![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fcNBs9w0kiEvpbUOnR7r43z6tw-zF-lvfwWuGn0NbB0cdXKk4yoTO5EYjDlH8h_NLEoyQrWI8ytgzYLSNIs2zRHIzjKvRSdBvjfpXuvmEY-_AZwbx-MCI42S9JGHMprPbTVZgzqJ\")
At one time or another, we all deal with grass pains. The distress signal from our lawn seems to get louder in heat, humidity, and rain. From crabgrass to brown spots, there’s a variety of lawn diseases that could be killing the grass. Some require a professional to diagnose them while others give off tell-tale […]
\n","content":"\nAt one time or another, we all deal with grass pains. The distress signal from our lawn seems to get louder in heat, humidity, and rain. From crabgrass to brown spots, there’s a variety of lawn diseases that could be killing the grass. Some require a professional to diagnose them while others give off tell-tale signs, making them easy to identify. Once you identify them, treating lawn diseases is easy.
\n\n\n\nSome lawn diseases can point to a more serious issue, such as poor drainage or pests on your property. The best defense against any fungal disease is a good offense with proper lawn care.
\n\n\n\nBy maintaining a healthy lawn, you give disease little chance to invade. Here are the most common lawn diseases to watch out for.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll know you have take-all root rot when you see yellow grass with irregular shaped thinning. This disease also shows darker grass blades due to poor air circulation and improper watering. The root rot usually appears in Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, or Zoysiagrass lawns. Take-All Root Rot can affect your lawn in every season and will spread to the rest of the yard if not treated immediately. Young-ki Jo, a plant pathology specialist with the Texas A&M extension office says take-all root rot shows up when turfgrass is under stress. “Areas that remain wet are prone to the disease. Improve the drainage, and avoid overwatering. It is better to water infrequently but deeply (6 to 8 inches deep) than to give the grass frequent, shallow watering.” He also suggests raking out the areas of dead grass and adding peat moss. The peat moss will alter the pH level of the soil, and the root rot should dissipate.
\n\n\n\nBrown patch begins with dead rings of grass on the lawn. Also known as large patch, this lawn disease is easy to spot when you notice the donut shapes holes, with new grass growing in the center. St. Augustine lawns are the most prone to this blight which can spread up to 50 square feet from its origin. You can prevent the problem with yearly aeration and by not overwatering. While fertilizing is crucial, overdoing it can be deadly for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSmall brown patches in the lawn are your first sign of dollar spot. This fungus is well known in the recreational turf industry and is becoming a more significant problem for homeowners as well. Dollar Spot can target both cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses, but it tends to enjoy fescues, ryegrass, Bermuda, and zoysia grasses. This grass disease can show up anytime between late spring to late fall after a stretch of wet conditions. Dollar Spot loves high humidity making it a common problem in southern states. Applying a fungicide to the circular patches is your best bet. To prevent it from returning, make sure to adjust your mower to a higher cutting level and water your lawn deeply but less often.
\n\n\n\n![\"Image](\"https://live.staticflickr.com/1694/26266331395_484179cba7_b.jpg\")
This fuzzy gray substance looks like a science experiment gone wrong. Powdery mildew is the collective name fort a group of fungi that can attach to the grass and plants. You’ll first notice a few white or grey round spots that are easy to wipe away. However, the mildew will quickly take over which can cause significant stress to the grass plant.
\n\n\n\nPowdery mildew won’t kill a plant or lawn right away, but it will choke the plant over time. You’ll notice powdery mildew on the lawn during the heat of the summer when conditions are dry. Prune affected plants and create more airflow around the leaves. Spray the areas with water to wash away the mildew and use a fungicide if needed.
\n\n\n\nYou can thank humid weather and wet conditions in the summer for this disease, Perdue University Plant pathologist Richard Latin says. “Pythium blight outbreaks are especially damaging to creeping bentgrass, annual bluegrass, rough bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The Pythium fungus can infect Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, but the disease is limited and turf is rarely damaged.” It starts with circles of blackened grass blades and expands into wet areas on the lawn. It spreads quickly in shady areas and in compacted soil. Mowing while the grass is wet only makes the problem worse. To prevent Pythium blight, it’s best to apply a fungicide at the beginning of summer.
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases are not the end of the world, but it is important to understand what you’re dealing with, so you can prevent them from spreading. Understanding what the disease is and the associated treatment will help you understand if there are any hidden costs or if you need to hire a professional to help remedy the issue.
\n","title":"How to Treat 5 Common Lawn Diseases","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1789c/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/107df/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/293e9/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/f2cbb/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1789c/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/356ef/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1dd6e/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/67b76/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/8df11/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/98a65/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1dd6e/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/93f70/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Treat 5 Common Lawn Diseases | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"26d53bc6-c3de-5cc7-a448-9e03696d4b47","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/lawn-mowing-maintenance-columbus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Your beautiful Central Ohio home is a source of pride and joy. Part of that joy is the sometimes-overwhelming task of yard care. Lawn mowing and maintenance in Columbus is, at the very least, a weekly chore — whether you do it yourself or hire a lawn service. Mowing, weeding, fertilizing, aerating … it’s all […]
\n","content":"\nYour beautiful Central Ohio home is a source of pride and joy. Part of that joy is the sometimes-overwhelming task of yard care. Lawn mowing and maintenance in Columbus is, at the very least, a weekly chore — whether you do it yourself or hire a lawn service. Mowing, weeding, fertilizing, aerating … it’s all a piece of the puzzle that comes with owning a house or rental property.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are suitable for Columbus lawns because they can handle our cold winters. Chances are your turf consists of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) – or a blend of KBG and perennial ryegrass, tall fescue or Buffalograss.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/c0m7Y3fthxqXa0hb0CNGUJ-8_L06QP5VtKXDihlDKJMOmUc1oUfXH1vsXQKpDem0MPLK4ellVHBlq9zF9EYxtGuJwE-uP8zpQytxx2jElgaFVzZhf3u8NS_suukto6XEpOG2utNq\")
If you’re reseeding or replacing a lawn in Franklin County, The Ohio State University Extension recommends having the soil tested to determine the best cool-season grass for your lawn. Geographical location, soil alkalinity, and temperature are important considerations.
\n\n\n\nSharpen the cutting blades on your gasoline or electric mower every season, and set the height relative to the lawn’s condition. Columbus tends to get an ample amount of rainfall in the spring and autumn, so you can lower the blades for a shorter cut. Kentucky bluegrass can be cut to about 2-1/2 inches if you’re only mowing once a week. In late July and into August’s extreme summer heat and dry weather, cool-season grass root systems tend to become shallow. Raise the blades to about 3-1/2 inches high. Cutting the grass too short in the hot summer months will stress it and keep it from staying green. You can mow KBG, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues twice a week, if a lot of rain is prompting growth spurts.
\n\n\n\nMowing in straight lines, back and forth every time compacts the soil and pushes the grass blades into one direction, which leads to an irregular cut. Changing directions each mow allows individual blades to spring back. Lawnmowers work better on dry grass, but do not wait too long. The amount of Columbus rainfall is always hit or miss. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and serves as excellent mulch.
\n\n\n\nFertilizing your Columbus lawn depends on its pH level, and that’s where having the soil tested comes in handy. Ohio soils vary, but the best range for grass is slightly acidic, in the pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Commercial fertilizer contains measured portions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Feed the lawn in early spring and summer or use slow-release chemicals over dry grass in August to December. Fertilize and follow with a deep watering every eight to 10 weeks.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/oV_ZyfWGU1MESsCrbWe92b6Nw4GUBCsdOBvA062DRf02pvWMctUOgh6Z8MTT20Hjhn44SVncioA9DUzhpxJqZnN6YyBbuP8umfyRvv2RwaaEiuenM3ip4C2aiyM8_r7YFma9B3wQ\")
Post-emergent herbicides will not keep new weeds from sprouting up, but they will kill existing ones. Weed-killing chemicals include dicamba, 4-DP and MCPP (in liquid and granular form). Apply them in early spring, the first couple of weeks in June, and then again in September. See “Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus” for more details.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a rotting tangled-up mass of fallen grass blades, rhizomes, and various organic material that spread into a type of vegetative rug. A little is good because it provides a moisture-holding zone where these materials can decompose into nutrients. But when it gets too thick, this woven carpet keeps new grass blades from growing. Bluegrass and some fescue blends may develop thatch that’s more than a half-inch thick. This prevents grass from absorbing enough nutrients and water. Raking, mowing, and fertilizing lawns regularly will help to control thatch.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/e_Bh0WbjZQCcpLGIeyTjhzcQz93xfFJx06dDiLwjmjUroaKz5SoLr5JwuLm3Qkqg6A25NRx4Ke7xkD1g9H7LZ8FhvoeOv3He3dBuH5K-HHKwW-NHSwHlsc9EgDKDuzXy3TfyX361\")
Aeration is the process of pulling soil plugs from a thickening lawn so that water and nutrients can reach the roots. Core aerators are recommended for large properties, but if you have a smaller yard, a spading fork will work for a DIY job.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how you look at it, lawn mowing and maintenance in Columbus is a chore and will take a good chunk of the weekend’s leisure time. But the look and smell of a beautiful, well-kept expanse green grass make it all worth it. Any more questions about your lawn? Visit our Columbus lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nJill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.
In Rochester, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. Yet some homeowners here struggle with grim, dull, or worn-out lawns. It might be your grass itself. It’s essential to choose a grass type for Rochester that can thrive in our tough climate and tolerate all types of soil […]
\n","content":"\nIn Rochester, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. Yet some homeowners here struggle with grim, dull, or worn-out lawns. It might be your grass itself. It’s essential to choose a grass type for Rochester that can thrive in our tough climate and tolerate all types of soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nSo if you’re changing your lawn, building one from scratch, or repairing tired sections, these grasses will primp it up.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrass comes in an array of colors and textures, and each has different properties that allow it to thrive in certain conditions. It’s important to know the differences and then apply that knowledge to build a great, enduring lawn because your grass has a major impact on the overall appearance and health of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAll grasses come in two categories – warm-season and cool-season grasses. Each of these has unique characteristics.
\n\n\n\nIn stands to reasons that cool-season grasses will hold up better in Minnesota’s bitter cold. Here are the best.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
This cool-season grass species is best adapted to cool-weather conditions. Kentucky bluegrass is winter-hardy and grows in a variety of soil conditions. It thrives in the moist, cool weather of Rochester, but gets a tad bit slower during hot and dry summers. This grass is excellent for Minnesota’s lakeshore regions since it loves sandy soils.
\n\n\n\nTypically, it is mixed with perennial ryegrass to encourage germination speed – taking the average 1 to 3-month germination and establishment period for Kentucky bluegrass to only a few weeks.
\n\n\n\nWith Kentucky bluegrass in your yard, you get a beautiful dark-green color that won’t fade with damage or extra foot traffic. It’s quick to recover from injury, resilient to traffic, and spreads rapidly.
\n\n\n\nThe only downside to planting Kentucky bluegrass in your lawn is its poor tolerance of drought and shade. Plus, the year-round maintenance required to keep it sharp might not be every Rochester resident’s cup of tea.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, prefers sunlight
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Vulnerable to catching diseases such as dollar spot, leaf spot, and necrotic ring spot
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 2 – 7
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnother hardy option for Minnesota’s cold winters, tall fescue isn’t bothered by drought or heat, owing to deep roots. that allow it to survive harsh weather and heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue turf is dark green and has a rougher look than bluegrass and ryegrass because of its wide blades. These tough grass blades handle stress well, which is why tall fescue is commonly used in playgrounds. The tall fescue grass type is also resistant to pest problems and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe best thing about tall fescue is that it’s a great natural weed controller because of its competitive growth rate. It’s super low-maintenance and recommended for beginners and people with pets and children who love to use the lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches, sometimes rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High; it grows back quickly after suffering damage
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 2 to 7
\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\nWith strong defenses and a rapid growth rate, perennial ryegrass is popular with homeowners who prefer low-maintenance lawns. This grass type has a very fast germination rate but spreads somewhat slower than other grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass prefers medium fertility levels and well-draining soil. If you’re considering ryegrass for your lawn, make sure you know the difference between common and improved varieties of this grass species. Common perennial varieties don’t tolerate cold too well, so it’s not an ideal pick for a Rochester lawn. Improved perennial ryegrass is more winter-hardy and offers rapid coverage and erosion protection.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, susceptible to red thread, brown patch, and rust
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3881264882_501698f330_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nVery similar to perennial ryegrass, annual ryegrass germinates, grows, and establishes fast. It is also known as wintergrass or Italian ryegrass in some parts of the U.S. It’s a less commonly used solution for controlling erosion in lawns and for adding quick color to a dull yard. This makes it a great choice for thinning lawns.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is an ideal pick for winter overseeding of warm-season lawns because of its qualities. Annual ryegrass is very hardy, resists disease, and withstands foot traffic. It has shallow roots, which means annual ryegrass won’t do great in drought-like conditions. You can spot this grass type from its lime-green, shiny, and coarse grass blades. It thrives in sunny conditions and will die in late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 5 to 6
\n\n\n\n![\"Blades](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3820997510_5ae18bbfb3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAn excellent choice for golf courses, creeping bentgrass is a commercial-grade turfgrass with fine-textured, bright green leaves. The leaves are narrow, flat, and rolled in the bud. Creeping bentgrass stays a low-growing grass even after complete development. It has a shallow root system that makes it less tolerable to drought.
\n\n\n\nCreeping bentgrass is a very high-maintenance grass type because it needs frequent mowing, watering, aeration, lots of fertilizer, and dethatching.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very high
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 0.125 to 0.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 3 to 6
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a great option for homeowners looking for a low-mowing, low-maintenance turfgrass. Fine-leaf fescue can grow in acidic, infertile soils and maintains a dense appearance, especially in varieties such as chewing fescue. Creeping red fescue grows more finely in comparison, but all varieties are easy to grow.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue thrives in full sunlight but can grow in shady areas too. It tolerates drought and diseases but doesn’t do well with poorly drained soils.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons, depending on the variant
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches and higher
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones:
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are quite low-maintenance grasses and are easy to grow, even for beginners.
Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are quite low-maintenance grasses and are easy to grow, even for beginners.
Early fall is a good time to plant grass seeds because consistent rainfall and warm soil temperatures at that time of the year encourage fast seed germination and better root development.
Now that you know the appropriate grass types your Rochester garden can grow, you have the knowledge to make the right choice. Make sure you choose the grass type according to your lifestyle and the level of maintenance you’re willing to put in.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re putting together a garden, make sure you consider planting the best native plants for Rochester that will cope with the climate conditions here and grow well with little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nSelecting the perfect grass type is just the first step. Build and maintain a healthy lawn with the help of Wikilawn’s pros, who are just a few clicks away.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: House, Rochester, Minnestoa / Bobak Ha’Eri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Rochester, Minnesota","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/1789c/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/107df/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/293e9/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/f2cbb/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/1789c/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/c26c2/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/1dd6e/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/67b76/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 320w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/8df11/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 500w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/98a65/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 800w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/1dd6e/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 960w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/3cc96/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Rochester, Minnesota | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Trying to fix your sad little Rochester lawn? Your grass might not be hardy enough to withstand Minnesota's weather extremes. Try these"}}},{"node":{"id":"b740dd1d-a8c7-5872-a800-10066b383ef3","slug":"best-grass-seeds-maine","path":"/lawn-care/maine/best-grass-seeds-maine/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"47799b4c-dc00-522b-9249-ee471c0c0d49","name":"Maine","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/maine/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Welcome to Maine’s green and picturesque landscapes. As the cool ocean breeze sweeps through charming cities like Portland and Augusta, let’s embark on a journey to uncover the four best grass seeds for Maine. We’ll delve into the secrets of the finest grass seeds that flourish in this idyllic region. Each grass variety reveals unique […]
\n","content":"\nWelcome to Maine’s green and picturesque landscapes. As the cool ocean breeze sweeps through charming cities like Portland and Augusta, let’s embark on a journey to uncover the four best grass seeds for Maine.
\n\n\n\nWe’ll delve into the secrets of the finest grass seeds that flourish in this idyllic region. Each grass variety reveals unique strengths and qualities, making them a perfect match for your Maine backyard. So, gear up and get ready to transform your yard into a lush haven as we unravel these exceptional grass seeds.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrasses are an essential component of lawns, but not all grasses are equal. They can be classified into two categories: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. When planning your Maine backyard, you should consider cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses initiate growth in late winter to early spring, producing new leaves. They grow actively in fall and may enter winter dormancy when soil temps drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool-season grasses possess greater tolerance for frost, low light, and lower temperatures, making them suitable for cooler climates.
\n\n\n\nIn contrast, warm-season grasses exhibit a delayed growth pattern, waiting until late spring to early summer to push out fresh leafy growth. Warm-season grasses have lower frost tolerance but thrive under higher light and temperature conditions, making them ideal for regions with hot summers.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding these distinctions among turf types allows for informed decisions when selecting grass types suitable for specific climates and landscaping needs. Choosing an appropriate grass seed variety can ensure a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing lawn grass in Maine’s cool climate, four types of grass reign supreme: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue. These cool-season grasses are well-suited for Maine’s USDA Hardiness zones, which predominantly fall within the 3b and 4a range. With average minimum temperatures ranging from -36 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, these grass varieties thrive in the state’s cold winter.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRenowned for its stunning dark green hue and fine texture, this grass is a showstopper that will highlight the beauty of any outdoor space. This grass boasts a robust and densely woven root system, making it a powerful ally in erosion control and weed control.
\n\n\n\nWhile Kentucky bluegrass thrives under the warm embrace of sunlight, it does have limited shade tolerance, making it a perfect fit for sun-drenched areas. It also exhibits a moderate ability to handle foot traffic. However, Kentucky bluegrass remains an exceptional choice for a winter-hardy lawn, showcasing commendable resilience despite moderate drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low. Prefers full sun.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Specific lawn-oriented varieties of this grass necessitate more regular watering, dethatching, and fertilization compared to those primarily intended for animal feeding purposes.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot only is perennial ryegrass a popular choice on golf courses for its ability to withstand foot traffic and low mowing, but it’s also ideal for high-traffic areas as it can germinate in a remarkably short time, within 5 to 7 days!
\n\n\n\nWhile perennial ryegrass boasts impressive qualities, it’s important to consider its specific requirements. This grass has a low tolerance for dry soil and shade, making it best suited for sun-drenched areas with regular watering. However, the upside is that perennial ryegrass produces minimal thatch, which is easy to maintain. Say goodbye to excessive buildup and hello to a hassle-free lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: By blending the resilience of Kentucky bluegrass with the durability of perennial ryegrass, you can create a lawn that stands strong against foot traffic, diseases, and invasive weeds.
\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 is the perfect grass for those seeking shade tolerance and effortless upkeep. This turfgrass variety is renowned for its low maintenance requirements, allowing you to spend less time and effort on lawn care.
\n\n\n\nWhile fine fescue has a low to moderate tolerance for heavy foot traffic, it remains an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize simplicity in maintenance and desire a stunning, light green lawn. Let your lawn become an oasis of relaxation and natural splendor effortlessly maintained by the charm of fine Fescue.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red Fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, 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 4.0 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: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers poor soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While it possesses admirable drought resistance, the true highlight of this grass lies in its exceptional shade tolerance. It reigns as the unrivaled champion among all cool-season grass varieties, growing even in areas with limited sunlight.
\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\nElevate your yard’s appeal with Tall fescue! This remarkable grass variety showcases a stunning dark green hue with a glossy sheen, ensuring your lawn stands out in all its glory. It is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass available, making it a resilient choice for Maine’s climate.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, fescue grass boasts impressive drought tolerance. Furthermore, it doesn’t produce excessive thatch, making maintenance a breeze. Say goodbye to tedious upkeep and hello to a lawn that thrives easily.
\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 the grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While tall fescue exhibits moderate traffic and shade tolerance, it remains an excellent option for those who desire a verdant, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe hardiest grass in northern climates is perennial ryegrass due to its exceptional durability. Characterized by resilient blades and a robust root system, this grass variety reigns supreme in terms of longevity and strength.
Regarding cool-season climates and drought tolerance, three exceptional grass varieties take the spotlight: Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass. Among them, Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for withstanding dry and warm conditions.
Cool-season no-mow blends typically feature a mix of fine fescue species. Aptly named, fine fescues boast slender blades that create a velvety texture, making them a delight to walk barefoot. These grasses offer a plush and luxurious feel, providing a gentle and comfortable foot experience.
When choosing the perfect grass for your Maine lawn, it’s important to understand that each variety has unique traits and maintenance needs. Selecting the right grass is crucial, so consider factors like available space, intended usage, and your ability to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant.
\n\n\n\nWhile grass plays a significant role in creating an attractive landscape, it’s worth exploring other options as well, such as low-maintenance landscaping and native plants that thrive in Maine’s environment.
\n\n\n\nIf you need expert guidance, Wikilawn is here to help. We can connect you to skilled lawn care professionals near you. We have trusted pros in Scarborough, Biddeford, and other cities across Maine who can take care of your yard’s maintenance. With the right grass and expert assistance, you can create a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Thuya Garden / Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for Maine","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/1789c/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/107df/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.jpg 320w,\n/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/293e9/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.jpg 500w,\n/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/f2cbb/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.jpg 800w,\n/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/1789c/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.jpg 960w,\n/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/c26c2/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/1dd6e/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/67b76/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.webp 320w,\n/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/8df11/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.webp 500w,\n/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/98a65/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.webp 800w,\n/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/1dd6e/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.webp 960w,\n/static/3e7d42ab9e68f41a49b623b10bb1269c/3cc96/Thuya-Garden-Northeast-Harbor-Maine.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for Maine","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the four best grass seeds for Maine. These top grass seed choices will help you achieve a beautiful and resilient lawn in Maine."}}},{"node":{"id":"1b014bac-5927-53f1-82b6-a11cf2f1aba3","slug":"best-grass-types-mississippi","path":"/lawn-care/ms/best-grass-types-mississippi/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"690c1e77-e03d-574f-811e-b355bf8606f1","name":"Mississippi","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ms/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Mississippi’s diverse climate allows for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to grow, though high rainfall and hot temperatures sometimes hinder the successful growth of a lush lawn. Despite these challenges, agriculture has been successful in Mississippi for centuries thanks to its naturally fertile soils. Whether you choose a warm-season or cool-season grass for your landscape […]
\n","content":"\nMississippi’s diverse climate allows for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to grow, though high rainfall and hot temperatures sometimes hinder the successful growth of a lush lawn. Despite these challenges, agriculture has been successful in Mississippi for centuries thanks to its naturally fertile soils.
\n\n\n\nWhether you choose a warm-season or cool-season grass for your landscape depends on many factors. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the best cultivar. Read on to discover the 7 best grass types for Mississippi.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re new to lawn care, distinguishing between cool-season and warm-season grasses can be challenging. Although many maintenance tips apply to both types, they have their share of differences.
\n\n\n\nNorthern Mississippi is in the transition zone, experiencing both hot summers and cold winters. Both cool-season and warm-season grass types grow well in these regions. In the rest of the Magnolia State, warm-season cultivars dominate.
\n\n\n\nEvery homeowner should know when their grass grows, when it goes dormant, and how it handles climate conditions. Whether you select a cool-season or warm-season grass depends on your preferences, location, and the characteristics of your landscape. Consider the unique traits of different grass types:
\n\n\n\nBottom line: Plant warm-season grasses in late spring or early summer, and stick to sowing cool-season varieties in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe following grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Mississippi:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass, also known as Bahama grass or dog’s tooth grass, is an excellent choice for many parts of the South, including Mississippi. It is quick-growing and thrives in most soil types. Bermudagrass is drought, humidity, and salt-tolerant and grows best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season cultivar stands up to heavy foot traffic, recovers quickly, and is disease resistant. Bermudagrass is relatively high-maintenance, requiring weekly fertilization and watering during the spring growing season.
\n\n\n\nCommon bermudagrass is coarser in texture, though hybrid cultivars can create a more fine-textured, albeit high-maintenance, lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and is able to outcompete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns. Tolerant of most soil types
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carpetgrass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCarpetgrass likes tropical climates, moist, fertile soils, and full sun but can easily thrive in partial shade. In fact, experts recommend planting carpetgrass in Mississippi landscapes with large shade trees.
\n\n\n\nCarpetgrass thrives on one inch of water per week. It is a low-maintenance and adaptable grass with a coarse texture that creates a dense, light-to-medium green lawn. It is high-maintenance like bermudagrass and requires regular mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow weekly to control seed heads
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Large patch is common
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Infertile, moist but not waterlogged, acidic, sandy
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Usually established by seed. Flourishes in warm and humid conditions along the Gulf Coast. Does not thrive in arid climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThough slow-growing, centipedegrass is a Mississippi favorite. This medium-textured grass has bright green leaves and a dense growth habit. It is low-maintenance and disease and pest-resistant. Cultivars grow well in partial shade but prefer full sun.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass isn’t exceptionally drought-tolerant and requires sandy, limestone soils for steady growth. It prefers acidic soils with a pH below 7.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a drought and heat-tolerant warm-season grass that blooms in May. It prefers full sun and sandy, well-drained soils. It is more cold and shade-resistant than other warm-season cultivars thanks to a deep root system. Cultivars can hold their own against drought, heavy foot traffic, and weeds.
\n\n\n\nThis slow-growing, dark-green turfgrass produces a dense lawn that needs to be cut with sharp mower blades. Insects have a hard time invading zoysiagrass thanks to its thick blades and growth habit.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a popular cool-season grass, well suited for the northern regions of Mississippi. It is easy to establish, has a coarse texture, and remains green during the cold months when warm-season varieties turn brown and go dormant.
\n\n\n\nTall Fescue is a bunch-type grass that grows most vigorously during spring and fall. It is adaptable but prefers fertile, well-drained, clay soils. Cultivars require regular irrigation during the summer months. Tall fescue loves the sun but tolerates moderate shade.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate – can be susceptible to brown patch, leaf spot, seedling disease, cutworms, armyworms, grubs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize it only once in September and November. To restore the lushness of your lawn and address thinning and patchy areas, it is recommended to sow new grass seeds every few years.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance, high-quality turfgrass with deep roots that rely on regular watering and fertilization. Kentucky bluegrass recovers quickly from injury, so active kids and pets running around won’t be a problem, and its beautiful bluish-green color increases curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nCultivars form a fine-textured, dense, carpet-like lawn, but take six months to thicken. While it grows best in the sun, it doesn’t tolerate high heat and drought unless it is well irrigated. Plank Kentucky bluegrass in northern Mississippi and Tennessee border regions.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lolium_perenne_TK_2021-06-26_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: T. Kebert / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is widely used throughout the U.S., but its application varies from region to region. Cultivars are commonly found in the northern regions of Mississippi, where cool and warm temperatures meet in the middle.
\n\n\n\nIt is a deep green-colored grass with a glossy texture and the highest traffic tolerance of any cool-season variety. Perennial ryegrass is often used around homes, schools, athletic fields, and parks.
\n\n\n\nThis rich, fine-textured grass wins major points for its fast germination rate, quick establishment, and disease resistance. While not as cold-hardy as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, perennial ryegrass thrives in moderate summers and cool winters. It is important to note cultivars are usually mixed with other grass types like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, or fine fescue to create a hardy and drought-tolerant lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low (summer dormancy in some areas)
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but poor recuperative ability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, especially in areas with hot, humid summers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, high fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is preferred when it comes to heavy foot traffic in the Southern states.
Zoysiagrass is one of the easiest turfgrasses to maintain. It withstands drought and survives in poor soil conditions with little upkeep. It also stands up to diseases, pests, and weeds.
Perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are the best cool-season grass varieties for shaded lawns, while zoysiagrass is the most shade-tolerant warm-season cultivar.
When choosing a grass type for your lawn, consider sun exposure, soil type, watering capabilities, and maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nThe grass type you select should match your needs and budget. Whether you pick bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, fine fescue, or any other cultivar, a well-maintained lawn is the difference between fab and drab. For additional inspiration, check out our guide detailing the best native plants for Mississippi.
\n\n\n\nFor a worry-free lawn care experience and a healthy outdoor space, let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro today. Our trusted experts are spread out across Jackson, Southaven, Olive Branch, Pearl, Ridgeland, and many other cities in the Magnolia State.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: ScottOldham / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Mississippi","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2396694214876034,"src":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1789c/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/107df/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/293e9/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/f2cbb/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1789c/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/c26c2/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1dd6e/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/67b76/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 320w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/8df11/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 500w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/98a65/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 800w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1dd6e/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 960w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/3cc96/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Mississippi | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"From bermudagrass to Kentucky bluegrass, choose one of the 7 best grass types for Mississippi’s humid, subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"d3b8cd53-0983-5731-b5ef-469203c097e7","slug":"summer-lawn-care-guide","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/summer-lawn-care-guide/","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":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"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 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to […]
\n","content":"\nDallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to give your lawn a fighting chance against the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDallas is rainier than most Texas cities, averaging 40 inches annually. However, temps soar to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the summer. These high temperatures and sunny days place a lot of stress on your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nMay is the wettest month of the year, and spring months are ideal for your plants and grass to establish healthy roots to help them survive the tough summer.
\n\n\n\nSummer is the most demanding and damaging time for your lawn. The excessive heat, potential drought conditions, and Dallas water restrictions can lead to a brown and stressed lawn, making proper lawn maintenance from June to September vital.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nHow you water and how often you water are equally important to your Texas landscape. Your Dallas native plants and turfgrass are adapted to withstand Dallas’ USDA hardiness zone 8, including heat and potential drought.
\n\n\n\nFollow Dallas’ ordinances and these watering tips to keep your landscape in the best shape throughout the summer:
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to note that an irrigation system with directed sprinkler heads removes the guesswork from determining how much water your lawn needs. You can program your system to apply the right amount of water for your grass type, saving you time and money while increasing the health of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives in the dense clay North Texas soils. This popular turfgrass stands up to frequent foot traffic and loves full sun. Bermudagrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your bermudagrass twice per week early in the morning before 9 a.m. Aim for 15 minutes of watering per zone for automatic pop-up head sprinklers and 35-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass appears to be the exact opposite of aggressive bermudagrass, but these warm-season grasses thrive in Dallas. St. Augustinegrass does not tolerate foot traffic and prefers partial sun or shade. The fast-growing grass requires only 1 inch of water per week, making it an economical choice for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWater St. Augustinegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. Water each zone for 15 minutes for pop-up head sprinklers, and 30 minutes for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass handles anything you throw at it: drought, traffic, shade, and even low temperatures. The dark green turfgrass requires little fertilization, and its dense blades block out weeds. Like St. Augustinegrass, it only requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your Zoysiagrass lawn twice per week before 9 a.m. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss grows well in the nutrientless clay soils, requiring little fertilization. However, the low-fuss grass does not stand up to heavy foot traffic or weeds. Like Zoysia and St. Augustine, this cultivar requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your buffalograss before 9 a.m., twice per week. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass does not handle traffic or herbicides. However, it is incredibly low-maintenance with low mowing and watering requirements. This smooth, flat-bladed turfgrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week to remain green.
\n\n\n\nWater centipedegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. If you are using pop-up head sprinklers, aim for 15-minute sessions. However, if you are using rotary heads, be sure to extend your sessions to 35 minutes.
\n\n\n\nWe all want to be in the pool or inside in the air conditioning, and it is really tempting to mow our lawns short to make less work for ourselves. However, cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to weeds, scorching, and dormancy.
\n\n\n\nYour grass should never change from green to brown after mowing. Brown grass signals a stressed lawn, meaning you have removed too much at one time. Be sure to raise your mower height after your lawn has recovered before your next mow.
\n\n\n\nTaller grass blades develop deeper roots and provide shade, cooling the soil underneath and minimizing evaporation, which makes your morning watering sessions more efficient. Your lawn will be lusher and stay greener, increasing your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer mowing tips for your warm-season grass:
\n\n\n\nThe recommended mowing height for bermudagrass is 1-2 inches using a traditional mower. During active growing seasons in the spring and early summer, plan to mow your lawn weekly, never cutting more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass prefers higher heights in the summer to help water retention. You should mow your St. Augustine lawn every seven to 10 days, aiming for a mowing height of 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass actively grows in the summer, requiring regular mowing every five to seven days. Like bermudagrass, never cut more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length and aim to keep your lawn between one to two inches high.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss prefers higher heights like St. Augustinegrass. You should aim for a height between two to three inches, requiring a mowing session every seven to ten days.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is another turfgrass, preferring taller heights. Mow weekly with a traditional lawn mower, keeping your grass between 1.5 to two inches high.
\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nFertilizer promotes healthy growth, but be careful, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape. Unseasonably hot and dry Texas summers can lead to dormant grass. It is tempting to over-fertilize your lawn. Unfortunately, this will have the opposite effect and harm your turfgrass by burning it.
\n\n\n\nHere are some summer fertilizing tips for your Dallas lawn:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives with regular fertilizer applications. During the summer, this turfgrass requires 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every month. You should aim to apply 2 to 6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually to keep your lawn healthy.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass has higher fertilization requirements, like bermudagrass. Apply 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually, or 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet monthly during the summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has the similar requirements to bermudagrass. During the summer growing season, apply 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn monthly for a total of 1 to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has incredibly low fertilization requirements. In fact, some homeowners skip applications completely. Typically, buffalograss up to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually. Aim to apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during two months of the active summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance centipede grass requires little fertilization. Aim for 1 pound of nitrogen-based fertilizer per 1,000 square feet applied twice, once in June and again in September.
\n\n\n\nTexas is one of the few places in the U.S. with clay soil. Unlike the loose, sandy soils of the Southeast, impacted and dense clay soils require biannual lawn aeration. Liquid aeration helps your lawn handle the intense heat and dry conditions of summer by opening pathways for air, sunshine, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, resulting in deeper, more drought-resistant roots.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass, require liquid aeration applications in late spring before summer and early fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"an](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spraying-pesticide.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nPlenty of pests hide from the heat of the Texas sun, seeking shaded areas under decks and logs. Unfortunately, white grubs, chinch bugs, and fire ants are notoriously sun-loving Dallas pests that can wreak havoc on your warm-season turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nKeep these pest control tips in mind this summer:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most popular turfgrass choice for Texas lawns. Unfortunately, it has a low resistance to unfriendly visitors. It is prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms.
\n\n\n\nRegular lawn maintenance and irrigation help combat pest infestations. Additionally, spray a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide over infected areas to combat pests.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is fast-growing and shade-loving. It also attracts many pests, including chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs.
\n\n\n\nCombat pests ruining your lush lawn by using a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide. Be sure to look for one containing carbaryl, trichlorfon, or pyrethroid if you are dealing with chinch bugs or grubs.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass stands up to most pests thanks to its thick leaf blades and dense structure. Occasionally, mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, or sod webworms will move in and set up residence in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAlways wait until your grass has greened in the spring or early summer to apply insecticides. Use spot treatments of broad-spectrum pesticides as needed to combat insect infestations.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss resists most pests. However, mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, and chinch bugs can cause the occasional headache.
\n\n\n\nSpot treat affected areas with broad-spectrum repellent-free pesticide.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is low-maintenance and prefers to be left alone. It is moderately prone to pests, including ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars.
\n\n\n\nIrrigate and mow your lawn 24 hours before insecticide applications. Treat affected areas with a broad-spectrum non-repellent insecticide containing carbaryl or pyrethroid. Aim to apply preventative treatments in May before the heat of summer sets in and follow-up with another application in June.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass diseases and weeds love a weak lawn and signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health. They love low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds steal vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and plants while simultaneously spreading pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nMaintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and weeds and diseases won’t stand a chance. There are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best method. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer weeding tips to maintain a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\nOne of the star attributes that makes bermudagrass so popular in North Texas is its disease-resistance. If you are unlucky enough to experience a disease infestation with your bermudagrass, chances are good it is spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, or sheath spot.
\n\n\n\nCombat bermudagrass weeds and diseases using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice brown patches with regular and smooth outlines caused by fungal diseases, treat your entire lawn with a fungicide designed for bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nFor all its strengths, St. Augustinegrass falls short in the disease-resistance category. It is moderately to highly prone to diseases such as gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot.
\n\n\n\nCombat fungal diseases in your St. Augustine lawn with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant designed for plants.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is incredibly resistant to most diseases. However, large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur.
\n\n\n\nLike St. Augustinegrass, fungal diseases are the most common. Treat your lawn with a preventative fungicide program. Apply fungicide in the spring to decrease your chances of developing diseases like large patch. If you notice dead spots in your lawn and have ruled out insect activity, treat the affected area with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant for plants.
\n\n\n\nThanks to its adaptability, buffalograss has high disease-resistance. Treat the most common problem, bipolaris leaf spot, with preventative fungicide at the first sign of brown patches.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is moderately disease-tolerant. It is prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis. Combat these lawn diseases with proper lawn maintenance and apply 2 ounces of iron sulfate per 1,000 square feet if you notice yellowing.
\n\n\n\nSucculents thrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Typically, water your succulent plants once per week when it has not rained.
Organic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost.
Dallas adopted lawn and landscape irrigation ordinances in 2012 to defer the costs of expanding the city’s water supply infrastructure. Drip irrigation, hand watering, and soaker hoses are allowed at any time and on any day.
However, Dallas homeowners can only water with hose-end sprinklers or automatic sprinkler systems twice per week from April 1 to Oct. 31. No watering may take place between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays.
Summer is the perfect time for lazy days. The days are sunny and long, and backyard barbecues and pool parties are in full swing. Reclaim your weekends and sanity by installing low-maintenance landscaping and following our summer lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nInstead of breaking a sweat in the heat, consider letting Wikilawn hook you up with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to your Longhorns or Aggies.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Dallas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1789c/Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/107df/Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/293e9/Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/f2cbb/Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1789c/Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/c26c2/Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1dd6e/Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/67b76/Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/8df11/Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/98a65/Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1dd6e/Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/3cc96/Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Dallas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Prep your lawn for the summer heat with this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas, TX."}}},{"node":{"id":"9b773e35-df5b-51f7-8c97-481acd7b2771","slug":"how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"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":"February 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Austin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek […]
\n","content":"\nAustin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek motto ‘Keep Austin Weird’ in more ways than are obvious to the casual observer. Being a center for creative design and out of the box thinking, Austinites have embraced the idea of getting innovative when it comes to the way they view landscaping and water management. One of these ways is with the healthy use of Rain Gardens. Although the use of rain gardens, bioswales, and other forms of using the landscape to manage rainwater have gained in popularity in the past years, it is good to know the basic fundamentals of what makes for a successful rain garden that can withstand the extremes of the Central Texas climate.
A Solid Foundation. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a rain garden. There are lots of terms and descriptors used to categorize these very similar landscape applications, but they all differ from each other in one way or another. A rain garden is perhaps the simplest of them all. A rain garden is purely an area of planting that you install in a low spot in your landscape. Rain gardens should be designed to hold water for only a brief period of time after a storm, with water quickly infiltrating back into the ground.
\n\n\n\nUnlike a pond or wetland, rain gardens should not generally be more than a foot deep at any given point and should not use any sort of liner. The actual depth and size of your rain garden will vary depending upon how much rainfall you need to collect from your roof or other impervious surfaces.
\n\n\n\nBelow are examples of a rain garden in a dry state versus a wet state.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IZtgwprugCTW6rZfud7Qw5dmJ2qoRXmqzN2xAmCUBS8XmBegxcU4sqHmdh7wvr437JxtdLLoqGjtLrWGp4_rbPHdII_qjLYnXuLQjnmB_8I7ZW3fkpV2anv8HpUFo9Uzm_m7TT_R1EVzVTfdrw\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_MSsZiTdiwZFgSLW5TcZA8NOJgtdX0HB7Y-xxrKmVxgUIx8PUk5_DBG3dOT6DPtDc3ml6HjVqiooQ65lOUtP4OjHj85P3HKmAPDAHT9CWS-eZPY3MKHvV-JjYwTifhsfWEfePS40DRs8GNGJ8Q\")
Small plantings packing a BIG punch. The benefits of rain gardens are multifold. Firstly, they help prevent pollution from runoff water. The water that falls off our roofs, down the street, or across a parking lot isn’t pure rainwater; it collects pollutants as it flows, especially excess nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers. These pollutants can harm rivers and ponds by causing algae blooms and fish kill. The deep roots of native plants readily absorb these nutrients, protecting groundwater quality. During heavy to moderate rain events, this storm surge can cause damaging erosion, sediment buildup, and bring a number of other harms to freshwater ecosystems, negatively impacting freshwater mussels and other aquatic life.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens can also play a part to protect Austin properties from floods. A mature stand of rain garden plants will take up excess water that might normally puddle in your yard, leading to water damage issues in your home. When you get rid of standing water, you also reduce mosquito breeding problems around your home.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens create habitats for wildlife. The traditional Austin front yard is turf grass, a monoculture that does little to nurture wildlife, but a mixed planting of native Texas flowers and grasses will draw butterflies, bees, beneficial insects, and birds. Rain gardens also help conserve water. Once established the native plants that thrive in the rain garden won’t need supplemental irrigation, as they are deep-rooted and have evolved to survive periods of drought between rains.
\n\n\n\nGetting s
If you’re planning to divert your roof gutters into your rain garden, you won’t want to install the feature too far away from your home, but you must place it at least ten feet away from your home. Underground utilities and tree roots may also influence the placement of the rain garden.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to check for these two things before you begin to dig.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2Esyi2eVKRoMKak2UnqoBo4JPdg5DkL4jJUDn8ivE8u9SaQkRaCMvZceYQm97QzCHvIKNEpkUXrPgEUx61iuKp4jt6i6Lkmf3basdfESz35HM-fhBzwH4IlS1mn7ys2BHpWVGxYxsh3ArH6npg\")
Choosing the Right Plants. In order to properly design a rain garden, only use perennial plants. This is because a rain garden functions as a water remediation (cleaning) feature and greatly depends on the deep roots of perennial plants. When considering plants, look at their soil moisture requirements and plan accordingly. While your rain garden should favor plants that can tolerate occasional flooding, this does not mean you are limited to only wetland species or that they are necessarily the best fit for a rain garden. In places like Austin, where rain may be seasonal or intermittent, drought tolerance should be a greater consideration than tolerance of flooding. Luckily, Austin native plants with deep roots that are useful for driving water back into the earth are often drought tolerant as well—making them an excellent choice for rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few good choices of plants for each zone of a rain garden that are well suited to Austin:
\n\n\n\nAdd Some Height. Although a rain garden is not the place to grow a large shade tree, you can add a small ornamental tree or shrub to act as a focal point in the landscape. A Texas redbud tree has beautiful pink-red flowers in the spring and will reach a mature height of 15-20 feet. A cypress or cedar elm specimen can work in a larger landscape, and will greatly increase the water absorption ability of your rain garden. Trees also lend much-needed shade along a street or sidewalk when rain gardens are used in those settings.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bw0nehWRO3FijgqiVY6ni0q7qzRHA_lBeGHvI23vzit05SDMbDt0LdSfjhV_KQ-XxLnxh4korfL2cBKGcH76X8SXDlP5pO4uuI6NK8wVogiMXQV8HTSG9Oh9kJyjnOdQRbun24Fm7FBxdObJJw\")
Create a long life for your g
Rain gardens need to be kept free of weeds, both for plant health and aesthetic value. The best time to weed is right after a strong Austin rain event when the soil becomes soft and weed roots release their hold more easily. Additionally, by adding a three-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil surface weed growth will be further suppressed. Use a fine hardwood mulch, as it’s less likely to float away after a heavy rain.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GAC1IlHN4g6UVu3tqj_NNysGh0QYYz_hfzfhXHhqicwfYyPkgEBP_auAm0HOQogjouBH3a-eLhAzAln7NJ85nc74CW0yNytgWgFTO0CPDvFnQcEQJ35mjPJ6mUQ3SrkPTvhVxaP_1i7kO5LA9A\")
Top Photo: Source
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care? Please visit our Austin, TX lawn care page by clicking here.
\n","title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6,"src":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg","srcSet":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/107df/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/293e9/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/f2cbb/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/c26c2/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/67b76/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/8df11/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/98a65/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/3cc96/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"9f629a98-4af7-53e3-be48-1645e902e8a0","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 17th, 2023","excerpt":"With only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants. That doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you […]
\n","content":"\nWith only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you can cut down on your time, effort, and expense with plants that don’t require a lot of water to survive. Let’s take a look at some of the best drought-tolerant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll plants listed here are native to Utah. But what are native plants? They are called “native” because they have been growing in a particular region for years and are well-adapted to that region’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere are the advantages of native plants over non-natives.
![\"Apache](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apache-Plume.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApache plume looks distinctive with white, five-petaled flowers and fluffy pink seed heads. It blooms from late spring to mid-fall and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Water newly planted Apache plume at least once a week. Once established, you can water it once a month.
\n\n\n\nApache plume grows best in soil with good drainage. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 8 feet. It can also resist deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Rabbitbrush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rabbitbrush-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush looks attractive with its fine-textured, gray-green foliage. It blooms from late summer to mid-fall, producing showy golden yellow flowers. Bees and butterflies love them. Once established, rabbitbrush requires little to no watering.
\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. This shrub is toxic to humans and pets. So, if you have children and pets playing around in your yard, it’s best to avoid this shrub or plant it elsewhere, maybe on the exterior.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 7 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Sage-Salvia-apiana-California.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HLWolfe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite sage grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. It looks distinctive with clusters of white flowers. This shrub blooms from spring to summer and attracts carpenter bees. White sage has many medicinal benefits.
\n\n\n\nWhite sage features aromatic greenish silver leaves. This shrub grows up to 5 feet, but the floppy appearance of mature flower shoots makes it appear shorter than it actually is.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Greenish silver
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Turpentine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Turpentine-Bush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurpentine bush blooms from late summer to fall, producing bright yellow flowers. The sticky, needle-like leaves have a turpentine aroma. Turpentine bush grows best in full sun and can also handle partial shade.
\n\n\n\nThe turpentine bush prefers well-drained soil and requires weekly watering when it is first planted. Once it’s established, however, don’t water the shrub more than once a month, as overwatering can reduce blooming.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Globemallow-Sphaeralcea-Ambigua.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow looks beautiful with five-petaled, reddish-orange flowers. It blooms throughout spring and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Desert globemallow grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow features gray-green leaves that are broad and have three lobes. Be careful when touching this plant, as the hair on the leaves can cause eye irritation.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow looks beautiful with clusters of small white or yellow flowers. The leaves are aromatic and have a fine-textured, feathery appearance. Common yarrow blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Butterflies and bees love it.
\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow grows best in full sun. It prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. Common yarrow has many medicinal uses too.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fireweed\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fireweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Borealomas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFireweed can be a gorgeous addition to your Utah yard. It features pinkish-purple colors and requires little to no watering once established. Plant fireweed in a place with abundant sunlight, as it needs 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nFireweed prefers sandy soil with good drainage. One note of caution: This herb is toxic to both humans and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Goldenrod\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoldenrod grows best in full sun and can withstand partial shade. It grows in sandy, rocky, and clay soils with good drainage. The leaves are smooth with slightly jagged edges.
\n\n\n\nGoldenrod blooms from summer to fall, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers that bees and butterflies love. Remove the dried flowers to keep goldenrod in bloom for much longer. Once the blooming period ends, goldenrod will look like an ordinary plant with medium-green foliage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eastern-Cottonwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood is a large, fast-growing tree that produces beautiful flowers during early spring. It grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This tree can live up to 100 years.
\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood has weak wood and penetrating roots. If you live in a windy area, it’s best to avoid this large tree as it’s prone to uproot.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nUtah has a warm, desert climate. In fact, it’s one of the driest states in the country. All plants listed here are native to Utah and can easily withstand drought.
\n\n\n\nAnalyze your lawn’s soil condition and sun exposure and choose a plant that best suits your lifestyle. Also, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity levels, especially if you have kids and pets playing in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA lush, green, and healthy lawn requires proper maintenance. If you don’t want to spend your weekend doing lawn chores, Wikilawn Utah lawn care pros can help. We can assist you with everything related to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Red Butte Garden / Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscapes","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/107df/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/293e9/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/f2cbb/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/c26c2/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/67b76/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/8df11/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/98a65/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/3cc96/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscaping","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Drought-tolerant plants are a great way to add color and life to a drab yard, especially when you live somewhere as dry as Utah"}}},{"node":{"id":"3a9717ee-8c2d-52c1-a810-f09cb2aa432c","slug":"best-grass-seeds-vermont","path":"/lawn-care/vermont/best-grass-seeds-vermont/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"6ca58aed-0605-5274-8b33-210f8c631ce7","name":"Vermont","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/vermont/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"The lawns at Shelburne Farms and Hubbard Park are lush and healthy. They are part of what makes the sites so alluring. You can have a home lawn with just as much beauty and appeal when you grow the right grass type. Keep reading to learn about the best grass seeds for Vermont. It doesn’t […]
\n","content":"\nThe lawns at Shelburne Farms and Hubbard Park are lush and healthy. They are part of what makes the sites so alluring. You can have a home lawn with just as much beauty and appeal when you grow the right grass type. Keep reading to learn about the best grass seeds for Vermont.
\n\n\n\nIt doesn’t matter if you’re in the Green Mountains area where the climate is colder and precipitation is high, the drier and hotter Champlain Valley region, or the Connecticut River Valley section of Vermont where it’s the driest. This article will help you choose the best grass seed to build your ideal lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWhether you are overseeding or establishing a new lawn, there are two choices for grass seeds: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Because Vermont has warm, mild summers and long, cold winters, cool-season grasses are the best type of grasses for The Green Mountain State.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in hot, humid climates with mild winters. They grow best in the summer. This grass type goes dormant and turns brown during the cold winter months, from late autumn through early spring. This grass type is commonly found in the southern part of the United States.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses perform well in areas where temperatures are cool throughout most of the year. Like warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses go dormant in freezing temperatures. However, cool-season grasses go dormant later in the winter than warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses also go brown and dormant in the summer as temperatures rise. They grow best in the spring and fall when the climate is cool. This grass type prefers air temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool-season grass is commonly found in the northern regions of the United States.
\n\n\n\nGrass seeds selected for Vermont homes should be durable enough to withstand the state’s cold winters and warm summers. In addition to the snowy winters and the warm summers, Vermont’s weather conditions include floods, ice storms, and heat waves. While no grass can withstand all or even some of these environmental stressors, some grass types are better suited than others for the general Vermont climate. Let’s take a look at the three best cool-season grasses for Vermont.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass has a medium texture and a dark, blue-green color that lives up to the grass’s name. It’s not the softest or the most coarse grass.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is best for properties that get full sun and have well-drained soil. If your property contains a lot of trees blocking the sunlight, your yard is not the best environment for Kentucky Bluegrass to thrive. It has low shade tolerance.
\n\n\n\nKentucky has more maintenance requirements than the other grasses on this list. It needs more fertilization and is more vulnerable to insects and diseases. Bluegrass also requires frequent mowing. This grass is better suited for homeowners with more time for lawn upkeep. However, it has its advantages.
\n\n\n\nIf you have moderate physical activity on your lawn, bluegrass will hold up well. It recovers from foot damage quickly and has a moderate level of foot-traffic tolerance. Kentucky has a high cold tolerance, making it ideal for Vermont’s cold winters.
\n\n\n\nMixing or blending bluegrass with other grasses that thrive best in Vermont will produce the healthiest lawn. Combining different grass species or varieties within grass species makes your lawn stronger and more adaptable to environmental conditions, resulting in a turfgrass canvas that better withstands pests and stress.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It needs more than 6 hours of full sun daily for optimal performance.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue has a dark to medium green color. It comes with lower maintenance needs than Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. If you don’t have much time for lawn chores or you prefer a low-maintenance turfgrass, fine fescue is the best option.
\n\n\n\nBecause fine fescue does not spread by rhizomes like Kentucky does, but instead has a bunch-type growth pattern, fine fescue is not the best grass to fill in bare spots or dead spots. Kentucky or perennial is better suited if you have damaged spots.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue’s growth pattern also makes it less traffic-tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. The fine fescue variety creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes. However, the rhizomes are short, so creeping red fescue is treated like bunch-type grasses.
\n\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, fine fescue does have its share of advantages. Since it grows slowly, it requires less mowing. It has lower fertilization needs than the other two grass types on this list, and it also adapts better to conditions that are less than optimal. For example, fine fescues tolerate multiple soil types and lower fertility.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is the most shade-tolerant of the cool-season grasses. It grows well in partial or full sun. So, whether your property has a lot of trees blocking the sun or your yard receives a lot of sunlight, fine fescue will adapt. It is important to keep in mind that although fine fescue tolerates a variety of soil types, it does not tolerate wet soil or poorly drained soil.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a low-maintenance turfgrass, fine fescue is a good choice. On the other hand, if you have a lawn full of children playing after school and on the weekends, the low to moderate traffic tolerance of this type of grass rules it out as the best selection.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, 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 4.0 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: 6-6.5
\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\nOther notes: Sheep fescue, hard fescue, creeping red fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and chewings fescue are the most commonly used varieties.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a bunch-type grass. Like fine fescue, it does not recover well from high traffic. But unlike fine fescue, it has high foot-traffic tolerance. Perennial is a better grass for frequent lawn parties, although it will not recover from the damage as quickly as Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nPerennial’s bunch-type growth pattern also makes it more susceptible to weeds. If you’re interested in using this grass type to remedy dead spots, you may find it interesting that the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener reports that weeds tend to fill in bare spots before ryegrass can re-establish.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a grass seed that establishes quickly, perennial is the optimal selection. It germinates in two to four days and produces a lawn in about 14 days. Most grass seeds do not germinate as quickly.
\n\n\n\nPerennial will not grow well in shady areas, so if your property does not get a lot of sun, stick to fine fescue varieties. Although it requires well-drained soil, very dry conditions will hinder its performance.
\n\n\n\nPerennial has a dark green color and fine texture. Its soft feel makes it great for toddlers that like to crawl on the grass or anyone who enjoys grounding themselves by walking barefoot.
\n\n\n\nPerennial is usually not planted alone, but in a mixture with Kentucky or fine fescues. Some reasons perennial ryegrass is best planted with other grass seeds are because of its vulnerability to pests and its lack of hardiness. It does not withstand stresses like heat, cold, salt, and drought.
\n\n\n\nPerennial grows aggressively and may suppress the growth of other grasses. Consequently, do not use more than 15 to 20% of it in grass seed mixtures.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It is recommended that Italian and Annual varieties be avoided. As seedlings, they can grow aggressively. Also, the cold winter weather causes them to die.
\n\n\n\nThe best time of year to plant grass seed in Vermont is during Labor Day. This gives the grass time to establish before winter. Do not plant later than the first week of September, as the grass needs about six to eight weeks to become well-established in cooler temperatures before the colder weather starts.
It depends on your expectations. Sodding allows you to establish grass faster. When you sod, you can do so at any time of year (as long as the soil isn’t frozen). Homeowners just need to make sure the grass will get sufficient water. However, sodding is expensive and there are not as many types of grasses to choose from for sodding.
Seeding, on the other hand, offers a larger variety of seeds to choose from. It is cheaper to seed, and the root system when you seed is initially stronger than when you sod. Unlike sodding, seeding is limited to the growing season, and it takes a longer time to establish a mature lawn when you seed.
Perennial ryegrass germinates the fastest, at two to four days.
No one grass type is best suited for every condition. These conditions include the area of Vermont in which you reside, the characteristics of your property, and your lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nFor example, a shady property requires grass with high shade tolerance. Even if Kentucky bluegrass is recommended for your region, you may need a grass type like fine fescue if your lawn barely gets any sunlight. You may want to be more specific, and choose the chewings variety, which is the most shade tolerant of the fine fescue grass species.
\n\n\n\nChoose grass that compliments your outdoor activity and availability to provide maintenance. A grass with children running and playing hide-n-seek needs durability to withstand the high foot traffic. If you want more time to enjoy sugar samples at the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, select grass seeds that free you from unnecessary upkeep.
\n\n\n\nNeed the help of a lawn care pro? Hire a Vermont lawn care pro near you who will handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Park in Rochester / Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"3 Best Grass Seeds for Vermont ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/1789c/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/107df/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 320w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/293e9/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 500w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/f2cbb/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 800w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/1789c/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 960w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/c26c2/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/1dd6e/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/67b76/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 320w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/8df11/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 500w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/98a65/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 800w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/1dd6e/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 960w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/3cc96/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"3 Best Grass Seeds for Vermont","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best cool-season grass seeds for Vermont homes will fit the yard’s conditions, homeowner’s maintenance preferences, and family composition."}}},{"node":{"id":"3b247f67-2bd1-541a-8473-53763be8f08a","slug":"best-native-plants-plano","path":"/lawn-care/tx/plano/best-native-plants-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 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Are you working on some landscape design but don’t know where to start? Get some native plants. They evolved in your area, making them well-equipped to handle the local climate. What are the advantages of using native plants in North Texas? There are several: When choosing new plants, remember that Plano, and the rest of […]
\n","content":"\nAre you working on some landscape design but don’t know where to start? Get some native plants. They evolved in your area, making them well-equipped to handle the local climate.
\n\n\n\nWhat are the advantages of using native plants in North Texas? There are several:
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing new plants, remember that Plano, and the rest of Collin County, sit in hardiness zone 8a, meaning its coldest temperatures range from 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Mexican](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mexican-plum-tree.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Robert Nunnally / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPlum lovers, the Mexican plum tree is for you! This tree sprouts white flowers in spring and plums in the fall. It grows up to 25 feet tall at maturity, making it a good choice for small gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe Mexican plum tree is a favorite with pollinators and, according to Texas A&M, is drought-tolerant. A fun fact is that this tree is usually the first to flower in March, marking the end of winter in Texas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adapts to sandy, loam, clay, or limestone. Prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 25 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rsz_1salvia_splendens_red_hot_sally_0zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, scarlet sage features a spiraling pattern of scarlet flowers. Hummingbirds love the nectar these flowers produce (this plant is also called hummingbird sage for this reason), as do butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nLike most types of sage, scarlet sage thrives in full sun but can tolerate shade and needs well-drained soil. It doesn’t do well in cold weather, so wait until the soil is warm before planting it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loam, clay loam, rocky, caliche type
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, but usually reseeds easily
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-3 feet tall, 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Turks-Cap.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Farr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTurk’s cap red is one of Texas’ most popular ornamentals. In the summer and fall, the petals of its bright red flowers fold into each other, forming a closed bloom. Hummingbirds and butterflies love them.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, Turk’s cap is drought-tolerant. Its red berry-like fruit is edible either raw or cooked, and it tastes like an apple. It’s considered a Texas Superstar plant because it grows exceptionally well in Texas’ harsh conditions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay, limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-3 feet tall (up to 9 feet), 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/rsz_131643526215_71548d6920_h-1024x634.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Renee Grayson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blackfoot daisy is the perfect plant for edging beds or rocky outcroppings. It can handle extreme cold and extreme heat, and it’s said to be deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nBlackfoot daisies are covered in narrow leaves and white, daisy-like flowers from spring to fall. They also don’t need much water, but they need well-draining soil.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, rocky, calcareous
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and wide
\n\n\n\n![\"texas](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/5956822938_67616c59c4_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: time anchor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTexas sage is the official shrub of Texas. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can withstand heat and drought. However, it requires full sun to bloom and remain healthy, and it doesn’t like shade. It prefers alkaline, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nThough wide varieties of Texas sage exist, the most common ones have gray-green leaves with light lavender flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained alkaline soil or acidic soil with added dolomitic limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_4596500345_9f38e0a8fa_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: mikeumo / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPrairie verbena is a short-lived perennial prized for its purple flowers and a long blooming season from March to December. It attracts birds and butterflies and is deer resistant. Additionally, prairie verbena works well as either a groundcover or along walkways and paths.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, or sand, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pavonia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the rock rose, the pavonia is a popular plant in Texas. It has a long bloom period (from spring to fall), accepts full sun to half shade, and thrives in numerous soils and irrigation conditions. It grows pink hibiscus-like flowers that open in the morning and close as the temperatures rise.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nAfter planting, water your native plants once a week for six months. Skip watering each week it rains. When summer arrives, water any plants that show signs of heat stress. Otherwise, let Mother Nature do the rest.
It’s not recommended that you gather native plants from the wild, and in some states, it’s illegal. Because transporting native plants is a delicate process, buying them from a nursery is recommended.
The Center for Plant Conservation states that more than 850 species of native plants are endangered. You need a special permit to dig up endangered plants.
The more local, the better. Don’t freak out if you can’t find the perfect plants. Start with plants native to your county or state and go from there.
After finding the right plants, your lawn is next. Complement your yard with one of the best grass types for Plano. Then hire one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do the work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixnio
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Plano, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1789c/Native-plants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/107df/Native-plants.jpg 320w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/293e9/Native-plants.jpg 500w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/f2cbb/Native-plants.jpg 800w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1789c/Native-plants.jpg 960w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/c26c2/Native-plants.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1dd6e/Native-plants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/67b76/Native-plants.webp 320w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/8df11/Native-plants.webp 500w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/98a65/Native-plants.webp 800w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1dd6e/Native-plants.webp 960w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/3cc96/Native-plants.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Plano, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want landscaping that is both attractive and hardy? Check out these suggestions for native plants that thrive in Plano's hot, dry climate"}}},{"node":{"id":"06b1c012-b4a8-5bd1-ab44-db02882c2ecd","slug":"best-native-plants-pacific-northwest","path":"/lawn-care/pacific-northwest/best-native-plants-pacific-northwest/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"e3d78548-e4c5-5661-afcd-3346a26d8d46","name":"Pacific Northwest","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pacific-northwest/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"From the Oregon Coast to the Olympic National Park, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has many places you can visit to take in the natural, organic beauty of native plants and wildlife. Falling in love with the diverse flora of the area can leave you wanting more. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the Oregon Coast to the Olympic National Park, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has many places you can visit to take in the natural, organic beauty of native plants and wildlife. Falling in love with the diverse flora of the area can leave you wanting more. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for the Pacific Northwest. You can create a smaller version of a diverse plant culture in your yard.
\n\n\n\nThis article allows you to invite as much of the Pacific Northwest’s native roots into your yard as you’d like. We’ve identified shrubs, wildflowers, perennials, and other native vegetation you can place in flower beds, plant as groundcovers or lawn specimens, or use in any way you prefer.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter Stevens / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough this shrub’s edible berries have been accused of being insipid, they have been used to make juice, pies, syrup, and wine. Birds and mammals, like deer, squirrels, and foxes, also like the taste of the fruit. If you don’t mind sharing, red flowering currant is a good choice for your home.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. They won’t fight with the mammals or you over the fruit, because the pollinators and birds are drawn to the showy, drooping pinkish-red flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis edible plant is low-maintenance. She thrives best in well-drained, rocky soil, but also tolerates poor soil. This shrub grows in both full sun and partial shade.
\n\n\n\nOnce red flowering currant, also called blood currant, is established, she is drought tolerant. Start her off with plenty of water in her first one to two seasons.
\n\n\n\nPlant red flowering currant as hedges or in a wildlife garden. She’ll also do well in rain gardens and xeriscape landscapes.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers well-drained, rocky soil but tolerates poor soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet sage-rosemary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water the first two summers of establishment
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8-10 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Western](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Franco Folini from San Francisco, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWestern columbine is great for a softer touch to your home garden. She has delicate-looking red and yellow flowers that flare outward at the bottom. But beware: columbine is not as innocent as she seems. She contains a toxin that can cause stomach issues and heart palpitations.
\n\n\n\nWestern columbine will only last about two to three years. However, she proliferates by self-seeding. Hummingbirds and butterflies enjoy the blossoms that sprout in late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is commonly found in moist areas, like woodlands and forests. She grows well in a variety of soil types, just as long as the soil drains well. Columbine prefers the shade but will work with full sun if she is kept moist. She is easy to grow and works well in shade gardens and borders.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade (preferably)
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalky, clay, loamy, or sandy soil that’s well-drained and nutrient-rich
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: N/A
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contain toxin that can cause stomach issues or heart palpitations
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; deadhead fading blooms and cut back in mid-summer
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is also known as red twig dogwood. She distinguishes herself with stems that are a bright red in the fall and winter. The spring brings a cluster of white flowers, which turn to white berries in the summer. Pollinators and butterflies are attracted to the flowers, while birds satisfy their hunger with the berries.
\n\n\n\nRed-osier grows quickly, but you can root prune this plant to control her size. This shrub is a good candidate for movement because she transplants successfully.
\n\n\n\nIf you like to see color in the winter, red-osier will make great shrub borders.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand, moist, adaptable to a wide range of soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. Use a spade to root prune if you want to stop her from vigorously spreading. Prune in early spring to encourage new stem growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The original uploader was Meggar at English Wikipedia. / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall Oregon grape, also called holly-leaved barberry, is an excellent choice for homes with small children or pets. Unlike western columbine, tall Oregon grape is non-toxic and has been used for its medicinal properties. It is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
\n\n\n\nThe flowers emerge bright and yellow in the spring. The blue-colored berries, which resemble grapes, arrive in the summer. Pollinators are attracted to the cluster of showy petals, while birds and wildlife get a mouthful of the purplish berries.
\n\n\n\nTall Oregon grape thrives in partial to full shade. This shrub makes a tasty hedge or addition to woodland and shade gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Camas-Camassia-quamashh.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks from near Seattle, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon camas could be mistaken for grass, except for the beautiful light blue flowers that grow atop the long grass-like blades. The petals blossom from late spring to early summer. Common camas has low to medium maintenance requirements, and she is highly pest and disease resistant.
\n\n\n\nShe thrives best when planted in the fall and when she receives full sun. Camas adapts to partial shade, but will only grow a percentage of her potential in shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nShe works well planted in groups. Add color to beds and borders with common camas, or by using this wildflower as underplantings for shrubs and roses.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, very little shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: High organic matter with good drainage; tolerates seasonally moist soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy; Smells like molasses when boiled
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average (Natively found in moist, spring meadows that dry by late spring)
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a plant that brings color during the fall, pacific red elderberry is for you. She blooms a cluster of white flowers in late spring to early summer. The berries emerge in the fall bringing both nourishment for birds and autumn color. As tasty as the fruit may look, be mindful that the berries are toxic when uncooked.
\n\n\n\nPacific red elderberry grows naturally in moist woodlands and stream banks. She is accustomed to moist soil and is a great choice to plant next to a creek. This shrub also works well in borders and beds. Just make sure she gets enough sun or she will not grow to her fullest potential.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Skunk smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 10 feet in a garden (up to 18 feet in the wild)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The seeds are poisonous, and the raw berries may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium; prune to contain the spread
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Thayne Tuason / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nServiceberry is another plant that offers homeowners tasty treats. The berries have been used to make jellies and jams and for medicinal purposes.
\n\n\n\nWhite flowers blossom in mid-spring and attract pollinators. Birds come for the berries. Serviceberry will grow in full sun or partial shade. To make sure she sprouts her tasty berries, plant her where she will receive lots of sunlight.
\n\n\n\nServiceberry does well in pollinator gardens and, of course, edible gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loamy or sandy; well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lightly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 16 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Oceanspray\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oceanspray-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOceanspray has green leaves that are hairy on one side. The small petaled white flowers bloom from late spring to late summer. Oceanspray bears fruit that often remains into the fall and winter. Bees and hummingbirds enjoy this shrub, which can grow as tall as 20 feet.
\n\n\n\nOceanspray is a good choice for all three states in the Pacific Northwest. This plant is adaptable to multiple soil types. She is also drought-tolerant, making her ideal for the PNW areas that are prone to seasonal desert-like conditions.
\n\n\n\nOceanspray is pest- and disease-resistant and requires little pruning. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance shrub, oceanspray will fit well in your cottage or coastal garden.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, chalk, clay, sand, well-drained, dry to moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet and sugary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 10 feet tall, but can reach heights up to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lewis-Mock-Orange-Philadelphus-lewisii.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk from Berkeley, CA, United States of America / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLewis’ mock orange is also referred to as wild mock orange, named for the sweet scent that is similar to orange blossoms. This shrub bears white flowers in the spring and summer. You’ll not only give back to the ecosystem because mock orange attracts butterflies, but this sweet-smelling plant is also a shelter for wildlife.
\n\n\n\nA property with full sun or partial shade will give this plant a thriving environment. Although rich soils are her preference, mock orange adapts to a variety of soil types. She has a fibrous root system that helps prevent erosion.
\n\n\n\nPlant mock orange in borders, hedges, and low-maintenance landscaping designs.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers gravelly and nutrient-rich soils, but tolerates a variety of soil types, like chalk, loam, and sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Orangey scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to cats
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jitaeri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow boasts clusters of tiny petaled white flowers. She attracts pollinators but is toxic to pets. She can cause skin irritation and increased photosensitivity if touched, so yarrow is another plant to keep out of the reach of small children. It may seem ironic, but this plant has also been used for medicinal purposes to treat stomach aches, rashes, and fevers.
\n\n\n\nShe is low-maintenance and although she prefers moist soil that is well-drained, she tolerates multiple soil types. You will see a lot of her if you plant her in flower or garden beds, as she is prone to spread aggressively. If you’re looking for a flowering groundcover to replace some turfgrass, common yarrow is a good choice.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist but well-drained, all soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Late spring, summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested; for humans, may cause skin irritation or increase photosensitivity if touched
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry has edible berries that grow in the summer. With this evergreen, you can feed the wildlife and birds that nibble on the fruit. The berries have been used to make pies and jellies.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub is an attractive display, with her white flowers and reddish leaves appearing in the spring. She thrives best in full sun or part shade.
\n\n\n\nWhile she tolerates yards with trees blocking the sunlight, she may not bear flowers or fruit if she is planted in full shade. On the other hand, huckleberry grows tallest in the shade. In the sun she may reach 3 feet; in the shade, she may tower at heights up to 10 feet.
\n\n\n\nLooking for some ingredients for jam or syrup and a plant for your xeriscape design? This shrub is drought-resistant, so she’ll fit in well. Huckleberry is also an excellent choice for hedges and rain gardens or planted next to patios.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Washington and Oregon; not native to Idaho
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Needled Evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun or shade; prefers partial or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates sand, clay, and soils low in organic content; requires acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Musky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Feb – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Medium to wet
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 10 feet tall; grows taller in shade
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\nChoose plants in your area’s USDA hardiness zone. Hardiness zones help gardeners know which plants will survive their area’s coldest winter temperatures. It will still take work to maintain the plants, but because the plants have adapted to the area, they will need less fertilizing, watering, and other upkeep tasks than non-native plants.
\n\n\n\nKnowing your soil type, how well it drains, and how much sun or shade your yard receives helps you choose plants that are well-suited for your home. Select plants that your yard’s size can accommodate. For example, a small property is probably not a good fit for a Douglas fir tree, which grows very large.
\n\n\n\nIt is also a good idea to choose plants that have a maintenance schedule that matches your availability to care for them. Likewise, select plants that fit your family’s composition. Be mindful of vegetation with hazard precautions if you have small children or pets.
\n\n\n\nSeattle’s best native plants include:
• Pacific Bleeding Heart
• Vine Maple
• Wild Ginger
• Salal
• Evergreen Huckleberry
Here are some of the best native plants for Washington:
• Velvet Lupine
• Sagebrush
• Western Columbine
• Vine Maple
• Salal
• Indian Plum
These are some native plants best for the state of Idaho:
• Golden Currant
• Woods’ Rose
• Rose Spirea
• Roundleaf Snowberry
Oregon’s best native plants include:
• Western Bleeding Heart
• Salal
• Vine Maple
• Pacific Beach Strawberry
Native plants are beneficial to the environment in many ways, including reducing pollutants that enter the water supply and sustaining the ecosystem. Growing native plants can also reduce your workload by decreasing the time you spend maintaining them. Here are some advantages of using native plants:
• Adaptability and low maintenance: Native plants are adapted to the local environment, including soil conditions and climate, so they are more likely to thrive with less watering and fertilizing. Once native plants are established, in addition to needing less watering and fertilizing, they typically require less maintenance overall.
• Higher tolerance and cleaner water: Native plants generally have a higher tolerance for local diseases and pests, requiring fewer pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical treatments. This means fewer harmful substances run off into the water.
• Biodiversity: Native plants sustain biodiversity and support the local ecosystem by providing food sources and habitat to pollinators, insects, and wildlife.
With all of the parks, waterfronts, and outdoor scenery across the Pacific Northwest, you have more than likely seen a diverse array of native plants. To find vegetation for your home, King County has plant guides and other information that can help you identify flora in the Washington and PNW area. Oregon State University is another resource for native plants in the PNW area.
\n\n\n\nNow that you have the resources you need for your native plant oasis, make sure you have a lawn that is lush and healthy, too. Contact a lawn care pro near you to do the mowing, edging, and trimming so you can spend more time enjoying the waterfall at Multnomah Falls.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Oregon Garden / Travel Salem / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for the Pacific Northwest","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/1789c/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/107df/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/293e9/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/f2cbb/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/1789c/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/c26c2/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/1dd6e/The-Oregon-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/67b76/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/8df11/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/98a65/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/1dd6e/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/3cc96/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for the Pacific Northwest","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This article highlights the best native plants for the Pacific Northwest to build a beautiful garden that helps sustain the local ecosystem."}}},{"node":{"id":"c18abcd2-b362-5c6e-a2e6-f72f7d0d0c9a","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/fall-lawn-care-checklist-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 13th, 2023","excerpt":"The cooler weather in the fall is a relief for many Jacksonville residents. Goodbye, high AC bills — hello, pumpkin-flavored everything! You may be able to navigate Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres like a pro but feel lost when it comes to lawn care. Florida’s warm-season lawns slow their growth in fall. When winter rolls around, they […]
\n","content":"\nThe cooler weather in the fall is a relief for many Jacksonville residents. Goodbye, high AC bills — hello, pumpkin-flavored everything! You may be able to navigate Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres like a pro but feel lost when it comes to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nFlorida’s warm-season lawns slow their growth in fall. When winter rolls around, they could stay green or turn brown and dormant — both are normal for North Florida. Though your yard work won’t be as sweaty this time of year, setting your lawn up for success before winter is still essential. Pull out your calendar and follow this fall lawn care checklist for Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nYou may be tempted to put away your lawn care tools and leave your turf alone until the next growing season. However, that choice could make your spring lawn care much more challenging. Here’s how your lawn benefits from fall lawn care:
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJacksonville’s many deciduous plants drop their leaves as the weather cools in the fall. While those leaves are pretty, too many could smother your lawn. There are a few ways you could deal with them:
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirt may seem simple on the surface, but it’s anything but that. Soil contains most of the nutrients your grass needs. If you understand what’s already in your soil, you can choose the appropriate fertilizer and soil amendments to help your lawn thrive.
\n\n\n\nOne thing soil tests cover is pH. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline isn’t a friendly environment for your turf and could interfere with proper nutrient absorption. Acidity and alkalinity are measured on a pH scale of 1 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral — anything above that number is alkaline, and anything below is acidic.
\n\n\n\nFlorida’s average soil pH is 6.1, meaning it’s slightly acidic. However, your soil pH could be higher if you live close to the ocean because shell materials are alkaline. Building materials can also make the soil more alkaline.
\n\n\n\nHere are the pH preferences for the common Jacksonville turfgrasses:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Preferred pH Range |
| Bahiagrass | 5.5-6.5 |
| Bermudagrass | 6-6.5 |
| Centipedegrass | 5-6 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 6-7.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 6-6.5 |
To find out soil pH and nutrient levels, get a soil test from the Duval County Extension Office or another soil testing lab. Use their recommendations when purchasing fertilizer so you don’t oversaturate the soil with nutrients your grass doesn’t need. If your soil pH is too unbalanced, they may recommend soil amendments (lime for acidic soils and sulfur for alkaline soils).
\n\n\n\nSoil tests can take a few weeks to process, so plan accordingly if you want to know your results before fall fertilization. You don’t need to soil test every year, but it can be helpful if:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gloves,](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Weed-Control.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave you been keeping track of the weed population in your yard? Weeds compete for the same water, nutrients, and sun as your turfgrass. They also can make your lawn look uneven and lower curb appeal. A healthy, thick lawn can outcompete weeds, but sometimes you must intervene.
\n\n\n\nThere are three ways to deal with Jacksonville weeds:
\n\n\n\nManual control: With some gloves and trusty tools, you can pull out weeds by hand. This method is environmentally friendly and won’t harm newly planted grass. However, you need to remove the entire weed. If you leave any roots, tubers, or seeds, the weeds may come back.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides: Once you see the weeds, you can spray them with post-emergent herbicides to kill them. Always follow label directions carefully to keep your other plants safe and ensure the herbicide is compatible with your grass type.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides: This product prevents weeds from germinating. Use pre-emergent herbicides to get ahead of annual weeds so they’ll never have a chance to deface your lawn. However, they can also kill young grass, so don’t use them if you plan to overseed your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWant to know what weeds to expect in your Jacksonville lawn? Let’s break them down based on lifecycle and learn the best treatment methods.
\n\n\n\nAnnual weeds live for less than a year, though they’ll likely leave enough seeds to spawn another generation next year. Summer annual weeds begin their lifecycle in spring, flourish in summer, and die off in fall. You may find some stragglers in the fall that you can treat with post-emergent herbicides or let them die naturally.
\n\n\n\nSummer annuals in Jacksonville include:
\n\n\n\nSimilarly to their summer counterparts, winter annuals have a three-season lifecycle. They germinate in the fall, do well in winter, and die off by the spring.
\n\n\n\nYou still have time to prevent these weeds if you apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early October. Wait for nighttime temperatures to dip to 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for several nights in a row, then apply one or two times according to package instructions.
\n\n\n\nHere are some winter annuals you may find in Jacksonville:
\n\n\n\nWith a two-year lifespan, biennials can be more challenging to get rid of than short-lived annuals. They won’t flower in the first year, but they’re ready to bloom and spread seeds by the second year. Though they die soon after spreading seeds, you’ll have to deal with their offspring for the next two years. Treat them with herbicides before they flower, if possible.
\n\n\n\nHere are some examples of biennials in Florida:
\n\n\n\nPerennials are the longest-lasting weeds of all, with a lifespan of three or more years. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll make themselves at home and reseed themselves year after year. Treat them with post-emergent herbicides in the fall before they hunker down for the winter.
\n\n\n\nHere are some perennials to look for in your Jacksonville lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-Armyworm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: uacescomm / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs to be in good shape while it takes a break from growing, and the last thing it needs is to be munched on by pests. Here are some to keep an eye out for in the fall:
\n\n\n\nFall armyworms: These green or brown caterpillars with dark heads eat all types of turfgrass. Fall armyworms are especially problematic in new grass that’s been heavily fertilized in late summer. You may notice the adult moths fluttering around the area. Treat with pesticides, though remember these products may harm their natural predators.
\n\n\n\nSod webworms: Adult tropical sod webworms peak in October and November. Their larvae feed on all types of warm-season grass leaves. Though this pest may leave during North Florida’s colder winters, the damage it creates in fall can leave your lawn in bad shape for the season. Keep thatch levels low to eliminate hiding spots and treat affected areas with insecticides.
\n\n\n\nWhite grubs: Yellow, easy-to-pull-up grass is a sign something is eating your turf’s roots, and the culprit may be white grubs. These beetle larvae target all kinds of turfgrass. Damage is easiest to spot in late summer and early fall. Apply treatment before they retreat underground later in the fall.
\n\n\n\nContact the University of Florida’s Insect ID Lab for assistance if you find an insect and can’t identify it.
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollar](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dollar-Spot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA slow-growing lawn may be less able to fight sickness, so treating diseases before they get out of hand is vital. Here are some diseases to watch for in the fall:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nAlso known as brown patch, this fungal disease creates round, discolored sections on turfgrass. It often affects Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass, but all warm-season grasses can fall victim. Watch for it when temperatures are below 80 degrees Fahrenheit from November through May.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat large patch:
\n\n\n\nAvoid overwatering and excessive nitrogen applications to discourage large patch. If necessary, treat with fungicides. Turfgrass can best recover when it’s actively growing in spring or summer.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nSmall, beige or white lesions on the grass will eventually cause straw-colored patches the size of a silver dollar or larger on your lawn. Dollar spot can affect any warm-season grass, especially lawns with dry soil and nitrogen deficiency.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nMaintain proper cultural practices like watering, mowing, fertilizing, dethatching, and aerating. Don’t mow the grass too low — your grass could become more vulnerable to dollar spot. Apply nitrogen fertilizer lightly and frequently to build resistance without overfertilizing. Use chemical control if cultural control is unsuccessful.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is the only warm-season grass that suffers from gray leaf spot. It slows growth and thins out lawns. Though this disease thrives most in rainy spring and summer, it extends into September since temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for light spots with dark brown borders on your grass’ leaves.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat gray leaf spot:
\n\n\n\nMinimize stress and avoid over-watering to prevent the moist environment that this disease loves. Excessive nitrogen also can encourage gray leaf spot. Be careful when applying the herbicide atrazine, as it can worsen the disease. Fungicides are best applied preventatively, so consider them for next spring.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThough this disease can strike any time of year, it’s most common during the mild, wet seasons of fall and winter. Helminthosporium leaf spot starts as brown or purple pin-sized spots and develops into lesions with pale centers. Infected leaves may turn purple or reddish brown before withering to a light tan shade. It can affect all warm-season grass types but is worst on bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat Helminthosporium leaf spot:
\n\n\n\nAvoid excessive nitrogen applications by following soil test recommendations. A ratio of 1:2 for nitrogen and potassium is best. You also can apply slow-release or quick-release potassium to boost your grass’ resistance. Raise mowing height to help grass fight this disease. Several fungicide options are available if needed.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nPythium root rot causes discolored and thinning grass. Though it’s easiest to observe symptoms on the leaves, the root of the problem is underground and harder to see. Roots will be thin and discolored. All warm-season grasses can be affected by pythium root rot.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat pythium root rot:
\n\n\n\nImprove drainage and avoid overwatering. To deal with the excess moisture from rainfall, mow high and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at once so you don’t stress your turf. Balance nitrogen and potassium applications, with extra potassium in early fall for lawns commonly affected by pythium root rot. Apply fungicides if necessary.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThe slow growth and cool weather in late fall to early spring encourage this disease, while warm weather drives it away. Wet leaves trigger the infection, which causes yellow dots that turn into orange pustules that release spores when touched. Look for rust in St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and any lawn you overseed with perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat rust:
\n\n\n\nRust more severely affects grass with nutrient deficiencies or in shady areas. Follow soil test results to see what your grass needs, and apply a slow-release fertilizer. Keep the grass in shady areas as dry as possible. Use fungicides if cultural control isn’t sufficient.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nThough it’s sometimes called Bermudagrass decline, take-all root rot affects all warm-season grasses. It is caused by stressed turfgrass and excessive rainfall and prevents grass from adequately absorbing water and nutrients. You may notice some leaf discoloration, but the black, rotten roots are the best way to identify the disease.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat take-all root rot:
\n\n\n\nAlleviate stress and maintain proper mowing habits. An equal balance of slow-release nitrogen and potassium will help grass resist the disease. Micronutrients like manganese also may help. Keep in mind that the disease is hard to treat by the time symptoms are visible aboveground. Fungicides are most effective as a preventative measure.
\n\n\n\n![\"Overseeding](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile South Florida lawns may stay green all year, North Florida lawns usually turn brown during dormancy. If you want it to stay green, you could overseed with cool-season grass in fall.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass grows fast, is cheap, and will die off in spring, so it doesn’t compete with your usual grass. You can overseed any warm-season grass except centipedegrass, as it could cause centipedegrass decline. Here are the steps you’d need to take:
\n\n\n\nPro tip: Overseeding works best if you dethatched your lawn in spring.
\n\n\n\nRemember, if you choose this route, you’re signing up for extra lawn maintenance. You’ll need to water frequently while it germinates. Consider specialized turf paint if you want an easier way to keep your lawn green. Of course, the easiest option is to let nature take its course and wait out your brown lawn.
\n\n\n\nWarning: Pre-emergent herbicides can kill young ryegrass. Consider whether you’d prefer to overseed for winter color or deal with weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour lawn can best utilize fertilizer when it’s actively growing in spring and summer. However, your grass may still benefit from a high-potassium fertilizer in fall. Fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen are better for your grass because they don’t release too many nutrients at once. Since many soils in Florida are high in phosphorus, use a fertilizer with little to no phosphorus.
\n\n\n\nDon’t fertilize your lawn any later than September. It could promote a growth spurt, and new growth will be more sensitive to cold. There’s no need to fertilize dormant grass, either.
\n\n\n\nCan you skip fall fertilization? Sure — just wait until spring. The spring application will help your grass recover from winter and start the growing season strong.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-15.jpg\")
Photo Credit: lutavia / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass stops growing when air and soil temps are below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While you may need to mow throughout the fall, the slowed growth means you’ll need to rev up the mower less and less frequently.
\n\n\n\nThough it may be tempting to mow low, your grass can better survive stressors if mowed high. Here are the recommended mowing heights for the grass types in Jacksonville:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Mowing Height |
| Bahiagrass | 3-4 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1-2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5-2 inches |
| St. Augustine | 2.5-4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1-2.5 inches |
Only cut off one-third of the grass blade at a time. Removing more can damage grass and make it more susceptible to pests, diseases, and weeds. If you want to change your mowing height, it’s best to adjust it gradually.
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/water-sprinkler-e1680265702957.jpg\")
Lawns in Jacksonville generally need watering once or twice a week in the fall, but by winter, you can water as little as once every two to three weeks. Rain will provide for some of your grass’ needs. However, you’ll need to cover the rest with supplemental irrigation. Here are some watering tips:
\n\n\n\nThe University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommends irrigation on an as-needed basis to reduce overwatering. Look for the following signs of dehydration:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tools](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Organized-Shed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the end of fall approaches, you may reach for your mower and weed eater less or not at all. If you’re ready to retire your equipment for the year, make sure it’s in good condition before you do so.
\n\n\n\nRemember, you may still need these tools if you decide to overseed your lawn for winter color. It’s still a good idea to complete some maintenance, though.
\n\n\n\nNeither. Grass that’s too short can be vulnerable to diseases and weeds, while extra-long grass can look unruly and provide a haven for pests. Keep your grass in the middle, following the recommended mowing height for each grass type. It’s also best to mow your grass as you usually do for the last mow of the season.
It’s better to aerate your lawn in spring. Why? Though beneficial, aeration is an invasive procedure that your lawn needs time to heal from. Aerating in fall could leave your lawn weak going into winter. Wait until spring to get the best benefits and harm your lawn the least.
No. Winterizer fertilizer is a bad fit for Florida lawns because it often contains too much nitrogen. Instead, look for a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer. Here are some suitable NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratios:
• 9-2-24
• 5-2-14
• 8-2-34
• 5-0-22
No. These products are usually too general to meet the specific needs of different homeowners’ lawns. Like many cure-alls, it may not be as effective as advertised. The best way to fertilize and control weeds is to follow your soil test results and create a game plan based on the specific weeds you encounter.
Lawn care checklists are helpful, but they aren’t always fun. After all, you still have to haul out the lawn supplies and put reminders in your calendar for crucial tasks. Wouldn’t you rather spend your weekend trying the new fall flavors at Whit’s Frozen Custard? Consider professional lawn care services if you’d rather keep your free time free.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Ventura Ave House / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Jacksonville, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1789c/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/107df/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/293e9/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/f2cbb/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1789c/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/c26c2/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1dd6e/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/67b76/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 320w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/8df11/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 500w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/98a65/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 800w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/1dd6e/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 960w,\n/static/adb4a30d671832a55688f51280285197/3cc96/Jax-FL-7207-Ventura-Ave-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Jacksonville, FL","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Fall means less yard work, but you’re not off the hook yet. Go through this fall lawn care checklist for Jacksonville."}}},{"node":{"id":"162e2fb3-6caf-5a88-8cb0-c0bed3811f6c","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-for-western-carolina","path":"/lawn-care/nc/low-maintenance-landscaping-for-western-carolina/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"May 4th, 2023","excerpt":"Western Carolina has ample natural beauty. Its mountains, high elevation, and variety of plant life set it apart from the rest of the Carolinas, so it’s essential that you know how to care for your yard in this unique climate. Adding turf grass, plants, and various other features to your property can be daunting at […]
\n","content":"\n
Western Carolina has ample natural beauty. Its mountains, high elevation, and variety of plant life set it apart from the rest of the Carolinas, so it’s essential that you know how to care for your yard in this unique climate.
Adding turf grass, plants, and various other features to your property can be daunting at first. But don’t worry; there are plenty of tips and tricks to not only make your Western Carolina landscape beautiful but also easier to care for.
\n\n\n\nHere are 11 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Western Carolina.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Highbush_blueberries.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryjial Christianson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThere are a lot of native plants in Western Carolina that do well in the local climate and soil. This makes them easier to care for. In addition, native plants provide important habitat and food sources for wildlife, making them an eco-friendly choice for landscaping.
\n\n\n\nBecause the variety of Western Carolina’s natives is so vast, make sure that you research which plants are best suited to your needs and preferences. Consider factors like sunlight needs, maintenance needs, potential hazards, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nSome plants native to Western Carolina:
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather plant a tree, consider:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price of your plants depends on their type and size. A new flower bed costs $1,000 to $3,000, and a new shrub costs $25 to $60 per plant, although large shrubs can cost up to $350. Tree prices typically range between $150 and $1,850 per tree but can cost as much as $3,335.
\n\n\n\nWildflowers grow in poor soil without any surplus irrigation or fertilizer. Just think about how much work you can save by letting these plants do their own thing and thrive. Plus, reducing your chemical usage is good for wildlife and the environment.
\n\n\n\nA wildflower meadow can grow within 2 to 3 years. It can also attract pollinators and birds to your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wildflowers:
\n\n\n\nExamples of wildflowers:
\n\n\n\nCost: Wildflower seed mixes (mixes of wildflowers and healthy native grasses) cost $60 to $80 per 1,000 square feet. Their professional installation runs $750 to $2,500 for a typical quarter-acre lawn, depending on the preparation needed.
\n\n\n\nFresh herbs enhance food flavor and often have various health benefits, and many of them are a good fit for your Western Carolina garden. And although most herbs aren’t native to Western Carolina, they’re popular; the largest herb festival in the U.S. is actually held in Asheville.
\n\n\n\nHerbs are often native to Mediterranean regions, so they may be able to resist heat and drought. However, make sure that you check the plant’s cold hardiness to be sure it also withstands cold weather.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of herbs:
\n\n\n\nExamples of cold-hardy herbs:
\n\n\n\nCost: Most small potted herbs cost $3 to $15 per plant. If you want to grow herbs from seed, a packet of seeds costs $1 to $3, and a herb garden starter kit ranges from $20 to $45.
\n\n\n\n![\"Turk’s-cap](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Turks-cap-Lily.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shenandoah National Park / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to replace your flowers every year, consider perennials. These plants come back year after year, making them a great investment for any garden. With proper care, they can provide beautiful blooms for many seasons to come.
\n\n\n\nTrue, annuals typically have more vibrant, longer-lasting blossoms, so the best thing to do is to mix perennials and annuals in your garden. Be sure to research various plants and their characteristics to better understand which ones are right for you.
\n\n\n\nBenefits of perennial plants:
\n\n\n\nExamples of perennial plants for Western North Carolina:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost varies based on the type and size. To give you some approximate figures, plants usually cost $2.50 to $60 per plant, if you plant them yourself, but some plants can cost up to $100. Shrubs typically cost between $25 and $60 per shrub. Large shrubs may cost up to $350. Trees usually cost between $150 and $1,850 per tree, but some trees can cost up to $3,335.
\n\n\n\nJust because most trees and plants go to sleep during the winter doesn’t mean all of yours have to. You can keep your yard vibrant during the colder months by planting evergreens and “winter interest” plants.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen trees’ and “winter interest” plants’ lasting foliage isn’t their only advantage. They have numerous other benefits as well, which makes them a great option for your low-maintenance Western Carolina yard. There are various evergreen and “winter interest” plants out there, so make sure you look into which ones can work for you for your local climate.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of evergreens and “winter interest” plants:
\n\n\n\nIn addition, evergreens also have the following advantages:
\n\n\n\nExamples of “winter interest” plants:
\n\n\n\nEvergreen trees that thrive in Western Carolina:
\n\n\n\nCost: Prices range from $20 to $3,335, depending on the plant’s size, species, and maturity. Small flowering winter interest plants range from $20 to $35; a new shrub costs $25 to $60 per shrub (although large shrubs can cost up to $350); and small trees range from $100 to $600. Larger trees usually cost between $150 and $1,850 per tree, but some can cost up to $3,335 per tree.
\n\n\n\nTaking care of your turf can be a lot of work. If you want an easy-care alternative that gives the same dense, green appeal, why not try ground covers instead? Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread quickly and cover large areas of ground, reducing the need for mowing, overseeding and watering.
\n\n\n\nAs with any other plant, make sure that the ground cover you choose fits your needs and preferences. You should make sure it matches your hardiness zone, and that you know all about its characteristics, such as shade tolerance and potential hazards.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground covers:
\n\n\n\nExamples of ground covers include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, the cost of ground covers ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot without installation.
\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\nWhile you can use ground covers to give your lawn a similar appeal, they can’t quite replace the natural look and feel of grass. But not all grass types are the same.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance grass types can help you save time and money on watering, mowing, and other lawn care. So make sure you do your research to find the one that’s right for you. You can start by checking out our recommended grass types for Asheville.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of a low-maintenance grass type:
\n\n\n\nExamples of low-maintenance grass types:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional grass removal typically costs $1.50 per square foot. Professional lawn seeding typically costs between $0.10 and $0.19 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to keep your plants healthy with minimal effort, you should try mulching. Mulching is an easy and cost-effective way to retain moisture in your plants and protect them from damaging temperatures. It also prevents weeds and improves soil quality.
\n\n\n\nYou can pick between organic and inorganic mulch. As the name suggests, organic mulch is made from natural materials. It decomposes over time and releases nutrients into the soil. On the other hand, inorganic mulch doesn’t provide nutrients for your soil, but you don’t need to worry about it decomposing and replacing it as often as organic mulch.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch needs to be regularly replaced, but it has other advantages:
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic mulch:
\n\n\n\nExamples of inorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Mulching typically costs around $85 per cubic yard. A cubic yard will cover about 100 square feet at three inches deep.
\n\n\n\nIsn’t it a shame for rainwater to go to waste? We think so. If you agree, consider building a rain garden. Rain gardens are essentially basin-formed gardens designed to collect and absorb rainwater, allowing it to filter into the ground instead of running off into storm drains and contributing to water pollution.
\n\n\n\nCaptured rainwater can be used to irrigate your garden or even reduce the amount of runoff that enters local waterways. Plus, rain gardens can be beautiful additions to your landscape, providing habitat for wildlife and reducing erosion.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rain gardens:
\n\n\n\nWhat you can put in your rain garden:
\n\n\n\nCost: Installing a rain garden yourself costs between $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the type of plants and materials you use. A typical rain garden is 150 to 400 square feet, so expect to pay between $450 and $2,000. Professional installation ranges from $10 and $15 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscaping-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is another landscaping technique that’s used to save water. Not only can it create a low-maintenance and sustainable garden, but it can also reduce water bills and help conserve natural resources.
\n\n\n\nIf xeriscaping your entire yard feels overwhelming, you can start little by little. You can then gradually convert more areas of your yard to xeriscaping, such as by replacing thirsty plants with drought-resistant ones or installing a drip irrigation system.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nWays you can start xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There are various xeriscaping methods, which vary in cost. On average, xeriscaping may cost between $5 and $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a beautiful landscape, it’s going to be hard to create one without greenery. But on the other hand, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for functional hardscapes, too. To reduce some of your lawn and garden maintenance tasks and make your outdoor space easier to take care of, hardscapes are a great idea.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, hardscaping features can also add value to your home with their aesthetic appeal, and give you a practical place to spend time with loved ones.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nExamples of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There are various hardscaping projects, so it depends on which ones you choose. But you can expect to pay $2,200 to $6,500 for a patio; $3,900 to $10,500 for a deck; $2,100 to $6,000 for a pergola; $1,100 to $7,500 for a water feature; $250 to $2,200 for a fire pit; $60 to $170 per ton for river rocks; and between $3 and $30 per square foot for stone pavers, depending on the type of stone.
\n\n\n\nThe thought of maintaining a beautiful outdoor space can be intimidating. However, you can create an aesthetic outdoor space that’s easier to care for than you’d think.
\n\n\n\nStart by getting some native wildflowers or evergreens and then continue adding low-maintenance features to your landscape over time. When picking plants, make sure you learn about their needs and see which ones are a good fit. Don’t forget to research their important characteristics, such as their shade tolerance, potential hazards, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nAs you already know, no lawn can be completely maintenance-free. If you want help checking off your to-do list tasks, call a lawn care pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Joe Wolf / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
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