![\"Man](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/800px-Dethatcher2.jpg\")
The praying mantis is the state insect of Connecticut. While not native to North America, this predatory relative of the cockroach is a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and its commitment to protecting its environment. Situated east of New York, Connecticut’s spring temperatures, ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, bring praying mantises and […]
\n","content":"\nThe praying mantis is the state insect of Connecticut. While not native to North America, this predatory relative of the cockroach is a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and its commitment to protecting its environment. Situated east of New York, Connecticut’s spring temperatures, ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, bring praying mantises and residents outdoors. Execute our 10 spring lawn care tips and take advantage of the pleasant weather to prepare your yard for the dry summer just around the corner.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConnecticut sits on the northernmost border of the transition zone. While cool-season grasses are best suited to the New England climate, warm-season Zoysiagrass varieties also grow well in their soils. Spring weather in Connecticut is unpredictable. There is usually snow or frost in March, and temperatures average 43 degrees Fahrenheit, gradually increasing to 75 by late May and setting off the active growing season for many Connecticut native plants.
\n\n\n\nConnecticuters care for their warm or cool-season grasses from March to May, hoping to encourage fresh growth before the dry heat takes over in the summer. Spring lawn care is more than mowing your lawn and setting the timer on your irrigation system. As your yard goes through its active growing season, you need to be on the lookout for diseases, pests, and bare spots. With the proper spring maintenance plan, your lawn will be ready to take on the Connecticut summer.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Agri-Fab, Inc. / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWith an average snowfall of 37 inches, Connecticut winters are freezing and wet, causing warm-season grass cultivars and even some cool-season cultivars to go dormant and develop thatch. Thatch is the tight layer of dead grass intertwined with living grass blades and roots that accumulates just above your soil level and below eye line visibility. A thin layer of thatch insulates grass roots and makes your turfgrass more resilient, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
\n\n\n\nDense thatch causes:
\n\n\n\nWatch for thatch that is a half inch or more thick, spongy turf, footprints, increased pest activity, and active diseases. Aim to dethatch your lawn during its growing season using a dethatcher, also known as a lawn scarifier. Dethatchers work like a complex rake to remove thatch, bringing it to the surface of your lawn for collection. Always remove the loose layer of thatch immediately.
\n\n\n\nConnecticut warm-season grass cultivar, Zoysiagrass, grows in late spring and summer. Cool-season varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass hit their green-up phases in early spring and again in the fall. It is important to understand your grass variety. Dethatch your warm-season lawn in mid-spring to early summer and save your cool-season cultivar dethatching session for fall.
\n\n\n\nConnecticut receives around 45 inches of rain per year, well over the national average of 38 inches. Springtime is notoriously wet and unpredictable in the Nutmeg State with precipitation occurring in 31% of the days. Aeration is a common method to introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns with restricted root growth, allowing for water and nutrients to permeate more easily.
\n\n\n\nOxygen allows your turfgrass to establish deep roots and a dense appearance. There are two types of common aeration: spike aeration and core aeration. Aim to aerate your New England lawn to stimulate root growth following your dethatching schedule: mid-spring to early summer for Zoysiagrass and early fall for cool-season varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nCore aerators remove plugs of soil to create small holes so the soil can breathe. This method leaves leftover plugs of soil on the surface of your lawn, adding beneficial nutrients and microorganisms to decrease thatch naturally.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for Connecticut’s soil varieties, including loose stones and gravel, rich saturated soils, alluvial sediments, disturbed loams, and gravelly sands. These acidic soils decrease nutrients, plant production, and water use and make soils more vulnerable to decline and erosion. Core aerators do a better job of breaking up sand or rock particles, creating airflow, and improving water and nutrient access.
\n\n\n\nSpike aerators create small holes in the ground with a rotating punch. This method does not remove material from the soil, so there is no chance of natural de-thatching.
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Check-Your-Soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nPlants and turfgrasses growing in moist, acidic soil require regular fertilization. Spring soil preparation is crucial to the success of your Connecticut landscape. Proper preparation provides nutrients for your grass to thrive, even in the deficient soils of New England. Residents should send in a soil sample for testing in March or September.
\n\n\n\nMail in a one-cup sample, collected and combined from different areas of your lawn, to receive your unique results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include lime for soil pH imbalances and nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus applications.
\n\n\n\nTall grass blades develop deeper roots and a dense appearance. Healthy lawns resist insects, weeds, and diseases. Mowing is necessary for maintenance, but it stresses your turfgrass, leaving it more susceptible to pests, drought, and sunscald. Connecticut’s unpredictable, wet springs kick-start the active growing season for most plants and turfgrasses in mid to late March.
\n\n\n\nYour grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height. To avoid injuring your lawn, never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade regardless of your cultivar. and always cut less, more often. You should mow weekly during the active growing season and aim to mow every two weeks during your turfgrass’ off-season.
\n\n\n\nAlways mow within the recommended range for your grass type and leave clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.75 – 1.5 inches |
Zoysiagrass is a low-maintenance, warm-season cultivar that goes dormant during Connecticut’s winter months. Growth peaks in summer, but the active growing season begins in late spring. Aim to mow every seven to 10 days to maintain a mowing height between 0.75 to 1.5 inches and encourage deeper roots and a more dense and resilient turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nCool-season Connecticut turfgrasses include fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Unlike Zoysiagrass, these cultivars remain green through most winter months but can go dormant during hot, dry months in the summer.
\n\n\n\nActive growth for cool-season varieties peaks in the early spring and fall. Mow cool-season grasses to their recommended heights every seven days during early spring. Aim to decrease mowing frequency to every 14 days in mid to late spring when growth has slowed.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Man-watering.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nUnless your lawn is brand new, all grass varieties respond well to the typical conditions of a Connecticut spring. The best watering method for turfgrasses is as needed early in the morning, starting in May. It is true what they say about April showers bringing May flowers. April in the Nutmeg State is wet, typically providing more than enough precipitation for your plants and turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nYou will know it is time to water your turfgrass when you notice a dark blue-gray color, footprinting, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves. Water all varieties twice per week, aiming for one-half inch of water per session to moisten the top 4 to 6 inches of soil and encourage deeper roots.
\n\n\n\nConnecticut’s humid continental climate wouldn’t be complete without wet spring weather, creating the optimal habitat for plant growth, including weeds. Weeds signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health and maintenance plan. They thrive in acidic, low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning damaged turf.
\n\n\n\nWeeds steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from your grass and spread pests and diseases. The best control and prevention method is routine maintenance, coupled with supplemental chemical methods like post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides minimize the number of weeds in your yard by killing seeds before germination. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in April before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit to control grassy weeds.
\n\n\n\nA common method used by savvy Connecticuters is to watch for your neighborhood’s Forsythia to bloom. These shrubs are the first to bloom, signaling the arrival of spring and microbial activity in the soil. When you see the bright yellow blooms, it is time to put down your pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nLook for solutions containing prodiamine, dithiopyr, benefin, or pendimethalin. Wait 30 to 60 days and apply a second application of pre-emergent herbicide in mid to late May or June.
\n\n\n\nCommon grassy weeds in Connecticut include:
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides target annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, disrupting their growth. Use these herbicides year-round to target weeds you can see.
\n\n\n\nDo not use post-emergent herbicides if temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or if your lawn is moisture stressed. Additionally, be sure to wait a few days after a fresh mow before applying chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nCommon perennial and annual broadleaf weeds include:
\n\n\n\nDifferent insects invade particular grass cultivars at different times. The most common Connecticut springtime pests include white grubs, sod webworms, armyworms, cutworms, and chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nArmyworms and cutworms include the larvae and pupae of several species of nocturnal lawn-damaging moths. These insects cause significant spring damage. Watch for brown or yellow areas of dead grass that have been chewed to the ground. Patches appear and spread quickly, increasing the bird population in your yard.
\n\n\n\nTreat armyworms and cutworms with chemical insecticides containing pyrethroids or carbaryl. Prevent these devastating insects by avoiding overfertilization and maintaining your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs affect any dense Connecticut turfgrass. Watch for yellow spots in sunny locations, signifying chinch bug activity. These foliage-seeking insects suck vital plant juices from your turfgrass until fall with peak activity beginning in May.
\n\n\n\nDIY collect chinch bugs using a coffee can with both ends removed to create a hollow pipe. Insert the can into the soil inside the affected area. Fill the can with water and leave it for a few days. Chinch bugs will float to the top of the can for removal. If you notice more than 15 chinch bugs per square foot, it is time to call a professional.
\n\n\n\nLike armyworms, sod webworms are the nocturnal larvae of lawn moths. These pests feed on grass blades and create tunnels just below your lawn’s surface. Sod webworms attack most grass cultivars, preferring fescues and Kentucky bluegrass. Watch for small brown spots of dead turfgrass that rapidly increase in size during dry spells. Treat sod webworms with an insecticide application containing bifenthrin.
\n\n\n\nWhite grubs are the larval form of several species of beetles, including Japanese and Scarab beetles. These small white pests feed on turfgrass roots. Keep an eye out for wilting, brown grass blades and an increased bird population.
\n\n\n\nControl white grubs with proper lawn maintenance, irrigation, and aeration. Treat the larval pests with chemical applications. For lawns with a history of white grub activity, apply chlorantraniliprole for prevention in May. For active infestations, use an insecticide designed for white grubs, but keep in mind these chemicals also harm beneficial insects like pollinators.
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollar](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dollar-spot-bentgrass-800-646x443.jpg\")
Dollar spot symptoms on creeping bentgrass
Photo credit: Glenobear | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain
Lawn diseases and fungi love Connecticut’s humid continental climate. The best defense against these lawn invaders is routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization for a healthy and dense lawn. Some of the most common diseases affecting the Constitution State’s turfgrasses are large patch, powdery mildew, dollar spot, rust, and snow mold.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus affecting many Connecticut turfgrasses, including ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. The fungus typically occurs in May and lasts through the end of summer in cool-season cultivars. Watch for brown, circular patches several feet in diameter.
\n\n\n\nMost large patch infestations do not respond to fungicide applications. The most effective control and prevention method is proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage and air movement. Monitor patches and limit fertilization in affected areas. Avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot affects Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass. It is caused by a fungus living in Connecticut soils. Watch for circular brown or yellow spots that look like dollar coins in spring through fall.
\n\n\n\nLike most fungi, treat dollar spot with proper lawn maintenance. Maintain nitrogen levels by applying a nitrogen-based fertilizer and minimize moisture stress by ensuring proper drainage. Always water deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce foliage wetness.
\n\n\n\nPowdery mildew affects Kentucky bluegrass in the cool, wet months of early spring. This fungus produces a white or gray, powdery growth on grass blades. Watch for yellow areas of dying turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nTreat powdery mildew with proper lawn maintenance and fungicide applications. Remove thatch, avoid fertilization and post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active, and monitor and fix drainage issues. Avoid over-watering to prevent active and future infestations.
\n\n\n\nRust is a tissue-dwelling fungus active in spring through fall. Be on the lookout for yellow flecks and raised areas on grass blades and thinning, wilting turf. Rust affects most Connecticut turfgrasses, including bluegrass, ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nTreat this turfgrass disease using a fungicide, and prevent the fungus with proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage, reduce thatch buildup, and increase the time between irrigation sessions.
\n\n\n\nPink and gray snow molds are winter-dwelling fungi that attack Connecticut turfgrasses. They thrive under snow and during cold winter rains. Watch for irregular patches of dead, matted grass ranging from three to 12 inches in diameter in March after the frost and snow melt. Grass will take on a pink-to-white or gray-to-white color depending on the species of snow mold.
\n\n\n\nTreat snow mold by raking affected areas to remove matted grass and organic debris. Overseed the area to fill bare spots and stimulate growth. Prevent the disease by paying attention to the timing of your fall fertilizer application for your cool-season turfgrass. Always aim to fertilize earlier in the fall to avoid a late-season growth spurt which increases your lawn’s chance of developing snow mold.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the best time to seed your warm-season lawn in Connecticut, while fall is the best time to seed cool-season cultivars. The active growing season encourages fresh growth, filling in thin and patchy areas.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turfgrass to fill thin areas. Zoysiagrass is a low-maintenance, warm-season cultivar that responds well to spring overseeding in bare areas.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your Connecticut lawn in May by tilling patchy areas. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass also responds well to sod plugs. Plan to replant large bare areas using sod plugs in May. Space plugs 6 to 12 inches apart and water well daily. Keep crabgrass at bay by applying a root-safe pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tree](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rsz_pixnio-46833-800x550-1.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply fertilizer to your Connecticut turfgrass is April or May, depending on your grass type. Fertilizer promotes healthy growth. The type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your turfgrass cultivar and your unique soil sample analysis results.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that Connecticut soils are acidic, typically ranging from a pH of 4.8 to 5.5. These conditions make vital nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium less available to plants, making fertilizer applications important in New England states.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 15-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 15% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass only needs one spring fertilizer application. Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet around April 15, but keep in mind that shaded grass requires less fertilizer than grass growing in full sun.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass need two spring fertilizer applications to prepare the turfgrasses for the hot summer temperatures. Aim to apply 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet around April 15. Apply a second round of fertilizer around May 15.
\n\n\n\nUse sprinklers or an automatic irrigation system to apply water in 10- to 20-minute segments, once per day, until the seeds have germinated. The germination process typically takes three weeks in Connecticut. Be sure to skip watering sessions if it rains.
Fertilize after overseeding your warm-season grass. Apply a slow-release fertilizer immediately after overseeding or wait two to three weeks and apply a fast-release fertilizer to your newly seeded lawn.
Spring weather in the Nutmeg State is unpredictable. It is typically wet, but even droughts have occurred. Generally, there is no need to supplement Mother Nature during Connecticut springs.
Overwatering your turfgrass stresses your lawn, leading to increased pests and diseases. Watch for these signs you are overwatering your turfgrass:
● Thick layer of thatch over ¾ inch thick
● Fungus growth including mushrooms
● Increased weed growth, including crabgrass and nutsedge
● Signs of pest activity
● Spongy grass and footprint indents
● Pooling water and increased runoff
Connecticut is a nature lover’s dream with its green hills, lush gardens, moist forests, cherry blossoms, and pristine beaches. With the proper spring lawn care schedule, you can get your lawn ready for summer and save yourself time so you can spend more of it outdoors.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help identifying a pest or lawn disease, contact a Connecticut lawn care pro to help your landscape recover and establish deep roots.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sphilbrick / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Connecticut","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1789c/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/107df/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/293e9/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/f2cbb/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1789c/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/c26c2/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1dd6e/lawn-in-CT-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/67b76/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 320w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/8df11/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 500w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/98a65/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 800w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1dd6e/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 960w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/3cc96/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Connecticut | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 10 valuable tips for maintaining a green spring lawn in Connecticut and prepare your grass for the dry summer."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"4f4b8aaa-1587-5eed-a6b6-34f017b9275b","slug":"best-grass-for-missouri","path":"/lawn-care/mo/best-grass-for-missouri/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"In the Midwestern transition zone, your Missouri lawn endures both sweltering summers and freezing winters. This makes a perfect recipe for a dull, grim lawn if your yard doesn’t have the right grass seeds to pull through the temperamental climate. In this article, we look at warm- and cool-season grass varieties that work well in […]
\n","content":"\nIn the Midwestern transition zone, your Missouri lawn endures both sweltering summers and freezing winters. This makes a perfect recipe for a dull, grim lawn if your yard doesn’t have the right grass seeds to pull through the temperamental climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we look at warm- and cool-season grass varieties that work well in Missouri, along with their pros and cons to help you pick the best grass for your Missouri lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the list, here’s a quick rundown of what cool-season grasses are like:
\n\n\n\nLet’s dig into these three best cool-season grasses for your Missouri lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue is excellent for a Missouri landscape. It’s developed by seed or sod and grows coarse-to-medium-textured, tall turfgrass. This grass tolerates high temperatures, heat, drought, and shade. Given proper care, tall fescue lawns can even stay green all around the year. Plus, it’s a pretty low-maintenance grass.
\n\n\n\nTall Fescue may struggle a little in hotter parts of Missouri during the summer months but survives better in the heat than all other cool-season grasses. It can grow in poor soil conditions and with little fertilization, too. Generally, tall fescue is also highly resistant to pests and diseases and grows best during the fall and spring months.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high – may need irrigation during dry summers
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 – 4 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 6.5
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis dark green, fine-bladed grass type will give your Missouri lawn a temporary pop of color for the winter. Perennial ryegrass is fast germinating and suppresses weeds naturally by establishing quickly.
\n\n\n\nOf all cool-season grasses, ryegrass has the highest wear tolerance, which is why it is popular for parks and golf courses. However, it is less tolerant of heat and drought compared to other species.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass develops tapered, fine-textured, shiny blades that require regular maintenance to keep a uniform look. It is considered a nurse grass, meaning it’s often mixed with other grasses to provide shade and protection to less hardy grass types, such as Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, extends with tillers
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, look out for red thread, brown patch, and rust
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Kentucky](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass establishes a dense turf and is a popular choice for northern areas due to its winter hardiness. It has a bluish-green color and has a medium texture – not too hard, not too soft – to make a great “barefoot grass”.
\n\n\n\nBut Kentucky bluegrass is high-maintenance. It needs more water and fertilizer than any other cool-season grass type. It prefers areas with partial shade and spreads quickly by rhizomes. It is often mixed with other grass species, typically perennial ryegrass, to create a disease-resistant, tough turf that maintains a nice green appearance year-round.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, prefers sunlight
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nA quick overview of warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nHere are two warm-season grasses that do well in Missouri lawns:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most widely used grass in Southern Missouri. It’s well suited for your Missouri lawn because it is hardy, low-maintenance, and develops dense turf. Bermudagrass spreads vigorously with stolons and rhizomes and has excellent resistance to foot traffic and wear due to these woven roots.
\n\n\n\nThe dense Bermudagrass turf also naturally crowds out weeds. This grass type is fast-growing and resistant to salinity, heat, and a wide range of soil pHs. However, the rapid growth rate can become a nuisance if the grass invades gardens or flower beds.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass needs full, bright sun to thrive and regular dethatching to stay disease free. It goes brown and dormant in the winter and greens back up around early April.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zoysiagrass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a cold-tolerant and thick warm-season grass that will keep your Missouri lawn green for the most part of the year. It’s a popular choice for homeowners with kids and pets because of its hardiness and impeccable foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass thrives in direct sunlight and develops a dark green color turf. This lush green color slowly fades as the temperature drops but won’t turn brown or tan. Since it develops into a dense lawn by stolons and rhizomes, Zoysia lawns are often vulnerable to thatch.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass needs frequent watering during the summer but is super easy to maintain otherwise. It tackles a good amount of foot traffic too.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nThe most commonly used grass in Missouri is turf-type tall fescue. It is drought, heat, disease, and insect resistant and does fine with moderately shaded environments too.
The optimal time to plant grass in Missouri is late August to mid-October, September being ideal. At this time, the soil is still warm but the chilly breezes help grass seeds germinate faster.
Tall fescue can maintain a deep green color all year if you care for it properly. It’s well-known for its ability to thrive in transition zones with minimal maintenance.
If you’re confused about what grass type suits your lawn, when and how to plant it, or you don’t have the time to set a lawn up by yourself, call in one of our lawn care pros to help. Our pros come equipped with all the knowledge, equipment, and expertise that you need to choose the right grass type for your Missouri lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Hippopx
\n","title":"Best Grasses for Your Missouri Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1789c/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/107df/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/293e9/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/f2cbb/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1789c/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/c26c2/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1dd6e/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/67b76/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/8df11/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/98a65/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1dd6e/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/3cc96/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grasses for Your Missouri Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Trying to find a grass that will survive the temperamental climate of Missouri? Here are five best grasses to liven up your Missouri lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"ebf92056-0031-5d6d-b916-725e8cfbc56a","slug":"best-trees-for-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/best-trees-for-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Your landscape in Arizona doesn’t need to be barren, and if you want to grow something fun, you’re not limited to cactus. Whether you want a bit of shade on your lawn to protect you from Arizona’s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to […]
\n","content":"\nYour landscape in Arizona doesn’t need to be barren, and if you want to grow something fun, you’re not limited to cactus. Whether you want a bit of shade on your lawn to protect you from Arizona’s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to plant a tree. But before you embark on this project, it’s important to know the best trees to plant in Arizona’s unforgiving climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Willow-Chilopsis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat makes the desert willow a neat addition to any yard is that it’s a fairly slender, low-growing tree (topping out at about 30 feet) that fits well in many spaces and can be easily shaped to your taste. Its branches are relatively sparse and its trunk is narrow, giving it the appearance of a shrub rather than a tree until it reaches maturity. But the most striking feature of the desert willow is its bell-shaped white or lavender blossoms.
\n\n\n\nThe beautiful blooms of the desert willow, along with its rapid growth and ease of maintenance, make it a popular plant across the Southwest and all the way to Southern California. It’s very drought tolerant, meaning it needs just enough water to keep it blooming and healthily green through the warm months.
\n\n\n\n![\"Apple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree-Malus-Domestica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nIs there anything more American than the apple tree? It looks great and produces delicious, fruit. But, wait, don’t apples only grow in cool Northern climates? Absolutely not. There are a variety of cultivars out there – Fuji and Gala, to name two popular varieties – that grow exceptionally well in the desert heat. That’s because apple trees are hardy; they don’t need as much care as other fruit trees, and they can live for more than 50 years.
\n\n\n\nA side benefit is that apple trees attract birds and other animals. If this is a problem, consider humane ways to keep them off your apples, or just skip this recommendation altogether.
\n\n\n\nA few notes about the care of apple trees. Newly planted trees require frequent watering until they are well-rooted. The plant will wilt or develop dull leaves if it isn’t watered enough. Don’t let them stand in pooling water, however, or they will develop root rot. Finally, be sure to prune your tree annually so it produces better quality fruit.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Growing conditions: Grows well in well-drained, moist soil, but occasional dryness is fine; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand
Sunlight: Either full sun or a little shade, but at least 8 hours of sun per day
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic stems, leaves, and seeds
![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce-Picea-Punges.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlue spruce derives its name from its beautiful silvery blue-green color. Commonly called the Colorado blue spruce, it is Arizona’s state tree, but it also does very well in central to northern Arizona.
\n\n\n\nThe blue spruce grows 12 to 20 feet per year and will top out at between 50 and 75 feet, with a width of 10 to 25 feet. It’s a highly adaptable tree that grows in a variety of soils, from loam to sand and clay. When planted in rows, it makes an excellent wind break.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7
Growing conditions: Needs normal moisture, but tolerates floods and drought to an extent; adaptable; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should get full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 50 to 75 feet
Leaf retention: Evergreen
Flowering?: No
Potential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Crabapple-Malus-sp..jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Bruce Marlin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAmong ornamental trees, flowering crabapple is king. They feature breathtaking clouds of blossoms in the spring and colorful fruit in the fall. Their flowers come in an array of magnificent colors, from white to pink, magenta, burgundy, coral and more.
\n\n\n\nThe only knock on the flowering crabapple is their relatively short bloom time. They generally bloom in early spring and continue for about five weeks, with individual blossoms lasting as little as five days or as much as 12 days. But during that relatively short bloom period, you will be treated to a spectacular display, so they are totally worth it.
\n\n\n\nWhen the blooms finally recede, the show isn’t over. The tree’s foliage turns bright green in the summer and, as mentioned earlier, the tree produces colorful fruit in the fall.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Growing conditions: Needs moderate moisture but tolerates drought; grows in acidic, alkaline, or neutral clay, loam or sand soils.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Mature size: 30 to 40 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Bur](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-Quercus-Macrocarpa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBur oak provides a great deal of shade with its crown, which often becomes wider than the tree’s height. It tolerates a variety of moisture and soil conditions but thrives in full sun. With a lifespan of over 300 years, bur oak may adorn your yard for generations. It’s also great for local wildlife such as butterflies, moths, beetles, treehoppers, and more.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Needs moderate moisture but tolerates drought to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Mature size: 50 to 80 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple-Acer-Tataricum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Le.Loup.Gris / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nHot wings maple, also known as Tatarian maple, is a showy tree that makes a fun addition to your Arizona yard. Hot wing maple’s fragrant spring blossoms are followed by double samaras (wing trees) that fall from the tree, oftentimes called “spinners” or “helicopters.”
\n\n\n\nThe hot wings maple will brighten your yard with its vibrant red foliage and provide some shade during summer barbecues. The tree’s size makes it perfect for smaller landscapes. It may live for over 70 years.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Tolerates various soil conditions and drought
Sunlight: Can grow in either full or partial sun
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree-Prunus-Serrulata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nJapanese cherry blossom tree, also known as the Kanzan tree, features stunning double pink blossoms that bloom in the spring. They also display stunning fall foliage. The tree is shaped like a vase, and once it matures, its crown is often wider than the tree is high. Though it sometimes grows quite tall, it can also be planted as a bonsai tree.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the Japanese cherry blossom tree doesn’t tolerate drought as well as some other trees, it can still handle mildly dry conditions. However, if you want the tree to thrive in Arizona’s dry climate, you should keep its soil moist. This beautiful tree usually lives for between 15 and 25 years, but its numerous benefits make it well worth planting in your yard.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Growing conditions: Prefers moist conditions but tolerates dry weather to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 30 to 40 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak-Quercus-Rubra.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFor a pop of color during the fall months, consider planting the Northern red oak. This magnificent tree grows a dense crown, perfect for providing a shade canopy and improving your home’s curb appeal. It usually lives up to 300 years, although some Northern red oaks have lived up to 500 years.
\n\n\n\nThe Northern red oak tolerates a variety of conditions, such as compacted soil, pollution, and drought, but prefers moist soil and lots of sunlight. While acorns are toxic for some animals, birds and rodents like to feast on them.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Prefers moisture, but can handle some drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 60 to 75 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Peach](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree-Prunus-Persica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nAnother fruit tree that thrives here is the peach tree. It holds up well to Arizona’s hot days and cold nights during the growing season, looks beautiful year-round, and comes in many varieties. It also attracts butterflies, birds, and even squirrels and raccoons.
\n\n\n\nPeach and nectarine trees usually live about 12 years. To keep your peach tree healthy and bearing fruit, make sure to take proper care of it, prune it, and protect it from diseases and insect pests.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Growing conditions: Grows well in well-drained, moist soil; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand.
Sunlight: Should get full sun, with at least 6 hours of sun per day
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic seeds and wilted leaves
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine-Pinus-Cembroides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dick Culbert / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you need green foliage year-round, Pinyon pine is a great option. It is one of the most drought-tolerant evergreens, making it a great fit for Arizona’s arid climate. What’s more, the tree yields delicious, healthy pine nuts that can be consumed raw or toasted.
\n\n\n\nRemarkably, pinyon pine may live as long as 1,000 years. It’s somewhat oval-shaped when young and becomes more open as it ages. If you want to provide local wildlife with food, you’ll be glad to know that the tree attracts birds and squirrels.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Growing conditions: Plant in well-drained soil, but it does fine in dry, poor, or alkaline soils; avoid wet soils.
Sunlight: Should get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 25 to 50 feet
Leaf retention: Evergreen
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon-Hibiscus-Syriacus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Kounce TexasRaiser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRose of Sharon is a perennial plant that yields beautiful blossoms year after year for 20 to 30 years. The blossoms come in white, blue, lavender, pink, and red, and sometimes they’re even combined. Moreover, rose of Sharon is also drought-tolerant and versatile, making it an easy tree to care for. It also attracts wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Growing conditions: If in full or partial sun, tolerates various soil temperatures, moisture conditions, and PH, but needs moisture and protection during midday and afternoon sunshine.
Sunlight: Prefers at least 4 hours of sunlight per day; it also needs a little pruning and shaping
Mature size: 8 to 12 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia-Magnolia-Stellata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe showy star magnolia’s fragrant blossoms stand out in contrast to its dark green leaves, making it a beautiful addition to any landscape. The tree is easy to maintain and holds up well to Arizona’s temperature extremes. Although it’s quite versatile, you’ll get more out of star magnolia’s magnificent flowers if you plant it in full sun.
\n\n\n\nA healthy star magnolia may live up to 120 years. It also provides food and shelter for local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Growing conditions: Withstands some flooding and drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Needs full sun and partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day; trees exposed to full sun flower better
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Most sources report that star magnolia has no toxic effects, but a few sources claim they may have some poison characteristics; caution is always advised
Once you pick your tree, it’s important to take proper care of it. Here are a few tips to help your trees thrive here:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve planted your tree, make sure you give it regular checkups to ensure its health and growth. Be sure to check all parts of the tree and monitor its annual growth.
\n\n\n\nNew trees typically need to be watered one to two times per week. In summer, you should increase the frequency to three to four times a week.
According to the University of Maryland, most trees shouldn’t need fertilizer, especially when they’ve become mature. It’s definitely better to avoid fertilizing at planting time because it can stunt growth. You also shouldn’t fertilize if the tree has recently suffered root damage.
The apple tree is among the easiest to grow because it’s relatively low-maintenance.
You can make tree care easier by selecting a low-maintenance variety that won’t need as much care and attention as other kinds of trees.
\n\n\n\nTo make it easier to care for your whole yard, consider xeriscaping techniques, hardscapes, and planting low-maintenance grass and plants. And be sure to check out our guide to the best grasses for ArizonaAfter all this, you still might not be sure of yourself. Or maybe you just prefer to leave the planting and care to someone else. In any case, feel free to get hold of one of WikiLawn’s pros in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"The 12 Best Trees to Plant in Arizona","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1789c/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg","srcSet":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/107df/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 320w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/293e9/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 500w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/f2cbb/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 800w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1789c/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 960w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/c26c2/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1dd6e/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/67b76/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 320w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/8df11/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 500w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/98a65/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 800w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1dd6e/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 960w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/3cc96/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 12 Best Trees to Plant in Arizona | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Not every tree will thrive in Arizona’s unforgiving climate, but these 12 will, and they will look great in your yard as well"}}},{"node":{"id":"9e166952-db9c-5888-a4d4-215bd3f0eb0d","slug":"water-restrictions-richmond-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/water-restrictions-richmond-virginia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08edb056-11a9-55f1-a92d-6400a6e86bbc","name":"Richmond","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Forget the glass-half-full comparison. Virginia went from a drought-stricken, “glass completely empty” state to lush and green in a matter of months, and the rain keeps coming. Right now, there are no drought advisories in Richmond, or anywhere in Virginia. That means homeowners are free to water their lawns according to need, rather than a […]
\n","content":"\nForget the glass-half-full comparison. Virginia went from a drought-stricken, “glass completely empty” state to lush and green in a matter of months, and the rain keeps coming. Right now, there are no drought advisories in Richmond, or anywhere in Virginia. That means homeowners are free to water their lawns according to need, rather than a water conservation schedule.
\n\n\n\nIt’s helpful to know what kind of grass you have before you begin a watering schedule. Richmond is in a transition area. You’ll find both warm-season grasses, (St Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysiagrass,) and cool-season grasses, (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass), here.
During drought emergencies, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality bans the unrestricted irrigation of lawns. But that changes when there is no drought. Still, it’s important to follow some rules, not only to help save water but to keep your grass healthy. Watering early in the morning is best. The early hour prevents the water from evaporating before it ever hits the grass roots. As the sun rises, it also stops the water from creating a friendly environment for fungi that create brown patch and dollar spot for Richmond lawns.
\n\n\n\nAnother rule of thumb is water deeply and infrequently. If you can give your lawn the inch or so of water that it needs once every five to 10 days, it’s better for the grass. This not only can help prevent fungi from attacking your grass, but it prevents additional stress on your lawn as well.
You’ll also get more out of your watering schedule if you cut down heavy thatch in your lawn. Heavy thatch can prevent water from reaching the grass roots, leaving you with a wet lawn and dry soil … perfect conditions for brown patch, especially during the hot, muggy days of summer. Removing thatch also allows you to use less water to get the job done, and that’ll save you money when the water bill arrives.
\n\n\n\nVirginia can go into drought pretty quickly, so it’s important to keep up with your local TV news or newspaper during predicted dry spells. If the DEQ declares a drought emergency, watering restrictions will go into place, and that’s when it gets a little trickier, trying to balance the needs of the drought-stricken area versus the needs of your grass. Happy watering!
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about landscaping and maintenance? Visit our Richmond, VA lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
Phoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native […]
\n","content":"\nPhoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native plants from the dozens that can decorate our outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nThis sprawling perennial also known as plumbago scadens is showing up in more and more Phoenix gardens. The flowers, a startlingly bright white, are quite dramatic against the deep green of the foliage. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, a deep red as new growths, then green when they mature. They return to red during the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nIn Phoenix, the white desert plumbago prefers filtered or partial shade, which is pretty quirky for a native of the Sonoran Desert. It’s an easygoing plant all around: It’ll grow under trees or taller shrubs; climb fences, walls or trellises; or cascade from containers or hanging baskets. Plant them along the perimeter of your yard for an innovative and informal hedge.
\n\n\n\nTufted evening primrose is a low-growing perennial with fragrant flowers that open at dusk, glowing white through the night, and then fade to pink and fold in the morning heat. The hairy, narrow leaves are gray-green on top and blue-gray underneath. They also fold up in the heat to retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nLike all native plants in Phoenix, the tufted evening primrose needs little water. However, if you water it moderately, you’ll be rewarded with flowers all summer. The flower’s petals are held above the base of the flower by a long tube that collects nectar. Night-flying hawkmoths love the plant. Their long, coiled tongues stretch far enough to reach the nectar.
\n\n\n\nPlant near a patio or porch so that you can view the fascinating transitions in the evening and early morning hours.
\n\n\n\n![\"Feather](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feather-bush-brian-ralphs-cc20.jpg\")
Also known as fern of the desert, the heat and sun-loving feather bush is a single- or multi-trunk tree that can reach a height of 12 to 15 feet and spreads to widths of up to 15 feet. Clusters of fragrant, creamy white puffballs bloom in early spring amid long, lacy leaves that resemble graceful green feathers.
\n\n\n\nPlant the feather bush around a pool or pond if you want to simulate an oasis, group it to create a natural privacy screen or bring a tropical ambiance to a patio or entryway. Wherever you plant it, you will be captivated by the colorful butterflies fluttering among the flowers and foliage.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most of the year, and in some areas, all year. The striking flower is actually spiky stamens that form puffballs. The delicate leaves are a deep green composed of tiny leaflets.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an evergreen but may thin out during those very rare “cold spells” in Phoenix. But there is no such thing as “too hot.” Plant it where you’ve not been able to grow anything, such as in the full sun against a west-facing wall. You can plant it in partial shade, but you will not have anywhere near as many blooms. Hummingbirds flock to the shrub. Watch closely and you’ll also see some finches, wrens, and verdins.
\n\n\n\nThe hedgehog cactus is a low-growing succulent with short, spiny stems that resemble hedgehogs. All varieties of the cactus have magnificent blossoms that last five days in shades of pink or purple. They open in the morning and close at night.
\n\n\n\nOnce the flowering is complete, the plant produces edible red-orange fruit with a fleshy white pulp that tastes like strawberry. At first, the fruit looks too dangerous to pick — the stems are densely covered with sharp spines, but the spines fall off as the fruit matures.
\n\n\n\nEven though the hedgehog cactus grows in sandy, rocky soil, and full sunlight, it also does well indoors near a sunny window.
\n\n\n\nFeature image source: Alan Levine / CC 2.0
\n","title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/107df/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/293e9/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/f2cbb/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/356ef/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/67b76/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/8df11/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/98a65/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/93f70/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"56837060-c0ff-50b4-8072-75151c42a948","slug":"best-plants-missouri","path":"/lawn-care/mo/best-plants-missouri/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"May 24th, 2023","excerpt":"So, you just installed a new lawn, and you want to finish off your landscaping with some stunning plants. But not all plants are ideal for Missouri’s climate, which ranges from cold and snowy in winter to steamy in the summer. Consider going with landscaping plants that look great and are well-adapted to our climate. […]
\n","content":"\nSo, you just installed a new lawn, and you want to finish off your landscaping with some stunning plants. But not all plants are ideal for Missouri’s climate, which ranges from cold and snowy in winter to steamy in the summer. Consider going with landscaping plants that look great and are well-adapted to our climate.
\n\n\n\nHere are 13 plants that grow naturally in Missouri and are well-suited to the state’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are not only accustomed to the local climate and soil conditions, but they also provide essential habitat and food for native wildlife. By incorporating native plants into your landscaping, you create an easy-care, biodiverse environment and reduce chemical usage.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at these 13 examples of Missouri natives.
\n\n\n\nTip: Are you located in St. Louis? Check out our grass guide and our native plant guide for the area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern redbud bursts with dainty, pink flowers early in the spring, even before its leaves emerge. It makes your yard look stunning and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nHowever, take note that Eastern redbud tends to struggle against some diseases and insects, so extra preventive care will be needed alongside other maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Prefers at least a moderate level of fertility, well-drained, consistently moist but not wet
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 20 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: No major hazards known for people or common (large) pets, but caution is always advised
![\"Prairie](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prairie-Blazing-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: cultivar413 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA real showstopper, the prairie blazing star is sure to catch the attention of anyone that visits your yard, including wildlife. This summer bloomer produces beautiful purple flowers, can grow up to 4 feet tall, and needs minimum maintenance. Prairie blazing star rarely faces problems with diseases or insect pests, too.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Keep soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: No major hazards known for people or common pets, but caution is always advised
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8173412518_9b3cd7aa35_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLance-leaved coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a yellow wildflower that’s both pleasant to the eye and appealing to wildlife such as pollinators and birds. It grows up to 3 feet tall even in dry conditions and spreads easily. Just be careful that your lance-leaved coreopsis doesn’t end up overtaking your yard!
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis species are usually seen as non-toxic, but there are some reports of lance-leaved coreopsis being toxic to livestock, so be cautious.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Keep the soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Loamy, sandy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained; ideally poor, sandy or rocky soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Some reports of toxicity
![\"Aromatic](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Aromatic-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAromatic aster blooms with purple, daisy-like flowers. Although the flowers themselves aren’t particularly fragrant, the flowerheads and foliage give off a balsam-like smell when crushed. The aromatic aster is easy to care for and keep healthy, and it attracts wildlife like bees and butterflies. The threatened checkerspot butterfly even uses the aromatic aster as its host plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Soil should be dry to moderately moist
Soil: Clay or sandy
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Lack of data, but some aster variants are reported to be toxic, so practice caution
![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/american-beautyberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Donald Lee Pardue / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe American beautyberry produces small pink flowers in the spring and a showy display of purple berries in the fall. The berries not only stand out with their bright color, but are also a real treat for various songbirds. Moreover, American beautyberry is an easy-care plant that’s relatively resistant to drought and insects.
\n\n\n\nAlthough some sources report the berries to be non-poisonous for humans, it’s better to act with caution because they may have mild toxic effects. Moreover, there’s a lack of data surrounding toxicity to domestic animals, so it’s better to keep them from eating any part of the plant.
Plant type: Shrub
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter; tolerant of various soil types as long as it gets good drainage
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 8 feet
Potential hazards: Mild toxic effects reported; a lack of data regarding toxicity to pets
![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want your yard to turn into a purple paradise in the summer, purple coneflower is another flower to add to it. It produces lovely, bright purple petals, and also provides food for pollinators and birds. The plant is self-seeding, although you may need to divide its clumps every few years. Also, note that the purple coneflower may sometimes suffer from diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe plant is toxic to people and animals so make sure you enjoy it with your eyes only.
Plant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun or partial shade (does best in full sun)
Water needs: Keep the soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe butterfly milkweed, also known as butterfly weed and orange milkweed, is listed on the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plants of Merit, meaning that it grows outstandingly well in Missouri and surrounding regions. It’s an easy-care plant that tends to resist diseases and insect pests and isn’t invasive in the area.
Butterfly milkweed establishes in 2 to 3 years and then produces beautiful, atypical orange blossoms that produce nectar for pollinators. Moreover, milkweed is the only host plant for the monarch butterfly.
Plant type: Herb
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Sandy, poor, average, dry to medium, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 2 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Downy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Downy-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDowny phlox, also called prairie phlox, blooms with fragrant purple flowers that attract butterflies. While it blooms in the summer, it may produce a second, sparser round of blooms in the fall. Moreover, the downy phlox seldom faces problems with diseases and insects; just look out for spider mites, which may sometimes be a problem during the heat of summer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Fertile and moderately dry or moist, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Potential hazards: Lack of data; always practice caution
![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed_susan_flowers_40862429212.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell from Cornwall, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to add an easy-care, vibrant splash of color to your garden, consider planting black-eyed Susan. The cheerful yellow and black flower blooms within a year and stands up well to heat, drought, and cold.
\n\n\n\nTake caution, though; black-eyed Susan is toxic to animals. There’s a lack of data regarding its toxicity to humans, but it causes allergic reactions in some people. To be on the safe side, don’t consume it, handle it with gloves, and keep it away from pets.
Plant type: Wildflower
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-draining, acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Zigzag](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zigzag-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to plant beautiful tall trees or perhaps add some hardscapes to your outdoor area, zigzag goldenrod is a a great accent piece. It provides your lawn with a pop of yellow whether it grows in full sun or some shade. Moreover, zigzag goldenrod attracts pollinators and rarely deals with diseases and insect pests.
\n\n\n\nAlthough goldenrod plants are sometimes used as a supplement, it’s important to consult a medical professional before doing so. Some people, like pregnant and nursing women or people with health problems, shouldn’t use goldenrod supplements. Furthermore, it’s important to note that some species of goldenrod, such as rayless goldenrod, are toxic to some animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun to full shade (prefers partial shade)
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Goldenrod supplements may have side effects, so consult a professional before taking them; some goldenrod species are toxic to some animals, and there’s a lack of data about the Solidago flexicaulis species, so practice caution and don’t let animals eat them
![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-arborescens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild hydrangea is a showy plant that’s also listed on the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plants of Merit, meaning that it grows outstandingly well in Missouri and the surrounding regions. It tolerates a variety of soils as long as it gets enough moisture. Because wild hydrangea grows well in wet soils, it’s a perfect choice for a rain garden. However, the plant is susceptible to some diseases and insect pest problems, so it needs some extra care.
\n\n\n\nBe cautious, though, because all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Sun: Partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Rocky, shallow, clay, average
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a spring bloomer that looks great and attracts wildlife. Bees and butterflies enjoy its nectar and use it to lay eggs, and birds feast on its red berries in the fall. With its spring flowers and fall berries, flowering dogwood can help your yard stand out throughout the year. However, take note that the tree is susceptible to some diseases, and will need moderate maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAlso, it’s important to know that the tree, including the berries, is very poisonous to humans and pets. Never consume any part of it; leave it for local wildlife instead.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree
Sun: Full sun, partial shade; prefers partial shade
Water needs: Can handle occasional dryness; prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil
Soil: Prefers high organic matter content; will tolerate sand, loam, and clay mixes
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 12 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Pawpaw](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pawpaw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPawpaw offers a touch of tropical beauty with purple flowers in spring and fruits that mature in early fall. It’s a favorite snack of various pollinators, birds, and other wildlife like squirrels and raccoons. Because the tree likes moist soil, it’s ideal for a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nHowever, even though pawpaw is commonly seen as edible, it’s actually been found to contain harmful chemical compounds with toxic effects. You can consult a medical professional if you want to discuss the safety of the fruit. Avoid feeding it to your pets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun
Water needs: Keep soil moderately moist to wet but well-drained
Soil: Tolerates average soil; prefers fertile, acidic soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 15 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Contains harmful toxins
For more information about native plants, you can check out GrowNative.org, where you can find a comprehensive list of plants that are native to Missouri.
\n\n\n\nWith such a wide selection of native plants, you can create a yard that not only looks beautiful but also supports local wildlife. Make sure you also pick one of the best grasses for Missouri to complement your plant selection.
\n\n\n\nOnce you pick the right plants and grass, you’re not done just yet. Your yard will need regular maintenance to thrive. If you’d like some help from a pro, get in touch with one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros in Missouri.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Missouri Botanical Garden / Pixabay
\n","title":"Best Landscaping Plants for Your Missouri Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/1789c/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/107df/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/293e9/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/f2cbb/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/1789c/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/c26c2/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/1dd6e/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/67b76/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/8df11/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/98a65/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/1dd6e/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/3cc96/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Landscaping Plants for Your Missouri Yard","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Great landscaping turns an ordinary yard extraordinary, and it’s not difficult to achieve if you use the right plants and then give them a little TLC."}}},{"node":{"id":"d254cd89-ceaf-5921-b056-368914320ddc","slug":"best-grass-types-st-louis","path":"/lawn-care/mo/st-louis/best-grass-types-st-louis/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nick Crawford is a blog writer based in Philadelphia. He enjoys writing just as much as he enjoys reading a good book, cooking, and working out in his spare time.","name":"Nick Crawford","id":"5213edde-9943-5767-a5ae-163493ecfae5","path":"/author/nick-crawford/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7ce3281d49bd9eb99cb1c4f0200247d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"},{"id":"3f02f7ac-cb76-5555-b9a8-490ee8121fe0","name":"St. Louis","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/st-louis/"}],"date":"April 4th, 2023","excerpt":"It may be the Gateway to the West, but St. Louis sits firmly in the transition zone that divides the Northern and Southern regions of the United States. This brings with it a variety of weather conditions ranging from humid summers to frigid winters, which makes finding an ideal grass type for your lawn more […]
\n","content":"\nIt may be the Gateway to the West, but St. Louis sits firmly in the transition zone that divides the Northern and Southern regions of the United States. This brings with it a variety of weather conditions ranging from humid summers to frigid winters, which makes finding an ideal grass type for your lawn more complicated.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding the characteristics of different grasses is vital to growing a lawn that you can truly enjoy in St. Louis.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThe most significant consideration when growing grass is whether you choose warm season or cool season grass. Each tolerates the temperature and atmospheric conditions of opposing seasons differently.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses actively grow from late spring to mid-autumn. Past the middle of fall, typically around late September to early October, these grasses go dormant and turn brown. Warm-season grasses need lots of sunlight and can’t tolerate shade very well.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses experience active growth early in the spring and tend to remain green until late fall. Without constant watering, they will go dormant during the summer. While these grasses can tolerate shade more readily, they require at least a half day of full sun.
\n\n\n\nThe biggest challenge to planting a lawn in St. Louis is that the city’s varied temperatures mean neither warm season nor cool season grasses hold an advantage in care and longevity. So what is the solution?
\n\n\n\nFortunately, there are grass types that are hardy enough to thrive in multiple seasons. You could also mix different grass seeds to cultivate a lawn that perfectly fits your needs.
\n\n\n\nTry these four grass types in your lawn for the best-looking results.
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24264641643_967481f69f_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a warm season grass adapted for use in the lower two-thirds of Missouri. Its stiff leaves spread into a dense carpet well suited for golf courses. However, it also makes a good choice for a home lawn.
\n\n\n\nThis grass has a very high heat tolerance but can withstand lower temperatures. However, keep in mind that it does go dormant in the wintertime. You can keep zoysiagrass looking good with minimal watering, but be mindful that it requires at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily to continue looking lush.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_5ee6dd93d7_c-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is widely recognized as one of the best grasses for Missouri homeowners, and that includes the good folks of St. Louis. This cool-season grass grows and thrives in the shade quite well, and possesses excellent drought tolerance. In addition, tall fescue can remain green for three quarters of the year, only going dormant during the summer.
\n\n\n\nThe main drawback of tall fescue is its rate of growth. As evident by its name, tall fescue can sprout up to four feet in height if left alone. Therefore, you must mow this grass often to maintain its recommended height of two feet.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is an excellent choice if you’re looking for general-purpose turf grass that provides a dense, lush coverage for your lawn. This cool-season grass gets its name from its blue-green leaves, which have a medium texture.
\n\n\n\nBluegrass is a rhizomatous plant that spreads quickly, so you can use it to help fill bare patches in your lawn. Even though it becomes dormant during the summer and other dry times, bluegrass is very drought tolerant.
\n\n\n\nMixing Kentucky bluegrass with other grass types, such as perennial ryegrass and tall fescue, gives it a better chance of remaining green year-round. In addition, by combining it with other grasses, you can do a lot to improve its disease resistance.
\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: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is the only grass species that is native to North America, which makes it especially suited to our varied climates. It is particularly adapted to thrive in dry prairie lands, so it has excellent drought tolerance and heat resistance, even among other warm-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nThe main draw of buffalograss is that it makes for a low-maintenance lawn. It requires less water than many kinds of grass and is highly disease resistant. And it also has a higher tolerance for cold temperatures than many warm-season grasses, though the exact degree of cold tolerance can vary.
\n\n\n\nWhile buffalograss grows, it spreads in an “open growth habit”. Doing so leaves room for weeds to come in, so you must be vigilant about your weed control if that is an issue you want to avoid.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low – doesn’t need frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nYour best bet is to plant in early to mid-September. The warm soil and mild temperature during the day benefits germination, while the cooler nights are good for cool season grasses.
Tall fescue has some of the best shade tolerance of any grass you could grow in St. Louis. As a result, it requires much less sun than other species, though it should get at least eight hours of sunlight to continue looking its best.
Most grasses go dormant in the Winter because of the extreme cold. However, there is a special winterizer lawn fertilizer that is packed with nitrogen to help build up carbohydrate levels in your grass. This fertilizer gives your lawn what it needs to survive the Winter and return more robust in the Spring.
St. Louis has a wide variety of climates, making it challenging to select a particular type of grass to plant. However, if you choose hardy grass and diligently maintain it, you can have a healthy lawn all year round. And if you would like help keeping your landscape looking its best, you should turn to a local lawn care professional.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Lawn of a Building, St. Louis / Picryl
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types For St. Louis","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/1789c/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/107df/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.jpg 320w,\n/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/293e9/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.jpg 500w,\n/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/f2cbb/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.jpg 800w,\n/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/1789c/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.jpg 960w,\n/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/c26c2/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/1dd6e/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/67b76/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.webp 320w,\n/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/8df11/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.webp 500w,\n/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/98a65/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.webp 800w,\n/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/1dd6e/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.webp 960w,\n/static/fc8b26b924cf33835ca03be4c661a115/3cc96/Holly_Hills_HD_NRHP_16000102_St._Louis_City_MO.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types For St. Louis | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You should know which grasses to plant for a beautiful lawn. And these four species are great choices if you live in St. Louis."}}},{"node":{"id":"6d312171-0cb0-588b-b011-8cd8e2c691f0","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-south-carolina","path":"/lawn-care/sc/fall-lawn-care-checklist-south-carolina/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"1ea697f8-5b42-5431-b368-7296faebead2","name":"South Carolina","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"As the crisp autumn air settles in, South Carolina homeowners are preparing for a season of pumpkin patches, football games, and cozy nights by the fire. But amidst the fall festivities, it’s easy to neglect the TLC your lawn needs to thrive. Proper fall lawn care is not only crucial for maintaining a beautiful yard, […]
\n","content":"\nAs the crisp autumn air settles in, South Carolina homeowners are preparing for a season of pumpkin patches, football games, and cozy nights by the fire. But amidst the fall festivities, it’s easy to neglect the TLC your lawn needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\nProper fall lawn care is not only crucial for maintaining a beautiful yard, but it also sets the foundation for healthy growth come springtime. With that in mind, let this comprehensive fall lawn care checklist for South Carolina guide you. From fertilization to aeration, following these steps will ensure a lush, healthy lawn year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFall is a crucial time for lawn care, and neglecting it could lead to dire consequences for your yard come spring. While many people assume that lawn care is a summer activity, the cooler temperatures and more relaxed growth patterns of fall create an optimal environment for certain lawn care practices.
\n\n\n\nFollow these steps to ensure your grassroots grow strong and healthy to withstand the winter months and lead to more vibrant growth in the spring:
\n\n\n\n![\"Leaves](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rsz_1yard_cleanup-1024x683.jpg\")
Although the fall foliage can be a picturesque sight, you should never leave the fallen, dry leaves strewn all over the place. While the thought of raking and removing leaves from your yard may make you cringe, it’s a crucial step in maintaining a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe following reasons will make you pick up your rake from the shed as soon as possible:
\n\n\n\nFall yard cleanup is an opportunity to inspect your lawn for any signs of damage or disease. By clearing away debris and examining your lawn closely, you can catch any potential issues before they become severe.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
South Carolina’s unique climate and soil composition require a tailored approach to lawn care. That’s why soil testing is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lawn – especially in the fall. It’s the perfect time for soil testing because it provides an opportunity to correct any imbalances before winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nTesting your soil can reveal nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, that could be hindering your grass’s growth. Additionally, it can determine the soil’s pH level, which is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. If your soil’s pH is too low or too high, it can impact the soil’s ability to absorb nutrients, causing issues for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere’s the ideal pH range for the most common grass types in South Carolina:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Ideal pH Range |
| Bermudagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Carpetgrass | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| Centipedegrass | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Tall fescue | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Homeowners in South Carolina can take advantage of Clemson University’s affordable soil testing services to analyze their soil composition and determine the necessary amendments for optimal lawn nourishment. The cost for soil analysis is budget-friendly, with prices ranging from $10 or less per sample.
\n\n\n\nSoil can become compacted over time due to foot traffic, lawn equipment, and other factors. Compacted soil makes it difficult for grass roots to grow, leading to a patchy and unhealthy lawn. Aeration can alleviate soil compaction, allowing for better water and nutrient absorption and promoting stronger root growth.
\n\n\n\nFall is also the ideal time to aerate your lawn, as the weather is cooler and rainfall is more frequent. Doing so can help prepare it for the winter months. With improved water and nutrient absorption, your grass will be better equipped to handle the colder temperatures and potential droughts winter can bring.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, aeration allows for better seed-to-soil contact when overseeding, which can help fill in any thin or bare patches in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nVarious types of aeration techniques can be done in South Carolina, depending on the specific needs of your lawn:
\n\n\n\nA lawn care professional can assess your lawn’s needs and recommend the best type of aeration for optimal results.
\n\n\n\nAs the weather cools down in South Carolina, you must adjust your lawn care routine to reflect the changing seasons. One key adjustment to make is cutting back on watering your lawn. While it’s important to maintain adequate soil moisture for healthy grass growth, overwatering in the fall can actually do more harm than good.
\n\n\n\nFirst, excess water can lead to the growth of fungus and other harmful organisms that can damage your lawn. Additionally, overwatering can prevent your grass from properly preparing for winter dormancy, leaving it more vulnerable to damage from cold temperatures and frost.
\n\n\n\nWhile you should keep watering, gradually reduce your lawn’s watering schedule in the fall, allowing the grass to gradually adjust to the changing weather conditions. Remember, your lawn only needs 1 inch of water per week. This way, you can ensure that your lawn is well-prepared for winter and can bounce back in the spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Manual](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Manual-Lawn-Mower.jpg\")
Homeowners should take the opportunity to mow their grasses short in the fall. While this may seem counterintuitive to promoting growth and health, it is actually an essential step to preparing your lawn for the winter months.
\n\n\n\nDuring fall, grass growth slows down and the plant’s focus shifts from above-ground growth to root development. By mowing your grass short, you encourage root growth and provide better access to nutrients and water. This helps to build a stronger, more resilient root system that can better withstand the harsh winter weather.
\n\n\n\nTo properly mow your lawn in the fall, adjust your mower’s blades to a lower setting and gradually reduce the height of the grass over several mowings. It is recommended to keep the grass height around 2 inches for the final mowing of the season.
\n\n\n\nHere are the suggested mowing heights for the popular warm-season and cool-season grass types in South Carolina:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Carpetgrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 inches |
As the temperatures drop and the growing season comes to an end, you should take advantage of the fall season to apply soil amendments to your lawn. Soil amendments are essential in promoting healthy lawn growth, as they improve the soil structure, fertility, and overall health.
\n\n\n\nAdding soil amendments, such as compost, lime, and organic matter, in the fall will give the soil enough time to absorb and process the nutrients before winter sets in, helping improve the soil’s health and fertility.
\n\n\n\nPlus, applying soil amendments in the fall can help reduce soil erosion and improve water retention, which is essential during the winter months. The added nutrients from the amendments will help the lawn better withstand winter stress and prepare it for the growing season ahead.
\n\n\n\n![\"Weed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Weed-Control.jpg\")
Fall is a crucial time to control and prevent weeds on your lawn. Weeds can rob your grass of the nutrients and moisture it needs to thrive, leading to a thin, patchy lawn come spring. In fact, some weed species can spread rapidly and crowd out your desirable turfgrass, creating an unsightly mess.
\n\n\n\nPrevent weeds from taking over your lawn by applying pre-emergent herbicides in the fall. These herbicides create a barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from germinating and growing. Additionally, post-emergent herbicides can be used to kill any existing weeds in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhile you may be tempted to put off weed control until next spring, tackling the problem now will save you time, effort, and money in the long run. With the right prevention and control strategies in place, your lawn will be healthier, more beautiful, and more enjoyable come next year.
\n\n\n\nPay attention to any signs of lawn diseases in your yard. Dollar spot and brown patch are common culprits that can wreak havoc on your lawn during this time of year. These diseases thrive in the warm and humid environment created by the cool fall temperatures and heavy morning dew.
\n\n\n\nTreating these diseases in the fall is crucial as they can easily survive the winter and wreak havoc on your lawn come springtime. Additionally, early treatment can prevent the diseases from spreading to healthy grass, allowing your lawn to recover and grow lush and green next season.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot is a fungal lawn disease that emerges due to excessive dew on the grass. It is characterized by small, silver-dollar-sized yellow spots on turfgrasses like bermudagrass. Adopting proper lawn management techniques can usually prevent or treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nBrown patch (large patch) is a fungal disease that occurs primarily in centipedegrass and Zoysiagrass, resulting in circular patterns of yellowing grass. To prevent and treat brown patch, follow these steps:
\n\n\n\nOne of the most important lawn tasks to prioritize in the fall is fertilization. Applying lawn fertilizer during this time can provide your lawn with the essential nutrients needed to recover from the stress of summer, survive the harsh winter, and thrive in the spring.
\n\n\n\nThe cooler temperatures in the fall create an ideal environment for grass to absorb nutrients and develop strong roots. Your grass roots will continue to grow during this time and will retain the provided nutrients until spring. So you should fertilize at least once before the temperature drops – between late September and early November.
\n\n\n\nConsider using a pelletized fertilizer with suitable ratios of deficient nutrients in your soil. Many lawn care professionals offer customized fertilizer plans based on soil tests and specific lawn needs. Alternatively, opt for an organic and all-natural fertilizer, such as aged compost or grass clippings.
\n\n\n\nThe ratio of N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) will vary depending on the needs of your lawn. For example, a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content may be recommended for lawns that need to promote growth, while a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content may be recommended for lawns that need to improve root development.
\n\n\n\nBy taking a soil test and analyzing the nutrient levels in your soil, you can determine the ideal N-P-K ratio for your lawn and choose a fertilizer that meets those specific needs.
\n\n\n\nFall is also the time to start thinking about winterizing the cold-sensitive plants on your lawn to ensure they survive the harsh winter months. Do the following to ensure they make it through the winter and come back strong in the spring:
\n\n\n\n![\"Fungal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lawn-Pest.jpg\")
Lawn pests, like chinch bugs and grubs, can still cause damage during the fall months. And without proper prevention, they can continue to wreak havoc on your lawn throughout winter and into spring.
\n\n\n\nActing early in the fall to prevent lawn pests is crucial because once an infestation has taken hold, it can be difficult to control. In addition to causing unsightly damage to your lawn, pests also can attract other unwanted visitors, such as birds and rodents. These pests can further damage your lawn and may even spread disease.
\n\n\n\nTo prevent lawn pests in the fall, regularly inspect your lawn for signs of damage, such as yellow or brown patches. You should consider applying a preventive insecticide to your lawn to kill off any larvae or eggs that may be present.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding your lawn in the fall is a great way to improve the density and appearance of your grass. For South Carolina, you can use cool-season grasses, like tall fescue, for overseeding. These grasses will thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and spring while your warm-season grasses are dormant.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to overseed your South Carolina lawn is between mid-September and mid-October. During this time, the soil temperature is still warm enough to allow for good seed germination, while the cooler air temperature helps create ideal conditions for grass growth. Additionally, overseeding in the fall allows new grass to establish roots before winter arrives, giving it a head start for growth in the spring.
\n\n\n\nBefore overseeding, you must prepare the lawn properly. Mow your grass to a short height and remove debris and thatch. Aeration can be beneficial to loosen compacted soil and provide space for new seeds to germinate. After seeding, water the lawn regularly to keep the soil moist (not muddy or saturated) until the fresh grass has become established.
\n\n\n\nYes, there are several ways to tell if your grass is dormant rather than dead. One sign is that the blades of dormant grass will look thin and brittle and still have a greenish hue (albeit a faded one), while dead grass will be brown or gray.
Another way to distinguish dormant grass is by looking at the roots. If the roots are still firm and white, your grass is likely dormant. You also can try watering the grass and giving it some time to see if it begins to regrow. If it does, it was likely just dormant.
For warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass, the growing season usually ends in late September or early October. As such, it’s recommended to stop mowing once the grass stops growing or slows down significantly. Otherwise, cutting too short during this time can damage the roots and make it harder for the grass to bounce back the following spring.
For cool-season grasses like tall fescue, the growing season usually extends throughout the fall and winter months, with the grass continuing to grow until the temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. So you may have to stop mowing your cool-season grass as early as November to as late as January.
A fertilizer that’s high in potassium and nitrogen but low in phosphorus is recommended for fall application. This is because potassium helps improve the cold tolerance and disease resistance of the grass, while nitrogen promotes root growth and overall health.
As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures start to drop in South Carolina, it’s time to start thinking about your lawn care routine. The cooler temperatures and relaxed growth patterns create the perfect conditions for certain lawn care practices that can help ensure your lawn is well-prepared for the harsh winter months and primed for a lush green-up in the spring.
Before putting up Halloween decorations on your lawn, reach out to a lawn care pro to give your lawn the best care possible. Regardless if you live in Columbia, Rock Hill, or near the beach in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or Myrtle Beach, these professionals can help maintain your lawn so you don’t have to.
Main Photo by: don cload / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for South Carolina","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/38a09/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.jpg","srcSet":"/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/107df/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.jpg 320w,\n/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/293e9/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.jpg 500w,\n/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/38a09/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.jpg 640w","srcWebp":"/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/80c34/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/67b76/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.webp 320w,\n/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/8df11/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.webp 500w,\n/static/205d95c48d5ba3bbd0b14123020abbb1/80c34/Lawn-care-in-South-Carolina.webp 640w","sizes":"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for South Carolina | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Get your lawn in tip-top shape and prepare it for the cold winter with this comprehensive fall lawn care checklist for South Carolina."}}},{"node":{"id":"1e622faf-6c21-5480-a056-b45f6c30e91f","slug":"best-native-plants-maine","path":"/lawn-care/maine/best-native-plants-maine/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Descendant of the Fulani tribe, Gettysburg-obsessed Marine Corps brat, and lover of all things writing and editing, Andréa Butler has penned articles for Sesi magazine and sites, such as LivingSocial, Talbot Digital, Xickle, and Rachel Ray. Andréa holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an M.A. in magazine journalism from Kent State University.","name":"Andréa Butler","id":"dae2e109-3ba9-5073-a19a-e341e567190e","path":"/author/andrea-butler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c671545b46efb40d2596d32a775f26a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"47799b4c-dc00-522b-9249-ee471c0c0d49","name":"Maine","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/maine/"}],"date":"May 14th, 2023","excerpt":"The Vacationland is homeland to you; even still, you need not venture far to appreciate your state’s natural beauty. Inspired by the Wild Gardens of Acadia, your latest project is cultivating a bed of native plants in your own Maine landscape. To start you off on this quest, we’ve gathered 11 best native plants for […]
\n","content":"\nThe Vacationland is homeland to you; even still, you need not venture far to appreciate your state’s natural beauty. Inspired by the Wild Gardens of Acadia, your latest project is cultivating a bed of native plants in your own Maine landscape. To start you off on this quest, we’ve gathered 11 best native plants for Maine, just waiting to take root near you.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe flashy white flowers of this perennial bloom in May, followed by an autumn to winter season of color-changing leaves and berries— leaves turn burgundy while the edible berries go from green to yellow to red to deep blue. Perfect for growing as a natural privacy screen or specimen plant, this drought- and pollution-tolerant native attracts caterpillars, moths, birds, and other pollinators but repels deer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous; glossy, dark green leaves turn burgundy in fall; too much shade may cause milder
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium; prune after flowering and water regularly until established; no need to fertilize
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pagoda-Dogwood-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michele Dorsey Walfred / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNamed for its resemblance to a pagoda temple — its branches grow in similarly structured horizontal layers — the pagoda dogwood produces perfumed, white blooms and blue or purple berries in spring and summer, respectively. Plant it as a specimen tree, or pair it with maples, beeches, birches, or serviceberries.
\n\n\n\nOffering year–round interest, as well (the leaves turn yellow, red, and orange in autumn), this native selection is tolerant of pollution and attracts all kinds of pollinators. Keep a lookout though, as it’s susceptible to canker, twig blight, and leaf spot.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich, acidic; sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water regularly until established and then only during drought
\n\n\n\nMature height: 12 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous; turn red, yellow, and orange in fall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs Maine is the final summer destination for monarch butterflies’ annual migration from Mexico, common milkweed is an especially important native plant that can help fight the decline of these butterflies’ populations. This native wildflower provides a place for monarchs to lay their eggs and gives off round, ball-like clusters of purple or pink flowers each summer.
\n\n\n\nSince common milkweed spreads swiftly via rhizomes, it’s best planted in naturalized areas, so it doesn’t become invasive in your traditional garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweetly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Oval, green leaves with hairy underside; release milky substance when crushed
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nThis native selection, ideal as a garden mass planting for displays of fall color brought on by pink or purple ray flowers surrounding a yellow center, is perfect for attracting various pollinators.
\n\n\n\nAble to thrive in a range of soil types, New England aster is pretty low maintenance when it comes to water needs; it likes things moist but can tolerate some dry soils. To keep this tall-growing flower on the shorter side, prune stems in early summer. If provided the right amount of sunlight, water, and overall care, this plant can live up to 10 years.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, acidic, clay, sandy, loamy; poorly-drained clay soils may cause aster wilt
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green leaves
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; vulnerable to powdery mildew. Cut back stems in mid-summer to avoid staking and to produce more flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"closoeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bayberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis wide-growing, rounded shrub generates inconspicuous gold, yellow, or green blooms in spring. Come summer and through the following spring, whitish-gray berries grow from the stems, providing a food source for birds. The fruits’ waxy finish is also used in candles and soaps.
\n\n\n\nNorthern bayberry can live up to 30 years and is best used as a specimen plant, hedge, or foundation plant. It’s excellent at preventing erosion and is resistant to deer, salt, drought, heat, compacted soil, and seasonal flooding, so it’s easy for beginners to grow.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 6
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, rocky, acidic; well-drained with high organic matter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Whole plant scented when crushed; peppery and woody scent
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water regularly until established
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 12 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen; fragrant, dark green, shiny leaves
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bearberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrew Curtis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDrought-tolerant, this low-growing groundcover is a prime pick for a xeriscaped yard. In mid-spring, pink, bell-shaped flowers will spring forth, while summer sees the emergence of red berries that last through fall.
\n\n\n\nAdding to the year-round interest are the dark green leaves that turn burgundy from fall through winter. This native plant, which can live up to 20 years, is also resistant to salt and pollution and can work well in an ornamental, butterfly, rock, or winter garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2 to 6
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, acidic; can be dry or moist but no standing water; susceptible to yellowing leaves if not acidic enough
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Autumn leaves/pine
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Early spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 8 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen; glossy and round, turns from green to burgundy in autumn
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Arbutin in foliage hinders melanin production/can lighten skin
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; tolerant of drought, salt, and pollution
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFrom spring through summer, this perennial produces downward-hanging, umbrella-shaped blossoms that are red and yellow. Post-bloom, red columbine reseeds on its own and goes dormant as some of its leaves turn pink or purple before falling off. Although this plant has no noticeable aroma, hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators are drawn to its nectar. Red columbine is a great accent plant for rock gardens and coastal sites, as it is salt-tolerant. Duskywing caterpillars and columbine leafminers feed on the leaves, but don’t cause any actual harm to the plant’s health.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Weekly or whenever soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Blue-green leaves grow in groups of three
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bush-Honeysuckle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nUnlike the nonnative, “true” honeysuckle plants, Northern bush honeysuckle is not invasive and has no scent. It does, however, have similar trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers that grow in pairs or triplets. Drought-resistant, it serves well as a privacy screen or mass planting and can endure dry and seasonally flooded conditions. Northern bush honeysuckle attracts a variety of pollinators, including bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Not particular; grows in range of soil types and withstands dry and seasonally flooded soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Burgundy spring new growth; pointy leaves become green and copper as they mature; turns yellow-orange or reddish-purple in fall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Berries are mildly poisonous to humans.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; prune in late winter
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Scarlet-Elder.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Algirdas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nScarlet elder (aka red elderberry) produces memorable white, floral-scented, cone-shaped blooms that can thrive in wet soil, full sun, and partial shade. This plant’s calling card also includes clusters of red berries, which serve as food for several species of birds.
\n\n\n\nNaturally able to manage erosion, scarlet elder makes for a fantastic hedge when planted alongside other shrubs, like winterberry and witch hazel. It also draws its fair share of pollinators.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Flowers have floral scent; leaves have unpleasant, stinky odor when crushed
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; water well in the absence of rain
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green with serrated edges and hairy underside
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Seeds are poisonous; raw berries are toxic
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium; prune to contain spread
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rosebay-Rhododendron.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: SB Johnny / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRosebay rhododendron grows nicely in shade gardens and as border plantings underneath heavily canopied areas of hemlocks, pines, and maples. This broadleaf evergreen boasts dark, blue-green leaves that curl up to protect themselves from cold weather and prominent pink, white, or lavender flowers that grow in bell-shaped clusters.
\n\n\n\nBest as an ornamental planting in a cool, shady yard, this native perennial is not OK with drought, heat, or salt and is susceptible to canker, crown rot, root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot, to name a few.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full shade or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 35 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen; leathery feel; dark, blue-green in color
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, pets, horses, and other animals if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chokecherry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis attractive shrub, which bears white flowers, dark red berries, and green leaves, is a favorite of racoons — they love feasting on the ripened berry clusters. Also edible to humans, the fruits have been described by many as dry and “astringent.” However, taste is much improved when dried or cooked and turned into wine, jams, or jellies. Be careful not to eat the seeds, though; they are toxic. Chokecherry serves as a host to Eastern tent caterpillars, and when crushed, the twigs emit an unsavory, bittersweet smell.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, limestone-based, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Unpleasant bittersweet smell when twigs are crushed
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous; oval, bright green in color; serrated edges
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; drought-tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 30 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves, bark, stem, and seed pit are poisonous/harmful to livestock
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low; prune late winter to early spring
\n\n\n\nStart by assessing the conditions of your property, including the amount of sun it gets, the type of soil, and the existing plant life. Then, find out what specific native plants will be the best fit, considering what purpose you’d like each plant to have (specimen, groundcover, traditional garden, etc.).
\n\n\n\nFor oodles of inspiration, look for ideas at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden, Viles Arboretum, or the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House and Gardens, among others.
\n\n\n\nMaine’s climate includes super cold and snowy winters, with lows hovering around 15 degrees, and mild summers, with highs averaging around 70 degrees. The entire state falls within hardiness zones 3 to 6.
\n\n\n\nOther native planting options include (but are not limited to):
\n\n\n\nIn Maine, September is the ideal time to plant natives, when not planting from seed. This allows the already-sprouted plants to establish a root system in time for winter dormancy. If planting from seed, wait until December, as this is the time when plant self-seeding naturally occurs.
Planting natives has a number of benefits, including:
● being noninvasive
● preserving biodiversity
● being naturally adapted to soil/weather conditions
● providing shelter/food for wildlife and pollinators
● using less water
● requiring less fertilization (if any)
The only turfgrass native to Maine is red fescue; however, there are a variety of native ornamental grasses you can try:
● switchgrass (panicum virgatum)
● yellow prairie grass (sorghastrum nutans)
● Canada wild rye (elymus canadensis)
● little bluestem (schizachyrium scoparium)
Maine is home to approximately 1,500 native plants, and the Wild Seed Project is a popular destination for learning about and purchasing various species of native trees, wildflowers, vines, shrubs, and grasses. Search its native plant finder for details.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, local lawn care professionals can provide yard care assistance via mowing, trimming, and edging the landscape. We have trusted lawn care pros in Scarborough, Wells, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Maine","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/1789c/Chokecherry-plant.jpg","srcSet":"/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/107df/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 320w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/293e9/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 500w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/f2cbb/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 800w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/1789c/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 960w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/c26c2/Chokecherry-plant.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/1dd6e/Chokecherry-plant.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/67b76/Chokecherry-plant.webp 320w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/8df11/Chokecherry-plant.webp 500w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/98a65/Chokecherry-plant.webp 800w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/1dd6e/Chokecherry-plant.webp 960w,\n/static/84026e22d5449b10b4bf19ed2821fcb7/3cc96/Chokecherry-plant.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Maine | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ready to grow a more pollinator-friendly, eco-conscious garden? Here, we’ve rounded up a list of 11 best native plants for Maine to get you started."}}},{"node":{"id":"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":"69b19624-e6c4-52ad-abd5-9e9e97e0a1a0","slug":"best-grass-types-atlanta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/best-grass-types-atlanta/","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":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 20th, 2023","excerpt":"With a climate that boasts hot summers, mild winters, and stunning spring and fall days, Atlanta is the perfect place for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to flourish. But with so many options, choosing the right grass for your lawn can be as challenging as finding the perfect peach cobbler recipe. Don’t worry. From the […]
\n","content":"\nWith a climate that boasts hot summers, mild winters, and stunning spring and fall days, Atlanta is the perfect place for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to flourish. But with so many options, choosing the right grass for your lawn can be as challenging as finding the perfect peach cobbler recipe.
\n\n\n\nDon’t worry. From the more common Bermudagrass to the perennial Zoysia, these seven best grass types for Atlanta will make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. So, whether you want a lawn that can handle the heat or one that can brave the winter chill, you’ll find the perfect match here.
\n\n\n\nThere are notable distinctions between warm-season and cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses exhibit rapid growth and are more tolerant to drought conditions. On the other hand, the key characteristic of cool-season grasses is their resilience and luxuriant growth.
\n\n\n\nHowever, these dissimilarities are just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some additional traits that can help you differentiate between these two types of grasses:
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season and cool-season grass types are perfectly suited for the climatic and soil conditions of Atlanta:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA warm-season grass commonly found in the southern regions of the United States, bermudagrass is known for its fine texture, drought tolerance, and ability to grow in a wide range of soil types.
\n\n\n\nThis fast-growing grass can quickly inhabit a new area. It has a high tolerance for heat and heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for areas that receive a lot of sun and activity. That’s why it’s a popular choice not just for residential lawns but also for golf courses and sports fields across Atlanta.
\n\n\n\nCommon bermudagrass may be a suitable choice for those looking for a grass type that has a coarser texture and requires less maintenance. However, for those who prefer a more refined and fine-textured grass, hybrid cultivars may be a better fit, although they require greater care and attention to maintain their appearance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – some varieties need more sun than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – may become dormant in long periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – requires frequent watering, fertilization, and mowing to maintain its appearance and health
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches – raise the mower height during periods of drought or extreme heat
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate – common diseases include dollar spot, large patch, leaf spot, and spring dead spot; can be prone to armyworms, bermudagrass mites, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass species has the impressive ability to rapidly propagate itself. But this aggressive spreading also can be a double-edged sword, as it may result in the grass taking over and invading nearby flower beds or other cultivated areas.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWith its low-growing, dense, and carpet-like appearance, centipedegrass is another popular choice for lawns across the southern United States. This low-maintenance, warm-season grass requires less water and fertilizer than other turfgrasses, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners who want a lawn that doesn’t require constant upkeep.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. While it may not have the same deep green color as other grass varieties, centipedegrass does produce attractive seed heads that turn brown as they mature.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – grows best in direct sunlight but can survive with as little as six hours of sun exposure a day
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate – may become dormant during extended periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low – thrives even with minimal watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches – increase the mowing height by ½ inch if the area is shaded
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate – mostly prone to iron chlorosis, centipedegrass decline, nematodes, ground pearl insects, spittlebugs, grubs, and lawn catterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, and well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Avoid overfertilization and high nitrogen rates to lessen the risk of diseases and pest infestations.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its thick, lush, and coarse texture, St. Augustinegrass is another warm-season turfgrass that’s popular among homeowners in Atlanta. This grass variety thrives in hot and humid climates and is well-suited for coastal areas due to its tolerance for salt spray. It requires regular watering, fertilization, and mowing.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass prefers well-drained soils and sunny areas but also can tolerate partial shade. While it may not be as cold-tolerant as some other grass varieties, it can recover quickly from damage and has resistance to many common lawn diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – can handle partial shade
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf cultivars from 2.5-3 inches, standard cultivars from 3-4 inches, mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – resistant to weeds and other common lawn diseases, but can be susceptible to nematodes, take-all root rot, chinch bugs, grass loopers, and cutworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Unlike other grass types, it doesn’t do well in compacted, clay soils
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA warm-season turfgrass, Zoysiagrass is perfect for areas with low rainfall and humid summers like Atlanta. Known for its fine texture and dense, carpet-like appearance, this light green grass variety requires low to moderate maintenance – infrequent watering, fertilization, and mowing. It prefers being exposed to direct sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is also known for its ability to spread rapidly through stolons and rhizomes, creating a thick and resilient turf. It’s not as cold-tolerant as other grass types, but it can quickly recover from damage.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – although it needs supplemental watering during dry periods
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate – common diseases include fairy rings, dollar spot, brown patch, powdery mildew, pythium blight, rust, large patch, spring dead spot, leaf spot, root decline, chinch bugs, zoysiagrass mites, and mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Homeowners who love hosting BBQ parties in their yards prefer this grass variety for its resilience to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA cool-season grass, Kentucky bluegrass is known for its fine texture and rich bluish-green color. It flourishes exceptionally well in the cooler northern regions of Georgia, making it an ideal choice for residential properties, parks, sports fields, and golf courses in Atlanta.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety requires moderate maintenance, including regular watering, fertilization, and mowing. Kentucky bluegrass is also known for its ability to spread through underground rhizomes, creating a dense and resilient turf.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches – mow taller during summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – can be prone to snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, necrotic ring spot, chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs, grubs, and greenbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns. Due to its limited root depth, regular watering is necessary. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are generally hardier and more resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-ryegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA cool-season grass, perennial ryegrass, grows best in the northern United States. This grass type has a fine texture, bright green color, and quick germination. It’s often used in overseeding practices for winter color in warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass can establish quickly and produce a dense turf, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas like sports fields. While it may not be as drought-tolerant as bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass is a versatile option for those looking for a lawn with a lush and vibrant appearance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – needs at least four to five hours under the sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High – but recuperates poorly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High – susceptible to flag rust, stem rust, leaf spot, downy mildew, brown patch, red thread, chinch bugs, and greenbug aphids
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Should you choose to overseed your warm-season grass with perennial ryegrass, maintain a proper balance of sunlight, moisture, and nutrients to lessen the risk of damage to your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1024px-Festuca_arundinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its deep green color and coarse texture, tall fescue is a popular choice for lawns in the central and eastern regions of the United States. This cool-season grass can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including drought, heat, and shade.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue needs moderate upkeep, which entails regular watering, fertilizing, and mowing. This grass variety has a deep and extensive root system, which enables it to endure dry spells and periods of drought.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate – can be susceptible to brown patch, leaf spot, seedling disease, cutworms, armyworms, grubs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize it only once in September and November. To restore the lushness of your lawn and address thinning and patchy areas, it is recommended to sow new grass seeds every few years.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your lawn to be more pet-friendly, a grass variety that can withstand wear and tear, pet waste, and frequent paw traffic is essential. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are both popular options for pet-friendly lawns, as they are tough and can withstand the rigors of pet use.
A cool-season grass like tall fescue is typically the best choice for a shady lawn in Atlanta. This grass variety is well-suited for areas with limited sunlight and can tolerate shade better than warm-season grasses like bermudagrass or zoysiagrass.
If your lawn constantly gets heavy foot traffic, bermudagrass and tall fescue are good options, as they both have a deep root system that helps them withstand heavy use.
Centipedegrass and zoysiagrass are your best options for a low-maintenance lawn. Both are warm-season grasses that are well-adapted to the hot and humid climate of Atlanta, and they require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.
While there are several grass types that grow well in Atlanta’s humid subtropical climate, each variety has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Consider factors like sunlight, soil type, and maintenance requirements when selecting the right type of grass for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, the best grass for your landscape will depend on your specific needs, landscape plants, and preferences. Whether you opt for bermudagrass for its drought tolerance and rapid growth or St. Augustine for its lush, green appearance, the key is to give it proper care and attention. Enhance your home’s appeal and value with a healthy and vibrant lawn. Reach out to an Atlanta lawn care pro today.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Peakpx
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Atlanta","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3574660633484164,"src":"/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/107df/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/293e9/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/f2cbb/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/c26c2/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/67b76/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 320w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/8df11/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 500w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/98a65/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 800w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 960w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/3cc96/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Atlanta | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the seven best grass types for Atlanta's climate. From bermudagrass to Zoysiagrass, find your perfect match for a lush lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"eff107a4-4b35-58a8-86c1-529ae68ff155","slug":"best-grass-types-ocala","path":"/lawn-care/fl/ocala/best-grass-types-ocala/","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":"af08368f-1b05-5608-9f05-085fc802e26c","name":"Ocala","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/ocala/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"With an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in January, it is easy to see why Ocala, Florida, is a great place to raise and train thoroughbred horses. Named the “Horse Capital of the World” in 2007, this North Central Florida city has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters. The best grass types for […]
\n","content":"\nWith an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in January, it is easy to see why Ocala, Florida, is a great place to raise and train thoroughbred horses. Named the “Horse Capital of the World” in 2007, this North Central Florida city has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters. The best grass types for Ocala thrive in the city’s hot summers. If you are installing a new lawn or looking to green up your existing yard, consider one of these options for a lush Florida oasis.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is no surprise that the Sunshine State benefits from warm-season grass varieties that prefer growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These grasses come from tropical regions, making them well-adapted to Ocala’s humid climate. Warm-season turfgrasses soak up the sun and actively grow year-round in North Central Florida, though growth slows during the milder winter months.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season grass types are perfectly suited for the climatic and soil conditions of Ocala:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Starr-070906-8535-Stenotaphrum_secundatum-habit-Kula_Ace_Hardware_and_Nursery-Maui_24264673843.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is native to warm coastal regions. It is the most popular Florida turfgrass and the most shade-tolerant. St. Augustinegrass has a dense appearance and deep roots. The quick-growing variety is easy to establish and moderately salt tolerant. Unfortunately, it does not stand up well to herbicides or heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is coarse-textured and blue-green in color. The most readily available Florida cultivars are Bitterblue, Classic, and Floratam, though Floratam has poor shade tolerance compared to other cultivars. All cultivars are susceptible to disease and pests like chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass thrives in sandy soils. The low-maintenance cultivar loves to be left alone, requiring minimal water and fertilizer. It is less dense than other varieties, but its deep root system persists better in infertile soils, making it a great choice for lawns without irrigation systems, pastures, and horse farms.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass grows quickly in full sun. It does not stand up well to heavy traffic. The light green turfgrass is coarse-textured with a sparse growth habit.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; susceptible to dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; mole crickets are sometimes a problem
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is another common Florida grass that grows aggressively in full sun and recovers quickly from damage. The hardy turfgrass ranges from coarse to fine-textured, depending on the cultivar. It is salt and drought-tolerant and stands up to heavy foot traffic, making it a popular choice for golf courses, home lawns, and athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nOcala is home to common and hybrid bermudagrass varieties. Common bermudagrass has a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Hybrid varieties require more maintenance than common bermudagrass, but they are more dense forming a carpet-like layer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass stands up to anything Floridians throw at it. This turfgrass tolerates drought, low mow heights, shade, heavy traffic, and even lower temperatures. New cultivars have increased disease and pest resistance. The warm-season variety has low fertilization requirements and grows densely, blocking out weeds with its thick leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nZoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella are two popular cultivars of Zoysiagrass in Ocala. These cultivars are not prone to disease or insects and grow slowly. The attractive turfgrass has a dense appearance and dark green color.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is the best pet-friendly grass variety. It is resilient and stands up to heavy traffic, making it ideal for your furry family members.
You should plant your grass seed in April through July. This gives the seed a full growing season before the cooler winter temperatures set in .
St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-friendly grass type for Ocala.
Warm-season grass varieties are the best option for your Ocala lawn. They are suited to North Central Florida’s unique USDA Zone, 9a. All turfgrasses have their own characteristics, so be sure to choose a variety that works well for your lifestyle and your yard’s unique microclimate.
\n\n\n\nThere are numerous landscaping options for Ocala thanks to its year-round warm weather. If you are looking to spruce up your home landscape, check out our list of the best native plants and set your lawn off on the right foot with our spring lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nConquer Ocala’s humid climate. Contact a lawn care pro in your area today to help you maintain a green and healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ocala Historic District005 / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Ocala, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/1789c/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/107df/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/293e9/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/1789c/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/c26c2/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/67b76/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 320w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/8df11/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 500w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/98a65/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 800w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 960w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/3cc96/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Ocala, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season grasses are the best choice for Ocala, and St. Agustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, bahiagrass and bermudagrass are the four best options."}}},{"node":{"id":"4fc8702c-45bd-5936-9c41-aafdfdabefdc","slug":"best-native-plants-oklahoma","path":"/lawn-care/ok/best-native-plants-oklahoma/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Janae Soules is a freelance writer with a newly discovered love of gardening with her kids. She enjoys spending time in nature hiking, biking, or playing sports.","name":"Janae Soules","id":"0def06f9-a4f4-58d5-891d-d423dde342f4","path":"/author/janae-souleslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/aab1931e793481d75c080c7271be7652?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Here in the Sooner State, you must prepare your landscape for any weather Mother Nature throws your way – anywhere from heat and humidity to snow and everything in between. What better way to do that than to grow plants that are adapted to Oklahoma’s weather? Here are 8 best native plants for Oklahoma to […]
\n","content":"\nHere in the Sooner State, you must prepare your landscape for any weather Mother Nature throws your way – anywhere from heat and humidity to snow and everything in between. What better way to do that than to grow plants that are adapted to Oklahoma’s weather? Here are 8 best native plants for Oklahoma to help you get started.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have many benefits. They require less water and fewer pesticides than non-native plants, support the ecosystem, and are generally low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll talk about the following:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Poppy-Mallow.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nPurple poppy mallow has magenta-colored, upward-facing, cup-shaped flowers. The flowers open in the morning. It’s easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and closes in the evening. Purple poppy mallow attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nEnsure your purple poppy mallow is planted in full sun with well-draining soil, because if the soil is too wet, it could cause the plant to suffer from rust.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering ground cover
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 1 foot
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Can prune in late summer if desired
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed also goes by the common name butterfly weed. It’s recognizable by its orange or yellow-orange flowers and is a crucial plant to help monarch butterflies survive. Butterfly milkweed grows up to two feet tall, and it’s low-maintenance, pest-resistant, and disease-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPlant your butterfly milkweed in a location that receives full sun. Butterfly milkweed isn’t an ideal choice for a landscape with cats, dogs, or horses, as butterfly milkweed is toxic to humans and animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51866218670_d4e9012b29_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo is a native wildflower that will require some patience if you’re starting from seed – it could take up to two years for the blooms to appear. Once the blooms appear, you’ll be delighted to see clusters of upright blue flowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to Blue false indigo.
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo must be planted in full sun to avoid the plant becoming laggy.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sad
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\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\nAmerican black elderberry has white, lemon-scented flowers in the early summer, followed by black elderberry fruits. The fruit attracts birds, but people can make elderberries into jams or jellies. You can plant American black elderberry in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil – just ensure you wait until the last frost to plant this shrub.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates a wide variety of wet to dry soils but prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves smell like lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw elderberries are toxic and should not be consumed
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Regular pruning to remove suckers from the base of plant
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/38566472155_ba5393fccb_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is a beautiful native flower with daisy-like purple coneflowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar in purple coneflowers. These flowers are resistant to drought, heat, humidity, and poor soil, making them a fantastic choice for a native garden.
\n\n\n\nFeel free to cut your purple coneflowers and put them in a vase – they make an excellent cut flower. Purple coneflower can spread aggressively through self-seeding, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red_maple_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Heng Wang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a small tree, red maple is not the one – this beauty can grow up to 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Native to Southeastern Oklahoma, this tree is low-maintenance and fast growing. Red flowers and red fruit will emerge before the leaves. The leaves will be red in the spring, then green or yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nRed maple’s size makes it an excellent shade tree, and these trees are often in backyards, parks, or streets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Southeastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet cherry or almond flower scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to horses
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize in the spring before the leaves appear
\n\n\n\n![\"an](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ageratina_altissima_-_White_Snakeroot-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative throughout Eastern Oklahoma, white snakeroot boasts small, white puffy flowers in the summer and fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and moths. With its flowers lasting into the fall, white snakeroot provides a fall-interest landscape. White snakeroot doesn’t generally have problems with diseases or pests.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Eastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves can be foul smelling – like turpentine
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Causes trembles in cattle and milk sickness in humans
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pawpaw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendell Smith / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the easternmost parts of Oklahoma, pawpaw is recognizable by its large, drooping, oval-shaped bright green leaves, which turn yellow in the fall. Pawpaw’s cup-shaped purple flowers appear before the leaves, and its edible banana-like tasting fruit may emerge afterward.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your pawpaw to resemble more of a tree than a shrub, ensure you’re in a location that receives long, hot summers. Without long, hot summers, pawpaw might stay closer to the size of a shrub, which wouldn’t be fruit-bearing.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the fragrance of pawpaw flowers isn’t delightful, beneficial pollinators like beetles and flies are attracted to the smell. Butterflies and songbirds are also attracted to pawpaw trees.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Eastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Fermenting grapes
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves are toxic if ingested. Ingesting the fruit could cause stomach pain for some people. Contact dermatitis could occur when collecting fruit.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Prune congested or damaged shoots
\n\n\n\nThere are many things to consider when choosing native plants for your landscape. First, consider your region. A plant that’s native to Eastern Oklahoma may not be native to Western Oklahoma. Visit your local nursery to learn more about plants native to your area.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also need to consider your landscape’s conditions. A native plant that prefers full sunlight may struggle if your yard is shaded by trees or buildings. Does your lawn’s soil struggle to drain? Not all plants are tolerant of poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nTulsa’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nOklahoma City’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIf you want to complement your native plants with lush, green grass, the best grass types for Oklahoma include:
\n\n\n\nTake note that, similar to native plants, the best grass type for your yard will vary depending on your region.
\n\n\n\nThe best place to find native plants is to visit your local plant nursery. You can also discover new plants through the Oklahoma Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nWhile you’re busy planning your new native plant garden, save yourself some time and hand your other yard chores over to the pros. Hire a lawn care pro near you who can handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. We have trusted pros in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ken Gibson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Oklahoma","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/1789c/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/107df/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/293e9/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/f2cbb/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/1789c/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/c26c2/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/1dd6e/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/67b76/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.webp 320w,\n/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/8df11/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.webp 500w,\n/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/98a65/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.webp 800w,\n/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/1dd6e/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.webp 960w,\n/static/39dd430288065789b1cbdcdb86fc9951/3cc96/21254474688_d4854d6875_o-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Oklahoma | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out our recommendation for the best native plants for Oklahoma. These plants range in size and color and help support the ecosystem."}}}],"postCity":{}}}}![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/white-desert-plumbago-adrianna-moya-photography-cc20.jpg\")
![\"Tufted](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tufted-evening-primrose-andrey-zharkikh-cc20.jpg\")
![\"Fairy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fairy-dusters-renee-grayson-cc20.jpg\")
![\"Hedgehog](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/hedgehog-cactus-brent-myers-cc20.jpg\")