![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
One thing is for sure: Miami is known for its beautiful beaches. Packed with non-stop nightlife, diverse cultural arts, and luxury shopping malls, it’s no surprise this colorful city is a resident’s dream. But thanks to Miami’s tropical monsoon climate, residents enjoy their backyards and water sports year-round. Show off a thick green lawn you […]
\n","content":"\nOne thing is for sure: Miami is known for its beautiful beaches. Packed with non-stop nightlife, diverse cultural arts, and luxury shopping malls, it’s no surprise this colorful city is a resident’s dream. But thanks to Miami’s tropical monsoon climate, residents enjoy their backyards and water sports year-round. Show off a thick green lawn you are proud of with one of these five best grass types perfect for South Florida’s humid climate.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can always count on South Florida to be humid. The tropical climate is characterized by warm temperatures, frequent rain, and thunderstorms. With average winter temperatures in the mid-70s, Miami is best suited to warm-season grass varieties. These grass types grow best when temperatures hover between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for the southern United States.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nMiami’s tropical climate creates ideal conditions for weeds. Bermudagrass is a hardy, fine-textured variety with deep roots that make it resistant to heavy traffic, drought, and Florida weeds like goosegrass and buttonweed. The aggressive turfgrass recovers from damage quickly, making it an ideal choice for athletic fields, golf courses, and even home lawns.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is medium to dark green with a dense appearance. It establishes quickly, thrives in the sun, adapts to most soils, and is salt-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, sod webworms, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/saint-augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPalmetto, to Miami it’s a giant bug and a cultivar of St. Augustinegrass. This dense, blue-green grass is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass variety. It is easy to establish and quick-growing. Unfortunately, it does not stand up to heavy traffic and is susceptible to chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augstinegrass loves the warm, Florida weather and tolerates the salty air. It is coarse-textured but less dense than bermudagrass. Bitter Blue, a cultivar of St. Augustinegrass, is chinch bug resistant and popular in many areas.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, grubs, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. This hardy grass shares all of the popular characteristics of bermudagrass but is more shade-tolerant. Cultivars of zoysiagrass are superb choices for homes, athletic fields, and golf courses, standing up to heavy traffic, low mow heights, drought, cold, and shade.
\n\n\n\nThese grass varieties have low fertilization requirements and grow densely and slowly, blocking out weeds. Zoysiagrass is one of the lowest-maintenance South Florida grasses. It is salt-tolerant, disease-resistant, and not prone to insect infestation.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and lead spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMost South Floridians love the feel of sand between their toes, and the resilient variety Bahiagrass agrees. This grass loves sandy soil and is drought-resistant, thanks to deep roots. It grows slowly and requires less mowing than other varieties.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass has a coarse texture and light-green color. It requires little fertilization and most Miami homeowners do not need supplemental irrigation for this variety to thrive. Unfortunately, it does not stand up to salt spray, heavy traffic, or shade.
\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; dollar spot may occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; mole crickets may cause problems
\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
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a low-maintenance and slow-growing cultivar, requiring little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain green. The light-green grass loves the sandy, acidic soils of South Florida, but the smooth, flat blades do not handle heavy traffic, shade, cold, or herbicides well. Centipedegrass is prone to pests and disease when overwatered.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, lawn caterpillars, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow in temperatures as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Miami’s tropical weather allows for year-round growth most years.
You should plant your grass seed between April and July. This gives the seed a full growing season before the cold winter.
Chinch bugs love the sun. They are small and difficult to spot. Watch for yellow or brown patches in your lawn and contact a lawn care professional if you see signs of activity. In South Florida, chinch bugs love many grass types, including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass.
South Florida grass varieties thrive in warm weather, salty air, and sandy, acidic soil. Different varieties have different characteristics and needs, so choose a variety that works well for your space and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together with plants, flowers, and outdoor furniture to complete your home landscape. There are many hurricane-resistant landscaping options available for Miami, so you can spend less time worrying about your yard and more time enjoying the pristine beaches before hurricane season rolls around. For even more low-maintenance plants, check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in the tropical climate.
\n\n\n\nA tropical oasis is within reach so long as you provide the rum runner. Contact a Miami lawn care pro today to keep your lawn and landscaping green and chinch-bug-free.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Miami","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1789c/Miami-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/107df/Miami-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/293e9/Miami-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/f2cbb/Miami-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1789c/Miami-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/c26c2/Miami-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1dd6e/Miami-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/67b76/Miami-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/8df11/Miami-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/98a65/Miami-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1dd6e/Miami-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/3cc96/Miami-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Miami | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season, salt-tolerant grasses are the best choice for Miami, and these five species are great options."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"f3360803-2375-5191-8b4e-26527ee85e87","slug":"best-native-plants-saint-augustine","path":"/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/best-native-plants-saint-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 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Homeowners know that finding the perfect plants for landscaping can be tough. But did you know that some of the best options may be right outside your home? St. Augustine’s moderate climate and coastal location make it the ideal habitat for various native plants that thrive in the region. Choosing native plants for your landscaping […]
\n","content":"\nHomeowners know that finding the perfect plants for landscaping can be tough. But did you know that some of the best options may be right outside your home? St. Augustine’s moderate climate and coastal location make it the ideal habitat for various native plants that thrive in the region.
\n\n\n\nChoosing native plants for your landscaping not only celebrates the natural beauty of this coastal town but also offers several advantages over non-native species:
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re looking to enhance your yard’s aesthetic appeal or create a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape, incorporating the best native plants for St. Augustine is a great way to achieve your goals.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nHere are 15 of the best native plants for St. Augustine, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers.
\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
\n\n\n\nTypically found growing in the understory of wooded areas or along the edges of forests, this deciduous shrub produces small, pinkish-purple flowers in the spring and summer, eventually giving way to clusters of bright, magenta-colored berries in the fall. These berries are a food source for birds, including northern bobwhites and bluebirds.
\n\n\n\nTo make American beautyberry even more beautiful in your garden, consider planting it in groups or mass plantings to showcase its vibrant color. You also can mix it with other native plants, such as Florida anise, swamp milkweed, or goldenrod, to create a diverse and colorful landscape that attracts a variety of pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWhile American beautyberry is generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant, it may benefit from regular pruning to encourage a fuller and more attractive shape. If you want to keep the plant looking its best, trim back any dead or diseased branches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – needs at least four hours of direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows well in most soil conditions but prefers fertile, organic loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch of water per week, but it needs deep, slow watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but its berries may cause discomfort like vomiting if ingested.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Beach-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA beautiful and hardy native plant that thrives in the sandy soils and salty air of St. Augustine’s beaches, this low-growing perennial is a favorite among gardeners in the area for its bright flowers and ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe beach sunflower, which is a member of the aster family, blooms throughout the year, with the peak season occurring in the late summer and fall. During this time, the plant produces a profusion of yellow flowers resembling little suns.
\n\n\n\nAn excellent groundcover, beach sunflower can pair well with other native plants like sea oats and coontie, creating a natural beachy look in your landscape. Deadheading or trimming the flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms when the flowers start to fade. But avoid overwatering it if you don’t want it to succumb to sunflower rust.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8b-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic to alkaline, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nA showy, resilient wildflower native to much of North America, black-eyed Susan blooms from early summer to fall, producing bright yellow to orange flowers with dark centers. As they are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of St. Augustine, you’ll often see them planted in parks, public gardens, and along roadsides throughout the city.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its visual appeal, black-eyed Susan is a valuable food source for pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It also provides a habitat for ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests like aphids and spider mites.
\n\n\n\nDeadheading the spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers, and dividing the clumps every few years can help keep it healthy and vigorous. To make the most of black-eyed Susan in your garden, consider planting it alongside other native perennials, like coneflowers and bee balm.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial, annual, or biennial (depending on growing conditions)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it needs at least six hours of sun exposure each day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and pets, but may cause allergic skin reactions and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blanketflower_-_Gaillardia_aristata_IMG_6098-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Macdon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAnother member of the Aster family, blanketflower is popular in pollinator and butterfly gardens, attracting various species with their nectar-rich flowers. You can see them growing in gardens and natural areas, including Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach, and the nearby Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.
\n\n\n\nNative to the prairies of the southern United States, this perennial wildflower thrives in Florida’s sandy soils and warm, humid climate. It typically blooms from late spring through early fall, producing abundant flowers on bushy, compact plants. With its bright red and yellow petals, it can add a splash of color to garden beds, containers, and borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, dry, acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlooming from late spring through summer with striking orange flowers, butterfly milkweed stands out in any garden. These flowers not only add a splash of color to any landscape, but they also serve as an important food source for monarch butterflies.
\n\n\n\nA hardy and beautiful perennial native to Florida, butterfly milkweed grows wild in meadows, fields, and prairies throughout the state. It’s a must-have plant for any homeowner looking to attract pollinators to their garden.
\n\n\n\nOne way to make your butterfly milkweed even more beautiful in the garden is to pair it with other native plants, such as black-eyed Susans, coreopsis, or blanketflowers. To promote healthy growth, water regularly and avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to weak stems and fewer flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of the plant is toxic and can be fatal if ingested in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coontie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Florida arrowroot, coontie is a slow-growing evergreen indigenous to Florida. It’s well-suited to the area’s warm, humid climate and has a lifespan of over 50 years. It blooms in the spring and produces small, yellowish flowers that are not particularly showy. But its pretty, fern-like foliage and unique texture more than compensate for its inconspicuous blooms.
\n\n\n\nCoontie is drought-tolerant once established and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners. You can incorporate it into a mixed border with other native species and prune it to keep it in a more compact shape or let it grow naturally to its full size.
\n\n\n\nThe only native cycad in the United States, this ‘living fossil’ has been around for over 200 million years. It’s also the only plant that serves as the larval host for the Atala butterfly – an endangered species native to Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade (two to six hours of sun per day)
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-honeysuckle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida and other southeastern states, coral honeysuckle produces bright, coral-red flowers that bloom from spring to fall. Its nectar-rich blooms attract a wide range of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any Florida garden.
\n\n\n\nThis versatile perennial can be planted in various settings, from borders and rock gardens to trellises and fences. It also makes an excellent groundcover, spreading quickly and providing a lush, green carpet of foliage. But remember that it has an extreme flammability rating, so you shouldn’t plant it too close to your house.
\n\n\n\nTo keep your coral honeysuckle looking its best, provide it with plenty of support, such as a trellis or fence. This will encourage it to climb and help prevent it from becoming too leggy or sprawling. To promote new growth and keep it from getting unruly, you also can prune it back in late winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet (depending on its supporting structure)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Grows well in partial shade but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, rich, slightly acidic soil but tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are toxic to humans and pets but favored by birds
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coreopsis_auriculata_Nana_3zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found growing in the wild in dry, sandy soils in pine forests, sandhills, and open woodlands, ear-leaved tickseed is ideal for planting in large groups, along borders or pathways, or as a groundcover. This plant is a great addition to wildflower gardens or meadow landscapes.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant ear-leaved tickseed in large masses to create a stunning display of yellow blooms. Note that they need regular watering during the first growing season to establish their roots. But once established, they require very little watering, making them ideal for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from spring to summer. It’s a larval host to several butterfly species, including the Florida state butterfly – the zebra longwing. It also attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and other butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Florida-Anise-Illicium-floridanum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ted Bodner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, this evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves grows naturally in moist, shaded areas throughout the state. It’s known for its large, star-shaped fruits that ripen in the fall and are a food source for many bird species.
\n\n\n\nA larval host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly, Florida anise blooms in the spring, producing clusters of small, maroon flowers that have a sweet, spicy scent.
\n\n\n\nRemove dead or damaged branches and prune the shrub regularly to maintain its shape. Also, apply mulch around its base to retain moisture during the hot summer months. You also can grow it in containers or use it as a unique accent plant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, fertile, clay, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – while it’s drought-tolerant, you will need to water it weekly during long periods of dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its large, showy flowers, oakleaf hydrangea blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers are typically white but can take on pink or red tones in certain soil conditions. As its name suggests, the foliage of this Florida-friendly plant resembles that of an oak tree – with large, lobed leaves that turn a beautiful shade of burgundy in the fall.
\n\n\n\nSince it’s native to the Southeast U.S., oakleaf hydrangea is already well adapted to the hot and humid climate of St. Augustine. But regular pruning can help keep the plant healthy and encourage more blooms. Also, deadheading spent flowers can help promote new growth and extend the plant’s blooming period.
\n\n\n\nThe oakleaf hydrangea is a great plant for attracting wildlife to your garden. Its large flowers are a favorite of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the plant’s foliage provides shelter for birds and other small creatures.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fertile, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of this plant is poisonous and must not be ingested by humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pink-Pinxter-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: EoRdE6 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, pink pinxter azalea grows naturally in wetlands, woodlands, along stream banks, gardens, parks, and natural areas throughout St. Augustine and Jacksonville. It blooms with bright pink flowers in the early spring, serving as an important food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s also a larval host plant for the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly.
\n\n\n\nConsider planting pink pinxter azalea in a shady area with well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The plant requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Pruning after flowering can help shape the plant and promote healthy growth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic to both humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sabal-Palm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAn iconic symbol of Florida, Sabal palm is the most common palm you’ll see throughout the state. Like saw palmetto, this slow-growing palm also thrives in sandy soils in wetlands, hammocks, and coastal plains. This hardy plant can withstand droughts, saltwater spray, and hurricanes, making it an ideal choice for landscaping in St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nSabal palm blooms in late spring, producing small yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its fruit, which is dark blue or black when ripe, is a favorite food source for birds such as woodpeckers and bluejays.
\n\n\n\nRemember to trim the lower leaves of the palm to showcase its unique trunk, which is covered in a brown fibrous material. You also can add mulch around its base to help retain moisture and control weeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-30 feet tall, though it can grow up to 90 feet in the woods
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – but for the first six months, water it often until established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets – can cause paralysis or even death
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nAlso known as red salvia or scarlet salvia, scarlet sage is a stunning herbaceous perennial plant popularly grown in St. Augustine. This bright red-flowered plant is a showstopper in any garden or landscape, adding beautiful color and texture to any outdoor space. It’s a native of tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, including Florida, and thrives in the warm, humid climate of St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nWith pungent foliage that makes it deer-resistant, scarlet sage blooms from late spring to early fall, producing vibrant red or pink flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This evergreen is also a host plant for the white peacock butterfly, providing a source of food and habitat for its larvae.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage reseeds easily but needs regular watering and fertilizing to help it thrive. Also, removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms. You also should prune the plant back after its blooming season to help it grow bushier and produce more flowers the following year.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial – annual in regions with below-freezing winters
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, clay, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its flowers can cause gastric distress
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Southern-Live-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nWith their wide-spreading canopies and distinctive twisting branches, Southern live oaks are iconic features of the Florida landscape. You can find them throughout the city’s historic districts, public parks, and private gardens. Since the natural habitat of Southern live oaks is in coastal regions, they are well adapted to the sandy soils, salt spray, and high winds of these environments.
\n\n\n\nTypically blooming in the spring, these trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are pollinated by the wind. These evergreen trees are important host plants for a variety of butterfly and moth species, including the giant swallowtail butterfly and the io moth.
\n\n\n\nRegular watering and fertilization can help promote healthy growth and ensure the tree remains strong and disease-resistant. Additionally, pruning should be done carefully to maintain the tree’s natural shape and to prevent any damage to the branches or trunk. Also, consider incorporating other native plant species around the base of the tree to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape design.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 feet tall, 30-100 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – avoid ingesting the acorns and leaves as they can be poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/walters-viburnum-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWalter’s viburnum, also known as sweet viburnum, is a popular shrub for hedges or screens. It produces fragrant, creamy-white flowers in the spring while its glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round appeal. Its flowers are a favorite among pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds while the plant provides cover and nesting sites for birds.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its ornamental value, Walter’s viburnum also serves as a larval host for the viburnum sphinx moth. This shrub responds well to pruning, and shaping it into a hedge or topiary can create a stunning focal point in any landscape. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub to small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-25 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in regions with mild winters
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, but water it often until established (six to 12 months after planting)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine is home to a diverse range of native plant species, from stunning wildflowers to lush shrubs and trees. With an average low temperature of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit, the city falls primarily into USDA hardiness zone 9a. This zone provides the perfect conditions for many native plants to thrive, but you must choose plants well-suited to your specific yard.
\n\n\n\nNot only do native plants enhance the beauty of your yard, but they also support the local ecosystem and help maintain the area’s natural balance. But while the region’s well-draining, sandy soil is ideal for many native plants, some may require additional nutrients or amendments to thrive.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, many native plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, humid summers, but you must consider water usage and conservation. Using mulch and compost can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting plants, test your soil first. You can get help from your local cooperative extension or soil testing lab to determine your soil’s pH level, texture, and nutrient and salinity levels. This way, you can choose the plants best suited to your soil type.
\n\n\n\nWhile St. Augustine is known for its lush greenery and subtropical climate, creating a backyard buffer can be an essential step in preserving the natural beauty of the area and protecting your home from hurricanes. Native plants are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they are well-suited to the local climate and can provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
Some of the best native plants for a backyard buffer in St. Augustine include coontie, firebush, muhly grass, red cedar, and wax myrtle.
Apart from beach sunflowers, other plants that bloom year-round in Florida include the Egyptian star cluster, plumbago, and porterweed. But remember that some perennial plants that show flowers all year in South Florida, like firespike, only bloom in certain months in North Florida.
The type of soil found in Northeast Florida can vary depending on location. But since St. Augustine is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, barrier islands, and coastal forests, the city has mostly sandy soil with low fertility.
The sandy soil here is well-drained and doesn’t retain moisture well, making it challenging for plants to establish deep roots and absorb the nutrients they need to thrive. Adding organic matter, like compost, to sandy soil can help improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient content. Still, it’s better to choose native plants well-suited to the local soil conditions as they don’t require excessive watering or fertilization.
Even though St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for many homeowners in the area, it may not be the best fit for a garden that features a variety of native plants. This is because St. Augustine grass is known to be aggressive and can outcompete other plants for resources.
A better option would be Zoysiagrass. This warm-season grass can thrive in the heat and humidity of St. Augustine and has a slower growth rate than St. Augustinegrass. This means it’s less likely to compete with native plants for resources, allowing them to grow and flourish.
Another option to consider is a ground cover, such as coontie, beach sunflower, creeping phlox, dwarf mondo grass, or creeping thyme. These low-growing plants can provide a green carpet-like appearance without the aggressive growth of St. Augustinegrass. They’re also great for edging walkways or filling in gaps between stepping stones – providing a visual contrast and adding texture to your garden.
St. Augustine is blessed with a rich diversity of native plant species, including flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees that thrive in the area’s unique climate and soil. If you’re looking to add some indigenous flora to your garden, there are several local nurseries and plant resources to check out.
\n\n\n\nStart your search with the Florida Native Plant Society, a statewide organization that promotes using native plants in landscaping and conservation. Their website provides much information on local plant species, their growing conditions, and where to find them.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting native plants for your garden, consider the environmental conditions of your site, including soil type, water availability, and exposure to sun and shade. Also, purchase plants from reputable sources and avoid transplanting them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nAdding native plants to your landscape can help create a sustainable and low-maintenance garden that supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for native wildlife.
But if you’re short on time or unsure where to start, consider hiring a St. Augustine landscaping pro to help design and maintain your beautiful, eco-friendly garden.
Main Image Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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\n","content":"\nThe Sunshine State is well-known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and unique wildlife. But when it comes to landscaping, choosing the right type of grass is key to maintaining a lush and healthy lawn in Florida’s subtropical climate.
\n\n\n\nYou should look for grass types with good heat tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, as they are necessary to survive this region’s hot and humid summers and mild winters. Fortunately, several grass types thrive in this tropical state. Let’s explore the 7 best grass types for Florida, so you can keep your lawn looking green and healthy year-round.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding each grass variety’s distinct growth patterns and requirements is essential in determining the best fit for your lawn. Categorizing grass types into two general groups based on their temperature preferences simplifies the selection process and makes it easier to make an informed decision.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: Growing actively when the temperatures are between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, these grasses thrive during summer. Some examples of warm-season grasses that can tolerate drought and high temperatures include bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. For the best results, you should plant these grasses in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, thrive in colder temperatures that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, they are best suited for spring and fall when temperatures are milder. But since they prefer winter weather, these grass types may struggle during the hot summer months.
\n\n\n\nSelecting the ideal grass type based on your lawn’s unique qualities and the prevailing weather conditions is crucial in ensuring a healthy and attractive lawn year-round. In the subtropical climate of Florida, where summers are hot and humid, warm-season grasses are the best choice.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the perfect grass variety is the first step in turning your backyard into a verdant paradise. In Florida, where warm-season grasses thrive, you have plenty of options to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA great option for lawns in Central and South Florida, bahiagrass thrives in the warmer temperatures of these regions. It also can be planted in North Florida, but it may not be as cold-tolerant as some other grass varieties, and homeowners in this region may need to take extra precautions during colder months.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant grass requires little water, making it an ideal choice for areas with limited rainfall. Its ability to establish deep roots helps it tolerate drought conditions and stay green during periods of low rainfall. Note, though, that extended periods of dry spells may cause it to become dormant.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – it needs full sun to grow well
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – mow every week or two to control its seed heads (you may have to mow more often during summer)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low resistance – can be susceptible to ergot diseases and dollar spot (especially the Pensacola cultivar)
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – mostly prone to mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers sandy loam but grows in most types of soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Growing grass from seeds typically takes more time and effort to establish compared to using sod. While other methods, such as sprigging and plugging, may be viable alternatives, they may potentially increase the risk of weed infestation.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its high wear tolerance, bermudagrass is a popular choice for sports fields, golf courses, and parks throughout the state. It is best suited for South and Central Florida, as well as the coastal areas of Northern Florida, where the warm and humid weather conditions are ideal for its growth.
\n\n\n\nSince this warm-season grass is drought-tolerant, it’s perfect for homeowners that experience frequent water restrictions. And with its rapid growth rate, bermudagrass can help you achieve a quick establishment of your lawn. You can plant it using sod, seed, or sprigs, and it will tolerate a wide range of soil types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – some cultivars need more direct sun exposure than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – extended periods of drought may cause it to turn brown and enter dormancy
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – it requires mowing, watering, and fertilization more often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches – during periods of extreme heat or drought, you’ll have to raise the mowing height to retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – may be prone to dollar spot, brown patch, spring dead spot, and leaf spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be susceptible to mole crickets, armyworms, hunting billbugs, and white grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers loam soil but can grow in most types of soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For optimal results, reseed bermudagrass during the late spring or early summer, when temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Consistent watering is key to promoting germination, which usually takes 10 to 14 days. Keep the newly seeded area moist but not overly saturated to prevent the seeds from washing away or developing mold.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Carpet_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called Louisianagrass, this warm-season turfgrass is well-suited to the humid conditions of the Sunshine State. Native to the Gulf Coast region, carpetgrass is best suited for use in the central and southern parts of Florida, where temperatures are warmer and rainfall is abundant. It’s not the best choice for North Florida lawns, as temperatures can drop below its preferred range during winter.
\n\n\n\nWith its impressive tolerance to waterlogging, carpetgrass is an ideal option for Florida lawns that experience high rainfall and flooding. But since it requires consistent moisture, you must water it regularly, especially during drought.
\n\n\n\nEven with its shallow root system, carpetgrass is still more drought-tolerant than other grass types. It’s typically used in areas that receive light to moderate foot traffic, such as residential lawns and golf courses. This shade-tolerant grass can grow in areas with partial shade, making it ideal for areas with trees or other obstructions that block sunlight.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – although it’s not as shade-tolerant as St. Augustinegrass
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate – its shallow roots will hinder its survival during extreme droughts
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – you’ll need to mow its tall seed heads every week
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low resistance – can be prone to large patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – mostly susceptible to white grubs and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, moist (but not muddy), infertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For the seeds to germinate, reseed this warm-season grass in late spring to early summer. Before spreading the seeds, loosen the soil in the area to at least six inches deep.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nAnother warm-season grass that thrives in Florida’s climate, centipedegrass is best suited for lawns in South and Central Florida, where the temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year. It has a natural green color and a fine, soft texture, giving it a lush appearance.
\n\n\n\nThis slow-growing grass requires minimal mowing, watering, and fertilization. And since it’s tolerant of drought and shade, centipedegrass can withstand Florida’s unpredictable weather. While it may not be as tolerant of traffic as other grass types, it’s still a popular choice for residential lawns and ornamental gardens due to its low-maintenance requirements.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – prefers full sun but can still grow in partial shade with just six hours of sun exposure
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate – prolonged periods of dry spells can cause it to go dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches – for lawns in shaded areas, increase the mower height by half an inch
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – mostly susceptible to iron chlorosis and centipedegrass decline
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be prone to spittlebugs, sod webworms, mole crickets, ground pearl insects, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: With its relatively low maintenance requirements and slow growth rate, this grass variety doesn’t need reseeding as often as the other grass types. But you’ll know it’s time to reseed when you see bare and thinning spots on your lawn.
\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\nThis warm-season grass is known for its salt tolerance and ability to thrive in coastal areas. Commonly used in South Florida, seashore paspalum also can be grown in other parts of the state. It’s ideal for areas that experience frequent saltwater intrusions, such as coastal golf courses and beachfront properties.
\n\n\n\nIts unique blue-green color and fine texture make it a popular choice for high-end landscapes. In fact, it can maintain its color and texture even in harsh conditions. It grows best in temperatures between 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and requires regular watering to keep it looking its best. While seashore paspalum can tolerate saltwater, it still requires well-draining soil and proper irrigation.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Very low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent mowing, watering, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High resistance – but it can be susceptible to pythium blight, take-all root rot, and Helminthosporium disease
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High resistance – but may be affected by mole crickets, sod webworms, and fall armyworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-8
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers well-drained soil but can still thrive in most types of soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This delicate grass type doesn’t tolerate cold weather very well. Applying too much fertilizer can cause thatch buildup, which can prevent it from getting enough water and nutrients. Also, avoid using herbicides that are not specifically labeled for seashore paspalum.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palmetto-St.-Augustine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnother popular warm-season grass, St. Augustinegrass thrives in the subtropical climate of Florida. Due to its tolerance to salt and high humidity levels, this grass is well-suited for the coastal areas of Central and South Florida. It also performs well in the environmental conditions of North Florida.
\n\n\n\nWith a medium to dark green color and a coarse texture, St. Augustinegrass has a dense growth pattern that can help prevent weed growth. Its shade tolerance is another desirable trait, making it ideal for areas with partial shade.
\n\n\n\nIn terms of care, this grass type requires regular watering and fertilization. It’s also prone to thatch buildup, which can be managed through consistent mowing and aeration. Note that St. Augustinegrass is not tolerant of cold weather and can be damaged by frost.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – some cultivars can tolerate shade more than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – it needs to be mowed often and requires moderate watering and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow tall in shade, 3-4 inches for standard cultivars, and 2.5-3 inches for dwarf cultivars)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – common diseases include gray leaf spot, take-all root rot, and large patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be prone to grubs, grass loopers, mole crickets, armyworms, webworms, chinch bugs, and cutworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers fertile, moist (not muddy) soil but can still grow in most types of soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Not being able to produce viable seeds, St. Augustinegrass usually reproduces through other methods. This grass type is commonly propagated by transplanting sods, sprigs, or plugs to establish a new lawn or fill in bare spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/solar-panels-working-2-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: menikwidyowatis’s Images / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nKnown for its fine blades, dense growth pattern, and beautiful emerald-green color, Zoysiagrass is perfect for lawns, parks, and golf courses. While it can be found in all regions of Florida, it is most commonly used in South and Central Florida due to its tolerance to the hotter and drier conditions found in these areas.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety’s ability to withstand drought and salty conditions makes it an excellent option for coastal areas, where saltwater intrusion can damage other types of grass. Plus, its strong root system allows it to absorb water and nutrients efficiently, helping it survive periods of low rainfall.
\n\n\n\nWhile Zoysiagrass requires less fertilizer and water than other grass types, its slow growth rate can make it difficult to establish a new lawn. It’s best to plant this grass in the spring or early summer to promote growth. And with its moderate resistance to pests and diseases, you’ll have a lesser need for chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – it requires more direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – but you’ll have to give it supplemental watering during extended periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to spring dead spot, fairy wings, rust, curvularia, dollar spot, root decline, brown patch, leaf spot, and powdery mildew
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – common pests include chinch bugs, sod webworms, hunting billbugs, armyworms, mole crickets, grubs, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil but can still grow in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Despite its deep root system and ability to tolerate compacted soil, Zoysiagrass may not thrive as much in these conditions as it would in well-aerated soil.
\n\n\n\nWith cooler winters and fewer hurricanes, North Florida has a more temperate climate than the rest of Florida. Bordered by Alabama and Georgia, the northernmost region of Florida is known for its natural beauty, including the Gulf Coast beaches in the Florida Panhandle, the Apalachicola National Forest, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
\n\n\n\nBeing surrounded by beautiful scenery, you’ll want to make your lawn look just as lovely. And to choose the best grass that will thrive in the unique climate and soil of your region, you need to consider numerous factors, including:
\n\n\n\nGrasses with good cold tolerance are necessary to survive occasional winter freezes, but you’ll also want them to withstand the heat and humidity of the summer months. Some of the best grass types for North Florida include:
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant grass in this region is during the warm and wet season, typically between April and June. This allows the grass to establish roots and grow before the cooler and drier winter season arrives.
\n\n\n\nCentral Florida is popular for its theme parks, including Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort, as well as its numerous lakes and natural springs. This region, where major cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Lakeland are located, has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the best grass for your Central Florida lawn shouldn’t be difficult as long as you know which grass types thrive in this region. The following factors can help you choose the best turfgrass for your yard:
\n\n\n\nYou should look for grass types with good heat tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, as they are necessary to survive this region’s hot and humid conditions. The following grasses can withstand the heat and humidity of the summer months and survive mild winters:
\n\n\n\nWhile these grass types can tolerate the wet and dry conditions of Central Florida, it’s best to plant them between May and September to give them enough time to grow and establish roots before the cold sets in.
\n\n\n\nThe most heavily populated and culturally diverse region in the state, South Florida encompasses major cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach. It’s also home to the Everglades, a vast subtropical wetland ecosystem, and the Florida Keys off the southern coast of Florida. The climate here is hot and humid year-round, with occasional hurricanes during summer and fall.
\n\n\n\nTo choose the best grass for your South Florida lawn, you need to consider the environmental conditions of this tropical region, including:
\n\n\n\nThe following drought-tolerant grasses can thrive in the heat and humidity of South Florida summers:
\n\n\n\nRemember to plant grasses between May and September when the weather is warm. Additionally, proper lawn care practices like regular fertilization, mowing, and irrigation can help keep your South Florida lawn healthy and beautiful.
\n\n\n\nIf your Florida property is prone to flooding, choosing the right grass type can make a significant difference in maintaining a beautiful lawn. St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass may not be the best options since they are not tolerant of standing water.
Instead, consider a grass variety that can tolerate and survive standing water for a short period. One option is carpetgrass, which has a deep root system that makes it resilient even in wet soils. It can endure even the most challenging water conditions, making it perfect for Florida lawns that face seasonal hurricanes and flooding. Centipedegrass is also a suitable option for its tolerance to flooding and adaptability to various soil types.
The amount of water your turfgrass needs depends on various factors, such as the grass type, soil type, weather conditions, and time of year. As a general rule, most Florida lawns require around 1 inch of water per week. During the hot summer months, your lawn may need more frequent watering, while during the cooler months, it may require less.
Water your lawn for longer periods but less frequently. Watering for short periods every day can lead to shallow root growth, and the grass will not be as resilient during dry spells.
Watering at the right time can help conserve water, reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and ensure your grass receives the water it needs to stay healthy.
The best time to water your lawn in Florida is early in the morning, preferably before 10 a.m. This time is ideal because the temperature is cooler, the wind is usually calmer, and the grass has plenty of time to dry before the hotter part of the day. Watering later in the day can lead to excessive water loss due to evaporation, which means your grass won’t be receiving the full benefits of the water.
You should avoid watering your lawn in the afternoon or evening, as this can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Watering during these times can also lead to prolonged periods of wet grass, which can attract pests and cause damage to your lawn.
By integrating native plants into your garden, you can take a step toward conserving natural resources while also creating an eye-catching landscape. Utilizing these plants eliminates the need for excess watering, fertilization, and pest control measures since they have already adapted to Florida’s climate and soil conditions and require little to no maintenance.
Some of the best native plants for Florida include the American beautyberry, coontie, and goldenrod. These plants not only add beauty to your garden, but they also serve as a natural habitat for local wildlife, such as butterflies and birds. Plus, they can help promote biodiversity in the area by attracting a range of beneficial insects and pollinators.
Florida’s unique climate and environmental conditions make it essential to select the right grass type for a healthy and vibrant lawn year-round. From bahiagrass to Zoysiagrass, these seven grass types offer unique features and benefits, making them the best options for Florida homeowners.
\n\n\n\nWith their adaptability to Florida’s warm temperatures and humidity, these grass types can thrive even in challenging conditions, such as drought, flooding, and soil compaction, while contributing to the beauty and biodiversity of the Sunshine State’s unique ecosystem.
Whether you need help in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Pensacola, or another city in the Sunshine State, our lawn care professionals can help you achieve a lush and resilient lawn.
Main Image Credit: Boca Grande, Florida / Trish Hartmann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Florida","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5286624203821657,"src":"/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/1789c/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/107df/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/293e9/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/f2cbb/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/1789c/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/c26c2/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/1dd6e/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/67b76/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/8df11/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/98a65/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/1dd6e/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/3cc96/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Florida | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking for the perfect grass for your yard? Discover the 7 best grass types for Florida's humid subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"01725c17-83b1-5edc-b262-9d63ea36a680","slug":"worst-weeds-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/worst-weeds-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?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 31st, 2019","excerpt":"The same gorgeous weather that attracts so many to Florida also attracts weeds. This year, get ready to strike back. These are some of the worst weeds in Tampa and how to get rid of them.
\n","content":"\nMost weeds need warm weather to survive, which makes the Tampa Bay area the perfect habitat for weeds, since Florida’s humidity and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for invasive plants. If you’re tired of weeds overtaking your lawn and ready to get rid of them once and for all, here is a guide to the 7 worst weeds in Tampa and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nNo one likes an uninvited guest, and that is exactly what weeds are: an unwanted guest. Not only do weeds ruin the uniform aesthetic beauty of your grass lawn, they threaten the health of your grass, as well.
\n\n\n\nWeeds cause several lawn issues:
\n\n\n\nAside from that, weeds are usually a sign that something is wrong with your yard, such as overwatering or unhealthy grass.
\n\n\n\nThere are two methods for removing weeds from your Tampa lawn: pulling weeds up by hand or using chemical treatments. Which method works best for your yard depends on the type of weeds you have as well as the size of the weed infestation plaguing your yard.
\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\nIf you pull weeds by hand, there is weed-removal equipment you can use to help in the process, such as a garden trowel, a hoe, or a screwdriver. The sooner a weed is removed, the easier it is to pull it up before it has a fully developed root system and takes root in the ground.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to remove the entire weed, including all its roots, tubers, and bulbs. If pieces of the weed are left behind, the weed may grow right back.
\n\n\n\nFor tap roots, try using a screwdriver or dandelion fork to uproot the entire root system.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spraying-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Praxis Eco Pest Control / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSometimes a weed infestation may be too severe to remove by hand. In that case, you might be better off using chemical weed killer treatments to eradicate your weed infestation instead.
\n\n\n\n![\"Broadleaf](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Broadleaf-Plantain.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simon / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith a knack for thriving in compacted and soggy soils, broadleaf plantain forms a rosette of broad leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long. Broadleaf plantain is an edible perennial with medicinal properties that can soothe digestive problems, minor burns, or wounds. The weed produces flowers that grow in vertical stalks.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a hardy weed with a tap root system that can endure high levels of foot traffic and grow in sidewalk cracks or other tight spots. Broadleaf plantain needs full or partial sun in order to keep growing. From spring to fall, the weed produces white flowers. The plant is pollinated by wind.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-12
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Loves cool, moist soil most; works in clay or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal, post-emergent or pre-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-17.jpg\")
Photo Credit: OllgaP / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmall, daisy-like flowers surrounded by oval green leaves growing in your yard may be a sign of common chickweed infesting your lawn. Chickweed grows low to the ground, ducking under lawnmower blades.
\n\n\n\nA winter annual, common chickweed is an invasive species that thrives in areas that are moist, cool, and shady. Although the flowers may be pretty, chickweed is an invasive spreader, and a single chickweed plant can produce more than 800 seeds.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to get rid of common chickweed is to use herbicides or uproot them by hand. Remember that chickweed has a fibrous root system, so don’t leave traces of the weed behind, otherwise it might grow back.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Areas that are moist, cool, and shady
\n\n\n\nDanger: Although common chickweed is edible, in some cases it might cause an upset stomach if consumed in large quantities
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal, pre-emergent herbicides, good lawn maintenance
\n\n\n\n![\"Crabgrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Large-crabgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlat, bright green grass blades shooting out from a central root and tapering to a sharp point are a trademark feature of crabgrass. Crabgrass is a warm-season grass that loves Tampa weather. Its seeds germinate in early spring and summer, and crabgrass tends to pop up wherever there is patchy grass or bare plots of soil.
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass reproduces rapidly. If left alone too long, you risk the weed spreading seeds all over your lawn. The best treatment for crabgrass is herbicides. Also avoid cutting your grass too low, otherwise it may result in inviting crabgrass to invade your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Dry, disturbed soil where the grass is sparse and there are dirt patches for crabgrass to grow in
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, hand removal, routine lawn maintenance
\n\n\n\n![\"Dandelion](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mike Mozart / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne common weed that can be seen across North America is the dandelion. This flowering weed is known for maturing into the white puffballs of seeds you blow on to make a wish, but blow on one of these and you might find yourself getting a weed you hadn’t wished for.
\n\n\n\nDandelions blossom in a cheery bright yellow flower of spiky petals stuck on top of a tall, hollow stem. They have jagged dark green leaves. Dandelions are an edible plant that usually sprout up in late spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nDandelions are difficult to remove by hand because they have deep tap roots that delve 6-18 inches deep. Post-emergent herbicides can remove dandelions. Keeping your grass dense and healthy with routine lawn maintenance is the best preventative measure against dandelions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None; dandelions are edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollarweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dariusz Kowalczyk / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf it looks like a bunch of tiny lily pads infesting your grass, you are dealing with dollarweed. Commonly known as pennywort, dollarweed is a warm-season perennial that thrives in the summer. It is most common in warm states, particularly Florida and Texas.
\n\n\n\nDollarweed derives its name from its round green leaves with scalloped edges, which are shaped like a silver dollar. It grows low to the ground and produces little white flowers in July and August.
\n\n\n\nThis water lover has an affinity for moist soils. If you have dollarweed in your yard, it’s a sign you have poor drainage or are overwatering your lawn. To prevent dollarweed from infiltrating your yard:
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4a-10a
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, clay, acidic, or neutral soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal, pre-emergent or post-emergent pesticides, proper irrigation
\n\n\n\n![\"Flordia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flordia-Pusley.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dinesh Valke / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlorida pusley grows in dense patches, making it a challenge to remove by hand. Pusley blooms with snow-white flowers that turn purple as they mature. Their oval-shaped leaves taper to a sharp point at the end. Both stem and leaves are hairy, and all the foliage branches out from a single stem.
\n\n\n\nFlorida pusley is a fast-spreading plant that needs to be dealt with quickly to prevent it from overtaking your lawn. It loves lurking in thin areas among warm-season grasses, the types of grasses most commonly found in Tampa yards.
\n\n\n\nDrought-resistant and capable of withstanding sub-freezing temperatures, pusley is a durable weed. The summer annual has a shallow tap root system. Florida pusley usually grows in large groups, so the sheer quantity of them makes them difficult and tedious to remove by hand.
\n\n\n\nRoutine lawn maintenance such as regular mowing, watering, and aeration are good practices to keep Florida pusley away. Just be careful not to mow your lawn too short, otherwise it will decrease the lawn’s health and make it more susceptible to a pusley infestation. A large number of Florida pusley weeds in your yard may be an indication of a nematode problem.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal, routine lawn maintenance
\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\n\n\n\n\nGrowing in a haphazard mess of tangly leaves, goosegrass is a low-growing grass-like plant with stems and leaves radiating outward from a pale center, growing more vertically then horizontally. Some homeowners might recognize goosegrass by its other names, wiregrass or crowfootgrass.
\n\n\n\nGrowing in warm regions across the United States, fast-spreading goosegrass can grow up to 12 inches tall if left unattended. Unfortunately, goosegrass thrives in compacted soil and endures high levels of foot traffic, which makes it a tenacious weed capable of withstanding wear and tear.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners can use herbicides to prevent or kill goosegrass. Routine lawn maintenance and aeration helps prevent goosegrass from appearing in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Compact, wet soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre- or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\nFor weed management, the University of Florida recommends spraying pre-emergent herbicides around Feb. 1 in South Florida and Feb. 15 in Central Florida. Homeowners may want to spray earlier than that if temperatures start reaching 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Post-emergent herbicides can be sprayed on any visible weed, although the younger a weed is, the easier it is to control.
Frequent mowing helps eliminate weeds during the growing season as long as the lawn is mowed to the appropriate height and the grass isn’t cut too short. Cutting your grass too short invites weeds to your yard.
Mowing damages weeds and cuts off the flowering parts that produce seeds and spread more weeds across your lawn. Don’t forget to bag your grass clippings so that weed seeds don’t spread around your yard.
Yes, vinegar can get rid of weeds. However, vinegar is not as effective as weed-killing chemicals, as vinegar only kills the top part of a weed, not its root. Vinegar may be a natural solution for a few weeds, but it won’t be effective against large infestations.
Weeds are an irritating nuisance but a problem that can be dealt with, especially if homeowners react swiftly and get rid of weeds as soon as possible. Don’t forget that prevention is the best strategy to stopping weed growth in your lawn. Keep up with routine lawn maintenance and with spraying pre-emergent chemicals to prevent the seeds of invasive plants from germinating.
\n\n\n\nIf weeds are overrunning your yard, don’t stress. Call a pro instead. Wikilawn can help you find a local lawn care company to get rid of those pesky plants for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Hampton Terrace Historic District / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Worst Weeds in Tampa (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/1789c/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/107df/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 320w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/293e9/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 500w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/f2cbb/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 800w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/1789c/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 960w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/c26c2/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/1dd6e/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/67b76/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 320w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/8df11/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 500w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/98a65/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 800w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/1dd6e/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 960w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/3cc96/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Worst Weeds in Tampa (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Weeds are popping up around your Tampa lawn. Find out what weeds are commonly found in the Tampa Bay area and how to get rid of them."}}},{"node":{"id":"9fc458a7-dc2c-59cf-8a99-b4ed5505b920","slug":"best-grass-types-st-petersburg","path":"/lawn-care/fl/st-petersburg/best-grass-types-st-petersburg/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"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":"734573d5-65ff-50b5-a3d5-4fe6344a5027","name":"St. Petersburg","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/st-petersburg/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"It would be tough to find a better climate than St. Petersburg’s, with its warm temps and abundant sunshine. This tropical weather makes it a great place to live and play, but it also gives you an opportunity to have a magnificent lawn year-round, provided you know what grasses thrive here. Let’s take a look […]
\n","content":"\nIt would be tough to find a better climate than St. Petersburg’s, with its warm temps and abundant sunshine. This tropical weather makes it a great place to live and play, but it also gives you an opportunity to have a magnificent lawn year-round, provided you know what grasses thrive here.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at the seven best grass types for St. Petersburg.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll grass types come under these two categories.
\n\n\n\nAs you might have guessed, warm-season grasses thrive best in St. Petersburg’s humid subtropical climate.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a quick-spreading and fast-growing turf that looks gorgeous. It requires high maintenance and grows best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass tolerates drought but requires you to fertilize it five times a year and mow once per week. It tolerates high foot traffic too, and can quickly recover from damages. In fact, Bermudagrass is used on football fields and golf courses because of its durability.
\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. Augustinegrass is among the most popular turfs in the Tampa Bay area. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate shade. St. Augustinegrass looks beautiful with its dense green to blue-green coarse grass blades.
\n\n\n\nIf you have kids and pets running around your yard, St. Augustinegrass isn’t a good option, as it can’t tolerate high foot traffic. It’s a high-maintenance grass that requires you to fertilize it four times a year and mow once a week. Avoid irrigating St. Augustinegrass with salt water as it can’t tolerate salt much.
\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 beautiful grass that’s light to medium green in color. It’s slow growing but requires little maintenance when established. Centipedegrass grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass takes about two years to form a dense turf. During this period, you should keep the weeds in control. Centipedegrass can resist most insects but can’t tolerate high foot traffic and salt.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss looks beautiful with its bluish-green, fine-textured grass. It’s soft on bare feet, but it can’t tolerate high foot traffic. Buffalograss grows well in clay soil and can thrive in soils with pH levels between 6.0 to 8.0.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss grows best in full sun and tolerates drought. Don’t overwater it, as the grass can attract weeds.
\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\nZoysia is a popular grass across Florida because it’s beautiful, durable, and can tolerate high foot traffic. It grows slowly and takes time to recover from damages. If your home is near St. Pete Beach, Zoysia can be a great option, as it can tolerate salt.
\n\n\n\nZoysia prefers full sun but can grow in partial shade too. It can resist diseases and insects, so you don’t have to worry about chinch bugs destroying your grass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is distinctive with its light green appearance. It prefers full sun and can’t tolerate high foot traffic. Bahiagrass requires little maintenance and can tolerate drought. But when you don’t water the grass for an extended period, it can turn brown because of drought-induced dormancy.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass resists diseases and insects. If you have salt water in your irrigation system, stay away from this grass as it can’t tolerate salt much.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum can be a great option for homes near St. Pete Beach as it has incredible salt tolerance. It grows best in full sun and can tolerate high foot traffic. Seashore paspalum requires frequent mowing, but be careful when mowing this grass as it takes a long time to recover from damage.
\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum can’t tolerate drought and is susceptible to diseases like large patches and dollar spots.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and buffalograss are hardy and do well in dry conditions.
If your lawn is shady, you can plant St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, Zoysia, and bahiagrass.
Buffalograss, Zoysia, and bahiagrass are the best options for low-maintenance lawns.
If you want to enjoy a lush green lawn year-round, it’s possible with these warm-season grasses. Choose a grass type that best suits your requirements and your lawn’s condition.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass and Zoysia are the most popular grass types among St. Petersburg homeowners. They both look beautiful and can tolerate high foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nPlanting the right grass can increase the appearance of your lawn. But if you want your yard to look complete, you should select the right plants and maintain your yard correctly.
Keep your lawn in good shape with Wikilawn St. Petersburg lawn care experts.
Main Image Credit: John O’Neill / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for St. Petersburg, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5873015873015872,"src":"/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/1789c/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/107df/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/293e9/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/f2cbb/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/1789c/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/c26c2/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/1dd6e/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/67b76/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 320w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/8df11/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 500w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/98a65/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 800w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/1dd6e/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 960w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/3cc96/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for St. Petersburg, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"St. Petersburg has a tropical climate, but not all grasses thrive here. Here is a look at the grass types that look great and will thrive in this heat and humidity"}}},{"node":{"id":"cb5de3f7-9238-5026-81b4-1d17a406324e","slug":"best-grass-types-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/best-grass-types-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":"March 20th, 2023","excerpt":"With the beautiful subtropical climate in Jacksonville, who wouldn’t want a lush lawn to match the greenery? However, you should choose a species that can handle the warm weather, rain or shine. These warm-season grass types are well-suited for the city. Let’s review the pros and cons of each species so you can plant the […]
\n","content":"\nWith the beautiful subtropical climate in Jacksonville, who wouldn’t want a lush lawn to match the greenery? However, you should choose a species that can handle the warm weather, rain or shine. These warm-season grass types are well-suited for the city. Let’s review the pros and cons of each species so you can plant the best lawn for your property.
\n\n\n\nAlmost every lawn you see in Florida is made up of warm-season grass. Warm-season grasses do best in the southern half of the United States, while cool-season grasses do best in the northern states. Warm-season grasses thrive in spring and summer but turn brown and dormant in the winter. Of course, Jacksonville has mild winters, so your lawn will stay green longer.
\n\n\n\nThough many species of warm-season grasses exist, these five are the best-suited for Jacksonville lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhile Zoysiagrass originated in Asia, it’s well-adapted to warm, humid weather like that in Jacksonville. This light- to medium-green grass is heat and drought tolerant with low maintenance needs. However, it can still go dormant or die in extreme heat. Zoysiagrass has better cold tolerance than most warm-season grasses, which makes it a good fit for North Florida.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass can tolerate some shade but grows best in full sun. Zoysiagrass’ density helps it resist wear, diseases, weeds, and pests. It also tolerates herbicides more than other grass types. However, it’s slow to establish. Sod works better for establishment than plugs or seeds, even though it’s the more expensive option.
\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: Moderate mowing frequency and low to moderate fertilizer needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches. Cut with a sharp blade and mow taller if it’s in partial shade
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance and not prone to insect infestation
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Depends on the cultivar, but generally, well-draining soils work best
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Zoysiagrass has a good salt tolerance, which makes it ideal for coastal Jacksonville. Because of its dense growth pattern, zoysiagrass is popularly sold as sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermuda-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThis fine- to medium-textured grass is native to tropical and subtropical climates. Bermudagrass can stay bright green year-round with sufficient irrigation or rainfall but will turn brown with the year’s first frost. It thrives in direct sunlight and has a good humidity and salt tolerance. Its deep root system makes it drought-tolerant, though it may go dormant during extended drought.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is suitable for lawns with lots of foot traffic, such as sports fields and play areas. Why? Its fast growth helps it heal quickly from damage. However, this aggressive growth can make it difficult to contain. Bermudagrass requires frequent mowing and fertilization to keep up with its growth pattern.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bermudagrass must be frequently mowed to deal with its rapid growth. It also develops thatch easily. Bermudagrass may require monthly fertilization during its peak growing season of late spring.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing 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: Bermudagrass spreads aggressively, so you must watch out for it spreading into garden beds and neighbors’ yards. It has good salt and humidity tolerance. Establish with seeds, sod, sprigs, or plugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis Brazilian grass is low-maintenance, with little water or fertilizer needed. Its extensive root system allows it to survive in drought and sandy, acidic, and infertile soils. However, it may go dormant during extended drought. It also doesn’t do well in salty or alkaline soils.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass isn’t as thick as other grasses and needs full sun to thrive. It’s best for lawns without too much foot traffic. It will take a while to establish with seeds, but you can also install sod. Though it has low fertilizer needs, it is susceptible to iron deficiency.
\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: Moderate to high. Mow every seven to 14 days. Ensure the blade is sharp so it can cut through the thick leaves and seed head stems.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low with moderate insect tolerance
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils and does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is best grown from seeds or sod. Plugging and sprigging are possible but leave the lawn susceptible to weeds. Overwatered bahiagrass is weaker and more susceptible to weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St.-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the Gulf of Mexico coastline, St. Augustinegrass is one of Florida’s most common turf grasses. It has a coarse texture and blue-green color. Most cultivars have higher shade tolerance than other warm-season grasses. While it grows well in cool and humid coastal climates, it doesn’t do particularly well in drought and turns brown in winter.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass grows quickly, which helps it crowd out weeds. However, it isn’t the densest grass and may not do well with heavy traffic. St. Augustinegrass is vulnerable to chinch bugs and fungal diseases, though some cultivars resist chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate, with one of the highest shade tolerances of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing and fertilizing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3-4 inches for standard varieties and 2.5-3 inches for dwarf varieties; mow tall in shade
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high. St. Augustinegrass is vulnerable to gray leaf spot, large patch, take-all rot, and chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows best in moderately fertile and moist soils with good drainage. It doesn’t tolerate drought or soil compaction.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It will do well in moist soils and mild winters but turn brown during cold winters. St. Augustinegrass has a good salt tolerance. Plant with plugs, sprigs, or sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nOriginating in Asia, centipedegrass is well-adapted for Central and North Florida. It’s slow-growing but requires less fertilization and mowing than other grass types in the area. Centipedegrass does well in sandy, acidic soils, making it a good choice for the generally acidic soil in Florida. However, coastal properties may have alkaline soils, so be sure to get a soil test.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass naturally has a medium texture and light green color. Overfertilization could cause centipedegrass decline and dead patches that are difficult to repair. Centipedegrass doesn’t have a high tolerance for salt, traffic, drought, or cold. It is also sensitive to many types of herbicides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate, but it needs at least six hours of full sun daily
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency and fertilization needs; overfertilization causes heavy thatch and centipedegrass decline
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low. Good resistance to diseases and insects. However, centipedegrass is susceptible to nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Can grow in acidic, sandy, and infertile soils. It needs moderately good drainage and doesn’t do well in heavy clay soils.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Centipedegrass is slow-growing and doesn’t have a high cold or salt tolerance. Establish with seed, sod, sprigs, or plugs.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and Zoysiagrass have the best foot traffic tolerance. If you also need durability in the face of drought and disease, Zoysiagrass is well-equipped to face these problems.
Centipedegrass is the easiest to maintain because of its low mowing and fertilization needs. If you need something with a higher traffic tolerance, consider Zoysiagrass.
Jacksonville gets a fair amount of rain, but droughts and dry spells aren’t unheard of. Because of that, it’s best to water on an as-needed basis. When you see folding or wilting leaves, color changes, or visible footprints, give your lawn ½ to ¾ inch of water. Make sure you follow local watering restrictions.
Choosing suitable grass is only the first step. You must plant and properly maintain your lawn to get the desired results. And what about the rest of your yard? Low-maintenance landscaping with native plants will make maintenance easier and allow you to enjoy the beautiful Jacksonville weather surrounded by equally beautiful greenery.
If you need help with your lawn or other yardwork, contact a Jacksonville lawn care professional.
Main Image Credit: indigolotos / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Jacksonville, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/1789c/grassy-lawn-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/107df/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/293e9/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/f2cbb/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/1789c/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/c26c2/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/1dd6e/grassy-lawn-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/67b76/grassy-lawn-1.webp 320w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/8df11/grassy-lawn-1.webp 500w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/98a65/grassy-lawn-1.webp 800w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/1dd6e/grassy-lawn-1.webp 960w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/3cc96/grassy-lawn-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Jacksonville, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Need to plant a new lawn in your Jacksonville yard? These warm-season grasses are well-suited for the subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"079c05ff-d6c4-5155-8d73-697c9856b528","slug":"watering-restrictions-in-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/watering-restrictions-in-jacksonville/","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":"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":"Like many other Florida cities, Jacksonville has imposed watering restrictions. Before you turn on the sprinkler or hose, make sure you’re up to date with the rules.
\n","content":"\nJust because we live next to an ocean, doesn’t mean we have access to unlimited water supplies. Fresh water is one of our most precious resources. That’s why there are watering restrictions in Jacksonville and many other cities in Florida. Before you turn on the sprinkler or hose, make sure you’re up to date with the regulations.
\n\n\n\nWatering restrictions are enforced year-round in Jacksonville and throughout the 18 Northeast Florida counties in the St. Johns River Water Management District. You may water only on Saturday if your address ends in an odd number, and on Sunday if your address ends with an even number. You get an extra day during Daylight Saving Time (March-November). By limiting lawn watering, the hopes to conserve water during peak usage. Here’s a look at the summer schedule.
\n\n\n\nBut each year, when November arrives and you set back your clock an hour for Standard Time, your watering also must do a “fall back” to watering just once a week. That’s Saturday for odd-numbered addresses and Sunday for even-numbered addresses.
\n\n\n\nEven if it’s your day to water, you may not turn on the sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The reason? Most of the water ends up evaporating in the heat of the sun. You can turn the sprinklers on in the evening, but you could be inviting fungus and disease to your lawn since the grass will stay wet most of the night. The best time for watering is at sunup, first thing in the morning.
\n\n\n\nYou can water any day of the week if you’re using a handheld device like a hose. That doesn’t mean you can turn the hose on, lay it down, and let it run. You may also use “gray water,” (recycled bath or kitchen sink water). Areas of newly established landscaping may also be exempt.
\n\n\n\nViolating the watering or fertilization ordinances can cost you. The first offense results in a written warning. A second violation could get you a $50.00 ticket while a third violation could cost you more than $250.00.
\n\n\n\nThe Clean Water Act set forth by the City of Jacksonville also limits the amount of fertilizer that enters into the St. Johns River. Local retailers and property owners are also asked to be mindful of fertilizer treatments that could run off into the water supply. Required ground cover or landscaping that extends at least 6 feet around bodies of water help protect the water supply. Florida-Friendly landscaping, a program from the University of Florida Extension, stresses the use of native plants. Native plants need little water and are much easier to maintain.
\n\n\n\nThe St. Johns River Water Management District supplies North Florida with more than 540 million gallons of water a day. More than half of that is used in our landscapes. By following the watering restrictions in Jacksonville, we’ll keep the taps flowing for years to come.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care in Jacksonville? Make sure to check our Jacksonville, FL lawn care page.
Affectionately known to the locals as Tally, Tallahassee is home to over 89 miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails. The city sits in the northern Panhandle, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its sugary beaches. It has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, dry springs. The best grass types […]
\n","content":"\nAffectionately known to the locals as Tally, Tallahassee is home to over 89 miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails. The city sits in the northern Panhandle, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its sugary beaches. It has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, dry springs. The best grass types for Tallahassee thrive in the city’s hot summers and sandy, infertile soils. If you are installing a new lawn or looking to spruce up your yard, consider one of these options for your Tallahassee landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses prefer growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These varieties go dormant, turning brown, when soil temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. With an annual average winter temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit, it is no surprise that Tallahassee benefits from warm-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nGrass types are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season grass types grow well in Tallahassee’s climatic and soil conditions:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass has a tight growing pattern with fine leaf blades. It is slow-growing and a popular, low-maintenance option for Tallahassee lawns. Cultivars require little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain green. Centipedegrass handles shade but prefers full sun like most warm-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nIt is a smooth, flat-bladed grass that likes to be left alone. It does not handle heavy traffic, cold, or herbicides well and is prone to pests and disease when improperly maintained or over watered. Centipedegrass has a dull light green color, making it a less visually appealing choice for some homeowners.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearls, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is the most popular turfgrass in Florida. A native to warm coastal regions, this cultivar has thick leaf blades and deep roots, making it shade and drought-tolerant. However, keep in mind that this warm-season turfgrass can struggle with the Tallahassee rain, especially in shaded yards. St. Augustinegrass is prone to fungus, like gray leaf spot, if it does not dry out in between watering sessions.
\n\n\n\nThe quick-growing turfgrass has a dense appearance, coarse texture, and blue-green color. It is easy to establish and moderately salt tolerant, but, like centipedegrass, it does not stand up well to herbicides or heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf warm-season grass varieties had a Jack or Jill of all trades, Zoysiagrass would be it. It withstands anything Floridians and Mother Nature throw at it. Zoysiagrass tolerates low mow heights, heavy traffic, shade, drought, and even lower-than-average temperatures. Like centipedegrass, this warm-season variety has low fertilization requirements and grows densely, blocking out weeds with its thick leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is an attractive turfgrass with a dense appearance and a dark green color. New cultivars have increased disease and pest resistance. Zoysia matrella and Zoysia japonica are two popular pest-resistant cultivars in Tallahassee that grow slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is a utilitarian warm-season variety that thrives in the sandy, well-drained Tallahassee soils. It is a low-maintenance cultivar that likes to be left alone. Bahiagrass requires minimal water and fertilizer. It is less dense than other varieties and not known for being an aesthetically pleasing, decorative turfgrass. However, its deep root system persists in infertile soils, making it a splendid choice for pastures, farms, and homes without irrigation systems.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass grows quickly in full sun. It does not stand up well to heavy traffic. It has a light green color, coarse texture, and open growth pattern that forms a sparse lawn easily overtaken by weeds. Homeowners with bahiagrass lawns need to pay close attention to their annual weed maintenance plan.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; susceptible to dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; mole crickets are sometimes a problem
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a southern favorite and another common Florida grass that grows aggressively in full sun. Unlike other warm-season varieties, bermudagrass recovers quickly from damage and stands up to heavy foot traffic, making it a popular choice for golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns. This hardy turfgrass ranges from coarse to fine-textured and is salt and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nTallahassee is home to common and hybrid varieties. Common bermudagrass has a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Hybrid varieties require more maintenance than common bermudagrass, but they are dense like Zoysiagrass forming a carpet-like layer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\nNo. Sinkholes form through a combination of many factors affecting the water table, including construction, blasting, heavy loading, drought, increased rainfall, groundwater pumping, and more. Routine residential watering does not sufficiently impact the water table enough to cause sinkholes.
You should plant your grass seed in April through July. This gives the seed a full growing season before the cooler winter temperatures set in.
St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-friendly grass type for Tallahassee.
Warm-season grass varieties thrive in Tallahassee. They are suited to Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle region and unique USDA Zone, 8b. Be sure to choose a turfgrass variety that works well for your lifestyle and your yard’s unique microclimate.
\n\n\n\nTallahassee residents are blessed by warm weather most of the year. There are numerous landscaping options available. If you are looking to spruce up your home landscape or make it more wind-resistant, check out our spring lawn care tips and hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to create your Florida fortress of solitude for maximum relaxation.
\n\n\n\nBeat the heat and conquer Tally’s humid climate. Contact a lawn care pro in your area today to help you maintain a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tallahassee FL Gaither House02 / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Tallahassee, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/1789c/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/107df/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/293e9/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/f2cbb/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/1789c/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/c26c2/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/1dd6e/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/67b76/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 320w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/8df11/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 500w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/98a65/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 800w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/1dd6e/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 960w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/3cc96/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Tallahassee, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season grasses are the best choice for Tallahassee, and these five species are great options."}}},{"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\nPhoto 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
\n","title":"6 Worst Lawn Weeds in Jacksonville (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1789c/Lawn-weed.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/107df/Lawn-weed.jpg 320w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/293e9/Lawn-weed.jpg 500w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/f2cbb/Lawn-weed.jpg 800w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1789c/Lawn-weed.jpg 960w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/c26c2/Lawn-weed.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1dd6e/Lawn-weed.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/67b76/Lawn-weed.webp 320w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/8df11/Lawn-weed.webp 500w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/98a65/Lawn-weed.webp 800w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1dd6e/Lawn-weed.webp 960w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/3cc96/Lawn-weed.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Worst Lawn Weeds in Jacksonville (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Your lawn shouldn’t have to compete with leafy intruders. Learn to identify and rid your turf of the worst weeds in Jacksonville."}}},{"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":"eff107a4-4b35-58a8-86c1-529ae68ff155","slug":"best-grass-types-ocala","path":"/lawn-care/fl/ocala/best-grass-types-ocala/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"af08368f-1b05-5608-9f05-085fc802e26c","name":"Ocala","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/ocala/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"With an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in January, it is easy to see why Ocala, Florida, is a great place to raise and train thoroughbred horses. Named the “Horse Capital of the World” in 2007, this North Central Florida city has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters. The best grass types for […]
\n","content":"\nWith an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in January, it is easy to see why Ocala, Florida, is a great place to raise and train thoroughbred horses. Named the “Horse Capital of the World” in 2007, this North Central Florida city has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters. The best grass types for Ocala thrive in the city’s hot summers. If you are installing a new lawn or looking to green up your existing yard, consider one of these options for a lush Florida oasis.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is no surprise that the Sunshine State benefits from warm-season grass varieties that prefer growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These grasses come from tropical regions, making them well-adapted to Ocala’s humid climate. Warm-season turfgrasses soak up the sun and actively grow year-round in North Central Florida, though growth slows during the milder winter months.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season grass types are perfectly suited for the climatic and soil conditions of Ocala:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Starr-070906-8535-Stenotaphrum_secundatum-habit-Kula_Ace_Hardware_and_Nursery-Maui_24264673843.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is native to warm coastal regions. It is the most popular Florida turfgrass and the most shade-tolerant. St. Augustinegrass has a dense appearance and deep roots. The quick-growing variety is easy to establish and moderately salt tolerant. Unfortunately, it does not stand up well to herbicides or heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is coarse-textured and blue-green in color. The most readily available Florida cultivars are Bitterblue, Classic, and Floratam, though Floratam has poor shade tolerance compared to other cultivars. All cultivars are susceptible to disease and pests like chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass thrives in sandy soils. The low-maintenance cultivar loves to be left alone, requiring minimal water and fertilizer. It is less dense than other varieties, but its deep root system persists better in infertile soils, making it a great choice for lawns without irrigation systems, pastures, and horse farms.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass grows quickly in full sun. It does not stand up well to heavy traffic. The light green turfgrass is coarse-textured with a sparse growth habit.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; susceptible to dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; mole crickets are sometimes a problem
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is another common Florida grass that grows aggressively in full sun and recovers quickly from damage. The hardy turfgrass ranges from coarse to fine-textured, depending on the cultivar. It is salt and drought-tolerant and stands up to heavy foot traffic, making it a popular choice for golf courses, home lawns, and athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nOcala is home to common and hybrid bermudagrass varieties. Common bermudagrass has a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Hybrid varieties require more maintenance than common bermudagrass, but they are more dense forming a carpet-like layer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass stands up to anything Floridians throw at it. This turfgrass tolerates drought, low mow heights, shade, heavy traffic, and even lower temperatures. New cultivars have increased disease and pest resistance. The warm-season variety has low fertilization requirements and grows densely, blocking out weeds with its thick leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nZoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella are two popular cultivars of Zoysiagrass in Ocala. These cultivars are not prone to disease or insects and grow slowly. The attractive turfgrass has a dense appearance and dark green color.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is the best pet-friendly grass variety. It is resilient and stands up to heavy traffic, making it ideal for your furry family members.
You should plant your grass seed in April through July. This gives the seed a full growing season before the cooler winter temperatures set in .
St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-friendly grass type for Ocala.
Warm-season grass varieties are the best option for your Ocala lawn. They are suited to North Central Florida’s unique USDA Zone, 9a. All turfgrasses have their own characteristics, so be sure to choose a variety that works well for your lifestyle and your yard’s unique microclimate.
\n\n\n\nThere are numerous landscaping options for Ocala thanks to its year-round warm weather. If you are looking to spruce up your home landscape, check out our list of the best native plants and set your lawn off on the right foot with our spring lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nConquer Ocala’s humid climate. Contact a lawn care pro in your area today to help you maintain a green and healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ocala Historic District005 / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Ocala, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/1789c/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/107df/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/293e9/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/1789c/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/c26c2/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/67b76/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 320w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/8df11/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 500w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/98a65/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 800w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 960w,\n/static/3e4788c65e916248aab180c8999aa7db/3cc96/Lawn-in-Ocala-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Ocala, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season grasses are the best choice for Ocala, and St. Agustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, bahiagrass and bermudagrass are the four best options."}}},{"node":{"id":"8cd2fbfb-cdf3-5927-9a97-6f870a0a6439","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?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":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"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
\n","title":"13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1789c/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/107df/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 320w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/293e9/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 500w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/f2cbb/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 800w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1789c/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 960w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/c26c2/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1dd6e/Trees-near-power-lines.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/67b76/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 320w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/8df11/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 500w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/98a65/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 800w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1dd6e/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 960w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/3cc96/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tampa is a prime target for hurricanes. Find out how to make your landscaping more hurricane resistant so your yard can weather the storm."}}},{"node":{"id":"35bd61e2-5f42-55d4-a73f-dae500f6af23","slug":"best-native-plants-florida","path":"/lawn-care/fl/best-native-plants-florida/","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":"From the wetlands of the Everglades to the sunny beaches of Miami, the Sunshine State’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of natural beauty. It’s home to 1,197 statute miles of coastline, 825 miles of pristine beaches, and a vast array of stunning native plants. Florida’s flora not only provides visual appeal but also supports a […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the wetlands of the Everglades to the sunny beaches of Miami, the Sunshine State’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of natural beauty. It’s home to 1,197 statute miles of coastline, 825 miles of pristine beaches, and a vast array of stunning native plants. Florida’s flora not only provides visual appeal but also supports a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer several advantages over non-native species, including:
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re looking to create a vibrant garden or enhance your property’s natural beauty, incorporating the best native plants for Florida is an excellent place to start.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nFrom showy wildflowers and groundcovers to majestic trees and shrubs, these native plants will enhance your landscape while also supporting the state’s ecosystem:
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Beautyberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in Florida, this beautiful native shrub is an excellent choice for homeowners in Central and North Florida, as it is more tolerant of colder temperatures than other tropical plants in South Florida. In its natural habitat, American beautyberry grows in various areas, including hammocks, pine rocklands, and wetlands.
\n\n\n\nIt typically blooms from June to August, producing small pinkish-purple flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The plant then produces clusters of bright purple berries in the fall – a favorite food of many species of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant American beautyberry is in the fall or winter, as this allows the plant to establish a robust root system before the heat of summer arrives. Pruning can be done in the winter to promote healthy growth and a more attractive shape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – requires at least four hours of direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows well in most soil conditions but prefers fertile, organic loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch of water per week, but it needs deep, slow watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but its berries may cause discomfort like vomiting if ingested
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBeach sunflower is a popular plant due to its hardiness and beautiful, sunny blooms. It thrives in sandy soil, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. This perennial plant can be found throughout the state, including the Panhandle.
\n\n\n\nWith green, slightly hairy leaves, beach sunflowers produce small, bright yellow flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates. With a daisy-like appearance and papery texture, the clusters of flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It also serves as a host for the larvae of the Gulf fritillary butterfly.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant does well in dry conditions but can benefit from regular watering to promote healthy growth and flowering. It’s relatively low-maintenance and requires little attention once established, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a plant that requires minimal effort.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8b-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic to alkaline, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/brown-eyed-susan-23441281362806Ay7C.jpg\")
Photo Credit : PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nAnother native plant that can thrive in gardens throughout the Sunshine State, the black-eyed Susan is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. This perennial wildflower is a hardy plant that’s easy to grow and care for. It doesn’t need a lot of water and can handle drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for Florida’s hot and humid climate.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a larval host for the silvery checkerspot butterfly and serves as a habitat for lacewings and ladybugs. From late spring through fall, it produces golden yellow petals with dark brown or black centers that resemble an eye. These flowers are a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nReaching up to a few feet tall, black-eyed Susan can be a great addition to mixed borders or as a backdrop for smaller plants. Remember to deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial, annual, or biennial (depending on growing conditions)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it requires at least six hours of sun exposure each day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and pets, but may cause allergic skin reactions and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Macdon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the southeastern United States, blanketflower is a colorful and easy-to-grow plant. This member of the Aster family is best suited for gardens in Central and South Florida, as it prefers warm temperatures and well-drained soil. But it can grow in North Florida with proper care and protection during colder months.
\n\n\n\nOften found along roadsides, as well as in fields and meadows, this plant blooms from spring to fall. Its leaves are lance-shaped and typically green or gray-green, while its flowers come in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. The flowers have a unique shape with a central disk surrounded by colorful petals, resembling a miniature sunflower.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial wildflower doesn’t require much watering once established, as it is drought-tolerant and can handle high temperatures. You can plant it in groups for a colorful mass effect. Plus, you may deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, dry, acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blazing-Star-Liatris-spicata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNaturally found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands, blazing star blooms in mid-summer to early fall. It produces tall spikes of vibrant pink or purple flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This deciduous wildflower is a host plant for the rare Liatris butterfly, making it ideal for butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nTo add more appeal to your garden, plant blazing stars in groups for a dramatic effect. You may mix it with other wildflowers for a more natural look. It’s best suited for homes in Central and North Florida, although it also can thrive in South Florida with proper care. The best time to plant this wildflower is in the spring, after the last frost.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – it grows well in areas that get six or more hours of sun exposure a day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but it’s not recommended to ingest its leaves and flowers
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed is a beneficial plant for Florida homeowners looking to attract pollinators to their gardens. It is best suited for Central and South Florida properties, as it is native to the state and can thrive in the warm, humid climate.
\n\n\n\nCommonly planted in areas with well-drained soil, butterfly milkweed blooms in the summer months, typically from June to August, and attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It’s also a larval host plant for the monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant’s leaves are long and narrow with a slightly hairy texture, and its flowers are bright orange and showy. Planting in the spring is the best time to give it a good start before the summer growing season. It can tolerate drought, but you may add mulch to help suppress weeds around its base and retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of the plant is poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Jessamine-Gelsemium-sempervirens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the southeastern United States, Carolina Jessamine is often found growing in forests, stream banks, and other natural areas. It’s particularly well-suited to the warm, humid climate of Central and South Florida.
\n\n\n\nWith glossy, dark-green leaves, this evergreen vine produces vibrant, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. It’s a larval host plant for several butterflies, including the Zarucco duskywing and the southern cloudywing.
\n\n\n\nIf you are planting Carolina Jessamine in your garden, it is best to do so in the fall or winter. It prefers well-drained soil and will benefit from regular watering during the growing season. You may prune it occasionally to control its size and shape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it can grow even with just 2-6 hours of direct sunlight a day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, loamy soil with high organic matter
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All its parts are toxic if ingested, and its sap can cause allergic skin reactions in some people
\n\n\n\n![\"photo](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coontie-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA slow-growing, evergreen plant, coontie is best for gardens in Central and South Florida. Its natural habitat is in sandy soils, coastal dunes, and pine rocklands, and it’s also found in the understory of hardwood hammocks.
\n\n\n\nThe Atala butterfly, an endangered species native to Florida, relies only on this plant as its larval host. In fact, this prehistoric “living fossil” has survived for more than 200 million years and remains the sole cycad species in the United States.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial shrub produces cones rather than flowers, with the female cone being bright orange and the male cone being brownish-green. The best time to plant coontie is in the fall or early winter. It’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established, making it an ideal choice for Florida’s sandy soils.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade (two to six hours of sun per day)
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coral-Bean.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Everglades National Park / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, coral bean can be found in sandy soils, pine rocklands, and coastal hammocks throughout the state. Although, it’s best suited for gardens in Central and South Florida due to its preference for warmer temperatures and more humid environments.
\n\n\n\nFrom late spring to early summer, this deciduous plant produces bright red flowers. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators, as it is a larval host to several species of butterflies and moths. The best time to plant coral bean is in the fall or winter. Doing so will allow the plant to establish a strong root system before the heat of summer arrives.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial shrub’s leaves are bright green and have a slightly rough texture, while its flowers are trumpet-shaped and grow in clusters. After the flowers fade, coral bean produces seed pods that contain bright red seeds. While these seeds may look beautiful, note that they are highly poisonous when ingested.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial (annual for regions with freezing winters)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained, acidic, clay, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its seeds are very poisonous to humans, especially to small children
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nA beautiful, easy-to-grow plant perfect for Florida gardens, coral honeysuckle thrives in a wide range of habitats, including woodland edges, sandy dunes, and along riverbanks. It’s commonly found throughout Florida, as well as in many other parts of the southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial vine blooms from spring to fall and produces tubular-shaped, coral-red flowers incredibly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Its foliage is deep green, and it remains evergreen throughout the year. It requires little maintenance and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought once it’s established. You can train it to climb a trellis or fence or allow it to sprawl as a groundcover. It’s also a larval host plant for the spring azure butterfly, so it’s a great addition to butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet (depending on its supporting structure)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Grows well in partial shade but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, rich, slightly acidic soil but tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are toxic to humans and pets but favored by birds
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in meadows, prairies, and woodland edges, ear-leaved tickseed attracts pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. It also serves as a larval host to various species of butterflies, including zebra longwing – Florida’s state butterfly.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s native to Florida and many other southeastern states, ear-leaved tickseed is best for gardens in Central and North Florida, as it thrives in sandy soils and frequent summer rainfalls. This plant produces an abundance of bright yellow flowers that bloom from spring to summer – perfect for homeowners who want to add a burst of color to their gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant ear-leaved tickseed is in the fall or spring – when the weather is cooler, and there is more moisture in the soil. Doing so will give the plant a better chance to establish its roots and grow strong before the hot summer months arrive.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/40561099854_c6581da4db_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFirebush is salt-tolerant – a welcome trait for gardens across peninsular Florida. Often found in open woodlands, disturbed areas, and along the edges of swamps and ponds, this perennial shrub has glossy and dark green leaves.
\n\n\n\nIt typically blooms from spring to fall, producing clusters of tubular, bright orange-red flowers that are irresistible to pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. After the flowers fade, firebush produces small red fruits – a favorite food of many bird species. It’s also a larval host plant for the common buckeye butterfly and the adult food source for the Pluto Sphinx moth.
\n\n\n\nFirebush is excellent for adorning patios, containers, or as borders. You should plant it in the spring or fall – before the heat of summer arrives. You also can use fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and more prolific blooming.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – but it needs regular watering until fully established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Ted Bodner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nAlso known as purple anise, Florida anise is a beautiful shrub native to Florida and other southeastern states. It’s sometimes called stinkbush because its leaves and twigs have a strong, musky odor that some people find unpleasant. It’s best suited for Central and North Florida gardens, as it can tolerate cooler temperatures. Although, it also can thrive in South Florida with proper care.
\n\n\n\nCommonly planted in shady areas and moist soils, such as swamps, riverbanks, and bogs, this evergreen plant blooms in early spring, producing clusters of dark red or maroon flowers attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s also a larval host to the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. With glossy and leathery, dark green leaves, Florida anise produces small, woody capsules of fruit that split open to reveal shiny black seeds.
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to plant Florida anise when the soil is moist – in the fall or winter. Also, consider planting it with other shade-loving plants and incorporating it into a woodland garden design for a natural and wild look.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, fertile, clay, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – while it’s drought-tolerant, you will need to water it weekly during long periods of dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oakleaf-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-quercifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in woodland areas across the state, oakleaf hydrangea is well-suited to the humid climate and can thrive in a variety of Florida gardens. From late spring to early summer, it produces showy, cone-shaped flower clusters that are white or pinkish-white.
\n\n\n\nYou should plant it in the fall when there’s more consistent rainfall and the temperature is lower. This deciduous shrub will lose its striking oak-like leaves in the winter but will turn a beautiful reddish color before falling off.
\n\n\n\nConsider planting it alongside other native plants, such as coneflowers or black-eyed Susans. It will create a stunning display of color and texture that will last for years.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fertile, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of this plant is poisonous
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: EoRdE6 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the Southeastern United States, pink pinxter azalea is commonly found in wooded areas and along streams. As it can thrive in cold temperatures, it’s best suited for gardens in North and Central Florida and is less tolerant of the hotter conditions of South Florida.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial shrub blooms in the spring, usually in April or May, with clusters of pink or white, trumpet-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators like the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. Remember to plant it in the fall or early winter when temperatures are cooler.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves of pink pinxter azalea are medium green, with a leathery texture, and turn a reddish-purple color in the fall. To make it more beautiful in your garden, you can prune it after it blooms to encourage more branching and fuller growth. Also, this plant prefers moist soil, so keep it well-watered during dry spells.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic to both humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Saw](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/saw-palmetto-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nA native Florida plant commonly found in dry, sandy areas like pine flatwoods and coastal scrubs throughout the state, saw palmetto can tolerate a wide range of soil and environmental conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis hardy plant typically blooms from April to June, producing small yellowish-white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. It’s also a larval host plant for the palmetto skipper butterfly. With fan-shaped, blue-green leaves, this slow-growing plant produces small, dark blue-black berries – a favorite food of many wildlife, including bears, raccoons, and deer.
\n\n\n\nWhile saw palmetto is not poisonous, it’s essential to handle it carefully, as its leaves can be sharp and cause skin irritation. Additionally, it has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes and is believed to have various health benefits.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, slightly acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/scarlet-sage-salvia-close-up.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage is an eye-catching flowering plant well-suited for gardens in all regions of Florida. It is particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a favorite of gardeners who want to attract pollinators to their yards. Native to Florida, this evergreen plant can grow wild in various habitats, including woodlands, hammocks, and meadows.
\n\n\n\nFrom late spring through fall, this perennial plant produces beautiful bright red, pink, or white flowers. You can deadhead the spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves of scarlet sage are deep green and have a slightly fuzzy texture, adding to its overall visual appeal. Its leaves’ pungent scent also makes it a deer-proof option. And if you want to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth, you may occasionally prune it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial – annual in regions with below-freezing winters
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, clay, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its flowers can cause gastric distress
\n\n\n\n![\"Wide](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southern-Live-Oak-Quercus-virginiana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nA beautiful and iconic tree native to Florida, southern live oak is a popular choice for homeowners who want to add shade, beauty, and value to their properties. It’s a slow-growing evergreen and can live for a long time. It’s best suited for Central and South Florida properties due to its ability to tolerate salt spray and hot temperatures.
\n\n\n\nThis majestic tree grows naturally in coastal areas, swamps, and along rivers, and its hardiness and durability make it ideal for landscapes that experience hurricanes and tropical storms. Southern live oaks don’t bloom in the traditional sense, but they produce acorns – an essential food source for deer, squirrels, birds, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant southern live oaks is in the fall or winter – when the tree is dormant. Regular pruning can help to maintain the tree’s shape and promote healthy growth. You can add understory plants and groundcovers to complement the tree’s beauty and create a naturalistic landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 feet tall, 30-100 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – avoid ingesting the acorns and leaves as they can be poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southern-Wax-Myrtle-Myrica-cerifera.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: BotBln / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA versatile evergreen well-suited for gardens in all regions of Florida, southern wax myrtle has attractive green leaves with a leathery texture and a spicy, aromatic scent when crushed. It’s commonly found in natural habitats throughout the state, including wetlands, coastal dunes, and upland areas.
\n\n\n\nThis evergreen blooms in early spring, producing tiny flowers and, eventually, clusters of small, waxy, blue-gray berries in the fall. Its berries are a food source for various birds and other wildlife. Plus, the plant is an essential host for several species of butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant this drought-tolerant perennial is in the early fall or late winter, as these seasons provide optimal growing conditions. Consider planting it as a hedge, using it as a specimen plant, or incorporating it into a mixed border with other flowering plants. Its dense growth habit also makes it ideal for screening and privacy.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-25 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun, but can tolerate full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Can grow well in most soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – needs watering every two weeks but can tolerate floods and drought once established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Texas](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Texas-Sta-Hibiscus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWell-suited for gardens in Central and North Florida, Texas star hibiscus is commonly found in wetlands and along waterways in these regions. It’s often used in landscaping around retention ponds and other water features.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the scarlet rose mallow, this vibrant plant blooms in late summer and early fall. It produces showy, large flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. It’s an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
\n\n\n\nRemember to plant Texas star hibiscus when there’s no more threat of frost – in the spring. While it requires regular watering, particularly in the hot summer months, don’t overwater as it does not tolerate standing water.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist soil but grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High – needs 1-3 inches of water per week, even more during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rsz_29534434604_92af0cdbb6_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as sweet viburnum, Walter’s viburnum is a beautiful and hardy shrub native to Florida. While its natural habitat includes wetlands, flatwoods, and hammocks, it’s also well-suited to suburban landscapes.
\n\n\n\nAs it thrives in warm and humid climates, Walter’s viburnum is ideal for gardens in Central and South Florida. This shrub blooms in late winter to early spring with small white flowers that mature into clusters of bright red berries, making it an excellent food source for wildlife.
\n\n\n\nIdeal for use in hedges and privacy screens, Walter’s viburnum is best planted in the fall or winter. Prune it to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub to small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-25 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in regions with mild winters
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, but water it often until established (six to 12 months after planting)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nFlorida boasts a wide variety of native flora, ranging from vibrant wildflowers to verdant shrubs and trees. With average lows ranging from 41 to 65 Fahrenheit, the Sunshine State’s climate is highly conducive to the growth of numerous native plant species.
\n\n\n\nFor your garden, choose plant species that are well-suited to your specific region and environmental conditions.
\n\n\n\nIn the state’s northern region, you’ll find a variety of native plant species, such as wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, including muhly grass, azaleas, and yuccas. When selecting plants for your yard, you may need to choose the ones that can withstand occasional cold snaps. Additionally, you need to consider shade exposure and other factors, including:
\n\n\n\nWith a humid subtropical climate, Central Florida’s soils are typically sandy, and the area receives ample rainfall throughout the year. Native plant species that thrive in this region include palms, oaks, and magnolias. Consider adding plants like beach sunflower, coontie, passion flower, and Fakahatchee grass that can tolerate high humidity and heat and thrive in these conditions:
\n\n\n\nSouth Florida’s tropical climate makes it a paradise for native plants. The soil and climate in this region are ideal for various plants, from wildflowers to palms and ferns. Plants that thrive here include saw palmetto, coral bean, and gumbo limbo. If you live near the coast, consider plants like seagrape and wild coffee that can tolerate salt spray, as well as the following factors:
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, you need to consider the plant’s size, growth habit, and maintenance needs. To learn more about Florida’s native flora and fauna, visit one of the state’s many botanical gardens and nature preserves. They often feature extensive collections of native plants, as well as educational programs and events that highlight the importance of native species in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nFlorida has an array of soils due to its varied topography, but the majority of the state has sandy soil, with some areas containing high levels of organic matter. The sandy nature of the soil is due to Florida’s geological history, which includes marine sediments and ancient beach dunes.
● North Florida: The northern part of Florida generally has more acidic soil with higher sand content, but some areas have loamy and clay soil. These soils are typically low in nutrients and organic matter, so adding compost or other organic materials can help improve soil quality.
● Central Florida: This region has a mix of sandy and clay soils, with some areas having more sand and others having more clay. These soils are low in nutrients and organic matter, so adding amendments like compost or fertilizers can be beneficial.
● South Florida: The southern part of Florida has more alkaline soil and higher clay content. But some areas in this region have acidic, sandy, and limestone-based soil with low levels of organic matter, making it difficult for plants to absorb nutrients. Adding soil amendments like lime can help raise pH levels and improve soil quality.
Florida’s soils also can vary in water-holding capacity, drainage, and nutrient content. Regardless of where you live in Florida, you must test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels.
To determine the soil type in your yard, you can perform a simple soil test or consult a local nursery or extension office. It can help you decide on the kinds of plants that will thrive in your landscape and ensure they receive the proper care they need.
The best time to plant native flowers and shrubs in Florida depends on the specific plant and location. Fall and winter are generally the best times to plant in Florida.
In the northern parts, where the climate is cooler, fall is the best time to plant as it allows the roots to establish before the colder winter months. For gardens in Central Florida, fall and winter are still ideal for planting, but the warmer climate allows for some planting to be done in early spring.
In South Florida, where the weather is tropical and subtropical, planting can be done year-round, but the best time is in the winter months when the temperatures are cooler, and there is less rain.
An excellent option for Florida homeowners is Zoysiagrass. This grass type is known for its durability and drought resistance, making it a fantastic choice for Florida’s hot and dry summers. Zoysiagrass also has a fine texture and low-growing habit, making it perfect for those who prefer a more manicured lawn.
Other turfgrass varieties that may complement Florida native plants include bahiagrass, centipedegrass, and bermudagrass. And if you’re not a fan of traditional grass lawns, ground covers are a great alternative, as they provide a low-growing carpet-like appearance that requires less maintenance.
Interested in adding Florida native plants to your garden? You can start by visiting local nurseries and garden centers that specialize in native plants. These stores often carry a vast range of native species, and their staff can offer helpful advice on selecting the right plants for your garden.
\n\n\n\nAnother great resource is the Florida Native Plant Society, which promotes using wildflowers and native plants in public and private landscapes. Their website provides information on where to find native plants, how to care for them, and how to incorporate them into your landscape.
\n\n\n\nYou also can visit local farmers’ markets and plant sales, often featuring native plants and herbs grown by farmers and gardeners. These events will give you an opportunity to meet other plant enthusiasts and get tips on gardening with native species.
\n\n\n\nWhether you live in St. Augustine, Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Pensacola, or another city in the Sunshine State, consider hiring a landscaping pro to help design and maintain your beautiful, eco-friendly garden.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
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