![\"raking](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pxfuel.com-4-1.jpg\")
As the temperature drops and the leaves fall, your lawn demands a little extra TLC. If, like most Cincinattians, you have cool-season grass, expect your grass’s growth to speed up and then go dormant by winter. Properly caring for your lawn in the fall gives it the strength to endure a harsh winter and flourish […]
\n","content":"\nAs the temperature drops and the leaves fall, your lawn demands a little extra TLC. If, like most Cincinattians, you have cool-season grass, expect your grass’s growth to speed up and then go dormant by winter. Properly caring for your lawn in the fall gives it the strength to endure a harsh winter and flourish again come spring. So, make sure you cross everything off Cincinnati’s fall lawn care checklist.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nIn late September to early October, our leaves change color, then begin to fall. It is essential to manage your fall leaves for the following reasons:
\n\n\n\nSmall amounts of leaves can be mulched with a mower and left to fertilize the grass, but large amounts need removal. Therefore, when the leaves fall, most Cincinattians rake every few days.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWhen fall is in the air, lawn mower engines blare throughout The Queen City. Most Cincinnatians have cool-season grass that flourishes in the spring and fall, so be prepared for rapid fall growth. The table below shows the recommended mowing heights for the best grass types in Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Mow Height |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2.5 – 3.5 inches |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Fine Fescue | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Tall Fescue | 3 – 3.5 inches |
Proper lawn mowing practices include the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nA layer of organic debris called thatch builds up between your grass and the soil. You should dethatch your lawn before the thatch becomes 1/2 inch thick. Dethatching is important for the following reasons:
\n\n\n\nYou can use a power rake to dethatch your lawn, and the best time to do so is early fall, right before aeration.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCincinnati’s soil contains a lot of clay, which makes it prone to soil compaction and drainage issues. Aerating your lawn in September or October will improve soil drainage and prevent the soil from compacting. Thus, after aeration, more water and fertilizer reach your grass’s roots allowing your lawn to grow lush and strong.
\n\n\n\nBy improving the soil’s drainage, lawn aeration also helps you avoid the following problems:
\n\n\n\nThere are three main types of lawn aeration, as shown in the table below.
\n\n\n\n| Aeration method | Description |
| Liquid aeration | A liquid solution that claims to aerate, but Colorado State University says it isn’t effective. |
| Spike aeration | Solid tines puncture the soil. |
| Core aeration | A machine pushes hollow tines into the ground and removes plugs of soil. |
Core aeration is the best type to use on Cincy’s soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"Thick](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/green-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nRight after aerating, is the best time to overseed your lawn. Many Cincinnati homeowners overseed with seeds from cultivars that highly resist insects and diseases. Overseeding can also improve your grass’s tolerance to drought, shade, and foot traffic. As a result of overseeding, your lawn will be fuller and require less water, fertilizer, and chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be careful if you plant to treat your lawn with herbicide. Herbicides may hinder the growth of new grass seeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass requires fertilization in the fall, and here are some tips to help you:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs long as it stays above 40 degrees Farenheit you must continue watering your lawn. Use the following watering tips to ensure your grass thrives:
\n\n\n\nApplying pre-emergent herbicides in the fall will prevent winter weeds from sprouting. Common winter weeds in Cincinnati include:
\n\n\n\nHowever, proper lawn care is the best way to prevent the worst weeds in Cincinnati. Healthy grass can stand strong against weeds.
\n\n\n\nWhen water freezes, it expands, so any water left in your irrigation system can cause its parts to break. Drain all the water from your sprinklers when the temperature drops below freezing, which typically occurs at the end of October.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati’s most infamous fall pests include the following:
Our spring lawn care tips for Cincinnati include:
You should avoid watering your lawn at night because it increases the chance of it getting fungal diseases.
The best way to take care of fall lawn care is to have a professional do it for you. The temperature is dropping, and soon we will be back in brewery season. So instead of working hard in the yard, you should enjoy what’s left of our pleasantly cool fall weather. Call a Cincinnati lawn care pro to take care of your fall lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Rose Hill Avenue, Cincinnati / Warren LeMay / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Cincinnati, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/1789c/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/107df/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/293e9/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/f2cbb/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/1789c/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/c26c2/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/1dd6e/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/67b76/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 320w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/8df11/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 500w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/98a65/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 800w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/1dd6e/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 960w,\n/static/9a5e99a8acf536ae763673695bd86fdb/3cc96/32830005207_0cd641ddf4_k-2-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Cincinnati, OH | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"We break down all the fall lawn care your Cincinnati lawn needs to withstand a harsh winter and flourish again in spring, including lawn mowing advice."}}},{"node":{"id":"6aa75b14-1aa1-5449-a8ee-9083c092565c","slug":"cincinnati-ohio-lawn-care-lawn-mowing-guide","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati-ohio-lawn-care-lawn-mowing-guide/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 2nd, 2022","excerpt":"Your lawn care in Cincinnati should be more than an afterthought. The grass, trees, and flower beds create the frame for your picture-perfect home. That’s why you need this lawn care and mowing guide for Cincinnati. In this article we’ll look at: The 4 most popular grass types in Cincinnati Lawn mowing tips Lawn maintenance […]
\n","content":"\nYour lawn care in Cincinnati should be more than an afterthought. The grass, trees, and flower beds create the frame for your picture-perfect home. That’s why you need this lawn care and mowing guide for Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nIn this article we’ll look at:
\n\n\n\nHow you care for your lawn depends on which grass type you have. Choosing the right grass type is the first step.
\n\n\n\n![\"Kentucky](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pasted_image_0.jpg\")
Given our proximity to the Bluegrass State, it should come as no surprise that Kentucky bluegrass is the most common turf used for Cincinnati lawns. Don’t let its name fool you. Bluegrass is actually an eye-catching shade of green, but in the spring, the bluish-purple buds tint the landscape blue.
\n\n\n\nAs a cold-season grass, Kentucky bluegrass holds up well to winters here when we can see as much as 14 inches of snow. It’s also more resistant than other grasses to disease. If you’re planting a new lawn, keep in mind bluegrass takes one to three months to establish itself, so it’s best to plant it in the spring or fall. We recommend mowing this grass to a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pasted_image_0_1.jpg\")
Another cold-season grass, fine fescue is a favorite for those of you who love walking barefoot on the lawn. This narrow-leaved turf works well by itself or when blended with other types such as Kentucky bluegrass. It does best when planted in shady areas where it will need little maintenance. It doesn’t grow very fast, so it only needs mowing every nine days at a height of about 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/grass-growth-plant-lawn-meadow-grass.jpg\")
Got kids and pets? Perennial ryegrass makes lawn care in Cincinnati easy.. your yard. As one of the toughest sods, it can stand up to heavy foot traffic and hot and cold weather. Like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues, it continues to grow in poorly drained soil. It’s best to keep this grass shorter, 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bentgrass \"](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pasted_image_0_2.jpg\")
Bentgrass is the most high-quality and expensive grass type you can plant. It’s used in golf courses and bowling greens and stands up well to foot traffic. But it requires a lot of maintenance during the peak growing season. Bentgrass prefers sunny areas but tolerates cooler temperatures. This grass type should be mowed to about an inch and mowed a couple of times per week during peak growing season.
\n\n\n\nMowing your lawn isn’t as simple as turning on the mower and pushing it over the grass. Mowing at the right time of day and the right amount are essential for a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nCutting your grass too short leaves it vulnerable to pests and lawn diseases. Most turfs need a weekly mow until late fall, when the growth slows down or stops. Consider varying the pattern and direction each time you mow. Otherwise, your grass blades will lean in one direction, making your lawn look unbalanced. After mowing, leave the clippings behind. They will decompose and fertilize your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Keep](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-3-1024x576.png\")
Dull mower blades will tear the grass instead of cutting it. As a result, your lawn will turn brown. With sharp mower blades, you only need to pass over your lawn once instead of several times to get the job done. Most hardware stores can sharpen them for you, or you can do it yourself in less than an hour. Just make sure you disconnect the spark plugs first.
\n\n\n\nYou can adjust the cutting height by raising or lowering the mower’s wheel. Look on the side of your lawnmower and find a knob or lever that adjusts the height for your grass type.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how much time to dedicate to lawn care in Cincinnati, your yard will start to look tired and worn out after a summer of use. By raking up all debris and thatch and distributing seed, you can replenish some of those bare patches over the fall and winter. A thinning lawn is an invitation for weeds and pests. You can spread seed over the smaller areas by hand or rent a seed spreader for the entire lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe heavy foot traffic over the summer has likely compacted your soil. Poking tiny holes in the lawn, or aerating, gives the grass a chance to take in more moisture and nutrients. It also raises the lawn’s resistance to diseases and pests. Do this in the fall, just before you add fertilizer. Fertilizing the lawn at the end of September will help it make it through the cold winter. Before deciding which fertilizer to use, find out what your lawn needs. You can get a home soil test kit at your local home improvement store. If you prefer, you can ask the extension office at The Ohio State University, to recommend a lab to test it for you.
\n\n\n\nIn spite of all the rain that blesses Cincinnati, your lawn may need a little more moisture before it goes dormant over the winter. Keep your sprinkler ready until the first frost. A few good soakings will give the roots of the grass the strength it needs to make it through the winter. You also want to make sure the new seeds and fertilizer work their way into the soil. If you want to maximize your outdoor water usage and learn more about local watering restrictions, we recommend visiting the City of Cincinnati’s site.
\n\n\n\n1. What happens if I cut my lawn too short?
\n\n\n\nMowing a lawn too short or scalping it, will weaken your lawn. It robs the grass of nutrients and invites weeds to invade.
\n\n\n\n2. How often should I sharpen my lawn mower blades?
\n\n\n\nTwice per season or after 25 hours of use. You may need to sharpen them more often if you run over sticks and rocks since these obstacles dull the blades.
\n\n\n\n3. When should I plant new grass seed?
\n\n\n\nEarly autumn is the best time to plant a new lawn or to overseed your existing lawn since temperatures have cooled down, and the new seed won’t have to compete with weeds. You want to give the new seeds plenty of time to germinate before the first frost.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time or energy for proper lawn care? We can help you find a lawn care professional to handle all your lawn and landscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati is known for its hilly terrain, abundant breweries, and world-class chili. However, when not at Skyline Chilli or Rhinegeist Brewery, many locals enjoy spending time outdoors. Picking the perfect grass for your Cincy home will beautify your yard and improve your outdoor living experience. For example, if you enjoy playing soccer, you should choose […]
\n","content":"\nCincinnati is known for its hilly terrain, abundant breweries, and world-class chili. However, when not at Skyline Chilli or Rhinegeist Brewery, many locals enjoy spending time outdoors. Picking the perfect grass for your Cincy home will beautify your yard and improve your outdoor living experience. For example, if you enjoy playing soccer, you should choose a grass variety that tolerates heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nWe researched and compiled a list of the best Cincinnati grass types. We break down each variety and explain its strengths and weaknesses. As a result, this guide empowers you to choose the best grass for your Cincinnati home.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost Cincinnati locals prefer cool-season grass because it can survive and flourish through long winters. Cool-season grasses grow best in the fall and spring and may go dormant in July and August, especially during dry spells. In addition, they usually go dormant in the winter once the soil is colder than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
The majority of lawns throughout Cincinnati have Kentucky bluegrass. It’s the most popular lawn grass in the United States and boasts the highest cold tolerance of all cool-season grasses. Homeowners love its lush appearance and appreciate how quickly it recovers after distress. In fact, the Great American Ballpark even uses a Kentucky bluegrass blend.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Kentucky bluegrass is also high maintenance. It prefers well-drained soil, but Cincinnati’s soil contains a lot of clay, so it doesn’t always drain well. However, aerating your lawn will improve drainage and help you maintain healthy turf. Additionally, Kentucky bluegrass requires lots of water, sunshine, dethatching, and fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: During the summer it needs about 2 to 3 inches of water per week. Be sure to fertilize in the fall and as needed throughout the year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Another popular turfgrass is perennial ryegrass. Its color and texture resemble Kentucky bluegrass, but it takes less time to establish and can handle heavier foot traffic. So, it is often used to overseed recreational turf.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass loves sunshine but many cultivars can tolerate partial shade. It prefers loamy soils that are well-drained and fertile, so be sure to aerate and fertilize. However, you probably won’t have to worry about dethatching because perennial ryegrass doesn’t develop significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Although it goes dormant in the summer, you should still water the lawn.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn with fine blades choose fine fescues, such as creeping red and chewing fescue. Fine fescue doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer, water, or mowing and thrives in cool and humid climates. However, it prefers well-drained soil so be sure to aerate. Although some residents have a pure fescue lawn, many homeowners prefer fine fescue blends.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a lot of trees in your yard, consider fine fescue, because it is the most shade tolerant cool-season grass. However, it isn’t suitable for sports or keg parties because fine fescue doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: You may need to dethatch the lawn every couple of years.
\n\n\n\nAnother low-maintenance turfgrass is tall fescue. Its coarse deep green blades don’t require a lot of fertilizer or water but require more mowing than fine fescue. And although tall fescue prefers cool temperatures, it is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass, so it will survive a summer heat wave.
\n\n\n\nHowever, tall fescue is intolerant to foot traffic and slowly recovers when damaged. Although it isn’t recommended for outdoor sports or doggy playgrounds, some modern cultivars are better suited to handle foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Tall fescue is susceptible to a fungus called Acremonium coenophialum, which harms horses.
\n\n\n\nYes, although it is easier for cool-season grass to thrive in Cincinnati. Some Cincinnatians prefer cold-tolerant warm-season grasses, such as:
● Zoysia japonica
● Pensacola bahiagrass
● Yukon Bermudagrass
Aeration is part of Cincinnati’s fall lawn care checklist and the best months to aerate are September and October. Because the local soil contains a lot of clay, you must aerate to ensure proper soil drainage and prevent the soil from becoming compacted.
The best time to overseed your Cincy lawn is early Fall, within 48 hours of aerating. This is also a good time to apply fertilizer.
Spring lawn care in Cincinnati includes the following:
● Raking and removing debris: When the snow melts, wet yard waste traps moisture in your lawn, making it susceptible to snow mold.
● Resume mowing: Once the grass is about 2 inches tall, it is time to resume regular mowing. Never mow more than one-third of the grass’s height, and follow cutting guidelines for your turf species.
● Pre-emergent herbicides: Weeds tend to sprout in the spring.
● Pest control: Many of Cincinnati’s yard pests surface in the spring.
When selecting vegetation for your Cincinnati home, consider the following:
\n\n\n\nThe best way to maintain a lush lawn free of weeds, pests, and diseases is to hire a lawn care pro in Cincinnati. In addition to maintaining your property, landscaping professionals can help you maintain an alluring landscape that thrives in Cincy’s soil.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: David Ohmer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Cincinnati, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5584415584415585,"src":"/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/1789c/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg","srcSet":"/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/107df/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 320w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/293e9/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 500w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/f2cbb/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 800w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/1789c/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 960w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/c26c2/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/1dd6e/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/67b76/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 320w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/8df11/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 500w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/98a65/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 800w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/1dd6e/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 960w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/3cc96/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Cincinnati, OH | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"We made a list of the best turfgrasses for Cincinnati, including Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Cool-season grasses grow best in Ohio's climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"6b9cd8e9-d042-5c54-8fc7-ba6d233536c6","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-cincinnati","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/lawn-mowing-maintenance-cincinnati/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"There’s more to lawn mowing and maintenance in Cincinnati than simply dragging out the mower once a week. Here’s what to do.
\n","content":"\nIf you have a yard, you know having a good-looking expanse of green lawn takes planning and effort. There’s more to lawn mowing and maintenance in Cincinnati than simply dragging out the mower once a week. It’s important to mow correctly to help your lawn thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/lawn-mower-938555_1920-1024x444.jpg\")
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy lawn is to mow your grass at the proper height. Cutting the grass too short puts stress on the root system and the grass blades. Strong, healthy roots help fend off weeds and disease. Longer grass also holds more moisture and protects roots from the summer sun.
\n\n\n\nMowing height will depend on your type of grass. Kentucky bluegrass — either by itself or with a mixture of other grasses in supporting roles — is the most common in Cincinnati. Bluegrass shouldn’t be mowed any shorter than 2 ½ to 3 inches. Tall and fine fescue is also popular. These grasses shouldn’t be mowed any shorter than 3 or 3 ½ inches. Virtually all lawn mowers have adjustable blades to help you achieve the proper height for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind the one-third principle: Don’t mow any more than one-third of your lawn in any one mow. If your grass is too tall or you’re behind on lawn mowing chores, cut your lawn in increments to stay within the one-third rule.
\n\n\n\nWait until the grass is at least 3 inches tall before mowing for the first time in the spring. You should mow your lawn weekly, especially during the early growing season. In the heat of summer, when grass growth tends to slow, you may only need to mow every other week. Put the mower away when the grass stops growing in the fall. This is usually in early to mid-November in Cincinnati, when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nMulch grass clippings instead of bagging them. The cut blades of grass help fertilize your lawn. They also add extra moisture and protect the soil from the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nFertilizing is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lawn. Fertilize in the spring and the fall for best results. Spread the first application in the spring when the temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This can happen in March or April, depending on the year, so be ready! It’s too hot to use fertilizer in the summer, and doing so can damage your grass.
\n\n\n\nFall is the most important time to fertilize your lawn. Late-fall fertilization will help your grass survive the winter with strong roots. Some of the fertilizer will still be active when spring rolls around again, and your lawn will wake up healthy and green.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/watering-the-lawn.jpg\")
The best time to water your lawn is early morning. This gives the soil a chance to absorb the water before it evaporates in the afternoon heat. Your grass will also have enough time to dry by nightfall. Leaving too much water on the grass overnight can lead to fungal disease and rot.
\n\n\n\nUnlike many U.S. cities, the plentiful water of the Ohio River means Cincinnati has no permanent watering restrictions.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs at least an inch of water each week. Water deeply twice a week, rather than shorter waterings each day. This allows the soil and roots to soak up the much-needed moisture. If it rains, cut back on how much you run your sprinklers.
\n\n\n\nLawn mowing and maintenance in Cincinnati is an ongoing process, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Using these tips will give you a healthy and thriving lawn to enjoy all season long.
\n\n\n\n
Still have questions about your lawn? Visit our Cincinnati, OH, lawn care page.
These plants have adapted to the Cincinnati climate and soil conditions, so they need less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.
\n","content":"\nAfter a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, you may feel inspired to transform your landscape into a native plant garden. With potentially hundreds of trees, shrubs, and flowers to choose from, the long list can be quite overwhelming. It might surprise you that not all Ohio-native plants can thrive in your area. To save you from hours of research, this article will cover some of the best native plants for Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n![\"Baptisia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Baptisia-australis-Blue-False-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe blue false indigo is a valuable addition to your Cincinnati garden. It is great for a specimen plant or in small groups, with bloom colors ranging from purple to blue. Blue false indigo bears spikes of pea-shaped indigo blue flowers that last for approximately 3 weeks. This plant is of great value to bumblebees, so they offer more than just aesthetics.
\n\n\n\nOn an important note, several parts of this plant may be toxic if ingested. Children may be most vulnerable to this plant’s toxicity, so make sure your little ones don’t get too curious when playing outdoors.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested.
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is one of the easiest and fastest milkweeds to grow in Cincinnati. Common milkweed is a great choice for flower gardens, or to create a natural setting on your property. This native plant produces clusters of starry, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom during the summer.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, common milkweed gives way to prominent seed pods in the fall. If you enjoy dried flower arrangements, these pods can be a great addition! Common milkweed is also vital to the survival of monarch butterflies. Add this native plant to your backyard to help boost the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that eating milkweed is not recommended. Boiling the sap may still not be enough to eliminate this plant’s toxicity.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Rhizomatous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweetly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Thistle-Cirsium-muticum-Cape-St.-Marys-Ecological-Reserve-Newfoundland-2019-08-10.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe swamp thistle is highly valued as a nectar plant. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This biennial plant produces deeply lobed leaves in the first year and flowers in the second year.
\n\n\n\nThe flowers produced by this plant give way to small seeds with white hair tufts. Songbirds will generally eat the seeds and use the hair tufts to build their nests. Given its biennial nature, the swamp thistle will die after flowering.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tall biennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Mature](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mature-Hackberry-Celtis-occidentalis-Chicago-IL.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Adam Shaw / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis native plant is a medium to large deciduous tree, with glossy to dull green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The common hackberry produces greenish male and female flowers in the spring. They provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The female flowers are followed by a heavy crop of edible berries that many birds relish.
\n\n\n\nOverall, the common hackberry is a tough shade tree that can be used as a lawn tree.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, clay, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a popular, showy plant that can be used as a large shrub or a small deciduous tree. Many gardeners or landscapers throughout the Midwest regard this plant as one of the best small flowering trees, with no routine pruning required. Overall, it can serve as a specimen plant near patios and lawns, or in shrub borders.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood blossoms give way to rounded orange-red fruits from early summer. This plant attracts birds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrubs, trees
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet honeysuckle
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Aesculus-flava-Yellow-Buckeye.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYellow buckeye is a deciduous tree that must be planted in rich, moist, well-drained soil. If your property has a large lawn, then this plant works great as a shade tree. The foliage turns brilliant yellow to pumpkin-orange in the fall, giving your backyard a picturesque feel.
\n\n\n\nThe flowers give way to smooth, pear-shaped capsules that contain one or two buckeyes, justifying this plant’s common name. What separates this tree from the Ohio buckeye (aesculus glabra) is the small teeth along the margin of the leaflet.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that all parts are mildly poisonous if ingested, but can be severely toxic to horses, dogs, and cats.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cat, and horses; all parts are mildly poisonous by ingestion
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed oak is a fast-growing deciduous tree, a common symbol of strength and endurance in North America. It is a popular shade and street tree that can be easily spotted in Cincinnati, but can also serve as a great specimen tree for large landscapes.
\n\n\n\nRed oak has a beautiful spring foliage of broad, dark green leaves that turn bright red in the fall. Once the first crop of acorns are produced, they become a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds. A moist but well-drained soil is required to ensure these native trees grow properly.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves and acorns may be toxic to some animals; non-toxic to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild hydrangea is a small, multi-stemmed shrub with greenish-white flowers as its main landscape feature. It is a great plant for shrub borders, or as a flowering hedge. Once the fall season kicks in, this plant’s foliage will turn yellow.
\n\n\n\nPruning wild hydrangea, sometimes even to the ground, is highly recommended to encourage the growth of large flowerheads. This process should take place during late winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: rich, well-drained, moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild fruity
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\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\nThe name of this plant is derived from the dark brown center of its daisy-like flower head. Black-eyed susan does very well in landscapes, butterfly gardens, or containers. Additionally, they can serve as great cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis plant’s flowers bloom regularly when exposed to full sunshine. Black-eyed susan attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators due to the nectar found in its flowers. Once established, this plant will tolerate droughts.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, biennial, perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nCincinnati lies in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6, a vital factor to consider before planting new shrubs, flowers, or trees. This will also help gardeners and landscapers to distinguish between non-native and Ohio native plants. However, your backyard or garden is not the same as everyone else’s in Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting new native plants for your garden, you should consider the type of soil, level of sun exposure, and the watering capabilities of your landscape. For example, placing a native plant under the shade when it requires full sun will not allow it to thrive and grow properly.
\n\n\n\nThe pawpaw is the native fruit of Ohio. Cincinnatians will know that this fruit can be found or eaten mid-to-late September. As for the name, it is derived from the fruit’s black seeds that resemble an animal’s paw.
The problem with invasive species is that they compete for space with native plants. Garlic mustard is among the worst invasive plants you may encounter in Ohio. To make matters worse, the flowers of this plant will emit a strong odor of garlic when crushed.
To get rid of the garlic mustard plant, you can simply pull them out by hand or spray them with glyphosate.
In January of 2023, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources made it illegal to plant, sell, or grow Callery pear trees in the entire state due to their invasiveness. Additionally, this tree is likely to cause harm to the local economy and ecosystem. For all these reasons, the Callery pear tree was added to the list of invasive plants no longer allowed to thrive in Ohio.
To learn more about other invasive plant species, visit the official webpage of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Native plants are essential to preserve the local ecosystem. It’s not just about how good they look in your yard, but how they serve as a valuable source of food or nectar to many animals in the area.
Here are some reasons to grow Cincinnati native plants:
• Save water
• No fertilizers or pesticides needed
• Rarely invasive
• Preserve biodiversity
• Require less maintenance
• Save you money
Homeowners in Cincinnati may find native plants naturally growing around their property, or visit local garden centers to select from a wide variety of native plants.
\n\n\n\nHere are some garden centers located in and around the Greater Cincinnati area:
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer hiring a professional to maintain your lawn and garden, connect with a local lawn care professional who can take the job off your hands.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Cincinnati","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/1789c/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/107df/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 320w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/293e9/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 500w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/f2cbb/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 800w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/1789c/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 960w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/c26c2/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/1dd6e/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/67b76/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 320w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/8df11/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 500w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/98a65/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 800w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/1dd6e/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 960w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/3cc96/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Cincinnati","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This article provides detailed information on native plants for your Cincinnati landscape, including tips on how and where to locate them."}}},{"node":{"id":"face46f5-3dc3-552c-9d8c-c3d1f0d0c513","slug":"worst-weeds-in-cincinnati-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/worst-weeds-in-cincinnati-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Summer heat means summer weeds, and there are a number of these unwanted plants waiting to take over your lawn. We’ve identified some of the worst weeds in Cincinnati lawns, along with ways to get rid of them. Crabgrass This weed spreads across the ground from one central root, and has wide, flat leaf blades. […]
\n","content":"\nSummer heat means summer weeds, and there are a number of these unwanted plants waiting to take over your lawn. We’ve identified some of the worst weeds in Cincinnati lawns, along with ways to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nThis weed spreads across the ground from one central root, and has wide, flat leaf blades. Seeds start to sprout when temperatures reach the mid-50s, usually in mid-spring. Crabgrass spreads in hot weather and will take over any bare or thin spots in your lawn. It dies in the fall, but not before producing thousands of seeds that will take hold in the spring and repeat the cycle. You can prevent crabgrass seeds from spreading by applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial weed is one of the worst weeds in Cincinnati lawns because it looks like grass and is extremely tough to kill. Its leaves grow in sets of three at its base, and it has nut-like seeds at its root. It thrives in unhealthy lawns that are watered too much and mowed too short. Getting rid of it may drive you to the edge of nuttiness because you have to pull it by hand, making sure to get the entire root and all the nuts/seeds. If not, this prolific plant will reappear in no time. The best way to avoid the insanity of this plant is to maintain a healthy, thick lawn and mow it no shorter than 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nOxalis, also called wood sorrel, is a pesky perennial weed that’s also kind of pretty. It has small heart-shaped green or purple-ish leaves and tiny yellow flowers, and it’s sometimes confused with clover. It grows well in sun and shade and in wet and dry conditions. Like crabgrass, it’ll take over bare or thin spots in your lawn. A thick lawn mowed no shorter than 2 inches will help keep oxalis away. You can also pull these invasives by hand before they seed or use a weed killer.
\n\n\n\nWeed it or cook it for dinner? That’s the question many gardeners ask about purslane. It’s an annual creeper with thick reddish stems and paddle-like leaves. People who eat this plant say it tastes like spinach and can be a good substitute for lettuce and pickles (be sure to wash it thoroughly before putting it on your sandwich). If you prefer to keep it out of your garden, do everything you can to keep it from going to seed. The seeds can be viable in the soil for years, even decades. Pull plants while they’re young, making sure you’ve removed the entire plant. Purslane can reroot from any part of the leaves or stems.
\n\n\n\nSpurge is an opportunistic warm-weather annual that loves to take over lawns and flower beds. It’s flat with mat-like growth, purple-hued leaves, and red or purple stems. Its most obvious characteristic is a milky white sap that appears when you break the stem. Spurge loves warm, humid nights, and it grows well in disturbed soil, such as cracks near driveways or in landscape beds. It goes to seed quickly and produces many seeds (we’re talking thousands). To prevent this, use a pre-emergent herbicide in late spring or pull young plants before the seeds can spread.
\n\n\n\nKeeping weeds out of your lawn takes persistence, patience, and prevention. One of the most effective methods of weed control is making sure you’ve got a healthy lawn that doesn’t give weeds a chance to take hold.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Cincinnati? Visit our Cincinnati Lawn Care page.
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