvine.webp 500w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/98a65/crossvine.webp 800w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/1dd6e/crossvine.webp 960w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/3cc96/crossvine.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Your Baton Rouge Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you want a stunning yard but don’t know where to start, consider using native plants that look great and thrive in Baton Rouge’s unique climate"}}},{"node":{"id":"c50bda81-b945-531e-b073-f439f50a5e26","slug":"watering-restrictions-baton-rouge-la","path":"/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/watering-restrictions-baton-rouge-la/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d1d6935d-c1c2-53e6-93e2-8203b0f7327d","name":"Baton Rouge","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"July 17th, 2019","excerpt":"While neighboring states wilt under high summer temps and crippling water restrictions, Baton Rouge has the pleasure of unfettered watering privileges. But just because you can use unlimited amounts of water, doesn’t mean you should. In fact, preserving this natural resource is a priority in our area, even if we aren’t seeing a shortage. Read […]
\n","content":"\nWhile neighboring states wilt under high summer temps and crippling water restrictions, Baton Rouge has the pleasure of unfettered watering privileges. But just because you can use unlimited amounts of water, doesn’t mean you should. In fact, preserving this natural resource is a priority in our area, even if we aren’t seeing a shortage. Read on to learn about water conservation in Baton Rouge.
\n\n\n\nUsing the right grass species can help reduce your watering needs. There are five types of grass considered appropriate in the Baton Rouge area. These are carpetgrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, and Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nEach of these has an optimal length they should be mowed at, to encourage healthy root development and efficient water use.
\n\n\n\nBermjda (common): 1¼ to 1½ inch
Zoysia: ¾ to 1 inch
St. Augustine: 3 to 4 inches
Centipede: 1 to 2 inches
Carpet: 1 ½ to 2 inches
Thanks to high levels of humidity and rainfall, it’s not necessary to water heavily in our area. Most lawns do well with a deep watering of an inch or so each week or so. It’s easy to tell when your lawn is thirsty. Footsteps will leave prints for several minutes after the grass has is walked on, and the individual blades will curl. Water when you see these signs to prevent any long-term damage and keep the lawn happy.
\n\n\n\nWatering in early morning is always the best policy. It allows the maximum amount of water to seep into the soil.
\n\n\n\nSince many of our household appliances are integrated, it makes sense for irrigation to join the trend. Water conservation is effortless if you use smart irrigation technology. There are a number of systems available with more coming online all the time.
\n\n\n\nSmart irrigation takes a traditional irrigation controller to the next level. Rather than operating solely on a timer, these systems also incorporate water-saving features. Sensors adjust the optimal run time on sprinklers based on current local weather conditions. That means there’s no need to turn the controller off after a hard rain or to adjust the timing on a watering session to compensate for a hot, dry week. This technology takes guesswork and manual resets out of watering and makes sure that your lawn receives the amount of water it needs when it needs it.
\n\n\n\nThe drive to conserve water is a community effort. Here in Baton Rouge, citizens recently had an opportunity to be a part of a citywide challenge to conserve water and enter to win some prizes from the Wyland Foundation. The challenge lasted through April and was spearheaded by Mayor Sharon Weston Broome. While the 2019 challenge has passed, keep an ear to the ground next spring, or check online to see if Baton Rouge joins in again.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Baton Rouge? Visit our Baton Rouge Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nFrank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.
Living in a subtropical planting zone has its advantages. One of the most noteworthy is the wide range of beautiful native plants we can use for landscaping. Natives are an optimal choice for yards and gardens because they’re already adapted to all the conditions the Gulf Coast environment can throw at them. They provide habitat […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in a subtropical planting zone has its advantages. One of the most noteworthy is the wide range of beautiful native plants we can use for landscaping. Natives are an optimal choice for yards and gardens because they’re already adapted to all the conditions the Gulf Coast environment can throw at them. They provide habitat for native wildlife and help to preserve our native flora. Read on for a list of native plants for Baton Rouge, LA.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/iKRzbM9Pns266l1jxMd-tJSeXRu-i4m671meODt_rK3jGnrNhdf51Ocmg7RqnNHEUS5bV-jacP-MYPOS0vgi3G1fKtTLBTIAlnc1J5AJ1yzQAiwlNBKcZda_1wYM6-qolsrBsXRC\")
This class of plants is a gardener’s best friend. Perennials come in many shapes and sizes, and most importantly, they bounce back from even the harshest winters. These plants give a great deal while asking little in return.
\n\n\n\nThis part of the garden helps create privacy and visually connects the ground to the trees. Shrubs can provide a windbreak or direct traffic along walkways, or even add to the feeling of separate “rooms” in a landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/26fREMHnfu5h3HRiQz8vQt9oi_hZA_2c0YPPdExgig8AiDnC0PBqSmzJN4gMn8cXSfaMkO4udEyM8TdEEsM_FY3tYcCWBgF5mwpIWPIPjUbOcNq2xM_fftoPVWZcJqFSKxnZwigJ\")
There are many options for native plants in your Baton Rouge landscape. The beauty they offer is matched only by their low-maintenance needs. They also provide food for local wildlife and help repel invasive insects. Once you go native, it’s hard to look back.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Baton Rouge? Visit our Baton Rouge Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\n
Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.