![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oakleaf-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-quercifolia-W.-Bartram-1.jpg\")
Birmingham is a southern hub for music, art, and history and home to some of Alabama’s most desirable native plants. Many homeowners prefer native vegetation because it’s low-maintenance and beneficial to the ecosystem. In addition, native plants attract more birds and butterflies. But the best native plants for Birmingham are also favored for their beauty […]
\n","content":"\nBirmingham is a southern hub for music, art, and history and home to some of Alabama’s most desirable native plants. Many homeowners prefer native vegetation because it’s low-maintenance and beneficial to the ecosystem. In addition, native plants attract more birds and butterflies. But the best native plants for Birmingham are also favored for their beauty and utility.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlabama’s beloved oakleaf hydrangea has been the state’s wildflower since 1999. Its white flowers bloom in the spring, then turn rose in the summer. Come fall, the native shrub’s green oak-shaped leaves turn a beautiful deep burgundy, and its flowers remain until mid-winter.
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea grows quickly, attracting deer and pollinators. It resists most pests but may get an occasional spider or aphid. Overall, the shrub is attractive and easy to care for.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey-vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Springa
\n\n\n\nWater needs: At least 1 inch a week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They resist pests, but sometimes get spiders or aphids and they are susceptible to leaf bright or powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if the plant gets damaged or becomes overgrown. You may remove dead flowers.
\n\n\n\nThe southern sugar maple makes an attractive street-side, specimen, or woodland tree. Its green leaves create a symmetrical oval that turns deep shades of yellow, orange, and red, making a spectacular fall display. Then, in early spring, the ends of its branches bloom clusters of small yellow-green flowers.
\n\n\n\nIt has a strong bark that resists breakage, but sometimes it develops shallow roots. Thus, it’s best to avoid mowing the grass beneath them. Although it is too small to produce maple syrup commercially, southern sugar maple syrup isn’t any less delicious than its commercial competitors.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to deep shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand (prefers rich loamy soil)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet and sometimes spicey, almond or cherry scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, High drought-tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They can attract aphids, borders, and scale insects and are susceptible to diseases including leaf spot, tar spot, and verticillium wilt.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if necessary and only water in times of drought.
\n\n\n\n![\"butterfly](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wavyleaf-Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-simulata-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PickPik
\n\n\n\nWavyleaf purple coneflowers have showy pink and purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Known for their beauty, the flowers feature long drooping petals with a dark center. Many gardeners use its freshly cut flowers in bouquets or dry the flowers to make tea.
\n\n\n\nThis native herb is a top pick for wildlife lovers. Its sweet nectar attracts butterflies, bumble bees, and other pollinators, while its fruit seeds attract various birds. Although wavyleaf purple coneflowers aren’t prone to insect damage or disease, they may attract the Japanese beetle and they occasionally get infected by leaf spot.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, calcareous, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Occasionally gets leaf spot and may attract the Japanese beetle.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Separate clumps when overcrowding occurs. Removing dead flowers isn’t required, but improves the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Largeflower-Tickseed-Coreopsis-grandiflora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nDue to its beautiful bright yellow flowers, largeflower tickseed is common in Birmingham’s butterfly, rock, and wildflower gardens. In wildflower gardens, they are a delightful companion to wavyleaf purple coneflowers or black-eyed Susans.
\n\n\n\nBecause butterflies, bumble bees, and hummingbirds love its nectar, largeflower tickseed is great for Biringham’s ecosystem. It is also the perfect plant for homeowners with small children or pets because it’s entirely non-toxic. Additionally, it’s low-maintenance, requiring minimal care.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant, 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some people are allergic to tickseed. They are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. They may attract aphids, aster leafhoppers, or coreopsis beetles.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, fertilize and deadhead to encourage robust blooms.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe flowering dogwood is one of North America’s most attractive native trees. In early spring, it blooms small yellow-green flowers surrounded by magnificent pink and white petal-like leaves. When the weather cools, its breathtaking fall foliage includes bright red, scarlet, and purple leaves above its uniquely patterned trunk.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the flowering dogwood isn’t just coveted for its looks. You can use its hardwood to make household tools such as rakes and butcher blocks and its roots to make red dye. It’s also great for local wildlife, attracting birds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet floral
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 – 30 feet, but can be up to 65 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contact with its berries give some people rashes. It is susceptible to fungal diseases including powdery mildew and spot anthracnose.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Prune in early spring and fertilize during spring and fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pussytoes](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pussytoes-Antennaria-Gaertn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nConsider pussytoes if you’re looking for natural ground cover for a rock garden or pathway. The herb sprouts pollinator-friendly white and pink flowers in early spring. However, pussytoes don’t attract many pests and are left alone by most herbivores, including rabbits and deer. Although pussytoes resist most diseases, they may get root rot if overwatered.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 9 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: If the soil is too moist, it can get root rot. You may get an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to ragweed, daisies, and marigolds.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, removing dead flower heads will improve the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe American chestnut tree is a fast-growing, fruit-bearing tree with edible nuts. Although this native-American tree was once common, its population has dwindled since the introduction of the Chinese chestnut tree. When the Chinese chestnut tree came to North America, it brought a fungal disease called chestnut blight, killing billions of American chestnuts.
\n\n\n\nAlthough mature American chestnuts are almost extinct, several new seedlings flourish in Jefferson and Shelby. For centuries, indigenous people used its hardwood for building, its nuts for eating, and its leaves and bark for medicine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun for nut production, but they grow fastest with 30% shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained and acidic sandy or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Organic
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant, but they benefit from weekly to bi-weekly watering in times of drought
\n\n\n\nMature height: 100 to 120 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Although they are non-toxic, its berries contain berberine which is known to cause stomach aches. It is susceptible to chestnut blight.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Remove damaged branches and portions that become infected by disease. Winter and summer are the best times to prune.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Honeysuckle-Lonicera-flava-Sims-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nYellow honeysuckle is a native vine with showy sweet-smelling flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its orange and red berries are harmful to humans but a welcome treat to many birds, including songbirds and robins. Additionally, it attracts many small mammals.
\n\n\n\nThis sometimes shrub-like climbing vine is often displayed on trellises, fences, and in bird gardens. In addition, yellow honeysuckle makes an attractive ground cover.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are mildly poisonous.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bark mulch helps to keep the soil moist and weed-free, and applying compost and organic fertilizer in the spring keeps it healthy. Prune yellow honeysuckle each year, around summer, to inspire growth.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing Alabamian native plants, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\n Native plants naturally grow and evolve in Birmingham, and there is typically evidence that they were here before European colonization. They are a fantastic low-maintenance landscaping Idea for Birmingham that also helps support the local ecosystem.
Pollinators like nectar producing native plants, including:
• Hydrangeas
• Coneflowers
• Tickseed
• Flowering Dogwood
• Pussytoes
• Honeysuckle
• Buttercups
• Sunflowers
Not all foreign plants are invasive. Invasive plants have the following qualities:
• Well adapted to the climate
• Quickly spreads
• Harmful to native plants and wildlife
Birmingham’s most poisonous native plants include:
• Eastern poison ivy
• Poison oak
• Hemlock
The best grass types for Birmingham are warm-season grasses including:
• Bermudagrass
• Zoysiagrass
• Bahiagrass
• Centipedegrass
You can purchase Alabama native plants at the following shops:
\n\n\n\nAnd you can view native plants at the following nature preserves and gardens:
\n\n\n\nIn addition, Birmingham Botanical Gardens has a native seed exchange program for its members.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help planning a native plant garden, consider hiring a landscaper. Experienced lawn care pros in Birmingham can help you maintain a lush lawn and flourishing garden beds. Instead of burdening yourself with lawn work, take that time to visit the McWane Science Center or take a stroll through Railroad Park.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nGround covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy.
\n\n\n\nThe mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, is a huge fan of ground covers as a lawn replacement. “If you have children or pets who are likely to play in your yard, you can do a blended yard,” he says, adding, “Be mindful of both your average high temps and your low temps, and pick plants that can handle both.”
\n\n\n\nNow that you’re convinced, take a look at some of the best ground covers for sun or shade in all climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_SDqGc7dP9YS9F6Y3RkvK_8iO3lTYkZZZ5VNlOL6sedxdWXBAJa5RPVA6ZBfP4rVwgY6DGapir_ww-ob8xo6Y-QscKHAKscDBJmkf0xXfYAs_afx7MnbKteF8mUu2610okjWik-R\")
Bugleweed comes in dozens of varieties ranging from green to bronze, purple, and sometimes even variegated. This ornamental ground cover stands up to heavy foot traffic and is hardy to minus 40 degrees. It can thrive in full sun to part shade and presents blue-purple flowers from late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nThis fast-growing ground cover spends months producing white flowers and is hardy all the way down to -30 degrees. Candytuft is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s the perfect choice for sunny slopes and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial ground cover with chartreuse leaves is a favorite for its hardiness and attractive foliage. Creeping Jenny enjoys full sun but can tolerate part shade as long as the soil is moist. With a fountain-like growth pattern, she’s a favorite for raised flower beds and planters.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F60x8NcemcIl4tDxNhj0lfnrrohZY4EQxU2lPGir5Hb_PCrBjwPrOZw2HiuRcIgXVeOaLPzXSRaIFgAGjWeRHbVZd2I8gdtbWvHwnDXUd77Q_NEqsmUBPtUiBGpUhKG8um3oS6Xt\")
Deer resistant and cold hardy to minus 40 degrees, creeping phlox bursts into glorious bloom in spring. Best with full sun to part shade, this 6-inch-tall superstar performs well on slopes and retaining walls.
\n\n\n\nAdding stunning beauty to shaded areas, deadnettle has silvery, variegated leaves, and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. This deciduous plant offers cheerful pink flowers in late spring but dies back in winter. The only precaution to take when planting deadnettle is to make sure you’re not in an area where it’s considered invasive.
\n\n\n\nThe thyme family offers dozens of varieties of this hardy ground cover, most of which can handle temps down to minus 20 degrees. Only 3 inches tall, most varieties don’t attract deer or rabbits. Plant in full sun and enjoy a show of pink flowers in summer. and an herb for cooking all year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Uru5bSHYQ_Bl5BvRgE0FWNnd9AMwMkHYn0XKgx7l2u1wWpnJOdVJozdHyp6T2SnGnU0uzKdbxq3Nl6v9YfumhAAW6fQTy6uVa5KxuTvF1uE7gaJMbzVY0_l-N9BnstfGoPg-BENA\")
This succulent, evergreen thrives in warm climates and can’t tolerate foot traffic or temperatures below minus 10 degrees. But on sunny, well-drained slopes, it provides beautiful texture and neon-bright, flowers from mid-summer to early fall. For high-visibility blooms and solid erosion control, ice plants are hard to beat.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant evergreen prefers part to full shade and is hardy to minus 30 degrees. The glossy, dark green leaves create a 12-inch tall mat of foliage that produces spiky white blossoms in late spring.
\n\n\n\nThis grasslike ground cover, also known as lilyturf, thrives in sun and shade (but needs moist soil) and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. Both clumping and creeping varieties erupt into spikes of purple, white, or blue flowers in late summer. Liriope makes an attractive garden edging and is good for erosion control or under trees as a substitute for grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8vDsC_PoUx3TzLUQu3IfExcvkoDqrJ2fWxATHrfZ9J-lI7Ot8wzZLSGGw61FF8y-VwV4xgmwMme31AaupVrYyatVrhKgQUpp7RYDNltF1M9vPDKVdsdKK62C55AkEkDUd4dkF2Kz\")
One of the most popular evergreen ground covers, periwinkle, prefers moist soil in partly shaded areas. Hardy to minus 20 degrees, periwinkle is a vigorous, vining plant that may need to be cut back every so often to keep it under control.
\n\n\n\nWhether your goal is to cover the bare spots beneath trees or to fill the negative space in your flower beds, there’s a ground cover out there for the job. Choose wisely, and your groundcover will reward you for years to come.
\n\n\n\nTop image credit: “Ajuga reptans Chocolate Chip,” David J. Stang, CC by-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/107df/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/293e9/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f2cbb/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f605f/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/67b76/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/8df11/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/98a65/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/23e94/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"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":"19ba5d3d-1386-51f8-84a6-73cafabb2318","slug":"create-safe-sensory-friendly-backyard-landscape-special-needs-child","path":"/blog/landscaping/create-safe-sensory-friendly-backyard-landscape-special-needs-child/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"February 24th, 2020","excerpt":"Playing outside is one of the greatest joys of childhood. There are extra considerations when your child has special needs, but time outside still can offer tremendous therapeutic benefits, especially for children with autism or similar conditions. But it’s possible to create a sensory-friendly backyard landscape for your child with special needs. If you’re looking […]
\n","content":"\nPlaying outside is one of the greatest joys of childhood. There are extra considerations when your child has special needs, but time outside still can offer tremendous therapeutic benefits, especially for children with autism or similar conditions. But it’s possible to create a sensory-friendly backyard landscape for your child with special needs.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to create a safe and sensory-friendly outdoor sanctuary where your children can enjoy themselves and learn through nature-based sensory play, it’s imperative first to approach the design and construction with an understanding of your child’s specific needs — including sensory, cognitive, visual, or auditory impairments, as well as issues with fine and gross motor skills.
\n\n\n\nThis guide will focus on techniques to use in creating a sensory-friendly backyard for your child with special needs. You can design a haven that offers plenty of stimulating activities to engage all the senses. At the same time, you can take steps to address accessibility barriers, common behavioral and environmental risks, and potential safety hazards.
\n\n\n\nYou might wonder, what’s the point of creating an outdoor space for my child? Are the potential benefits worth the work? Yes, they overwhelmingly are, says pediatric occupational therapist Christine Sadecki. “Outdoor play can address many challenges for children with sensory processing disorders and/or autism. It can be calming or alerting.” Studies show hands-on sensory play can help kids operating on the autism spectrum or experiencing low vision, as well as those working to develop fine motor skills.
\n\n\n\n“Outdoor play encourages listening skills, executive functioning, motor planning, and body awareness, as well as self-control and social development,” says Sadecki. “It also encourages participation in the senses such as touch, sound, sight, vestibular, and proprioception, which can be challenging areas for children with sensory processing disorder or autism.” Playing outdoors helps promote kids’ strong, sustained, physical development in a number of ways:
\n\n\n\nMany children with autism face vision issues, such as a lazy eye or crossed eyes. A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that 40% of children with autism and related conditions have some issue with their eyes.
\n\n\n\nVisual stimulation can help kids with low vision improve their understanding of what’s around them and feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Outdoor landscapes can offer a variety of visual stimuli not available indoors, from flowers and trees to the sky overhead. And they can offer the added benefit of helping even a child with visual impairment become familiar with more organic shapes and colors than are found in manufactured environments.
\n\n\n\nBecause there’s more to see outdoors, there are more reasons for your child to stay engaged. Did you see that bird that just flew past? What was that in the bushes? A squirrel? The wind makes the trees seem to dance as it rustles through the leaves.
\n\n\n\nOutdoor environments are constantly changing, constantly inviting engagement and attention. Just being out in nature can increase a child’s attention span, and there’s more room on your back lawn to create new adventures than the indoors could ever provide.
\n\n\n\nThe sun’s ultraviolet rays can stimulate the production of vitamin D. Why is this important? Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium it requires to maintain strong bones. It’s also important to muscles and nerves, and it’s part of the immune system’s defense against viruses and bacteria.
\n\n\n\nYou can find vitamin D in food supplements, although the most direct source is sunlight. Be sure, though, that your child is protected from the sun if they’re outside for an extended period. The body can only produce so much vitamin D at one time, and spending prolonged periods outside without protection can increase the risk of skin cancer. For kids with sensory issues, try using fast-application sprays or sun-protective clothing.
\n\n\n\nKids need to develop gross motor skills — the kind they need to walk, jump, and climb — before they can learn to master finer motor skills that require more patience, such as holding a pencil or opening a package. Developing gross motor skills is no easy task. If you’ve ever seen a child learning to walk, you know the amount of concentration and physical effort it takes.
\n\n\n\nA backyard lawn can give your child a big, safe place to exercise these skills. A large, flat surface with a soft landing space is a lot better than a hazardous environment such as a staircase or a hard tile floor. An accessible space outdoors provides your child with a safe, fun place to develop balance and coordination.
\n\n\n\nThe more room your child has to roam, and the safer the environment, the more she’ll be able to exercise. It’s as simple as that. And the more exercise she gets, the more physically fit she’ll be overall.
\n\n\n\nThis is important because children with autism are at higher risk of obesity than other kids. They also face greater challenges when it comes to balancing or catching a ball because they pay more attention to their own muscles than to watching what’s happening around them. Having a safe backyard play area gives them the space they need to work on their motor skills, while at the same time keeping them physically fit.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard-630x1024.jpeg\")
Safety is, of course, the paramount consideration when designing and creating play and learning environments for any kids. Extra measures must be taken when designing outdoor spaces to accommodate children with special needs.
\n\n\n\nYour backyard landscape will consist of living and nonliving elements. The first is called softscape, comprising primarily horticultural elements: grass, flowers, trees, plants, hedges, vegetable gardens, and so forth. Nonliving or hardscape elements, by contrast, can include the following:
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to incorporate both softscape and hardscape elements when designing an outdoor play space for your child with special needs.
\n\n\n\nAccessibility and safety considerations to keep in mind include:
\n\n\n\nBuild or widen walkways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. According to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), pathways should be at least 6 inches wider than a wheelchair, or a total of 36 inches. Entries and gates should be at least 32 inches wide.
\n\n\n\nEmphasize the openness of the outdoors. Even if your child does not use a wheelchair, pathways should be wide to emphasize the feeling of openness and freedom a garden can provide. This is not a place to feel cramped or crowded. It’s an expansive place to explore! Still, paths should have clear boundaries, so your child knows where the walkway ends and the garden begins. If your child is sensitive to light, install non-glare surfaces and make sure they’re smooth and easy to navigate.
\n\n\n\nAdd wheelchair ramps. ADA standards require that the grade for wheelchair accessibility ramps rise no more steeply than 5% — and, at most, 2% at entrances and steps.
\n\n\n\nEliminate surprises. Visual aids and signs can help children with special needs feel secure. If they are nonverbal, a system of pictures can help them feel safe. A child who feels lost can grow anxious and worried, and he won’t feel safe enough to explore and enjoy his backyard wonderland. Make sure they always know where they are and consider creating orientation maps to help them get where they want to go next, easily and directly.
\n\n\n\nInstall handrails or handholds along paths, on decks, and in seating areas. Handrails should be installed on both sides of a pathway. When installing handrails for kids, the ADA calls for heights to be measured at a 90-degree angle from directly above the walking surface. Handrails shouldn’t be more than 28 inches high and should be at least 9 inches apart so kids don’t trap their heads or hands between the uprights.
\n\n\n\nInstall tactile features on or alongside walkways. Tactile features include raised bumps, lines, and patterns. They aren’t to help traction. Instead, they accommodate special needs by helping those with impaired vision know when they’ve entered a new path or they’re about to leave the path they’ve been on.
\n\n\n\nStrive for consistency. Once you’ve created the layout of your backyard, keep it constant. Try not to change the location of a bench, water fountain, or bird feeder, for example, unless it’s necessary for safety or functionally essential reasons. Once a child is familiar with his surroundings, you can make small, incremental changes to challenge them as part of the learning process. Children with special needs feel safer when they know what to expect. They’ll blossom in an environment they know they can count on.
\n\n\n\nCreate transitions. Gradual transitions are much easier for children with special needs to process than abrupt changes. Give them space and time between activities, and provide them with visual and verbal cues to alert them when something new is about to happen. Preparing kids for change helps them accept it and feel safer than springing a new situation or activity on them without warning.
\n\n\n\nEnclose play areas with fencing or railings. It’s important to make your backyard as safe as possible. One study found that nearly half of children on the autism spectrum wander from a safe place at some point. Enclosures can help keep this from occurring. Fences improve safety by keeping children from wandering into an area where they shouldn’t be, like a flowerbed or hedge. They also can help them stay focused on the adventure you’ve created. Fences should be at least 5 feet high and shouldn’t provide handholds that kids can use to climb. Smooth surfaces are best.
\n\n\n\nLabel play areas with Braille or textures to help a child with low vision find the location they’ll be visiting next or the activity you’ve planned for them.
\n\n\n\nFeatures worth adding can include:
\n\n\n\nHazards to avoid:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsplash-child-sandbox.jpeg\")
According to the STAR Institute, kids with conditions that hinder them from readily processing sensory input may have a hard time knowing where their body is in space. The results can include poor posture, weakness, motion sickness, awkwardness, and clumsiness. So it’s important to identify the sensory activities that can best help your kids learn, improve their motor skills, and focus on their environment without getting frustrated or distracted. Here are a few sensory play ideas for backyard activities designed to engage your child’s senses:
\n\n\n\nHands-on sensory-based play is one of the best ways to capture a child’s attention and provide much-needed tactile sensory input.
\n\n\n\nSwinging: Nearly all kids love to swing, and the benefits include an enhanced response to proprioception, better coordination and balance, stronger muscles, and a boost in positive mood. A repetitive back-and-forth motion also can be soothing and calming for kids with autism.
\n\n\n\nSadecki, the pediatric occupational therapist, recommends careful attention and assessment to help your child get the most out of swinging: “Swings stimulate the fluid in the inner ear, which activates the vestibular senses. It lets your child know they are moving, and it can also impact the brain’s ability to process and use sensory information in their environment.
\n\n\n\n“However, the amount of vestibular input needed varies by child,” explains Sadecki. “Some crave movement to feel more centered in order to focus and attend to the world around them. Others may be movement-sensitive, which makes things difficult such as riding in a car, so swinging can be used to help desensitize them to movement. Vestibular input as part of a sensory diet should be monitored by an occupational therapist.”
\n\n\n\nWater activities: Water is a versatile element that offers so many hands-on sensory possibilities, limited only by your imagination.
\n\n\n\nPlaying in sand and soil: Who says you need the beach to build sandcastles? With a bag of sand and a little water in a small enclosure, that can happen right in your backyard! Otherwise, your child can enjoy the fun of getting their hands dirty by digging and planting in soil.
\n\n\n\nClouds: Invite your child to lie down in the grass with you and stare up at the clouds as they pass by. What shapes does she see? What do they remind her of?
\n\n\n\nLeaves: Collect fallen leaves with her and point out their different shapes, as well as the colorful reds and golds and oranges they turn in autumn. Look for birds that share their various colors. Study the effects of wind and water after a spring rain.
\n\n\n\nDay and night skies: Take your child out at daybreak to see the sunrise or at dusk to witness the sunset. Make a wish on the first evening star you see. Look up at the night sky and point out the moon, the stars and the constellations. Find out when the next meteor shower is expected and see how many shooting stars you and your child can count.
\n\n\n\nScavenger hunt: For a more-organized activity, consider a scavenger hunt. Remember how much fun you had getting up early on Easter Sunday for an egg hunt? See how many things your child can find in your backyard. Give him a list and accompany him on his quest for specific plants, birds, animals or perhaps for items you have hidden.
\n\n\n\nTreasure hunt: Another possibility is a treasure hunt. Get your child a special treat and hide it in the garden, then make a pirate’s map and help her follow it to discover the secret treasure.
\n\n\n\nBird calls/ insect sounds: Help your child become conscious of sounds we often miss in the background (or take for granted) by listening for bird calls and insect sounds. What does a blue jay sound like? What about a crow, a lark or a sparrow? That high-pitched humming is a cicada; let’s see if we can find it! What’s that rapid rat-a-tat-tat coming from that tree trunk over there. Could it be a woodpecker? Learn about birds and insects yourself. You might want to pick up a book on birdwatching that identifies different species in your area, or listen to recordings of bird calls online. Then point out which birds and insects make which sounds and help your child learn to identify them.
\n\n\n\nGarden flavors: Plant a vegetable garden or fruit trees and let your child taste what you’re growing there. What does a tomato taste like? A strawberry? An apple? You can illustrate the concept of growing food like this: Accompany your kids around your garden and pick samples from vines and trees, showing them the difference between ripe and unripe fruit. Wash the fruit off with then and prepare it as part of a sandwich or simple meal, then make a picnic trip back out to the yard and eat it underneath the tree that shared its fruit with you. Your children will be able to follow the journey of the meal you’ve created from tree to table — or, in this case, picnic basket.
\n\n\n\nNature’s aromas: Help your child learn to recognize the many smells of your yard by getting close to the source of each scent. Let them sniff different flowers and herbs, saying the name for each so they can associate the word with the smell. And this goes for not-so-pleasant outdoor smells, too: Help them find the wild onions, or sniff the recently spread mulch. In other seasons, point out the crisp, clean scent of snow, or that particularly lovely scent in the air just after a spring rain begins.
\n\n\n\nSensory garden: You can engage all your child’s senses by creating a sensory garden. Include plants that will attract wildlife like crickets, buzzing bees, and chirping birds; maybe plant some bamboo stems so your child can hear the sound they make in the wind. Set up a birdbath or birdhouse to attract some feathered friends or a hummingbird feeder for those faster-than-the-eye-can see winged wonders. Water fountains and wind chimes can enhance your child’s auditory experience, too.
\n\n\n\nFind plants with fragrant scents such as gardenia and honeysuckle, as well as those with a variety of tactile sensations, from moss to jade trees to lamb’s ear. (No roses, cacti or other thorny plants, though!). Also, seek out plants with a variety of forms, from creeping vines to woody stems to soft grasses.
\n\n\n\nConsider dividing these sensory-friendly environments into two areas — one for playtime and another for relaxing and unwinding. If you can, put brightly colored flowers with red or yellow petals in one area of the garden, and provide a shaded area in the other. A pergola or shade trees can provide a haven from the bright sun and vivid colors that provide stimulation but can be overstimulating if your child doesn’t have a calm place of refuge in which to retreat.
\n\n\n\nAnother possibility: an outdoor speaker system that plays soothing background music on occasion. Just don’t leave it on all the time. You want your child to notice the natural sounds all around her in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nTo help your child feel at ease, think about creating a theme for your garden that she’ll enjoy: maybe a fairytale character, a favorite game, or an animal.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child.jpg\")
The best outdoor spaces are inclusive, welcoming kids and grown-ups alike with a variety of capabilities, considerations, and objectives. When designing a backyard play space, keep in mind any of your child’s special requirements and build in features to accommodate them. Here are some elements to consider for safe sensory learning environments for kids with different conditions:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5.jpeg\")
Most people think of eloping as running away to get married, but the word literally just means to run, or lope, outward. In the case of children with special needs, it indicates wandering or running away from a caregiving environment — and it’s a common hazard for people on the autism spectrum.
\n\n\n\n“Studies show that 50% of kids with autism spectrum disorder elope, but it is still unclear as to why,” says Sadecki. “Many parents believe that their child simply enjoys running and exploring, but it could also be because they are escaping anxious or overstimulating sensory situations.”
\n\n\n\nThe more strongly children are impacted by autism, the more likely they may be to elope. Parenting styles aren’t a factor; most parents in a survey about the phenomenon said their child just enjoyed running and exploring.
\n\n\n\nThis makes it all the more important to provide plenty of sensory stimuli for children with autism. The more you give them to explore right in their own backyard, the more likely they are to stay focused on the adventures you’re providing — and the less likely they will be to wander off.
\n\n\n\nEven so, it’s important to repair or install continuous fencing, as well as out-of-reach locks or latches on gates and doors to keep your kids inside where they belong. As mentioned before, this is particularly important if you have a pool. Secure fencing and locking gates are important for all young children. Similar gates and fences should be in place around other potentially hazardous areas, such as dog runs, thorny bushes, or rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nStepping in poo is a perfect way to start a meltdown. Minimize the possibility of your child’s coming into contact with pet waste (which is toxic in some cases and unpleasant in all cases) by designating a separate area for your pet, and/or diligently picking up after their bathroom time.
\n\n\n\nPlastic bags and pooper-scoopers can make this odious (and odorous) task a little more painless. There are even high-tech, dog poop vacuums that pull up pet waste, which can then be ejected into a trash bag or toilet.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer can be an irritant — a toxic one, if it contains pesticides or other chemicals. Use fertilizer according to the directions and keep it contained appropriately when not in use. Don’t assume a fertilizer is safe for kids just because it’s labeled as “organic” or “natural.” Also be aware that fertilizers in powder form can drift into other areas on a windy day, so apply them when the air is calm and be sure to sweep any excess away from paths and other areas your child might frequent.
\n\n\n\nStanding water not only invites messes, just waiting for kids to reach or step in, but it also can be a health hazard, depending on the organisms growing in it. If left around long enough, pools of standing water can attract breeding mosquitoes. Take care to empty any uncovered containers with standing water in them. If you find standing water remaining at a low spot in your yard for any length of time, make sure you find a way to drain it away.
\n\n\n\nPrickly or toxic plants can puncture skin with spines, cause rashes with irritating secretions, initiate a sneezing fit with pollen, or poison a person who ingests any part of them. Make sure your outdoor area is free of poison ivy, poison oak, stinging nettle, and other allergenic plants.
\n\n\n\nHow do you recognize toxic plants? Poison ivy and poison oak each have three leaves growing off a main leaf stem (giving rise to the saying, “leaves in three, let it be.”) Their leaves also alternate on the stem or branch, never growing directly across from one another. Stinging nettle leaves are heart-shaped, prickly-looking, and tapered at the end.
\n\n\n\nPlants can be poisonous in two ways: They can irritate the skin if touched, or they can be toxic if ingested. Some very pretty plants, including oleander and monkshood, can be dangerous. Be sure you have a medical kit. You can look up information from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 if you think your child has eaten a toxic plant.
\n\n\n\nAlso be on the lookout for mushrooms, which aren’t technically plants, but fungi. Those with scales, warts or white (not brown) gills are likely to be hazardous. Other red flags: a bulb-shaped base, or a ring around the upper or lower stem. The vast majority of mushrooms aren’t toxic, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice mushrooms in your yard, remove them immediately.
\n\n\n\nMove cactus, agave, and other spiny plants out of traffic areas. Keep fencing around rose gardens so kids can’t wander or stumble into their thorns.
\n\n\n\nLoud noises are a potential problem outside, where barking dogs, heavy equipment, or a backfiring car nearby can trigger a child’s noise sensitivity. Creating areas buffered from ambient noise with fences, walls, high bushes, or shrubs can help protect your child from overstimulation by sound.
\n\n\n\nIn an age when kids are often glued to their phones or gaming systems indoors, an outdoor adventure can be (literally) a breath of fresh air. Sadecki says electronics should be limited for all children, especially those with special needs. “There have been lots of recent studies done that have shown the impact of too much electronics on kids. Children who spend more than 2 hours a day on electronics are more likely to have emotional, social, and attention problems. They also develop shorter attention spans because their brain develops the need for constant stimulation by bright, fast-paced programming. It makes it more difficult for them to connect to and focus on people and things in their environment that don’t provide that constant stimulation.”
\n\n\n\nWe as adults often spend most of our days indoors, too, whether we’re working at the office or around the house, and it’s easy to forget how important it can be to get out of the house. The outdoors can be a forgotten resource to check our worries at the back door and enter a land of refreshment and adventure.
\n\n\n\nAdults need a break from highly structured indoor settings, and so do children with special needs. Why not offer them a safe backyard playground with an expansive lawn and fascinating sights, sounds and smells to explore? It will open up a whole new world to them. And that can make a world of difference!
\n\n\n\nAll the tips in this article were reviewed by licensed pediatric occupational therapist Christine Sadecki, OTR/L, owner of Reach for the Stars Therapy Services, LLC, in Lake Worth, FL. The strategies reflect widely accepted therapeutic practices, however, for specific advice, you should always consult a medical professional.
What is Known as ‘Hardscaping’ in Landscape Design? Landscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is […]
\n","content":"\nLandscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is not plantings, soils, or earth works.
\n\n\n\nAt first thought, it might seem counterintuitive to think of ‘hard’scaping as a wanted element in an environment designers often take great pains to keep natural and soft. So, why would this seemingly contradictory intrusion into the world of soft and floral be a critical part of any landscape design?
\n\n\n\nHardscaping provides many added benefits beyond what plant and soil materials can accomplish on their own. Here are just a few of those reasons:
\n\n\n\nHardscaping can be thought of as the bones, or framework, of a garden. It could be sleek flagstone patios, pebble mosaics, brick or rustic gravel walkways; perhaps a uniquely shaped boulder placed as a focal point in the garden or near a building to highlight architectural features. Natural stone, retaining walls, benches, seats, and sculptural landscape features, create the immovable structure through which designers (or handy diy homeowners) can easily weave in combinations of trees, plants, and shrubs into the garden tapestry.\t
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/vI5P4UK5F84BcIDNhjLqQ6YAtkz4edCDUKLCUqtxAx9HusAf638NFDYCWcejX9XyhgWiEm8_fgDbGREno7GdUyu_5C3xtuk5oRkfclVXuBmyxx4fh-SJBUiBUTGwC0SPSkpNSC2iKFvhFzSQpg\")
Just as any good landscape designer should draw plant choices from the natural surrounding landscape, hardscape selection should also relate to the native environment as well as the style of house. For example, a colonial or Georgian house would benefit from the addition of brick or cut stone to add formality. A farmhouse in the countryside would combine well with fieldstone walls and paths of flagstone or flat river stones set in gravel. A Craftsman-style house in the city might call for a pattern of square and rectangular stones, and walls of cut or ashlar stone, or brick.
\n\n\n\nArcheticulally speaking, a good hardscape plan can help you divide the landscape into a collection of “rooms” or sequence of gardens. This is a timeless method of design as it provides separate spaces for different activities and a sense of surprise and thrill of discovery in moving from ‘room to room’. Stone walls and hedges act as room dividers, and steps and paths act as transitions between these rooms, as well as the necessary means of moving between them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PjLwfGpF64k02uPCOeQV1swJX_fW93HGpyXz5gVRb3MrDevpvdLtAfkdak97rmwql0_onwcMl8cRMUvhIEnEGtcdlXZ1Tl8agxeqN1FCzziGcZSTA_j5_waIvQWSGm8a99tRAJh9pvElObm4jA\")
How a patio or terrace will be used in part should dictate your choice of paving material. Flat stones with mortared joints or sand-set brick are preferable for areas to close into the house, entries, and higher traffic areas. Irregular, dry-laid stones, crushed rock or packed decomposed granite are great for garden paths and casual areas. Dining areas or a seating terrace can be on stone, gravel or crushed rock, or wooden decking, depending in part on the furniture chosen for that use.
\n\n\n\nBesides needing to harmonious with the colors found in the landscape plantings and architectural features, the color of your hardscape elements can play an important role. Light colored stone may help to brighten a shady corner but could also create glare in a sunnier spot. Dark stone materials might absorb too much heat for nearby planting materials.
\n\n\n\nThe level of permeability a material has may matter more in some locations than others. A lava rock boulder, with its open honeycomb-like surface, would collect every fallen leaf and flower blossom if it were placed below a flowering ornamental tree. This might not be a bad thing, depending on what aesthetic you are going for or what level of garden maintenance you are willing to put into your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMuch like the porosity of stone materials, the finish can greatly affect the look, feel, and functionality of an outdoor area. Rough cut or chopped limestone blocks offer a rustic, natural feel while the same stone with a saw cut finished edge can transform a wall face or column top to a modern, sleek reveal. Additionally, when dealing with patio or walkway hardscape choices, consider how slick the stone finish will become during periods of precipitation or with a layer of snow or ice.
\n\n\n\nPaths need to be stable, easy to walk on, and preferably look like they belong. Again, a sense of fitting in with the natural landscape is important. Gravel, crushed rock and decomposed granite paths should ideally be edged, either with metal edging, wood timbers, or smaller brick or stone pieces. Dry-set paths of flagstone should use thicker stones 2” – 6”. Stone steps need to be set in concrete for stability, unless they are fairly massive (5-6” thick).
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Lnn5Z38LXNcMGHS4Eczmdvp9L_d985SC9C4g9ZCQTJ9uChaNFckL-0k0fRv8fI2YnXpZYMngKqMm8lKJA-kvjW_D8kXS2LOVdwidZ0zXbe1nlXADqvdcbWooXFSSUqryOPhPi2tzwZayHAsMJQ\")
The use of large, natural stones or boulders as pure design elements in the garden can help lift an ordinary planting plant to a new level of visual interest. Enormous granite boulders flecked with sparkly quartz, limestone or sandstone outcroppings that mimic those found in nature, large half-buried mossy fieldstones, or even a special grouping of uniquely shaped beach stones you found on your last vacation can help add a truly one of a kind feel to your landscape and make them “pop” with unusual interest.
\n\n\n\nSo, if you’re designing a new garden, or looking to rehabilitate a portion of one already in existence, think of the hardscape components just as carefully as you consider what trees, shrubs, and plants you want to put where. In the end, you’ll have a more integrated, harmonious design, less maintenance, and a more interesting garden!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PZEdM3YTIs88s5BNsjKaFNlBC_00OT-5jOLe-MmTDcMOL8n20xfpgJPPJ8Om3dqfEG81ZyZmPz_w5NMby2-cACKhHG3VhR6S9kBskkdlEN8txf4_GREewQG1Oax9HhfG56V0Yu_yW3susT-1sw\")
While the reasons to add stone and hardscape elements to your landscape design might be numerous and easy to define, setting a price to this addition is not as clear. The cost of stone varies considerably depending on its weight, smoothness or texture, style, and thickness. Another variable is the process of installation, or how much labor will be required to complete the installation and how easily accessible is the final location of the stone or brick. Also, using stone sourced near a quarry will be more economical (not to mention contextually relevant to your natural surroundings). This means if you live in an area naturally rich in stone, like Texas, then getting limestone will be easier on the budget compared to shipping in a Canadian granite.
\n\n\n\nAll of those variables aside, the average cost to install a flagstone patio will range somewhere from $15 to $30 per square foot. Natural boulders are usually sold by the pound or ton depending on how big they are. Be sure to account for heavy equipment needed to deliver and set these elements. River rock or other small stone aggregate is sold by the cubic yard (1).
\n\n\n\nIf this all seems overwhelming, do not be discouraged. In the world of landscape design, pricing and product availability is often changing. The best solution is to work with a local landscape architect that knows the most sound solutions for your specific climate, native plantings, and natural resources.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/OFnLC5KZjapS6M2mXMtD4cBe6rAhCuWZVy6AnZ5f03wuHI4nKAX79ZbJvZwjZ-p3SfsGX4VzUerOtQxn1SBTmP_RapHwrSFkfmbzmqIMKzPWciVqC1p1CriR1RYLb_VHUh0GdRNHzASUGkU6TQ\")
Stone connects the garden to the land, since stone is literally of the earth. It is a natural material that complements plants, lasts forever, and is intrinsically beautiful. Flagstone terraces, high walls combining large, vertical granite stones with small fieldstones, low traditional dry-laid walls, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, fountains and waterfalls, rock paths and walkways—all woven together create a wonderful weft for the warp of landscape of plants, and work to further enhance natural elements such as wooden pergolas, woven branch fences and antique ornaments or placed artistic objects.
\n\n\n\n1. http://paverscostguide.com
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Redi-Rock International
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\n","content":"\nThe debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage is not apparent until spring, when snowmelt and warming temperatures reveal the dead grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NjGOu8zuJtv1iLsWaOawKFZkMeM88I6RMbT39KNWxyyP4HtkKpZ3FaM3z-QvKFOfPq_ruGVeQvxM4VYlm51XL_BWd4oUJp_7-eKeEKNVLH5FYFx7YXLEebmoYGqR3_sKplyNOfVl\")
If you live on a major roadway where crews use salt as a road de-icer, consider a little preventive and remedial lawn care to safeguard your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen rock salt is applied to icy surfaces, it melts the ice and then runs off or is sprayed by the tires of cars driving through the slush. That overspray can travel up to 150 feet, which means even if your yard isn’t directly affected, some mist may still reach your yard. Salt spray can cause injury to plant buds, leaves, and stems.
\n\n\n\nSalt draws moisture out of leaves, leaving them brown and dry. It also pulls moisture out of the soil, causes soil compaction, and exposes grass roots to chlorides. When chlorides build up to a toxic level, plants lose the ability to produce chlorophyll and eventually die.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/eMqSKQJMlPHs_fovZyFU86BptGtpjXzfRSIJMS6h5y6pAMvBZrj4YuQ9mChNNaxemCHLuKi8jEmxVrM6PsA9_4yeacUeQQgx6VnTAL1L6UlHuHOHT3ZraXxc6OK9hfElPEz_GXzZ\")
Rock salt has a corrosive effect on hard surfaces, often leaving white spots on natural stone walkways and patios. Concrete that isn’t sealed is porous and will soak up the briny water left behind from a de-icing treatment. That absorbed water will refreeze when the temperature dips below freezing, causing expansion. This process will eventually cause chipping, cracks, and flaking in concrete structures. The least expensive de-icing salts tend to be the most corrosive. Pricier de-icing agents are less harmful to grass and less corrosive to concrete and stone. Even if you use a cheaper, more corrosive de-icer, you can cut it with sand to reduce the volume of harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nSalt remains in the soil for years, and it accumulates over time until it creates an environment where grass can no longer thrive. Salt is leached out by rainfall, but it can take a while for this process to be complete. Speeding this process by irrigating deeply once the weather warms up will help. But the best solution is to avoid the accumulation of salt in the soil in the first place.
\n\n\n\nGenevieve Schmidt, owner of Genevieve Schmidt Landscape Design and Fine Maintenance in Humboldt County on California’s northern coast, recommends using calcium or magnesium acetates rather than chlorides to de-ice areas around yards and landscapes. She cautions, “When you see dieback and browning or yellowing of leaves, it’s evident there’s been salt damage. If you suspect salt has leached into your landscaping, it’s wise to rinse plants and soil with water as soon as the snow melts. Apply 2 inches of water over a two- to three-hour period, then repeat a few days later.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mzr4JokmArjex8fONGsriVGdlk7rogYtVDYn7Jn2p9p6dkkmm55B4mFZ5yBYIdX2jHnqwOIigim53_JN9OnlWXt497yNnHHE5MD4LtQ7cYwWqutEXbn5L5y8Ku7xq5axXtgrLMwm\")
There is little point in reseeding or overseeding a lawn that has a high level of salt buildup. Without flushing out the salt beforehand, the new grass will absorb the chlorides in the soil and eventually suffer the same fate as the grass you’re replacing. Once you’ve adequately flushed salt out of your lawn in the spring, take your time to reseed your lawn the right way. While salt damage in your yard is nothing to shrug off, it also isn’t the end of the world. With a little foresight and prevention, you can protect your lawn and treat the damage before it’s irreversible.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Michael Pereckas, CC by 2.0
\n","title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8311874105865522,"src":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/107df/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/293e9/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/f2cbb/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/356ef/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/67b76/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/8df11/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/98a65/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/93f70/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"97260ebe-9274-5d73-b454-48940de4090a","slug":"growing-drought-tolerant-grasses","path":"/drought-tolerant-plants/growing-drought-tolerant-grasses/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"2bca3176-5c56-5608-8083-8819b11f4a4c","name":"Drought Tolerant Plants","count":2,"path":"/category/drought-tolerant-plants/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"If you’re looking to conserve water, why not start with your lawn? Choosing drought-tolerant grass will save you money on your water bill. Not only do they need less water, these grass types also don’t need to be mowed or fertilized as often, which will save you time and even more money. As the name […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re looking to conserve water, why not start with your lawn? Choosing drought-tolerant grass will save you money on your water bill. Not only do they need less water, these grass types also don’t need to be mowed or fertilized as often, which will save you time and even more money.
\n\n\n\nAs the name implies, drought-tolerant grasses can survive and even stay green during dry spells. This is helpful if you live in a drier climate or in a community with water restrictions. There are two types of turfgrass to consider when you’re switching to a drought-resistant variety: cool-season and warm-season grass. Choose the type that’s best suited for your climate to increase their hardiness and decrease the time you spend on lawn care.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass types thrive in areas with cold winters and hot summers. Its preferred temperature range is 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why you’ll see more active growth in the spring and fall. These varieties are most common in the upper third of the United States. You’ll also find them in the Midwest, or the “transition zone,” where cool-season and warm-season grasses overlap. They will go dormant in winter when the temperatures get cold.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/15Qv9T51iqfQnmp485RUGDSmxielZf8b72XZIytggcI6Hnl87VQWMzNMcq-wuy2J1f0hHoclryI-XJQcYckibBqwtWQR4tSkZYTYEJzRRXGNwDdjaMbofiqNGxQBySfB_jQZRDit\")
Tall fescue grass is a course-textured, bunching grass with a wide blade that grows well in full sun and shade. It’s becoming more popular as a turfgrass because it looks like other varieties, but doesn’t need as much maintenance. It is well suited to the transition zone because it tolerates both high heat and drought. Its root system reaches deep (2-3 feet), allowing it to find moisture deep in the soil. It only needs 1-1 ¾ inches of water a week.
Sheep fescue is another excellent choice for a drought-tolerant lawn. It needs little water and only infrequent mowing (two to three times a year, and not at all during the summer). Because of its bumpy surface, it’s not ideal for backyard play.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass is a tough, low maintenance grass that grows quickly and holds up well to foot traffic. It’s most commonly used in grass seed mixtures rather than as a stand-alone lawn grass. There are perennial and annual types, and the perennial variety is what you’ll find in permanent lawns.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find warm-season grasses in the southern United States. They prefer temperatures of 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Their most active growth happens in late spring through the summer.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass has the most drought-tolerance of the warm-season grasses. It tolerates heat, drought, high traffic, and even salt, making it popular for lawns, golf courses and football fields in the South. It has deep roots that can extend up to 6 feet, meaning it can find water far underground. It stays green all year in areas where it doesn’t freeze and can recover quickly after going dormant during a drought. It does require more maintenance than some. It needs 1 ¼ inches of water a week during the hottest months. It also grows rapidly, so you’ll need to mow it every five to seven days.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/cmCZ-pouktN7Lzche5bJKvRqPxX7TmDioLyc_0kz-_9GtsJnKqSn1oAPQ-x1shEES7nwn41vUxEwXFkXDBypu87ew7OUjFBWHn6KPg7Yj0piYzv7X4QrMaB6WFeM16lUUMQoAr1Q\")
Buffalograss is native to the Midwest and is growing in popularity as a turfgrass. It’s thick and can survive on less than 1/4 inch of water a week. Newer cultivars are easier to establish in your yard, but it’s still slow to start. The Colorado State University Extension says, “The development of attractive turf-type cultivars and greater availability of seed, sod, and plugs has generated new interest in this grass for home lawns.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/aa8-cN9F14jSdbkKutcB1orwG2IJJ54YA9edneADPtRXB3u3Rfg_VOPSWxTtVD4TYDSk7MrZPTSlxCgYeo6a07DCODyfO3QNRyxApVfe9wb-WDIA8D0yO7sHAHEoL7LerWWQQ3kz\")
Zoysiagrass will give you a dense, green lawn with little maintenance. It grows well in southern states and in the transition zone. It turns brown during winter dormancy, but this happens later in the fall than with other warm-season grass. It also greens up earlier in the spring than other varieties and can grow in partial shade. Like Bermudagrass, it will recover after going dormant in a drought. Zoysia lawns need about an inch of water a week.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a coarser grass that holds up under some foot traffic. It stays green, even when going dormant in the winter, but it is susceptible to disease if overwatered.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. It’s also disease- and pest-resistant, but it won’t do well in shady areas.
\n\n\n\nSwitching a thirsty, high maintenance lawn to one that is water-wise and drought-tolerant is a good ecological and economical choice. You’ll spend less time and money on watering, mowing and fertilizing your lawn, while still having a green outdoor space to enjoy.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Anton Croos, Art of Photography
\n","title":"Growing Drought-Tolerant Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1789c/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/107df/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 320w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/293e9/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 500w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/f2cbb/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 800w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1789c/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 960w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/356ef/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1dd6e/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/67b76/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 320w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/8df11/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 500w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/98a65/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 800w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1dd6e/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 960w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/93f70/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Growing Drought-Tolerant Grasses | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"a832e1d0-c1e5-51ab-a4f9-8636c20c71e4","slug":"5-native-plants-phoenix-az","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/5-native-plants-phoenix-az/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"kk","id":"dde4169a-f9d0-5770-97b5-2ac023bd4b45","path":"/author/kk/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/425367d30a2aaed212b569216f858a75?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"November 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Phoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native […]
\n","content":"\nPhoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native plants from the dozens that can decorate our outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nThis sprawling perennial also known as plumbago scadens is showing up in more and more Phoenix gardens. The flowers, a startlingly bright white, are quite dramatic against the deep green of the foliage. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, a deep red as new growths, then green when they mature. They return to red during the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nIn Phoenix, the white desert plumbago prefers filtered or partial shade, which is pretty quirky for a native of the Sonoran Desert. It’s an easygoing plant all around: It’ll grow under trees or taller shrubs; climb fences, walls or trellises; or cascade from containers or hanging baskets. Plant them along the perimeter of your yard for an innovative and informal hedge.
\n\n\n\nTufted evening primrose is a low-growing perennial with fragrant flowers that open at dusk, glowing white through the night, and then fade to pink and fold in the morning heat. The hairy, narrow leaves are gray-green on top and blue-gray underneath. They also fold up in the heat to retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nLike all native plants in Phoenix, the tufted evening primrose needs little water. However, if you water it moderately, you’ll be rewarded with flowers all summer. The flower’s petals are held above the base of the flower by a long tube that collects nectar. Night-flying hawkmoths love the plant. Their long, coiled tongues stretch far enough to reach the nectar.
\n\n\n\nPlant near a patio or porch so that you can view the fascinating transitions in the evening and early morning hours.
\n\n\n\n![\"Feather](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feather-bush-brian-ralphs-cc20.jpg\")
Also known as fern of the desert, the heat and sun-loving feather bush is a single- or multi-trunk tree that can reach a height of 12 to 15 feet and spreads to widths of up to 15 feet. Clusters of fragrant, creamy white puffballs bloom in early spring amid long, lacy leaves that resemble graceful green feathers.
\n\n\n\nPlant the feather bush around a pool or pond if you want to simulate an oasis, group it to create a natural privacy screen or bring a tropical ambiance to a patio or entryway. Wherever you plant it, you will be captivated by the colorful butterflies fluttering among the flowers and foliage.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most of the year, and in some areas, all year. The striking flower is actually spiky stamens that form puffballs. The delicate leaves are a deep green composed of tiny leaflets.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an evergreen but may thin out during those very rare “cold spells” in Phoenix. But there is no such thing as “too hot.” Plant it where you’ve not been able to grow anything, such as in the full sun against a west-facing wall. You can plant it in partial shade, but you will not have anywhere near as many blooms. Hummingbirds flock to the shrub. Watch closely and you’ll also see some finches, wrens, and verdins.
\n\n\n\nThe hedgehog cactus is a low-growing succulent with short, spiny stems that resemble hedgehogs. All varieties of the cactus have magnificent blossoms that last five days in shades of pink or purple. They open in the morning and close at night.
\n\n\n\nOnce the flowering is complete, the plant produces edible red-orange fruit with a fleshy white pulp that tastes like strawberry. At first, the fruit looks too dangerous to pick — the stems are densely covered with sharp spines, but the spines fall off as the fruit matures.
\n\n\n\nEven though the hedgehog cactus grows in sandy, rocky soil, and full sunlight, it also does well indoors near a sunny window.
\n\n\n\nFeature image source: Alan Levine / CC 2.0
\n","title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/107df/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/293e9/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/f2cbb/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/356ef/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/67b76/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/8df11/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/98a65/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/93f70/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"1b462fef-a527-58cb-8788-eca85bd398dc","slug":"best-native-plants-northern-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/northern-virginia/best-native-plants-northern-virginia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"5dd0bcb4-bbab-5a8b-9920-c939eab0b702","name":"Northern Virginia","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/northern-virginia/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Northern Virginia has some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. With rolling hills, sprawling forests, and winding rivers, it’s no wonder that residents and visitors alike are drawn to the region’s natural beauty. One of the most rewarding ways to connect with the environment is by planting the best native plants for […]
\n","content":"\nNorthern Virginia has some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. With rolling hills, sprawling forests, and winding rivers, it’s no wonder that residents and visitors alike are drawn to the region’s natural beauty. One of the most rewarding ways to connect with the environment is by planting the best native plants for Northern Virginia that thrive in this unique environment.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about eight native plants that will add color, texture, and interest to your Northern Virginia backyard. From vibrant wildflowers to amazing groundcovers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this guide.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer the following benefits:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\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 columbine makes a spectacular and eye-catching addition to any Northern Virginia backyard. Its upright stems boast spurred flowers adorned with vivid scarlet sepals, yellow petals, and copious yellow stamens.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, even after the blooms have withered away, this plant develops into a charming ground cover that adds depth and intrigue to your garden. Additionally, red columbine has a natural tendency to self-seed, ensuring an endless array of vibrant hues that will grace your garden year after year.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 – 10 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The sap may irritate the skin.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Low. For enhanced blooming, it is advisable to remove the faded flower stems. Trimming the stems to ground level is recommended when the foliage begins to decline.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want an effortless but captivating element in your yard, consider adding the common yarrow. This plant forms clumps and showcases dainty clusters of soft pink flowers on strong, upright stems, which will capture the attention of fluttering butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, common yarrow is exceptionally low-maintenance, making it a perfect option for individuals with busy schedules who desire to appreciate the charm of native plants in their outdoor areas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: The fragrance of the plant is frequently characterized as strong, with some comparing it to chrysanthemums, whereas others perceive it as having a resemblance to cabbage.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and early autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. To achieve an extended blooming season, it is advisable to regularly remove spent flowers. Once the initial blooming has ceased, trim the plant considerably to maintain a tidy and well-proportioned appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Wild-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsider adding the Yellow Wild Indigo if you desire a joyful and low-maintenance plant. Its charming, petite pea-like flowers in vivid hues of yellow to creamy white are sure to infuse your garden with a sunny disposition. As a native plant, it is attractive. It entices pollinators like butterflies and bees, making it an ideal inclusion for any garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand. Acid. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous if consumed in large quantities.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. It is advisable not to relocate this plant once it has established itself. Attempting to grow it from seed may pose a challenge.
\n\n\n\nThe white turtlehead is a mesmerizing and beautiful native plant species that showcases dense terminal spikes of two-lipped, pink-tinged, or white flowers resembling a turtle’s head.
\n\n\n\nIncorporating the white turtlehead into your garden will make your space unique and intriguing. It entices pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, infusing your outdoor area with vibrancy and liveliness.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer and autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to high.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low.
\n\n\n\n![\"Maryland](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Maryland-Golden-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BeckyLaboy / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to incorporate a touch of golden radiance into your backyard, consider the Maryland goldenaster. This stunning plant flaunts brilliant yellow flowers illuminating any garden with their cheerful glow. Moreover, the Maryland goldenaster is a sturdy and versatile species that can flourish in different soil types and lighting conditions, making it an adaptable inclusion to any backyard scenery.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer and autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. To encourage prolonged blossoms, remove spent flowers regularly. During the winter season, trim the plant down to the ground.
\n\n\n\n![\"Spring](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Spring-Beauty.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntroducing spring beauty to your yard will create a dazzling burst of beauty. Its star-shaped, pale pink and white flowers will not only please your eyes but also attract pollinators to your backyard. Additionally, spring beauty is a groundcover plant that spreads widely, forming a carpet of foliage that enhances the texture and intrigue of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: It exudes a subtle and refined fragrance that combines hints of delicate sweetness, muskiness, and florals.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 10 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. It rapidly naturalizes through bulb offsets and self-seeding.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3694407592_5d15f78c77_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Calvin Webster / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Eastern Rose-mallow is a native shrub with magnificent hollyhock-like flowers in shades of white, pink, red, or burgundy, blossoming from midsummer to autumn. Not only does it tolerate heat, humidity, and wet soil, but it also has a slight salt tolerance, making it an ideal option for gardeners living near the coast.
\n\n\n\nAlthough individual flowers have a brief lifespan, the blooming period usually endures for a month, offering ample time to relish the plant’s stunning beauty in your home garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer to early autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to wet.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. To maintain a neat appearance of your plant, remove each flower as it withers. In late autumn, trim the stems to approximately 3 to 4 inches. Although new growth may slowly emerge in the spring, it will advance swiftly once it commences. Regularly fertilizing your plants during the growing season is advisable to encourage robust growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Turk’s-cap](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Turks-cap-Lily.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shenandoah National Park / Flickr / Public Domain Mark 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Turk’s-cap Lily is a stunning herbaceous plant that grows up to 8 feet tall and features striking clusters of orange-red flowers that resemble Turk’s-cap hats. This native plant adds beauty to your yard. It supports local wildlife, as it’s a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWith its adaptability to the region’s climate and soil, the Turk’s-cap Lily is an excellent choice for Northern Virginia yards. Including this plant in your landscape will add a distinctive and captivating element to your home.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: With subtle notes of citrus and spice, this plant emits a pleasant, sweet fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to wet.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to cats.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. For the bulb to grow at its best, it is recommended to plant it 5 to 6 inches deep and add a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist.
\n\n\n\nAlthough native plants can enhance any garden, it is essential to acknowledge that not all will flourish in your yard. Several factors, such as sunlight, soil quality, and irrigation, must be considered when selecting plants.
\n\n\n\nNorthern Virginia is situated in USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7, so ensure that you choose plants appropriate for this area. To guarantee your garden’s triumph, select plants that can adapt to the conditions of your land. Doing so will result in an attractive landscape that enhances the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nThe conservation of biodiversity relies heavily on preserving areas of native vegetation remnants. Such areas support a rich and diverse ecosystem that benefits the environment by:
• Purifying water and air
• Regulating the climate
• Maintaining soil quality
• Providing essential resources and food for native animal species.
Native plants are preferable to non-native plants to promote a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.
There are plenty of native plants you can choose from. Here’s a list of them:
• Whorled Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
• Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)
• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida)
• Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
• Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
• Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
• Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
Generally, plants thrive in potting soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Watering once or twice a week is often enough in spring and summer. However, during fall and winter, plants require less frequent watering. Keep in mind that the watering needs of plants vary depending on their species and your location.
Southeast Virginia’s native plants include:
• Red chokeberry
• Common buttonbush
• American beautyberry
• American witch hazel
• Common winterberry
• Eastern redbud
• Flowering dogwood
• Black huckleberry
• Butterfly milkweed
• Beebalm
Plants native to Virginia’s Capital Region include:
• Black oak
• Willow oak
• Sassafras
• Common partridge-pea
• Smooth oxeye
• Arrow arum
• Wild pink
• Red chokeberry
It’s recommended to buy native plants from local nurseries. Plants purchased from a local nursery are usually better adapted to the area’s climate and soil, making them more resilient and easier to care for.
\n\n\n\nLocal nurseries are often experts in native plants, and their staff can provide valuable advice on planting and maintenance.
\n\n\n\nVisit the Virginia Native Plant Society website to explore the available sustainability programs and native plant guides and learn about the significance of using native plants in Northern Virginia.
\n\n\n\nAs you embark on your landscaping project in Northern Virginia, remember that selecting the right plant is only the first step. Maintaining your lawn’s health is equally important to ensure your landscape’s long-term success.
\n\n\n\nLooking for a Virginia lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, and in many more cities across Northern Virginia.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Northern Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/1789c/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/107df/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 320w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/293e9/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 500w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/f2cbb/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 800w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/1789c/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 960w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/c26c2/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/1dd6e/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/67b76/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 320w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/8df11/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 500w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/98a65/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 800w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/1dd6e/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 960w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/3cc96/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Northern Virginia","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 8 best native plants for Northern Virginia. These low-maintenance plants not only add beauty to your landscape but also promote the sustainability of the local ecosystem."}}},{"node":{"id":"dc7f3dac-5cba-5ff9-a672-1b00d6dddc6d","slug":"benefits-of-french-drain","path":"/blog/benefits-of-french-drain/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Carmen Dexter is a freelance journalist and teacher who enjoys growing her own organic food and recycling as much as possible.","name":"Carmen Dexter","id":"f23ec685-a615-5004-a3fd-c0bfe6b2c9ec","path":"/author/carmen-dexter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e37085a8a22d319f3383613d59d54c5f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"September 1st, 2022","excerpt":"You spent a ton of money on landscaping but forgot to add a drainage system. If standing water is now causing problems, homeowners should look into a French drain. Why? Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home’s foundation. In this article we’ll cover these […]
\n","content":"\nYou spent a ton of money on landscaping but forgot to add a drainage system. If standing water is now causing problems, homeowners should look into a French drain. Why? Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home’s foundation.
\n\n\n\nIn this article we’ll cover these topics:
\n\n\n\nIt sounds a little ooh-la-la but a French drain is simply a trench dug into the ground for excess water to drain out of your yard. Built on a slight slope, a French drain can be 6 inches in diameter to a couple of feet, the wider the better. It functions a bit like the gutters on your house by forcing the water flow downhill and away from your home’s foundation.
\n\n\n\nMost French drains now have a perforated pipe in the trench, although the original drains simply used gravel or small rocks on top of a ditch. The rock element is used whether there is a pipe or not, as it’s permeable and water flows through.
\n\n\n\nThis underground drainage system works well for lawns with poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nExcess water from your yard flows through the French drain and into the street gutter or a dry well. And because a perforated pipe is used, water is collected throughout the entire drainage system.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard repeatedly floods or you experience basement flooding, a French drain may work for you. If there is always standing water in your yard after a good rain, this may be a good drainage solution. Even if you have a sump pump in your basement, an interior French drain can help by redirecting excess water to the sump, where it can then be pumped out.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a retaining wall or are building one on a hill or slope, a French drain system will keep water from pooling at the bottom of the wall or running toward your home. A French drain redirects surface water away from the retaining wall so it won’t undermine the structure.
\n\n\n\nHere are four benefits of installing a French drain in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA French drain:
\n\n\n\nPrevents Standing Water
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes love puddles. Standing water in your lawn becomes a breeding ground for the pesky and sometimes disease-carrying bugs.
\n\n\n\nExcess water encourages mold and fungus growth on your grass and even kills it and other plants by drowning them. That, in turn, creates mud that gets tracked into your house.
\n\n\n\nA French drain removes standing water by draining it downhill. It redirects the overflow to run through the trench, into the street gutter and down the storm drain.
\n\n\n\nStops Soil Erosion
\n\n\n\nHealthy soil is a must for a lush, green lawn. Too much surface water may cause soil erosion by washing away topsoil, the top layer that’s necessary for the growth of grass and plants. That may leave you with a muddy, grass-less mess. Adding a French drain to your yard keeps topsoil right where it needs to be, ensuring that your lawn and landscaping remain bright and healthy.
\n\n\n\nProtects Home’s Foundation
\n\n\n\nA huge benefit of a French drain is the protection it provides for your home’s foundation and basement.
\n\n\n\nWhen water builds up against foundations, the hydrostatic pressure (the constant force the water puts on your basement walls) can erode the concrete and threaten the structural integrity of the foundation. How to prevent this? A homeowner or builder might include a French drain system in the basement waterproofing.
\n\n\n\nWooden foundations and crawl spaces are also susceptible to damage from water pressure, as the wood can rot and crumble and concrete footings can crack.
\n\n\n\nFrench drains work particularly well in land with clay soil. This type of soil drains slowly, so adding a trench to the yard removes water before it can cause damage to your property.
\n\n\n\nThe same principle applies when building a retaining wall in your yard. A French drain removes hydrostatic pressure from the wall, keeping it stable and in place.
\n\n\n\nAdds Value
\n\n\n\nA French drain is beneficial beyond removing excess water from your yard; it can add value to your property by protecting your home’s foundation. Prospective buyers want to know that their home won’t be threatened by standing water and a French drain gives them that peace of mind.
\n\n\n\nDepending on how decorative you make the trench, a French drain also adds a pleasant hardscaping element to your lawn. You can use colored rocks instead of gravel, smooth or rough and different shapes and sizes. River rock, for example, gives the look of a dry creek bed.
\n\n\n\nSome homeowners use plants to camouflage the French drain. Flowers or other plants run the length of the trench, hiding the trench. You can also add borders around the French drain of concrete, pavers, or crushed quartz.
\n\n\n\nHere are some potential problems to be aware of if you’re considering a French drain for your yard.
\n\n\n\nClogs
\n\n\n\nA clogged drain is an inefficient drain and can even cause damage. Clogging is the biggest issue French drain owners face. Water often carries sediment through the pipe, creating mud that may cause blockages.
\n\n\n\nClogs are also caused by the roots of trees, grass, and scrubs encroaching on the pipe and trench. When a French drain is clogged, water isn’t properly redirected. This leads to leaks that may damage your home’s foundation or create standing water in other areas.
\n\n\n\nBackflow
\n\n\n\nBackflow is when groundwater seeps into the soil and the dry well fills up, leaving excess water with nowhere to go. This causes the water flow to go back up the drainage system and leave standing water in the basement or in the original problem area.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners with access to the city gutters and storm sewer system don’t usually have this problem. Those without that access may have to redirect the water somewhere else.
\n\n\n\nZoning Rules
\n\n\n\nIt’s key to know city zoning rules BEFORE you start a French drain installation, so check with your local zoning board to see if you need a permit.
\n\n\n\nIt’s imperative that homeowners not dig into utility lines. Call 811 and put in a utility line locator request before you lift that first shovel full of dirt.
\n\n\n\nThere’s quite a bit of digging involved but a French drain can be a DIY project. Factors on deciding whether to tackle it yourself include the length and depth of the ditch and what kind of hardscape you choose to surround it with.
\n\n\n\nAs a bonus, installing a French drain won’t cost you a fortune or take much time, and your yard won’t be wrecked as a result. You only need to consult a professional to ensure the French drain is being installed correctly.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Geograph | CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"Benefits of a French Drain","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1789c/rsz_untitled_design.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/107df/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 320w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/293e9/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 500w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/f2cbb/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 800w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1789c/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 960w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/c26c2/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1dd6e/rsz_untitled_design.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/67b76/rsz_untitled_design.webp 320w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/8df11/rsz_untitled_design.webp 500w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/98a65/rsz_untitled_design.webp 800w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1dd6e/rsz_untitled_design.webp 960w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/3cc96/rsz_untitled_design.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of a French Drain | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home's foundation."}}},{"node":{"id":"c31668e0-a14b-5f06-9676-e98f7aef82fd","slug":"best-grass-types-for-birmingham","path":"/lawn-care/al/birmingham/best-grass-types-for-birmingham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"17db6bdd-4802-5368-a598-f1f632ae1e64","name":"Birmingham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/birmingham/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Birmingham is nicknamed the “Magic City” because of its magic soil, which contains everything you need to make iron. However, Birmingham homeowners want their soil to do a different magic trick — grow a pristine lawn full of lush green grass. Fortunately, the loamy soil contains all the magic needed to support the best grass […]
\n","content":"\nBirmingham is nicknamed the “Magic City” because of its magic soil, which contains everything you need to make iron. However, Birmingham homeowners want their soil to do a different magic trick — grow a pristine lawn full of lush green grass. Fortunately, the loamy soil contains all the magic needed to support the best grass types for Birmingham, AL.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen choosing a grass type, it is essential to consider your grass zone. For example, Birmingham is in the warm-season grass zone but is very close to the transitional zone. That means warm- and cool-season grass can grow in Birmingham, but warm-season grass has the advantage.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass flourishes in the heat, reaching peak growth in the spring and summer and typically going dormant in the winter. On the other hand, cool-season grass prefers moderate temperatures and peaks in the spring and fall. As a result, many cool-season grass varieties go dormant in both summer and winter.
\n\n\n\nLong hot summers and mild winters make Birmingham’s climate best for warm-season grass. So we researched and selected the best warm-season grasses for Birmingham’s climate and soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass rapidly establishes dense, dark green lawns making it Alabama’s most popular turfgrass. Furthermore, its resilience and high foot traffic tolerance make it the most popular choice for athletic fields. It grows best from April to October when temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, bermudagrass requires a lot of maintenance, such as frequent mowing, fertilization, and dethatching. Although it is prone to insect damage, proper lawn care will keep pests out of your lawn. Consider cold-tolerant cultivars such as Yukon bermudagrass to ensure your lawn can withstand a harsh winter.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: 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: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermudagrass requires more fertilization than most Alabama turf. Therefore, conduct a soil test every year or two to ensure you provide enough nitrogen and lime for the lawn. Avoid burning the grass by using a fertilizer that contains no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass grass is a cold-tolerant warm-season grass that flourishes in Birmingham. Although it grows densely in our climate, zoysiagrass also grows slowly, requiring less mowing than bermudagrass. Additionally, Zoysia is tolerant to shade, whereas bermuda needs full sun.
\n\n\n\nZoysia japonica is the most popular variety of Zoysia grass found in Alabama, and many homeowners choose Meyer Zoysiagrass (also called Z-52), an upgraded version of zoysia japonica. It is highly tolerant to cold weather and grows lush dark green lawns.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall, but may get dollar spot or brown patch fungus
\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: Zoysia has good tolerance to herbicides and pesticides.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlabama has about one million acres of bahiagrass, and although much of it is for grazing, it’s also popular as turf grass. Its deep root system allows bahia to pull more water and nutrients from the soil than most grass types, making it ideal for Alabamians looking for low-maintenance turf. It doesn’t require much fertilizer or water, and its coarse blades resist most insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but more shade-tolerant than bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertility requirements. Expect frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Ideal grass height is 3 to 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease and insect infestations
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs well in sandy loam soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including soils with low fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: You can plant bahiagrass from seeds or sod, but the lawn will establish much quicker with sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass thrives in Birmingham’s hot and humid subtropical climate. Although centipedegrass looks similar to St. Augustinegrass, it is distinguishable by its fine blades and pointed tips. The main advantages of centipedegrass are its high adaptability to just about any soil and its tolerance to shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nHowever, centipede has a low cold tolerance, so many Alabamans use TifBlair, a cultivar that tolerates colder temperatures than traditional centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer requirements. Requires weekly mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Common diseases include brown patch, leaf spot, and Pythium root rot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Thrives in wet, poorly drained sandy soils with low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Because centipedegrass is very sensitive to cold, the grass may discolor or die during a harsh winter. Regularly mow your lawn to its recommended height and avoid over-fertilizing to prevent winter illness. Also, be careful of herbicides and pesticides that may weaken the grass.
\n\n\n\nAlthough warm-season grass is recommended for central Alabama lawns, there are a couple of cool-season grasses that can withstand our steamy summers:
● Tall fescue thrives in our cool winters and is heat tolerant enough to survive the summer, making it the best cool-season grass for Birmingham lawns. Overseeding in late fall helps tall fescue stay dense through the summer.
● Perennial ryegrass is another cool-season grass that can tolerate heat. Although it can endure a typical summer, extended heat waves with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the grass.
Invasive Cogongrass is a problem in Birmingham and throughout most of Alabama, but you can control the invasion using the following tips:
● Don’t hand-pull Cogongrass because its razor-sharp leaves and sprouts can seriously hurt you. In addition, hand-pulling isn’t effective because it is extremely difficult to remove its rhizomes altogether.
● Herbicides, such as glyphosate and imazapyr, effectively kill the plant, but it takes multiple applications to get the job done. The best time to apply herbicide is from late summer until early fall.
● Tillage can help control Cogongrass if you repeat the process whenever new growth emerges. However, infrequent tilling can make the infestation worse.
If your lawn loses its deep green color, it probably needs more nourishment. Nitrogen and iron deficiencies often turn grass light green or yellow. Conduct a soil test, then use an appropriate fertilizer to restore your lawn.
When choosing plants for your Birmingham yard, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\nThe secret to maintaining a pristine lawn in Birmingham is to hire a professional. An experienced lawn care pro in Birmingham knows what it takes to sustain lush terrain, so they can do the heavy lifting for you. As a result, your lawn will be healthy, and you’ll have extra time to enjoy Railroad Park or Vulcan Walking Trail.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sharon Phelan Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Birmingham, AL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7804154302670623,"src":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1789c/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/107df/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/293e9/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/f2cbb/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1789c/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/c26c2/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1dd6e/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/67b76/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 320w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/8df11/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 500w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/98a65/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 800w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1dd6e/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 960w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/3cc96/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Birmingham, AL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass types for Birmingham are bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, bahiagrass, and centipedegrass. But tall fescue can also thrive in this climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"e49bd466-a000-52af-90a9-0723a40d9303","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-birmingham","path":"/lawn-care/al/birmingham/low-maintenance-landscaping-birmingham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"17db6bdd-4802-5368-a598-f1f632ae1e64","name":"Birmingham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/birmingham/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"Living in a warm climate means maintaining plants year-round, which can be exhausting, especially when you’re boiling in the blaring Birmingham sun. So, many homeowners choose low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Birmingham, including native plants, succulents, and grass alternatives. Spending a lot of time working on the yard is a shame when you could be dining […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in a warm climate means maintaining plants year-round, which can be exhausting, especially when you’re boiling in the blaring Birmingham sun. So, many homeowners choose low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Birmingham, including native plants, succulents, and grass alternatives.
\n\n\n\nSpending a lot of time working on the yard is a shame when you could be dining at Saw’s BBQ or hiking at Red Mountain Park. So we break down the best ways to achieve a low-maintenance yard, including prices and examples.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Plant-Perennials.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nAll flowering plants go through similar life stages, but perennials repeat their life cycle, living for at least three years. In contrast, annual plants only live one year, so you must continuously replant your garden. Furthermore, many perennials can thrive even when only given well-drained soil and sunshine.
\n\n\n\nHowever, because perennials live for years, proper planning is crucial. Dividing a single plant into multiples controls the size of the plant, so its roots spread out and take in more water and nutrition. Smaller plants also provide greater flexibility with plant placement and garden design. The best time to divide your perennials is in the fall, about six weeks before the first frost.
\n\n\n\nExamples of low-maintenance perennials that thrive in Birmingham’s climate include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Perennial plants tend to cost more than annuals, typically costing $10 to $100 per plant. However, many perennials can grow from seeds, and a package of single plant seeds is usually less than $2. To start a wildflower garden, you can buy a bag of mixed perennial wildflower seeds for $10 to $25.
\n\n\n\nAlabama is home to some of North America’s most magnificent trees, flowers, and vines. Native plants require less maintenance than foreign species because they naturally thrive in Birmingham’s environment. As a result, flower beds filled with native perennials require minimal watering, fertilization, and soil amendments.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are also fantastic for Birmingham’s ecosystem because they support local wildlife and don’t disturb their habitat. Pollinators like butterflies and bumble bees prefer native nectar, while birds feast on native seeds. Birmingham’s native herbivores, such as white-tailed deer and eastern cottontail rabbits, enjoy native leaves, nuts, and fruit.
\n\n\n\nExamples of Birmingham’s best native plants include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most native Birmingham plants cost $20 to $150, but the cost depends on the type of plant, its stage of maturity, rarity, and desirability. For example, immature native trees typically cost $35 to $200, but a mature tree can cost as much as $1,850. In contrast, vines and shrubs are usually less than $50 each. Many native plants also grow well from seeds, which can be taken from existing plants for free.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pine-straw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nMulch can save you time in the yard while dramatically improving the curb appeal of your Alabama landscape. Because mulch shades the soil, less water evaporates, allowing you to water less often. Additionally, mulch prevents weeds from sprouting by barricading the earth.
\n\n\n\nThere are organic and inorganic mulch options, but in most cases, organic mulch is superior. As organic mulch decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil. On the other hand, some inorganic mulches, such as rubber mulch, deteriorate the soil’s quality. Although both types block weeds and look pretty, organic mulch is better at retaining soil moisture.
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic mulch include:
\n\n\n\nExamples of inorganic mulch include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most mulch costs $45 to $130 per cubic yard or $3 to $7 per bag. Organic mulch typically costs $50 to $150 per cubic yard, while inorganic is usually $20 to $400 per cubic yard. Straw, pine bark, gravel, and plastic are some of the most affordable mulches, while rubber mulch, crushed sea shells, and pine needles are among the most expensive.
\n\n\n\nHardscape includes all the non-living, man-made structures in your yard, so adding more reduces yard work and improves your outdoor living experience. For example, some Brummies enjoy sipping sweet tea beneath the partial shade of a pergola, while others prefer gathering around a fire pit on a cool November night.
\n\n\n\nExamples of hardscaping include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscape:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of hardscape varies depending on the structure. For example, most fire pits cost $250 to $2,200, while you can expect to pay $2,100 to $6,000 for a pergola. A typical walkway ranges from $335 to $2,840, and a composite deck usually costs about $8,850.
\n\n\n\nDerived from the Greek word “xeros”, which means dry, xeriscaping is a style of landscaping that requires little to no water. Examples include replacing a portion of the lawn with a rock garden and selecting native plants and succulents that require minimal irrigation.
\n\n\n\nBy reducing water usage, xeriscaping saves you money and time watering the yard. Furthermore, xeriscaping typically requires no fertilization and very little pruning
\n\n\n\nExamples of xeriscaping include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Including labor and materials, most xeriscaping costs $5 to $20 per square foot. Expect xeric plants to cost $9 to $70 and ground cover to cost $10 to $25. The average drought-tolerant tree costs about $300, and rocks typically cost $40 to $140 per cubic yard. Most landscape architects charge $60 to $175 per hour.
\n\n\n\nEven Birmingham’s best grass types require a lot of maintenance, but groundcover is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns. Groundcovers, like creeping thyme, add beauty, color, and fragrance to your landscape. Best of all, the groundcover doesn’t have to be mowed and rarely requires fertilization.
\n\n\n\nExamples of groundcover include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcover:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Groundcover typically costs $10 to $25 per plant.
\n\n\n\nIs caring for the grass bogging you down? Natural grass requires regular mowing, fertilization, sunshine, well-drained soil, and much TLC. In contrast, artificial grass just needs occasional cleaning, allowing you to have a beautiful lawn that requires next to no work.
\n\n\n\nHowever, artificial grass isn’t an exact match, and some homeowners prefer the feeling of natural grass between their toes. Although replacing your existing turf with artificial grass requires a hefty upfront investment, you’ll save time and money on maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay about $3,000 to $7,000 to replace your lawn with artificial turf, which is about $5.50 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nSucculents are fleshy plants (e.g., cacti) that store water in their leaves or stem. Because they stockpile water, they are drought tolerant and require minimal care. They can thrive indoors or outdoors and are standard features in xeriscaping.
\n\n\n\nSucculents are also very forgiving, making them great for new gardeners. I grew my first succulent in the second grade, took it home, put it on the window sill, then forgot about it for months. Finally, I came back to a sickly brown plant, added a little water, and it flourished. That plant survived to see me graduate high school, even with inconsistent care.
\n\n\n\nExamples of succulents for your Birmingham landscape include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most succulents cost $10 to $75 per plant, but prices vary depending on the size and species. For example, most aloe vera plants cost $10 to $20 per plant, but large aloe plants can cost $30 to $150.
\n\n\n\nCreeping phlox is an attractive yet inexpensive ground cover that thrives in Birmingham’s soil.
Planting perennials and native plants from seeds is the cheapest way to start a garden. Most seed packs cost under $2, and gardening groups often have seed exchanges. You can save more money by using DIY fertilizers made from existing organic material, such as grass clippings or a compost pile.
However, if growing it from seed isn’t an option, save money by buying less mature plants. For example, purchasing a small tree that won’t produce fruit for years is much more affordable than buying a mature fruit tree.
Butterflies are attracted to the colorful petals of Birmingham’s native Azaleas, such as pink azaleas (Rhododendron periclymenoides). In fact, nearly 20 species of azaleas are native to Alabama, and these plants don’t require a lot of care. However, they attract swallowtails, grey commas, and several other butterflies.
If you want to eliminate yard work, hire a landscaper to do it for you. Experienced professionals know how to maintain a lush lawn and gorgeous garden beds. However, even low-maintenance landscaping requires heavy lifting upfront, so contact a Birmingham lawn care pro to take that weight off your shoulders.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: PxFuel
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\n","content":"\nWhen they’re not in front of the TV shouting “Roll Tide”, many Alabamians enjoy spending time outside, including in their own backyards. Whether you’re sipping sweet tea by the pool or playing football, a healthy lawn will improve your outdoor experience. And choosing one of the best grass types for Alabama makes it much easier to maintain a pristine lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore choosing a grass type, consider your grass zone. For example, North Alabama is in the transitional zone, and the rest of the state is in the warm-season grass zone. Thus both warm- and cool-season grasses do well in northern Alabama, but central and southern Alabama favor warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass prefers hot weather, so its growth peaks in spring and summer, and it typically goes dormant in the winter. In contrast, cool-season grass prefers moderate temperatures, so its growth peaks in the spring and fall, and many cool-season grasses go dormant in both winter and summer.
\n\n\n\nAlabama’s long, hot summers make it best suited for warm-season grass. Homeowners in North and Central Alabama should consider cold-tolerant varieties that withstand winter cold fronts.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nDue to its beauty and resilience, bermudagrass is Alabama’s most popular turf grass. It quickly grows into a dense dark green lawn that is highly tolerant to foot traffic, resistant to weeds, and forgiving when exposed to salt. So if you live on the Gulf Coast or play sports on the lawn, bermudagrass is an excellent choice.
\n\n\n\nThe main disadvantage of bermudagrass is all the work it takes to maintain it. Because it’s fast growing, you must mow it a lot, and it also requires frequent fertilization and dethatching. Also, if you live in North or Central Alabama, consider cold-tolerant bermuda cultivars, such as Yukon bermudagrass, to ensure it survives a harsh winter.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: 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: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermudagrass requires more fertilization than most Alabama turf. Therefore, conduct a soil test every year or two to ensure you provide enough nitrogen and lime for the lawn. Avoid burning the grass by using a fertilizer that contains no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass grows densely in the heat, but can tolerate colder temperatures than most warm-season grasses. It is also salt-tolerant and able to adapt to just about any well-drained soil. Thus, zoysia is a great option for lawns throughout the state. Additionally, it has much better shade tolerance than bermudagrass and requires less maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAlabama’s most popular zoysia variety is zoysia japonica. Its coarse light green blades are drought tolerant and resistant to weeds. Many homeowners in northern Alabama choose Meyer zoysiagrass, a zoysia japonica cultivar with high cold tolerance. However, if you have many trees, consider emerald zoysia because it is better at tolerating shade.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall, but may get dollar spot or brown patch fungus
\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: Zoysia has good tolerance to herbicides and pesticides.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for low-maintenance turf, bahiagrass is drought-tolerant and rarely needs fertilizer. Due to its deep root system, bahia pulls more moisture and nutrients from the soil than most grass types. Additionally, it resists most insects and seldom succumbs to disease.
\n\n\n\nAlthough bahia is low-maintenance, it can be challenging to mow. In the warm months, bahiagrass grows long seed stems that are difficult to cut. However, frequently sharpening your lawn mower blades will make mowing easier.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but more shade-tolerant than bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertility requirements. Expect frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Ideal grass height is 3 to 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease and insect infestations
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs well in sandy loam soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including soils with low fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: You can plant bahiagrass from seeds or sod, but the lawn will establish much quicker with sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nMany Alabamians like centipedegrass because it looks similar to St. Augustinegrass but is more cold-tolerant. However, it isn’t as cold-tolerant as the other lawn grasses on our list, so it’s best kept in South and Central Alabama. Consider TifBlair, because it can withstand colder weather than typical centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nAdditional advantages of centipedegrass include its adaptability to various soil types and its tolerance to shade. However, centipede grows slowly and can’t handle much foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer requirements. Requires weekly mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Common diseases include brown patch, leaf spot, and Pythium root rot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Thrives in wet, poorly drained sandy soils with low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Regularly mow your lawn to its recommended height and avoid over-fertilizing to prevent winter illness. Also, be careful of herbicides and pesticides that may weaken the grass.
\n\n\n\nNorth Alabama is in the transitional grass zone. It has cooler temperatures than the rest of the state, so heat-tolerant cool-season grass grows well in Florence, Huntsville, and the surrounding area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners in northern Alabama choose tall fescue because it’s highly adaptable. For example, it needs less sun than most grass types, so it keeps its dark green color, even in partially shaded areas. Additionally, tall fescue handles moderate foot traffic, tolerates drought, and resists most diseases.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it is one of the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass species, tall fescue doesn’t like extreme heat, so it is best left in North Alabama. Consider heat tolerance cultivars, such as Firenza II or Bonfire.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: To compensate for summer thinning, overseed fescue grass in the fall. It may periodically need additional grass seed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is America’s most popular turfgrass, but it doesn’t like Alabama’s steaming summers. So Alabamians who want the look of Kentucky bluegrass choose Southern Blue. It’s a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and Texas bluegrass developed by Texas A&M. Southern Blue handles heat and shade better than tall fescue, making it one of the best cool-season grasses for southern lawns.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: It is especially susceptible to diseases in the summer.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Let it grow 3 to 4 inches in the summer before mowing. Don’t fertilize during the summer; the best months to fertilize are September and February.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for North Alabama include:
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Central Alabama include:
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for South Alabama include:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass does the best in Mobile and the surrounding area. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are two of the best warm-season grasses for Alabama, and they are both salt-tolerant, which is important if you live by the sea.
The best grass types for Huntsville are the following:
● Bermudagrass
● Zoysiagrass
● Tall fescue
● Southern Blue
The best grass types for Birmingham are the following warm-season grasses:
● Bermudagrass
● Zoysiagrass
● Bahiagrass
● Centipedegrass
When choosing plants for your yard, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\nIf you want a lush and beautiful lawn, consider hiring a professional. Experienced lawn care pros in Alabama can take the weight of yard work off your shoulders, so you’ll have extra time to take a trip to Little River Canyon National Preserve or visit the USS Alabama.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Chris Pruitt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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