![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Persimmon.jpg\")
Named the Most Livable Town in Tennessee, Murfreesboro offers excellence in education, medical facilities, employment opportunities, real estate, and recreational programs. Located in the Nashville metropolitan area of middle Tennessee, the city houses over 1,200 acres of award-winning parks and outdoor spaces. Murfreesboro is the 3rd Fastest Growing City in America. The small city has […]
\n","content":"\nNamed the Most Livable Town in Tennessee, Murfreesboro offers excellence in education, medical facilities, employment opportunities, real estate, and recreational programs. Located in the Nashville metropolitan area of middle Tennessee, the city houses over 1,200 acres of award-winning parks and outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro is the 3rd Fastest Growing City in America. The small city has a lot of urban amenities and all the country charm you could ever dream of. Invite some Tennessee nature and southern beauty into your landscape by filling your yard with some of the best native plants for Murfreesboro.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants help promote a healthier Tennessee ecosystem. Check out these 17 native plants for Murfreesboro to help you plan your charming landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican persimmon, also known as common persimmon and eastern persimmon, is a small to medium-sized tree that reaches heights up to 80 feet tall. Native to Tennessee and the Eastern United States, this shade tree produces small white and yellow flowers followed by edible orange fruits in September and December.
\n\n\n\nAmerican persimmons have a short trunk and spreading growth habit with a broad and rounded canopy. The tree invites local wildlife such as pollinators, songbirds, deer, and flying squirrels, and is the larval host for the Luna moth. Persimmon trees grow well in all soil types and habitats, from shaded valleys and home lawns to wide-open sunny fields and the shores of Percy Priest Lake.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 30-80 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; low-nutrient, rich, acidic, alkaline, neutral, moist, well-drained, poorly drained, loam, sand, silt, soil, rock, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week if it does not rain and allow to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible fruits
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-witch-hazel.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nAmerican or common witch-hazel is a small deciduous tree with a vase-shaped growth habit found in Tennessee and the Eastern United States. It has scaly, light brown bark, oval leaves, and small, spindly yellow flowers that bloom in fall. The small tree produces wood fruit following its fragrant fall blooms, and its leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn.
\n\n\n\nAmerican witch-hazel loves shady areas and adapts to most soil conditions. The large shrub is often found in wetlands, woodlands, and stream banks. Witch-hazel grows well as fringe trees in home lawns that back up to wooded areas. The tree also makes a great border shrub and grows extremely well under the canopy of a large shade tree for landscape dimension.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree or large shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; low-nutrient, rich, acidic, alkaline, neutral, moist, well-drained, loam, sand, silt, or soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Natural rainwater is sufficient; may need 1 inch of water per week during extremely dry conditions
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Aster.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Hedwig Storch / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAsters are a family of flowering perennials with several species native to Tennessee. Vibrant late summer and early fall blooms attract pollinating insects, while the dried stalks and leftover seeds provide food and shelter for songbirds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nAsters prefer full sun and thrive in the well-drained loamy soils found in Murfreesboro. Plant these beautiful blooms in flower beds, containers, or butterfly gardens. The three most prominent asters native to Tennessee include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-6 feet tall and 1-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefer neutral or acidic well-drained loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells; do not tolerate standing water
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible flowers
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bee-Balm-Monarda-Didyma.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild bergamot, affectionately known as bee balm, is a Tennessee wildflower in the mint family. It blooms in the summer with showy white or purple flowers that look like pom-poms. Bee balm grows well in garden beds and containers. The subshrub is often used as a medicinal plant or honey plant in pollinator gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe perennial has aromatic leaves that can be used for mint tea. Its medicinal properties are often used to treat respiratory ailments. Wild bergamot reaches up to 5 feet and grows well in all soil types, but does not tolerate flooding. The fragrant shrub attracts many pollinators to your garden but, like all plants in the mint family, is resistant to deer and mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or subshrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained acidic soil, sandy loam, loam, clay, or lime-based soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant; water every 7-10 days during dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and flowers; medicinal uses for respiratory ailments
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a native species of milkweed and is extremely important to healthy Tennessee landscapes. It is an attractive flowering plant and a nectar source for bees and pollinators and a host plant for caterpillars, including the Monarch butterfly, Dogbane Tiger moth, and Milkweed Tussock moth. There are around 14 native species of milkweed that call Tennessee home.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed produces bright orange or yellow flowers from summer to fall. The attractive plant is hardy and loves full sun. It tolerates most soils but prefers sandy well-draining soil and is moderately drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and less than 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial though some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, sandy soil or gravel
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; milky sap irritates humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eastern-redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nEastern redbud, or Tennessee pink to the locals, is a small deciduous tree with a dense canopy. It produces small clusters of showy pink flowers over its bare branches in spring. Blooms last for two to three weeks before giving way to heart-shaped dark green leaves that turn golden in the fall.
\n\n\n\nTennessee pink works well as shrub borders and fringe trees. Those low-maintenance cultivars require little pruning and attract many birds and pollinators. They have a short trunk and rounded crown of spreading branches. Unfortunately, these beautiful trees have a short lifespan of around 50 years.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once weekly during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: High toxicity; poisonous to dogs and cats
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a small flowering understory tree. Producing one of the most popular and recognizable spring flowers in Murfreesboro, this small tree blooms white or pink flowers of modified leaves in April and May and produces bright red berries in the fall.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is single or multi-trunked with sprawling branches. Plant anywhere your yard receives shade and filtered light. The berries of this small tree provide food for birds, deer, and small mammals while its flowers attract Tennessee pollinators. Flowering dogwood is also a larval food source for the Spring Azure butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, acidic, well-drained, soil, sand, loam, or medium loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water 1 inch per week in place of rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lemon-Mint.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAnother member of the mint family, lemon mint, also known as lemon bee balm and purple horsemint, is an aromatic winter annual native to Tennessee. It produces unique, tufted, whorled lavender-pink flowers on elongated spikes in the spring through fall. This drought-tolerant plant requires annual reseeding in Murfreesboro.
\n\n\n\nLike all plants in the mint family, horsemint is used for tea and has a distinctive citrus-lemon mint scent that attracts bees and butterflies but repels mosquitoes and deer. It grows in all soil conditions and is commonly found alongside Tennessee highways, pastures, hillsides, prairies, savannahs, and plains. Lemon mint is low-maintenance and aggressive and prefers to be left alone. The winter annual grows well in garden beds or along garden margins, anywhere it will be neglected.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or subshrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 inches tall and 7-12 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial or annual
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers sandy loam, rock, clay loam, medium loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Prefers regular watering to keep the soil moist; grows well with a layer of mulch to retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and flowers used for tea, salads, and cooked foods
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mapleleaf-Viburnum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nMapleleaf viburnum is a low-growing, dense shrub. It has bright green maple-shaped deciduous foliage that turns shades of pink and purple in the fall. The attractive shrub blooms white flowers in the spring followed by berries in late summer and early fall that turn from red to dark blue.
\n\n\n\nMapleleaf viburnum grows best in partial shade. The low-maintenance shrub grows well alone and in clusters and responds well to pruning after they bloom. Its berries attract birds and other wildlife and it is a larval food source for the Spring Azure butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, acidic, rock, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea is a shade-loving shrub found in the understory of large trees like Tennessee black walnuts, maples, and dogwoods. It is coarse-textured with large, cone-shaped flower clusters that bloom for months every summer and change colors from white to light pink and purple.
\n\n\n\nThe fast-growing deciduous shrub gets its name from its dark green, oak-shaped leaves that turn red, gold, or purple in the fall. Oakleaf hydrangea reaches heights up to 10 feet tall and thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Smaller cultivars like “Pee Wee” are available for homeowners with limited space.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5b-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet high and 6-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full shade to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers, fertile, well-drained soil; adapts to most soil conditions, including moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; all plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sugar-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSugar maple is a native deciduous tree with sap used to make maple syrup. It is a large tree, growing 40 to 80 feet tall in most landscapes. Sugar maple has a dense, rounded crown with foliage that turns yellow, orange, red, and bronze in the fall. It has shaggy brown bark and widespread branches.
\n\n\n\nSugar maple produces hardwood used for home furniture and flooring. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Keep in mind that this shade tree has shallow roots that can disrupt the growth of plants and grass growing under its canopy.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 tall feet and 30-60 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Deep, well-drained, acidic or slightly alkaline soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water every 3-5 days, especially in dry conditions
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; only poisonous to horses
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8634828149_21c0f182e9_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NatureServe / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSpicebush is an ornamental shrub that is disease and pest-resistant. It produces small bright yellow, fragrant flowers in spring and bright red berries in September. The multi-stemmed shrub has medium green leaves that turn clear yellow in fall. It occurs naturally in wooded areas and pond shores, preferring fertile loam soils.
\n\n\n\nSpicebush adapts to a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to full shade. It is an important plant for the Tennessee ecosystem. This shrub attracts birds and pollinators and is the nesting ground for the Spicebush Swallowtail. Grow spicebush in dappled shade covered with organic mulch. It is ideal for woodland gardens, borders, mass plantings, and landscapes near streams or ponds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to heavy shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers acidic or alkaline, fertile loam; will tolerate loamy sand, medium loam, and silty loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Adaptable; does not require watering outside of rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and berries
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tennessee-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\nTennessee coneflower was on the verge of extinction until 2011 when officials removed it from the endangered species list. This Tennessee native is slow-growing and perfect for prairies, meadows, flower beds, containers, and rock gardens. Tennessee coneflower produces bright fuchsia daisy-shaped blooms with burgundy and orange centers atop long vertical stems.
\n\n\n\nThese vibrant wildflowers tolerate drought, humidity, heat, and poor soils, and have no serious pest or disease issues. Coneflowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, but also make a great deer-resistant addition to your Murfreesboro lawn. They are also an important food source for winter songbirds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 18-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, acidic, alkaline, neutral, chalk, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; requires weekly watering during extreme dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Geranium-Geranium-Maculatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild geranium is another herbaceous perennial with beautiful blooms, intricate foliage, and medicinal uses. This Tennessee native attracts mourning doves, quail, and white-tailed deer. Bright lavender flowers bloom in loose clusters atop long stems from March to July, attracting pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThis shade-loving herb’s Intricate, lobed leaves can be boiled into tea to treat inflammation. Grow wild geranium in containers, shaded areas, flower beds, and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water frequently; needs daily watering in the summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible; used medicinally as tea to fight inflammation
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild red columbine is a perennial herb and a member of the buttercup family. Also known as red Columbine, this Tennessee native grows up to 3 feet tall with showy, tuberous red and yellow blooms that droop, exposing bright yellow stamens.
\n\n\n\nWild columbine has an erect growth pattern and bright green leaves. Its flowering tubes attract hummingbirds and butterflies and rabbits love to munch on its foliage. This herbaceous perennial prefers partial shade. Red columbine struggles when other plants compete with its root systems and prefer to grow alone as a groundcover in flower beds, at the edges of gardens, or in containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to full shade; prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers neutral, sandy, well-drained sand, medium loam, sandy loam, or limestone-based soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells; does not tolerate standing water
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Winterberry-Ilex-Verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is a deciduous tree in the holly family. This low-maintenance accent plant is often found in swamps, forest wetlands, and bogs. It grows well in mass plantings, shrub borders, wet soils, and near water.
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is the hardiest of all native hollies. Green and white-hued flowers bloom in June while some plants produce bright red berries in late summer that last through winter, attracting birds and wildlife. Winterberry is resistant to both pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree or large shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to full shade; prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, acidic soil, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High; ensure the soil is moist; water once per day during dry periods in spring and summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; fruits and foliage poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"Woodland](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Woodland-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown in Murfreesboro as woodland phlox or wild blue phlox, this fragrant flowering plant forms colonies of showy star-shaped purple and blue blooms in spring as the plant crawls across unoccupied grounds. Woodland phlox works well in garden beds as a low-maintenance groundcover, mass plantings, and border edging.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial herb has bright green foliage that rabbits love to nibble on and a dense growth pattern, making it a great hiding spot. It is deer-resistant and thrives in shady areas and most soil types.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, moist, acidic soils, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, and clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Maintain moist soil, ensuring the plant is never waterlogged; apply organic mulch to help retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nYour yard has its own unique microclimate, and all native plants have specific needs. Not all native plants will grow well in your yard. Be sure to select plants suitable for the soil, sun exposure, and watering capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, indicating the coldest annual temperature is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Tennessee native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Murfreesboro’s hardiness zone. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMost flowers and shrubs should be planted after the last frost in late April. Check your local weather forecast before introducing new plants to your yard. Typically, the frost-free seasons last from April 20 to Oct. 11.
Murfreesboro’s diverse landscape is home to many soil types. Some areas consist of well-drained, fertile loam, while others are limestone-based or compacted clay. The best way to identify your landscape’s soil type is to send a sample of your soil in for testing to the local University of Tennessee extension office.
Early morning or evening are the best times to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Chances are good you already have native plants in your yard or around your neighborhood. If you want to introduce more plants into your Murfreesboro landscape, be sure to source your plants ethically and never transplant them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local nurseries in the Murfreesboro area:
\n\n\n\nFilling your yard with native plants is only one step in your landscaping design project. Be sure to maintain your new landscape with our spring lawn care tips for Murfreesboro and our fall lawn care checklist.
\n\n\n\nWhen you are ready to turn over the hard work and lawn upkeep to a professional, let WikiLawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Hectonichus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"17 Best Native Plants for Murfreesboro, TN","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3318534961154274,"src":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1789c/Asteraceae.jpg","srcSet":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/107df/Asteraceae.jpg 320w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/293e9/Asteraceae.jpg 500w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/f2cbb/Asteraceae.jpg 800w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1789c/Asteraceae.jpg 960w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/c26c2/Asteraceae.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1dd6e/Asteraceae.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/67b76/Asteraceae.webp 320w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/8df11/Asteraceae.webp 500w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/98a65/Asteraceae.webp 800w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1dd6e/Asteraceae.webp 960w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/3cc96/Asteraceae.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"17 Best Native Plants for Murfreesboro, TN | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out these Tennessee native plants for Murfreesboro to find 17 plants that thrive in the humid subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"c1d5ec2d-2cd1-515e-91e2-aaa324c6628f","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/spring-lawn-care-tips/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"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":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"As spring arrives in Atlanta, homeowners are eager to go outside and start tending to their lawns. Unlike other southern cities, Atlanta experiences all four seasons, each bringing unique weather and lawn care needs. The spring season, in particular, requires special attention as the grass is still recovering from the harsh winter weather and is […]
\n","content":"\nAs spring arrives in Atlanta, homeowners are eager to go outside and start tending to their lawns. Unlike other southern cities, Atlanta experiences all four seasons, each bringing unique weather and lawn care needs. The spring season, in particular, requires special attention as the grass is still recovering from the harsh winter weather and is just beginning to come back to life.
\n\n\n\nTo help Atlanta homeowners achieve a strong and healthy lawn year-round, here are 11 essential spring lawn care tips. From aerating to fertilizing, these tips will ensure your lawn is in top condition and looking its best this spring and beyond:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/17218096280_40c673bc1f_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Webster / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs spring arrives, it’s time to dust off your lawn care tools hibernating in the garage. But before you start using them, check if they’re in good working condition. Neglecting your tools can lead to unexpected problems as you are trying to tackle your yard work as your grass is growing by leaps and bounds.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your tools are ready to go, follow this maintenance checklist:
\n\n\n\nBy ticking off these boxes early in the season, you’ll be able to focus on your lawn care without worrying about equipment malfunctions or unexpected breakdowns.
\n\n\n\n![\"orange](\"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\nAlways remember that how you cut your grass can impact its health. Contrary to popular belief, mowing your grass as short as possible isn’t always the best practice for every grass type. If you mow the grass too short, it can weaken it or even create the perfect conditions for lawn diseases to develop.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, letting it grow too long can attract pests and annoy your neighbors. So, what is the ideal grass height for your lawn? Well, that depends on the species. For Atlanta’s most common warm-season and cool-season grasses, these are the recommended mowing heights:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
When it comes to mowing your lawn in the spring, timing is everything. Don’t reach for the mower until the grass has grown to at least 2 inches in height. It will give the roots ample time to establish a strong foundation.
\n\n\n\nBe mindful of the temperature as well. Wait until the daily low temperatures are well above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually happens in March or April in Atlanta. To ensure the best results, follow these lawn mowing tips:
\n\n\n\nNote that cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue will go dormant as the weather warms up. Thus, they will not likely require mowing during spring and summer.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nNeglected or weathered lawns, especially in the hot and humid Atlanta climate, are susceptible to a range of lawn diseases caused by various fungi during the spring season.
\n\n\n\nThese diseases can manifest in the form of discolored or dead-looking patches. Fungi can spread rapidly during the growing season, so you must address the problem quickly.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Georgia has compiled a comprehensive list of turfgrass diseases that are common in Atlanta lawns in spring. This resource can help identify the specific disease that may be plaguing your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat anthracnose:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat fairy rings:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat leaf blot:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat pythium root rot:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat rust:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat slime molds:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat take-all root rot:
\n\n\n\nEvery spring, it is imperative for homeowners and lawn enthusiasts to make a comprehensive shopping list for yard maintenance. Two herbicides that should be on this list are post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergent herbicides, which can tackle the onslaught of both cool-season and summer weeds, respectively.
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_stellaria_media_common_chickweed_ჟუნჟრუკი.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual cool-season weeds typically disappear in late spring, courtesy of the hotter weather. So, it’s your decision whether you want to eliminate them through post-emergent herbicides or let them perish on their own.
\n\n\n\nAtlanta’s annual cool-season weeds include:
\n\n\n\nYou should apply post-emergent herbicides to combat the cool-season weeds that sprout during the fall and winter months and continue to grow through early spring. As soon as you detect the weeds, apply a light layer of these herbicides.
\n\n\n\n![\"crabgrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_green_grass_10_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BogTar201213 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAs any lawn enthusiast can attest, the battle against weeds is a never-ending one. Don’t just address the current weed issues but also be proactive about future ones. And this is where pre-emergent herbicides come in.
\n\n\n\nTo thwart the growth of annual warm-season weeds that tend to crop up during the hotter months of May and June, you should apply pre-emergent herbicides in early or mid-March. Take this step early on since warm-season weeds can wreak havoc on lawns throughout the summer.
\n\n\n\nThe annual warm-season weeds common in Atlanta include the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_dandelions-1337890603djw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nUnlike their annual counterparts, perennial weeds have a stubborn and persistent nature. They can re-seed and regrow year after year. In such instances, post-emergent herbicides are the way to go. These herbicides are effective in targeting the weeds at their roots and eliminating them for good (for this season, at least).
\n\n\n\nThe perennial weeds common in Atlanta are:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_wilde-mohre-daucus-carota.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nUnlike annual or perennial weeds, biennial weeds have a two-year life cycle. In the first year, it grows from seed and produces foliage. During the second year, it dies after creating a seed stalk and setting seed. While not as prevalent in lawns as other types of weeds, you should still keep an eye out for biennials and remove them promptly to prevent them from spreading.
\n\n\n\nCommon biennial weeds include the following:
\n\n\n\nNote: The key to an impeccable lawn is to take a preemptive approach to weed management, ensuring that it stays healthy and lush year-round.
\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\nIf you take lawn maintenance seriously, then overseeding is a term you’re probably familiar with. For the uninitiated, overseeding involves adding new grass seed to an existing lawn to fill any patchy or thinning areas.
\n\n\n\nThe beginning of a lawn’s active growing season is the ideal time for overseeding – typically in spring. Since Atlanta falls in the middle of a transition zone, it can accommodate both warm-season and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the optimal time to overseed warm-season grasses, as they’re gearing up for their growing season and can benefit from the added nutrients. Conversely, if your lawn has cool-season grass like tall fescue, it’s advisable to wait until fall before overseeding.
\n\n\n\nIn the table below, you’ll discover the best time to plant new seeds for the most common warm-season grasses in Atlanta. These are based on average daily temperatures and weather conditions.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Best Daily Low – High Temperatures for Planting | Best Time to Plant Seeds in Atlanta |
| Bermudagrass | 75 – 80 | May – June |
| Centipedegrass | 70 – 90 | May – June |
| St. Augustinegrass | 65 – 80s | May – June |
| Zoysiagrass | 80 – 95 | Late May – July |
Once you’ve overseeded your lawn, note that newly seeded grass has different care requirements compared to established grass, even if they’re the same species. Adequate watering and fertilization are key to ensuring your freshly planted grass grows thick and healthy.
\n\n\n\nNote: You should bear in mind that you’ll have to choose between weed control and overseeding in the spring. Applying herbicides to prevent weed germination also can prevent your new grass from growing. Thus, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons and decide which is more critical for your lawn – getting rid of weeds or filling in sparse areas.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nThe backbone of every healthy lawn is the soil – providing essential nutrients that grass needs to grow and thrive. Similar to how a balanced diet is important for people, ensure that your soil is providing the nutrients your lawn needs to flourish. Even if you fertilize regularly, if your soil lacks key nutrients, your lawn will not be able to reach its full potential.
\n\n\n\nHow can you know if your soil is up to snuff? The best way is to collect a soil sample and have it professionally tested. Luckily, the Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service offers affordable soil tests for less than $20. Once you receive the results of your soil test, you can determine which amendments your soil needs to improve.
\n\n\n\nCommon amendments include lime (to adjust soil pH) and nutrients such as nitrogen, potash, potassium, and phosphorus. By ensuring your soil is healthy and well-nourished, you’ll be laying the foundation for a lush and vibrant lawn.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs more than just nutrients to grow thick and healthy. Applying the correct fertilizer at the right time can give your lawn the extra boost it needs.
\n\n\n\nFor warm-season grasses in Atlanta, the best time to fertilize is in late spring after the grass has regained its green color and begun active growth. The first “feeding” of the year typically happens in May. However, it’s important to wait until your grass has started growing before fertilizing. Otherwise, the fertilizer will not work.
\n\n\n\nUsing a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer is recommended to help your grass grow consistently and steadily throughout the season. While fast-release fertilizers may make your grass grow faster, too much nitrogen applied too quickly can cause unsustainable growth or even burn your grass. When it comes to fertilizing your lawn, slow and steady is the way to go.
\n\n\n\nProper fertilization is key to maintaining a healthy lawn, but there’s more to it than simply spreading fertilizer around your yard. To avoid streaks or patchy growth, it’s important to use a spreader when applying fertilizer. This ensures an even coating and reduces the risk of applying too much fertilizer in a single spot, which can be harmful to your grass.
\n\n\n\nNote: Remember, more fertilizer doesn’t equal more growth – overfertilization can actually weaken your grass. And don’t be tempted to apply fertilizer too early in the season. Grass won’t start growing until it’s ready, so fertilizing too soon is just a waste of time and money.
\n\n\n\n![\"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\nIn the early days of spring, you can hold off on watering your lawn because the soil tends to be naturally moist during this time. Additionally, you must lessen foot traffic and avoid burdening your lawn with heavy equipment, as the damp soil is more susceptible to damage.
\n\n\n\nNote: You’ll know it’s time to start watering once your grass has begun actively growing and you’ve applied the first round of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nTo maintain a healthy lawn throughout the rest of spring, it’s vital not to overwater. Experts recommend watering no more than 1 inch per week. Overwatering can lead to several problems, including:
\n\n\n\nSandy loam soils are abundant in the Atlanta area, which means water retention may be an issue. Unlike dense clay, which requires deep, infrequent watering, sandy loam soils benefit from light, frequent watering. However, too much watering can lead to lawn diseases, so it’s important to monitor your grass after each watering session.
\n\n\n\nWhile overwatering can create problems, underwatering is equally detrimental. Grass that’s screaming for water will eventually turn brown, become brittle, and die if continuously neglected. To keep your lawn healthy and vibrant, you should strike the right balance when it comes to watering.
\n\n\n\nAs the weather warms up, keep an eye on your lawn’s water intake. Your lawn isn’t getting enough water if::
\n\n\n\nTo determine if your soil is getting enough water, try this simple test:
\n\n\n\nStep 1: Take a screwdriver and press it into the soil.
\n\n\n\nStep 2: If the screwdriver goes in without resistance, then your soil is moist enough, and you can continue to water at your current rate.
\n\n\n\nStep 3: If the screwdriver has trouble penetrating the soil, it may be too dry. It’s time to increase your watering frequency, but remember not to exceed 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nNote: Early spring is a critical time for your lawn, and while it may be tempting to tackle heavy yard work during this time, you must be mindful of the wet soil conditions. Soil that is too wet is easily compacted, which can lead to root damage and other issues. Instead, focus on lighter maintenance tasks like removing debris, raking leaves, and pruning. Waiting until the soil has dried out before attempting heavy yard work will help keep your lawn healthy and thriving.
\n\n\n\nAeration is a common lawn care practice that involves punching small holes in compacted soil to allow for better water and nutrient absorption by the grassroots. While it can be a lifesaver for struggling lawns, there are certain times of the year when you should avoid aerating, especially in spring.
\n\n\n\nAerating in spring can cause warm-season weed seeds to germinate and dry out the soil, both of which can have negative effects on your lawn’s health.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if your lawn is so compacted that grass can’t grow, you may have no choice but to aerate. In that case, try to wait until May or June when many warm-season weeds are no longer seeding. Thankfully, Atlanta’s sandy loam soils are often loose and don’t become compacted easily, so aeration may not be necessary at all.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_23679288519_2efd3eee6f_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simon / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIn Atlanta, spring is the season when many lawn pests lay their eggs. And by summer, the larvae will have matured into adults. To prevent a full-blown infestation, it’s essential to act early before the pests start reproducing.
\n\n\n\nSome of the lawn pests commonly found in Atlanta during springtime include::
\n\n\n\nRather than resorting to pesticides right away, it’s best to prevent pests by performing proper lawn care practices. A healthy lawn that’s free of excess moisture and thatch will not provide pests with an environment to thrive. If you do encounter pests despite your best efforts, it’s advisable to use selective pesticides that won’t harm beneficial insects.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a natural layer of dead grass blades, leaves, and other organic matter that builds up between the soil and the grass. A little bit of thatch can be beneficial for the lawn, as it acts as a natural insulator, retains moisture, and slowly decomposes into valuable nutrients for the grass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if the thatch layer becomes too thick (more than an inch), it can cause problems such as blocking water from reaching the roots and becoming a breeding ground for pests and diseases. To prevent this, it’s recommended to dethatch or remove the excess layer of thatch once a year.
\n\n\n\nDethatching, also known as verticutting, involves removing the thatch layer using a specialized tool like a verticutter or a hand rake. Wait until the grass has started actively growing and has been mowed at least two times before dethatching.
\n\n\n\nLate spring in Atlanta is the ideal time to dethatch as it’s after the grass has started growing and before the hot summer weather sets in. Additionally, dethatching before aeration can help make the soil more accessible.
\n\n\n\nNote: Dethatching should be done carefully – without damaging the healthy grass blades.
\n\n\n\nApril showers may bring May flowers. But for Atlanta homeowners, they also bring the perfect opportunity to give their lawns the attention they need to thrive. Following these 11 essential spring lawn care tips ensures your lawn is healthy, green, and looks its best throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nBut remember that taking care of your lawn is a year-round commitment. And by investing time and effort in the spring, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and healthy lawn for all seasons.
If you find that spring lawn care is more involved than you anticipated, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a local Atlanta lawn care professional.
Main Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Atlanta, GA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/1789c/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/107df/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/293e9/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/f2cbb/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/1789c/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/c26c2/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/1dd6e/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/67b76/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 320w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/8df11/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 500w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/98a65/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 800w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/1dd6e/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 960w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/3cc96/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Atlanta, GA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 11 valuable tips for maintaining a robust and thriving lawn in Atlanta during spring and enjoy it year-round."}}},{"node":{"id":"82a796ad-6f68-57b2-92b7-005b11391dc3","slug":"best-grass-types","path":"/lawn-care/best-grass-types/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"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":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Everyone wants a fabulous lawn, but who wants to work for it, especially when the weather doesn’t always work in your favor? Well, there are four best grass types for Columbus that can transform your backyard without much effort on your part. The Discovery City is known for its cold winters and regular temperature fluctuations, […]
\n","content":"\nEveryone wants a fabulous lawn, but who wants to work for it, especially when the weather doesn’t always work in your favor? Well, there are four best grass types for Columbus that can transform your backyard without much effort on your part.
\n\n\n\nThe Discovery City is known for its cold winters and regular temperature fluctuations, so cool-season grasses are recommended in this area. These varieties thrive in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle harsh winter weather.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepending on where you live in the country, you’ll want to plant either warm-season or cool-season grasses for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in the spring and fall when temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re easier to establish than warm-season grasses, and the seeds are readily available to purchase in Columbus.
\n\n\n\nOn the downside, they’re less tolerant of poor soil conditions and require the addition of lime and fertilizer. Plus, they can’t handle drought and extreme heat.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses adapt much better to drought conditions and heat. They grow in temperatures of between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, are long-lived, and can handle sites with low moisture.
\n\n\n\nFor Columbus, cool-season grasses are best. But choosing the right turf type for your yard is no easy feat. It all comes down to understanding the various grasses’ growing and maintenance needs, susceptibility to disease and pests, and resistance to regular wear and tear.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve put together a guide to help you make an informed decision. The cool-season grass you select should boost your home’s curb appeal and withstand the cold Columbus climate.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Festuca_arundinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a medium-green to blue-green grass that stands out among lawn grass types. It has the thinnest blades, the most shade tolerance, and the lowest moisture and fertilizer needs. It’s not only drought-resistant but stays green all year. If you’re a lawn care beginner, this is the ideal turf.
\n\n\n\nThe downside? It doesn’t do well in high-traffic areas. If your kids or pets regularly run around your property, you might want to choose another turf type.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues possess rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage is a must; tolerates infertile soils; sandy soils generally work well
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass (also known as KBG) can stand up to the freezing temperatures of Columbus. It is a high-maintenance, high-quality grass with deep roots that rely on regular watering and fertilizing. KBG can quickly recover from injury, making it ideal for heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nKBG makes a fine-textured, lush green lawn, but takes about six months to fully thicken up. While it grows best in the sun, it doesn’t tolerate high heat and drought unless it’s well irrigated.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/7370356864_c9e8d6081f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is widely used throughout the U.S., but its application varies from region to region. It’s deep green and glossy and has the highest traffic tolerance of any cold-season grass, often used around homes, schools, athletic fields, and parks in Columbus.
\n\n\n\nThis rich, fine-textured grass also wins major points for its fast germination rate, quick establishment, and disease resistance. While not as cold-hardy as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, perennial ryegrass thrives in moderate summers and cool winters. It’s usually mixed with other types of grasses.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low (summer dormancy in some areas)
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but poor recuperative ability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, especially in areas with hot, humid summers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, high fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a dark green grass with a coarse texture, perfect for areas that don’t get much sun. It’s generally insect- and disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance. You’ll often find it on athletic fields and playgrounds.
\n\n\n\nThe seed grows in the sun and partial shade and can handle both wet and dry soil. Tall fescue creates shorter, denser, and darker green lawns than other varieties. In fact, given its many attributes, it could be labeled as the perfect grass for Columbus and the rest of Ohio.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast rate of growth, so plan to mow often
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wider range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou should plant a grass variety suited to the soil, water, and light conditions in your yard. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass require moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Fine or tall fescue can survive in much harsher conditions, such as deep shade and poor, dry, and acidic soil.
Fine and tall fescue prefer the shade, while Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass flourish in sunnier areas.
If you’re not one for yard work, there are some low-maintenance options like fine or tall fescue. Kentucky bluegrass requires more effort if you want a high-quality, lush lawn.
If you’re not an outdoorsy person and simply want to have a beautiful-looking lawn, you should opt for tall or fine fescue grass. But if your kids or pets regularly give your property a good workout, go for a sturdy grass type such as Kentucky bluegrass.
Many factors go into creating a green, healthy, rich lawn, but the first step is selecting the right grass for the Columbus climate. Ohio is evenly split between USDA zones 5 and 6, making it the perfect environment for cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nA fabulous lawn is a refreshing sight. The good news is, you don’t have to slave over your yard to make it happen. A Columbus lawn care pro can help you select the best grass and give you a show-stopping lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ohio-Columbus / John Dewees / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Columbus, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/1789c/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/107df/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/293e9/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/f2cbb/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/1789c/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/c26c2/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/1dd6e/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/67b76/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.webp 320w,\n/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/8df11/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.webp 500w,\n/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/98a65/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.webp 800w,\n/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/1dd6e/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.webp 960w,\n/static/d6603af154de8571e399b12256d351a1/3cc96/Ohio-Columbus-Columbus_Museum_of_Art-2017-04-23-029-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Columbus, OH | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking for the perfect grass type for your yard? Discover the 4 best grass types for Columbus so you can enjoy a lush, healthy lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"c00f4ae4-8c13-5db5-ad78-8f4571f36ebf","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/fall-lawn-care-checklist-columbus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"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":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Don’t wait until the last minute to start your outdoor winter prepping. Fall weekends can get awfully busy, but there’s no doubt certain outdoor activities shouldn’t be put on the back burner. Make it a priority to check these tasks off your fall lawn care checklist for Columbus and you will have a healthier and […]
\n","content":"\nDon’t wait until the last minute to start your outdoor winter prepping. Fall weekends can get awfully busy, but there’s no doubt certain outdoor activities shouldn’t be put on the back burner. Make it a priority to check these tasks off your fall lawn care checklist for Columbus and you will have a healthier and more beautiful lawn come spring.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll go over:
\n\n\n\nThe cool autumn weather is a great opportunity to fertilize your lawn, control weeds, and improve the overall health and appearance of your Columbus yard. With some effort on your part now, you’ll have a green, healthy carpet by the time spring rolls around.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEver notice how getting leaves off your lawn immediately boosts your home’s curb appeal? But there’s more to raking leaves than aesthetics.
\n\n\n\nYou can mulch them in your yard to provide some organic nutrients for your soil, but don’t build a thick layer as it can interfere with lawn care treatments and block sunlight. Alternatively, you can gather them up and add them to your compost.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nColumbus residents generally plant cool-season grasses that grow most vigorously in spring and fall. Careful watering in the fall will lead to healthy growth, strong roots, and a good fighting chance for your grass in winter.
\n\n\n\nWater your lawn until the first freeze approaches, around October. Cool-season grass needs around 1 inch of water per week, which includes rainfall. Let your lawn guide you and watch for signs of overwatering, such as:
\n\n\n\nUnderwatering is bad for your lawn as well. A lack of regular watering will result in:
\n\n\n\nAs a rule of thumb, try to follow these watering guidelines:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab, Inc. / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDethatching is the removal of excess thatch (grass clippings, leaves, dead grass, and other organic matter) from your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDethatching is recommended for lawns that are dry, less dense, and unhealthy. It allows nutrients, air, and water to better reach the soil. Not to mention that it keeps pests at bay, which is always a plus.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to dethatch cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue is late August or early September. With proper lawn maintenance, dethatching only needs to be done once every few years.
\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you need to dethatch:
\n\n\n\nHow to dethatch your lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you dream of a lush lawn, you can’t overlook aeration. When you aerate, you reduce soil compaction and allow fertilizer, air, and water to penetrate your lawn’s root system. It’s best to aerate your cool-season grasses in fall.
\n\n\n\nOften, dethatching and aeration go hand in hand. When you dethatch, you remove the dead layer of matter preventing your soil from getting the proper nutrients. Then, you come in with aeration to help your lawn breathe.
\n\n\n\nAs a homeowner, there are three different types of aeration you should know about.
\n\n\n\nWhen to aerate: August through November are ideal for fall aeration in Columbus. Also, if possible, try to aerate around the time you fertilize to enhance root growth.
\n\n\n\nHow often to aerate: Most lawns benefit from annual aeration, but heavily used lawns may require aeration twice a year.
\n\n\n\nWhat to expect after aeration: Immediately after aeration, your lawn will be covered with the small plugs pulled from the soil, but worry not, as they’ll disappear into the lawn within a week or two.
\n\n\n\nAbout seven to 10 days after aeration, white active root growth will fill the holes – a sign that the grass is getting the necessary nutrients from the soil. With repeated aeration, your lawn will be able to go longer between waterings without wilting and its drought and heat tolerance will improve significantly.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lab](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Soil-Fertility-Analysis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alandmanson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoil tests are an excellent investment for lawns, gardens, and landscapes. They’re an inexpensive way to maintain soil health and provide an accurate diagnostic. You can get a complete picture of nutrient levels, also known as N-P-K levels (which stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Though these nutrients are always present in your soil, their levels may not be optimal for grass growth.
\n\n\n\nBy having a soil sample tested, you’ll find out:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to have your soil tested, we explain the process below.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to give this process a shot, you can take advantage of the services provided by Ohio State University Extension in Licking County. The university will help you fill out the submission form and send the samples to an accredited lab. Depending on the soil test results, you’ll know what your lawn needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"Overseeding](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen you look out into your yard, the last thing you want to see is brown patches, spots, and weeds. Luckily, overseeding can prevent all of that. It involves adding seed to your existing grass without tearing up the lawn or soil. Simply put, it’s an easy way to fill in bare spots, improve the density of turf, introduce new grass varieties to your lawn, and enhance color.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to overseed in Columbus is mid to late September, prior to the first frost. If you’ve aerated (which is strongly recommended), overseeding should be done within 48 hours to avoid issues such as decomposition of the aeration plugs or debris getting into the holes.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding can:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawns do a lot more for us than provide a green carpet for our toes to glide through. They improve air quality, reduce heat, and generate oxygen, so keeping them in top shape is important. One of the best ways to do that is to fertilize them.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right fertilizer means knowing what your soil’s exact needs are. If you’re unsure, consider taking some soil samples and sending them out to a lab for testing (Ohio State University offers submission support and helpful information). The diagnostic will provide insight into your soil’s current condition and the correct nutrients it needs to flourish.
\n\n\n\nFor maximum winter hardiness, disease resistance, and root growth, select a fertilizer that has high concentrations of the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (also known as N-P-K ratio).
\n\n\n\nNitrogen is vital for lawn growth and that lovely green grass color. The percentage of nitrogen is always the first number on a fertilizer bag, followed by phosphorus and potassium. It will always be higher than the others because soils generally contain enough phosphorus and potassium.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: When it comes to new lawns, you should pick a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium, to get the lawn established. A typical N-P-K ratio in this case is 12-16-8 or 8-18-12.
\n\n\n\nThe second number represents the percentage of phosphorus. This nutrient is critical in developing and strengthening a healthy root system. Strong grass roots will keep your lawn healthy and sturdy even through the changing stresses of the seasons. It’s important to introduce phosphorus when first establishing turfgrass and continue application as the grass grows.
\n\n\n\nThe last macronutrient vitally important to lawn health is potassium. It supports water absorption, respiration, and protein production. In essence, potassium helps lawns withstand drought, stress, and disease.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers can be slow-release or quick-release.
\n\n\n\nSlow-release fertilizers are much better for your lawn, as they promote steady, uniform growth. As an added bonus, you won’t have to fertilize regularly.
\n\n\n\nQuick-release fertilizers are absorbed at a much faster pace, but there’s a high risk of burning your lawn. Plus, they don’t last as long, so you’ll need to re-apply.
\n\n\n\nWhen to fertilize: Plan for two fertilizer applications between late August and November. Summer heat is stressful on our lawns, so fall’s cooler temperatures provide the perfect opportunity for Columbus lawns to regain strength.
\n\n\n\nFall is the best time to fertilize because:
\n\n\n\nThe best time of day to apply fertilizer is in the morning or early evening. You’ll avoid the warm daytime temperatures that work against the process.
\n\n\n\nHow to fertilize:
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-Clover.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrass grows best in fall, but did you know that weeds do, as well? There are many types of weeds lurking in our yards just waiting for a chance to sow seed. They’re a pain and can cause issues such as allergic reactions.
\n\n\n\nIn Columbus, you’ll likely encounter nuisances such as:
\n\n\n\nThankfully, there are a few good ways to combat these annoying plants. While fertilizer generally keeps weeds at bay, it may not be enough. Applying pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides is a great way to nip the problem in the bud.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicide acts by creating a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil and coating the seeds to prevent them from growing roots. Make sure it becomes incorporated into the soil via rainfall or irrigation, as it must be present whenever weed seeds are germinating.
\n\n\n\nHow it works: It inhibits plant root growth, seed cell division, and specific enzymes critical to the growth of certain plants like weeds.
\n\n\n\nWhen to apply pre-emergent herbicide: Timing is everything. Try to stick to an early to mid-September application and select the right herbicide for your yard.
\n\n\n\nSome weeds will slip past pre-emergent herbicides. In that case, post-emergent herbicide becomes your best friend. It controls weeds that have already germinated and are actively growing.
\n\n\n\nHow it works: It targets specific plant parts, such as leaves and stems. The mixture of chemicals kills the weed and prevents it from growing back.
\n\n\n\nWhen to apply post-emergent herbicide: For Columbus cool-season grasses, post-emergents are best applied in early fall when temperatures are at or slightly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nA non-selective herbicide kills pretty much everything it touches. In contrast, selective herbicide targets specific weed types and leaves other plants alone.
\n\n\n\nWeed control products are generally available in both granular and liquid forms and application varies. Granular herbicide is poured into a spreader and distributed evenly across the area of the lawn. Liquid herbicide is poured into a sprayer and sprayed all over the target area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA good sign that you need to stop mowing is when your grass stops growing. It’s important that your lawn is cut to the right height before winter.
\n\n\n\nMow too high and your grass can develop snow mold during wintertime. Grass that’s cut too short may wither and die in the cold temperatures of Columbus.
\n\n\n\nOnce frost has arrived, stop mowing. Frost freezes the moisture inside the grass blades, so any activity on your turf can break the blade and significantly damage your grass.
\n\n\n\nThe table below highlights the mowing height appropriate for Columbus cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Suggested Fall Mowing Height |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Fine fescue | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Valve.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnless you properly winterize your irrigation system before winter, you’ll likely end up with cracked pipes and broken sprinkler heads come springtime.
\n\n\n\nColumbus homeowners are advised to winterize their sprinklers in October or early November, before the first freeze.
\n\n\n\nThe winterization process involves:
\n\n\n\nIt depends on how loose your soil is. Grass seeds should be placed on loose, prepared soil. If you simply throw it down, there may be some sprouting, but generally speaking the germination rate won’t be very successful. Taking the time to get your soil ready will ensure optimal results.
Good lawn care leads to a lush, great-looking lawn. Avoid making the following mistakes:
• Mowing too short. This causes your lawn to thin out and provides space for weeds to push through.
• Bagging your clippings. Contrary to popular belief, clippings don’t increase thatch. They provide around 25% of the fertilizer your lawn needs, so don’t deprive your grass of readily available free nutrients.
• Cutting your grass with dull mower blades. Don’t use dull mower blades to mow your lawn as the mower tears the grass blades rather than cutting them. The damage can leave your lawn susceptible to lawn disease.
Chemical fertilizers are generally a ‘quick fix’ solution. They provide the nutrients grass needs, but pollute our water, soil, and the environment within the soil itself. In contrast, organic fertilizers are made from natural ingredients that produce long-lasting feeding for your lawn, making them a much better alternative.
Fall in Columbus is a beautiful sight – the leaves are bright and colorful, the weather is perfect for your favorite sweater, and there are tons of activities to enjoy all week long.
\n\n\n\nBut before you go apple picking and pumpkin patch visiting, get your lawn ready for the long winter ahead. Start planning early to avoid being caught unprepared.
\n\n\n\nStill, if you’d rather go bike riding in one of the city’s metro parks or explore the Columbus zoo and aquarium, a Columbus lawn care pro can get your lawn ready for the cold season so you can continue doing all the things you love.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Ohio State University / Dan Keck / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Columbus, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1789c/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/107df/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 320w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/293e9/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 500w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/f2cbb/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 800w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1789c/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 960w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/c26c2/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1dd6e/The-Ohio-State-University.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/67b76/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 320w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/8df11/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 500w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/98a65/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 800w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1dd6e/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 960w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/3cc96/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Columbus, OH","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With Columbus’ snowy winters and frigid temperatures, it’s important to get your lawn ready for the cold ahead by doing some fall maintenance."}}},{"node":{"id":"c4ae7810-cdc6-5cfd-825c-c620f10f37de","slug":"best-native-plants-novi","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/novi/best-native-plants-novi/","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":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"},{"id":"65c71077-8e3e-53cf-bfe2-68e1c598a700","name":"Novi","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/novi/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"A nice lawn is visually pleasing, but great landscaping that features attractive plants, trees and shrubs really takes your yard to the next level. And the best way to ensure they thrive in a climate as diverse as Novi’s is to use native plants that are adapted to the region. There are several key benefits […]
\n","content":"\nA nice lawn is visually pleasing, but great landscaping that features attractive plants, trees and shrubs really takes your yard to the next level. And the best way to ensure they thrive in a climate as diverse as Novi’s is to use native plants that are adapted to the region.
\n\n\n\nThere are several key benefits to using native plants:
\n\n\n\nInterested? Here are some of the best native plants for your Novi, Michigan garden.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
New England asters grow large, purple (or pink-purple) flowers with yellow centers, making them ideal for when you want your garden to have a splash of color. They bloom in late summer to early fall, and their flowers attract butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis plant grows easily from seed and is moderately deer-resistant. Pinching back the stems several times helps control the height of New England asters and promotes bushiness. This eliminates the need to stake them.
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, well-draining
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Nodding-Wild-Onion.jpg\")
The nodding wild onion isn’t a plant you can use for cooking. Instead, it’s a bulb that grows 1-2 feet tall with long grass-like foliage. Pink flowers grow from clusters between June and August, attracting pollinators. The easiest way to propagate them is to divide the bulb offsets (which allows the plant to spread).
\n\n\n\nNodding wild onion grows in well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. You can recognize it by its scrapes hooking downward below the flower to make it seem like it’s nodding (hence the name).
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect, arching
\n\n\n\nMature size: Six inches to 2 feet tall and 4 inches to 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, bulb
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, dry to medium, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nSunlight: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Butterfly weeds are colorful and, as the name implies, attract butterflies like a moth to a flame. It’s a durable plant that tolerates deer, drought, and dry soil. It blooms from May to August and displays from August to September.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it may be toxic, so don’t eat it. Nevertheless, if your garden needs a splash of color, butterfly weed is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, dry to medium, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Swamps might evoke images of vines, decay, and stagnant water, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at this beautiful plant that grows there. Swamp milkweeds have small pink to mauve (or uncommonly white) flowers growing in clusters at the stem ends.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweeds grow in medium to wet soils but surprisingly tolerate average well-drained soils. Butterflies are attracted to them for their nectar.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Clumping, erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, medium to wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blackhaw-Virburnum.jpg\")
This shrub or small tree is a high-value plant for wildlife. White flowers bloom in spring, and showy red flowers bloom in fall. Its berries mature to purple-black and are edible to both humans and birds. You can use its berries in jams and preserves.
\n\n\n\nBlackhaw thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought. It has no serious insect or disease problems and even does well in air pollution.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect, irregular, multi-stemmed, rounded
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12 to 20 feet tall and 6 to15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, dry to medium
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Suppose you want to add a bit of sunshine to your garden. Consider planting black-eyed Susans. Their large yellow flowers attract butterflies, songbirds, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susans tolerate heat, drought, and most soils (the exception being poorly-drained wet ones). They freely self-seed and usually remain in the garden during that time.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is quite beautiful: a gorgeous spring bloom, bright red berries (which birds and mammals can eat, but not humans), an alligator-esque bark, and leaves that turn a brilliant red in the fall. It prefers two to four inches of mulch, which keeps its roots cool and moist in the summer. It also prefers moist, organically rich, acidic soils.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the flowering dogwood is especially vulnerable to diseases, particularly anthracnose, so planting it where anthracnose infestations are present isn’t recommended.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ascending, pyramidal, rounded, spreading
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall, and 15 to 30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Good Fall
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, organically rich, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing native species for your landscape, consider the amount of available sunlight, the type of soil (and how well it drains), as well as whether you have standing water.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding your location’s hardiness zone also helps determine what to plant. Novi’s hardiness zone is 6a, meaning its coldest annual temperature ranges from -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Your plants should be able to handle extreme cold.
\n\n\n\nYou can usually find native plants in garden centers, so check with them. Additionally, understand where these plants come from before buying them. If they come from the wild, they can devastate the local plant populations. (Propagated plants are also healthier than wild ones.)
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve picked and planted your natives, your next step is the lawn. To ensure the healthiest lawn possible, pick from one of our best grass types for Novi. Then, contact one of WikiLawn’s lawn and landscaping pros, and we’ll do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pxfuel
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\n","content":"\nIn Dearborn, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. The balanced mix of rain, shine, and mild temperature is great for most plants. And candidly, it wouldn’t be fair to live in a plant-friendly city and not have an amazing lawn to flaunt.
\n\n\n\nFour grass types, in particular, thrive in this environment, and understanding them will help you achieve a fantastic lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are generally two categories of grass: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses tend to grow thicker and lusher in warmer climates. However, it can get rather chilly in the Midwest, and Michigan is no exception.
\n\n\n\nProximity to the Great Lakes means a lot of cool breezes, so you’ll want to choose cool-season grasses. These grasses germinate faster and perform better in temperatures between 60 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making them well-suited for mild summers.
\n\n\n\nHere are the grass types that will give you an amazing lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass is the most popular and well-known type of turfgrass in Michigan. This cool climate varietal spreads quickly, perhaps even aggressively, in some areas. Its rapid growth allows it to effectively patch bare spots in your lawn, and it provides a visually appealing blue-green turf.
\n\n\n\nWhile Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, it can also tolerate light shade and some cloudy days. It performs best in well-drained, fertile soil with a higher pH between 6.0 and 7.0, but it can also grow in the sandier soil of lakeshore regions.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Kentucky bluegrass does not hold up well to foot traffic. And it is a maintenance-intensive grass, requiring constant watering and a lot of fertilizer to thrive. With its shallow roots, bluegrass is also less resistant to drought and heat than other grass types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low (prefers sunlight)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFine fescue encompasses several kinds of grass, all of which tolerate shade and drier soil conditions. In fact, numerous grass seed mixtures contain some percentage of fescue with the intent to pass on the species’ shade and drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nThe fescue grasses are Chewings fescue, creeping red fescue, sheep fescue, and hard fescue. Each varietal grows with a gray-green color and a fine texture to its leaves. In addition, fine fescues do not require as much maintenance as other grasses
\n\n\n\nWhile fine fescue benefits many seed mixes, it’s rare to see it grown alone. Overwatering, excessive fertilization, and rapid thatch development can cause thinning in a fine fescue lawn, especially during the summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Red fescue spread by below-ground rhizomes, while hard and Chewings fescues are bunch-forming and spread through tillers.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a popular cool-season grass that tolerates all but the most severe of cold weather conditions. As indicated by its name, this grass grows taller than most species.
\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest benefits of tall fescue is its ability to control and limit weed growth. Its height allows it to dominate sunlight intake over weeds that may be lurking. In addition, tall fescue is a low-maintenance grass that requires occasional watering and a small amount of fertilization.
\n\n\n\nHowever, tall fescue’s growth rate, combined with its height, means that you will need to mow your lawn more often. And it may not be an ideal choice if you find coarse grass objectionable.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a hardy and drought-resistant varietal that stays green in dry conditions. Once planted, this grass grows and spreads quickly, allowing it to act as an erosion-controlling factor. In addition, it holds up well to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBecause of their similar qualities, perennial ryegrass is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to keep your lawn verdant during times when other grass types would typically go dormant.
\n\n\n\nPart of the reason perennial ryegrass is seen in mixes is that despite its resilience, it does not tolerate high heat or intense cold on its own. Ryegrass, alone, also has a poor mowing quality due to its tough, fibrous leaves.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Very high, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
\n\n\n\nA mix of fine fescue and perennial ryegrass will have the highest chance of maintaining a healthy green color all year round. Both types of grass are drought resistant and complement each other’s strengths while shoring up their weaknesses.
Cool-season grasses perform well in the Michigan climate, and the best time to plant them is mid-to-late fall. The general rule of thumb is to plant cool-season grass at least 45 days before the estimated time of the first frost.
Fine and tall fescues are very easy to maintain. They are both hardy and crowd out weeds, though tall fescue does so better than fine fescue.
To maintain a beautiful lawn in Dearborn, Michigan, you will need to plant cool-season grasses that can stand up to the chill of the Midwest. You’ll also need to take the proper steps to care for that grass once it’s established. If you would like help with mowing, landscaping, and other general yard maintenance, feel free to hire a lawn care professional to put your mind at ease.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Nicole Yeary / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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