![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
The weather is milder, you’ve dug your sweater out of the closet just in case, and you’re ready to watch your beloved Razorbacks on TV, but your yard needs TLC. It is easy to mow your lawn and call it a day. However, successful spring lawn care begins in the fall, and September is the […]
\n","content":"\nThe weather is milder, you’ve dug your sweater out of the closet just in case, and you’re ready to watch your beloved Razorbacks on TV, but your yard needs TLC. It is easy to mow your lawn and call it a day. However, successful spring lawn care begins in the fall, and September is the most important month for fertilizer. Follow our fall lawn care checklist to maintain your lawn and prepare it for the winter playoff season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nProper fall lawn care from September through November sets the foundation for your landscape during the winter months and spring green-up. Proper maintenance during these cool transition months helps your lawn grow deeper, stronger roots.
\n\n\n\nFall lawn care in Little Rock is more than simple mowing. As your yard prepares for the short, cold Arkansas winter, you need to set it up for success with fertilizer, weed control, and consistent mowing. With the proper fall maintenance plan, your yard will be ready to withstand the cold.
\n\n\n\nFall lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDense and nutrientless clay soils dominate in Central Arkansas, and the dry, hot summers lead to compaction. Aeration is a common lawn method to introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns and reduce compaction.
\n\n\n\nBoth high summer temperatures and aeration stress your turfgrass, so the milder temperatures in September make the beginning of fall the perfect time to perform aeration on your Little Rock lawn. The process allows water and fertilizer to penetrate the soil more easily, increasing the strength and depth of your lawn’s root system. There are two types of common aeration: core aeration and spike aeration.
\n\n\n\nA core aerator punches into the ground, removing plugs of soil to create small holes so the soil can breathe. Unfortunately, this method leaves leftover soil plugs on the surface of your lawn. While these plugs are an eyesore, it’s important to leave them on the surface to break down naturally. They contain beneficial nutrients and microorganisms to help reduce thatch.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for clay soils. These aerators do a better job of breaking through compacted soil to improve nutrient access.
\n\n\n\nSpike aeration is less effective on severely compacted soils. Spike aerators punch small holes in the ground. This method does not remove material from the soil, so there is no loss of aesthetic appeal.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Galeanu Mihai / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarly fall is one of the best times to test your soil to ensure it has all the nutrients it needs to thrive. Little Rock soils are notoriously nutrient deficient, so it is important to understand exactly what nutrients your grass is lacking. Arkansas homeowners can send in a soil sample for free soil testing.
\n\n\n\nSimply send in a core sample to receive your results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applications and lime for soil pH imbalances.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA fall fertilizer application promotes deep roots and sets your grass up for success during its future spring green-up. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape, so it is important to start with a soil test first.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply fertilizer is in September, while the Arkansas weather is still mild. The best type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your variety of turfgrass and your unique soil sample test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 5-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn with 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn in September, six weeks before expected frost. Pay attention to the potassium needs on your soil test results and select a low-nitrogen, high-potassium blend if needed.
\n\n\n\nNever apply nitrogen to St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, or Zoysiagrass in the fall. High nitrogen rates increase winter weeds and new growth, which fights against the naturally slowing growth of these turfgrasses as they prepare for winter dormancy. Apply potassium if your soil test recommends it.
\n\n\n\nLime is a fall soil amendment like fertilizer composed of limestone rock ground into powder. It contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. The addition of lime to your turfgrass increases nutrients and soil alkalinity, spreading beneficial bacteria. The ideal pH for your soil depends on the type of turfgrass in your landscape.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Ideal pH Range |
| Bermudagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Centipedegrass | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Apply lime in September, October, or November if your soil test recommends it.
\n\n\n\nApply lime during the fall months only if your soil test shows a pH of less than 5.0.
\n\n\n\n![\"orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLittle Rock’s subtropical climate and four distinct seasons make for interesting weather, especially in the fall. The city’s autumns are mild with a 45% chance of cloud cover and give way to short, wet, and cold winters. Your grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, it is tempting to mow your lawn short and make less work for yourself, but most grass types grow best at higher heights in Arkansas. Cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to injury, weeds, and drought stress. Taller grass blades develop deeper roots, setting your lawn up for winter success and a better spring green-up.
\n\n\n\nUnless your lawn is drought-stressed, continue mowing your lawn until October. To avoid injuring your lawn, never mow low or scalp your lawn in the fall, and never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade.
\n\n\n\nYou should mow every five to seven days within the recommended range for your grass type. Do not collect clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn. Always aim to cut less, more often.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 0.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.75 – 2.5 inches |
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo matter what variety of turfgrass your lawn has, Little Rock lawns seldom need irrigating in the fall unless it is brand new. September, October, and November have an average of seven to nine rainy days each in Arkansas, eliminating the need for most supplemental irrigation.
\n\n\n\nIf hot, dry, or windy conditions occur for an extended period, continue a watering regimen until October, aiming for 1 inch of water per week for all varieties. Your lawn needs water if you notice a dark blue-gray color, foot-printing, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves.
\n\n\n\n![\"Summer](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_lawn-spots-1170x750-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour best defense against lawn disease is routine maintenance, including watering, fertilization, and proper mowing heights. Arkansas’ mild fall temperatures and subtropical climate create the perfect environment for lawn diseases and fungi, including large patch and spring dead spot.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus that appears as brown, circular patches several feet in diameter. This disease affects St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass. It does not respond well to fungicides. The most effective control and prevention method is proper lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMonitor patches and improve drainage and air movement. Limit fertilization in affected areas and avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nSpring dead spot is not just a spring problem. It is another soil-dwelling fungus affecting bermudagrass in the Southeast. In spring, it appears as circular patches of dead grass ranging in diameter from 6 inches to several feet, and the easiest way to spot it is to monitor your lawn during its active green-up phase as affected areas will not go through the green-up process.
\n\n\n\nIn the fall, spring dead spot is invisible but still active, especially if your lawn has a history of the fungus. Treat suspected spring dead spot in the fall with a preventative application of fungicide in September, October, or November.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chickweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeeds love Little Rock’s subtropical climate. These pests signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health, including low-nitrogen levels, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds siphon vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and spread pests and diseases. Two common methods of weed control include post-emergent and pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other warm-season grasses, Zoysiagrass benefits from a fall application of pre-emergent herbicide designed to kill seeds before germination. While this herbicide will not control existing perennial weeds, it will help control the emergence of new winter annual and perennial broadleaf weeds.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides disrupt the growth of winter broadleaf weeds that become a nuisance during Little Rock falls. Always apply the herbicide directly to the active weed. Wait 30 days between applications, and never apply more than two applications per year.
\n\n\n\nCommon winter broadleaf weeds in Little Rock:
\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Raking-Leaves-on-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bigmouth1 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocations with four seasons like Little Rock attract many homeowners with promises of warm summers, changing fall foliage, and a white Christmas. Watching leaves change from green to autumn gold, bronze, and red is something to look forward to as you sip your pumpkin spice latte and gear up for Friday night football. Unfortunately, the colorful leaves drop to the ground, creating a fluffy and crunchy layer over your lawn.
\n\n\n\nLeaves block out sun, trap moisture, reduce airflow, and lead to dead spots of turfgrass. They increase pest problems and spread disease, so be sure to remove them as soon as possible. Wait until the leaves are dry to rake and prepare to rake your lawn before the first frost or snow of late autumn. The important thing is removing the leaves and layer of thatch left behind. It does not matter if you rake as your leaves fall or wait until all of the leaves in your yard have fallen.
\n\n\n\nMost homeowners can stop mowing their Little Rock lawns in October after the first frost.
Your warm-season turfgrass will go dormant during the end of fall and the beginning of winter. It will dry out and turn brown. The best way to determine if your grass is dormant is by pulling on it. If the grass comes out of the ground easily, it is likely dead. However, if there is resistance from deep roots when you pull on your grass, it is dormant.
No. While some homeowners overseed their warm-season grass with perennial ryegrass to maintain a year-round green lawn, it is not recommended for healthy warm-season turfgrass. The ryegrass slows spring green-up, competing with your warm-season turfgrass and stealing vital nutrients.
Mild fall weather creates a prime environment for routine yard work that will set your lawn up to take on the harsh Arkansas winter and prepare it for a better green-up in the spring. Be sure to check out our spring lawn care tips to get a jump start on what you can expect from your long-term maintenance plan.
If you are short on time and would rather watch football or decorate for Halloween, contact a Little Rock lawn care pro to help your lawn establish deep roots so it can survive the winter.
Main Photo Credit: Jeffries House, North Little Rock, AR / Valis55 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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\n","content":"\nIt’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, prevent, and remove the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll discover:
\n\n\n\nLike any villain, weeds exploit weaknesses. If your lawn has a problem, they’ll find it and take advantage of it. Weeds are typically a symptom of an underlying issue, like thinning turf, soil compaction, or improper pH levels. Routine maintenance, like mowing, fertilizing, and watering, will keep your lawn healthy and prevent weeds from taking root.
\n\n\n\nThere are many reasons weeds are bad for your Austin lawn, including:
\n\n\n\nThere are two effective weed control methods: hand pulling and chemical treatments. Hand pulling is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Before selecting your removal method, identify the weeds you are dealing with to ensure the most effective removal.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree hand weeding is just as necessary as chemical removal methods. Aim to weed your yard and garden weekly or bi-weekly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nWhether your yard is weed-free or overrun with problems, you’ll want to watch for several types of weeds. Some are stealthy, and some are bold, but these are the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Annual-Sow-Thistle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle grows in almost every state, anywhere, including roadsides, lawns, and meadows. The plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and blooms in late spring and fall. Annual sow thistle harbors pests and looks like a cousin of dandelions.
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle is aggressive and has a shallow taproot that allows for easy hand removal. Several pre and post-emergent herbicides are also effective. Specimens have hairless, blue-green, lobed leaves attached to thick, hollow stems that produce milky sap. The flowers are bright yellow and urn-shaped, maturing into a puffy seed head similar to a dandelion.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter; summer
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained, sand, loam, clay, or chalk
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chickweed-Stellaria-Media.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChickweed seeds remain viable for 10 years, and each plant has around 25,000 seeds, making it incredibly difficult to eradicate. This upright plant creates a thick mat of small, smooth, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers.
\n\n\n\nChickweed sprouts in late summer and fall and grows through winter. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils and in shady areas under trees, close to homes, or along garden walls. Thankfully, these weeds respond well to hand pulling, and if you’re hungry, you can eat them in a salad or pesto. Just be sure to wash it first.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; shaded, moist areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/25140451756_2a557dd4c7_c-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass started off as a forage plant for livestock in the 1800s. Homeowners often confuse dallisgrass with crabgrass. This invasive nuisance forms clumps using deep rhizomes. Specimens are low-growing and coarsely textured with light green leaves and long seed heads atop tall stalks.
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass grows faster than turfgrass, and the longer it grows, the harder it is to control. It is one of the more common and problematic weeds in the Southern and Southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; moist sand or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/800px-Taraxacum_officinale_001.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell / Wikimedia Common / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDandelion is one of the most recognizable weeds in the world. The long, deeply lobed leaves form a rosette. Its rounded yellow flowers turn into fluffy puff balls that carry seeds on the wind, infesting your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHand pulling or dandelion forks work well for removal. After you rip them from your lawn, you can clean them off and eat them in everything from cookies to ice cream. Dandelion tea is also popular. Medicinally, they help with several ailments, including:
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, dandelion ford, post-emergent broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHomeowners often confuse goosegrass, also known as wiregrass, with smooth crabgrass. Specimens have leaf sheaths that end in long, thin, green, slightly hairy leaves. The seed heads comprise one to six-inch long spikes growing in a row to resemble a zipper.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass has fibrous roots and prefers compacted soil. One plant produces up to 50,000 seeds and is difficult to eliminate. They are resistant to many pre and post-emergent herbicides. Good aeration and lawn maintenance practices are the best control methods.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; prefer compacted soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; used medicinally
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, non-selective post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHenbit creeps into lawns in the early spring and grows until summer when it goes dormant. You can identify specimens from their pale purple and red blooms that grow in dense whorls. Leaves are egg-shaped, blunt, and coarsely toothed.
\n\n\n\nHenbit is a member of the mint family and is popular with bees and hummingbirds. The leaves, flowers, and square stems are edible with a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, sometimes compared to celery.
\n\n\n\nHenbit has shallow, fibrous roots and grows upright. Choose a dense, warm-season grass and maintain it regularly. It’s important to avoid overwatering, which encourages henbit growth and seed germination.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nOften labeled as the world’s worst weed, nutsedge is also called nutgrass and comes in yellow and purple varieties. Nutsedge resembles grass but grows twice as fast. You’ll notice the long, thin, light green (yellow) or dark green (purple) leaves grow taller than the rest of your lawn shortly after a mow. Aeration and proper watering techniques help control nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLike goosegrass, nutsedge has spiked seed heads. It grows via tubers and rhizomes, six to 12 inches deep. Hand-pulling nutsedge often leaves the tubers, creating a new plant in its place. Apply several applications of chemical herbicide to fend off nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Sedge
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun and wet soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses.
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, weed fork, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nPurslane, or hogweed, is a prostrate-growing plant with shiny, oblong leaves. It is fast-growing with purple-red stems and produces small, five-petaled, yellow flowers. Tiny black seeds form inside egg-shaped pods and are viable for up to 40 years. Purslane responds well to hand removal.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-12
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun; prefers well-drained, moist sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Quackgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nQuackgrass is quick-growing and resembles crabgrass. It establishes via rhizomes. Instead of spikes, the seed heads resemble wheat. Also known as common couch, quackgrass has blue-green leaves and a distinctive auricle, a small appendage that clasps around the stem.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rescuegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRescuegrass, or prairie grass, grows in late spring, summer, and fall in dense concentrations of sword-like, green leaves. Specimens crowd native plants, starving them of beneficial nutrients. The hairy leaf sheaths are a lighter green than the rest of the leaf, and the yellow seed heads have wheat-like, flattened spikelets. Remove rescuegrass by hand, but wear gloves because it is toxic to some people.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; skin irritant
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand removal, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smooth-Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThere are around 35 types of crabgrass, but the one that affects Austin homeowners the most is smooth crabgrass. It is low-growing and has dull green leaves. Its stems turn reddish-purple with age. Smooth crabgrass tolerates mowing and still produces seed at ½ inch in height.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: All
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spotted-Spurge-Trifolium-Repens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nFind spotted spurge on roadsides, sidewalk cracks, gardens, and lawns in late May through summer. Control its growth with mulch or hand-pull pesky specimens. Spotted spurge is a prostrate-growing groundcover with small, dark green, oval leaves with a dark red to purple spot in the middle.
\n\n\n\nThe stems are pink to dark red and excrete a milky sap when broken or cut. Spotted spurge blooms tiny white or pink flowers, forming inconspicuous clusters. The leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits are all slightly hairy.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; skin irritant; toxic to sheep
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\nStop weeds from taking root with these helpful tips:
● Choose the right grass type: certain grass types, like bermudagrass, are aggressive and naturally crowd out weeds.
● Keep a healthy lawn: mow, water, and fertilize according to your grass cultivar; a healthy lawn is more prepared to fend off invasive weeds.
● Apply pre-emergent herbicide: these chemicals prevent weeds from germinating
● Mulch: prevents weeds and aids in soil moisture retention
● Pull by hand: remove weeds as soon as possible
Follower these universal steps to maximize your lawn’s health:
● Mow at the right time: Mid-morning, about 9 a.m., or mid-afternoon, about 5 p.m.
● Leave grass clippings: Grass clippings provide essential nutrients for your lawn
● Keep mower blades sharp: Dull blades rip and tear your grass, causing a brown grass tip and a ragged-looking lawn
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April to avoid late-season frost and give the seed enough time to germinate before the summer.
One of the best ways to keep weeds out of your lawn is to practice good lawn maintenance. Lawn care is a lot of work, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let Wikilawn connect you with an Austin lawn care professional, so you can spend more time enjoying your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Henbit / KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"12 Worst Weeds in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.345291479820628,"src":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1789c/Henbit.jpg","srcSet":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/107df/Henbit.jpg 320w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/293e9/Henbit.jpg 500w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/f2cbb/Henbit.jpg 800w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1789c/Henbit.jpg 960w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/c26c2/Henbit.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1dd6e/Henbit.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/67b76/Henbit.webp 320w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/8df11/Henbit.webp 500w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/98a65/Henbit.webp 800w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1dd6e/Henbit.webp 960w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/3cc96/Henbit.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Worst Weeds in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 12 worst weeds plaguing Austin, TX. Learn how to identify and combat these invasive plants in our comprehensive guide."}}},{"node":{"id":"c2be73f5-a5c8-50cf-b404-fa93b89f40da","slug":"xeriscaping-ideas-colorado","path":"/lawn-care/co/xeriscaping-ideas-colorado/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Descendant of the Fulani tribe, Gettysburg-obsessed Marine Corps brat, and lover of all things writing and editing, Andréa Butler has penned articles for Sesi magazine and sites, such as LivingSocial, Talbot Digital, Xickle, and Rachel Ray. Andréa holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an M.A. in magazine journalism from Kent State University.","name":"Andréa Butler","id":"dae2e109-3ba9-5073-a19a-e341e567190e","path":"/author/andrea-butler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c671545b46efb40d2596d32a775f26a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"be8bb3a1-b40c-57ba-87f7-ff69490271a0","name":"Colorado","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"When you hear the words “thirst trap,” the first thing you think of is an outdoor space filled with high-maintenance turfgrass and water-guzzling non-native plants. Avoid these pitfalls on your own property by pivoting to a more sustainable, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape. Here, we’ll help you get started with six xeriscaping ideas for your Colorado yard. […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you hear the words “thirst trap,” the first thing you think of is an outdoor space filled with high-maintenance turfgrass and water-guzzling non-native plants. Avoid these pitfalls on your own property by pivoting to a more sustainable, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape. Here, we’ll help you get started with six xeriscaping ideas for your Colorado yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nCoined right here in the Buffalo Plains State by Denver Water back in 1981, “xeriscaping” is a fancy way of saying “dry landscaping.” Contrary to popular belief, though, a xeriscaped yard can be so much more than just rocks, sand, and cacti — there’s a wealth of drought-tolerant flowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses you can also use.
\n\n\n\nBefore converting your current landscape design into a sustainable xeriscape, familiarize yourself with the seven principles of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-mist-penstemon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dave Powell, USDA FS, bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot only do indigenous plants help control erosion, reduce pesticide usage, and provide food and shelter to wildlife and pollinators, but native species also come adapted to local soil and weather conditions, which contributes to their natural ability to conserve water, requiring less of it due to their deep roots.
\n\n\n\nAs Colorado is known to have a semi-arid climate, choosing to fill your front yard and backyard with water-wise greenery is the perfect way to sustain a low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscape without sacrificing curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some of the top native plants for Colorado xeriscapes:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nOther (non-native) drought-resistant plants include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tiny](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tiny-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: welcomia / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAttached to the look and feel of the lawn you’ve worked so hard to perfect? No worries; you don’t have to eliminate it completely in order to embrace a revamped, xeriscaped front yard. Instead, shrink the size of your turfgrass allotment to reduce water needs and mowing time.
\n\n\n\nIn the empty space that remains, consider adding texture and variety with garden beds and mulched areas surrounding accent plants, ornamental grasses, or decorative statuary. Or, if you want to think bigger, go ahead and replace what remains of your traditional, high-maintenance, water-loving Kentucky bluegrass with a native selection like blue gramma or buffalograss.
\n\n\n\nA few other examples of Colorado native grasses include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of cutting back on turfgrass:
\n\n\n\n![\"Woolly](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Woolly-Thyme-in-bloom.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Patrick Standish / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother sustainable turfgrass replacement, xeric groundcovers will transform your property from low-mow to no-mow. Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, these low-growing plant selections work especially well on hard-to-mow sloped land. Homeowners can employ a set it and forget it watering routine by installing a drip irrigation system that will send water to roots in small amounts.
\n\n\n\nTry these choice groundcovers for your Colorado landscape:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\n![\"Outdoors](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Outdoors-Kitchen-with-Built-In-gas-grill-on-a-deck.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ivanastar / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn The Centennial State, sunshine is plentiful, temperatures are milder, and overall, precipitation is occasional — making the environment optimal for living it up outdoors. But even when you can’t make a trip to kayak down the South Platte River in Denver, hike in Montrose’s Black Canyon National Park, or explore the Garden of the Gods, you can still take in Colorful Colorado’s unparalleled scenery from the comfort of your own outdoor oasis.
\n\n\n\nAnother water conservation method, hardscaping can transform your backyard into an entertainment mecca. To add to your existing patio, start with a simple DIY project like building a fire pit or laying a walkway. Suitable for a smaller outdoor space, fire pits add immediate ambiance by brightening things up and adding warmth on a chilly night. A brick paver walkway can also make your xeriscape pop with color and texture. Run it through the middle of your new landscape design, bordering it with succulents, trees, shrubs, and native perennials.
\n\n\n\nOther hardscape ideas:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\n![\"Rock](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rock-garden-pebbles.jpg\")
Photo Credit: LookTarn / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile Colorado’s low precipitation levels make it easy to enjoy the outdoors uninterrupted, on the flip side, the lack of rain means homeowners must rely on supplemental water — 50% of potable water, in fact — to keep lawns lush and gardens in bloom. Switching from traditional grass and flower beds to xeriscape-approved rock gardens can vastly improve water savings.
\n\n\n\nWell-suited for sloped land, rock gardens can also act as hardscape borders. When creating your rock garden, stick to the same type of rock throughout — native granite is a popular pick. Varying rock shape and size can help create contrast and visual interest. Rock gardens don’t have to include plants, but doing so will boost the aesthetic appeal even more. Make sure the soil is well-drained and opt for diverse flowers, shrubs, succulents and groundcovers.
\n\n\n\nA few recommended rock garden plants are:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rock gardens:
\n\n\n\n![\"Drip](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Drip-irrigation.jpg\")
Photo Credit: F. D. Richards / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA staple of water-wise landscaping, drip irrigation provides hydration to plants a little at a time. More effective than sprinkler systems (according to the Colorado State University extension, sprinklers are 50% to 70% efficient, while drip irrigation is more than 90% efficient), drip irrigation works via a system of plastic tubes that gradually deliver small amounts of water to plants.
\n\n\n\nInstallation can be DIY, or to ensure everything is done properly, homeowners can hire a local landscaping pro to do the job. Get the most of this irrigation system by grouping plants according to their water needs.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of drip irrigation:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping include:
• Reduced water usage
• Low-maintenance yard work
• Prioritizes native plants
• Decreases need for fertilization/pesticides
Yes! In fact, in 2021, Colorado passed House Bill 21-1229, which forbids homeowners’ associations from barring xeriscapes and artificial turfgrass, among other sustainable solutions.
In Colorado, the best time to xeriscape tends to be during the fall months. Experts reason this is because plants are dormant this time of year, giving them several months to establish deep roots in preparation for warmer weather and potential drought conditions come spring and summer. Another reason experts give? Autumn isn’t the busy season for landscaping and buying plants, meaning prices may be cheaper and landscapers may be more available for help.
In the beginning, your newly xeriscaped yard may take a lot of effort — from removing turfgrass to replacing non-native plants in beds and borders with native ones to installing new hardscaping. If you thrive on outdoor work and can’t wait to get your hands dirty, a DIY xeriscape job may be the budget-friendly option for you.
\n\n\n\nIf, as part of your xeriscape plans you decide to maintain a small patch of grass for your kids and pets to play on, be sure it’s on flat land that is easy to irrigate and mow. Of course, you don’t have to mow the grass yourself, just use WikiLawn to locate and hire a lawn care expert near you to do that for you. WikiLawn can connect you with pros in Aurora, Colorado Springs, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden in Denver, Colorado / Jeffrey Beall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"6 Xeriscaping Ideas for Colorado","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/1789c/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/107df/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/293e9/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/f2cbb/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/1789c/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/c26c2/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/1dd6e/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/67b76/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/8df11/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/98a65/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/1dd6e/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/0c6c0bdc33ea37af1c4a70609a5e6a37/3cc96/Xeriscape-Demonstration-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Xeriscaping Ideas for Colorado","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Conserve water and precious time by transforming your thirsty turf lawn into an eco-friendly oasis with these 6 xeriscaping ideas for Colorado."}}},{"node":{"id":"8edc4bc9-2240-573b-9232-22fe35c8fbe7","slug":"5-plants-perfect-for-your-orlando-landscape","path":"/lawn-care/fl/orlando/5-plants-perfect-for-your-orlando-landscape/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"a47ebc3c-cc0b-5c7a-9e60-90ac2de0ec2d","name":"Orlando","count":10,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/orlando/"}],"date":"January 22nd, 2019","excerpt":"When picking plants for your Orlando, Florida landscape project it is important to make smart choices. The climate and soil types in Orlando can be harsh to many of the readily available plant choices found at most of the big box stores’ garden centers. It is wise to choose plants based on their tolerance to […]
\n","content":"\nWhen picking plants for your Orlando, Florida landscape project it is important to make smart choices. The climate and soil types in Orlando can be harsh to many of the readily available plant choices found at most of the big box stores’ garden centers. It is wise to choose plants based on their tolerance to the hot, humid climate and that can grow and thrive without the need for excessive amounts of water and fertilizers. Picking plants that are generally self-sufficient given the naturally copious amounts of bright sunlight and fresh rainwater will be better for you, your landscape, and the environment.
\n\n\n\nThe following 5 landscape plants were chosen as ‘Perfect for Orlando’ because they are either native to the Central Florida region, or they are easily established and noninvasive in the Orlando landscape, and are easy to care for in residential and commercial settings.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/saw-palmetto.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
This member of the palm family is slow-growing yet a very long-lived plant (some have been found to be 500-700 years old!) and is an iconic Floridian choice for any area in your yard you want to make feel breezy and tropical. Its clumping form helps make a few plants look like a full, dense planting. It likes to grow under trees with some sunlight. The color of its palm-like leaves can vary from yellow-green, green, dark green and silvery green when grown near the coast. The Saw Palmetto’s flowers are a perfect food source for sought after pollinators and provide habitat for desirable pollinators such as native bees and moths.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/american-beautyberry.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1\")
This shrub is a rarity in Florida in that it’s deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in winter.
\n\n\n\nAttractive to wildlife and easy to care for, American beautyberry is known for its bright fuschia-purple berry clusters during the cooler months of the year. Though this shrub is a Florida native plant (and grows naturally throughout the southern United States), it’s not always on hand at garden centers so be sure to ask your favorite garden supplier to order you what you will need.
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry attracts birds and butterflies and has a casual rambling look that works well in as a backdrop to home foundations or along walls. Just be sure to give it lots of space to grow as it could crowd its plant neighbors. Since it takes almost any kind of light, this is one plant that can be used in light shade areas that receive mainly dappled sun (though deer may be more tempted to munch on it there).
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/auntie-lou-cordyline.jpg?fit=1024%2C866&ssl=1\")
The beautiful deep burgundy foliage of the Auntie Lou Cordyline (Cordyline
Cordyline, also called Ti Plants, don’t like to stay wet, so give them regular irrigation with time to dry out a bit between watering. Partial sun to shade is best. They can grow to 3’ to 6’ tall and 2’ to 3’ wide, the perfect choice when selecting a plant to stand as a backdrop in a mixed planting bed.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/crotons.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
Crotons are possibly the most popular of Orlando’s colorful foliage plants, with brilliantly-colored leaves streaked with gold, red, orange, green and even pink. They are easy to care for shrubs that provide an instant infusion of color and low-maintenance needs for any size yard. They feature varieties with many leaf types and sizes from swirly, narrow ribbons to wide, flat leaves. Some have fun names like Dreadlocks, Curly Boy, or Sloppy Painter.
\n\n\n\nNo matter which you choose, consider planting different varieties together for a riot of color and a mix of textures, or place several of the same variety to grow together in a “drift.” These gorgeous shrubs can jazz up an all-green landscape or work well with flowering shrubs or other plants prized for their bright foliage like the Cordyline ‘Red Sister’ variety. A benefit of mixing crotons with flowering shrubs is the consistency of color in the landscape, even while other plants are not in bloom.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/robellini-palm.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1\")
When you think of typical Florida palm trees, an image of tall tree trunks stretching toward the sky often comes to mind. However, the robellini palm (Phoenix roebelenii) offers a miniature palm choice growing to a maximum of 12 feet. When selecting your specific tree, look for plants with 3 trunks (or ask your garden supplier for this specifically) as the odd number grouping provides a more aesthetic appearance. Although robellini palms enjoy the sun, they do prefer some shade during the hotter afternoon hours. If your palm will be planted in a container or pot, move the plant to an east-facing area that is sheltered from the sun’s rays for part of the day. Keep in mind the proximity of your new robellini palm to sidewalks and entryways. The tips of the fronds are often very pokey and can cause painful pricks if one gets too close.
\n\n\n\nTaking the time to research which plants are best for the natural conditions in Orlando will help save you time and money when it comes to landscape longevity and the amount of maintenance you must perform over the lifetime of the garden. These are just a few examples of the wide variety available to those living in the lush, humid subtropical climate of sunny Orlando, Florida!
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about landscaping or lawn care? Visit our Orlando page for more details!
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Orlando Plants and Trees
\n","title":"Here Are 5 Plants Perfect for Your Orlando Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.112455516014235,"src":"/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/1789c/orlando-landscape-designs.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/107df/orlando-landscape-designs.jpg 320w,\n/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/293e9/orlando-landscape-designs.jpg 500w,\n/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/f2cbb/orlando-landscape-designs.jpg 800w,\n/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/1789c/orlando-landscape-designs.jpg 960w,\n/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/9e8b3/orlando-landscape-designs.jpg 2968w","srcWebp":"/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/1dd6e/orlando-landscape-designs.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/67b76/orlando-landscape-designs.webp 320w,\n/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/8df11/orlando-landscape-designs.webp 500w,\n/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/98a65/orlando-landscape-designs.webp 800w,\n/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/1dd6e/orlando-landscape-designs.webp 960w,\n/static/8f78aef0fe14499271b3560edb4655f3/4a663/orlando-landscape-designs.webp 2968w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Here Are 5 Plants Perfect for Your Orlando Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"6d312171-0cb0-588b-b011-8cd8e2c691f0","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-south-carolina","path":"/lawn-care/sc/fall-lawn-care-checklist-south-carolina/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"1ea697f8-5b42-5431-b368-7296faebead2","name":"South Carolina","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"As the crisp autumn air settles in, South Carolina homeowners are preparing for a season of pumpkin patches, football games, and cozy nights by the fire. But amidst the fall festivities, it’s easy to neglect the TLC your lawn needs to thrive. Proper fall lawn care is not only crucial for maintaining a beautiful yard, […]
\n","content":"\nAs the crisp autumn air settles in, South Carolina homeowners are preparing for a season of pumpkin patches, football games, and cozy nights by the fire. But amidst the fall festivities, it’s easy to neglect the TLC your lawn needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\nProper fall lawn care is not only crucial for maintaining a beautiful yard, but it also sets the foundation for healthy growth come springtime. With that in mind, let this comprehensive fall lawn care checklist for South Carolina guide you. From fertilization to aeration, following these steps will ensure a lush, healthy lawn year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFall is a crucial time for lawn care, and neglecting it could lead to dire consequences for your yard come spring. While many people assume that lawn care is a summer activity, the cooler temperatures and more relaxed growth patterns of fall create an optimal environment for certain lawn care practices.
\n\n\n\nFollow these steps to ensure your grassroots grow strong and healthy to withstand the winter months and lead to more vibrant growth in the spring:
\n\n\n\n![\"Leaves](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rsz_1yard_cleanup-1024x683.jpg\")
Although the fall foliage can be a picturesque sight, you should never leave the fallen, dry leaves strewn all over the place. While the thought of raking and removing leaves from your yard may make you cringe, it’s a crucial step in maintaining a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe following reasons will make you pick up your rake from the shed as soon as possible:
\n\n\n\nFall yard cleanup is an opportunity to inspect your lawn for any signs of damage or disease. By clearing away debris and examining your lawn closely, you can catch any potential issues before they become severe.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
South Carolina’s unique climate and soil composition require a tailored approach to lawn care. That’s why soil testing is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lawn – especially in the fall. It’s the perfect time for soil testing because it provides an opportunity to correct any imbalances before winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nTesting your soil can reveal nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, that could be hindering your grass’s growth. Additionally, it can determine the soil’s pH level, which is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. If your soil’s pH is too low or too high, it can impact the soil’s ability to absorb nutrients, causing issues for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere’s the ideal pH range for the most common grass types in South Carolina:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Ideal pH Range |
| Bermudagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Carpetgrass | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| Centipedegrass | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Tall fescue | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Homeowners in South Carolina can take advantage of Clemson University’s affordable soil testing services to analyze their soil composition and determine the necessary amendments for optimal lawn nourishment. The cost for soil analysis is budget-friendly, with prices ranging from $10 or less per sample.
\n\n\n\nSoil can become compacted over time due to foot traffic, lawn equipment, and other factors. Compacted soil makes it difficult for grass roots to grow, leading to a patchy and unhealthy lawn. Aeration can alleviate soil compaction, allowing for better water and nutrient absorption and promoting stronger root growth.
\n\n\n\nFall is also the ideal time to aerate your lawn, as the weather is cooler and rainfall is more frequent. Doing so can help prepare it for the winter months. With improved water and nutrient absorption, your grass will be better equipped to handle the colder temperatures and potential droughts winter can bring.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, aeration allows for better seed-to-soil contact when overseeding, which can help fill in any thin or bare patches in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nVarious types of aeration techniques can be done in South Carolina, depending on the specific needs of your lawn:
\n\n\n\nA lawn care professional can assess your lawn’s needs and recommend the best type of aeration for optimal results.
\n\n\n\nAs the weather cools down in South Carolina, you must adjust your lawn care routine to reflect the changing seasons. One key adjustment to make is cutting back on watering your lawn. While it’s important to maintain adequate soil moisture for healthy grass growth, overwatering in the fall can actually do more harm than good.
\n\n\n\nFirst, excess water can lead to the growth of fungus and other harmful organisms that can damage your lawn. Additionally, overwatering can prevent your grass from properly preparing for winter dormancy, leaving it more vulnerable to damage from cold temperatures and frost.
\n\n\n\nWhile you should keep watering, gradually reduce your lawn’s watering schedule in the fall, allowing the grass to gradually adjust to the changing weather conditions. Remember, your lawn only needs 1 inch of water per week. This way, you can ensure that your lawn is well-prepared for winter and can bounce back in the spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Manual](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Manual-Lawn-Mower.jpg\")
Homeowners should take the opportunity to mow their grasses short in the fall. While this may seem counterintuitive to promoting growth and health, it is actually an essential step to preparing your lawn for the winter months.
\n\n\n\nDuring fall, grass growth slows down and the plant’s focus shifts from above-ground growth to root development. By mowing your grass short, you encourage root growth and provide better access to nutrients and water. This helps to build a stronger, more resilient root system that can better withstand the harsh winter weather.
\n\n\n\nTo properly mow your lawn in the fall, adjust your mower’s blades to a lower setting and gradually reduce the height of the grass over several mowings. It is recommended to keep the grass height around 2 inches for the final mowing of the season.
\n\n\n\nHere are the suggested mowing heights for the popular warm-season and cool-season grass types in South Carolina:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Carpetgrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 inches |
As the temperatures drop and the growing season comes to an end, you should take advantage of the fall season to apply soil amendments to your lawn. Soil amendments are essential in promoting healthy lawn growth, as they improve the soil structure, fertility, and overall health.
\n\n\n\nAdding soil amendments, such as compost, lime, and organic matter, in the fall will give the soil enough time to absorb and process the nutrients before winter sets in, helping improve the soil’s health and fertility.
\n\n\n\nPlus, applying soil amendments in the fall can help reduce soil erosion and improve water retention, which is essential during the winter months. The added nutrients from the amendments will help the lawn better withstand winter stress and prepare it for the growing season ahead.
\n\n\n\n![\"Weed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Weed-Control.jpg\")
Fall is a crucial time to control and prevent weeds on your lawn. Weeds can rob your grass of the nutrients and moisture it needs to thrive, leading to a thin, patchy lawn come spring. In fact, some weed species can spread rapidly and crowd out your desirable turfgrass, creating an unsightly mess.
\n\n\n\nPrevent weeds from taking over your lawn by applying pre-emergent herbicides in the fall. These herbicides create a barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from germinating and growing. Additionally, post-emergent herbicides can be used to kill any existing weeds in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhile you may be tempted to put off weed control until next spring, tackling the problem now will save you time, effort, and money in the long run. With the right prevention and control strategies in place, your lawn will be healthier, more beautiful, and more enjoyable come next year.
\n\n\n\nPay attention to any signs of lawn diseases in your yard. Dollar spot and brown patch are common culprits that can wreak havoc on your lawn during this time of year. These diseases thrive in the warm and humid environment created by the cool fall temperatures and heavy morning dew.
\n\n\n\nTreating these diseases in the fall is crucial as they can easily survive the winter and wreak havoc on your lawn come springtime. Additionally, early treatment can prevent the diseases from spreading to healthy grass, allowing your lawn to recover and grow lush and green next season.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot is a fungal lawn disease that emerges due to excessive dew on the grass. It is characterized by small, silver-dollar-sized yellow spots on turfgrasses like bermudagrass. Adopting proper lawn management techniques can usually prevent or treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nBrown patch (large patch) is a fungal disease that occurs primarily in centipedegrass and Zoysiagrass, resulting in circular patterns of yellowing grass. To prevent and treat brown patch, follow these steps:
\n\n\n\nOne of the most important lawn tasks to prioritize in the fall is fertilization. Applying lawn fertilizer during this time can provide your lawn with the essential nutrients needed to recover from the stress of summer, survive the harsh winter, and thrive in the spring.
\n\n\n\nThe cooler temperatures in the fall create an ideal environment for grass to absorb nutrients and develop strong roots. Your grass roots will continue to grow during this time and will retain the provided nutrients until spring. So you should fertilize at least once before the temperature drops – between late September and early November.
\n\n\n\nConsider using a pelletized fertilizer with suitable ratios of deficient nutrients in your soil. Many lawn care professionals offer customized fertilizer plans based on soil tests and specific lawn needs. Alternatively, opt for an organic and all-natural fertilizer, such as aged compost or grass clippings.
\n\n\n\nThe ratio of N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) will vary depending on the needs of your lawn. For example, a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content may be recommended for lawns that need to promote growth, while a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content may be recommended for lawns that need to improve root development.
\n\n\n\nBy taking a soil test and analyzing the nutrient levels in your soil, you can determine the ideal N-P-K ratio for your lawn and choose a fertilizer that meets those specific needs.
\n\n\n\nFall is also the time to start thinking about winterizing the cold-sensitive plants on your lawn to ensure they survive the harsh winter months. Do the following to ensure they make it through the winter and come back strong in the spring:
\n\n\n\n![\"Fungal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lawn-Pest.jpg\")
Lawn pests, like chinch bugs and grubs, can still cause damage during the fall months. And without proper prevention, they can continue to wreak havoc on your lawn throughout winter and into spring.
\n\n\n\nActing early in the fall to prevent lawn pests is crucial because once an infestation has taken hold, it can be difficult to control. In addition to causing unsightly damage to your lawn, pests also can attract other unwanted visitors, such as birds and rodents. These pests can further damage your lawn and may even spread disease.
\n\n\n\nTo prevent lawn pests in the fall, regularly inspect your lawn for signs of damage, such as yellow or brown patches. You should consider applying a preventive insecticide to your lawn to kill off any larvae or eggs that may be present.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding your lawn in the fall is a great way to improve the density and appearance of your grass. For South Carolina, you can use cool-season grasses, like tall fescue, for overseeding. These grasses will thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and spring while your warm-season grasses are dormant.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to overseed your South Carolina lawn is between mid-September and mid-October. During this time, the soil temperature is still warm enough to allow for good seed germination, while the cooler air temperature helps create ideal conditions for grass growth. Additionally, overseeding in the fall allows new grass to establish roots before winter arrives, giving it a head start for growth in the spring.
\n\n\n\nBefore overseeding, you must prepare the lawn properly. Mow your grass to a short height and remove debris and thatch. Aeration can be beneficial to loosen compacted soil and provide space for new seeds to germinate. After seeding, water the lawn regularly to keep the soil moist (not muddy or saturated) until the fresh grass has become established.
\n\n\n\nYes, there are several ways to tell if your grass is dormant rather than dead. One sign is that the blades of dormant grass will look thin and brittle and still have a greenish hue (albeit a faded one), while dead grass will be brown or gray.
Another way to distinguish dormant grass is by looking at the roots. If the roots are still firm and white, your grass is likely dormant. You also can try watering the grass and giving it some time to see if it begins to regrow. If it does, it was likely just dormant.
For warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass, the growing season usually ends in late September or early October. As such, it’s recommended to stop mowing once the grass stops growing or slows down significantly. Otherwise, cutting too short during this time can damage the roots and make it harder for the grass to bounce back the following spring.
For cool-season grasses like tall fescue, the growing season usually extends throughout the fall and winter months, with the grass continuing to grow until the temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. So you may have to stop mowing your cool-season grass as early as November to as late as January.
A fertilizer that’s high in potassium and nitrogen but low in phosphorus is recommended for fall application. This is because potassium helps improve the cold tolerance and disease resistance of the grass, while nitrogen promotes root growth and overall health.
As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures start to drop in South Carolina, it’s time to start thinking about your lawn care routine. The cooler temperatures and relaxed growth patterns create the perfect conditions for certain lawn care practices that can help ensure your lawn is well-prepared for the harsh winter months and primed for a lush green-up in the spring.
Before putting up Halloween decorations on your lawn, reach out to a lawn care pro to give your lawn the best care possible. Regardless if you live in Columbia, Rock Hill, or near the beach in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or Myrtle Beach, these professionals can help maintain your lawn so you don’t have to.
Main Photo by: don cload / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for South Carolina","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/38a09/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.jpg","srcSet":"/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/107df/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.jpg 320w,\n/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/293e9/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.jpg 500w,\n/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/38a09/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.jpg 640w","srcWebp":"/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/80c34/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/67b76/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.webp 320w,\n/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/8df11/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.webp 500w,\n/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/80c34/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.webp 640w","sizes":"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for South Carolina | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Get your lawn in tip-top shape and prepare it for the cold winter with this comprehensive fall lawn care checklist for South Carolina."}}},{"node":{"id":"18f67249-5578-5c79-8bce-6e6877a2b37d","slug":"best-grasses-new-jersey","path":"/lawn-care/nj/best-grasses-new-jersey/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b8711f9d-06f8-5606-a74a-8dbad3a8aacf","name":"New Jersey","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nj/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"When you live in the Garden State, you want a lawn worthy of the title. Achieving a beautiful lawn starts with choosing a grass type that thrives in New Jersey’s temperate climate and also suits your personal preferences. Not every grass is ideal for your lifestyle, after all. Whether you’re looking for something that tolerates […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you live in the Garden State, you want a lawn worthy of the title. Achieving a beautiful lawn starts with choosing a grass type that thrives in New Jersey’s temperate climate and also suits your personal preferences.
\n\n\n\nNot every grass is ideal for your lifestyle, after all. Whether you’re looking for something that tolerates the high foot traffic of Sunday afternoon flag-football games or one that doesn’t require frequent mowing, there is a grass that suits your needs.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTurfgrasses are classified as either cool-season or warm-season grasses, and it’s essential to understand the difference between them and ensure you’re planting the right type for your climate.
\n\n\n\nIn the Northern United States, most lawns are cool-season grasses that are adapted to colder temperatures. They start growing when temperatures are just above freezing (40 to 42°F) in early to mid-spring and stay green well into October or November, when they go dormant to survive being buried under snow.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in the spring and late fall when soil and air temperatures are 65 to 75°F. Since they have adapted to survive below-zero climates, they aren’t as adapted to hot summers. They do well when temperatures are milder in July and August but need more water when it’s hot to stay green.
\n\n\n\nCommon cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nNew Jersey’s climate is characterized by cold winters and warm, humid summers. Because of this, cool-season grasses thrive in New Jersey’s climate.
\n\n\n\nWith that background, here are the best grasses for New Jersey.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Lindsey at Ecology of Commanster / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue stands out for its ability to handle shade and dry soil. It comes in many varieties, such as creeping red, hard, and sheep. It’s also popular in turfgrass mixes.
\n\n\n\nFans love the soft, fine texture of the narrow leaves on Chewings fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and strong creeping red fescue. Fine fescues also have excellent shade tolerance, hold up to moderate foot traffic, and tolerate low soil fertility. In short, they are pretty durable.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass (except creeping red fescue, which may produce rhizomes)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\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\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is popular here due to its beauty and versatility. It adapts to many different soils and forms a thick green turf that self-repairs when damaged.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass tolerates partial shade, but it does best in full sun. The seed is slower to germinate and establish than some other grasses, but because it spreads by underground stems known as rhizomes, it holds up well and recovers quickly from foot traffic. Bare spots from kids or pets also fill in quickly.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll usually find Kentucky bluegrass in a seed mix with fine fescues and perennial ryegrass. Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to diseases, pests, and thatch, so mixing it with other grasses lessens the damage.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low; may go brown (dormant) during the summer without supplemental watering, but its rhizomes allow it to green up quickly once it rains and cooler temperatures return.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass germinates quickly and acts as a nurse grass (a grass that protects other grasses) for slower-growing grasses. While it grows, perennial ryegrass covers the soil and prevents erosion.
\n\n\n\nBecause they can withstand cold temperatures, perennial ryegrass is grown for pasture and home lawns. It withstands foot traffic well, but is prone to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\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\n\n\n\n\nTall Fescue is a good choice for school grounds, sports fields, and parks in New Jersey. It’s commonly mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to allow the turf to spread sideways. Additionally, if you want a low maintenance lawn, tall fescue is what you want.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue grows quickly, tolerates heat and drought, and grows quickly from seeds. It’s also immune to diseases that infect other turfgrasses.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow often, fertilize appropriately
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches; higher is better (allows for deeper roots)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is the most common warm-season grass in New Jersey. It grows well during the hot summer months and grows thickly, making weeds less of a problem. It also doesn’t need as much water compared to cool-season turfgrasses.
\n\n\n\nHowever, avoid Zoysiagrass if you have a shady lawn, as it doesn’t like shade. Additionally, because it grows thickly, you’ll need to mow it regularly in summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nAll grasses require some maintenance, but fine fescue and Zoysiagrass need the least.
Fine fescue tolerates shade the best, but perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass handle shade decently.
Zoysiagrass and fine fescue handle sunlight the best.
Zoysiagrass and perennial ryegrass are the best choices if you have many feet running around the yard.
Whether you want to enhance your lawn or need help picking the right grass seed, contact Wikilawn’s lawn care pros. They don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Wood Lawn in New Brunswick / Zeete / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Seed for a Beautiful New Jersey Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/1789c/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg","srcSet":"/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/107df/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 320w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/293e9/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 500w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/f2cbb/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 800w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/1789c/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 960w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/c26c2/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/1dd6e/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/67b76/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 320w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/8df11/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 500w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/98a65/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 800w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/1dd6e/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 960w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/3cc96/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Seed for a Beautiful New Jersey Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Achieving a beautiful lawn starts with choosing a grass seed that suits New Jersey’s climate and your personal preferences"}}},{"node":{"id":"390aa8c8-5287-56ad-810c-298a15462946","slug":"best-winter-flowers-new-york","path":"/lawn-care/ny/best-winter-flowers-new-york/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d385702e-0566-5651-8f72-f93cc1c9db6b","name":"New York","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ny/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2023","excerpt":"In most Northern states, we’ve resigned ourselves to a brown, lifeless landscape during those cold-weather months. But what if you could keep splashes of color and life in your yard during the dreariest months? It’s possible with these nine great winter flowers, which will dress up your Empire State yard when you need it most. […]
\n","content":"\nIn most Northern states, we’ve resigned ourselves to a brown, lifeless landscape during those cold-weather months. But what if you could keep splashes of color and life in your yard during the dreariest months? It’s possible with these nine great winter flowers, which will dress up your Empire State yard when you need it most.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winter-Aconite-Eranthis-hyemalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Martin Olsson (mnemo on en/sv wikipedia and commons, martin@minimum.se). / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWinter aconite has bright green leaves surrounding cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers from late winter to early spring. It goes dormant in late spring and throughout the summer.
\n\n\n\nWinter aconite is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in moist soil with good drainage. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight a day for the best growth. But unlike many flowering plants, it doesn’t do well in high temperatures, making it ideal for winter gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to six inches tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loam, clay, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Snowdrop-Galanthus-Nivalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSnowdrop features two erect, narrow, green leaves and bell-shaped, white flowers atop the stem. It blooms from mid-winter to early spring and depends on bees for pollination.
\n\n\n\nSnowdrop grows best in full sun and can withstand partial shade. It’s a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate watering. Snowdrop prefers moist soil with good drainage and can resist critters.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 12 inches tall and six inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam, clay, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Columbine-Aquilegia-canadensis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ragesoss / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild Columbine is a short-lived perennial that blooms from late winter to mid-summer, producing reddish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers that hawk moths and hummingbirds love. Wild Columbine is native to New York and is well-adapted to the region’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis plant grows best in partial shade and prefers moist soil with good drainage. It’s also quite hardy. In addition to thriving in cold temperatures, it survives with moderate watering and resists insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/American-Pussy-Willow.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fyn Kynd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican pussy willow features multiple trunks with bright green leaves and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The flower buds burst and expose their soft silky hair from late winter to late spring. The flowers aren’t showy, nor do they have fragrance.
\n\n\n\nAmerican pussy willow loves full sun and prefers nutrient-rich, moist soil with good drainage. It’s susceptible to attack from caterpillars, aphids, and sawflies. American pussy willow is native to New York and doesn’t require synthetic fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Bright green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Boxwood\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Boxwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prosopee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoxwood is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub featuring attractive dark green foliage. The leaves are especially appealing when there’s some snow on them. The plant blooms from late winter to early spring, producing small, non-showy, yellowish-green flowers.
\n\n\n\nBoxwood requires at least six hours of direct sunlight a day for the best growth. It can withstand partial shade, but the growth speed will reduce. Boxwood doesn’t require frequent watering, but we recommend applying some mulch to prevent the shallow roots from getting dry.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loam, clay, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Border](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Border-Forsythia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBorder forsythia is not native to New York but can thrive here with little maintenance. It grows best in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Border forsythia grows fast, gaining 24 inches a year. It’s a safe plant to grow on your lawn if you have curious kids and pets because it is not known to present any harzards.
\n\n\n\nBorder forsythia blooms from mid-winter to late spring, producing large, bright yellow flowers. Though this shrub is a non-native, it has good resistance to cold temperatures.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loam, clay, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Fragrant](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fragrant-Daphne.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miya / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFragrant daphne produces highly fragrant, whitish-pink flowers from mid-to-late winter that butterflies and bees love. Its foliage looks beautiful too. Fragrant daphne grows best in full sun and can withstand partial shade. It prefers moist soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nAll parts of fragrant daphne are toxic to humans and pets. So, it’s best to grow this shrub on the exterior or in a place that’s out of reach for your kids and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Early](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Early-Crocus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrew Barden / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarly crocus is a beautiful, low-growing perennial with calyx-shaped flowers appearing during late winter to mid-spring. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for the best growth. Early crocus prefers soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nFall is the best time to plant early crocus. It’s a low-maintenance plant with moderate watering requirements. Early crocus is toxic to humans and pets, so grow it cautiously.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Bulb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 0.4 feet tall and 0.2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loam, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Witch-Hazel-Hamamelis-virginiana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWitch hazel is a New York native tree that blooms from early fall to late winter, producing fragrant, wispy, yellow flowers. Its foliage looks exceptional during winter, with round, yellow leaves. Witch hazel requires little to no maintenance and can resist pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nWitch hazel requires full sun for the best growth and prefers moist soil with good drainage. It’s a small tree that can grow up to 30 feet in height and spread 20 feet.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green in spring, yellow in fall
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans, toxic to pets
\n\n\n\nNative plants are well-adapted to a region’s climate and soil conditions. Here are some advantages of native plants over non-natives.
• They are easier to maintain.
• They attract birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife to your garden.
• They require less water as they naturally adapt to the local environmental conditions.
• They need fewer pesticides and fertilizers.
Wild Columbine, American pussy willow, and witch hazel are native to New York.
American pussy willow and border forsythia are non-toxic.
The cold, snowy weather of New York doesn’t mean that your lawn should look dreary. All plants listed here bloom in winter and can add colors to your garden even when there’s snow.
\n\n\n\nIf you need assistance with landscape design, lawn maintenance, or even choosing the best plants, Wikilawn New York lawn care pros are just a click away.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Kora27 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"9 Best Winter Flowers for New York","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/1789c/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/107df/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.jpg 320w,\n/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/293e9/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.jpg 500w,\n/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/f2cbb/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.jpg 800w,\n/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/1789c/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.jpg 960w,\n/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/c26c2/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/1dd6e/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/67b76/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.webp 320w,\n/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/8df11/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.webp 500w,\n/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/98a65/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.webp 800w,\n/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/1dd6e/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.webp 960w,\n/static/f192ca970d16036d80e955105f2ac4e4/3cc96/Eranthis-hyemalis-Winter-Aconite.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Winter Flowers for New York","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"New York has cold winters that aren't kind to flowering plants, but certain flowers, shrubs, and trees actually prefer the cold. Here are nine."}}},{"node":{"id":"88b78703-c6e7-5dcc-ba32-d3b3cdccca73","slug":"water-restrictions-in-fort-worth-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/water-restrictions-in-fort-worth-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9ccd5174-167e-5379-890b-68ac830ec905","name":"Forth Worth","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 17th, 2019","excerpt":"Water is our most precious resource. That’s why the city of Fort Worth has implemented year-round water restrictions limiting the amount we use. This comes at a time when many drought-prone areas are imposing similar restrictions. The city’s don’t want us to stop watering, just to water smartly. You can do that by familiarizing yourself […]
\n","content":"\nWater is our most precious resource. That’s why the city of Fort Worth has implemented year-round water restrictions limiting the amount we use. This comes at a time when many drought-prone areas are imposing similar restrictions. The city’s don’t want us to stop watering, just to water smartly. You can do that by familiarizing yourself with the water restrictions in Fort Worth.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth has implemented a twice a week smart watering system. This means you can water your yard and garden twice a week, but only on certain days.
\n\n\n\nThe water restrictions in Fort Worth also prohibit you from watering while it’s raining. Allowing your sprinkler to water the sidewalks and gutters is also a big no-no. Damaged sprinkler heads that lead to wasted water can also net you a fine.
\n\n\n\nAs of June 1, 2007, any irrigation system installed in the Fort Worth area must include rain and freeze sensors. This prevents automatic sprinklers from turning on when mother nature is watering for us. Before installing a new irrigation system, or retrofitting an old one, you must get a permit. And all commercial irrigation systems must have a sensor and be inspected annually.
\n\n\n\nThere are a few instances where the Twice A Week Smart Watering System does not apply:
\n\n\n\nViolating the City of Fort Worth’s regulations could cost you up to $2,000 for each offense, and each day you’re in violation counts as a separate offense. The city may even go a step further by locking in-ground irrigation systems for homeowners who break the rules. In addition to the fine, there’s a hefty fee to remove the lock-out device on your meter.
\n\n\n\nDo you have more questions about lawn care in Fort Worth? Check out our Fort Worth, TX, lawn care page.
\n","title":"Water Restrictions in Fort Worth, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5058823529411764,"src":"/static/763b128cb13257ebe18cad0d35c968a6/38a09/sprinklers-in-garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/763b128cb13257ebe18cad0d35c968a6/107df/sprinklers-in-garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/763b128cb13257ebe18cad0d35c968a6/293e9/sprinklers-in-garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/763b128cb13257ebe18cad0d35c968a6/38a09/sprinklers-in-garden.jpg 640w","srcWebp":"/static/763b128cb13257ebe18cad0d35c968a6/80c34/sprinklers-in-garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/763b128cb13257ebe18cad0d35c968a6/67b76/sprinklers-in-garden.webp 320w,\n/static/763b128cb13257ebe18cad0d35c968a6/8df11/sprinklers-in-garden.webp 500w,\n/static/763b128cb13257ebe18cad0d35c968a6/80c34/sprinklers-in-garden.webp 640w","sizes":"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Water Restrictions in Fort Worth, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"It's tough to fathom when we'll see the next drought in Texas. Wade through the current water restictions for Fort worth and the fines for violating them."}}},{"node":{"id":"8c5d9584-5c94-5769-bcb5-a6a51b41d6e3","slug":"interview-building-a-landscaping-business-in-the-dfw","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/interview-building-a-landscaping-business-in-the-dfw/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2018","excerpt":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business Building a successful business is no small feat, especially in the landscaping industry. You will work hours on end. You will sweat. You will bleed. And you will find after all of that, it was worth every second. This article is the beginning of a series of interviews that we […]
\n","content":"Building a successful business is no small feat, especially in the landscaping industry. You will work hours on end. You will sweat. You will bleed. And you will find after all of that, it was worth every second.
\nThis article is the beginning of a series of interviews that we will be conducting for our readers to gain insight into the daunting world of the landscaping industry.
\nToday’s guest is Chris Sadberry, owner and operator of Big League Landscaping, servicing the North Dallas area. Once Chris’ career in the Minor League Baseball ended, he decided to build his own landscaping business. He’s done everything from tree trimming to mowing lawns and building patios.
\nLike many before me, my journey started by walking target neighborhoods. Most people in the landscaping industry who walk neighborhoods just pin flyers up on homeowners’ doors or mailboxes. After not having any luck with that, I decided to switch things up. I began knocking on doors to introduce myself and tell my story to potential customers. The results were clear: a friendly smile and a firm handshake go a long way when it comes to landing customers.
\nIt’s hard to describe the feeling when you sell your first type of any job. It’s an amazing experience to lock in the first customer.
\nWhen I first started out I bought some cheap business cards off of Vistaprint for around $40. I also had to pay a business registration fee of $25 for the county I wanted to work in. The actual business expenses were minuscule compared to the cost of equipment.
\nI knew it was finally time when I kept running into issues with clients because I would promise too many things to multiple customers and ended up being behind every time. I was failing miserably at the golden rule of sales: under-promise and over-deliver. In order to keep up with the number of new customers coming in, I was basically forced to hire someone.
\nReliability is the first thing that I was looking for in my first hire. I really needed a go-getter who wasn’t afraid to help build the business. Secondly, I needed someone trustworthy in case I needed to leave them to go grab materials or even give an estimate.
\nThe most challenging part is getting past the hump of breaking even. It’s hard when you are just breaking into an industry to charge what the established companies are charging. Majority of companies fail within the first 5 years because they struggle to pay their bills. You can overcome this by putting in hours and hours of walking around neighborhoods after work to keep new business coming in (and knocking on doors of course). You will hear a simple, “No,” the vast majority of the time, but you have to accept it and move on.
\nMy favorite project that we’ve done so far has been a large Flagstone patio that we did in Argyle, TX. We had great clients and really enjoyed providing our services to them.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1838-1024x768.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1839-1024x768.jpg\")
Photos courtesy of Big League Landscaping
\nMy favorite tool would be the shovel. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always enjoyed digging.
\nIn the beginning, there will be a lot of sacrifice from you to build your business off the ground. The end result is definitely worth the struggle in the beginning if you’re someone that wants to be in control of your own destiny.
\nFollow Chris and Big League Landscaping on their Facebook page to keep up with their latest projects.
\nHave more questions about lawn care or landscaping? Visit our Dallas lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business in the DFW","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1789c/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/107df/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 320w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/293e9/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 500w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/f2cbb/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 800w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1789c/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 960w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/4fb49/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1dd6e/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/67b76/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 320w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/8df11/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 500w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/98a65/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 800w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1dd6e/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 960w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/62477/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business in the DFW | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"77a49ec2-92f7-5556-87a0-e95395bd2754","slug":"best-grass-types-arkansas","path":"/lawn-care/ar/best-grass-types-arkansas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"31b8d887-3e55-503a-9ba9-8fac7d950ccf","name":"Arkansas","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ar/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 9th, 2023","excerpt":"Arkansas is best known for its scenic lakes, rivers, and hot springs, but it’s also home to the only active diamond mine in the U.S. How’s that for fancy? Arkansas’ climate is classified as humid subtropical, but the Natural State experiences four seasons with plenty of precipitation and short, cold winters. Arkansas has plenty of […]
\n","content":"\nArkansas is best known for its scenic lakes, rivers, and hot springs, but it’s also home to the only active diamond mine in the U.S. How’s that for fancy? Arkansas’ climate is classified as humid subtropical, but the Natural State experiences four seasons with plenty of precipitation and short, cold winters.
\n\n\n\nArkansas has plenty of prime outdoor months for the avid adventurer with high temperatures averaging 74 degrees Fahrenheit and lows averaging 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The six best grass types for Arkansas need little water to survive the unique climate. Read on to discover varieties suitable for your Arkansas landscape.
\n\n\n\nArkansas sits in the transition zone, a region ranging from East Coast states like Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina all the way west to Missouri, Kansas, Eastern Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This zone has incredibly unique weather, and neither warm nor cool-season turfgrasses completely adapt to the region.
\n\n\n\nIn the transition zone, summers are too hot for cool-season grass varieties and winters are too cold for warm-season grasses, making it incredibly difficult to maintain your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nArkansas is a landlocked state just south of its transition zone neighbor, Missouri. Cool-season grass varieties grow best in Northern and Central Arkansas, while the entire state is suited to growing most warm-season cultivars.
\n\n\n\nThe following grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Northern Arkansas:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nLike some warm-season cultivars, bermudagrass adapts to the entire state. It is the most common Arkansas grass variety and a versatile option suited for many applications, including athletic fields, golf courses, and home lawns. Bermudagrass is moderately cold-tolerant, hardy, and fine to coarse-textured. It is an aggressive grass that recovers quickly, withstanding drought and heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nCommon and hybrid bermudagrass varieties grow well in Arkansas. Common varieties are sun-loving with a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Common bermudagrass requires less maintenance than hybrid varieties but is less dense with a more sparse appearance and lower disease resistance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, armyworms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is hardy as far north as Little Rock and thrives in Arkansas’ hot summers. It is a dense turfgrass with deep roots. However, it is the least winter-hardy warm-season cultivar. St. Augustinegrass has a high shade tolerance and is easy to establish. It is quick-growing but does not stand up well to herbicides or heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nAll cultivars of this dense turfgrass are susceptible to disease and pests, especially chinch bugs. St. Augustinegrass is blue-green with a coarse, carpet-like texture. The most readily available Arkansas cultivar is the common St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, armyworms, webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nLike bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass grows throughout Arkansas. It has thick, stiff leaf blades and grows dense, blocking out weeds. The low-maintenance turfgrass requires little fertilization and tolerates drought, shade, heavy traffic, low mow heights, and low temperatures.
\n\n\n\nArkansas is home to two main cultivars of Zoysiagrass, Zoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella. The attractive turfgrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. Arkansas cultivars are not prone to disease or insect infestation, but grow slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is slow-growing and a great low-maintenance option for Southern and Central Arkansas lawns. Like St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass cultivars are hardy as far north as Little Rock, requiring little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain lush and green.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass handles shade better than bermudagrass, but the smooth, flat blades do not handle heavy traffic, cold, or herbicides well. The turfgrass has a pronounced medium texture and light green color. It prefers to be left alone and is prone to pests and disease when improperly maintained or over watered.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/solar-panels-working-2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Billy Lau / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nTall fescue grows best in the northern one-third of the state but will grow as far south as Central Arkansas. It is shade and cold-tolerant, growing best in spring and fall, and most cultivars go dormant in the hot Arkansas summers. Tall fescue has a clumping growth habit with deep roots and a sparse appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe turfgrass has an attractive medium to dark green color and coarse texture. It requires regular watering, fertilization, and mowing. Tall fescue stands up to heavy foot traffic and grows well in a range of soils, including clay and sand. Cultivars are not the most attractive choices for home lawns. However, homeowners appreciate their climatic adaptability, especially in the tough transition zone.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – can be prone to leaf spot, seedling disease, and brown patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For optimal results, apply fertilizer once during the months of September and November. Also, plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years if you wish to maintain a lush lawn and tackle any sparse or thinning spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5552536384_1bc90958b3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ferran Pestaña / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance, cool-season cultivar that only grows in Northern Arkansas when mixed with tall fescue. It has low drought tolerance but withstands cold and the winter conditions of Arkansas well. To survive the hot, dry Arkansas summers, Kentucky bluegrass cultivars must be mixed and seeded with tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is recognizable for its famed blue-green color, fine texture, and dense appearance. Hybrid cultivars have improved heat tolerance and include Durablue, Thermal Blue Blade, and Solar Green. While these varieties withstand hot temperatures better, they still grow best alongside tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nMost varieties are available as premixed seeds. The most common pre-mixed ratio for Arkansas is 90% tall fescue seed and 10% hybrid bluegrass seed. This ratio ensures a more dense appearance that is hardy to the drought needs of a Northern Arkansas summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches – mow taller during summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – can be prone to snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, necrotic ring spot, chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs, grubs, and greenbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns. Due to its limited root depth, regular watering is necessary. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are generally hardier and more resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\nNo. While some homeowners overseed their warm-season grass with perennial ryegrass to maintain a year-round green lawn, it is not recommended for healthy warm-season turfgrass. The ryegrass slows spring green-up, competing with your warm-season turfgrass and stealing vital nutrients.
It is best to allow your warm-season grass to enter natural dormancy during the cold winter months. Warm-season Arkansas turfgrasses include Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass.
If you live south of Little Rock, plant your warm-season grass seed in May or June. This gives the seed plenty of time to germinate before the hot summer. For residents of Northern Arkansas, sow your cool-season cultivar in September or October to complement the natural fall growth cycle.
Perennial ryegrass is a temporary turfgrass option for Arkansas. It is often used after new construction or lawn renovation to prevent erosion and reduce dust and mud. Like other cool-season cultivars, sow perennial ryegrass in September or October. The temporary turfgrass will green up quickly and last through spring before your warm-season cultivar takes over.
The best grass cultivars for Arkansas depend on where you live in the state. Varieties are suited to your unique USDA zone. Arkansas’ zones include 6b to 8a, with most of the state falling between 7b to 8a. All turfgrasses have their own characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your space and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together to help form your complete landscape. There are numerous landscaping options for the Natural State, and you can take advantage of the state’s four unique seasons. Be sure to check out our guides to help you plan your landscape and keep your lawn healthy year-round:
\n\n\n\nFrom well-known cities like Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Bentonville to the resort destinations of Hot Springs, no matter which part of the state you live in, conquer Arkansas’ unique climate. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro today to help you maintain a green and healthy lawn, so you have more free time outdoors.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Lawn, Arkansas / Pxhere
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Arkansas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/1789c/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/107df/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/293e9/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/f2cbb/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/1789c/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/c26c2/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/1dd6e/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/67b76/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/8df11/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/98a65/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/1dd6e/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/3cc96/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Arkansas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Depending on your location, the best grass types for Arkansas are both warm-season and cool-season varieties suitable for the unique transition zone."}}},{"node":{"id":"36ce7c7b-d94e-58a3-a1f6-1eab325ec71f","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-murfreesboro","path":"/lawn-care/tn/murfreesboro/fall-lawn-care-checklist-murfreesboro/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"27e940f6-30a2-50ad-939d-b73973245b23","name":"Murfreesboro","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/murfreesboro/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Pumpkin spice lattes, fans flocking to watch the Blue Raiders, and hiking trails full of changing fall leaves are just a few of the `Boro’s fall favorites. With temperatures in the 70s and college football just around the corner, the last thing you want to do is mow your lawn. However, successful spring lawn care […]
\n","content":"\nPumpkin spice lattes, fans flocking to watch the Blue Raiders, and hiking trails full of changing fall leaves are just a few of the `Boro’s fall favorites. With temperatures in the 70s and college football just around the corner, the last thing you want to do is mow your lawn. However, successful spring lawn care begins in the fall, and September is a crucial month for fertilizer. Follow our fall lawn care checklist to maintain your lawn and prepare it for the winter playoff season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResidents love Tennessee’s mild autumns. The southern state is in the transition zone, and both warm and cool-season grass varieties grow well in its soils. Proper fall lawn care from September through November sets the foundation for your landscape during the winter months and spring green-up. Proper maintenance during these cool transition months helps your lawn grow deeper, stronger roots.
\n\n\n\nFall lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"dethatcher](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro’s mild fall gives way to a short, cold, and wet winter, causing some cool-season grass cultivars and most warm-season grass cultivars to go dormant, developing thatch. Thatch is the tight, intermingled layer of dead grass, living grass blades, and roots that accumulate above soil level but below eye line visibility. Thatch insulates grass roots and makes your turfgrass more resilient, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
\n\n\n\nDense thatch causes:
\n\n\n\nDethatch your lawn during its active growing season using a dethatcher, also known as a lawn scarifier. Watch for thatch that is a half inch or more thick, spongy turf, footprints, increased pest activity, and active diseases. Dethatchers work like a complex rake to remove thatch, bringing it to the surface of your lawn for collection. Always remove the loose layer of thatch immediately to avoid suffocating your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to identify your grass variety. Tennessee cool-season grass cultivars like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass actively grow in the fall and early spring. Warm-season varieties such as bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass hit their green-up phase in late spring and summer. Dethatch your cool-season lawn in early fall and save your warm-season cultivar dethatching session for spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nOxygen allows your turfgrass to establish deep roots and a dense appearance. Aeration is a common method to introduce this element back into struggling lawns with restricted root growth, allowing for water and nutrients to permeate more easily.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of common aeration: core aeration and spike aeration. Aim to aerate your Murfreesboro lawn to stimulate root growth following your dethatching schedule: early fall for cool-season varieties like fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass and mid-spring to early summer for warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nCore aerators extract cores of soil to create small holes so the soil can breathe. This method leaves leftover cores of soil on the surface of your lawn, adding beneficial nutrients and microorganisms to decrease thatch naturally.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for the middle Tennessee region with its well-drained loam, limestone, or clay-based soils. These alkaline soils retain less moisture, heat more quickly, and have an abundance of phosphorus. Core aerators do a better job of breaking up sand or rock particles, reducing compaction, increasing air exchange, and improving water and nutrient access.
\n\n\n\nSpike aerators poke small holes in the ground with a rotating punch. This method does not remove material from the soil, so there is no chance of natural de-thatching.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nEarly fall is one of the best times to test your soil to ensure it has all the nutrients it needs to thrive. Middle Tennessee is home to many soil types and some are nutrient deficient. It is important to understand exactly what nutrients your grass is lacking. Murfreesboro homeowners should send in a soil sample for testing in September.
\n\n\n\nSimply send in a one-cup core sample to receive your results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applications and lime for soil pH imbalances.
\n\n\n\n![\"Thick](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/green-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nLate summer and early fall are the best times to seed your cool-season lawn in Murfreesboro, while spring is the best time to seed warm-season cultivars. The active growing season encourages fresh growth, filling in thin and patchy areas.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turfgrass to fill thin areas. Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass are cool-season cultivars that respond well to fall overseeding.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your cool-season Tennessee lawn in late August or early September. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\nDepending on your turfgrass cultivar, a fall fertilizer application promotes deep roots and sets your grass up for success during its fall green-up or winter dormancy period. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape, so it is important to start with a soil test. The best time to apply fertilizer depends on your turfgrass cultivar, while the best type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your unique soil sample test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 5-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nFall is the best time to fertilize cool-season grass cultivars like fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass as they hit their active growing season. Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn on Sept. 1, Oct. 15, and Nov. 15 to improve root depth and turf density. Be sure to select a fertilizer that satisfies your soil test results with the proper N-P-K ratio.
\n\n\n\nA fall fertilizer application helps warm-season turfgrasses like centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass resist winter weeds and improves turf color and spring recovery rates. Fertilize your warm-season lawn with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn around Sept. 1. Pay attention to the potassium and phosphorus needs on your soil test results and select a low-nitrogen, high-potassium or phosphorus blend, if needed.
\n\n\n\nLime is a fall soil amendment like fertilizer composed of limestone rock ground into powder. It contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. The addition of lime to your turfgrass increases nutrients and soil alkalinity, spreading beneficial bacteria. The ideal pH for your soil depends on the type of turfgrass in your landscape. Apply lime in September, October, or November if your soil test recommends it.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Ideal pH Range |
| Bermudagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Centipedegrass | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| Fine Fescue | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Tall Fescue | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mow-More-Cut-Less.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nThe `Boro’s subtropical climate and four distinct seasons make for interesting weather, especially in the fall. The city’s autumns are warm with a 49% chance of cloud cover and give way to short, wet, and cold winters. Your grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, it is tempting to mow your lawn short and make less work for yourself, but most grass types benefit from longer grass blades in the fall. Cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to injury, weeds, and cold stress. Taller grass blades develop deeper roots, setting your lawn up for winter success and a better spring green-up.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season cultivars like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass benefit from higher mowing heights in the fall to increase insulation and encourage deeper roots before winter.
\n\n\n\nRaise the height of your cut by a half inch in mid-September. Continue mowing through fall until the first frost. To avoid injuring your lawn, never mow low or scalp your lawn in the fall, and never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade.
\n\n\n\nYou should mow every seven to 14 days within the recommended range for your grass type. Do not collect clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn. Always aim to cut less, more often.
\n\n\n\nCool-season Tennessee grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass hit their active growth phase in the early fall after summer dormancy
\n\n\n\nMow cool-season grasses to their recommended heights every seven days during fall. Aim to decrease mowing frequency to every 14 days in mid to late spring when growth has slowed.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 0.75 – 1.5 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.75 – 1.5 inches |
No matter what variety of turfgrass your lawn has, Murfreesboro lawns seldom need daily irrigating in the fall unless it is brand new. Water as needed early in the morning throughout fall. Winters in the `Boro are usually wet, providing more than enough precipitation for your plants and turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nYou will know it is time to water your turfgrass when you notice a dark blue-gray color, footprinting, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves. Water all Tennessee turfgrass varieties twice per week if it hasn’t rained, aiming for a half inch of water per session to moisten the top 4 to 6 inches of soil and encourage deeper roots.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nYour best defense against lawn disease is routine maintenance, including watering, fertilization, and proper mowing heights. Tennessee’s mild fall temperatures and subtropical climate create the perfect environment for lawn diseases and fungi, including large patch, dollar spot, helminthosporium diseases, rust, nematodes, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus that appears as brown, circular patches several feet in diameter. This disease affects bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. It does not respond well to fungicides. The most effective control and prevention method is proper lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMonitor patches and improve drainage and air movement. Limit fertilization in affected areas and avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot is caused by a Tennessee soil-dwelling fungus that thrives in the warm, moist weather of spring and fall. It affects bluegrass, ryegrass, bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass. Watch for circular brown or yellow spots that look like dollar coins.
\n\n\n\nLike most fungi, treat dollar spot with proper lawn maintenance. Maintain nitrogen levels by applying a nitrogen-based fertilizer and minimize moisture stress by ensuring proper drainage. Always water deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce foliage wetness.
\n\n\n\nFairy rings, caused by mushroom or puffball-producing fungi, affect all Tennessee turfgrasses. Be on the lookout for an arc or ring of dead grass surrounded by healthy grass. Many infections also produce mushrooms or puffballs around the ring.
\n\n\n\nLike large patch, fairy rings do not respond well to fungicides. Till or remove the soil around the affected area and reseed for severe infestations. For mild infestations, remove thatch, aerate, and perform routine maintenance, ensuring proper irrigation.
\n\n\n\nHelminthosporium diseases affect all turfgrass species. Numerous fungi species cause these leafspot diseases, affecting grass blades, crowns, or roots. Watch for dark, circular lesions that expand to light-brown dead turf. Most diseases affect roots and crowns, causing turf thinning and fading, especially during cool, moist fall weather, but occur year-round in Murfreesboro.
\n\n\n\nCombat infections with proper lawn maintenance. Improve air circulation by removing thatch. Avoid fertilization and post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active. Monitor and fix drainage issues and avoid over-watering to prevent active and future infestations. Apply a fungicide at the first signs of infection.
\n\n\n\nNematodes affect all Tennessee turfgrasses. These unsegmented roundworms need moisture to survive, and populations peak in the fall. The best prevention method is proper lawn maintenance to develop dense roots.
\n\n\n\nWatch for yellowing and thinning turf, especially during dry periods. Apply nematicides like Indemnify to affected areas alongside routine lawn maintenance and proper yard drainage.
\n\n\n\nRust is a tissue-dwelling fungus affecting Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass. Spores germinate through moisture and dew, and active infections pop up throughout spring into fall. Be on the lookout for yellow flecks and raised areas on grass blades and thinning, wilting turf.
\n\n\n\nTreat rust using a fungicide, and prevent this Tennessee turfgrass disease with proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage, reduce thatch buildup, and increase the time between irrigation sessions to minimize leaf moisture.
\n\n\n\nStripe smut is a fungus affecting Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. It is a serious fall disease causing stunted root growth, stiff and erect leaf blades, and a yellow and brown appearance.
\n\n\n\nOnce an outbreak occurs, smut fungus grows rapidly in fall temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Treat the turfgrass disease with proper lawn maintenance, including infrequent but deep waterings and proper fertilization. Fungicide applications can help reduce active infections.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Common-Chickweed.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWeeds love Murfreesboro’s subtropical climate. These pests signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health, including low-nitrogen levels, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds siphon vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and spread pests and diseases. Two common methods of weed control include post-emergent and pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nAll cool-season Tennessee turfgrasses, including tall fescue, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass benefit from a fall application of pre-emergent herbicide designed to kill seeds before germination. Additionally, both Zoysiagrass and bermudagrass benefit from a September pre-emergent herbicide application to control annual bluegrass, a common Tennessee weed.
\n\n\n\nWhile these herbicides will not control existing perennial weeds, they will help control the emergence of new winter annual and perennial broadleaf and grassy weeds.
\n\n\n\nCommon winter grassy weeds in Murfreesboro:
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides disrupt the growth of winter broadleaf weeds that become a nuisance during Murfreesboro falls. Always apply the herbicide directly to the active weed. Wait 30 days between applications, and never apply more than two applications per year.
\n\n\n\nCommon winter broadleaf weeds in Murfreesboro:
\n\n\n\n![\"raking](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pxfuel.com-4-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nLocations with four seasons like Murfreesboro attract many homeowners with promises of warm summers, changing fall foliage, and a chance for a white Christmas. Watching leaves change from green to autumn gold, bronze, and red is something to look forward to as you sip your pumpkin spice latte and gear up for Friday night football. Unfortunately, the colorful leaves drop to the ground, creating a fluffy and crunchy layer over your lawn.
\n\n\n\nLeaves block out the sun, trap moisture, reduce airflow, and lead to dead spots of turfgrass. They increase pest problems and spread disease, so be sure to remove them as soon as possible. Wait until the leaves are dry to rake and prepare to rake your lawn before the first frost.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to remove the leaves and layer of thatch left behind. It does not matter if you rake as your leaves fall or wait until all the leaves in your yard have fallen.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost homeowners can stop mowing their warm-season Murfreesboro lawns in mid-October. These cultivars include bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass.
Homeowners with cool-season varieties, including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue, can typically stop mowing after the first frost in early December.
Warm-season turf gasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass will go dormant during the end of fall and the beginning of winter. These cultivars dry out and turn brown.
The best way to determine if your grass is dormant is by pulling on it. If the grass comes out of the ground easily, it is likely dead. However, if there is resistance from deep roots when you pull on your grass, it is dormant.
No. While some homeowners overseed their warm-season grass with perennial ryegrass to maintain a year-round green lawn, it is not recommended for healthy warm-season turfgrass. The ryegrass slows spring green-up, competing with your warm-season turfgrass and stealing vital nutrients. It is best to allow your warm-season grass to enter natural dormancy during the cold winter months. Warm-season Tennessee turfgrasses include Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, and centipedegrass.
Mild fall weather creates a prime environment for routine yard work that will set your lawn up to take on the wet, cold Tennessee winter and prepare it for a better green-up in the spring. Be sure to check out our spring lawn care tips to get a jump start on what you can expect from your long-term maintenance plan.
\n\n\n\nIf you are short on time and would rather watch football or hit the trails, contact a Murfreesboro lawn care pro to help your lawn establish deep roots so it can survive the winter.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tarpely Farm-Murfreesboro / rossograph / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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\n","content":"\nYou can do a lot in Massachusetts – get a frappe, bang a uey into Dunks, catch a game at the Garden – but the best is hanging in your yard. Gardening, sunbathing, or tossing a pigskin is even better with a luscious lawn. Whether you’re living on the Cape, the Hub, or down the Pike in Western Massachusetts, choose one of the 5 best grass seed types for Massachusetts for a wicked awesome lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWith Massachusetts’ relatively mild summers and freezing winters, all but one type of turf (Zoysiagrass) is cool-season grass. In general, there are key differences between warm-season and cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses grow quickly and have high-drought tolerance. Conversely, cool-season grasses are resilient and luxurious.
\n\n\n\nBut those differences only scratch the surface. Here are some more differentiating characteristics between warm-season and cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nThe following grass seed types are perfect for Massachusetts’ climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe fine fescue grass type is a combination of slender creeping red fescue, strong creeping red fescue, hard fescue, chewings fescue, and sheep fescue. Depending on the mixture, fine fescue ranges from blue-green to medium green, and the blades are soft and needle-thin. As long as temperatures stay below 90 degrees, fine fescue lawns stay green throughout the summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass except for creeping red fescues, which have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high; prefers at least four hours of sunlight per day
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; can be prone to diseases like red thread and snow mold
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5- 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Dry to somewhat moist, rocky, sandy, or clay soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For best results, it’s recommended to plant this during late summer or early fall, but it also can be planted in early spring. During the germination process, which can take up to three weeks, it’s important to keep the soil moist.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the most popular cool-season grass due to its lovely dark bluish-emerald color with soft, medium to fine texture. Its self-repairing rhizomes fill in gaps and create a beautiful carpeted lawn. But its roots are short, making absorbing essential nutrients hard. Therefore, it’s best to mix Kentucky Bluegrass with other grass types like fescue or ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches – mow taller in the summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – can be prone to summer patch, snow molds, fairy rings, leaf spot, dollar spot, chinch bugs, grubs, greenbugs, and bluegrass billbugs
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: To ensure the best growth for this grass type, fertilize twice a year (in spring and fall) and frequently mow your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a fast-growing dark green grass with a fine leaf texture. While it can easily stand alone, it’s often used as a companion (nurse grass) for other grasses and seed blends because of its low maintenance, hardiness, and resistance to pests and diseases. However, while still lovely, its bunched growth habit doesn’t typically create a dense carpet-like lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type (tillers)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low – goes dormant in dry summers
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent cutting
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils but adapts to many soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The best time to fertilize perennial ryegrass in Massachusetts is in the early spring or early fall, providing optimal conditions for nutrient uptake and promoting healthy growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is fast-growing with shiny, wide, ribbed, dark green coarse leaves. With excellent cold tolerance, it can survive our cold winters. Due to its bunched growth, it’s best as a stand-alone grass. When mixed with other grass types, your lawn grows patchy and unattractive. It doesn’t require dethatching or a lot of fertilization but may require overseeding.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass – it has vertical shoots called “tillers”
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – can’t recuperate easily
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate – prepare to mow often due to its fast growth rate
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Best on clay soils high in organic matter but adapts to many soil types.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For optimal growth and vibrancy of your lawn, apply fertilizer once during the fall months, preferably in September or November.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is slow-growing but forms a beautiful, dense light to emerald green lawn with fine blades. It’s the only warm-season grass recommended this far north, but it will go dormant in the winter (it hides under the snow). Due to its appearance, excellent erosion control, and high foot traffic tolerance, it’s a common choice for parks, golf courses, and other public places.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – although it needs supplemental watering during dry periods
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – common diseases include leaf spot, fairy rings, brown patch, powdery mildew, rust, large patch, spring dead spot, root decline, and dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s best to fertilize Zoysiagrass during the late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nPlanting grass seed in Massachusetts is a relatively easy DIY project if you follow the proper steps.
• Choose the right time: It varies by region and grass type. But in Massachusetts, homeowners usually plant grass in the fall.
• Prepare the site: Remove dead grass and grade it if needed. Also, rake where you plan to plant.
• Prepare the soil: Test your soil, then fertilize it as needed.
• Choose the best seed: Consider your lawn’s soil, sun, and foot traffic, as well as the amount of time you have for maintenance.
• Plant the seed: Using a spreader, distribute grass seed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Water appropriately: Varies by grass type. Understand your grass types’ water needs, or you could have lawn problems.
• Monitor seed establishment: Growth will take five to 21 days, depending on the grass type. Watch for bare spots as grass comes in. Reseed bare spots.
• Mow and maintain: Mow and maintain according to grass type needs.
Early fall is the best time to plant grass seed in Massachusetts. During this season, the days are cool with intermittent rain, but the ground is still warm enough for germination. This combination ensures that newly planted seeds won’t dry out.
Perennial ryegrass is known for its excellent traffic tolerance, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas in Massachusetts. Its ability to withstand foot traffic and recover quickly from damage makes it an ideal grass type for lawns that experience heavy use.
Several grass types grow well in Massachusetts’ sandy, acidic soil, but each has pros and cons. When choosing your grass seed type, think about your soil’s microclimate – soil, sunlight, water–and how much time you can devote to maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIn the end, your choice will still depend on your specific needs and preferences. If your kids or pets spend a lot of time outside, go with Perennial ryegrass. If you want to mow less often, try Zoysiagrass. Plant Kentucky bluegrass if your goal is simply a dense, beautiful lawn. Or you might want a combination of grasses to achieve a balance of desirable traits.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve established your lawn, don’t forget to add the best native plants to make your landscape pop. Whether in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, or somewhere in between, Wikilawn can connect you with a highly-rated lawn care pro who can help keep your grass healthy.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Boston Common / Shiyang Hu / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Seed Types for Massachusetts","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1789c/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/107df/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 320w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/293e9/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 500w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/f2cbb/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 800w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1789c/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 960w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/c26c2/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1dd6e/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/67b76/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 320w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/8df11/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 500w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/98a65/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 800w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1dd6e/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 960w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/3cc96/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Seed Types for Massachusetts | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"There are 5 best grass seed types for Massachusetts, including fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass."}}},{"node":{"id":"083265e2-9a92-5c8b-9261-8f49c1d6c2ab","slug":"best-grass-types-louisville","path":"/lawn-care/ky/louisville/best-grass-types-louisville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Rela Catucod, a journalism graduate, nurtured her love for gardening while admiring her grandmother's vibrant orchids. When she's not writing about lawn care, Rela indulges in reading, traveling, and playing with her two dogs.","name":"Rela Catucod","id":"14e95666-6df4-5827-8d17-081d01b8ce99","path":"/author/rela-catucod/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c4741d869f47268640f525e2135c701c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bf9d3d3b-daa0-503e-afcb-a4dbbfdca111","name":"Kentucky","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"375b515d-eb5e-5e24-b5e8-f6cd7d6c2e83","name":"Louisville","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/louisville/"}],"date":"April 9th, 2023","excerpt":"Is your Louisville lawn in need of a makeover to impress guests during summer get-togethers or Kentucky Derby watch parties? Selecting the best grass type is crucial for cultivating an attractive, resilient lawn that endures high foot traffic and Kentucky’s distinct climate. In this article, discover the best grass types for Louisville yards to elevate […]
\n","content":"\nIs your Louisville lawn in need of a makeover to impress guests during summer get-togethers or Kentucky Derby watch parties? Selecting the best grass type is crucial for cultivating an attractive, resilient lawn that endures high foot traffic and Kentucky’s distinct climate. In this article, discover the best grass types for Louisville yards to elevate your outdoor space.
Derby City’s temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters, falls within the transition zone, making it suitable for both cool-season and warm-season grasses. We’ll examine five exceptional choices: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass.
When it comes to selecting the best grass types for your Louisville lawn, understanding the difference between warm-season and cool-season grasses is crucial. Warm-season grasses thrive in hot temperatures and are dormant during cooler months. Cool-season grasses flourish in milder temperatures and enter dormancy during summer and extremely cold winters.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners in Louisville should consider their region’s climate and the specific needs of their lawn before choosing a grass type. For a lush and healthy lawn, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are popular choices, as they are well-adapted to the local climate and can handle the seasonal temperature fluctuations experienced in the area.
\n\n\n\nLouisville offers a unique opportunity for both cool-season and warm-season grasses to flourish. Cool-season varieties thrive in early spring and fall, while warm-season grasses excel in the warmer months. This versatility allows homeowners to find the perfect balance for their lawn in Derby City, ensuring a lush and healthy appearance even during occasional frost and cold snaps.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a top choice for homeowners in Louisville who appreciate its durability. Perfect for backyard gatherings during the Kentucky Derby season or for families with children who enjoy outdoor play, this grass type is well-regarded for its moderate resistance to wear and tear. The strong, dense turf formed by Kentucky bluegrass helps it recover quickly from damage and maintain its integrity despite heavy foot traffic.
Boasting a vibrant, deep green color, Kentucky bluegrass thrives in full sun exposure. It is less suitable for landscapes with significant shade. As a cool-season grass, it flourishes during the mild temperatures of spring and fall, going dormant in hotter periods.
Keep in mind that this grass will demand considerable attention as temperatures rise. To keep Kentucky bluegrass at its best, it requires a high level of maintenance, including regular mowing, watering, and fertilizer.
Classification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High; requires regular mowing, fertilization, and irrigation
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to leaf spot, dollar spot, and summer patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to sod webworms, aphids, thrips, and leafhoppers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, fertile soils
Other notes: Kentucky bluegrass is great for homeowners seeking a high-maintenance yet attractive lawn. For optimal results, it is recommended to mix Kentucky bluegrass with other cool-season grasses.
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass, with its fine leaf texture and dark green color, is a fantastic option for Louisville homeowners seeking a lawn that is both attractive and low-maintenance. Its rapid germination (five to seven days) and excellent seedling vigor make it an ideal choice for those looking to establish a new lawn quickly or fill in bare spots with minimal soil preparation, just in time for the next Derby season or backyard barbecue.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type boasts high traffic tolerance and can even outcompete some weed species, making it well-suited for Louisville yards with frequent foot traffic or active children. However, it is essential to note that perennial ryegrass requires a sharp mower for easy mowing and needs summer irrigation to withstand the region’s hot, humid climate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunching
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; regular mowing and fertilization are necessary
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High; prone to gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ants, sod webworm, thrips, and white grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Perennial ryegrass is known for its ability to tolerate low mowing, making it a suitable choice for homeowners who prefer a shorter, well-manicured lawn. Despite its many positive qualities, this grass type does have some drawbacks; it has limited heat tolerance, which can pose challenges during Louisville’s hot summers.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is an excellent grass type for Louisville homeowners seeking a versatile and low-maintenance lawn. It’s also the most heat tolerant cool-season grass, perfect for Jefferson County lawns. Adaptable to various soil types, from heavy clay to sandy soils, and thriving in both full sun and medium shade, tall fescue is well-suited to the diverse landscapes of Kentucky.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners will appreciate tall fescue’s good traffic tolerance and minimal irrigation requirements, making it perfect for busy outdoor spaces and conserving water during drier periods. While it may need more frequent mowing to maintain its best appearance, its natural resistance to insects, competitiveness against weeds, and minimal thatch buildup make it a practical choice for a beautiful, hassle-free lawn.
\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 resistance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; requires frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to armyworms, white grubs, and cutworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers clay soils with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Tall fescue exhibits limited lateral spread, meaning it has a slower recovery rate from damage compared to other grass types. Overseeding can help improve the lawn’s density and overall appearance if needed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass, recognized for its fine to medium leaf texture and dense growth, presents a fantastic alternative for Louisville residents who desire an eye-catching and hardy lawn. Its relatively low water and nutrient requirements make it a practical choice for those looking to conserve resources while maintaining a lush, green turf that’s perfect for Kentucky’s warm summer months or outdoor gatherings.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety boasts remarkable heat and drought tolerance, which serves Louisville lawns well during sweltering conditions. Additionally, Zoysiagrass is well-equipped to withstand high foot traffic, making it an excellent option for homes with active families or pets. However, it is vital to remember that Zoysiagrass grows more slowly than other grass types and requires patience when establishing a new lawn or filling in bare spots.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\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
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; grubs can cause serious damage
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable to various soil types, prefers well-draining soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Zoysiagrass establishes slowly, so patience is required when starting a new lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass, with its fine to medium blades and quick growth, is a great pick for Louisville homeowners wanting a resilient and attractive lawn. This grass loves the warm, sunny weather that Kentucky enjoys in the summer, and its fast growth means a thick, green lawn perfect for outdoor fun and relaxation.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners will appreciate that bermudagrass can handle the heat and dry spells of Louisville summers. Plus, it’s tough enough to stand up to kids and pets playing in the yard. However, remember that bermudagrass needs frequent mowing and care to keep it looking lush and green.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 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
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermudagrass doesn’t need mowing from October to April, offering homeowners a maintenance break. Be mindful, though, as it can spread into nearby areas and turns brown during dormancy, contrasting with cool-season grasses. It may also be susceptible to winterkill.
\n\n\n\nYes, mixing different grass types can provide a range of benefits, such as increased disease resistance, improved tolerance to various environmental conditions, and a more uniform appearance. Common mixtures include Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.
Water your lawn about 1 inch per week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between watering sessions to encourage deep root growth.
The best time to seed cool-season grasses in Louisville is during early fall when temperatures are cooler, and there is more moisture in the soil. You can also seed in early spring, but fall seeding typically produces better results.
The best time to seed warm-season grasses in Louisville is during late spring or early summer.
For most cool-season grasses, it’s best to fertilize in the fall to avoid promoting fast growth that could be harmed by summer heat. Remember to be cautious with the amount of fertilizer you use, as excessive amounts can lead to excessive growth at the expense of the delicate roots.
The best time to fertilize warm-season grasses is in summer.
When planning your landscape, consider incorporating native plants and other low-maintenance landscaping options. Native plants typically require less maintenance, are more resistant to pests and diseases, and provide essential habitat for local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nBefore choosing a grass type, consider these factors:
\n\n\n\nBy carefully selecting plant and grass varieties suited to the Louisville climate and your specific landscape conditions, you can create a thriving, low-maintenance, and ecologically friendly outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nContact a Louisville lawn care pro today to help improve your yard, making it a comfortable space for your family and friends.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: KamRaMan64 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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