![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_shutterstock_1119073862.jpg\")
You probably have a favorite time of day to cut the grass, but is that the best time to mow your lawn? Industry professionals agree that the best time of day to cut the lawn is midmorning between 8-10 a.m. The second-best time for lawn mowing is late afternoon between 4-6 p.m. Why are these […]
\n","content":"\nYou probably have a favorite time of day to cut the grass, but is that the best time to mow your lawn? Industry professionals agree that the best time of day to cut the lawn is midmorning between 8-10 a.m.
\n\n\n\nThe second-best time for lawn mowing is late afternoon between 4-6 p.m.
\n\n\n\nWhy are these the optimum times to mow your grass? Midmorning and late afternoon cuts allow the grass enough time to recover before the hot sun or evening dew, protecting it from too much evaporation at midday or exposure to fungus at night.
\n\n\n\n✓ The grass is dry.
✓ The grass has plenty of time to recover before the heat of the day or the dew at night.
✓ Equipment is less likely to overheat if used during cooler times of day.
✓ YOU are less likely to overheat.
✓ You won’t disturb the neighbors (unless they have different work/sleep schedules).
An added bonus of a midmorning mow: You’ll get to smell your freshly cut grass all day long.
\n\n\nThe hottest time of the day is the worst time to mow your lawn, and that also is probably not your favorite time to be pushing a mower.
\n\n\n\nSo, when is the hottest time of the day? The middle of the day, before and after high noon, is generally the hottest. During this time, the grass experiences stress due to the hot temperatures. Since mowing also places stress on your lawn, avoid cutting your grass during these midday hours.
\n\n\n\nThe second worst time to mow is early morning before 8 a.m.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why: Mowing in the early morning, or at any time when you have wet grass or morning dew, will leave clumps of grass on the lawn and may even clog your mower. Mowing when the grass is wet can cause ruts in the lawn and may even pull the grass from the roots instead of shearing the blades of grass.
\n\n\n\nAnd when you’re all done mowing dewy or wet grass? You will have to clean those wet clumps of grass from your mower blade — not fun.
\n\n\n\n![\"As](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_1shutterstock_277566824.jpg\")
Besides time of day, the height of your grass also can determine when it’s the best time to mow. Mowing when your grass is too short could harm your lawn, and cutting too-long grass will take more of your time.
\n\n\n\nThese are general guidelines for when is the best time to mow your grass based on various common types of grass:
\n\n\n\n| WARM SEASON GRASS TYPES | INCHES |
| Bermuda | 1.5” – 3” |
| Centipede | 1” – 2” |
| St. Augustine | 2” – 4” |
| Zoysia | 1” – 2.5” |
| COOL SEASON GRASS TYPES | INCHES |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5” – 4” |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2” – 3.5” |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 2.5”- 3.5” |
| Tall Fescue | 2”- 4” |
There are many other factors that affect your mowing height:
\n\n\n\n✓ Sun or shade (Cut shaded areas higher by about half an inch)
✓ Periods of stress (Cut higher and less often during drought or extreme heat.)
✓ Time of year
✓ Grass use (lawn vs. athletic field vs. golf green)
✓ Climate
✓ Type of equipment (push mower vs. rotary mower)
To get local, professional advice, search for and contact your nearest Cooperative Extension Service office.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_shutterstock_197046728.jpg\")
The best day of the week to mow your lawn is probably one of your days off work. However, if you work the night shift and get off at 8 a.m. or go in early and get off at 4 or 5 p.m., you could get out the mower after work and cut your grass at an optimal time.
\n\n\n\nThere are great and not-so-great times to mow the lawn. In the end, the best time to mow (or do any lawn care, for that matter) is whenever you can get the job done.
\n\n\n\nIf that happens to be a morning from 8-10 a.m. or an afternoon from 4-6 p.m., know that your grass has been mowed at a time that is optimal for its health and recovery.
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather not worry about mowing your grass at the perfect time, you can contract that out to lawn care professionals. We can help you to find a lawn care mowing crew near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Shutterstock
\n","title":"When is the Best Time to Mow a Lawn?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1789c/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg","srcSet":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/107df/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 320w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/293e9/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 500w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/f2cbb/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 800w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1789c/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 960w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/c26c2/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1dd6e/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/67b76/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 320w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/8df11/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 500w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/98a65/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 800w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1dd6e/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 960w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/3cc96/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When is the Best Time to Mow a Lawn? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When is the best time to mow your lawn? Industry pros say 8 to 10 a.m. is the best time to cut your grass. Why? Grass is dry, and overheating risk is low."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"c5da6dd7-c54c-5ce7-8e9d-a3ca7921f293","slug":"worst-weeds-minneapolis","path":"/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/worst-weeds-minneapolis/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9badf8d4-14ba-5471-aa78-425360d9330e","name":"Minneapolis","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/"},{"id":"559d4c6e-5b85-5b4a-86c3-1f1a5351df4b","name":"Minnesota","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/"}],"date":"August 2nd, 2019","excerpt":"Knowledge is power and the sooner you know your enemy, the sooner you can kill those weeds. Here are some of the worst weeds in Minneapolis — and how to get rid of them.
\n","content":"\nLawn work is hard work, and the last thing you want is weeds to come and mess up your hard work. But knowledge is power and the sooner you know your enemy, the sooner you can kill those weeds. Here are some of the worst weeds in Minneapolis — and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the wild violet’s charming name fool you! The wild violet (pictured above) grows quickly and aggressively and is resistant to a lot of weedkillers. You’ll usually find it in the shade, and it likes moist soil. It is a pretty plant, with waxy, heart-shaped leaves and small lavender-blue blossoms, but if you find it in your yard, you’ll probably get over its looks pretty quickly as it spreads. It is a perennial broadleaf weed with a long taproot, so you’ll want a weedkiller that targets broadleaf weeds, killing them but leaving your grass unharmed.
\n\n\n\nThe black medic is an annual clover and grows well in compacted soil. You’ll be able to tell black medic from other clovers because its pom-pom flowers are yellow. This weed often sprouts up next to sidewalks or other areas that are compacted by traffic. Getting rid of it may be as simple as aerating your lawn. It’s also easy to hand-weed, because black medic is a central-growing plant, making it easier to get at the root than other weeds. Chemical weed killers also do a good job of eradicating this plant.
\n\n\n\nCreeping charlie, aka ground ivy, is unmistakable. This weed has round, coin-shaped leaves with frilly edges. Minneapolis is not alone in the fight against creeping charlie; this is an invasive species that has made itself at home throughout much of the continental United States. If you catch it early, in the spring, you can pull it by hand — but make sure you get all of it because this is a fast and easy grower. If you catch it later, you might be better off putting down a fall herbicide in your lawn to completely eradicate creeping charlie.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dandelion-flickr-1-1024x768.jpg\")
The dandelion has some uses — its leaves can be added to your salad and its central root can be dried and made into a tea. But for most people, the dandelion and its cheery yellow blossoms are a common weed, and one that can be hard to eliminate. If any part of the dandelion, especially that thick central taproot, is left behind, the plant can grow back and proliferate. Experts recommend pulling what you can, and feeding your lawn to make it thick enough to crowd out dandelions and other broadleaf weeds. Applying a pre-emergent weed killer in the spring will help keep dandelions to a minimum as well.
\n\n\n\nThere are dozens of weeds that will try to take advantage of Minneapolis’ sweet but all-too-short summer. This lists off some of the worst of them, so you can eradicate them quickly — and spend more time in your yard relaxing, instead of working.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care information and tips? Be sure to check our Minneapolis lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Liz West, Flickr
When it comes to grasses that will flourish in Raleigh, you have a lot to choose from. North Carolina is in what’s called the “transition zone,” an area sandwiched between the cold north and warm south. We need grasses that can handle both conditions. There are 8 best grass types for Raleigh that thrive in […]
\n","content":"\nWhen it comes to grasses that will flourish in Raleigh, you have a lot to choose from. North Carolina is in what’s called the “transition zone,” an area sandwiched between the cold north and warm south. We need grasses that can handle both conditions. There are 8 best grass types for Raleigh that thrive in warm and cold.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about each grass type to help you decide which one is perfect for your property.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses perform their best in the southern half of the U.S. and actively grow when the temperature is around 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These are drought-tolerant grasses that are mowed at a lower height in the summer.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best during hot North Carolina summers but will become dormant during the cold winter. For the best results, plant seeds in late spring and early summer.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are more suited to northern climates with cold winters. These grasses are able to remain green through most of the year, even in cooler temperatures. They thrive when temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses should be seeded in late summer or early fall. Unlike warm-season grasses, they should be mowed at a taller height.
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season and cool-season grass types are perfectly suited for the climatic and soil conditions of Raleigh:
\n\n\n\n![\"Bermudagrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Bermudagrass is dense with a dark green color, and grows very quickly, which makes it great for any bare spots in your lawn. It’s one of the toughest grasses and will even out-compete weeds – however, it also will invade and take over your flower beds if you don’t keep an eye on it.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass can be seeded, but can also be planted with sods and plugs. It thrives in full sun and goes dormant in the winter once the temperature goes below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, it will do best in lawns that get very little shade. If you have a significant number of trees that generate shade, then Bermudagrass will not work for you.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is available in several different improved and hybrid varieties that are used for golf courses, lawns, parks, roadsides, and sports fields.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and is able to outcompete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns. Tolerant of most soil types.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Centipedegrass is a popular choice in coastal areas since it adapts to infertile, acidic soils as well as salt and sand. It can only handle heavy clay soils if there is lots of drainage. This species of grass needs to be seeded regularly since it takes two or three years to fully mature and fill out your lawn. Once grown, it becomes granny-smith apple green with a dense, coarse texture.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass was initially used for low-maintenance cemeteries and eventually for lawns during and after the Great Depression. It is sometimes called “lazy man’s grass” or “poor man’s grass.” It has good shade and drought tolerance and can be spread by either seed or sod. Other varieties of centipedegrass have better cold tolerance and better performance in alkaline soils.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
The Raleigh blend of St. Augustinegrass was developed and specifically adapted for the area by North Carolina State University in 1980 and has a higher cold tolerance than other blends. The most shade tolerant of warm-season grasses, Raleigh St. Augustine is a great choice for homes in heavily wooded areas.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a lush, fast-growing grass with a medium blue-green color. It works best in moist, warm climates with plenty of drainage and rich soil and is well-suited for North Carolina’s warm weather.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass is a dense, lush grass that is light- to medium green. It is weather-resistant and low maintenance but will take a long time to establish. It does best in heat and full sun, and the speed of its growth depends on how much sun it receives. Zoysiagrass turns brown at the first fall and goes dormant throughout the winter.
\n\n\n\nIt does not require frequent mowing and rarely needs irrigation, but it will become thatchy if not properly cared for. There are several species and cultivars of Zoysiagrass used in different aspects of landscaping, with some being fine-textured and others being coarse-textured.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Fine fescues are known for their fine leaves. They tend to bunch and not spread out, so are often combined with Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Fine fescue seeds establish quickly and are a deep green color with a fine texture that almost resembles pine needles.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is drought resistant, cold tolerant, and does very well in poor soil conditions. It is the most shade-tolerant of all grass types and prefers rocky or sandy soil and clay. Full sun reduces fine fescue quality and results in thinning. Fine fescue is recommended for northern gardens and warm, shady areas.
\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 mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage is a must; tolerates infertile soils; sandy soils generally work well
\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/2020/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Tall fescue is perhaps the most popular cool-season grass in the upper piedmont area thanks to it remaining green during winter. Considered a reliable, low-maintenance grass, tall fescue is both tolerant to heat and resistant to cold. It thrives in full sun and partial shade, and because it can withstand heat and sudden dips in temperature, tall fescue works well for lawns in transition zones of the U.S.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue often needs to be irrigated to remain attractive during the summer. It grows best on fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 but can thrive in a wide range of soil conditions. It has a coarse texture, with a medium to dark green color and an extensive root system.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast rate of growth, so plan to mow often
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wider range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Goats](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
As great as it would be to have a folk band serenading you in your yard, Kentucky bluegrass is actually a species of cool-season grass. Also, despite what the name suggests, it’s not blue, but dark green.
\n\n\n\nConfusing, we know. Apparently, when early Kentucky settlers looked out at the fields, the seed heads had a purplish, blue-green hue in the sun, hence the name.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass (the plant) performs best when paired with tall fescue for a lush lawn that lasts throughout the year. It grows best in cool temperatures during the fall, winter, and spring, and its growth slows during the summer. Kentucky bluegrass tolerates some shade but prefers full sun.
\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 resistance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns
\n\n\n\n![\"Long](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Perennial ryegrass is the best grass for transition zone areas like Raleigh because it can withstand the warm season despite being a grass type for the cool season. Ryegrass is a thick, dense, dark green grass that can stand up to heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass is resistant to pests and thrives in well-drained soil. Its roots establish quickly, and it has a long growing season, all of which make it one of the most popular cool-season grasses. Perennial ryegrass is often used for winter overseeding on golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns to provide winter color in warm climates.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low (summer dormancy in some areas)
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but poor recuperative ability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, especially in areas with hot, humid summers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, high fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThe most commonly used grasses in North Carolina are warm season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass.
Fine fescues are finely bladed grasses that are the softest and most lush grasses for bare feet.
Tall fescue thrives in sun or medium shade in the mountains and is the best for a green lawn year-round.
Bermudagrass is the best for Raleigh and regions of North Carolina with warm temperatures since it has a deep root system and provides resistance from heat, drought, and insects.
For homeowners in Raleigh, it can be tricky picking out the right grass for your lawn. But thankfully, your location makes your decision more flexible since you can safely house both cool-season and warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to learn more about how to care for your lawn for each season, you can check out our guide on spring and fall lawn care tips in Raleigh.
\n\n\n\nLooking for help from an experienced professional? You can keep your lawn looking lush and healthy with the help of Raleigh lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pxhere
\n","title":"8 Best Grass Types for Raleigh, NC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/1789c/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.jpg","srcSet":"/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/107df/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.jpg 320w,\n/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/293e9/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.jpg 500w,\n/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/f2cbb/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.jpg 800w,\n/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/1789c/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.jpg 960w,\n/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/c26c2/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/1dd6e/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/67b76/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.webp 320w,\n/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/8df11/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.webp 500w,\n/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/98a65/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.webp 800w,\n/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/1dd6e/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.webp 960w,\n/static/603190c617102df4845ef804f2c49ef9/3cc96/Best-grass-type-for-raleigh.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Grass Types for Raleigh, NC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Need a new lawn? You have the option of 8 different cool-season and warm-season grasses that thrive in a Raleigh yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"b24c8a18-3ca5-567c-be98-5627d23422b3","slug":"best-native-plants-kentucky","path":"/lawn-care/ky/best-native-plants-kentucky/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Austin Geiger is an avid reader and writer. He has loved to read and write from a young age, and does both daily. His favorite subjects are fantasy and comedy, and he despises run-on sentences.","name":"Austin Geiger","id":"69bc552e-2c03-5c38-acc7-562e86f2a201","path":"/author/austin-geiger/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5baab15ab5786cfd4d2372bb580f441c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bf9d3d3b-daa0-503e-afcb-a4dbbfdca111","name":"Kentucky","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 28th, 2023","excerpt":"If you’re looking for new plants to put in your outdoor space, your state’s native flora are often the best candidates. Not only are they beautiful and hardy, but they’re also very beneficial for your local environment. Here are some of the best native plants for Kentucky to help you decide which blooms to add […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re looking for new plants to put in your outdoor space, your state’s native flora are often the best candidates. Not only are they beautiful and hardy, but they’re also very beneficial for your local environment. Here are some of the best native plants for Kentucky to help you decide which blooms to add to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Turk’s-cap](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Turks-cap-Lily.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shenandoah National Park / Flickr / Public Domain Mark 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Turk’s Cap Lily is a beautiful and unique wildflower native to a select few counties across Kentucky. Its stunning red-orange flowers face downward and are a great attractor for pollinators, especially hummingbirds and butterflies. At 6 to 9 feet tall fully grown, it can be either an accent plant or a centerpiece for your garden.
\n\n\n\nTurk’s Cap Lily can tolerate either full or partial sun. It has somewhat high water needs, but is low-maintenance and can handle a few different soil types. If you do choose this plant for your landscape, keep in mind that it, like all true lilies, is deathly poisonous to cats.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist but well-drained, acidic or neutral sandy or loam soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Early to mid summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Toxic to cats
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\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
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle is a flowering vine native to Western and Central Kentucky, one with beautiful red tube-shaped flowers that are beloved by hummingbirds. It can handle either full or partial sun and has fairly low water needs. This honeysuckle can tolerate just about any soil type so long as it’s well drained.
\n\n\n\nSince it’s a climbing plant that needs support to grow, the best way to use coral honeysuckle in your landscape is with a trellis or similar structure. Alternatively, you can let it grow around the pillars of an outdoor structure such as a gazebo in order to give it a nice accent. If you do plant it in your landscape, however, remember that its berries are toxic to humans and that the entire plant is poisonous to pets.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flowering vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist but well-drained, all soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen, evergreen in warm climates
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Spring, early summer, and autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 8 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Berries are toxic to humans, all parts are toxic to pets
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is a Central Kentucky native wildflower with, as its name suggests, gorgeous purple petals. It can tolerate either full or partial sun along with a variety of soil types, and its water needs are relatively low. This flower makes a great addition to a flowerbed or container, and since purple coneflower is a favorite of many bee and butterfly species, it’s an especially good choice for a pollinator garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained chalk, loam, or sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, honey
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Mid spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None; has medicinal properties
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8634828149_21c0f182e9_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NatureServe / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpicebush is a deciduous shrub native to most of Kentucky, one that can tolerate a variety of different soil types and partial shade. Its water needs are higher than most, but not unreasonably so. Its beautiful yellow flowers attract many pollinating insects, making it a great choice for a pollinator garden. If you’re growing a food garden instead, you’ll be happy to know that spicebush is also edible.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of what kind of garden you’re growing, spicebush is a versatile plant to grow in a landscape. It can be used as either a hedge for the border of your property or an accent piece in the landscape itself, though it’s not quite eye-catching enough to be a centerpiece.
\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: Moist but well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Allspice
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Spring and autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 to 12 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None; all parts of the plant except the roots and stems are edible and female plants have edible berries.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Eastern Redbud is a deciduous tree native to Kentucky, with gorgeous pink leaves that can add a touch of color to your landscape. It’s also a hardy low-maintenance plant that can handle some shade and practically any soil type, and has reasonable water needs. The best way to use it in your landscape is as a centerpiece or, in the case of smaller individuals, an accent plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Must but well-drained, all soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Spring and autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 20 to 30 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is another Kentucky native wildflower, one with clusters of tiny pink-and-white flowers that are highly attractive to many species of pollinators, especially the monarch butterfly. It prefers full sun and has higher water needs than most plants, but it’s well worth the effort, as it looks gorgeous in flower beds or containers. Just keep in mind that this plant can be poisonous if too much is ingested, so keep it away from children and small animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist but well-drained clay or loam soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Mid to late summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 4 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Poisonous in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed columbine is a beautiful and hardy wildflower native to Kentucky. It can handle any soil type so long as it’s well drained, and tolerates either full or partial sunlight. This columbine has gorgeous red flowers that face downward and are very attractive to hummingbirds. It makes a great addition to flower beds and looks amazing in pots or other containers.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist but well-drained, all soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None; other columbine varieties can be mildly toxic to humans, however
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Giant](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Giant-Goldenrod-Solidago-gigantea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Syrio / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you need a new native plant for your Kentucky landscape, there’s no better candidate than Kentucky’s state flower. The giant goldenrod is a perennial wildflower that prefers full sun, can handle a variety of soil types, and has above-average water needs. It has gorgeous clusters of tiny yellow flowers that pollinators love.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to grow giant goldenrod depends on the size of the plant. At 3 feet tall on the low end, it makes for a good addition to your flower beds or containers or can be a small accent plant. Ones closer to the 7 feet tall higher end can be bigger accent plants or even a centerpiece or foundation plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Acidic or neutral, moist but well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Floral
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Late summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None; this plant is edible and has medicinal properties
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Smooth](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Smooth-Blue-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmooth blue aster is a perennial wildflower native to Northern and Southern Kentucky, one that has gorgeous purple-blue flowers with yellow centers. It’s low-maintenance, likes full sun, handles just about any soil type as long as it’s well drained, and doesn’t need a lot of water, making it a great candidate for a low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nSince smooth blue aster blooms later in the year when many other pollinator plants have closed up shop, it makes a fantastic addition to a pollinator garden to keep them coming in during the later seasons. Regardless of the type of garden you have, this flower is a wonderful addition to your flower beds and looks amazing in containers.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist but well-drained, all soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Late summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Tulip](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tulip-Poplar.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs Kentucky’s state tree, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better native tree for your Kentucky landscape than the tulip poplar. This deciduous tree likes full sun, handles a variety of soil types, and has moderate water needs. It’s low-maintenance and has gorgeous yellow flowers that attract pollinators. The best way to use it is as a centerpiece, as at 60 to 80 feet on average, it tends to dominate a landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Acidic or neutral, moist but well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy, magnolia
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Mid spring to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 60 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nWhen trying to decide which native plants to install in your Kentucky landscape, the first thing you need to look at is the conditions it has to offer. Every plant has its own individual needs, and if your outdoor space is ill-equipped to support a certain one, you may find yourself struggling to support it. For example, if your landscape gets a lot of sunlight, you need plants that thrive in full sun.
\n\n\n\nYou also need to look at the soil you have. Its pH balance, composition, and drainage are all very important for your plants, native or not. If you don’t know these things yet, find out and choose plants that match your soil’s qualities.
\n\n\n\nAnother good criterion is your area’s hardiness zone. The USDA hardiness zones indicate the average minimum temperature of your area. Most of Kentucky is in 6a to 6b, while a small portion is in 7a. This means that the average minimum temperature is 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit for most areas, while that small part is 0 to 10.
\n\n\n\nEvery plant on this list aside from Turk’s Cap Lily is native to the northern areas of Kentucky. However, some plants are only native to a few counties in the area and not the region as a whole. Some of the less-prolific plants on this list are Purple Coneflower, Coral Honeysuckle, Giant Goldenrod, and Smooth Blue Aster.
\n\n\n\nEvery plant on this list is native to Southern Kentucky. However, the majority of them are only native to a few counties and are not prolific throughout the region. These plants are Turk’s Cap Lily, Coral Honeysuckle, Purple Coneflower, Red Columbine, Giant Goldenrod, and Smooth Blue Aster.
\n\n\n\nAll of the plants on this list aside from Purple Coneflower, Red Columbine, and Smooth Blue Aster are native to the western counties in Kentucky. Three, however, are not as prolific as the others and are only native to a few scattered counties; Turk’s Cap Lily, Coral Honeysuckle, and Giant Goldenrod.
\n\n\n\nLouisville’s native plants include, but are not limited to:
\n\n\n\nIf you want to find new native species for your backyard, there’s no better inspiration than Kentucky’s natural places. Take a walk through places like Raven Run Red Trail and look for native plants that you’d like in your landscape. If you do, however, ensure that you never take plants directly from the wild to avoid upsetting a delicate ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nTo ethically and safely procure native plants, look for retailers endorsed by the Kentucky Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re having trouble maintaining your new landscape, a Kentucky lawn care pro near you can help. Connect with trusted pros in Louisville, Lexington, and many other cities throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Cryptosporella / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Kentucky","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/1789c/Tulip-Poplar-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/107df/Tulip-Poplar-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/293e9/Tulip-Poplar-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/f2cbb/Tulip-Poplar-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/1789c/Tulip-Poplar-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/c26c2/Tulip-Poplar-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/1dd6e/Tulip-Poplar-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/67b76/Tulip-Poplar-1.webp 320w,\n/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/8df11/Tulip-Poplar-1.webp 500w,\n/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/98a65/Tulip-Poplar-1.webp 800w,\n/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/1dd6e/Tulip-Poplar-1.webp 960w,\n/static/f8ecd54efc20cc4b1dce599e2750472c/3cc96/Tulip-Poplar-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Kentucky","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are an important part of your local ecosystem. Read here to discover some of Kentucky’s best native flora."}}},{"node":{"id":"1e622faf-6c21-5480-a056-b45f6c30e91f","slug":"best-native-plants-maine","path":"/lawn-care/maine/best-native-plants-maine/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Descendant of the Fulani tribe, Gettysburg-obsessed Marine Corps brat, and lover of all things writing and editing, Andréa Butler has penned articles for Sesi magazine and sites, such as LivingSocial, Talbot Digital, Xickle, and Rachel Ray. Andréa holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an M.A. in magazine journalism from Kent State University.","name":"Andréa Butler","id":"dae2e109-3ba9-5073-a19a-e341e567190e","path":"/author/andrea-butler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c671545b46efb40d2596d32a775f26a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"47799b4c-dc00-522b-9249-ee471c0c0d49","name":"Maine","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/maine/"}],"date":"May 14th, 2023","excerpt":"The Vacationland is homeland to you; even still, you need not venture far to appreciate your state’s natural beauty. Inspired by the Wild Gardens of Acadia, your latest project is cultivating a bed of native plants in your own Maine landscape. To start you off on this quest, we’ve gathered 11 best native plants for […]
\n","content":"\nThe Vacationland is homeland to you; even still, you need not venture far to appreciate your state’s natural beauty. Inspired by the Wild Gardens of Acadia, your latest project is cultivating a bed of native plants in your own Maine landscape. To start you off on this quest, we’ve gathered 11 best native plants for Maine, just waiting to take root near you.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe flashy white flowers of this perennial bloom in May, followed by an autumn to winter season of color-changing leaves and berries— leaves turn burgundy while the edible berries go from green to yellow to red to deep blue. Perfect for growing as a natural privacy screen or specimen plant, this drought- and pollution-tolerant native attracts caterpillars, moths, birds, and other pollinators but repels deer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous; glossy, dark green leaves turn burgundy in fall; too much shade may cause milder
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium; prune after flowering and water regularly until established; no need to fertilize
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pagoda-Dogwood-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michele Dorsey Walfred / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNamed for its resemblance to a pagoda temple — its branches grow in similarly structured horizontal layers — the pagoda dogwood produces perfumed, white blooms and blue or purple berries in spring and summer, respectively. Plant it as a specimen tree, or pair it with maples, beeches, birches, or serviceberries.
\n\n\n\nOffering year–round interest, as well (the leaves turn yellow, red, and orange in autumn), this native selection is tolerant of pollution and attracts all kinds of pollinators. Keep a lookout though, as it’s susceptible to canker, twig blight, and leaf spot.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich, acidic; sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water regularly until established and then only during drought
\n\n\n\nMature height: 12 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous; turn red, yellow, and orange in fall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs Maine is the final summer destination for monarch butterflies’ annual migration from Mexico, common milkweed is an especially important native plant that can help fight the decline of these butterflies’ populations. This native wildflower provides a place for monarchs to lay their eggs and gives off round, ball-like clusters of purple or pink flowers each summer.
\n\n\n\nSince common milkweed spreads swiftly via rhizomes, it’s best planted in naturalized areas, so it doesn’t become invasive in your traditional garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweetly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Oval, green leaves with hairy underside; release milky substance when crushed
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nThis native selection, ideal as a garden mass planting for displays of fall color brought on by pink or purple ray flowers surrounding a yellow center, is perfect for attracting various pollinators.
\n\n\n\nAble to thrive in a range of soil types, New England aster is pretty low maintenance when it comes to water needs; it likes things moist but can tolerate some dry soils. To keep this tall-growing flower on the shorter side, prune stems in early summer. If provided the right amount of sunlight, water, and overall care, this plant can live up to 10 years.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, acidic, clay, sandy, loamy; poorly-drained clay soils may cause aster wilt
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green leaves
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; vulnerable to powdery mildew. Cut back stems in mid-summer to avoid staking and to produce more flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"closoeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bayberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis wide-growing, rounded shrub generates inconspicuous gold, yellow, or green blooms in spring. Come summer and through the following spring, whitish-gray berries grow from the stems, providing a food source for birds. The fruits’ waxy finish is also used in candles and soaps.
\n\n\n\nNorthern bayberry can live up to 30 years and is best used as a specimen plant, hedge, or foundation plant. It’s excellent at preventing erosion and is resistant to deer, salt, drought, heat, compacted soil, and seasonal flooding, so it’s easy for beginners to grow.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 6
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, rocky, acidic; well-drained with high organic matter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Whole plant scented when crushed; peppery and woody scent
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water regularly until established
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 12 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen; fragrant, dark green, shiny leaves
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bearberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrew Curtis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDrought-tolerant, this low-growing groundcover is a prime pick for a xeriscaped yard. In mid-spring, pink, bell-shaped flowers will spring forth, while summer sees the emergence of red berries that last through fall.
\n\n\n\nAdding to the year-round interest are the dark green leaves that turn burgundy from fall through winter. This native plant, which can live up to 20 years, is also resistant to salt and pollution and can work well in an ornamental, butterfly, rock, or winter garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2 to 6
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, acidic; can be dry or moist but no standing water; susceptible to yellowing leaves if not acidic enough
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Autumn leaves/pine
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Early spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 8 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen; glossy and round, turns from green to burgundy in autumn
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Arbutin in foliage hinders melanin production/can lighten skin
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; tolerant of drought, salt, and pollution
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFrom spring through summer, this perennial produces downward-hanging, umbrella-shaped blossoms that are red and yellow. Post-bloom, red columbine reseeds on its own and goes dormant as some of its leaves turn pink or purple before falling off. Although this plant has no noticeable aroma, hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators are drawn to its nectar. Red columbine is a great accent plant for rock gardens and coastal sites, as it is salt-tolerant. Duskywing caterpillars and columbine leafminers feed on the leaves, but don’t cause any actual harm to the plant’s health.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Weekly or whenever soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Blue-green leaves grow in groups of three
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bush-Honeysuckle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nUnlike the nonnative, “true” honeysuckle plants, Northern bush honeysuckle is not invasive and has no scent. It does, however, have similar trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers that grow in pairs or triplets. Drought-resistant, it serves well as a privacy screen or mass planting and can endure dry and seasonally flooded conditions. Northern bush honeysuckle attracts a variety of pollinators, including bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Not particular; grows in range of soil types and withstands dry and seasonally flooded soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Burgundy spring new growth; pointy leaves become green and copper as they mature; turns yellow-orange or reddish-purple in fall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Berries are mildly poisonous to humans.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; prune in late winter
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Scarlet-Elder.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Algirdas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nScarlet elder (aka red elderberry) produces memorable white, floral-scented, cone-shaped blooms that can thrive in wet soil, full sun, and partial shade. This plant’s calling card also includes clusters of red berries, which serve as food for several species of birds.
\n\n\n\nNaturally able to manage erosion, scarlet elder makes for a fantastic hedge when planted alongside other shrubs, like winterberry and witch hazel. It also draws its fair share of pollinators.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Flowers have floral scent; leaves have unpleasant, stinky odor when crushed
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; water well in the absence of rain
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green with serrated edges and hairy underside
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Seeds are poisonous; raw berries are toxic
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium; prune to contain spread
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rosebay-Rhododendron.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: SB Johnny / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRosebay rhododendron grows nicely in shade gardens and as border plantings underneath heavily canopied areas of hemlocks, pines, and maples. This broadleaf evergreen boasts dark, blue-green leaves that curl up to protect themselves from cold weather and prominent pink, white, or lavender flowers that grow in bell-shaped clusters.
\n\n\n\nBest as an ornamental planting in a cool, shady yard, this native perennial is not OK with drought, heat, or salt and is susceptible to canker, crown rot, root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot, to name a few.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full shade or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 35 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen; leathery feel; dark, blue-green in color
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, pets, horses, and other animals if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chokecherry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis attractive shrub, which bears white flowers, dark red berries, and green leaves, is a favorite of racoons — they love feasting on the ripened berry clusters. Also edible to humans, the fruits have been described by many as dry and “astringent.” However, taste is much improved when dried or cooked and turned into wine, jams, or jellies. Be careful not to eat the seeds, though; they are toxic. Chokecherry serves as a host to Eastern tent caterpillars, and when crushed, the twigs emit an unsavory, bittersweet smell.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, limestone-based, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Unpleasant bittersweet smell when twigs are crushed
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous; oval, bright green in color; serrated edges
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; drought-tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 30 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves, bark, stem, and seed pit are poisonous/harmful to livestock
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low; prune late winter to early spring
\n\n\n\nStart by assessing the conditions of your property, including the amount of sun it gets, the type of soil, and the existing plant life. Then, find out what specific native plants will be the best fit, considering what purpose you’d like each plant to have (specimen, groundcover, traditional garden, etc.).
\n\n\n\nFor oodles of inspiration, look for ideas at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden, Viles Arboretum, or the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House and Gardens, among others.
\n\n\n\nMaine’s climate includes super cold and snowy winters, with lows hovering around 15 degrees, and mild summers, with highs averaging around 70 degrees. The entire state falls within hardiness zones 3 to 6.
\n\n\n\nOther native planting options include (but are not limited to):
\n\n\n\nIn Maine, September is the ideal time to plant natives, when not planting from seed. This allows the already-sprouted plants to establish a root system in time for winter dormancy. If planting from seed, wait until December, as this is the time when plant self-seeding naturally occurs.
Planting natives has a number of benefits, including:
● being noninvasive
● preserving biodiversity
● being naturally adapted to soil/weather conditions
● providing shelter/food for wildlife and pollinators
● using less water
● requiring less fertilization (if any)
The only turfgrass native to Maine is red fescue; however, there are a variety of native ornamental grasses you can try:
● switchgrass (panicum virgatum)
● yellow prairie grass (sorghastrum nutans)
● Canada wild rye (elymus canadensis)
● little bluestem (schizachyrium scoparium)
Maine is home to approximately 1,500 native plants, and the Wild Seed Project is a popular destination for learning about and purchasing various species of native trees, wildflowers, vines, shrubs, and grasses. Search its native plant finder for details.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, local lawn care professionals can provide yard care assistance via mowing, trimming, and edging the landscape. We have trusted lawn care pros in Scarborough, Wells, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Maine","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/1789c/Chokecherry-plant.jpg","srcSet":"/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/107df/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 320w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/293e9/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 500w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/f2cbb/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 800w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/1789c/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 960w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/c26c2/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/1dd6e/Chokecherry-plant.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/67b76/Chokecherry-plant.webp 320w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/8df11/Chokecherry-plant.webp 500w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/98a65/Chokecherry-plant.webp 800w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/1dd6e/Chokecherry-plant.webp 960w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/3cc96/Chokecherry-plant.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Maine | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ready to grow a more pollinator-friendly, eco-conscious garden? Here, we’ve rounded up a list of 11 best native plants for Maine to get you started."}}},{"node":{"id":"3fd329d4-09a2-537a-9b0e-e3e0f10a832a","slug":"a-monthly-lawn-care-guide-for-kansas-city-mo-residents","path":"/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/a-monthly-lawn-care-guide-for-kansas-city-mo-residents/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"05d0f445-881a-5277-b62a-ce38f7c7af9f","name":"Kansas City","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"July 6th, 2018","excerpt":"If you have a green thumb or are just one for enjoying time spent caring for your yard, you will want to take a look at this month-by-month checklist for Kansas City, MO residents. It can be challenging when gardening and caring for your lawn during the sweltering heat of the summer months since Kansas […]
\n","content":"If you have a green thumb or are just one for enjoying time spent caring for your yard, you will want to take a look at this month-by-month checklist for Kansas City, MO residents. It can be challenging when gardening and caring for your lawn during the sweltering heat of the summer months since Kansas City is not exempt from the powerful rays of the sun. Hopefully, this garden and lawn care calendar can make it easier on you this summer.
\nThe month of May is an important one when it comes to gardening and landscaping in the Kansas City area. You should begin the month by applying fertilizer to the lawn. This only needs to be done if you water regularly throughout the summer. If you let the lawn die during the summer you don’t have to put down any fertilizer.
\nThere are quite a few weeds that sprout during the summer. That’s why you need to apply a broadleaf herbicide for your lawn. Make sure there’s no rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours as water will remove the herbicide. This means you must refrain from watering the lawn for that timeframe as well.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/watering-the-lawn-missouri-1024x682.jpg\")
Photo: lawndoctor.com
\nJune is when the temperatures really begin to climb in Kansas City, which means you will need to start watering. You can get away with an infrequent schedule at this point in the summer. Just make sure you don’t overwater the lawn or you will begin to see fungal growth.
\nIf the grass is thin you will want to increase your mowing height to one inch. The more rapid your lawn grows, the more often you need to cut it. Don’t let it grow too tall or you can risk the development of webworm. Consider mowing at heights of 2.5 to 3 inches in order to avoid scalping the turf.
\nYou need to keep up with mowing the lawn regularly into July. Just try to avoid stressful times of the day, especially when in the middle of a heat wave. You also don’t want to mow too often when in a drought.
\nIf weather conditions continue to be hot and humid you need to adjust how much water you give the lawn and when you give it. Water between the morning hours of 6-10 to avoid the occurrence of disease.
\nYou also need to only provide about one inch of water per week. Divide this into watering two to three time per week instead of daily.
\nIf you come across brown areas of grass you need to search for grubs. If you have anywhere from five to 10 grubs in a small space you can use an insecticide specifically for grubs towards the end of July.
\nAugust is the month in which you need to begin preparing your lawn for the fall season. Even though it will still be oppressively hot and humid this is an important prep period.
\nContinue your mowing, weeding, and insect control into August. If you are considering the complete renovation of your lawn you need to kill the vegetation present using a glyphosate spray in the middle of August.
\nShould you not be too sure about the fertility level of the lawn you can have it tested. If the lawn has been dormant for the summer you can begin watering it during the final week of August so that growth in the fall can begin.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/dethatching-1024x768.jpg\")
Photo: lawncaresg.com
\nSeptember is the best time of year when it comes to fertilizing your lawn. Apply only 1 to 1.5 pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\nIf you are putting new sod down now is the time and you should do it as early in September as possible all while keeping the soil moist. It’s not required that you aerate the new sod but it can be done if needed.
\nTowards the end of the month, you can begin raking, dethatching, and killing any weed patches you find on the new sod.
\nThe end of the month is the best time for you to apply broadleaf herbicides to the lawn.
\nAs you can see, caring for your lawn and garden takes a lot of time and effort. For the best results, follow this monthly calendar in Kansas City, MO each year.
\nStill have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page to read more articles like this one.
\nTop photo: trulia.com
\n","title":"A Monthly Lawn Care Guide for Kansas City, Mo Residents","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4803392444101773,"src":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1789c/kansas-city-house.jpg","srcSet":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/107df/kansas-city-house.jpg 320w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/293e9/kansas-city-house.jpg 500w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/f2cbb/kansas-city-house.jpg 800w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1789c/kansas-city-house.jpg 960w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/4fb49/kansas-city-house.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1dd6e/kansas-city-house.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/67b76/kansas-city-house.webp 320w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/8df11/kansas-city-house.webp 500w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/98a65/kansas-city-house.webp 800w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1dd6e/kansas-city-house.webp 960w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/62477/kansas-city-house.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Monthly Lawn Care Guide for Kansas City, Mo Residents | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"56837060-c0ff-50b4-8072-75151c42a948","slug":"best-plants-missouri","path":"/lawn-care/mo/best-plants-missouri/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"May 24th, 2023","excerpt":"So, you just installed a new lawn, and you want to finish off your landscaping with some stunning plants. But not all plants are ideal for Missouri’s climate, which ranges from cold and snowy in winter to steamy in the summer. Consider going with landscaping plants that look great and are well-adapted to our climate. […]
\n","content":"\nSo, you just installed a new lawn, and you want to finish off your landscaping with some stunning plants. But not all plants are ideal for Missouri’s climate, which ranges from cold and snowy in winter to steamy in the summer. Consider going with landscaping plants that look great and are well-adapted to our climate.
\n\n\n\nHere are 13 plants that grow naturally in Missouri and are well-suited to the state’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are not only accustomed to the local climate and soil conditions, but they also provide essential habitat and food for native wildlife. By incorporating native plants into your landscaping, you create an easy-care, biodiverse environment and reduce chemical usage.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at these 13 examples of Missouri natives.
\n\n\n\nTip: Are you located in St. Louis? Check out our grass guide and our native plant guide for the area.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern redbud bursts with dainty, pink flowers early in the spring, even before its leaves emerge. It makes your yard look stunning and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nHowever, take note that Eastern redbud tends to struggle against some diseases and insects, so extra preventive care will be needed alongside other maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Prefers at least a moderate level of fertility, well-drained, consistently moist but not wet
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 20 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: No major hazards known for people or common (large) pets, but caution is always advised
![\"Prairie](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prairie-Blazing-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: cultivar413 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA real showstopper, the prairie blazing star is sure to catch the attention of anyone that visits your yard, including wildlife. This summer bloomer produces beautiful purple flowers, can grow up to 4 feet tall, and needs minimum maintenance. Prairie blazing star rarely faces problems with diseases or insect pests, too.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Keep soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: No major hazards known for people or common pets, but caution is always advised
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8173412518_9b3cd7aa35_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLance-leaved coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a yellow wildflower that’s both pleasant to the eye and appealing to wildlife such as pollinators and birds. It grows up to 3 feet tall even in dry conditions and spreads easily. Just be careful that your lance-leaved coreopsis doesn’t end up overtaking your yard!
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis species are usually seen as non-toxic, but there are some reports of lance-leaved coreopsis being toxic to livestock, so be cautious.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Keep the soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Loamy, sandy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained; ideally poor, sandy or rocky soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Some reports of toxicity
![\"Aromatic](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Aromatic-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAromatic aster blooms with purple, daisy-like flowers. Although the flowers themselves aren’t particularly fragrant, the flowerheads and foliage give off a balsam-like smell when crushed. The aromatic aster is easy to care for and keep healthy, and it attracts wildlife like bees and butterflies. The threatened checkerspot butterfly even uses the aromatic aster as its host plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Soil should be dry to moderately moist
Soil: Clay or sandy
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Lack of data, but some aster variants are reported to be toxic, so practice caution
![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/american-beautyberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Donald Lee Pardue / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe American beautyberry produces small pink flowers in the spring and a showy display of purple berries in the fall. The berries not only stand out with their bright color, but are also a real treat for various songbirds. Moreover, American beautyberry is an easy-care plant that’s relatively resistant to drought and insects.
\n\n\n\nAlthough some sources report the berries to be non-poisonous for humans, it’s better to act with caution because they may have mild toxic effects. Moreover, there’s a lack of data surrounding toxicity to domestic animals, so it’s better to keep them from eating any part of the plant.
Plant type: Shrub
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter; tolerant of various soil types as long as it gets good drainage
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 8 feet
Potential hazards: Mild toxic effects reported; a lack of data regarding toxicity to pets
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want your yard to turn into a purple paradise in the summer, purple coneflower is another flower to add to it. It produces lovely, bright purple petals, and also provides food for pollinators and birds. The plant is self-seeding, although you may need to divide its clumps every few years. Also, note that the purple coneflower may sometimes suffer from diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe plant is toxic to people and animals so make sure you enjoy it with your eyes only.
Plant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun or partial shade (does best in full sun)
Water needs: Keep the soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe butterfly milkweed, also known as butterfly weed and orange milkweed, is listed on the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plants of Merit, meaning that it grows outstandingly well in Missouri and surrounding regions. It’s an easy-care plant that tends to resist diseases and insect pests and isn’t invasive in the area.
Butterfly milkweed establishes in 2 to 3 years and then produces beautiful, atypical orange blossoms that produce nectar for pollinators. Moreover, milkweed is the only host plant for the monarch butterfly.
Plant type: Herb
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Sandy, poor, average, dry to medium, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 2 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Downy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Downy-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDowny phlox, also called prairie phlox, blooms with fragrant purple flowers that attract butterflies. While it blooms in the summer, it may produce a second, sparser round of blooms in the fall. Moreover, the downy phlox seldom faces problems with diseases and insects; just look out for spider mites, which may sometimes be a problem during the heat of summer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Fertile and moderately dry or moist, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Potential hazards: Lack of data; always practice caution
![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed_susan_flowers_40862429212.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell from Cornwall, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to add an easy-care, vibrant splash of color to your garden, consider planting black-eyed Susan. The cheerful yellow and black flower blooms within a year and stands up well to heat, drought, and cold.
\n\n\n\nTake caution, though; black-eyed Susan is toxic to animals. There’s a lack of data regarding its toxicity to humans, but it causes allergic reactions in some people. To be on the safe side, don’t consume it, handle it with gloves, and keep it away from pets.
Plant type: Wildflower
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-draining, acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Zigzag](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zigzag-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to plant beautiful tall trees or perhaps add some hardscapes to your outdoor area, zigzag goldenrod is a a great accent piece. It provides your lawn with a pop of yellow whether it grows in full sun or some shade. Moreover, zigzag goldenrod attracts pollinators and rarely deals with diseases and insect pests.
\n\n\n\nAlthough goldenrod plants are sometimes used as a supplement, it’s important to consult a medical professional before doing so. Some people, like pregnant and nursing women or people with health problems, shouldn’t use goldenrod supplements. Furthermore, it’s important to note that some species of goldenrod, such as rayless goldenrod, are toxic to some animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun to full shade (prefers partial shade)
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Goldenrod supplements may have side effects, so consult a professional before taking them; some goldenrod species are toxic to some animals, and there’s a lack of data about the Solidago flexicaulis species, so practice caution and don’t let animals eat them
![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-arborescens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild hydrangea is a showy plant that’s also listed on the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plants of Merit, meaning that it grows outstandingly well in Missouri and the surrounding regions. It tolerates a variety of soils as long as it gets enough moisture. Because wild hydrangea grows well in wet soils, it’s a perfect choice for a rain garden. However, the plant is susceptible to some diseases and insect pest problems, so it needs some extra care.
\n\n\n\nBe cautious, though, because all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Sun: Partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Rocky, shallow, clay, average
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a spring bloomer that looks great and attracts wildlife. Bees and butterflies enjoy its nectar and use it to lay eggs, and birds feast on its red berries in the fall. With its spring flowers and fall berries, flowering dogwood can help your yard stand out throughout the year. However, take note that the tree is susceptible to some diseases, and will need moderate maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAlso, it’s important to know that the tree, including the berries, is very poisonous to humans and pets. Never consume any part of it; leave it for local wildlife instead.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree
Sun: Full sun, partial shade; prefers partial shade
Water needs: Can handle occasional dryness; prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil
Soil: Prefers high organic matter content; will tolerate sand, loam, and clay mixes
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 12 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Pawpaw](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pawpaw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPawpaw offers a touch of tropical beauty with purple flowers in spring and fruits that mature in early fall. It’s a favorite snack of various pollinators, birds, and other wildlife like squirrels and raccoons. Because the tree likes moist soil, it’s ideal for a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nHowever, even though pawpaw is commonly seen as edible, it’s actually been found to contain harmful chemical compounds with toxic effects. You can consult a medical professional if you want to discuss the safety of the fruit. Avoid feeding it to your pets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun
Water needs: Keep soil moderately moist to wet but well-drained
Soil: Tolerates average soil; prefers fertile, acidic soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 15 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Contains harmful toxins
For more information about native plants, you can check out GrowNative.org, where you can find a comprehensive list of plants that are native to Missouri.
\n\n\n\nWith such a wide selection of native plants, you can create a yard that not only looks beautiful but also supports local wildlife. Make sure you also pick one of the best grasses for Missouri to complement your plant selection.
\n\n\n\nOnce you pick the right plants and grass, you’re not done just yet. Your yard will need regular maintenance to thrive. If you’d like some help from a pro, get in touch with one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros in Missouri.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Missouri Botanical Garden / Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nHome to the state capital, Central Virginia is a historic region with plenty to offer for its nature-loving residents. You can enjoy long, refreshing walks in Powhatan State Park and cherish everything that mother nature has to offer. But every once in a while, you just feel like sluggin’ it in your backyard. When you choose the best grass types for Central Virginia, you can transform that grim-looking turf into a lush green lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They actively grow in late spring and summer, entering dormancy as temperatures drop in winter. These turfgrasses have low frost-tolerance, enjoy high temperatures, and require less water than cool-season grasses. They include bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, cool-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They tolerate frost and lower temperatures, actively growing in spring and fall. Cool-season turfgrasses include tall fescue, creeping red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nCentral Virginia lies in USDA plant hardiness zone 7a, though some parts of Richmond and Chesterfield are in 7b. When it comes to choosing the right turfgrass, the state’s location in the transition zone is a far more decisive factor. The grasses mentioned below are suitable for Central Virginia, and should be able to thrive under the right conditions.
\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\nTall fescue is a perennial, bunch-type grass that can adapt to a wide variety of soils. It withstands drought conditions and hot summers better than other cool-season turfgrasses. Tall fescue performs best in full sun, but is also known for its moderate shade-tolerance.
\n\n\n\nTo get the best out of this cool-season grass, overseeding is recommended to maintain a dense lawn and minimize weed competition. With its notable versatility, tall fescue is a great choice for Central Virginia homeowners.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\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\nPerennial ryegrass is vital for cool-season grass seed mixes in transition zones, including Virginia. It grows well in early spring and fall, but becomes dormant during the summer. Perennial ryegrass is able to survive severe climates, though Virginia is not prone to such conditions. While it can tolerate lightly shaded lawns, it prefers full sun.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial turfgrass is used to overseed warm-season grasses to extend the lawn’s winter green color.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is another great choice for a Central Virginia lawn. It spreads by both rhizomes and tillers, forming a dense sod. New shoots are primarily produced in the spring and late summer. However, new shoots and leaves are produced year-round in the transition zone. This grass type has good drought tolerance, but little to no shade tolerance. For shady lawns, fine fescue might be a better choice.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass can tolerate heavy foot traffic, making it a great choice for families who enjoy playing Cornhole.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a bunch-type grass with several species, including creeping red and chewings. Its needle-like leaves are quite unique and distinctive. It is a slow-growing grass that does not tolerate poorly-drained soils. Seed mixtures of fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are commonly found in garden centers across the state.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is the most shade-tolerant cool-season turfgrass, with all species able to thrive in our Central Virginia climate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as Chewings, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is one of the most cold-tolerant warm-season grasses. It produces a dense, cushiony turf when established. It can withstand wear and tear, and requires less water than most cool-season grasses. Its thick growth helps it control crabgrass and other summer weeds. Perennial ryegrass can be used to overseed zoysia for a green winter color.
\n\n\n\nDuring the hot summer months, zoysiagrass will boost your lawn’s visual appeal with an attractive green color. If you enjoy lawn games and outdoor activities, this warm-season turfgrass won’t let you down.
\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, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a warm-season grass that spreads by both stolons and rhizomes. It has excellent drought, wear, and salt tolerance. Bermudagrass enters dormancy in early winter, which is when the leaves turn straw-brown in color. Due to its rapid growth rate, this turfgrass may develop excessive thatch. Fortunately, it is capable of recovering from injury very quickly.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass will perform very poorly in lawns with constant shade. Despite that, it is well-adapted to most soils and can be used in athletic fields and golf courses.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn regularly endures high traffic, a mixture of turf-type tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass is an excellent choice. Kentucky bluegrass has a spreading root system that allows your turf to quickly recover from excessive traffic or drought damage. As mentioned previously, both grass types are suitable for Central Virginia’s climate.
Centipedegrass is a warm-season grass that can only be grown in the Tidewater area. Additionally, this turfgrass cannot withstand heavy foot traffic, so your lawn would be much better off with zoysia or Kentucky bluegrass.
Not only can cogongrass be found in Central Virginia, but throughout the entire state. It is an aggressive and invasive perennial grass that creates dense groundcovers, displacing native plants and some ground-nesting animals.
You can control this invasive species by mowing, grazing, or burning. Unfortunately, none of these methods are entirely effective. To completely remove this plant from your back or front yard, the rhizomes must be destroyed.
Another way to deal with this problem is herbicide control. Imazapyr and glyphosate are two active ingredients that have proven successful in dealing with this non-native plant.
The best grass types for Northern Virginia include:
● Tall fescue
● Kentucky bluegrass
● Perennial ryegrass
● Fine fescue
● Zoysiagrass
● Bermudagrass
With 6 grass types to choose from, the decision-making process might get slightly difficult. You should consider your lawn’s soil type, sun exposure levels, and activity level to help you choose the right grass for your turf. Add some more research to your thinking, and you’ll get to plant some native trees or wildflowers to help boost the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nBut why stop there when you can create the ultimate outdoor space? Consider low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Virginia lawn, including mulching and hardscaping.
\n\n\n\nLooking for a Virginia lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Powhatan, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, and many more cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Karen Blaha / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Central Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.444043321299639,"src":"/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/1789c/lawn-in-UVA-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/107df/lawn-in-UVA-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/293e9/lawn-in-UVA-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/f2cbb/lawn-in-UVA-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/1789c/lawn-in-UVA-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/c26c2/lawn-in-UVA-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/1dd6e/lawn-in-UVA-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/67b76/lawn-in-UVA-1.webp 320w,\n/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/8df11/lawn-in-UVA-1.webp 500w,\n/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/98a65/lawn-in-UVA-1.webp 800w,\n/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/1dd6e/lawn-in-UVA-1.webp 960w,\n/static/069518ca1f7eb31e8a051cdc22a52915/3cc96/lawn-in-UVA-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Central Virginia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of looking at patchy spots on your lawn? Transform your grim-looking turf with the best grass types for Central Virginia."}}},{"node":{"id":"4ec8afda-2a8f-5363-858c-d41680aa717a","slug":"winter-plants-new-hampshire","path":"/lawn-care/nh/winter-plants-new-hampshire/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ce61d165-8da6-58e6-9252-345a1299e95e","name":"New Hampshire","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nh/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2023","excerpt":"New Hampshire is known for cold, snowy weather, but that doesn’t mean your yard has to be barren during the winter season. You can brighten it up with some beautiful winter plants that handle cold winters like a cool breeze. Check out these nine plants that flower in New Hampshire’s cold winters. In this article: […]
\n","content":"\nNew Hampshire is known for cold, snowy weather, but that doesn’t mean your yard has to be barren during the winter season. You can brighten it up with some beautiful winter plants that handle cold winters like a cool breeze. Check out these nine plants that flower in New Hampshire’s cold winters.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWhile all of New Hampshire gets pretty chilly during the winter months, the climate varies depending on the region. Northern New Hampshire experiences colder temperatures and more snowfall than the southern part of the state.
\n\n\n\nThat’s why it’s important to know your hardiness zone. Check it out here. We’ve mentioned the hardiness zone of each plant below so that you can pick the plants that will grow in your area.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Snowdrop-Galanthus-Nivalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSnowdrop is a spectacular flower that blooms in thawing soil in late winter to early spring, producing delicate white blossoms that hang from its thin green stem. Not only does it bloom while snow is still on the ground, but it even lives up to its name with its snow-white petals that really look like droplets.
\n\n\n\nThese little plants are often the first to appear in parks, but there’s nothing stopping you from planting them in your own yard. Plus, they’re easy to care for, too.
\n\n\n\n![\"Cornelian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cornelian-Cherry-Cornus-Mas.jpg\")
Photo Credit: I, B.navez / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlossoms in late winter, fruit in the summer – Cornelian cherry brings the whole package. Its fruit is quite sour, but it can be processed into jams, jellies, and syrups. If you want it to create a little privacy, that’s not a problem either; Cornelian cherry can grow up to 25 feet tall or be grown as a hedge. Fun fact: the shrub’s name is actually a misnomer. It’s not a cherry but a dogwood. Although it’s unsuitable for pets, you can certainly leave the fruit for local wildlife, like birds.
\n\n\n\n![\"Different](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ornamental-Kale-and-Cabbage-Brassica-Oleracea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Terren / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOrnamental kale and cabbage are like winter accessories for your yard. They add vibrancy during those snowy days. The rose blossom-shaped white and purple leaves of the plants make them popular with gardeners who want to add some color to their winter landscapes. They especially stand out in a group setting. Plus, ornamental kale and cabbage can look great as a garnish on your dinner plate.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Pieris-Pieris-Japonica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Japanese andromeda or lily-of-the-valley bush, Japanese pieris is a popular evergreen shrub that produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in late winter to early spring. When it gets warm enough, the flowers attract bees. As one of its names suggests, its flowers resemble lilies of the valley, although their fragrance is not as strong. Also, take note that this shrub is more suitable for the southern part of New Hampshire.
\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the Japanese pieris is a striking showpiece that can be used as a focal point in a garden or as a hedge. Shorter cultivars are also available for smaller spaces.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Daffodil-Narcissus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Betty Wills / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nDaffodil is a spectacular and hardy bulb that’s super easy to care for and thrives in a variety of soil types, making it a great choice for beginners and advanced gardeners alike. And of course, planting these stunners in your yard is a great way to brighten it up with a pop of color.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winter-Heath-Erica-Carnea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: K M / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re in the south of New Hampshire, you can try planting winter heath, a purple, pink, or white evergreen shrub that’s sure to brighten up your yard during the cold months. This early winter bloomer is easy to care for and thrives in the sun. It can also tolerate a little shade, but it may make its stems too long, affecting its appearance. Be sure not to fertilize this plant; it has a symbiotic relationship with soil fungi, so it gets enough nutrients unless it’s in a pot.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winter-Aconite-Eranthis-hyemalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Martin Olsson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe lovely winter aconite stands out for its yellow, buttercup-like flowers that provide a source of nectar for bees when they become active. The ground-hugging plant likes to peek through the blankets of snow, cheerfully signaling the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It’s likely to spread throughout your garden, so you’ll need to keep it in check.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winter-Jasmine-Jasminum-Nudiflorum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf you’re in southern New Hampshire and want your yard to be covered in delicate yellow flowers throughout the winter, you can stop looking. Winter jasmine either grows as a groundcover or climbs up to 15 feet on a trellis. While it’s non-fragrant, it can cheer up your outdoor area with its green foliage and late-winter blooms.
\n\n\n\nThis stunner of a plant is sometimes confused with the similar-looking forsythia, but unlike forsythia, winter jasmine blooms in the winter and isn’t known to be toxic.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Siebers-Crocus-Crocus-Sieberi.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Meneerke bloem / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSieber’s crocus will adorn your yard with beautiful, purple flowers in late winter to early spring. Sieber’s crocus is not just a real beauty, but it’s also resistant to cold and snow. Crocus species do well in New Hampshire in general, though, so feel f ree to check out other varieties and combine them to your liking.
\n\n\n\nTechnically, they’re not blooming flowers, but ornamental cabbage and kale are known for their colorful foliage that lasts throughout the winter months.
Most winter plants don’t blossom until late winter. But if you plant winter heath, you can expect it to grow as early as December or January.
Many of the plants above are easy to grow. For example, you can try growing snowdrops, daffodils, winter heath, or ornamental kale and cabbage.
Keeping your yard looking gorgeous all year is achievable, but it’s hard work that needs the right knowledge and tools. If you need some help, Wikilawn connects you to the best landscaping pros near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Iris Wijngaarden / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"9 Plants That Flower in New Hampshire’s Cold Winters","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/1789c/Snowdrop.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/107df/Snowdrop.jpg 320w,\n/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/293e9/Snowdrop.jpg 500w,\n/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/f2cbb/Snowdrop.jpg 800w,\n/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/1789c/Snowdrop.jpg 960w,\n/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/c26c2/Snowdrop.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/1dd6e/Snowdrop.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/67b76/Snowdrop.webp 320w,\n/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/8df11/Snowdrop.webp 500w,\n/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/98a65/Snowdrop.webp 800w,\n/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/1dd6e/Snowdrop.webp 960w,\n/static/0d6d2ad6751819d38841aaf97734af86/3cc96/Snowdrop.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Plants That Flower in New Hampshire's Cold Winters | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Your yard doesn't have to be barren during the winter. Check out these 10 plants that flower in New Hampshire's cold winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"065e2a35-ea48-5bf5-932c-bcfd21221180","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-virginia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"We all have plenty of reasons to love life in the Old Dominion, from its moderate climate to the stunning work of mother nature. We would rather spend our free time exploring the state parks, botanical gardens, or arboretums. However, spending hours on landscape maintenance and backyard chores will take up most of that time. […]
\n","content":"\nWe all have plenty of reasons to love life in the Old Dominion, from its moderate climate to the stunning work of mother nature. We would rather spend our free time exploring the state parks, botanical gardens, or arboretums. However, spending hours on landscape maintenance and backyard chores will take up most of that time. Spend your weekends relaxing with 7 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Virginia.
\n\n\n\nWith a low-maintenance landscape design, you can reduce the amount of work, watering, weeding, and mowing required to upkeep your lawn. From hardscape features to automatic irrigation systems, we have come up with a list of ideas for an attractive yard while reducing the amount of maintenance required.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Hardscaped](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hardscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are naturally low-maintenance landscaping features that improve your outdoor space functions. Given they are non-living elements, hardscaping features won’t require any watering, pruning, or fertilizing.
\n\n\n\nHowever, they would still require the occasional cleaning and care. Consulting a professional landscaping company or hiring a pro will help you pick the right feature, and ensure minimal maintenance throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of low-maintenance hardscaping features include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost depends on the project size and the type of feature you choose. Expect to pay between $2,100 and $6,000 for a pergola, $5,365 and $9,025 for a gazebo, $1,140 and $3,690 for a water feature.
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaped](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Xeriscape-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: teofilo / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe aim of xeriscaping is to use as little water as possible, while still maintaining an attractive and eco-friendly landscape. It helps you create a beautiful and cost-effective backyard with barely any chores to complain about.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, xeriscaping is a wildlife-friendly approach, as it can attract beneficial insects and pollinators. If you have enough experience, you can save money by making it a DIY project, but installation can be back-breaking work.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping has become very popular over the years, helping you reduce the amount of water used by 50% to 75%.
\n\n\n\nBelow are some examples of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, the cost of xeriscaping ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4608457413_921dff2b0e_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApplying mulch is an easy, cheap way to keep your garden healthy and hydrated. It is used to suppress weeds, retain moisture in the soil, and keep the soil cool. It can also help make your garden bed look more attractive. Fortunately, spreading mulch around your plants is a simple DIY task. There are two types of mulch for you to choose from:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The amount you spend on mulch depends on which type you choose. Wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2 cubic foot bag, while landscape gravel costs between $4 to $30 per 0.5 cubic foot bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Salicyna / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative plants grow naturally in Virginia, as they are accustomed to the state’s climate and soil conditions. They usually need little care to survive, though may require the occasional pruning. Native plants help keep the local ecosystem healthy, and provide a source of food for critters and wildlife. Be sure to conduct thorough research before selecting plants for your lawn, such as the area’s plant hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of Virginia-native plants, including low-maintenance shrubs, for you to choose from. Below are some examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on the plant’s type and size, expect to pay between $600 and $3,000 per flower bed, $150 and $3,000 per tree, $25 and $50 per shrub.
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennials are a great way for you to obtain a low-maintenance landscape. Unlike annuals or biennials, perennials live for several years and require little care once established. In addition to adding beauty to your landscape, these plants will prevent you from having to buy new plants every year!
\n\n\n\nVirginia lies between USDA plant hardiness zones 5a and 8a. Be sure to pick the right plants that can thrive in your region.
\n\n\n\nSome perennials for your low-maintenance lawn:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennials depends on the plant’s size, type, and whether you hire a pro to complete the landscaping project. On average, a perennial plant will cost you between $10 and $100.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis type of irrigation system is programmed to automatically water areas of the yard with a specific amount of water. You may also set a specific time and duration for the system to switch on. With this type of technology, you can maintain a healthy lawn without manually watering the grass or plants yourself.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of automatic irrigation systems:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Hiring a landscape contractor to install an irrigation system will cost you between $2,000 and $4,900, depending on your yard size and the system you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere may not be a clear winner in the debate between synthetic and natural turf, but synthetic grass will stay green all year round with minimal work. Over the years, artificial turf has become a popular low-maintenance landscaping option. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, and reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Synthetic grass may appear very life-like that your envious neighbors won’t be able to tell the difference!
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, the cost of getting artificial turf professionally installed ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to boosting the local ecosystem, a low-maintenance landscape may benefit homeowners just as much. Native plants such as trees will absorb CO2 and release oxygen into the air, contributing to a better quality of air. Low-maintenance landscaping may also help reduce allergens, such as mold and pollen.
Groundcovers are low-growing plants that are a valuable addition to your low-maintenance landscape. They keep your yard green and full. Replacing turfgrass areas with groundcovers means less time spent on watering, mowing, and other maintenance work, just like low-maintenance plants or native trees.
Advantages of groundcovers:
• Retain moisture in soil, help prevent erosion
• Attract beneficial insects
• Reduce the use of chemical herbicides
• Improve your lawn’s visual appeal
• Lower maintenance requirements than grass
Here are some Virginia-native groundcovers for your low-maintenance garden:
• Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum)
• Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
• Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)
• Eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens)
Virginia lies in the transition zone, so it’s tough to pick one grass type for every lawn in the state. Both cool- and warm-season grasses can thrive in this state, given its hot summers and moderately cold winters. However, we will recommend two low-maintenance grass types based on which region in Virginia you reside in.
If you live in a warm region, such as Tidewater, then centipedegrass is the best way to go. This warm-season grass is called ‘lazy man’s grass’ because it requires less maintenance and mowing than other warm-season turfgrasses.
On the other hand, tall fescue is a bunch-type grass that can thrive in almost every region across the state, such as Northern Virginia. It is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass, and has a decent heat and drought tolerance. It does not produce significant thatch, though may still require the occasional mowing.
Check out our guide on the best grass types for Virginia to learn more about the grasses that thrive in your region.
\n\n\n\nWith all of the ideas mentioned above, it may seem like the right time to transform your backyard into a low-maintenance landscape. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before getting started on the project. Always consider the local climate, soil type, native plants, and other key factors to get a beautiful and sustainable backyard.
\n\n\n\nSome hardscaping features may have a high initial cost, but they will prove to be a worthwhile investment over time. Low-maintenance landscaping can save you plenty of time, support the local ecosystem, and improve your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn might still require the occasional mowing, pruning, or trimming. Looking for a Virginia lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Alexandria, and many more cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"7 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/1789c/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/107df/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.jpg 320w,\n/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/293e9/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.jpg 500w,\n/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/f2cbb/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.jpg 800w,\n/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/1789c/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.jpg 960w,\n/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/c26c2/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/1dd6e/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/67b76/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.webp 320w,\n/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/8df11/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.webp 500w,\n/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/98a65/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.webp 800w,\n/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/1dd6e/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.webp 960w,\n/static/6009045a3a45c3c588ba5047dd336b89/3cc96/Black-eyed-Susan-Flowers.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Virginia","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spend less time worrying about outdoor chores and get creative with these 7 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Virginia."}}},{"node":{"id":"ef12bbf7-8add-507c-b7f4-9da25b763abe","slug":"what-is-it-like-to-live-in-washington-d-c-in-30-pictures","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/what-is-it-like-to-live-in-washington-d-c-in-30-pictures/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 26th, 2019","excerpt":"Moving to our nation’s capital is a big decision. You might have heard that it’s expensive and too busy to be your home, but don’t let those negative thoughts get to you. Living in Washington D.C. has some huge perks, plus a developing culture that is vibrant and alive. Here are some pictures that show […]
\n","content":"\nMoving to our nation’s capital is a big decision. You might have heard that it’s expensive and too busy to be your home, but don’t let those negative thoughts get to you. Living in Washington D.C. has some huge perks, plus a developing culture that is vibrant and alive.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/veOduYvfdkA5YREMMFIGOkHT0PEO5ghLbPYeY_I-6ZLbaU0K7ZjRi8tsaqPKWaKtFOnles91Mx7hWUoDK_7ENkTydzOW1dQHfj7xIqt7yIrR364nHYv2VjuGUIPgWw1zltAWLLFb\")
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Looking for lawn care services in Washington DC? Or maybe you’re looking for lawn care advice because you’re a DIY kind of person? Visit our Washington DC lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"What is it like to live in Washington D.C.? (in 30 Pictures)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/f2cbb/washington-dc-skyline.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/107df/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 320w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/293e9/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/f2cbb/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/98a65/washington-dc-skyline.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/67b76/washington-dc-skyline.webp 320w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/8df11/washington-dc-skyline.webp 500w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/98a65/washington-dc-skyline.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What is it like to live in Washington D.C.? (in 30 Pictures) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"06b1c012-b4a8-5bd1-ab44-db02882c2ecd","slug":"best-native-plants-pacific-northwest","path":"/lawn-care/pacific-northwest/best-native-plants-pacific-northwest/","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":"e3d78548-e4c5-5661-afcd-3346a26d8d46","name":"Pacific Northwest","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pacific-northwest/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"From the Oregon Coast to the Olympic National Park, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has many places you can visit to take in the natural, organic beauty of native plants and wildlife. Falling in love with the diverse flora of the area can leave you wanting more. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the Oregon Coast to the Olympic National Park, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has many places you can visit to take in the natural, organic beauty of native plants and wildlife. Falling in love with the diverse flora of the area can leave you wanting more. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for the Pacific Northwest. You can create a smaller version of a diverse plant culture in your yard.
\n\n\n\nThis article allows you to invite as much of the Pacific Northwest’s native roots into your yard as you’d like. We’ve identified shrubs, wildflowers, perennials, and other native vegetation you can place in flower beds, plant as groundcovers or lawn specimens, or use in any way you prefer.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter Stevens / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough this shrub’s edible berries have been accused of being insipid, they have been used to make juice, pies, syrup, and wine. Birds and mammals, like deer, squirrels, and foxes, also like the taste of the fruit. If you don’t mind sharing, red flowering currant is a good choice for your home.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. They won’t fight with the mammals or you over the fruit, because the pollinators and birds are drawn to the showy, drooping pinkish-red flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis edible plant is low-maintenance. She thrives best in well-drained, rocky soil, but also tolerates poor soil. This shrub grows in both full sun and partial shade.
\n\n\n\nOnce red flowering currant, also called blood currant, is established, she is drought tolerant. Start her off with plenty of water in her first one to two seasons.
\n\n\n\nPlant red flowering currant as hedges or in a wildlife garden. She’ll also do well in rain gardens and xeriscape landscapes.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\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: 8-10 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Western](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Franco Folini from San Francisco, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWestern columbine is great for a softer touch to your home garden. She has delicate-looking red and yellow flowers that flare outward at the bottom. But beware: columbine is not as innocent as she seems. She contains a toxin that can cause stomach issues and heart palpitations.
\n\n\n\nWestern columbine will only last about two to three years. However, she proliferates by self-seeding. Hummingbirds and butterflies enjoy the blossoms that sprout in late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is commonly found in moist areas, like woodlands and forests. She grows well in a variety of soil types, just as long as the soil drains well. Columbine prefers the shade but will work with full sun if she is kept moist. She is easy to grow and works well in shade gardens and borders.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade (preferably)
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalky, clay, loamy, or sandy soil that’s well-drained and nutrient-rich
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: N/A
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contain toxin that can cause stomach issues or heart palpitations
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; deadhead fading blooms and cut back in mid-summer
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is also known as red twig dogwood. She distinguishes herself with stems that are a bright red in the fall and winter. The spring brings a cluster of white flowers, which turn to white berries in the summer. Pollinators and butterflies are attracted to the flowers, while birds satisfy their hunger with the berries.
\n\n\n\nRed-osier grows quickly, but you can root prune this plant to control her size. This shrub is a good candidate for movement because she transplants successfully.
\n\n\n\nIf you like to see color in the winter, red-osier will make great shrub borders.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand, moist, adaptable to a wide range of soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. Use a spade to root prune if you want to stop her from vigorously spreading. Prune in early spring to encourage new stem growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The original uploader was Meggar at English Wikipedia. / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall Oregon grape, also called holly-leaved barberry, is an excellent choice for homes with small children or pets. Unlike western columbine, tall Oregon grape is non-toxic and has been used for its medicinal properties. It is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
\n\n\n\nThe flowers emerge bright and yellow in the spring. The blue-colored berries, which resemble grapes, arrive in the summer. Pollinators are attracted to the cluster of showy petals, while birds and wildlife get a mouthful of the purplish berries.
\n\n\n\nTall Oregon grape thrives in partial to full shade. This shrub makes a tasty hedge or addition to woodland and shade gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\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![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Camas-Camassia-quamashh.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks from near Seattle, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon camas could be mistaken for grass, except for the beautiful light blue flowers that grow atop the long grass-like blades. The petals blossom from late spring to early summer. Common camas has low to medium maintenance requirements, and she is highly pest and disease resistant.
\n\n\n\nShe thrives best when planted in the fall and when she receives full sun. Camas adapts to partial shade, but will only grow a percentage of her potential in shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nShe works well planted in groups. Add color to beds and borders with common camas, or by using this wildflower as underplantings for shrubs and roses.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\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![\"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\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a plant that brings color during the fall, pacific red elderberry is for you. She blooms a cluster of white flowers in late spring to early summer. The berries emerge in the fall bringing both nourishment for birds and autumn color. As tasty as the fruit may look, be mindful that the berries are toxic when uncooked.
\n\n\n\nPacific red elderberry grows naturally in moist woodlands and stream banks. She is accustomed to moist soil and is a great choice to plant next to a creek. This shrub also works well in borders and beds. Just make sure she gets enough sun or she will not grow to her fullest potential.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\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, and the raw berries may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium; prune to contain the spread
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Thayne Tuason / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nServiceberry is another plant that offers homeowners tasty treats. The berries have been used to make jellies and jams and for medicinal purposes.
\n\n\n\nWhite flowers blossom in mid-spring and attract pollinators. Birds come for the berries. Serviceberry will grow in full sun or partial shade. To make sure she sprouts her tasty berries, plant her where she will receive lots of sunlight.
\n\n\n\nServiceberry does well in pollinator gardens and, of course, edible gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loamy or sandy; well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lightly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 16 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Oceanspray\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oceanspray-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOceanspray has green leaves that are hairy on one side. The small petaled white flowers bloom from late spring to late summer. Oceanspray bears fruit that often remains into the fall and winter. Bees and hummingbirds enjoy this shrub, which can grow as tall as 20 feet.
\n\n\n\nOceanspray is a good choice for all three states in the Pacific Northwest. This plant is adaptable to multiple soil types. She is also drought-tolerant, making her ideal for the PNW areas that are prone to seasonal desert-like conditions.
\n\n\n\nOceanspray is pest- and disease-resistant and requires little pruning. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance shrub, oceanspray will fit well in your cottage or coastal garden.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, chalk, clay, sand, well-drained, dry to moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet and sugary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 10 feet tall, but can reach heights up to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lewis-Mock-Orange-Philadelphus-lewisii.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk from Berkeley, CA, United States of America / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLewis’ mock orange is also referred to as wild mock orange, named for the sweet scent that is similar to orange blossoms. This shrub bears white flowers in the spring and summer. You’ll not only give back to the ecosystem because mock orange attracts butterflies, but this sweet-smelling plant is also a shelter for wildlife.
\n\n\n\nA property with full sun or partial shade will give this plant a thriving environment. Although rich soils are her preference, mock orange adapts to a variety of soil types. She has a fibrous root system that helps prevent erosion.
\n\n\n\nPlant mock orange in borders, hedges, and low-maintenance landscaping designs.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\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![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jitaeri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow boasts clusters of tiny petaled white flowers. She attracts pollinators but is toxic to pets. She can cause skin irritation and increased photosensitivity if touched, so yarrow is another plant to keep out of the reach of small children. It may seem ironic, but this plant has also been used for medicinal purposes to treat stomach aches, rashes, and fevers.
\n\n\n\nShe is low-maintenance and although she prefers moist soil that is well-drained, she tolerates multiple soil types. You will see a lot of her if you plant her in flower or garden beds, as she is prone to spread aggressively. If you’re looking for a flowering groundcover to replace some turfgrass, common yarrow is a good choice.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist but well-drained, all soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Late spring, summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested; for humans, may cause skin irritation or increase photosensitivity if touched
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry has edible berries that grow in the summer. With this evergreen, you can feed the wildlife and birds that nibble on the fruit. The berries have been used to make pies and jellies.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub is an attractive display, with her white flowers and reddish leaves appearing in the spring. She thrives best in full sun or part shade.
\n\n\n\nWhile she tolerates yards with trees blocking the sunlight, she may not bear flowers or fruit if she is planted in full shade. On the other hand, huckleberry grows tallest in the shade. In the sun she may reach 3 feet; in the shade, she may tower at heights up to 10 feet.
\n\n\n\nLooking for some ingredients for jam or syrup and a plant for your xeriscape design? This shrub is drought-resistant, so she’ll fit in well. Huckleberry is also an excellent choice for hedges and rain gardens or planted next to patios.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Washington and Oregon; not native to Idaho
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Needled Evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun or shade; prefers partial or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates sand, clay, and soils low in organic content; requires acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Musky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Feb – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Medium to wet
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 10 feet tall; grows taller in shade
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\nChoose plants in your area’s USDA hardiness zone. Hardiness zones help gardeners know which plants will survive their area’s coldest winter temperatures. It will still take work to maintain the plants, but because the plants have adapted to the area, they will need less fertilizing, watering, and other upkeep tasks than non-native plants.
\n\n\n\nKnowing your soil type, how well it drains, and how much sun or shade your yard receives helps you choose plants that are well-suited for your home. Select plants that your yard’s size can accommodate. For example, a small property is probably not a good fit for a Douglas fir tree, which grows very large.
\n\n\n\nIt is also a good idea to choose plants that have a maintenance schedule that matches your availability to care for them. Likewise, select plants that fit your family’s composition. Be mindful of vegetation with hazard precautions if you have small children or pets.
\n\n\n\nSeattle’s best native plants include:
• Pacific Bleeding Heart
• Vine Maple
• Wild Ginger
• Salal
• Evergreen Huckleberry
Here are some of the best native plants for Washington:
• Velvet Lupine
• Sagebrush
• Western Columbine
• Vine Maple
• Salal
• Indian Plum
These are some native plants best for the state of Idaho:
• Golden Currant
• Woods’ Rose
• Rose Spirea
• Roundleaf Snowberry
Oregon’s best native plants include:
• Western Bleeding Heart
• Salal
• Vine Maple
• Pacific Beach Strawberry
Native plants are beneficial to the environment in many ways, including reducing pollutants that enter the water supply and sustaining the ecosystem. Growing native plants can also reduce your workload by decreasing the time you spend maintaining them. Here are some advantages of using native plants:
• Adaptability and low maintenance: Native plants are adapted to the local environment, including soil conditions and climate, so they are more likely to thrive with less watering and fertilizing. Once native plants are established, in addition to needing less watering and fertilizing, they typically require less maintenance overall.
• Higher tolerance and cleaner water: Native plants generally have a higher tolerance for local diseases and pests, requiring fewer pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical treatments. This means fewer harmful substances run off into the water.
• Biodiversity: Native plants sustain biodiversity and support the local ecosystem by providing food sources and habitat to pollinators, insects, and wildlife.
With all of the parks, waterfronts, and outdoor scenery across the Pacific Northwest, you have more than likely seen a diverse array of native plants. To find vegetation for your home, King County has plant guides and other information that can help you identify flora in the Washington and PNW area. Oregon State University is another resource for native plants in the PNW area.
\n\n\n\nNow that you have the resources you need for your native plant oasis, make sure you have a lawn that is lush and healthy, too. Contact a lawn care pro near you to do the mowing, edging, and trimming so you can spend more time enjoying the waterfall at Multnomah Falls.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Oregon Garden / Travel Salem / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
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\n","content":"\nWant to help save the earth? Try starting with your patch of the planet: your lawn. Eco-friendly lawn care is easier than you think, and it can make a big difference for the environment.
\n\n\n\nOne option for an eco-friendly lawn is to reduce its size. Replace grass with native, drought-tolerant plants in areas where foot traffic is low. Do this in areas where you always have to replace the sod as well. You’ll save time and money with native plants because they’re accustomed to the weather and soil conditions in your area. They need less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than plants from other locales.
\n\n\n\nYou can also reduce the size of your lawn by replacing it with ground cover. These low growing, perennial plants can be an attractive option to thirsty, high maintenance turf. Exercise caution when choosing ground covers, because some of them spread aggressively and are considered invasive species. Xeriscaping uses native plants and ground covers to reduce the amount of turf in a yard. It also helps cut down on the number of weeds in your yard without using harmful chemicals. Many lawn care services will help you design a xeriscape plan and install it for you.
\n\n\n\nIf you have to fertilize, choose a slow-release, organic lawn fertilizer. Follow directions on the label and use only what you need. Do not apply lawn fertilizer when it’s supposed to rain in the next 24 hours. This will keep it from washing away and ending up in groundwater, and sewers. Collect any lawn clippings from hard surfaces like sidewalks and driveways. This will prevent fertilizer on the clippings from washing into storm drains and sewers and into water sources. Instead of using chemical fertilizers, compost your yard waste, or leave grass clippings on your grass to act as a natural mulch and fertilizer. You’ll actually save money by using fewer lawn care products.
\n\n\n\nLeaving your grass longer will make the grass stronger and help shade the soil. This can help with weed control in several ways. Less sun on the soil will make it harder for weeds to take hold, and a healthy lawn will crowd out dandelions and other weeds. Longer grass can also help the root system grow deeper, which can help prevent erosion and runoff.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/G29QpOsDA7-ThVRjRAht7kSsBSu1YT-jSv7S8QzlYVT5uIJwTNgYZy4YbVd0xs6757IrefcbxZQUEe8fEoAyGwo8OuN53hOQ2FoEs6R3NmfIQC2x0t6V8T_5yd7X3u6laYm2SleP\")
Get “reel” serious about cutting down your carbon footprint with a reel mower. These mowers are quieter, lighter, and provide a more environmentally friendly way of cutting the grass than gas mowers. They’re also gentler on your grass and will leave fine clippings behind. Those clippings are good mulch for your lawn and return important nutrients to the soil. Newer models have come a long way from the ones your grandparents used. Reel mowers are a good option if you’ve got a half-acre lawn or smaller.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re not ready for muscle-powered lawn mowing, consider switching to an electric mower. There are corded and battery-powered models. Both will cut the polluting emissions of their gas-powered counterparts. Another option is to use a mulching mower or install a mulching blade on your current mower. These mowers and blades cut the grass clippings into small pieces that will fall to the soil surface. Microorganisms in the soil break them down, releasing nutrients into the soil.
\n\n\n\nSave water by watering only when your lawn needs it. If you have an automatic irrigation system, turn off the sprinklers when it’s raining and skip watering if it has rained recently or if rain is in the forecast. Consider a smart sprinkler system to track weather and soil conditions. It’ll adjust your watering schedule, conserve water, and save you money on your water bill. Direct downspouts from your rain gutters to water your lawn and garden. If your community allows it, use rain barrels to collect rainwater to use on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nIt’s no secret that pesticides and chemical weed killers are bad for the environment. Biopesticides are an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic formulas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says, “Biopesticides include naturally occurring substances that control pests (biochemical pesticides), microorganisms that control pests (microbial pesticides), and pesticidal substances produced by plants containing added genetic material (plant-incorporated protectants) or PIPs.” You can also find organic weed killers or make your own.
\n\n\n\nUse these lawn care tips to help you create and maintain an eco-friendly lawn. By choosing organic products and keeping a healthy lawn, you can have a green lawn and a green planet.
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