![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/redskins-field.jpg\")
FedEx Field during the Thanksgiving game (courtesy of 247 Sports)
In a 2017 Washington Redskins season filled with the team’s typical humiliations — being swept by their rival Dallas Cowboys, blowing a 15-point lead to New Orleans with less than three minutes left in the game — one of the NFL’s most moribund franchises added a new point of disgrace: players blasting the condition of […]
\n","content":"In a 2017 Washington Redskins season filled with the team’s typical humiliations — being swept by their rival Dallas Cowboys, blowing a 15-point lead to New Orleans with less than three minutes left in the game — one of the NFL’s most moribund franchises added a new point of disgrace: players blasting the condition of their home stadium’s grass.
\n“It probably doesn’t look like a professional NFL field should,” said Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins after he spent a Thanksgiving game slipping all over FedEx Field shoddy-looking Latitude 36 Bermuda Grass.
\nFedEx Field during the Thanksgiving game (courtesy of 247 Sports)
With the resignation of a World War 1 soldier going over the top, Cousins indicated the problem would only get worse as the season went on.
\n“If you think the field is rough now on Thanksgiving, we’ve got two more home games in mid-to-late December, and that’s probably gonna be a bigger challenge,” he warned on 106.7 The Fan’s “Grant and Danny” program.
\nFormer Redskins players echoed Cousins’ comments on social media, calling for a switch to artificial turf.
\nFor long-suffering Redskins fans, “TurfGate” became yet another reason why the team has floundered under owner, Dan Snyder. Changing the playing surface, some argued, might help restore the franchise to its former glory.
\nAn hour up I-95, the Baltimore Ravens have a very different perspective. In 2016, the team ditched the synthetic turf it had used for 13 years in favor of natural Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass – and the players couldn’t be happier.
\n“That grass was phenomenal,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk told baltimoreravens.com. “I’m very pro-grass. My knees feel better after practice, and there was good traction all night.”
\n“I love the field,” running back Terrance West agreed. “It makes the cuts easier and I like it.”
\nField conditions across the NFL will always vary due to climate and human logistics, so it’s natural that players may have different perspectives on what surface type best sets them up for success. But what does the data say?
\nWe calculated the winning percentage from each team over the last 10 seasons, including the current one, and divided them into two categories based on their home stadium: natural grass and artificial turf.
\nHybrid systems like GrassMaster that use real grass reinforced with artificial fibres are included in the natural grass category. An example of this type of playing surface can be found at the Green Bay Packers’ famed Lambeau Field.
\nFor teams like the Ravens that switched playing surfaces during the 10-year period, we counted each playing surface as a separate team. And ties are considered losses because this is football, dang it, not soccer.
\nWhich surface reigns supreme in recent history? With a winning percentage of .525, teams that play their home games on artificial turf handily beat their natural grass counterparts, who have a combined winning percentage of .474.
\nTop Five Teams (Natural Grass)
\n1. Steelers (.662 winning percentage)
\n2. Packers (.625)
\n3. Broncos (.575)
\n4. Eagles (.556)
\n5. Panthers/Cardinals (.537)
Top Five Teams (Artificial Turf)
\n1. Patriots (.768)
\n2. Ravens, 2008-2015 (.601)
\n3. Saints/Falcons (.593)
\n4. Colts (.568)
\n5. Seahawks/Cowboys (.550)
It’s no surprise that the Patriots stand head and shoulders above the rest, even after they had to replace their synthetic turf this season after player complaints. Their absurd .768 winning percentage single handedly raised the combined turf teams’ combined average up nearly two points.
\nOn the flip side, the Browns’ debacle of a decade not only earned them last place with a truly wretched .237 winning percentage, but dragged the entire winning percentage of the natural grass teams down two points.
\nRemoving those two outliers and you have a more even matchup: .507 for teams with natural grass home fields versus .491 for teams playing on artificial turf.
\nWorst Five Teams (Natural Grass)
\nBrowns (.237 winning percentage)
\nJaguars (.325)
\nBuccaneers (.368)
\nRaiders (.387)
\nRedskins (.400)
Worst Five Teams (Artificial Turf)
\n1. Rams, 2008-2015 (.304)
\n2. Lions (.406)
\n3. Bills (.425)
\n4. Jets (.468)
\n5. Texans (.487)
The data also doesn’t always tell the full story. For examples, the Steelers have often succeeded in spite of their frequently criticized field, most infamous for the “mud punt.”
\n\nAnd players come down strongly in favor of natural grass. An NFL Players Association poll taken in 2010 showed that 89.7% said artificial turf is more likely to shorten their career, 89.1% said they are more sore after playing on that synthetic surface, and 82.4% said fake grass is more likely to contribute to an injury. However, players also voted the frequently muddy grass in Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field the worst in the NFL.
\nOf the four teams remaining in this year’s NFL playoffs, the Eagles and Jaguars play on natural grass (GrassMaster hybrid surface and Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass, respectively) while the Patriots and Vikings use turf to maintain playing conditions throughout their cold winters (FieldTurf and UBU Speed Series S5-M).
\nHome Field of the Last 10 Super Bowl Winners
\n2017: ?
\n2016: Turf (Patriots)
\n2015: Grass (Broncos)
\n2014: Turf (Patriots)
\n2013: Turf (Seahawks)
\n2012: Turf (Ravens)
\n2011: Turf (Giants)
\n2010: Grass (Packers)
\n2009: Turf (Saints)
\n2008: Grass (Steelers)
It’s been a rough decade for teams that use natural grass, and it’s not certain to get better soon – this year’s betting line is predictably skewed toward the turf duo, with Tom Brady the odds-on favorite to bring a sixth ring back to New England.
\n\n\n\nUpdated #SBLII futures:
\nPatriots +120
\n
\nVikings +175
\nEagles +700
\nJaguars +800Via BetOnline @DaveMasonBOL
\n— OddsShark (@OddsShark) January 15, 2018
But after a Divisional Playoff weekend that saw the Minneapolis Miracle and Blake Bortles outshining Ben Roethlisberger, it’s clear that anything can happen.
\nData Sources:
\nhttps://www.pro-football-reference.com
\nhttps://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/sports-turf/nfl-stadiums-turf-or-grass/
\nhttps://www.si.com/nfl/2015/10/01/nfl-stadium-turf-grass-rankings
\nhttps://turfprossolution.com/which-nfl-stadiums-have-artificial-turf/
\nhttp://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-ask-farmer-20171111-story.html
You cannot create an attractive and healthy lawn just by eliminating weeds. It is also essential to feed your grass the necessary nutrients. Weed and feed products allow you to check both these lawn care tasks off your list in one go. This article will explore how to use weed and feed for your lawn. […]
\n","content":"\nYou cannot create an attractive and healthy lawn just by eliminating weeds. It is also essential to feed your grass the necessary nutrients. Weed and feed products allow you to check both these lawn care tasks off your list in one go. This article will explore how to use weed and feed for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThese products are designed not only to control weeds but also to foster healthy, thriving, green grass. In addition to how to use weed and feed, this article also discusses what weed and feed is, how it works, and how it can be a friend or foe.
\n\n\nIt is best to apply weed and feed when the temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Most areas of the country experience these temperatures in late spring and early fall.
\n\n\n\nIt is easier to manage perennial weeds and several types of annual weeds during this time of year. Spring and fall are also the best times to fertilize your lawn, depending on your grass type – late spring for warm-season grasses, fall for cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n![\"cool-season](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nProducts with nitrogen should not be used until the soil temperature at a depth of 4 inches is consistently 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the product has potassium instead of nitrogen, it can be applied during the end of winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that grass should be fertilized at specific times and intervals to remain healthy. Weed killers must also be applied at specific times of year to be effective. The proper timing for fertilizer and weed control doesn’t always overlap, which is one reason why weed and feed can be bad for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDo not apply weed and feed more than twice annually, and do not use the products in extreme temperatures, hot spells, droughts, or on windy days.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsing weed and feed takes pre-planning to make sure the product works. Here are some things you can do before applying weed and feed to ensure the best possible results:
\n\n\n\n— Select a day to apply weed and feed when it is not forecasted to rain for about a week. Water will wash away the product before it can take effect.
— For new lawns recently seeded, do not apply weed and feed until the grass has grown enough that you’ve had to mow it twice.
— About two days before you apply weed and feed, mow your grass to a normal height. This will help the weed and feed absorb evenly into your lawn.
— Watering your grass helps granules adhere to the weeds. But do not water it too much, as it will have an adverse effect. The grass should be slightly damp when you apply the product.
![\"hand-held](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Norbury / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nMake sure you use the proper tools to apply weed and feed and wear protective clothing and accessories. You do not want to be exposed to these toxic chemicals any more than necessary.
\n\n\n\nTools needed:
\n\n\n\n— Sprayer for liquid weed and feed
— Drop-type spreader or rotary spreader for granules
Steps to apply weed and feed:
\n\n\n\n— For liquid weed and feed, mix and spray as per the product label’s directions.
— For granules, follow the product label’s instructions for adjusting the spreader settings.
— Open the spreader as per the product’s directions.
— Add the weed and feed in the amount indicated by the package instructions.
— If you are applying near plants you do not wish to kill, place plastic over them or use a drop spreader to protect the vegetation.
— Start at the edge of your lawn and go back and forth in parallel lines, spraying or spreading the weed and feed product consistently as you go. Move similarly to how you would if you were mowing, but overlap yourself slightly. This ensures every area is covered.
— Do not water or mow your lawn after applying weed and feed. Follow the product’s instructions for when to do so for granules and liquid products. If your product has no instructions, see our article on when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed.
![\"caution](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/224f4055-1667-42b4-b7d2-082a567c5f63-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ArtBoyMB / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWeed and feed products contain a combination of dangerous chemicals, like MCPP, 2,4-D, and dicamba. Some of these have been linked to chronic toxicity and cancer. Keep children and pets out of the treated area for as long as possible.
\n\n\n\nWait until after a heavy downpour before allowing them back in the yard. If you used a granular product, make sure you can no longer see the granules.
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather use a product that doesn’t put your loved ones at risk, see our list of pet-safe weed killers, which are safe to use around children, too.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Crabgrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Large-crabgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHere are some reasons your weed and feed application may not have worked:
\n\n\n\n— These products only work on broadleaf weeds and not grassy weeds like crabgrass. To treat crabgrass, you’ll need a product with a specific crabgrass preventer. Read the label to identify which weeds the product targets.
— You may have watered the grass too soon, or it may have rained too soon after the weed and feed application.
— Weeds must be mature and actively growing for weed and feed to be effective. So, you may have applied it at the wrong time in the weed’s life cycle.
— You did not follow all the prepping steps.
“Weed & feed” is what pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides are called when they include a lawn fertilizer to nourish the grass. These products can improve your grass when applied at the right time. Improved, healthy grass reduces the chances of weeds sprouting.
\n\n\n\nPre-Emergent Weed and Feed: Most weed and feed products are post-emergents. They should be applied before weeds sprout to prevent the weed seeds from germinating. Some, like Scott’s Turf Builder, offer options with crabgrass preventer.
\n\n\n\nPost-Emergent Weed and Feed: Weed and feed post-emergents consist of dicamba and other chemicals that attack broadleaf weeds like dollarweed, dandelions, and plantain. They kill weeds that are actively growing, and they work most effectively when the weeds are young and vulnerable.
\n\n\n\nWhen a post-emergent weed and feed is applied, the weed’s foliage absorbs the toxins. Dicamba is a chemical that penetrates the plant’s roots, making the post-emergent more toxic to the weed. Homeowners should be aware that other plants also absorb the chemical and can be damaged. Be careful not to apply post-emergent weed and feeds on plants you want to keep around.
\n\n\n\nPre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed and Feed: Some products contain chemicals that are pre-emergent and post-emergent, which means they can kill currently growing weeds and prevent weeds from growing in the future. The chemical atrazine is an example.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"bags](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Srinuan Hirunwat / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nSelecting the right weed and feed is similar to choosing the appropriate weed killer or fertilizer separately. Be familiar with the weeds you need to eliminate and the type of grass you have. Make sure you know the best time to apply fertilizer to your lawn.
\n\n\n\nRead weed and feed labels to ensure the herbicide kills the type of weeds you have, determine if your grass has to be at a certain stage to use the product, and make sure the time of year to apply the herbicide coincides with the time your grass should be fertilized.
\n\n\n\nHere are some examples of weed and feed chemicals and products. Included are examples of weeds and grass types they can be used on:
\n\n\n\nAce Lawn Weed Killer
\n\n\n\n— Attacks broadleaf weeds
— Safe to use on: Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and Zoysiagrass
MCPP, 2,4-D, and Dicamba Mixture
\n\n\n\n— Attacks broadleaf weeds
— Safe to use on: St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue, Bahiagrass
Scotts Turf Builder
\n\n\n\n— Contains 2,4-D and Dicamba
— Controls several weeds, including common weeds like clover, henbit, and chickweed
— Offers products with crabgrass preventer
— Safe to use on: Centipedegrass, Bahiagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue
How long should you wait before reseeding a lawn after applying weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nWeed and feed can stop seed germination, so you must ensure it is completely absorbed before reseeding. Wait four weeks before planting grass seed. Likewise, waiting four weeks before overseeding your lawn is also best.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen is a lawn treated with herbicides safe for children and pets?
\n\n\n\nAllow a hard rain to wash away any residual from the herbicide. You can also water your grass a few days consecutively before letting children and pets on the grass.
\n\n\n\nWhen not in use, keep herbicides out of the reach of children and pets. These chemicals can be just as harmful to pets as they are to humans.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow can I reduce runoff from herbicides?
\n\n\n\nHerbicides that have spilled over onto hard surfaces like sidewalks or roads can be washed into storm drains. Use a rake or broom to push the chemicals back into your grass. This will reduce runoff that can harm the environment.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou have a few choices to treat weeds. Whether you select pre-emergent, post-emergent, or weed and feed products depends on your specific situation. For example, the types of weeds you have, the stage of weed accumulation, and your grass type are all determinants.
\n\n\n\nYou may also base your decision on how the toxicity of chemicals can affect your family and choose DIY weed killer mixtures that are safe for humans and pets. In this case, you would have to fertilize your grass separately, which is not such a bad thing. Grass clippings left on the lawn after mowing are a natural fertilizer. If you have lawn weeds, avoid leaving grass clippings, as this will spread the weeds.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to practice good lawn care habits to maintain a healthy green lawn and keep lawn weeds from returning. Fertilizing, watering, and mowing your grass appropriately will help reduce the chances of weed growth. Treating your grass for diseases is also imperative.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you don’t feel like figuring out weed and feed and other lawn care products yourself, let WikiLawn connect you with qualified lawn care professionals in your area to keep your lawn healthy and appealing for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Jon Rehg / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"How to Use Weed and Feed for Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/1789c/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/107df/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 320w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/293e9/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 500w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/f2cbb/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 800w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/1789c/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 960w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/c26c2/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/1dd6e/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/67b76/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 320w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/8df11/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 500w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/98a65/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 800w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/1dd6e/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 960w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/3cc96/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Use Weed and Feed for Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn how and when to use weed and feed products, examples of weeds they control, and the best products for different grass types."}}},{"node":{"id":"a34e55ba-1d87-5875-b0d3-f4db65c53f93","slug":"best-native-plants-baltimore","path":"/lawn-care/md/baltimore/best-native-plants-baltimore/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Ayoola Azzan is a versatile writer and investment enthusiast who hails from Nigeria. He loves developing an impactful course and enjoys meditating when at leisure.","name":"Ayoola Azzan","id":"bbad4bd5-6d15-5dbd-a18e-a835dfd091f5","path":"/author/ayoola-azzan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bd07aedf4f4c15974bb501275dee93ce?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d65d5975-f3bf-56a0-86b3-804de72f0ba7","name":"Baltimore","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/baltimore/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2a5e33f9-ad47-575e-b414-2fa0c9049fd1","name":"Maryland","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/"}],"date":"April 5th, 2023","excerpt":"There’s a reason that Baltimore has some of the most beautiful parks on the Eastern seaboard. It’s located in a temperate climate that supports an incredible array of plants. But you don’t have to go to a park to experience all this natural beauty, though. Carefully landscaping your Baltimore yard with native plants gives you […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s a reason that Baltimore has some of the most beautiful parks on the Eastern seaboard. It’s located in a temperate climate that supports an incredible array of plants.
\n\n\n\nBut you don’t have to go to a park to experience all this natural beauty, though. Carefully landscaping your Baltimore yard with native plants gives you the best chance at establishing a yard that is both visually appealing and hardy.
\n\n\n\nBut why native plants?
\n\n\n\nFinding native plants that thrive in the garden can be difficult, as not all are suitable. That’s why we have compiled a list of 11 native plants for your Baltimore home and garden project.
\n\n\n\nWhat we’ll cover in this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/5992418976_285495a522_c-646x485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild bergamot, also known as bee balm, is a popular ornamental perennial that produces clusters of lavender, pink or white flowers. It is one of the easiest wildflowers to grow, with beautiful blooms that last from mid to late summer. With its mint-scented leaves, bergamot is great for mint tea and bouquets.
\n\n\n\nMonarda fistulosa is very appealing to butterflies, hummingbirds, and native bees, which are helpful pollinators—probably why it is also called bee balm. This plant tolerates most soils and a partial shade to full sun location but should not be watered to avoid powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1.5 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Can range from light to deep green to red or purple tinted
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/image-76.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: rockerBOO / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNamed for the bright red color of the Roman Catholic cardinal’s robe, the cardinal flower is recognizable from a distance. It is very hardy, easy to care for, and simple to grow. It blooms for a long time and boasts an intense red color when other perennials are withering. Although the cardinal flower can tolerate full sun or light shade, it is most likely to thrive in filtered light.
\n\n\n\nThis showy perennial is common in Baltimore in marshes, stream banks, and low woods and is favored by hummingbird species for its sweet nectar.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Can range from light to deep green to red or purple tinted
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if eaten in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed, also known as chigger flower, orange milkweed, and pleurisy root, is a colorful native flower that makes a wonderful addition to butterfly gardens, rain gardens, native plantings, prairies, and home gardens. When in bloom (often from May to September), it is easily identified by the flat-topped clusters of large, bright orange flowers at the top.
\n\n\n\nTo thrive, this plant requires direct sunlight. However, it can grow in any soil if it is well-drained, although it prefers sandy soils. As its name suggests, butterfly milkweed serves as a vital host plant, attracting swarms of butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Leaves turn a dull yellow in the fall
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_chelone_glabra_-_white_turtlehead.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTurtlehead, a perennial wildflower of the plantain family, takes its name from its distinctive flowers, which resemble the head of a turtle. The leaves are green, but the flowers are pinkish-purple and bloom between mid-summer and fall.
\n\n\n\nTurtleheads thrive in moist places in any landscape but are also hardy enough to grow in dry soils. They look best when planted in masses, so it’s best to plant them in groups rather than individually.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"clusters](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_1024px-viburnum_dentatum_1zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis native shrub has the charm and hardiness for a wide range of climates, so it will fit into any landscape. It displays a massive showy bloom from late spring to late summer with flat-topped creamy-white flowers and blue-hued berries that are attractive to birds and wildlife. It’s a great species for beautification, wildlife habitat, and gardens or hedges.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of care, the Southern arrowwood shrub is relatively low maintenance due to its adaptability to a variety of soil conditions and locations and has no severe plant or disease problems. The medicinal properties of arrowwood have been known for a long time. Historically, all parts of the plant have been used in various preparations to help heal the body.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Leaves turn shades of yellow, red, or orange
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy,
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/columbine-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild red columbine, also known as Eastern or Canadian columbine, is known for its stunning bell-shaped bloom of red and yellow flowers that appear from late spring to early summer. The beautiful blooms, easy growth, and all-around charm of this native plant make it suitable for home gardens.
\n\n\n\nWhile the toxicity of wild red columbine makes it of little value to most herbivores as a food source, its nectar and foliage provide food for bees, hummingbirds, and insects. As a self-seeding perennial, it spreads more quickly, making it an excellent ground cover.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy,
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Partly toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"four](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_1024px-smooth_blue_aster_symphyotrichum_laeve_washington_island_wisconsin.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis herbaceous perennial is one of the most attractive of the asters, and its smooth leaves set it apart from other asters. It is cold-hardy and continues to thrive even after other plants have faded. It boasts delicate lavender-blue flowers that bloom from August through November and daisy-like petals that give your landscape a whimsical and charming look.
\n\n\n\nMany pollinating insects are attracted to the smooth blue aster, and birds enjoy the seeds. It’s occasionally affected by rot or blight, but simple measures such as growing it in well-drained soil and careful watering can prevent these diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Yellow flower-center reddish later in the season
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy,
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"small](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_pixnio-18980-800x518-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nNamed bluestem goldenrod for its bluish-purple stem, this plant features showy clusters of yellow flowers clinging to greenish-purple stems in late summer and fall. A mature bunch provides an excellent presence and brightens any semi-shaded garden in the late season.
\n\n\n\nBlue-stemmed goldenrod is low-maintenance, easy to grow, and isn’t very demanding on soil conditions; it thrives in clay, loam, organic soils, or almost any soil with dry to moderate moisture. This species doesn’t spread as quickly or as aggressively as other goldenrods. It does well in perennial borders, native gardens, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, or woodland gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3.5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and 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, also called cornflower because of its corn-shaped head, is seen all over the U.S. but remains Maryland’s state flower. It blooms in the sweltering days of August, brightening flower gardens and open fields like a brilliant sunbeam.
\n\n\n\nThe bright colors of the lemon yellow, orange, and gold flowers bloom for weeks with little maintenance. Black-eyed Susan is relatively easy to grow, spreads quickly (if given space), and is loved by a variety of pollinating insects.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1.5 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; sap can irritate the skin
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/grass-green-leaf-terrestrial-plant-plant-close-up-1600603-pxhere.com_-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nBlue sedge is prized for its unique, stacked form and attractive grass-like leaves that stay steel blue year-round. Its foliage provides a stunning display with its varying textures and distinctive shades of color. Blue sedge is drought tolerant, low maintenance, easy to transplant, and a great addition to borders, rock gardens, ponds, and stream edgings.
\n\n\n\nIt grows best in groups as it forms clumps, making it an excellent ground cover. Move blue sedge until it finds its ideal terrain, as it thrives in shade, sometimes even better than the sun.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ground cover
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 1.5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"frond](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_1024px-cinnamon_fern.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cody Hough / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe cinnamon fern is a large, widespread fern that grows in clumps. It has fertile, feathery, cinnamon-colored fronds that grow in the center of the plant. Its fronds are beautiful when they first appear in the spring and turn bright shades of gold and orange in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe cinnamon fern thrives in the shade and adapts well to garden conditions, but only if kept moist. Perfect for rain gardens or conservation gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Fern
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, moist, rich, humusy, acidic
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to carefully consider the ecosystem when choosing native plants. Before you buy, find out what already works in your soil, sun conditions, temperatures, and moisture to get the best results.
\n\n\n\nFor a city like Baltimore, whose Hardiness Zone range is between 7a and 8a (0–15 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s clear that overwintering is inevitable. So choosing any of the perennials mentioned above for your garden puts homeowners in a safe zone because these plants withstand both the colder winter months and the sunnier summer months.
\n\n\n\nYou can purchase various native plants for your garden and landscaping projects at your local nursery. Check with the Maryland Native Plant Society rather than threatening the plants with extinction by taking them from the wild.
If you want to know more about these plants or other things that could make your lawn healthier, get in touch with our Baltimore lawn care professionals, who will educate you on the latest lawn and garden techniques.
Main Image Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Your Baltimore Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/1789c/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg","srcSet":"/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/107df/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 320w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/293e9/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 500w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/f2cbb/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 800w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/1789c/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 960w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/c26c2/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/1dd6e/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/67b76/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 320w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/8df11/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 500w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/98a65/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 800w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/1dd6e/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 960w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/3cc96/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Your Baltimore Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Beautify your Baltimore garden with diverse, colorful native shrubs, flowers, and trees that work well with the city’s climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"6c798452-bc51-55b6-87de-d7ee42e05dd1","slug":"best-native-plants-murfreesboro","path":"/lawn-care/tn/murfreesboro/best-native-plants-murfreesboro/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"27e940f6-30a2-50ad-939d-b73973245b23","name":"Murfreesboro","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/murfreesboro/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Named the Most Livable Town in Tennessee, Murfreesboro offers excellence in education, medical facilities, employment opportunities, real estate, and recreational programs. Located in the Nashville metropolitan area of middle Tennessee, the city houses over 1,200 acres of award-winning parks and outdoor spaces. Murfreesboro is the 3rd Fastest Growing City in America. The small city has […]
\n","content":"\nNamed the Most Livable Town in Tennessee, Murfreesboro offers excellence in education, medical facilities, employment opportunities, real estate, and recreational programs. Located in the Nashville metropolitan area of middle Tennessee, the city houses over 1,200 acres of award-winning parks and outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro is the 3rd Fastest Growing City in America. The small city has a lot of urban amenities and all the country charm you could ever dream of. Invite some Tennessee nature and southern beauty into your landscape by filling your yard with some of the best native plants for Murfreesboro.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants help promote a healthier Tennessee ecosystem. Check out these 17 native plants for Murfreesboro to help you plan your charming landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Persimmon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican persimmon, also known as common persimmon and eastern persimmon, is a small to medium-sized tree that reaches heights up to 80 feet tall. Native to Tennessee and the Eastern United States, this shade tree produces small white and yellow flowers followed by edible orange fruits in September and December.
\n\n\n\nAmerican persimmons have a short trunk and spreading growth habit with a broad and rounded canopy. The tree invites local wildlife such as pollinators, songbirds, deer, and flying squirrels, and is the larval host for the Luna moth. Persimmon trees grow well in all soil types and habitats, from shaded valleys and home lawns to wide-open sunny fields and the shores of Percy Priest Lake.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 30-80 feet tall and 25-35 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; low-nutrient, rich, acidic, alkaline, neutral, moist, well-drained, poorly drained, loam, sand, silt, soil, rock, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water 1 inch per week if it does not rain and allow to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible fruits
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-witch-hazel.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nAmerican or common witch-hazel is a small deciduous tree with a vase-shaped growth habit found in Tennessee and the Eastern United States. It has scaly, light brown bark, oval leaves, and small, spindly yellow flowers that bloom in fall. The small tree produces wood fruit following its fragrant fall blooms, and its leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn.
\n\n\n\nAmerican witch-hazel loves shady areas and adapts to most soil conditions. The large shrub is often found in wetlands, woodlands, and stream banks. Witch-hazel grows well as fringe trees in home lawns that back up to wooded areas. The tree also makes a great border shrub and grows extremely well under the canopy of a large shade tree for landscape dimension.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree or large shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; low-nutrient, rich, acidic, alkaline, neutral, moist, well-drained, loam, sand, silt, or soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Natural rainwater is sufficient; may need 1 inch of water per week during extremely dry conditions
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Aster.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Hedwig Storch / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAsters are a family of flowering perennials with several species native to Tennessee. Vibrant late summer and early fall blooms attract pollinating insects, while the dried stalks and leftover seeds provide food and shelter for songbirds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nAsters prefer full sun and thrive in the well-drained loamy soils found in Murfreesboro. Plant these beautiful blooms in flower beds, containers, or butterfly gardens. The three most prominent asters native to Tennessee include:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-6 feet tall and 1-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefer neutral or acidic well-drained loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells; do not tolerate standing water
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible flowers
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bee-Balm-Monarda-Didyma.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild bergamot, affectionately known as bee balm, is a Tennessee wildflower in the mint family. It blooms in the summer with showy white or purple flowers that look like pom-poms. Bee balm grows well in garden beds and containers. The subshrub is often used as a medicinal plant or honey plant in pollinator gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe perennial has aromatic leaves that can be used for mint tea. Its medicinal properties are often used to treat respiratory ailments. Wild bergamot reaches up to 5 feet and grows well in all soil types, but does not tolerate flooding. The fragrant shrub attracts many pollinators to your garden but, like all plants in the mint family, is resistant to deer and mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or subshrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-5 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: Adaptable; prefers well-drained acidic soil, sandy loam, loam, clay, or lime-based soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant; water every 7-10 days during dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and flowers; medicinal uses for respiratory ailments
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a native species of milkweed and is extremely important to healthy Tennessee landscapes. It is an attractive flowering plant and a nectar source for bees and pollinators and a host plant for caterpillars, including the Monarch butterfly, Dogbane Tiger moth, and Milkweed Tussock moth. There are around 14 native species of milkweed that call Tennessee home.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed produces bright orange or yellow flowers from summer to fall. The attractive plant is hardy and loves full sun. It tolerates most soils but prefers sandy well-draining soil and is moderately 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 or gravel
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; milky sap irritates humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eastern-redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nEastern redbud, or Tennessee pink to the locals, is a small deciduous tree with a dense canopy. It produces small clusters of showy pink flowers over its bare branches in spring. Blooms last for two to three weeks before giving way to heart-shaped dark green leaves that turn golden in the fall.
\n\n\n\nTennessee pink works well as shrub borders and fringe trees. Those low-maintenance cultivars require little pruning and attract many birds and pollinators. They have a short trunk and rounded crown of spreading branches. Unfortunately, these beautiful trees have a short lifespan of around 50 years.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once weekly during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: High toxicity; poisonous to dogs and cats
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a small flowering understory tree. Producing one of the most popular and recognizable spring flowers in Murfreesboro, this small tree blooms white or pink flowers of modified leaves in April and May and produces bright red berries in the fall.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is single or multi-trunked with sprawling branches. Plant anywhere your yard receives shade and filtered light. The berries of this small tree provide food for birds, deer, and small mammals while its flowers attract Tennessee pollinators. Flowering dogwood is also a larval food source for the Spring Azure butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, acidic, well-drained, soil, sand, loam, or medium loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water 1 inch per week in place of rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lemon-Mint.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAnother member of the mint family, lemon mint, also known as lemon bee balm and purple horsemint, is an aromatic winter annual native to Tennessee. It produces unique, tufted, whorled lavender-pink flowers on elongated spikes in the spring through fall. This drought-tolerant plant requires annual reseeding in Murfreesboro.
\n\n\n\nLike all plants in the mint family, horsemint is used for tea and has a distinctive citrus-lemon mint scent that attracts bees and butterflies but repels mosquitoes and deer. It grows in all soil conditions and is commonly found alongside Tennessee highways, pastures, hillsides, prairies, savannahs, and plains. Lemon mint is low-maintenance and aggressive and prefers to be left alone. The winter annual grows well in garden beds or along garden margins, anywhere it will be neglected.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or subshrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 inches tall and 7-12 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial or annual
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers sandy loam, rock, clay loam, medium loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Prefers regular watering to keep the soil moist; grows well with a layer of mulch to retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and flowers used for tea, salads, and cooked foods
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mapleleaf-Viburnum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nMapleleaf viburnum is a low-growing, dense shrub. It has bright green maple-shaped deciduous foliage that turns shades of pink and purple in the fall. The attractive shrub blooms white flowers in the spring followed by berries in late summer and early fall that turn from red to dark blue.
\n\n\n\nMapleleaf viburnum grows best in partial shade. The low-maintenance shrub grows well alone and in clusters and responds well to pruning after they bloom. Its berries attract birds and other wildlife and it is a larval food source for the Spring Azure butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, acidic, rock, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, or clay
\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![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea is a shade-loving shrub found in the understory of large trees like Tennessee black walnuts, maples, and dogwoods. 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![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sugar-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSugar maple is a native deciduous tree with sap used to make maple syrup. It is a large tree, growing 40 to 80 feet tall in most landscapes. Sugar maple has a dense, rounded crown with foliage that turns yellow, orange, red, and bronze in the fall. It has shaggy brown bark and widespread branches.
\n\n\n\nSugar maple produces hardwood used for home furniture and flooring. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Keep in mind that this shade tree has shallow roots that can disrupt the growth of plants and grass growing under its canopy.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 tall feet and 30-60 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: Deep, well-drained, acidic or slightly alkaline soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water every 3-5 days, especially in dry conditions
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; only poisonous to horses
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8634828149_21c0f182e9_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NatureServe / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSpicebush is an ornamental shrub that is disease and pest-resistant. It produces small bright yellow, fragrant flowers in spring and bright red berries in September. The multi-stemmed shrub has medium green leaves that turn clear yellow in fall. It occurs naturally in wooded areas and pond shores, preferring fertile loam soils.
\n\n\n\nSpicebush adapts to a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to full shade. It is an important plant for the Tennessee ecosystem. This shrub attracts birds and pollinators and is the nesting ground for the Spicebush Swallowtail. Grow spicebush in dappled shade covered with organic mulch. It is ideal for woodland gardens, borders, mass plantings, and landscapes near streams or ponds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to heavy shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers acidic or alkaline, fertile loam; will tolerate loamy sand, medium loam, and silty loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Adaptable; does not require watering outside of rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves and berries
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tennessee-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\nTennessee coneflower was on the verge of extinction until 2011 when officials removed it from the endangered species list. This Tennessee native is slow-growing and perfect for prairies, meadows, flower beds, containers, and rock gardens. Tennessee coneflower produces bright fuchsia daisy-shaped blooms with burgundy and orange centers atop long vertical stems.
\n\n\n\nThese vibrant wildflowers tolerate drought, humidity, heat, and poor soils, and have no serious pest or disease issues. Coneflowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, but also make a great deer-resistant addition to your Murfreesboro lawn. They are also an important food source for winter songbirds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 18-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, acidic, alkaline, neutral, chalk, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; requires weekly watering during extreme dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Geranium-Geranium-Maculatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild geranium is another herbaceous perennial with beautiful blooms, intricate foliage, and medicinal uses. This Tennessee native attracts mourning doves, quail, and white-tailed deer. Bright lavender flowers bloom in loose clusters atop long stems from March to July, attracting pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThis shade-loving herb’s Intricate, lobed leaves can be boiled into tea to treat inflammation. Grow wild geranium in containers, shaded areas, flower beds, and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water frequently; needs daily watering in the summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible; used medicinally as tea to fight inflammation
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild red columbine is a perennial herb and a member of the buttercup family. Also known as red Columbine, this Tennessee native grows up to 3 feet tall with showy, tuberous red and yellow blooms that droop, exposing bright yellow stamens.
\n\n\n\nWild columbine has an erect growth pattern and bright green leaves. Its flowering tubes attract hummingbirds and butterflies and rabbits love to munch on its foliage. This herbaceous perennial prefers partial shade. Red columbine struggles when other plants compete with its root systems and prefer to grow alone as a groundcover in flower beds, at the edges of gardens, or in containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to full shade; prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers neutral, sandy, well-drained sand, medium loam, sandy loam, or limestone-based soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells; does not tolerate standing water
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Winterberry-Ilex-Verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is a deciduous tree in the holly family. This low-maintenance accent plant is often found in swamps, forest wetlands, and bogs. It grows well in mass plantings, shrub borders, wet soils, and near water.
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is the hardiest of all native hollies. Green and white-hued flowers bloom in June while some plants produce bright red berries in late summer that last through winter, attracting birds and wildlife. Winterberry is resistant to both pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree or large shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to full shade; prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, acidic soil, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High; ensure the soil is moist; water once per day during dry periods in spring and summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; fruits and foliage poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"Woodland](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Woodland-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown in Murfreesboro as woodland phlox or wild blue phlox, this fragrant flowering plant forms colonies of showy star-shaped purple and blue blooms in spring as the plant crawls across unoccupied grounds. Woodland phlox works well in garden beds as a low-maintenance groundcover, mass plantings, and border edging.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial herb has bright green foliage that rabbits love to nibble on and a dense growth pattern, making it a great hiding spot. It is deer-resistant and thrives in shady areas and most soil types.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, moist, acidic soils, sand, loam, medium loam, clay loam, and clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Maintain moist soil, ensuring the plant is never waterlogged; apply organic mulch to help retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nYour yard has its own unique microclimate, and all native plants have specific needs. Not all native plants will grow well in your yard. Be sure to select plants suitable for the soil, sun exposure, and watering capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, indicating the coldest annual temperature is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Tennessee native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Murfreesboro’s hardiness zone. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMost flowers and shrubs should be planted after the last frost in late April. Check your local weather forecast before introducing new plants to your yard. Typically, the frost-free seasons last from April 20 to Oct. 11.
Murfreesboro’s diverse landscape is home to many soil types. Some areas consist of well-drained, fertile loam, while others are limestone-based or compacted clay. The best way to identify your landscape’s soil type is to send a sample of your soil in for testing to the local University of Tennessee extension office.
Early morning or evening are the best times to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Chances are good you already have native plants in your yard or around your neighborhood. If you want to introduce more plants into your Murfreesboro landscape, be sure to source your plants ethically and never transplant them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local nurseries in the Murfreesboro area:
\n\n\n\nFilling your yard with native plants is only one step in your landscaping design project. Be sure to maintain your new landscape with our spring lawn care tips for Murfreesboro and our fall lawn care checklist.
\n\n\n\nWhen you are ready to turn over the hard work and lawn upkeep to a professional, let WikiLawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Hectonichus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"17 Best Native Plants for Murfreesboro, TN","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3318534961154274,"src":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1789c/Asteraceae.jpg","srcSet":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/107df/Asteraceae.jpg 320w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/293e9/Asteraceae.jpg 500w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/f2cbb/Asteraceae.jpg 800w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1789c/Asteraceae.jpg 960w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/c26c2/Asteraceae.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1dd6e/Asteraceae.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/67b76/Asteraceae.webp 320w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/8df11/Asteraceae.webp 500w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/98a65/Asteraceae.webp 800w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/1dd6e/Asteraceae.webp 960w,\n/static/14f6c51af38ec88b8d08ce7d0ee367cf/3cc96/Asteraceae.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"17 Best Native Plants for Murfreesboro, TN | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out these Tennessee native plants for Murfreesboro to find 17 plants that thrive in the humid subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"1e944b49-93f9-53aa-85ae-9bb445c17fd4","slug":"mowing-alternative-lawn-goats","path":"/lawn-care/mowing-alternative-lawn-goats/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"8ba81c7f-e6d3-5016-8cd0-722b40ed3db9","name":"Creative Gardening","count":4,"path":"/category/creative-gardening/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 22nd, 2019","excerpt":"If you’ve been thinking of ways to ditch the gas-guzzling lawn mower in favor of an environmentally friendly way of mowing your lawn, you’re hardly alone. Sure, you could use an old-fashioned reel lawn mower, but another lawn care option threatens to put mowing crews out of business: lawn goats. But before you head to […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve been thinking of ways to ditch the gas-guzzling lawn mower in favor of an environmentally friendly way of mowing your lawn, you’re hardly alone. Sure, you could use an old-fashioned reel lawn mower, but another lawn care option threatens to put mowing crews out of business: lawn goats.
\n\n\n\nBut before you head to the livestock auction, take a minute to learn about these mammalian mowing machines and decide if they’re right for you. You may want to start out by renting a goat. A simple Google search reveals that rent-a-goat businesses are everywhere, spinning the labor of grazers into gold.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/goat-2089809_needpix-1024x682.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/PIXNIO-28965-goat-eating-forest.jpeg\")
Goats are not exactly the lawn mowing masters people like to make them out to be. Your average goats will eat everything but grass before they even glance down at the turf beneath their hooves. Goats eat poison ivy, poison oak, brambles, and invasive kudzu with gusto. They’ll pull branches from trees and take down saplings through a combination of trampling and devouring. Think of them as a string trimmer with no boundaries, which makes them extremely effective at brush control. When you hear about Google renting goats to mow its Mountain View, Calif., campus, it’s a little misleading. The goats are not creating a manicured lawn, but are rather being used for their abilities to clear brush efficiently.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to not being selective, goats are also not very savvy about what they shouldn’t eat. They’ll destroy your ornamental flower beds and strip the bark off trees, killing them. But they will also eat poisonous plants, which can mean killing themselves. Tammy Dunakin of Rent-a-Ruminant in Seattle laments that goats “won’t eat tin cans or other litter. Only paper and vegetation,” she says, adding that the herd works on their own time: “goat time.”
\n\n\n\nIf you still think goats are a sensible approach to lawn care for your yard, then make sure you understand a few critical facts about them. First, you’ll need more than one. Goats are social animals that belong in a herd. A solo goat is a sad, lonely, and shockingly loud creature. Let’s say you want a pair of goats to manage your property. If you want them to perform a stellar job of managing your lawn, you’re going to have to provide them with a few essentials.
\n\n\n\nGood fencing makes good neighbors and good goats. It’s critical for controlling what the animal eats. Electric net fencing is ideal because you can move it around to do rotational grazing and use it to protect trees and flower beds. Goats need lots of water, so they need a bucket close by at all times. And as much as you want your goats to focus all their efforts on your yard, they’ll need another food source, too. Most goat owners feed supplemental pellets to make sure the animal is getting enough nutrition.
\n\n\n\nGoats evolved to eat a wildly varied diet, and grass alone isn’t sufficient. They also need a mineral block similar to a salt lick but specially formulated for goats. Goats need their hooves trimmed at least once a month, so you’ll need to learn how to handle hoof trimming tools and rowdy animals. Finally, goats need a warm, dry place to shelter from rain and sleep at night.
Goat lawn care is not for everyone, but if your property is riddled with blackberry brambles, brush, and other nasty overgrowths, it may be for you. On the other hand, if you’re just trying to keep the weeds under control, you may be better off with backyard chickens.
Virginia’s rich and diverse ecology almost compels you to incorporate native plants into your landscape. Here is an introduction to a few of the most-colorful.
\n","content":"\nVirginia’s rich and diverse ecology almost compels you to incorporate native plants into your landscape. Local plants offer more support to wildlife, maintain biodiversity, and are adapted to the climate. They require far less care than their exotic counterparts and save you time and money with their minimal demands. Here is an introduction to just a few of the native plants for Richmond, Va.
\n\n\n\nA salt marsh and wetland species, these elegant beauties (pictured above) flower over a long period in the late summer to early fall. The creamy-white flowers have a deep red center and are a favorite of hummingbirds. They put on an impressive show, standing from 3-8 feet tall and performing well in sun or part shade. Rose mallow can be grown easily from seed, and will usually come back each spring after being cut back to a few inches from the ground.
\n\n\n\nThis short-lived perennial thrives in part shade and blooms from April to May. A favorite of hummingbirds, the bright, tubular flowers add vibrant cheer in spring. This lovely native plant for Richmond grows from one to three feet tall and will self-sow seeds each year, so you never need to worry about replanting.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/butterfly-milkweed-asclepias-tuberosa-credit-joshua-mayer-flickr.jpg\")
Of the many dozens of varieties of milkweed, only four are native to Virginia. If you only choose one, Asclepias tuberosa is a good choice, as it’s a host plant for monarch butterfly larvae. This cheerful, orange bloom proliferates from June to August, and keeps a low profile, growing 12-30 inches tall. This is a flexible species, performing well in either sun or part shade and requiring no care to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/GL84XK1PL_IKc5Id96fu9ZGi26UmBmc8x3YMmeiBaEcnuLDiGAIGSIpFrMgnaLtVRgsnuOyJnKiWkC2G9Zmk_-CQuLBDfUc0faFddib0lC46Dx3re5WOxPBvwn9wRiX0ikSyDLad\")
Growing 4-8 feet tall, this is the largest and most impressive native lily in the region. A single plant has been recorded with up to 40 blooms. This lily loves to bask in full sun and bursts into bloom from July to September. The distinctive blooms are impossible to ignore and make great showy cut flowers indoors.
\n\n\n\nIn a region sometimes plagued by deer and rabbits, the Christmas fern offers striking texture in the shade that is resistant to these midnight munchers. It stays green through Christmas, hence the name. This is a perfect plant to use in masses on slopes to prevent erosion. As long as there is some shade, it will perform well and reproduce slowly, over time.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/american-beautyberry-john-pavelka-flickr-1024x768.jpg\")
This deciduous shrub has loose, gracefully arching branches and bright, green foliage. It erupts into stunning clusters of purple berries in fall and winter, providing visual interest and forage for wildlife. American beautyberry performs best in full sun to part shade, making it an ideal understory shrub or edge planting. This small shrub requires almost no maintenance and provides a splash of color when most deciduous plants are going dormant.
\n\n\n\nThis is but a small sample of the many species native to our area. For a more comprehensive list, explore some of the resources provided by the state. Remember, a native landscape is one that gives more than it takes, providing you with more time spent enjoying your yard than maintaining it.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Richmond? Visit our Richmond. Va., lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Paul VanDerWerf, Flickr
\n","title":"Native Plants for Richmond, Va.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.0788461538461538,"src":"/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/1789c/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/107df/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 320w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/293e9/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 500w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/f2cbb/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 800w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/1789c/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 960w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/82d62/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 1122w","srcWebp":"/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/1dd6e/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/67b76/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 320w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/8df11/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 500w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/98a65/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 800w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/1dd6e/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 960w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/ab6ed/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 1122w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants for Richmond, Va. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"ecb92e1a-57d0-5745-a174-28d6c5b59345","slug":"best-grass-types-washington-dc","path":"/lawn-care/best-grass-types-washington-dc/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 24th, 2023","excerpt":"Living in the nation’s capital, you know that having a beautiful lawn isn’t a right but a choice. As such, it behooves you to get to know the candidates for your lawn turf so you can pick the grass that gives your yard the best chance at prospering long into the future. Here are the […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in the nation’s capital, you know that having a beautiful lawn isn’t a right but a choice. As such, it behooves you to get to know the candidates for your lawn turf so you can pick the grass that gives your yard the best chance at prospering long into the future.
\n\n\n\nHere are the leading candidates:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe grass of choice for the White House, tall fescue is an excellent grass choice for your DC lawn. Its extensive root system gives it a high drought tolerance, it resists disease, it doesn’t require much water, and it can handle heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Most are bunching-type grasses; some have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: At least 2 inches in summer
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.5 – 7.0
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/nature-grass-plant-field-lawn-meadow-743848-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, fine fescue is a fine choice. However, it can adapt to full and partial sun conditions and is very persistent in dry conditions and somewhat poor soils.
\n\n\n\nAre you planning on having your kids and pets run wild in the yard? Pick another grass, as fine fescue doesn’t handle foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Most are bunching-type grasses; some have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: At least 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.5 – 7.5
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5552536384_1bc90958b3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ferran Pestaña / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith its dark green color and fine to medium leaf blades, Kentucky bluegrass provides some of the prettiest lawns in the DC area. It grows well in both sun and shade and comes in numerous varieties.
\n\n\n\nHowever, growing such a pretty lawn requires a lot of maintenance. For example, Kentucky bluegrass requires a lot of water, as it’ll go dormant otherwise. If you want a low-maintenance lawn, this isn’t it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 3-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA medium-textured bunching grass with deep green blades, perennial ryegrass is the most interesting grass here. Because of disease susceptibility, the University of Maryland recommends avoiding a pure perennial ryegrass lawn.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is usually used in seed mixtures because it germinates quickly, and even then, it never takes up more than 5 to 15 percent of the mixture, as it doesn’t last long due to its vulnerability to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunching-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\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\nSoil pH: Between 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is the best grass for a shady lawn, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass tolerate moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass needs full sun, so avoid it.
Fine fescue is the best grass for a shady lawn, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass tolerate moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass needs full sun, so avoid it.
Kentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance grass, so avoid it. Tall fescues, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass are low-maintenance grasses, making them good choices for lawns that don’t need much TLC.
Perennial ryegrass has a low drought tolerance, so it isn’t recommended for drought-heavy areas. Tall fescues, fine fescues, and Kentucky bluegrass have moderate to high drought tolerance, so they’ll manage just fine in such areas.
Now that you know what grasses to pick, where do you go from here?
\n\n\n\nStart by adding some native plants to your yard. They’ll help the ecosystem and look good in your yard while not needing much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nYou can eliminate doing any maintenance altogether by contacting one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros. They’ll do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: APK /Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Grass Types That Thrive in Washington DC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1789c/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/107df/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 320w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/293e9/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 500w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/f2cbb/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 800w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1789c/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 960w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/c26c2/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1dd6e/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/67b76/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 320w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/8df11/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 500w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/98a65/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 800w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1dd6e/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 960w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/3cc96/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Types That Thrive in Washington DC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Make your lawn worthy of being in the nation’s capital with these grasses. Learn how they handle this challenging transition zone."}}},{"node":{"id":"b7a25e61-bcc0-50b0-8908-805eeadcaa03","slug":"native-plants-houston-landscapes","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/native-plants-houston-landscapes/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"When’s the last time you stopped to smell the roses in Houston? How about any of the native flowers like the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan? These are the native plants for Houston landscapes that attract birds, bees and other pollinators. Since they grow here naturally, they need little maintenance or water to thrive. Planting […]
\n","content":"\nWhen’s the last time you stopped to smell the roses in Houston? How about any of the native flowers like the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan? These are the native plants for Houston landscapes that attract birds, bees and other pollinators. Since they grow here naturally, they need little maintenance or water to thrive. Planting native helps the environment and your yard.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing your landscape, don’t forget the smaller details that set your property apart from the neighborhood. Native plants in Houston and other cities in Texas are celebrated for their visual appeal, and for being eco-friendly. Since they’re easy to maintain, they’ll increase the curb appeal of your home.
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the trees, vines, shrubs, and plants that grow easily in H-Town.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/IAujYhyWhiqbOHyzjyFz6NUQFQvuj2I4pc0kkG_GEpPRgkHDbedud1tWw-tSl8u5lLD4SUErYX1jawFWbfdTpNs6zx_Cd8b1hLSby8HcMZmKulLbZukItYRNevfhRyjKn25ZAPKw\")
There are many species of large trees in Texas; oaks are ones you’ll find everywhere in Houston. They fall into two groups; red and white. Red oaks have jagged leaves with acorns that take two years to mature. White Oaks have smooth foliage with acorns maturing in one season. You’ll also see maple, walnut, ash, cypress, pine, sycamore and tulip trees that typically grow anywhere from 60 to 80 feet tall. The pecan may be our state tree, but don’t forget about the tree that gave Houston one of its many nicknames. The Southern magnolia tree is losing ground to invasive species, but it continues to be the centerpiece in many Houston gardens.
\n\n\n\nSmaller varieties of native trees include the American holly, with its sharply jagged foliage and bright red berries. Pawpaw gives off a tropical-like appearance that highlights your landscape with maroon-red flowers. Acacia sprouts white-yellow blooms, and crape myrtle comes in a variety of colors including lavender, white, reds and pink. You can’t walk far in Houston without seeing a Basham Party Pink Crape Myrtle — a hybrid that can grow up to 30 feet tall.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Gzce4KAaryUIcFtEITJNsdxf48uoM2X-rqy4v2n9DePqDD5Ony7JP9jgifltb08ELuwcOjc22JdH8u6wg9d5e3YiQlTFA5YoTkXn3lgvLU3JH4CWqmssbJ8yv3CpsmsmA6nVLy16\")
Coral honeysuckle has reddish green stems, dark green leaves and looks similar to small shrubs. This vine climbs fences and features red trumpet-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds. Birds will enjoy a sumptuous feast of orange and red berries during September and October. Coral honeysuckle prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sE86jEBcqWKxF-M92mDKHrnmbixjg18LkCtWraPmOAKx7RwpmT5X4zAaTd3R97gVO77MDiIcii8TBlzOtxFkoZW--1liGil3oSdw6Y5_uXGer1niLxFRqIdjsxlGc_b0MGNJZUwn\")
Photo credit: dunnmary735 on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC
\n\n\n\nCarolina Jessamine climbs high with its long, tapered leaves. In winter, you’ll see bright yellow trumpet flowers tinged with a spicy scent.
\n\n\n\nCrossvine blooms in spring with dark-red and yellow flowers.
\n\n\n\nPassionflower vine. With small lavender blooms from April to September, this vine spreads out over fences and trellises. The deep green leaves also attract colorful butterflies. Passionflower vines can grow 10 to 20 feet tall and sprout tiny melon-like edible fruits. A Yellow passionflower vine grows to about 10 feet, blooming in May to September with bluish-black berries.
\n\n\n\nTexas native grapevines draw the birds! With 15 grape species native to Texas, the most common ones are muscadine grape, riverbank grape, and mustang grape.
\n\n\n\nTrumpet creeper is a woody vine that climbs trees and fences, producing red-orange flowers. Houston hummingbirds love these blooms! Trumpet creepers thrive in moist soil and partial shade to full sunlight.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kRurmXejG2XnLwp_LpX1W6xu6z6EVxHo1RnRolb2Fk9B87uTryabo4I7bQbxFf8OT0nX_kvuoX6wKclMNbCXFxgPXAIu_6gBD-0E2-WP6fwrZ40kzIElyG0VArJAnx0VCvBFOE07\")
Agarita is an evergreen that yields single yellow flowers in the spring and then red berries. Agarita prefers full sunlight and well-draining, alkaline soil.
\n\n\n\nGardenia is an evergreen shrub found in many areas of the South. Its white flowers bring about a pleasant scent.
\n\n\n\nJasmine shrubs are evergreens that grow in the Houston area. Primrose and Italian jasmine sprout yellow flowers.
\n\n\n\nPineapple Guava is a grayish green shrub that produces white flowers with bright red stamens.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/uNdVGiSx2EG9v5x1-MZfcVx9dcMOe_glWWlidL4AckyX5OPL6tC5boje8E_bDPS2Q4m98CsZLZ-0Me1DHgSCeZ5zayFH1EA1cTsUCeRLAYmm2RYlqJG9rod4bT84eMQGfQ6Phazi\")
The obedient plant blooms in the spring, with some varieties flowering in autumn. Indigenous to Harris County, they spread thickly through their habitats to protect nearby vegetation, especially in winter. Pigeonberry plants develop red fruits to attract birds, and when the sun shines, you can see a red hue on the foliage. Frog fruit perennials grow just about anywhere; it’s an evergreen thatch in the verbena family. If you prefer something with more of a fleshy root system, Mallows hibiscus helps to stabilize the soil in small landscapes.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1atdfgu7JUNDWUCbbU9kVRZAJgX6B551nnuyhKZcvt8AcAYRUFQamIJH554Dg5I2Ze6ZZYMPTLxZ0SXB4YJj5BR81Rc7pyqgdHmfyaBCRM9y39ds0lfUQaykbnqUE7njtdQcmcHP\")
Photo credit: FritzFlohrReynolds on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-SA
\n\n\n\nWith thousands of native plants to choose from, there’s no reason to plant anything else in your garden. They’ll bring color to your landscape that will return year after year with little help from you. The native plants for Houston landscapes will thrive in our heat and humidity and keep your yard Texas strong.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about landscaping and maintenance? Visit our Houston, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
In the Midwestern transition zone, your Missouri lawn endures both sweltering summers and freezing winters. This makes a perfect recipe for a dull, grim lawn if your yard doesn’t have the right grass seeds to pull through the temperamental climate. In this article, we look at warm- and cool-season grass varieties that work well in […]
\n","content":"\nIn the Midwestern transition zone, your Missouri lawn endures both sweltering summers and freezing winters. This makes a perfect recipe for a dull, grim lawn if your yard doesn’t have the right grass seeds to pull through the temperamental climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we look at warm- and cool-season grass varieties that work well in Missouri, along with their pros and cons to help you pick the best grass for your Missouri lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the list, here’s a quick rundown of what cool-season grasses are like:
\n\n\n\nLet’s dig into these three best cool-season grasses for your Missouri lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue is excellent for a Missouri landscape. It’s developed by seed or sod and grows coarse-to-medium-textured, tall turfgrass. This grass tolerates high temperatures, heat, drought, and shade. Given proper care, tall fescue lawns can even stay green all around the year. Plus, it’s a pretty low-maintenance grass.
\n\n\n\nTall Fescue may struggle a little in hotter parts of Missouri during the summer months but survives better in the heat than all other cool-season grasses. It can grow in poor soil conditions and with little fertilization, too. Generally, tall fescue is also highly resistant to pests and diseases and grows best during the fall and spring months.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high – may need irrigation during dry summers
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 – 4 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 6.5
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis dark green, fine-bladed grass type will give your Missouri lawn a temporary pop of color for the winter. Perennial ryegrass is fast germinating and suppresses weeds naturally by establishing quickly.
\n\n\n\nOf all cool-season grasses, ryegrass has the highest wear tolerance, which is why it is popular for parks and golf courses. However, it is less tolerant of heat and drought compared to other species.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass develops tapered, fine-textured, shiny blades that require regular maintenance to keep a uniform look. It is considered a nurse grass, meaning it’s often mixed with other grasses to provide shade and protection to less hardy grass types, such as Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, extends with tillers
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, look out for red thread, brown patch, and rust
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Kentucky](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass establishes a dense turf and is a popular choice for northern areas due to its winter hardiness. It has a bluish-green color and has a medium texture – not too hard, not too soft – to make a great “barefoot grass”.
\n\n\n\nBut Kentucky bluegrass is high-maintenance. It needs more water and fertilizer than any other cool-season grass type. It prefers areas with partial shade and spreads quickly by rhizomes. It is often mixed with other grass species, typically perennial ryegrass, to create a disease-resistant, tough turf that maintains a nice green appearance year-round.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, prefers sunlight
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nA quick overview of warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nHere are two warm-season grasses that do well in Missouri lawns:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most widely used grass in Southern Missouri. It’s well suited for your Missouri lawn because it is hardy, low-maintenance, and develops dense turf. Bermudagrass spreads vigorously with stolons and rhizomes and has excellent resistance to foot traffic and wear due to these woven roots.
\n\n\n\nThe dense Bermudagrass turf also naturally crowds out weeds. This grass type is fast-growing and resistant to salinity, heat, and a wide range of soil pHs. However, the rapid growth rate can become a nuisance if the grass invades gardens or flower beds.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass needs full, bright sun to thrive and regular dethatching to stay disease free. It goes brown and dormant in the winter and greens back up around early April.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zoysiagrass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a cold-tolerant and thick warm-season grass that will keep your Missouri lawn green for the most part of the year. It’s a popular choice for homeowners with kids and pets because of its hardiness and impeccable foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass thrives in direct sunlight and develops a dark green color turf. This lush green color slowly fades as the temperature drops but won’t turn brown or tan. Since it develops into a dense lawn by stolons and rhizomes, Zoysia lawns are often vulnerable to thatch.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass needs frequent watering during the summer but is super easy to maintain otherwise. It tackles a good amount of foot traffic too.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nThe most commonly used grass in Missouri is turf-type tall fescue. It is drought, heat, disease, and insect resistant and does fine with moderately shaded environments too.
The optimal time to plant grass in Missouri is late August to mid-October, September being ideal. At this time, the soil is still warm but the chilly breezes help grass seeds germinate faster.
Tall fescue can maintain a deep green color all year if you care for it properly. It’s well-known for its ability to thrive in transition zones with minimal maintenance.
If you’re confused about what grass type suits your lawn, when and how to plant it, or you don’t have the time to set a lawn up by yourself, call in one of our lawn care pros to help. Our pros come equipped with all the knowledge, equipment, and expertise that you need to choose the right grass type for your Missouri lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Hippopx
\n","title":"Best Grasses for Your Missouri Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1789c/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/107df/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/293e9/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/f2cbb/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1789c/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/c26c2/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1dd6e/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/67b76/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/8df11/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/98a65/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1dd6e/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/3cc96/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grasses for Your Missouri Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Trying to find a grass that will survive the temperamental climate of Missouri? Here are five best grasses to liven up your Missouri lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"9f5348ab-d9af-5164-9c12-9885e2353900","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-charleston","path":"/lawn-care/sc/charleston/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-charleston/","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":"a8c83048-dc3b-5f6e-b021-c92b6000eb0c","name":"Charleston","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/charleston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"1ea697f8-5b42-5431-b368-7296faebead2","name":"South Carolina","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/"}],"date":"April 13th, 2023","excerpt":"Being the oldest city in South Carolina, Charleston has a rich history, charming architecture, and breathtaking coastal views. However, it is also a city that is no stranger to hurricanes. With its location on the Atlantic coast, Charleston has been hit by many powerful hurricanes over the years – causing significant damage to homes and […]
\n","content":"\nBeing the oldest city in South Carolina, Charleston has a rich history, charming architecture, and breathtaking coastal views. However, it is also a city that is no stranger to hurricanes. With its location on the Atlantic coast, Charleston has been hit by many powerful hurricanes over the years – causing significant damage to homes and landscapes alike. To mitigate the effects of these natural disasters, many homeowners are now turning to hurricane-resistant landscaping.
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re already in the process of overhauling your yard or have yet to decide, these 10 hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Charleston will provide valuable insights and practical tips for protecting your property from the next big storm.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere are some ideas for creating a landscape that is beautiful, sustainable, and able to withstand the fierce winds and rains of hurricane season:
\n\n\n\n![\"Fenced](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/37179899396_bb5c74c0a6_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Redi-Rock International / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDuring hurricane seasons, homeowners often overlook backyard fences as a potential risk to their homes. However, having the right type of fencing can make a huge difference. While you may be drawn to the look of certain fences, you should prioritize durability and hurricane resistance when choosing a fence for your home.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hurricane-resistant fencing:
\n\n\n\nOne common misconception is that a solid privacy fence is the best option because it can block the wind. But in reality, this lack of airflow can actually cause it to collapse under the pressure of high winds. Wooden fences, even the sturdiest ones, can easily get blown over if there aren’t gaps wide enough to allow wind to pass through.
\n\n\n\nTypes of fencing to avoid:
\n\n\n\nYou must invest in a hurricane-resistant fence to avoid costly fence replacement and repairs in the aftermath of a storm. The best option would be to go for slatted fences instead. Some examples of fencing that allow wind to pass through with ease include the following:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of installing a fence varies depending on the materials used, with prices typically ranging from $8 to $46 per linear foot. For a vinyl fence, the cost usually falls between $17 and $38 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you live on the waterfront, installing a seawall is a wise decision. Seawalls are meant to protect your property from the constant battering of waves and prevent erosion. They can help prevent flooding during storm surges. When deciding on a seawall for your property, you should consider several factors, such as the type of material to use and the cost.
\n\n\n\nChoose a seawall material that can withstand the forces of the ocean, such as:
\n\n\n\nWithout a seawall, the waves will gradually erode the shoreline, causing considerable damage to your beachfront property. Seawalls can prevent flooding to your property and home during storms, which can save you a lot of money in repairs. For this reason, you should avoid materials that corrode or rot over time.
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The prices for installing a seawall range from $113 to $770 per linear foot, but the cost of repair from water damage can be much higher if your property is left unprotected.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wind-Resistant-Tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Spencer Means / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen a hurricane blows through, it’s crucial to have a hurricane-resistant landscape that includes wind-resistant trees. These trees have strong and deep roots, low centers of gravity, and sturdy trunks. This makes them less likely to get knocked down by high-speed winds and become a hazard to your property or neighbors.
\n\n\n\nNot all trees are the same, and some species are more susceptible to wind damage than others. Choosing the right trees is essential when creating a hurricane-resistant landscape. Some of the best tree species with high wind resistance include:
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, some trees are more prone to wind damage, and it’s best to avoid planting them in hurricane-prone areas. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends to avoid these trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Professional tree planting services can cost anywhere from $22 to $3,300, depending on factors such as the tree species, size, and age. The expenses will be lower for a tiny sapling compared to a large, mature tree.
\n\n\n\nLiving close to the ocean is a dream come true for many homeowners. However, it can have its downsides, especially during the rainy season when flooding and erosion can cause significant damage to your property. Installing a backyard buffer can be the ideal solution to protect your property and waterways while providing an attractive natural setting in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nA backyard buffer, also known as a shoreline buffer or riparian buffer, is a strip of plants consisting of trees, shrubs, and flowers that separates your backyard from the shore. These elements work together to absorb and slow down wind and water during a hurricane, preventing the full force of the storm from reaching your home.
\n\n\n\nMulch is another essential element of a backyard buffer. It can help to absorb rainfall and prevent runoff that could lead to flooding. Additionally, a thick layer of mulch can prevent soil erosion and protect the roots of your plants and trees.
\n\n\n\nInstalling a backyard buffer has many ecological and economic benefits, making it an essential part of your property’s landscape.
\n\n\n\nWhen creating your backyard buffer, choose native plants that are well-suited for the area. Remember to plant trees and shrubs that can withstand high winds and heavy rains.
\n\n\n\nPlants with strong roots, such as bald cypress and live oak, are excellent choices for a backyard buffer. These trees can help keep the soil in place and prevent erosion during a tropical storm. In addition to trees, shrubs such as wax myrtle and firebush can create a buffer zone around your home. These plants have deep roots and require minimal maintenance.
\n\n\n\nTo get started, consult with local nurseries, gardening centers, or environmental organizations for expert tips on installing backyard buffers for the South Carolina Lowcountry.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The total cost of creating a backyard buffer is influenced by several factors, such as the selection of plants you intend to install and the size of the buffer zone. Typically, small native perennials can cost between $4 to $25 each, while the cost of planting a tree varies between $22 and $3,300.
\n\n\n\n![\"Power](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Trees-near-power-line.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matthew Paul Argall / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen planting trees in your yard, always consider where you place them. Trees can provide shade and beauty to your property, but if planted too close to your home or power lines, they can cause serious damage during a storm.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid this, plan your tree placements carefully. Consider the full size of the tree at maturity and its root system when selecting a spot. You want to ensure the tree won’t interfere with nearby buildings, power lines, or other infrastructure.
\n\n\n\nHere are some advantages of keeping trees away from structures:
\n\n\n\nConsider these recommendations for safe and effective tree placement:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: When transplanting trees, the size of the tree will affect the cost. But it typically falls within the range of $158 to $880. And if you need tree removal services, it will cost you between $347 and $1,117 per tree.
\n\n\n\nEven trees know how to party. Planting trees in clusters of five or more can enhance their resistance to high winds by more than 10%, which can offer better protection for your home when hurricane season arrives. Besides, having five diverse trees, each with distinct visual appeal and height, will increase your property’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind, though, that planting trees in a straight line is not the way to go. According to the University of Florida, planting trees in a natural, unforced arrangement, with each tree within 10 feet of the other, can form a robust and sustainable windbreak.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of grouping trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Tree prices can fluctuate greatly, from a relatively low $150 to $1,850 or more, depending on the species and size of the tree. Purchasing trees or saplings in large quantities may reduce the price per tree. Plus, the cost of having a professional install five trees will typically be lower per tree than installing a single tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rsz_5187579413_3002a0d512_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Eickhoff / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen you live near the coast, maintaining a healthy lawn in salty coastal air can be challenging. Saltwater spray and salty soil can damage plants that are not suited for the environment, so it’s important to choose native and salt-tolerant plants.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have already adapted to local environmental conditions and have evolved to survive in the specific climate and soil of a region. Salt-tolerant plants are able to thrive in areas with high salt content in the soil and air, making them ideal for coastal landscapes.
\n\n\n\nChoosing salt-tolerant and native plants has several benefits, including reducing the need for fertilizer and pesticides, which can harm the environment. These plants also require less watering and maintenance, which saves time and money.
\n\n\n\nSome popular native and salt-tolerant plants for coastal landscapes recommended by Clemson Extension include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: If you’re looking for small, salt-tolerant perennials, the South Carolina Native Plant Society’s Lowcountry plant sale offers them at prices ranging from $4 to $25. And if you want a professional to install a flower bed for you, it can cost anywhere from $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs you prepare your yard for hurricane season, don’t forget about your garden beds. While mulch is a necessary component of any healthy garden, not all mulch is created equal. In areas like Charleston that experience high winds, it’s important to choose soft, organic mulches that won’t turn into dangerous projectiles during a storm.
\n\n\n\nExamples of soft, organic mulch:
\n\n\n\nNot only do organic mulches stay in place better than hard mulches like stones, river rock, pea gravel, and pebbles, but they also offer a host of benefits to your plants. Organic mulches help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, and provide insulation to plant roots during temperature fluctuations.
\n\n\n\nOne important consideration when choosing organic mulch is to avoid anything that could potentially harbor disease or pests. For that reason, you should avoid using the following:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of shredded bark mulch is roughly $65 per cubic yard, while aged wood chips typically cost around $70 per cubic yard. However, you can obtain fresh wood chips at no cost from a tree recycling center or your local arborist. Alternatively, you can create your own nutrient-rich mulch by composting leaves at home.
\n\n\n\nRegular maintenance ensures that your lawn, garden, and trees stay healthy and resilient, even in the face of extreme weather. You should stay vigilant throughout the year, but especially in the months leading up to hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nOne crucial aspect of landscape maintenance is inspecting your trees. Check for any signs of damage or disease, such as:
\n\n\n\nAddressing these issues early on can prevent more serious problems down the line, as even a relatively small amount of wind can cause weak or dying trees to topple over.
\n\n\n\nTo make sure you’re identifying all the hazardous trees on your property, it’s a good idea to hire a qualified arborist to inspect them. They’ll be able to identify any trees that pose a risk, and together you can develop a plan to remove them safely.
\n\n\n\nStrong winds can easily break tree branches, causing damage to your property. A long branch hanging over your roof might look harmless, but it could be a potential storm hazard. A hurricane can snap it off like a twig, causing major damage to your home.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid such scenarios, it’s important to prune and trim back any weak or overgrown branches. This will help ensure your plants are at their healthiest when a storm comes rolling in. You don’t want any branches breaking through your windows, damaging your car, or injuring anyone.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to tree maintenance, regularly mow your lawn, weed your garden beds, and remove any debris to prevent potential hazards from flying around during high winds. It’s also a good idea to regularly fertilize your lawn and garden to keep your plants healthy and strong.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Trimming trees typically costs between $227 and $708, while hedge trimming can cost between $56 and $85 per hour, and bush trimming can range from $7 to $24 per bush or $45 to $75 per hour. If you’re looking to save money, you can trim small plants yourself, but it’s best to leave the trimming of large trees to the professionals.
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rsz_130120082286_399903e227_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dan Keck / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nAlthough you cannot control the rain, you can take steps to ensure that it doesn’t cause damage to your lawn or home. Avoid getting your drain clogged, as it could lead to flooding and other problems. To prevent flooding and other issues caused by stormwater, it should flow easily away from your lawn and toward the storm drain.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to:
\n\n\n\nEven standing water, or puddling, can be dangerous, as it can weaken roots and cause trees to fall during storms. Be sure to take all necessary precautions to keep your lawn and property safe from stormwater damage.
\n\n\n\nA great way to avoid water pooling in your sloped yard is to install a French drain. This way, the water that collects in your yard will be redirected through the drainpipe and flow away from your home.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of yard cleanup services ranges from $154 to $411 on average, but prices can vary significantly based on the amount of work needed. For more extensive yard cleanup, you may end up paying up to $1,059. On the other hand, installing a French drain can cost between $500 and $18,000, depending on the size of your yard and the complexity of the installation.
\n\n\n\nSince Charleston is one of the top cities most vulnerable to hurricane damage, you should always heed storm warnings, stay updated on weather forecasts, and take steps to protect your home before a hurricane strikes. By doing so, you can minimize the potential for damage and ensure the safety of your family and property.
\n\n\n\nWhile you’re monitoring weather.gov for storm updates, the following tips can help you get prepared:
\n\n\n\nGenerally, hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with the peak of the season occurring from mid-August to late October. During this time, the warm waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico provide the ideal conditions for hurricanes to form and intensify.
Due to its location on the South Carolina coast, Charleston has been hit by numerous powerful hurricanes in the past, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. However, the frequency of hurricanes in the area can vary from year to year.
On average, Charleston is affected by a hurricane once every 10 years, with major hurricanes occurring less frequently. But keep in mind that this is just an average and that there is always the potential for a hurricane to make landfall any time during hurricane season.
Zoysiagrass is one of the best hurricane-resistant grasses. This warm-season grass is known for its ability to withstand high winds. It’s also low-maintenance and has good salt tolerance, making it a great choice for homes along the South Carolina coast.
Another option to consider is St. Augustinegrass, which is indigenous to coastal regions. This warm-season grass is known for its ability to thrive in hot, humid conditions. It’s a hardy grass with good salt tolerance that can tolerate heavy foot traffic and rough weather conditions.
Despite the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, there are steps you can take to prepare for these storms. Creating hurricane-resistant landscaping is an essential aspect of storm preparedness. From selecting the right native plants and trees to installing backyard buffers and seawalls, you need to take the time and plan ahead.
\n\n\n\nReach out to a Charleston landscaping pro today for help in making your landscape not only beautiful but also resilient and able to withstand the storms that may come your way.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n","title":"10 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Charleston, SC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/1789c/Fallen-tree.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/107df/Fallen-tree.jpg 320w,\n/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/293e9/Fallen-tree.jpg 500w,\n/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/f2cbb/Fallen-tree.jpg 800w,\n/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/1789c/Fallen-tree.jpg 960w,\n/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/c26c2/Fallen-tree.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/1dd6e/Fallen-tree.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/67b76/Fallen-tree.webp 320w,\n/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/8df11/Fallen-tree.webp 500w,\n/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/98a65/Fallen-tree.webp 800w,\n/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/1dd6e/Fallen-tree.webp 960w,\n/static/9b97f9bc63ee8c8d354280ee699788a3/3cc96/Fallen-tree.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Charleston, SC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Create a beautiful landscape design that can withstand storms with these 10 hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Charleston."}}},{"node":{"id":"02895bd5-14bc-5054-b48c-cb1b0972acb9","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-plano","path":"/lawn-care/tx/plano/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-plano/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"eeca14ff-595b-559f-93ba-b53dc08466da","name":"Plano","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/plano/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"April 11th, 2023","excerpt":"Doing yard work in Plano’s sweltering heat is no fun. Here’s a solution: Transform your landscape with plants that are both attractive and require little maintenance. Check out these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Plano, and you may thank us for saving you time and aggravation. In this article: Native Plants Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures […]
\n","content":"\nDoing yard work in Plano’s sweltering heat is no fun. Here’s a solution: Transform your landscape with plants that are both attractive and require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Plano, and you may thank us for saving you time and aggravation.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to maximize your garden’s beauty while minimizing the time you put into it, add some native plants.
\n\n\n\nBecause they grow naturally in Plano, native plants are accustomed to its climate and soil conditions, making them more drought-tolerant and pest- and disease-resistant than non-native plants. They also attract pollinators like birds and butterflies, giving the critters a source of food and shelter, so everyone wins.
\n\n\n\nSome of Plano’s best native plants include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of Texas native plants:
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Native-Texas-Xeriscape-Garden-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korye Logan / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXeriscaping allows you to water your plants enough to keep your lawn healthy and lush but not to the point where you’re wasting water. As a result, you reduce water usage, lowering your water bill.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping incorporates seven principles:
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping also involves water conservation tactics, such as mowing at the proper height and fertilizing once in spring and fall.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance, drought-tolerant grasses do well in Texas’ intense heat. The ones that work best in this environment are:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of planting low-maintenance grasses:
\n\n\n\n![\"Straggler](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Straggler-Daisy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGround cover is an excellent alternative to grass. They are low-growing flowers and shrubs that crawl horizontally across the ground and are cheaper and require less maintenance than grass. Some ground covers include yellow stonecrop (sedum nuttallianum), straggler daisy (calyptocarpus vialis), and chisme (portulaca pilosa).
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Patio.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Texas Custom Patios / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are any non-living elements in your yard. Their purpose overall is to improve how your outdoor space functions. For example, adding a fence or gate gives your space more privacy. Hardscapes also add value and curb appeal to your home. Imagine how your home would look to a potential buyer if its yard were covered in beautiful flowers.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of hardscapes are:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nImplementing some of these low-maintenance landscaping techniques allows Plano homeowners to spend less time in the hot sun and more time doing what they love.
\n\n\n\nCall one of Wikilawn’s local pros, and we’ll happily do the work for you. If you have any questions about maintenance services, lawn maintenance, or lawn care, we’ll answer any questions you might have.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Aldridge House / Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Plano Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/1789c/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.jpg","srcSet":"/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/107df/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.jpg 320w,\n/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/293e9/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.jpg 500w,\n/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/f2cbb/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.jpg 800w,\n/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/1789c/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.jpg 960w,\n/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/c26c2/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/1dd6e/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/67b76/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.webp 320w,\n/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/8df11/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.webp 500w,\n/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/98a65/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.webp 800w,\n/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/1dd6e/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.webp 960w,\n/static/81bee832e43bed31cb5487f121caee74/3cc96/Aldridge-House-Plano-Tx.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Plano, Texas","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Rather than toil away in the hot sun doing lawn work, try some of these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Plano yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"c813ffb0-9891-594b-9fe7-a40626862332","slug":"best-grass-seeds-oregon","path":"/lawn-care/oregon/best-grass-seeds-oregon/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Rela Catucod, a journalism graduate, nurtured her love for gardening while admiring her grandmother's vibrant orchids. When she's not writing about lawn care, Rela indulges in reading, traveling, and playing with her two dogs.","name":"Rela Catucod","id":"14e95666-6df4-5827-8d17-081d01b8ce99","path":"/author/rela-catucod/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c4741d869f47268640f525e2135c701c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b01c7937-99d7-5473-926c-97b8b9c1c454","name":"Oregon","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"The Beaver State’s diverse climate, encompassing everything from the hot summers of the Willamette Valley to the cooler regions of Portland, presents homeowners with a variety of the best grass seeds for Oregon to consider for their lawns. Selecting the right type of grass seed for your landscape is crucial to ensure that it can […]
\n","content":"\nThe Beaver State’s diverse climate, encompassing everything from the hot summers of the Willamette Valley to the cooler regions of Portland, presents homeowners with a variety of the best grass seeds for Oregon to consider for their lawns. Selecting the right type of grass seed for your landscape is crucial to ensure that it can withstand the local weather conditions and thrive in the region’s unique climate.
\n\n\n\nFrom barbecues and picnics to simply relaxing with your family, your lawn can be the centerpiece of your home. As such, finding the best grass seed that can flourish in your Oregon landscape is essential. In this guide, we will help you figure out the best lawn seed for your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in hot summer temperatures and become dormant as temperatures drop in winter. Cool-season grasses are better suited for Oregon’s cool climate.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses flourish in the cool temperatures of fall and spring, enter dormancy in summer, and maintain their green color during mild winters. However, if the winter season is cold enough, the drop in temperature may trigger winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass, a popular grass seed among Oregon homeowners, is known for its fast germination, deep green color, and suitability for new lawns or overseeding existing ones. Its fine texture and rapid growth make it ideal for families who enjoy spending time outdoors.
\n\n\n\nThis grass seed requires regular nitrogen fertilizer applications to maintain color and density. Although all perennial ryegrass is susceptible to red thread disease, many are resistant to winter brown blight disease. Overall, it is a great turfgrass choice for many homeowners in the state.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements; thatch is not significant
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High; common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage
Region: Statewide
Other notes: Often used in seed mixes due to its quick establishment
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue, including creeping red fescue and other cultivars, is a favorite choice for homeowners in Oregon, particularly for shady areas. It is mostly utilized for shade mixtures in Central and Eastern Oregon. This grass seed offers a visually pleasing turf, requires low maintenance, and needs minimal nitrogen fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nHowever, in the shaded areas of Western Oregon, these grasses are vulnerable to winter diseases. They fare better in the drier parts of the state. It’s also important to note that over time, their drought tolerance diminishes due to thatch accumulation, and certain types are susceptible to red thread disease.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Depends on species; creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as Chewings, hard, and sheep fescues
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on species
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions; prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility
\n\n\n\nRegion: Best suited for Central and Eastern Oregon lawns. It can grow in Western Oregon, but may suffer in the shade due to damage from winter diseases.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fine fescue grass seeds are often mixed in seed blends for their shade tolerance
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is highly adaptable to Oregon’s climate conditions, making it an excellent choice for residential lawns. Known for its deep root system, this turfgrass exhibits excellent drought tolerance and can handle moderate foot traffic. Moreover, it can stay green 1 to 2 weeks longer than other turfgrasses during extended drought and can thrive in shady areas to hot sunny locations.
Despite tall fescues numerous strengths, it does have drawbacks. In Western Oregon, its winter color is less vibrant and it’s prone to disease-induced thinning. If grown in Western Oregon, it’s best for lawns receiving little or no irrigation in this region. Tall fescue performs best in Central and Eastern Oregon.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
Region: Central and Eastern Oregon. Can grow in Western Oregon, but not as well.
Other notes: Tall fescue is often found in grass seed mixes due to its versatility and durability.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass, known for its stunning green color and high disease resistance, is best adapted to Central and Eastern Oregon. It can also be used in Western Oregon when mixed with perennial ryegrass. Although it requires more maintenance than other grass types, its resilience and ability to fill in bare spots make it a worthwhile investment.
\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest challenges with Kentucky bluegrass is its excess thatch production, which requires annual or biennial dethatching. In Central Oregon, where lawns are generally not dethatched, thatch can accumulate up to 8 inches deep. It’s essential to note that heavily thatched lawns demand significantly more water to remain green compared to those with minimal thatch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to High; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central and Eastern Kentucky; can be used in Western Oregon when mixed with perennial ryegrass
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Kentucky bluegrass often takes longer to germinate but establishes a dense, lush lawn once mature.
\n\n\n\n![\"Colonial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Colonial-Bentgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nColonial bentgrass, often seen on golf courses for its resilience to low mowing heights, is rarely planted intentionally in Oregon. Its dense turf competes effectively with other grasses, making it a common contaminant in lawns planted with different grass species. It thrives in the western part of the state, growing robustly from fall through spring and persisting even under low fertility.
\n\n\n\nDespite its dominance, colonial bentgrass has certain high maintenance needs that may not suit all homeowners. It produces a light, fluffy thatch that should be removed annually or biennially in early to late spring. To maintain its green color in summer, it requires regular irrigation, and while it can survive without, it will turn brown and go dormant by mid-July. It’s also susceptible to fusarium patch disease in most winters, adding to its care requirements.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Short rhizomes that may bring about short stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nTraffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to High; best when mowed short, at least once weekly
Recommended mowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1 inch
Potential for Disease: Moderate; susceptible to fusarium patch in the winter; vulnerable to take-all patch when young but severity decreases as turf develops
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates poor soil conditions, but prefers moist and fertile soil
\n\n\n\nRegion: Western Oregon, Coastal Oregon
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Colonial bentgrass produces high quality turf at low mowing heights.
\n\n\n\nYes, overseeding is an integral part of lawn care in Oregon. This practice helps maintain a dense lawn, covering any bare spots, and making your lawn less susceptible to diseases and weed infestation. It’s generally recommended to overseed your lawn in the fall.
Selecting a grass type with good drought tolerance like tall fescue or perennial ryegrass is key. Additionally, proper watering and mowing practices are critical. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, and raise your mowing height to reduce stress on the grass.
The frequency of mowing is determined by the grass seed type and the season. A good rule of thumb is to follow the “one-third rule,” meaning you should only cut one-third of the grass blade’s length at a time. For newly planted lawns, expect the first mowing to be necessary approximately three weeks post-planting.
Enhancing the color of your lawn primarily depends on fertilization. If you notice your lawn turning yellow, it means you need to fertilize your turfgrass as soon as possible. Young lawns, in particular, require fertilization every 4 to 5 weeks during the first fall and the following summer.
Selecting the best grass seed for your Oregon lawn involves considering various factors. Homeowners must account for climate, soil type, sunlight, foot traffic, maintenance, and disease resistance. Keep these factors in mind as you explore your options:
\n\n\n\nFor an effortless and enjoyable outdoor space, incorporating grass seeds is just one of many low-maintenance landscaping ideas to consider. Including native plants that complement your turfgrass can help create a thriving year-round sanctuary with minimal effort.
\n\n\n\nTo simplify your lawn care even more, hire a lawn care pro near you. We have trusted professionals in Portland and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Lawn at Wallace Park / M.O. Stevens / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Seeds for Oregon","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/1789c/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.jpg","srcSet":"/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/107df/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.jpg 320w,\n/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/293e9/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.jpg 500w,\n/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/f2cbb/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.jpg 800w,\n/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/1789c/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.jpg 960w,\n/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/c26c2/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/1dd6e/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/67b76/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.webp 320w,\n/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/8df11/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.webp 500w,\n/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/98a65/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.webp 800w,\n/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/1dd6e/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.webp 960w,\n/static/957c895267ffba1f575b3d7bdf7c62b6/3cc96/Lawn-at-Wallace-Park-Portland-Oregon.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Seeds for Oregon","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Growing a new grass lawn in the PNW? Learn the secrets to a thriving Oregon landscape with these five best grass seeds for Oregon."}}},{"node":{"id":"c9942dd2-14db-56df-9018-a4a748efab8b","slug":"the-worst-weeds-in-fort-worth-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them","path":"/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/the-worst-weeds-in-fort-worth-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9ccd5174-167e-5379-890b-68ac830ec905","name":"Forth Worth","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 17th, 2019","excerpt":"Some weeds always seem to grow faster than the grass. In a sense, those weeds are doing you a favor, since it makes them easier to spot and get rid of. It’s the invaders that are tough to spot that can make themselves at home and ruin your green lawn. You can control the worst […]
\n","content":"\nSome weeds always seem to grow faster than the grass. In a sense, those weeds are doing you a favor, since it makes them easier to spot and get rid of. It’s the invaders that are tough to spot that can make themselves at home and ruin your green lawn. You can control the worst weeds in Fort Worth, as long as you know how to identify them. Here are the ones to watch out for:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/tXPB9QgCyNHWO1RCTQrSiTsjNNYvZTm2RIiL8fGbMEt3ZGQOacY0yCJN4DSwhd9L9vqeJATk34eYvYbHrvfxF_BDmwfVBao7OqbLKxgtj2igT7CcTtwMtIHtCAUOv8cCq044xhIv\")
This is a grassy weed that likes to disguise itself as turfgrass, but it’s an ugly addition to any Fort Worth lawn. This weed likes to establish itself in compacted areas of your yard. It grows in a rounded shape and spreads out much like crabgrass. Goosegrass is hard to kill, and your mower may have a tough time with its thick, coarse leaves. Aerating your lawn in the spring and at the end of summer will discourage the weed from establishing. Once it settles in, spot treat areas with an herbicide, being careful not to damage the lawn.
\n\n\n\nThis sneaky weed looks a lot like grass, but you can identify it by looking at the stem. Nutsedge sprouts three thick stems from the same spot, and you need to dig up the entire nut underneath the plant to get rid of it. Nutsedge does its best to disguise itself as grass but can become an issue in Fort Worth lawns. Digging up each seed pod can be tiresome, but it is the only way to get rid of it.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/SOP83d9Blur4o_jb8DF_ClD5HkLGwy5CVYRdhXo7f_XenDOLXCj3tJqyVf3fk8tn7ZJ-bAOBG_4ECa6YknDRFc4ZVtPR-y6PwCyjG-ecCaf0RikF-sqYgmAnNQD0x_Wr2e0uVCtv\")
This edible weed features rounded red stems that are quick to spread throughout the lawn. Purslane, also known as the Dolly Parton weed, blooms from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-summer to early fall. This worst weed in Fort Worth can quickly spread through seeds and root division, making it hard to eradicate if unnoticed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Thistle,](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Gyx61nDAKL6ymEiSjd_8swWW1LjY54Ys9hgvXvdilkKrEcR4LSz0Ce1QP-GeOJGpuXgBFMCDjwtepnMXl2gfe3ou_ttwTIAVc2ici5WDVgFgyc3FU-nPr3lLAOhYHUEQhHMlGJcF\")
For those Fort Worth homeowners with small children, Thistle can be especially worrisome. This spiky weed features leaves covered in prickly spikes which can pierce the skin. Thistle is easy to spot when mature, but also requires thick gloves when removing it from the lawn. Herbicide can also be helpful once the weed starts to spread.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jjhmjjqPwNRmWtRRnVf75brJjWzS7U-V6EVv-mrWhOKggJssJ2P9JpA6hdoqU4pnwF9SKc_MUYUXxUJrs4f2XG6FWxekxiHkaYYbtQWOOlrbOn9cu0Je4rTAUmPWuR0lQGXOo2tG\")
This unique weed looks like a delicate flowering plant, but lambsquarters is one of the worst weeds in Fort Worth lawns. It spreads fast and easy and can take over the garden if not controlled. Its green, oval leaves have a white powder coating, making it easy to spot. Native Americans and some Texans eat this weed, but you need to be cautious. Lamsquarters bears a resemblance to the toxic silverleaf nightshade weed. One big difference? The silverleaf nightshade has thorny stems. A pre-emergent herbicide will stop this weed from seeding. Once it germinates, you’ll need to apply a post-emergent.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find these and of course, crabgrass growing in your Fort Worth yard this year. Checking the lawn on a regular basis, especially between mowings, will help you identify and treat the worst weeds in the Fort Worth area.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about lawn care and maintenance in Fort Worth? Check out our Fort Worth, TX lawn care page.
![Source](\"https://i.pinimg.com/736x/40/f0/8f/40f08f4ccba3ef9d875b205d789819ab.jpg\"){kind=link}