![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Boynton Beach is famous for its year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and fertile landscape. This seaside city’s tropical climate and ample rainfall are perfect for cultivating well-manicured lawns. But the rainy season only lasts during the summer months. When winter dryness hits and the snowbirds arrive, the population surge has an effect on the water supply. […]
\n","content":"\nBoynton Beach is famous for its year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and fertile landscape. This seaside city’s tropical climate and ample rainfall are perfect for cultivating well-manicured lawns.
\n\n\n\nBut the rainy season only lasts during the summer months. When winter dryness hits and the snowbirds arrive, the population surge has an effect on the water supply. That’s why the city put in place water conservation rules to help keep things flowing and flourishing.
\n\n\n\nHere are the three best grass types to green up your Boynton Beach lawn:
\n\n\n\nMost popular around these parts is the Floratam cultivar of St. Augustine grass (that’s St. Augustine grass in the photo above). With a coarse texture and wide, long, dark green blades, this type is tolerant of salt. At its hardiest in USDA Zones 9 and 10, it thrives exceptionally well in Boynton Beach.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Above-ground runners called stolons
Shade tolerance: More shade-tolerant than other warm-season varieties
Drought tolerance: Moderate. It needs watering during dry periods to maintain color.
Foot traffic tolerance: Best for lawns with normal traffic
Maintenance needs: The Florida-Friendly Landscaping guidelines can help with restrictions that may be in place. Only needs 3/4 to 1 inch of water per week. This grass is also susceptible to Lethal Viral Necrosis.
Recommended mowing height: Mow once per week to a height of 2.5 to 4 inches.
The second most popular option is Zoysia. Identified by its dark green color and short, fine-textured blades, Zoysia goes dormant in cool weather and turns brown.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons and below-ground stems called rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Average, but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High. May turn brown during prolonged drought but will green up again when watered.
Foot traffic tolerance: Its denseness helps it stand up to heavy foot traffic.
Maintenance needs: Low. Virus-resistant and requires one or two fertilizations per year and 1 inch of water per week.
Recommended mowing height: Mow once every week or two to a height of 1 to 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nCharacterized by its purple-tipped seedheads, bahiagrass doesn’t need a lot of nutrients to thrive. Best laid as seed or sod, this grass type will produce a dark green lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Low, needs full sun
Drought tolerance: Extremely high due to its extensive root system
Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate
Maintenance needs: Low. Bahiagrass doesn’t need much fertilizer or water. Keep mower blades sharp to avoid disease and pest problems.
Recommended mowing height: Mow weekly or bi-weekly to a height of 3 to 4 inches.
Now that you know the best grass types for Boynton Beach, you may find useful our Seasonal Guide to Lawn Care and Maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you want experts to keep your Boynton Beach yard green, reach out to one of our Florida lawn care professionals.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Bubble on St. Augustine grass / Jay Morgan / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n","title":"3 Best Grass Types in Boynton Beach, Florida","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5058823529411764,"src":"/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/cd58b/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.png","srcSet":"/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/7b880/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.png 320w,\n/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/49b19/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.png 500w,\n/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/90823/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.png 800w,\n/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/cd58b/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.png 960w,\n/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/07839/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.png 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/1dd6e/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/67b76/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/8df11/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/98a65/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/1dd6e/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/7ee46fb7bf0ffb860f92de77ae7693c9/7aa54/st-augustine-grass-flickr-cc20.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"3 Best Grass Types in Boynton Beach, Florida | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"What are the four best grass types for your lawn in Boynton Beach, Florida? Look to St. Augustine grass, Zoysiagrass and Bahiagrass."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"11a46912-2115-56c3-8a87-2d3efa09b79d","slug":"florida-friendly-landscaping-ideas","path":"/lawn-care/florida-friendly-landscaping-ideas/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Florida is blessed with sunshine, gorgeous beaches, warm temperatures, stunning natural landscapes, and lush vegetation year-round. But with the Sunshine State’s unique weather conditions and soil types, creating and maintaining a beautiful and resilient landscape can be a challenge. In addition, Florida is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause severe damage to […]
\n","content":"\nFlorida is blessed with sunshine, gorgeous beaches, warm temperatures, stunning natural landscapes, and lush vegetation year-round. But with the Sunshine State’s unique weather conditions and soil types, creating and maintaining a beautiful and resilient landscape can be a challenge.
\n\n\n\nIn addition, Florida is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause severe damage to homes and gardens. With this in mind, these 9 Florida-friendly landscaping ideas can help you achieve the perfect garden for your home.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo have a beautiful and healthy garden, you need a sustainable approach like the Florida-Friendly Landscaping or FFL program that’s suitable for your Florida home. The FFL program is a statewide initiative that encourages sustainable landscaping practices ideal for the state’s unique climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis program was established in 1993 by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS extension) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It was their response to concerns about water quality and conservation in the state.
\n\n\n\nWith a range of educational resources and training programs for homeowners, landscapers, and other professionals, the program has numerous goals, including:
\n\n\n\nThese resources include workshops, online training, and educational materials such as books, brochures, and videos.
\n\n\n\nWith numerous recognition and awards for its contributions to water quality and conservation efforts, the FFL program has been successful in promoting sustainable landscaping practices throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nOne of the key features of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program is the use of nine key principles that form the basis of sustainable landscaping practices in the state. These FFL principles include using native plants, mulching, minimizing fertilizer and pesticide use, and promoting wildlife habitat conservation and management.
\n\n\n\nCreating a sustainable and easy-to-maintain home landscape design is achievable by ensuring that each plant is positioned in the most suitable location. But first, you’ll need to choose Florida-friendly plants that are suited to your property’s soil type, lighting conditions, water availability, and climate.
\n\n\n\nSince native plants require little to no additional water, fertilization, or pesticides once established, it translates to time and cost savings. But remember to stay away from invasive plants like Chinese tallow and Australian pine in your plant selection. Instead, opt for salt-tolerant plants like seagrape and Southern wax myrtle.
\n\n\n\nBefore planting, check if it’s safe to dig in that area. Otherwise, you may damage your utility lines, which will cause tremendous problems for you. Also, avoid planting trees too close to your home and power lines to prevent issues down the line.
\n\n\n\nThe benefits of following the “Right Plant, Right Place” approach include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Several factors can influence the cost of professional tree planting. It’s typically higher for larger and more established trees, while smaller saplings tend to be more affordable. But you can expect to pay between $22 and $3,300.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nTo promote healthy plant growth, you must ensure they receive the appropriate nutrients they need. Though plants naturally obtain nutrients from the soil, providing them with supplemental nutrients can help them grow much better. Fertilizers can:
\n\n\n\nHowever, you need to use the right fertilizers. Otherwise, using fertilizers not suitable for your plants can damage them and cause severe environmental consequences.
\n\n\n\nTo determine the right type and amount of fertilizer you need for your lawn, a soil test done by your local extension office can help. By analyzing soil samples, it can reveal crucial information about the nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content of the soil. For example, if a soil test reveals that the soil is deficient in nitrogen, a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content may be recommended.
\n\n\n\nAlso, fertilize at the right time to prevent nutrient runoff and leaching. The UF/IFAS Extension recommends fertilizing between February and March or September to October. Doing so can help ensure that your lawn receives adequate nutrients to thrive while protecting Florida’s waters from pollution.
\n\n\n\nAlways follow fertilizer label directions carefully and adhere to any local fertilizer ordinances. Plus, ensure that your landscape professional is licensed and has undergone the GI-BMP (Green Industries Best Management Practices) training.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, the cost of fertilization for an average-sized lawn is around $380, with costs ranging from $88 to $544. The final cost depends on factors including the size of the lawn, the type of fertilizer used, and the lawn care company hired to perform the service.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nImplementing an effective irrigation system can have a significant impact on water conservation and reducing pollution. With a well-designed and calibrated irrigation system that uses less water, your plants will have the right amount of water necessary for optimal growth while you help conserve water resources.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, an efficient irrigation system can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the yard, which can bring a sense of satisfaction. Plus, it can help minimize nutrient leaching and runoff, resulting in a more sustainable environment. Also, adjust your watering schedule accordingly to conform with the local government’s ordinance on water restrictions.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing an irrigation system, remember to:
\n\n\n\nAnother way of helping reduce the strain on municipal water systems is to use rain barrels for collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation. Doing so can help lower your water bills. Plus, collecting rainwater with rain barrels before it hits the ground can help prevent erosion and promote healthy soil.
\n\n\n\nAlways remember that overwatering can be harmful to your lawn. So, only water your garden as needed while considering the best time to water in Florida.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, the installation cost for underground sprinkler systems is approximately $0.60 per square foot, with the total cost averaging around $3,150. This amount can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the system design, the size of the yard, and the type of sprinkler heads being installed.
\n\n\n\nYou might be surprised at what a layer of mulch can do for your landscape. It conserves moisture, protects plants, and reduces weed growth. Mulch is also an excellent choice for shady areas and hard-to-mow spots. It creates a neat and uniform appearance that is both visually pleasing and functional.
\n\n\n\nUsing mulch provides many benefits for your landscape, including:
\n\n\n\nMaximize the benefits of mulching by maintaining a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer on plant beds. Be careful not to pile mulch against the trunk of your trees, as this may cause rot. Instead, leave a 2-inch space around the trunk. Allowing fallen leaves to remain under your trees creates a self-mulching area that enriches the soil. When choosing mulch, consider sustainability.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of mulch – inorganic and organic. Inorganic mulch is made from synthetic materials like rubber or plastic. In contrast, organic mulch is made from natural materials like bark, leaves, and straw.
\n\n\n\nThe pros and cons of inorganic mulch are:
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, organic mulch has the following pros and cons:
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nSince it provides many benefits to the soil, it’s better to use organic mulch for your Florida yard. While inorganic mulch has its advantages, it does not contribute to soil health in the same way as organic mulch.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The price of mulch varies depending on the type and quantity purchased. On average, a cubic yard of mulch costs around $17 to $68, or approximately $2 to $5.50 per bag. Prices also may differ based on the supplier, location, and quality of the mulch.
\n\n\n\nWith its vast array of water bodies, Florida is home to around 7,800 lakes and over 10,000 miles of streams and rivers. In fact, it has the second-longest coastline in the country. Do your part in safeguarding these natural resources by maintaining a 10-foot low-maintenance zone along the water’s edge.
\n\n\n\nAvoid mowing, fertilizing, or using pesticides in these areas to protect native aquatic plants, such as maidencane and giant bullrush. Additionally, you should remove exotic species like purple loosestrife and water hyacinth because they have invasive growth habits.
\n\n\n\nOther protective measures you can do include:
\n\n\n\nThe benefits of protecting your waterfront include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: You will actually save money by letting nature maintain the 10-foot low-maintenance zone along the water’s edge. But if you need to transplant flood-tolerant trees and plants along the shoreline, the cost can range anywhere from $158 to $880. If you are installing a seawall, expect to pay around $113 to $770 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to preserve water quality, it’s crucial to avoid stormwater runoff that can carry pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, and soil debris. This way, you can keep as much rainfall and irrigation water on your property as possible.
\n\n\n\nExamples of what you can do include:
\n\n\n\nThese stormwater control features not only add beauty to the landscape but also reduce pollution and protect the environment by filtering stormwater through plants and soil. The collected water can even be used for irrigation and, at the same time, prevent erosion and maintain a healthy landscape.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Hiring a professional crew to help you create a sustainable landscape that can reduce stormwater runoff may cost between $7 and $11 per foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spraying-pesticide.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nA gardening strategy called Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aims to control pests using minimal chemicals. This technique involves selecting pest-resistant plants and placing them in appropriate locations to prevent disease and insect outbreaks. If a problem arises, remove the affected parts of the plant or physically remove the insects by hand.
\n\n\n\nAvoid over-treating by spot-treating only and using selective, rather than broad-spectrum, insecticides. And remember to always follow the instructions on insecticide labels.
\n\n\n\nThe benefits of managing your yard pests include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of IPM services can vary depending on the type of treatment required and the severity of the pest infestation. Generally, you may have to spend between $7 and $14 per month for each unit.
\n\n\n\nOne important aspect of maintaining a healthy landscape is managing yard waste generated by maintenance activities like raking, mowing, and pruning. Keeping these materials onsite can help conserve nutrients and reduce the energy required for transportation.
\n\n\n\nAs organic matter decomposes, it releases nutrients back into the soil – which plants ultimately absorb. Composting yard waste is an environmentally sustainable method of producing organic fertilizer, which can help enrich the soil and improve plant growth.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, using uncomposted leaves and pine straw as mulch can reduce the need for purchasing mulch, further saving money and resources.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: None – it can even help you save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pipevine-swallowtail-john-flannery-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Flannery / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re interested in attracting more wildlife to your yard, consider designing a landscape that provides food and habitat for various species:
\n\n\n\nBy reducing your use of insecticides, you’ll also help protect native animals and beneficial insects while promoting a healthy ecosystem in your yard. Enjoy the benefits of observing and supporting Florida’s diverse wildlife while enhancing your landscape.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: A bird bath can come in many forms, from a simple $2 ceramic saucer placed on the ground to an extravagant marble one that can set you back $2,000 or more. If you opt for a rain garden, the cost can vary greatly, depending on its size and the number of plants used, ranging from $3 to $15 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nBy following the FFL principles, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy landscape, as well as these benefits:
\n\n\n\nThe best Florida-friendly turfgrass for your lawn depends on several factors, such as your location, soil type, amount of shade and sun, and maintenance preferences. Some of the most commonly used warm-season grasses in the Sunshine State include St. Augustinegrass, bahiagrass, Zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass.
Each turfgrass has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you must do your research and consult with a local landscape expert to determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. Additionally, choosing a turfgrass that is drought-tolerant and pest-resistant can help reduce water usage and minimize the need for chemical treatments.
Yes, you can use groundcovers instead of turfgrass for your lawn. In fact, using groundcovers is often a more sustainable and Florida-friendly option because they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than traditional turfgrass lawns.
Some examples of groundcovers suitable for Florida’s climate include Asiatic jasmine, liriope, and mondo grass. Consider the amount of sunlight and foot traffic in the area, as well as the soil type and moisture level.
Additionally, some HOAs or municipalities may have restrictions on the use of groundcovers, so you must check local regulations and ordinances before making any changes to your lawn.
There are several hurricane-resistant trees that can be planted in Florida to help reduce damage from strong winds and storms. Some of the top hurricane-resistant trees include:
Incorporating Florida-friendly landscaping practices in your outdoor space can help you conserve natural resources while creating a beautiful landscape. Moreover, by minimizing stormwater runoff and reducing pollution, you also can contribute to the health of Florida’s waterways and native wildlife.
\n\n\n\nWith these home landscape ideas, you can transform your garden into a functional and visually appealing environment. Whether you are a seasoned gardener in Miami, St. Augustine, Tampa, Orlando, Pensacola, Jacksonville, or another city in the Sunshine State, these strategies can help you create a landscape that is both practical and eco-friendly.
But if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, consider hiring a landscaping pro to help with your Florida-friendly landscape design.
Main Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n","title":"9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Ideas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/1789c/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/107df/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/293e9/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/f2cbb/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/1789c/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/c26c2/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/1dd6e/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/67b76/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 320w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/8df11/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 500w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/98a65/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 800w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/1dd6e/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 960w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/3cc96/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Ideas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Level up your yard with these 9 Florida-friendly landscaping ideas and keep your property safe and beautiful."}}},{"node":{"id":"71f6e831-21fb-5c9a-923c-44553c6f7346","slug":"worst-lawn-weeds-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/worst-lawn-weeds-jacksonville/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"Finding any weed in your Jacksonville lawn can be frustrating, but some are easy to control with common lawn sprays. But, there are a few weeds that require a bit more work.
\n","content":"\nPicture this: You’ve gone outside to enjoy a sunny Jacksonville day when you notice something odd on your lawn. It sure doesn’t look like the rest of your grass, and upon closer inspection, you may notice dying turf near it. You’ve stumbled upon a weed, but what should you do about it?
\n\n\n\nThe best way to deal with these leafy intruders is to identify them so you can create an appropriate game plan. Let’s learn about some of the worst Jacksonville weeds so you can grab the right tools and get your lawn back to normal.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWeeds compete for the water, nutrients, and sun your turfgrass needs. Left unaddressed, they can spread over your lawn, garden, and neighboring properties.
\n\n\n\nBesides the competition for resources, weeds are usually a sign of something wrong. Overwatering is one of the most common problems that encourage weed growth. However, it also may be that your turf isn’t getting the nutrients it needs or is mowed too low to reach a healthy density.
\n\n\n\nYou may feel torn about what weed control method to try first. When choosing between manual and chemical control, you’ll need to consider time, effectiveness, and environmental concerns.
\n\n\n\nRemoving weeds by hand is the most eco-friendly method. However, it can take a lot of time, especially if you have more than a few weeds. You must pull up all plant parts to effectively remove weeds by hand. Many weeds can grow back from roots or tubers left in the ground.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nHerbicides are specially-formulated products designed to eliminate weeds.
\n\n\n\nSelective herbicides target specific plants, such as grassy or broadleaf weeds. On the other hand, non-selective herbicides kill plants more indiscriminately.
\n\n\n\nAlways read herbicide labels carefully to avoid hurting you, your lawn, or your pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis weed can be tricky to spot, but you’ll see it everywhere once you recognize it. It resembles turfgrass but is often a lighter green with broader leaves. Crabgrass gravitates toward bare patches in your lawn. It germinates in spring and dies in fall, leaving brown patches and making your lawn’s color uneven.
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass can show up on any lawn. The best way to keep it at bay is to choose an appropriate grass type for Jacksonville. Keep your lawn thick and healthy with proper maintenance, so there are no bare spots for crabgrass to invade. If prevention doesn’t work, apply pre-emergent herbicides in early March before temperatures are consistently above 65 to 70 degrees to avoid harming your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers dry soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dollarweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ranjith-chemmad / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nA rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, but this weed is just as annoying whether it’s called dollarweed or pennywort. The coin-themed names come from the size and round shape of the leaves. Dollarweed is low to the ground and spreads with seeds, rhizomes, and the occasional tuber. Its small white flowers can bloom year-round.
\n\n\n\nDollarweed can thrive in many soil types, with or without sun, but prefers moist soil. To discourage this weed, avoid overwatering your lawn and improve drainage. Once you spot them, pull them out by hand or use selective or non-selective herbicides. Ensure you pull out all the white rhizomes, or it might make a comeback.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4A-10A
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates sandy, loam, or clay soils with acidic to neutral pH
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling, pre-emergent herbicides, or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"honeybee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dandelion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDandelions are some of the most iconic weeds. They’re easy to spot once they have their signature yellow flowers or fluffy white seedheads. Your inner child may want to blow those seeds away and make a wish, but resist the temptation — you’d only be spreading them around your yard and neighborhood. These plants are best dealt with before they produce seeds.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to prevent dandelions is to keep your turf dense and healthy, so there’s no room for them. Hand pulling isn’t a very effective removal method because it has deep roots, but it may be feasible in small yards.
\n\n\n\nApply pre-emergent herbicides before dandelions germinate when soil temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Spot treat with broadleaf herbicides but avoid triclopyr because it can harm the warm-season turfgrasses in Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; dandelions are edible unless you have a latex allergy
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called wiregrass or crowfootgrass, goosegrass gets its name from finger-like spikes that pop out from the same spot when it flowers. Before it reaches that point, it will be low-growing in matted, grass-like clumps with a white leaf sheath at the base. Because of its growth pattern, it survives low mowing remarkably well.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass grows so aggressively in thin lawns it might give you goosebumps. Its favorite soils are compact and wet, so aeration may help make your yard less welcoming. Need to break out the herbicides? You can use pre- or post-emergent herbicides with ingredients like dithiopyr, oryzalin, pendimethalin, or prodiamine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers compact, wet soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre- or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chamberbitter.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Prenn / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis invasive plant will leave you bitter if it takes over your Jacksonville lawn. Chamberbitter has small, round leaves on long stems with bursting pods that launch seeds everywhere. It looks similar to the powderpuff mimosa, a native groundcover in Florida. Two kinds are found in the Sunshine State – long-stalked chamberbitter (Phyllanthus tenellus) and the smaller gripeweed (Phyllanthus urinaria).
\n\n\n\nGripeweed loves moist, overwatered soils and can survive even when mowed 2 inches high. This weed germinates from early summer to early fall. You can pull out these weeds by hand, but don’t shake the roots before tossing them in the trash — you could accidentally spread their seeds.
\n\n\n\nYoung chamberbitter can be controlled by pre- or post-emergent herbicide, but older, woody specimens may need two or three applications to die back. Apply pre-emergent applications in April to get ahead of germination and seed spreading. Be cautious applying post-emergent herbicides to centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, since they also may be harmed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8A-10A
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers warm soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicides work best, but you also can use post-emergent or hand-pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sedges.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Tann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSedges may look like grass, but you can identify these weeds by the angular shape of their stems. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus escuelentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) can be identified by their small flowers when in bloom. Summer is the season they’re at their peak, but they can grow year-round in temperate Florida.
\n\n\n\nSedges attack lawns without well-established root systems. Avoid overwatering and excessive foot traffic to address the root problem, then try removal. Nutsedges spread with tubers on their roots, making them difficult to remove by hand. Check periodically to see if they grow back. You may need to repeatedly treat this weed with herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8A-10B for yellow nutsedge and 3A-10B for purple nutsedge
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most types, but prefers moist soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling and herbicides
\n\n\n\nDandelion weeders are a popular tool for weed removal in lawns and gardens. You also can use garden hoes.
While you can kill individual weeds, the war with weeds will never end. A gust of wind or an animal passing through could bring new weed seeds with them. However, preventative methods like pre-emergent herbicides and proper lawn maintenance give you the best chance of avoiding sprouted, visible weeds.
It depends on what your lawn goals are. If you want a picturesque lawn, no. Weeds will always compete with your grass and create an inconsistent appearance, if not patches and brown spots.
However, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. A weed is only a weed if it’s unwanted or threatens something desirable. Several weeds are beneficial to Florida’s ecosystem. Thus, some homeowners choose to have a wild, less manicured lawn to be eco-friendly.
If this is the route you want to go, research your options thoroughly. Simply letting your lawn grow unattended isn’t necessarily going to create a natural utopia. You will likely need to actively cultivate some native plants and eliminate any invasive species that try to return. Your yard will become lower-maintenance once fully established.
You’ll need a vigilant eye and a dedicated lawn care regime to keep your lawn weed-free. If you’d rather not give up your weekend outing to Riverside Park, consider hiring a Jacksonville lawn care professional to do the dirty work. A pro can identify weeds quickly and has the best products on the market to eliminate them for good.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nIn the wild areas of Pensacola, such as Big Lagoon State Park, native plants abound. These plants are an important part of any local ecosystem. They’re a great help to pollinators and feed your area’s critters. They’re also beautiful low-maintenance options for your landscaping if you’re looking for some new blooms to fill your outdoor space with. Here’s a list of some of the best native plants for Pensacola to help you pick out your new flora:
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
American beautyberry is a shrub that certainly lives up to its name. Its light green leaves and vivid purple berries are a sight to behold, making it a great choice for beds or as an accent plant. Beautyberry requires very little water, prefers low sun, and is low-maintenance. It does best in soil with either loam or sandy composition.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Citrus
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, requires only 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 4 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None, the berries it grows are edible for humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low, prune in late winter to make it look better next year
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed_susan_flowers_40862429212.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Black-eyed Susan is a beautiful Florida native wildflower with bright yellow leaves and a dark brown center that gives it its name. It’s highly attractive to pollinators but is resistant to deer and looks great in beds, pots, or planters. It has some drought tolerance but does require its fair share of water.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan prefers full sun and tolerates a wide variety of soil types. If you plant this flower, be warned that it can become invasive if conditions are too ideal, so keep an eye on it and dig up the underground rhizomes it spreads by if it starts pushing out your other plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be perennial, biennial, or annual depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring to early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Medium. Has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blue_Mistflower_Conoclinium_coelestinum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Linda M Morgan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Blue mistflower is another beautiful Florida native wildflower, one that grows small purple clumping flowers. It can handle some shade and tolerates a few different soil types, and requires a moderate amount of water while still being drought tolerant.
\n\n\n\nBlue mistflower is resistant to deer and is very attractive to pollinators thanks to the abundance of nectar its flowers hide. This is another flower that can spread, so take care not to let it take over.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Floral
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate, is drought-tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Coral honeysuckle is a flowering vine with lovely tube-shaped red flowers that attract all kinds of pollinators, hummingbirds in particular. It has moderate water needs but is drought tolerant once established, and it can tolerate some shade along with a variety of different soils.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle makes a great addition to trellises, or can grow around a pole or on a wall. You can even grow them around posts on outdoor structures, like gazebos, to give them that extra je ne sais quoi. Keep in mind, however, that this vine’s flowers are poisonous, so be very careful around them.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring, early summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 15 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Flowers are toxic to both animals and humans, berries are inedible
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coreopsis_leavenworthii_Leavenworths_Tickseed_12743506864.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
If you want a native plant for your Pensacola landscape, there’s none better than Florida’s state wildflower. Also known as tickseed, Coreopsis is a wonderful yellow flower that loves the sun and tolerates many different soil types. Some varieties also have stunning red or orange colors closer to the center. It requires a bit more maintenance than some of the others on this list, but is well worth it.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be annual or perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 inches to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None, has medicinal properties
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/30324722222_48e115f639_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schluz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Longleaf pine is a species of pine tree native to Florida. Unlike many other pines, it grows tall and thin, up to 100 feet tall, with most of its branches towards the top of the tree. For this reason, it makes for a great centerpiece for your outdoor space. Longleaf pine is low-maintenance, requires little water, and prefers full sun.
\n\n\n\nIf you do choose this tree for your property, don’t make the decision lightly. Longleaf pine is classified as an endangered species. While you can have one on your property, you cannot cut it down and will need a special permit to relocate it should you decide you no longer want it, so make sure you do your research and understand state and local laws surrounding endangered species before installing a longleaf pine.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, acidic or neutral, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Year-round
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 80 to 100 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Pollen and nuts can set off allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8695231251_e54600299a_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: manuel m. v. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Red buckeye is a beautiful shrub with tube-shaped red flowers that make it very attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. It’s low-maintenance, tolerates some shade, and requires a moderate amount of water. Thanks to its height, which is tall enough to sometimes be considered a small tree, it makes a great centerpiece for your landscape or can be used as an accent plant.
\n\n\n\nIf you choose red buckeye, keep in mind that several parts of the plant are highly poisonous.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, tolerates a wide variety of soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Seeds, leaves, and sprouts are toxic to both humans and animals when ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Symphyotrichum_adnatum_168895303.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Horn / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
Scaleleaf aster is another stunning Florida native wildflower, one with pale purple to white flowers and a beautiful yellow center that make it very attractive to pollinators, bees especially. It can tolerate some shade and is very low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. This aster goes great in flower beds and containers and makes for a wonderful accent plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, chalky, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late autumn to early winter
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, does not require supplemental water once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
Scarlet sage, also known as blood sage or tropical sage, is a Florida native wildflower and the only sage native to the US with red flowers, which attract many different kinds of pollinators. It has moderate water needs and is low-maintenance. Scarlet sage can be either an annual or a perennial, and typically blooms in June.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage is a great accent plant that goes well in flower beds or containers. It’s somewhat sensitive to salt, so make sure it has protection from salt spray and coastal winds. If you’re expecting a heavy storm or hurricane, take them inside so the salt doesn’t harm the plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be annual or perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sage
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Seaside-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nSeaside goldenrod is another Florida native wildflower, one with beautiful small yellow clumping flowers that attract both birds and pollinators. It prefers full sun, loamy or sandy soil, and is low-maintenance and drought tolerant. As its name implies, seaside goldenrod is very salt tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas like Pensacola specifically.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nWith so many choices available, it can be difficult to pick out a few native plants for your landscape. Thankfully, it’s fairly easy to narrow them down. Take note of the conditions in your landscape and choose plants that are well-suited for it. If you get a great deal of sun, for example, pick native plants that do best in full sun, which shouldn’t be hard in Florida.
\n\n\n\nYou also need to examine your soil and determine what composition it has, how well it drains, and its pH balance. All of these things are important for a plant, native or no, so make sure you pick plants that can thrive in the type of soil in your landscape.
\n\n\n\nPensacola is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. This means that its average minimum yearly temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The Hardiness Zones are used to determine how low of a temperature that plants can thrive in any given area.
\n\n\n\nEvery plant on this list can comfortably tolerate Zone 9a, and Pensacola’s other native plants are very likely to be the same way.
\n\n\n\n Some native plants are poisonous. You’ll need to take certain precautions when keeping these species in your outdoor space to avoid harm to yourself or others. Some examples include certain passionflower species, magnolia trees, and milkweed.
There’s also the possibility for certain native plants to become invasive. If conditions are too ideal, some native plants can push out the others in your garden, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t take over your landscape.
With the right precautions, yes. Most poisonous plants are harmless unless ingested. Some, however, can cause irritation of the skin if you touch them. Here are some tips to help keep you and others safe when keeping poisonous plants:
Many are, but not all. Native plants generally require less maintenance than non-native ones since they’re already in the habitats they’re best suited for. Just like any other kind of plant, however, their levels of maintenance vary.
Not particularly. Every plant needs time to establish itself in a new area, and native ones are no different. Keep an eye on any plant you introduce to your landscape and care for it well until the establishment period has come and gone. How long this takes will vary depending on the kind of plant and exact species.
When it comes to discovering new native plants to grow in your North Florida landscape, there’s no better place to look than the wilderness. Take a walk through areas like Pensacola’s Scenic Bay Bluffs Preserve and take note of some of the flora you see so that you can plant some in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to remember, however, that you should never take plants directly from the wild. Doing so can upset a fragile ecosystem. Instead, purchase them from qualified retailers recommended by the Florida Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help caring for your landscape, connect with a local lawn care pro who can maintain the yard’s turfgrass, edging, and hedges.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Black-eyed Susan / Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Pensacola","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/1789c/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/107df/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/293e9/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/f2cbb/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/1789c/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/c26c2/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/1dd6e/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/67b76/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/8df11/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/98a65/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/1dd6e/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/3cc96/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Pensacola | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are very important for your local ecosystem. Read here to find some of the best native plants for your Pensacola yard or garden."}}},{"node":{"id":"c017ec44-0c4b-5032-be48-d896a0cb7a02","slug":"best-grass-types-garland-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-types-garland-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"ac27502c-8f8d-5ecb-836e-8a2d291f736a","name":"Garland","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/garland/"},{"id":"69fcc891-bf24-5292-8b37-302f33aebd17","name":"Grass types","count":11,"path":"/category/grass-types/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 21st, 2020","excerpt":"Want to have your Garland neighbors admiring your lawn at the next outdoor barbecue? It’s time to find yourself one of the best grass types that give you the greenest and healthiest lawn. Garland homeowners have plenty of factors to consider. If your family enjoys using the lawn for recreation, opt for a grass type […]
\n","content":"\nWant to have your Garland neighbors admiring your lawn at the next outdoor barbecue? It’s time to find yourself one of the best grass types that give you the greenest and healthiest lawn.
\n\n\n\nGarland homeowners have plenty of factors to consider. If your family enjoys using the lawn for recreation, opt for a grass type with high foot traffic tolerance. A low traffic tolerant grass won’t recover well after damage.
\n\n\n\nAlso, take into account how much time and energy you can afford to maintain your lawn. Some grass types have more maintenance needs than others. You won’t have a green lawn to impress the neighbors if you neglect a lawn with high maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nFinally, you’ll need to consider which months you’ll want your lawn to be greenest through the year. Warm-season grass types grow best in the warm temperatures of late spring, summer, and early fall.
\n\n\n\nSince we’re in the South, most recommended grass types are warm-season grasses. You’ll find that warm-season grasses stay greener throughout the year than cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass will brown in warm summer and freezing winter temperatures, returning to green in late fall and early spring. But, there are cool-season grasses that are more tolerant of warmer temperatures than other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nThese are the six grass types the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends for the greenest and easiest-to-maintain lawn in Garland. Keep in mind that each grass type has different tolerance levels and management needs.
\n\n\n\nThis turf grows best in full sun and will thrive in hot summers. Despite its low tolerance for cooler temperatures, Bermudagrass does well in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass creates a densely compacted ground cover and has a high salt tolerance. This dense turf is resistant to weed invasion and recovers quickly from damage.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bermudagrass spreads rapidly through stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (underground stems) and will invade any nearby flower beds.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor. Thrives in full sun.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High foot and vehicle tolerance, but can be damaged from traffic during the winter months.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High. Because of its rapid growth, this grass builds up thatch that will need removing. It can stand up to drought conditions, but not to diseases and pests. It is susceptible to patch diseases such as pink snow mold, brown patch, and spring dead spot.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Bermudagrass should be cut at a height of 1 to 2 inches and requires mowing one to two times per week.
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass has excellent drought resistance. Buffalograss has a long winter dormancy and can survive with little fertilizer and mowing. It thrives best in areas with an annual rainfall of 25-inches or less.
\n\n\n\nGarland has an average of 40 inches of rain per year. Due to the extra rainfall, buffalograss will need more maintenance than other grasses to fight off invasive weeds. It is best not to overwater this turf.
\n\n\n\nThis grass also has a high cold tolerance and will not enter dormancy as soon as other warm-season grasses.
\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: Buffalograss is a low-maintenance turf unless overwatered. It will survive in severe drought conditions and recover well once irrigation has resumed.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: In full sun, optimal turf height is 1 inch. If in the shade, mow to a height of 2 inches. Frequent mowing is not needed when given minimal fertilizer. Mow every 7 to 14 days.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is lighter in color than other lawn grasses and has low fertilizer and mowing requirements. This turf is more sensitive to cold temperatures than many other warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is prone to iron deficiency, which can lead the grass to turn light yellow. Overwatering will weaken the turf and lead to invading weeds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, but grows best in full sunlight.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Has good drought tolerance. It recovers well from severe drought conditions soon after rain or irrigation.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: This is a low-maintenance turf that thrives with little fertilizer. Avoid overfertilizing centipedegrass with nitrogen. Doing so will reduce the turf’s cold tolerance, lead to maintenance problems, and make it vulnerable to disease. This grass is susceptible to pests such as nematodes and ground pearls.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: This turf needs mowing every 7 to 14 days to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine grass originated in the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. This turf has a good tolerance for salt and shade. It does need a lot of water to remain healthy and will need extra irrigation during periods of drought.
\n\n\n\nWith its coarse, wide leaves and stems, the grass does not grow quite as dense as some species. It grows quickly during the warm summer months and enters dormancy when soil temperatures fall below 55 degrees.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons. This grass spreads aggressively and can invade your flower beds.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Good.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to Moderate. Needs additional irrigation during times of drought.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: St. Augustine grass produces thatch when over-fertilized or over-watered. The grass is vulnerable to weeds and disease. A major insect threat is the southern chinch bug. The pest causes wilting and brownish patches to appear in the grass. Other diseases to watch for: large patch and gray leaf spot are two diseases.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Mow St. Augustine grass at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches. Mowing the grass at lower heights will stress the lawn and limit any deep root development.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has a high salt tolerance and can be used in a variety of soil types. It varies in texture and works great in residential and commercial landscapes as well as athletic fields. This grass also has a higher tolerance for cooler temperatures than most warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nImproved varieties of Zoysia require less nitrogen fertilizer than Bermudagrass.
\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 tolerance: Moderate. Will turn brown sooner than Bermudagrass during an extended drought.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Zoysia requires fertilizer to thrive. The grass responds best to small amounts of fertilizer at frequent intervals rather than a heavy application once a year. It does need frequent watering in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nZoysia will begin to develop heavy thatch buildup and will need core aeration every one or two years. Due to its thick growth pattern, the grass can defend itself against invading weeds. But, it is vulnerable to harmful insects that feed on the grass’s roots.
\n\n\n\nZoysia grass is also susceptible to large patch disease. The disease becomes active when soil temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Mow Zoysia once a week or when the height has reached 3 to 4 inches. The grass should be mowed to an optimal height of 2 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nAlthough a cool-season grass, tall fescue tolerates warm summer temperatures. It stays green during cool seasons but will enter dormancy in severe hot and cold temperatures. Well adapted to both sunny and shady areas, the turf creates a coarse-textured lawn with good weed and disease resistance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Unlike most grasses that spread by horizontal stolons and rhizomes, tall fescue is a bunch-forming grass. It spreads in clumps and through tillers, vertical shoots that grow from the grass’s base. This makes the grass easy to contain, but it limits the turf’s ability to repair itself.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low. It doesn’t need frequent mowing and will not invade nearby flower beds. Because the turf is a bunch-forming grass, its growth habit may develop open areas that will need reseeding. Pesticide applications are often needed to control brown patch, white grubs, crabgrasses, and goosegrass.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Optimal mowing height is 1.5 to 3 inches. Mowing below 1.5 inches will cause thinning.
\n\n\n\nChoosing any of these grass types for Garland lawns will help ensure your family or neighbors admire your lawn the next time they come over for a barbecue.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather have a hand mowing and maintaining your lawn — and more time to spend with family and friends, or just relaxing — find a lawn care pro in Garland to take that chore off your hands.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types in Garland, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4833127317676142,"src":"/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/1789c/rsz_garland-texas-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/107df/rsz_garland-texas-.jpg 320w,\n/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/293e9/rsz_garland-texas-.jpg 500w,\n/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/f2cbb/rsz_garland-texas-.jpg 800w,\n/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/1789c/rsz_garland-texas-.jpg 960w,\n/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/c26c2/rsz_garland-texas-.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/1dd6e/rsz_garland-texas-.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/67b76/rsz_garland-texas-.webp 320w,\n/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/8df11/rsz_garland-texas-.webp 500w,\n/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/98a65/rsz_garland-texas-.webp 800w,\n/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/1dd6e/rsz_garland-texas-.webp 960w,\n/static/d385a724d3f0ac27acec1afe9521ece7/3cc96/rsz_garland-texas-.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types in Garland, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"What are the six best grass types for Garland, Texas? Start with Bermudagrass, buffalograss, centipedegrass, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia, or tall fescue."}}},{"node":{"id":"d8fa5624-998d-548a-a5ed-3cd23baf013c","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-miami","path":"/lawn-care/fl/miami/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-miami/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"529a6382-d2d9-58ab-b746-9f305ef45bd4","name":"Miami","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/miami/"}],"date":"March 20th, 2023","excerpt":"Historically, Miami has the greatest chance of a hurricane impact. In this colorful city, residents recognize the power and destruction of these great storms and celebrate their strength through local sports teams like the Miami Hurricanes. While fans of “The U” celebrate on-field destruction, your South Florida lawn is another story. Here are some hurricane-resistant […]
\n","content":"\nHistorically, Miami has the greatest chance of a hurricane impact. In this colorful city, residents recognize the power and destruction of these great storms and celebrate their strength through local sports teams like the Miami Hurricanes. While fans of “The U” celebrate on-field destruction, your South Florida lawn is another story. Here are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to help you prepare your landscape for hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Miami Landscaping
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2017-08-03_11_28_02_Crape_Myrtle_with_lavender_flowers_along_Stone_Heather_Drive_in_the_Chantilly_Highlands_section_of_Oak_Hill_Fairfax_County_Vi-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSustained winds of 90 mph or more will uproot large trees, and even Category 1 hurricanes have sustained winds between 74 to 95 mph. With 41% of all U.S. hurricanes making landfall in Florida, it is important to plant wind-resistant trees to protect your home and neighborhood from flying branches and falling trees.
\n\n\n\nWind-resistant Miami tree species include:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a hurricane-resistant tree varies depending on the size and type of tree, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local nursery to purchase your tree, you can expect to spend between $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\nLike most Miami residents, you have a storm preparedness checklist ready for hurricane season, but no matter how much you plan, you know there is no way to protect your home and yard from storm damage completely. Selecting wind-resistant trees and thoroughly planning your hurricane-resistant landscape increases your plants’ survival chances during a storm.
\n\n\n\nSome things to consider as you plan your hurricane-resistant landscape include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: kathyclark777 / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nNative South Florida plants are the most salt and wind-tolerant plants you can include in your landscaping project, and they have the added benefit of being incredibly low-maintenance. Native plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in Miami’s tropical climate. These plants are hands-off and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Miami native plants to choose from. Take a look at some of the most salt-tolerant examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\nHealthy trees are sturdy trees, and one of the best ways to maintain healthy trees is to perform routine maintenance, including pruning and trimming. Be sure to keep your hedges, shrubs, and trees pruned or trimmed to cut down on the number and size of branches flying across your yard during a tropical storm.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of landscape maintenance:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional tree trimming and landscape maintenance costs between $315 to $700, depending on the size of your yard and the number of trees and shrubs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-3-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nMulch comes in many forms and colors. It is an inexpensive DIY job with enormous benefits for your Miami lawn. Mulch is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips that helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your South Florida landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Inorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBest mulch for your Miami landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\nStatues, flower containers, bird baths, small fountains, and patio furniture are all great additions that add a personal touch to your South Florida oasis. Unfortunately, these objects are no match for hurricane-force winds. Be sure to remove all movable storm hazards to minimize damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There is no cost to move your landscaping decorations or furniture indoors. However, if you are short on space and want to maximize your storm preparedness, you can rent a storage unit for around $125 per month.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-4-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ryandeberardinisphotos / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nLike trees, not all fences are created equal, especially for wind resistance. Many Miami fence contractors specialize in hurricane-resistant fencing and reinforcement. It is important to note that wood fences are not the best choice for wind-resistant fencing. However, if the sustainability and natural beauty of wood are something you cannot live without, be sure to choose a slatted fence design to minimize wind resistance.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some of the most wind-resistant fence types:
\n\n\n\nFence types to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional fence installation costs between $1,330 to $5,550, depending on size, materials, and location.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/South-Beach-Miami-Florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Phillip Pessar / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe average elevation of Miami is only 16 feet above sea level, and thanks to the city’s tropical climate and sandy beaches, waterfront homes are popular in the luxury real estate market. When planning your hurricane-resistant landscape, it is important to consider your proximity to the water. Building a seawall around your property protects your home and landscape from tumultuous surf, flooding, and erosion.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular hurricane-resistant seawall materials:
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of a seawall:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, a new seawall costs $25,000 for professional installation.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-5-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: nicolamargaret / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nStorm drains are an integral part of your overall Miami landscape. Unfortunately, many homeowners often overlook these necessities because they offer little aesthetic value. Yard waste and organic debris can clog your drains, leading to increased flooding and water damage. Be sure to keep paths to your drains clear by maintaining your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of proper drainage:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional French drain installation costs between $1,650 to $12,250, depending on location, size, and excavation needs.
\n\n\n\nThe best hurricane-resistant grasses for your Miami landscape are St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass. Both types of grass tolerate saltwater spray and are great warm-season grasses, but Zoysiagrass stands up better to heavy traffic.
Yes. Most artificial grass is wind-resistant and can withstand up to 50 inches of rain per hour. Most hurricanes generate precipitation at a rate of 6 inches per hour.
Organic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring.
Hurricane-resistant landscaping is one more thing you can check off on your storm preparedness checklist. While you focus on other areas of preparation, consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Jollyroger33133 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"9 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Miami","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6551724137931034,"src":"/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/1789c/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/107df/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.jpg 320w,\n/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/293e9/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.jpg 500w,\n/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/f2cbb/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.jpg 800w,\n/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/1789c/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.jpg 960w,\n/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/c26c2/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/1dd6e/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/67b76/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.webp 320w,\n/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/8df11/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.webp 500w,\n/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/98a65/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.webp 800w,\n/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/1dd6e/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.webp 960w,\n/static/6c248e067825bbc850cb0e25ded1cd83/3cc96/Grove-Isle-Miami-Florida.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Miami | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Worry less about your storm preparedness with these hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Miami, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"f357346f-b84e-57b9-a6cb-77fde3327632","slug":"best-grass-types-orlando","path":"/lawn-care/fl/orlando/best-grass-types-orlando/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Amy Adams is a freelance writer and former newspaper journalist. She grew up in Kansas but has been living in Florida for the past 15 years and has no intentions of ever moving back!","name":"Amy Adams","id":"eb80c67d-0627-5815-9dd0-304031dbe1be","path":"/author/amy-adams/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8e73c6ada90c41863cce7b93d142c7d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"a47ebc3c-cc0b-5c7a-9e60-90ac2de0ec2d","name":"Orlando","count":10,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/orlando/"}],"date":"March 5th, 2019","excerpt":"Orlando has so much to see and do for tourists and residents alike. But it’s not just the popular sites like Disney World that make The City Beautiful stand out – it’s also the tropical landscape. As homeowners, we do our part to hold up our nickname by maintaining our yards. Knowing the six best […]
\n","content":"\nOrlando has so much to see and do for tourists and residents alike. But it’s not just the popular sites like Disney World that make The City Beautiful stand out – it’s also the tropical landscape. As homeowners, we do our part to hold up our nickname by maintaining our yards. Knowing the six best grass types in Orlando is a start to keeping our city’s scenery lush and beautiful.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWarm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses for Orlando
\n\n\n\n6 Warm-Season Grasses for Orlando
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Grass Types for Orlando
\n\n\n\nChoose Plant and Grass Varieties for Your Orlando Landscape
\n\n\n\nLiving in Florida it should come as no surprise that you would want to choose a warm-season grass for your lawn. But you may still wonder, why does it even matter which grass I plant?
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: The southern states are where you will mostly find these types of grasses. They originated in the subtropics and like cool winters and hot summers. Warm-season grasses will be at their greenest with temperatures 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit making them the ideal choice for Orlando homeowners.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses prefer cold winters and warm summers along with regular intervals of rain. They grow the most when temperatures are 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nWith their affinity for hot weather, warm-season grass types are the obvious choice for Central Floridians. Here is some information to help you decide which of the six types of warm-season grasses is best for your Orlando yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Bahiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Bahiagrass may have its roots as a pasture grass, but it has made itself at home in Orlando landscapes. This fast-growing grass is tolerant of most soils but does best in acidic soil. Its resistance to most insects and diseases makes it easy to see why it’s a popular choice.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is good for large spaces due to its aggressive growing rate. Because bahiagrass develops a deep root system and spreads through rhizomes (underground, stemlike roots) it easily spreads to other lawns or flower beds, so it’s best to ask a professional for advice if you live close to your neighbors.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass blades are typically tall and thin with a light green shade, but it also tolerates nitrogen if you desire a darker green grass. Expect to mow every seven to 10 days during the growing season.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; insect tolerance is moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
This grass with its high traffic tolerance is great if you have pets and children. It spreads through both stolons and rhizomes to help it grow into a beautiful green carpet, making it an ideal place for the kiddos to run and play. However, you will need to add metal or concrete borders at least 2 inches into the ground to prevent rhizomes from tunneling and invading nearby ornamental beds.
\n\n\n\nIts heat tolerance is perfect for our relentless hot summers and its drought tolerance is ideal for our dry springs. Bermudagrass also loves lots of sun making it the perfect Sunshine State grass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a fine-textured grass with blades that fan out horizontally creating a soft, dense turf. It’s often used on golf courses and athletic fields. It’s a higher-maintenance grass because it requires frequent mowing and fertilizing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and is able to outcompete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns. Tolerant of most soil types.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Starr-070906-8535-Stenotaphrum_secundatum-habit-Kula_Ace_Hardware_and_Nursery-Maui_24264673843.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credits: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This high-maintenance grass needs lots of moisture and is the least cold-resistant of the warm-season grasses, making it another great option for Central Florida homeowners. Its blue-green blades are quick and easy to establish for a dense turf grass in your yard.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass’s high salt tolerance is another reason why it is a popular choice among Florida homeowners. However, it’s also known for being susceptible to disease so you do need to keep an eye out for any signs of distress.
\n\n\n\nIt has a coarse and spongy texture with broad-rounded tips and doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic. While not a requirement, this grass performs best when fertilizer is applied regularly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Zoysiagrass-2.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: David-Pierre Mangiapan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
This thick grass may be slow to establish but is well worth it once your yard is a full carpet of green turf. Its natural thickness helps to prevent weeds from peeking through and ruining the lawn you’ve spent so much time cultivating.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is native to Asia but has been in the U.S. since at least 1895. Its love of warm weather makes it a favorite among southern gardeners. It also grows deep roots helping it to weather a short drought. It will become dormant if there is an extended drought, but will quickly spring back to life once watered.
\n\n\n\nKeep up with proper lawn maintenance practices to keep pest problems away and your Zoysiagrass looking its best. The University of Florida details how homeowners can use best management practices, like proper fertilization, irrigation and mowing, when maintaining their Zoysia lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Centipedegrass
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
This is a slow-growing grass with origins in Southeast Asia. It does well in acidic soils, is fairly drought tolerant, and even tolerates shade.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is naturally a lighter green than many other grasses but homeowners are discouraged from overfertilization with nitrogen to get a darker green. You risk increasing long-term maintenance and it also reduces the grass’s ability to tolerate cold spells.
\n\n\n\nThe fact that it’s a low-maintenance grass has made it a popular choice for Orlando homwoners. Centipedegrass requires less mowing than other types of grasses and is easy to edge around garden beds and sidewalks.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Buffalograss.jpeg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Pixnio / CC0
Spread by stolons, buffalograss derives its name from its use as a grass to feed bison and buffalo across the Great Plains in the 19th century.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss loves what and sun, making it a great option for Central Florida homeowners. Known for its blue-green color and curling leaves, it grows well in all soil types but does not like high traffic.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance, low-growing grass is drought-tolerant and should only be watered as needed. Overwatering can leave your buffalograss weak and susceptible to weeds. Overwatering can also leave room for diseases to creep into your lawn.
\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: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWhile you can plant grass seed year-round in Central Florida, it’s generally best to plant new seed between April and July. This will allow time for a full growing season before cold snaps begin in the late fall.
St. Augustinegrass tends to be the easiest to grow and the most popular grass in Florida due to its heat tolerance.
Yes. However, there are numerous things to consider when mixing grasses. For instance, you don’t want to choose a grass that will outgrow the other, ultimately taking over your yard. It is best to seek professional advice on the best mixes and how to care for them once planted.
Naturally with Orlando falling into the USDA zone 9b, you will always want to choose a warm-grass type for your Orlando landscape. But which grass you choose will largely depend on your personal preferences and needs:
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn: St. Augustinegrass is an excellent option for anyone with a shady yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a sunny lawn: Bermudagrass’s love of the sun makes this a go-to for homeowners with little to no shade in their yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you have kids, pets, and guests walking on your grass frequently: You can’t go wrong with Bermudagrass when it comes to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nThe grass with the least amount of work: Centipedegrass or Zoysiagrass are the easiest to maintain.
\n\n\n\nSo whether you live on the outskirts of town or in the heart of the city near Lake Eola, if you are seeking the ideal Central Florida lawn reach out to an Orlando lawn care professional to get that perfectly lush lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Orlando FL Lake / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Orlando, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1789c/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/107df/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 320w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/293e9/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 500w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/f2cbb/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 800w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1789c/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 960w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/c26c2/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1dd6e/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/67b76/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 320w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/8df11/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 500w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/98a65/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 800w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1dd6e/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 960w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/3cc96/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Orlando, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you’re looking for grass for your Orlando yard, there are 6 warm-season grasses that are perfect for the hot, humid Central Florida conditions."}}},{"node":{"id":"89b3a45d-0e55-58cf-9e53-bc52cc2ea16c","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-st-augustine","path":"/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-st-augustine/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9b5a7cc0-52e4-5870-a456-94b94f3508cb","name":"Saint Augustine","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"As hurricane season approaches, homeowners begin to prepare their homes for potential damage. While many focus on strengthening their home’s structure, they may overlook the importance of hurricane-resistant landscaping. A landscape that’s well-designed will not only add beauty to your home but also provide protection from wind and water damage during a hurricane. By using […]
\n","content":"\nAs hurricane season approaches, homeowners begin to prepare their homes for potential damage. While many focus on strengthening their home’s structure, they may overlook the importance of hurricane-resistant landscaping. A landscape that’s well-designed will not only add beauty to your home but also provide protection from wind and water damage during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBy using hurricane-resistant plants, designing windbreaks, and implementing proper maintenance, your landscaping can help reduce the risk of damage to your property. Here are 12 hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for St. Augustine to help you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can follow these suggestions to make your landscape aesthetically pleasing and capable of enduring the turbulent winds and heavy rainfall that come with the hurricane season:
\n\n\n\nIf your property is situated on the waterfront, it is imperative to construct a seawall. The purpose of seawalls is to shield your home against the unrelenting pummeling of waves and avert erosion. Plus, having a seawall can help you avoid floods during storm surges.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting a seawall for your property, you must consider various aspects, like the material to use and the associated cost. Opt for a seawall material that can endure the forces of the Atlantic Ocean, such as the following:
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have a seawall, the shoreline will progressively erode. This, in turn, can inflict substantial damage to your waterfront property. Apart from helping you prevent flooding of your property during storms, seawalls can save you a considerable amount of money in terms of repairs. Hence, it’s crucial not to use materials that decay or corrode over time.
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of building a seawall will depend on the material chosen, with costs varying between $113 to $770 per linear foot. But if you leave your property unprotected, the cost of restoring water damage can be significantly higher.
\n\n\n\nWhen preparing for a hurricane, homeowners often neglect backyard fences. Nevertheless, choosing the right type of fence appropriate for your home can have a significant impact. Remember to prioritize durability.
\n\n\n\nBenefits of hurricane-resistant fencing:
\n\n\n\nYou might think that a solid privacy fence is most effective because it can obstruct the wind. However, the absence of air circulation can cause it to give way under the force of high winds. Wooden fences, even the most robust, can be toppled over easily if there are no gaps large enough to permit the wind to flow through.
\n\n\n\nTypes of fencing to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAvoid spending a lot of money on fence replacements and repairs after a storm by investing in a fence that can resist hurricanes. Choose fences that have slats. The following are types of fencing that enable wind to move through with minimal obstruction:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Fence installation costs fluctuate depending on the material you choose, with the cost usually ranging from $8 to $46 per linear foot. Chain-link fences are typically priced between $12 and $33 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/palm-trees-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shadowmeld Photography / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nHaving a hurricane-resistant landscape with wind-resistant trees can be extremely helpful when a hurricane passes through. These types of trees have robust and deep roots, a lower center of gravity, and sturdy trunks, reducing the probability of being uprooted by high-speed winds. This decreases the likelihood of your trees becoming a danger to your property or community.
\n\n\n\nEach tree species has unique characteristics, and some are more susceptible to wind damage than others. Here are some of the most exceptional tree species with excellent wind resistance:
\n\n\n\nAvoid planting certain trees in areas prone to hurricane winds, as they are more susceptible to wind damage. The University of Florida IFAS Extension states that the following trees should be avoided in hurricane-prone regions like St. Augustine:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of professional tree planting services can vary significantly, ranging from $22 to $3,300. The total cost will be influenced by several factors, including the type of tree species, as well as its age and size. Typically, the expenses will be lower for small saplings than for larger, more mature trees.
\n\n\n\nFor homeowners who want to maintain a healthy lawn, living near the coast presents a unique challenge due to salty coastal air that can damage plants not suited for the environment. However, choosing the right plants can help. You should select native and salt-tolerant plants that can adapt to local environmental conditions and thrive in areas with high salt content in the soil and air.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners in St. Augustine prefer native plants because they have already evolved to survive in the specific climate and soil of the region. In addition, salt-tolerant plants can withstand high levels of salt water, making them perfect for coastal gardens.
\n\n\n\nOne of the key benefits of choosing salt-tolerant and native plants is that they require less maintenance and watering, which can save time and money. They also lessen the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and other environmentally harmful chemicals.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Florida IFAS extension recommends several popular native and salt-tolerant plants for coastal landscapes, including:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nThese plants not only make your coastal landscape beautiful, but they also help support local ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of planting a tree can range from a budget-friendly $90 to a more expensive $3,212. Similarly, planting a flower bed can cost anywhere from $861 to $3,100, depending on factors such as the size of the bed and the type of flowers you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tree-Placement.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matthew Paul Argall / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCareful consideration of tree placements is crucial to prevent them from causing property damage during a storm. While trees help enhance a property’s curb appeal and provide shade, you must keep them away from structures such as buildings and power lines.
\n\n\n\nTo determine where to plant your trees, consider their size at maturity and their root systems. A tree planted too close to a home or power line may cause property damage or power outages during a storm.
\n\n\n\nKeeping trees away from structures can bring many benefits. It can reduce the risk of property damage during a storm, prevent power outages caused by falling or swaying trees, and reduce maintenance costs. Planting trees too close to power lines or your home may require more frequent pruning and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure safe and effective tree placement, follow these tips:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The typical cost of tree removal services ranges from $347 to $1,117 per tree. For transplanting trees, it can cost anywhere between $158 and $880.
\n\n\n\nTrees can provide functional and aesthetic benefits when planted strategically. Planting trees in clusters of five or more can improve their resilience to high winds by over 10%, making them more effective in safeguarding your property during hurricane season. Additionally, grouping five trees with diverse appearances and heights can further enhance your property’s visual appeal.
\n\n\n\nHowever, you should avoid planting trees in a straight line. The University of Florida recommends a natural and unforced arrangement for planting trees – each tree must be within 10 feet of the other. This approach can create a strong and sustainable windbreak.
\n\n\n\nBy planting trees in groups, you can enjoy many benefits beyond just the beauty they bring to your lawn. Here are a few advantages of grouping trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Tree prices vary greatly depending on species and size, but the usual costs range from $150 to $1,850. To lower the cost per tree or sapling, you can purchase them in bulk. Plus, installing several trees will be less expensive per tree than having a single tree installed, so consider this when planning your landscape.
\n\n\n\nCreating a backyard buffer is a great way of preventing flooding and erosion caused by hurricanes while also creating a beautiful natural environment in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nA backyard buffer or riparian buffer is made up of trees, shrubs, flowers, and mulch that work together to absorb and slow down wind and water. By preventing the full force of the storm from reaching your home, the buffer can protect your property from damage and protect waterways from overheating.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, your backyard buffer can provide many benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nTo create a backyard buffer, choose native plants that can withstand heavy rains and high winds, such as Southern live oak and bald cypress. They also have strong roots that help keep the soil in place and prevent erosion. Additionally, you can use low-maintenance shrubs like firebush and wax myrtle to create a buffer zone around your home.
\n\n\n\nWhen installing your backyard buffer, remember to consult with garden centers, local nurseries, or environmental organizations for expert advice on creating a buffer suited for St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: There are many options for selecting plants, and prices will vary depending on the type of plant. For example, small native perennials are generally less expensive and can cost anywhere from $4 to $25 each. On the other hand, planting a tree can cost much higher, ranging from $22 to $3,300, depending on the tree species, size, and age.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tree-grass-light-plant-field-lawn-1359857-pxhere.com-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nHurricane season can wreak havoc on your garden beds, so you should prepare them accordingly. Mulch is an essential part of maintaining a healthy garden, but remember to select the right kind to prevent damage during high winds.
\n\n\n\nOrganic, soft mulches are highly recommended for areas like St. Augustine that experience high winds. During a storm, hard and heavy mulches can become dangerous projectiles, causing damage to your property and neighboring homes.
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic, soft mulch:
\n\n\n\nUnlike hard mulches, such as pebbles, pea gravel, stones, and river rock, organic mulches remain in place better. Plus, they offer numerous benefits to plants, like providing insulation to plant roots, suppressing weed growth, and retaining moisture in the soil.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting the type of soft mulch, avoid using any materials that may harbor disease or pests. Freshly cut grass clippings should be avoided since they can generate heat and attract harmful organisms. Also, avoid using straw or hay as they may contain weed seeds that will proliferate in your garden beds.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, aged wood chips are priced at approximately $70 per cubic yard, while shredded bark mulch costs around $65 per cubic yard. Alternatively, you can get fresh wood chips for free from a certified arborist or a local tree recycling center. Or you can make your own mulch by composting leaves, providing a nutrient-rich material for your garden beds.
\n\n\n\nTo protect your yard from the effects of extreme weather, you should prioritize regular maintenance. This applies not just to your garden and lawn but also to your trees.
\n\n\n\nInspecting your existing trees regularly is an important part of maintaining a healthy and resilient landscape, particularly in the months leading up to hurricane season. Damaged or diseased trees can pose a significant threat to your property and safety during extreme weather events.
\n\n\n\nDuring inspections, look for signs of damage or disease, such as yellowing leaves, dead branches, and cracks in the trunk. If you leave dying or weakened trees untouched, even mild winds can cause them to fall. So if you want to avoid more problems later on, you should address these issues immediately.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure you identify all hazardous trees on your property, consider hiring a certified arborist to inspect them. These professionals can identify hazardous trees in your yard, and you can work together to develop an effective plan for safely removing them.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid property damage caused by falling branches during a storm, it’s important to take preventive measures in your landscape. Strong winds can easily snap branches, creating a potential hazard for your property. A seemingly harmless long branch hanging over your roof could cause significant damage if it’s not removed in time.
\n\n\n\nTo prevent such scenarios, be sure to prune and trim any weak or overgrown branches on your existing trees. Regular maintenance will ensure your plants are healthy and strong, and won’t succumb to high winds during a storm. If you don’t want a broken branch to smash through a window, damage your car or cause injury, you should keep your trees in good shape.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your property safe during high winds requires more than just tree maintenance. You also should keep your lawn and garden well-maintained by regularly mowing, weeding, and removing debris. This will prevent any hazards from flying around during storms. Regularly fertilizing your lawn and garden can help ensure that your plants remain strong and healthy, and able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Bush trimming can range from $45 to $75 per hour or $7 to $24 per bush, depending on the type of bush and the amount of work needed. Hedge trimming can cost between $56 and $85 per hour, while tree trimming costs can range from $227 to $708, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
\n\n\n\n![\"storm](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fried Dough / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nTo prevent potential damage caused by rain, you should take precautions to ensure the proper flow of stormwater. This includes:
\n\n\n\nStanding water or puddling can be a risk to your property and weaken roots, making trees more susceptible to damage during storms. A French drain is an effective solution to prevent water from pooling in your yard. This involves installing a drainpipe that redirects water away from your home and ensures proper drainage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Be prepared to spend anywhere from $154 to $1,059 to have your yard cleaned up. If you’ll be having a French drain installed, it can cost from $500 for a small, simple project to $18,000 for a larger or more complex installation.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to clearing debris, trimming trees, and installing drainage systems, another way of preparing your yard for an impending storm is to provide extra protection for your plants. This can be achieved by wrapping trees and large plants with burlap, which will help to reduce the impact of strong winds.
\n\n\n\nFor smaller plants, using a floating row cover and securing it to the ground with garden stakes is a good option. Although these covers may not withstand severe hurricanes, they can still provide protection and lessen the amount of damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Burlap comes in different sizes and prices, ranging from $7 to $180 per roll. On the other hand, floating row covers have a cost of $11 to $240 per cover, depending on their size and type.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your lawn and plants recover quickly after a hurricane, you should be mindful of the amount of water they receive. While automatic sprinklers can be convenient during the year, they can cause further damage during a storm. Excessive water can saturate your lawn, and the plants may struggle to recover from it.
\n\n\n\nYou should turn off your water supply entirely to prevent damage from burst pipes during a storm. Once the hurricane has passed, assess the damage and adjust the watering schedule accordingly to give your plants the time they need to recover.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: You don’t have to spend a dime. In fact, it can help lower your monthly water bill.
\n\n\n\nEven though St. Augustine is not as susceptible to hurricane damage as other cities, you must take the necessary precautions and be prepared before hurricane season arrives. Keeping yourself updated with weather forecasts and following storm warnings can help you minimize potential damage to your home and ensure your family’s safety.
\n\n\n\nDo the following to prepare for a hurricane:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for hurricane-resistant grass options, Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the best grass types for you.
Zoysiagrass is a warm-season turfgrass that is highly resistant to strong winds and requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for homes located along the First Coast due to its salt tolerance.
On the other hand, the warm-season St. Augustinegrass is native to coastal areas. It’s known for its resilience in humid and hot weather conditions, heavy foot traffic, and rough weather conditions. It’s also salt-tolerant and can be an excellent option for homeowners looking for hurricane-resistant grasses.
The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean offer a conducive environment for hurricanes to develop and strengthen, especially during the peak of the hurricane season, which falls between mid-August and late October. But hurricane season usually begins June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30.
Like Jacksonville, St. Augustine is highly susceptible to hurricanes because of its location along the East Coast. While hurricanes can strike this area at any time, the frequency of these storms varies from year to year.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), St. Augustine has been affected by tropical storms or hurricanes approximately every two to three years over the past century. Note, though, that this is not a fixed pattern, and some years may see more or fewer storms. You must always remain vigilant and prepared for the potential impact of these powerful storms.
As St. Augustine homeowners know all too well, hurricanes are an ever-present threat during the storm season. However, taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricanes can go a long way.
\n\n\n\nOne key aspect of hurricane preparedness is creating hurricane-resistant landscaping. By selecting the right plants, installing barriers and drainage systems, and securing loose items in your yard, you can help minimize damage to your home and ensure your family’s safety.
Don’t wait until the next storm is on the horizon to take action. Reach out to a St. Augustine landscaping professional today and create a beautiful and resilient landscape that can withstand even the toughest storms.
Main Image Credit: Wallpaperflare
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\n","content":"\nCharming cafes and elegant restaurants dot the streets of Tally, creating a tasty escape from the heat in the heart of Seminole country. Tucked away in the northern panhandle region of Florida, Tallahassee’s spring temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Implement our ten spring lawn care tips and take advantage of the pleasant weather to prepare your yard for the humid summer just around the corner.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo most of the United States, spring in Tallahassee feels like summer. Average March temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit gradually increase to 90 degrees by May, setting off the active growing seasons for most Florida plants.
\n\n\n\nFloridians care for their warm-season grasses from March to May, hoping to encourage fresh growth before the extreme heat and humidity take over in June. Spring lawn care is more than mowing your lawn and setting the timer on your sprinkler. As your yard goes through its most active growing season, you need to be on the lookout for diseases, pests, and bare spots. With the proper spring maintenance plan, your lawn will be ready to take on the extreme heat.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatch-Your-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rawpixel
\n\n\n\nTallahassee winters are short and relatively cool, causing some grass cultivars to go dormant and develop thatch. Thatch is the tight layer of dead grass intertwined with living grass blades and roots that accumulates just about your soil level and below eyeline visibility. A thin layer of thatch insulates grass roots and makes your turfgrass more resilient. However, too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
\n\n\n\nDense thatch causes:
\n\n\n\nWatch for thatch that is half inch or more thick, spongy turf, footprints, increased pest activity, and active diseases. Always detatch your lawn during its active growing season in mid-spring to early summer using a dethatcher, also known as a lawn scarifier. Dethatchers work like a complex rake to remove thatch to the surface of your lawn for collection. Always remove the layer of thatch immediately.
\n\n\n\nSpringtime is notoriously dry in Tallahassee with only five days of precipitation per month on average. Aeration is a common method to introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns with restricted root growth, allowing for water and nutrients to permeate more easily.
\n\n\n\nOxygen allows your turfgrass to establish deep roots and a dense appearance. There are two types of common aeration: spike aeration and core aeration. Aerate your Tallahassee lawn in mid-spring to stimulate root growth before summer.
\n\n\n\nSpike aerators create small holes in the ground with a rotating punch. This method is less effective than core aeration. Spike aeration does not remove material from the soil, so there is no chance of natural de-thatching.
\n\n\n\nCore aerators remove plugs of soil to create small holes so the soil can breathe. This method leaves leftover plugs of soil on the surface of your lawn, adding beneficial nutrients and microorganisms to decrease thatch naturally.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for the northern panhandle region with its fine sandy loam soils. Fine sandy loam comprises less than 20% clay, less than 50% silt, and between 40 to 50% sand. They retain less moisture, heat more quickly, and lack the nutrients of more dense soil types. Core aerators do a better job of breaking up sand particles, creating airflow, and improving water and nutrient access.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Test-your-Soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nPlants and turfgrasses growing in sandy loam soil require regular fertilization and irrigation, and spring soil preparation is crucial to the success of your Tallahassee landscape. Proper preparation provides nutrients for your grass to thrive, even in the deficient soils of the northern panhandle. Residents should send in a soil sample for testing in March.
\n\n\n\nCollect small samples from different areas of your landscape and combine them to create a one-cup sample. Send the sample in to receive your unique results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include lime for soil pH imbalances and nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus applications.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Equipment.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTaller grass blades develop deeper roots and a dense appearance. Mowing your lawn stresses your warm-season turfgrass, leaving it more susceptible to insects, disease, drought, and sunscald. Tallahassee’s subtropical climate requires year-round lawn maintenance. Warm, dry springs kick-start the active growing season in March.
\n\n\n\nYour grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height. To avoid injuring your lawn, never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade regardless of your cultivar. and always cut less, more often. You should mow weekly within the recommended range for your grass type and leave clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bahiagrass | 3 – 4 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 3.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1.75 – 2.5 inches |
Bahiagrass is the most low-maintenance warm-season variety. Growth peaks in March thanks to Tallahassee’s warm spring temperatures. Aim to mow every seven to 14 days to maintain a height of 3 to 4 inches, encouraging deeper roots and a more dense and resilient turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the lowest-growing warm-season grass and the most high-maintenance, requiring weekly to twice weekly mowing sessions. Mow to a height of 1 to 2 inches to encourage deep roots and a better appearance.
\n\n\n\nLike bahiagrass, centipedegrass benefits from a regular mowing schedule every seven to 14 days. Mow to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches to prompt a more extensive root system to withstand drought and nematode stress.
\n\n\n\nThe most popular Florida turfgrass is prone to scalping and sun scalding, requiring particular mowing heights. Mow St. Augustinegrass to heights of 3.5 to 4 inches to encourage deep roots and decrease insect activity.
\n\n\n\nThe more frequently you mow this dense turfgrass, the less likely your lawn will develop a buildup of harmful thatch. While some thatch is a good thing, too much is harmful, blocking out light and water.
\n\n\n\nMow Zoysiagrass weekly, aiming for heights of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. Zoysiagrass leaves contain larger amounts of lignin and silica, making them more resistant and difficult to mow.
\n\n\n\nUnless your lawn is brand new, all warm-season varieties respond well to the typical drought conditions of a Tallahassee spring. The best watering method for Florida turfgrasses is as needed early in the morning, starting in mid-March. You will know it is time to water your turfgrass when you notice a dark blue-gray color, footprinting, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves.
\n\n\n\nWater these warm-season varieties as needed. Aim for ⅔ to ¾ inch of water per application. Each application will moisten the top 8 inches of soil, saturating the roots of your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nThe roots of bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass are more shallow than other cultivars. Apply ½ to ¾ inch of water per application to moisten the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"Weed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Contorl-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTallahassee’s subtropical climate creates the optimal habitat for plant growth. Unfortunately, this means it is also prone to intense weed growth, signifying an underlying problem with your lawn’s health and maintenance plan. Weeds thrive in low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning damaged turf.
\n\n\n\nWeeds steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from your warm-weather grass and spread pests and diseases. The best control and prevention method is routine maintenance, coupled with supplemental chemical methods like post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides minimize the number of weeds in your yard by killing seeds before germination. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in mid-March when soil temperatures reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit to control grassy weeds.
\n\n\n\nLook for solutions containing benefin, bensulide, oryzalin, or prodiamine. Wait 60 days and apply a second application of pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nCommon grassy weeds in Tallahassee include:
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides target annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, disrupting their growth. Use these herbicides year-round to target weeds you can see.
\n\n\n\nDo not use post-emergent herbicides if temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or if your lawn is moisture stressed. Additionally, be sure to wait a few days after a fresh mow before applying chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nCommon perennial and annual broadleaf weeds include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pest-Control.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Praxis Eco / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDifferent insects invade particular cultivars at different times, but all insects love the year-round warm weather. The most common Tallahassee springtime pests include chinch bugs, hunting billbugs, ground pearls, and nematodes.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs love St. Augustinegrass. Watch for yellow spots in sunny locations, signifying chinch bug activity. These foliage-seeking insects suck vital plant juices from your turfgrass with peak activity occurring in March and April.
\n\n\n\nDIY collect chinch bugs using a coffee can with both ends removed to create a hollow pipe. Insert the can into the soil inside the affected area. Fill the can with water and leave it for a few days. Chinch bugs will float to the top of the can for removal. If you notice more than 15 chinch bugs per square foot, it is time to call a professional.
\n\n\n\nGround pearls are another foliage-seeking, scale insect that loves sucking on the root fluids of most turfgrasses, most notably centipedegrass. These insects lay hundreds of pinkish-white, waxy, sac-like eggs from March to June. The round “pearls,” or eggs range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as 1/16th inch in diameter. Unfortunately, these pearls are likely to go unnoticed and are located up to 10 inches deep in the soil.
\n\n\n\nWatch for yellow or brown patches of stressed or dead turfgrass. The best defense against these pests is proper lawn maintenance and drainage. No insecticides on the market control ground pearls. Tend to your regular lawn maintenance, including nutritional imbalances and drainage needs.
\n\n\n\nHunting billbugs are a year-round problem for homeowners with Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass. Watch for irregular-shaped patches of dead turf. Hunting billbugs feed on the roots of turfgrasses like ground pearls.
\n\n\n\nInfestations are often misdiagnosed as dormancy in the northern panhandle region, but hunting billbug activity peaks in the spring. Treat billbugs with an insecticide application containing bifenthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, or imidacloprid.
\n\n\n\nNematodes affect most warm-season turfgrasses and are one of Florida’s most prolific pests. The best prevention method is proper lawn maintenance to develop dense roots. Nematodes are unsegmented roundworms, and unfortunately, Florida is home to numerous types.
\n\n\n\nWatch for yellowing and thinning turf, especially during dry periods. Nematode populations peak in mid to late spring, and nematodes need moisture to survive. Apply nematicides like Indemnify to affected areas alongside routine lawn maintenance and proper yard drainage.
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases and fungi love Florida’s subtropical climate. The best defense against these lawn invaders is routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization for a healthy and dense lawn. Some of the most common diseases affecting Tallahassee turfgrasses are large patch, pythium root, gray leaf spot, take-all root rot, dollar spot, spring dead spot, and centipedegrass decline.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus affecting most Florida turfgrasses, including St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass. The fungus typically occurs in winter through the end of spring. Watch for brown, circular patches several feet in diameter.
\n\n\n\nMost large patch infestations do not respond to fungicide applications. The most effective control and prevention method is proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage and air movement. Monitor patches and limit fertilization in affected areas. Avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nPythium root occurs in poorly drained or over-watered soils and commonly affects St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass year-round. It is a water mold pathogen that causes slow-growing, thinning turf with irregular, bleached patches of yellow grass.
\n\n\n\nCombat current and future infections by improving drainage and increasing sunlight exposure, if possible. Avoid spreading pythium root by reducing mowing and watering frequencies. Apply a blend of phosphorus, potash, and nitrogen to the soil to combat active infections.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is prone to fungal infections. Grey leaf spot is another turfgrass fungus in Tallahassee popping up in April through the end of summer. Watch for grass that appears yellow, mottled, or scorched.
\n\n\n\nTreat gray leaf spot with proper lawn maintenance. Improve air circulation by removing thatch. Avoid fertilization and post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active. Monitor and fix drainage issues and avoid over-watering to prevent active and future infestations.
\n\n\n\nTake-all root rot is a soil-dwelling fungus active in spring through early summer. Be on the lookout for yellow or brown grass blades, wilting, horizontal stems, and dark brown roots.
\n\n\n\nTreat the warm-season turfgrass disease using fungicide labeled for take-all root rot. Apply to the affected area in 14-day intervals during spring. Prevent the fungus with proper lawn maintenance by improving drainage, reducing thatch buildup, and increasing the time between irrigation sessions.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot affects bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and centipedegrass. It is caused by a fungus living in Florida soils and is extremely common in the Southeast. Watch for circular brown or yellow spots that look like dollar coins.
\n\n\n\nLike most fungi, treat dollar spot with proper lawn maintenance. Maintain nitrogen levels by applying a nitrogen-based fertilizer to bermudagrass or bahiagrass and minimize moisture stress by ensuring proper drainage. Always water deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce foliage wetness.
\n\n\n\nSoil-dwelling fungus, spring dead spot affects Tallahassee bermudagrass. Keep an eye out for circular patches of dead grass ranging in diameter from 6 inches to several feet. The easiest way to spot spring dead spot is to monitor your lawn during its active growth phase in mid-March and early April. Areas affected by spring dead spot will not go through the growth process.
\n\n\n\nTreat spring dead spot by removing thatch and aggressively aerating affected areas to relieve soil compaction and increase airflow.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass decline develops in mature cultivars. Similar to spring dead spot, watch for yellowing or brown patches of dead turfgrass during active spring growth. Centipedegrass decline occurs for numerous reasons, including:
\n\n\n\nTreat centipedegrass decline by adjusting soil pH levels according to your soil test results. Avoid overfertilization with nitrogen and always follow recommended lawn maintenance, including mowing highs and frequencies. Never scalp centipedegrass and mow often to eliminate excessive thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the best time to seed or replant your lawn in Tallahassee. The active growing season beginning in mid-March encourages fresh growth, filling in thin and patchy areas.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turfgrass to fill thin areas. Bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and centipedegrass are low-maintenance cultivars that respond well to overseeding.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your Florida lawn in mid-March to early April. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet for bermudagrass and bahiagrass varieties and 4 ounces per 1,000 square feet for centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass do not respond to overseeding. Instead, plan to replant large bare areas using sod plugs in mid-March, April, or May. Space plugs 6 to 12 inches apart and water well daily. Keep crabgrass at bay by applying a root-safe pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply fertilizer to your Tallahassee turfgrass is mid-April, before the Florida summer heat sets in. Fertilizer promotes healthy growth. The type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your turfgrass cultivar and your unique soil sample analysis results.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 15-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 15% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that Florida’s soil is high in phosphorus, so it is often unnecessary to apply fertilizer containing this chemical. Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in mid-April, but keep in mind that shaded grass requires less fertilizer than grass growing in full sun.
\n\n\n\nThe Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule mandates that slow-release nitrogen fertilizer applications cannot exceed 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and quick-release, soluble nitrogen fertilizer applications cannot exceed 0.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\n\n\n\nMature centipedegrass has low nitrogen requirements. Always follow the amendment recommendations from your soil sample test results. Centipedegrass does not respond well to overfertilization, and nitrogen applications are not typically necessary. High nitrogen levels lead to centipedegrass decline, increased insect activity, and thatch accumulation.
\n\n\n\nUse sprinklers or an automatic irrigation system to apply water in 10 to 20-minute segments, twice per day, until the seeds have germinated. The germination process typically takes seven to 10 days in Florida.
You should stop fertilizing your lawn at least one month before overseeding to give the new seeds a chance to germinate and grow without struggling against actively growing grass. Additionally, you apply fertilizer after overseeding, which is the preferred method. Apply a slow-release fertilizer immediately after overseeding or wait two to three weeks and apply a
fast-release fertilizer to your newly seeded lawn.
Warm-season grass varieties are drought-resistant and most benefit from drying out in between watering sessions. Overwatering your turfgrass stresses your lawn, leading to increased pests and diseases. Watch for these signs you are overwatering your turfgrass:
• Thick layer of thatch over ¾ inch thick
• Fungus growth including mushrooms
• Increased weed growth, including crabgrass and nutsedge
• Signs of pest activity
• Spongy grass and footprint indents
• Pooling water and increased runoff
Tallahassee homeowners love two things: their outdoor space and Florida State University football. With the proper spring lawn care schedule, you can enjoy your yard for most of the year, protect its green color from the summer heat, and ready your landscape for Florida hurricane season. Consider some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to get you started.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help controlling spring weeds or pests, contact a Tallahassee lawn care pro to help your landscape establish deep roots and wind-resistance
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Tallahassee, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7751479289940828,"src":"/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/1789c/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/107df/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 320w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/293e9/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 500w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/f2cbb/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 800w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/1789c/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 960w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/c26c2/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/1dd6e/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/67b76/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 320w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/8df11/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 500w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/98a65/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 800w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/1dd6e/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 960w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/3cc96/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Tallahassee, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 10 valuable tips for maintaining a green spring lawn in Tallahassee and prepare your grass for the humid Florida summers."}}},{"node":{"id":"f424a0ac-8b1f-5570-9c80-54f0000eaf9c","slug":"best-grass-types-pensacola","path":"/lawn-care/fl/pensacola/best-grass-types-pensacola/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Austin Geiger is an avid reader and writer. He has loved to read and write from a young age, and does both daily. His favorite subjects are fantasy and comedy, and he despises run-on sentences.","name":"Austin Geiger","id":"69bc552e-2c03-5c38-acc7-562e86f2a201","path":"/author/austin-geiger/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5baab15ab5786cfd4d2372bb580f441c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"301db859-5d9c-56d3-8b4a-5742eaece884","name":"Pensacola","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/pensacola/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"In Florida, the conditions can be harsh. This is especially true if you live in a coastal area like Pensacola. It isn’t always easy to grow plant life when you’re dealing with the beating sun, pounding rain, salt-heavy ocean winds, and the occasional hurricane. The best grass types for Pensacola are hardy ones that can […]
\n","content":"\nIn Florida, the conditions can be harsh. This is especially true if you live in a coastal area like Pensacola. It isn’t always easy to grow plant life when you’re dealing with the beating sun, pounding rain, salt-heavy ocean winds, and the occasional hurricane. The best grass types for Pensacola are hardy ones that can stand up to these environmental conditions the Sunshine State has to offer.
\n\n\n\nGrass types are classified as either warm-season or cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses thrive in areas with higher temperatures and lots of sun, whereas cool-season grasses will do better with lower temperatures and less sun. The growing season for warm-season grasses is summer, while for cool-season grasses, it’s fall and early spring.
\n\n\n\nPensacola is firmly within the warm-season grass zone, which means that the best grass types will be warm-season ones that thrive in its sunny days and consistent heat. Warm-season grasses prefer areas with lots of sun and temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They experience most of their growth in the summertime.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is a warm-season grass that’s very well-suited to Florida. Its coarse texture combined with its lack of foot traffic tolerance unfortunately make it a poor choice for backyard barbecues or games of football. However, its decent drought tolerance ensures that it will fare better than some other grasses during the dry season.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass has an attractive, vibrant green color. It has great resistance to diseases and pests, does well in soil with low fertility, and grows very quickly, making it a good hardy lawn that can grow where other grasses might struggle.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low, but more than Bermudagrass
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers sandy or loam soils with low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Poor tolerance for salt spray
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is another warm-season grass that grows very well in Florida, one that stands out even among other warm-season grasses as a sun-lover. It has great resistance to both droughts and foot traffic tolerance and does well in pretty much any soil type, so if you want a hardy lawn that you plan to use often, bermudagrass may be right for you.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Bermudagrass does have its downsides. One of them is a vulnerability to diseases and especially pests, which means that you’ll have to keep a close eye out for ant hills on your lawn. Another is the amount of maintenance it requires, which is good if you like being outside and working on your lawn, but not so much if you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: High; requires frequent mowing and regular dethatching and fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5-2.5 for common Bermudagrass, 0.5-1.5 for hybrid cultivars
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: All
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Good salt tolerance
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Blue_grama_Bouteloua_gracilis_MN_2007.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SEWilco / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlue grama is a bit of an unusual grass type in that it grows in thick bunches. It’s a very low-maintenance grass that requires little water, making it a good ground cover or accent grass for xeriscaping. Blue grama also mixes well with other grass types such as buffalograss in a typical grass lawn or can be used by itself.
\n\n\n\nIn terms of salt tolerance, blue grama stands out, which makes it a good choice for Pensacola in particular. It’s unfortunately not very tolerant of foot traffic, however, so be careful where you step when using this grass type.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low to moderate; most prevalent disease is fungal rust
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.6-8.4
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Does not tolerate wet or poorly drained soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Very good salt tolerance
\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 a common warm-season grass in Florida, one with a rich light green color and a coarse texture. As far as warm-season grasses go, it has great shade tolerance in addition to decent drought tolerance, making it ideal for yards that don’t get as much sun or rain as their homeowners would like.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is also low-maintenance and resistant to diseases and pests, so it makes a good lawn if you can’t spend too much time on yard care. It can also grow in acidic soils with low fertility that other grasses might not tolerate. Unfortunately, its poor tolerance for foot traffic makes it a poor backyard grass, but as a front yard grass, it’s a great candidate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers infertile acidic soils with moderate drainage. Does not tolerate clay soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Poor salt tolerance
\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\nIf you’re looking for a salt-tolerant grass, then look no further than Seashore Paspalum. As its name implies, it has an exceptional tolerance for salt, making it a particularly good grass if you live right by the shore. It’s also a well-rounded grass with good tolerances across the board. Keep in mind, however, that it is moderately susceptible to diseases and insects and requires a bit of extra maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its other tolerances, Seashore Paspalum also tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH balances. If your soil can’t support any other grass you’ve tried or is too acidic or basic, then this may be the grass for you.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Moderate fertilization and frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate; common diseases include large patch and dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 3.6-10.2
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: All
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Highly salt tolerant and thrives in coastal regions like Pensacola
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine is the most common lawn grass in Florida, and for good reason. It has great drought tolerance and is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass available. So if cabanas and pergolas shade your yard, put St. Augustinegrass on your radar.
\n\n\n\nIt grows and establishes quickly, and its coarse texture combined with its good range of colors make it a very attractive lawn.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, St. Augustine is somewhat vulnerable to diseases and pests and doesn’t stand up very well to foot traffic. It’s especially vulnerable to Florida’s southern chinch bug. If you choose this grass type, be prepared to put in a little extra work to help it thrive.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Requires frequent mowing and regular dethatching and fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 3.5-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers moist, but not waterlogged, soil with moderate fertility. Does not tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: St. Augustinegrass is the most shade tolerant of all the warm-season grass types. Good salt tolerance
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a particularly hardy grass type, then Zoysia could be the one for you. It’s extremely tolerant of foot traffic and has decent tolerances for drought, shade, salt spray, and diseases and pests. Its thick blades also block weeds from growing, leaving dethatching as the only notable maintenance that you’ll need to perform.
\n\n\n\nZoysia also comes in several different cultivars to suit your needs. Though it’s slow to recover, it’s still a good hardy grass that can thrive in many different environments, making it ideal if you have unideal conditions in your outdoor space that others can’t tolerate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: High; recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Requires occasional dethatching
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers a well-drained soil; preferred type will depend on the cultivar
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Good salt tolerance
\n\n\n\nYes. It is possible for cool-season grass types to grow in Pensacola since it’s in the northern part of the state, where the temperatures are cooler compared to the rest. Warm-season grasses will still be the better option, but if you want a cool-season grass, it’s possible to grow in Pensacola, FL.
The best time of year to plant warm-season grass seed in northern areas of Florida is spring or summer.
If your outdoor space isn’t quite right for a grass that you’ve got your heart set on, there are ways to make it work. You can look for a cultivar that better fits the conditions of your landscape, for example. The needs of many different grass types can vary among cultivars, so you may be able to find one that better suits your yard.
You can also try altering your landscape within reason to accommodate the grass you want. Trimming your trees to allow more sunlight can help sun-loving grasses thrive, for example. Finally, you can try mixing different grass seeds. Mixing the seed of the grass you want with one that’s better suited for your landscape can result in a lawn that looks great and fits the environmental conditions in your outdoor space.
If a traditional grass lawn doesn’t quite strike your fancy, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding an alternative. Many ground cover plants, such as clover, sunshine mimosa, and perennial peanut, can tolerate the conditions of the Pensacola area.
If you do use an alternative ground cover, however, keep in mind that Florida does experience occasional hurricanes, and that they’re particularly strong around coastal areas like Pensacola. For this reason, loose ground covers, such as gravel and stones, are not a very good idea, as they can become shrapnel.
An organic ground cover is also recommended since the strong winds and flooding possible during a hurricane may lead to erosion if your soil doesn’t have any ground cover to anchor it.
When you’re choosing a new grass type, there are many factors that you need to take into account. In addition to the usual ones, like the level of shade or how much foot traffic the grass will get, you also need to consider salt tolerance.
\n\n\n\nPensacola, FL is a coastal city, which means that it will receive a fair amount of salt spray and salty winds. Therefore, salt-tolerant grasses will fare much better than those that are not salt tolerant. Keep in mind, however, that you can still grow grass types with poor salt tolerance if you wish. Many grass types have cultivars that are more resistant to various factors, including salinity, than the standard varieties.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re having trouble with your Pensacola lawn, contact a local lawn care expert for help picking out the right grass type or maintaining your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pensacola, FL / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Pensacola, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/1789c/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/107df/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 320w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/293e9/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 500w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/f2cbb/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 800w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/1789c/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 960w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/c26c2/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/1dd6e/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/67b76/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 320w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/8df11/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 500w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/98a65/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 800w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/1dd6e/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 960w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/3cc96/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Pensacola, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Picking out a new grass can be tough. Read here to find the best grass types for your Pensacola, FL home."}}},{"node":{"id":"c18abcd2-b362-5c6e-a2e6-f72f7d0d0c9a","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/fall-lawn-care-checklist-jacksonville/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 13th, 2023","excerpt":"The cooler weather in the fall is a relief for many Jacksonville residents. Goodbye, high AC bills — hello, pumpkin-flavored everything! You may be able to navigate Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres like a pro but feel lost when it comes to lawn care. Florida’s warm-season lawns slow their growth in fall. When winter rolls around, they […]
\n","content":"\nThe cooler weather in the fall is a relief for many Jacksonville residents. Goodbye, high AC bills — hello, pumpkin-flavored everything! You may be able to navigate Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres like a pro but feel lost when it comes to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nFlorida’s warm-season lawns slow their growth in fall. When winter rolls around, they could stay green or turn brown and dormant — both are normal for North Florida. Though your yard work won’t be as sweaty this time of year, setting your lawn up for success before winter is still essential. Pull out your calendar and follow this fall lawn care checklist for Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nYou may be tempted to put away your lawn care tools and leave your turf alone until the next growing season. However, that choice could make your spring lawn care much more challenging. Here’s how your lawn benefits from fall lawn care:
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJacksonville’s many deciduous plants drop their leaves as the weather cools in the fall. While those leaves are pretty, too many could smother your lawn. There are a few ways you could deal with them:
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirt may seem simple on the surface, but it’s anything but that. Soil contains most of the nutrients your grass needs. If you understand what’s already in your soil, you can choose the appropriate fertilizer and soil amendments to help your lawn thrive.
\n\n\n\nOne thing soil tests cover is pH. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline isn’t a friendly environment for your turf and could interfere with proper nutrient absorption. Acidity and alkalinity are measured on a pH scale of 1 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral — anything above that number is alkaline, and anything below is acidic.
\n\n\n\nFlorida’s average soil pH is 6.1, meaning it’s slightly acidic. However, your soil pH could be higher if you live close to the ocean because shell materials are alkaline. Building materials can also make the soil more alkaline.
\n\n\n\nHere are the pH preferences for the common Jacksonville turfgrasses:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Preferred pH Range |
| Bahiagrass | 5.5-6.5 |
| Bermudagrass | 6-6.5 |
| Centipedegrass | 5-6 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 6-7.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 6-6.5 |
To find out soil pH and nutrient levels, get a soil test from the Duval County Extension Office or another soil testing lab. Use their recommendations when purchasing fertilizer so you don’t oversaturate the soil with nutrients your grass doesn’t need. If your soil pH is too unbalanced, they may recommend soil amendments (lime for acidic soils and sulfur for alkaline soils).
\n\n\n\nSoil tests can take a few weeks to process, so plan accordingly if you want to know your results before fall fertilization. You don’t need to soil test every year, but it can be helpful if:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gloves,](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Weed-Control.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave you been keeping track of the weed population in your yard? Weeds compete for the same water, nutrients, and sun as your turfgrass. They also can make your lawn look uneven and lower curb appeal. A healthy, thick lawn can outcompete weeds, but sometimes you must intervene.
\n\n\n\nThere are three ways to deal with Jacksonville weeds:
\n\n\n\nManual control: With some gloves and trusty tools, you can pull out weeds by hand. This method is environmentally friendly and won’t harm newly planted grass. However, you need to remove the entire weed. If you leave any roots, tubers, or seeds, the weeds may come back.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides: Once you see the weeds, you can spray them with post-emergent herbicides to kill them. Always follow label directions carefully to keep your other plants safe and ensure the herbicide is compatible with your grass type.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides: This product prevents weeds from germinating. Use pre-emergent herbicides to get ahead of annual weeds so they’ll never have a chance to deface your lawn. However, they can also kill young grass, so don’t use them if you plan to overseed your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWant to know what weeds to expect in your Jacksonville lawn? Let’s break them down based on lifecycle and learn the best treatment methods.
\n\n\n\nAnnual weeds live for less than a year, though they’ll likely leave enough seeds to spawn another generation next year. Summer annual weeds begin their lifecycle in spring, flourish in summer, and die off in fall. You may find some stragglers in the fall that you can treat with post-emergent herbicides or let them die naturally.
\n\n\n\nSummer annuals in Jacksonville include:
\n\n\n\nSimilarly to their summer counterparts, winter annuals have a three-season lifecycle. They germinate in the fall, do well in winter, and die off by the spring.
\n\n\n\nYou still have time to prevent these weeds if you apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early October. Wait for nighttime temperatures to dip to 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for several nights in a row, then apply one or two times according to package instructions.
\n\n\n\nHere are some winter annuals you may find in Jacksonville:
\n\n\n\nWith a two-year lifespan, biennials can be more challenging to get rid of than short-lived annuals. They won’t flower in the first year, but they’re ready to bloom and spread seeds by the second year. Though they die soon after spreading seeds, you’ll have to deal with their offspring for the next two years. Treat them with herbicides before they flower, if possible.
\n\n\n\nHere are some examples of biennials in Florida:
\n\n\n\nPerennials are the longest-lasting weeds of all, with a lifespan of three or more years. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll make themselves at home and reseed themselves year after year. Treat them with post-emergent herbicides in the fall before they hunker down for the winter.
\n\n\n\nHere are some perennials to look for in your Jacksonville lawn:
\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\nYour lawn needs to be in good shape while it takes a break from growing, and the last thing it needs is to be munched on by pests. Here are some to keep an eye out for in the fall:
\n\n\n\nFall armyworms: These green or brown caterpillars with dark heads eat all types of turfgrass. Fall armyworms are especially problematic in new grass that’s been heavily fertilized in late summer. You may notice the adult moths fluttering around the area. Treat with pesticides, though remember these products may harm their natural predators.
\n\n\n\nSod webworms: Adult tropical sod webworms peak in October and November. Their larvae feed on all types of warm-season grass leaves. Though this pest may leave during North Florida’s colder winters, the damage it creates in fall can leave your lawn in bad shape for the season. Keep thatch levels low to eliminate hiding spots and treat affected areas with insecticides.
\n\n\n\nWhite grubs: Yellow, easy-to-pull-up grass is a sign something is eating your turf’s roots, and the culprit may be white grubs. These beetle larvae target all kinds of turfgrass. Damage is easiest to spot in late summer and early fall. Apply treatment before they retreat underground later in the fall.
\n\n\n\nContact the University of Florida’s Insect ID Lab for assistance if you find an insect and can’t identify it.
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollar](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dollar-Spot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA slow-growing lawn may be less able to fight sickness, so treating diseases before they get out of hand is vital. Here are some diseases to watch for in the fall:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nAlso known as brown patch, this fungal disease creates round, discolored sections on turfgrass. It often affects Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass, but all warm-season grasses can fall victim. Watch for it when temperatures are below 80 degrees Fahrenheit from November through May.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat large patch:
\n\n\n\nAvoid overwatering and excessive nitrogen applications to discourage large patch. If necessary, treat with fungicides. Turfgrass can best recover when it’s actively growing in spring or summer.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nSmall, beige or white lesions on the grass will eventually cause straw-colored patches the size of a silver dollar or larger on your lawn. Dollar spot can affect any warm-season grass, especially lawns with dry soil and nitrogen deficiency.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nMaintain proper cultural practices like watering, mowing, fertilizing, dethatching, and aerating. Don’t mow the grass too low — your grass could become more vulnerable to dollar spot. Apply nitrogen fertilizer lightly and frequently to build resistance without overfertilizing. Use chemical control if cultural control is unsuccessful.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is the only warm-season grass that suffers from gray leaf spot. It slows growth and thins out lawns. Though this disease thrives most in rainy spring and summer, it extends into September since temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for light spots with dark brown borders on your grass’ leaves.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat gray leaf spot:
\n\n\n\nMinimize stress and avoid over-watering to prevent the moist environment that this disease loves. Excessive nitrogen also can encourage gray leaf spot. Be careful when applying the herbicide atrazine, as it can worsen the disease. Fungicides are best applied preventatively, so consider them for next spring.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThough this disease can strike any time of year, it’s most common during the mild, wet seasons of fall and winter. Helminthosporium leaf spot starts as brown or purple pin-sized spots and develops into lesions with pale centers. Infected leaves may turn purple or reddish brown before withering to a light tan shade. It can affect all warm-season grass types but is worst on bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat Helminthosporium leaf spot:
\n\n\n\nAvoid excessive nitrogen applications by following soil test recommendations. A ratio of 1:2 for nitrogen and potassium is best. You also can apply slow-release or quick-release potassium to boost your grass’ resistance. Raise mowing height to help grass fight this disease. Several fungicide options are available if needed.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nPythium root rot causes discolored and thinning grass. Though it’s easiest to observe symptoms on the leaves, the root of the problem is underground and harder to see. Roots will be thin and discolored. All warm-season grasses can be affected by pythium root rot.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat pythium root rot:
\n\n\n\nImprove drainage and avoid overwatering. To deal with the excess moisture from rainfall, mow high and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at once so you don’t stress your turf. Balance nitrogen and potassium applications, with extra potassium in early fall for lawns commonly affected by pythium root rot. Apply fungicides if necessary.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThe slow growth and cool weather in late fall to early spring encourage this disease, while warm weather drives it away. Wet leaves trigger the infection, which causes yellow dots that turn into orange pustules that release spores when touched. Look for rust in St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and any lawn you overseed with perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat rust:
\n\n\n\nRust more severely affects grass with nutrient deficiencies or in shady areas. Follow soil test results to see what your grass needs, and apply a slow-release fertilizer. Keep the grass in shady areas as dry as possible. Use fungicides if cultural control isn’t sufficient.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThough it’s sometimes called Bermudagrass decline, take-all root rot affects all warm-season grasses. It is caused by stressed turfgrass and excessive rainfall and prevents grass from adequately absorbing water and nutrients. You may notice some leaf discoloration, but the black, rotten roots are the best way to identify the disease.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat take-all root rot:
\n\n\n\nAlleviate stress and maintain proper mowing habits. An equal balance of slow-release nitrogen and potassium will help grass resist the disease. Micronutrients like manganese also may help. Keep in mind that the disease is hard to treat by the time symptoms are visible aboveground. Fungicides are most effective as a preventative measure.
\n\n\n\n![\"Overseeding](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile South Florida lawns may stay green all year, North Florida lawns usually turn brown during dormancy. If you want it to stay green, you could overseed with cool-season grass in fall.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass grows fast, is cheap, and will die off in spring, so it doesn’t compete with your usual grass. You can overseed any warm-season grass except centipedegrass, as it could cause centipedegrass decline. Here are the steps you’d need to take:
\n\n\n\nPro tip: Overseeding works best if you dethatched your lawn in spring.
\n\n\n\nRemember, if you choose this route, you’re signing up for extra lawn maintenance. You’ll need to water frequently while it germinates. Consider specialized turf paint if you want an easier way to keep your lawn green. Of course, the easiest option is to let nature take its course and wait out your brown lawn.
\n\n\n\nWarning: Pre-emergent herbicides can kill young ryegrass. Consider whether you’d prefer to overseed for winter color or deal with weeds.
\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\nYour lawn can best utilize fertilizer when it’s actively growing in spring and summer. However, your grass may still benefit from a high-potassium fertilizer in fall. Fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen are better for your grass because they don’t release too many nutrients at once. Since many soils in Florida are high in phosphorus, use a fertilizer with little to no phosphorus.
\n\n\n\nDon’t fertilize your lawn any later than September. It could promote a growth spurt, and new growth will be more sensitive to cold. There’s no need to fertilize dormant grass, either.
\n\n\n\nCan you skip fall fertilization? Sure — just wait until spring. The spring application will help your grass recover from winter and start the growing season strong.
\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\nWarm-season grass stops growing when air and soil temps are below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While you may need to mow throughout the fall, the slowed growth means you’ll need to rev up the mower less and less frequently.
\n\n\n\nThough it may be tempting to mow low, your grass can better survive stressors if mowed high. Here are the recommended mowing heights for the grass types in Jacksonville:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Mowing Height |
| Bahiagrass | 3-4 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1-2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5-2 inches |
| St. Augustine | 2.5-4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1-2.5 inches |
Only cut off one-third of the grass blade at a time. Removing more can damage grass and make it more susceptible to pests, diseases, and weeds. If you want to change your mowing height, it’s best to adjust it gradually.
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/water-sprinkler-e1680265702957.jpg\")
Lawns in Jacksonville generally need watering once or twice a week in the fall, but by winter, you can water as little as once every two to three weeks. Rain will provide for some of your grass’ needs. However, you’ll need to cover the rest with supplemental irrigation. Here are some watering tips:
\n\n\n\nThe University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommends irrigation on an as-needed basis to reduce overwatering. Look for the following signs of dehydration:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tools](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Organized-Shed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the end of fall approaches, you may reach for your mower and weed eater less or not at all. If you’re ready to retire your equipment for the year, make sure it’s in good condition before you do so.
\n\n\n\nRemember, you may still need these tools if you decide to overseed your lawn for winter color. It’s still a good idea to complete some maintenance, though.
\n\n\n\nNeither. Grass that’s too short can be vulnerable to diseases and weeds, while extra-long grass can look unruly and provide a haven for pests. Keep your grass in the middle, following the recommended mowing height for each grass type. It’s also best to mow your grass as you usually do for the last mow of the season.
It’s better to aerate your lawn in spring. Why? Though beneficial, aeration is an invasive procedure that your lawn needs time to heal from. Aerating in fall could leave your lawn weak going into winter. Wait until spring to get the best benefits and harm your lawn the least.
No. Winterizer fertilizer is a bad fit for Florida lawns because it often contains too much nitrogen. Instead, look for a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer. Here are some suitable NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratios:
• 9-2-24
• 5-2-14
• 8-2-34
• 5-0-22
No. These products are usually too general to meet the specific needs of different homeowners’ lawns. Like many cure-alls, it may not be as effective as advertised. The best way to fertilize and control weeds is to follow your soil test results and create a game plan based on the specific weeds you encounter.
Lawn care checklists are helpful, but they aren’t always fun. After all, you still have to haul out the lawn supplies and put reminders in your calendar for crucial tasks. Wouldn’t you rather spend your weekend trying the new fall flavors at Whit’s Frozen Custard? Consider professional lawn care services if you’d rather keep your free time free.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Ventura Ave House / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Jacksonville, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1789c/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/107df/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/293e9/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/f2cbb/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1789c/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/c26c2/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1dd6e/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/67b76/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 320w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/8df11/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 500w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/98a65/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 800w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1dd6e/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 960w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/3cc96/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Jacksonville, FL","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Fall means less yard work, but you’re not off the hook yet. Go through this fall lawn care checklist for Jacksonville."}}},{"node":{"id":"17b1c722-3deb-5849-8754-404243fe183c","slug":"worst-backyard-pests","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/worst-backyard-pests/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.
\n","content":"\nAfter working so hard to make your yard and garden perfect, you deserve to enjoy it. Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches are generally about 1.5 inches long and love the humidity in Tampa. You’ll find them in your garden, trees, under your sink, in your bathroom, behind the dishwasher, and anywhere there’s moisture. The females will lay eggs anywhere they can find food and water. Avoid leaving pet food out and, to the extent possible, deprive them of the moist, shady outdoor areas in which they thrive, such as stacks of wood, piles of leaves or hollow tree stumps.
\n\n\n\nThere are many species of cockroaches in Florida. Some fly, some don’t. Some seek shelter in homes, others don’t. The giant of them all is the Florida woods cockroach, also known as the palmetto bug. One member of the species was plucked from the obscurity of a woodpile in Apopka, Fla., and won the World Cockroach Contest in 1986. Its length: 2.49 inches. Its name: Longfellow. Its one saving grace: Like other palmetto bugs, it prefers to live outdoors.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches rarely bite, but many carry bacteria such as salmonella which can contaminate food. Their waste and sheddings can trigger attacks in people with asthma. Boric acid dust and common insecticides help control them, but it’s best to call an exterminator for any substantial infestation. Even a professional won’t be able to totally rid your yard or house of these worst backyard pests in Tampa.
\n\n\n\nThe tiny mouths of these arthropods allow them to make holes in many of your plants. Getting rid of spider mites can be difficult. Try applying a half and half mixture of water and alcohol. Make sure the alcohol is isopropyl, which is toxic to insects but shouldn’t hurt your plants. If the mites are still making your garden and lawn into their home, you may have to research chemical products.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/K3UXOYZ81AKeXZfwZwO9qG3NJbV6eczq6Hgv2I8vQviswAkGhD5gri16byFvUB97GDqnN5mFh0wtB49_r9WmNnTXr4IQyKonStT6LhVlnBQqLkS_bfA4Fk92T3QCzOafsNoWfGRZ\")
Tropical sod webworms can do a lot of damage. For such tiny creatures, they can have a big impact on your yard. These caterpillars may be hard to spot, as they can turn as green as the grass they eat. If one part of your lawn has brown patches and is shorter than the rest, bend down and inspect it closely to see whether your lawn is infested.
\n\n\n\nThe adults are annoying triangular-shaped moths that don’t do much damage. But they lay eggs in the lawn, and the hatching larvae feed on the grass blades. To get rid of these tiny troublemakers, try sprinkling soapy water on the lawn. This will usually draw the critters out, so you can remove them. But if you notice a large infestation, you’ll have to resort to an insecticide. Spinosad is an organic product that controls the tropical sod webworm, without hurting the grass or beneficial bugs.
\n\n\n\nThese gray oval bugs can destroy your plants quickly. Their dusty and grainy look is actually a waxy protective coat. Since they may be hard to spot, keep an eye out for dirty or yellow patches on your plants. Your plants looking like they have fur or lint on them may be another sign mealybugs have taken up residence.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of them, spray the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Another approach is to deter them their natural predators. Tiny wasps, “mealybug destroyer” ladybugs and lacewings will make a quick meal of the mealy bugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Pulm8_tsekxSdH-8nbUZKxQa8LVaiXskw2AXgxpMwqfdMLBGFwrh8GahZ69xx7qX5b2SIY4pBbv64tPhtQEcrv-hbsQqzEogBZUnc__0-qCMmLfLmCfWT6WweCcCdSlUjBK7kSqO\")
Opossums are prevalent in Florida. If they can get ahold of anything in your garden, they will. To keep them away, trim the fruit trees where the critters like to snack. You can also block off and cover individual plants and areas you want to protect. Chemical deterrents for opossums are also available if you ‘re at your wits end with these pests.
\n\n\n\nWhile opossums are a nuisance, they can also be beneficial. Besides feasting on your citrus trees, they eat ticks, mice, roaches, rats and snakes. They’re actually immune to rattlesnake venom. Opossums are also the only marsupial in North America and one of the oldest critters on earth.
\n\n\n\nYou may not immediately think of housepets such as cats or dogs as garden pests, but they can ruin a lawn and garden faster than an opossum. Cats and dogs are naturally curious and like to chew on plants and grass. Cats like to lay and roll in the grass and newly seeded dirt. Dogs love to dig. The best way to keep your pets from chewing on your grass and garden plants is by training them to use a designated area of the yard. You can also try a homemade solution which has garlic, hot pepper or soapy water. Another tip is to water the area your yard where the dog goes potty. This will help dilute the urine, which can kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nWith the right knowledge and effort, you can protect your home from the worst backyard pests in Tampa. Once your garden is safe, you’ll have more time to enjoy relaxing in it, than working on it.
\n\n\n\n
Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Tampa? Visit our Tampa Lawn Care page.
Living on the Gulf Coast has nice benefits, like being able to visit the beach anytime you feel like it for a fun day of swimming and building sandcastles. The only problem is that living near the ocean leaves homes vulnerable to hurricane damage from flooding and high winds. You can never have a 100% […]
\n","content":"\nLiving on the Gulf Coast has nice benefits, like being able to visit the beach anytime you feel like it for a fun day of swimming and building sandcastles. The only problem is that living near the ocean leaves homes vulnerable to hurricane damage from flooding and high winds.
\n\n\n\nYou can never have a 100% guarantee that your home will not suffer storm damage, but there are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Tampa that will help protect your property.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa
\n\n\n\nProtect Your Tampa Home Before a Hurricane Strikes
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"group](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wind-tolerant-trees.jpg\")
Photo Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to a hurricane-resistant landscape, it’s best to go native. For your landscaping, pick Floridia-friendly plants that are acclimated to the local climate and weather.
\n\n\n\nHurricane-resistant trees with sturdy trunks and deep-reaching roots are usually the best kind of trees to stand up to strong winds. If you have trees in your Tampa yard, they should be reliable, wind-resistant trees such as:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nCost: Hiring a professional to plant a new tree costs about $150 to $1,850, depending on the size, age, and type of tree. A DIY job will cost less, though you will have to pay for the equipment needed for the job.
\n\n\n\n“Location, location, location” is the motto when it comes to strategic real estate investments, but the principle applies to landscaping trees, as well. Picking the right spot to plant your tree isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about picking the safest and most practical location for your tree.
\n\n\n\nDon’t plant a tree right next to your house. If a tree topples over in a storm, it might fall on top of your home and cause severe damage.
\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to planting trees near power lines. A falling tree might knock over power lines and create a dangerous electric hazard. Avoid this kind of crisis by planting trees a safe distance away from power lines. If your tree grows to over 20 feet tall at maturity, then it needs to be planted at least 20 feet away from power lines.
\n\n\n\nRegularly inspect your trees for damage or illness, and remove any dead or dying trees, especially if they are near your home.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of keeping trees away from structures:
\n\n\n\nCost: The size of a tree determines the size of the job, but generally transplanting a tree costs $229 to $5,440.. Tree removal prices range from $223 to $2,089.
\n\n\n\nThere’s safety in numbers, and when trees are clustered close together, they are more wind-resistant and less likely to topple over in hurricane-force winds. Generally it’s recommended to plant trees in groups of five or more.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also better to have a mixture of different types of trees rather than planting a group of the same type of tree in the same cluster.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of grouping trees:
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree prices range from $150 to $1,850, so budget accordingly for how many trees you need. Don’t forget to consider additional logistical costs, such as the extra trips it will take to transport multiple new trees from the store to your backyard.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trim-Trees.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTake care of your trees and they will take care of you. Trees are a great source of shade, natural beauty, and, depending on the type, delicious fruit. Without proper care and regular pruning, trees aren’t as resistant and durable in a storm. Keeping your trees regularly pruned helps prevent them from being tossed around in fierce hurricane winds. When it comes to pruning, look out for the three D’s: Diseased, damaged, and dead trees.
\n\n\n\nWhen pruning, remember to thin the crowns of your trees. If the crown of a tree is too dense, rough winds can uproot the tree by pulling it right out of the ground.
\n\n\n\nShrubs aren’t as catastrophically destructive as trees, but loose branches from shrubs still cause plenty of problems on their own. Loose branches become dangerous projectiles in high speed winds or cause drainage blockage problems.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of tree and shrub trimming:
\n\n\n\nCost: To get a professional to trim your tree, you are looking at $315 to $700. A hedge trimming costs approximately $57 per hour, trimming a bush costs roughly $9, and tree trimming is often priced around $428 per tree. If you prefer to save money, you can trim your vegetation yourself.
\n\n\n\nThere’s such a thing as too much of a good thing, and you might be giving your trees too much water. If you overwater trees, the roots will stay shallow because they don’t have any need to delve deeper into the soil in search of water when water is readily available near the surface.
\n\n\n\nTrees with a shallow root system are more prone to getting uprooted when fierce storms and damaging winds blow through.
\n\n\n\nTo help your tree develop deeper roots, water it less frequently. If the soil around your tree is still moist, wait a week or so until it dries out. Then when the ground by the tree roots is dry, you can water your tree again. When you do water, give your tree a good, long drink. Trees need a thorough watering every so often to ensure that they continue to grow roots deeper into the ground.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of not overwatering:
\n\n\n\nCost: This will actually be a cost-saving measure. If you water less frequently, you will be saving on your monthly water bill.
\n\n\n\n![\"Ilex](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/31953982266_8871446f01_c-1.jpg\")
American Holly
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Hurricanes are tumultuous tempests that cause wild waves that send salty sea spray flying everywhere. Sometimes gusty winds blow salty seawater right into your yard.
\n\n\n\nTo help your landscaping plants survive a storm, choose tough, salt-tolerant plants such as the ones listed below:
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nIf a plant is not salt tolerant, salt will dry out the plant’s roots. This will hinder the plant from absorbing the water and nutrients it needs to survive, killing the plant.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of salt-tolerant plants:
\n\n\n\nCost: To have your plant bed installed by a professional, service prices typically range around $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to dealing with gusty hurricane winds, you need a fence that allows air to flow through.
\n\n\n\nEven a brand new wooden fence can be easily blown over in powerful high-speed winds if there aren’t gaps wide enough allowing wind to pass through. For this reason, sturdy wooden fences usually aren’t the best options for cities like Tampa. Instead, choose a slatted fencing material, such as:
\n\n\n\nTypes of fencing to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hurricane-resistant fencing:
\n\n\n\nCost: Prices depend on the type of fencing material, although usually fencing costs $7 to $51 per linear foot. Chain link fences cost between $6 and $36 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you live next to the ocean, you might need a seawall. A seawall helps prevent flooding and erosion of your property near the edge where the waves relentlessly batter your property.
\n\n\n\nSeawalls can be made out of several different materials:
\n\n\n\nSeawalls are designed to block out sea waves by holding them at bay so they don’t flood your property. This is especially important during a storm surge when the weather and waves are extra wild.
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of building a seawall:
\n\n\n\nCost: Seawall prices range from $113 to $770 per linear foot. Prices will vary depending on the scope of the project and the type of seawall material you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soft-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: pseudo obscure / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you use mulch in your landscape, avoid hard or sharp mulches such as pea gravel or stone. When blown around by high-speed hurricane winds, mulch becomes dangerous projectiles that cause a lot of damage when they hit windows or batter the surface of your house or car.
\n\n\n\nSoft mulch is gentler and won’t cause the same level of damage. Some soft mulches to consider include:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of soft mulches:
\n\n\n\nCost: Organic mulches such as tree bark, grass clippings, wood chips, or pine needles are usually best for lawns in hurricane territory. Free is always the best price, since some types of mulch types can be found in your yard, like pine needles or grass clippings. Prices of mulch vary depending on the type of mulch you want to purchase.
\n\n\n\nWhen rain is pouring down in torrents, water needs somewhere to drain or else flooding ensues. Before a hurricane hits Tampa, check that nearby storm drains aren’t clogged. This involves checking that nothing in your landscape is obstructing or blocking storm drainage pathways.
\n\n\n\nLeaves, sticks, and other debris get washed down and become blockage. To prevent a blocked drain from causing flooding, don’t slack off on keeping the yard clean and clear, especially if there is a hurricane heading your way. Mowing your lawn before a hurricane also makes it easier for water to drain through your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of clearing storm drains:
\n\n\n\nCost: If there is a lot of clutter in your yard that needs to be removed but you don’t have time to do the job yourself, lawn care professionals offer services at around $154 to $411.
\n\n\n\nBefore a hurricane hits Tampa, bring any loose objects inside, including outdoor chairs, lawn decor and lawn ornaments, toys, etc. Anything left outside might get blown away or become a dangerous projectile that could crash into your windows or car.
\n\n\n\nAlso, if you have a pool, you should cover it to protect it from getting filled with debris.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of bringing your yard decor inside:
\n\n\n\nCost: Clearing your yard should be a DIY job provided you have enough room inside your house to store your lawn decor. If there’s room, your garage can be used as a space to store your yard decor.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Gutter-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf the weather forecast predicts that a hurricane will hit Tampa soon, than you should clean out your gutters. Clearing out leaves, sticks, or other debris clogging your gutter drainage system allows water to drain properly off your roof.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of cleaning your gutters:
\n\n\n\nCost: Hiring a professional to clean your gutters costs $72 to $424, depending on the size of the house and whether the house is a single-story or a multi-story building.
\n\n\n\nWhen there are heavy hurricane rains and the city is in danger of flooding, the last thing needed is more water on your lawn. Turning off your sprinkler systems before a storm hits helps conserve water and protect the pipes from too much pressure.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of turning off the sprinkler system:
\n\n\n\nCost: Switching off the sprinkler system doesn’t cost any money and in fact it will save you some money on water bills.
\n\n\n\nHurricanes are dangerous and have a tendency to leave behind a lot of wanton destruction in their path. You won’t be able to keep your yard impervious to all damage, but taking steps to protect your yard can reduce property damage and repair costs. For hurricane preparedness, follow these steps to protect your yard from damage:
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to plan ahead and have an evacuation plan ready for your and your family. While you can take steps to protect your yard and increase its hurricane resistance, it still won’t guarantee that your yard or home will be safe. Play it safe and have a plan for what to do when a hurricane strikes.
\n\n\n\nThe hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass are the best hurricane-resistant grasses for Tampa yards. They are both warm-season grasses with high salt tolerance and a hardiness that makes them able to weather rough weather.
Yes. Artificial grass is wind-resistant and can handle a large amount of water during heavy hurricane rains.
It’s not just wind-resistant trees you need to think about when it comes to your yard: There are also shrubs, bushes, and flowers to consider, as well as fencing and what mulch types are the safest. Ideally, it’s best for Tampa residents to fill their yard with plants that are native to Florida.
If you want a hurricane-resistant landscape design, then find a Tampa lawn care pro to help you with your next landscaping project.
Main Image Credit: Mark Souther / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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