![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Nature lovers have plenty of reasons to cherish life in Wisconsin. After hiking to Big Manitou Falls or exploring the Cave of the Mounds, you might feel like staying home and relaxing in your own backyard. For this reason, we’ll cover the best grass seed for Wisconsin to help transform those bare spots into a […]
\n","content":"\nNature lovers have plenty of reasons to cherish life in Wisconsin. After hiking to Big Manitou Falls or exploring the Cave of the Mounds, you might feel like staying home and relaxing in your own backyard. For this reason, we’ll cover the best grass seed for Wisconsin to help transform those bare spots into a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWith several grass varieties to choose from, it is important to distinguish between warm- and cool-season grass. Since Wisconsin has cool temperatures throughout most of the year, you’ll have the most success with cool-season grass types. Here are the main differences between the two:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They actively grow in late spring and summer, entering dormancy as temperatures drop in winter. Warm-season grasses enjoy high temperatures, and require less water than cool-season grasses. They include Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass,St. Augustinegrass, and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, cool-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They tolerate frost and lower temperatures, actively growing in spring and fall. Cool-season turfgrasses include tall fescue, creeping red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular types of grass in Wisconsin. This blue-green, cool-season turfgrass establishes a thick sod that can withstand foot traffic. It is drought-resistant and can survive several months without significant rainfall.
\n\n\n\nFor best performance, plant Kentucky bluegrass in an area with plenty of sunlight. To improve its shade-tolerance, mix it with other grass seed types, such as fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is arguably the best at withstanding below-freezing temperatures that many Wisconsin homeowners endure. Overall, this cool-season grass is great if you enjoy lawn parties or have little ones running around playing hide-n-seek.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a very hardy and durable cool-season grass that spreads via vertical tillers. It becomes dormant during the hot summer months. It cannot withstand dry conditions as well as other turfgrasses, and should be planted in well-drained soils. Perennial ryegrass pairs superbly well with several grass seed types, including Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nMixing ryegrass with other grass types enables faster germination, and boosts the lawn’s high-traffic tolerance. It is the best-adapted cool-season grass that is often used on athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue grass includes several species, including creeping red and sheep fescue. Fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant cool-season, but goes dormant in extreme heat. The needle-like leaves are quite distinctive, and make for a barefoot-friendly lawn grass. Fine fescue can tolerate dry, acidic, and other soil conditions. It is a good option for average use, but cannot tolerate heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as Chewings, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a perennial, bunch-type grass that can adapt to a wide variety of soils. It can withstand heat, drought, and moderate wear better than most cool-season grasses. This is mainly due to its deep root system. Tall fescue can grow in partial shade, but prefers sunny areas.
\n\n\n\nWith the proper care, it will remain green well into the summer. To maintain a dense lawn, you can mix fescue seeds with either Kentucky bluegrass or ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nZoysia is a warm-season grass that is not suitable for Wisconsin lawns. It is best suited for areas south of the Ohio River, including the transition zone. In areas where zoysia thrives, you can mix it with perennial ryegrass for a winter green color.
Turfgrasses in Wisconsin lawns typically rejuvenate in autumn, making it the best time to seed or establish new lawns. This is mainly because the moderate temperatures in September promote the speedy growth of lawn grasses.
Make sure you select the right grass seed mix based on your site’s exposure levels. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, you should use a 50% to 100% Kentucky bluegrass mix for sunny areas, and a fine-leaf fescue seed mixture for shaded sites.
With these native plants, you can transform your Wisconsin yard into a year-round feeding station for plenty of native birds. Adding these bird-friendly natives will give them food and shelter required to raise a family.
Here are some examples:
• White oak (Quercus alba)
• Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• White pine (Pinus strobus)
• Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Native plants are a great addition to your newly established turfgrass. They are low-maintenance, help make your lawn more attractive, and are able to attract beneficial pollinators. But there are a few key points to consider when choosing native Wisconsin plants: the soil type, sun exposure levels, hardiness zone, and maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nIf you still need some inspiration, you can visit the UW Arboretum, Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum, or Pollinator Friendly Nursery.
\n\n\n\nNeed to hire a Wisconsin lawn care pro near you to maintain the new turf? We have trusted lawn care pros in Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, and many more cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Steve Jurvetson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Seed for Wisconsin","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/1789c/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/107df/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/293e9/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/f2cbb/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/1789c/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/c26c2/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/1dd6e/Wisconsin-Grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/67b76/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 320w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/8df11/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 500w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/98a65/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 800w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/1dd6e/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 960w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/3cc96/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Seed for Wisconsin","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"For a healthy turfgrass that fits your home and lifestyle, explore the best grass seed for Wisconsin to establish a beautiful, green lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"dc1fef3a-0eb8-553a-a6b0-d9ccedeb1b29","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-kenosha","path":"/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/spring-lawn-care-tips-kenosha/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"eca3f421-04d7-5366-a65f-04bb24060354","name":"Kenosha","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"When you see birds returning, snow melting, and the first green shoots emerging, it’s time to begin your spring lawn care. Springtime is a great opportunity to give your Kenosha lawn a fresh start after the winter season. Follow these 10 tips, and your Kenosha lawn will be lush and strong throughout the year. In […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you see birds returning, snow melting, and the first green shoots emerging, it’s time to begin your spring lawn care. Springtime is a great opportunity to give your Kenosha lawn a fresh start after the winter season. Follow these 10 tips, and your Kenosha lawn will be lush and strong throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gasoline](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pouring-gasoline-in-lawn-mower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou need quality lawn equipment for your lawn to be healthy and look its best. Hopefully you’ve done your fall maintenance and cleaning tasks before you put your equipment away for the winter. Nevertheless, before you begin your early spring lawn care, you should make sure that your equipment is in mint condition. That includes checking off spring maintenance tasks for your lawn mower and any other equipment you use. Depending on whether you have a gas or a battery lawn mower, you’ll have different jobs to do. Battery-powered lawn mowers are typically low-maintenance compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
\n\n\n\nBefore you get started, make sure you read through your manuals and understand all the steps to complete your maintenance tasks successfully. Your manuals will tell you exactly what jobs to do and how often to do them.
\n\n\n\nExamples of gas lawn mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\nAgain, it’s crucial you check your manual; it will tell you all the jobs you need to do and how often to do them. To get a general idea, here’s how often you may need to do some of your gas lawn mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\n| Gas Lawn Mower Maintenance Job | Estimated Job Frequency (varies based on type) |
| Engine oil change | Either every 20 to 50 hours or once per season, whichever is first; after roughly the first 5 hours for new lawn mowers |
| Fuel change | Fuel goes bad within 30 days unless you add stabilizer |
| Sharpening and balancing | Every 20 to 25 hours of use time |
| Spark plug replacement | Once a season or every 25 hours of use time, whichever is first |
| Cleaning air fillers | At least every 10 uses, may be more depending on your environment |
| Changing air fillers | Every month to every year, depending on your environment and usage |
| Lubricating the wheels | Once a month to twice every season, depending on usage |
Examples of battery lawn mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\nOnce again, it’s essential that you check your manual to know which jobs to do and how often to do them. But here’s a table to give you a rough idea of how often you may need to do some of your battery lawn mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\n| Battery Lawn Mower Maintenance Job | Estimated Job Frequency (varies based on type) |
| Battery change | Between 3 and 5 years |
| Sharpen lawn mower blades and balance them | Every 20 to 25 hours of use time or twice per season, whichever is first |
| Cleaning the vents | As needed, depending on usage |
| Lubricating the wheels | Once a month to twice per season, depending on usage |
When cleaning your lawn mower, always avoid introducing water into the engine, the battery, or the internal wiring. Ensure the lawn mower is fully dry before you use it. Never pressure wash them.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your lawn equipment intact is no simple task, and the above is not an exhaustive list. To help you get everything in good working order, consider scheduling an equipment tune-up with a factory-certified repair technician.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are that your lawn has accumulated leaves and twigs during the winter and fall. Cleaning it up keeps debris from choking your grass and discourages pests from making their home in your lawn and garden. Removing debris can also help promote healthy growth for your plants.
\n\n\n\nStart the cleanup in March or April, or as soon as all the snow has melted. Make sure the ground is dry to avoid damaging your lawn.
\n\n\n\nTip: You can turn debris like fallen leaves into compost to make nutrient-rich soil for your plants. You may even be able to use some of the twigs you’ve picked up for DIY projects.
\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\nMowing your lawn promotes healthy growth and prevents weeds from taking over. It’s best to mow when your grass reaches about three inches in height, which could be by April. Don’t mow your lawn two to three days before you apply herbicide or three to four days after. In May, you can also use light grass clippings as a natural fertilizer by leaving them on your lawn after mowing. They help improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few rules to follow before you start mowing:
\n\n\n\nYour ideal grass height will vary based on your grass type. Here are the best grass types for Kenosha with their recommended heights:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2.5–3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 1.5–2.5 inches |
| Fine fescue | 1.5–3 inches |
| Turf-type tall fescue | 2–4 inches |
![\"Crabgrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Large-crabgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a healthy lawn, dealing with weeds is unavoidable. Some of the most common weed types include:
\n\n\n\nBefore you apply herbicide, you should learn about the different types:
\n\n\n\nThere’s more. Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides come in two varieties:
\n\n\n\nBefore you apply a pre-emergent herbicide, make sure that the soil has been between 50 and 55 degrees for several days. Mid-to-late April should be a good time to use a pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nThe best temperature for applying a post-emergent herbicide is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But it may not always be possible to apply your herbicide at these temperatures. You can apply burndown herbicides at temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but your weed control will be slower.
\n\n\n\nTo measure your soil temperature, stick a thermometer two inches below the soil.
\n\n\n\nNote: Don’t use herbicides on newly seeded areas because they can stop the growth of desired plants. Before you apply your herbicide, wait two to three days after mowing. If you haven’t mowed yet, wait three to four days after you apply your herbicide. Don’t irrigate your lawn 24 hours after your herbicide application.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, if you prefer to avoid chemicals, you can remove your weeds manually or look into organic alternatives. Again, though, keep in mind that non-selective alternative herbicides will kill all plants, not just the weeds.
\n\n\n\nRemember to maintain a healthy lawn with proper watering and mowing, which can also help prevent the growth of weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19.jpg\")
After winter, your soil may not have enough nutrients and need amendments like phosphorus, lime, and magnesium to make it better. Spring is the perfect time to find out how healthy your soil is and what nutrients it needs to support healthy lawn growth.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to know if your soil is missing any important nutrients, you can test it. This will help you choose the right type of fertilizer and ensure that your lawn or garden is getting the nutrients it needs to thrive. You can buy a testing kit to conduct a DIY soil test yourself or buy a detailed report from the University of Wisconsin Soil and Forage Laboratory.
\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\nDon’t underestimate the value of aeration; it can save your grass. During the winter, snow and cold weather can compact the soil together. Compacted soil can cause your grass to suffer or even die. So in the spring, it’s time to aerate your lawn to allow air and water to reach the roots of your grass so that it can grow.
\n\n\n\nAeration is done by poking hundreds of holes into your soil. You can buy tools to do it yourself or contact a Kenosha professional. Fertilization and seeding should come right after aeration, if possible. The best spring month to aerate your lawn in Kenosha is late May. You should also aerate in the early fall, between September and early October.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can fertilize your lawn around the end of May to help it thrive throughout the summer. It’s best to fertilize your lawn after you aerate. Use the label rate of fertilizer for grass that’s growing in the sun, and half the label rate for grass growing in the shade.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers come in two different formulations: controlled-release formulation and low-release formulation. Slow-release fertilizers are recommended because they keep you from using too much or too little fertilizer. Excessive application incurs extra costs. It can also cause nutrient runoff and diseases that are bad for the environment.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to avoid using chemicals on your lawn where possible, there are alternative options, too.
\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\nYou may want to plant grass seeds for a new lawn or overseed an existing one to help it grow thicker and healthier. Fall is the ideal time to plant grass seeds in Kenosha because you’ll be planting cool-season grasses. But planting seeds in the spring can work too, and it might even be necessary after a harsh winter. Just don’t wait until it’s too late to make sure that your grass has enough time to germinate before the weather becomes too warm.
\n\n\n\nNormally, it’s best to seed and fertilize your lawn after you aerate so that the seeds can easily reach the soil, establish roots, and grow. As mentioned above, the right time to aerate your Kenosha lawn in the spring is late May. In Kenosha, June temperatures are usually below 79 degrees Fahrenheit, so there should be enough time for most grass types to germinate. But some grasses take longer to germinate than others.
\n\n\n\nHere are the best temperatures for seed germination of typical Kenosha grasses, along with typical germination times (under favorable conditions):
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Ideal Germination Temperature | Typical Germination Time |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86 degrees Fahrenheit | 10–21 days |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86 degrees Fahrenheit | 5–14 days |
| Fine fescue | 59–77 degrees Fahrenheit | 5–12 days |
| Turf-type tall fescue | 68–86 degrees Fahrenheit | 7–21 days |
The alternative option is to plant your seeds in April when the weather is milder. Other than that, you can also plant your seeds in the fall.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, if you want to plant new plants this season or turn your lawn into a garden, there are also a few things to consider. Make sure to prepare the soil and choose the right plants for your climate conditions and personal preferences. You’ll also want to research your plants’ needs to take care of them properly.
\n\n\n\nConsider getting native plants, as they tend to be more resilient and need less maintenance. They also draw in beneficial wildlife.
\n\n\n\n![\"Ants'](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ants-Nest.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kelly Hunter / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven if you take great care of your lawn and garden, it’s important to regularly check for diseases and insect pests that can damage them. Early detection and treatment can prevent further damage and help your yard thrive.
\n\n\n\nThere are different lawn diseases and insect pests out there. Become familiar with their symptoms. If you spot any, make sure you deal with them as soon as possible.
\n\n\n\nCommon spring insect pests include, but aren’t limited to:
\n\n\n\nCommon turfgrass fungal diseases include, but aren’t limited to:
\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\n\n\n\n\nMake sure that you water your lawn appropriately based on its needs and your weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases and insect pests and can suffocate your grass and plants. On the other hand, an under-watered lawn can also struggle and die.
\n\n\n\nIn spring, the night frost will subside and your grass will begin to dry out. The amount of water your lawn needs depends on your soil and grass types. Generally, though, grass needs around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Take note of how much rainwater your lawn receives each week and water it accordingly.
\n\n\n\nThe tips in this article should help you get started on your spring lawn care. But keep in mind that different grass types have various care and maintenance needs. Learn about the best grass types for Kenosha and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. If you want to add plants to your lawn, consider adding native plants because they need less maintenance and are better for the environment.
Spring maintenance is not the only work your lawn needs. You should take care for your Kenosha lawn all year round. Of course, you might not be able to spend all this time making sure that your lawn stays beautiful and healthy. If that sounds like you, consider hiring a professional lawn care service to take care of your grass for you.
Main Photo Credit: Urban J. Lewis House in Kenosha / Teemu08 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Kenosha, Wisconsin","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.518987341772152,"src":"/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/1789c/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/107df/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/293e9/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/f2cbb/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/1789c/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/c26c2/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/1dd6e/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/67b76/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 320w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/8df11/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 500w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/98a65/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 800w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/1dd6e/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 960w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/3cc96/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Kenosha, Wisconsin","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Springtime is the perfect opportunity to give your Kenosha lawn a fresh start. Here are 10 tips for getting a jump on a lush, healthy lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"b14cd4fe-4f86-5be2-a13e-469d23684933","slug":"best-native-plants-milwaukee","path":"/lawn-care/wi/milwaukee/best-native-plants-milwaukee/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"b1cda10d-ab68-5c45-b93c-b382b813fb0e","name":"Milwaukee","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/milwaukee/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"After visiting the art galleries in The Historic Third Ward, you may want to bring some of Milwaukee’s historic charm home with you. While you can’t grab a stage from one of the Third Ward’s theaters, you can set up your yard to reflect the city’s outdoor landscape and the Wisconsin native plants. We’ve found […]
\n","content":"\nAfter visiting the art galleries in The Historic Third Ward, you may want to bring some of Milwaukee’s historic charm home with you. While you can’t grab a stage from one of the Third Ward’s theaters, you can set up your yard to reflect the city’s outdoor landscape and the Wisconsin native plants. We’ve found 9 native plants that thrive in Milwaukee’s short, mild summers and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/9518319219_495c9ab151_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is a Milwaukee favorite because it blooms for at least 6 weeks, starting from late summer to late fall. It’s built to withstand the cooler temperatures of southeastern Wisconsin.
\n\n\n\nThis flower will stop you in your tracks with its bright pink-reddish daisy-looking petals. As they droop and close at night or when it’s cloudy, they appear to fall asleep. They awaken by reopening to show off their yellow center when the sun returns.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster can tower to heights of 6 feet, easily signaling to butterflies to come and have some of its nectar. If grown in the right conditions, this plant saves you money by reseeding if not cut back after it flowers.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster thrives well in yards with a lot of sun or just a little shade. It’s usually found growing as a prairie plant. Use this daisy look-alike in butterfly gardens and borders.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. May require staking or other support if it grows tall. Pinch back stems before midsummer to control the plant height and produce more flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coneflower-Echinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower’s trademark is its double-flower. A bushier, smaller array of smaller petals resembling pom-poms sit atop longer petals.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a contest between which is more striking, the purple coneflower or the New England aster. Both are rich in color. Also called pink double delight because of its pink-purplish double flowers, the purple coneflower is well-adapted to Milwaukee winters. The flower blooms until the first frost.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll see these flowers generously decorating meadows and prairies. They add wonderful excitement to pollinator gardens, wildflower gardens, and borders. If pink is not your favorite color, no worries. The purple coneflower has cultivars that come in many colors and sizes.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is great for homeowners that don’t want to replant every season. Like the New England Aster, the purple coneflower reseeds if the seed heads are not removed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like bright flowers, the stunning orange petals sprouting from butterfly milkweed’s wide green leaves will be an asset to your garden. On the other hand, if you have children, you may want to stay clear of this plant or use it with caution. This perennial herb, which also goes by the name butterfly weed, is not an herb you want to cook with. It has low poison severity, and all parts are considered poison. It can cause vomiting or spasms if ingested and skin or eye irritation when touched.
\n\n\n\nButterflies, bees, and hummingbirds flock to butterfly milkweed for the nectar. Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed plants for their existence, so you’ll give back to the ecosystem by planting this nonedible herb in your butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed likes to be left alone once planted, so make sure you’re certain when you give it a home. It doesn’t transplant well. Fortunately, it’s pest and disease tolerant and requires little maintenance. It’s a great addition to borders and cottage gardens in yards where small children and pets do not wander into the vegetation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to animals and humans if ingested. Possible skin and eye irritant if touched.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\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\nYou can see why red columbine is also called little lanterns. The red and yellow tubular flowers droop. Sometimes the petals can be found flaring out a little, exposing their yellow stamens. This flower may not be ideal if people tend to discard lit cigarettes on your property. Red columbine is moderately flammable.
\n\n\n\nRed columbine is most at home in soils that remain moist and on properties that get a lot of sun. But it will adapt to partial shade. The flowers come in early spring and only last about a month. But the bright green leaves stay through the summer and make a wonderful groundcover.
\n\n\n\nPlanting these little lanterns allows you to give hummingbirds and other birds a reason to visit. Touching the sap could irritate the skin, so be careful. This plant is easy to grow and a great way to complement a city garden or add some flavor to underplantings for roses and shrubs.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Weekly or whenever the soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Showy-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dseiver / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nShowy goldenrod’s bright yellow cluster of small petals looks optimistically toward the sky. The flower has medium flammability, so it’s best planted away from areas where the barbeque grill is fired up. It works well with other wildflowers and adds sunshine to wildlife gardens, borders, or flower beds.
\n\n\n\nIt’s well-adapted to most soils, so if you have dry or poor soil, showy goldenrod will not let you down. It even self-seeds. The butterflies and birds coming for a nibble are a nice treat for homeowners, but get ready for the bees and beetles it also attracts.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: July to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Medium flammability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to Medium; May have to divide it every 2 years for size management.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5992418976_afc9bf5fe7_o-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMake sure no one uses this flower as an ashtray, as it’s moderately flammable. Flammability appears to be a theme with many of these native Milwaukee plants. But don’t let that scare you away. This flower makes up for its fire rating with other desirable qualities, like being tolerable to multiple soil types, including poor soil, which is not uncommon in Milwaukee.
\n\n\n\nThe wild bergamot’s essential oil is a natural repellent to certain mosquito species, which is another benefit of this native plant. The lavender tubular flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. If Bambi and Bugs Bunny like to visit your yard, you’ll appreciate the deer- and rabbit-resistant qualities of wild bergamot.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Shallow, rocky soil or clay that’s moist, well-drained, or dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Yes; of mint and oregano emitted from foliage
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Natural rainfall should be sufficient; withstands dry soil for a while
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; drought-tolerant, resistant to deer and rabbits
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prairie_Blazing_Star_Liatris_pycnostachya_-_9395264385-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: wackybadger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis flower blooms from the top down. For four weeks or more, these purple, white, or pink fuzzy flowers sit atop tall multi-pronged grass-like leaves. Milwaukee bird lovers love to send these stars blazing in their gardens because they’re easy to grow and maintain, and they feed birds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nBlazing stars are cold, heat, and drought tolerant. Use them as perennial borders or in native gardens. If you’re trying to impress someone who appreciates nature, put some in a dried flower arrangement as a gift. They’ll stand out like a captured shooting star.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, does not need additional watering once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 5 feet, depending on species
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: N/A
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low once established; They require deadheading regularly, which is pruning away seed heads and old growth to allow re-flowering and new growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rattlesnakemaster-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Crazytwoknobs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nRattlesnake Master has a q-tip looking, ball-shaped appearance at its tip. The white parts stick out like porcupine needles. This perennial forb tends to clump together in clusters when growing.
\n\n\n\nIt’s forgiving of soil type, as it thrives in many types, but it prefers well-drained soil. Rattlesnake master is drought-tolerant, so it should work well in a xeriscape design. It has no known toxic hazards to humans, but it has sharp, spiky leaves, so you may not want to touch it.
\n\n\n\nPlant this evergreen in city gardens, or use it as a border or in your flower garden. This plant gets floppy if grown in too much shade. Unless you want wilted-looking plants, make sure this rattlesnake is placed somewhere with lots of sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Evergreen wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers loamy, dry sand and well-drained soil; Adapts well to most soil, including clay and shallow rocky soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid-summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"dark](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American_elderberry_Sambucus_canadensis1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rison Thumboor / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nYou may already be familiar with the health benefits many attribute to elderberry. Elderberry is an eye-opener with its bright green leaves. It also encourages you to take a deep breath to inhale its lemon-scented white flowers that bloom in the summer.
\n\n\n\nBirds flock to the dark berries. If the birds aren’t stingy, they leave a little of the fruit to be made into jellies and jams. The best part is the elderberry wine that is made from this deciduous shrub. But you must be careful to prepare the plant properly. If ingested uncooked, it can make you sick. This plant is great for hedges and, of course, edible gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Deciduous Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer, typically between June and July
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Prefers moist soils but once established, tolerates periods of drought
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 feet tall, 10 feet wide/
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Uncooked berries and other plant parts contain a chemical that can cause nausea and vomiting
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape.
\n\n\n\nWhile native plants are adapted to the local environment, each plant has its own unique characteristics and needs. Choose plants that thrive best on your property’s conditions and your maintenance schedule. For example, if a plant needs a lot of water and you have no irrigation system and don’t plan on watering it regularly, it’s not the best choice.
\n\n\n\nBe familiar with your property’s soil type. You don’t want to buy plants that thrive best in well-drained soil if your soil tends to retain water. You also want to be mindful of plants that may be harmful to pets or children, if you have any.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line is that it’s best to choose plants that are well-suited for your yard’s conditions, your availability for upkeep and maintenance, and your family’s composition and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant is about six weeks before the hard frost, which is when the temperature is consistently below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually in September and October.
Native plants help maintain the Milwaukee ecosystem and create a natural habitat and food source for local butterflies, pollinators, insects, birds, and wildlife. Native species are adapted to the city’s climate, so they take less work to maintain and require less water and fertilizer.
Knowing your area’s hardiness zone helps you pick plants that thrive best in that climate. Milwaukee is in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5. Zones 3 and 4 also make up Wisconsin.
If you’ve been to Lake Park, you’ve seen native plants. Look around you as you’re driving or walking, and you’ll notice the beautiful native greenery and the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife they attract.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local native plant nurseries in the Milwaukee area recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:
\n\n\n\nPlant native greenery and watch your yard come alive with color, butterflies, and birds. You don’t have to stop there. Bring even more excitement to your property with other low-maintenance landscaping designs.
\n\n\n\nAnother secret to a low-maintenance yard? Leaving it to the pros. Connect with a local lawn care pro who can mow, trim, edge, and tend to the yard.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Purple coneflowers / James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Milwaukee","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1789c/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/107df/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/293e9/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/f2cbb/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1789c/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/c26c2/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1dd6e/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/67b76/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/8df11/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/98a65/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1dd6e/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/3cc96/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Milwaukee | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out the best native plants for Milwaukee to find plants that thrive in the city’s climate, plus information on where to buy native plants locally."}}},{"node":{"id":"abd586fe-1177-5f3e-b31e-387c8910070f","slug":"best-grass-types-madison","path":"/lawn-care/wi/madison/best-grass-types-madison/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nick Crawford is a blog writer based in Philadelphia. He enjoys writing just as much as he enjoys reading a good book, cooking, and working out in his spare time.","name":"Nick Crawford","id":"5213edde-9943-5767-a5ae-163493ecfae5","path":"/author/nick-crawford/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7ce3281d49bd9eb99cb1c4f0200247d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"27d6508f-d9d9-5a0b-a13f-ab8026afd8e9","name":"Madison","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/madison/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"April 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Madison is the fastest-growing city in Wisconsin in terms of population growth. So many people means a wide variety of lawns, and Madison has no shortage of grass types to fill those booming landscapes. If you want to install a new lawn or breathe life into an existing lawn, these four grass types make for […]
\n","content":"\nMadison is the fastest-growing city in Wisconsin in terms of population growth. So many people means a wide variety of lawns, and Madison has no shortage of grass types to fill those booming landscapes. If you want to install a new lawn or breathe life into an existing lawn, these four grass types make for a fantastic starting point in Madison.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nYou may be wondering what would make a type of grass suitable for a Madison lawn. After all, as long as the grass is green, it should work, right?
\n\n\n\nWell, there are factors to consider when choosing your grass that will make your lawn care journey much smoother and more hassle-free. The three main concerns are as follows.
\n\n\n\nThe weather can get pretty cold in the Midwest during certain times of the year. Even during the high summer, the average temperature sits around 82 degrees and rarely climbs above 90 degrees. In addition to the lower temperatures, Madison sees a lot of cloudy days.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing grass for your lawn, you should go with a cool-season species that doesn’t require a lot of sunlight. Many cool-season grass types will go dormant in the summer, but Madison’s milder heat means that they can stay green for longer periods of time. Combined with the ability to withstand the cold of winter, cool-season grass types remain beautiful for the majority of the year.
\n\n\n\nMadison is located in southern Wisconsin, a region built on silty forest soil. In fact, the designated state soil is Antigo Silt Loam, which is a well-drained soil formed under loamy sediment left behind by glacial melt thousands of years ago.
\n\n\n\nWhile you could replace the soil on your property with something wetter and less sandy, it’s easier to grow grass in the natural material that already exists. So, your grass should be able to thrive in loamy, sandy soil.
\n\n\n\nDo you intend to host barbecues, garden parties, or other events? How often would you like to mow your lawn? To what height do you want your grass to grow?
\n\n\n\nThese are all things you should consider when growing your lawn. Some grass types will be softer than others. Some will hold up to foot traffic better than others. And some grass types grow prodigiously, while others may not.
\n\n\n\nIt’s vital to find a grass type that suits your needs to ensure that you will be happy with your lawn for years to come.
\n\n\n\nTo cultivate a beautiful Madison lawn, these four grass types will be your best bet.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWidely considered one of the most popular cool-season choices for lawns across the midwest, Kentucky Bluegrass is highly drought-tolerant. It can also withstand some heat, though without a supplemental water supply, it will go dormant in the summer.
\n\n\n\nThe bluish-green leaves of Kentucky bluegrass grow into a lush carpet that retains its color year-round. It prefers full sun but will tolerate the shade of those cloudy days.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for grass that will help you get a jump start on spring planting, perennial ryegrass is your best bet. It’s one of the first grass types to turn green as soon as the snow melts and the temperatures begin rising.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Wisconsin-Madison recommends perennial ryegrass mainly for grazing and foraging. However, you’ll find it mixed with other grass types like Kentucky bluegrass to lend its hardiness and provide erosion protection.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue encompasses a group of cool-season grasses that includes hard fescue, sheep fescue, chewings fescue, and creeping red fescue. This group possesses fantastic drought tolerance among cool-season grasses, and its leaves remain green all year long if cared for properly.
\n\n\n\nWhile fine fescues don’t have the best heat tolerance, their superior ability to withstand shade puts them in the mix with grass types like perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is another grass commonly seen across the Midwest, and with good reason. It possesses some of the best heat and drought tolerance among cool-season grass types while still retaining the ability to remain green during the winter months.
\n\n\n\nThe name tall fescue is not a flippant moniker, however. This turf grass can grow as much as four feet tall and requires more frequent mowing than other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nWhile Madison doesn’t experience particularly hot summers, it may be good to add sprigs of Bermudagrass to your lawn. This warm-season grass has great heat and drought tolerance while mixing well with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. Be sure to plant the turfgrass strain, however, as primitive strains spread aggressively enough to be considered a nuisance.
If your lawn is shady, you should consider a mix of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. The mix is highly shade resistant while still providing a lush lawn.
Kentucky bluegrass is as popular as it is partially because it is a low-maintenance grass that still spreads into a beautiful lawn. You don’t need to water it as often as other cool-season grass types, and it doesn’t require as much fertilizer to retain its green hue.
The frosty temperatures of winter combined with mild Summer days make cool-season grasses the best choice for your Madison lawn. And though some of them can be low maintenance, they still need to be maintained. If you would like to worry less about that maintenance, leave it in the hands of a local lawn care pro who will take the best possible care of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Bradley House / James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types For Madison, Wisconsin","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/1789c/Bradley-House-Madison.jpg","srcSet":"/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/107df/Bradley-House-Madison.jpg 320w,\n/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/293e9/Bradley-House-Madison.jpg 500w,\n/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/f2cbb/Bradley-House-Madison.jpg 800w,\n/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/1789c/Bradley-House-Madison.jpg 960w,\n/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/c26c2/Bradley-House-Madison.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/1dd6e/Bradley-House-Madison.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/67b76/Bradley-House-Madison.webp 320w,\n/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/8df11/Bradley-House-Madison.webp 500w,\n/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/98a65/Bradley-House-Madison.webp 800w,\n/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/1dd6e/Bradley-House-Madison.webp 960w,\n/static/356a8f488dc050baed9023bc16e54745/3cc96/Bradley-House-Madison.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types For Madison, Wisconsin","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Which grass types can you plant to withstand the nip of a Midwest winter? Here are four of the best choices for your Madison, Wisconsin lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"a390f39c-da60-5d0f-89b4-038d05627b39","slug":"best-native-plants-kenosha","path":"/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/best-native-plants-kenosha/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"eca3f421-04d7-5366-a65f-04bb24060354","name":"Kenosha","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"March 29th, 2023","excerpt":"From its charming forests to the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha is home to an abundance of natural wonders. If you want some of its beauty to thrive in your own backyard, you should consider planting some of the best native plants for the area. Here’s why native plants are better than non-natives: Native […]
\n","content":"\nFrom its charming forests to the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha is home to an abundance of natural wonders. If you want some of its beauty to thrive in your own backyard, you should consider planting some of the best native plants for the area.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why native plants are better than non-natives:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are not only easier to take care of but also contribute to a healthier environment. Additionally, it’s important to note that plants bloom at different times throughout the year. Therefore, it’s best to choose a wide variety of native plants that will bloom all year and provide food for birds and pollinators.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to start incorporating native plants into your garden or landscaping, read on about some of the best native plants for Kenosha.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe red and yellow-colored flowers of the red columbine bloom in mid-late spring and are commonly enjoyed by both bees and birds. Even though their flowers are short-lived, they can self-seed and spread throughout your garden or yard, creating a stunning display year after year.
\n\n\n\nThe red columbines are low to medium-maintenance and may need a little extra care in the summer, such as cutting back old seed heads and stems. This can keep them looking tidy.
\n\n\n\nThere are no known hazards to the red columbine, but it comes from the Ranunculaceae family, which has many toxic plants. Therefore, caution is still advised.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: up to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous (evergreen in warmer climates)
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Light to moderate shade or full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates various well-drained soils but prefers moist, sandy or rocky soils that are fertile and moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium (avoid overwatering)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: No known hazards, but it belongs to a family of toxic plants, so practice caution
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Geranium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe wild geranium, also called the cranesbill, is a beautiful perennial plant that blooms in spring and produces delicate pink or purple flowers. It attracts different kinds of pollinators and birds. Because it likes moist soil and some shade, it’s an excellent plant for woodland gardens or shady borders. Depending on the season and climate, the wild geranium may need frequent watering.
\n\n\n\nThere are no known toxic effects of Geranium maculatum, but there are many other plants in the Geraniaceae family that are highly toxic. Caution is advised.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist or slightly dry, rich and loamy soil with organic matter
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to high, depending on the season and climate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: No known hazards, but it belongs to a family of toxic plants, so practice caution
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe common milkweed has gorgeous pink and purple flowers that bloom in the summer. But its beauty is not all it has to offer.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to provide a safe haven for monarch butterflies in your garden, planting common milkweed is a great way to do it. This forb is the sole host plant for the threatened monarch butterfly caterpillars, providing crucial habitat for their reproduction and survival. Do keep in mind, though, that this plant is toxic to other animals and to humans.
\n\n\n\nThe common milkweed is generally a low-maintenance plant that needs just the right amount of water. Overwatering (as well as humid climates and plant diseases) can cause the growth of lethal fungi.
\n\n\n\nWe recommend combining common milkweed with other nectar plants to provide monarchs with plenty of food.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall (can grow up to 8 feet)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous with a few exceptions
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun is preferred; light shade is tolerable for some species like the A. purpurascens
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained soils; can tolerate poor or dry soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium (avoid overwatering)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic (except for monarchs)
\n\n\n\n![\"Culver's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Culvers-Root.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCulver’s root is a beautiful plant with spikes of flowers that range from white to pink. This tall, eye-catching plant can add an extra touch of elegance to your Kenosha garden or yard.
\n\n\n\nYou can expect your culver’s root to bloom in the summer and attract pollinators as well as birds. Deadheading can be done to prolong its bloom time. If you want to keep your plant looking gorgeous and healthy, it will need some maintenance. This includes regular watering and may also involve staking.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, take note that the plant’s fresh root is toxic.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or light shade (can’t grow in the shade)
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates most soils but prefers light or medium, well-drained, moist, rich soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic fresh root
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Bergamot-or-Bee-Balm-Monarda-Fistulosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe bee balm, also called wild bergamot, is a popular native plant choice. This is a flowering plant that blooms in the summer. It’s great at attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and hawk moths to your garden. Bee balm is relatively easy to grow, with some maintenance, such as deadheading, required.
\n\n\n\nAlthough bee balm is often viewed as safe to consume, there are some risks (see some of them below). Consult a medical professional if you’re unsure about the safety of consuming this plant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2–4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or light shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist; many kinds of soil are suitable, but flooding should ideally be avoided
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Consuming this plant poses some risks for pregnant women, nursing women, and children; excessive consumption is unsafe for pets; practice caution
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Northern-Maidenhair-Fern.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Schnobby / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Northern maidenhair fern has unique, bright green fronds and dark brown to black stems. This plant can easily flourish in the right conditions. It blooms in the summer and is the perfect addition to a shade garden with well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nThe northern maidenhair fern isn’t considered a high-maintenance plant but does require your care to thrive. You should especially make sure that its soil stays moist, as the plant can’t tolerate dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nBecause it’s a fern rather than a flower, it’s not the right plant to attract birds and pollinators. However, its lush green foliage can still add a refreshing touch to any outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nThe plant is slightly toxic, so practice caution.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Fern
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Light to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high (but don’t overwater; always keep soil moist but not wet)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Slightly toxic; the plant contains carcinogens; it may also contain thiaminase, which can be destroyed by heat or thorough drying
\n\n\n\n![\"Stiff](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Stiff-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Frank Mayfield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe lovely stiff goldenrod flowers bloom in the late summer to early fall and thrive in full sun to partial shade. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies in the summer and birds in the fall. These flowers are relatively easy to care for, resistant to drought, and can grow up to 5 feet tall.
\n\n\n\nBecause stiff goldenrods are self-seeding, they spread quickly and may require some maintenance to prevent them from taking over other areas of the garden. However, their vibrant color and ability to attract pollinators and birds make them a great addition to any Kenosha garden.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1–5 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, poor, dry to medium moist, average soil (in rich moist soils, the plant may over
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Little](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Little-Bluestem.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Montrealais / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe blue-green leaves of the little bluestem turn a beautiful coppery orange in the fall, adding color to the landscape. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and requires minor maintenance.
\n\n\n\nYou should cut it back to the ground in late winter and early spring so that it can grow back fresh and look beautiful year after year. Moreover, take note that the little bluestem can be an invasive species if not properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nThe plant flowers in late summer and early fall. It’s also a great food source for birds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Grass
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2–4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average soil that’s dry to medium moist and well-drained, but tolerates various soil conditions, including light, heavy, rocky, and poor, and infertile soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Heart-Leaved](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Heart-Leaved-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alexis Godin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe heart-leaved aster, also called heart-leaved American-aster and blue wood aster, is a stunning blue-purple wildflower that blooms in late summer and early fall. It’s adaptable and resilient, so it’s not difficult to care for.
\n\n\n\nBirds love the heart-leaved aster for its seeds, and butterflies and bees are drawn to its nectar. If you’re looking to attract beneficial wildlife to your garden, this plant is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2–5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous with a few exceptions
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Light to full shade or full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, dry to moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 CA
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe New England aster is a classic option for adding a pop of purple to your garden. It blooms from late summer to early fall and is a frequent nectar source for bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThe plant prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil and low to medium watering. But if you don’t remember to water it regularly, don’t worry, as it can live off rainwater. The New England aster can grow up to 6 feet, but you can cut back the stems of the flower in June and early July. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers in the late summer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall
\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-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: None known
\n\n\n\nThe right plants for your landscape depend on various factors, including the amount of sunlight, soil type, and water needs. When considering which plants to buy, consider your lawn’s unique characteristics and how much you’ll be willing to maintain them. Research how to take care of each plant thoroughly, including what they need in terms of mulch, fertilizer, and so on.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, make sure your plant is able to thrive in Kenosha’s hardiness zone before you buy it. Kenosha’s hardiness zone is 5b, indicating that its minimum average temperature is between -10 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to choose plants that can withstand these temperatures. Of course, all the plants mentioned in this article can thrive in Kenosha’s hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nAs we mentioned at the beginning of this article, we suggest getting plants that bloom at different times of the year so that pollinators and birds have a food source in your garden throughout the seasons.
\n\n\n\nYou might find some of these native plants in your yard already, but if you want to add more to your garden, you can get them ethically by purchasing from local native plant nurseries. It’s important to choose plants that are locally sourced and not taken from the wild, as this can harm natural ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few of Wisconsin’s local nurseries:
\n\n\n\nThere are various resources to help homeowners find the right southeastern Wisconsin native plants. You can view a full list of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources‘ recommended Wisconsin nurseries here. If you want to plant milkweed, you can use the recommended Milkweed Finder Tool. You can also view Kenosha nurseries on Yelp. If you’re adding new plants, there may be other areas of your garden that need attention. Just like plants, grass types also require specific conditions to thrive, so make sure that you get one of the best grass types for Kenosha. Moreover, consider hiring one of WikiLawn’s Kenosha, WI lawn care pros to keep your lawn green and healthy.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Dj53144 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Kenosha, Wisconsin","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/1789c/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/107df/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 320w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/293e9/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 500w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/f2cbb/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 800w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/1789c/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 960w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/c26c2/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/1dd6e/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/67b76/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 320w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/8df11/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 500w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/98a65/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 800w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/1dd6e/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 960w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/3cc96/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Kenosha, Wisconsin","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Kenosha is home to an abundance of natural wonders. If you want some of its beauty to thrive in your own backyard, read on."}}},{"node":{"id":"db950d5b-13f5-5b45-8e60-5768484a69c8","slug":"best-grass-types-kenosha","path":"/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/best-grass-types-kenosha/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"eca3f421-04d7-5366-a65f-04bb24060354","name":"Kenosha","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"Kenosha is known for its beautiful public parks and gardens, so if you live in this stunning city, you might want to capture some of that beauty in your own front yard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you can start by using one of the best turf types for Kenosha, Wisconsin. In […]
\n","content":"\nKenosha is known for its beautiful public parks and gardens, so if you live in this stunning city, you might want to capture some of that beauty in your own front yard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you can start by using one of the best turf types for Kenosha, Wisconsin.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two categories of grass:
\n\n\n\nKenosha’s weather ranges widely, from warm to cold and snowy with cloudy skies. Having the right grass can help ensure that your Kenosha lawn stays healthy throughout the year. Cold-season grasses tend to do better in this climate.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your lawn to flourish, choose one of these grasses below.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass appears throughout the United States, but it really thrives in Northern areas. This grass is known for its dense texture and blue-green color. It thrives in full sun and boasts excellent ability to self-repair.
\n\n\n\nNevertheless, Kentucky bluegrass can have problems with too much heat, bad soil, and drought. This grass type is also susceptible to disease, thatch, and insects. You can improve its year-round durability by mixing it with perennial ryegrass. It grows more slowly than some other grasses and doesn’t tolerate partial shade as well as other grass types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Underground stems (known as rhizomes).
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Partial shade to full sun.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5-7 days; fertilize 1-3 times a year.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a soft grass that greens up pretty quickly after the snow melts. Its color usually ranges from medium to dark green. It’s low-maintenance, tolerates cold, andresists wear once established as a mature turf. Because of its protective properties, perennial ryegrass is often mixed with other grass types.
\n\n\n\nHowever, unlike other grass types, perennial ryegrass can’t self-repair. Moreover, this grass can be difficult to manage because it grows fast. It can sometimes struggle against drought and heat and doesn’t resist fungal diseases well. It also doesn’t tolerate partial shade as well as some other types of grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Producing neither rhizomes nor stolons, you’ll need to seed or lay sod on the entire lawn to grow this grass.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate, depending on the variety.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5–2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a popular and versatile type of grass that does relatively well in both full sun and partial shade. Its heat tolerance is actually the highest among cool-season grass types. Moreover, tall fescue is a champ at withstanding drought. Additionally, this moderate to coarse-textured grass resists diseases and weeds. It has a medium to dark-green hue.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue, however, struggles to repair itself. Although it’s relatively low-maintenance, it grows quickly and may require frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Grows in clumps and spreads through tillers (vertical shoots that grow from the base of the plant).
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Very high.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed unless you want your lawn to go dormant.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3.5-4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a medium to blue-green grass that can keep its color year-round. There’s a high variety of fine fescue grasses to choose from. They can also be mixed with other grass types. Fine fescue is a versatile, low-maintenance option that tolerates full sun and partial shade relatively well. Although it may go dormant during droughts, its drought resistance is still fairly high.
\n\n\n\nHowever, fine fescue isn’t suitable for high-traffic and may easily catch diseases. Furthermore, be careful with fertilizers, as they can cause high thatch levels.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (modified stems that run underground).
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to low, not best for heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow every 2-3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2-4 times a year; aerate once a year.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3 to 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is the best grass type for a low-maintenance lawn in Kenosha. However, it will still require regular mowing. The best height for mowing fine fescue is 2.5 to 4 inches, and it should always be above 2 inches.
Perennial ryegrass and tall fescue both tolerate foot traffic well. But keep in mind that these grass types aren’t as good at repairing themselves. On the other hand, Kentucky bluegrass has a fantastic ability to repair itself and is more resilient during the colder months.
Tall fescue and fine fescue both tolerate partial shade, so you can pick whichever one is better suited for your lawn.
Kentucky bluegrass is great for pet owners. It can heal its damaged spots and holds up well to foot traffic. It also has a soft texture that’s pleasant to walk on.
When you look for the right grass types for your Kenosha landscape, you’ll want to consider your specific needs and requirements. Some grass types may be better suited for high-traffic areas, while others may require less maintenance. So make sure that you pick the grass type that’s most suitable.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to picking your new grass, you can make additional improvements to your landscape. For example, consider adding native Kenosha plants to enhance its appearance. You should also consider winterizing your lawn and garden so that they can endure Kenosha’s cold winter temperatures.
\n\n\n\nSelecting the perfect grass type is only the beginning. Keep your new lawn green and healthy with services from WikiLawn’s Kenosha lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Teemu08 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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