![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/palm-trees-1.jpg\")
As hurricane season approaches, homeowners begin to prepare their homes for potential damage. While many focus on strengthening their home’s structure, they may overlook the importance of hurricane-resistant landscaping. A landscape that’s well-designed will not only add beauty to your home but also provide protection from wind and water damage during a hurricane. By using […]
\n","content":"\nAs hurricane season approaches, homeowners begin to prepare their homes for potential damage. While many focus on strengthening their home’s structure, they may overlook the importance of hurricane-resistant landscaping. A landscape that’s well-designed will not only add beauty to your home but also provide protection from wind and water damage during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBy using hurricane-resistant plants, designing windbreaks, and implementing proper maintenance, your landscaping can help reduce the risk of damage to your property. Here are 12 hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for St. Augustine to help you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can follow these suggestions to make your landscape aesthetically pleasing and capable of enduring the turbulent winds and heavy rainfall that come with the hurricane season:
\n\n\n\nIf your property is situated on the waterfront, it is imperative to construct a seawall. The purpose of seawalls is to shield your home against the unrelenting pummeling of waves and avert erosion. Plus, having a seawall can help you avoid floods during storm surges.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting a seawall for your property, you must consider various aspects, like the material to use and the associated cost. Opt for a seawall material that can endure the forces of the Atlantic Ocean, such as the following:
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have a seawall, the shoreline will progressively erode. This, in turn, can inflict substantial damage to your waterfront property. Apart from helping you prevent flooding of your property during storms, seawalls can save you a considerable amount of money in terms of repairs. Hence, it’s crucial not to use materials that decay or corrode over time.
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of building a seawall will depend on the material chosen, with costs varying between $113 to $770 per linear foot. But if you leave your property unprotected, the cost of restoring water damage can be significantly higher.
\n\n\n\nWhen preparing for a hurricane, homeowners often neglect backyard fences. Nevertheless, choosing the right type of fence appropriate for your home can have a significant impact. Remember to prioritize durability.
\n\n\n\nBenefits of hurricane-resistant fencing:
\n\n\n\nYou might think that a solid privacy fence is most effective because it can obstruct the wind. However, the absence of air circulation can cause it to give way under the force of high winds. Wooden fences, even the most robust, can be toppled over easily if there are no gaps large enough to permit the wind to flow through.
\n\n\n\nTypes of fencing to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAvoid spending a lot of money on fence replacements and repairs after a storm by investing in a fence that can resist hurricanes. Choose fences that have slats. The following are types of fencing that enable wind to move through with minimal obstruction:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Fence installation costs fluctuate depending on the material you choose, with the cost usually ranging from $8 to $46 per linear foot. Chain-link fences are typically priced between $12 and $33 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Shadowmeld Photography / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nHaving a hurricane-resistant landscape with wind-resistant trees can be extremely helpful when a hurricane passes through. These types of trees have robust and deep roots, a lower center of gravity, and sturdy trunks, reducing the probability of being uprooted by high-speed winds. This decreases the likelihood of your trees becoming a danger to your property or community.
\n\n\n\nEach tree species has unique characteristics, and some are more susceptible to wind damage than others. Here are some of the most exceptional tree species with excellent wind resistance:
\n\n\n\nAvoid planting certain trees in areas prone to hurricane winds, as they are more susceptible to wind damage. The University of Florida IFAS Extension states that the following trees should be avoided in hurricane-prone regions like St. Augustine:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of professional tree planting services can vary significantly, ranging from $22 to $3,300. The total cost will be influenced by several factors, including the type of tree species, as well as its age and size. Typically, the expenses will be lower for small saplings than for larger, more mature trees.
\n\n\n\nFor homeowners who want to maintain a healthy lawn, living near the coast presents a unique challenge due to salty coastal air that can damage plants not suited for the environment. However, choosing the right plants can help. You should select native and salt-tolerant plants that can adapt to local environmental conditions and thrive in areas with high salt content in the soil and air.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners in St. Augustine prefer native plants because they have already evolved to survive in the specific climate and soil of the region. In addition, salt-tolerant plants can withstand high levels of salt water, making them perfect for coastal gardens.
\n\n\n\nOne of the key benefits of choosing salt-tolerant and native plants is that they require less maintenance and watering, which can save time and money. They also lessen the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and other environmentally harmful chemicals.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Florida IFAS extension recommends several popular native and salt-tolerant plants for coastal landscapes, including:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nThese plants not only make your coastal landscape beautiful, but they also help support local ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of planting a tree can range from a budget-friendly $90 to a more expensive $3,212. Similarly, planting a flower bed can cost anywhere from $861 to $3,100, depending on factors such as the size of the bed and the type of flowers you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tree-Placement.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matthew Paul Argall / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCareful consideration of tree placements is crucial to prevent them from causing property damage during a storm. While trees help enhance a property’s curb appeal and provide shade, you must keep them away from structures such as buildings and power lines.
\n\n\n\nTo determine where to plant your trees, consider their size at maturity and their root systems. A tree planted too close to a home or power line may cause property damage or power outages during a storm.
\n\n\n\nKeeping trees away from structures can bring many benefits. It can reduce the risk of property damage during a storm, prevent power outages caused by falling or swaying trees, and reduce maintenance costs. Planting trees too close to power lines or your home may require more frequent pruning and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure safe and effective tree placement, follow these tips:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The typical cost of tree removal services ranges from $347 to $1,117 per tree. For transplanting trees, it can cost anywhere between $158 and $880.
\n\n\n\nTrees can provide functional and aesthetic benefits when planted strategically. Planting trees in clusters of five or more can improve their resilience to high winds by over 10%, making them more effective in safeguarding your property during hurricane season. Additionally, grouping five trees with diverse appearances and heights can further enhance your property’s visual appeal.
\n\n\n\nHowever, you should avoid planting trees in a straight line. The University of Florida recommends a natural and unforced arrangement for planting trees – each tree must be within 10 feet of the other. This approach can create a strong and sustainable windbreak.
\n\n\n\nBy planting trees in groups, you can enjoy many benefits beyond just the beauty they bring to your lawn. Here are a few advantages of grouping trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Tree prices vary greatly depending on species and size, but the usual costs range from $150 to $1,850. To lower the cost per tree or sapling, you can purchase them in bulk. Plus, installing several trees will be less expensive per tree than having a single tree installed, so consider this when planning your landscape.
\n\n\n\nCreating a backyard buffer is a great way of preventing flooding and erosion caused by hurricanes while also creating a beautiful natural environment in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nA backyard buffer or riparian buffer is made up of trees, shrubs, flowers, and mulch that work together to absorb and slow down wind and water. By preventing the full force of the storm from reaching your home, the buffer can protect your property from damage and protect waterways from overheating.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, your backyard buffer can provide many benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nTo create a backyard buffer, choose native plants that can withstand heavy rains and high winds, such as Southern live oak and bald cypress. They also have strong roots that help keep the soil in place and prevent erosion. Additionally, you can use low-maintenance shrubs like firebush and wax myrtle to create a buffer zone around your home.
\n\n\n\nWhen installing your backyard buffer, remember to consult with garden centers, local nurseries, or environmental organizations for expert advice on creating a buffer suited for St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: There are many options for selecting plants, and prices will vary depending on the type of plant. For example, small native perennials are generally less expensive and can cost anywhere from $4 to $25 each. On the other hand, planting a tree can cost much higher, ranging from $22 to $3,300, depending on the tree species, size, and age.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tree-grass-light-plant-field-lawn-1359857-pxhere.com-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nHurricane season can wreak havoc on your garden beds, so you should prepare them accordingly. Mulch is an essential part of maintaining a healthy garden, but remember to select the right kind to prevent damage during high winds.
\n\n\n\nOrganic, soft mulches are highly recommended for areas like St. Augustine that experience high winds. During a storm, hard and heavy mulches can become dangerous projectiles, causing damage to your property and neighboring homes.
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic, soft mulch:
\n\n\n\nUnlike hard mulches, such as pebbles, pea gravel, stones, and river rock, organic mulches remain in place better. Plus, they offer numerous benefits to plants, like providing insulation to plant roots, suppressing weed growth, and retaining moisture in the soil.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting the type of soft mulch, avoid using any materials that may harbor disease or pests. Freshly cut grass clippings should be avoided since they can generate heat and attract harmful organisms. Also, avoid using straw or hay as they may contain weed seeds that will proliferate in your garden beds.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, aged wood chips are priced at approximately $70 per cubic yard, while shredded bark mulch costs around $65 per cubic yard. Alternatively, you can get fresh wood chips for free from a certified arborist or a local tree recycling center. Or you can make your own mulch by composting leaves, providing a nutrient-rich material for your garden beds.
\n\n\n\nTo protect your yard from the effects of extreme weather, you should prioritize regular maintenance. This applies not just to your garden and lawn but also to your trees.
\n\n\n\nInspecting your existing trees regularly is an important part of maintaining a healthy and resilient landscape, particularly in the months leading up to hurricane season. Damaged or diseased trees can pose a significant threat to your property and safety during extreme weather events.
\n\n\n\nDuring inspections, look for signs of damage or disease, such as yellowing leaves, dead branches, and cracks in the trunk. If you leave dying or weakened trees untouched, even mild winds can cause them to fall. So if you want to avoid more problems later on, you should address these issues immediately.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure you identify all hazardous trees on your property, consider hiring a certified arborist to inspect them. These professionals can identify hazardous trees in your yard, and you can work together to develop an effective plan for safely removing them.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid property damage caused by falling branches during a storm, it’s important to take preventive measures in your landscape. Strong winds can easily snap branches, creating a potential hazard for your property. A seemingly harmless long branch hanging over your roof could cause significant damage if it’s not removed in time.
\n\n\n\nTo prevent such scenarios, be sure to prune and trim any weak or overgrown branches on your existing trees. Regular maintenance will ensure your plants are healthy and strong, and won’t succumb to high winds during a storm. If you don’t want a broken branch to smash through a window, damage your car or cause injury, you should keep your trees in good shape.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your property safe during high winds requires more than just tree maintenance. You also should keep your lawn and garden well-maintained by regularly mowing, weeding, and removing debris. This will prevent any hazards from flying around during storms. Regularly fertilizing your lawn and garden can help ensure that your plants remain strong and healthy, and able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Bush trimming can range from $45 to $75 per hour or $7 to $24 per bush, depending on the type of bush and the amount of work needed. Hedge trimming can cost between $56 and $85 per hour, while tree trimming costs can range from $227 to $708, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
\n\n\n\n![\"storm](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fried Dough / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nTo prevent potential damage caused by rain, you should take precautions to ensure the proper flow of stormwater. This includes:
\n\n\n\nStanding water or puddling can be a risk to your property and weaken roots, making trees more susceptible to damage during storms. A French drain is an effective solution to prevent water from pooling in your yard. This involves installing a drainpipe that redirects water away from your home and ensures proper drainage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Be prepared to spend anywhere from $154 to $1,059 to have your yard cleaned up. If you’ll be having a French drain installed, it can cost from $500 for a small, simple project to $18,000 for a larger or more complex installation.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to clearing debris, trimming trees, and installing drainage systems, another way of preparing your yard for an impending storm is to provide extra protection for your plants. This can be achieved by wrapping trees and large plants with burlap, which will help to reduce the impact of strong winds.
\n\n\n\nFor smaller plants, using a floating row cover and securing it to the ground with garden stakes is a good option. Although these covers may not withstand severe hurricanes, they can still provide protection and lessen the amount of damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Burlap comes in different sizes and prices, ranging from $7 to $180 per roll. On the other hand, floating row covers have a cost of $11 to $240 per cover, depending on their size and type.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your lawn and plants recover quickly after a hurricane, you should be mindful of the amount of water they receive. While automatic sprinklers can be convenient during the year, they can cause further damage during a storm. Excessive water can saturate your lawn, and the plants may struggle to recover from it.
\n\n\n\nYou should turn off your water supply entirely to prevent damage from burst pipes during a storm. Once the hurricane has passed, assess the damage and adjust the watering schedule accordingly to give your plants the time they need to recover.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: You don’t have to spend a dime. In fact, it can help lower your monthly water bill.
\n\n\n\nEven though St. Augustine is not as susceptible to hurricane damage as other cities, you must take the necessary precautions and be prepared before hurricane season arrives. Keeping yourself updated with weather forecasts and following storm warnings can help you minimize potential damage to your home and ensure your family’s safety.
\n\n\n\nDo the following to prepare for a hurricane:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for hurricane-resistant grass options, Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the best grass types for you.
Zoysiagrass is a warm-season turfgrass that is highly resistant to strong winds and requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for homes located along the First Coast due to its salt tolerance.
On the other hand, the warm-season St. Augustinegrass is native to coastal areas. It’s known for its resilience in humid and hot weather conditions, heavy foot traffic, and rough weather conditions. It’s also salt-tolerant and can be an excellent option for homeowners looking for hurricane-resistant grasses.
The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean offer a conducive environment for hurricanes to develop and strengthen, especially during the peak of the hurricane season, which falls between mid-August and late October. But hurricane season usually begins June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30.
Like Jacksonville, St. Augustine is highly susceptible to hurricanes because of its location along the East Coast. While hurricanes can strike this area at any time, the frequency of these storms varies from year to year.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), St. Augustine has been affected by tropical storms or hurricanes approximately every two to three years over the past century. Note, though, that this is not a fixed pattern, and some years may see more or fewer storms. You must always remain vigilant and prepared for the potential impact of these powerful storms.
As St. Augustine homeowners know all too well, hurricanes are an ever-present threat during the storm season. However, taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricanes can go a long way.
\n\n\n\nOne key aspect of hurricane preparedness is creating hurricane-resistant landscaping. By selecting the right plants, installing barriers and drainage systems, and securing loose items in your yard, you can help minimize damage to your home and ensure your family’s safety.
Don’t wait until the next storm is on the horizon to take action. Reach out to a St. Augustine landscaping professional today and create a beautiful and resilient landscape that can withstand even the toughest storms.
Main Image Credit: Wallpaperflare
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\n","content":"\nTampa Bay’s subtropical climate and coastal location provide the perfect conditions for many beautiful native plants to thrive right in your front yard (and backyard). Planting native plants is the perfect way to add a touch of Florida to your Tampa landscape. There are several reasons homeowners should consider installing native plants:
\n\n\n\nFrom tropical palms to beautiful wildflowers, native plants have grown in the Tampa Bay area’s subtropical climate for hundreds of years and are well-adapted to the conditions.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/beautyberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Alter / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry, also called French mulberry, features large leaves and arching stems full of either flowers or berries, depending on the time of year. Once late summer hits, the flowers mature into bright violet berries that last until fall and sometimes into winter. The berries grow in multiple clusters along the woody stem, spaced out along the vine like veggies on a kabob.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the berries are edible, they are not known for being particularly tasty, though they are sometimes used to make jelly. Birds enjoy snacking on the raw berries. Beautyberry flowers are white, pink, or lavender, and their nectar attracts bees and butterflies in spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nGrowing at forest edges, American beautyberry loves sunlight, though it thrives best with regular hydration.
\n\n\n\nThe serrated leaves of beautyberry are broad, perfect for sheltering small wildlife. When crushed, the leaves have a pleasant aroma that wards off mosquitoes. Rubbing crushed leaves on your skin can act as a natural mosquito repellent.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
USDA hardiness zone: 6-11
Mature size: 3-9 feet tall and 3-8 feet wide
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full or partial sun
Soil preferences: Loamy, sandy, chalk, clay, acidic, well-drained
Water needs: Low.
Salt tolerance: Low.
Wind resistance: Moderate
Potential hazards: Non-toxic; berries are edible
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bald-Cypress.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe bald cypress is a water-loving tree that can survive being submerged in water for long periods of time. Because of their affinity for water, bald cypresses are typically found in swampy areas or growing near streams and rivers.
\n\n\n\nWith delicate fern-shaped leaves and peeling silver bark, bald cypresses are just as beautiful in the summer months as they are in the autumn when the leaves change to a colorful blaze of burnt orange. Bald cypresses produce cones full of seeds that make a nice snack for birds, squirrels, and other small critters.
\n\n\n\nWith a lifespan that would make even Grandmother Willow jealous, bald cypresses live for a very long time, up to 600 years.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Confier
USDA hardiness zone: 4-9
Mature size: 50-100 feet
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Sandy or loamy soils; adapts well to a wide range of soil pH
Water needs: Low
Salt tolerance: Moderate
Wind resistance: High
Potential hazards: Might cause mild allergic reactions
![\"\"](\"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\nFor Tampa residents looking to add a splash of vivid color to their landscape, butterfly weed produces a blaze of star-shaped flowers. The tiny flowers grow in clusters of orange, although sometimes they come in red or yellow hues. Their hairy stems stand erect, crowned with lush flower blossoms. The stems are populated with long, thin leaves that are a rich green color.
\n\n\n\nAs one might guess, one of the most delightful aspects of butterfly weed is its ability to attract butterflies to your yard. Monarch butterflies are attracted to butterfly weed, which is a host for butterfly eggs. Their pollen and nectar attract bees and hummingbirds, as well. Unlike most milkweed types, the sap of butterfly weeds is translucent and doesn’t irritate the skin.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed grows in fields and prairies throughout Hillsborough County. The drought-tolerant plant can take a while to get established. Sometimes it can take up to three years until it starts to flower during late summer and early fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
USDA hardiness zone: 3-9
Mature size: 1-3 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Herbaceous
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Well-drained, dry, rocky, loamy, sandy, and clay
Water needs: Low
Salt tolerance: Moderate
Wind resistance: Moderate
Potential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/firebush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mokki / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA favorite for hummingbirds and butterflies, firebush produces tubular flowers from spring through fall. Their flowers look like a cluster of tiny hot peppers, blending shades of orange, yellow, and red to add a fiery flare of color to any yard.
\n\n\n\nNicknamed the scarlet bush, firebush is a behemoth of yard plants, adding bushy vegetation that can grow up to 15 feet tall. Homeowners love these bushes for their resistance to hurricanes, making them a suitable fit for hurricane-prone Tampa.
\n\n\n\nFirebush flourishes in South Florida. These plants tolerate a wide range of soils and aren’t the pickiest about where they settle down. Small mammals and birds love snacking on the black berries. The leaves of a firebush possess medicinal properties for healing bug bites, fungal infections, and rashes.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
USDA hardiness zone: 8-11
Mature size: 5-15 feet tall and 2-6 feet wide
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun; needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day
Soil preferences: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, slightly alkaline soil
Water needs: Moderate
Salt tolerance: Moderate
Wind resistance: High.
Potential hazards: Not toxic; berries are edible
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Gloriosa-Lily.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\nLike a blaze of fire, the gloriosa lily blooms in a rich medley of curling red petals trimmed with yellow. The plant originated in Africa and Asia. The gloriosa lily is a boon to butterflies and bees, who love to visit its sweet-smelling flowers. The beauty and unusual shape of this lily has earned it many nicknames:
\n\n\n\nA type of bulb, gloriosa lilies have tubers for their root system. The plant is a climber with vine-like tendrils that creep upward, making it a great plant for trellises or chain-link fences.
\n\n\n\nDespite the name, gloriosa lilies are not actually lilies. The flame lily can last for decades. A gloriosa lily should be placed in a part of the yard where it can get 6-8 hours of sunlight exposure a day. Gloriosa lilies need rich, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Bulb
USDA hardiness zone: 8-11
Mature size: 4-6 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
Soil preferences: Well-drained, acidic, alkaline, neutral, loamy, or sandy soils
Water needs: Moderate
Salt tolerance: Low; does not tolerate salt
Wind resistance: Low
Potential hazards: Poisonous to people, dogs, cats, squirrels, and horses; tubers can irritate skin
![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Gumbo-Limbo-Tree.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Milo44 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBefore plastic became commonplace, the lightweight wood of gumbo-limbo trees was used for making horses in carousels. With a century-long lifespan, gumbo-limbo is a long-lived Floridia native treasured for its excellent drought resistance.
\n\n\n\nGumbo-limbo trees are distinctive for their coppery color. Its peeling bark looks like sunburned skin, which earned it the nickname “tourist tree.” They grow to impressive heights, sometimes reaching up to 60 feet tall.
\n\n\n\nPlant them a good distance away from your home, driveway, and other structures. Gumbo-limbo trees grow fast and their branches have a wide spread. Sometimes their branches grow low to the ground, so make sure that a gumbo-limbo tree has plenty of space to grow.
\n\n\n\nA gumbo-limbo’s bark has medicinal properties for skin conditions including sunburns, measles, and insect bites. It also can help cure the flu, colds, and fevers. Their flowers are unremarkable unless you are a bee or butterfly, but the summertime berries are a delightful treat for birds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
USDA hardiness zone: 10-11
Mature size: 25-40 feet tall, 25-30 feet wide
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial sun
Soil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy, acidic, alkaline, and well-drained
Water needs: Moderate
Salt tolerance: Moderate
Wind resistance: High
Potential hazards: Non-toxic
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sabal-Palm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nChosen as Florida’s state tree, sabal palms are an iconic symbol of the beach. If you are looking for a hardy, tropical tree for your landscape, a sabal palm is perfect because it can last 100 years. Sabal palm is also called cabbage palm because their immature leaves, named heart of the palm, are edible and taste like cabbage.
\n\n\n\nSabal palms have large, fanlike leaves and produce white flowers in spring. Palms provide a resting spot for birds, and their seeds make a tasty snack for small critters. Sabal palms are impressively resistant to hurricanes.
\n\n\n\nPlant your palm trees in a spot with well-drained soil. Sandy or loamy soil is the best type of earth for a sabal palm to thrive in. Sabal palms are a slow-growing plant, so homeowners will have to patiently wait for the palm to sprout up to an impressive height. On the positive side, sabal palms don’t require much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Palm
USDA hardiness zone: 7-11
Mature size: 40-50 feet.; can grow up to 100 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil preferences: Loamy or sandy
Water needs: Average
Salt tolerance: Moderate; doesn’t like salt near its roots
Wind resistance: High
Potential hazards: Non-toxic
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Hibiscus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis scarlet-flushed water lover usually lurks in marshes, swamps, or besides streams. Scarlet hibiscus flowers, which look like large crimson pinwheels with five petals, add a touch of red to your landscape in summer. Blooming season starts in early summer and lasts until the fall.
\n\n\n\nHummingbirds and butterflies are enticed by the sweet nectar of these flowers, making scarlet hibiscus a great addition to a butterfly garden. Also known as scarlet rose mallow, it thrives in wet soil, so if homeowners have a wet spot in their yard, scarlet hibiscus may be the perfect fit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
USDA hardiness zone: 8-11
Mature size: 3-6 feet high and has a spread of 1-3 feet
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Loamy, moist soils, organic materials, clay, sandy
Water needs: High
Salt tolerance: High
Wind resistance: Low
Potential hazards: Non-toxic
![\"Seagrape](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/seagrape-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nIt is illegal to harm wild sea grapes, as they are a protected plant species. However, you can bring the shrub-like tree right to your home. Sea grapes don’t produce actual grapes; they derive their name from the purple fruit they produce that strongly resembles grapes in appearance although not in taste.
\n\n\n\nSea grape fruit is edible and can be used for making jelly, jam, or wine. Broad, rounded leaves create a place for lizards to hide, white flowers provide delicious nectar to pollinating insects, and purple fruit offers a delicious snack for birds and squirrels. However, the flowers might trigger allergy symptoms.
\n\n\n\nUsually found growing in sandy beachside soil, sea grapes love oceanside locations. Although it tolerates many types of soil, sea grapes like sandy soils best. The problem with sea grapes is they make quite a mess when they drop fruit all over your lawn. Be prepared to harvest the fruit or deal with cleaning all the fallen fruit out of their lawn.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub/tree
USDA hardiness zone: 10-11
Mature size: 25-50 feet
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, moderate shade
Soil preferences: Sandy, clay, loamy, well-drained
Water needs: Low
Salt tolerance: High
Wind resistance: High
Potential hazards: Non-toxic. The fruit is edible for people and animals.
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sea-Oxeye-Daisy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIn the Sunshine State you can bring a drop of sunshine right to your yard with the sea-oxeye daisy. These daisies, shrouded with silvery-green leaves, add a colorful touch of yellow to your landscaping and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nBirds love to eat the little black fruits the shrub produces. Sea-oxeye daisies can be used as either groundcover or as stand-alone plants in your landscape. Coastal homes that experience sea spray from storm surges might want to consider installing sea-oxeye daisies, since they have a high salt tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIn the wild, sea-oxeye daisies are usually found dwelling in salt marshes or beach dunes. In your yard, sea-oxeye daisies perform best in sandy or loamy soils that are well-drained and receive a lot of full sun every day.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
USDA hardiness zone: 8b-11
Mature size: 2-6 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun and light shade
Soil preferences: Sandy, loamy, mud, or clay
Water needs: Low
Salt tolerance: High
Wind resistance: Moderate
Potential hazards: Non-toxic
![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Seaside-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nIf you want to add a cheery touch to your yard, consider seaside goldenrod. The flower’s long stalks burst into color at their tips in an explosion of bright yellow flower clusters. In the wild, seaside goldenrod can be found growing in beaches, dunes, or salt marshes.
\n\n\n\nSeaside goldenrod is a good fit for butterfly gardens, as their sweet nectar attracts honeybees and butterflies. Its nectar can even be used to make honey.
\n\n\n\nAs its name implies, these flowers can usually be found in areas near the sea such as coastal dunes or tidal marshes. It’s a good plant for sandy soils, though it’s not a picky wildflower and it can grow in a variety of soils.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous wildflower
USDA hardiness zone: 8-10
Mature size: 2-8 feet
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay
Water needs: Low to Average
Salt tolerance: Moderate
Wind resistance: High
Potential hazards: Non-toxic
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spiked-Blazing-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nDespite the name, the spiked blazing flower is not known for its spiky thorns or sharp edges. The plant is named for its bristly appearance, as both its leaves and the petals have a spiky, sharp look to them.
\n\n\n\nThe spiked blazing flower is known by several names:
\n\n\n\nSpiked blazing flower is a tall vertical plant, with a long, thin green stalk topped with clusters of purple flowers. Although the flowers are typically a lavender color, they also can be pink or white as well. The sweet nectar or these plants attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant wildflower blooms during summer and early fall, and its leaves turn brown in autumn as the perennial plant goes dormant for the winter. Spiked blazing flowers are susceptible to diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nMake sure to plant this wildflower in a spot that receives a lot of sun each day. They need to be placed in well-drained soils, since wet or soggy soils can cause spike blazing flowers to rot. It performs best in poor soils.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous wildflower
USDA hardiness zone: 3-9
Mature size: 2-6 feet tall, 9-18 inches wide
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, organic matter
Water needs: Low to moderate
Salt tolerance: Low; does not tolerate salt or salt spray
Wind resistance: Moderate
Potential hazards: Non-toxic
Although native plants grow well in Florida, you can’t place a plant just anywhere and expect it to thrive. Every tree, shrub, and wildflower has different requirements for the type of soil they can thrive in.
\n\n\n\nHere are things to keep in mind when considering what type of native Florida plants to select for your Tampa yard:
\n\n\n\nTampa is in USDA hardiness zone 9b and 10a. Hardiness zones are used to determine the chances of a plant performing well in a certain location. Before you purchase new landscaping plants for your lawn, be sure to consider what plants will fit with the local hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nTampa has minimum winter temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Tampa has never reached temperatures higher than 99 degrees Fahrenheit, so it has a mild climate year-round.
\n\n\n\nYou also should consider the size of a plant and how much yard space you have. Trees and shrubs take up quite a bit of space as they grow, so make sure that your yard has plenty of space to accommodate such large plants.
\n\n\n\nFor homeowners looking for a wider variety of native species, the Florida Native Plant Society offers a list of native plants on their website for homeowners to browse and learn more information about Florida-friendly plants.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to keep a splash of flora color in your yard year-round, choose plants that flower all year long. With Florida’s mild winters, it is possible for certain types of flowers to bloom even during Florida’s cold season.
Here’s a list of flowers that bloom year-round in Florida:
● Blanket flower
● Blue daze
● Bougainvillea
● Firespike
● Gerbera daisies
● Hibiscus
● Ixora
● Knock out roses
● Lantana
● Mexican heather
● Penta
● Plumbago
● Salvia
● Vinca
Not every plant is completely safe, as some can be toxic to humans and animals. If you have pets or children, you might want to consider avoiding poisonous plants, or at least be aware of which plants may be toxic so you can keep them safely out of the reach of children or pets.
Here are a few of Florida’s poisonous plants:
● Angel’s trumpet
● Azaleas
● Bracken fern
● Brazilian pepper-tree
● Caladium
● Castor bean
● Coral honeysuckle
● Gloriosa lily
● King sago palm
● Oleander
● Poison Ivy
● Poinsettia
● Rosary pea
● Spotted water hemlock
● Yellow allamanda
If you have any of these plants in your landscape, you should be aware that ingesting them can cause serious problems or, in extreme cases, death.
If you want a butterfly garden, choose a selection of native Florida plants to attract pollinators to plant in your yard. Some plants, such as milkweed, can be used as hosts for butterfly eggs and are an essential part of a butterfly’s growth cycle. Certain types of flowers are better for drawing butterflies to their yard than others, so here’s a list of some butterfly favorites:
● Buddleia
● Blue Porterweed
● Butterfly weed
● Coontie
● Coral bean
● Dill
● Firebush
● Firespike
● Gaillardia
● Hydrangea
● Jatropha
● Jessamine
● Lantana
● Milkweed
● Parsley
● Passion flower
● Penta
Flowers that attract butterflies to your yard will usually draw bees and hummingbirds to your landscape, as well.
Whether you want to add a fiery flare of flowers to your yard or whether you want a long-lived tree to be a part of your landscaping, there are many native Florida plants to choose from. Be sure to ethically source your plants and buy them from a local nursery. Do not transplant them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for a place to purchase native plants for your Tampa lawn, try checking out these local nurseries for the plants you need:
\n\n\n\nTampa frequently experiences hurricanes, so check out our guide on ideas for a hurricane-resistant landscape. Aside from finding the right plants for your landscaping, you should also consider the best grass types for your Tampa lawn or low-maintenance landscaping ideas to minimize the amount of time spent on yard work.
Ready to transform your yard into a beautiful landscape populated with native flora? Let Wikilawn help you find a Tampa landscaping professional to help with your next landscaping and lawn care projects.
Main Image Credit: Seaside goldenrod / Sam Fraser-Smith / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nTampa offers beachside views and aquatic wildlife for locals and tourists to enjoy. You can enjoy a stroll along Bayshore Boulevard, the United States’ longest continuous sidewalk, before enjoying Tampa’s unique cuisine. With all the bounteous emerald greenery of Tampa’s tropical vegetation, you want a lawn that is just as lush and green.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are the best types of grass in Florida since they are able to withstand hot, muggy days and high humidity. Several types of grasses thrive in Tampa’s hot summers and mild winters.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are the best kinds of grasses for the Sunshine State. They originate from tropical regions, making them perfect for a subtropical climate like Tampa.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes warm-season grasses a perfect fit for the Tampa Bay area, since the climate is hot and humid year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass boasts a pleasing dark green hue and an extensive root system that helps it survive drought. Bahiagrass flourishes in full sun, though it isn’t so hardy when faced up against a lot of foot traffic or cold weather. Luckily, Florida’s mild winters make it a great fit for Tampa lawns.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is adaptable with nearly any type of soil. However, the drought-tolerant grass does not thrive in areas with salt or saltwater spray, so it’s best for more inland Tampa properties. If your yard is patchy because you have poor soil that is sandy or acidic, you might want to try switching to bahiagrass.
\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: Low; mow 1-2 times a week and fertilize during peak growing season.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Resistant to diseases and insects, although dollar spot is common, and bahiagrass may attract bahiagrass billbugs, fall armyworms, or mole crickets.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Poor, sandy, or acidic
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass needs fertilization during the peak growing season. Luckily thatch isn’t a concern with bahiagrass, so you don’t need to dethatch or aerate your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a classy choice for golf courses and commercial properties. Foot traffic doesn’t faze it, as this hardy grass type is built to withstand wear and tear. What does hurt bermudagrass is a lot of shade and cold winter temperatures.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass grows to be a vivid light green color. Hybrid bermudagrass has a fine texture, while the texture of common bermudagrass is usually coarser.
\n\n\n\nA sun-loving grass, bermudagrass is a deep-rooted grass that grows densely quickly. The thickness of the grass acts as a defense against weeds, forming a barrier that chokes them out. Bermudagrass is a high maintenance turf, but it’s durable and able to withstand rough weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Below-ground rhizomes and above-ground stolons
\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: High. Bermudagrass is a fast-growing and invasive grass. It needs to be mowed weekly to keep it from growing in garden beds and fertilized regularly.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance against diseases, although it commonly suffers from diseases such as dollar spot, leaf spot, spring dead spot, and root decline. Bermudagrass has low resistance to insects and may be invaded by pests such as white grubs, armyworms, and webworms.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermudagrass only needs reseeded once a year. It requires regular mowing during the growing season to keep it at its ideal height.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nIf you dream of an evergreen lawn that even persists through the chilly winter months, then buffalograss is the grass for you. Buffalograss is a low-maintenance lawn that keeps its blue-green hue year-round.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss thrives in the western and central regions of the Great Plains, but there are new turf-type cultivars that are well adapted for home lawns. Despite being named for the bison that populates North America, buffalograss doesn’t like stampeding herds of visitors, making it bad for heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nIt can tolerate Tampa’s extreme heat and bouts with drought. Avoid planting buffalograss if you have a yard shaded by big big trees. Buffalograss doesn’t require much water, so homeowners have to be careful to avoid overwatering this type of grass. Since it has a more open growth pattern, weeds are always a problem..
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases. Although buffalograss has a good tolerance against bugs, it tends to attract chinch bugs, white grubs, webworms, and mealyworms.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Like with most grasses, it takes effort to get buffalograss established in your yard, but once they are established, they should be low maintenance. They don’t typically need dethatching or aeration, and they don’t require much fertilizing.
\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\nIf you are looking for a low-maintenance grass, centipedegrass is a good choice. Centipedegrass is durable and versatile, as it thrives in acidic and infertile soils with a low pH. It is a slow-growing grass, which means it doesn’t need to be mowed as often as other warm-season grasses. Centipedegrass is not a good grass if you have pets and kids because it doesn’t stand up to foot traffic. But it does hold up well during droughts.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it is an attractive grass, you won’t be the only one who finds centipedegrass appealing. Pests such as nematodes love centipedegrass. It’s also susceptible to fungal diseases and other pesky bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects; may suffer from iron chlorosis or centipedegrass decline. Nematodes and ground pearl insects are a common insect problem for centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Sandy and infertile soils, silt, loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: When it is first installed in your yard, centipedegrass will be high-maintenance until it is established in the yard, then it will be low maintenance and not require much care. Centipedegrass can be sensitive to over-fertilizing.
\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\nSt. Augustinegrass is the most popular grass found in Florida lawns. Tolerant of heat and shade, St. Augustinegrass is a great fit for any Tampa yard shaded by trees.
\n\n\n\nA native to coastal areas, St. Augustinegrass performs best where there’s salty sea air and high moisture and humidity. Its thick, dark green blades go dormant in the winter and turn brown before returning to their vibrant color in the spring. There are several types of St. Augustinegrass, but there are two primary types: standard and dwarf cultivars.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is used to getting a lot of water, so it will have to be watered often to keep it healthy and happy. But don’t give it too much water or fertilizer because it is susceptible to thatch. St. Augustinegrass grows in dense patches that makes it weed-resistant. And it’s not the best for families with pets or kids, since it doesn’t do well with heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; St. Augustinegrass grows quickly, so it will need frequent mowings
\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; chinch bugs can be a problem with St. Augustinegrass. Nematodes, grubs, and webworms might also plague St. Augustinegrass, and it can suffer from diseases like large patch and gray leaf spot.
\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: St. Augustinegrass can be planted any time of year in Tampa. Prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance
\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\nWhat makes Zoysiagrass so great for Tampa yards is its high salt tolerance. Zoysiagrass can endure some shade, but it thrives if it receives six to eight hours of sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a great barefoot grass because it’s so soft to walk on. It’s the perfect grass for your family and pets because it accommodates a lot of rowdy play and outdoor activities while also being soft and comfortable to walk on.
\n\n\n\nIts growth pattern makes it difficult for weeds to take root among the dense, dark green grass blades. However, the dense growth requires weekly mowing during the growing season.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; good disease and insect tolerance overall. Might encounter problems with diseases such as brown patch, gray leaf spot, or take-all root rot. Insects like white grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms, or mole crickets might pose a threat to zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained soils. Adaptable to almost any kind of soil, from clay to sandy soil.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Although Zoysia is usually low maintenance, it does produce thatch, which requires aeration and dethatching. Zoysiagrass is also a slow starter; new grass takes one to three months before it grows.
\n\n\n\nSeveral types of sun-loving grasses thrive in Tampa, but the best types of grasses for lawns that receive a lot of direct sunlight include St. Augustine, Celebration bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass.
Several types of sun-loving grasses thrive in Tampa, but the best types of grasses for lawns that receive a lot of direct sunlight include St. Augustine, Celebration bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass.
Bermudagrass consumes the least amount of water, which means it doesn’t have to be watered as frequently and it is very drought-resistant. Other types of grass that are drought tolerant and can do well with little water include bahiagrass, centipedegrass, and buffalograss.
Tampa lawns need to withstand hot, humid temperatures and thrive in coastal climates. These varieties thrive in the Tampa Bay area, so you’ll want to consider what type of grass is the right fit for your yard.
\n\n\n\nCreating your perfect yard isn’t just finding the right type of grass for your lawn. There are other ways you can enhance your Tampa yard. Check out our list of low-maintenance landscaping ideas or our list on hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas designed to help your landscaping withstand harsh hurricane weather.
\n\n\n\nDon’t wait to install new sod. Contact a Tampa lawn care pro today so that you can have the lawn of your dreams.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Free Nature Stock / Canva / License
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Tampa, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/1789c/Lawn-Grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/107df/Lawn-Grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/293e9/Lawn-Grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/f2cbb/Lawn-Grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/1789c/Lawn-Grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/c26c2/Lawn-Grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/1dd6e/Lawn-Grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/67b76/Lawn-Grass.webp 320w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/8df11/Lawn-Grass.webp 500w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/98a65/Lawn-Grass.webp 800w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/1dd6e/Lawn-Grass.webp 960w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/3cc96/Lawn-Grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Tampa, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Are you looking to get a new lawn? There are several types of warm-season grasses that are perfect for Tampa’s humid 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.
The cooler weather in the fall is a relief for many Jacksonville residents. Goodbye, high AC bills — hello, pumpkin-flavored everything! You may be able to navigate Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres like a pro but feel lost when it comes to lawn care. Florida’s warm-season lawns slow their growth in fall. When winter rolls around, they […]
\n","content":"\nThe cooler weather in the fall is a relief for many Jacksonville residents. Goodbye, high AC bills — hello, pumpkin-flavored everything! You may be able to navigate Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres like a pro but feel lost when it comes to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nFlorida’s warm-season lawns slow their growth in fall. When winter rolls around, they could stay green or turn brown and dormant — both are normal for North Florida. Though your yard work won’t be as sweaty this time of year, setting your lawn up for success before winter is still essential. Pull out your calendar and follow this fall lawn care checklist for Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nYou may be tempted to put away your lawn care tools and leave your turf alone until the next growing season. However, that choice could make your spring lawn care much more challenging. Here’s how your lawn benefits from fall lawn care:
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJacksonville’s many deciduous plants drop their leaves as the weather cools in the fall. While those leaves are pretty, too many could smother your lawn. There are a few ways you could deal with them:
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirt may seem simple on the surface, but it’s anything but that. Soil contains most of the nutrients your grass needs. If you understand what’s already in your soil, you can choose the appropriate fertilizer and soil amendments to help your lawn thrive.
\n\n\n\nOne thing soil tests cover is pH. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline isn’t a friendly environment for your turf and could interfere with proper nutrient absorption. Acidity and alkalinity are measured on a pH scale of 1 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral — anything above that number is alkaline, and anything below is acidic.
\n\n\n\nFlorida’s average soil pH is 6.1, meaning it’s slightly acidic. However, your soil pH could be higher if you live close to the ocean because shell materials are alkaline. Building materials can also make the soil more alkaline.
\n\n\n\nHere are the pH preferences for the common Jacksonville turfgrasses:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Preferred pH Range |
| Bahiagrass | 5.5-6.5 |
| Bermudagrass | 6-6.5 |
| Centipedegrass | 5-6 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 6-7.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 6-6.5 |
To find out soil pH and nutrient levels, get a soil test from the Duval County Extension Office or another soil testing lab. Use their recommendations when purchasing fertilizer so you don’t oversaturate the soil with nutrients your grass doesn’t need. If your soil pH is too unbalanced, they may recommend soil amendments (lime for acidic soils and sulfur for alkaline soils).
\n\n\n\nSoil tests can take a few weeks to process, so plan accordingly if you want to know your results before fall fertilization. You don’t need to soil test every year, but it can be helpful if:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gloves,](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Weed-Control.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave you been keeping track of the weed population in your yard? Weeds compete for the same water, nutrients, and sun as your turfgrass. They also can make your lawn look uneven and lower curb appeal. A healthy, thick lawn can outcompete weeds, but sometimes you must intervene.
\n\n\n\nThere are three ways to deal with Jacksonville weeds:
\n\n\n\nManual control: With some gloves and trusty tools, you can pull out weeds by hand. This method is environmentally friendly and won’t harm newly planted grass. However, you need to remove the entire weed. If you leave any roots, tubers, or seeds, the weeds may come back.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides: Once you see the weeds, you can spray them with post-emergent herbicides to kill them. Always follow label directions carefully to keep your other plants safe and ensure the herbicide is compatible with your grass type.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides: This product prevents weeds from germinating. Use pre-emergent herbicides to get ahead of annual weeds so they’ll never have a chance to deface your lawn. However, they can also kill young grass, so don’t use them if you plan to overseed your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWant to know what weeds to expect in your Jacksonville lawn? Let’s break them down based on lifecycle and learn the best treatment methods.
\n\n\n\nAnnual weeds live for less than a year, though they’ll likely leave enough seeds to spawn another generation next year. Summer annual weeds begin their lifecycle in spring, flourish in summer, and die off in fall. You may find some stragglers in the fall that you can treat with post-emergent herbicides or let them die naturally.
\n\n\n\nSummer annuals in Jacksonville include:
\n\n\n\nSimilarly to their summer counterparts, winter annuals have a three-season lifecycle. They germinate in the fall, do well in winter, and die off by the spring.
\n\n\n\nYou still have time to prevent these weeds if you apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early October. Wait for nighttime temperatures to dip to 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for several nights in a row, then apply one or two times according to package instructions.
\n\n\n\nHere are some winter annuals you may find in Jacksonville:
\n\n\n\nWith a two-year lifespan, biennials can be more challenging to get rid of than short-lived annuals. They won’t flower in the first year, but they’re ready to bloom and spread seeds by the second year. Though they die soon after spreading seeds, you’ll have to deal with their offspring for the next two years. Treat them with herbicides before they flower, if possible.
\n\n\n\nHere are some examples of biennials in Florida:
\n\n\n\nPerennials are the longest-lasting weeds of all, with a lifespan of three or more years. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll make themselves at home and reseed themselves year after year. Treat them with post-emergent herbicides in the fall before they hunker down for the winter.
\n\n\n\nHere are some perennials to look for in your Jacksonville lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-Armyworm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: uacescomm / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs to be in good shape while it takes a break from growing, and the last thing it needs is to be munched on by pests. Here are some to keep an eye out for in the fall:
\n\n\n\nFall armyworms: These green or brown caterpillars with dark heads eat all types of turfgrass. Fall armyworms are especially problematic in new grass that’s been heavily fertilized in late summer. You may notice the adult moths fluttering around the area. Treat with pesticides, though remember these products may harm their natural predators.
\n\n\n\nSod webworms: Adult tropical sod webworms peak in October and November. Their larvae feed on all types of warm-season grass leaves. Though this pest may leave during North Florida’s colder winters, the damage it creates in fall can leave your lawn in bad shape for the season. Keep thatch levels low to eliminate hiding spots and treat affected areas with insecticides.
\n\n\n\nWhite grubs: Yellow, easy-to-pull-up grass is a sign something is eating your turf’s roots, and the culprit may be white grubs. These beetle larvae target all kinds of turfgrass. Damage is easiest to spot in late summer and early fall. Apply treatment before they retreat underground later in the fall.
\n\n\n\nContact the University of Florida’s Insect ID Lab for assistance if you find an insect and can’t identify it.
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollar](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dollar-Spot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA slow-growing lawn may be less able to fight sickness, so treating diseases before they get out of hand is vital. Here are some diseases to watch for in the fall:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nAlso known as brown patch, this fungal disease creates round, discolored sections on turfgrass. It often affects Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass, but all warm-season grasses can fall victim. Watch for it when temperatures are below 80 degrees Fahrenheit from November through May.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat large patch:
\n\n\n\nAvoid overwatering and excessive nitrogen applications to discourage large patch. If necessary, treat with fungicides. Turfgrass can best recover when it’s actively growing in spring or summer.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nSmall, beige or white lesions on the grass will eventually cause straw-colored patches the size of a silver dollar or larger on your lawn. Dollar spot can affect any warm-season grass, especially lawns with dry soil and nitrogen deficiency.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nMaintain proper cultural practices like watering, mowing, fertilizing, dethatching, and aerating. Don’t mow the grass too low — your grass could become more vulnerable to dollar spot. Apply nitrogen fertilizer lightly and frequently to build resistance without overfertilizing. Use chemical control if cultural control is unsuccessful.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is the only warm-season grass that suffers from gray leaf spot. It slows growth and thins out lawns. Though this disease thrives most in rainy spring and summer, it extends into September since temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for light spots with dark brown borders on your grass’ leaves.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat gray leaf spot:
\n\n\n\nMinimize stress and avoid over-watering to prevent the moist environment that this disease loves. Excessive nitrogen also can encourage gray leaf spot. Be careful when applying the herbicide atrazine, as it can worsen the disease. Fungicides are best applied preventatively, so consider them for next spring.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThough this disease can strike any time of year, it’s most common during the mild, wet seasons of fall and winter. Helminthosporium leaf spot starts as brown or purple pin-sized spots and develops into lesions with pale centers. Infected leaves may turn purple or reddish brown before withering to a light tan shade. It can affect all warm-season grass types but is worst on bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat Helminthosporium leaf spot:
\n\n\n\nAvoid excessive nitrogen applications by following soil test recommendations. A ratio of 1:2 for nitrogen and potassium is best. You also can apply slow-release or quick-release potassium to boost your grass’ resistance. Raise mowing height to help grass fight this disease. Several fungicide options are available if needed.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nPythium root rot causes discolored and thinning grass. Though it’s easiest to observe symptoms on the leaves, the root of the problem is underground and harder to see. Roots will be thin and discolored. All warm-season grasses can be affected by pythium root rot.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat pythium root rot:
\n\n\n\nImprove drainage and avoid overwatering. To deal with the excess moisture from rainfall, mow high and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at once so you don’t stress your turf. Balance nitrogen and potassium applications, with extra potassium in early fall for lawns commonly affected by pythium root rot. Apply fungicides if necessary.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThe slow growth and cool weather in late fall to early spring encourage this disease, while warm weather drives it away. Wet leaves trigger the infection, which causes yellow dots that turn into orange pustules that release spores when touched. Look for rust in St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and any lawn you overseed with perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat rust:
\n\n\n\nRust more severely affects grass with nutrient deficiencies or in shady areas. Follow soil test results to see what your grass needs, and apply a slow-release fertilizer. Keep the grass in shady areas as dry as possible. Use fungicides if cultural control isn’t sufficient.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThough it’s sometimes called Bermudagrass decline, take-all root rot affects all warm-season grasses. It is caused by stressed turfgrass and excessive rainfall and prevents grass from adequately absorbing water and nutrients. You may notice some leaf discoloration, but the black, rotten roots are the best way to identify the disease.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat take-all root rot:
\n\n\n\nAlleviate stress and maintain proper mowing habits. An equal balance of slow-release nitrogen and potassium will help grass resist the disease. Micronutrients like manganese also may help. Keep in mind that the disease is hard to treat by the time symptoms are visible aboveground. Fungicides are most effective as a preventative measure.
\n\n\n\n![\"Overseeding](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile South Florida lawns may stay green all year, North Florida lawns usually turn brown during dormancy. If you want it to stay green, you could overseed with cool-season grass in fall.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass grows fast, is cheap, and will die off in spring, so it doesn’t compete with your usual grass. You can overseed any warm-season grass except centipedegrass, as it could cause centipedegrass decline. Here are the steps you’d need to take:
\n\n\n\nPro tip: Overseeding works best if you dethatched your lawn in spring.
\n\n\n\nRemember, if you choose this route, you’re signing up for extra lawn maintenance. You’ll need to water frequently while it germinates. Consider specialized turf paint if you want an easier way to keep your lawn green. Of course, the easiest option is to let nature take its course and wait out your brown lawn.
\n\n\n\nWarning: Pre-emergent herbicides can kill young ryegrass. Consider whether you’d prefer to overseed for winter color or deal with weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour lawn can best utilize fertilizer when it’s actively growing in spring and summer. However, your grass may still benefit from a high-potassium fertilizer in fall. Fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen are better for your grass because they don’t release too many nutrients at once. Since many soils in Florida are high in phosphorus, use a fertilizer with little to no phosphorus.
\n\n\n\nDon’t fertilize your lawn any later than September. It could promote a growth spurt, and new growth will be more sensitive to cold. There’s no need to fertilize dormant grass, either.
\n\n\n\nCan you skip fall fertilization? Sure — just wait until spring. The spring application will help your grass recover from winter and start the growing season strong.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-15.jpg\")
Photo Credit: lutavia / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass stops growing when air and soil temps are below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While you may need to mow throughout the fall, the slowed growth means you’ll need to rev up the mower less and less frequently.
\n\n\n\nThough it may be tempting to mow low, your grass can better survive stressors if mowed high. Here are the recommended mowing heights for the grass types in Jacksonville:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Mowing Height |
| Bahiagrass | 3-4 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1-2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5-2 inches |
| St. Augustine | 2.5-4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1-2.5 inches |
Only cut off one-third of the grass blade at a time. Removing more can damage grass and make it more susceptible to pests, diseases, and weeds. If you want to change your mowing height, it’s best to adjust it gradually.
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/water-sprinkler-e1680265702957.jpg\")
Lawns in Jacksonville generally need watering once or twice a week in the fall, but by winter, you can water as little as once every two to three weeks. Rain will provide for some of your grass’ needs. However, you’ll need to cover the rest with supplemental irrigation. Here are some watering tips:
\n\n\n\nThe University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommends irrigation on an as-needed basis to reduce overwatering. Look for the following signs of dehydration:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tools](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Organized-Shed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the end of fall approaches, you may reach for your mower and weed eater less or not at all. If you’re ready to retire your equipment for the year, make sure it’s in good condition before you do so.
\n\n\n\nRemember, you may still need these tools if you decide to overseed your lawn for winter color. It’s still a good idea to complete some maintenance, though.
\n\n\n\nNeither. Grass that’s too short can be vulnerable to diseases and weeds, while extra-long grass can look unruly and provide a haven for pests. Keep your grass in the middle, following the recommended mowing height for each grass type. It’s also best to mow your grass as you usually do for the last mow of the season.
It’s better to aerate your lawn in spring. Why? Though beneficial, aeration is an invasive procedure that your lawn needs time to heal from. Aerating in fall could leave your lawn weak going into winter. Wait until spring to get the best benefits and harm your lawn the least.
No. Winterizer fertilizer is a bad fit for Florida lawns because it often contains too much nitrogen. Instead, look for a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer. Here are some suitable NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratios:
• 9-2-24
• 5-2-14
• 8-2-34
• 5-0-22
No. These products are usually too general to meet the specific needs of different homeowners’ lawns. Like many cure-alls, it may not be as effective as advertised. The best way to fertilize and control weeds is to follow your soil test results and create a game plan based on the specific weeds you encounter.
Lawn care checklists are helpful, but they aren’t always fun. After all, you still have to haul out the lawn supplies and put reminders in your calendar for crucial tasks. Wouldn’t you rather spend your weekend trying the new fall flavors at Whit’s Frozen Custard? Consider professional lawn care services if you’d rather keep your free time free.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Ventura Ave House / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Jacksonville, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1789c/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/107df/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/293e9/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/f2cbb/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1789c/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/c26c2/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1dd6e/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/67b76/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 320w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/8df11/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 500w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/98a65/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 800w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1dd6e/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 960w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/3cc96/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Jacksonville, FL","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Fall means less yard work, but you’re not off the hook yet. Go through this fall lawn care checklist for Jacksonville."}}},{"node":{"id":"ca2424be-8eb7-5a17-a3b6-846bbe21d7e3","slug":"when-is-best-time-to-water-lawn-florida","path":"/lawn-care/fl/when-is-best-time-to-water-lawn-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":"You may have read somewhere that it’s not advisable to water your lawn every day or that you should only water it once a week. But does this apply to your lawn as well? Remember that your location plays a big part in determining the best time to water your lawn, and Florida has its […]
\n","content":"\nYou may have read somewhere that it’s not advisable to water your lawn every day or that you should only water it once a week. But does this apply to your lawn as well? Remember that your location plays a big part in determining the best time to water your lawn, and Florida has its own environmental conditions to consider.
\n\n\n\nSo instead of following general rules in taking care of your yard, it’s more logical to follow watering guidelines specifically geared to your own locale. Doing so will not only help you prevent molds and patching, but also can save you from having to deal with excessive water bills.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nCreating a beautiful lawn is not a set-and-forget kind of thing. Even if you have native plants, that doesn’t mean they can thrive on their own. The ecosystem in your yard might be teeming with life, but it can either flourish or wither, depending on your lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nSome of the direct benefits your turfgrass gets with proper watering include:
\n\n\n\nOf course, we can’t leave out the fact that well-watered grass shows a more beautiful light green color compared to dry ones, which are usually grayish blue.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTiming is a very important factor to consider when watering your lawn. Regardless of your lawn size or the type of grass you have, you need to do this at the right time so as not to waste water and bring harm to your grass.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to water your lawn in Florida is during the early morning hours, preferably at dawn or around 5 a.m. – especially during summer. During this time, the temperature is cooler, which minimizes water loss. If you find it too early, you can adjust the watering a little later but not past 9 a.m.
\n\n\n\nSince the sun hasn’t been out for long, the water will not evaporate quickly, which gives the ground some time to absorb the water.
\n\n\n\nAfternoons are when the air temperature is at its hottest. Most people mistakenly think this is the best time to water because they usually relate the condition to themselves. Who wouldn’t want to refresh themselves with a cool drink in the afternoon or take a plunge in the pool when it’s hot? But the thing is, it’s not the same for plants.
\n\n\n\nEvaporation is at its peak during this time, which means the water gets burnt off fast, and the root zone will only get minimal water. Also, you’ll end up paying more for your water bills – including the water that has been wasted.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s certain that evaporation is almost nil when the sun is not out in the sky, watering your lawn at night creates even greater drawbacks for your plants, depending on the weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nCooler temperatures mean the water will remain on the grass blades the entire night, encouraging the growth and proliferation of fungi. Diseases like leaf spots can easily infect your lawn, making it unattractive. Even during warm and dry seasons, where Florida nights are hot and humid, diseases can still spread on your lawn if you let water sit on the grass overnight.
\n\n\n\nThe next important factor to consider in taking care of your lawn is the amount of water your lawn needs, and this will largely depend on the time of year.
\n\n\n\nIn Florida, the climate is dry most of the time except for summer – when it’s quite hot and humid. June to October is usually the rainy season, and nature is a big help in keeping your lawn from drying up during this time.
\n\n\n\nThis wet season is just part of the state’s warm weather period, which actually runs between April to October. During this time, you should water your lawn every two days or two to three times per week.
\n\n\n\nFlorida’s cooler months, which fall between November to April, require that the lawn be watered only once a week. Doing so will not only help control the growth of fungus and weeds but also prepare your lawn for summertime. Instead of having a shallow root system, your grass will naturally develop deeper roots, which can help with its nourishment in summer.
\n\n\n\nNot all grasses have the same watering requirements, as some are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering, while others need more water, especially during dry spells. Here’s a table that shows how much water is needed for each specific grass type during each season in Florida (in inches per week):
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
| Bahiagrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | dormant |
| Carpetgrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 |
| Centipedegrass | 0.5 – 1 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 | 0.5 – 1 |
| Seashore paspalum | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | dormant |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.5 – 1 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 | 0.5 – 1 |
Note: These are just general guidelines, and the actual water needs of your lawn may vary based on factors such as soil type, amount of sun exposure, and local weather conditions.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHere are some watering tips to help you keep your Florida lawn beautiful and to ensure you’re putting your water to good use.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can always use your trusty garden hose for this task, it’s better to use a lawn sprinkler or have a lawn care professional install an irrigation system for your yard. Not only will it be more convenient for you, but it also could allow the sprinkler to automatically turn on in the wee hours of the morning.
\n\n\n\nA properly installed system could disperse enough water evenly so that you wouldn’t have to worry about puddles. If your county has licensed irrigation system installers, it’s always best to have them do the installation.
\n\n\n\nKnowing how long you should be watering your lawn is also crucial, as it will help ensure there’s enough moisture reserved in the soil before the next watering schedule.
\n\n\n\nIn general, you should set your sprinkler to water the area between 45 to 60 minutes so that the water is delivered deeply and evenly into the soil, which in turn helps encourage the development of a healthy root system. The goal is to deliver an inch of water which can be easily determined by using the tuna can test.
\n\n\n\nThe tuna can test is a simple way to determine how much water your lawn is receiving from your sprinkler system. To perform this test:
\n\n\n\nSo, if the average depth of water in the tuna cans is 1/4 inch after 20 minutes of watering, you’ll know that your sprinkler system is delivering 1/4 inch of water per 20 minutes.
\n\n\n\nOnce you know how much water your sprinkler system is delivering, you can adjust the watering time and frequency to ensure that your lawn is getting the right amount of water.
\n\n\n\nIt’s still important to visually inspect your landscape frequently to help you identify problem areas. If you notice a bluish-gray discoloration or footprints on a specific area of your lawn, you need to adjust your sprinkler setup as this area is in need of watering.
\n\n\n\nWater conservation is a critical matter in Florida, which is why the state has implemented watering restrictions to help conserve water resources. Here are the specific regulations by region:
\n\n\n\nIn North Florida, which includes cities such as Jacksonville and St. Augustine, you’ll need to follow water restrictions throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nIf your home address ends in an odd number, you can water your lawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays. But if your address ends in an even number, your watering days are Thursdays and Sundays. Just don’t water between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re living in Central Florida, which includes Orlando and Tampa, you should be aware of these watering restrictions enforced year-round.
\n\n\n\nHomes with odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while homes with even-numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays. Similar to North Florida, you shouldn’t water your lawn between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day.
\n\n\n\nDuring daylight saving time (the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November), you can water your lawn only once per week.
\n\n\n\nCompared to other regions, South Florida has the strictest restriction due to water scarcity.
\n\n\n\nAll homes, regardless of house number, can only water once per week on a designated day determined by the local water utility.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that these designated days may vary depending on your area, so it’s a good idea to check with your utility company to determine the specific day for your location. You also shouldn’t water your lawn between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day.
\n\n\n\nDIY or hand watering typically uses less water than sprinklers because it allows you to target specific areas and avoid overwatering. However, it can be more time-consuming and physically demanding compared to using a sprinkler system. The efficiency of hand watering also depends on the individual doing the watering and their watering techniques.
The better option would be to install sprinklers with a timer. You can set it to deliver a consistent amount of water for a specific duration, reducing water waste and promoting better soil absorption. Additionally, many modern sprinkler systems have features like rain sensors and smart controllers – allowing you to adjust the sprinkler’s watering schedule depending on the current weather condition, further reducing water usage.
Overall, a sprinkler system is a better option for watering your lawn compared to using a hose, as it offers the following benefits:
• Complies with regulations
• Helps you save time and effort
• You can program it to water at specific times and durations
• It can be equipped with moisture sensors to adjust the application and disperse enough water
However, using a hose can be a good option for small lawns or specific areas as long as you avoid overwatering or watering during the hottest times of the day.
To avoid wasting water (and even save water) when using a sprinkler to water your lawn, you can:
1. Water in the morning (before 10 a.m.) to help reduce water loss due to evaporation and give your grass enough time to dry before nightfall, which can reduce the risk of fungus and disease.
2. Adjust your sprinkler heads to water only the lawn, not the sidewalk, driveway, street, or other non-vegetated areas.
3. Use a timer so your sprinkler system will run for a shorter duration but more frequently. This way, the water has time to soak into the soil before running off.
4. Install a rain sensor, which can automatically turn off your sprinkler system when it’s raining or when the soil is already moist.
5. Check your sprinkler system for leaks, broken heads, or other issues that can waste water. Replace any damaged parts and adjust the settings if necessary.
Maintaining a healthy lawn in Florida can be a challenge for homeowners, especially during the hot and dry season. Apart from proper fertilization and mowing, watering during the best time of day, using the optimal amount of water, and following these lawn watering tips can help keep your lawn looking green and lush all year.
Avoid wasting water but don’t let the Florida heat turn your lawn into a brown, lifeless eyesore. Whether you’re living in St. Augustine, Pensacola, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, remember that taking the time to learn about your area’s specific guidelines can pay off in the long run.
So, what are you waiting for? Hire a lawn care pro today, and start giving your lawn the TLC it deserves.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Lawn Sprinkler Irrigation / Pixabay
\n","title":"When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn in Florida?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/1789c/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/107df/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/293e9/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/f2cbb/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/1789c/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/c26c2/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/1dd6e/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/67b76/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/8df11/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/98a65/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/1dd6e/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/3cc96/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn in Florida? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn the best time to water your lawn in Florida to avoid common problems and keep your yard green and healthy year-round."}}},{"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":"17b1c722-3deb-5849-8754-404243fe183c","slug":"worst-backyard-pests","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/worst-backyard-pests/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.
\n","content":"\nAfter working so hard to make your yard and garden perfect, you deserve to enjoy it. Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches are generally about 1.5 inches long and love the humidity in Tampa. You’ll find them in your garden, trees, under your sink, in your bathroom, behind the dishwasher, and anywhere there’s moisture. The females will lay eggs anywhere they can find food and water. Avoid leaving pet food out and, to the extent possible, deprive them of the moist, shady outdoor areas in which they thrive, such as stacks of wood, piles of leaves or hollow tree stumps.
\n\n\n\nThere are many species of cockroaches in Florida. Some fly, some don’t. Some seek shelter in homes, others don’t. The giant of them all is the Florida woods cockroach, also known as the palmetto bug. One member of the species was plucked from the obscurity of a woodpile in Apopka, Fla., and won the World Cockroach Contest in 1986. Its length: 2.49 inches. Its name: Longfellow. Its one saving grace: Like other palmetto bugs, it prefers to live outdoors.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches rarely bite, but many carry bacteria such as salmonella which can contaminate food. Their waste and sheddings can trigger attacks in people with asthma. Boric acid dust and common insecticides help control them, but it’s best to call an exterminator for any substantial infestation. Even a professional won’t be able to totally rid your yard or house of these worst backyard pests in Tampa.
\n\n\n\nThe tiny mouths of these arthropods allow them to make holes in many of your plants. Getting rid of spider mites can be difficult. Try applying a half and half mixture of water and alcohol. Make sure the alcohol is isopropyl, which is toxic to insects but shouldn’t hurt your plants. If the mites are still making your garden and lawn into their home, you may have to research chemical products.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/K3UXOYZ81AKeXZfwZwO9qG3NJbV6eczq6Hgv2I8vQviswAkGhD5gri16byFvUB97GDqnN5mFh0wtB49_r9WmNnTXr4IQyKonStT6LhVlnBQqLkS_bfA4Fk92T3QCzOafsNoWfGRZ\")
Tropical sod webworms can do a lot of damage. For such tiny creatures, they can have a big impact on your yard. These caterpillars may be hard to spot, as they can turn as green as the grass they eat. If one part of your lawn has brown patches and is shorter than the rest, bend down and inspect it closely to see whether your lawn is infested.
\n\n\n\nThe adults are annoying triangular-shaped moths that don’t do much damage. But they lay eggs in the lawn, and the hatching larvae feed on the grass blades. To get rid of these tiny troublemakers, try sprinkling soapy water on the lawn. This will usually draw the critters out, so you can remove them. But if you notice a large infestation, you’ll have to resort to an insecticide. Spinosad is an organic product that controls the tropical sod webworm, without hurting the grass or beneficial bugs.
\n\n\n\nThese gray oval bugs can destroy your plants quickly. Their dusty and grainy look is actually a waxy protective coat. Since they may be hard to spot, keep an eye out for dirty or yellow patches on your plants. Your plants looking like they have fur or lint on them may be another sign mealybugs have taken up residence.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of them, spray the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Another approach is to deter them their natural predators. Tiny wasps, “mealybug destroyer” ladybugs and lacewings will make a quick meal of the mealy bugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Pulm8_tsekxSdH-8nbUZKxQa8LVaiXskw2AXgxpMwqfdMLBGFwrh8GahZ69xx7qX5b2SIY4pBbv64tPhtQEcrv-hbsQqzEogBZUnc__0-qCMmLfLmCfWT6WweCcCdSlUjBK7kSqO\")
Opossums are prevalent in Florida. If they can get ahold of anything in your garden, they will. To keep them away, trim the fruit trees where the critters like to snack. You can also block off and cover individual plants and areas you want to protect. Chemical deterrents for opossums are also available if you ‘re at your wits end with these pests.
\n\n\n\nWhile opossums are a nuisance, they can also be beneficial. Besides feasting on your citrus trees, they eat ticks, mice, roaches, rats and snakes. They’re actually immune to rattlesnake venom. Opossums are also the only marsupial in North America and one of the oldest critters on earth.
\n\n\n\nYou may not immediately think of housepets such as cats or dogs as garden pests, but they can ruin a lawn and garden faster than an opossum. Cats and dogs are naturally curious and like to chew on plants and grass. Cats like to lay and roll in the grass and newly seeded dirt. Dogs love to dig. The best way to keep your pets from chewing on your grass and garden plants is by training them to use a designated area of the yard. You can also try a homemade solution which has garlic, hot pepper or soapy water. Another tip is to water the area your yard where the dog goes potty. This will help dilute the urine, which can kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nWith the right knowledge and effort, you can protect your home from the worst backyard pests in Tampa. Once your garden is safe, you’ll have more time to enjoy relaxing in it, than working on it.
\n\n\n\n
Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Tampa? Visit our Tampa Lawn Care page.
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\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\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":"0147d12a-bf6b-528f-9ac4-5f6236453db2","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-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 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Tropical weather isn’t all beautiful. Sunny weather may be followed by a tropical storm or a hurricane. While there’s only so much you can do to protect your home, hurricane-resistant landscaping can minimize damage and make cleanup easier. Here are 12 ideas to implement in your yard to help your landscaping weather the storm. In […]
\n","content":"\nTropical weather isn’t all beautiful. Sunny weather may be followed by a tropical storm or a hurricane. While there’s only so much you can do to protect your home, hurricane-resistant landscaping can minimize damage and make cleanup easier. Here are 12 ideas to implement in your yard to help your landscaping weather the storm.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping ideas for Jacksonville
\n\n\n\nHurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30, and during the hurricane season, Floridians don’t want to be caught off-guard. With winds reaching speeds over 157 mph, hurricanes cause a lot of wind damage and often lead to flooding.
\n\n\n\nFor hurricane preparedness, here are some tips to keep your yard safer so you can be ready for the next time a tropical storm strikes Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/777px-Miami_Beach_-_South_Beach_Sand_Dune_Flora_-_Helianthus_debilis_Dune_Sunflower_29.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daniel Di Palma / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSeeing all your hard work go down the drain is heartbreaking if you’re a plant lover. The additional salt water from tropical storms can cause plants to wilt, halt growth, or die. Some plants are susceptible to salinity, but others are more salt tolerant and better adapted to coastal areas.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are more likely to survive local weather and are lower maintenance. However, other plants may be able to brave the storm, as well. Here are some salt-tolerant plant recommendations from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS):
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nWhat about your lawn? St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass are good turfgrass choices for Jacksonville and can handle more salt than other grass types.
\n\n\n\nCost: Planting a tree costs homeowners between $90 and $3,212. Flower bed planting costs between $861 and $3,100. You can save money by planting them yourself, but research the plant thoroughly before planting, so you set it up for success.
\n\n\n\nTrees are a significant hazard during hurricanes. They could fall on your home, fence, or car, causing costly damage. While no tree is entirely immune to high winds, research from the University of Florida has shown these trees to be most wind-resistant:
\n\n\n\nWant to know which trees have poor wind resistance? Avoid these species:
\n\n\n\nCost: Planting a tree costs homeowners between $90 and $3,212.
\n\n\n\nIs your tree at risk of falling? Besides species, tree health is another factor determining which trees survive hurricanes. Sick, diseased, damaged, rotting, and pest-infested trees aren’t in peak condition to face stormy weather. Look for any changes in your tree’s health, and call a certified arborist to assess whether the tree needs to be treated or removed.
\n\n\n\nEven if your trees are healthy, pruning and reshaping will improve their wind resistance. Train your young trees to have one dominant trunk and well-spaced branches. To prepare for a hurricane, contact an arborist to prune any trees over 15 feet tall and remove branches that could pose a danger to your property.
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree trimming costs between $227 and $708. Want to trim your hedges and bushes as well? Expect to pay between $56 and $85 per hour for hedge trimming and $7 to $24 per bush or $45 to $75 per hour. You can trim small plants yourself, but leave large trees to the pros.
\n\n\n\nArborists may offer advice on tree trimming or removal for free but charge $40 to $550 for in-depth consultations or services performed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Power](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Power-Line.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matthew Paul Argall / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTrees are much more dangerous near power lines and your house. They could smash through your roof or take out your power. Don’t plant trees or other tall plants too close to your home or power lines, and move or cut down existing trees that pose a danger.
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree transplants cost between $229 and $5,440. Tree removal costs between $323 and $2,089.
\n\n\n\nHardy plants are an excellent first step, but you should also provide extra protection before the storm hits. Wrap trees and large plants with burlap and small plants with a floating row cover. Make sure to secure them to the ground with garden stakes. While these covers may fail in severe hurricanes, they’ll likely reduce some damage in your yard.
\n\n\n\nCost: Depending on the size, burlap costs between $7 and $180 per roll. Floating row covers cost $11 to $240 per cover, with agricultural covers costing even more.
\n\n\n\nMulch controls weeds in your garden, but hurricanes scatter pieces all over your yard. Avoid hard mulch types like gravel. Strong winds can send them flying through the air and possibly through your windows. Here are some soft mulch types that will cause less damage and be easier to clean up:
\n\n\n\nCost: Mulch costs between $45 to $100 per cubic yard, depending on the type. You also can make mulch for free from grass clippings, pine needles, or newspaper.
\n\n\n\nFlooding is a significant source of damage during hurricane season. A seawall is the first line of defense against rising water levels, redirecting floodwaters away from your property. They are beneficial for properties next to the ocean or rivers. Choose from materials like concrete, wood, steel, and vinyl.
\n\n\n\nCost: Seawall construction costs between $215 and $843 per square foot, depending on the material.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chain-link-fence.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nIf those winds are strong enough to knock down trees, they can destroy most fences. Privacy fences often fall because their large surface area takes the brunt of the wind and floodwaters. Concrete and brick fencing may hold up better, but other materials will be more likely to survive if they have gaps to let the elements through. Consider picket, shadowbox, lattice, or louvered designs.
\n\n\n\nChain-link and metal fences are your best bet if you want to see your fence still standing after the storm. They might be dented by flying objects, but that repair will be easier than a splintered wooden fence.
\n\n\n\nCost: Metal fences cost between $21 and $57 per linear foot, depending on the type of metal. Chain-link fences, also known as cyclone or hurricane fences, cost between $12 and $37 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nThat comfy lounger on your patio may not be so lovely after it’s been thrown around by the wind and flood waters. Your outdoor furniture and decor could easily be damaged or damage other property. Move anything not bolted down to a secure location, such as a shed or garage, so you won’t need to recover or repair them after the storm.
\n\n\n\nCost: Nothing if you already have a shed or garage to store your items in.
\n\n\n\n![\"leaves](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30120082286_d296f7477f_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dan Keck / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nStorm surges during the hurricane can flood your yard. That water won’t leave if it doesn’t have a clear path to nearby storm drains. Leaves and debris can clog the drains, causing flooding for you and your neighbors. Keep your yard clean from debris and avoid placing landscaping features between your yard and the drain if they might prevent water flow.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid standing water in a sloped yard, install a French drain. French drains are ditches filled with gravel with a perforated drain pipe underneath. Rather than pool in your yard or create unwanted rivers, the water will follow the French drain to the municipal storm drain. These installations can redirect water away from your foundation and prevent flooding inside your home.
\n\n\n\nCost: Yard cleanup typically costs between $153 and $374 but can cost as much as $1,059 in extreme cases. French drains cost between $500 and $18,000.
\n\n\n\nLeaving gutters clogged before a hurricane is asking for trouble. To avoid unnecessary flooding, clean your gutters twice a year. It’s best to start with the cleanest slate possible so the leaves don’t pile too high and cause more damage.
\n\n\n\nCost: Gutter cleaning costs between $72 and $424. Costs will be on the higher end for large and multi-story houses.
\n\n\n\n![\"water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Automatic-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ildar Sagdejev / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAutomatic sprinklers make our lives easier most of the year, but more water is the last thing your lawn needs during a hurricane. Your yard will already be saturated for a long while after the storm, and your plants will need to recover from the excess water. You may also want to turn off your water entirely to avoid damage from burst pipes.
\n\n\n\nCost: None. You will actually save money on your water bill.
\n\n\n\nHurricanes are a risk to homeowners all over Florida, and Jacksonville is no exception. Because Jacksonville is right on the coast, even a brush with a hurricane can cause major flooding in the city. Some damage is inevitable, but preparedness can save money and time as you pick up the pieces.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can make your landscape more resilient in storms, it can’t protect you. Create an emergency evacuation plan to keep you and your family safe.
\n\n\n\nHurricane prediction isn’t a perfect science. Jacksonville residents should expect a bush or direct hit from a hurricane every two or three years, with direct hits landing every 11 to 12 years. Direct hits cause the most damage, but even a brush can cause significant damage.
In Florida, hurricane season falls between June and November, with the peak times in August and October. It’s a good idea to start assessing your hurricane preparedness around this time, so you aren’t scrambling to protect your home.
Yes, and not just from hurricanes. The long rainy season from June to November can cause tributaries and creeks to rise and damage nearby properties. The City of Jacksonville warns that any property in the floodplain will likely be damaged at some point, though other properties are also at risk.
Some hurricane preparations you make in your yard will help with these issues, such as clearing paths to storm drains. However, you’ll likely need to make additional preparations.
You have a lot to check off your hurricane preparedness list to keep your family and property safe. Why not get some help to ease your burden? Local landscaping pros can prep your yard for hurricanes and clean up afterward.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Jacksonville","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1789c/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/107df/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/293e9/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/f2cbb/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1789c/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/c26c2/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1dd6e/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/67b76/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 320w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/8df11/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 500w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/98a65/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 800w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1dd6e/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 960w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/3cc96/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Jacksonville | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Hurricanes wreak havoc if you aren’t prepared. Here’s how to implement hurricane-resistant landscaping for your Jacksonville home."}}},{"node":{"id":"9dac3550-da7b-5fa7-99b8-f2cfeb13f5f0","slug":"best-native-plants-ocala","path":"/lawn-care/fl/ocala/best-native-plants-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":"April 3rd, 2023","excerpt":"Ocala is a picturesque city full of rolling hills, champion horses, and thoroughbred farms. It is home to the Ocala National Forest with over 430,000 acres of wildlife, lakes, rivers, and botanical diversity, making it easy to see many of the over 4,700 species of plants native to Florida live in their habitats. After seeing […]
\n","content":"\nOcala is a picturesque city full of rolling hills, champion horses, and thoroughbred farms. It is home to the Ocala National Forest with over 430,000 acres of wildlife, lakes, rivers, and botanical diversity, making it easy to see many of the over 4,700 species of plants native to Florida live in their habitats. After seeing these beautiful plants, consider adding some to your Florida lawn for a low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants promote a healthier Florida ecosystem. Check out these 25 native plants for Ocala to create a diverse landscape in your own backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Azalea](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/azaleas-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAzaleas are recognizable for their pink or white flowers lining the flowerbeds of many homes in North Central Florida. However, those particular plants are not native. They are actually hybrid varieties from Japan, Rhododendron indicum.
\n\n\n\nFlorida has its own native azaleas with smaller flowers. These fragrant flowers bloom in spring and range in color from pink to yellow. They are a slow-growing plant, eventually reaching heights up to 10 feet tall. They are low-maintenance shrubs that love partial shade and filtered sunlight. Add native azaleas to your flower beds and butterfly garden to attract pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; all plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American_Beautyberry_6172956232.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Virginia State Parks staff / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry is a sprawling shrub that works well as a border plant with its long branches arching toward the ground. Also known as American mulberry, its bright purple fruits attract birds and other wildlife. It responds well to pruning for a more compact appearance.
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry has small lavender flowers and fuzzy, light green leaves. The shrub blooms from spring to summer before maturing to fruits in September. Beautyberry is drought tolerant and adapts well to the acidic, sandy soils of North Central and South Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers nutrient-rich soil but tolerates acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers a regular watering schedule and moist roots
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a highly recognizable pop of color for Ocala yards. Known for its bright gold petals and dark brown centers, the hardy wildflower is salt and drought-tolerant and makes a great addition to any butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nTransplanted flowers or sewn seeds grow well in garden beds and containers. Black-eyed Susan flowers grow atop round, clumping leaves. They love full sun and well-drained soil and work well as cut flowers for an outdoor-to-indoor home display.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable, prefers acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSome plant species, like milkweed, are vital to healthy Florida landscapes, and over 20 native species call Florida home. Butterfly weed is a native species of milkweed and an attractive flowering plant. It is a nectar source for bees and pollinators and a host plant for caterpillars, including the Monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed produces bright orange or yellow flowers from summer to fall. The hardy plant loves full sun and tolerates most soils. It is also moderately salt and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and less than 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, though some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: High toxicity; milky sap poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/coontie-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoontie is a member of the cycad family. This clumping groundcover is a seed plant resembling a small fern. Also known as Florida arrowroot, the evergreen plant has ancient roots dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. It is an important member of the Florida ecosystem and the only cycad native to North America. Coontie is the larval food source of the rare Atala butterfly.
\n\n\n\nThe round plant has shiny, feather-shaped leaves attached to a thick stem. It works well as clumping groundcover in many areas of your landscape and is drought, salt, and cold-tolerant. It thrives in both sunny and shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Clumping groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; seeds are deadly to humans and animals if ingested, and the entire plant is poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-honeysuckle-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle is a twining evergreen clumping vine found climbing the woods, sandhills, and flatwoods of Central and South Florida. It blooms year-round and does its best blooming in the winter. You can find it crawling trellises, walls, and fences, reaching heights up to 18 feet.
\n\n\n\nTrumpet-shaped red-orange flower clusters grow among dark, shiny leaves, giving way to bright red berries from September to October. Coral honeysuckle attracts hummingbirds, songbirds, and other pollinators with its vibrant flowers and fruit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-18 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coreopsis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zarkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower and a type of aster. Also known as tickseed, the perennial blooms daisy-shaped, yellow flowers with brown-orange centers from spring to summer.
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis is drought-tolerant and reseeds itself. Its bright blooms attract butterflies and native pollinators. Tickseed makes a great addition to flower beds, containers, and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Pale](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/elliotts-aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nElliot’s aster is one of 331 native aster species in Florida. It is a perennial with a sprawling shape. It is quick-growing and great for filling gaps in flower beds and pollinator gardens. Elliott’s aster is especially attractive to honey bees.
\n\n\n\nThe delicate flower blooms light purple in late summer to early fall. It loves full sun and a range of soils but does not tolerate salt.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8b-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist soil, sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, edible
\n\n\n\n![\"clumps](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fakahatchee_grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFakahatchee grass is a clumping plant that makes great ornamental grass for Ocala landscapes. It works well as an accent and border plant. Fakahatchee grass is the food source for the larval Byssus Skipper butterfly. You can find it growing naturally along river banks and swamps in South and Central Florida.
\n\n\n\nThis ornamental grass is easy to grow. It has grass-like foliage and small white, yellow, or pink flowers that bloom in late spring. It grows best in full sun and loves well-drained, moist soil, though it adapts to drier conditions and will survive flooding. Fakahatchee grass responds well to pruning but grows just as well as a low-maintenance plant when left alone.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; well-drained, moist acidic or alkaline soil, sand, loam, clay; extended flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Mokki / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFirebush has distinctive bright red flowers that bloom from late spring to the first frost. It is a hardy shrub popular with hummingbirds, butterflies, and other local wildlife. Firebush can reach up to 15 feet tall in North Central Florida but responds well to pruning for contained growth.
\n\n\n\nThe semi-woody shrub works well as a standalone shrub, hedgerow, or border plant. The foliage will die if temperatures hit freezing but will regrow in spring. Firebush adapts to most soil conditions and is heat and drought-tolerant with no natural disease or insect threats.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-12
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; poisonous to humans and animals, though it has a bitter taste most animals avoid
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/florida-anise-tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPurple anise, or the Florida anise tree, is actually an evergreen shrub with small star-shaped purple to red flowers. Its skinny branches droop to the ground, giving the shrub a rounded shape while its flowers bloom in spring with fruits following from late summer to fall. The fruits of the Florida anise tree give off a distinct licorice odor when crushed like its cousin star anise.
\n\n\n\nFlorida anise has a dense growth pattern, making it ideal for windbreaks and hedgerows. They grow well in partial shade but prefer full sun and respond well to pruning. Florida state law protects these low-maintenance evergreen shrubs. They love rich soil and moisture but adapt to most conditions. The purple anise does not tolerate salt water and its foliage is poisonous, making it resistant to insects, deer, and Ocala black bears.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 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: Prefers rich, moist soil, clay, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; foliage is poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/gaillardia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JJ Harrison / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nExperts recently discovered the most popular species of gaillardia, Gaillardia pulchella, also known as blanket flower, is not native to Florida. However, a similar species of gaillardia, Gaillardia aestivalis, or lanceleaf blanket flower, is native to North and Central Florida, making it an excellent choice for your Ocala landscape.
\n\n\n\nPart of the daisy family, lanceleaf blanket flower is a quick-growing perennial with showy yellow compound blooms appearing from late spring into fall. This clumping plant attracts butterflies and pollinators. Unfortunately, it is short-lived.
\n\n\n\nGaillardia aestivalis prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and self sows. This native wildflower makes a great addition to borders, rock gardens, small spaces, containers, and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or clumping groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; well-drained acidic or alkaline soil, sand, rock, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/muhly-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMuhly grass is one of the most low-maintenance and easy-to-grow options for Ocala landscapes. This ornamental clumping grass lines Florida flatwoods, uplands, and highways, producing fluffy pink flower stalks every fall.
\n\n\n\nMuhly grass thrives in the sun and is drought-tolerant. The salt-tolerant grass is perfect for flower beds, borders, and low-maintenance mass plantings.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, loam, clay; extended flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Oakleaf](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/oakleaf-hydrangea-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Anne Norman / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea is a rare shade-loving shrub found in the understory of large trees like Florida live oaks. It is coarse-textured with large, cone-shaped flower clusters that bloom for months every summer and change colors from white to light pink and purple.
\n\n\n\nThe fast-growing deciduous shrub gets its name from its dark green, oak-shaped leaves that turn red, gold, or purple in the fall. Oakleaf hydrangea reaches heights up to 10 feet tall and thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Smaller cultivars like “Pee Wee” are available for homeowners with limited space.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5b-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet high and 6-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full shade to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers, fertile, well-drained soil; adapts to most soil conditions, including moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; all plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/nature-plant-flower-purple-bloom-summer-543725-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nPassion flower, or maypop, is a flowering vine and butterfly host plant. It is fast-growing, and hardy with dense foliage that provides natural cover for wildlife. Passion flower’s large lavender blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The vine produces edible green fruits, though they are not related to passion fruit and do not taste good.
\n\n\n\nThe perennial vine loves full sun and spreads to occupy a trellis, fence, or archway. Passion flower is pest-resistant and tolerates drought conditions. However, the hardy plant is susceptible to nematode damage in North Central Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet; spreads to occupy the trellis or fence
\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: Adaptable; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water twice weekly during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Closeup](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/powderpuff-mimosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nPowderpuff mimosa is a low-growing, flowering groundcover. Also known as sunshine mimosa, this flowering plant is an important host plant for butterfly larvae. It blooms puffy, pink, ball-shaped flowers from spring through fall among bright-green, fern-shaped leaves.
\n\n\n\nPowderpuff mimosa withstands light traffic and spreads quickly. However, it is not an aggressive plant and works well with turfgrass and in containers alongside other plants. It helps control landscape erosion, is drought tolerant with deep roots, and grows well in full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental flowering groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: Spreading; up to 1 foot tall
\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: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\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\nSaw palmetto is easily recognizable, growing wild throughout Florida. It is a slow-growing, clumping palm that only reaches heights of 5 to 10 feet. Saw palmetto has sprawling, fan-shaped fronds, and tall white flowers bloom on stalks in the spring followed by yellow berries from August to October.
\n\n\n\nThe palm’s berries are an important food source for local wildlife, and some people believe the extract helps cure cancer though there is no scientific evidence. The plant’s popularity as an alternative medicine has led officials to place a harvesting permit requirement on the plant.
\n\n\n\nSaw Palmetto is the host plant for the Palmetto Skipper and Monk butterflies’ larvae. Saw palmetto grows best in full sun and makes a great addition to mixed borders, privacy hedges, and foundation plants. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Palm shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 5-10 feet tall and 4-10 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: Prefers well-drained, moist soils or seasonally water-logged areas
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\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 salvia is an herbaceous perennial with many names, including blood sage, scarlet sage, and tropical sage. It has tubular red flowers that bloom from spring through fall. The attractive plant reaches up to 4 feet tall and attracts Ocala wildlife, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nScarlet salvia is drought and salt-tolerant. The adaptable plant responds well to pruning and grows well in flower beds, containers, and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous plant
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tree-plant-fruit-leaf-flower-food-829906-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nYou can find seagrape growing along Florida’s coasts. It is an endangered and protected shrub that is salt-tolerant. The small tree produces clusters of edible red fruit resembling grapes, clusters of cream-colored flowers, and bright green, round foliage with red veins.
\n\n\n\nLeft unattended, seagrape will grow to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide but responds well to pruning. These plants work well as hedges, privacy screens, natural windbreaks, and shade trees with attractive, twisted trunks. Seagrape grows well in full or partial sun and sandy, acidic soils. It is very low maintenance except for the occasional pruning.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 10a-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 35-50 feet tall and 20-30 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: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible fruits
\n\n\n\n![\"Long](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/southern-live-oak-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nSouthern live oak is a picturesque shade tree straight out of a famous novel. Its branches sprawl up to 60 feet high and 100 feet wide, while its trunk grows up to 6 feet in diameter. These impressive trees live for hundreds of years when planted with enough room to thrive.
\n\n\n\nSouthern live oaks love well-drained, moist soil. With regular pruning while young, these large trees become incredibly wind-resistant, making them an excellent addition to a hurricane-ready landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet tall and 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: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Young southern live oaks might need watering once a month except during winter when rainfall provides enough water; mature trees are very drought-tolerant and most likely won’t need any watering outside of rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Acorns and leaves are toxic to pets and cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested; surface roots can damage nearby sidewalks, driveways, or other pavement
\n\n\n\n![\"Magnolia](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/800px-Magnolia_grandiflora_Piazzo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Syrio / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSouthern magnolias have shiny, evergreen leaves and creamy white flowers up to a foot in diameter. These large trees grow up to 90 feet tall and produce a lemon-like fragrance. They make a great addition to privacy screens and boundary establishments and respond well to pruning and branch training.
\n\n\n\nSouthern magnolias thrive in the sandy Ocala soils, preferring well-drained, moist, acidic soils. They grow in full sun to partial shade. It is important to note that these large trees grow best as perimeter plants as they shed leaves and seedpods every spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 90 feet tall and 50 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: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Young southern magnolias need watering one to two times weekly for the first six months; mature trees are drought tolerant and only need watering during extreme drought
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards; surface roots can damage nearby sidewalks, driveways, or other pavement
\n\n\n\n![\"Southern](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/southern-wax-myrtle-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BotBln / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSouthern wax myrtle is a small tree or large shrub that makes a great hedgerow or windscreen around Ocala properties. It is salt-tolerant and multi-stemmed with a round canopy. Southern wax myrtles are quick-growing and respond well to pruning and branch training.
\n\n\n\nThese trees produce fragrant green flowers, glossy leaves, and gray bark. Wax myrtles adapt to a range of soils, including the acidic, sandy soils of Florida, and grow well in full sun to full shade.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 25 feet tall, but often kept shorter than 12 feet in landscapes; up to 25 feet wide at the crown
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun or partial shade but tolerates full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once every 10-14 days in the absence of rain
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/flower-plant-nature-flora-blossom-botany-1370586-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nOcala’s subtropical climate creates the perfect environment for crawling vines. Star jasmine, also known as jessamine and evening trumpet flower, is a fragrant flowering vine with clusters of tiny white flowers that bloom in early spring and summer, attracting pollinators to your yard. It is moderately salt-tolerant, drought-resistant, and shade-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nStar jasmine is fast-growing and spreads to occupy any available space. It works well as groundcover but requires frequent pruning. The flowering vine is best planted near lampposts, trellises, arbors, or chain-link fences, and will not climb masonry walls or wooden fences without supports.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine or spreading groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\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 is another small tree that works well in Ocala landscapes as a large shrub. It has small white flowers that attract butterflies and fruits that ripen in fall, attracting birds and other wildlife. Walter’s viburnum reaches heights up to 20 feet tall but responds well to pruning and training, making it a great option for hedgerows and privacy screens.
\n\n\n\nThe flowering tree has dense foliage that acts as a nesting spot for songbirds, and it is the host plant for the Azure butterfly. It is drought tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade. These plants do not tolerate salt and need moist, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water twice weekly
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"sharp](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/yucca-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nYucca plants are a group of Florida shrubs that love full sun and the fast-draining, sandy soils found in Ocala. They are extremely drought and heat-tolerant. Yucca plants grow well in flower beds, and their spiky foliage makes a great standalone specimen plant.
\n\n\n\nThere are three native Yucca species in Florida:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-10 feet tall and 2-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial; some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate heavy clay soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water every 10 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; poisonous to humans and animals when consumed raw; edible when cooked
\n\n\n\nNot all native plants grow well in your Ocala yard and each has their own needs. It is important to consider your landscape’s needs, including soil type, irrigation access, and sun and shade conditions, and select plants suitable for your unique microclimate.
\n\n\n\nOcala sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, indicating the coldest annual temperature is between 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Florida-native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Ocala’s hardiness zone. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nThanks to Ocala’s year-round subtropical climate, you can plant anytime you want. Plants go through their active growing season in spring and summer. Experts agree the best time to head into your garden is from mid-March to the beginning of April.
Early morning is the best time to water your plants. Foliage needs time to dry before nightfall, and wet foliage can lead to disease and rot. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower in the early morning, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or sun scorching.
Native plants support beneficial insects like butterflies, bees, and birds as well as Florida’s ecosystem. Many are salt and drought-tolerant and adapted to the acidic, sandy soil found in most North Central Florida yards, making them easier to grow.
Create your own home forest complete with fragrant blooms, hanging vines, and warm-season turfgrass to invite butterflies and songbirds into your yard by introducing native plants. Be sure to source your plants ethically from reputable nurseries.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local Ocala nurseries:
\n\n\n\nMany native plants are drought and wind-tolerant, standing up to dry summers and high winds. Be sure to create a landscape maintenance plant to care for your new native plants and turfgrass year-round. Check out our spring lawn care tips to get you started.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help deciding which native plants to add to your landscape, let Wikilawn connect you with a local Ocala landscaping pro.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Jasmine flower / Wallpaperflare
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\n","content":"\nPicture this: You’ve gone outside to enjoy a sunny Jacksonville day when you notice something odd on your lawn. It sure doesn’t look like the rest of your grass, and upon closer inspection, you may notice dying turf near it. You’ve stumbled upon a weed, but what should you do about it?
\n\n\n\nThe best way to deal with these leafy intruders is to identify them so you can create an appropriate game plan. Let’s learn about some of the worst Jacksonville weeds so you can grab the right tools and get your lawn back to normal.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWeeds compete for the water, nutrients, and sun your turfgrass needs. Left unaddressed, they can spread over your lawn, garden, and neighboring properties.
\n\n\n\nBesides the competition for resources, weeds are usually a sign of something wrong. Overwatering is one of the most common problems that encourage weed growth. However, it also may be that your turf isn’t getting the nutrients it needs or is mowed too low to reach a healthy density.
\n\n\n\nYou may feel torn about what weed control method to try first. When choosing between manual and chemical control, you’ll need to consider time, effectiveness, and environmental concerns.
\n\n\n\nRemoving weeds by hand is the most eco-friendly method. However, it can take a lot of time, especially if you have more than a few weeds. You must pull up all plant parts to effectively remove weeds by hand. Many weeds can grow back from roots or tubers left in the ground.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nHerbicides are specially-formulated products designed to eliminate weeds.
\n\n\n\nSelective herbicides target specific plants, such as grassy or broadleaf weeds. On the other hand, non-selective herbicides kill plants more indiscriminately.
\n\n\n\nAlways read herbicide labels carefully to avoid hurting you, your lawn, or your pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis weed can be tricky to spot, but you’ll see it everywhere once you recognize it. It resembles turfgrass but is often a lighter green with broader leaves. Crabgrass gravitates toward bare patches in your lawn. It germinates in spring and dies in fall, leaving brown patches and making your lawn’s color uneven.
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass can show up on any lawn. The best way to keep it at bay is to choose an appropriate grass type for Jacksonville. Keep your lawn thick and healthy with proper maintenance, so there are no bare spots for crabgrass to invade. If prevention doesn’t work, apply pre-emergent herbicides in early March before temperatures are consistently above 65 to 70 degrees to avoid harming your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers dry soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dollarweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ranjith-chemmad / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nA rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, but this weed is just as annoying whether it’s called dollarweed or pennywort. The coin-themed names come from the size and round shape of the leaves. Dollarweed is low to the ground and spreads with seeds, rhizomes, and the occasional tuber. Its small white flowers can bloom year-round.
\n\n\n\nDollarweed can thrive in many soil types, with or without sun, but prefers moist soil. To discourage this weed, avoid overwatering your lawn and improve drainage. Once you spot them, pull them out by hand or use selective or non-selective herbicides. Ensure you pull out all the white rhizomes, or it might make a comeback.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4A-10A
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates sandy, loam, or clay soils with acidic to neutral pH
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling, pre-emergent herbicides, or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"honeybee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dandelion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDandelions are some of the most iconic weeds. They’re easy to spot once they have their signature yellow flowers or fluffy white seedheads. Your inner child may want to blow those seeds away and make a wish, but resist the temptation — you’d only be spreading them around your yard and neighborhood. These plants are best dealt with before they produce seeds.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to prevent dandelions is to keep your turf dense and healthy, so there’s no room for them. Hand pulling isn’t a very effective removal method because it has deep roots, but it may be feasible in small yards.
\n\n\n\nApply pre-emergent herbicides before dandelions germinate when soil temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Spot treat with broadleaf herbicides but avoid triclopyr because it can harm the warm-season turfgrasses in Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; dandelions are edible unless you have a latex allergy
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called wiregrass or crowfootgrass, goosegrass gets its name from finger-like spikes that pop out from the same spot when it flowers. Before it reaches that point, it will be low-growing in matted, grass-like clumps with a white leaf sheath at the base. Because of its growth pattern, it survives low mowing remarkably well.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass grows so aggressively in thin lawns it might give you goosebumps. Its favorite soils are compact and wet, so aeration may help make your yard less welcoming. Need to break out the herbicides? You can use pre- or post-emergent herbicides with ingredients like dithiopyr, oryzalin, pendimethalin, or prodiamine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers compact, wet soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre- or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chamberbitter.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Prenn / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis invasive plant will leave you bitter if it takes over your Jacksonville lawn. Chamberbitter has small, round leaves on long stems with bursting pods that launch seeds everywhere. It looks similar to the powderpuff mimosa, a native groundcover in Florida. Two kinds are found in the Sunshine State – long-stalked chamberbitter (Phyllanthus tenellus) and the smaller gripeweed (Phyllanthus urinaria).
\n\n\n\nGripeweed loves moist, overwatered soils and can survive even when mowed 2 inches high. This weed germinates from early summer to early fall. You can pull out these weeds by hand, but don’t shake the roots before tossing them in the trash — you could accidentally spread their seeds.
\n\n\n\nYoung chamberbitter can be controlled by pre- or post-emergent herbicide, but older, woody specimens may need two or three applications to die back. Apply pre-emergent applications in April to get ahead of germination and seed spreading. Be cautious applying post-emergent herbicides to centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, since they also may be harmed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8A-10A
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers warm soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicides work best, but you also can use post-emergent or hand-pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sedges.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Tann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSedges may look like grass, but you can identify these weeds by the angular shape of their stems. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus escuelentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) can be identified by their small flowers when in bloom. Summer is the season they’re at their peak, but they can grow year-round in temperate Florida.
\n\n\n\nSedges attack lawns without well-established root systems. Avoid overwatering and excessive foot traffic to address the root problem, then try removal. Nutsedges spread with tubers on their roots, making them difficult to remove by hand. Check periodically to see if they grow back. You may need to repeatedly treat this weed with herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8A-10B for yellow nutsedge and 3A-10B for purple nutsedge
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most types, but prefers moist soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling and herbicides
\n\n\n\nDandelion weeders are a popular tool for weed removal in lawns and gardens. You also can use garden hoes.
While you can kill individual weeds, the war with weeds will never end. A gust of wind or an animal passing through could bring new weed seeds with them. However, preventative methods like pre-emergent herbicides and proper lawn maintenance give you the best chance of avoiding sprouted, visible weeds.
It depends on what your lawn goals are. If you want a picturesque lawn, no. Weeds will always compete with your grass and create an inconsistent appearance, if not patches and brown spots.
However, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. A weed is only a weed if it’s unwanted or threatens something desirable. Several weeds are beneficial to Florida’s ecosystem. Thus, some homeowners choose to have a wild, less manicured lawn to be eco-friendly.
If this is the route you want to go, research your options thoroughly. Simply letting your lawn grow unattended isn’t necessarily going to create a natural utopia. You will likely need to actively cultivate some native plants and eliminate any invasive species that try to return. Your yard will become lower-maintenance once fully established.
You’ll need a vigilant eye and a dedicated lawn care regime to keep your lawn weed-free. If you’d rather not give up your weekend outing to Riverside Park, consider hiring a Jacksonville lawn care professional to do the dirty work. A pro can identify weeds quickly and has the best products on the market to eliminate them for good.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixabay
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\n","content":"\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\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\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\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\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\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 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\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\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\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 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\nPhoto 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\nPhoto 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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