![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Beautyberry.jpg\")
Hiking, camping, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors of the Natural State are all more fun and interesting than maintaining your Arkansas lawn. Luckily, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your lawn care chores so you can get outside to soak up the sun. Switching to low-maintenance landscaping means less time, […]
\n","content":"\nHiking, camping, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors of the Natural State are all more fun and interesting than maintaining your Arkansas lawn. Luckily, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your lawn care chores so you can get outside to soak up the sun.
\n\n\n\nSwitching to low-maintenance landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In subtropical areas like Arkansas, where summer temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit and impenetrable rocky soils reign supreme in many regions, energy and water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Arkansas
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Arkansas
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative plants promote a healthy ecosystem and support conservation efforts. From preferring full sun to partial shade, they are the most low-maintenance plants you can include in your landscaping project and thrive in Arkansas’ unique climate.
\n\n\n\nNative plants thrive in the summer heat while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive a surprise winter snow in the northern half of the state. Best of all, native plants are hands off, water efficient, and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Arkansas native plants to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: grassrootsgroundswell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nInexpensive and eye-catching blooms line the shelves of local stores, catching our eyes and begging to be brought home. Don’t let these vibrant flowers fool you. They are beautiful, but just for now. These landscape plants are annuals and only last one growing season before dying in the late fall. However, if bright blooms are your thing, you can switch out your annuals for drought-tolerant or cold-resistant perennials.
\n\n\n\nPerennials bloom year after year, surviving the cold Arkansas winters. They have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals and are more expensive. However, they tolerate more extreme weather and come in many varieties, including shade-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance wildflowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, vines, and more.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty that bounces back every year, check out some of the best perennials for the Natural State:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like native plants, the average cost of perennial plants varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Mulch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mulch-Your-Flower-Beds.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive DIY job that provides enormous benefits for your Arkansas landscape. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from cold and heat. It is a loose material typically made of inorganic or organic matter like compost, tree bark, wood chips, or rubber.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches are more durable and low-maintenance but do not offer additional nutrients. It is important to note you will need to replace organic mulches like wood chips annually with a fresh layer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\nArkansas summers are hot, but you can beat the heat. The fewer plants in your landscape design, the less time you will spend maintaining your lawn and garden. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHard rock, regolith, gravel, and impenetrable soils make up a large portion of Arkansas soils, including the Arkansas River Valley, Ouachita Mountain, and the Ozark Plateau regions of central and northern Arkansas. The stiff and infertile soils found throughout these regions make creating a thriving landscape with a lush lawn, deep roots, and garden beds a difficult task. Fortunately, you don’t need a green thumb to add hardscaping to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for your landscape. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Be prepared. Hardscapes are an expensive upfront investment, but they increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"Conserve](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Conserve-Water-With-Xeriscaping11.jpg\")
Photo Credit: RawPixel
\n\n\n\nArkansas’ humid subtropical climate supplies ample water for industry, agriculture, recreation, and municipal systems. However, rainfall decreases in mid to late summer. When coupled with the hot summer temperatures, periods of drought can occur. However, typically the state is a low-risk drought state.
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping with additional emphasis on water conservation. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except natural rainfall.
\n\n\n\nArkansas native plants and turfgrasses are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard. They are naturally drought resistant and adapted to harsh seasonal shifts. Besides native plants, some basic steps for xeriscaping your yard include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will save around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bigleaf-Vinca.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Cslucas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSlopes, shade, dense clay, and sedimentary rock all have one thing in common. They can make growing turfgrass incredibly difficult. Luckily, your lawn doesn’t need to be covered in traditional grass to have a thick, green appearance. Low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to grass. These plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space.
\n\n\n\nGroundcover fills areas of your lawn to mimic “grass.” They are low-maintenance, which means less work for you. These plants still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Arkansas groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought tolerant, and low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Arkansas groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes, groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\n365 days of perfectly manicured, lush, green lawn is possible if you channel your favorite 1970s sitcom family, the Brady Bunch. Artificial turf is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet. And contrary to popular belief, it is really hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is virtually maintenance-free. However, it is expensive to install and may render your soil unusable in the future. Luckily, this won’t matter if you live in one of Arkansas’ dense and rocky soil regions.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Crown-of-Thorns-Hybrid.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf you live in the southern half of Arkansas, consider planting drought-resistant succulents like cacti, agaves, or stonecrops. Succulents love arid climates and thrive in dense and rocky Arkansas soils thanks to their thick leaves and shallow root systems. They prefer to be left alone, so you can forget about watering your plants and let nature take over. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work great in back and front yards.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular succulents that are great for Arkansas landscapes:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the size and type of succulent and ranges from $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nArkansas is home to many urbanized rural areas that share landscape space with local wildlife, including deer. The best method to deter deer is using landscape plants they prefer not to eat.
• Deer-resistant Arkansas plants include:
• Beebalm (Monarda)
• Bluestar (Amsonia)
• Butterfly-bush (Buddleia davidii)
• Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)
• Thyme (Thymus sp.)
• Wisteria (Wisteria sp.)
No. It is typically unnecessary to mow groundcover. They are a low-maintenance alternative to traditional turfgrass and only grow to heights of several inches.
There are many types of artificial turf, including pet-friendly turf, that are specially designed for your furry family members to be stain and odor resistant and easy to clean.
Low-maintenance landscaping is the first step to reclaiming your weekends. Unfortunately, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Consider your yard’s unique microclimate and hardiness zone when selecting native plants for your low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nArkansas sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 8a, with most of the Natural State falling within zones 7a and 7b. Select low-maintenance plants that are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in your hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nStop wasting your time on lawn maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you live in urban Little Rock, suburban Bryant, or rural Wilson. Consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to the great outdoors.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pixabay
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Arkansas","featured_media":null,"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Arkansas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"From mulching to hardscaping, these 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Arkansas will leave you with more time to explore the great Natural State."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"2ac26e99-18d8-5bde-8dcf-5d062d2435fb","slug":"best-grass-types-knoxville","path":"/lawn-care/tn/knoxville/best-grass-types-knoxville/","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":"985b5d1a-386d-5359-895c-ba65265ef522","name":"Knoxille","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/knoxville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"If you want to increase the curb appeal of your property in Marble City, a great lawn is a must. And it all starts with choosing the right grass. Let’s take a look at the best grass types for Knoxville lawns. In this article: Best Grass Types for Knoxville Lawns Knoxville and the entire Tennessee […]
\n","content":"\nIf you want to increase the curb appeal of your property in Marble City, a great lawn is a must. And it all starts with choosing the right grass. Let’s take a look at the best grass types for Knoxville lawns.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nKnoxville and the entire Tennessee state are part of the transitional zone. So, what does that mean for grasses?
\n\n\n\nWinters are too cold for warm-season grasses, while summers are too hot for cool-season grasses. Generally, if your home receives a lot of sunlight, you should opt for warm-season grasses. If not, stick to cool-season grasses as they are more shade tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGo through the list below and choose the best grass type for your Knoxville lawn, depending on your requirements.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue grass is the go-to choice for many Knoxville homeowners because it’s a highly adaptable cool-season grass. Tall fescue is heat- and drought-tolerant compared to other cool-season grasses, thanks to its 2- to 3-foot-deep root system.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is dark green and coarse with wide blades, making it highly durable and suitable for heavy foot traffic. It requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for fast, dense growth.
\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\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass (KBG) is a cool-season lawn grass widely used across the United States. It’s durable, soft on bare feet, and gives your lawn a dense appearance.
\n\n\n\nKBG has an excellent capacity for self-repair, but it doesn’t do well in shade. Kentucky bluegrass can be a great choice for Knoxville lawns when mixed with tall fescue seed mixture at a ratio of 90:10 (tall fescue to KBG).
\n\n\n\n![\"Closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/27905054331_597897e108_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCreeping red fescue falls under the fine fescue category of turfgrass. It’s a cool-season grass that thrives in shade, so it’s ideal for yards that have thick tree canopies.
\n\n\n\nCreeping red fescue grass also requires little maintenance. It needs just 4 to 6 hours of direct daily sunlight. If your yard receives more sunlight than this, you’ll need to water your grass more often. On the downside, it’s not as durable as other grasses.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a warm-season, low-maintenance grass that can survive extreme heat. It resists cold better than other warm-season grasses and grows well in clay soil. Use a complete fertilizer between late August and mid-September to maintain the green color of this grass during winter.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is durable and soft on bare feet. You should not overwater buffalograss as it can spawn weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a light green, warm-season grass that grows well in direct sunlight. It is more sensitive to cold than other warm-season grasses on this list.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass grows slowly, taking about 2 years to form a solid turf. It’s a low-maintenance grass, but since it takes a long time to grow, you should keep the weeds in check. One note of caution: It doesn’t withstand heavy foot traffic, so, avoid Centipedegrass if you use your lawn heavily.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a warm-season grass that loves full sunlight. It is excellent at tolerating foot traffic but requires frequent mowing. Bermudagrass has the fastest growth rate of any common warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nThis grass looks beautiful during warmer months but turns brown during winter. You should apply fertilizer during early fall to maintain the thickness of the lawn as the weather gets colder and to keep the weeds under control.
\n\n\n\nYou can opt for cool-season or warm-season grass types, depending on the characteristics of your environment. Most areas in Knoxville are better suited for cool-season grasses.
Creeping red fescue tolerates shade very well.
Buffalograss is a warm-season low-maintenance grass. Creeping red fescue is a cool-season low-maintenance grass.
If your Knoxville lawn experiences high foot traffic, you can prefer centipede grass and Bermuda grass.
Buffalograss, centipedegrass, Bermudagrass, and creeping red fescue turf grasses have a high tolerance to drought.
Since Knoxville is part of the transition zone, you should consider many factors when choosing grass for your lawn. Generally, cool-season grasses like tall fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG), and creeping red fescue tend to perform the best in Knoxville.
\n\n\n\nKBG can be a great choice for Knoxville lawns when mixed with tall fescue seed mixture at a ratio of 90:10, tall fescue to KBG.
\n\n\n\nBesides choosing the right grass type, you should also select the right plants for your Knoxville yard to make it look complete.
\n\n\n\nKeep your lawn lush and healthy with services from Wikilawn Knoxville lawn care experts.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Knoxville","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/1789c/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/107df/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.jpg 320w,\n/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/293e9/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.jpg 500w,\n/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/f2cbb/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.jpg 800w,\n/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/1789c/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.jpg 960w,\n/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/c26c2/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/1dd6e/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/67b76/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.webp 320w,\n/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/8df11/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.webp 500w,\n/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/98a65/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.webp 800w,\n/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/1dd6e/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.webp 960w,\n/static/f24408d93a273fa3fea878c3f5840467/3cc96/Bleak-house-knoxville-tn1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Knoxville, TN","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Knoxville is part of the transitional zone, and cool-season grasses generally perform best in this region."}}},{"node":{"id":"97aa4f4d-f230-5616-88a9-1397a86945ea","slug":"best-grass-types-baltimore","path":"/lawn-care/md/baltimore/best-grass-types-baltimore/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Ayoola Azzan is a versatile writer and investment enthusiast who hails from Nigeria. He loves developing an impactful course and enjoys meditating when at leisure.","name":"Ayoola Azzan","id":"bbad4bd5-6d15-5dbd-a18e-a835dfd091f5","path":"/author/ayoola-azzan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bd07aedf4f4c15974bb501275dee93ce?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d65d5975-f3bf-56a0-86b3-804de72f0ba7","name":"Baltimore","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/baltimore/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2a5e33f9-ad47-575e-b414-2fa0c9049fd1","name":"Maryland","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"Maryland’s unpredictable climate can create challenges for Baltimore homeowners who are trying to grow beautiful lawns. Building a lush, healthy lawn starts with choosing the right grass seed. We’ve compiled a list of grass varieties that best meet the needs of this tricky transition area, because we know it can be difficult to understand. In […]
\n","content":"\nMaryland’s unpredictable climate can create challenges for Baltimore homeowners who are trying to grow beautiful lawns. Building a lush, healthy lawn starts with choosing the right grass seed. We’ve compiled a list of grass varieties that best meet the needs of this tricky transition area, because we know it can be difficult to understand.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThese grass selections thrive in the cool seasons but also tolerate heat, shade, and temperature swings that cause drought.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is the ideal grass for Marylanders who want a lush lawn for as long as possible. It establishes quickly (usually within two weeks) and is among the first grasses to turn green in the spring and one of the last to turn brown in the fall.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue doesn’t just resist wear and disease but also tolerates heat, drought, and shade. So you don’t have to worry about care, even in hot summers. The main disadvantage of tall fescue is that it clumps, so reseeding is necessary to maintain a level lawn.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is known for its beauty, cold hardiness, and quick recovery. This beautiful, blue-green lawn prefers full sun to light shade and likes fertile, well-drained soil. It also tolerates heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for athletic fields, playgrounds, golf courses, and parks.
\n\n\n\nWhile it withstands cold temperatures well, Kentucky bluegrass may struggle in extreme heat and drought due to its shallow roots and will require extra care and irrigation. Its summer upkeep might seem like a lot, but the effort is rewarded with a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is the grass to choose if your lawn gets a lot of shade or is in areas with trees and bushes. Its distinctive needle-like leaves and spring green color set it apart from tall fescue. Homeowners who only have a little time for lawn care may like fine fescue because it’s low maintenance, meaning it only requires a little watering, fertilizing, or mowing.
\n\n\n\nFescue’s suitability for difficult soils like clay is one of its best features for Baltimore homes.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\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\nThis cool-season grass variety isn’t unique to Baltimore but is common throughout the United States. Perennial ryegrass is a versatile grass, ranging from golf courses to classy green outdoor carpets. It grows quickly but less so than Kentucky bluegrass. Perennial ryegrasses are very heat and drought resistant due to their need for sunlight.
\n\n\n\nAlthough perennial ryegrass is usually combined with warm-season grasses and other seed blends, you can occasionally use it alone without problems.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is among the most cold-tolerant warm-season grasses, but it’s a good alternative in a warmer region like Baltimore when Maryland gets hotter. It spreads by rhizomes (underground stems that take root as it grows) and stolons (above-ground stems that run out), forming a dense ground cover that helps control weeds. With proper establishment and care, zoysiagrass forms a fantastic lawn.
\n\n\n\nBecause zoysiagrass is low maintenance, it doesn’t need to be mowed as often as other warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nLawns that are heavily compacted or thatchy should be aerated at least once a year.
Although there are benefits to fertilizing your lawn, don’t overdo it. Fertilize your lawn four times a year, about 6 to 8 weeks apart, in early spring, late spring, summer, and fall. If the growing season begins early, a fifth application may be required.
As a general rule, lawns shouldn’t be walked on for 24 hours after fertilizing. This also applies to pets.
Does your lawn have a blend of grasses that aren’t thriving? Contact a professional. Sometimes a tailored strategy is needed because some lawns need more attention than others, and you may not know precisely how to go about it. Turn to Baltimore lawn care professionals to help you care for your lawn differently.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Baltimore Heritage / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Baltimore","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/1789c/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/107df/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.jpg 320w,\n/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/293e9/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.jpg 500w,\n/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/f2cbb/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.jpg 800w,\n/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/1789c/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.jpg 960w,\n/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/c26c2/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/1dd6e/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/67b76/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.webp 320w,\n/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/8df11/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.webp 500w,\n/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/98a65/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.webp 800w,\n/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/1dd6e/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.webp 960w,\n/static/d3174a805d663f8a4d8939e97929246c/3cc96/Oakenshawe-Green-Space.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Baltimore","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn which grasses thrive in Maryland's cold winters and hot summers."}}},{"node":{"id":"a07bc1c4-b053-5fa1-a782-1d07cda67165","slug":"phoenix-watering-guide-conserving-water","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/phoenix-watering-guide-conserving-water/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Phoenix, AZ is no stranger to tumultuous droughts, especially during summer and spring seasons. The conservation of water is especially important in this area to support local guidelines in year-long drought protections. While a green lawn may seem unattainable here, there are watering techniques that make grass very efficient in conserving water with not very […]
\n","content":"\nPhoenix, AZ is no stranger to tumultuous droughts, especially during summer and spring seasons. The conservation of water is especially important in this area to support local guidelines in year-long drought protections. While a green lawn may seem unattainable here, there are watering techniques that make grass very efficient in conserving water with not very much water at all. Here are some tips on achieving that luscious lawn during drought season.
\n\n\n\nWatering a lawn is most efficient when wind speeds and evaporation are minimized. The time of day that this usually aligns with is in the morning when the sun is rising and at night time. Watering at night is slightly more risky than watering in the morning. However, if night time fits your schedule better, you will just want to keep a closer eye on how much water the grass is getting. It is easier to over water a lawn when the sun isn’t helping to soak up excess water.
\n\n\n\nUnderstand that with different weather, a watering schedule will change from week to week. If the weather is cold or windy, it is best to not water as much that day. In general, although it varies with different grass types, a lawn should receive about an inch of water each week.
If the goal is to have a green lawn the course of action has to be to train roots to grow deep. You do this by watering deep and infrequently. When you water, whether in the morning or at night, the grass should have water trickle to about ten inches deep. To test this, you can use a screwdriver about an hour after watering to see how deep the soil will allow it to go. If it is around the 10-inch range then you are watering properly. If it is not then you need to water a little more.
\n\n\n\nBermuda grass is a great option for Phoenix homes. It is drought tolerant and resistant to traffic and other stresses. This is a warm-season grass and will go dormant during the winter. To maintain green all year you can overseed with R
Midiron is another grass type that thrives in Phoenix for its drought tolerance and resistance to traffic. This lawn requires very low maintenance and like Bermuda grass needs about an inch of water every week during peak growing season.
\n\n\n\nIrrigation systems take the sweat out of consistently watering the lawn. They are reliable and mostly last very long. Timers allow for the homeowner to designate how much water the lawn receives and when it receives it. Most of human error can be taken out through one of these systems.
\n\n\n\nDrip Irrigation has been coined as the most efficient form of irrigation. The Drip systems are incorporated by the base of the grass and or plants. The water drips directly into the base of the grass minimizing runoff and evaporation. This type of system works really well in a desert environment. Sometimes soil becomes overly dry and when it is watered there becomes a flux of runoff. If you’re looking for the best conservation of water, this is it. This system is more geared towards smaller lawns.
\n\n\n\nSprinklers offer a wider coverage than drip irrigation and are a very popular choice for residential properties. Automatic sprinklers will come with a timer that can be adjusted. These should be watched closely after instillation to ensure there is not runoff water. If runoff occurs change the settings to smaller durations of watering time. If used correctly these can be efficient for water conservation.
\n\n\n\nIn any region, residents should aim to plant plants that are native to the area. For Phoenix especially, you will want to plants plants that do not rely on much additional water. Plants like Cacti, Succulents and native wildflowers do really well in this climate and may not even need any extra water. If you are planting any trees remember that shaded areas of the lawn do not need as much water as exposed sections of the lawn.
\n\n\n\nRead more: 5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care advice? Visit our Phoenix, AZ lawn care page for a list of pros and additional lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Dean Terasaki
\n","title":"The #1 2019 Phoenix Watering Guide: Conserving Water","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/f2cbb/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.jpg","srcSet":"/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/107df/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.jpg 320w,\n/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/293e9/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.jpg 500w,\n/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/f2cbb/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/98a65/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/67b76/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.webp 320w,\n/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/8df11/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.webp 500w,\n/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/98a65/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The #1 2019 Phoenix Watering Guide: Conserving Water | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"783b4c07-21d1-5172-82d0-a7b3631f91c8","slug":"best-native-plants-tacoma","path":"/lawn-care/wa/tacoma/best-native-plants-tacoma/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d916c092-2f0a-5955-93db-7ccf3e26ae72","name":"Tacoma","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/tacoma/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"May 14th, 2023","excerpt":"While enjoying the scenic splendor of Puget Sound is great, it’s a long drive. Bringing the natural beauty that the water and native trees provide closer to home is even better. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best native plants for Tacoma to use in your yard to help you go native. […]
\n","content":"\nWhile enjoying the scenic splendor of Puget Sound is great, it’s a long drive. Bringing the natural beauty that the water and native trees provide closer to home is even better. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best native plants for Tacoma to use in your yard to help you go native.
\n\n\n\nWhether it’s native perennials, ornamentals, or wildflowers, growing plants native to Pierce County has many benefits:
\n\n\n\nThis article will cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8090352658_f3dbbefe27_c-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the name fool you, wild ginger is not the same spice you use in recipes. It has been used for medicinal purposes and even used as a deodorant, but ingesting large quantities of this ginger can be toxic.
\n\n\n\nThis groundcover has striking leaves and flowers. In late spring and early summer, strong, dark-red colored three-pronged petals blossom. The glossy green leaves look like hearts.
\n\n\n\nWith all of the precipitation Tacoma experiences, it’s no wonder wild ginger is a favorite. It grows best when it remains moist. If your yard has a good irrigation system, it will provide a good home for wild ginger.
\n\n\n\nA property with a lot of trees or buildings blocking the sunlight is exactly what wild ginger is seeking. It thrives in full or partial shade and is adamant about avoiding the sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Evergreen ground cover
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full or partial shade, no direct sunlight
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, organic matter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves when crushed have a lemon-ginger smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Must stay moist
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 10 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Caution is advised. Ingesting large quantities can be toxic.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Meggar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTall Oregon grape has beautiful, bright yellow flowers that are eye-openers. A cluster of tiny petaled flowers emerges in the spring, cradled by dark green leaves. The shrub’s leaves turn a purplish glow in the winter, bringing wonderful color to the colder Tacoma months.
\n\n\n\nPollinators nibble on tall Oregon grape’s flowers, and birds, wildlife, and humans enjoy the purplish-blue berries. This ornamental shrub has been used to treat skin ailments and for other medicinal purposes.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to see why tall Oregon grapes are a Tacoma native. The plant thrives best in partial to full shade, so it’s right at home in the multiple months of mostly cloudy days of Tacoma. If you think your yard has too much shade and not enough sunlight, consider adding tall Oregon to your flower bed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/27035188264_f232e288e8_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommon camas, also called by its common name, camas, is another plant that has shared its nutrients with animals and humans. The bulbs were a food source for indigenous people. And common camas is still consumed by many people in present times, including western North American natives and people living in certain parts of the Canadian province of British Columbia.
\n\n\n\nThe common camas sprouts uncommonly lovely sky-blue flowers between spring and summer. Fall is the best time to plant this wildflower. So, if you’re looking for fall planting, add camas to your plant list. Be ready to give it a lot of water while it’s developing.
\n\n\n\nCommon camas attracts beetles and bumblebees and works well when planted in groups in cottage gardens and borders. If you’re interested in low-maintenance landscaping like rain gardens or xeriscaping, you’ll be happy to know common camas is also well-suited for rain gardens. Although camas needs plenty of water while growing, it tolerates both wet soil and drier conditions once established.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, very little shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: High organic matter with good drainage; tolerates seasonally moist soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy; Smells like molasses when boiled
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average /(Natively found in moist, spring meadows that dry by late spring)
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVine maple, also called Oregon vine maple, is well adapted to the Pacific Northwest climate. The plant thrives best in cooler weather or areas that have a lot of shade and moisture, making it ideal for Tacoma.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub highlights homes in a magnificent array of colors. Vine maple’s bark is reddish-green with bright green leaves that turn orange and red in the fall. The spring ushers in small purple and white flowers. Songbirds and mammals are attracted to the red berries that soon follow the flowers.
\n\n\n\nVine maple is suitable for nearly any Tacoma home. It tolerates most soils and adjusts to the shadiness of your property, growing upright in sunny areas, and taking on a horizontal habit in shady locations. Vine maple is a shrub that sometimes grows into a tree.
\n\n\n\nThis plant may suffer in hot, dry weather. Fortunately, Tacoma summers are more warm than hot. Vine maple can grow as tall as 30 feet and up to 20 feet wide, so a home with a lot of room in the front or backyard is best. Like common camas, vine maple is well suited as a native tree or shrub in a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree, shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, clay, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet tall, 15 to 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pink_Flowering_Currant_closeup_Ribes_sanguineum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed flowering currant, also called blood currant, grows brightly along the Cascades. Once you see this beauty, you’ll know it derived its name from its flashy small red petals that blossom in the spring. You can also find the shrub showing off-white or pink flowers.
\n\n\n\nThe currant is most at home in rocky, well-drained soil, but if your soil is poor, rest assured. You can still give this fiery plant a good home, because it tolerates poor soil, too.
\n\n\n\nThis is a great starter plant if you’re new to gardening; it’s easy to grow. It needs supplemental water in its first season and possibly in the second season, too. After it’s established, it’s drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nThe red flowering currant attracts more than butterflies and hummingbirds. Humans use the dark blue berries in pies, jams, and juice. Red flowering currant is a tasty addition to rain gardens, and would also make delicious hedges.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers well-drained, rocky soil but tolerates poor soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet sage-rosemary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water the first two summers of establishment
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7283693140_bf740f092e_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: born1945 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLewis’ mock orange is also called wild mock orange. This spectacular-looking shrub has creamy white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, with each flower containing four lush petals. If you take a deep breath when you’re around this plant, you’ll understand why it’s called mock orange. It has a sweet scent that reminds you of orange blossoms.
\n\n\n\nWild mock orange accommodates most soil types, but it prefers soils rich in nutrients. If your property gets some shade but is mostly covered in sunlight, Lewis’s mock orange will be happy to join your family and improve the health of your property. Its fibrous root system helps improve the soil structure and prevents erosion. Wild mock orange attracts butterflies and is a shelter for wildlife.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers gravelly and nutrient-rich soils, but tolerates a variety of soil types, like chalk, loam, and sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Orangey scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to cats
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nootka_rose_and_hip_5984947163.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leslie Seaton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-2.0
\n\n\n\nIn late spring to mid-summer, nootka rose brings forth pretty pink flowers that can be a sight for sore eyes after the cold Tacoma winters. Yellow stamens with red rose hips sit in the middle of the flower. Homeowners may see birds come by to eat the red rose hips in the winter if the hips are left on the shrubs.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a quick-spreading plant, look no further. To control nootka rose from roaming so freely, pruning regularly is required, with winter pruning recommended. Nootka rose works well as hedges and in wildlife gardens. Nootka rose is a true northwest native plant – it grows best in well-drained soils but can tolerate seasonal flooding.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, or clay; well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Subtly Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPacific red elderberry blooms small, white flowers that cluster near the branch tips. It maintains its color in Tacoma’s cooler fall weather.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a creek on your property, Pacific red elderberry will thrive if planted next to it. It’s natively found in moist woodlands and stream banks. A moist native plant garden is a good place for this deciduous shrub. Although Pacific red elderberry grows in partial shade, its growth is stifled if it doesn’t get enough sun. So a yard with trees that block the sun is not well-suited for this plant.
\n\n\n\nButterflies are attracted to elderberry and birds can’t wait to eat the red berries from the shrub in the fall. But humans must not follow suit. The seeds and raw berries are toxic.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Skunk smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 10 feet in a garden (up to 18 feet in the wild)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The seeds are poisonous. Berries are poisonous if eaten raw.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\nYou want plants that will thrive in Tacoma’s mostly cloudy, high-precipitation climate. Plants should also be able to tolerate the cold winters. Choose plants that are in your area’s hardiness zones, which is 8b.
\n\n\n\nSelect plants that your yard has the space to accommodate and that fit well with other vegetation. For example, native trees like douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are very large. They may also be so big they block sunlight from getting to other plants. This can compromise the growth and lifespan of other vegetation.
\n\n\n\nBeing familiar with your property’s characteristics is also important. You want to pick plants that thrive in your soil type and the amount of shade or sun your yard has. Also, consider your irrigation system. If you are the irrigation system, you may discover plants that require a lot of water are too time-consuming. Selecting plants with maintenance needs aligned with how much time you want to spend taking care of them will be best for the plants and you.
\n\n\n\nInvasive plants are introduced to an area by humans, or by animals that bring the seeds after eating them. Invasive plants compete with native plants for space and nourishment. These non-native plants alter the soil physically and chemically and change the ecology of a plant community, which can establish new populations that outcompete and eliminate food for local insects and wildlife.
\n\n\n\nInvasive plants can spread aggressively. Invasive plants that are also labeled as noxious weeds can even destroy native plants and cause erosion. Some Tacoma invasive plants are:
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant native plants in Tacoma is in the fall or early spring. In the fall, the weather is cooler, there’s usually more rain, and the soil is still warm from the summer. These conditions encourage root growth and help the root system to establish itself before winter.
\n\n\n\nIn the spring, the weather and soil are warming up. Planting at this time allows plants to develop their roots before the summer heat and dryness.
\n\n\n\nMany plants are native to Washington, including:
\n\n\n\nYou could go to the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden to see a plethora of Pacific Northwest native plants. Or, you can take note of the plants that are around you whenever you’re outside or looking out of a window.
\n\n\n\nThe Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) is a valuable resource for information pertaining to native plants. WNPS has information on invasive plants, resources for identifying plants, and local venues hosting plant sales.
\n\n\n\nNative plants take less time, money, and resources than non-native plants because native plants are adapted to the environment. You can make your life even easier by considering other low-maintenance landscaping ideas.
\n\n\n\nGive yourself more time to enjoy fishing on the Puyallup River. Call a local lawn care professional to keep your yard lush, green, and healthy.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Wild ginger / born1945 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Tacoma, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/1789c/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/107df/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/293e9/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/f2cbb/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/1789c/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/c26c2/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/1dd6e/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/67b76/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/8df11/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/98a65/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/1dd6e/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/3cc96/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Tacoma, WA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read to find out the best native plants for Tacoma, including the benefits of native plants and frequently asked questions."}}},{"node":{"id":"95a9721f-93e6-549f-86a5-e24607d2a7aa","slug":"best-native-plants-virginia-capital-region","path":"/lawn-care/virginiacapitalregion/best-native-plants-virginia-capital-region/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"67815a2b-0058-5c8b-8b2c-1f84824c3657","name":"Virginia Capital Region","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginiacapitalregion/"}],"date":"April 30th, 2023","excerpt":"Virginia’s Capital Region is a place of unique character, with a history that runs deep as the nation’s birthplace and a culinary scene that boasts some of the finest tobacco and oysters around. As a homeowner in this remarkable region, you can add to its legacy by incorporating the best native plants for Virginia’s Capital […]
\n","content":"\nVirginia’s Capital Region is a place of unique character, with a history that runs deep as the nation’s birthplace and a culinary scene that boasts some of the finest tobacco and oysters around. As a homeowner in this remarkable region, you can add to its legacy by incorporating the best native plants for Virginia’s Capital region into your yard.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are adapted to the local region, making them low-maintenance and reliable for any gardener. And by planting them, you’re not only beautifying your yard, but you’re also supporting the local ecosystem by providing habitats for native wildlife. In this article, we’ll explore the top eight native plants for Virginia’s Capital Region, giving you all the tips to turn your yard into a true gem in this historic and breathtaking landscape.
\n\n\n\nNative plant benefits include:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"Black](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-Oak-Quercus-velutina-leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner from USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsider the black oak tree if you want to add a touch of natural beauty to your backyard in Virginia’s capital region. This stunning native tree boasts glossy, dark green leaves that turn brilliant shades of orange, brown, and yellow in the fall, creating a striking contrast against its black bark.
\n\n\n\nIn the summer, its acorns provide food for local wildlife, such as squirrels, turkeys, white-tail deer, and other small mammals. Not only is the black oak visually appealing, but it’s also a hardy and low-maintenance tree that makes a beautiful shade for large areas. So why not bring a piece of Virginia’s natural beauty to your backyard with the majestic black oak tree?
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefer deep, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil, but tolerates poor dry soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to moderate. Well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It is toxic to horses.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. The best time to propagate this plant is mid-autumn or late winter, either through seed or grafting. Its deep taproot makes transplanting a challenging task.
\n\n\n\n![\"Willow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Willow-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe willow oak is a fantastic option for homeowners looking to add beauty to their backyard. This native tree is a sight to behold, with its bright green foliage during the summer months and its stunning yellow or russet hues in the fall. The tree’s bark is also a standout feature, ranging from dry to dark brown and providing a unique texture to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nNot only is the willow oak a visually striking addition, but it also provides food for several species of birds and mammals. This tree is a fast grower, which means you’ll be able to enjoy its many benefits in no time. From its natural beauty to its wildlife contributions, the willow oak is an excellent choice for backyard enthusiasts looking to enhance their outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to High.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 75 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It is toxic to horses.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. The Willow oak showcases impressive resilience by enduring the destructive impact of strong winds and substantial amounts of ice and snow without succumbing to breakage. To uphold its shape, it is advisable to prune it regularly, while it’s recommended to fertilize it thrice annually.
\n\n\n\n![\"Sassafras](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sassafras-Leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Randy Everette / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSassafras is a versatile and beautiful tree to plant in your yard. This native tree boasts unique, mitten-shaped leaves that turn gorgeous shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall, making it a stunning addition to any autumn landscape.
\n\n\n\nBut sassafras is more than just a pretty face – it also produces fragrant, spicy bark and roots used in traditional medicine and cooking. Plus, it’s relatively low-maintenance and can live well in various soil types and sun exposures.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Aromatic properties are present in all parts of the common sassafras tree. When the young bark is scratched, it emits a delightfully spicy fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 30 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: This plant has low-severity poison characteristics.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Average. To maintain a shrub-like size, sassafras trees can be pruned by cutting them down to the ground every 2 to 3 years. Additionally, it’s important to protect this tree from harsh winter conditions.
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Partridge-Pea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cbaile19 / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you dream of adding some vibrant color and texture to your backyard, the common partridge pea is a native plant that you won’t want to overlook. This striking wildflower produces clusters of showy yellow blooms throughout the summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your yard.
\n\n\n\nIts deep roots can help improve soil health and prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for areas with poor soil or sloping terrain. And with its ability to tolerate drought and flooding, the common partridge pea is a hardy and adaptable addition to any garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous annual.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. This plant has an aggressive self-seeding habit, especially in dry and open spaces. For optimal growth, it’s recommended to sow the seeds between late March and May.
\n\n\n\n![\"Smooth](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Smooth-Oxeye-False-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lystopad / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe smooth oxeye is a gorgeous wildflower that requires little maintenance. Its bright yellow blossoms and unique serrated leaves are eye-catching and can add color to any sunny area of your yard. This plant is hardy and simple to cultivate, making it a great option for any gardener. Plus, its attractive blooms are known to attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, adding to the liveliness and beauty of your backyard.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Autumn, spring, and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. To encourage prolonged blooming, it’s recommended to deadhead the flowers. After the flowering period, cutting the plant back is also advised.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Green-arrow-arum-Peltandra-virginica.jpg\"){kind=icon}
Photo Credit: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor those seeking a captivating and hardy plant to enhance their Virginia backyard, the arrow arum is an aquatic plant sure to make a splash. With its glossy, dark green leaves and long stalks, this native species can add a touch of elegance to any water feature or garden.
\n\n\n\nThe large leaves are striking and can vary in shape and size, but often they feature an arrowhead shape. Arrow arum is a vigorous grower; once established, it can spread to fill out any space. The arrow arum is a choice that will delight you and any visitors to your yard.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Aquatic herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Poorly drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. Arrow arum is a versatile plant that can thrive in standing water up to 6 inches deep or consistently moist, boggy soils. This plant can be propagated through either seed or division.
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Pink.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor those looking for a plant that is both showy and easy to care for in their backyard, the wild pink is an excellent option to consider. This plant will embellish any outdoor space with its rosy pink flowers resembling phlox and forming five wedge-shaped petals in a tubular shape.
\n\n\n\nWild pink is a compact, mat-forming plant that gives a splash of color to any landscape. Its hardy nature makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for a low-maintenance plant. The plant produces a fruit capsule that splits open to release tiny brown seeds, which can easily propagate and establish new plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, loam, sand. Alkaline, neutral. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 inches to 1 foot
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Once the plant is established, it prefers not to be disturbed. However, it can be propagated through various methods, such as seeds, cuttings, or division.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Chokeberry-Aronia-arbutifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mr.TinMD / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor a multi-seasonal showstopper in your Virginia backyard, the red chokeberry is an excellent choice. This multi-stemmed shrub offers something unique in every season.
\n\n\n\nIn the spring, the red chokeberry showcases flat-topped clusters of white to light pink, five-petaled flowers with red anthers that bloom in abundance. The dark green, glossy leaves emerge following the flowers, providing a lush backdrop that consistently transforms into a stunning orange-red hue in the fall. The plant produces bright red, pear-shaped berries that stay on the shrub until December or January, adding a pop of color to the winter landscape.
\n\n\n\nThe reddish-brown, exfoliating bark provides additional visual interest during the colder months. With its year-round appeal, the red chokeberry is an ideal choice for any Virginia backyard looking to add natural beauty and color..
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Flowers have a sweet scent.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Flowers blossom in spring. But it has a four-season interest.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. These plants can endure wet sites and even occasional flooding. They can be propagated through various methods, such as seeds, soft-wood cuttings, or taking out suckers and potting them during the plant’s dormant period.
\n\n\n\nPlanting native plants in your backyard can provide many benefits, such as supporting local ecosystems, attracting wildlife, and reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. However, not all native plants are good for every backyard. When selecting the right plant, factors such as soil type, sunlight, and moisture levels must be considered.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, it is essential to be aware of your backyard’s hardiness zone, which determines your area’s climate conditions and temperature range. Virginia’s capital region USDA hardiness zone is 6 and 7, which means plants suitable for those zones can tolerate the region’s typical winter temperatures.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a plant list of some popular native plant species for the Virginia department:
\n\n\n\nFor more information on native wildflowers, groundcovers, trees, invasive species, and shrubs, visit the PlantVirginiaNatives.org website.
\n\n\n\nRichmond has many native plants, including:
\n\n\n\nTo thrive native plants thrive in soil that is deeply moistened and not frequently watered. It is recommended to provide a single 30-minute soak every 7-10 days instead of multiple 10-minute waterings per week. The frequency of watering should be determined based on several factors, such as the soil type, exposure to sunlight, weather conditions, and the age of the plant.
\n\n\n\nSoutheast Virginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nNorthern Virginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIt is highly recommended to purchase native plants from local nurseries. They offer a wide selection of plant species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions and employ knowledgeable staff who can give expert advice on native plant care and maintenance.
\n\n\n\nFor additional information on sustainability initiatives, guides on native plants, and the significance of native plants, kindly visit the website of the Virginia Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nWhen beginning your landscaping dream, it’s important to remember that choosing the appropriate plant is just the initial step. Sustaining the well-being of your lawn is just as crucial in ensuring the long-term prosperity of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nLooking for a Virginia lawn care pro near you to maintain your landscape? We have trusted pros in Richmond, Chesterfield, and various other cities throughout Virginia’s Capital Region.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Maymont Park / Watts / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Virginia´s Capital Region","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.10896309314587,"src":"/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/1789c/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/107df/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.jpg 320w,\n/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/293e9/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.jpg 500w,\n/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/f2cbb/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.jpg 800w,\n/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/1789c/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.jpg 960w,\n/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/c26c2/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/1dd6e/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/67b76/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.webp 320w,\n/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/8df11/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.webp 500w,\n/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/98a65/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.webp 800w,\n/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/1dd6e/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.webp 960w,\n/static/cde73942a6652607c840b3b9717d8d93/3cc96/Italian-Gardens-Maymont-Park-Richmond-Virginia.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Virginia's Capital Region","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Visit our guide of 8 top choices for beautiful and resilient plants that thrive in the local climate of Virginia’s Capital Region."}}},{"node":{"id":"1397b9f5-c435-5c83-b65f-3d4e05d62eca","slug":"best-grass-types-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-types-texas/","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":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"We Texans like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around a minute” because it changes so rapidly. These wild fluctuations – cold to hot, rainy to scorching, windy to still – and the varied climates of this massive state, can wreak havoc on grass and plants. So before you invest in expensive […]
\n","content":"\nWe Texans like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around a minute” because it changes so rapidly. These wild fluctuations – cold to hot, rainy to scorching, windy to still – and the varied climates of this massive state, can wreak havoc on grass and plants. So before you invest in expensive landscaping, it’s critical to know which grasses grow best in Texas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTexas is so big that its climate varies from place to place. For example, West Texas and North Texas are drier and cooler than South Texas and the coastal areas. As you might expect, then, certain grass types grow better in some regions than others. For instance, buffalograss grows best in areas that get 25 inches of rainfall or less (annually), while centipedegrass loves East Texas’ intense humidity.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can’t grow buffalograss in coastal Texas and centipedegrass in West Texas, but you will probably have to work harder at it. So keep those differences in mind as we make our way through the strengths and weaknesses of each type of grass.
\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\n\n\n\n\nIf you plan on using your lawn for recreation and entertaining, give some thought to Zoysiagrass because it tolerates foot traffic well. Be aware, though, that if it gets damaged, it can take a while to recover because it grows slowly.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass tolerates drought extremely well, and it bounces back rapidly from drought with some irrigation or rainfall.
\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\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKnown as “carpet grass” for the carpet-like feeling beneath your feet, St. Augustinegrass is most commonly seen in Southeast Texas (although it’s grown in most of the state). It’s the most shade-tolerant of the warm-season grasses, but while it handles drought well, it isn’t as drought-tolerant as Bermudagrass or Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass doesn’t like heavy foot traffic so don’t let the kids or pets run wild in the yard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass’ strongest traits are its high traffic tolerance and quick recovery. This makes it popular for golf courses, lawns, and athletic fields. It’s also quite drought-tolerant and loves full sunlight.
\n\n\n\nThere are many seeded varieties of Bermudagrass, some of which have finer textures and create a denser turf than standard Bermudagrass. Bermudagrass also comes in hybrid varieties (a mix of common and African varieties), which are more aggressive than regular Bermudagrass varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is best adapted to East Texas’ acidic soils. It’s best known for its low-maintenance requirements: It doesn’t need a lot of irrigation, fertilization, or mowing. It grows well in moderate shade but thrives in full sunlight, but it doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is used primarily for parks, golf courses, lawns, and other turf areas, but not athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocated in Central and West Texas, buffalograss likes heavy clay soils in areas with little rainfall. (In other areas, it has to contend with weeds and other invasive grasses). It thrives in full sun but doesn’t like heavy shade or foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss works well in many areas, such as school grounds, golf courses, parks, and roadsides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizome
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2 – 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass are your best choices for a lawn that doesn’t require much maintenance.
St. Augustinegrass is the way to go if your lawn gets a lot of shade.
Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass are the preferred choices if you plan on having people in the yard frequently.
There isn’t a single type of grass that fits every Texas lawn. Choosing the right grass depends on where you live.
\n\n\n\nOnce you get your grass picked out, complement it with low-maintenance landscaping that makes your yard come alive but without a bunch of effort and money.
\n\n\n\nWhere do you start? Contact one of Wikilawn’s lawn care professionals, and they’ll give you all the help you need.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Texas Discovery Gardens / Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Grasses for a Great Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1789c/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg","srcSet":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/107df/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 320w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/293e9/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 500w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/f2cbb/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 800w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1789c/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 960w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/c26c2/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1dd6e/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/67b76/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 320w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/8df11/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 500w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/98a65/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 800w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1dd6e/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 960w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/3cc96/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass For a Great Texas Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Texas is such a big state that some grasses thrive in areas that others don’t. Learn more about the best grasses for your Texas lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"35e6a194-7d4a-5b96-8183-f1aad6b7a865","slug":"when-to-fertilize-your-lawn-in-delaware","path":"/lawn-care/de/when-to-fertilize-your-lawn-in-delaware/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"0ce95d41-82d7-5ce1-a6c9-4942e40ae6b9","name":"Delaware","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/de/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Delaware’s classic, four-season climate makes it hard for many of us to figure out lawn management. Worry not. All you have to do is master the most crucial routine – fertilization. Learning when to fertilize your Delaware lawn and using the right kind of product will help you create a strong, healthy, and lush green […]
\n","content":"\nDelaware’s classic, four-season climate makes it hard for many of us to figure out lawn management. Worry not. All you have to do is master the most crucial routine – fertilization. Learning when to fertilize your Delaware lawn and using the right kind of product will help you create a strong, healthy, and lush green lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe traditional approach is to combine fertilization with other lawn care tasks, such as raking, aeration, mowing, weeding, etc., in the springtime. But this practice isn’t ideal for Delaware lawns. Fall is the right time to fertilize your lawn here so it has all the nutrition it needs for the winter and grows generously the following spring.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will learn about fertilization in depth:
\n\n\n\nNo matter what kind of plants you’re feeding, scheduling the correct timing will set them for success or failure in the coming season. The right time to fertilize your lawn depends on many factors, including the climate, light exposure, soil type and pH, plant types in your lawn, and more.
\n\n\n\nA good practice for most lawns is to fertilize at least twice a year to ensure good overall health. To be safe, you can remember this rule of thumb: Apply lawn fertilizer when the grass is actively growing. For Delaware lawns with cool-season grasses, this time is early fall or early spring, when the temperatures are still a bit chilly.
\n\n\n\nApplying fertilizer in the wrong season can encourage tender new growth that easily gets damaged, encourages weed growth, or simply burns your lawngrass. Early leaf development will simply give you a vulnerable lawn. A few general rules to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nKnowing the right time to fertilize isn’t enough. There are 4 R’s of nutrient stewardship that should guide fertilizer application for any lawn, advocated by many agricultural conservationists.
\n\n\n\nGetting all four R’s right fosters a beneficial environment for your plants and wildlife. For fertilizer, remember that more is not always better.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: schulzie / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the monthly lawn fertilization schedule for your Delaware lawn, here are a few pointers to remember.
\n\n\n\nSomething you need to know before you start is how grass utilizes its nutrients. Lawn grass uses more energy for root growth in the fall and puts energy into growing leaves in the spring.
\n\n\n\nIf you fertilize your lawn when it’s focused on top growth – spring – you basically just push the grass leaves to grow faster and taller, translating into more mowing. On the other hand, fertilizing in the fall promotes a healthy and deep root system that encourages grass to spread by tillers.
\n\n\n\nNitrogen is a major nutrient that contributes to the health of grass plants. It’s a mineral fuels hungry and growing plants. It also boosts chlorophyll production and contributes to a darker, deeper, more emerald-green grass color.
\n\n\n\nNitrogen enters the grass plant through its root system. You can see new shoots appear within hours of nitrogen application. This is why you will likely need to mow more after you apply high-nitrogen fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nNitrogen gives strength to the roots and supports strong shoot growth and makes up a major portion of most types of fertilizers.
\n\n\n\nMost lawns need to be fed twice a year – once in early spring and once in the fall. The same goes for lawns in Delaware. But, lawn care experts recommend applying 65 to 75% of the total amount of nitrogen fertilizer your lawn needs between September and November.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a timeline that can help keep track of what your lawn eats:
\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs three major nutrients. These are:
\n\n\n\nAnd there are different types of fertilizers that your Delaware lawn may need:
\n\n\n\nSingle-ingredient, as the name suggests, contains only one primary plant nutrient. It targets the specific needs of plants at different developmental stages. It is free from fillers as well – no wood ash, marl, lime, manure, limestone, or other materials.
\n\n\n\nSo, you can get nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium fertilizers to treat a single problem or boost a certain quality in your Delaware lawn. For example, if your lawn has winter damage, potassium fertilizer will aid plant growth and healthy recovery. Potassium helps to synthesize proteins and starches and assists with nutrient and water uptake.
\n\n\n\nThese fertilizers contain all three nutrients in different percentages. Every combination fertilizer comes with a number/letter code that corresponds to the nutrients inside. You can see N-P-K or nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium coordinate with their percentage found in the fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nFor example, a 20-5-10 mixture means the presence of 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 10% potassium whereas the remaining percentage includes inert filler that aids in even application. This would be classified as a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou can pick from a variety of fertilizer ratios depending on what your lawn soil needs and the type of grass. Commonly Delaware soil works well with 10-10-10, 20-5-10, or 6-6-18 fertilizer mixtures.
\n\n\n\nThis type of fertilizer releases nutrients rapidly into the soil. Typically, quick-release fertilizers are water soluble and show immediate results.
\n\n\n\nTypically, you have to apply soluble fertilizers more than once for them to show effect since they dissolve quickly and plants may not take up all the available goodness.
\n\n\n\nYour Delaware lawn might need a quick-release fertilizer if you need a quick response. For instance, you’re building a new lawn and want it to green up quickly or you want the top growth to be aggressive enough to block weeds. However, soluble fertilizers aren’t always a good idea because they can encourage too much growth, too fast.
\n\n\n\nThe most suitable type of fertilizer for Delaware soils is slow-release. These fertilizers discharge all their nutrients slowly and over time, making sure your ground always has nitrogen available for growth. They are water-insoluble and dissolve slowly.
\n\n\n\nSlow-release formulas are easier to distribute evenly in the lawn, especially if you’re applying granular variety, and assist in a more paced growth. They are designed to release by weathering, water penetration, or microbial action at a rate that is consistent with the grass’s needs.
\n\n\n\nThese fertilizers are good for regular maintenance. Typically, only one application of slow-release fertilizer is enough and also proves cost-effective for many homeowners.
\n\n\n\nGrass is classified into two categories based on the climate they are adapted to:
\n\n\n\nDelaware is located in the transition zone and typically favors cool-season grasses including Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall fescue, Bentgrass, and Perennial Ryegrass. These grasses take the majority of the nutrition they need in the fall to prepare for winter and recover from summer stress. Mostly, they just need nitrogen to encourage growth and develop a nice green color.
\n\n\n\nThe only warm-season grass that can make do in Delaware is Zoysiagrass due to its hardy nature. A closer look at different grass types and their fertilization needs:
\n\n\n\nThis is a fast-growing cool-season grass that comes with unique fertilizer needs. Kentucky bluegrass is pretty prone to fertilizer burns. You need to be careful when, how, and what type of fertilizer you apply to it.
\n\n\n\nA general guide for fertilizer application on Kentucky bluegrass lawns in Delaware:
\n\n\n\nThis cool-season turfgrass thrives in transition zones. It’s a highly drought-tolerant grass that requires little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a low-maintenance turf choice for lawns and sports fields. Thanks to its deep roots, this grass type is pretty resilient and holds up well to dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial, cool-season grass is typically used as a part of a seed mix for golf courses, home lawns, and fields. Bentgrass is a creeping grass that develops fine blades and is considered a high-maintenance grass type. It is susceptible to nutrient deficiencies too.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/person-sreading-fertilizer.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nWho doesn’t like a green, thick lawn? But you need to consider the impact of your lawn management practices on the environment. This includes water waste, chemical pollution, emissions from the production of synthetic herbicides, and more.
\n\n\n\nSeveral studies and research show that a mindful approach to lawn fertilization can reduce the dangers of climate change. A properly maintained lawn does not require immediate remedies and saves you from using harsh, environmentally-unfriendly products to bring it back to life.
\n\n\n\nFollow these tips to fertilize your lawn more responsibly and minimize nutrient loss:
\n\n\n\nKeeping track of the right time, fertilizer type, ratio, application technique, and quantity can be too much. Don’t worry, our local pros in Delaware are fully qualified and equipped to discuss, advise, and fertilize your lawn for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Delaware","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/1789c/fertilize-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/107df/fertilize-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/293e9/fertilize-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/f2cbb/fertilize-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/1789c/fertilize-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/c26c2/fertilize-grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/1dd6e/fertilize-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/67b76/fertilize-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/8df11/fertilize-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/98a65/fertilize-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/1dd6e/fertilize-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/a6faba517709b798718d1b89c658e296/3cc96/fertilize-grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Delaware | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Timing is important when fertilizing your lawn. Learn the best time to fertilize your lawn in Delaware and unlock its full potential."}}},{"node":{"id":"66f1209a-8287-5610-ab30-d4404a8e313f","slug":"best-grass-types-montana","path":"/lawn-care/mt/best-grass-types-montana/","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":"851f9dd2-d0b9-5a5b-a0a0-cf65224620d5","name":"Montana","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mt/"}],"date":"May 11th, 2023","excerpt":"Montana is rich in natural resources, including gemstones, palladium, and platinum, earning it the moniker of “The Treasure State.” Its climate is classified as semi-arid or steppe, with its mountainous western regions transitioning into a humid continental climate. The Treasure State’s varying elevations experience vast precipitation ranges. Its lowlands and valleys receive as little as […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is rich in natural resources, including gemstones, palladium, and platinum, earning it the moniker of “The Treasure State.” Its climate is classified as semi-arid or steppe, with its mountainous western regions transitioning into a humid continental climate. The Treasure State’s varying elevations experience vast precipitation ranges. Its lowlands and valleys receive as little as 7 inches of rain annually, while its mountainous western half receives 35 inches or more. The 7 best grass types for Montana thrive in the semi-arid environment and withstand the long, cold winters. Read on to discover suitable varieties for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMontana sits in the Northern Rockies and Plains region, south of Canada, in the northwestern United States. This region has incredibly unique weather thanks to its lowlands, plains, valleys, and mountainous terrain. It is one of the coldest states, but temperatures in the high 80s are not uncommon in the summer. Despite seasonal shifts and short, warm summers, Montana is best suited to cool-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nMontana’s vast elevation ranges, sunlight variances, and shifting temperatures create unique microclimates. All grass types have specific needs, and not all grass varieties will grow well in your landscape. It is important to select a turfgrass suitable for the sun exposure, soil, and water capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMontana’s microclimates are best suited to a mixture of grass species to create a hardy blend that will withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
\n\n\n\nThe Goldilocks Zone for Montana microclimates has moderate irrigation, sunlight, and fertility levels, providing not too much or too little of any one area. Seed your lawn with a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue like creeping red fescue or Chewing’s fescue, and perennial ryegrass. Aim for a ratio of 60% Kentucky bluegrass, 30% fine fescue, and 10% ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nShaded lawns with moderate irrigation and fertility levels require a unique ratio of grass seed mixture with an emphasis on shade-tolerant fine fescue. Kentucky bluegrass struggles to grow in densely shaded landscapes. Seed your lawn with 60% fine fescue, 30% Kentucky bluegrass, and 10% perennial ryegrass, and maintain heights between 2.5 to 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nThe Great Plains encompassing the eastern two-thirds of the Treasure State create semi-drylands. Seed your water-poor landscape with a drought-tolerant turfgrass variety like tall fescue or sheep fescue, a type of fine fescue. These clumping bunchgrass types do not require a mixture of seeds and can be sewn alone, but be sure to seed thickly to form a dense home landscape.
\n\n\n\nNon-irrigated landscapes or those located in dryland areas benefit from non-traditional turfgrasses like crested wheatgrass, streambank wheatgrass, or smooth bromegrass. These drought-tolerant turfgrasses form sod but can go dormant during long drought periods. Sew your arid landscape with any mixture or cultivar you choose. Never mow dryland cultivars less than 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nThe following cool-season grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Montana:
\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 a high-maintenance, cool-season cultivar that grows well throughout Montana, especially the western half of the state. It has low drought tolerance but withstands cold and winter conditions well, forming a thick sod. It is prone to disease and insects but recovers quickly from damage thanks to rhizomes and its spreading growth habit.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is recognizable for its famed blue-green color, fine texture, and dense appearance. It is wear-tolerant but slow to green up in the spring. To combat the turfgrass’ high-maintenance needs, seed your lawn with a mixture of tall or fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
\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; 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; snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, and necrotic ring spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate to high; most common pests are 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 is most often mixed with other species. Regular watering is necessary because of its shallow roots. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are more hardy and resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Red Fescue – a species of fine fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Fine fescue encompasses several varieties, including Chewing, Red, Sheep, and Hard fescues. Cultivars are bunching type cool-season grasses with good shade tolerance. They adapt to a range of soils, including Montana’s Scobey soil.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are low-maintenance but more expensive than most seeded cultivars. They are drought and cold-tolerant but have moderately low wear tolerance. Cultivars have a soft texture and narrow, deep green leaf blades. Miix fine fescue cultivars with Kentucky bluegrass to create a resilient and lush home lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues possess rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, powdery mildew, and downy mildew can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; most common pests are chinch bugs, sod webworms, grubs, billbugs, winter mites, and crane flies
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained soils; tolerates infertile and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes
\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 grows well throughout Montana, surviving most drought conditions of the Plains region. It is shade and cold-tolerant and grows best in spring and fall. Cultivars are quick to green up and produce little thatch. 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 seasonal variances of Big Sky Country.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate; recovers slowly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many cultivars grow best when mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate; can be prone to leaf spot, seedling disease, and brown patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to moderate; susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize in September and November. Plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years to maintain a dense lawn and fill thinning spots.
\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 bunching grass that mimics the appearance of Kentucky bluegrass but does not provide most of the popular cultivar’s better qualities. It has a dark green color and fine texture. Perennial ryegrass is disease and insect-prone and intolerant to drought, freezing temperatures, flooding, and wind.
\n\n\n\nCultivars do not survive Montana’s harsh climate and are not a permanent home lawn solution. Instead, perennial ryegrass acts as a nurse grass in seed mixes to protect other cultivars like Kentucky bluegrass during their germination process. The presence of perennial ryegrass in seed mixtures is optional.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; requires four to five hours of sunlight
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High; recuperates poorly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High; requires frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High; susceptible to flag rust, stem rust, leaf spot, downy mildew, brown patch, and red thread
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; chinch bugs and greenbug aphids can occur
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\n![\"Crested](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Crested-Wheatgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCrested wheatgrass is a perennial, cool-season grass commonly used in pastures as forage for livestock. However, thanks to high drought tolerance, this grass type makes a great low-maintenance lawn for residents in dryland areas or homes without irrigation. Crested wheatgrass survives with as little as 8 inches of annual rainfall.
\n\n\n\nCultivars tolerate a wide range of soils and are not prone to diseases. Crested wheatgrass is extremely cold and fire tolerant and very long-lived. It has a light-green color and a bunching growth habit.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; wheat leaf rust can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; susceptible to black grass bugs, leafhoppers, grubs, mature click beetles, and billbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6+
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers medium-weight sand-loam or clay-loam soils; intolerant of loose, sandy soils, heavy clays, or saline soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: All cultivars are fire and cold-tolerant and can withstand occasional flooding. They are long-lived and often used as forage for grazing animals.
\n\n\n\n![\"Streambank](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Streambank-Wheatgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStreambank wheatgrass is another popular Montana farming grass. It forms sod for home lawns and spreads via underground rhizomes. Unlike crested wheatgrass, streambank wheatgrass is not used as a forage. It is low-maintenance and extremely drought-tolerant, surviving on as little as 6 inches of annual rainfall.
\n\n\n\nStreambank wheatgrass adapts to most soil types. It has a light green color and fine-textured leaf blades. It is native to the intermountain western regions of the United States and spreads slowly. Streambank wheatgrass requires thick seeding for a dense lawn.
\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: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; wheat leaf rust can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; susceptible to black grass bugs, leafhoppers, grubs, mature click beetles, and billbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-9.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; dry or wet, well-drained to poorly drained, deep, sandy, clay, or loam soils
\n\n\n\n![\"Smooth](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smooth-Bromegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmooth bromegrass is another sod-forming perennial grass with extreme drought tolerance. It is an aggressive grass, spread laterally by underground rhizomes. This Depression-era favorite tolerates Montana’s extreme temperatures and thrives in its deep Scobey soil.
\n\n\n\nSmooth bromegrass has a bright green color, an extensive root system, and fine leaf blades. It doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic well, and dull mowing equipment can damage its blades. However, cultivars are not prone to disease or pests.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; requires early spring and fall applications of nitrogen fertilizer
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; selenophoma leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; susceptible to grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers well-drained silt-loam or clay-loam soils
\n\n\n\nNo. Perennial ryegrass acts as a nurse grass for other varieties. It germinates and establishes quickly, protecting the seeds and emerging blades of other cool-season grass varieties like fine fescue, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Perennial ryegrass will die as your permanent mixture takes over. Many homeowners leave perennial ryegrass out of their seed mixes, replacing the 10% with a fescue variety.
The best time to sew your Montana lawn is around Labor Day, the first Monday in September. Aim to seed your lawn between mid-August and mid-September to complement the natural fall growth cycle.
Early morning is the best time to water your lawn. 30% of the water applied during midday irrigation sessions is lost to evaporation. In the morning, winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Montana grass cultivars are suited to your unique USDA hardiness zone. Montana’s zones include 3a to 6a, with most of the state falling between 3b to 4a. All turfgrasses have their own characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your microclimate and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together to help form your complete landscape. There are numerous landscaping options for the Treasure State, and you can take advantage of the state’s four seasons. Be sure to check out our Montana landscaping guides to help you plan your landscape.
\n\n\n\nFrom historic western cities like Missoula to riverside destinations like Billings, no matter which part of the state you live in, conquer Big Sky Country’s ever-changing 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 to explore the Treasure State’s rich resources.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Montana State Capitol / R. Sieben / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Montana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/1789c/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/107df/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 320w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/293e9/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 500w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/f2cbb/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 800w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/1789c/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 960w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/c26c2/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/1dd6e/Montana-State-Capitol.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/67b76/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 320w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/8df11/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 500w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/98a65/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 800w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/1dd6e/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 960w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/3cc96/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Montana","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best 7 grass types for Montana are cool-season varieties suitable for the semi-arid climate and harsh winters of the Treasure State."}}},{"node":{"id":"3c8ef724-6144-5b0e-a423-8ec1cabeab0b","slug":"best-grass-types-baton-rouge","path":"/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/best-grass-types-baton-rouge/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d1d6935d-c1c2-53e6-93e2-8203b0f7327d","name":"Baton Rouge","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Baton Rouge is full of scenic views and charming nature. If you want to make your lawn look just as stunning, it’s important to choose the right grass type that will thrive in this steamy, tropical climate. Let’s see what grass types you can choose from. In this article: 4 Warm-Season Grasses for Baton Rouge […]
\n","content":"\nBaton Rouge is full of scenic views and charming nature. If you want to make your lawn look just as stunning, it’s important to choose the right grass type that will thrive in this steamy, tropical climate. Let’s see what grass types you can choose from.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrass types are generally classified as either warm-season or cool-season. The main differences between the two types of grasses are:
\n\n\n\nBaton Rouge is a city of short, brisk winters and long, brutally hot summers. It probably won’t surprise you that warm-season grasses are more suitable. Here’s a closer look at the best.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a gray-green, thick, and durable turfgrass thanks to its rough edges and stems. This grass tolerates drought and withstands heavy foot traffic, most soils, and salt. It’s fast-growing and spreads and repairs itself easily.
\n\n\n\nFrom the common Bermudagrass that needs little maintenance to the hybrid variety that has a finer texture, Bermudagrass comes in several types. Because Bermudagrass grows so aggressively, it’s always important to contain it to prevent it from overtaking flowerbeds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
Spreads by: Spreads aggressively using horizontal stems above-ground (stolons) and below-ground (rhizomes)
Drought tolerance: High, but may turn brown and dormant in extended drought
Foot traffic tolerance: High; grows back quickly after suffering damage
Shade tolerance: Low; some varieties are more shade-tolerant than others
Maintenance needs: Moderate; needs mowing once or twice per week and is susceptible to many pest and disease problems
Recommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a slow-growing grass with a yellow-green color and medium texture. But just because it grows slowly doesn’t mean it won’t look lush and beautiful; in fact, with the right care, centipedegrass will grow into a thick carpet.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to avoid using too much fertilizer on centipedegrass because it can damage it. You can break up your fertilization into four applications throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
Drought tolerance: Moderate to high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Shade tolerance: Low to moderate
Maintenance needs: Moderate
Recommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches, depending on conditions
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a fast-growing grass with a green color and coarse texture. This grass can quickly turn your lawn into a lush carpet if you care for it properly, and it will even do well in partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSomething to keep in mind, though, is that this grass won’t withstand drought, a lot of foot traffic, or other stressors. To thrive, St. Augustinegrass needs the right care and maintenance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
Spreads by: Stolons
Drought tolerance: Low; requires regular watering during dry periods to stay healthy
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Shade tolerance: Moderate; some cultivars are more shade-tolerant than others
Maintenance needs: High; requires regular irrigation and fertilization to grow healthy
Recommended mowing height: 3.5 to 4 inches for standard cultivars; 2 to 2.5 inches for dwarf cultivars
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a light to medium green, dense, slow-growing turf that’s popular for its appearance and weed control. This versatile, durable grass can also handle various soil types, drought, and a lot of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBecause the grass grows and establishes slowly, the best way to create a zoysiagrass lawn quickly is with sod, but it will also be more expensive. Either way, to make sure your zoysiagrass grows well, you need to care for it correctly. That includes fertilization, watering, and so forth. You’ll also find that its thatch builds up quickly, and you’ll need to remove it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
Drought tolerance: Moderate to high, depending on cultivar
Foot traffic tolerance: High; dense growth resists damage, and spreading through stolons and rhizomes allows for quick recovery
Shade tolerance: Moderate (high for a warm-season grass type)
Maintenance needs: Low to moderate
Recommended mowing height: Typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on cultivar and shade; heights below 1 inch need a reel mower (which is recommended anyway)
When it comes to tolerating shade, St. Augustinegrass is the undisputed winner. Zoysiagrass’ shade tolerance comes second.
If you want to keep your lawn maintenance tasks to a minimum, consider centipedegrass. Centipedegrass needs infrequent mowing and little fertilizer, which makes it a suitable low-maintenance option.
Bermudagrass is the best option for busy lawns. Alternatively, zoysiagrass will work, too.
Both bermudagrass and zoysiagrass can handle heavy foot traffic and pet activity, so decide which one of them suits your needs better.
Before you decide which type of grass is right for you, make sure you consider various factors, such as how busy your lawn gets, how many pets you have, your maintenance preferences, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nMake sure you’re ready to dethatch, fertilize, and water your lawn as needed to prevent diseases in Baton Rouge’s humid, subtropical climate. The best time to water your Baton Rouge lawn is between 4 and 8. On the upside, there are a variety of things you can do to make your lawn more low-maintenance. You can, for example, consider xeriscaping, adding native plants, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nEither way, maintaining a lawn takes work and time. If you need help with your lawn care tasks, check out your local lawn care pros to free up some of your time.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Manship House (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) / Tjean314 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Baton Rouge","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/1789c/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/107df/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 320w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/293e9/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 500w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/1789c/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 960w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/c26c2/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/67b76/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 320w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/8df11/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 500w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/98a65/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 800w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 960w,\n/static/ec126e5223ac4082474334b9508c4868/3cc96/Lawn-in-Baton-Rouge.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Baton Rouge | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Creating a stunning lawn starts with choosing the a variety of grass that suits the sultry Baton Rouge climate as well as your lifestyle."}}},{"node":{"id":"9cb6cb3a-49dc-53d2-90c0-41ba85f7f475","slug":"best-native-plants-for-massachusetts","path":"/lawn-care/ma/best-native-plants-for-massachusetts/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"33c4a526-c6f7-5d9e-96d4-d1803a4d03b7","name":"Massachusetts","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Massachusetts may be one of the smallest states in the union. But with its rich history, an abundance of universities, and breathtaking fall foliage, this state has got it going. And don’t forget about the native plants. From wildflowers to perennial trees, the Bay State has tons of beautiful native plants. So if you want […]
\n","content":"\nMassachusetts may be one of the smallest states in the union. But with its rich history, an abundance of universities, and breathtaking fall foliage, this state has got it going. And don’t forget about the native plants. From wildflowers to perennial trees, the Bay State has tons of beautiful native plants. So if you want a stunning landscape, choose one of these 12 best native plants for Massachusetts.
\n\n\n\nChoosing native Massachusetts plants for your landscape has several benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen Red Sox spring training rolls around, you should start thinking about which plants you want in your garden. Here are 12 of the best native plants for your Massachusetts landscape:
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/beach-plum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KenWiedemann / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nPart of the rose family, the beach plum naturally grows along the East Coast – from New Brunswick down to Virginia. It prefers the salty soil near the beach but happily grows further inland into western Massachusetts. You can propagate it from soft-wood clippings, but it also can be grown from seed using cold stratification.
\n\n\n\nThis dense, rounded shrub with glossy, dark green leaves attracts various pollinators, including bees. Blooming from April through June, it produces small, white flowers that can be single or double. These flowers have multiple long anthers, giving them a somewhat fuzzy appearance. And from August to October, the shrub produces dull purple to crimson fruits that attract wildlife.
\n\n\n\n![\"Black](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/black-chokeberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stefan Sutka / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nA small and mound-shaped shrub, the black chokeberry has dark green, finely toothed leaves that turn a vibrant crimson in the fall. From March to June, the shrub produces five-petaled white flowers with pink anthers, followed by blackish-purple berries. The black chokeberry features multiple stems adorned with reddish-brown bark. This suckering plant tends to produce multiple base shoots, which require regular trimming to maintain its desired shape.
\n\n\n\nNative to regions east of the Mississippi River, excluding Florida, the black chokeberry thrives in its natural habitat. While its berries are too tart to be consumed raw, they can be cooked to create jams, jellies, and even wine. If you want to cook these berries, harvest them as soon as they ripen, or birds will steal them.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA staple in many home gardens, the butterfly weed has a distinct yet beautiful flower structure. Its petals gracefully arch backward, creating a stunning display that showcases the vibrant center. While the flowers are typically bright orange, some varieties produce red or yellow blooms.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as pleurisy root or orange milkweed, butterfly weed finds its roots in the New England region, stretching all the way down to Florida. It attracts butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, native bees, bumble bees, and honey bees. Note, though, that butterfly weed attracts aphids and ladybugs. But they can be removed with a soapy water spray.
\n\n\n\n![\"dark](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American_elderberry_Sambucus_canadensis1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rison Thumboor / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe common elderberry is an interesting large shrub with many long thin shoots that sprout from the base. A very fast grower, it will need to be pruned regularly. The leaves are flat, egg-shaped, narrow-toothed, dark green, and up to 12 inches long. Its tiny white clustered flowers bloom from May to July before becoming black to dark purple berries in late summer.
\n\n\n\nElderberry shoots were used to craft flutes by boring the spongy white center. Later, Native Americans used the plant for several medicinal purposes. And today, it’s used to make jelly and wine. This perennial shrub attracts butterflies, bees, birds, small mammals, and deer. It grows best from cuttings but can grow from sulfuric-acid-treated seeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/eastern-bluestar.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andyworks / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAs the common name suggests, eastern bluestar is notable for its five-petaled, star-shaped, tubular blue or purple flowers. The lance-shaped dark green leaves turn golden yellow in the fall. It’s native to the Southeast, from Massachusetts down to Florida. They typically grow from seeds but won’t flower until the second year.
\n\n\n\nAlso called blue dogbane, eastern bluestar provides the perfect habitat for beneficial fauna. Blooming from March to May, the flowers provide a nectar source for carpenter bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths. Moreover, it’s resistant to most pests, diseases, and deer.
\n\n\n\n![\"Ripe](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/highbush-blueberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PatrikStedrak / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOne of nearly 150 species, the highbush blueberry has an abundance of stems and thin green and red branches that create a sizable dense shrub. In the early spring, leaves blossom with a reddish-green hue that turns blue-green in early summer and red, yellow, orange, and purple in fall. The white or pink, dangling, bell-shaped flower clusters bloom from March through June.
\n\n\n\nIn late July through mid-August, yummy blueberries will ripen for the picking. Plant it in your shade garden so you and your loved ones can pick the berries to munch on or add to your favorite baked good or treat. The highbush blueberry supports wildlife – deer and rabbits eat the twigs and leaves, while birds, bears, and small mammals eat the berries.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/new-england-aster-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: pxfuel
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is a big aggressively-growing flowering plant with a dense array of hairy, clasping leaves on thick stems. The abundance of bright, beautiful flowers has orange-yellow centers that bloom from the ends of the leafy branches. Its flowers vary in color, from blue or lavender to pink or white, and blooms from August to November or until the first frost.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial is a host to several butterfly larvae species, while its nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and moths. This plant repels most pests but attracts beetles and is susceptible to powdery mildew. Its edible flowers can be used in salads or teas.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, the stems and roots of New England aster have medicinal properties. They can be made into poultices, with the root being used for diarrhea and fever and the whole plant for respiratory issues.
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/new-jersey-tea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Silviu Carol Cenusa / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nA low-growing shrub, New Jersey tea has small green, spade-shaped leaves and 2-inch oval flower heads. Its tiny white flowers bloom in March and April. However, young leaves are grayish, giving the plant a smoky hue. While the base is woody, the upper portion is herbaceous with lovely spreading branches.
\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the dried leaves of this deciduous shrub make an excellent decaffeinated tea. During the Revolutionary War, it was popular for treating fevers, asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. This nitrogen-loving plant’s nectar attracts bees and butterflies, and its seeds attract turkeys and quail.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pearly-Everlasting.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Franco Folini / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nExcept in the Southeast, pearly everlasting grows throughout the United States and Canada. The bushy, cottony clusters of small white flowers with yellow centers grow at the top of the stem, which is decorated with long narrow green leaves with wooly-white undersides. They’re often used as supporting characters in flower arrangements.
\n\n\n\nPearly everlasting is a popular flower for pollinators, particularly the painted lady butterfly, which uses the plant as a host for its eggs. Medicinally, it has many uses, such as tea for excessive mucus, sore throat, and wet cough, and poultices for stiff, rheumatic joints, wounds, and blisters. It’s also used for digestive issues, including ulcers, food poisoning, and diarrhea.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red_maple_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Heng Wang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRed Maple is a popular ornamental tree in North America due to its breathtaking fiery fall color. In spring, leaves bud red before maturing to dark purplish green. In the fall, they turn shades of yellow, orange, and purple. The leaves are 3 or 5 lobed, separated by V-shaped angles. Seeds are encased at one end of a paper-thin wing that becomes helicopter-like when they fall.
\n\n\n\nA young red maple has smooth silvery bark that ages into a dark gray with vertical cracks. This shade-giving tree is a great shelter and food source for birds, squirrels, rabbits, and deer. The hardy, quickly-growing red maple is popular in lumber production due to its smooth grain pattern, durability, and light, creamy color.
\n\n\n\n![\"Spotted](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/spotted-wintergreen.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Holcy / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nEndangered in Canada, Illinois, and Maine, the spotted wintergreen is found in mesic habitats of the Eastern United States and Canada. The evergreen sword-shaped leaves are dark green with white veins. It has small clusters of round, drooping, waxy flowers atop the stem. Blooming from June to August, its flowers are white but sometimes have a pink, blue, or purple hue.
\n\n\n\nA member of the shinleaf family, spotted wintergreen has a delicate smell rather than a minty one. Its leaf tea can treat gallstones, kidney stones, rheumatism, inflammation, and stomach problems. Crushed leaves can create a poultice for sores and wounds. The herb attracts insect pollinators, primarily bumblebees, but is deer resistant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/800px-Lonicera_sempervirens_close_up_bloom.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Biosthmors / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe trumpet honeysuckle is an excellent climbing or groundcover vine, perfect for trellises and arbors. Semi-evergreen leaves are smooth, glossy ovals with short pointed tips. Above the leaves are two to four showy, trumpet-shaped flowers with red outsides and yellow insides. With an orange-brown papery bark, this vine blooms from March through June and produces red berries.
\n\n\n\nThe trumpet honeysuckle’s nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while the berries attract various birds. Its berries can cause an upset stomach, but the leaves have several medicinal uses – chewed leaves for bee stings, smoked for asthma, or tea for sore throat and cough.
\n\n\n\nThe Bay State may be small, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t diverse. With the ocean on one side and the Appalachian Mountains on the other, planting conditions can have significant differences within a few miles.
\n\n\n\nKnowing that the USDA hardiness zone in Massachusetts ranges from 5a to 7a can help you decide which plants to choose. But if you want native plants to thrive on your landscape, you must understand your lawn’s microclimate, including soils, average rainfall, and temperatures.
\n\n\n\nIn the eastern coastal regions, a wealth of native plants thrives, adapting to the unique blend of sea breezes, wetlands, and well-drained soils. Embrace the coastal beauty by incorporating beach roses, bayberry, and seaside goldenrod into your garden. These resilient plants are accustomed to the challenges posed by salty air, sandy soil, and the following factors:
\n\n\n\nCentral Massachusetts offers a diverse landscape with rolling hills, forests, and fertile soils. Native plants that flourish in this region include mountain laurel, flowering dogwood, highbush blueberry, and red maple. Embrace the natural charm of the area by considering the following factors:
\n\n\n\nAs you venture westward, the landscape of Massachusetts transitions to picturesque mountains, lush valleys, and pristine woodlands. Native species like sugar maple, eastern hemlock, northern maidenhair fern, and mountain ash find their home in this region. Embrace the majestic beauty of western Massachusetts by taking into account the following factors:
\n\n\n\nWhile there are differences between Eastern and Western Massachusetts soils, most of it is Paxton soil – named after the town of Paxton (just north of Worcester). Paxton soil is coarse sandy loam with mineral deposits from various rocks, primarily schist, gneiss, and granite. It’s also loaded with rocks–great for drainage but challenging for landscaping.
\n\n\n\nAlthough you may live in one region, several factors, like construction, prior treatments, or weather, can make your soil different from the surrounding ground. The only way to understand your soil type and, therefore, the best native plants for your garden is to have your soil tested.
\n\n\n\nWhile waiting for your results, discover the best grass seed for your Massachusetts lawn and when to plant it.
\n\n\n\nThe ideal time to plant flowers in Massachusetts depends on the type of flowers you wish to plant. Massachusetts experiences a range of climates, with varying temperatures and frost patterns across the state. Generally, the planting season for flowers in Massachusetts begins in late spring and extends through early fall.
Here are some guidelines based on the different categories of flowers:
● Annuals: Annual flowers, such as petunias, marigolds, and zinnias, should be planted after the danger of frost has passed, typically in late May or early June.
● Perennials: Perennial flowers, like coneflowers, daylilies, and hostas, can be planted in spring or fall. Spring planting allows the plants to establish their root systems before the summer heat, while fall planting gives them a head start for the following growing season.
● Bulbs: Spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, are planted in the fall, usually between September and November. On the other hand, summer-blooming bulbs should be planted in the spring.
Native plants have evolved to adapt and thrive in the local ecosystem, developing relationships with the climate, soil conditions, wildlife, and other native species. Massachusetts has tons of native plants, according to UMass Amherst. But most native plants in the Bay State have the following in common:
● Grows in acidic soil: This is crucial since all of Massachusetts has acidic soil, some areas more than others.
● Cold tolerant: With the state’s average yearly temperature of 59.2 degrees Fahrenheit, plants must be able to tolerate the cold.
● Pest and disease resistance: Native plants resist common diseases and pests because they have developed natural immunity.
● Wildlife food source: Native plants are a source of food, shelter, and nesting sites for butterflies, bees, birds, and other wildlife.
Choosing native plants for your Massachusetts landscape offers numerous benefits, including reduced maintenance needs, enhanced resilience to local conditions, and support for local wildlife.
Massachusetts is a welcome place for pollinators, and homeowners can choose from a lot of blooming species. The following are just a few native plants that can attract pollinators in Massachusetts:
● Serviceberry
● Rhododendron
● New England aster
● New Jersey Tea
● Swamp milkweed
● White baneberry
Always find an ethical source like nurseries and garden centers if you want native plants in your landscape. Never remove plants from the wild. Transplanting wild plants into your yard disturbs wildlife and their habitats. It also can introduce pests and diseases to your landscape.
Once your garden is bursting with beautiful native plants, don’t neglect your lawn. Whether you’re in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, or somewhere in between, Wikilawn can connect you with a highly-rated lawn care professional to handle lawn care for you.
Main Photo Credit: OlegAlbinsky / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"12 Best Native Plants for Massachusetts","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/1789c/massachusettes-home-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/107df/massachusettes-home-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/293e9/massachusettes-home-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/f2cbb/massachusettes-home-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/1789c/massachusettes-home-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/c26c2/massachusettes-home-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/1dd6e/massachusettes-home-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/67b76/massachusettes-home-1.webp 320w,\n/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/8df11/massachusettes-home-1.webp 500w,\n/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/98a65/massachusettes-home-1.webp 800w,\n/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/1dd6e/massachusettes-home-1.webp 960w,\n/static/6dd5e489ad6317d97b1abbb7c714feff/3cc96/massachusettes-home-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Best Native Plants for Massachusetts | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 12 best native plants for Massachusetts and why they’re key to a healthy garden and landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"4c56138e-9103-52c6-81f9-eb3c6bc55d56","slug":"best-grass-types-boston","path":"/lawn-care/ma/boston/best-grass-types-boston/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp award-winning garden writer, editor, and speaker. (She speaks at libraries, garden clubs, public gardens, home and garden shows, Master Gardener groups, and horticulture industry events.) Known as a hortiholic, she frequently says her eyes are too big for her yard. She blogs at hoosiergardener.com.","name":"Jo Ellen Meyer Sharp","id":"7ac166e7-66c5-5908-b0ac-d817298c8751","path":"/author/jo-ellen-meyer-sharp/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63824390c841836ff2ffdaeb32c90d34?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bc5dd326-c9ae-59ac-ad82-e4a08e14955d","name":"Boston","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/boston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"33c4a526-c6f7-5d9e-96d4-d1803a4d03b7","name":"Massachusetts","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Boston is known for its Emerald Necklace, defined by the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed system of green spaces. You can have a little bit of the Emerald Necklace in your landscape with the correct selection of the best grass types for your Boston lawn. These are recommendations for seed or sod. In this article Kentucky Bluegrass […]
\n","content":"\nBoston is known for its Emerald Necklace, defined by the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed system of green spaces. You can have a little bit of the Emerald Necklace in your landscape with the correct selection of the best grass types for your Boston lawn. These are recommendations for seed or sod.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWant a lawn that feels perfect under bare feet? Something soft, able to withstand kid’s play or lounging on the lawn? Kentucky bluegrass is the way to go. Although it requires a little more maintenance, Kentucky blue is one of the top choices in lawns throughout the country.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance includes regular irrigation, mowing and fertilization to retain its bluish-green good looks, even in winter. Pay particular attention to irrigation. Adequate nitrogen application is important, too. Always read and follow the label directions.
\n\n\n\nIf it gets too hot and dry and there’s no irrigation, Kentucky bluegrass will go dormant. Cooler weather, rain or renewed watering the lawn will revive it quickly, unless it went more than about six weeks without water.
\n\n\n\nPerennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Unlike Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass is a good low-maintenance alternative for your Boston landscape. Perennial rye can handle foot traffic and child play, and is great for relaxing on the deep green turf.
\n\n\n\nThe blades of perennial ryegrass are medium textured rather than fine like Kentucky bluegrass. Because it germinates quickly, it sometimes is mixed in with other grass types for overseeding or to fill bare spots. Although a clump grower, it may compete with other grasses to create an odd-looking mix in the lawn. Use about a 20% perennial rye when mixing with Kentucky blue or fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is susceptible to fungal diseases like red thread and dollar spot. Several cultivars of perennial ryegrass contain beneficial fungal endophytes. These internal compounds help protect plants and enhance growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Fine-leaf Fescue
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This type includes creeping fescue, chewings fescue and hard fescue. Each can be used alone or mixed with other grasses. Fine fescues have medium to dark green narrow leaves. They tolerate acidic or low pH soil and also tolerate shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues do not like hot humid conditions, heavy fertilization or excess foot traffic, however. These may also get fungus disease, such as red thread. Although considered low maintenance, fine fescues do best when irrigated and mowed regularly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
As a rough-and-tumble lawn grass, tall fescue is at the top of the list. It is rooted in lawns throughout the country and appreciated for its low maintenance and durability. It tends to grow quickly in spring and fall, especially in open, sunny areas.
\n\n\n\nAlthough slow to establish, tall fescue requires little fertilizer and resists many pests and diseases. This makes it ideal for Boston homeowners who don’t want lawn worries. The leaf color ranges from medium to dark green with a bit of a rough. texture. Newer varieties have been developed with finer textures.
\n\n\n\nThe only warm-season grass that is winter hardy in the Boston area is zoysiagrass. It is available in the market, but homeowners should give it some thought before planting it.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it has many attributes, they may not offset other zoysia habits. For instance, zoysiagrass turns brown as soon as temperatures drop and returns to medium green when the warm season returns. In cold climates, zoysiagrass tends to be brown for a longer period than it is green.
\n\n\n\nZoysia also spreads by under- and above-ground stems (rhizomes and stolons). It readily creeps out of its space to gardens and landscape beds and the neighbor’s yard. Your neighbor will hate it.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass withstands heat, drought and foot traffic, but will thin in shade. It rarely needs to be mowed. It does need regular aeration, however. Also on the plus side, its dense growing habit discourages weeds.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like zoysiagrass grow most actively in late spring and summer when temperatures are around 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform best in the Southern United States.
\n\n\n\nA good lawn and garden center will stock the type of seed that is best for your Boston lawn, but it’s important to understand that most turf grass seed is a blend of seeds. The reason there are mixes is to get a fast-germinating seed to come on first to hold soil in place while slower-germinating seeds start to grow. Usually, a mixed seed selection can be used broadly in the landscape, from moderately shady locations to full sun. Grass seed also is sold as individual types.
\n\n\n\nBuy the best grass seed you can find. Grass is inexpensive compared to other plants in your Boston landscape. Current grass seed products are much improved over what your parents or grandparents sowed.
\n\n\n\nNewer products have been perfected with coatings that ensure good germination, such as a mini dose of fertilizer and enough moisture to get the seed growing.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow most actively in early spring and fall when temperatures are around 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re well-suited to northern climates with distinct seasons and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to sow grass seed is from mid-August to mid-September. The soil still retains summer warmth to help the seed germinate. Rains in fall also help grass seed take root and grow.
\n\n\n\nEven overseeding – sowing seed to fill in bare spots or thicken the lawn – is best down in early fall.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re a busy bee and want to save time, opt for perennial ryegrass and fescues.
Fine fescue is the best option for lawns with abundant shade.
Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass can withstand a lot of foot traffic. Zoysiagrass is also good for a busy lawn.
Fine fescue doesn’t require as much watering as other grass types. Zoysia also needs little watering.
Don’t have time to keep up with your lawn care duties? Hire a Boston lawn care pro to turn your lawn into an emerald jewel.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Unsplash
\n","title":"The Best Grass Types For a Boston Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/107df/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 320w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/293e9/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 500w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/f2cbb/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 800w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 960w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/c26c2/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/67b76/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 320w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/8df11/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 500w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/98a65/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 800w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 960w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/3cc96/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Types For a Boston Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reseeding some bare patches in your grass or putting in a new lawn? Here are the grass types that thrive best in Boston."}}},{"node":{"id":"5f3e0273-dd46-5025-89b5-dd524eafe740","slug":"best-native-plants-north-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-native-plants-north-texas/","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":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"If you’re a nature lover, North Texas delivers. It’s a scenic wonderland with a massive array of plants and flowers bursting from the countryside. So why do some homeowners insist on stocking their landscape with plants that are pretty, yes, but that require incredible effort to keep alive and looking good? The alternative is pretty […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re a nature lover, North Texas delivers. It’s a scenic wonderland with a massive array of plants and flowers bursting from the countryside.
\n\n\n\nSo why do some homeowners insist on stocking their landscape with plants that are pretty, yes, but that require incredible effort to keep alive and looking good? The alternative is pretty simple: Use easy-to-grow native plants for your North Texas yard.
\n\n\n\nThere are great reasons for using native plants:
\n\n\n\nAnd, by the way, they look incredible. Let’s take a look at some of the best of the natives.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTexas is the second largest state in the United States. It’s so big, in fact, that different regions of the state have different climates. For example, North Texas is cooler and drier than South Texas but receives more rainfall than desert-like West Texas.
\n\n\n\nBecause the climate varies so much, each region has a different hardiness zone, indicating what plants thrive in which area. North Texas is in USDA hardiness zone 8, meaning the lowest temperatures are between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to know these distinctions when choosing plants. Texas is not a one-size-fits-all state. Here are some of the best options for North Texas.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/verbena-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAbundant along Texas roadways, prairie verbena has a long flowering season from March to October. It sprouts purple flowers, each with five petals, and it regularly reseeds. These flowers are adored by butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nPrairie verbena likes partial shade to full sun and tolerates moderate drought conditions. It prefers dry to moist, well-drained soils.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, or sand, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Salvia_splendens_scarlet_sage_1_49081380101.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like red flowers, you’ll love scarlet sage, which explodes with bright blooms from February through October. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and is deer-resistant. However, it needs regular watering and loose, well-drained, rocky soil to thrive.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage thrives in full sun, is easy to grow, and is pest- and disease-tolerant. Pair it with other annuals and perennial plants for the best results.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loam, clay loam, rocky, caliche type
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, but usually reseeds easily
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-3 feet tall, 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Leucophyllum_frutescens_Purple_Sage_W_IMG_1125.jpg\")
Photo Credit: J.M. Garg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nTexas sage has many names, ranging from the barometer bush to the Texas silverleaf. It can withstand heat and drought and requires almost no maintenance once established. Purple flowers sprout in the summer and fall, although some have white or pink flowers.
\n\n\n\nTexas sage requires full sun to bloom and likes alkaline, well-drained soil. If your yard has both those conditions, this is the sage for you.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained alkaline soil or acidic soil with added dolomitic limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/51445852302_7416c139f3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the plains blackfoot, the blackfoot daisy is native to desert slopes, mesas, and high plains. It blooms from early spring through fall, growing brilliant white flowers. It’s a perfect plant for edging beds or rocky outcroppings.
\n\n\n\nBlackfoot daisy loves full sun but can handle light shade, and is deer-resistant. It does, however, need well-drained soil to thrive.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, rocky, calcareous
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and wide
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mexican-Plum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Charles Willgren / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs you would expect from its name, the Mexican plum tree sprouts purple plums in the fall and beautiful white flowers in the spring. At maturity, it grows to 20 to 25 feet tall with spreading branches, making it a good choice for smaller gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe Mexican plum tolerates drough, but it does like some irrigation to help it retain its fruits in the fall. It also handles shade well.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adapts to sandy, loam, clay, or limestone. Prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 25 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pavonia_hastata1DavidMidgley.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Midgley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA very popular plant in Texas, the pavonia, or rock rose, resides naturally on dry, rocky woods or banks of Texas. Its long bloom period and versatility make it a favorite among homeowners; it accepts full sun to half-day shade, various soils, and dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe pavonia bears pink hibiscus-like flowers between spring and fall, which open in the morning and close in the afternoon, when the temperature is highest.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Turks_Cap_323002703-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady yard, the Turk’s cap red is worth planting. It sprouts bright-red, hibiscus-like flowers that resemble a Turkish turban (hence the name). Turk’s cap red attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and is drought-tolerant once established.
\n\n\n\nTurk’s Cap Red is native to South Texas, where it’s used as a perennial. In North Texas, however, it’s used as an annual. Don’t worry, it does just fine here.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay, limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-3 feet tall (up to 9 feet), 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Attention hummingbird, butterfly, and moth lovers: the coral honeysuckle is the right plant for you! This plant sprouts bright red trumpet flowers with shiny oval leaves from March to June. Red berries follow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. Though the deer will eat the flowers, the plant as a whole is fairly deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, slightly acidic, well-drained. It acclimates to many soil types.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15-20 feet
\n\n\n\nNative plants grow in an area without human introduction, while non-native plants were introduced to the area where they now grow. Non-native plants may adapt to an area over time, but they generally aren’t as hardy as natives.
Invasive plants are non-native plants that tend to spread out of control. As their name implies, they ‘invade’ native plants’ space and take their moisture, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to poorer water quality, degraded wildlife habitats, and lower plant diversity.
The Bureau of Land Management states that native plants face numerous threats. These include habitat loss, overgrazing, wildfires, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
Once you buy your plants, your lawn is next. Get one of North Texas’ best grass types to ensure you have the healthiest lawn possible. Then hire one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Coral Honeysuckle / Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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