![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Lzo3KC9jfHKZoLj_6AMIXElzPg0tWUXyIfto8rJb1buCFRzUprMVREGrgWED-r-OWKlAY8TLutpTf7hy2w6_dmDCImjnlNfgyQ7NJDZAO-t-YDFVPcnmym9jOBwa5-keV2XZLpOEdLm7sDk9Mg\")
Zoysia Grass At A Glance warm-season grass with improved cold tolerance prefers sun, tolerates some light shade suitable for southern and ‘transition climate zones’ heat- and drought-tolerant low water and maintenance requirements dense, traffic-tolerant growth An Overview – Key things to know about Zoysia Grass Zoysia grass (Zosyia spp.), is native to Asia, but it […]
\n","content":"\nZoysia grass (Zosyia spp.), is native to Asia, but it has been in the United States since at least 1895,(1) around the time turf grass lawns first captured the interest of American homeowners. It is what’s known as a ‘warm-season grass’, meaning its active growth starts in the warmth of late spring and peaks during hot summer weather. It’s well-suited to lawns across the southern United States, from the hot, humid Southeast, Texas, and even to parts of California. Zoysia is a perennial grass, so it comes back year after year when grown in appropriate climates.
\n\n\n\nFor homeowners in the the midsection of the United States, known in the turf industry as the ‘transition climate zone’, Zoysia can be an ideal turf lawn solution. This area, stretching from the Atlantic into the Midwest, is where lawn grass zones meet their limits for successful growth. It is too hot and humid for cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, and is too cold for warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass. However, the heat and cold tolerance characteristic of Zoysia grass allow it to flourish in this region where many of the other warm season grasses tend to fail.
\n\n\n\nOne thing to note is that Zoysia grass establishes more slowly than some other warm season lawn grasses, but as it slowly grows it forms a very dense carpet of grass beneath that feels lush under foot. In fact, the grass grows so dense, few lawn weeds are able to penetrate a healthy mass of established Zoysia lawn. The grass spreads by above-ground stems called ‘stolons’ and underground stems called ‘rhizomes’. This combination of above and below ground stems allows for the thick, dense growth and earns it favor from warm-climate sod producers and families that use their lawns heavily for lawn games and entertaining.
\n\n\n\nDuring its active growing season, Zoysia typically stays light to medium green. It turns brown when winter dormancy sets in, but it stays green much longer than Bermudagrass and other warm-season grasses. Some homeowners choose to overseed Zoysia lawns in fall with cool-season ryegrass for green winter color, but others appreciate its straw-like natural hue. Come spring, Zoysia lawns are among the first to green up again.
\n\n\n\nZoysia naturally develops a deep root system, and it’s very efficient at conserving moisture and resisting drought. During short drought episodes, the grass remains green. If drought and heat persist, Zoysia will go dormant, but it greens up quickly when watered again. Zoysia prefers full sun, but it tolerates light shade — unlike Bermudagrass and other sun-loving, warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince Zoysia grass has been propagated for the past 100 years, several strains or varieties have evolved(1). The following are just a few available varieties and their primary characteristics:
\n\n\n\nMany factors can result in dead or thin spots in a warm-season lawn. Resist the first reaction many gardeners have of wanting to spray for disease. Before you make this mistake, consider the many other causes (2). Following are the most common causes (3).
\n\n\n\nWith warm-season grasses, month-by-month lawn care occurs on a different timetable than cool-season northern grasses that peak during fall. Zoysia grass is best planted in spring, after the final frost, as warm-season grasses come out of dormancy and enter prime growth. Overseeding existing turf lawns with additional Zoysia seed can also be done at this time. Before you begin following the lawn maintenance calendar, obtain a soil test. A soil test provides key information including soil pH, potassium and phosphorus levels. Soil testing is usually available through county Cooperative Extension Service offices. Proper soil pH is necessary to produce a healthy, highquality, attractive lawn. Zoysiagrass prefers soil with a pH from 5.8 to 6.5 but will tolerate a range of soil pH (3).
\n\n\n\nStill unsure of how to best care for your Zoysia lawn? Check out your state’s agricultural extension office for helpful tips and soil testing kits that will help you determine your best lawn care plan.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in the southern or warm coastal United States and your lawn needs call for a durable and wear-resistant warm-season lawn that can withstand both heat and drought, Zoysia grass may be the perfect solution providing you seasons of turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nSources:
1. Duble, Richard L., “Zoysiagrass,” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
2. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
3. https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/lawns/FSA-6122%20zoysiagrass.pdf
Still looking for more information about lawn care? Please visit our lawn care page for more information.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: www.thegrasspatch.com
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\n","content":"\nGrass can go kaput any time of year. The hot, dry conditions of summer can leave grass brown and unappealing. Winter snow mold and thatch buildup can leave your grass with dead spots. But is it really dead? Or just dormant?
\n\n\n\nBefore taking any action, it’s worth your time to determine if you have a dead lawn or just one that’s taking a nap. You don’t want to rip up a living lawn. Nor do you want to waste time mowing, watering, fertilizing, and trying to revive grass that isn’t coming back.
\n\n\n\nDead grass and dormant grass look much the same. It can be tough to tell the difference, but here’s what the experts say about discerning dead from dormant.
\n\n\n\nDeath is final. But dormancy, while it can look similar, is your lawn’s natural reaction to stress. Even warm-season grasses may turn brown due to the stress of summer’s hot, dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nIf less than half your lawn is dead or you can see surviving green shoots among the brown, crunchy blades of grass, it’s worth a try to save it. It will be less costly than re-sodding the entire lawn. Aerate the lawn. Power aerators work best. Rent one if you don’t own one. Raking the yard will help remove much of the dead grass. Be sure to take up thatch and other debris. Add new grass seed where needed and fertilize and water.
\n\n\n\nIf the entire lawn is dead, there’s no way to save it. It’s time to start over by re-seeding or re-sodding the entire area.
\n\n\n\nDormancy is a lawn’s reaction to heat and a lack of water. The plant gives all its resources to the roots, rather than the leaves. While brown grass may not look very appealing, dormancy is normal and usually lasts around four weeks. As the season’s change and weather conditions become more ideal for grass, your healthy lawn should return. Still, there are some things you can do to push it along a bit.
\n\n\n\nStay away from weed killers and herbicides during dormancy. It can damage already stressed lawns, and it may turn out insects weren’t the problem after all. Kelley Klopp of the Utah State Extension office says, “It is often difficult to diagnose insect problems when the grass is dormant. Be certain you are dealing with an insect problem before using insecticides, and always read and follow label directions.”
\n\n\n\n![\"Watering](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Andw9lRYwcV2ira3fBZXtJbm0tik_FO1QDPhsTv36DbNUSEpQ8J3EOf6TygqImw1exrMUgvfHpHPH5_7qseCijSk4J0Cv2psjB1jEMRWalCOjdiTAx1Q8oKuPuueIeeaUoGrqmHW\")
You can change the design of your yard to help your lawn make it through a drought. Reduce the setting on your mower blades and keep the grass a bit longer. Reduce slopes, if possible, so water doesn’t run downhill and off the grass. Put a greater distance between trees and shrubs and prune regularly, keeping shade to a minimum. And add good topsoil, if necessary.
\n\n\n\nAlso, consider the climate where you live and choose an appropriate turfgrass. Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue, thrive in temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees. Building a lawn from these varieties in a hot, dry climate can send them into dormancy early. It can also cause the grass to die. They fare much better in northern parts of the country.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses work well in temperatures of 80 to 95 degrees, as they’re more drought-tolerant. They include Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, and Zoysia grass, one of the better turfgrasses for hot climates. These lawns are usually started from sod, as they are more challenging to grow from grass seed than cool-season types.
\n\n\n\nBefore you ask “Why is my lawn dying?” make sure it’s not just taking a nap. With a little TLC (tender lawn care,) you’ll have a green lawn again before you know it.
Virginia boasts several native species of milkweed, a humble herbaceous wildflower that attracts pollinators and acts as a vital food source for native pollinators and beloved endangered species, like bees and monarch butterflies. It’s a great idea to plant milkweed for any garden in the Old Dominion – but how can you choose which milkweed […]
\n","content":"\nVirginia boasts several native species of milkweed, a humble herbaceous wildflower that attracts pollinators and acts as a vital food source for native pollinators and beloved endangered species, like bees and monarch butterflies. It’s a great idea to plant milkweed for any garden in the Old Dominion – but how can you choose which milkweed to plant in your yard?
\n\n\n\n
Some milkweed varieties may not be available at your local garden center, while others just aren’t suited to Virginia’s tricky transition zone climate. Check out these eight milkweed species native to Virginia to make the perfect choice for your lawn.
In this article:
\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\n\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed is a classic choice for the garden with native regions across North America, including the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. This versatility makes it a great option for Virginia’s hot summers and cold winters. It’s the favorite host plant of the monarch butterfly, and produces pinkish-white flowers with an attractive vanilla scent.
\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed spreads rapidly through rhizomes, so make sure you’re ready for it to make itself at home in your garden. It can grow to about 5 feet tall, and in addition to monarchs it’ll attract bumblebees and other insects to its nectar-laden flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Jun-Aug
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, clay, well-drained loamy, and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is a common milkweed native to Virginia, where it thrives in wet soils such as the Washington, D.C. area and the Great Dismal Swamp. It’s moderately tolerant of salt spray, and produces clusters of dusty pink flowers that bloom from late summer to mid-fall, providing visual interest and an important source of food and shelter. Unlike other milkweeds, it can tolerate partially shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is another preferred choice for monarch butterflies, and it may also attract aphids. It thrives when planted near riverbanks, ponds, and streams in the home landscape. Swamp milkweed is a great option for a rain garden, or a wet yard with the red clay soil common in Virginia’s Piedmont region.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2 to 6
\n\n\n\nMature size: approx. 5 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Jun-Oct
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, wet, mucky clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrue to its name, butterfly weed is a major attraction for many different butterfly species, including monarchs, gray hairstreaks, and queen butterflies. The bright orange blooms of this compact milkweed make a lovely addition to Virginia lawns, and it’s commonly grown from seed for home use. Unlike other milkweeds, butterfly weed doesn’t produce the trademark milky sap.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is also known as pleurisy root for its historic medicinal uses, though be cautious, as it’s toxic if ingested in large quantities. Native from New England to Florida and westward to Arizona, it’s an exceedingly drought-tolerant milkweed choice, and will also attract hummingbirds, though you may face problems with aphids.
\n\n\n\n
Growth habit: Herb
USDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, well-drained sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"Poke](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Poke-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPoke milkweed, also known as tall milkweed, is a widely-distributed milkweed native to Virginia. Poke milkweed is naturally found on the edges of forests, where it thrives in rich organic soils. It’s been known to hybridize with common milkweed when the two are in proximity, as these plants closely resemble each other.
\n\n\n\n
Poke milkweed can grow up to six feet in height, and like swamp milkweed it will also tolerate shade and damp conditions, though it doesn’t require its soil to be waterlogged. When in bloom, poke milkweed has a striking cinnamon-vanilla fragrance.
Growth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 6 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich organic content and moderate moisture
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"Whorled](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Whorled-Milkweed-Asclepias-verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhorled milkweed is slightly rarer than other types of Virginia milkweed, but it still makes for a great native milkweed garden addition. Its name comes from the “whorled” or spiraling nature of its leaves, and it’s also known as horsetail milkweed for its distinctive flower stalks. Whorled milkweed is naturally found in woodland habitats, and it can tolerate drought, partial shade, and rocky or clay soils.
\n\n\n\nWhorled milkweed is one of the more toxic milkweed varieties to humans and animals, and it should not be ingested if grown in the garden. It creates greenish-white flowers and is of particular value to monarch butterflies and honey bee species.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Green-Comet-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith its thick vertical stem and yellow-green and pink blooms, green comet milkweed provides a unique appearance and a pollinator habitat in the garden. It’s particularly valuable to native bee species, as well as monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars feed on the leaves.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant milkweed is very adaptable to different soil and light conditions, and will produce longer, thinner leaves in dry weather and rounder ones in moist climates.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Beetle](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Redring-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Leon Young / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite milkweed is a rarer find in Virginia, but it’s still a native plant that makes a great addition to any butterfly garden or pollinator garden. Also known as redwing milkweed or redring milkweed, this is another native to woodland habitats, and it’s highly resistant to damage from grazing deer.
\n\n\n\nWhite milkweed produces white, popcorn-like flowers with purple centers. It looks particularly breathtaking when planted in clumps or masses, which will show off its appearance and maximize pollinator benefit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 4 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy to rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-milkweed-Asclepias-purpurascens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple milkweed has very distinctive pinkish-purple flowers, which are excellent at attracting long-tongued bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s naturally found in several different habitats, including shrub thickets, shorelines, and woodlands, making it an adaptable and attractive garden addition.
\n\n\n\nPurple milkweed prefers a higher nutrient content than some other milkweed types in its soil. While it’s widely distributed across the US, its population is in decline in some areas, so planting is a good opportunity to aid in conservation efforts!
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy soils, high nutrient content
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\nWith all the options available for native Virginia milkweeds, it can seem difficult to select the perfect fit for your lawn. To make sure you’re making the right choice, consider the climate around your Virginia home. Are you looking for a salt-tolerant milkweed that will bask in the beachy conditions of the Tidewater, or one that thrives in the loamy soils of the Blue Ridge Mountains?
\n\n\n\nThese factors can help you pick the perfect milkweed plants for you:
\n\n\n\nPlant milkweed seeds in your garden in the fall in Virginia, as they have adapted to overwinter and thrive in cool temperatures.
\n\n\n\nYes! Milkweed is hardy enough to take root if it’s simply scattered around your yard – that’s how it spreads naturally. But, if you have a specific planting scheme in mind or want better odds of germination, prep your soil first and press each seed into the ground by walking over them or using your hands – no need to bury them.
\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed behaves aggressively in the lawn and can take over a planting scheme. For a less boisterous alternative, try butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, or purple milkweed.
\n\n\n\nVirginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nBecause milkweed is so beneficial to pollinators, there are plenty of ways to find it. Native plant nurseries are likely to sell milkweed varieties, so check out this list of native plant nurseries in Virginia compiled by the Virginia Native Plants Society for options near you.
\n\n\n\n
Prefer to buy your plants online? The Virginia page on the blog Grow Milkweed Plants has online purchase options specifically for Virginia natives.
The great thing about native plants is they’re typically low-maintenance. You can further minimize your outdoor chores by hiring a lawn care pro near you to handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. Connect with trusted pros in Richmond, Alexandria, Falls Church, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: USFWSmidwest / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n","title":"8 Milkweeds Native to Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5286624203821657,"src":"/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/1789c/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/107df/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 320w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/293e9/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 500w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/f2cbb/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 800w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/1789c/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 960w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/c26c2/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/1dd6e/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/67b76/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 320w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/8df11/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 500w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/98a65/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 800w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/1dd6e/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 960w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/3cc96/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Milkweeds Native to Virginia","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Virginia boasts several native milkweed species. Check out these 8 milkweeds native to Virginia to help you pick the right one for your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"c1d5ec2d-2cd1-515e-91e2-aaa324c6628f","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/spring-lawn-care-tips/","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":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"As spring arrives in Atlanta, homeowners are eager to go outside and start tending to their lawns. Unlike other southern cities, Atlanta experiences all four seasons, each bringing unique weather and lawn care needs. The spring season, in particular, requires special attention as the grass is still recovering from the harsh winter weather and is […]
\n","content":"\nAs spring arrives in Atlanta, homeowners are eager to go outside and start tending to their lawns. Unlike other southern cities, Atlanta experiences all four seasons, each bringing unique weather and lawn care needs. The spring season, in particular, requires special attention as the grass is still recovering from the harsh winter weather and is just beginning to come back to life.
\n\n\n\nTo help Atlanta homeowners achieve a strong and healthy lawn year-round, here are 11 essential spring lawn care tips. From aerating to fertilizing, these tips will ensure your lawn is in top condition and looking its best this spring and beyond:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/17218096280_40c673bc1f_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Webster / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs spring arrives, it’s time to dust off your lawn care tools hibernating in the garage. But before you start using them, check if they’re in good working condition. Neglecting your tools can lead to unexpected problems as you are trying to tackle your yard work as your grass is growing by leaps and bounds.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your tools are ready to go, follow this maintenance checklist:
\n\n\n\nBy ticking off these boxes early in the season, you’ll be able to focus on your lawn care without worrying about equipment malfunctions or unexpected breakdowns.
\n\n\n\n![\"orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlways remember that how you cut your grass can impact its health. Contrary to popular belief, mowing your grass as short as possible isn’t always the best practice for every grass type. If you mow the grass too short, it can weaken it or even create the perfect conditions for lawn diseases to develop.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, letting it grow too long can attract pests and annoy your neighbors. So, what is the ideal grass height for your lawn? Well, that depends on the species. For Atlanta’s most common warm-season and cool-season grasses, these are the recommended mowing heights:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
When it comes to mowing your lawn in the spring, timing is everything. Don’t reach for the mower until the grass has grown to at least 2 inches in height. It will give the roots ample time to establish a strong foundation.
\n\n\n\nBe mindful of the temperature as well. Wait until the daily low temperatures are well above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually happens in March or April in Atlanta. To ensure the best results, follow these lawn mowing tips:
\n\n\n\nNote that cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue will go dormant as the weather warms up. Thus, they will not likely require mowing during spring and summer.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nNeglected or weathered lawns, especially in the hot and humid Atlanta climate, are susceptible to a range of lawn diseases caused by various fungi during the spring season.
\n\n\n\nThese diseases can manifest in the form of discolored or dead-looking patches. Fungi can spread rapidly during the growing season, so you must address the problem quickly.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Georgia has compiled a comprehensive list of turfgrass diseases that are common in Atlanta lawns in spring. This resource can help identify the specific disease that may be plaguing your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat anthracnose:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat fairy rings:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat leaf blot:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat pythium root rot:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat rust:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat slime molds:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat take-all root rot:
\n\n\n\nEvery spring, it is imperative for homeowners and lawn enthusiasts to make a comprehensive shopping list for yard maintenance. Two herbicides that should be on this list are post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergent herbicides, which can tackle the onslaught of both cool-season and summer weeds, respectively.
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_stellaria_media_common_chickweed_ჟუნჟრუკი.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual cool-season weeds typically disappear in late spring, courtesy of the hotter weather. So, it’s your decision whether you want to eliminate them through post-emergent herbicides or let them perish on their own.
\n\n\n\nAtlanta’s annual cool-season weeds include:
\n\n\n\nYou should apply post-emergent herbicides to combat the cool-season weeds that sprout during the fall and winter months and continue to grow through early spring. As soon as you detect the weeds, apply a light layer of these herbicides.
\n\n\n\n![\"crabgrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_green_grass_10_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BogTar201213 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAs any lawn enthusiast can attest, the battle against weeds is a never-ending one. Don’t just address the current weed issues but also be proactive about future ones. And this is where pre-emergent herbicides come in.
\n\n\n\nTo thwart the growth of annual warm-season weeds that tend to crop up during the hotter months of May and June, you should apply pre-emergent herbicides in early or mid-March. Take this step early on since warm-season weeds can wreak havoc on lawns throughout the summer.
\n\n\n\nThe annual warm-season weeds common in Atlanta include the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_dandelions-1337890603djw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nUnlike their annual counterparts, perennial weeds have a stubborn and persistent nature. They can re-seed and regrow year after year. In such instances, post-emergent herbicides are the way to go. These herbicides are effective in targeting the weeds at their roots and eliminating them for good (for this season, at least).
\n\n\n\nThe perennial weeds common in Atlanta are:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_wilde-mohre-daucus-carota.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nUnlike annual or perennial weeds, biennial weeds have a two-year life cycle. In the first year, it grows from seed and produces foliage. During the second year, it dies after creating a seed stalk and setting seed. While not as prevalent in lawns as other types of weeds, you should still keep an eye out for biennials and remove them promptly to prevent them from spreading.
\n\n\n\nCommon biennial weeds include the following:
\n\n\n\nNote: The key to an impeccable lawn is to take a preemptive approach to weed management, ensuring that it stays healthy and lush year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_grasflache_4_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lupus in Saxonia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you take lawn maintenance seriously, then overseeding is a term you’re probably familiar with. For the uninitiated, overseeding involves adding new grass seed to an existing lawn to fill any patchy or thinning areas.
\n\n\n\nThe beginning of a lawn’s active growing season is the ideal time for overseeding – typically in spring. Since Atlanta falls in the middle of a transition zone, it can accommodate both warm-season and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the optimal time to overseed warm-season grasses, as they’re gearing up for their growing season and can benefit from the added nutrients. Conversely, if your lawn has cool-season grass like tall fescue, it’s advisable to wait until fall before overseeding.
\n\n\n\nIn the table below, you’ll discover the best time to plant new seeds for the most common warm-season grasses in Atlanta. These are based on average daily temperatures and weather conditions.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Best Daily Low – High Temperatures for Planting | Best Time to Plant Seeds in Atlanta |
| Bermudagrass | 75 – 80 | May – June |
| Centipedegrass | 70 – 90 | May – June |
| St. Augustinegrass | 65 – 80s | May – June |
| Zoysiagrass | 80 – 95 | Late May – July |
Once you’ve overseeded your lawn, note that newly seeded grass has different care requirements compared to established grass, even if they’re the same species. Adequate watering and fertilization are key to ensuring your freshly planted grass grows thick and healthy.
\n\n\n\nNote: You should bear in mind that you’ll have to choose between weed control and overseeding in the spring. Applying herbicides to prevent weed germination also can prevent your new grass from growing. Thus, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons and decide which is more critical for your lawn – getting rid of weeds or filling in sparse areas.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nThe backbone of every healthy lawn is the soil – providing essential nutrients that grass needs to grow and thrive. Similar to how a balanced diet is important for people, ensure that your soil is providing the nutrients your lawn needs to flourish. Even if you fertilize regularly, if your soil lacks key nutrients, your lawn will not be able to reach its full potential.
\n\n\n\nHow can you know if your soil is up to snuff? The best way is to collect a soil sample and have it professionally tested. Luckily, the Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service offers affordable soil tests for less than $20. Once you receive the results of your soil test, you can determine which amendments your soil needs to improve.
\n\n\n\nCommon amendments include lime (to adjust soil pH) and nutrients such as nitrogen, potash, potassium, and phosphorus. By ensuring your soil is healthy and well-nourished, you’ll be laying the foundation for a lush and vibrant lawn.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs more than just nutrients to grow thick and healthy. Applying the correct fertilizer at the right time can give your lawn the extra boost it needs.
\n\n\n\nFor warm-season grasses in Atlanta, the best time to fertilize is in late spring after the grass has regained its green color and begun active growth. The first “feeding” of the year typically happens in May. However, it’s important to wait until your grass has started growing before fertilizing. Otherwise, the fertilizer will not work.
\n\n\n\nUsing a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer is recommended to help your grass grow consistently and steadily throughout the season. While fast-release fertilizers may make your grass grow faster, too much nitrogen applied too quickly can cause unsustainable growth or even burn your grass. When it comes to fertilizing your lawn, slow and steady is the way to go.
\n\n\n\nProper fertilization is key to maintaining a healthy lawn, but there’s more to it than simply spreading fertilizer around your yard. To avoid streaks or patchy growth, it’s important to use a spreader when applying fertilizer. This ensures an even coating and reduces the risk of applying too much fertilizer in a single spot, which can be harmful to your grass.
\n\n\n\nNote: Remember, more fertilizer doesn’t equal more growth – overfertilization can actually weaken your grass. And don’t be tempted to apply fertilizer too early in the season. Grass won’t start growing until it’s ready, so fertilizing too soon is just a waste of time and money.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIn the early days of spring, you can hold off on watering your lawn because the soil tends to be naturally moist during this time. Additionally, you must lessen foot traffic and avoid burdening your lawn with heavy equipment, as the damp soil is more susceptible to damage.
\n\n\n\nNote: You’ll know it’s time to start watering once your grass has begun actively growing and you’ve applied the first round of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nTo maintain a healthy lawn throughout the rest of spring, it’s vital not to overwater. Experts recommend watering no more than 1 inch per week. Overwatering can lead to several problems, including:
\n\n\n\nSandy loam soils are abundant in the Atlanta area, which means water retention may be an issue. Unlike dense clay, which requires deep, infrequent watering, sandy loam soils benefit from light, frequent watering. However, too much watering can lead to lawn diseases, so it’s important to monitor your grass after each watering session.
\n\n\n\nWhile overwatering can create problems, underwatering is equally detrimental. Grass that’s screaming for water will eventually turn brown, become brittle, and die if continuously neglected. To keep your lawn healthy and vibrant, you should strike the right balance when it comes to watering.
\n\n\n\nAs the weather warms up, keep an eye on your lawn’s water intake. Your lawn isn’t getting enough water if::
\n\n\n\nTo determine if your soil is getting enough water, try this simple test:
\n\n\n\nStep 1: Take a screwdriver and press it into the soil.
\n\n\n\nStep 2: If the screwdriver goes in without resistance, then your soil is moist enough, and you can continue to water at your current rate.
\n\n\n\nStep 3: If the screwdriver has trouble penetrating the soil, it may be too dry. It’s time to increase your watering frequency, but remember not to exceed 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nNote: Early spring is a critical time for your lawn, and while it may be tempting to tackle heavy yard work during this time, you must be mindful of the wet soil conditions. Soil that is too wet is easily compacted, which can lead to root damage and other issues. Instead, focus on lighter maintenance tasks like removing debris, raking leaves, and pruning. Waiting until the soil has dried out before attempting heavy yard work will help keep your lawn healthy and thriving.
\n\n\n\nAeration is a common lawn care practice that involves punching small holes in compacted soil to allow for better water and nutrient absorption by the grassroots. While it can be a lifesaver for struggling lawns, there are certain times of the year when you should avoid aerating, especially in spring.
\n\n\n\nAerating in spring can cause warm-season weed seeds to germinate and dry out the soil, both of which can have negative effects on your lawn’s health.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if your lawn is so compacted that grass can’t grow, you may have no choice but to aerate. In that case, try to wait until May or June when many warm-season weeds are no longer seeding. Thankfully, Atlanta’s sandy loam soils are often loose and don’t become compacted easily, so aeration may not be necessary at all.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_23679288519_2efd3eee6f_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simon / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIn Atlanta, spring is the season when many lawn pests lay their eggs. And by summer, the larvae will have matured into adults. To prevent a full-blown infestation, it’s essential to act early before the pests start reproducing.
\n\n\n\nSome of the lawn pests commonly found in Atlanta during springtime include::
\n\n\n\nRather than resorting to pesticides right away, it’s best to prevent pests by performing proper lawn care practices. A healthy lawn that’s free of excess moisture and thatch will not provide pests with an environment to thrive. If you do encounter pests despite your best efforts, it’s advisable to use selective pesticides that won’t harm beneficial insects.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a natural layer of dead grass blades, leaves, and other organic matter that builds up between the soil and the grass. A little bit of thatch can be beneficial for the lawn, as it acts as a natural insulator, retains moisture, and slowly decomposes into valuable nutrients for the grass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if the thatch layer becomes too thick (more than an inch), it can cause problems such as blocking water from reaching the roots and becoming a breeding ground for pests and diseases. To prevent this, it’s recommended to dethatch or remove the excess layer of thatch once a year.
\n\n\n\nDethatching, also known as verticutting, involves removing the thatch layer using a specialized tool like a verticutter or a hand rake. Wait until the grass has started actively growing and has been mowed at least two times before dethatching.
\n\n\n\nLate spring in Atlanta is the ideal time to dethatch as it’s after the grass has started growing and before the hot summer weather sets in. Additionally, dethatching before aeration can help make the soil more accessible.
\n\n\n\nNote: Dethatching should be done carefully – without damaging the healthy grass blades.
\n\n\n\nApril showers may bring May flowers. But for Atlanta homeowners, they also bring the perfect opportunity to give their lawns the attention they need to thrive. Following these 11 essential spring lawn care tips ensures your lawn is healthy, green, and looks its best throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nBut remember that taking care of your lawn is a year-round commitment. And by investing time and effort in the spring, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and healthy lawn for all seasons.
If you find that spring lawn care is more involved than you anticipated, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a local Atlanta lawn care professional.
Main Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Atlanta, GA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/1789c/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/107df/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/293e9/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/f2cbb/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/1789c/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/c26c2/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/1dd6e/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/67b76/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 320w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/8df11/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 500w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/98a65/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 800w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/1dd6e/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 960w,\n/static/0cda4aaf64527e89a25f802d4b98e243/3cc96/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-house-home-516912-pxherecom-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Atlanta, GA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 11 valuable tips for maintaining a robust and thriving lawn in Atlanta during spring and enjoy it year-round."}}},{"node":{"id":"08d55eaf-d54d-5c80-93ef-571572b0bf60","slug":"best-grass-east-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-east-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"Houston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible. Warm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East […]
\n","content":"\nHouston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East Texas and its sometimes-intense climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is drought-tolerant, moderately shade-tolerant, and cold-tolerant, making it a popular choice for lawns in East Texas. It also handles foot traffic well, so it does well on lawns.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass comes in at least 11 varieties, all used as turfgrass. Some varieties perform better at higher mowing heights, while others have improved shade tolerance. The type of Zoysiagrass you choose depends on your environment and how much work you plan to do.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to other warm-season grasses, St. Augustinegrass tolerates shade well. It’s drought tolerant as well (although not as much as Zoysiagrass) and can handle being cut at higher heights.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Handles tall mowing heights
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider centipedegrass. Centipedegrass performs best in East Texas’ acidic soils and requires little mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. However, it needs irrigation to combat drought (which it can be sensitive to). It also doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow every 7 to 10 days
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is versatile because it tolerates drought and foot traffic exceptionally well. For this reason, it’s perfectly suited for golf courses, athletic fields, and lawns and comes in many varieties.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass isn’t low-maintenance, as it requires frequent mowing and occasional fertilization. It also doesn’t like shady areas, so avoid it if you have a shady backyard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, St. Augustinegrass is your best bet. Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass are also shade-tolerant, but avoid bermudagrass, which doesn’t like shade.
The most drought-tolerant grasses are St. Augustinegrass and Bermudagrass.
Zoysiagrass only requires mowing once a week, making it the most low-maintenance, but centipedegrass is worth looking into if you don’t mind mowing a little more often (7 to 10 days).
If you plan on having many people and animals on your lawn often, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are the way to go.
Picking the right grass for your East Texas lawn boils down to your living space and how much work you want to put into your lawn. There isn’t a “one size fits all” type of grass.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’re ready with your chosen grass, contact Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll give you a green, lush lawn. You won’t need to lift a finger.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Alamo / Nan Palmero / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/107df/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/293e9/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/f2cbb/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/c26c2/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/67b76/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/8df11/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/98a65/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/3cc96/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"East Texas has unpredictable weather and intense heat, but these grasses don’t mind the weather and will thrive in East Texas."}}},{"node":{"id":"c778f6a8-f055-5016-b690-fb83c78a9886","slug":"best-grass-types-for-oklahoma","path":"/lawn-care/ok/best-grass-types-for-oklahoma/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?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":"Finding the best grass type for your Oklahoma yard can be challenging. The Sooner State falls within the transition zone between warm and cool-season grasses. This means the right grass type for your lawn will be a regional decision, like whether to root for OU or OSU at kickoff. Hopefully, as you learn more about […]
\n","content":"\nFinding the best grass type for your Oklahoma yard can be challenging. The Sooner State falls within the transition zone between warm and cool-season grasses. This means the right grass type for your lawn will be a regional decision, like whether to root for OU or OSU at kickoff.
\n\n\n\nHopefully, as you learn more about each grass type, you’ll find choosing the best grass for your lawn to be less contentious than backing an NCAA powerhouse.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll distinguish between warm and cool-season grasses, identify the best grass type for each state region, and address some frequently asked questions about Oklahoma grass types. Lastly, we’ll connect you with local pros to help you get the most out of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in the heat. In Oklahoma, warm-season grasses grow vigorously from mid-spring to early fall. They do best when the air temperature averages between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nWhen temperatures drop, these grasses become dormant and turn brown. Dormancy can begin in the fall and continue until early spring when ground temperatures are consistently below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are most robust during spring and fall when air temperatures range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In the transition zone of Oklahoma, these grasses will grow new leaves in late winter or early spring. Cool-season grasses enter dormancy in extreme heat and extreme cold.
\n\n\n\nMany Oklahoma lawns contain warm-season grass. These turfgrasses can withstand the heat and drought of the southern plains. The most suitable grass for your lawn depends on your location, soil type, and how much shade your lawn receives.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Bermudagrass is the most popular grass in Oklahoma. This aggressive species spreads rapidly by aboveground (stolons) and belowground (rhizomes) stems. This grass grows only during the warm seasons.
\n\n\n\nSuitable for lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses, bermudagrass can withstand heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass cultivars have a fine texture and a high density. This sun-loving grass has excellent heat and drought tolerance and needs only an inch of water each week during summer drought periods.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass lies dormant when temperatures dip below freezing but revives when warmer weather returns. Bermudagrass can be overseeded with perennial ryegrass for an extended green period as temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nA healthy bermudagrass lawn depends heavily on sunlight. A full seven-hour day of sunlight is recommended. Shaded areas around trees or between houses will begin to thin without plentiful sunlight. However, there have been recent developments in bermudagrass varieties that require 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is considered a high-maintenance grass because of its aggressive growth habits, but its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic is great for families who like to throw around the pigskin.
\n\n\n\nThis grass’s sun and water requirements make it suitable statewide.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Keeping weeds under control is essential. Take action to control weeds when you anticipate weed problems.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Pixnio
Buffalograss is a warm-season, sod-forming native prairie grass ideal for Oklahoma’s prairies. Grayish-green in color, with a fine texture, this grass has excellent tolerance for the heat, drought, and winter conditions of Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss grows best in areas of Oklahoma with 12 to 25 inches of rainfall annually and where the grass is exposed to full sun.
\n\n\n\nThis grass tolerates alkaline soil but grows best on heavy-textured soils of Western Oklahoma’s unirrigated lawns. Buffalograss produces numerous seed heads that may disrupt the turf’s overall appearance.
\n\n\n\nBecause buffalograss grows slowly and requires less fertilizer than other grasses, it’s a good choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lawn that requires less mowing.
\n\n\n\nThis grass can be established from seed or sod. Buffalograss performs best in Western Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Requires weed control.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native clay soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass is low maintenance; overmanagement can damage it.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Zoysiagrass is dense, warm-season grass with a fine to medium texture. It is the toughest warm-season grass due to its resistance to heat, cold, drought, heavy foot traffic, and ability to grow in light shade. While it requires more maintenance than other grasses, well-irrigated lawns yield the best results.
\n\n\n\nZoysia grass is a moderately high-maintenance grass best suited to people who enjoy regular lawn care and have time to dethatch periodically. Zoysia’s dense growth protects against invasive weeds, but this dense growing habit also accumulates excess thatch.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is best suited for Eastern Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
St. Augustine
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
St. Augustine grass blades are coarse and distinct. This grass grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. St. Augustine grass is vegetatively propagated, which means it can only be planted as sod or grass plugs.
\n\n\n\nYou can use St. Augustine grass plugs if sod isn’t an option for you. St. Augustine plugs are used to fill in bare spots in your lawn by “plugging” turf into them. These plugs can also be used for starting new lawns.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine lawns are suitable for homeowners with shaded lawns. This grass grows best in the extreme southeastern parts of Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate. It is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 3.5 and 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: A low-maintenance coastal favorite, St. Augustine tolerates saline soils and regular foot traffic.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
Kentucky bluegrass is a resilient and attractive species found on many residential lawns, institutional grounds, parks, and athletic fields. The leaves of this species have a medium to fine texture and deep green color when adequately fertilized.
\n\n\n\nCompared to most other cool-season turfgrasses, KBG has extensive underground stems called rhizomes, which are suitable for sod production and have a superior recuperative capacity.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is cold tolerant, moderately heat and drought tolerant, and withstands foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nKBG will remain dormant when hot and dry, but grows fervently in spring and fall. When cooler temperatures arrive and soil moisture is sufficient, it’s quick to spring to life.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is best suited for lawns in Northern Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Develops a moderate level of thatch over time. Plan to dethatch every few years.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
Improved turf-type tall fescues are gaining popularity as an additive in the state’s southern regions with moderate shade conditions. In southern Oklahoma, it’s often mixed with sun-loving grasses for full coverage, even in the shade.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is suited to a wide range of soils and climates but performs best in well-draining clay soils in Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nWhen properly watered and fertilized, tall fescues retain their color during winter and provide year-round green lawns.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is an excellent choice for shaded areas. It prefers full sun, but if your lawn has shaded areas, tall fescue may provide more resilience than KBG. Tall fescue grows well statewide.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The right mowing, fertilization, watering, and sun/shade conditions can help minimize disease pressure on your turf.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Even though perennial ryegrass naturally suits northern states, its widespread use in southern lawns is a phenomenon. Winter brings dormancy and browning for warm-season grasses in the south and west. Lawn owners in Oklahoma keep their lawns green in winter by overseeding perennial ryegrass into their warm-season lawns in the fall.
\n\n\n\nDuring winter, fast-germinating perennial ryegrass provides a temporary green lawn. Once warm-season grasses take over and summer heat returns, it dies out. Its fast germination rate and quick establishment make it one of the most popular fine-bladed grasses.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is used throughout the state for soil stabilization and winter color. If grown as a lawn’s main turf, it will perform best in Northern Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: In comparison to other cool-season grasses, it produces less thatch.
\n\n\n\nLate September and October are the best times to plant cool-season grasses. Planting these grasses any later makes them prone to frost, interfering with germination. You can plant grass seeds in early spring if you miss the September-October planting window for cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is one of Oklahoma’s most popular cool-season grasses thanks to its high heat tolerance. Tall fescue needs lots of water to thrive, but with ample irrigation and fertilizer, tall fescue can remain green all year round.
\n\n\n\nThe best turf for Western Oklahoma is buffalograss. Suitable for unirrigated lawns and general turf areas, this grass produces numerous seed heads, which can distract from the turf’s overall appearance. Buffalograss lawns can be started by seed or by sod.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Tulsa lawns include:
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Oklahoma City lawns include:
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips to keep your lawn lush and healthy:
\n\n\n\nNeed to hire a lawn care pro near you to get the best out of your Oklahoma grass? We have trusted professionals in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and many other cities throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Lawn, Oklahoma / MARELBU / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Oklahoma","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4354066985645932,"src":"/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/1789c/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg","srcSet":"/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/107df/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 320w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/293e9/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 500w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/f2cbb/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 800w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/1789c/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 960w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/c26c2/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/1dd6e/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/67b76/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 320w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/8df11/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 500w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/98a65/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 800w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/1dd6e/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 960w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/3cc96/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Oklahoma | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Growing a new lawn? Learn about the best grass types for Oklahoma lawns with this helpful guide to warm-season and cool-season grasses."}}},{"node":{"id":"322c3368-91bf-5d1a-a97a-03f66b25f3ce","slug":"best-native-plants-los-angeles","path":"/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/best-native-plants-los-angeles/","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":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"6ef486ca-ccd1-5849-a339-3c49569b40f6","name":"Los Angeles","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/"}],"date":"March 29th, 2023","excerpt":"There’s a reason one of Los Angeles’ nicknames is City of Flowers and Sunshine: Its Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal location for growing plants. But not every plant is ideal for every climate. If you want an amazing garden, it’s always best to choose native plants that can thrive in the area. Let’s take […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s a reason one of Los Angeles’ nicknames is City of Flowers and Sunshine: Its Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal location for growing plants. But not every plant is ideal for every climate. If you want an amazing garden, it’s always best to choose native plants that can thrive in the area.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at 10 of the best native plants for LA.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are all kinds of reasons to use native plants, the most important being that they are well-adapted to your climate, so they have a greater likelihood of surviving and thriving under the unique conditions in your area. Here is why:
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5501710064_6f35aee311_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris Samuel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBuckwheat plants are not only stunning but also known for being healthy and nutritious. They bloom in late spring, and various beneficial wildlife is attracted to their flowers. You can expect to enjoy them together with birds, bees, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nYou can pick from eight different types of LA-native buckwheat. For example, California buckwheat is particularly attractive to honey bees. On the other hand, the Bernardino dotted-blue butterfly feasts on ashyleaf buckwheat.
\n\n\n\nBuckwheat plants have short growing seasons, need little care, and can keep weeds from growing. Some types of buckwheat don’t tolerate cold weather well, so check your area’s hardiness zone and the plant’s hardiness before you buy it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habbit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
Duration: Annual
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Dry or mostly dry, well-draining soils
Maintenance needs: Cut back every few years to encourage healthy new growth and control shape
Potential hazards: None known (if consumed in moderation)
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1culinary-sage-quotsalvia-officinalisquot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nSage comes in various, stunning colors that bloom in the summer. And sage plants are generally seen as non-toxic if consumed in small quantities.
\n\n\n\nThere are 13 species of sage native to Los Angeles, and each plant is unique in its own way. For example, black sage is among the most popular types of sage. Hummingbird sage, on the other hand, attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators and birds with its bright red flowers.
\n\n\n\nSome types of sage tolerate cold well, and some don’t, so check your area’s hardiness zone and the plant’s hardiness before you buy it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial or annual depending on species and location
Foliage: Varies by type but often deciduous in Los Angeles’ dry climate
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Prune lightly in spring; remove dead flowers to encourage more blooms
Potential hazards: Toxic when eaten in high or consistent doses; toxicity levels depend on growing conditions and season
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5965186545_e6a73bf093_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: chuck b. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCalifornia fuchsia brighten your garden with their vibrant red-orange flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. California fuchsia is favored by hummingbirds, as well as other pollinators and birds. It’s a great option to bring wildlife into your yard while improving your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 3 to 18 inches tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Cut back to the ground after flowering season to promote healthy new growth; water once a month during summer in dry areas
Potential hazards: None known for humans nor most animals
![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_800px-ceanothus_-_california_lilac.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Changku88 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCalifornia lilac is a beautiful and low-maintenance shrub. It produces vibrant blue, purple, pink, or white flowers in the spring and summer. It’s also drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators, butterflies, and moths. California lilac is suitable for the warmest parts of LA, where temperatures don’t go below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your minimum local temperature here.
\n\n\n\nThere’s a variety of options to choose from. Nine kinds of California lilac are native to Los Angeles, ranging from the rare San Diego ceanothus to the more common buck brush.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, some afternoon shade in hotter areas
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Lightly prune and remove dead limbs as needed
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4666396689_7a12cff0ca_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Staley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe flowers of the flannel bush plant are large and showy. They bloom in late spring to early summer. Bees and butterflies are attracted to their deep yellow to orange-red blossoms. The plant can grow tall if you take care of it, so it works well for homeowners who want extra privacy.
\n\n\n\nTake note that the flannel bush is suitable for areas where temperatures don’t go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your local minimum temperature here.
\n\n\n\nThe plant itself isn’t toxic. However, its stem and leaves can irritate skin and eyes upon contact, so be cautious.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 6 to 20 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Well-draining, sandy soils
Maintenance needs: Avoid summer watering and severe pruning, as these can kill the plant
Potential hazards: Toxic stem and leaves that can irritate skin and eyes
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/plant-fruit-berry-flower-food-red-443747-pxhere.com-1-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nToyon, also called the California Holly, can be a shrub or a small tree that grows tall quickly when it receives the right care. It’s superb for attracting local wildlife. The plant has white flowers that bloom in the summer and attract pollinators and birds.
\n\n\n\nToyon then produces red berries in the winter. It’s a popular food source for mockingbirds, American robins, and cedar waxwings. Be cautious, though, because they’re toxic to other animals and humans.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
Mature size: 6 to 10 feet typically, can reach up to 30 feet
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Tolerates most soil types
Maintenance needs: Prune as needed to maintain desired shape and height
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou’ve almost certainly seen the common yarrow in meadows and along roadsides, with its white, pink, or yellow flower clusters. It is a hardy perennial that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. It’s beneficial for birds like starlings, who gather common yarrow for their nests. If you want a charming, easy-care plant that attracts both birds and pollinators, common yarrow may be a great choice.
\n\n\n\nTake note, though, that the plant is toxic and shouldn’t be ingested. It can also cause irritation if touched.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
Soil preferences: Tolerates most soil types
Maintenance needs: Cut off dead flowers to encourage more blooms; treat common problems like aphids, mildew, and stem rot as needed
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_800px-opuntia_littoralis_upper_newport_bay_feb_2014_08.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nandaro / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe coastal prickly pear is an easy-care, attractive cactus plant. It does well in the warmest parts of LA, where temperatures don’t go below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (check your local minimum temperature here). This cactus has oval branches and bears purplish fruits. Its flowers bloom from spring to summer and support pollinators and birds.
\n\n\n\nHowever, keep in mind that the plant and its fruits are prickly and highly toxic for dogs and other animals. Although people like to snack on the plant’s fruit, some of its other parts are mildly toxic for humans, too. There isn’t enough data about the safety of coastal prickly pear fruit or pads, so vulnerable people such as children and pregnant women should avoid eating them.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to know if you can enjoy the fruit of your coastal prickly pear or not, make sure you discuss your diet with a medical professional.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Cactus
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Sandy soils
Maintenance needs: Make sure roots don’t get too damp, otherwise they’ll rot.
Potential hazards: Prickly; highly toxic for pets, especially dogs; mildly toxic for humans; not enough data regarding the safety of its fruit or pads
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_blue-eyed-grass-wildflowers-1533299474atm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nWestern blue-eyed grass, also called the California blue-eyed grass, has delicate blue flowers. It requires little maintenance and is even considered fire-resistant. Additionally, it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. You can consider planting this flower in your yard for a pop of color and ecological benefits.
\n\n\n\nMost types of blue-eyed grass aren’t toxic, but there isn’t enough data to determine the effects of western blue-eyed grass. It can also be easily confused for many similar-looking plants which are highly poisonous. Caution is advised.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Summer semi-deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Moist loam soils
Maintenance needs: Water occasionally during summer droughts
Potential hazards: May be toxic and can be easily confused for similar-looking highly toxic plants
![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_16686130046_1524d40e6c_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBeardtongues are a lovely family of flowers, some of which are native to Los Angeles. LA-native beardtongues range between purple, pink, and red to yellow.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most popular kinds of beardtongue is showy penstemon. Showy penstemon is a stunning herb that attracts birds and various insects. Other native beardtongue kinds are the climbing penstemon, the foothill penstemon, the southern foothill penstemon, and the yellow bush penstemon.
\n\n\n\nHowever, beardtongues have toxic effects, so be careful to keep children and pets away from them.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 6 inches to 4 feet tall depending on species
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Some species are evergreen, while others are deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils
Maintenance needs: Water 1 inch per week in summer; cut back stems after flowering season
Potential hazards: Toxic
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing Los Angeles natives for your landscape. Make sure to consider your options carefully and pick plants that meet your specific needs and preferences.
\n\n\n\nBe mindful of potential hazards such as toxicity, and do your research to protect your family and pets. Some plants are more toxic than others, but to be on the safe side, you should always keep your pets from eating your garden plants.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, you need to pick plants that are suitable for your hardiness zone. Los Angeles hardiness zones range from 7a to 11a, depending on the area. This means that LAs’ lowest temperatures are between 0 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nAll of the plants in this article can grow in all of Los Angeles’s temperatures, except where mentioned otherwise. You can check your local minimum temperature here.
\n\n\n\nCheck your yard, and you might just find that some native plants have already made a home there. But if you want to plant new natives, never take them directly from the wild because it can disrupt local ecosystems and harm wildlife.
\n\n\n\nInstead, there are ethical sources that can help. Consider purchasing from local plant nurseries that specialize in native plants, such as:
\n\n\n\nPicking beautiful new plants for your yard is a fun experience. Once you’ve decided on the types of plants you want, it’s time to think about other factors that will make your lawn thrive and look its best. Make sure you get the right grass type for your area and that you take care of your lawn properly at each time of the year.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your native plant garden to stay healthy and beautiful, consider hiring one of WikiLawn’s local pros who can handle your landscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Udo Schmidt / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Los Angeles","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6216216216216217,"src":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1789c/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg","srcSet":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/107df/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 320w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/293e9/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 500w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/f2cbb/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 800w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1789c/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 960w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/c26c2/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1dd6e/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/67b76/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 320w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/8df11/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 500w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/98a65/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 800w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1dd6e/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 960w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/3cc96/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Los Angeles | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are easier to maintain and better for the environment. Find the best native plants for LA here."}}},{"node":{"id":"a832e1d0-c1e5-51ab-a4f9-8636c20c71e4","slug":"5-native-plants-phoenix-az","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/5-native-plants-phoenix-az/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"kk","id":"dde4169a-f9d0-5770-97b5-2ac023bd4b45","path":"/author/kk/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/425367d30a2aaed212b569216f858a75?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"November 21st, 2019","excerpt":"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":"1e27bde9-f19a-5cd0-9cc9-e8db7fd6b7dd","slug":"spring-lawn-care-ohio","path":"/lawn-care/oh/spring-lawn-care-ohio/","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":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Spring is great in Ohio. In fact, late spring is the best time to visit the state and certainly one of the best times to live here. But spring is also the time of the year when your lawn needs your attention again, and knowing how to care for your lawn in Ohio will provide […]
\n","content":"\nSpring is great in Ohio. In fact, late spring is the best time to visit the state and certainly one of the best times to live here. But spring is also the time of the year when your lawn needs your attention again, and knowing how to care for your lawn in Ohio will provide the foundation it needs to thrive all year long.
\n\n\n\nLocation matters, so the approach will be slightly different if you live in the cooler lakefront area than downstate. But, in general, these nine spring lawn care tips will set you up well for the warm-weather months ahead..
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTo care for your lawn properly, it’s important to know about the climate differences throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nOne thing all the states have in common is humid and warm summers. But while most of the state has a temperate climate, upstate Ohio experiences long winters with heavy snow, and its summers are belated. The far south, on the other hand, has a humid, milder climate.
\n\n\n\nOhio’s varying climates means that if you live in Columbus, your lawn care routine will be slightly different from someone living in Cleveland. But have no fear. With the right knowledge and tools, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn no matter where you are in Ohio. Let’s see what lawn care tasks await you in the spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Gasoline](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pouring-gasoline-in-lawn-mower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s a good idea to get your lawn equipment ready for the season so you can start your lawn care routine as soon as possible. You should always check your manuals to know which jobs you should do and how often you should do them.
\n\n\n\nTo give you a rough idea, here are a few examples of common lawn care equipment jobs.
\n\n\n\nTypical gas mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\nTypical battery mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\nYou may also need to do maintenance jobs for various other lawn tools, for example:
\n\n\n\nIf you want to make sure that all your equipment is in mint condition, a professional tune-up may be in order.
\n\n\n\nRecommended time to get started in upstate Ohio: Before mid April
Recommended time to get started elsewhere in the state: Before late March
![\"Bags](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lawn-cleanup.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter winter has passed, Ohio experiences a beautiful spring season complete with blooming flowers and trees. However, cold weather and snow usually leave their mark on lawns and gardens, so it’s necessary to do a spring cleanup to prepare them for the growing season. This involves removing debris, pruning trees and shrubs, and raking up dead leaves and grass to promote healthy growth.
\n\n\n\nWhen you begin your spring cleanup depends on where you’re based in the state. Make sure you wait until all the snow has melted and the grass has fully dried.
\n\n\n\nRecommended time to get started in upstate Ohio: Around mid April
Recommended time to get started elsewhere in the state: Around late March
![\"Chickweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chickweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeeds can be a frustrating problem, but there are ways to prevent them from taking over. Typical Ohio weeds are:
\n\n\n\nMowing and watering is a good start because it keeps the lawn healthy and strong, making it less susceptible to weed growth. But to further prevent and treat weeds, you can consider herbicides.
\n\n\n\nThere are two kinds of herbicides on the market:
\n\n\n\nBefore you apply herbicide:
\n\n\n\nWhen to get started? You can get started around mid April in upstate Ohio and around early April elsewhere in the state.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-16.jpg\")
Photo Credit: yuriz / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that you can (hopefully) wave goodbye to weeds for the season, it’s time to deal with the next common lawn problem: diseases. Once again, you’re less likely to come across lawn diseases if you take good care of your lawn. Make sure that your grass gets enough airflow and sunlight and that you water, mow, and fertilize as needed. You can also apply a preventive fungicide.
\n\n\n\nCommon Ohio diseases include:
\n\n\n\nYou’re more likely to find disease on your lawn if there are any of the following:
\n\n\n\nIf you do come across a lawn disease, make sure to treat it right away. You may need to use a curative fungicide, replace affected soil and sod, or reseed.
\n\n\n\nFungicides are chemicals that can be harmful to people, animals, and the environment, so be sure to follow all instructions and use them responsibly. You can consider organic alternatives, but no fungicide is hazard-free, so it’s important to be careful and follow instructions.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-Armyworm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: uacescomm / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs your lawn disease- and weed-free? Great, but insect pests can still wreak havoc on it. The same rule applies here: take good care of your lawn, and you’ll be less likely to have to deal with them.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if you do come across insect pests on your lawn, you should take safe steps to remove them. Here are some of Ohio’s insect pests and how you can get rid of them:
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs are often mistaken for a fungal disease. They lay their eggs in the spring, and lay more eggs during hot summer weather. You may notice visible damage from chinch bugs by the end of June or August.
\n\n\n\nThese bugs tend to develop pesticide resistance, so if you suspect that your lawn is infested with chinch bugs, call a professional.
\n\n\n\nGrubs are bug larvae. They’re likely to appear in March to May, and again in mid-September to November. If they begin to bug your lawn, you may notice dead spots and beetles flying around.
\n\n\n\nWildlife like birds, skunks, and raccoons often feed on grubs, but if you still have a problem, you can introduce beneficial nematodes that will eradicate grubs within the next few years. Alternatively, applying the milky spore bacteria is another effective solution, but it will take a while to develop as well.
\n\n\n\nSod webworms are lawn-damaging caterpillars. They’re active from spring to fall, but most damage occurs in mid to late summer. You can keep them out by watering and dethatching regularly, but if your grass seems brown and short in some places, and if there are moths flying away when you mow, your lawn is likely experiencing a sod webworm problem.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of sod webworms, you can use insecticidal soap or beneficial nematodes.
\n\n\n\nBillbugs pose a problem both as adults and as larvae. Their damage becomes visible in mid to late June. However, there may also be a second generation of billbugs that will cause more damage in late July and August. It’s hard to identify billbug damage unless you spot the bugs themselves, but they will cause your grass to turn brown. If that happens, try pulling out some grass. If it breaks out of the soil line with sawdust-like excrement, billbugs are likely the problem.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to keep your lawn short, and if you encounter billbugs, target them before they lay eggs. If you spot newly-hatched larvae, get rid of them as soon as possible.
\n\n\n\nCutworms curl their bodies around grass blades and plant stems to feed on them. They’re mainly active in the evenings and at night and normally have 1 to 2 generations per year. Adult flights happen at different times throughout the season. Once they become adult moths, they’re harmless to lawns. But if you need to get rid of them while they’re still larvae, you can do so by dropping them in soapy water or crushing them. You can also try bleach-free dish soap.
\n\n\n\nWhat about using pesticides? If all else fails, pesticides are your last resort (except in the case of chinch bugs, where you should call professional help right away). Try to use organic pesticides and keep toxicity levels to a minimum. Always follow instructions to protect yourself and your pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CSIRO_ScienceImage_1739_Testing_soil_pH.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the best-case scenario, you have healthy soil that thrives just fine with regular mowing and watering. However, it’s lawns often lack nutrients and turn lackluster. These lawns get weaker and may even struggle with diseases, weeds, and insect pests.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your soil has the right balance of nutrients, you should regularly test it and find out if you need to fertilize. The Department of Agriculture recommends testing your soil every two to three years, but if you want to do so more often, you certainly can.
\n\n\n\nA soil test can tell you your soil’s:
\n\n\n\nYou can choose between doing a soil test yourself or sending a sample to a lab.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf your soil test indicates that you have healthy soil, you can get away with just leaving some nutritious grass clippings on your lawn after each mow. However, if your soil is lacking in nutrients, you may need to fertilize your lawn. Fertilization supplies your lawn with three main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
\n\n\n\nHere’s what each of these nutrients can do for your lawn:
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps with rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
There are different kinds of fertilizer:
\n\n\n\nUsing fertilizer poses a hazard both to humans and to animals, so be cautious, use only as much as you need, and follow instructions closely. Organic fertilizer is a good option if you want to reduce the number of chemicals you use on your lawn, but be mindful that any fertilizer can be harmful.
\n\n\n\nOhio State University recommends fertilizing four times a year:
\n\n\n\nIf you want to know more, be sure to check out our Ohio fertilizing guide to find out more about Ohio’s best lawn fertilizer schedule.
\n\n\n\n![\"Set](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wikilawn-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrass needs water to thrive, but you don’t want to get ahead of yourself and overwater. There should be plenty of rain in early spring to hydrate your lawn, so keep your hose handy for late spring to early summer, when the weather becomes hot and dry.
\n\n\n\nOnce it’s needed, though, be sure to water efficiently by giving your lawn about an inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. You should always water before 10 a.m. and not late at night. The optimal times are between 5 and 6 a.m., but if that’s not possible, watering between 4 and 5 p.m. will work, too.
\n\n\n\nAlthough watering is important, make sure you don’t overwater. Overwatering can lead to negative consequences such as root rot and the growth of mold and mildew.
\n\n\n\nWhen should you start watering? It’s best to observe your grass to determine when it needs water. Signs that your lawn needs watering include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-15.jpg\")
Photo Credit: lutavia / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMowing your grass isn’t as simple a task as it seems. It’s recommended to mow your grass regularly and at the right height to maintain its health and appearance.
\n\n\n\nSee the approximate recommended height for each Ohio grass type below:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2.5 to 3.5 inches |
| Turf-type tall fescue | 3 to 4 inches |
| Fine-leaf fescue | 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2.5 to 3.5; you can cut even shorter, but very short heights need a reel mower |
Here are some must-know mowing tips:
\n\n\n\nYou can start mowing as soon as your grass grows above 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nTip: Mulch your trees before you mow to protect their roots from damage. You only need 2 to 4 inches of mulch, which should start 3 to 6 inches away from the trunk and extend outward 3 feet.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve ticked off all your spring maintenance tasks this year, good job. However, there’s a lot more that goes into maintaining a healthy and thriving lawn. Be sure to learn about how to keep it in lush condition all year round. You can also check out our fertilizing guide to help you decide if and when you need to fertilize.
\n\n\n\nAre you getting tired just thinking about all the hard work it will take to keep your lawn pretty this season? Get in touch with a lawn care professional who can handle it for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: LouisvilleUSACE / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"How to Care for Your Lawn in the Spring in Ohio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/1789c/Great-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/107df/Great-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/293e9/Great-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/f2cbb/Great-lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/1789c/Great-lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/c26c2/Great-lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/1dd6e/Great-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/67b76/Great-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/8df11/Great-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/98a65/Great-lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/1dd6e/Great-lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/4e54ab6029d620f8fc6d331c00bb4a7d/3cc96/Great-lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Care For Your Lawn in the Spring in Ohio","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spring is when your grass needs your attention again, and doing it right will give your lawn the foundation it needs to thrive all year long"}}},{"node":{"id":"6ba29152-fc73-502b-8a6c-d72e769a7d6d","slug":"a-guide-to-summer-lawn-care-in-virginia-beach","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/a-guide-to-summer-lawn-care-in-virginia-beach/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"},{"id":"9107cea5-e99b-514c-a5cb-295305a7d651","name":"Virginia Beach","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/"}],"date":"August 9th, 2019","excerpt":"A great looking Virginia lawn doesn’t happen overnight. It takes work and adjustments, discovering just the right thing needed for thick, green grass.
\n","content":"\nA great looking Virginia lawn doesn’t happen overnight. It takes work and adjustments, discovering just the right thing needed for thick, green grass. Each season has its own requirements to keep your yard in tip-top shape and summer’s no different. With a few simple steps and this guide to summer lawn care in Virginia Beach, your lawn will hold up through the heat and humidity.
\n\n\n\nA Virginia Beach lawn is hard to maintain if you don’t start with the right type of grass.
\n\n\n\nGrass has two major types — cool-season grasses, suited to Northern climates, and warm-season grasses, bred to thrive in the Southern heat. The state of Virginia is in the “transition zone” where both can be grown, but each will have challenges. Warm-season grasses will struggle in the winter, while cool-season grasses will wilt in the summer.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Virginia Beach’s climate is moderated by the ocean, so it rarely gets bitterly cold. In addition, it has sandy soils. Both those conditions mean warm-season grasses are the better choice, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.
\n\n\n\nSo, the experts recommend a warm-season grass like Bermuda, Bahia, or Zoysia have strong roots and the ability to tolerate drought. However, the cool-season fescue remains the most-dominant grass type.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9Kt4OrHtGmwhVVVi0vJhB6QUlx_Q22P9zDVbDpVF69Zl7eXzD50J7Tbv_ABitXg2gn5PkN3P6WOHkgJvxIXP2FQhcOrpIyizcEaUs206KR05iONT3c9Rr-9VvEGwMU5mN_IqLNuH\")
Regular mowing is one of the most important things you can do for a healthy lawn. Doing it right creates a low-maintenance yard that also resists drought. The correct mowing height depends on the type of grass you plant. Mowing to the proper height makes the turfgrass thicker and promotes deep root growth. It also helps the grass stand up better against weeds and environmental stresses. Also, never cut more than one-third of the top at one time.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass: 1 to 1 1/2 inches
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass: 2 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass: 1 1/2 to 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn is dry, water it or wait for rain before cutting. Mowing parched grass stresses the turf by exposing it to the wind and sun.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zx62tJ30i-O-bkkh_NrPb4LgtdpUzxpwXaap5rC1ebC1TJP74vcl-vur8cX_Qp36i03HEMnSyPOqLJU2nFwaGtcJ1bxkhWR9rsrjjaY2TfHDYpsNb3JmV9mK9bUEZL9jLEov5DFc\")
When you mow regularly, and the grass isn’t too tall, the volume of clippings left behind aren’t enough to warrant raking. Nor should you. Clippings left after mowing act as a fertilizer. They decompose, leaving water and nutrients behind in your yard. Clippings are rich in nitrogen and can reduce both the need for chemical fertilizer and the risk of the chemicals burning the lawn. It’s also better for the environment. There are, however, a few instances where it’s better to bag the clippings. Rake when the grass is wet, or you waited too long between mowings. Pick the clippings up if you need them for your compost pile. And definitely, don’t leave the clippings behind if you have spots of disease in the lawn. Bag them up and throw them away to prevent spreading the disease to other areas of your yard.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn will survive a Virginia Beach summer without a lot of watering, except during severe drought conditions. But this guide to summer lawn care in Virginia Beach recommends watering about an inch per week in dry weather. The best time is early morning. Watering during the heat of the day will put stress on the lawn, and much of the water will evaporate. When water is needed, water deeply to encourage deep grass roots.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d like more information about lawn care and landscaping, visit our Virginia Beach lawn care page.
When you live in Phoenix, you don’t want to spend weekends taking care of your lawn in the scorching Sonoran Desert. Yet at the same time, no one wants a patch of bare earth surrounding their house. You’re in the right place if you’re trying to find a balance between low-maintenance and curb appeal. We’ve […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you live in Phoenix, you don’t want to spend weekends taking care of your lawn in the scorching Sonoran Desert. Yet at the same time, no one wants a patch of bare earth surrounding their house. You’re in the right place if you’re trying to find a balance between low-maintenance and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve come up with a list of low-maintenance landscaping ideas to create a beautiful yard while reducing the time you spend outside maintaining it!
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaping](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Xeriscaping-Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simeon87 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is a popular landscaping trend in Western desert climates, so chances are you’ve heard of the idea if you’ve lived in Phoenix for any length of time. But if you haven’t heard of it, it’s an adaptive landscape design that uses little or no water beyond natural rainfall.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners love a xeriscape‘s environmental sustainability and its benefits. Here are some general ideas:
\n\n\n\nDon’t be discouraged if you can’t transform your entire landscape with xeriscaping in one fell swoop. Start small by replacing one flower bed with a decorative rock garden accented with succulents or replacing a thirsty non-native tree with a cactus. As you can, continue with the change until your entire yard doesn’t need supplemental water.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: It costs about $5 to $20 per square foot to xeriscape. However, it is estimated xeriscaping saves you about $0.36 per square foot yearly in watering costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Succulent-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdding cacti and other succulent plants is a great way to make your landscaping low-maintenance. FYI: cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.
\n\n\n\nSucculents are plants that have adapted to desert life and low rainfall amounts by storing water in their stems and leaves. Many types have thick, fleshy leaves or engorged stems filled with sap that hold moisture, but not all do. One of the best parts (depending on how you look at it) is that most succulents hate wet soil and will die if you try to water them.
\n\n\n\nPlus, succulents come in a fantastic variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to fit every landscape design.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price of succulents depends on the size and type of plant, ranging from $5 to more than $100 per plant at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot. Saguaro cacti can run anywhere from $100 to $4,000 or $5,000, depending on the size and number of arms.
\n\n\n\n![\"Firecracker](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Firecracker-penstemon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother great low-maintenance landscaping option is to include plants native to the Sonoran Desert in your landscape. Native plants have always been in an area and weren’t introduced from somewhere else. They have adapted to thrive in the local desert over time so that they can flourish in your yard with little care.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Arizona native plants for you to choose from, but here are a few popular ones:
\n\n\n\nNote: For more information on the best native plants for Phoenix, check out our article.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: How much you spend depends on the exact type and the plant size, but ballpark prices are $600 to $3,000 for a new flower bed, $25 to $50 per new shrub, or $150 to $3,000 per new tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blanket](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blanket-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlants are designated as perennials or annuals, depending on their lifecycle. Annuals with beautiful, colorful flowers are commonly seen at big box stores and garden supply centers. But they only live for a single season and die after they flower, and temperatures drop in the winter.
\n\n\n\nPerennials, however, can withstand the cooler winter temperatures and bloom year after year. Since they last for several years, or even decades, they require considerably less maintenance than annuals that need replanting yearly.
\n\n\n\nGreat heat-tolerant perennials for Phoenix:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennial plants varies widely depending upon the type of plants you choose, where you purchase them, and if you plant them yourself or hire a landscape contractor to do the work. If you go the DIY route, expect to spend about $10 to $60 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rock](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rock-Garden-Wall.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA low-maintenance landscape with minimal flowers will reduce the time you spend sweating in the garden. However, a low-maintenance yard doesn’t mean a dull, empty space without any visual interest. You can easily create an oasis with hardscaping elements.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are features in your yard that aren’t green, living things. They are permanent, unchanging, man-made structures. The following offer limitless options for designing a space you’ll love while boosting curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nThe best part about hardscapes is they don’t require maintenance like turfgrass and plants. You don’t have to worry about mowing, fertilizing, watering, or weeding, thus cutting down on the time you spend caring for your landscape. However, the initial costs can be expensive, but you’ll save in the long run.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to spend approximately $2,500 to $6,000 for a new patio, $5,000 to $11,000 for a new composite deck, $250 to $3,000 for a new fire pit, or $2,000 to $9,000 for a new pergola. Stone paver projects cost about $10 to $30 per square foot to install, depending on the type of stone.
\n\n\n\n![\"Creeping](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Creeping-Red-Thyme.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Own Herby talk thyme / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI get it. Sometimes you want to look out the kitchen window and see a thick green carpet of grass. How about switching that traditional turf out for a low-maintenance ground cover? You’ll still get a look similar to a green lawn while saving yourself from mowing grass in the scorching sun.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are a group of plants that usually only grow a few inches tall. Once planted, they spread quickly to fill in space and can create the look of a lawn.
\n\n\n\nThese heat-loving, drought-tolerant ground covers are great for Phoenix.
\n\n\n\nRemember that ground covers are still plants, so they may need irrigating and will benefit from occasional fertilization to keep them looking their best. They are still much less work than grass, though.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground covers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Replacing your turf with ground cover costs $3.50 to $12.50 per square foot, depending on the type of ground cover plant you choose. Expect to spend more if you need to remove your existing grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf the idea of a living ground cover still sounds like too much work, yet you still want to see green, consider installing artificial turf. Don’t worry! Your yard won’t look like a football field! Artificial turf has made significant advances, and some styles are designed to look like specific grass types. With a bit of research, you can choose something that is hard to tell that it isn’t real grass!
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf is great in many ways, but let’s take a minute and talk about the downsides. First, artificial turf is expensive to install, and it can damage the soil underneath it, which may have adverse effects. However, some studies show the environmental impact is no more significant than those associated with traditional turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional installation of artificial turf costs anywhere from $5.50 to $19 per square foot, depending on the type you choose and your yard’s shape.
\n\n\n\n![\"Plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Plants-with-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost homeowners are familiar with mulch and use it in their landscapes. Mulch is a loose material spread on the ground to help retain soil moisture, keep weeds at bay, and protect the plant’s roots from temperature extremes. Using it in planting beds is an easy, inexpensive way to reduce maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to mulch, there are many different options, including some organic and some inorganic. Organic mulches offer a more traditional look, but products like woodchips and pine straw must be replaced as they break down over time. When they decompose, they do add nutrients to the soil, which is a benefit. Gravel and rubber nuggets are great inorganic options because they have a long lifespan.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of mulch varies depending on the type. When buying by the bag, expect to pay $2 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag for wood mulch. Rubber mulch runs $7 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. Landscape rock differs a lot more in price, ranging from $5 to $45 per 0.5-cubic-foot bag. (Pricing based on products at Lowe’s and Home Depot). You can buy it in bulk to save money if you need a lot of mulch.
\n\n\n\nLiving in the Arizona desert doesn’t mean spending hours and hours taking care of grass or having a dusty, dry patch of dirt for a lawn. Many different low-maintenance landscaping options will give you a beautiful yard, even in Phoenix! Hopefully, this helps give you some great ideas on creating a space you love that doesn’t require all your free time.
\n\n\n\nBut we also understand that even a few minutes outside in the hot summer sun can feel miserable. If you’d rather hire someone to do the work, check out the services our local lawn care pros offer in Phoenix and surrounding areas.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Desert Botanical Garden / Simeon87 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Low-Maintenance Landscaping Tips for Phoenix, Arizona","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/1789c/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/107df/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 320w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/293e9/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/f2cbb/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 800w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/1789c/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 960w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/c26c2/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/1dd6e/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/67b76/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 320w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/8df11/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 500w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/98a65/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 800w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/1dd6e/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 960w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/3cc96/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Low-Maintenance Landscaping Tips for Phoenix, Arizona | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You don't have to melt in the Arizona sun to have a great yard. Get an amazing yard without much effort with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas"}}},{"node":{"id":"ce277458-60d9-5dd5-ba72-6766ed5befd0","slug":"best-grass-types-corpus-christi","path":"/lawn-care/tx/corpus-christi/best-grass-types-corpus-christi/","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":"bce60eef-f246-5798-b50e-2cd265e2d7a4","name":"Corpus Christi","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/corpus-christi/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Corpus Christi’s average temperatures range from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This Southeast Texas beach town is the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast. Named the “Birdiest City in North America,” Corpus Christi has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters that cater to wildlife year-round. The best grass types for Corpus Christi thrive […]
\n","content":"\nCorpus Christi’s average temperatures range from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This Southeast Texas beach town is the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast. Named the “Birdiest City in North America,” Corpus Christi has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters that cater to wildlife year-round. The best grass types for Corpus Christi thrive in the city’s long, hot summers. If you are installing a new lawn or looking to freshen up your existing yard, consider one of these options for your Gulf Coast landscape.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTexas and heat go hand-in-hand, and this time we aren’t talking about barbecue. It’s no surprise that the ninth hottest city in Texas benefits from sun-loving native plants and warm-season grass cultivars that prefer growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses come from tropical regions, making them well-adapted to Corpus Christi’s humid climate. These turfgrasses soak up the sun and actively grow year-round in Southeast Texas, 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 Corpus Christi:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a common warm-season turfgrass that ranges from coarse to fine-textured and withstands salt, drought, and heavy traffic. It is the most popular Texas grass variety and a versatile option used for everything from athletic fields and golf courses to home lawns and parks. Cultivars recover quickly from damage, leading some to consider it an aggressive species.
\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi 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, armyworms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/St-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is native to warm coastal regions. It is the most shade-tolerant warm-season cultivar. St. Augustinegrass has an attractive dense appearance and deep roots that make it moderately drought and salt-tolerant. Unfortunately, this turfgrass struggles during bouts of cold weather and does not tolerate heavy traffic or herbicides well.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is quick-growing and has an enviable blue-green color. The most popular cultivars in Texas are Raleigh, Palmetto, and Floratam. Both Raleigh and Palmetto have a high cold and frost resistance compared to other St. Augustine varieties. 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, armyworms, webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTexas is home to around 11 cultivars of Zoysiagrass. These grasses tolerate low mow heights, drought, cold, shade, and heavy traffic, and have low fertilization requirements. New cultivars have increased disease and pest resistance. Zoysiagrass grows densely, blocking out weed growth thanks to thick stiff leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nSimilar to St. Augustinegrass’ carpet-like appearance, Zoysiagrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. Fortunately, cultivars are not prone to disease or insect infestations and grow slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and lead spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is another slow-growing cultivar with a tight growing pattern and fine leaf blades. The low-maintenance turfgrass is prone to disease and pests when improperly maintained and over watered. It is a smooth, flat-bladed grass that likes to be left alone.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass has a pronounced light green color and a medium texture. Cultivars require little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain green. This turfgrass handles shade but prefers full sun like most warm-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nNative plants are always a desirable choice for any landscape. Buffalograss is a Texas native turfgrass that loves the sun. The warm-season grass is drought and cold-tolerant and requires little fertilization and less mowing than most varieties.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss loves long hot summers and its gray-green blades are pest and disease resistant. Unfortunately, the low-fuss cultivar does not stand up to heavy traffic, shade, or weeds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; bipolaris leaf spot may occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, and chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Seashore-Paspalum-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum is similar to bermudagrass but has quicker root development. This warm-season cultivar is extremely salt-tolerant and grows in all types of soil. Like bermudagrass, it has an aggressive growth habit and coarse blades with a dense root system.
\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum is light to medium green in color and requires frequent mowing to maintain a low height. This popular coastal turfgrass tolerates hot temperatures, drought, shade, and heavy traffic. It has the lowest nitrogen requirements of any warm-season turfgrass. Unfortunately, seashore paspalum cultivars are more expensive than other varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\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; moderate water and fertilization needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; fusarium blight and Helminthosporium disease may occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mole crickets, sod webworms, spittlebugs, white grubs, billbugs, cutworms, and fall armyworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 4.5-9.0
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; does not prefer a specific soil type
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Sensitive to dull mower blades and prone to injury from tearing
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best when the Texas temperatures hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit, usually toward the beginning of May. The growing season typically slows when temperatures dip below 80 degrees Fahrenheit around the end of October.
Texas turfgrasses typically go dormant when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit around mid-November, though this does not always occur in Corpus Christi.
You should plant your grass seed in March or April. This gives the seed plenty of time to germinate before the hot Texas summer.
St. Augustinegrass and seashore paspalum are the most shade-friendly grass types for Corpus Christi.
Dogs and cats love to soak up the summer sun as much as your Texas plants. If your furry friend spends a lot of time outdoors, bermudagrass and seashore paspalum are your best options. These varieties grow densely, withstand heavy traffic, and recover quickly when man’s best friend has the urge to dig.
All Texas grass cultivars have different characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your lifestyle and your yard’s microclimate. Warm-season varieties are the best option for your Corpus Christi lawn. They are suited to Southeast Texas’ unique USDA Zones, 9a, 9b, and 10a.
\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi’s year-round warm weather lends itself to numerous landscaping options. Beat the heat with our list of low-maintenance landscaping ideas or batten down the hatches and gear up for the Gulf’s hurricane season with hurricane-resistant landscaping options.
A lush backyard oasis is within reach. Contact a Corpus Christi lawn care pro today to keep your lawn and landscaping healthy.
Main Image Credit: Wozzy25 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Corpus Christi, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/1789c/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/107df/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/293e9/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/f2cbb/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/1789c/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/c26c2/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/1dd6e/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/67b76/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 320w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/8df11/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 500w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/98a65/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 800w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/1dd6e/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 960w,\n/static/64460550a989fd4f60e3071cf82f78e8/3cc96/lawn-in-Corpus-Christi-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Corpus Christi, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season, salt-tolerant grasses are the best choice for Corpus Christi, and these six species are great options."}}},{"node":{"id":"1bb85753-2311-561e-877f-9f400556d157","slug":"best-grass-types-california","path":"/lawn-care/ca/best-grass-types-california/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"From Eureka to Palm Springs, homeowners all over California seek picturesque lawns to complement their landscaping. But what grass should you choose? While it depends on your specific region, some grass types do well in large portions of the state. The best grass types for California will survive and thrive in local conditions. Let’s break […]
\n","content":"\nFrom Eureka to Palm Springs, homeowners all over California seek picturesque lawns to complement their landscaping. But what grass should you choose? While it depends on your specific region, some grass types do well in large portions of the state.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for California will survive and thrive in local conditions. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each grass type, including which part of the state they can grow in.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nGrass types break down into two categories based on growth patterns: cool-season and warm-season. Cool-season grasses do best in the northern part of the United States, and warm-season grasses do best in the southern part. In the middle is the transition zone, where you can grow either type.
\n\n\n\nSince California is a large state, it spans the cool-season, transition, and warm-season zones. Cool-season grasses grow in northern, central, and coastal regions. Warm-season grasses grow in southern and central California.
\n\n\n\nWhile those in the far north or south of the state may be limited to either cool or warm-season grasses, most of California can grow either. Here are some critical differences between cool- and warm-season grasses to consider.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Agrostis_pallens_turf.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruff tuff cream puff / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are multiple types of bentgrass available in California. Due to its high maintenance, creeping bentgrass is usually reserved for golf courses and lawn tennis courts. However, California native bentgrass is more suitable for home lawns. It has a medium texture, uniform growth pattern, and deep green color. It also is known as Agrostis pallens or seashore bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia native bentgrass requires half the water of typical cool-season grasses. When faced with heavy foot traffic, its self-repairing rhizomes will heal damage. Plant it in full sun for the best growth. You can mow native bentgrass like a traditional lawn or grow it into a meadow. If you cut it back down after growing it out, gradually lower the mowing height to avoid damage.
\n\n\n\nThough California native bentgrass has many advantages, its slow growth may deter some people. Its seeds establish slowly, and sod is pricier than other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low; you can mow it or let it grow out
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-8
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Any soil with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass can be mowed or left long and meadow-like. It is best suited for coastal areas.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis state may not be Kentucky, but this grass can still grow well in Northern and Central California. Kentucky bluegrass is deep green with a medium texture. It creates a dense turf.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type grows well from fall through spring and needs moderate maintenance. It has an excellent cold tolerance, which makes it suitable for the intermountain west. Plant it in yards with full sun or some shade. Though Kentucky bluegrass is vulnerable to traffic damage, it will self-repair.
\n\n\n\nSummer is the slowest growing season for this grass. It will survive droughts by going dormant but become vulnerable to weeds and diseases if stressed by heat, dehydration, and poor soil quality. Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with at least 15% perennial ryegrass to improve its performance.
\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, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRich green and fine-textured perennial ryegrass is commonly mixed with other turfgrasses but also can be used on its own. It’s primarily found in Northern and Central California, with some viability in Southern California. It does exceptionally well in the moderate temperatures of coastal California.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is moderate to high maintenance, depending on your desired mowing height. Due to its quick germination, perennial ryegrass is competitive against weeds and tolerates traffic well. You can plant it in full sun or partial shade. Since it is a cool-season grass, it has an excellent cold tolerance.
\n\n\n\nSome people use perennial ryegrass to improve the performance of Kentucky bluegrass lawns or preserve the color of bermudagrass lawns in winter. However, perennial ryegrass’ competitive growth could lead to it overpowering other grass types. It has a low tolerance for shade, heat, and drought.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low (may go dormant in summer)
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but poor recuperative ability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). It needs moderate levels of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis grass is the most common turfgrass in the state. It has a coarse texture, but the turf-type and dwarf-type tall fescue varieties have a finer texture and shorter height.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue has a relatively good heat and drought tolerance for cool-season grass. It stays green in warm and cool weather but may turn brown in severe cold. Sunny or partially sunny yards are ideal for growth. When densely sown, this grass will have a uniform texture and strong resistance to diseases and weeds.
\n\n\n\nThough it can handle moderate traffic, it won’t fill in damaged patches due to its bunch-type growth habit. Reseed the lawn if you see thinning or bare spots. Tall fescue doesn’t grow well in high altitudes, so don’t use it if you live in the mountains.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast rate of growth, so plan to mow often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side); do not mow less than 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wider range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepending on the variety, bermudagrass ranges from gray-green to blue-green to dark green, with a fine to medium texture. It loves the warm weather of Southern California and the Central California coast.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is prepared to handle full sun, high temperatures, and drought. It’s an excellent choice for coastal properties due to its salinity tolerance. Due to its resilience to foot traffic, this grass is popular with families and pet owners. Its fast-growing nature allows it to withstand diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nCold and shade will weaken this grass and leave it vulnerable to weeds and traffic damage. Long periods of cold weather will leave it brown, which makes it less suitable for Northern California. It also may pose problems in its active growth period. Many varieties require frequent mowing, fertilization, and dethatching. Without edging, it could spread to nearby gardens or yards.
\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 tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases like spring dead spot are common; low resistance to insects like bermudagrass mites, dichondra flea beetles, and fiery skippers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis grass type has a fine texture and grayish-green color. Buffalograss is native to North American Plains but can do well in California. Researchers at UC Davis and UC Riverside developed the UC Verde variety to suit this state’s hot, dry summers.
\n\n\n\nUC Verde buffalograss is very low-maintenance with good resistance to diseases and pests. It requires at least 50% less water than tall fescue and bermudagrass. You can mow as often as once a week or as infrequently as once a year, depending on how manicured or natural you want it to look. UC Verde is allergy-friendly due to the low number of seedheads produced.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss won’t die if you walk over it sometimes or hold the occasional backyard event, but it’s not a good choice if you expect lots of activity on your lawn. It’s also not suited for shady yards. Buffalograss may turn brown and dormant in winter and in summer drought but will recover well. Expect to pay a higher-than-average price whether you buy seed or sod.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed; UC Verde doesn’t grow taller than 4-6 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers soils that aren’t sandy
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Buffalograss often turns brown in winter. Because of its few flowerheads, it produces little pollen and seeds, making it suitable for those with allergies.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you live on the SoCal coast or in the coastal valleys, consider St. Augustinegrass. It produces a dense lawn with broad leaves and a medium green color.
\n\n\n\nThis grass has few weeds and pest problems. It also can handle drought and salinity. St. Augustinegrass thrives in moderate temperatures and grows most in summer, with slow growth in spring and fall and dormancy in winter. It is one of the best warm-season grasses for shady yards but will do best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass isn’t ideal for the cold northernmost regions of California. It requires frequent mowing, fertilization, and dethatching to keep it healthy. This grass is better for decorative lawns than high-use ones due to low traffic tolerance.
\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 tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing 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; watch out for iron deficiency, fiery skippers, and Southern chinch bugs
\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![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass creates dense, uniform, prickly turf. It has a medium to fine texture and dark green color. It does well in Southern California and the coasts of Central and Northern California.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance has few pest problems and resists drought, heat, and foot traffic. The most drought-tolerant variety is Zoysia japonica. Though Zoysiagrass needs little fertilizer, fall fertilization can improve its typically brown winter color. Plant it in full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass establishes slowly, but the “DeAnza,” “El Toro,” “Emerald,” and “Victoria” varieties establish quicker. Use sod instead of plugs if you want an instant lawn. This grass type requires moderate mowing to avoid scalping. Dethatch yearly to avoid matting. A thatch-filled Zoysiagrass lawn will be challenging to mow evenly.
\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 tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall; watch out for nematodes
\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 the grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\nCalifornia not only has a diverse culture but a diverse climate. You can narrow your turfgrass choices by general regions, such as Northern, Central, and Southern.
\n\n\n\nThe grass types listed under each region will work in most of that area. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean every city will be well-suited for those grass types or that you can’t use other grass types. For example, you will still need to consider whether you live by the ocean, inland, or in the mountains, as growing conditions will vary greatly.
\n\n\n\nSeashore bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue can stay green all year in California. These grasses may need irrigation to maintain their color year-round. Severe temperatures and drought also may cause lawns to turn brown and dormant.
The most heat-tolerant grass types in California include tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, and buffalograss. Keep in mind that heat tolerance does not always equal drought tolerance. Just because a lawn can handle a heat wave doesn’t mean it won’t want water.
If you don’t want to spend all your time mowing, fertilizing, and irrigating your lawn, consider seashore bentgrass, UC Verde buffalograss, or Zoysiagrass.
The most drought-tolerant grass types in California are bentgrass, bermudagrass, buffalograss, and Zoysiagrass.
Turfgrasses and other plants do best when they’re well-adapted to the area. California native plants are more likely to be low-maintenance and fire-resistant than non-native plants. That said, non-native plants can still be adapted to the California climate and suit your needs.
\n\n\n\nEven when broken down into Northern, Southern, and Central, California has many climates and soil types. Your property may face unique challenges that make landscaping by yourself difficult or time-consuming.
A local lawn care or landscaping professional can take yard chores off your to-do list and provide grass and plant recommendations based on your unique needs. Wikilawn can connect you with pros in Los Angeles, San Jose, Bakersfield, and many other California cities.
Main Photo Credit: Sonoma Plaza / Carlton A. Lear / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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