![\"Xeriscaped](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/xeriscaped-lawn-austin-tx.jpg\")
With so much to see and do in Austin, like Sixth Street or Lady Bird Lake, who wants to spend time maintaining their yard? But the unrelenting summer heat and low rainfall mean your lawn needs help. Consider these 9 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Austin to help transform your struggling landscape into a backyard paradise […]
\n","content":"\nWith so much to see and do in Austin, like Sixth Street or Lady Bird Lake, who wants to spend time maintaining their yard? But the unrelenting summer heat and low rainfall mean your lawn needs help. Consider these 9 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Austin to help transform your struggling landscape into a backyard paradise while freeing up your time to enjoy the city.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nOne of the best parts of being a homeowner is enjoying your backyard. Living in Austin means you get to enjoy your yard nearly every day. But most people enjoy barbecuing brisket, not mowing their lawn. Here are 9 great low-maintenance landscaping ideas that look stunning and improve your yard’s health while saving you time and money.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Downtowngal / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiving in Austin, you’ve likely heard of xeriscaping. If you haven’t, it’s creating a landscape that requires little or no watering. This practice is common in drought-stricken areas of the U.S., particularly the South and Southwest parts of the country.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is growing in popularity because it reduces water use by 50%-75% and saves on maintenance since there is little to no need for mowing and fertilizing.
\n\n\n\nMost xeriscapes include a combination of the following:
\n\n\n\nConverting your landscape into a xeriscape is a big project. It may be easier to start small by replacing one flower bed with succulents or a decorative rock garden and build from there. Eventually, you’ll have the xeriscape of your dreams.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost depends on how you plan to xeriscape your landscape. Professional installation averages about $5-$20 per square foot, or $17,000 for a large project, including materials and labor. You can reduce costs by making it a DIY project, but it can be backbreaking work.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hardscaping-With-Rocks.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Redi-Rock International / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSometimes called a rockery or aspen garden, a rock garden is designed to showcase rocks and boulders. With highly customizable designs, they often include drought-resistant plants, water features, and decorations like sculptures and pavers. They require very little maintenance and are perfect for Austin’s scorching summers.
\n\n\n\nRocks that are popular in rock gardens include:
\n\n\n\nCommon rock garden plants include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of a rock garden:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the types of rocks and plants you choose. On average, rock gardens cost about $600-$700 to install. You can cut costs by asking farmers or construction sites for their unwanted rocks.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rose-flower-nature-garden-flowering-plant-petal-1607880-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative plants are the indigenous water and ground plant species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat. Therefore, plants native to Austin are naturally low-maintenance. They’re less prone to pests and disease, having built natural defenses. Made for the environment, they’re drought-resistant, heat-resistant, and easy to grow.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few beautiful Austin native plants perfect for your landscape:
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing native plants, remember to choose Austin native and not Texas native. Texas is the second-largest state in the country and has seven different regions. Plants native to El Paso, Houston, and Lubbock won’t thrive as well as plants native to our area.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: How much you spend on each plant depends on the exact type and the size, but ballpark prices are $600-$3,000 for a new flower bed, $25-$50 per new shrub, or $150-$3,000 per new tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLess vegetation means less time maintaining it, so think about installing hardscapes. Hardscapes are any non-living feature in your yard. They’re functional, aesthetically pleasing, and low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few common hardscapes to consider:
\n\n\n\nOther than the occasional cleaning, hardscapes don’t need maintenance. That means no watering, mowing, pruning, or fertilizing, saving you time and money. Some hardscapes can be pricey, but you’d also be increasing your home’s value and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Costs will vary depending on the hardscape features you choose. Expect to spend approximately $2,000-$6,000 for a new patio, $4,000-$11,000 for a new deck, $500-$3,000 for a new fire pit, or $2,000-$9,000 for a new pergola. An outdoor kitchen ranges from $5,000 to $17,000.
\n\n\n\n![\"Clover](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_img_1583.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Stuart/Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor a thick, green, eco-friendly groundcover, try a clover lawn. Known for their shamrock-shaped leaves, clover lawns are heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and weed-resistant. They don’t need frequent mowing, don’t need aeration, reduce insects in your yard, and attract pollinators.
\n\n\n\nBut isn’t clover a weed? No, not really. Before the rise of herbicides in the 1950s, clover grew on every lawn. Because herbicides kill nearly everything but grass, chemical companies pushed the “clovers are weeds” story. Clover was labeled undesirable.
\n\n\n\nBut in fact, clover and turfgrass are companion plants, helping each other thrive. They fix nitrogen into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer for grass and surrounding plants. Now clover is considered a living mulch and is quickly gaining back popularity.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of a clover lawn:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re interested in companion planting your clover with turfgrass, choose a grass type that is best for Austin lawns.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Clover seeds are much cheaper than grass seeds — about $1 per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\n![\"water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Automatic-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe scorching hot sun and intermittent rainfall in Austin during the summers are challenging if you love having luscious, green turfgrass. You have to water your lawn every few days, which takes forever — unless you install an automatic irrigation system.
\n\n\n\nAutomatic irrigation allows you to set a timer for a predetermined time (about 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. is best) and length of time (for Austin, about 10-15 minutes is ideal). Once your system is set, you can walk away knowing your lawn and plants are well-hydrated year-round. Also, most systems are easy to adjust when you’re expecting more or less rainfall than normal.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of automatic irrigation:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on the size of your yard and the system you choose, automatic irrigation installation costs about $2,000 to $4,900.
\n\n\n\n![\"gardener](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garden-Bed-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most cost-effective, low-maintenance landscape ideas is mulch. Using mulch in your flower beds retains moisture, maintains soil temperature, and suppresses weeds while making plants pop in your yard. Mulching your beds is an easy DIY project. Inorganic mulches, like rubber and gravel, cost more but last for about 10 years. Organic mulch, like wood chips, costs less but needs to be replaced yearly.
\n\n\n\nTypes of organic mulch:
\n\n\n\nTypes of inorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Wood mulch usually costs about $3-$5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch costs about $7-$10 per 0.8 cubic-foot bag. Landscape gravel ranges a lot in price depending on the type of stone, from $4-$30 per 0.5 cubic-foot bag. You also can buy in bulk to further reduce cost.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rain](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rain-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you haven’t heard of a rain garden, you’re missing out. A rain garden consists of plants (usually native) in a shallow depression dug into your yard. The idea is that runoff rainwater will pool into your rain garden and water your plants. The depression also reduces flood risk, improves drainage, and recharges groundwater, making you eligible for a rebate.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens don’t require mowing, fertilization, herbicides, or pesticides, saving you money. The native plants naturally attract pollinators and biodiversity, which improves your lawn’s health. The plants also filter out chemicals, reducing water pollution. Plus, you’re helping to conserve water, a hugely precious resource given our population explosion.
\n\n\n\nIf a rain garden sounds right for you, here’s how to get started:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rain gardens:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Installing a rain garden yourself will cost about $1-$5 per square foot, depending on the size and the type of plants you choose. If you want to hire a professional, a rain garden will cost about $10-$20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garden-Pond.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nowis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA water garden, sometimes called an aquatic garden, is created in a water feature. Water gardens range from patio containers to man-made ponds and come in almost any shape and size. You’ll also be providing a water source for local wildlife, like deer, rabbits, and birds, and other organisms, which improves your yard’s health.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can grow a vast range of plants in your water garden, you also can include fish, like goldfish, koi fish, fathead minnows, and guppies. Dell Children’s Medical Center has a gorgeous water garden featuring koi fish. Want more? Add lighting, seating, and additional water features like a waterfall or fountain.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to create a spot in your yard that provides peace and tranquility, a water garden is a great idea. While you’ll need to maintain your water garden like a pool, you’ll save time and money on watering, mowing, fertilizing, and pest control for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a list of plants you can enjoy in your water garden:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of water gardens:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Small patio containers are relatively easy and inexpensive. However, if you want a larger one or a pond, professional installation ranges from $3,675 to $14,500.
\n\n\n\nOutdoor landscape lighting is inexpensive and has many benefits:
• Aesthetics: Simple lighting is beautiful, highlights plants, and adds texture to a nighttime landscape
• Visibility: With outdoor lighting, you can enjoy outdoor activities longer
• Safety: Traverse the lawn and landscaping without tripping over everything
• Security: A well-lit landscape deters intruders by eliminating dark areas that would conceal movement
Regular lawn care protects your turf from lawn-damaging weeds, diseases, and insects. It also ensures your flowers, trees, and shrubs are healthy. A well-cared-for lawn is less susceptible to floods and erosion, too.
Long grass entices dangerous snakes, rodents, and spiders, so you need to regularly mow your lawn to keep you and your family safe. And if you’re like one in four homeowners who has an HOA, regular lawn care protects against HOA fees, too.
Native plants will be the most low-maintenance plants in Austin. They are used to little water and high heat. They also have natural defenses against insects and diseases.
Here are a few of the most low-maintenance Austin-native plants.
• Little bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium)
• Desert willow (Chilopsis Linearis)
• Texas sage (Leucophyllum Frutescens)
• Rockrose (Pavonia Lasiopetala)
• Flame acanthus (Anisacanthus Quadrifidus var. Wrightii)
If you prefer spending your outdoor time playing sports, sunbathing, or smoking a brisket in your backyard but still want a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape, we can help. Whether you need a hardscape or lawn mowed, we have an experienced, highly-rated local Austin professional who can help with all your landscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Pam Penick’s Austin Front Yard / Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nAustinites keep it weird with our local celebrities, our infamous murals, and our love of nature. One way we show our love of nature is by growing flowers, shrubs, and trees native to the area. If you need ideas, we have 15 of the best native plants that are perfect for your Austin landscape.
\n\n\n\nBut why should you choose native plants for your landscape? Here are a few of the benefits:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49643314492_80a78d3d2a_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: jimduggan24 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blue mistflower is an eye-catching wildflower famous for its bluish-purple fuzzy flowers. The nectar-producing blooms grow in a nearly-flat cluster at the top of the plant. The bright blooms attract bees and butterflies and stand out against the dark-green leaves. You can check them out at Zilker’s Botanical Garden.
\n\n\n\nUniquely beautiful, the blue mistflower blooms in late summer and fall. In the wild, they’re often found in stream banks, wet meadows, and ditches. For landscaping, they’re perfect for borders, groundcover, and rain gardens. Usually sown from seeds, the blue mistflower is fast growing and needs to be trimmed and pruned to prevent it from crowding out your other plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 5-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; invasive if left unchecked; attracts bees
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/14897851758_fcb78dab1d_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Marmot / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe desert willow resembles a willow but isn’t actually part of the willow family, it’s a member of the bignonia family. With a slew of sweet-smelling pink, white, or purple flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees flock to the desert willow’s nectar-rich blooms. This small, fast-growing ornamental tree is drought resistant and excellent for erosion control. It also makes a great focal point for any yard.
\n\n\n\nThe desert willow requires minimal trimming and is known as a set-it-and-forget-it tree. However, it can be pruned into a large shrub if that’s the aesthetic you’re looking for. Desert willow is popular for xeriscaping or limestone-heavy soil because of its low water needs. You can see them in bloom at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in late spring, summer, and early fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 40 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained limestone soils are preferred, but also does well in sands, loams, clays, caliches, granitic, and rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water occasionally if no rain after 30 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Alterneria leaf spot; attracts wildlife and bees
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/35674161932_8884b13f68_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Earl McGehee / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe flame acanthus is a Texas native with many nicknames, including Hummingbird Bush, Texas Firecracker Plant, Mexican Flame, and more. As one of its nicknames suggests, hummingbirPds love the nectar that flows from the reddish-orange, tubular flowers. It also attracts bees and birds but is deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPreferring full sun and low moisture, the flame acanthus is an ideal choice for xeriscaping, perennial gardens, and patio pots. Shockingly, this plant can live for more than 30 years. While you will need to control the shrub’s growth, it only requires trimming after the flowers bloom.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable to many soils but prefers well-drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; reseeds profusely; attracts bees
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flameleaf-Sumac.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mike Tilley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the Texan sumac and the prairie flameleaf sumac, the flameleaf sumac puts on a fiery show of fire-engine-red leaves in the fall, hence the name. This native shrub is also eye-catching in bloom with its tiny white flowers. The red berries that follow the blooms can be steeped for a tasty tea rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
\n\n\n\nThis tree is not a skin irritant, unlike the similar-sounding, rash-inducing poison sumac. Flameleaf sumac is also a haven for many species, like birds, bees, and small animals. It’s also highly resistant to both pests and diseases, except Verticillium wilt, a fungal disease. This ornamental beauty is a showstopper in any Austin yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Usually 12-15 feet, but can grow up to 30 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, calcareous, well-drained limestone soils, including clays, loams, and sands.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; potential to be invasive because it seeds itself; susceptible to Verticillium wilt
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Penstemon_triflorus_flowers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSometimes called the Hill Country beardtongue or the scarlet beardtongue, the Hill Country penstemon is an Edwards Plateau native. The vibrant pink or red tube-shaped flowers stand out against the dark green oval leaves. The hairy stamen gives the showy flower the nickname “beardtongue.” This ornamental plant is perfect for perennial gardens and cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nDuring its growing season, this nectar-rich plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and deer. While the Hill Country penstemon is relatively short, the flowers are big in comparison, about 2 inches long. You can see the flowers in bloom in spring and early summer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall; 1.5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, limestone-based soils: sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water if 3 to 4 weeks without rain
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to brown spot; attracts deer and bees
\n\n\n\n![\"leaves](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pxfuel.com-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nNative to central Texas, lacey oak trees are found in many Austin area landscapes. They’re named after Howard Lacey, who first collected specimens on his property about two hours west of Austin. The rounded-toothed leaves are peach-colored in spring and fall. In the summer, they take on a smokey grayish-green color. Lacey oaks produce yellow flowers that turn into acorns.
\n\n\n\nBecause lacey oak is resistant to wilt, they’re often preferred over live oak and red oak. The medium-sized tree is an excellent food source and shelter for small mammals and birds. Fun fact: The largest known lacey oak grows just next door in Blanco County. It stands just under 60 feet tall, and the trunk is just over 3 feet in diameter. Wow!
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, limestone or rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; attracts deer; susceptible to oak phylloxera insects
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oenothera_macrocarpa_kz06-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nDespite its name, Missouri primrose is native to the entire south-central United States, including Texas. Even though it has bright yellow elongated flowers, it’s primarily nocturnal, meaning it blooms at night and closes in the day. The Missouri evening primrose is a nectar source that mostly attracts hawk moths but also native bees and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThe showy plant grows easily from seed or stem cuttings. Considered a trailing plant, the Missouri evening primrose is often grown in poor soil gardens, rock gardens, or containers. Remove dead blooms and cut back damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. You can check out these stunning, large, four-petaled blooms at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-10 inches
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils: calcareous, sandy, limestone-based, sandy Loam, medium Loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to root rot
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_4596500345_9f38e0a8fa_c.jpg\")
Native to south-central United States and Central America, prairie verbena is found in grassy areas, along roadsides, trails, and landscapes all over Texas, including Austin. In fact, they’re on display at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Austin chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.
\n\n\n\nAlso called “moradilla,” Spanish for “little purple one,” this beautiful plant puts on a show with clusters of violet, purple, or pink flowers against dark green, unusual-shaped leaves (like large, elongated parsley leaves). This long-blooming (March through October), nectar-producing flower attracts butterflies and birds with its sweet fragrance but is deer resistant. The creeping prairie verbena provides superb groundcover in most gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 16 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, and limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Powdery Mildew
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nNative to the Edwards Plateau through the Rio Grande and into Mexico, the rock rose is a popular choice for Austin landscapes and perennial gardens due to its high heat tolerance and beautiful blooms. The showy, paper-thin, pink or yellow flowers contrast exquisitely with the coarsely toothed, dark green leaves. To see it up close, take a stroll through Zilker’s Botanical Gardens.
\n\n\n\nRock rose is an easily grown shrub that needs to be cut back before winter to encourage bushy, compact growth. The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, nectar moths, and butterflies. The flowers only bloom for a short time before falling off to make room for the next one, but the flowers bloom spring, summer, and fall. Surprisingly, the rock rose fragrance is more prominent in the foliage than the bloom.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-13
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, well-drained, rocky or limestone soils: caliche, sandy, clay, and loam (sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to mildew and gray mold (also known as botrytis blight)
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/18658601076_734cc969bc_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: F. D. Richards / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe roughleaf dogwood is an adaptable tree native to the central United States west of the Mississippi and Ontario but now flourishes amid the eastern U.S. too. The large clusters of creamy white flowers turn into bunches of fleshy white berries in late fall. The roughleaf dogwood gets its name from the hairy upper part of its oval leaf.
\n\n\n\nThe roughleaf dogwood blooms attract nectar insects like butterflies and native bees. Small birds feast on the berries while nesting amongst the branches. The tree’s also great for erosion control. While the roughleaf dogwood grows throughout Austin landscapes, it’s also featured at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, alkaline soils. Limestone-based, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, acid-based, calcareous
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to several pests and diseases, but they don’t typically affect the tree’s growth
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hesperaloe_parviflora_Ponteilla.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sylenius / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the hummingbird yucca or the false yucca, the Texas red yucca isn’t actually part of the yucca family. It does resemble a yucca with its long, thin, grasslike leaves and tall wand-like flower stems, but it’s classified as a succulent. Native to Texas and Northern Mexico, the Texas red yucca is heat, cold, and drought tolerant.
\n\n\n\nHummingbirds love the coral, yellow, or red flowers, but so do deer. The dark, olive-green leaves stay green all year, while the flowers bloom from February to July. This evergreen plant is ideal for rock gardens or xeriscaping but thrives in most well-draining soils. If you want to see this beautiful plant firsthand, check it out at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-10
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Succulent
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall; 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained sand, loam, caliche, limestone.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low; no water once established, but occasional watering might be needed if no rainfall after 30 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw plant is toxic to humans and dogs, but cooked Texas Red Yucca is edible.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Leucophyllum_frutescens_Purple_Sage_W_IMG_1125.jpg\")
Photo Credit: J.M. Garg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Texas and Northern Mexico, the Texas sage has several nicknames, including Barometer Bush and Texas Silverleaf. This beautiful shrub gets the “silver” part of its nickname from its leaves that are densely covered in stellate (silvery hairs). Use it in rock gardens or as a hedge.
\n\n\n\nThe Texas sage leaves give the shrub a gray-silvery appearance, which enhances the white, pink, purple, or violet blooms. The year-round blooming flowers are about an inch wide and almost bell-shaped. The flowers bloom in periods of rain or high humidity, hence the nickname “Barometer Bush.” The nectar-producing blooms attract butterflies to your yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Usually 2-5 feet, but can grow up to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained, rocky or limestone-based soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to very low; water if 3-4 weeks without rain
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Cotton Root Rot
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Wisteria_frutescens_Amethyst_Falls_3zz-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the American wisteria, the Texas wisteria is native to the entire eastern half and south-central United States, including Texas. This woody, climbing vine usually produces long clusters (6-8 inches) of purple flowers in early summer. The flowers can also be pink, blue, or white. The flowers turn into large pea pods that are not edible, so keep pets away.
\n\n\n\nThe fragrant flowers produce nectar and attract butterflies and moths. While not as aggressive as the Asian cousin, Texas wisteria can crowd out other plants and is best grown on an arbor or trellis. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center proudly displays Texas Wisteria as part of its collection.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flowering vine
\n\n\n\nMature size: 25-30 feet tall; 3-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist to mesic, neutral to slightly acidic soils: sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, and clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; if there is no rainfall, water every 2-3 weeks
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to pets and humans, except flowers are edible
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Callirhoe_involucrata_20107857120.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe winecup flower is prevalent throughout most of the United States and is one of the most common wild herbs in Texas. Its purple, white, or pink flowers bloom in spring and early summer. The winecup flower is used as a flower bed cover, in hanging baskets, or draping over a wall.
\n\n\n\nThe nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and deer. The plant’s roots can be used for medicinal purposes, including for head colds and pain. The chalice-shaped flower blooms most of the year except when it goes dormant in late summer. You can see this plant throughout Austin fields, landscapes, and at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-12 inches tall spreading to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen, semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, calcareous, acid-based, rocky, gravelly and sandy soils: clay, clay loam, medium loam, sandy loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to pests or diseases if the soil is too wet when it may contract root or crown rot
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/iStock-1464390827-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Istock
\n\n\n\nNative to Texas and Oklahoma, Wright’s purple skullcap is also called shrubby skullcap or bushy skullcap. Named after the famous botanist Charles Wright, Wright’s purple skullcap is a popular choice for Austin landscape due to its drought and heat resistance. The small, violet, cone-shaped, nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nWright’s purple skullcap blooms in spring and summer, attracting deer. If you want to check out this lovely, hardy shrub, you can see it on display throughout Texas, including Texas Discovery Garden in Dallas, Jacob’s Well Natural Area in Wimberly, and right here in Austin at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 inches
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand, loam, chalk, limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; highly pest resistant; susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet
\n\n\n\nAnyone who lives in Austin knows that our city is much different than the rest of the state. Texas has seven geographical regions, so not all Texas-native plants are good choices for Austin.
\n\n\n\nJust because a plant is an Austin native doesn’t mean it will do well in your landscape. Make sure the plant you choose is compatible with your yard’s microclimate, such as soil type and sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nAustin’s soil consists of three ecoregions, each with different soil types: the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairies, and the Post Oak Savannah Floodplains.
\n\n\n\nEdwards Plateau
\n\n\n\nBlackland Prairie
\n\n\n\nPost Oak Savannah Floodplains
\n\n\n\nLook into which soil type is found in your yard to help you determine the best plants for your landscape. While researching, discover excellent low-maintenance landscape ideas and the best grass types for your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re planting in spring, plant between Jan. 15 and March 1. If you’re planting in the fall, start between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1. These ranges come from the Texas DOT and USDA plant hardiness zones. Austin’s plant hardiness zones are 8a-8b. Austin falls right on the line between those two zones. The hardiness zones help gardeners and landscapers determine what plants will thrive in a certain area based on winter low temperatures. In Austin, albeit rare, the temperature can be as low as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why Austin falls in the 8a-8b zones.
Austin has tons of native plants according to the Native Plant Society of Texas, Austin Chapter. But there are a few things that most Austin native plants have in common.
The simple answer is “yes,” however, there are restrictions depending on the water ban stage and where you live. Here are some common watering restrictions.
If you want to introduce native plants into your landscape, source them ethically. Don’t remove plants from the wild to transplant them into your yard. You can disturb wildlife habitats and introduce pests and diseases to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nInstead, check out the plant selection at one of these local nurseries that Austin Monthly recommends:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve filled your garden with low-maintenance native plants, it might be time to turn your attention to the lawn. Make sure you have one of the best grass types for Austin for the healthiest lawn possible. Then, keep your grass healthy without breaking a sweat by hiring a highly-rated Austin professional to handle lawn care for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Daniel Norton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"15 Best Native Plants for Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.4193548387096775,"src":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1789c/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/107df/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/293e9/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/f2cbb/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1789c/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/c26c2/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1dd6e/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/67b76/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 320w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/8df11/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 500w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/98a65/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 800w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1dd6e/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 960w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/3cc96/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"15 Best Native Plants for Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are key to the healthy mico-ecosystem of your garden and landscaping. Discover the best native plants for your Austin yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"77f56b20-5ed4-55be-bd4c-db173a406496","slug":"best-grass-types-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-types-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Even in the dead of winter, Austin temperatures average over 60 degrees, so it’s no wonder residents spend time in their yards year-round. Austinites love their barbeque and tacos, and enjoy eating them at parties in their luscious green backyard with friends and family. If you want an impressive lawn, choosing the right grass type […]
\n","content":"\nEven in the dead of winter, Austin temperatures average over 60 degrees, so it’s no wonder residents spend time in their yards year-round. Austinites love their barbeque and tacos, and enjoy eating them at parties in their luscious green backyard with friends and family. If you want an impressive lawn, choosing the right grass type is critical.
\n\n\n\nWith Austin’s scorching summers and mild winters, warm-season grasses thrive. While warm-season grasses are common in the South, they go dormant in the winter. So along with the best warm-season grass types, we’ve included a cool-season grass that will keep your Austin lawn green in the winter.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the optimal growing climate, there are two types of grasses: Cool-season and warm-season. The primary difference is how they photosynthesize, each requiring different temperatures and environments. Here’s what you can expect from cool-season and warm-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nTypically, cool-season grasses grow in the North, preferring cold winters and mild summers. Heat is the main hurdle for cool-season grasses. As temperatures rise, they need more energy to stay green. Eventually, it becomes too hot for cool-season grass, and they’ll go dormant (turn brown).
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider with cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in places like Austin with hot summers and mild winters. Winters can be stressful for warm-season grasses, so when temperatures drop, warm-season grasses go dormant.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider with cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nWhether installing a new lawn or fixing an existing one, we’ve got four warm-season grasses and one cool-season grass that will transform your Austin lawn and keep it looking great year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nIn Texas, bermudagrass is the most popular grass type. It’s popular due to its fast growth rate, durability in high-traffic areas, and high heat tolerance. Conversely, bermudagrass needs frequent mowing, has low shade tolerance, and tends to develop thatch.
\n\n\n\nCommon in Austin and throughout the South, this light-green, fine-textured grass is used in home lawns, sports fields, and parks. Because of its deep roots and high growth rate, bermudagrass can be considered aggressive and high-maintenance. Even though those traits are great for durability, some homeowners prefer a hybrid mix to cut down on upkeep.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, but susceptible to Spring dead spot, Root decline, Dollar spot, Leaf spot, Large patch; low resistance to insects and susceptible to, Bermudagrass mite, White grubs, Hunting billbug, Mole crickets, Cutworms, Armyworms, Sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Starr-070906-8535-Stenotaphrum_secundatum-habit-Kula_Ace_Hardware_and_Nursery-Maui_24264673843.jpg\")
Photo Credits: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAustin has live oaks everywhere around the city, so St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice due to its high shade tolerance. This warm-season grass is easy to establish because of its fast growth rate. However, St. Augustinegrass doesn’t hold up well in high-traffic areas or an uncommonly cold Austin winter.
\n\n\n\nThis thick, coarsely textured, dark green grass has moderate mowing requirements. It is susceptible to disease and pests, like chinch bugs. While St. Augustinegrass is native to the coastal areas and has high salt tolerance, it grows well in most soils. It’s not available as seed, only as sod, sprigs, or plugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, take-all root rot. Susceptible to some pests, including chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, armyworms, webworms, grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil. compaction.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWith about 11 cultivars available in Texas, Zoysiagrass is excellent for homeowners looking for a grass that tolerates drought, shade, cold, and heavy traffic. While Zoysiagrass has moderate mowing and water needs, it doesn’t need much fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nIt comes in light- to medium-green varieties and has thin- and thick-bladed options. Zoysiagrass does well against pests and diseases, and its density crowds out weeds. Its beautifully soft texture makes it one of the best “barefoot grasses” available.
\n\n\n\nAlthough Zoysiagrass is available as seed, it’s recommended to use sod because of its slow growth rate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall; can be susceptible to large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot; insects susceptibility includes Zoysiagrass mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, armyworms, chinch bugs, sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if the grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_pixnio-4149-2560x1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a warm-season grass that thrives in Austin’s dry climate. This cold and drought-tolerant grass loves the sun and is pest and disease resistant. However, it doesn’t stand up well against high traffic and shade.
\n\n\n\nThis North American native grass is grayish green, and its slow growth rate means it does not need frequent mowing. Once established with seeds, sod, or plugs, it needs very little water or fertilizer. Its low growth density means thatch isn’t a problem for buffalograss, but weeds can be.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases, but susceptible to bipolaris leaf spot; susceptible to some insects, including mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, buffalograss chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhile ryegrass has a perennial and annual variation, perennial ryegrass is more desirable for your Austin lawn. Perennial ryegrass is much softer, richer, and more vibrant than the course, light green annual ryegrass. This cool-season grass keeps your lawn lush and green in the winter but will need extra attention in the summer due to its low heat and drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass is often mixed with other grasses to keep your lawn looking great year-round. While it’s susceptible to diseases like dollar spot and brown patch, it’s pest resistant. The sun-loving grass dislikes shade but establishes very quickly.
\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; susceptible to gray leaf spot, dollar spot, brown patch, red thread, rust, pythium blight; insect susceptibility includes billbugs, greenbug aphids, chinch bugs
\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, and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to care for your lawn depends on the type of grass planted in your yard. However, you should follow a few universal tips and tricks for a healthy lawn. Mow at the right time: Mid-morning, about 9 a.m., or mid-afternoon, about 5 p.m. is the best time of the day to mow. Mowing after the dew dries prevents tearing the grass blades and mowing before the sun sets decreases the risk of disease. Leave grass clippings: Grass clippings provide essential (and free) nutrients for your lawn. However, if your grass is exceptionally long, collect them, or you risk growing mold or smothering your lawn. Keep mower blades sharp: Dull blades rip and tear your grass blades, causing a brown grass tip and a ragged-looking lawn. It also makes your grass more susceptible to disease.
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April. Planting at this time gives the seed enough time to germinate before the summer scorches the lawn.
Bermudagrass is the most drought-tolerant grass type in Austin home lawns.
While most warm-season grasses will do well on your Austin landscape, think about the following when making the best choice for you.
\n\n\n\nChoosing a grass type can be overwhelming, but Austin lawn care professionals can help. Whether you want to install low-maintenance landscaping with things like native plants, or just want someone to maintain the lawn you have, Wikilawn has highly-rated experts that will turn your outdoor space into a lush, emerald oasis.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Smokeybear69 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/1789c/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/107df/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 320w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/293e9/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 500w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/f2cbb/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 800w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/1789c/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 960w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/c26c2/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/1dd6e/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/67b76/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 320w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/8df11/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 500w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/98a65/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 800w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/1dd6e/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 960w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/3cc96/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you need to establish a lawn or your existing lawn is a mess, you need the perfect grass. Learn about the best warm and cool-season grass for Austin lawns."}}},{"node":{"id":"ad308c4e-4f81-5cdf-938b-ab5aa5fad6a1","slug":"grass-types-ausitn","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/grass-types-ausitn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 13th, 2020","excerpt":"There are a few different grass types for lawns Austin, TX each with their pros and cons. Here are the top choices for Austinites looking for new grass in their lawns: St. Augustine The most popular grass type in Austin is St. Augustine for several reasons. St. Augustine grass grows fast and tolerates shade. It […]
\n","content":"\nThere are a few different grass types for lawns Austin, TX each with their pros and cons. Here are the top choices for Austinites looking for new grass in their lawns:
\n\n\n\nThe most popular grass type in Austin is St. Augustine for several reasons. St. Augustine grass grows fast and tolerates shade. It doesn’t mind the warm weather so that this grass can handle scorching temperatures. You can use plugs and sods to plant and make sure you install them during early spring.
\n\n\n\nA negative to consider is that St. Augustine requires more maintenance than other varieties. You need to fertilize four times per year and water frequently, especially throughout drought periods. Installing an irrigation system is wise. You also must plan to mow frequently to avoid thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a common pick for Austin lawns, suited perfectly for central Texas climate. Residents select this variety, but you can find it on football fields as well. It offers rugged resilience and disease resistance.
\n\n\n\nYou do need to make sure you install an irrigation system or water frequently. Depending on what variety you select – common or improved – you may find yourself fertilizing and watering often. Bermudagrass isn’t a good choice for shady lawns.
\n\n\n\nZoysia is a beautiful, thick turf that tolerates shade well. If your grass experiences a lot of wear and traffic, Zoysia is a great choice. Unlike St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grows slower, so you don’t have to mow as often. That’s a bonus!
\n\n\n\nOn the other side, Zoysia takes one to three seasons to establish and doesn’t handle damage well. You will need to fertilize often and ensure that it is properly watered. Zoysia grass doesn’t tolerate drought. If you decide to go with Zoysia grass, learn how to maintain it properly, and your grass will look fantastic.
\n\n\n\nBuffalo grass is a Texas native turf grass that is rugged. It is naturally drought tolerant and disease resistant, making it a safe choice for Austin homeowners. You don’t have to worry about watering often or installing an irrigation system. Best of all, it only grows about 5 to 6 inches, so you don’t have to mow frequently.
\n\n\n\nThe only negative to buffalo grass is that it isn’t the prettiest lawn. It is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to put the time or resources into lawn care.
\n\n\n\nTaking care of your lawn in Austin, TX requires some dedication and understanding of the climate. It is important that you understand the tasks you should accomplish each season. During each season, pay attention to the different needs of your lawn, whether it is core aeration or proper irrigation. Use this guide to understand proper lawn care in Austin, TX.
\n","title":"The 5 Popular Grass Types in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/1789c/pixabay-green-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/107df/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/293e9/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/f2cbb/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/1789c/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/4fb49/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/1dd6e/pixabay-green-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/67b76/pixabay-green-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/8df11/pixabay-green-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/98a65/pixabay-green-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/1dd6e/pixabay-green-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/62477/pixabay-green-grass.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 5 Popular Grass Types in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"4984eb1f-13e3-56d1-8213-a81c782eac31","slug":"worst-weeds-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/worst-weeds-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 18th, 2019","excerpt":"It’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, prevent, and remove the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll discover:
\n\n\n\nLike any villain, weeds exploit weaknesses. If your lawn has a problem, they’ll find it and take advantage of it. Weeds are typically a symptom of an underlying issue, like thinning turf, soil compaction, or improper pH levels. Routine maintenance, like mowing, fertilizing, and watering, will keep your lawn healthy and prevent weeds from taking root.
\n\n\n\nThere are many reasons weeds are bad for your Austin lawn, including:
\n\n\n\nThere are two effective weed control methods: hand pulling and chemical treatments. Hand pulling is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Before selecting your removal method, identify the weeds you are dealing with to ensure the most effective removal.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree hand weeding is just as necessary as chemical removal methods. Aim to weed your yard and garden weekly or bi-weekly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nWhether your yard is weed-free or overrun with problems, you’ll want to watch for several types of weeds. Some are stealthy, and some are bold, but these are the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Annual-Sow-Thistle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle grows in almost every state, anywhere, including roadsides, lawns, and meadows. The plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and blooms in late spring and fall. Annual sow thistle harbors pests and looks like a cousin of dandelions.
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle is aggressive and has a shallow taproot that allows for easy hand removal. Several pre and post-emergent herbicides are also effective. Specimens have hairless, blue-green, lobed leaves attached to thick, hollow stems that produce milky sap. The flowers are bright yellow and urn-shaped, maturing into a puffy seed head similar to a dandelion.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter; summer
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained, sand, loam, clay, or chalk
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chickweed-Stellaria-Media.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChickweed seeds remain viable for 10 years, and each plant has around 25,000 seeds, making it incredibly difficult to eradicate. This upright plant creates a thick mat of small, smooth, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers.
\n\n\n\nChickweed sprouts in late summer and fall and grows through winter. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils and in shady areas under trees, close to homes, or along garden walls. Thankfully, these weeds respond well to hand pulling, and if you’re hungry, you can eat them in a salad or pesto. Just be sure to wash it first.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; shaded, moist areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/25140451756_2a557dd4c7_c-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass started off as a forage plant for livestock in the 1800s. Homeowners often confuse dallisgrass with crabgrass. This invasive nuisance forms clumps using deep rhizomes. Specimens are low-growing and coarsely textured with light green leaves and long seed heads atop tall stalks.
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass grows faster than turfgrass, and the longer it grows, the harder it is to control. It is one of the more common and problematic weeds in the Southern and Southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; moist sand or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/800px-Taraxacum_officinale_001.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell / Wikimedia Common / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDandelion is one of the most recognizable weeds in the world. The long, deeply lobed leaves form a rosette. Its rounded yellow flowers turn into fluffy puff balls that carry seeds on the wind, infesting your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHand pulling or dandelion forks work well for removal. After you rip them from your lawn, you can clean them off and eat them in everything from cookies to ice cream. Dandelion tea is also popular. Medicinally, they help with several ailments, including:
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, dandelion ford, post-emergent broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHomeowners often confuse goosegrass, also known as wiregrass, with smooth crabgrass. Specimens have leaf sheaths that end in long, thin, green, slightly hairy leaves. The seed heads comprise one to six-inch long spikes growing in a row to resemble a zipper.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass has fibrous roots and prefers compacted soil. One plant produces up to 50,000 seeds and is difficult to eliminate. They are resistant to many pre and post-emergent herbicides. Good aeration and lawn maintenance practices are the best control methods.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; prefer compacted soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; used medicinally
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, non-selective post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHenbit creeps into lawns in the early spring and grows until summer when it goes dormant. You can identify specimens from their pale purple and red blooms that grow in dense whorls. Leaves are egg-shaped, blunt, and coarsely toothed.
\n\n\n\nHenbit is a member of the mint family and is popular with bees and hummingbirds. The leaves, flowers, and square stems are edible with a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, sometimes compared to celery.
\n\n\n\nHenbit has shallow, fibrous roots and grows upright. Choose a dense, warm-season grass and maintain it regularly. It’s important to avoid overwatering, which encourages henbit growth and seed germination.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nOften labeled as the world’s worst weed, nutsedge is also called nutgrass and comes in yellow and purple varieties. Nutsedge resembles grass but grows twice as fast. You’ll notice the long, thin, light green (yellow) or dark green (purple) leaves grow taller than the rest of your lawn shortly after a mow. Aeration and proper watering techniques help control nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLike goosegrass, nutsedge has spiked seed heads. It grows via tubers and rhizomes, six to 12 inches deep. Hand-pulling nutsedge often leaves the tubers, creating a new plant in its place. Apply several applications of chemical herbicide to fend off nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Sedge
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun and wet soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses.
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, weed fork, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nPurslane, or hogweed, is a prostrate-growing plant with shiny, oblong leaves. It is fast-growing with purple-red stems and produces small, five-petaled, yellow flowers. Tiny black seeds form inside egg-shaped pods and are viable for up to 40 years. Purslane responds well to hand removal.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-12
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun; prefers well-drained, moist sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Quackgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nQuackgrass is quick-growing and resembles crabgrass. It establishes via rhizomes. Instead of spikes, the seed heads resemble wheat. Also known as common couch, quackgrass has blue-green leaves and a distinctive auricle, a small appendage that clasps around the stem.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rescuegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRescuegrass, or prairie grass, grows in late spring, summer, and fall in dense concentrations of sword-like, green leaves. Specimens crowd native plants, starving them of beneficial nutrients. The hairy leaf sheaths are a lighter green than the rest of the leaf, and the yellow seed heads have wheat-like, flattened spikelets. Remove rescuegrass by hand, but wear gloves because it is toxic to some people.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; skin irritant
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand removal, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smooth-Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThere are around 35 types of crabgrass, but the one that affects Austin homeowners the most is smooth crabgrass. It is low-growing and has dull green leaves. Its stems turn reddish-purple with age. Smooth crabgrass tolerates mowing and still produces seed at ½ inch in height.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: All
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spotted-Spurge-Trifolium-Repens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nFind spotted spurge on roadsides, sidewalk cracks, gardens, and lawns in late May through summer. Control its growth with mulch or hand-pull pesky specimens. Spotted spurge is a prostrate-growing groundcover with small, dark green, oval leaves with a dark red to purple spot in the middle.
\n\n\n\nThe stems are pink to dark red and excrete a milky sap when broken or cut. Spotted spurge blooms tiny white or pink flowers, forming inconspicuous clusters. The leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits are all slightly hairy.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; skin irritant; toxic to sheep
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\nStop weeds from taking root with these helpful tips:
● Choose the right grass type: certain grass types, like bermudagrass, are aggressive and naturally crowd out weeds.
● Keep a healthy lawn: mow, water, and fertilize according to your grass cultivar; a healthy lawn is more prepared to fend off invasive weeds.
● Apply pre-emergent herbicide: these chemicals prevent weeds from germinating
● Mulch: prevents weeds and aids in soil moisture retention
● Pull by hand: remove weeds as soon as possible
Follower these universal steps to maximize your lawn’s health:
● Mow at the right time: Mid-morning, about 9 a.m., or mid-afternoon, about 5 p.m.
● Leave grass clippings: Grass clippings provide essential nutrients for your lawn
● Keep mower blades sharp: Dull blades rip and tear your grass, causing a brown grass tip and a ragged-looking lawn
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April to avoid late-season frost and give the seed enough time to germinate before the summer.
One of the best ways to keep weeds out of your lawn is to practice good lawn maintenance. Lawn care is a lot of work, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let Wikilawn connect you with an Austin lawn care professional, so you can spend more time enjoying your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Henbit / KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"12 Worst Weeds in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.345291479820628,"src":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1789c/Henbit.jpg","srcSet":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/107df/Henbit.jpg 320w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/293e9/Henbit.jpg 500w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/f2cbb/Henbit.jpg 800w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1789c/Henbit.jpg 960w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/c26c2/Henbit.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1dd6e/Henbit.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/67b76/Henbit.webp 320w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/8df11/Henbit.webp 500w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/98a65/Henbit.webp 800w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1dd6e/Henbit.webp 960w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/3cc96/Henbit.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Worst Weeds in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 12 worst weeds plaguing Austin, TX. Learn how to identify and combat these invasive plants in our comprehensive guide."}}},{"node":{"id":"aca1e38c-cd04-534d-b5ae-99cdca5afcbe","slug":"native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-austin-round-rock","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-austin-round-rock/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 9th, 2019","excerpt":"If your peonies are looking puny and your daffodils are drooping, chances are, you planted some seriously unsuitable plants in a hostile environment. In the hot, humid, and often drought-stricken climate of Central Texas, the more native plants in your landscape, the higher your chances of enjoying low-maintenance flowers year-round. To get you started, here’s […]
\n","content":"\nIf your peonies are looking puny and your daffodils are drooping, chances are, you planted some seriously unsuitable plants in a hostile environment. In the hot, humid, and often drought-stricken climate of Central Texas, the more native plants in your landscape, the higher your chances of enjoying low-maintenance flowers year-round. To get you started, here’s a guide to some of the native plants and flowers that thrive in Austin and Round Rock.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ah3C0U0Qf7eUWghPnv0n8PpADI2KdSW7EFWSUBTnMGGIdGHQdjdtZj8zvSZESQGRHktIq2duYZyFcaB0BbzqRu0r8U4eP5RwTNtH4tQ32R8MdA40JNDCH7CT6LmIp7lxl5ldWRMm\")
Ground covers serve many purposes. They form a base layer in your landscape design that provides ground-level color and texture. They also shade the ground, which helps to conserve water. Silver ponyfoot is a beautiful, bright ground cover that forms a dense mat of tiny cup-shaped leaves. The leaves cascade over the edges of containers and terraces. Lyre-leaf sage is a hearty, flowering ground cover with evergreen leaves that’s often used around the bases of trees, as it performs well in sun or shade. Sedum is a succulent ground cover that tolerates poor soil. It comes in many shapes and sizes, flowers in the fall and blushes red in the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/m4hgqIsMp92Xm0gQ3CHjzZvb4Q6tg4TVbtVVUUrjP4GB0DwwXlYk9WhK2tVUPQR0DJ2qSMsec66nYnhrSfPj-rYVb1g_7bL7p_X-BltZyO-KBCiEkbx0fS0eF6jQXqag22Vs1D_3\")
Photo credit: AbbeyCF on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nFor concealing unsightly fences and adding vertical color and texture to walls and surfaces, vines are perfect. Fig vine will cling to walls, forming a vertical evergreen carpet, even in part shade. Carolina jessamine creates a wall of foliage with yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Star jasmine features glossy leaves that withstand cold winters and fills the air with the sweetest fragrance. Crossvine and coral honeysuckle add color to walls, fences, and trellises. They also provide nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and birds throughout the seasons.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mFq2WLhtekSRYir9NpDpw4Ndpisqib6U4Iemac2laRObLrTVmgT2s572aWBO3l5EY8WEJN09iEbVOA9w9FanPG30feEjjq--MX4zzu8APB-yqm3kzbTCjtu9szu3oYtvs1HGfoOP\")
For seasonal interest that returns year after year, plant perennials in your landscape. Most of these plants are cut back to a few inches in the winter and return vigorously each spring. Esperanza, or yellow bells, throws out cheerful yellow or orange blooms that last throughout the hottest summer. Cast iron plants have blade-like, evergreen foliage that performs well in the shade. Bicolor iris forms tidy evergreen clumps with creamy, yellow flowers in spring and early summer. Purple coneflower and rock rose throw up pops of pink that draw butterflies. Duranta or skyflower is a dense perennial with deep purplish-blue flowers from summer to autumn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k8BSABeJRTkLyYb615zNykCJUaCnypigNbCZlbjdmb0aAa4MAFCSpgvmUAvcbOygMZK5GbBa34xsLz1SfYkKZ3fNdWSCwiwnHoqEZC57XkE9uxm1uM_-rL5zM0bAm3pweLr9B2ZI\")
Shrubs give landscapes color, texture, and often privacy and structure. Possumhaw holly lends a bit of flair to the yard with festive, red berries in the fall that persist even as the leaves drop off — to dramatic effect. Japanese aralia can give shaded areas a lush, tropical feel. Wooly butterfly bush is an unusual shrub featuring fuzzy, grayish leaves and bizarre orange flowers that butterflies flock to. Texas sage is a silvery-leafed shrub that blooms before rainstorms. That’s why it’s affectionately nicknamed “barometer bush.” Any number of roses, from antique climbers to the knockout cultivars can add fragrant, colorful flowers to your beds year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LdD_mab1Zwv2dUI9UE8oS5uUHEDFTZVd-WJs2PpM9eW954qS7Ij5mUhLhFTp9NTZZq6BmJqIXD8OEr0Ow_-lvI09LbgjqY5_tUyQi5IVcNyqURr83ghSainCOMSKDVTGBSFuBmUN\")
Photo credit: wormwood_3 on VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to understory trees and bold autumn colors, there are a number of small native trees and shrubs that fit the bill. The Texas smoke tree has beautiful fall foliage and flowers that, once spent, display stunning, smoke-like poofs. Mexican redbuds burst into bright pink blooms in springtime. The flameleaf sumac erupts into brilliant flame-like colors in autumn.
This is a very short list to demonstrate the wonderful range of native plants and flowers available in Austin and Round Rock. There are far more natives than you may imagine. By getting back to our roots and with native plants in your landscape, you can spend less time working on the garden and more time enjoying it.
Interested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX, lawn care page.
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