![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/J-z_JY_5uFvapkV_PvyoE2d_nzob-TrGncIl7T7NA9h7KPfw2A_VoLBo5SCwo7YwqoN9zxy6-I3T901RfZkwgpOMFjYF7iPkZC-UtmVKbB84US21glqJ0BS8zYgE67IkzO8s-0et\")
Denver might be cool (literally and figuratively), but backyard pests are out there, lurking just below our feet, busily gnawing away at our carefully nurtured lawns.
\n","content":"\nWe might think that bug-ugly creatures that invade and destroy lawns are the bane of hot, moist parts of the country. It’s true the Southern states suffer the worst, but no part of the U.S is free of grass-chomping insects. That includes Denver.
\n\n\n\nYes, Denver might be cool (literally and figuratively), but they’re out there, lurking just below our feet, busily gnawing away at our carefully nurtured lawns.
\n\n\n\nNearly all insects that can seriously hurt Denver lawns do so in their larva stage — as grub worms. Most varieties feed low on the grass blades and on roots. If you have an infestation, a chunk of sod will come up easily in your hand and you can see the little creatures squirming around.
\n\n\n\nBut here’s good news! The creepy-crawlies most likely to pester Denver neighborhoods can be evicted. The best way to do it is so simple you’ll be smiling by the end of this article.
\n\n\n\nFirst, let’s identify the freeloaders that can lay waste to our backyards.
\n\n\n\nYou may see these black or brown weevils strolling across your sidewalk in the warm months. While their distinctive snouts look menacing, the adult bugs actually don’t do much damage. But in their earlier stage as a white grubworm they can take a toll. The grubs like to hang out around evergreen shrubs and trees where you may see patches of wilted grass and matter that looks like sawdust. Left untreated, billbug grubs can kill your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAn interesting name for a harmless-looking little winged creature you’ll see flitting about in the summer. The larvae will eat their way through the roots of your grass and then move on to your fir trees. In this stage, the gray grubs have distinctive orange-brown heads. Brown patches in your lawn in late summer are a clue you may have these pests.
\n\n\n\nIn parts of the country where they’re numerous, these big clumsy brown bugs are often called June bugs. They like to fly around outdoor lights on summer nights and freak you out when they cling to your skin. For years, Colorado was mostly spared from this insect, but the spread of suburban lawns has increased their population. Almost every American lawn has a few June bug grubs — fat white larvae — but they’re not a problem until they become a heavy infestation.
\n\n\n\nIn their adult stages, these are common moths. In their larval stages, they are brownish grubs distinguished by dark spots on their back. They spin silky webs in the grass or on leaves. They are one of the most common insects in Colorado. Although they come out at night to feed on grass blades, a healthy lawn can withstand them. Also, your backyard birds are efficient and cost-effective exterminators of this poacher.
\n\n\n\nOne lawn pest that is not a grub worm is the lawn mite. These nearly-invisible, spider-like little specks can wipe out a lawn if left unchecked. They prefer hot or dry weather and are not bashful about coming into your house. Fortunately, it’s easy to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/JVt1Gik5JiS3bSYEE1wW3wO-1q-RZkC362wnr8Qi9ujm4Px38c-kJTQehKtZE-A--5SuX40ffuah54VNbu5g3JbXvMk3O3NQedq8KT7fxtRhrnTp57H4_qaU7PHiyY405f-ppFqJ\")
Which brings us to the simple solution to backyard pests that will put a smile on your face:
\n\n\n\nSevere infestations may require the use of pesticides or professional help, but every infestation mentioned here can be prevented by proper lawn irrigation.
\n\n\n\nGrubs feed primarily at ground level or on shallow roots. Irrigation done in the morning at a rate of an inch per week (including rain) allows grass roots to descend deeper into the soil and become sturdier in order to withstand pest infestation.
\n\n\n\nProper fertilizing and aeration (getting rid of matted and thatched surface vegetation) also helps.
\n\n\n\nThe key word is “proper.” Overwatering may actually attract pests.
\n\n\n\nBy the way, lawn mites hate water and will evacuate ASAP when soaked down.
\n\n\n\nInterested in more information about lawn care and service in Denver? Visit our Denver lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain photo source: Greg the Busker, Flickr
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\n","content":"\nCincinnati is known for its hilly terrain, abundant breweries, and world-class chili. However, when not at Skyline Chilli or Rhinegeist Brewery, many locals enjoy spending time outdoors. Picking the perfect grass for your Cincy home will beautify your yard and improve your outdoor living experience. For example, if you enjoy playing soccer, you should choose a grass variety that tolerates heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nWe researched and compiled a list of the best Cincinnati grass types. We break down each variety and explain its strengths and weaknesses. As a result, this guide empowers you to choose the best grass for your Cincinnati home.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost Cincinnati locals prefer cool-season grass because it can survive and flourish through long winters. Cool-season grasses grow best in the fall and spring and may go dormant in July and August, especially during dry spells. In addition, they usually go dormant in the winter once the soil is colder than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
The majority of lawns throughout Cincinnati have Kentucky bluegrass. It’s the most popular lawn grass in the United States and boasts the highest cold tolerance of all cool-season grasses. Homeowners love its lush appearance and appreciate how quickly it recovers after distress. In fact, the Great American Ballpark even uses a Kentucky bluegrass blend.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Kentucky bluegrass is also high maintenance. It prefers well-drained soil, but Cincinnati’s soil contains a lot of clay, so it doesn’t always drain well. However, aerating your lawn will improve drainage and help you maintain healthy turf. Additionally, Kentucky bluegrass requires lots of water, sunshine, dethatching, and fertilizer.
\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\nOther notes: During the summer it needs about 2 to 3 inches of water per week. Be sure to fertilize in the fall and as needed throughout the year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Another popular turfgrass is perennial ryegrass. Its color and texture resemble Kentucky bluegrass, but it takes less time to establish and can handle heavier foot traffic. So, it is often used to overseed recreational turf.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass loves sunshine but many cultivars can tolerate partial shade. It prefers loamy soils that are well-drained and fertile, so be sure to aerate and fertilize. However, you probably won’t have to worry about dethatching because perennial ryegrass doesn’t develop significant thatch.
\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\nOther notes: Although it goes dormant in the summer, you should still water the lawn.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn with fine blades choose fine fescues, such as creeping red and chewing fescue. Fine fescue doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer, water, or mowing and thrives in cool and humid climates. However, it prefers well-drained soil so be sure to aerate. Although some residents have a pure fescue lawn, many homeowners prefer fine fescue blends.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a lot of trees in your yard, consider fine fescue, because it is the most shade tolerant cool-season grass. However, it isn’t suitable for sports or keg parties because fine fescue doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, 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 4.0 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\nOther notes: You may need to dethatch the lawn every couple of years.
\n\n\n\nAnother low-maintenance turfgrass is tall fescue. Its coarse deep green blades don’t require a lot of fertilizer or water but require more mowing than fine fescue. And although tall fescue prefers cool temperatures, it is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass, so it will survive a summer heat wave.
\n\n\n\nHowever, tall fescue is intolerant to foot traffic and slowly recovers when damaged. Although it isn’t recommended for outdoor sports or doggy playgrounds, some modern cultivars are better suited to handle foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Tall fescue is susceptible to a fungus called Acremonium coenophialum, which harms horses.
\n\n\n\nYes, although it is easier for cool-season grass to thrive in Cincinnati. Some Cincinnatians prefer cold-tolerant warm-season grasses, such as:
● Zoysia japonica
● Pensacola bahiagrass
● Yukon Bermudagrass
Aeration is part of Cincinnati’s fall lawn care checklist and the best months to aerate are September and October. Because the local soil contains a lot of clay, you must aerate to ensure proper soil drainage and prevent the soil from becoming compacted.
The best time to overseed your Cincy lawn is early Fall, within 48 hours of aerating. This is also a good time to apply fertilizer.
Spring lawn care in Cincinnati includes the following:
● Raking and removing debris: When the snow melts, wet yard waste traps moisture in your lawn, making it susceptible to snow mold.
● Resume mowing: Once the grass is about 2 inches tall, it is time to resume regular mowing. Never mow more than one-third of the grass’s height, and follow cutting guidelines for your turf species.
● Pre-emergent herbicides: Weeds tend to sprout in the spring.
● Pest control: Many of Cincinnati’s yard pests surface in the spring.
When selecting vegetation for your Cincinnati home, consider the following:
\n\n\n\nThe best way to maintain a lush lawn free of weeds, pests, and diseases is to hire a lawn care pro in Cincinnati. In addition to maintaining your property, landscaping professionals can help you maintain an alluring landscape that thrives in Cincy’s soil.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: David Ohmer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Cincinnati, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5584415584415585,"src":"/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/1789c/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg","srcSet":"/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/107df/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 320w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/293e9/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 500w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/f2cbb/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 800w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/1789c/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 960w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/c26c2/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/1dd6e/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/67b76/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 320w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/8df11/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 500w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/98a65/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 800w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/1dd6e/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 960w,\n/static/30301a5f4502e639147f197d0e7a3a28/3cc96/Red-Fall-Trees-in-Cincinnati.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Cincinnati, OH | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"We made a list of the best turfgrasses for Cincinnati, including Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Cool-season grasses grow best in Ohio's climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"ff5060d1-0b95-5566-8d4f-fdefd13e6b51","slug":"how-to-grow-bahiagrass","path":"/blog/how-to-grow-bahiagrass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.","name":"Amanda Shiffler","id":"458fa7a4-b709-56ae-8d79-9dc400e34ff1","path":"/author/amanda-shiffler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0048ef20c97263b5f26951aa210d62c8?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Looking for a low-maintenance turf option for your Southern lawn? Do you have predominantly sandy or low-fertility soil that doesn’t support Zoysiagrass or buffalograss? If either of these questions hit home with you, it may be worth a shot to try growing a Bahiagrass lawn instead, and we’ve got all the information you need! Bahiagrass […]
\n","content":"\nLooking for a low-maintenance turf option for your Southern lawn? Do you have predominantly sandy or low-fertility soil that doesn’t support Zoysiagrass or buffalograss? If either of these questions hit home with you, it may be worth a shot to try growing a Bahiagrass lawn instead, and we’ve got all the information you need!
\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: With a moderate to high growth rate, it needs frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nInsect pest tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown along the Gulf Coast and in the Southeastern U.S. It does best in acidic soils and is not the best grass if your soil is naturally alkaline. It doesn’t tolerate salt water well.
\n\n\n\nWhile this may come as a surprise to many, Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is used mainly as a pasture grass and for hay production across the southeastern United States. However, selected varieties—Argentine and Pensacola, especially—work well as turfgrass species for lawns. Behind St. Augustinegrass, Bahia is the second most common turfgrass across much of the southeastern United States, and for a good reason.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is well-adapted to low-fertility soils and is excellent for homeowners wanting a low-maintenance, low-input lawn. It puts down a deep root system that spreads via underground rhizomes. This root system makes it great for areas prone to drought or lawns without an irrigation system. However, Bahia doesn’t form the same dense carpet as other warm-season grasses that spread using above-ground stolons.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bahiagrass-lawn.jpg\")
Bahiagrass is not the best choice for every Southern lawn, but it is ideal in many situations, especially if you have many acres of property to cover.
\n\n\n\n✓ Low water needs
\n\n\n\n✓ Low fertilizer requirements
\n\n\n\n✓ Lower maintenance than many other grass types
\n\n\n\n✓ Deep root system
\n\n\n\n✓ Does well in sandy and other low-fertility soils
\n\n\n\n✓ Minimal insect and disease problems
\n\n\n\n✓ Thatch is generally not a concern
\n\n\n\n✓ Establishes from seed or sod
\n\n\n\n✗ Does not form a dense carpet
\n\n\n\n✗ Seed head stems dull mower blades quickly
\n\n\n\n✗ Seed heads need regular mowing, or they become an eyesore
\n\n\n\n✗ Only a few varieties are available for home lawns
\n\n\n\n✗ Open growth habit leaves space for weeds to grow
\n\n\n\nIf you’re considering switching your lawn to Bahiagrass or using it to start grass at a fresh build, you have the option of seeding or laying sod.
\n\n\n\nHowever, some crucial differences between the two methods must be considered when choosing.
\n\n\n\nThere’s no denying that planting grass from seed is by far the cheaper of the two options and is much easier labor-wise to “install.” For homeowners with economic constraints, this makes seeding attractive. On the flip side, if you opt for seeding, the grass needs considerably more babysitting during the establishment process and takes quite a bit of time to grow into a beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nLaying sod comes with a pretty hefty price tag, and the process is back-breaking – even more so for Bahiagrass sod, as it tends to fall apart unless you spend extra money for sod with a netting material to hold it together. That being said, once you get it down, you automatically have a nice green lawn, and it doesn’t take micromanaging to get it established like seeding does.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass Seed: Depending on where you purchase seed from, expect to pay $100-$110 for a 25 lb bag of Pensacola Bahiagrass seed.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass Sod: A 400-square-foot pallet of Bahiagrass sod costs approximately $113 to $134.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass Seed: Getting grass seed down in late spring or early summer is best. Warm-season grasses like Bahia grow the most when the air temperatures hit a whopping 85 to 95°F, so you want to plant just before temps climb this high. This helps your grass establish as quickly as possible, putting down a sound root system so it is well-prepared to go dormant and survive the winter.
\n\n\n\nNote: Not all grass seeds you scatter will germinate; some Bahiagrass seeds lay dormant and may sprout later in the season.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass Sod: Sod is a little more forgiving timing-wise and can be put down whenever you have time to tackle the project. However! You’ll have a much easier time getting it established if you do it in the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate.
\n\n\n\nSince Bahia grows a little more sparsely than other turfgrasses, you can overseed your lawn annually with more Bahiagrass seed to keep it as thick as possible. Remember that no matter what you do, it will never grow as thick as Zoysia or other turfs with dense growth habits.
\n\n\n\n![\"sparse](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sparse-Bahiagrass.jpg\")
Yes, I’ve said that Bahiagrass is low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need your attention at all. Here are the basic rules of Bahiagrass lawn maintenance to follow.
\n\n\n\nIt was mentioned that Bahiagrass is fantastic for large acres and properties without irrigation. This doesn’t mean it will stay green regardless of how little or how much water it gets.
\n\n\n\nWhen you’re growing Bahiagrass without irrigation, it will go into a state of dormancy and turn brown during long periods of drought. Once the rain returns, the grass greens back up and resumes growing. In climates such as Florida, where it rains most days, you may not ever need to give a Bahia lawn supplemental water.
\n\n\n\nIf you can water your lawn, it’s best to keep an eye on it and watch for signs it needs water. You’ll see folded grass blades, a color change, and footprints will remain on the grass after you walk across it. So, if you see these things, turn on the sprinklers and give your grass one-half to three-quarters of an inch of water to get it green and perky.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer specifics will depend on the soil in your yard and how you’ve managed it before. You need to account for soil type, organic matter content, if you’ve mulched clippings back into the lawn, etc. To get an exact recommendation, perform a soil test before seeding or laying sod.
\n\n\n\nAs a general rule of thumb, apply 1 to 4 pounds of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of yard annually.
\n\n\n\nAlways check local guidelines for lawn fertilizer blackout dates or ordinances regarding its application.
\n\n\n\nDuring the summer, Bahia is known for its characteristic Y-shaped, two- or three-branched seed heads. To keep them in check and your grass looking nice, expect to mow your lawn every one to two weeks. During the hottest parts of summer, you may need to cut it a little more frequently unless you don’t mind the seed heads, but you’ll want to keep your grass 3 to 4 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nThe seed head stems are tough on mower blades, so you may need to sharpen them more frequently than with other grasses. Keeping mower blades sharp will help give you an excellent crisp cut when you mow instead of tearing the tops of the grass off with dull mower blades.
\n\n\n\nKeeping a Bahiagrass lawn weed-free is a challenge since Bahia doesn’t grow as thick or dense as some grass types. Weeds love to come in and reside in those bare spots and compete with your grass for essential nutrients, water, and sunlight. The best defense against weeds is to maintain a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nTo do this, keep your grass mowed to the proper height, irrigate when you see signs of drought stress, and fertilize throughout the growing season. You can also consider periodically overseeding to help fill in some bare spots where the weeds like to hang out.
\n\n\n\nWhen proper lawn management doesn’t succeed in weed control, pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides are available in both chemical and organic formulations. Just stay away from products containing atrazine and metsulfuron because they damage Bahiagrass.
\n\n\n\nFortunately, Bahia lawns experience very few insect and disease problems. Watch for mole crickets, Bahiagrass billbugs, and fall armyworms, as they may cause issues in Bahiagrass lawns.
\n\n\n\nThe two classifications of turfgrass are distinguished by where they have adapted to grow the best. Warm-season grasses prefer hot summers and mild winters and grow in the South. Cool-season grasses like temperate summers and can tolerate brutal winters; they grow mainly in the northern United States.
Bahiagrass is a warm-season grass.
Bahiagrass is typically grown on sandy soils in coastal areas, so there isn’t a need to aerate, as these soils don’t compact. Also, it isn’t a grass type that develops a lot of thatch, so dethatching isn’t usually necessary.
Sometimes, when it’s growing where it isn’t wanted, Bahiagrass is considered a weed rather than a turfgrass. If Bahiagrass is a weed in your book, and it’s overrunning your lawn, see our guide on how to get rid of Bahiagrass.
\n\n\n\nIf you think a Bahiagrass lawn is a good fit for your landscape, contact one of our highly-qualified local lawn professionals. They can help get your lawn started or care for your established turf, giving you more time to spend doing what matters most to you – without sacrificing the quality of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Everything You Need to Know About Growing Bahiagrass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/1789c/Bahiagrass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/107df/Bahiagrass.jpg 320w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/293e9/Bahiagrass.jpg 500w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/f2cbb/Bahiagrass.jpg 800w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/1789c/Bahiagrass.jpg 960w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/c26c2/Bahiagrass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/1dd6e/Bahiagrass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/67b76/Bahiagrass.webp 320w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/8df11/Bahiagrass.webp 500w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/98a65/Bahiagrass.webp 800w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/1dd6e/Bahiagrass.webp 960w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/3cc96/Bahiagrass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Everything You Need to Know About Growing Bahiagrass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Bahiagrass is a great, low-maintenance grass for Southern lawns with sandy soils. We have all the information you need if you’re looking to grow it!"}}},{"node":{"id":"b7a25e61-bcc0-50b0-8908-805eeadcaa03","slug":"native-plants-houston-landscapes","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/native-plants-houston-landscapes/","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":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"When’s the last time you stopped to smell the roses in Houston? How about any of the native flowers like the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan? These are the native plants for Houston landscapes that attract birds, bees and other pollinators. Since they grow here naturally, they need little maintenance or water to thrive. Planting […]
\n","content":"\nWhen’s the last time you stopped to smell the roses in Houston? How about any of the native flowers like the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan? These are the native plants for Houston landscapes that attract birds, bees and other pollinators. Since they grow here naturally, they need little maintenance or water to thrive. Planting native helps the environment and your yard.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing your landscape, don’t forget the smaller details that set your property apart from the neighborhood. Native plants in Houston and other cities in Texas are celebrated for their visual appeal, and for being eco-friendly. Since they’re easy to maintain, they’ll increase the curb appeal of your home.
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the trees, vines, shrubs, and plants that grow easily in H-Town.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/IAujYhyWhiqbOHyzjyFz6NUQFQvuj2I4pc0kkG_GEpPRgkHDbedud1tWw-tSl8u5lLD4SUErYX1jawFWbfdTpNs6zx_Cd8b1hLSby8HcMZmKulLbZukItYRNevfhRyjKn25ZAPKw\")
There are many species of large trees in Texas; oaks are ones you’ll find everywhere in Houston. They fall into two groups; red and white. Red oaks have jagged leaves with acorns that take two years to mature. White Oaks have smooth foliage with acorns maturing in one season. You’ll also see maple, walnut, ash, cypress, pine, sycamore and tulip trees that typically grow anywhere from 60 to 80 feet tall. The pecan may be our state tree, but don’t forget about the tree that gave Houston one of its many nicknames. The Southern magnolia tree is losing ground to invasive species, but it continues to be the centerpiece in many Houston gardens.
\n\n\n\nSmaller varieties of native trees include the American holly, with its sharply jagged foliage and bright red berries. Pawpaw gives off a tropical-like appearance that highlights your landscape with maroon-red flowers. Acacia sprouts white-yellow blooms, and crape myrtle comes in a variety of colors including lavender, white, reds and pink. You can’t walk far in Houston without seeing a Basham Party Pink Crape Myrtle — a hybrid that can grow up to 30 feet tall.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Gzce4KAaryUIcFtEITJNsdxf48uoM2X-rqy4v2n9DePqDD5Ony7JP9jgifltb08ELuwcOjc22JdH8u6wg9d5e3YiQlTFA5YoTkXn3lgvLU3JH4CWqmssbJ8yv3CpsmsmA6nVLy16\")
Coral honeysuckle has reddish green stems, dark green leaves and looks similar to small shrubs. This vine climbs fences and features red trumpet-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds. Birds will enjoy a sumptuous feast of orange and red berries during September and October. Coral honeysuckle prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sE86jEBcqWKxF-M92mDKHrnmbixjg18LkCtWraPmOAKx7RwpmT5X4zAaTd3R97gVO77MDiIcii8TBlzOtxFkoZW--1liGil3oSdw6Y5_uXGer1niLxFRqIdjsxlGc_b0MGNJZUwn\")
Photo credit: dunnmary735 on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC
\n\n\n\nCarolina Jessamine climbs high with its long, tapered leaves. In winter, you’ll see bright yellow trumpet flowers tinged with a spicy scent.
\n\n\n\nCrossvine blooms in spring with dark-red and yellow flowers.
\n\n\n\nPassionflower vine. With small lavender blooms from April to September, this vine spreads out over fences and trellises. The deep green leaves also attract colorful butterflies. Passionflower vines can grow 10 to 20 feet tall and sprout tiny melon-like edible fruits. A Yellow passionflower vine grows to about 10 feet, blooming in May to September with bluish-black berries.
\n\n\n\nTexas native grapevines draw the birds! With 15 grape species native to Texas, the most common ones are muscadine grape, riverbank grape, and mustang grape.
\n\n\n\nTrumpet creeper is a woody vine that climbs trees and fences, producing red-orange flowers. Houston hummingbirds love these blooms! Trumpet creepers thrive in moist soil and partial shade to full sunlight.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kRurmXejG2XnLwp_LpX1W6xu6z6EVxHo1RnRolb2Fk9B87uTryabo4I7bQbxFf8OT0nX_kvuoX6wKclMNbCXFxgPXAIu_6gBD-0E2-WP6fwrZ40kzIElyG0VArJAnx0VCvBFOE07\")
Agarita is an evergreen that yields single yellow flowers in the spring and then red berries. Agarita prefers full sunlight and well-draining, alkaline soil.
\n\n\n\nGardenia is an evergreen shrub found in many areas of the South. Its white flowers bring about a pleasant scent.
\n\n\n\nJasmine shrubs are evergreens that grow in the Houston area. Primrose and Italian jasmine sprout yellow flowers.
\n\n\n\nPineapple Guava is a grayish green shrub that produces white flowers with bright red stamens.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/uNdVGiSx2EG9v5x1-MZfcVx9dcMOe_glWWlidL4AckyX5OPL6tC5boje8E_bDPS2Q4m98CsZLZ-0Me1DHgSCeZ5zayFH1EA1cTsUCeRLAYmm2RYlqJG9rod4bT84eMQGfQ6Phazi\")
The obedient plant blooms in the spring, with some varieties flowering in autumn. Indigenous to Harris County, they spread thickly through their habitats to protect nearby vegetation, especially in winter. Pigeonberry plants develop red fruits to attract birds, and when the sun shines, you can see a red hue on the foliage. Frog fruit perennials grow just about anywhere; it’s an evergreen thatch in the verbena family. If you prefer something with more of a fleshy root system, Mallows hibiscus helps to stabilize the soil in small landscapes.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1atdfgu7JUNDWUCbbU9kVRZAJgX6B551nnuyhKZcvt8AcAYRUFQamIJH554Dg5I2Ze6ZZYMPTLxZ0SXB4YJj5BR81Rc7pyqgdHmfyaBCRM9y39ds0lfUQaykbnqUE7njtdQcmcHP\")
Photo credit: FritzFlohrReynolds on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-SA
\n\n\n\nWith thousands of native plants to choose from, there’s no reason to plant anything else in your garden. They’ll bring color to your landscape that will return year after year with little help from you. The native plants for Houston landscapes will thrive in our heat and humidity and keep your yard Texas strong.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about landscaping and maintenance? Visit our Houston, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
There’s a reason one of Los Angeles’ nicknames is City of Flowers and Sunshine: Its Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal location for growing plants. But not every plant is ideal for every climate. If you want an amazing garden, it’s always best to choose native plants that can thrive in the area. Let’s take […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s a reason one of Los Angeles’ nicknames is City of Flowers and Sunshine: Its Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal location for growing plants. But not every plant is ideal for every climate. If you want an amazing garden, it’s always best to choose native plants that can thrive in the area.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at 10 of the best native plants for LA.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are all kinds of reasons to use native plants, the most important being that they are well-adapted to your climate, so they have a greater likelihood of surviving and thriving under the unique conditions in your area. Here is why:
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5501710064_6f35aee311_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris Samuel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBuckwheat plants are not only stunning but also known for being healthy and nutritious. They bloom in late spring, and various beneficial wildlife is attracted to their flowers. You can expect to enjoy them together with birds, bees, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nYou can pick from eight different types of LA-native buckwheat. For example, California buckwheat is particularly attractive to honey bees. On the other hand, the Bernardino dotted-blue butterfly feasts on ashyleaf buckwheat.
\n\n\n\nBuckwheat plants have short growing seasons, need little care, and can keep weeds from growing. Some types of buckwheat don’t tolerate cold weather well, so check your area’s hardiness zone and the plant’s hardiness before you buy it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habbit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
Duration: Annual
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Dry or mostly dry, well-draining soils
Maintenance needs: Cut back every few years to encourage healthy new growth and control shape
Potential hazards: None known (if consumed in moderation)
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1culinary-sage-quotsalvia-officinalisquot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nSage comes in various, stunning colors that bloom in the summer. And sage plants are generally seen as non-toxic if consumed in small quantities.
\n\n\n\nThere are 13 species of sage native to Los Angeles, and each plant is unique in its own way. For example, black sage is among the most popular types of sage. Hummingbird sage, on the other hand, attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators and birds with its bright red flowers.
\n\n\n\nSome types of sage tolerate cold well, and some don’t, so check your area’s hardiness zone and the plant’s hardiness before you buy it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial or annual depending on species and location
Foliage: Varies by type but often deciduous in Los Angeles’ dry climate
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Prune lightly in spring; remove dead flowers to encourage more blooms
Potential hazards: Toxic when eaten in high or consistent doses; toxicity levels depend on growing conditions and season
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5965186545_e6a73bf093_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: chuck b. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCalifornia fuchsia brighten your garden with their vibrant red-orange flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. California fuchsia is favored by hummingbirds, as well as other pollinators and birds. It’s a great option to bring wildlife into your yard while improving your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 3 to 18 inches tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Cut back to the ground after flowering season to promote healthy new growth; water once a month during summer in dry areas
Potential hazards: None known for humans nor most animals
![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_800px-ceanothus_-_california_lilac.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Changku88 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCalifornia lilac is a beautiful and low-maintenance shrub. It produces vibrant blue, purple, pink, or white flowers in the spring and summer. It’s also drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators, butterflies, and moths. California lilac is suitable for the warmest parts of LA, where temperatures don’t go below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your minimum local temperature here.
\n\n\n\nThere’s a variety of options to choose from. Nine kinds of California lilac are native to Los Angeles, ranging from the rare San Diego ceanothus to the more common buck brush.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, some afternoon shade in hotter areas
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Lightly prune and remove dead limbs as needed
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4666396689_7a12cff0ca_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Staley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe flowers of the flannel bush plant are large and showy. They bloom in late spring to early summer. Bees and butterflies are attracted to their deep yellow to orange-red blossoms. The plant can grow tall if you take care of it, so it works well for homeowners who want extra privacy.
\n\n\n\nTake note that the flannel bush is suitable for areas where temperatures don’t go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your local minimum temperature here.
\n\n\n\nThe plant itself isn’t toxic. However, its stem and leaves can irritate skin and eyes upon contact, so be cautious.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 6 to 20 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Well-draining, sandy soils
Maintenance needs: Avoid summer watering and severe pruning, as these can kill the plant
Potential hazards: Toxic stem and leaves that can irritate skin and eyes
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/plant-fruit-berry-flower-food-red-443747-pxhere.com-1-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nToyon, also called the California Holly, can be a shrub or a small tree that grows tall quickly when it receives the right care. It’s superb for attracting local wildlife. The plant has white flowers that bloom in the summer and attract pollinators and birds.
\n\n\n\nToyon then produces red berries in the winter. It’s a popular food source for mockingbirds, American robins, and cedar waxwings. Be cautious, though, because they’re toxic to other animals and humans.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
Mature size: 6 to 10 feet typically, can reach up to 30 feet
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Tolerates most soil types
Maintenance needs: Prune as needed to maintain desired shape and height
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou’ve almost certainly seen the common yarrow in meadows and along roadsides, with its white, pink, or yellow flower clusters. It is a hardy perennial that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. It’s beneficial for birds like starlings, who gather common yarrow for their nests. If you want a charming, easy-care plant that attracts both birds and pollinators, common yarrow may be a great choice.
\n\n\n\nTake note, though, that the plant is toxic and shouldn’t be ingested. It can also cause irritation if touched.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
Soil preferences: Tolerates most soil types
Maintenance needs: Cut off dead flowers to encourage more blooms; treat common problems like aphids, mildew, and stem rot as needed
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_800px-opuntia_littoralis_upper_newport_bay_feb_2014_08.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nandaro / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe coastal prickly pear is an easy-care, attractive cactus plant. It does well in the warmest parts of LA, where temperatures don’t go below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (check your local minimum temperature here). This cactus has oval branches and bears purplish fruits. Its flowers bloom from spring to summer and support pollinators and birds.
\n\n\n\nHowever, keep in mind that the plant and its fruits are prickly and highly toxic for dogs and other animals. Although people like to snack on the plant’s fruit, some of its other parts are mildly toxic for humans, too. There isn’t enough data about the safety of coastal prickly pear fruit or pads, so vulnerable people such as children and pregnant women should avoid eating them.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to know if you can enjoy the fruit of your coastal prickly pear or not, make sure you discuss your diet with a medical professional.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Cactus
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Sandy soils
Maintenance needs: Make sure roots don’t get too damp, otherwise they’ll rot.
Potential hazards: Prickly; highly toxic for pets, especially dogs; mildly toxic for humans; not enough data regarding the safety of its fruit or pads
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_blue-eyed-grass-wildflowers-1533299474atm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nWestern blue-eyed grass, also called the California blue-eyed grass, has delicate blue flowers. It requires little maintenance and is even considered fire-resistant. Additionally, it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. You can consider planting this flower in your yard for a pop of color and ecological benefits.
\n\n\n\nMost types of blue-eyed grass aren’t toxic, but there isn’t enough data to determine the effects of western blue-eyed grass. It can also be easily confused for many similar-looking plants which are highly poisonous. Caution is advised.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Summer semi-deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Moist loam soils
Maintenance needs: Water occasionally during summer droughts
Potential hazards: May be toxic and can be easily confused for similar-looking highly toxic plants
![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_16686130046_1524d40e6c_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBeardtongues are a lovely family of flowers, some of which are native to Los Angeles. LA-native beardtongues range between purple, pink, and red to yellow.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most popular kinds of beardtongue is showy penstemon. Showy penstemon is a stunning herb that attracts birds and various insects. Other native beardtongue kinds are the climbing penstemon, the foothill penstemon, the southern foothill penstemon, and the yellow bush penstemon.
\n\n\n\nHowever, beardtongues have toxic effects, so be careful to keep children and pets away from them.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 6 inches to 4 feet tall depending on species
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Some species are evergreen, while others are deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils
Maintenance needs: Water 1 inch per week in summer; cut back stems after flowering season
Potential hazards: Toxic
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing Los Angeles natives for your landscape. Make sure to consider your options carefully and pick plants that meet your specific needs and preferences.
\n\n\n\nBe mindful of potential hazards such as toxicity, and do your research to protect your family and pets. Some plants are more toxic than others, but to be on the safe side, you should always keep your pets from eating your garden plants.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, you need to pick plants that are suitable for your hardiness zone. Los Angeles hardiness zones range from 7a to 11a, depending on the area. This means that LAs’ lowest temperatures are between 0 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nAll of the plants in this article can grow in all of Los Angeles’s temperatures, except where mentioned otherwise. You can check your local minimum temperature here.
\n\n\n\nCheck your yard, and you might just find that some native plants have already made a home there. But if you want to plant new natives, never take them directly from the wild because it can disrupt local ecosystems and harm wildlife.
\n\n\n\nInstead, there are ethical sources that can help. Consider purchasing from local plant nurseries that specialize in native plants, such as:
\n\n\n\nPicking beautiful new plants for your yard is a fun experience. Once you’ve decided on the types of plants you want, it’s time to think about other factors that will make your lawn thrive and look its best. Make sure you get the right grass type for your area and that you take care of your lawn properly at each time of the year.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your native plant garden to stay healthy and beautiful, consider hiring one of WikiLawn’s local pros who can handle your landscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Udo Schmidt / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Los Angeles","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6216216216216217,"src":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1789c/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg","srcSet":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/107df/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 320w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/293e9/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 500w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/f2cbb/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 800w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1789c/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 960w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/c26c2/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1dd6e/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/67b76/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 320w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/8df11/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 500w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/98a65/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 800w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1dd6e/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 960w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/3cc96/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Los Angeles | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are easier to maintain and better for the environment. Find the best native plants for LA here."}}},{"node":{"id":"7a86cbfc-ca76-5958-bd48-05ffc5685e09","slug":"dallas-lawn-watering-guide-for-spring-summer","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/dallas-lawn-watering-guide-for-spring-summer/","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":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dallas spring weather is sometimes all over the place. Unpredictably there will be excessive heat sprinkled with freezing temperatures and sometimes even a tornado will pass by. Luckily the grasses that are most popular in Dallas can put up with these different types of weather. Arguably, the most important part of lawn care is watering. […]
\n","content":"\nDallas spring weather is sometimes all over the place. Unpredictably there will be excessive heat sprinkled with freezing temperatures and sometimes even a tornado will pass by. Luckily the grasses that are most popular in Dallas can put up with these different types of weather. Arguably, the most important part of lawn care is watering. It can be mundane, but it is important to have proper watering techniques. Here we have made a guide to watering specific to the Dallas area.
\n\n\n\nWatering a lawn, while it may sound easy, can be daunting when the results of the lawn are not up to par with expectations. The recommended amount of water per week in north texas is about an inch. Take into consideration the amount of sunlight your lawn receives. If the lawn is fully exposed to the sun and has no shade, these lawns will need more water to survive.
Under watering grass is probably the most prevalent prognosis in Texas, however in Dallas there are quick outbursts of rain that can add to over watering, especially if your lawn has not had proper watering techniques. Here are some signs that you are overwatering or underwatering.
\n\n\n\nThatch b
Fungus and disease can arise when a lawn has been over watered. If there is any stagnant water in a lawn there is an opportunity for a
Weeds of certain strains can thrive over thatch build up. Making sure that the lawn stays dense and free of additional water will promote healthy lawn growth and less weeds.
\n\n\n\nStress is a factor in any lawn, however, when stress begins to affect the lawn in a noticeable way, this is an indicator the grass is under
Discoloration will turn the lawn from green to brown or yellow. This can be an indicator that the grass has caught a disease as well. Watching the color of the grass closely will ensure the lawn doesn’t get to this point. Remember, overly exposed patches of grass may need a little more water than shaded sections.
Clump growth will indicate the lawn is struggling to survive. There will be several patches of dead grass with small sections of green. This stage is still salvageable, but may need an additional reseed and fertilizer to completely fix the problem.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid overwatering and to ensure the conservation of our water supply, the time of day matters. The optimum time to water is in the morning between the hours of 7 am to 10 am. During daylight savings, the watering schedule should be mended to around the time the sun rises.
\n\n\n\nWatering when the yard is fully exposed to the sun is a waste of water. The water will quickly evaporate during these times and not allow the grass to soak it all up. If only some water get through to the roots the roots will most likely become shallow and you will eventually have to water more to keep the grass green.
On the opposite spectrum watering in the evening can lead to over watering the lawn. The morning sun has the ability to evaporate excess water on the lawn ensuring the perfect amount of water gets soaked up by the grass. In the evening the water has nowhere to go but to sit on the lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe best technique to use when watering the yard is deep infrequent watering. This type of schedule aligns with the Dallas Watering Restrictions as well. Frequent watering with less water will cause the grass to have shallow roots. Infrequent watering will also allow the yard to be more durable against drought, below freezing temperatures, and other weather.
\n\n\n\nThere is a maximum two day a week watering restriction. If your house address ends in an even number you can water on Sundays and Thursdays. If your house ends in an odd number you are allotted Saturdays and Wednesdays. If there is no address number where you reside you can water on Sundays and Thursdays.
\n\n\n\nStill looking for more lawn care information? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page for more tips n’ tricks.
\n\n\n\nTop photo: Flickr // jean-louis plamondon
\n","title":"The #1 Dallas Lawn Watering Guide for Spring/Summer 2019","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/f2cbb/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/107df/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.jpg 320w,\n/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/293e9/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.jpg 500w,\n/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/f2cbb/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/98a65/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/67b76/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.webp 320w,\n/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/8df11/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.webp 500w,\n/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/98a65/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The #1 Dallas Lawn Watering Guide for Spring/Summer 2019 | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"89f66ac5-8631-502d-99ba-adc8267f2eef","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-new-england","path":"/lawn-care/new-england/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-new-england/","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":"42adf9a6-64c0-5d84-ac5a-2561efc3210c","name":"New England","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/new-england/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Love for the outdoors is a common trait among most New Englanders. But after a tiresome hike along the trails of Mount Washington, you may wish to spend some time relaxing in your own backyard. But then you remember that your grass needs mowing, or your annuals have died out and need replacement. With 8 […]
\n","content":"\nLove for the outdoors is a common trait among most New Englanders. But after a tiresome hike along the trails of Mount Washington, you may wish to spend some time relaxing in your own backyard. But then you remember that your grass needs mowing, or your annuals have died out and need replacement. With 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for New England, you won’t have to worry about any back-breaking or time-consuming chores.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo go year after year without having to add new plants, use perennials. Unlike annuals, they last for more than 2 years and come back on their own after dormancy. Perennials native to the region will thrive with little to no maintenance, as they are well-adapted to the local climate. Just as they benefit the local wildlife habitat, perennials such as deciduous trees will adorn your landscape for years to come.
\n\n\n\nHere are some everlasting perennials for your low-maintenance landscape:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennials depends on the plant’s size, and type. On average, a perennial plant will cost you between $10 and $100.
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American-Black-Elderberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWherever you’re based in New England, you will eventually come across native plants that grow naturally in your area. For that reason, you won’t have to worry about regular watering or fertilizing. Native plants can attract beneficial insects to your back or front yard, and provide a valuable source of food for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to consider your area’s hardiness zone, the plant’s need for full sun, and growth potential before establishing a native garden.
\n\n\n\nWe suggest the following native plants for your garden design:
\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, $25 and $50 per shrub, $150 and $3,000 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Britt / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch is a simple yet effective way to obtain a low-maintenance landscape. It smothers weeds before they grow, retains moisture in the soil, and helps make the garden bed look more attractive. Inorganic mulch will make flower beds more aesthetically pleasing, while organic mulch will offer more nutritional benefits to enhance growth. There is no right or wrong option, just your personal preference and landscape design.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, mulch will cost you between $45 and $130, depending on which type of mulch you choose.
\n\n\n\nHardscaping is integrating non-living, hardy elements in your landscape design. They are features that provide shape and functionality to your outdoor living space. The best part is that you can remove watering, pruning, and fertilizing from your to-do list. Hardscaping will help make your outdoor landscape more enjoyable, and reduce the amount of hours spent on maintenance work.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There are several features to choose from, each at a different cost. Expect to pay between $3,600 and $9,500 for retaining walls, $2,100 and $6,000 for a pergola, $5,365 and $9,025 for a gazebo, $370 and $2,235 for a fire pit.
\n\n\n\nOne of the best low-maintenance ideas, xeriscaping helps reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. From drought-tolerant plants to rock gardens, xeriscaping helps you create a beautiful and cost-effective backyard. Such features are wildlife friendly, and can provide shelter to beneficial insects and pollinators. Overall, a xeriscaped landscape needs little or no water beyond what nature provides.
\n\n\n\nHere are some water-saving examples of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of xeriscaping ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bunchberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gillfoto from Juneau, Alaska, United States / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBy planting groundcovers, you will cut back on chores, such as mowing or aerating your lawn. They are low-growing plants with lower maintenance requirements than traditional turfgrass. Groundcovers can help prevent erosion and retain moisture in the soil. You can go for aesthetically pleasing groundcovers that add plenty of color to your yard, or the plain green ones for a more traditional look.
\n\n\n\nHere are some suitable groundcovers for your New England landscape:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on which type you choose, a groundcover will typically cost you between $4 and $40.
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Small-Artificial-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: R3dus-01 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtificial grass may look so life-like that your jealous and envious neighbors won’t be able to tell the difference! Replacing traditional grass with synthetic turf will provide you with a year-round green lawn. It helps you reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides, making it an eco-friendly alternative. Artificial grass can also withstand heavy foot traffic, justifying its increased popularity as a low-maintenance landscaping option.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of getting artificial turf professionally installed ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot on average.
\n\n\n\n![\"Automatic](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Automatic-Irrigation-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a great way to save both time and money. This type of irrigation system can be programmed to automatically water your yard with a specific amount of water, ensuring an even distribution. The system is quite easy to adjust, you only need to set the timer and duration. With this type of technology, you can maintain a healthy lawn without manually watering the plants or grass yourself.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of an automatic irrigation system:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Hiring a landscape architect 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\nGiven the Northeast’s climate, cool-season grasses are most suited for your New England landscape. However, some cool-season grasses are high-maintenance, and do not make the homeowner’s to-do list any shorter.
For a healthy turfgrass with minimal upkeep, your best options are fescue grasses. Turf-type tall fescue is highly durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for those who don’t want lawn worries.
Fine fescue, which includes creeping fescue and chewings fescue, are shade- and drought-tolerant. Though they still require less maintenance than other grass types, a little extra mowing would get the best out of this grass species.
Rock gardens are a great example of xeriscaping, helping you conserve water and save money. To maintain that low budget, you might wonder which type of rocks or stones are more affordable.
Beach pebbles (or pea gravel) give you an aesthetically pleasing garden at a very low price. You can use them to create a shiny stone walkway, or an elegant garden path. You can get very creative with these highly affordable stones, and keep your back or front yard relatively low-maintenance.
There are plenty of native plants you can add to your low-maintenance landscape. Some may lack any significant attributes, while others are appreciated for tolerating drought, heat, or shade better than others.
Drought-tolerant plants are essential to obtain a low-maintenance garden, so here are some that can thrive in New England:
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
• Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
• American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
• Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Designing a low-maintenance landscape may seem daunting at first, so start with easy and low-budget projects to simplify the process.
\n\n\n\nYou can start by adding mulch, which is an easy DIY task. Next, you may want to plant native perennials that are perfect for New England’s climate and hardiness zones. You can keep the momentum going and hire a pro to install hardy elements, such as pergolas or concrete pavers. These design ideas can spruce up your backyard while keeping it low-maintenance.
Of course, no outdoor living space can remain functional without the occasional upkeep. To minimize your outdoor chores, such as mowing or trimming, hire a lawn care pro near you to check off your to-do list.
Main Photo Credit: Hill-Stead Museum / Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for New England","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/1789c/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/107df/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/293e9/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/f2cbb/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/1789c/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/c26c2/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/1dd6e/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/67b76/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 320w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/8df11/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 500w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/98a65/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 800w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/1dd6e/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 960w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/3cc96/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for New England","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Wouldn’t you rather spend the weekend hiking along a new trail? Spend less time on chores with these 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for New England."}}},{"node":{"id":"a7d4f1dc-205b-5939-88f1-10ed1b0aabd9","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-alabama","path":"/lawn-care/al/low-maintenance-landscaping-alabama/","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":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 14th, 2023","excerpt":"After taking in the views at Cheaha State Park, returning to a home landscape that provides the same serenity and aesthetic pleasure is a welcoming thought. We’ve compiled eight low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Alabama homeowners to help you do just that. While you may not be able to duplicate the wonders of Cheaha in your […]
\n","content":"\nAfter taking in the views at Cheaha State Park, returning to a home landscape that provides the same serenity and aesthetic pleasure is a welcoming thought. We’ve compiled eight low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Alabama homeowners to help you do just that. While you may not be able to duplicate the wonders of Cheaha in your yard, you can create a breathtaking landscape that is just as appealing.
\n\n\n\nAnd let’s be honest, the breeze from the Gulf of Mexico is nice, but sometimes the summers get really hot. These ideas will help you stay out of the heat, or at least allow you more time to enjoy the beaches at Gulf State Park when you are outdoors, instead of spending a lot of your time doing yard work. A spectacular-looking yard does not have to mean a lot of sweat and labor.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/36415538275_740f5f1f45_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlanting perennials has many benefits. Annuals only last one season and must be replanted. Perennials, on the other hand, last many seasons after being planted only once. They require maintenance, but usually less than annuals. Most perennials require dividing for healthy growth and continued flowering.
\n\n\n\nMany perennials thrive as long as they receive sunshine and are planted in well-drained soil. The deep root systems of perennials help prevent erosion and promote healthy soil composition.
\n\n\n\nPerennials come in multiple colors, sizes, and textures, so you can have the same diversity as you would with annuals. Planting different perennial varieties means they’ll blossom at different times, giving you a colorful garden longer.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these Alabama hardy native perennials:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennials depends on the plant type and size, purchase location, and if you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional. It costs between $650 and $3,000 for professional flower bed installation, depending on plant type and size, and the number of plants. Expect to pay between $10 to $100 per plant if you’re DIY’ing it. A package of seeds typically costs less than $2.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFill your flower bed and other areas of your yard with a diverse collection of native plants. From shrubs to sedums to ornamental grasses, native plants add variety, color, and interest to any home.
\n\n\n\nNative plants can make your life a little easier and promote a healthier environment. Most native plants are low maintenance because they have adapted to the Alabama climate. They require less watering and fertilizing and are more tolerant of local diseases and pests. As a result, fewer chemicals are needed to maintain native plants, meaning fewer harmful chemicals run off into the water supply and contaminate the environment.
\n\n\n\nNative plants provide habitat and nourishment for local insects, butterflies, birds, and wildlife, sustaining biodiversity and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nHere are some attractive Alabama native plants:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices depend on plant type, size, and purchase location. Shrubs cost between $15 to $50. Expect to pay between $5 to $50 per vine. A tree averages between $200 to $1,500.
\n\n\n\n![\"Plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Plants-with-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch is a low-maintenance idea that saves time and money and benefits your soil and plants. Mulch protects the soil from direct sunlight, which reduces water evaporation and conserves water. It also prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, and protects the soil from extreme temperatures that can injure plant roots.
\n\n\n\nWeed suppression means less time and money spent on herbicides. When plant roots are protected from injury, like frost in the winter, you do not have to spend time repairing the damage or replacing plants. When you replace grass in difficult-to-mow areas with mulch, you reduce the time otherwise spent mowing the lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou have two choices for mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch can improve soil quality, aeration, and drainage. As it breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil. Both organic and inorganic mulch can add aesthetic value to your home.
\n\n\n\nMulch comes in different textures, colors, and styles. Here are some examples:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Organic mulch typically costs about $50 to $150 per cubic yard. Inorganic mulch costs about $20 to $400 per cubic yard. You can typically get mulch at $3 to $7 a bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fire-Pit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rochester Concrete Products / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are non-living, man-made features. Although they cost more upfront, after they are constructed, they provide years of low-maintenance visual appeal and functionality.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve installed a flagstone pathway and wrap-around porch as inviting entryways to your home, you’ve created a landscape design that does not need mowing, weeding, or fertilizing. The more hardscapes, the fewer lawn care and gardening tasks you’ll have to do.
\n\n\n\nYou might like some of these hardscape ideas:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: It costs an average of $4.50 to $17 per square foot for professional hardscaping, depending on the type of project, or between $3,300 to $13,200 per project. A walkway costs between $335 and $2,840. A retaining wall is one of the more expensive landscape designs, costing between $3,600 to $9,500.
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaping](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Xeriscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is another landscaping idea that saves water and time. This type of landscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and other low-maintenance features to replace grass. Succulents, native plants, and other plants that require little water, like liriopes, create an efficient and diverse display. Many xeriscaping features require no fertilization and little to no pruning.
\n\n\n\nLet’s look at some ways to xeriscape:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay between $5 to $20 per square foot for professional installation, depending on materials, type of feature, and the size of your yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lilyturf](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lilyturf-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsing groundcover instead of grass eliminates or reduces the need to mow. Choosing low-maintenance groundcover means less watering, fertilizing, and other activities necessary to maintain grass.
\n\n\n\nYou can replace your grass with plants that are low-maintenance and look like grass, with a touch of color. Liriopes are a category of grass-like plants that also flower. They spread to make an excellent groundcover.
\n\n\n\nLiriopes (Liriope muscari) are not native to Alabama, but some, like monkey grass, are popular amongst Alabama homeowners. Liriope is very low-maintenance. It is drought, heat, and high-traffic tolerant. It suppresses weeds and requires little, if any, fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nMixing different types of groundcover plants can give your yard a more interesting and colorful landscape than having a lawn made of only grass. Groundcover also prevents erosion.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for interesting groundcover to partially or completely replace your grass, you may like these plants that are either drought-tolerant, native to Alabama, or both :
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of groundcover plants depends on the plant type, size, how they’re sold, and purchase location. A container plant costs about $40. Plant trays cost about $10. The same plant may cost between $4 and $400 when sold as seeds, depending on the number of seeds.
\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\nArtificial grass means no more mowing, watering, fertilizing, dethatching, or any of those maintenance chores associated with real grass. Although artificial grass is costly initially, you’ll only have to do occasional maintenance, like cleaning it and keeping it free of debris.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also contribute to a cleaner environment. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that would have been used to maintain your lawn will no longer be applied and run off into the water supply.
\n\n\n\nIf you choose artificial turfgrass, be aware that it reduces the nutrients the soil underneath it receives. So, the soil can be damaged.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay an average of $5.50 to $19.75 per square foot for artificial grass installation, depending on the material, property size, and yard shape.
\n\n\n\n![\"Showy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Showy-stonecrop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kroton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSucculents are great for low-maintenance landscapes and well-suited for the dry, hot Alabama climate. These plants store water in their stems, roots, and leaves, allowing them to thrive with little watering. They are drought-tolerant and usually require less pruning and fertilization than other plants.
\n\n\n\nSedums are a category of hardy succulents. Not all sedums are succulents, but most are, and they come in multiple colors, sizes, and styles. Their flowers usually blossom late in the growing season, so sedums help you keep some visual excitement in your flower bed a little longer.
\n\n\n\nHere are some sedums and other succulent plants for your Alabama garden bed:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Succulents cost an average of $10 to $75 per plant, depending on plant type and size.
\n\n\n\nPlants native to Alabama thrive best. You can choose non-native plants, but you want to identify options that will grow well in Alabama’s climate. One way to do this is by referring to the plant’s USDA hardiness zone.
Zones indicate the plants that will survive an area’s lowest winter temperatures. Zones differ by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Alabama’s zones are 7b to 8b. So choose plants within your zone for the best success.
Invasive plants can outcompete native plants, causing them to be greatly reduced or completely replaced. This means hummingbirds, insects, and wildlife can no longer depend on native plants for food and habitat. The ecosystem can become unbalanced and some insect and animal species can begin to decrease. Here are some ways to manage invasive plants:
• The best way to keep them from spreading is to remove the plant.
• If the seed has not formed yet, remove the flowers by deadheading.
• Pull up small plants or seedlings.
• Cut down large, woody varieties and treat the stump with an herbicide.
Drip irrigation systems allow homeowners to save water by watering more efficiently. They are excellent choices for xeriscape designs. Drip irrigation systems usually result in using less water than sprinkler irrigation. You can use a simple drip irrigation system under mulch, or a more elaborate system for larger areas.
With these eight ideas, you can create a beautiful landscaping design that reduces the time it takes to keep it healthy and visually appealing. Alabama has over 15 state parks. Why spend your time maintaining your yard when you can spend it enjoying walking trails, beaches, biking, and other recreational activities?
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to treat yourself to a well-kept lawn without all the effort, contact a local lawn care professional.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Bellingrath Gardens / Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nNamed the Most Livable Town in Tennessee, Murfreesboro offers excellence in education, medical facilities, employment opportunities, real estate, and recreational programs. Located in the Nashville metropolitan area of middle Tennessee, the city houses over 1,200 acres of award-winning parks and outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro is the 3rd Fastest Growing City in America. The small city has a lot of urban amenities and all the country charm you could ever dream of. Invite some Tennessee nature and southern beauty into your landscape by filling your yard with some of the best native plants for Murfreesboro.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants help promote a healthier Tennessee ecosystem. Check out these 17 native plants for Murfreesboro to help you plan your charming landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Persimmon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican persimmon, also known as common persimmon and eastern persimmon, is a small to medium-sized tree that reaches heights up to 80 feet tall. Native to Tennessee and the Eastern United States, this shade tree produces small white and yellow flowers followed by edible orange fruits in September and December.
\n\n\n\nAmerican persimmons have a short trunk and spreading growth habit with a broad and rounded canopy. The tree invites local wildlife such as pollinators, songbirds, deer, and flying squirrels, and is the larval host for the Luna moth. Persimmon trees grow well in all soil types and habitats, from shaded valleys and home lawns to wide-open sunny fields and the shores of Percy Priest Lake.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 30-80 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; low-nutrient, rich, acidic, alkaline, neutral, moist, well-drained, poorly drained, loam, sand, silt, soil, rock, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week if it does not rain and allow to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible fruits
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-witch-hazel.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nAmerican or common witch-hazel is a small deciduous tree with a vase-shaped growth habit found in Tennessee and the Eastern United States. It has scaly, light brown bark, oval leaves, and small, spindly yellow flowers that bloom in fall. The small tree produces wood fruit following its fragrant fall blooms, and its leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn.
\n\n\n\nAmerican witch-hazel loves shady areas and adapts to most soil conditions. The large shrub is often found in wetlands, woodlands, and stream banks. Witch-hazel grows well as fringe trees in home lawns that back up to wooded areas. The tree also makes a great border shrub and grows extremely well under the canopy of a large shade tree for landscape dimension.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree or large shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; low-nutrient, rich, acidic, alkaline, neutral, moist, well-drained, loam, sand, silt, or soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Natural rainwater is sufficient; may need 1 inch of water per week during extremely dry conditions
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Aster.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Hedwig Storch / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAsters are a family of flowering perennials with several species native to Tennessee. Vibrant late summer and early fall blooms attract pollinating insects, while the dried stalks and leftover seeds provide food and shelter for songbirds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nAsters prefer full sun and thrive in the well-drained loamy soils found in Murfreesboro. Plant these beautiful blooms in flower beds, containers, or butterfly gardens. The three most prominent asters native to Tennessee include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-6 feet tall and 1-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefer neutral or acidic well-drained loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells; do not tolerate standing water
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible flowers
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bee-Balm-Monarda-Didyma.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild bergamot, affectionately known as bee balm, is a Tennessee wildflower in the mint family. It blooms in the summer with showy white or purple flowers that look like pom-poms. Bee balm grows well in garden beds and containers. The subshrub is often used as a medicinal plant or honey plant in pollinator gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe perennial has aromatic leaves that can be used for mint tea. Its medicinal properties are often used to treat respiratory ailments. Wild bergamot reaches up to 5 feet and grows well in all soil types, but does not tolerate flooding. The fragrant shrub attracts many pollinators to your garden but, like all plants in the mint family, is resistant to deer and mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or subshrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained acidic soil, sandy loam, loam, clay, or lime-based soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant; water every 7-10 days during dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and flowers; medicinal uses for respiratory ailments
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a native species of milkweed and is extremely important to healthy Tennessee landscapes. It is an attractive flowering plant and a nectar source for bees and pollinators and a host plant for caterpillars, including the Monarch butterfly, Dogbane Tiger moth, and Milkweed Tussock moth. There are around 14 native species of milkweed that call Tennessee home.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed produces bright orange or yellow flowers from summer to fall. The attractive plant is hardy and loves full sun. It tolerates most soils but prefers sandy well-draining soil and is moderately drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and less than 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial though some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, sandy soil or gravel
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; milky sap irritates humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eastern-redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nEastern redbud, or Tennessee pink to the locals, is a small deciduous tree with a dense canopy. It produces small clusters of showy pink flowers over its bare branches in spring. Blooms last for two to three weeks before giving way to heart-shaped dark green leaves that turn golden in the fall.
\n\n\n\nTennessee pink works well as shrub borders and fringe trees. Those low-maintenance cultivars require little pruning and attract many birds and pollinators. They have a short trunk and rounded crown of spreading branches. Unfortunately, these beautiful trees have a short lifespan of around 50 years.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once weekly during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: High toxicity; poisonous to dogs and cats
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a small flowering understory tree. Producing one of the most popular and recognizable spring flowers in Murfreesboro, this small tree blooms white or pink flowers of modified leaves in April and May and produces bright red berries in the fall.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is single or multi-trunked with sprawling branches. Plant anywhere your yard receives shade and filtered light. The berries of this small tree provide food for birds, deer, and small mammals while its flowers attract Tennessee pollinators. Flowering dogwood is also a larval food source for the Spring Azure butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, acidic, well-drained, soil, sand, loam, or medium loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water 1 inch per week in place of rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lemon-Mint.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAnother member of the mint family, lemon mint, also known as lemon bee balm and purple horsemint, is an aromatic winter annual native to Tennessee. It produces unique, tufted, whorled lavender-pink flowers on elongated spikes in the spring through fall. This drought-tolerant plant requires annual reseeding in Murfreesboro.
\n\n\n\nLike all plants in the mint family, horsemint is used for tea and has a distinctive citrus-lemon mint scent that attracts bees and butterflies but repels mosquitoes and deer. It grows in all soil conditions and is commonly found alongside Tennessee highways, pastures, hillsides, prairies, savannahs, and plains. Lemon mint is low-maintenance and aggressive and prefers to be left alone. The winter annual grows well in garden beds or along garden margins, anywhere it will be neglected.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or subshrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 inches tall and 7-12 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial or annual
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers sandy loam, rock, clay loam, medium loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Prefers regular watering to keep the soil moist; grows well with a layer of mulch to retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and flowers used for tea, salads, and cooked foods
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mapleleaf-Viburnum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nMapleleaf viburnum is a low-growing, dense shrub. It has bright green maple-shaped deciduous foliage that turns shades of pink and purple in the fall. The attractive shrub blooms white flowers in the spring followed by berries in late summer and early fall that turn from red to dark blue.
\n\n\n\nMapleleaf viburnum grows best in partial shade. The low-maintenance shrub grows well alone and in clusters and responds well to pruning after they bloom. Its berries attract birds and other wildlife and it is a larval food source for the Spring Azure butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, acidic, rock, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea is a shade-loving shrub found in the understory of large trees like Tennessee black walnuts, maples, and dogwoods. It is coarse-textured with large, cone-shaped flower clusters that bloom for months every summer and change colors from white to light pink and purple.
\n\n\n\nThe fast-growing deciduous shrub gets its name from its dark green, oak-shaped leaves that turn red, gold, or purple in the fall. Oakleaf hydrangea reaches heights up to 10 feet tall and thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Smaller cultivars like “Pee Wee” are available for homeowners with limited space.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5b-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet high and 6-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full shade to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers, fertile, well-drained soil; adapts to most soil conditions, including moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; all plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sugar-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSugar maple is a native deciduous tree with sap used to make maple syrup. It is a large tree, growing 40 to 80 feet tall in most landscapes. Sugar maple has a dense, rounded crown with foliage that turns yellow, orange, red, and bronze in the fall. It has shaggy brown bark and widespread branches.
\n\n\n\nSugar maple produces hardwood used for home furniture and flooring. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Keep in mind that this shade tree has shallow roots that can disrupt the growth of plants and grass growing under its canopy.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 tall feet and 30-60 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Deep, well-drained, acidic or slightly alkaline soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water every 3-5 days, especially in dry conditions
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; only poisonous to horses
\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\nSpicebush is an ornamental shrub that is disease and pest-resistant. It produces small bright yellow, fragrant flowers in spring and bright red berries in September. The multi-stemmed shrub has medium green leaves that turn clear yellow in fall. It occurs naturally in wooded areas and pond shores, preferring fertile loam soils.
\n\n\n\nSpicebush adapts to a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to full shade. It is an important plant for the Tennessee ecosystem. This shrub attracts birds and pollinators and is the nesting ground for the Spicebush Swallowtail. Grow spicebush in dappled shade covered with organic mulch. It is ideal for woodland gardens, borders, mass plantings, and landscapes near streams or ponds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to heavy shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers acidic or alkaline, fertile loam; will tolerate loamy sand, medium loam, and silty loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Adaptable; does not require watering outside of rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and berries
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tennessee-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\nTennessee coneflower was on the verge of extinction until 2011 when officials removed it from the endangered species list. This Tennessee native is slow-growing and perfect for prairies, meadows, flower beds, containers, and rock gardens. Tennessee coneflower produces bright fuchsia daisy-shaped blooms with burgundy and orange centers atop long vertical stems.
\n\n\n\nThese vibrant wildflowers tolerate drought, humidity, heat, and poor soils, and have no serious pest or disease issues. Coneflowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, but also make a great deer-resistant addition to your Murfreesboro lawn. They are also an important food source for winter songbirds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 18-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, acidic, alkaline, neutral, chalk, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; requires weekly watering during extreme dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Geranium-Geranium-Maculatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild geranium is another herbaceous perennial with beautiful blooms, intricate foliage, and medicinal uses. This Tennessee native attracts mourning doves, quail, and white-tailed deer. Bright lavender flowers bloom in loose clusters atop long stems from March to July, attracting pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThis shade-loving herb’s Intricate, lobed leaves can be boiled into tea to treat inflammation. Grow wild geranium in containers, shaded areas, flower beds, and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water frequently; needs daily watering in the summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible; used medicinally as tea to fight inflammation
\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\nWild red columbine is a perennial herb and a member of the buttercup family. Also known as red Columbine, this Tennessee native grows up to 3 feet tall with showy, tuberous red and yellow blooms that droop, exposing bright yellow stamens.
\n\n\n\nWild columbine has an erect growth pattern and bright green leaves. Its flowering tubes attract hummingbirds and butterflies and rabbits love to munch on its foliage. This herbaceous perennial prefers partial shade. Red columbine struggles when other plants compete with its root systems and prefer to grow alone as a groundcover in flower beds, at the edges of gardens, or in containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to full shade; prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers neutral, sandy, well-drained sand, medium loam, sandy loam, or limestone-based soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells; does not tolerate standing water
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Winterberry-Ilex-Verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is a deciduous tree in the holly family. This low-maintenance accent plant is often found in swamps, forest wetlands, and bogs. It grows well in mass plantings, shrub borders, wet soils, and near water.
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is the hardiest of all native hollies. Green and white-hued flowers bloom in June while some plants produce bright red berries in late summer that last through winter, attracting birds and wildlife. Winterberry is resistant to both pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree or large shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to full shade; prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, acidic soil, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High; ensure the soil is moist; water once per day during dry periods in spring and summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; fruits and foliage poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"Woodland](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Woodland-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown in Murfreesboro as woodland phlox or wild blue phlox, this fragrant flowering plant forms colonies of showy star-shaped purple and blue blooms in spring as the plant crawls across unoccupied grounds. Woodland phlox works well in garden beds as a low-maintenance groundcover, mass plantings, and border edging.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial herb has bright green foliage that rabbits love to nibble on and a dense growth pattern, making it a great hiding spot. It is deer-resistant and thrives in shady areas and most soil types.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, moist, acidic soils, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, and clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Maintain moist soil, ensuring the plant is never waterlogged; apply organic mulch to help retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nYour yard has its own unique microclimate, and all native plants have specific needs. Not all native plants will grow well in your yard. Be sure to select plants suitable for the soil, sun exposure, and watering capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, indicating the coldest annual temperature is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Tennessee native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Murfreesboro’s hardiness zone. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMost flowers and shrubs should be planted after the last frost in late April. Check your local weather forecast before introducing new plants to your yard. Typically, the frost-free seasons last from April 20 to Oct. 11.
Murfreesboro’s diverse landscape is home to many soil types. Some areas consist of well-drained, fertile loam, while others are limestone-based or compacted clay. The best way to identify your landscape’s soil type is to send a sample of your soil in for testing to the local University of Tennessee extension office.
Early morning or evening are the best times to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Chances are good you already have native plants in your yard or around your neighborhood. If you want to introduce more plants into your Murfreesboro landscape, be sure to source your plants ethically and never transplant them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local nurseries in the Murfreesboro area:
\n\n\n\nFilling your yard with native plants is only one step in your landscaping design project. Be sure to maintain your new landscape with our spring lawn care tips for Murfreesboro and our fall lawn care checklist.
\n\n\n\nWhen you are ready to turn over the hard work and lawn upkeep to a professional, let WikiLawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Hectonichus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"17 Best Native Plants for Murfreesboro, TN","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3318534961154274,"src":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1789c/Asteraceae.jpg","srcSet":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/107df/Asteraceae.jpg 320w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/293e9/Asteraceae.jpg 500w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/f2cbb/Asteraceae.jpg 800w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1789c/Asteraceae.jpg 960w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/c26c2/Asteraceae.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1dd6e/Asteraceae.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/67b76/Asteraceae.webp 320w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/8df11/Asteraceae.webp 500w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/98a65/Asteraceae.webp 800w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1dd6e/Asteraceae.webp 960w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/3cc96/Asteraceae.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"17 Best Native Plants for Murfreesboro, TN | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out these Tennessee native plants for Murfreesboro to find 17 plants that thrive in the humid subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"43e7c0da-3068-5b54-a08d-5c74304ade47","slug":"firewise-landscaping-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/firewise-landscaping-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Wildfires love dry weather, which is why Utah, with its arid climate, is highly prone to wildfire. In fact, it’s among the most dangerous states for wildfires in the U.S. But you can minimize the damage by adopting these fire-wise landscaping ideas for your Utah home. In this article: 1. Prepare Your Defensible Space Photo […]
\n","content":"\nWildfires love dry weather, which is why Utah, with its arid climate, is highly prone to wildfire. In fact, it’s among the most dangerous states for wildfires in the U.S. But you can minimize the damage by adopting these fire-wise landscaping ideas for your Utah home.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Farmer](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Getting-rid-of-the-dead-wood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pauline Eccles / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDefensible space is the buffer between your home and the vegetation around it. By keeping this area clear of flammable vegetation and objects, you rob the fire of the fuel it needs to maintain its destructive march.
\n\n\n\nIf your home doesn’t have a defensible space, it most likely won’t survive the fire, and the flames may spread quickly to your neighbor’s property as well. The secondary benefits of defensible space is that it can create a safe zone for firefighters to battle a blaze without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nAn effective defensible space consists of three zones:
\n\n\n\nZone 1 (Immediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 1 extends up to 5 feet from your home. If you live on a hill, increase the distance by 5 feet or more because fire travels faster uphill.
\n\n\n\nHere is how to prepare this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 2 (Intermediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 2 begins where the first zone ends. It extends from 6 feet up to 30 feet. Here are some guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 3 (Extended Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 3 extends from 31 feet up to 100 feet or the property line. Here are the guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Metal-Gazebo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: GAlexandrova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWooden fences and gazebos look great, and many homeowners across the U.S. prefer them. But they are highly flammable and can quickly spread fire. So, wood shouldn’t be your first choice in Utah.
\n\n\n\nMetal and stone structures are a fire-resistant alternative to wood. They look great, are more durable, and require less maintenance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Silvery](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Silvery-Yarrow.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PicturElements / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe term “fire-resistant plants” is a bit of a misnomer. All plants will burn when exposed to fire. However, fire-resistant plants won’t ignite as violently.
\n\n\n\nA fire-resistant plant:
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the most fire-resistant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips for growing fire-resistant plants correctly.
\n\n\n\nNote: If you live on a hill, leave more space between plants as fire travels faster uphill.
\n\n\n\n| Slope Size | Tree Distance | Shrub Distance |
| Mild slope (less than 20%) | 10 feet | 2 times the shrub’s height |
| Moderate slope (20% to 40%) | 20 feet | 4 times the shrub’s height |
| Steep slope (greater than 40%) | 30 feet | 6 times the shrub’s height |
![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gravel-mulch-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sten Porse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch helps plants conserve water. It can also reduce weed growth. Weeds are highly flammable and can spread fire. But choosing the wrong mulch – meaning mulch that is highly flammable – actually aids the spread of fire.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, pebbles, and river rocks have great fire resistance. These mulches also look good and require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer organic mulches, we recommend wood chips as they are the least flammable, according to a study by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. That study indicates that composted wood chips are the least flammable mulches.
\n\n\n\nHere are some mulches to avoid, as they are combustible.
\n\n\n\n![\"Our](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_concrete_retaining_wall_in_walnut_creek_ca_built_by_retaining_wall_experts.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Easterday / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features added to a landscape design. They increase the appearance of your lawn and can also slow the spread of fire. Hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nUse bricks, concrete, and metal for your hardscapes, but not wood. Here’s how hardscapes can help minimize fire spread.
\n\n\n\nUtah is hot, and it’s the second driest state in the U.S., making it highly prone to wildfires.
\n\n\n\nIt’s impossible to prevent wildfires from erupting, but you can minimize the damage by creating a defensible space, using metal structures, growing fire-resistant plants, applying fire-resistant mulch, and building hardscapes.
\n\n\n\nWildfires spread rapidly, and a single fire-resistant landscape can’t slow the spread. If you live in a community, involve your neighbors and encourage them to create a fire-resistant landscape too.
\n\n\n\nIf you want some help creating your lawn fire-resistant, Wikilawn Utah lawn care experts can help. We can also help you with regular lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Devereaux House / Ken Lund / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"5 Fire-wise Landscaping Ideas for Utah","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1789c/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/107df/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/293e9/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/f2cbb/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1789c/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/c26c2/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1dd6e/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/67b76/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/8df11/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/98a65/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1dd6e/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/3cc96/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Firewise Landscaping Ideas for Utah","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Utah's desert climate is highly prone to wildfire, but you can protect your home with a good firewise strategy that includes fire-resistant landscaping"}}},{"node":{"id":"b402167d-a3ac-5eaf-8d61-7e59e048b233","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/hurricane-resistant-landscaping/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b2c4f6ff-0472-5f66-b3a2-f18459ce21c7","name":"Tallahassee","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Tallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. […]
\n","content":"\nTallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. Here are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to help you prepare your outdoor space for hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Miami Landscaping
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taxodium_Distichum_Bald_Cypress_28894599385.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSustained winds of 90 mph or more will uproot large trees. Even 20 miles from the nearest coast, Tallahassee is no stranger to tropical storm winds during hurricane season. The city endured 12 hours of hurricane-force winds and gusts up to 71 miles per hour when Hurricane Michael ripped across the Gulf of Mexico in 2019.
\n\n\n\nWith 41% of all U.S. hurricanes making landfall in Florida, it is important to plant wind-resistant trees to protect your home and neighborhood from flying branches and falling trees.
\n\n\n\nWind-resistant Tallahassee tree species include:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a hurricane-resistant tree varies depending on the size and type of tree, purchase location, and whether you are having a certified arborist handle your landscaping. If you head to your local nursery to purchase your tree, you can expect to spend between $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/tree-meadow-trunk-woodland-palm-trees-tree-trunks-1097898-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nStorm preparedness and emergency management are second nature to most residents of Leon County. Unfortunately, no matter how much you plan, you know there is no way to completely protect your home and yard from high winds and storm damage. Selecting wind-resistant trees and thoroughly planning your landscape design increases your plants’ survival chances during a storm surge.
\n\n\n\nSome things to consider as you plan your hurricane-resistant landscape include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/40561099854_c6581da4db_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTally sits in the central portion of the Northern Florida panhandle. Native plants are the most salt and wind-tolerant plants you can include in your landscaping, and they are incredibly low-maintenance. Native plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in Tallahassee’s subtropical climate. These plants are hands-off, resistant to local insects and diseases, and more likely to survive flooding from a hurricane churning in from the Gulf.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Tallahassee native plants to choose from. Take a look at some of the most wind-tolerant examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Tree_Pruning.jpg\")
Photo Credit: TreeMinion15 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTallahassee residents get to experience the enviable Florida weather and a short 30-minute drive to sugary white beaches. They also have the added advantage of being inland away from most storm surges during a hurricane, and hurricanes only directly impact Tally once every eight years on average.
\n\n\n\nStill, healthy trees are sturdy trees, and one of the best ways to maintain healthy trees is to perform routine maintenance, including pruning and trimming. Be sure to keep your hedges, shrubs, and trees pruned or trimmed to cut down on the number and size of branches flying across your yard during a tropical storm.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of landscape maintenance:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional tree trimming and landscape maintenance costs between $315 to $700, depending on the size of your yard and the number of trees and shrubs.
\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\nMulch is an inexpensive DIY job with enormous benefits for your Florida lawn. Mulch comes in many forms and colors. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips that helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protects your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your Tallahassee landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the sandy loam soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Organic mulch absorbs water, prevents puddling, decreases runoff, and assists in flood management.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBest mulch for your Tallahassee landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JiminyPicketVinylFence.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Deniseesser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMany Tallahassee fence contractors specialize in wind-resistant fencing and reinforcement. Like trees, all fences are not created equal, especially for wind resistance. It is important to consider the best type of fencing for your landscape and note that wood fences are not the best choice for wind-resistant fencing. However, if the sustainability and natural beauty of wood are something you cannot live without, be sure to choose a slatted fence design to minimize wind resistance.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some of the most wind-resistant fence types:
\n\n\n\nFence types to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional fence installation costs between $1,330 to $5,550, depending on size, materials, and location.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bird-bath-gdd2579a6f_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe average Florida homeowner spends 37.7 days mowing in their lifetime. That is a lot of time outdoors, which comes as no surprise considering the year-round warm weather. Statues, flower containers, bird baths, small fountains, and patio furniture are all great additions that add a personal touch and visual appeal to your Tallahassee landscape. Unfortunately, these objects are no match for hurricane-force winds. Be sure to remove all movable storm hazards to minimize damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There is no cost to move your landscaping decorations or furniture indoors. However, if you are short on space and want to maximize your storm preparedness, you can rent a storage unit for around $125 per month.
\n\n\n\n![\"Water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-ready-made-3964796-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nTallahassee receives 60 inches of rain per year, and Leon County’s unique topography, including streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, is susceptible to overland flooding. Storm drains are an integral part of your overall landscape. Unfortunately, many homeowners often overlook these necessities because they offer little aesthetic value. Yard waste and organic debris clog your drains, leading to increased flooding and water damage. Be sure to keep paths to your drains clear by maintaining your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of proper drainage:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional French drain installation costs between $1,650 to $12,250, depending on location, size, and excavation needs.
\n\n\n\nThe best hurricane-resistant grasses for your Tallahassee landscape are bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. Both types of grass tolerate submergence and are great warm-season grasses that also stand up well to heavy traffic.
Yes. Most artificial grass is wind-resistant and can withstand up to 50 inches of rain per hour. Most hurricanes generate precipitation at a rate of 6 inches per hour.
Mow regularly once the ground is completely dry. Aim to mow weekly to stimulate grass growth. Be sure to set your mower to the tallest setting to help your grass establish deep roots, making it more flood and drought resistant.
Check hurricane-resistant landscaping off of your storm preparedness list. While you focus on other areas of preparation, consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tallahassee FL Park Ave / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1789c/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/107df/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 320w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/293e9/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 500w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/f2cbb/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 800w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1789c/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 960w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/c26c2/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1dd6e/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/67b76/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 320w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/8df11/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 500w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/98a65/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 800w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1dd6e/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 960w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/3cc96/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Worry less about your storm preparedness with these hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Tallahassee, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"054e9325-fba7-517e-ae5b-95844473a805","slug":"best-trees-las-vegas-landscapes","path":"/lawn-care/nv/las-vegas/best-trees-las-vegas-landscapes/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e27810b8-f282-526d-9421-b74733ea3ddb","name":"Las Vegas","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nv/las-vegas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"013fbac6-10a0-54dd-8196-03ea2813f6d0","name":"Nevada","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nv/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"It’s pretty exciting to live in Las Vegas – a city renowned for its vibrant nightlife, entertaining casinos, and luxurious hotels. But beyond the bright lights and busy streets, Sin City is also home to a diverse and unique landscape. So if you want your property to have a beautiful garden, you must learn more […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s pretty exciting to live in Las Vegas – a city renowned for its vibrant nightlife, entertaining casinos, and luxurious hotels. But beyond the bright lights and busy streets, Sin City is also home to a diverse and unique landscape. So if you want your property to have a beautiful garden, you must learn more about these 15 best trees for Las Vegas landscapes.
\n\n\n\nWith Southern Nevada’s arid climate and desert conditions, finding trees that thrive in this environment can be challenging for most homeowners. However, with proper care and attention, creating a stunning landscape is possible even in a desert environment.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nThe following trees can tolerate the city’s unique climate while also adding beauty and character to any yard:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5170268020_4789bb7a5f_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bri Weldon / Fllickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to southern Africa, this small tree has become a popular ornamental plant in Las Vegas. Homeowners love it for its dense, evergreen foliage and striking crown that add shade and visual interest to their gardens. In fact, you’ll often see these shade trees in parks, along streets, and in front yards throughout the city.
\n\n\n\nA perfect fit for the desert climate of Las Vegas, African sumac grows well in dry, semi-arid regions with rocky soil. Because of this, it’s already well-adapted to survive with little water, making it an excellent option for a low-maintenance garden. Apart from being heat and drought-tolerant, this desert tree also can withstand high winds.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to use African sumac trees for your hedges and privacy screens, prune them regularly and remove dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth. Also, mulch around the base to improve soil quality and help retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, alkaline, sandy, clay, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – all parts of the tree are poisonous and can cause allergic reactions
\n\n\n\n![\"growing](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bay-laurel-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\nBay laurel has long been cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses. Although native to the Mediterranean region, this drought-tolerant tree has found a home in many Las Vegas gardens due to its ability to thrive in varying climates. It can grow well even in rocky soil and dry and humid environments.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to promote biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem in your garden, bay laurel is a wonderful option. It typically blooms in the spring, producing small, pale yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. You can plant this evergreen tree in your Mediterranean-style landscape, patio, container garden, hedge, and privacy screen.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12-40 feet tall, 12-40 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, rich, rocky soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Palo-Verde-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schultz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAn iconic tree native to the southwestern United States, including parts of Nevada, Arizona, and California, blue palo verde adds a touch of natural elegance to the urban environment. It grows in hot, dry regions – making it perfectly suited for the arid climate of Sin City.
\n\n\n\nWith a distinctive greenish-blue bark and vibrant yellow flowers, this desert tree typically blooms in the spring and attracts various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s a larval host to the palo verde beetle, a large insect often found around the tree in the summer.
\n\n\n\nTo create a beautiful and cohesive landscape that celebrates the unique beauty of the desert, you can plant complementary species around this landscaping tree, such as desert marigolds or brittlebush. Also, pair it with one of the best grass types suitable for Nevada.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-25 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, slightly alkaline, sandy, loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/9294575348_13ae39dce3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: MdAgDept / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA beautiful and versatile plant, the chaste tree has already adapted well to the hot and dry climate of Las Vegas, Paradise, and Henderson. It blooms in the summer, and its showy spikes of purple or blue flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis fruit tree also produces small, dark purple to black fruits about the size of peppercorns. Also known as monk’s pepper, these chaste berries are used for medicinal purposes. Use them with caution, though, as they may cause side effects and interact with certain medications.
\n\n\n\nThe chaste tree is often used as a drought-tolerant alternative to more traditional landscape plants. Also resistant to deer, this deciduous tree is perfect for cottage gardens, foundation plantings, garden beds, and borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-15 feet tall, 4-12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained but moist, loose, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic – but may cause stomach issues, nausea, itchy rashes, and diarrhea in some people
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2017-08-03_11_28_02_Crape_Myrtle_with_lavender_flowers_along_Stone_Heather_Drive_in_the_Chantilly_Highlands_section_of_Oak_Hill_Fairfax_County_Vi-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWhile crape myrtle can grow in various settings, including forests, savannas, and wetlands, it’s also well-suited for the desert environment of Southern Nevada. In Las Vegas, you’ll see it planted in residential landscapes, parks, and public spaces, including the Springs Preserve and the Clark County Government Center.
\n\n\n\nKnown for its vibrant flowers, attractive bark, and drought tolerance, this deciduous tree has a long blooming season – typically from summer to fall. During this time, crape myrtle produces clusters of beautiful flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Date_palm_tree-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Balaram Mahalder / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe date palm is an iconic tree of the desert landscape that can be found throughout Sin City, including The Strip. This palm tree naturally thrives in hot, arid environments. With its tall, slender trunk and feather-like fronds, it’s not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also has a rich cultural and historical significance.
\n\n\n\nThis hardy plant produces small flowers that bloom in early spring, which attract pollinators like bees and wasps. The female flowers then develop into the well-known date fruit – a staple food in many Middle Eastern cultures. The tree also can serve as a host plant for the Palm Weevil, a beetle species that lays its eggs in the tree’s trunk.
\n\n\n\nRegular pruning can help maintain the tree’s shape and prevent it from becoming too top-heavy. Additionally, providing the tree with adequate fertilizer can help promote healthy growth and enhance the size and quality of the fruit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Palm tree or cycad
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 50-80 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, loamy, clay, chalk, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Slightly toxic – its thorns are poisonous and may cause injuries
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2574684229_2588e9e3f9_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ken Bosma / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA stunning flowering tree native to the southwestern United States, desert willow can thrive naturally in arid regions, including the Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Chihuahuan Desert. But in Las Vegas, this desert tree is often planted in many gardens and public spaces, including the Springs Preserve and the Nevada State Museum.
\n\n\n\nThe desert willow blooms from late spring to early fall, producing fragrant pink or purple flowers that attract various pollinators. Its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and graceful branches can add a touch of natural beauty to desert landscapes.
\n\n\n\nThis heat and drought-tolerant tree is a symbol of endurance and strength, as it can survive in the harsh desert environment. And if you want to make it even more appealing in your garden, you can plant agave, yucca, and cactus around it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall, 10-20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained soil but grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic – but its bark can be poisonous to animals, especially cats
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/26192056905_52bb55a294_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schluz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith its drought-tolerant nature and ability to thrive in dry soil conditions, honey mesquite is a popular choice for landscaping in the Las Vegas Valley area. Smaller than the Chilean mesquite, this shade tree is native to the southwestern US and Mexico.
\n\n\n\nThe honey mesquite is a vital food source for many desert animals, including birds, insects, and mammals. Its sweet-smelling flowers bloom in the spring and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s also a larval host for various butterfly species, such as the Reakirt’s blue butterfly and long-tailed skipper.
\n\n\n\nOne important thing to consider is that honey mesquite has long, sharp thorns, so it can be hazardous to people and pets. As such, it may be best to plant it in areas where it will not pose a danger to those around it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-30 feet tall, 25-30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – doesn’t need supplemental watering once established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Can be toxic to animals if consumed in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Joshua_Trees_Yucca_brevifolia_in_Joshua_Tree_National_Park-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brocken Inaglory / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWith its unique branching pattern resembling outstretched arms, the Joshua tree is easy to spot in open, arid areas where this desert plant naturally grows. Known for its striking appearance and cultural significance, it’s an iconic symbol of the Mojave Desert and the American Southwest.
\n\n\n\nThis slow-growing desert tree blooms from March through May, producing large white or greenish-yellow flowers with diameters of up to 4 inches. These flowers are pollinated by the yucca moth, which lays its eggs in the flowers, and the resulting larvae feed on the developing seeds.
\n\n\n\nTry incorporating native plants and natural landscaping techniques that require less water and maintenance. This way, you can create a natural-looking garden that reflects the beauty of the Mojave Desert while helping conserve resources. For example, you can use rocks and gravel as groundcover and select drought-tolerant plants like yucca, agave, and prickly pear cactus.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained, coarse soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – can be severely poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nerium_oleander_flowers_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alvesgaspar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWith its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions, the oleander tree is perfect for adding beauty to pathways, wall-side borders, hedges, and privacy screens. From late spring through early fall, this evergreen tree produces clusters of showy, fragrant flowers in shades of yellow, red, pink, and white.
\n\n\n\nAlthough this versatile plant is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia, it’s well adapted to the Las Vegas desert environment. It can tolerate drought and resist deer and rabbits. But this fast-growing plant may need more frequent pruning than other plants in your garden.
\n\n\n\nOleander is a larval host to the oleander hawk moth, found in parts of the Southwest, including Nevada. This moth lays its eggs on the leaves of the oleander tree, and the resulting caterpillars feed on the leaves before pupating and eventually emerging as adult moths.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-12
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial – but only in 8 to 11 USDA hardiness zones
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but can grow even in poor soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Wide](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southern-Live-Oak-Quercus-virginiana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nPrized for their grandeur and shade-providing canopies, southern live oaks do well in Las Vegas’ hot, dry climate – provided they receive proper care. This majestic tree is a perfect specimen plant that can tolerate drought.
\n\n\n\nWhile southern live oaks do not produce showy flowers, they are an essential habitat for various wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and even certain species of bats. The tree’s acorns also serve as a vital food source for many animals.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to maintain the shape and structure of your southern live oak, be sure to prune it regularly. Remember to avoid planting anything too close to its root system, as it can harm the tree’s health.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 feet tall, 30-100 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, moist, loamy, or clay soil but can grow even in dry soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – avoid ingesting the acorns and leaves as they can be poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southern-Magnolia-Magnolia-grandiflora1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAnother iconic tree species, the southern magnolia can grow up to 80 feet tall. But it is more commonly seen in Las Vegas at a smaller size. Still, with its beautiful, fragrant blooms and glossy, dark green leaves, it’s a standout feature that can add value to any garden in Sin City.
\n\n\n\nTypically blooming in the late spring to early summer, southern magnolia produces large, showy white or pinkish flowers that can be up to 12 inches in diameter. The flowers are often fragrant and attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The tree is also a larval host to the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 60-80 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – may need supplemental watering during extended dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sweet-Acacia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. James / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA drought-tolerant, flowering tree, sweet acacia is well-suited to the hot and dry climate of the Las Vegas Valley. Its natural habitat includes the southwestern U.S., as well as the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts of Mexico. From late winter through early summer, this small tree produces fragrant, golden-yellow blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nWith its unique, fern-like foliage that’s evergreen in mild winter areas, sweet acacia can be an attractive feature in your landscape year-round. But remember to prune it to promote a strong, multi-stemmed structure and shape it to maintain a tidy appearance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, loose, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans, but its seeds can be toxic to dogs
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cordia-boissieri-20080405.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miwasatoshi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA small, multi-trunked tree native to Texas and Mexico, the Texas olive tree is prized for its delicate and fragrant white flowers. It blooms in the spring, followed by small, edible fruits that ripen in the summer. This evergreen tree is often used in desert landscaping designs, as its spreading canopy provides dappled shade.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it naturally grows in dry and rocky soils, Texas olive also can thrive in well-drained soils with minimal watering, making it a suitable option for Las Vegas homeowners looking for a drought-tolerant tree. And if you want to bring it indoors in the winter, you can plant it in a container.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall, 10-20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil but can thrive even in rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic – its raw fruits can be slightly poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8608896016_1737912938_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIn its natural habitat, Western redbud is found in the foothills and canyons of the western United States, from California to Utah. It thrives in dry, rocky soil and often grows alongside other desert plants like Joshua trees and creosote bushes. It has beautiful, heart-shaped leaves and can tolerate drought and resist deer.
\n\n\n\nThis popular ornamental plant can be found in many residential landscapes and public parks throughout Las Vegas, including Floyd Lamb Park and the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The tree blooms clusters of pink or purple flowers in late winter or early spring, providing an essential source of nectar and pollen for native bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, clay, chalk, sand, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic – its young pods and flowers are edible
\n\n\n\nWith its hot and arid climate, Las Vegas can be a challenging environment for planting and growing trees. However, certain species have adapted well and can thrive with the right care and attention.
\n\n\n\nLas Vegas is located in USDA hardiness zone 9a, which means its average minimum winter temperature is around 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nThe city’s average high temperatures fall within this range:
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, the average low temperatures in Sin City fall between:
\n\n\n\nOne key factor that determines a tree’s success in this climate is its water needs. Since Las Vegas is located in the desert, it receives very little rainfall. The average annual rainfall is only about 4.5 inches, with a large percentage falling during winter.
\n\n\n\nTrees native to the Southwest, as well as the ones listed above, thrive in Las Vegas because of their ability to:
\n\n\n\nThe first place you can try is the Springs Preserve – a 180-acre cultural institution showcasing the natural history of the Mojave Desert. Here, you can stroll through the botanical garden and see a wide range of trees and other desert plants.
Another great spot is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just a short drive west of the city. Here, you can explore the stunning red rock formations and take photos of various desert trees, including the iconic Joshua tree.
If you want a more educational experience, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has a campus arboretum featuring numerous trees and plants, including many desert-adapted species.
No. Under the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) guidelines, watering is allowed at certain hours and days per week for each address, with designated days based on your watering group. However, watering is strictly prohibited on Sundays, regardless of address.
When choosing the best grass type for your Las Vegas landscape, you should consider the city’s hot and dry climate. The most popular grass type for this area is bermudagrass, which is known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun. This warm-season grass requires regular mowing and watering during the growing season but can withstand hot summer temperatures and cold winters once established.
But remember that Nevada passed a law banning non-functional grass in certain areas, including the Las Vegas Valley. So, homeowners and businesses are required to replace non-functional grass with water-efficient landscaping or hardscaping. Non-functional grass refers to purely ornamental turf with no practical purpose, such as grass in medians or large lawns that are rarely used. This law aims to conserve water and promote sustainable landscaping practices in the region.
With the right care and attention, these 15 trees can thrive in your Las Vegas landscape. Not only can they withstand the heat, drought, and wind that are common in the area, but they also have stunning visual appeal and ecological benefits.
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re looking to plant a tree that provides shade, attracts wildlife, or simply adds a touch of greenery to your yard, there’s an option here to meet your needs. But remember to choose the right tree for your specific environment and soil type.
If you need help with your desert landscaping design, reach out to a local landscaping pro for expert guidance.
Main Image Credit: Oleander Tree / Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nGardening can be a drag when you struggle to keep your plants alive and vibrant, but you can enjoy a fantastic garden with one simple trick: Go with native plants that are adapted to our warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Here are 16 native plants that will transform your Missouri yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are indigenous to an area, so they have adapted to a certain set of environmental conditions, including a region’s climate, soil, temperature, and light conditions. This happens over the course of hundreds or thousands of years.
\n\n\n\nMissouri native plants grow naturally in our climate and geology and amid our wildlife. In fact, many wildlife species depend on native plants for habitat and survival. They essentially become a part of the region’s ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nPlanting natives isn’t just easy, it’s also beneficial to your environment. Take a look at a few advantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nHere is a collection of Missouri’s best natives that will give you a low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe showy black-eyed Susan plant is known for its yellow to orange-yellow rays and dark brown centers that attract butterflies. It is typically found in fields, prairies, open woods, waste areas, and roadsides throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nThe black-eyed Susan is a hairy, coarse, and somewhat weedy plant. And that might bother you, but the freshness of daisy-like flowers and chocolate brown disks atop a stiff, upright, leafy stem will make up for it. Black-eyed Susans are tough, too. They resist deer, insects, and diseases. They also self-seed and are perfect for mass plantings, cottage gardens, annual beds, wild gardens, and meadows.
\n\n\n\nThis native plant naturally attracts butterflies and bees, prefers dry soil, and is easy to maintain as well. It does well both in the ground and in containers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual (can be perennial or biennial)
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis native plant produces large, distinctive, bright red petals and has a spiky, upright appearance that makes it stand out in a landscape. The cardinal flower, which takes its name from the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals, can grow as tall as 6 feet and grows naturally along stream banks, and in swamps and moist places.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you have to live in a swamp to enjoy it. The cardinal flower grows well in average soil conditions and does well in both full sun and partial shade. The upright stems and bright flowers attract lots of winged visitors and are a popular source of nectar for hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThis is one of the most low-maintenance native plants you can get because it wards off pests and disease really well. In ideal growing conditions, it may self-seed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower, herbaceous
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam, sand, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Vervain-Verbena-hastata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVerbena hastata is also known as swamp verbena or American vervain and is found all over the U.S. Blue vervain features a hairy, stiff, straight stem that grows as tall as 5 feet and features flowering spikes of violet, deep purple, or (rarely) white blooms. Trust this plant to add texture and structure to your Missouri landscape with its upright stems and groups of bluish-purple flowers blooming from early summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nIts densely packed flowers are used by herbalists and may also be incorporated into bath and body products such as foot creams and soaks. Blue vervain attracts butterflies, bumblebees, and birds of all sorts. It prefers well-drained soils and performs best when paired with full, bright sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist or wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Beardtongue-Penstemon-digitalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as foxglove beardtongue or talus slope penstemon, this Missouri native occurs naturally in open woods, fields, meadows, and prairies, or any place that has sandy and moist soils. A perennial, the white beardtongue forms tubular clusters of showy white flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nOne of the many advantages of inviting white beardtongue into your yard is that it won’t have any serious diseases or pest issues. This plant prefers well-drained soil but is super easy to grow and maintain otherwise.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, loamy
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pawpaw-Asimina-Triloba.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAsimina Triloba is a small tree, though it looks more like a shrub due to its short-heightened trunk, that grows 10 to 40 feet tall. It features large, tropical-like leaves that turn from green to a beautiful yellow-green in fall and sprout purple flowers. When it has matured, pawpaw grows cylindric, yellow, or dark-green edible fruit.
\n\n\n\nThe deciduous pawpaw fruit has a banana-like taste and is typically consumed raw or used in pies and ice creams. It attracts wildlife but does not attract serious insect or disease problems.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Medium to wet, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"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\nThis widely branched deciduous flowering shrub is native to rocky wooded slopes, moist stream banks, and ravines. Wild hydrangea features broad egg-like round, dark green leaves with pale undersides, and sharp teeth all around. These leaves turn fully yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nIt bursts with clusters of tiny white flowers, but a few large sterile flowers may appear around the cluster margins. Hydrangea can grow in almost any type of soil but prefer to stay moderately moist at all times. It can be a good choice for a rain garden in Missouri owing to its high tolerance for wet soils.
\n\n\n\nOn the down side, wild hydrangea is susceptible to several insect and disease problems such as bacterial wilt, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and aphids.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, shallow, rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a popular tree found throughout the Eastern United States. It produces beautiful white blooms around April and May and develops bright red fruits in the late summer. Flowering dogwood’s green tree leaves turn into rust and then go through multiple hues of red in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe good part is, this dogwood tree is not a high-maintenance native. In fact, it prefers partial shade to grow. However, you might want to take care of diseases because flowering dogwood can develop diseases like powdery mildew, dogwood anthracnose, root rot, and more when it’s stressed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to June
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade, prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic, and average soil with lots of organic matter
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blazing-Star-Liatris-spicata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPrairie blazing star is a low-maintenance flower that provides a nice pop of color in your garden. It produces tall, leafy stalks that develop spikes of rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads. Blazing star grows best in well-drained soils with a full sun but does fine in poor soils as well. It is highly tolerant of humidity and summer heat and is a generally low-maintenance plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, average soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, prefers dry or moderately moist soil
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis deciduous shrub can grow as tall as 15 feet and have a unique aroma to it. Spicebush shrub develops a brown or gray-brown bark with light-colored lenticels speckled around. It produces clusters of small, yellow flowers in early spring and smooth-margined leaves. These leaves are crushed to extract the spicy odor they produce.
\n\n\n\nSpicebush is tolerant of deer and heavy shade. The lightly scented flora will also attract colorful birds and butterflies to your Missouri lawn. But this plant is sensitive to drought and heat. Male varieties of these plants develop relatively larger greenish-yellow flowers whereas the female spicebush may also produce a small red fruit with a male pollinator.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February to March
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soils, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs:
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-purpurea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nEchinacea purpurea is a herbaceous perennial from the Asteraceae family and is one of the toughest Missouri native plants. It’s super easy to grow and maintain. Purple coneflower can power through several challenging environments, be it drought, humidity, heat, or poor soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nApart from its impressive adaptability, this plant may also make a popular spot for hummingbirds and insects. It typically grows up to 5 feet tall and produces daisy-like, showy flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. It also bears coarse, dark green foliage around a stiff stem that remains erect well into the winter.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade, but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Lobelia-Lobelia-siphilitica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agnieszka Kwiecień / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlue lobelia resembles cardinal flowers and is commonly known as a blue cardinal flower as well. It makes a great choice for rain gardens and is good if you wish to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your yards. This herbaceous perennial gives blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer all through early fall. These blue flowers have striped tubes and are accompanied by leaves with toothed margins.
\n\n\n\nIt’s extremely hardy, pest-free, and fairly a low-care plant. You can count on blue lobelia to not become invasive despite being a self-seeding plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: September to October
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High to medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis moisture-loving perennial grows up to 5 feet tall in sunny openings of swamps, bogs, marshes, fens, and along stream banks. It has an erect stem with narrow, lance-shaped, and sharp-tipped leaves. Swamp milkweed develops fragrant clusters of flowers in pink, mauve, or reddish-violet color.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies from all around. It’s also an important source of food for monarch caterpillars. However, it also invites a variety of insects, that aren’t a problem unless the plant shows signs of sickness.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs:
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis is another low-maintenance native plant that will fill your Missouri garden with a lovely color from early to mid-summer. It’s a tuberous rooted plant that occurs mostly in dry or rocky open woods, prairies, glades, roadsides, and fields. Butterfly milkweed develops clusters of yellow-orange or bright-orange flowers that sit atop hairy stems. The stems are clad with narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
\n\n\n\nThese flowers serve as a source of nectar for butterflies and its leaves are a popular food source for monarch butterfly larvae. Butterfly milkweed is also drought tolerant and well-performing in dry or poor soils.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pink-Turtlehead-Chelone-lyonii.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis tall Missouri wildflower is also known as “Rose Turtlehead.” It blooms between late summer and early fall. It produces bright pink hooded flowers that rest on top of stiff, square stems. Pink turtlehead flowers look like the heads of open-mouthed turtles and get their name from this very resemblance.
\n\n\n\nIt best grows in medium to wet soils with full sun to part shade, but can also do okay in part shade areas. Although resistant to disease and insects, pink turtlehead shows some susceptibility to mildew, especially if the soil is dry or has poor air circulation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1.5 to 6.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late July to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, clay, loamy, sandy
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Buckeye-Aesculus-pavia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris M Morris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed buckeye is a clump-forming deciduous shrub that creates an irregular crown and bears erect, showy panicles of orange-red to red, tubular flowers. These flowers bloom in spring and begin to decline late in the season along with its dark green, shiny leaves.
\n\n\n\nThis plant also produces light-brown, globular seed capsules that encase 1 to 3 shiny but poisonous seeds. These seeds ripen in the fall and are avoided by wildlife. Red buckeye flowers, however, attract hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prairie-Dropseed-Sporobolus-heterolepis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nSporobolus hereolepis is favored by many homeowners and landscapers for its decorative appearance. It is a fine-textured ornamental grass with long, arching leaves that form beautiful round tufts. From rich green hues in summer to shades of golden and orange, this Missouri native grass stays pretty late into the fall.
\n\n\n\nPrairie dropseed has resilient foliage that powers through snow and extremely low temperatures. It’s a slow-growing grass but isn’t fussy about soil type and growing conditions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Grass
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, sandy, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nPicking native plants does not always turn out to be a win-win situation. The key is to select the right natives that will naturally perform well with the light, soil, and wind exposure in your locality.
\n\n\n\nTo do that, make sure you take into account the plant’s USDA Hardiness Zone range. This range essentially helps in determining the most suitable native plants for your Missouri yard. Missouri Hardiness Zone is 5b through 7a.
\n\n\n\nAnd when your new native plants have made their way to your home, it’s time to create a final look with some landscaping around the other parts of your garden. You can take a few ideas from Wikilawn’s page to pick the best grass types and low-maintenance plants for your Missouri landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you feel like it’s a little too much to manage, call in one of our pros to handle all the planning, planting, and maintenance work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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