![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Houston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible. Warm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East […]
\n","content":"\nHouston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East Texas and its sometimes-intense climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is drought-tolerant, moderately shade-tolerant, and cold-tolerant, making it a popular choice for lawns in East Texas. It also handles foot traffic well, so it does well on lawns.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass comes in at least 11 varieties, all used as turfgrass. Some varieties perform better at higher mowing heights, while others have improved shade tolerance. The type of Zoysiagrass you choose depends on your environment and how much work you plan to do.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to other warm-season grasses, St. Augustinegrass tolerates shade well. It’s drought tolerant as well (although not as much as Zoysiagrass) and can handle being cut at higher heights.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Handles tall mowing heights
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider centipedegrass. Centipedegrass performs best in East Texas’ acidic soils and requires little mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. However, it needs irrigation to combat drought (which it can be sensitive to). It also doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow every 7 to 10 days
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is versatile because it tolerates drought and foot traffic exceptionally well. For this reason, it’s perfectly suited for golf courses, athletic fields, and lawns and comes in many varieties.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass isn’t low-maintenance, as it requires frequent mowing and occasional fertilization. It also doesn’t like shady areas, so avoid it if you have a shady backyard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, St. Augustinegrass is your best bet. Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass are also shade-tolerant, but avoid bermudagrass, which doesn’t like shade.
The most drought-tolerant grasses are St. Augustinegrass and Bermudagrass.
Zoysiagrass only requires mowing once a week, making it the most low-maintenance, but centipedegrass is worth looking into if you don’t mind mowing a little more often (7 to 10 days).
If you plan on having many people and animals on your lawn often, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are the way to go.
Picking the right grass for your East Texas lawn boils down to your living space and how much work you want to put into your lawn. There isn’t a “one size fits all” type of grass.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’re ready with your chosen grass, contact Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll give you a green, lush lawn. You won’t need to lift a finger.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Alamo / Nan Palmero / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/107df/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/293e9/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/f2cbb/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/c26c2/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/67b76/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/8df11/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/98a65/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/3cc96/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"East Texas has unpredictable weather and intense heat, but these grasses don’t mind the weather and will thrive in East Texas."}}},{"node":{"id":"a77ae56c-2523-51d9-b032-bc80f173ca09","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"When Texas gets hotter than a fur coat in Marfa, yard work becomes unbearable to even think about. So if time with your family is more important than time with your yard, you might consider adopting some low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Texas yard. Low-maintenance landscaping is, as you’d expect, landscaping that requires minimal care. […]
\n","content":"\nWhen Texas gets hotter than a fur coat in Marfa, yard work becomes unbearable to even think about. So if time with your family is more important than time with your yard, you might consider adopting some low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Texas yard.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance landscaping is, as you’d expect, landscaping that requires minimal care. It doesn’t need as much water, fertilizer, mowing, or pest control. In addition to cutting down on yard work, low-maintenance landscaping helps restore habitats for wildlife and pollinators, so everyone wins.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTexas spans 800 miles from north to south and east to west, giving it a wide range of climatic conditions. For example, East Texas is more humid and wetter than desert-like West Texas, and North Texas is cooler than South Texas. Think of it as going from the desert to the rainforest.
\n\n\n\nBecause Texas’ climate varies so much, landscaping is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. For example, if you live in the desert, you probably won’t get a lush, green lawn, so consider artificial turf or xeriscaping.
\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\nHey, speak of the devil! Artificial turf gives you all the benefits of a lawn without the fertilizing, mowing, and watering. You can use it to increase your home’s curb appeal, give your kids and pets a yard to run around in, or use it as a bocce ball court or putting green.
\n\n\n\nBut if you want a natural lawn, it’s important to start with a grass that not only survives but thrives in your area, whether it’s the wet, humid coastal regions or the hot, dry western reaches of the state.
\n\n\n\nThe following grasses are some of the best in Texas:
\n\n\n\nThere’s no single grass that works for every lawn. Your grass choice will be affected by how much shade your lawn gets, how much foot traffic it can withstand, and how drought-tolerant it is.
\n\n\n\nFor a more in-depth look at the best grass types in Texas, see this article.
\n\n\n\n![\"Straggler](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Straggler-Daisy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you don’t like the idea of fake grass, consider ground covers. Ground covers don’t grow tall, and they spread horizontally. You don’t need to mow them, which reduces yard work, and they are dense enough to keep weeds from getting a foothold.
\n\n\n\nHowever, ground covers are still plants, and require water, sunlight, and, in some cases, fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of ground covers you can plant are:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Patio.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Texas Custom Patios / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are any non-living elements in your yard. Hardscapes increase your backyard’s functionality, expand and enhance your living spaces, and boost your home’s curb appeal. Additionally, hardscapes reduce maintenance since there’s less grass to mow.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlanting native plants cuts down on work and money substantially. Native plants are adapted to the climate, so they don’t need as much attention as non-native plants.
\n\n\n\nTexas’ variable climate means some plants do better in specific areas. For example, the beautyberry grows best in Central Texas, while the Arizona cypress thrives in West Texas.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can still grow beautyberry in North Texas or an Arizona cypress in South Texas; doing so just means these plants go from “low-maintenance” to “high-maintenance.” Not so enjoyable when the temperature climbs to 100°F.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Plumbago.jpg\")
Photo Credit: No machine-readable author provided. Calvin Teo assumed (based on copyright claims). / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennials make for a great garden, and they don’t cost a bundle. For many homeowners, winter becoming spring means buying and planting new plants (annuals) to replace the dead ones. Perennials grow back every year, meaning you don’t have to buy new plants, and once they’re established, they don’t need as much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nA few examples of perennials you can grow are:
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaped](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/xeriscaped-lawn-austin-tx.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Downtowngal / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you overwater your plants, you’ll waste water. If you underwater them, they’ll be browner than a bear. Xeriscaping achieves a happy medium.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is a style of landscaping which aims to conserve water, lowering your utility bills in the process. It involves choosing native plants that don’t need much maintenance, attracting birds and butterflies, and saving money on fertilizers and pesticides.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips to help you get started with xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nThere are countless ways to keep lawn chores to a minimum and spend less time in the Texas sun. However, when summer comes, and the heat becomes unbearable, even a few minutes can seem like an eternity.
\n\n\n\nInstead of landscaping and gardening yourself, hire one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do them for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Zilker Botanical Garden / LoneStarMike / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"Best Low-Maintenance Landscaping for Your Texas Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/1789c/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/107df/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/293e9/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/f2cbb/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/1789c/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/c26c2/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/1dd6e/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/67b76/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/8df11/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/98a65/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/1dd6e/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/b0d587453a363923f873694a20ad2e99/3cc96/Zilker-Botanical-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Texas Yard","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of doing yard work in the hot Texas sun? Here are some low- maintenance landscaping ideas for your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"9010f63b-7433-53e3-bda2-483497f54345","slug":"best-native-plants-central-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-native-plants-central-texas/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Try as you might, you can’t get every plant to thrive in Central Texas’ humid subtropical climate. Why not give your garden a better chance with Texas native plants? The best native plants for Central Texas are much more likely to be: Remember, Texas is a big state with several different climates. A plant that […]
\n","content":"\nTry as you might, you can’t get every plant to thrive in Central Texas’ humid subtropical climate. Why not give your garden a better chance with Texas native plants? The best native plants for Central Texas are much more likely to be:
\n\n\n\nRemember, Texas is a big state with several different climates. A plant that does well in the Panhandle or East Texas may not do well in Central Texas. Look for plants native to your region for the best results.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at some of the best natives for Central Texas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ashe-Juniper-Juniperus-ashei.jpg\")
Photo Credit: katsrcool / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCentral Texas has been home to the Ashe juniper for tens of thousands of years, so it certainly qualifies as a native. Its trunk may be twisted or grooved and is covered with shaggy bark, which golden-cheeked warblers use for nests. The branches start low on the trunk, sometimes very close to the ground. Ashe juniper can serve as a shade tree.
\n\n\n\nFemale trees have blue seed cones that look like berries. Small mammals and birds snack on the seed cones, and butterflies visit its small flowers. When leaves drop off this small tree, they create rich, well-drained soil that benefits many local plants. Ashe junipers have a pleasant smell, but you may not enjoy breathing in its plentiful pollen. Anyone with cedar allergies may want to avoid this tree. It also may cause minor illness if ingested.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained soils made up of limestone, sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Minor toxicity if eaten
\n\n\n\n![\"Flower](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-Eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-var.-pulcherrima.jpg\")
Photo Credit: grassrootsgroundswell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDo you dream of your own personal meadow? Black-eyed Susans will add a lovely pop of color to your Texas landscape with their daisy-like yellow flowers and brown centers. They are native to 48 U.S. states and can bloom from spring to fall. Black-eyed Susans attract monarch butterflies and host silvery checkerspot larvae.
\n\n\n\nThough black-eyes Susans can survive in many conditions, they do best in full sun with dry, sandy soils. These flowering plants are safe for humans and pets, though they may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions if eaten.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Can grow in most soil types but prefers dry and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Not poisonous to humans, but can be a skin irritant or cause allergic reactions if consumed; could be poisonous to grazing animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blackfoot-Daisy-Melampodium-leucanthum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zbigniew Niepokój / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as plains blackfoot, this flower is native to prairies and meadows. These low, bushy plants produce 8 to 13 flowerheads per plant in spring and summer. Blackfoot daisies are white with a yellow center and smell like honey. Their nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and insects, while the seeds appeal to birds.
\n\n\n\nBlackfoot daisy is relatively heat, drought, and deer-resistant. You can encourage more flowers with rich soil and abundant water, but this will likely result in a shorter lifespan. This flower is popular for rock gardens since it prefers rocky and sandy soils. It’s also a good choice for dog owners since it’s safe for pets and humans.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 to 12 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers acidic, dry, rocky, gravelly, and sandy soils that are well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nLike the bird it shares a name with, these flowers are brilliant red. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Cardinal flowers die back in winter, but the shiny leaves resist cold. This plant is a good candidate for container gardens or border plantings. Watch out for snails and slugs which may wish to make a meal of the foliage.
\n\n\n\nCardinal flowers are generally low-maintenance. However, they will require frequent watering to maintain the moist soil they prefer. Some afternoon shade will shield them from the heat and prevent them from drying out. While historically used for medicine, all parts of the plant are poisonous. It’s not the best choice for parents or pet owners.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3a to 9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Can be toxic if large quantities are eaten
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flame-Acanthus-Anisacanthus-quadrifidus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Earl McGehee / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Mexican flame or hummingbird bush, this deciduous shrub is native to Central and South Texas. Its red-orange tubular flowers bloom from summer to fall and are especially prolific when it rains. Flame acanthus attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, hosting janais patch and Texan crescentspot larvae. Its bark is exfoliating, and its light-green leaves have a spearhead shape.
\n\n\n\nFlame acanthus is native to areas with rocky, calcareous soils but can adapt to heavier soils. Since it is drought and heat tolerant, it does well in xeriscapes. You can use it in landscapes, pots, and dense, low hedges.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand, clay, loam, caliche, or limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Halberd-Leaved-Rose-Mallow-Hibiscus-laevis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrew C / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhether you call it a rose-mallow or hibiscus, this flowering plant adds a tropical charm to your garden. Though it resembles various imported hibiscus, the halberd-leaved rose-mallow is native to marshes in North Central Texas. The pink or white flowers bloom between May and November, opening in the daytime and closing at night.
\n\n\n\nHalberd-leaved rose-mallows are low-maintenance with few insect and disease problems. They are excellent border plants for rain, butterfly, or pollinator gardens. They also do well on properties near ponds and streams. If you want to plant more, you can collect seeds in the summer from your existing plants. This type of hibiscus is safe for humans, dogs, and cats.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates wet, acidic, sand, loam, or clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lemon-Beebalm-Monarda-citriodora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Hayes / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLemon mint or beebalm gets its name from its citrusy smell. White, lavender, or pink flowers encircle the stem, blooming in spring, summer, and sometimes fall. Bees love this plant, but so do hummingbirds and butterflies. It’s also edible for humans — use the leaves in salad, tea, or other culinary creations.
\n\n\n\nSince it’s an annual, lemon beebalm will die off each year, though it can reseed itself. However, its aggressive growth can be a double-edged sword if you want to keep it contained. It’s a good choice for backyard meadows and edible gardens. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy, loamy, rocky, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pink-Evening-Primrose-Oenothera-speciosa.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: ZooFari / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis plant produces fragrant pink or white cup-shaped flowers. Though the name suggests pink evening primroses flower in the evening, they usually open in the morning in the American South. They also tend to be darker pink than northern populations. Pink evening primrose can bloom whenever temperatures are above freezing, but each flower only lasts a day. The flowers attract bees and birds, especially finches.
\n\n\n\nThis species is hardy and drought-resistant, but flowers will be smaller during dry spells. It may also go dormant if soils dry up entirely in summer — water sparingly to prevent this. Pink evening primroses are an excellent dense ground cover for xeriscapes, though they may aggressively spread if you aren’t careful. They will only bloom if in full sunlight. Though this plant is generally low-maintenance, you can fertilize it in spring to encourage flowering.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained soils that are dry, moist, fertile, poor, loamy, clay, sandy, or gravely
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThese flowers look like purple daisies, each with its own stem. The flowers bloom from June to October and attract butterflies and bees. Though many species share a common name, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia are the best fits for Texas.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower’s low-maintenance, drought tolerance, and summer flowers make it a welcome addition to Texas gardens in groupings or borders. They also look lovely when cut for a vase or bouquet. Though purple coneflowers have few disease and pest problems, Japanese beetles may eat their leaves and flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3a to 8b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: May cause allergic reactions if consumed
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rock-Rose-Pavonia-lasiopetala.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nWhile it may not be a traditional rose, this ornamental shrub still rocks. The rock rose blooms from spring until the first frost. The pink flowers attract various pollinators. When not in bloom, you can enjoy its dark green leaves with a frosted appearance. Use in flower beds, border plantings, rock gardens, or xeriscapes.
\n\n\n\nThough it’s native to the Hill Country, Texas A&M AgriLife Research has designated this shrub a Texas Superstar due to its versatility throughout the state. Rock roses can handle several types and tolerate sun, heat, and drought. It’s also easy to propagate, accessible, and affordable. Though this evergreen shrub tolerates shady areas, it will bloom less and be more susceptible to powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 13
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to light shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained soils of various fertility and pH levels
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Standing-Cypress-Ipomopsis-rubra.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThese plants live up to their name — they stand up straight and tall, showing off tubular red, orange, or yellow flowers on stiff stems. They can grow up to 6 feet tall but are usually shorter. The opening of the standing cypress flower resembles a star. These flowers are great for ornamental or hummingbird gardens.
\n\n\n\nStanding cypress is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Since this plant is biennial, you must replant it to enjoy it for more than two years. It will develop in the first year and flower in the second, so plant them yearly if you want flowers every season. You can prune stalks that are done blooming to encourage new growth and flowering.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained sand, loam, or limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Lantana-Lantana-urticoides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: sonnia hill / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDo you need a drought-resistant ground cover with few pest and disease problems? Texas lantana produces round clusters of yellow, orange, and red flowers. Your local butterfly and hummingbird population will feed on its nectar, and birds will snack on its black seeds. Texas lantana blooms from spring until the first frost, then dies back. You can protect this plant from the cold with mulch.
\n\n\n\nYou can occasionally prune Texas lantanas during the growing season to encourage new flower growth, but be warned — this plant’s leaves release an unpleasant odor when pruned or crinkled. Its toxicity makes it deer-resistant, but you must also be careful around it if you have pets or children. Consuming any part of these native shrubs could be fatal.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates many soil types but prefers well-drained sandy and gravelly soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All parts are poisonous if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Prickly-Pear-Opuntia-engelmannii-var.-lindheimeri.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William L. Farr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe Texas prickly pear is common in Central and South Texas. This succulent has a good heat tolerance and does better the more south you go. It can grow tall or form spread-out thickets up to 8 feet across. Bowl-shaded red, yellow, or orange flowers bloom in June. From July to September, those flowers will produce red to purple fruits called tuna.
\n\n\n\nThe prickly pear fruit and pads are edible for humans and animals, but the older pads may cause oxalic acid poisoning. You should also watch out for the spines and barbed bristles. They are difficult to remove from your skin, so this plant may not be suitable for curious children and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Succulent or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 9 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry soils with acidic or neutral pH
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Painful spines and bards; oxalic acid poisoning from consuming old prickly pear pads
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Sage-Salvia-texana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gideon Pisanty / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nBring the prairie to your home with Texas sage. This plant is native to the well-drained limestone soils in Texas and Mexico. The delicate, purple-blue blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while releasing a fragrant scent. The flowers bloom from March through May.
\n\n\n\nTexas sage can survive many challenges nature sends its way. It’s resistant to cold, heat, drought, and deer. It does well when used as a ground cover or in xeriscapes. Pair Texas sage with other purple flowers and short prairie grasses.
\n\n\n\nNote: Another Texas native, Leucophyllum frutescens, shares the name Texas sage but is also called Texas barometer bush or cenizo.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6a to 9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 24 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained and alkaline soils that are sandy or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Sundrops-Calylophus-serrulatus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Patrick Standish / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSometimes called yellow evening primrose or plains evening primrose, this plant will bring sunshine into your life with its cheery four-petaled flowers. Sundrops bloom from April until July, though the loveliest flowers appear at the beginning of the season. The rest of the plant is bushy with thin leaves.
\n\n\n\nSince its native habitat is plains and prairies, this plant does well in hot, dry weather. It tolerates many conditions and fits xeriscapes or rock gardens well. For the best growth, cut back in the spring and apply mulch in winter for cold protection.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8 to 30 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry and well-drained; tolerates clay, loam, and sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nThe easiest way to gauge a plant’s suitability for your area is to check its USDA Hardiness Zone. The USDA Hardiness Zone measures the annual minimum temperature in an area. Central Texas falls in zones 7b to 8b, which experiences temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. If a plant falls within these zones, it can likely tolerate the temperatures in the area.
\n\n\n\nTemperature and hardiness zone aren’t everything. Soil conditions also affect a plant’s growth ability. Though general soil maps can provide some information, a soil test will give you the best idea of your garden bed’s texture and nutrient content. Other microclimate factors affecting plant growth include moisture, salinity, and sun or shade levels.
\n\n\n\nThe last but most important consideration is your personal preferences. Do you want flowering, edible, or pet-safe plants? How much time do you have for maintenance? Though most native plants are low-maintenance, some may require additional pruning, irrigation, and fertilization to get the results you want.
\n\n\n\nThe following drought-tolerant plants need less water than most:
• Blackfoot daisy
• Flame acanthus
• Lemon beebalm
• Rock rose
• Texas lantana
• Texas prickly pear
• Texas sage
If you want a native groundcover, consider the following from our plant list:
• Pink evening primrose
• Texas lantana
• Texas sage
The best turfgrasses for Central Texas are:
• Bermudagrass
• Buffalograss
• St. Augustinegrass
• Texas bluegrass
• Buffalograss
Do you need help jumpstarting your native plant landscape design? Whether you live in Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, or any other Texas city, our landscaping professionals can do the heavy lifting and provide expert advice.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nWe Texans like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around a minute” because it changes so rapidly. These wild fluctuations – cold to hot, rainy to scorching, windy to still – and the varied climates of this massive state, can wreak havoc on grass and plants. So before you invest in expensive landscaping, it’s critical to know which grasses grow best in Texas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTexas is so big that its climate varies from place to place. For example, West Texas and North Texas are drier and cooler than South Texas and the coastal areas. As you might expect, then, certain grass types grow better in some regions than others. For instance, buffalograss grows best in areas that get 25 inches of rainfall or less (annually), while centipedegrass loves East Texas’ intense humidity.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can’t grow buffalograss in coastal Texas and centipedegrass in West Texas, but you will probably have to work harder at it. So keep those differences in mind as we make our way through the strengths and weaknesses of each type of grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you plan on using your lawn for recreation and entertaining, give some thought to Zoysiagrass because it tolerates foot traffic well. Be aware, though, that if it gets damaged, it can take a while to recover because it grows slowly.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass tolerates drought extremely well, and it bounces back rapidly from drought with some irrigation or rainfall.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKnown as “carpet grass” for the carpet-like feeling beneath your feet, St. Augustinegrass is most commonly seen in Southeast Texas (although it’s grown in most of the state). It’s the most shade-tolerant of the warm-season grasses, but while it handles drought well, it isn’t as drought-tolerant as Bermudagrass or Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass doesn’t like heavy foot traffic so don’t let the kids or pets run wild in the yard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass’ strongest traits are its high traffic tolerance and quick recovery. This makes it popular for golf courses, lawns, and athletic fields. It’s also quite drought-tolerant and loves full sunlight.
\n\n\n\nThere are many seeded varieties of Bermudagrass, some of which have finer textures and create a denser turf than standard Bermudagrass. Bermudagrass also comes in hybrid varieties (a mix of common and African varieties), which are more aggressive than regular Bermudagrass varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is best adapted to East Texas’ acidic soils. It’s best known for its low-maintenance requirements: It doesn’t need a lot of irrigation, fertilization, or mowing. It grows well in moderate shade but thrives in full sunlight, but it doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is used primarily for parks, golf courses, lawns, and other turf areas, but not athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocated in Central and West Texas, buffalograss likes heavy clay soils in areas with little rainfall. (In other areas, it has to contend with weeds and other invasive grasses). It thrives in full sun but doesn’t like heavy shade or foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss works well in many areas, such as school grounds, golf courses, parks, and roadsides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizome
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2 – 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass are your best choices for a lawn that doesn’t require much maintenance.
St. Augustinegrass is the way to go if your lawn gets a lot of shade.
Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass are the preferred choices if you plan on having people in the yard frequently.
There isn’t a single type of grass that fits every Texas lawn. Choosing the right grass depends on where you live.
\n\n\n\nOnce you get your grass picked out, complement it with low-maintenance landscaping that makes your yard come alive but without a bunch of effort and money.
\n\n\n\nWhere do you start? Contact one of Wikilawn’s lawn care professionals, and they’ll give you all the help you need.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Texas Discovery Gardens / Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Grasses for a Great Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1789c/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg","srcSet":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/107df/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 320w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/293e9/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 500w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/f2cbb/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 800w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1789c/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 960w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/c26c2/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1dd6e/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/67b76/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 320w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/8df11/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 500w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/98a65/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 800w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1dd6e/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 960w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/3cc96/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass For a Great Texas Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Texas is such a big state that some grasses thrive in areas that others don’t. Learn more about the best grasses for your Texas lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"ea7b9094-cbde-5a39-9eab-2dbc7e652379","slug":"spring-lawn-care-north-georgia","path":"/lawn-care/ga/spring-lawn-care-north-georgia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"As springtime takes hold in North Georgia, you’re looking at new life budding from your awakening lawn. But if you want your lawn to reach peak condition this spring and summer, it’s important to give it a little early-season pampering. To help you do that, our lawn experts have put together 12 spring lawn care […]
\n","content":"\nAs springtime takes hold in North Georgia, you’re looking at new life budding from your awakening lawn. But if you want your lawn to reach peak condition this spring and summer, it’s important to give it a little early-season pampering. To help you do that, our lawn experts have put together 12 spring lawn care tips specific to North Georgia.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"raking](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pxfuel.com-4-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nThorough cleaning creates a solid base for your lawn. Over time, your lawn collects dead turfgrass, thatch, leaves, and other debris left behind from the fall and winter. You may have raked well during the fall, but you should still rake it in the spring. Raking allows oxygen and water to penetrate deep into the soil and refresh your lawn for new growth.
\n\n\n\nDon’t neglect the rest of your yard, either. You should:
\n\n\n\nThatch is a layer that builds up above the surface of soil. It is comprised of organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings, etc., and essentially covers and cushions the grass beneath. In small amounts, it feeds your lawn as it decomposes and helps soil retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nBut, too much of anything is bad. Excess thatch can suffocate your lawn and create a moist, inviting space for pests. This often occurs in patches – dead grass and other debris forms a thick mat above healthy soil and prevents air, nutrients, and water from penetrating the root system.
\n\n\n\nWhen thatch reaches an inch or more, know that it’s time to pull out your rake or dethatcher (verticutter or vertical mower) from the shed.
\n\n\n\nWhen do you dethatch? The best time to detach your North Georgia lawn is late spring through early summer. And for cool-season lawns, late summer and early fall is the right time to dethatch.
\n\n\n\n![\"brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/31418522411_f5e1d31798_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kris Lord / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSpringtime in Georgia typically breeds diseases because rising temperatures and humidity create an ideal breeding ground for bugs and microbes. This is how your lawn generally will tell you that something’s wrong:
\n\n\n\nBefore new growth starts, it’s important to treat any lawn disease. Some general tips that can help your lawn stay repel diseases and pests include:
\n\n\n\nA little knowledge about Georgia’s turfgrass diseases and their growth habits will help you catch and treat them timely. Here are some lawn diseases that are common in North Georgia.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of brown patch in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of fairy ring in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat fairy ring:
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of dollar spot in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of rust in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat rust:
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of slime mold in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat slime mold:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_grasflache_4_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lupus in Saxonia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAnother excellent way of helping your lawn develop a thick, green carpet through the summer is to overseed in spring.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding involves laying grass seeds over your existing lawn so more grass can grow. Understandably, the right time to do this is the growing season. This fills in thinning or bare patches in the early spring so your lawn is ready to contend with Georgia’s summer heat.
\n\n\n\nWhen is the right time to overseed?
\n\n\n\nFor warm-season grasses growing in Georgia, plant new seeds between March and July. and for cool-season grasses, the most appropriate time to overseed is between September and mid-October.
\n\n\n\nNOTE: Make sure that you overseed after your lawn has received all the treatments it needs. Preferably, you’d do this after you aerate and dethatch to make sure the seeds have better access to the soil. The ideal soil temperature should be around 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\n![\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-greta-hoffman-7728397-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to test the soil before you start. North Georgia lawns usually do just fine despite their clay soils, but this doesn’t guarantee that the soil on your lawn is ideal for what you grow. A soil test let you know what your lawn has and what it lacks.
\n\n\n\nWhat’s a soil test? It’s simply a check for the pH level of the soil, acidity, nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics to determine your lawn’s health. Soil tests also reveal the fertility levels, salt levels, and organic matter percentages of the soil.
\n\n\n\nYou can test the soil using a DIY kit and read the results according to the guidelines given. Or you can send a sample to your local Extension Service for expert analysis.The test will indicate what soil amendments you should add, such as phosphorus, lime, calcium, potassium, or magnesium.
\n\n\n\nMake sure you apply all the soil amendments at least one month prior to fertilizing your lawn for the first time. Fertilizers and amendments can counteract or interfere with each other.
\n\n\n\nYour soil test will also indicate the appropriate fertilizer applications for your turf. Your Georgia lawn might not need any fertilizer at all. But make sure you get to the fertilizing part after your lawn has greened up and is actively growing.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to fertilize in North Georgia is late spring through summer for warm-season grasses. We recommend using a slow-release fertilizer to aid steady and consistent growth through the spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nGet ready for the first mow of the year as soon as you see your lawn green up in the spring. For most grass species, you can cut when the height exceeds 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nA few general rules to keep in mind about lawn mowing:
\n\n\n\nWhen you start, know the right mowing height for your grass type. Both warm-season and cool-season grasses can thrive in Georgia if you take proper care. Here’s the recommended mowing height for 7seven grass types that do well in North Georgia:
\n\n\n\n| Grass type | Recommended height |
| Bermudagrass | 1 ¼ – 1 ½ inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2 -3 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 1.5 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2.5 – 3 inches |
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYour lawn’s watering schedule has a huge impact on its overall health. Sometimes, all you need to do to fix a dull lawn is to water it more precisely.
\n\n\n\nIn early spring, the soil is still wet and is recovering from the winter. This is not the right time to start watering. Start watering only after the grass starts to grow. Some watering tips to help you build a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\nAn important spring task for homeowners in North Georgia is to stop weeds in their tracks. The ideal time to apply a pre-emergent weed blocker in Georgia is from February to March, before applying fertilizer. The soil temperature should be somewhere between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit at this time.
\n\n\n\nMake sure you apply the pre-emergent herbicide before you plant new grass seeds. This is because if it’s too close to the time you plant new seeds it will make it difficult for grass to grow.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides are typically easy to apply due to their granular texture. You can apply it with a spreader but make sure you’re using protective equipment and taking all precautions before application.
\n\n\n\n![\"tool](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3409167404_35aeb9659b_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAeration involves poking holes in compacted soil to let air, nutrients, and water reach grass roots better. But this practice isn’t suitable for springtime because:
\n\n\n\nThere is one exception to this: if you find your yard lacking in spring growth because the soil is heavily compacted, you might want to consider aerating after all.
\n\n\n\nAs your Georgia lawn is waking up from its winter nap, you need to gear up for what’s coming. Pull out your power tools, weed eater, lawn mower, and hedge trimmer from their slumber and get them ready for weekly work.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a little checklist to help you do some basic tool management in the spring:
\n\n\n\nWorking on your lawn can be relaxing and super rewarding; no arguments there. But many homeowners simply don’t have the time, expertise to do it.
\n\n\n\nEven if you’re a DIYer, it might be hard to manage everything as the growth starts. Hiring a good lawn care team for weekly or monthly lawn maintenance is the best solution. They’re trained and appropriately equipped to deal with all types of landscapes and solve your lawn issues.
\n\n\n\nYou can call in one of our lawn care pros to lend a hand this spring as you prep for the warm months ahead.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Greenville, GA / Saverivers / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"12 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners in North Georgia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/1789c/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/107df/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 320w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/293e9/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 500w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/f2cbb/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 800w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/1789c/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 960w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/c26c2/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/1dd6e/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/67b76/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 320w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/8df11/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 500w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/98a65/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 800w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/1dd6e/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 960w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/3cc96/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners in North Georgia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Follow these 13 spring lawn care tips for North Georgia to help your lawn awaken from its slumber the right way."}}},{"node":{"id":"a4004a53-8114-5035-b3c0-7fc3929c7037","slug":"best-grass-for-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/best-grass-for-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"The American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much. But hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and […]
\n","content":"\nThe American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much.
\n\n\n\nBut hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and take care of your lawn properly. So while your neighbors might instead embrace drought-tolerant xeriscaping that needs little water, if you just can’t live without a lawn, we’ve got a list of the best grasses that grow best in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWhat do these grasses have in common? We’ll get into the particulars below, but in general, they handle the heat well and don’t require as much water as other species, which makes them well-suited to the searing, dry desert climate.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the fastest-growing of all the warm-season grasses, making it difficult to control, especially around flower beds or borders. But its fast growth rate means it stands up well to heavy foot traffic. Bermudagrass likes direct sun and needs soil with good drainage, making it ideal for this climate. And best of all, it’s equally well adapted to the low desert valleys of Phoenix and the higher elevations of northern Arizona, around Flagstaff.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Good; can go dormant during extended periods of drought, however
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\nNote: Bermudagrass goes dormant in the winter and stays dormant longer than other warm-season grasses like Zoysia.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palmetto-St.-Augustine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPalmetto St. Augustinegrass is akin to its East Coast cousin, St. Augustinegrass, but is darker and has a finer texture. It does well in all kinds of conditions — shade, cold, heat, and drought – making it an excellent choice for Arizona lawns. It also endures foot traffic reasonably well and doesn’t need a great deal of water – about an inch a week on average.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Midiron.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nThe most widely used turf grass in Arizona, Midiron is a tough, durable, medium-textured grass known for its beautiful blue-green color. Midiron is a hybrid Bermudagrass, so it tolerates drought, requires little maintenance, and can withstand a great deal of foot traffic. Although it goes dormant in the winter, it recovers quickly when overseeded, so you can transition back to a green yard as the weather warms up. It also can be planted in hard soils like sand or clay, which are found in abundance here in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nJust because all these grasses do well in Arizona, doesn’t mean they all work equally well for you. The type of grass you choose also has to do with your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and the amount of effort you are willing to commit to maintaining your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider:
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather spend more time enjoying life and less time dealing with your lawn, go with midiron.
If so, the only option is Palmetto St. Augustinegrass. All the other grasses struggle in shade.
If you need a lawn that can stand up to heavy foot traffic, choose midiron or Bermudagrass.
With the desert climate in Phoenix, warm-season grasses look beautiful through spring and summer but can leave your lawn brown and unattractive in winter.
\n\n\n\nYou can avoid this by overseeding with cool-season grasses like annual and perennial ryegrass and creeping bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Arizona recommends overseeding in October when the daytime temperatures are between 80 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nNeed help choosing the best grass for your Arizona yard? Contact a local lawn care professional to install and maintain your beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Mcmillin24 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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