![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Idaho is known for its beautiful landscape, which includes mountains, rivers, and valleys. Throughout the terrain grows many native plant species, including trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. The best native plants for Idaho are attractive, low-maintenance, and great for the local ecosystem. So, we researched and compiled a list of Idaho’s most sought-after vegetation. In this […]
\n","content":"\nIdaho is known for its beautiful landscape, which includes mountains, rivers, and valleys. Throughout the terrain grows many native plant species, including trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. The best native plants for Idaho are attractive, low-maintenance, and great for the local ecosystem. So, we researched and compiled a list of Idaho’s most sought-after vegetation.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow is a flowering plant native to rocky hillsides throughout South and Central Idaho. Its white, yellow, or pink flower clusters sit beside green fern-like leaves. Although it’s deer-resistant, an occasional deer may come for the fresh juicy stems that emerge in spring. Additionally, butterflies and ladybugs love its nectar.
\n\n\n\nAside from its beauty and wildlife support, many homeowners grow yarrow for home remedies that treat indigestion, heartburn, or menstrual cramps. Some people call yarrow “soldiers” or “woundwort” because, during the Civil War, its leaves treated bloody wounds. In addition, Native Americans used yarrow tea to treat headaches and toothaches.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well drained soil, Prefers sandy loams
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Continuous ingestion may cause a skin rash. Some people are allergic to its sap.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Regularly prune and deadhead.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Golden-Currant.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nGolden currant is a flowering shrub native to hillsides and river valleys throughout Idaho. It’s an attractive plant that supports local wildlife and is often grown as hedges. In early spring, yellow flowers bloom that will later turn orange. Beside its flowers are light green leaves and orange, black, or red berries. Pollinators feast on golden currant’s nectar, while birds eat its seeds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, organically rich
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy and sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March-July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Drought-tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 – 10 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They are non-toxic, but some people get a headache or upset stomach if they eat too much.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mulch helps them thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7283693140_bf740f092e_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: born1945 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLewis’ mock orange, also called syringa, is Idaho’s state flower. It natively grows throughout North, Central, and Southwest Idaho and is most notable for its fragrant white flowers. The delightful orangey scent attracts many pollinators, such as hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumble bees.
\n\n\n\nOverall Lewis’ mock orange is a lovely shrub that smells delicious. Its big beautiful flowers are complemented by green oval leaves that turn yellow in the fall and small green fruit. However, be careful if you have sensitive skin because touching it may give you a rash.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, nutrient-rich, and well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, orangey, citrus scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; water in the absence of rain
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4.5 – 9 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: If you have sensitive skin, it could give you a skin rash.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; prune old stems to encourage new growth
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chokecherry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nChokecherry, or bitterberry, is a native tree with spectacular shade tolerance that forms thickets throughout Idaho. It has attractive clusters of white flowers complimented by red or purple fruit. Although bitter, its fruit is edible and makes tasty jams and sauces. In addition, many animals enjoy snacking on chokecherry fruit through the summer.
\n\n\n\nOverall, chokecherry is easy to grow and maintain, but be aware of its downfalls. Parts of the tree contain toxins that can harm livestock, and its leaves can sometimes cause death when ingested. Additionally, chokecherry is susceptible to insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist limestone-based, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Bittersweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – Medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 – 30 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its leaves, bark, stem, and seed pit are poisonous and harmful to livestock.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: The best time to prune is late winter to early spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Big-Sagebrush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nBig sagebrush is an evergreen shrub native to North Central, Central, and South Idaho. Recognized for its silvery leaves, many Idaho homeowners grow it as hedges or groundcover. In addition, some people use its highly flammable branches as firewood.
\n\n\n\nIt is effortless to care for and provides food and shelter for many animals, including sage grouse, antelope, and rabbits. Big sagebrush is exceptionally drought-tolerant and resistant to deer and most pests and diseases. However, it can get root rot from overwatering.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, rocky soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, Drought-tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3-15 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They are very flammable.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Leave 4-5 sets of new branches when you prune.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Arrowleaf-Balsamroot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lunar Magpie / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nArrowleaf balsamroot is an herb native to hillsides throughout Idaho, and you can find it in many wildflower seed mixes. Its large yellow flowers typically grow one per stalk and look similar to sunflowers. Beside its flowers are big arrow-shaped leaves that have a striking silvery-green color.
\n\n\n\nParts of arrowleaf balsamroot are edible for people and wildlife. Native Americans ate its seeds, roots, and shoots, and herbivores like deer and elk enjoy its leaves, stems, and flowers. Additionally, birds feed on its seeds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist sandy or gravelly soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild, spicy chocolate
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8-24 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They are intolerant to disturbances and don’t transplant well.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: It may need occasional deadheading.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/common-snowberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommon snowberry is a bushy shrub found in dry prairies throughout Idaho. It has white and pink flowers, dark green leaves, and showy white fruit. Although common snowberry will grow in partial shade, it bears more fruit in full sun.
\n\n\n\nAside from its looks, snowberry is a vital winter food for many animals, including chipmunks and deer. It also nourishes several birds, including songbirds, quail, and pheasants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adadbtabe
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Berries, mint, and cinnamon
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 6 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The berries are toxic to humans and some pets.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Early spring is the best time to prune.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rocky-Mountain-Maple.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Walter Siegmund / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe Rocky Mountain maple is a dainty tree native to Idaho’s canyons, mountains, and wetlands. Many Idahoans choose the Rocky Mountain maple because it’s attractive and low maintenance. Its yellow and green flowers bloom in the spring, and its shiny green leaves turn breathtaking shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained, rocky soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Strong
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 30 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It is moderately flammable and should be at least 50 feet from your home.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Keep the soil moist, especially during summer to avoid scorching leaves.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bush-Penstemon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Walter Siegmund / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBush penstemon, or shrubby penstemon, is a native herb that is easy to transplant and effortless to maintain. Its showy lavender, blue, and violet flowers sit beside dark green leaves that turn reddish in the fall. It grows wider than tall and attracts moths, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy or regular garden soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Rose-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 – 16 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It is non-toxic, but unhealthy for pets to eat.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Requires little to no maintenance.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bluebunch-Wheatgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBluebunch wheatgrass is a native cool-season grass found in Idaho’s mountains and valleys. It grows well from seeds and is quick to establish. Both livestock and wildlife enjoy grazing on it. However, it takes about two growing seasons to be strong enough for feeding, and bluebunch wheatgrass never gets the strength to handle heavy grazing.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry rocky soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 – 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It is a mild allergene.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low maintenance
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing native plants for Idaho, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\nThe best native plants for Boise foothills include the following:
● Big Sagebrush
● Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)
● Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa)
● Netleaf hackberry (Celtis laevigata)
The best native plants for North Idaho include the following:
● Chokecherry
● Golden Currant
● Common Snowberry
● Bush Penstemon
● Bluebunch Wheatgrass
● Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
● Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
● Bunchberry Dogwood (Cornus canadensis)
● Conifer Broomrape (Orobanche pinorum)
In addition to the plants on our list, homeowners in Central Idaho should consider these native plants:
● Creeping Oregon Grape (Mahonia repens)
● Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)
● Lewis Flax (Linum lewisii Pursh)
● Conifer Broomrape (Orobanche pinorum)
The best native plants for Twin Falls include:
● Chokecherry
● Golden Currant
● Big Sagebrush
● Arrowleaf Balsamroot
● Bluebunch Wheatgrass
● Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)
● Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
You can purchase idaho native plants at the following nurseries:
\n\n\n\nAnd you can view native plants at the these nature preserves and gardens:
\n\n\n\nThe best way to maintain a pristine landscape is to hire a lawn care pro near you. Experienced professionals know what it takes for your lawn to thrive. In addition to maintaining the lawn, a lawn care pro can tidy up your yard, trim your bushes, and edge native garden beds. Then, with the time you save, you can visit Yellowstone National Park or Perrine Memorial Bridge.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Cory Maylett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Idaho","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4796547472256474,"src":"/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/1789c/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/107df/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.jpg 320w,\n/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/293e9/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.jpg 500w,\n/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/f2cbb/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.jpg 800w,\n/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/1789c/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.jpg 960w,\n/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/c26c2/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/1dd6e/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/67b76/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.webp 320w,\n/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/8df11/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.webp 500w,\n/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/98a65/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.webp 800w,\n/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/1dd6e/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.webp 960w,\n/static/dd465ffb81d8eb4c4446fb8e1fe52c07/3cc96/Arrowleaf-balsamroot-plant.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Idaho | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best native plants for Idaho are attractive, low-maintenance, and great for the local ecosystem. They include trees, shrubs, and wildflowers."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"910ea7f5-d7f4-530f-bb4d-d482dfec97cd","slug":"native-plants","path":"/lawn-care/nc/raleigh/native-plants/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lydian Pine is a creative writer and studio artist whose work first debuted in a short story anthology. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2020 and enjoys video games, theatre, and swimming. Lately, she has started to study entomology as a hobby.","name":"Lydian Pine","id":"3478d9b1-e85b-5e4a-860b-443c62d1e29c","path":"/author/lydian-pine/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f31ce7919bd939bc1f102cee2f3304d2?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/"},{"id":"960004f5-f837-5b2c-8241-8a86613fdf92","name":"Raleigh","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/raleigh/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Elevate your Raleigh landscape with native flowers, trees, and shrubs, and invite immense benefits into your landscape. Native plants are hardy, low-maintenance, and adapted to the City of Oaks. They invite beneficial pollinators to your garden, reduce chemical use, and promote a healthier North Carolina ecosystem. Read on to discover 13 native plants for Raleigh […]
\n","content":"\nElevate your Raleigh landscape with native flowers, trees, and shrubs, and invite immense benefits into your landscape. Native plants are hardy, low-maintenance, and adapted to the City of Oaks. They invite beneficial pollinators to your garden, reduce chemical use, and promote a healthier North Carolina ecosystem. Read on to discover 13 native plants for Raleigh that are sure to brighten your landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American_Beautyberry_6172956232.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Virginia State Parks staff / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry produces bright purple berries that attract birds and local wildlife. During the summer, the deciduous shrub blooms pink flowers before producing its signature berries in the fall. It can grow up to eight feet tall with wide, drooping branches and saw-toothed oval leaves.
\n\n\n\nAmerican Beautyberry is intolerant of deep shade. Find it in well-drained areas with full sun. American beautyberry thrives in all soil types and responds well to winter pruning. It is pest and disease-free and makes a great addition to beds and borders.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/4553672218_72097637da_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a species of milkweed with clusters of tiny, bright orange, star-shaped flowers. It grows on straight stems with long, thin, pointed leaves. It is an important host plant for the endangered Monarch butterfly. The perennial is deer and pest-resistant and drought-tolerant, thriving in well-drained soils.
\n\n\n\nFind butterfly weed growing in prairies, along roadsides, and in open fields. Specimens propagate from seeds, taking two to three years to establish. Cut flowers make a great addition to floral arrangements. This plant is a great addition to borders, beds, and containers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: ALAN SCHMIERER / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCardinal flower is an upright, clumping perennial with bright green leaves and showy red flowers. Each bloom has two top petals and three bottom petals united at the base of the stem.
\n\n\n\nCardinal flower thrives in moist soil and does not tolerate drought. Specimens bloom in late summer through mid-fall, inviting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. It makes a great addition to pollinator gardens, beds, and containers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Carolina](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Carolina-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum from Small Dole, England / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nFind Carolina phlox in woods, clearings, and along roadsides. Specimens bloom small clusters of lavender, pink, or white flowers. It has tufted stems with several pairs of narrow leaves. Plant Carolina phlox in groups as part of a border or pollinator garden.
\n\n\n\nThe native perennial grows well in full sun to partial shade and thrives in rich, moist soils. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees and self-sows without being aggressive.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle, also known as trumpet honeysuckle, is a semi-evergreen climbing vine with whorls of red tubular flowers. Specimens climb across the ground, trees, arbors, and fences, while their blooms provide nectar for local pollinators like the Spring Azure butterfly. It has long, smooth, glossy leaves with short, blunt tips.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle prefers rich soils with good drainage. It tolerates partial shade but thrives in full sun.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2.jpg\")
Flowering dogwood is a large shrub or small tree that produces fragrant and showy pink and white flowers. It has a flat-topped canopy, with tiered branches, and oval-shaped leaves that turn purple and scarlet during the fall. The bark is broken into small squares, giving it a scaly appearance.
\n\n\n\nDogwood is North Carolina’s state flower and an important pollen source for local insects. Flowering dogwood prefers partial shade and moist, rich soils. Plant specimens near patios or along shrub borders.
\n\n\n\n![\"Foamflower\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Foamflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Evan M. Raskin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\nFoam flower produces tall spires of tiny, white, star-shaped flowers with a feathery appearance and glossy, heart-shaped leaves. The foliage lasts through the fall, turning shades of red and bronze. The low-growing perennial reaches up to one foot tall and makes excellent groundcover and understory additions to shady areas. Foam flower is pest and animal-resistant.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/frost-aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: marinowifi / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nFrost aster, or hairy aster, is an herbaceous perennial with hairy leaves and stems. It produces small, daisy-like white flowers from summer through fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nFind frost aster in prairies, meadows, and along roadsides. Specimens make great additions to butterfly, rock, and cottage gardens. Frost aster has no serious insect or disease problems but spreads aggressively.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/lobed-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLobed tickseed, also known as eared coreopsis, is a low-maintenance perennial with daisy-like yellow flowers. It has lobed, low-growing, dark green foliage that is evergreen. Grow these showy specimens along borders and garden edges.
\n\n\n\nLobed tickseed spreads quickly and responds well to replanting. Lobed tickseed tolerates high humidity and is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/38566479115_c488414c8b_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFind purple coneflower in prairies and meadows throughout the Oak State. The herbaceous perennial makes a great addition to rock and butterfly gardens. Purple coneflower is a vibrant wildflower that tolerates drought, humidity, heat, and poor soils and has no serious pest or disease issues.
\n\n\n\nSpecimens attract hummingbirds and pollinators while their dried seeds and stalks attract small mammals and birds in the winter. The flowers resemble daisies, with drooping narrow petals around a spiny dark cone atop long, narrow stems with dark green leaves.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red_maple_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Heng Wang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRed maple is a medium to large deciduous tree that puts on a brilliant show every fall. It is known for its red flowers, fruit, and twigs. Red maple is easy to grow and makes a great ornamental addition to any Raleigh landscape.
\n\n\n\nSpecimens are adaptable and tolerate most soils and moisture conditions. Its dense roots crowd other plants growing near its base. Red maple wood is used to make flooring and furniture, while the male species produce sap for maple syrup.
\n\n\n\n![\"Southern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Southern-Magnolia-Magnolia-grandiflora-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rixie / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nSouthern magnolia produces broad, dark green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. It is a medium-sized tree with a spreading growth habit that makes it an ideal shade tree for Raleigh landscapes.
\n\n\n\nSouthern magnolia blooms from spring until fall. The low-maintenance evergreen does not require regular pruning, and specimens produce cone-shaped fruits, attracting songbirds and small mammals.
\n\n\n\n![\"Long](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Virginia-Sweetspire-Itea-virginica.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nVirginia sweetspire, also known as Henry’s garnet, is a deciduous shrub with arching branches and fragrant white flowers that bloom in cylindrical tassels, providing food for pollinators. The ornamental shrub blooms in late spring through summer and grows twice as wide as it is tall.
\n\n\n\nVirginia sweetspire grows best in moist soils and prefers full sun, though specimens tolerate partial to full shade. It is deer-resistant and has no serious pest or disease problems. Specimens make a great addition to open gardens or shrub borders.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to choose native Raleigh plants suited to your landscape’s soil and watering capabilities. Keep your unique USDA hardiness zone in mind. Raleigh is located in Zone 7b, meaning the coldest annual temperature ranges between 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. North Carolina native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Raleigh’s hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nNative plants support biodiversity and a healthy Raleigh ecosystem, providing many benefits, including:
● Native plants support a diverse ecosystem, providing food and shelter for local wildlife, birds, and insects.
● They are acclimated to the subtropical climate and four distinct seasons.
● They are low-maintenance, surviving northern North Carolina weather, local insects, and disease.
Sow seeds in the early spring after the last frost.
Early morning or evening are the best times to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Chances are good you already have native plants in your yard or around your neighborhood. If you want to introduce more plants into your Raleigh landscape, be sure to source your plants ethically and never transplant them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these resources in the Raleigh area:
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, fertilizing, mowing, and watering can be time-consuming. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro, so you can spend more time enjoying the Old North State.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: PeteMuller / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"13 Native Plants for Raleigh, NC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/1789c/flowering-dogwood-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/107df/flowering-dogwood-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/293e9/flowering-dogwood-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/f2cbb/flowering-dogwood-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/1789c/flowering-dogwood-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/c26c2/flowering-dogwood-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/1dd6e/flowering-dogwood-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/67b76/flowering-dogwood-1.webp 320w,\n/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/8df11/flowering-dogwood-1.webp 500w,\n/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/98a65/flowering-dogwood-1.webp 800w,\n/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/1dd6e/flowering-dogwood-1.webp 960w,\n/static/fe0accd09a74ea9c4bdac1bb30841875/3cc96/flowering-dogwood-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"13 Native Plants for Raleigh, NC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Create a thriving Raleigh yard with 13 native plants. Enhance biodiversity, conserve water, and enjoy your stunning landscape. Discover the benefits now."}}},{"node":{"id":"ece6526a-2ceb-5fdd-a7ce-fc25948bd066","slug":"best-push-lawn-mowers","path":"/lawn-care/best-push-lawn-mowers/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 28th, 2019","excerpt":"If you care about the state of your lawn, you’ve never had more options to find the right tool for the job. However, “cheaping out” and buying a clunker can hurt your wallet and leave your lawn looking worse than it was before. When it comes to push lawn mowers, there are several mower varieties […]
\n","content":"\nIf you care about the state of your lawn, you’ve never had more options to find the right tool for the job. However, “cheaping out” and buying a clunker can hurt your wallet and leave your lawn looking worse than it was before.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to push lawn mowers, there are several mower varieties to choose from, each with their respective benefits and disadvantages. For this article, we got our hands-on countless push lawn mower models to help you find the best product to keep your lawn looking crisp and clean. Read on to learn about our top picks and how you can avoid picking up a dud.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/great-states-push-mower.jpg\")
This classic manual push mower from Great States has five rotating blades of various lengths between 14 and 18 inches to help you keep your lawn looking pristine while also saving money and the environment. For narrow lawns and hard-to-reach corners, the 14” cutting width of this mower is ideal, affording it easy maneuverability and lightweight frame.
\n\n\n\nA T-style handle with a padded grip makes this push mower a great choice for those who are tired of pushing uncomfortable, non-ergonomic mowers.
\n\n\n\nPlus, low-sitting 8.5” composite wheels make this lawn mower able to cut between 1 and 1-¾” grass height for a low, clean cut. This alloy steel build comes at a low cost to provide maximum value with little upkeep.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Precise 1″ cutting height
✓ Five blades for smooth rotations
✓ Ergonomic handle for comfortable pushing
✓ Low 8.5″ composite wheels for a crisp cut
Cons:
✗ May require two passes for a perfect cut
![\"BLACK+DECKER](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rsz_mm2000.jpg\")
This corded electric lawn mower from the renowned BLACK+DECKER punches through thick overgrowth with a powerful 13-amp motor. The 20-inch cutting deck is especially wide for a corded electric model, letting you mow your whole lawn with fewer passes.
\n\n\n\nPlus, the EdgeMax deck design lets you cut grass right up against curbing, fencing, and other obstacles. With the MM2000, you won’t need a separate edger for the borders of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSeven adjustable cutting height options make this mower perfect for different areas of your lawn and different grass types. Using a lever, you can easily adjust the deck between 1.5 and 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Seven cutting height settings
✓ Wide 20″ cutting path
✓ 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge
✓ EdgeMax deck design for close-to-edge cutting
✓ Folds for compact storage
Cons:
✗ On the heavier side of electric mowers at 46.2 pounds
✗ Must stay plugged in during use
![\"PowerSmart](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rsz_powersmart.jpg\")
This gas lawn mower features a powerful 170cc OHV 4-stroke engine that easily propels the mower through the thickest, tallest grass. The durable steel cutting deck is 21 inches wide, so you can clear large areas quickly.
\n\n\n\nAnother great feature is the 2-in-1 mulching and discharging capability that lets you return helpful nutrients to your lawn as you mow it. With five different cutting height settings between 1.18 and 3.05 inches, the PowerSmart D8621CR will work for multiple grass types.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Powerful 170cc engine
✓ Durable steel 21″ cutting path
✓ 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
✓ Five cutting height settings
✓ 2-in-1 side discharge and mulching
Cons:
✗ Weighs more than 50 pounds
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/worx-mower-blower.jpg\")
If you need a reliable all-in-one solution for your lawn care needs, you can’t go wrong with investing in the powerful dual-battery 20V WORX WG958. This electric lawn mower also comes with an electric leaf blower to ensure your lawn is looking its best all year long. With patented Intellicut technology, this mower provides premium torque to cut through the toughest terrain.
\n\n\n\nWith cutting paths ranging from 14 to 20 inches, this small yet powerful push lawn mower will save you time by cutting a wide path through your lawn. Plus, there’s a built-in removable discharge bag so you can dump your shavings without having to worry about having your lawn littered with clippings and ugly shavings.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Dual 20V 4.0Ah lithium ion batteries for long run time
✓ Cordless leaf blower included
✓ Compatible with WORX Power Share batteries
✓ Intellicut technology preserves battery during standby time
✓ 2-in-1 rear discharge for easy cleaning and maintenance
✓ Adjustable cutting height
Cons:
✗ 33.5-pound design slightly heavy for an electric mower
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/sun-joe-mower.jpg\")
For a truly unique mowing experience, consider choosing the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO, which packs a small but mighty 13A electric motor. Contained within an aerodynamic green frame, this mower contains a 10.6-gallon discharge bag and chute so your lawn can receive the vital nutrients it needs for the clippings and shavings.
\n\n\n\nThe pro version of this mower comes with a fast rear discharge chute and a fully adjustable cutting height mechanism. Stainless steel blades ensure precise cuts, and in our experience, we never had to double back and redo a cut thanks to a wide 14-inch mowing path. In one charge, this electric mower can easily service a lawn up to 200 sq. ft. in size.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Power of gas machine with convenience of electric
✓ 3,500 RPM steel blade
✓ Large 10.6 gallon catch bag for easy cleanup
✓ Lightweight 29-pound construction
✓ ETL-approved with 2-year limited warranty
Cons:
✗ Broken washers require a full wheel replacement kit
We always go the extra mile to ensure our readers get the most out of the products they buy. That’s why we always test the products we review multiple times. This way, our readers can purchase with confidence knowing they got the best value out of their lawn care product.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, there are many factors that go into finding a reliable push lawn mower. However, our expert analysis considers every relevant factor, including durability, manufacturer’s warranty, blade construction, battery time, storage capacity, and mowing path width.
\n\n\n\nOur holistic review approach covers all aspects of the product so our readers can make a choice that satisfies their lawn’s unique needs.
\n\n\n\nThis guide will cover all angles of push mowers to help readers find the best lawn care solution for their unique needs.
\n\n\n\nThere are three main types of push lawn mowers. Below, we’ll touch on all three varieties and their respective benefits and capabilities.
\n\n\n\nNothing beats the power and torque from a gas-powered push lawn mower. Although they offer maximum performance, buyers should beware that these power mowers are often the most expensive. Not only do they come with the highest price tag, but they are costly to maintain and replace, and gas isn’t cheap these days either.
\n\n\n\nSpeedy and efficient electric lawn mowers are becoming the new norm thanks to cost and environmental concerns. These power mowers plug in overnight and usually provide enough output to cover large lawns without having to recharge. However, over time their ability to hold a charge gradually degrades.
\n\n\n\nPush mowers without motors provide the best long-term bang for your buck thanks to their low upkeep costs. They don’t require gas, electricity, or oil, but they might wear out your arms if you purchase a heavier unit and have a large lawn (100 sq. feet or above).
\n\n\n\nTo find the best push lawn mower, you need to consider four main factors beyond the price tag. Below, we’ve listed what these are and why they’re important.
\n\n\n\nNo matter what type of mower you buy, you should look for a lightweight unit. Ideally, a push mower under 45 lbs. will ensure that you can mow large lawns without your arms and shoulders getting fatigued. Lighter units also allow for easier storage.
\n\n\n\nMake sure that your mower can round corners with ease and get into tight crevices and spaces without having to resort to an external trimmer.
\n\n\n\nPay close attention to the cutting height of the mower. If the cutting height is above 2 inches, you may find that your lawn looks untouched even after a fresh mow. Ideally, find a push mower with adjustable cutting height.
\n\n\n\nMotorized push mowers need to run for at least an hour or two, especially for large lawn maintenance. If you’re considering a gas or electric mower, ensure that it has a long run time of multiple hours on a single tank of gas or battery charge.
\n\n\n\nThe hard truth is that you can’t simply glance at the price tag of a mower to find out which one’s the best for you. Instead, you need to take a deep dive into the model’s specifications to see if it has what it takes to satisfy your lawn’s needs. In this article, we’ve listed our top five picks that will handle most lawn care jobs with ease.
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"Here Are the Best Push Lawn Mowers of 2021","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4990619136960601,"src":"/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/86a97/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/107df/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.jpg 320w,\n/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/293e9/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/86a97/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.jpg 799w","srcWebp":"/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/db080/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/67b76/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.webp 320w,\n/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/8df11/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.webp 500w,\n/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/db080/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.webp 799w","sizes":"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Here Are the Best Push Lawn Mowers of 2021 | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"af375aac-f430-5777-81fa-9c837b472add","slug":"best-native-plants-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/best-native-plants-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?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":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Austinites keep it weird with our local celebrities, our infamous murals, and our love of nature. One way we show our love of nature is by growing flowers, shrubs, and trees native to the area. If you need ideas, we have 15 of the best native plants that are perfect for your Austin landscape. But […]
\n","content":"\nAustinites keep it weird with our local celebrities, our infamous murals, and our love of nature. One way we show our love of nature is by growing flowers, shrubs, and trees native to the area. If you need ideas, we have 15 of the best native plants that are perfect for your Austin landscape.
\n\n\n\nBut why should you choose native plants for your landscape? Here are a few of the benefits:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49643314492_80a78d3d2a_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: jimduggan24 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blue mistflower is an eye-catching wildflower famous for its bluish-purple fuzzy flowers. The nectar-producing blooms grow in a nearly-flat cluster at the top of the plant. The bright blooms attract bees and butterflies and stand out against the dark-green leaves. You can check them out at Zilker’s Botanical Garden.
\n\n\n\nUniquely beautiful, the blue mistflower blooms in late summer and fall. In the wild, they’re often found in stream banks, wet meadows, and ditches. For landscaping, they’re perfect for borders, groundcover, and rain gardens. Usually sown from seeds, the blue mistflower is fast growing and needs to be trimmed and pruned to prevent it from crowding out your other plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 5-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; invasive if left unchecked; attracts bees
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/14897851758_fcb78dab1d_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Marmot / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe desert willow resembles a willow but isn’t actually part of the willow family, it’s a member of the bignonia family. With a slew of sweet-smelling pink, white, or purple flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees flock to the desert willow’s nectar-rich blooms. This small, fast-growing ornamental tree is drought resistant and excellent for erosion control. It also makes a great focal point for any yard.
\n\n\n\nThe desert willow requires minimal trimming and is known as a set-it-and-forget-it tree. However, it can be pruned into a large shrub if that’s the aesthetic you’re looking for. Desert willow is popular for xeriscaping or limestone-heavy soil because of its low water needs. You can see them in bloom at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in late spring, summer, and early fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 40 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained limestone soils are preferred, but also does well in sands, loams, clays, caliches, granitic, and rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water occasionally if no rain after 30 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Alterneria leaf spot; attracts wildlife and bees
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/35674161932_8884b13f68_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Earl McGehee / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe flame acanthus is a Texas native with many nicknames, including Hummingbird Bush, Texas Firecracker Plant, Mexican Flame, and more. As one of its nicknames suggests, hummingbirPds love the nectar that flows from the reddish-orange, tubular flowers. It also attracts bees and birds but is deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPreferring full sun and low moisture, the flame acanthus is an ideal choice for xeriscaping, perennial gardens, and patio pots. Shockingly, this plant can live for more than 30 years. While you will need to control the shrub’s growth, it only requires trimming after the flowers bloom.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable to many soils but prefers well-drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; reseeds profusely; attracts bees
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flameleaf-Sumac.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mike Tilley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the Texan sumac and the prairie flameleaf sumac, the flameleaf sumac puts on a fiery show of fire-engine-red leaves in the fall, hence the name. This native shrub is also eye-catching in bloom with its tiny white flowers. The red berries that follow the blooms can be steeped for a tasty tea rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
\n\n\n\nThis tree is not a skin irritant, unlike the similar-sounding, rash-inducing poison sumac. Flameleaf sumac is also a haven for many species, like birds, bees, and small animals. It’s also highly resistant to both pests and diseases, except Verticillium wilt, a fungal disease. This ornamental beauty is a showstopper in any Austin yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Usually 12-15 feet, but can grow up to 30 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, calcareous, well-drained limestone soils, including clays, loams, and sands.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; potential to be invasive because it seeds itself; susceptible to Verticillium wilt
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Penstemon_triflorus_flowers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSometimes called the Hill Country beardtongue or the scarlet beardtongue, the Hill Country penstemon is an Edwards Plateau native. The vibrant pink or red tube-shaped flowers stand out against the dark green oval leaves. The hairy stamen gives the showy flower the nickname “beardtongue.” This ornamental plant is perfect for perennial gardens and cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nDuring its growing season, this nectar-rich plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and deer. While the Hill Country penstemon is relatively short, the flowers are big in comparison, about 2 inches long. You can see the flowers in bloom in spring and early summer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall; 1.5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, limestone-based soils: sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water if 3 to 4 weeks without rain
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to brown spot; attracts deer and bees
\n\n\n\n![\"leaves](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pxfuel.com-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nNative to central Texas, lacey oak trees are found in many Austin area landscapes. They’re named after Howard Lacey, who first collected specimens on his property about two hours west of Austin. The rounded-toothed leaves are peach-colored in spring and fall. In the summer, they take on a smokey grayish-green color. Lacey oaks produce yellow flowers that turn into acorns.
\n\n\n\nBecause lacey oak is resistant to wilt, they’re often preferred over live oak and red oak. The medium-sized tree is an excellent food source and shelter for small mammals and birds. Fun fact: The largest known lacey oak grows just next door in Blanco County. It stands just under 60 feet tall, and the trunk is just over 3 feet in diameter. Wow!
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, limestone or rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; attracts deer; susceptible to oak phylloxera insects
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oenothera_macrocarpa_kz06-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nDespite its name, Missouri primrose is native to the entire south-central United States, including Texas. Even though it has bright yellow elongated flowers, it’s primarily nocturnal, meaning it blooms at night and closes in the day. The Missouri evening primrose is a nectar source that mostly attracts hawk moths but also native bees and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThe showy plant grows easily from seed or stem cuttings. Considered a trailing plant, the Missouri evening primrose is often grown in poor soil gardens, rock gardens, or containers. Remove dead blooms and cut back damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. You can check out these stunning, large, four-petaled blooms at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-10 inches
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils: calcareous, sandy, limestone-based, sandy Loam, medium Loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to root rot
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_4596500345_9f38e0a8fa_c.jpg\")
Native to south-central United States and Central America, prairie verbena is found in grassy areas, along roadsides, trails, and landscapes all over Texas, including Austin. In fact, they’re on display at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Austin chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.
\n\n\n\nAlso called “moradilla,” Spanish for “little purple one,” this beautiful plant puts on a show with clusters of violet, purple, or pink flowers against dark green, unusual-shaped leaves (like large, elongated parsley leaves). This long-blooming (March through October), nectar-producing flower attracts butterflies and birds with its sweet fragrance but is deer resistant. The creeping prairie verbena provides superb groundcover in most gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 16 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, and limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Powdery Mildew
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rose-flower-nature-garden-flowering-plant-petal-1607880-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nNative to the Edwards Plateau through the Rio Grande and into Mexico, the rock rose is a popular choice for Austin landscapes and perennial gardens due to its high heat tolerance and beautiful blooms. The showy, paper-thin, pink or yellow flowers contrast exquisitely with the coarsely toothed, dark green leaves. To see it up close, take a stroll through Zilker’s Botanical Gardens.
\n\n\n\nRock rose is an easily grown shrub that needs to be cut back before winter to encourage bushy, compact growth. The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, nectar moths, and butterflies. The flowers only bloom for a short time before falling off to make room for the next one, but the flowers bloom spring, summer, and fall. Surprisingly, the rock rose fragrance is more prominent in the foliage than the bloom.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-13
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, well-drained, rocky or limestone soils: caliche, sandy, clay, and loam (sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to mildew and gray mold (also known as botrytis blight)
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/18658601076_734cc969bc_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: F. D. Richards / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe roughleaf dogwood is an adaptable tree native to the central United States west of the Mississippi and Ontario but now flourishes amid the eastern U.S. too. The large clusters of creamy white flowers turn into bunches of fleshy white berries in late fall. The roughleaf dogwood gets its name from the hairy upper part of its oval leaf.
\n\n\n\nThe roughleaf dogwood blooms attract nectar insects like butterflies and native bees. Small birds feast on the berries while nesting amongst the branches. The tree’s also great for erosion control. While the roughleaf dogwood grows throughout Austin landscapes, it’s also featured at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, alkaline soils. Limestone-based, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, acid-based, calcareous
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to several pests and diseases, but they don’t typically affect the tree’s growth
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hesperaloe_parviflora_Ponteilla.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sylenius / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the hummingbird yucca or the false yucca, the Texas red yucca isn’t actually part of the yucca family. It does resemble a yucca with its long, thin, grasslike leaves and tall wand-like flower stems, but it’s classified as a succulent. Native to Texas and Northern Mexico, the Texas red yucca is heat, cold, and drought tolerant.
\n\n\n\nHummingbirds love the coral, yellow, or red flowers, but so do deer. The dark, olive-green leaves stay green all year, while the flowers bloom from February to July. This evergreen plant is ideal for rock gardens or xeriscaping but thrives in most well-draining soils. If you want to see this beautiful plant firsthand, check it out at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-10
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Succulent
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall; 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained sand, loam, caliche, limestone.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low; no water once established, but occasional watering might be needed if no rainfall after 30 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw plant is toxic to humans and dogs, but cooked Texas Red Yucca is edible.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Leucophyllum_frutescens_Purple_Sage_W_IMG_1125.jpg\")
Photo Credit: J.M. Garg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Texas and Northern Mexico, the Texas sage has several nicknames, including Barometer Bush and Texas Silverleaf. This beautiful shrub gets the “silver” part of its nickname from its leaves that are densely covered in stellate (silvery hairs). Use it in rock gardens or as a hedge.
\n\n\n\nThe Texas sage leaves give the shrub a gray-silvery appearance, which enhances the white, pink, purple, or violet blooms. The year-round blooming flowers are about an inch wide and almost bell-shaped. The flowers bloom in periods of rain or high humidity, hence the nickname “Barometer Bush.” The nectar-producing blooms attract butterflies to your yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Usually 2-5 feet, but can grow up to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained, rocky or limestone-based soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to very low; water if 3-4 weeks without rain
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Cotton Root Rot
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Wisteria_frutescens_Amethyst_Falls_3zz-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the American wisteria, the Texas wisteria is native to the entire eastern half and south-central United States, including Texas. This woody, climbing vine usually produces long clusters (6-8 inches) of purple flowers in early summer. The flowers can also be pink, blue, or white. The flowers turn into large pea pods that are not edible, so keep pets away.
\n\n\n\nThe fragrant flowers produce nectar and attract butterflies and moths. While not as aggressive as the Asian cousin, Texas wisteria can crowd out other plants and is best grown on an arbor or trellis. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center proudly displays Texas Wisteria as part of its collection.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flowering vine
\n\n\n\nMature size: 25-30 feet tall; 3-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist to mesic, neutral to slightly acidic soils: sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, and clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; if there is no rainfall, water every 2-3 weeks
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to pets and humans, except flowers are edible
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Callirhoe_involucrata_20107857120.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe winecup flower is prevalent throughout most of the United States and is one of the most common wild herbs in Texas. Its purple, white, or pink flowers bloom in spring and early summer. The winecup flower is used as a flower bed cover, in hanging baskets, or draping over a wall.
\n\n\n\nThe nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and deer. The plant’s roots can be used for medicinal purposes, including for head colds and pain. The chalice-shaped flower blooms most of the year except when it goes dormant in late summer. You can see this plant throughout Austin fields, landscapes, and at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-12 inches tall spreading to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen, semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, calcareous, acid-based, rocky, gravelly and sandy soils: clay, clay loam, medium loam, sandy loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to pests or diseases if the soil is too wet when it may contract root or crown rot
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/iStock-1464390827-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Istock
\n\n\n\nNative to Texas and Oklahoma, Wright’s purple skullcap is also called shrubby skullcap or bushy skullcap. Named after the famous botanist Charles Wright, Wright’s purple skullcap is a popular choice for Austin landscape due to its drought and heat resistance. The small, violet, cone-shaped, nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nWright’s purple skullcap blooms in spring and summer, attracting deer. If you want to check out this lovely, hardy shrub, you can see it on display throughout Texas, including Texas Discovery Garden in Dallas, Jacob’s Well Natural Area in Wimberly, and right here in Austin at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 inches
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand, loam, chalk, limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; highly pest resistant; susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet
\n\n\n\nAnyone who lives in Austin knows that our city is much different than the rest of the state. Texas has seven geographical regions, so not all Texas-native plants are good choices for Austin.
\n\n\n\nJust because a plant is an Austin native doesn’t mean it will do well in your landscape. Make sure the plant you choose is compatible with your yard’s microclimate, such as soil type and sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nAustin’s soil consists of three ecoregions, each with different soil types: the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairies, and the Post Oak Savannah Floodplains.
\n\n\n\nEdwards Plateau
\n\n\n\nBlackland Prairie
\n\n\n\nPost Oak Savannah Floodplains
\n\n\n\nLook into which soil type is found in your yard to help you determine the best plants for your landscape. While researching, discover excellent low-maintenance landscape ideas and the best grass types for your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re planting in spring, plant between Jan. 15 and March 1. If you’re planting in the fall, start between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1. These ranges come from the Texas DOT and USDA plant hardiness zones. Austin’s plant hardiness zones are 8a-8b. Austin falls right on the line between those two zones. The hardiness zones help gardeners and landscapers determine what plants will thrive in a certain area based on winter low temperatures. In Austin, albeit rare, the temperature can be as low as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why Austin falls in the 8a-8b zones.
Austin has tons of native plants according to the Native Plant Society of Texas, Austin Chapter. But there are a few things that most Austin native plants have in common.
The simple answer is “yes,” however, there are restrictions depending on the water ban stage and where you live. Here are some common watering restrictions.
If you want to introduce native plants into your landscape, source them ethically. Don’t remove plants from the wild to transplant them into your yard. You can disturb wildlife habitats and introduce pests and diseases to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nInstead, check out the plant selection at one of these local nurseries that Austin Monthly recommends:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve filled your garden with low-maintenance native plants, it might be time to turn your attention to the lawn. Make sure you have one of the best grass types for Austin for the healthiest lawn possible. Then, keep your grass healthy without breaking a sweat by hiring a highly-rated Austin professional to handle lawn care for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Daniel Norton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"15 Best Native Plants for Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.4193548387096775,"src":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1789c/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/107df/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/293e9/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/f2cbb/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1789c/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/c26c2/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1dd6e/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/67b76/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 320w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/8df11/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 500w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/98a65/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 800w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1dd6e/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 960w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/3cc96/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"15 Best Native Plants for Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are key to the healthy mico-ecosystem of your garden and landscaping. Discover the best native plants for your Austin yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"54cd9305-bdd8-5387-85d7-ad484f5ab84c","slug":"best-native-plants-st-louis","path":"/lawn-care/mo/st-louis/best-native-plants-st-louis/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nick Crawford is a blog writer based in Philadelphia. He enjoys writing just as much as he enjoys reading a good book, cooking, and working out in his spare time.","name":"Nick Crawford","id":"5213edde-9943-5767-a5ae-163493ecfae5","path":"/author/nick-crawford/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7ce3281d49bd9eb99cb1c4f0200247d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"},{"id":"3f02f7ac-cb76-5555-b9a8-490ee8121fe0","name":"St. Louis","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/st-louis/"}],"date":"April 11th, 2023","excerpt":"St. Louis is home to some of the most vibrant plant life Mother Nature has to offer. You can create beautiful scenery around your home by embracing this and using native plants to add a unique pop to your St. Louis property. In this article: Why Should You Add Native Plants to Your Landscape? You […]
\n","content":"\nSt. Louis is home to some of the most vibrant plant life Mother Nature has to offer. You can create beautiful scenery around your home by embracing this and using native plants to add a unique pop to your St. Louis property.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nYou have a spectacular number of plant and flower choices when creating and curating your garden. Yet, the benefits of selecting native plants are undeniable. They have breathtaking beauty that can complement any home, even deep in the heart of the city.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have evolved with the wildlife, geology, and climate of the St. Louis area for thousands of years, so they are already well adapted to their surroundings. A large part of landscape care involves getting your plants used to the area in which you’ve planted them. With native plants, you don’t have to worry as much about adapting your garden to the local climate or soil composition.
\n\n\n\nBecause native plants don’t require the same amount of irrigation, pesticides, or fertilizer as non-native plants, they allow you to focus more on other aspects of your landscaping. And you can save money in the long run by cutting down on the number of gardening supplies you need.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve decided to fill your garden with native plants, you may be wondering which plants to choose. Here are ten great selections to help get you started.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20438010001_c9368f4673_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPrairie dropseed is a perennial ornamental grass. Its finely textured leaves curve outward to form large tufts in a pattern reminiscent of some desert plants. They are pale green in the summer, and in fall they turn a golden-orange shade that fades to bronze in the winter.
\n\n\n\nThough prairie dropseed grow slowly, it requires little water once established. You can easily grow prairie dropseed in dry, sandy soil thanks to its high drought tolerance. It does enjoy large amounts of sun, however, so keep it as far in the open as possible.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Grass
\n\n\n\nSun needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-3 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/51468466866_72df214b51_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Faravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSometimes called ‘Rose Turtlehead’, the pink turtlehead is a tall Missouri wildflower with a neat and tight clumping habit. It gets its name from the rosy, two-lipped flowers that resemble an open-mouthed turtle’s head. It’s common name honors the early 19th century botanist John Lyons.
\n\n\n\nThis native perennial blooms between late summer and early fall. It best thrives in cooler climates with mild summers and moist soil. Aside from looking beautiful, the pink turtlehead’s bright color is also great for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
\n\n\n\nPink turtlehead possesses a high shade tolerance. However, growing it in too much shade may result in drooping stems that require support from a sturdier species.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, rich, moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5-6.5 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eastern-redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe eastern redbud is a very popular deciduous, multi-trunked tree that brightens any landscape with vibrant pink and purple blooms. These pea-shaped flowers blossom on the bare branches for two weeks in the early spring before the foliage develops.
\n\n\n\nYou can easily grow eastern redbud in well-drained moderately furtile soil. However, the pH balance of the soil doesn’t matter much as long as its not moist.
\n\n\n\nEastern redbud is the perfect tree for homeowners who want low maintenance plants in their landscape. Awarded a place among the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plants of Merit, it can grow as much as 30 feet tall with a large spread that will provide a gorgeous spot of shade on your property.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20-35 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Showy-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dseiver / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe zigzag goldenrod is a perennial that is native to the woodlands of Missouri. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a wildflower that can survive in the shade.
\n\n\n\nZigzag goldenrod gets its name from its two distinct characteristics, which are its wavy stems and powdery yellow flowers. Its flowers tend to attract bees and butterflies with their vibrant color.
\n\n\n\nYou can typically grow zigzag goldenrod between July and September for a pop of color in your garden late in the summer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to full shade. (Prefers partial shade.)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you want a highly adaptable plant that can tolerate a variety of adverse conditions, the purple coneflower is an excellent choice. This perennial can tolerate dry to medium well-drained soil as long as it gets plenty of sunlight.
\n\n\n\nTypically grown during the summer months, the purple coneflower is a popular spot for insects and hummingbirds. In addition, this pink-purple daisy-like species makes a lovely bocquet as a cut flower.
\n\n\n\nBecause it is native to many prairies and meadows heat, humidity, and even drought are no obstacles for the purple coneflower. It is, however, susceptible to aster yellows disease and leaf spot, so be on the lookout for these issues.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade. (Does best in full sun.)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-5 feet tall
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8634828149_21c0f182e9_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NatureServe / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe spicebush does more than serve as a lovely and aromatic accent piece to any garden. This deciduous shrub also grows fragrant leaves that are essential to the ecosystem. Larval caterpillars feed on these leaves and eventually evolve into the swallowtail butterfly, one of the rarest butterfly species.
\n\n\n\nMale and female varieties of these plants both develop clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, with the male flowers being larger. However, the female spicebush can develop a small red fruit with the help of a male pollinator.
\n\n\n\nYou can grow the spicebush in full sun or shade. But a spicebush in the shade doesn’t grow flowers as vibrant as one grown in full sunlight.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-12 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe butterfly milkweed is a tuberous perennial that gets its name from the attractive nectar it produces. Butterflies and their larvae are easily drawn to these clusters of bright orange-yellow flowers.
\n\n\n\nYou can expect the butterfly milkweed to bloom from early June through August, lending their lovely color to any St. Louis summer garden early to mid-summer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Can tolerate poor soil but must be well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-2.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\n![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Northern-Blazing-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blazing star is native to St. Louis and has a unique appearance. Its deep purple flower heads are shaped like stars and form a tight cluster around a long stem to mimic an upright bottle brush.
\n\n\n\nThese prairie flowers love full sun, so be sure to plant them in an area where they’ll receive as much exposure as possible. Other than the sunlight requirement, blazing star is a low-maintenance flower that helps any garden stand out.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Keep soil dry or moderately moist
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-5 feet tall
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pawpaw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendell Smith / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis native of Missouri is typically classified as a tree, though it more resembles a small shrub. The pawpaw has large, drooping leaves that retain their bright green color into the late fall before turning yellow.
\n\n\n\nThe most distinctive feature of the pawpaw is its purple flowers, which bloom in spring. They then become oblong yellow-green fruits that mature to a deep brown in the fall. These fruits have a consistency and flavor comparable to bananas, and they work well in ice creams and pies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Keep soil moderately moist to wet but well-drained
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates average soil; prefers fertile, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15-30 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cardinal_flower_Lobelia_cardinalis_027.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe cardinal flower’s large, bright red petals add a dramatic pop to any landscape the native perennial finds itself adorning. Some of these petals stick straight up, giving the flower a spiky appearance that stands out well among most other flora.
\n\n\n\nYou get the best results in a slightly shady garden that attracts the attention of pollinators like hummingbirds. The cardinal flower loves moist soil, which makes it a great choice for a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-6 feet
\n\n\n\nIf you have an interest in filling your garden with some of the gorgeous native plants of St. Louis, here are some resources to help you learn more:
\n\n\n\nNative plants add a lot of convenience to gardening while allowing you to explore the beauty of nature. And the selection of native plants you can add to your garden is vast. If you would like assistance with choosing flora for your St. Louis property, talk to a local professional.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Butterfly Milkweed / Salicyna / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Native Plants For Your St. Louis Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.343784994400896,"src":"/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/1789c/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/107df/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.jpg 320w,\n/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/293e9/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.jpg 500w,\n/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/f2cbb/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.jpg 800w,\n/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/1789c/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.jpg 960w,\n/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/c26c2/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/1dd6e/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/67b76/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.webp 320w,\n/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/8df11/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.webp 500w,\n/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/98a65/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.webp 800w,\n/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/1dd6e/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.webp 960w,\n/static/e9ede9ccdb4445a5c9407b06f946f0a9/3cc96/Asclepias_tuberosa_2015-07-01_3812.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Native Plants For Your St. Louis Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Many plants that are native to St. Louis, but which ones are best for your garden? Start by choosing from these beautiful and hardy options."}}},{"node":{"id":"49cf8025-44ed-5c88-aaea-764b824e85e4","slug":"lawn-watering-restrictions-denver-front-range","path":"/lawn-care/co/denver/lawn-watering-restrictions-denver-front-range/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"be8bb3a1-b40c-57ba-87f7-ff69490271a0","name":"Colorado","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/"},{"id":"29926219-60e0-5bc5-88dc-c08300a10daf","name":"Denver","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/denver/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"cf022cec-2912-5ff7-87bc-908171ba79ae","name":"Zone 5a","count":3,"path":"/category/zone-5a/"},{"id":"be239975-2b22-5eb4-94d4-09c009503181","name":"Zone 6a","count":3,"path":"/category/zone-6a/"}],"date":"June 25th, 2019","excerpt":"In Colorado, beer is for drinking, water is for fighting! That’s why most communities along the Front Range have lawn watering restrictions in place. These restrictions help preserve the Colorado River Basin and reservoir levels, so there’s enough water for agriculture and recreation. Denver Lawn Watering Restrictions From May 1 to Oct. 1, Denver Water […]
\n","content":"\nIn Colorado, beer is for drinking, water is for fighting! That’s why most communities along the Front Range have lawn watering restrictions in place. These restrictions help preserve the Colorado River Basin and reservoir levels, so there’s enough water for agriculture and recreation.
\n\n\n\nFrom May 1 to Oct. 1, Denver Water allows lawn watering three days a week, and not between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. There should be no water spraying on the asphalt or pooling in gutters or streets. Any leaking hoses or sprinkler systems must be repaired within 10 days.
\n\n\n\nThe watering rules extend to car-washing. Do-it-yourselfers must use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve.
\n\n\n\nThe city makes an exception if you’ve planted new seed or sod. You can water as necessary for up to 21 days, but you must call Denver Water and request a watering exemption.
\n\n\n\nYou may water vegetable gardens and flower beds by hand — by way of a watering can or hose with a shut-off nozzle — during restricted lawn watering hours.
\n\n\n\nAurora
\n\n\n\nThe rules in Aurora and Denver mirror those in Denver, but Aurora Water goes a step further by fining homeowners who break the rules. The first mistake will result in a warning. From there, the fines go up to as much as $250 and even a possible summons. Don’t even think about wasting water in Aurora.
\n\n\n\nLakewood
\n\n\n\nLakewood citizens get their water from Denver Water through third party providers, and they generally follow Denver Water’s rules.
\n\n\n\nThanks to a late spring snowfall, Greeley, Boulder, and Broomfield don’t have mandatory restrictions in place this year, but Larimer County continues to ask residents to practice xeriscaping and plant native flowers that don’t require much maintenance or water.
\n\n\n\nA healthy lawn in the metro area requires attention to detail. Irrigation is only half the battle. Regular mowing and weeding will keep your grass healthy. It’s also best to plant Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass will thrive in our summers and survive our cold winters. Fine blended fescue is also great for lawns along the Front Range since it needs little watering and holds up well. You should only need to water two days a week, three at the most. All three varieties only need about 2.5 inches of water a week. Keep in mind, perennials and shrubs need about half as much water as grass. Too much water will drown or rot root systems and can deprive the soil of needed oxygen.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of soil, the pH balance of it will also determine the health and lushness of your lawn. Your lawn and garden soils are acidic if they test below 7.0, and alkaline if the number is above that. In Denver, Lakewood and Aurora, soil tends to be alkaline and needs to have composting material added to bring it down to a pH level in which grass will thrive. Your local extension office can test a soil sample for you.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven if your city has only enacted voluntary lawn watering restrictions, you can still abide by them and have a verdant, lovely lawn all summer and into the fall. As long as you’ve aerated in the spring and fall, two or three deep waterings should be enough to keep the roots hydrated. There’s a reason the city asks you to refrain from turning on the sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Watering during the heat of the day causes the moisture to evaporate too quickly, thereby wasting water. Watering at night is also a bad idea since the moisture will sit on the lawn too long, inviting pests and disease. Find the right balance, so there’s enough water left for our crops and rafting.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about creating a lush, green lawn in the Metro area? Visit our Denver, CO Lawn care page for more guides and information.
\n","title":"Lawn Watering Restrictions for Denver and the Front Range","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.499267935578331,"src":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1789c/sprinklers.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/107df/sprinklers.jpg 320w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/293e9/sprinklers.jpg 500w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/f2cbb/sprinklers.jpg 800w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1789c/sprinklers.jpg 960w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/a2a79/sprinklers.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1dd6e/sprinklers.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/67b76/sprinklers.webp 320w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/8df11/sprinklers.webp 500w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/98a65/sprinklers.webp 800w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1dd6e/sprinklers.webp 960w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/7aa54/sprinklers.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Watering Restrictions for Denver and the Front Range | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Water is Colorado's most precious resource. Check out the latest lawn watering restrictions for Denver and the Front Range and the fines for ignoring them."}}},{"node":{"id":"c8cb1160-0b8f-588d-b96a-a6f0b70731c6","slug":"worst-lawn-weeds-atlanta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/worst-lawn-weeds-atlanta/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 18th, 2019","excerpt":"In the bustling city of Atlanta, homeowners and gardeners alike are constantly battling against a common enemy: weeds. From the stubborn dandelion to the invasive yellow nutsedge, these pesky plants can quickly overtake green lawns and colorful gardens, causing frustration and headaches for those who take pride in their outdoor spaces. But which weeds are […]
\n","content":"\nIn the bustling city of Atlanta, homeowners and gardeners alike are constantly battling against a common enemy: weeds. From the stubborn dandelion to the invasive yellow nutsedge, these pesky plants can quickly overtake green lawns and colorful gardens, causing frustration and headaches for those who take pride in their outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nBut which weeds are the worst offenders in Atlanta? And, more importantly, how can they be eradicated for good? Take a closer look at the eight worst lawn weeds in Atlanta and discover expert tips on how you can get rid of them once and for all.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nWeeds are the bane of any lawn enthusiast because they look unsightly and cause a whole host of problems. In Atlanta, where the weather can be hot and humid, weeds can quickly take over if left unchecked. Weeds are bad for your Atlanta lawn because they:
\n\n\n\nWhile it can be daunting to get rid of weeds in your lawn, there are two primary methods of doing so – by hand or with herbicides. Both have pros and cons, and which method you choose will depend on your preferences and the severity of the weed problem in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nGetting rid of weeds by hand is a more natural method and doesn’t involve the use of chemicals. Remove unwanted weeds on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and follow these tips:
\n\n\n\nHerbicides designed to kill weeds are often more effective than hand weeding and can save you time and effort:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Annual-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOne of the worst and most common weeds that plague homeowners and gardeners in Atlanta, annual bluegrass is notoriously difficult to control and can quickly take over lawns and gardens if left unchecked.
\n\n\n\nIdentifying annual bluegrass can be tricky, as it can often be mistaken for desirable grass species. However, there are a few key characteristics to look out for. It has a more upright or erect growth habit than most grasses, and its leaves are more pointed and finely textured.
\n\n\n\nThis low-growing weed can reach up to 6 inches tall and has bright green leaves that are narrow and tapered, with a boat-shaped tip. The seed heads of annual bluegrass are also distinctive, with a cluster of tiny green or purplish flowers that resemble a crow’s foot.
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass germinates from fall to winter and grows in cooler months. It can grow in a variety of grasses, including fescue, bermudagrass, and Zoysia, and is commonly found in golf courses and lawns throughout the Atlanta area.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easier to pull by hand due to its shallow root system, but its prolific seed production can make it difficult to eradicate completely. Cultural practices – like maintaining healthy soil and mowing at a higher height – can help prevent annual bluegrass from establishing.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual cool-season grass weed
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers moist and fertile soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: No safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Use pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to prevent germination and post-emergent herbicides to kill existing weeds. Hand-pulling the weed and overseeding with desirable grass species also can be effective methods of control.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bull-Thistle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for having prickly spines covering its stem, leaves, and purple-pink flower head, bull thistle is one of the most noxious weeds in Atlanta that can injure both humans and animals. It can grow and spread quickly, crowding out desirable plants. This tall broadleaf weed typically grows in grassy areas and can grow up to 7 feet tall.
\n\n\n\nThis biennial plant grows in the second year after germination. It can spread through wind-blown seeds or by root fragments, making it a difficult weed to control once it becomes established. It’s also a prolific seed producer, with each invasive plant producing up to 10,000 seeds that remain viable in the soil for years.
\n\n\n\nBull thistle has a long taproot, so it can be difficult to control and completely eradicate once established. You can prevent this invasive weed from spreading by performing proper lawn maintenance and regular weeding.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Biennial broadleaf weed
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist to dry, adaptable to many soil types
\n\n\n\nDanger: Can be harmful to humans and animals due to sharp spines, some species are toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling is an option for small infestations, but post-emergent herbicides may be necessary for larger areas. Due to its sharp spines, remember to wear protective gloves and clothing when handling bull thistle.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Common-Chickweed.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon chickweed is a pervasive weed in Atlanta and one of the worst offenders for gardeners and lawn enthusiasts. This common winter annual weed grows during the cooler months, making it difficult to control in the fall and early spring.
\n\n\n\nTo identify common chickweed, look for its characteristic small white flowers with deeply lobed petals and pointed, oval leaves that are arranged oppositely along its stem. It can grow up to 8 inches tall and forms a dense mat on the ground, often outcompeting grass and other desirable plants in lawns and gardens.
\n\n\n\nThis lawn weed grows in a variety of soil types and is often found in disturbed areas such as lawns, gardens, and fields. It spreads quickly by seed – a single plant can produce up to 15,000 seeds per year.
\n\n\n\nPrevention is key to controlling this weed. Maintaining a healthy lawn or garden with good soil health, regular watering, and proper fertilization can help prevent its growth.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual cool-season broadleaf weed
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist to mesic conditions
\n\n\n\nDanger: The saponins in its leaves are toxic but are usually broken down with cooking. Plus, they would just pass through the body without causing harm.
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling or hoeing is effective if done early in the season before the plants have produced seeds. Applying pre-emergent herbicides specifically formulated for broadleaf weed control also can be effective.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAn annual warm-season grass weed that grows aggressively during the warm months in Atlanta, crabgrass can quickly take over a lawn. It typically starts to sprout in late spring and continues to grow throughout the summer. The plant will start to die off in the fall when temperatures cool.
\n\n\n\nIdentifying crabgrass is relatively easy – just look for the star-shaped pattern of the leaves and the clumping growth habit. Its long, flat leaves are light green in color and spread out from the stem in a star pattern. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and has small, greenish-purple flowers that bloom in the summer.
\n\n\n\nOften found in lawns with poor soil health or mowed too short, crabgrass typically grows in thin or bare areas where there’s disturbed soil, such as along the edges of driveways or sidewalks. Preventing crabgrass involves maintaining a healthy lawn and soil. This includes regular fertilization, proper watering, and maintaining a healthy grass height.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual warm-season grass weed
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Thin spots, disturbed and dry soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic to humans and animals, but its natural pesticide can kill other plants near it
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: One option is to use a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring before the weed has a chance to germinate. Another option is to remove the weed manually by hand or with a hoe (remove the entire plant, including the root system, to prevent regrowth.)
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dandelion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDandelions are a common sight in Atlanta, and they are one of the worst lawn weeds due to their prolific and persistent nature. These perennial weeds are known for their yellow flowers and deeply serrated leaves, which can grow up to 12 inches long. Dandelions can quickly spread throughout lawns, flower beds, gardens, and fields, making them difficult to control and eliminate.
\n\n\n\nWith a long, thick taproot that can extend up to 10 inches into the soil, their leaves grow in a rosette formation close to the ground. The bright yellow flowers resemble miniature suns, with numerous petals radiating outward from a central yellow disc. Once the flowers have bloomed, they develop into spherical seed heads known as “blowballs,” which disperse seeds with the slightest breeze.
\n\n\n\nDandelions can grow in a variety of grasses, including fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass. They typically begin growing in early spring and continue to thrive throughout the summer and fall. Dandelions thrive in nutrient-rich soil and can quickly take over lawns and gardens that are not adequately maintained.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial broadleaf weed
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low, may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis after exposure to its sap
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Use a post-emergent herbicide specifically formulated for broadleaf weed control. Regular mowing and proper irrigation can help keep lawns healthy and prevent weed growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOne of the most common and invasive weeds in Atlanta, henbit is an annual broadleaf weed that can quickly spread throughout lawns and gardens and is often difficult to control.
\n\n\n\nHenbit typically grows up to 12 inches tall, with rounded, deeply lobed, and coarsely toothed leaves. The leaves are typically a dull green but can have a purplish tint. The plant also produces pink to purple flowers, which bloom from March to June.
\n\n\n\nOften found in lawns, gardens, and along roadsides, henbit grows during the cooler months – from fall to spring. Various factors cause its growth, including poor lawn maintenance, soil compaction, and over-watering. To prevent henbit, maintain a healthy lawn by regularly fertilizing, mowing, and minimizing soil compaction.
\n\n\n\nNote that henbit can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, so consider leaving some in less visible areas of your lawn or garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual cool-season broadleaf weed
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers moist and fertile soils, but can grow in a variety of soil types
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent weed control in the fall can help prevent its growth. Hand-pull when it’s still young and hasn’t produced flowers or seeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-Clover.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhite clover has aggressive growth habits and can compete with grass for nutrients and moisture. It’s a low-growing perennial plant that produces white or pinkish flowers and thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil. While it’s often used as a groundcover in gardens, white clover can quickly overtake a lawn, forming dense mats that suffocate the grass and cause brown spots.
\n\n\n\nTo identify white clover, look for its characteristic three-lobed leaves with white or pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. It spreads through horizontal stolons that creep along the ground and root at intervals.
\n\n\n\nWhite clover can be beneficial in gardens, as it attracts pollinators and fixes nitrogen in the soil. However, it is considered a weed in lawns and should be controlled.
\n\n\n\nMost commonly found in poorly maintained lawns or inadequate nitrogen fertilization, it grows in most grasses and can thrive in a variety of soil types. To prevent white clover from taking over a lawn, maintain a healthy turfgrass by regular mowing, watering, and fertilization. Ensuring adequate nitrogen levels in the soil also can help discourage clover growth.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial broadleaf weed
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Well-aerated, nutrient-rich soil like loam or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: When its leaf tissues get damaged, white clover emits a noxious substance – cyanide.
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: For small infestations, clover can be removed by hand, ensuring that the entire root system is extracted. Broadleaf herbicides can effectively kill clover without harming the grass. Apply them according to the instructions on the label. If you don’t want to use chemical herbicides, you can apply corn gluten meal or vinegar solutions.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Yellow-Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as yellow nutgrass, yellow nutsedge is aggressive and can quickly overtake lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. It grows during the summer months – from late May through September. Spreading through underground tubers and quickly multiplying throughout the soil, this weed will compete with other plants for resources, making it difficult to maintain healthy plant growth.
\n\n\n\nYellow nutsedge is a perennial weed with a distinctive yellow-green color and triangular stem that grows to around 2-3 feet tall. It has long, narrow leaves that emerge from the base of the plant and a small, cone-shaped flower head that appears in the summer. It can be easily confused with other grassy weeds, but the triangular stem is a key identifying feature.
\n\n\n\nThis sedge weed typically grows in warm-season grasses, including bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. Preventing its growth can be challenging, but maintaining good soil drainage, regular mowing, and proper fertilization can help keep it at bay.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial sedge weed
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, poorly-drained soil or areas with standing water
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Dig up and remove tubers or apply post-emergent herbicides (be careful with your application to avoid damaging desirable plants)
\n\n\n\nThe answer is yes, it can. However, its effectiveness may not be as potent as regular weed killers. Vinegar works by killing the green parts of the plant on contact, but it won’t eliminate the root. So, while vinegar may be a natural option for dealing with a few weeds, it may not be the best choice for getting rid of a larger infestation.
Selective herbicides target specific types of plants while leaving other plants unharmed. They are often used in lawn care and agriculture to control weeds without damaging desirable plants or crops.
They work by targeting specific enzymes or metabolic processes unique to certain types of plants. For example, broadleaf herbicides are a type of selective herbicide that target broadleaf weeds while leaving grasses unharmed. Grasses have a different type of metabolism than broadleaf plants, and the herbicide is designed to target specific enzymes that are present in broadleaf plants but not in grasses.
Selective herbicides are useful for controlling weeds in areas where non-target plants are present. They can be applied as a spot treatment or broadcast over a large area. But remember to follow the label instructions carefully and use caution when applying selective herbicides, as they can still have negative impacts on the environment and non-target plants if used improperly.
Non-selective herbicides work by killing or damaging any plant they come into contact with, regardless of the plant species or variety. They do this by disrupting important metabolic processes in the plant, such as photosynthesis or protein synthesis, which ultimately leads to the plant’s death.
The active ingredients in non-selective herbicides can vary, but they are typically broad-spectrum and highly effective at killing plants. Some common active ingredients in non-selective herbicides include glyphosate, glufosinate, and paraquat.
Non-selective herbicides are typically used in situations where all vegetation needs to be removed. However, their non-specific nature means they also can harm non-target plants and should be used cautiously.
While weeds may seem like an insurmountable problem in Atlanta, there are many effective ways to combat them. By identifying the eight worst offenders and implementing the strategies outlined above, homeowners and gardeners can take control of their outdoor spaces and enjoy a weed-free lawn and garden.
\n\n\n\nRemember, a healthy lawn is your best defense against weeds, so fertilize and water regularly. And if it doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and pull weeds out by the roots. With a little persistence and some expert guidance, a beautiful, weed-free yard is within reach.
For more information on weed control and lawn care, reach out to an Atlanta lawn care pro near you.
Main Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"8 Worst Lawn Weeds in Atlanta, GA (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/1789c/Grass-weeds.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/107df/Grass-weeds.jpg 320w,\n/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/293e9/Grass-weeds.jpg 500w,\n/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/f2cbb/Grass-weeds.jpg 800w,\n/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/1789c/Grass-weeds.jpg 960w,\n/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/c26c2/Grass-weeds.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/1dd6e/Grass-weeds.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/67b76/Grass-weeds.webp 320w,\n/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/8df11/Grass-weeds.webp 500w,\n/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/98a65/Grass-weeds.webp 800w,\n/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/1dd6e/Grass-weeds.webp 960w,\n/static/0ff494480bedac51cc4d4f4fa991d2bb/3cc96/Grass-weeds.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Worst Lawn Weeds in Atlanta, GA (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Don't let weeds take over your lawn. Learn how to tackle the 8 worst weeds in Atlanta and keep your lawn lush and healthy year-round."}}},{"node":{"id":"0aa326f9-3c0e-5cb2-bddd-be154a086cd3","slug":"lawn-aeration-guide","path":"/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Taha Javed is a freelance writer and business student in Lahore, Pakistan. She loves swimming, reading, and playing with her dog.","name":"Taha Javed","id":"0531d17c-e9c8-5153-a6fb-6e2994f71716","path":"/author/taha-javed/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/877749883781783414fae4d0b98beb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Lawn aeration is essential if the soil in your yard has become compacted over time. This simple yet powerful procedure can revitalize grass and improve its general health. We’ll cover all the information you need to aerate your lawn correctly, including when and how to aerate your lawn and why your grass might need it. […]
\n","content":"\nLawn aeration is essential if the soil in your yard has become compacted over time. This simple yet powerful procedure can revitalize grass and improve its general health. We’ll cover all the information you need to aerate your lawn correctly, including when and how to aerate your lawn and why your grass might need it.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6baa5fee-5658-4828-9be8-cf92497e9b5f.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nYour lawn is continuously communicating with you, so pay attention to the cues it gives you. You can identify when it’s time to aerate by paying attention to the state of your lawn. Here are some key indicators that your lawn could benefit from aeration:
\n\n\n\nThe best time for lawn aeration is determined by the type of grass in your yard. In general, aerating your lawn during your grass’s growing season is optimal because the grass is active and can recover rapidly from the aeration process. Since cool-season and warm-season grasses have different growing seasons, the best time to aerate them is different.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLate spring or early summer is the ideal time to aerate warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. It is the beginning of the grass’s growth season, so your lawn has enough time to recover from the stress of aeration before the hottest part of summer. Spring aeration also helps to alleviate soil compaction caused by winter conditions, allowing the grass to access vital nutrients and moisture more efficiently.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe best time for lawn aeration in cool-season lawns with grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue is early fall or early spring. Aerating in the fall not only aids in reducing soil compaction but also promotes root development to help grass prepare for winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nNote: Before aerating, evaluate the present weather conditions and soil moisture content. Don’t aerate your lawn after heavy rainfall; wait for it to dry.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn may appear to be a difficult task, but it can be a simple and rewarding process with the appropriate approach. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to aerate your lawn as efficiently as possible.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSharpen your mower’s blade and mow your grass shorter than usual. It allows for easier soil access during aeration. Watering your lawn 1 inch deep a day or two before aeration is also important to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore aerating your grass, mark any sprinkler heads or other obstacles to avoid damaging them. Call 811 a few days before you plan to aerate so someone can come out and mark your utility lines.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are two primary methods for aerating a lawn: spike aeration and core aeration.
\n\n\n\nSpike aeration is the process of poking holes in the soil with spikes, either by hand or with a tool.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration removes small cores or plugs of soil from the lawn. Core aeration is often favored because it creates more space in the soil, producing better results and more benefits.
\n\n\n\n![\"illustration](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Aeration-illustration.png\")
Graphic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/aerate-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeffoto / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nThere are various varieties of aerators available, each with its unique set of benefits. Consider the following options when choosing the right aeration equipment for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nNote: To pick the best sort of aerator for your needs, consider the size of your lawn, budget, and individual needs. Renting aerators is a cost-effective choice for infrequent use, but owning one may be more practical for frequent or large-scale aeration needs.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"illustration](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/aeration-patterns.png\")
Graphic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nBegin by walking or towing the aerator around your lawn’s perimeter, working your way inward. To ensure comprehensive coverage, slightly overlap each pass, or follow a crisscross pattern to cover your space entirely. Continue aerating the lawn until it is completely covered.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeave the soil plugs from core aerators on the lawn to break down naturally, or collect and compost them for later use.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter the aeration is finished, try top-dressing the lawn with a thin coating of compost or sand. It improves soil structure and adds valuable organic matter. Lightly water the lawn to settle the soil and aid in the recovery process. You can also fertilize or overseed your lawn to give it a fresh boost.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about post-aeration lawn care in our guide on What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn once every 2 to 3 years should suffice for most lawns, mainly comprising sandy soil or soil that doesn’t easily compact. If your lawn has clay soil or is subjected to excessive foot traffic or compaction, you should aerate it once every year.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeeding your lawn after aeration can be highly beneficial. The newly formed holes provide an ideal environment for grass seeds to germinate. Spread the seeds evenly with a spreader, water frequently to keep the soil moist, and admire the lovely new growth!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, it can! Aeration minimizes soil compaction and improves water drainage, which can help prevent fungal diseases and other pest infestations. To find out more about what aeration can do, see our article on the Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn is essential for its health and vitality. But the thought of when and how to aerate it and the hours spent toiling with the aerator feels daunting. If you’d rather not invest that time and effort, consider seeking the help of a professional lawn care service provider. By hiring a skilled lawn care pro, you can be sure the aeration is effective and your lawn receives the attention it needs for healthier and more beautiful growth.
\n\n\n\nFeatured Image by Juan Rodriguez
\n","title":"When and How to Aerate Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2,"src":"/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/f2cbb/Untitled-design-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/107df/Untitled-design-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/293e9/Untitled-design-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/f2cbb/Untitled-design-1.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/98a65/Untitled-design-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/67b76/Untitled-design-1.webp 320w,\n/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/8df11/Untitled-design-1.webp 500w,\n/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/98a65/Untitled-design-1.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When and How to Aerate Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If compacted soil is making your lawn thin, follow this guide to learn why, when, and how to aerate your lawn and fix compaction."}}},{"node":{"id":"17a28257-5fd8-5abb-bdd4-3a4896f90707","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-grass-types-southern-california","path":"/lawn-care/ca/best-drought-tolerant-grass-types-southern-california/","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":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 10th, 2023","excerpt":"In the face of frequent droughts, many SoCal homeowners have had to consider their lawns more. Can their turf survive the hot, dry summers without constant irrigation? Brown lawns may seem inevitable, but you don’t have to settle for excessive water waste or dead grass. If you choose one of the best drought-resistant grass types […]
\n","content":"\nIn the face of frequent droughts, many SoCal homeowners have had to consider their lawns more. Can their turf survive the hot, dry summers without constant irrigation?
\n\n\n\nBrown lawns may seem inevitable, but you don’t have to settle for excessive water waste or dead grass. If you choose one of the best drought-resistant grass types for Southern California, you can be more eco-friendly while saving time and money.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nAll turfgrass is categorized into two types: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses do best in hot southern climates, while cool-season grasses do well in cold northern climates.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are a safe bet for most of Southern California. However, you can use cool-season grasses as long as you don’t live in the Southeastern desert regions of the state. Let’s review the crucial differences to narrow down your options.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass has a medium to coarse texture and a gray-green color. Hybrid varieties have a finer texture and a blue-green to dark green color. You can establish bermudagrass from seeds, sod, or plugs.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is resilient in the face of disease, heat, foot traffic, and drought. It will require infrequent irrigation, though it benefits from deep watering to develop a healthy root system. Because of its high salinity tolerance, it makes an excellent lawn for coastal properties. It’s also a good choice for families with playful children and pets.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass ranges from low to high maintenance depending on the variety, with hybrids requiring the most fertilization and mowing. It may spread where it’s not wanted due to its aggressive growth, though edging can help. This grass’ worst enemies are shade and cold weather. It will become more vulnerable to weeds and traffic damage under those conditions.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases like spring dead spot are common; low resistance to insects like bermudagrass mites, dichondra flea beetles, and fiery skippers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Buffalograss.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Pixnio / CC0
\n\n\n\nUC Riverside and UC Davis researchers developed the buffalograss cultivar UC Verde to provide more drought-tolerant options for California homeowners. Other varieties can also do well in Southern California, though they may be less drought tolerant. Buffalograss is available in seed, sod, and plug form, while the UC Verde cultivar is only available as plugs.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is low maintenance, requiring little mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. You can mow it every few weeks or leave it unmowed for a meadow-like appearance. Its water needs are less than half of other common grass types, including bermudagrass and tall fescue. Once established, it can hold its own against weeds, diseases, and pests.
\n\n\n\nLike many warm-season grasses, buffalograss doesn’t handle shade or cold weather well. It will turn brown at the first sign of frost or if not watered for long periods in summer. To keep a buffalograss lawn green in winter, use biodegradable green dye or overseed with annual ryegrass. Buffalograss’ light to grayish-green color may not appeal to everyone. The expensive seeds and sod also can be a deterrent.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed; UC Verde doesn’t grow taller than 4-6 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers soils that aren’t sandy
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Buffalograss often turns brown in winter. Because of its few flowerheads, it produces little pollen and seeds, making it suitable for those with allergies.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kikuyugrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose, Macleay Grass Man / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis East African grass has a coarse texture and light green color, similar to St. Augustinegrass. Though it is not a common turfgrass choice in California, kikuyugrass has gained popularity over the years.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance grass isn’t very susceptible to disease. It thrives in moderate temperatures but also can handle heat and drought. You can plant kikuyugrass in moderate shade and low-fertility soils. Its aggressive growth allows it to recover from wear and tear quickly.
\n\n\n\nWhy isn’t kikuyugrass more popular for lawns? Due to its aggressive growth, this grass is considered a weed in many parts of coastal and inland California. Its rapid growth makes it prone to thatch, making mowing difficult. You’ll need to mow frequently to keep up with growth and avoid scalping damage. Remember that kikuyugrass is susceptible to cold and will go dormant in winter.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-1.5; it’s vulnerable to scalping damage if it isn’t mowed frequently
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, moderately drained soils with a light to medium texture; can tolerate low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass type is native to East Africa and was imported to California to help with erosion. Its aggressive growth makes it more resilient but makes many consider it a weed. It develops thatch easily.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Asia, Zoysiagrass is dark green with a fine to medium texture. It creates a dense, prickly turf once established.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance grass is well-adapted to warm climates. Not only can it survive drought and high heat, but it also holds up well to foot traffic. The only major pest it deals with is nematodes. It will require little fertilizer and a moderate amount of mowing. Though Zoysiagrass prefers full sun, you can plant it in a yard with partial shade.
\n\n\n\nOne downside of Zoysiagrass is its slow establishment. As a result, many homeowners choose to skip seeds and use Zoysiagrass sod or sprigs. Its density also poses a challenge, making it difficult to mow. Zoysiagrass lawns become dormant in winter, but you can improve their color with fall fertilization.
\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 tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall; watch out for nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining; some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if the grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Agrostis_pallens_turf.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruff tuff cream puff / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThough there are many types of bentgrass, it’s no surprise that California native bentgrass is well adapted to drought conditions. This species is also called seashore bentgrass, thingrass, or Agrostis pallens. It has uniform growth, a medium texture, and deep green color. Some consider it a turfgrass alternative, but you can still make it into a traditional lawn.
\n\n\n\nSeashore bentgrass requires half the water of typical cool-season grasses and can stay green year-round. Its self-repairing rhizomes allow it to bounce back from damage. This grass naturally grows from around 4 to 28 inches. You can cut it short or keep it long for a meadow-like appearance. Remember, you can’t go straight from shaggy lawn to close-cut turf, or you could damage the grass. Lower the height gradually if you want to switch.
\n\n\n\nBecause of its slow establishment and growth rate, seashore bentgrass sod is expensive. As the name suggests, this grass type is best suited for coastal areas. It doesn’t do well in the central valley or the California deserts.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low; you can mow it or let it grow out
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-8
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Any soil with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass can be mowed or left long and meadow-like. It is best suited for coastal areas.
\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\nThis cool-season grass is one of the most common lawn grasses in California. Tall fescue is dark green with a moderate to coarse texture. Turf-type tall fescues and dwarf turf-type tall fescues are shorter with a finer texture.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is generally low-maintenance, with little watering required. Sow densely for a uniform lawn and good weed and disease resistance. It also handles moderate traffic well. Tall fescue will stay green in warm and cool weather if neither is too extreme. It handles heat and drought stress well due to its extensive root system. Plant it in the sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue’s bunch-type growth pattern means it won’t repair bare patches on its own. Reseed thin or patchy lawns to improve their appearance and performance. Though it does well in many parts of the state, it’s unsuitable for high-altitude areas.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast rate of growth, so plan to mow often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side); do not mow less than 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wider range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe best no-mow grass types are UC Verde buffalograss and native California bentgrass. You can let either grow out into a natural-looking meadow. If you revert to a shorter height, gradually bring the mowing height down and never cut off more than one-third of the grass’ blade at once.
If you want traffic tolerance, the most durable grass types are bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and Zoysiagrass. Each can handle playful dogs, energetic children, and backyard parties without falling into ruin. Remember that all grass types can be damaged with excessive or rough use. However, these grass types stand the best chance of resistance and recovery.
The best grass types for full sun are bermudagrass, buffalograss, and native California bentgrass. These types prefer full sun and may not do well in the shade. Zoysiagrass also does well in full sun, but it will tolerate more shade than the others.
A water-efficient lawn is only one component of drought-resistant landscaping. When paired with plants native to Southern California, your yard could save you water, time, and money. It also will be more fire-resistant.
\n\n\n\nIf you need assistance revamping your lawn or other landscaping, let Wikilawn connect you with local pros. You can find lawn care and landscaping companies in Long Beach, Santa Ana, Riverside, and many more SoCal cities.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: UCLA / Josh Lee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Drought-Tolerant Grass Types for Southern California","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/1789c/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/107df/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/293e9/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/f2cbb/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/1789c/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/c26c2/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/1dd6e/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/67b76/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/8df11/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/98a65/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/1dd6e/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/a890c81868ffc23742a573d3abfce348/3cc96/UCLA_Campus_on_lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Drought-Tolerant Grass Types for Southern California | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best drought-tolerant grass types for Southern California are bermudagrass, buffalograss, kikuyugrass, Zoysiagrass, native bentgrass, and tall fescue."}}},{"node":{"id":"b1284be0-1285-5bf5-9829-3e5ed2610fad","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-atlanta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/lawn-mowing-maintenance-atlanta/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"You don’t have to have a gift for the obvious to know that Atlanta, Georgia, is hot and humid, and the plants grow like crazy, especially in the summer. But what you may not know is that not all grass is the same. Knowing the difference can mean you have a lush, green lawn instead […]
\n","content":"\nYou don’t have to have a gift for the obvious to know that Atlanta, Georgia, is hot and humid, and the plants grow like crazy, especially in the summer. But what you may not know is that not all grass is the same. Knowing the difference can mean you have a lush, green lawn instead of a sparse, stressed one. Here are some tips for lawn mowing and maintenance in Atlanta.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/UjItj78JVyWsPYlbdxXMmo4svIO3j-RPUAUeF5Kfle4oKAZKR0PlBprmYo-3VfNktpS_8Y1oJHfPu2oEF-F_5mfAm9-9FiJgyMoRiO1AU04NPLvsQNlJY-a2JJCdvodwo68L1-7B\")
St. Austinegrass
\n\n\n\nIn Georgia, it’s a good bet you have warm-season grass growing on your lawn. They are heat resistant and tolerate a Georgia summer well. The most popular varieties include St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, and centipede grass. If you aren’t sure which kind you have, you can take a few plants down to your local garden store or extension agency, and they can identify it for you.
\n\n\n\nWhat you don’t want to do is scalp or shave your lawn. Some homeowners love the look of a closely cropped lawn, and others do it because they think it saves them from having to cut it again too soon. But cutting it too close stresses out the grass. Taller grass also shades the soil in the heat of the summer. The recommended height for Bermudagrass is 0.5 – 1.5 inches tall; Zoysiagrass is the same. Cut centipedegrass to a height of 1.5 and 2.5 inches. St. Augustinegrass does well when it’s between 2 to 4 inches tall. Cut on the shorter end in the spring to get rid of dead grass, and cut on the longer end in July and August to help keep the soil shaded and retain more water. Keep your blades sharp, and never cut more than one-third of the lawn’s height in any one mowing. Finally, leave the grass clippings to decompose. It helps feed the soil (and cuts down on the amount of work for you!)
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uXkl1_zHYwisQtts50iW2-kerBoBAouSxPfHL6zuJZU5efTQ_nQDc0nFRbmpdFZ5gnyHanrRYjah3u1jilugqxcT9WpBmWYK057E7yFSOQxJfBxi-i8qbgQGZIAN4QR2MySUtRBK\")
You should fertilize and put down some pre-emergent herbicide in February, say about Super Bowl Sunday. Some people administer the fertilizer and weed killer separately, others swear by weed-and-feed mixtures. Either way, early spring is the time to give your lawn the proper nourishment it needs for the long growing season ahead, and to get a jump on those weeds.
\n\n\n\nMake sure your lawn is getting about an inch or so of water a week, whether it’s rain or from a sprinkler. Grass needs a good, long drink a few times a week, rather than a shallow watering every day or so. And in Atlanta, you want to water early in the morning. It’s the coolest time of the day and helps the water soak into the ground, not evaporate. And as the sun rises and the day heats up, it dries up the remaining water droplets on the grass blades, lowering the risk of fungus and disease.
\n\n\n\nFertilize again at the end of the summer. Aerating before fertilizing in the spring and the fall helps oxygen get into your soil and gives the roots the elbow room they need in the active growing season.
\n\n\n\nAtlanta’s heat and humidity are a blessing for homeowners when it comes to their lawns. Your grass can be thick and bright green with just a little regular maintenance from you. Once you do what you can to nurture your yard, let nature give your lawn the boost it needs to be the envy of the block.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawns or lawn care in Atlanta? Visit our Atlanta, GA lawn care page.
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"Lawn Mowing and Maintenance in Atlanta","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5375375375375375,"src":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1789c/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/107df/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 320w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/293e9/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 500w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/f2cbb/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 800w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1789c/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 960w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/a2a79/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1dd6e/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/67b76/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 320w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/8df11/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 500w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/98a65/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 800w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1dd6e/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 960w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/7aa54/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Mowing and Maintenance in Atlanta | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"8fe5ce68-cd86-5230-a2be-dd3bdb2f3a73","slug":"5-fall-landscaping-tips-to-maintain-your-curb-appeal","path":"/lawn-care/5-fall-landscaping-tips-to-maintain-your-curb-appeal/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 22nd, 2018","excerpt":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced […]
\n","content":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced with a muddy mess come springtime.
\nSo grab your tools and put on your gardening boots. We at Wiki Lawn have prepared a few fall landscaping tips and maintenance ideas you can use to “fall-ify” your landscaping and get your property ready for winter.
\nApproximately 90% of Americans say they prefer to live in a home that’s surrounded by grass, trees, and other plants. But if you’re going to have plants, you’ll need to maintain them like the rest of your yard.
\nThat leads us into the first of these 12 fall maintenance tips.
\nIt’s important to spread mulch during the fall months because it helps to protect the roots of your trees and plants from frost. It also helps to retain moisture in the dry winter weather. You’ll want to spread between 2 and 3 inches of mulch around your trees and shrubs.
\nCheck out our tips for Eco-friendly Lawn Care.
\nFall might not be the time to prune your plants, but it’s definitely the time to remove the dead and dying plants from your yard. When you get rid of your dead landscaping during autumn, you won’t have to look at them during the winter months. Remove dead annuals and perennials. Prune (lightly) the dying branches from trees and shrubs.
\nYour shrubs can be damaged from high winds, ice, and heavy snow. Wrap your shrubs in burlap to protect them from winter weather conditions and surround your trees with shredded leaves. If you have smaller plants, use overturned plastic pots or bucks to hide them.
\nIt’s a good idea to mow your lawn so the grass doesn’t get too long before the first snowfall. According to gentlemanship guide Joel Flynn, grass that’s too long can not only shade the other blades of grass and affect growth but it can also get packed down under the snow and cause snow mold. You’ll want to keep your grass around 3 inches tall year-round to make sure it’s able to grow properly and receive enough sunlight.
\nLearn How to Grow Grass like a gardening expert.
\nIt’s essential to take care of your plants and lawn before winter hits, but it’s important to give your walkways and driveway some special attention, too. If you have cracks in your concrete or asphalt, water can penetrate these cracks and freeze during the winter months. When the water freezes in the cracks, it expands the cracks and causes even more damage to your walkways and driveway. That said, be sure to apply a sealant to keep water from getting into these cracks while it’s still warm enough to do so.
\nFallen leaves in the yard might look like an autumn postcard at first, but soon enough they turn into a problem. After a while, the leaves start to decay, they become slippery and might be a potential health hazard.
\nUse a leaf blower or a lawn sweeper to collect dead leaves and tidy your yard. Ensure that the house gutters are also free from fallen leaves. Clogged gutters can cause significant water damage if left unattended.
\nYellow, red, brown and all sort of hues formed from these colors are what makes fall such a lovely season. Implement these colors in the outdoor decoration of your property. Collect some of the fallen leaves in your yard and place them in baskets at your front porch.
\nAlso, plant seasonal flowers such as crocuses and goldenrod that bloom in October and November. This way you’ll have an incentive to continue watering your lawn and it will remain greener for longer.
\nWhen the trees in your yard lose their leaves, any hidden flaws of the exterior of your home will be exposed. According to manhood culture and lifestyle expert Joel Flynn, poor looks mean it’s time to make an inspection and dedicate some time for small repairs and improvements.
\nUse a pressure washer to clean the exterior of the house along with the driveway and walkway. Repaint and seal any chipped paint, wipe the windows and their frames. And we’ll say it again because it’s highly important – clean your gutters too.
\nWith summer gone, daylight is also scarce. For the convenience of your own family, inspect the outdoor lights to see if they work properly or need maintenance. Test if they provide enough illumination from the walkway to the entrance of your home.
\nInvest in energy-saving lightbulbs to reduce your electricity bills and also help the environment. If you’re a big fan of the upcoming holidays, get decorative lights and arrange them creatively.
\nRead also: How to Use Lighting To Transform Your Outdoor Space.
\nPumpkin, in all its forms and colors, is the queen of autumn. You can even use it for decorating the exterior of your home. Arrange several pumpkins on the front porch or window sills. Create a DIY wreath from mini pumpkins and seasonal flowers and proudly hang it on the front door.
\nFor more inspiration, check out our 9 Examples of Halloween Inspired Garden Designs.
\nWhatever decoration you choose, make sure it’s tasteful. Don’t overdo it.
\nDuring autumn, the weather is often gloomy. And with fewer colors in the yard, your house will lose its appeal. Use this opportunity to put an emphasis on the front door.
\nRepaint it in a bright color that will make it stand out from the neighborhood doors. Yellow, blue, and red are great options for highlighting the entrance.
\nAlso, check the insulation of the front door and prepare it for the cold months.
\nImprove the curb appeal of your property by installing a new mailbox or upgrading the old one. This can be a fun family project for a rainy afternoon. Customize your mailbox with bright colors, unusual design or whatever else comes to your mind.
\nUse Pinterest for mailbox makeover inspiration.
\nAlso, check if your house numbers need any polishing or replacement. Numbers made from aluminum or stainless steel won’t be affected by the weather changes that much.
\nAutumn is the time to prepare your yard for the cold winter months. Make sure your trees, plants, and walkways are as ready for the snow as you are. Upgrade the exterior of your home and make it vibrant even during the gloomy months.
\nStill, have questions about lawn care?
\nVisit our lawn care page for additional information
Perennials are a great way to add a yearly burst of color to any landscape, and in our temperate climate, there are many great ones to choose from. These 12 great perennials for your Indiana landscape are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive here without a bunch of maintenance. In this article: 1. Black-Eyed […]
\n","content":"\nPerennials are a great way to add a yearly burst of color to any landscape, and in our temperate climate, there are many great ones to choose from. These 12 great perennials for your Indiana landscape are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive here without a bunch of maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan, also called yellow coneflower, is a striking flower because of the contrast between the dark button center and the brilliant yellow petals. For this reason, it’s popular in virtually every transition zone in the country. The Black-eyed Susan takes its time blooming, but once it does, it blooms for months. It looks stunning either on its own or combined with its purple counterpart. A bonus: bees, butterflies, and songbirds adore it.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is easy to care for, adapts to a wide variety of conditions and stands up well to heat, drought, and cold. In short, it’s beautiful and tough.
\n\n\n\n![\"Gaint](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Giant-Sunflower-Helianthus-Giganteus-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joe deSousa / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nAs the name suggests, the giant sunflower is a real showstopper that grows up to 12 feet. This plant is easy to take care of and tolerates dry weather. Additionally, it’s a magnet for bees and a host for various butterfly species. Plus, its seeds are a common snack for birds.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be careful, because the giant sunflower is severely toxic to pets and various animals. It has some toxic effects on humans, too, if ingested.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Shasta-Daisy-Leucanthemum-×-Superbum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Carl Lewis / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe Shasta daisy is a lovely white daisy with a yellow center that blooms from mid-summer to early fall and goes dormant thereafter. It blooms better in full sun but can also withstand partial shade, and it needs about an inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nAs far as its effect on wildlife, butterflies love the Shasta daisy, and deer do not. In fact, deer may be repelled by it.
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans, toxic to pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wood-Lily-Lilium-Philadelphicum-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe wood lily sits on a 1 to 4-foot stalk and is topped by skyward-facing cup-shaped, reddish-orange flowers. There are usually one to four flowers per plant.
\n\n\n\nThe showy blossoms make it a stunning addition to any landscape. The wood lily is great for attracting wildlife like hummingbirds, butterflies, and even rabbits.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Butterfly-Milkweed-Symphyotrichum-Novae-Angliae-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWhat makes butterfly milkweed striking is its clusters of bright flowers atop its short stalk. It grows wild in the prairies and grasslands of the Midwest and Great Plains. Its hardy, tough nature means that it can survive in an array of climates and conditions, which is why it can be found from the New England states to the Southeast and even the desert of the Southwest U.S.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/New-England-Aster-Symphyotrichum-Novae-Angliae-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe charming New England aster produces delicate, purple petals that add color and texture to any landscape. This plant also feeds wildlife like bees and butterflies, and it’s a great cut flower for arrangements. If you’re in the market for low-maintenance plant options, New England aster is great because it doesn’t need much water.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-purpurea-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhere the wood lily forms a skyward-soaring cup, the purple coneflower has an odd downward-facing cone that gives it the appearance of a brightly colored badminton shuttlecock or birdie. Its pink-purple flowers are not only stunning to look at, but they attract wildlife such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds.
\n\n\n\nThe only ding against the purple coneflower is that it is susceptible to diseases, so it’s not as carefree and easy as some other plants on this list..
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nYarrow blooms from late spring to mid-fall, producing clusters of small, white, feathery flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It will flower even longer if you deadhead faded flowers.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also a double threat in your garden: Not only is it pretty, but it’s a highly aromatic plant that gives your garden an amazing fragrance.
\n\n\n\nYarrow requires frequent watering initially, but once established, it can survive with half an inch of watering a week. This plant isn’t bullet-proof, though. Yarrow is susceptible to botrytis mold and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, clay, loam, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans, toxic to pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-3.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: ALAN SCHMIERER / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nThe cardinal flower is named for the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals, so it’s no coincidence that the most striking feature of this plant is its vibrant red petals. Found throughout the United States and as far north as Canada and all the way down to Mexico, it loves moist soils, including wet woodlands, streambanks, swamps and marshy areas. This makes it perfect for a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it needs frequent watering, cardinal flower is otherwise easy to care for. Plus, butterflies like to snack on the flower’s nectar.
\n\n\n\n![\"Different](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-Phlox-Phlox-Paniculata-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bff / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nGarden phlox is a moderately tall perennial that grows wild in forests, woodlands, prairies, and other natural habitats. It sprouts pink, purple, or white clusters atop 3 to 4-foot stems and makes any landscape a head-turner.
\n\n\n\nThe only downside to garden phlox is that it is vulnerable to insect damage and diseases, including powdery mildew, so it needs some attention.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lance-Leaved-Coreopsis-Coreopsis-Lanceolata-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William L. Farr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLance-leaved coreopsis, also called tickseed, is a low-maintenance plant that bathes your yard in hues of brilliant yellow. It grows up to three feet tall, and its large flowers can reach 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
\n\n\n\nLike many of the other plants on this list, lance-leaved coreopsis is tough. It does fine in dry, hot, and humid weather. The plant itself is a perennial that stays green for a long time, although the flowers have a relatively short duration.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Bergamot-Monarda-Fistulosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like showy, fragrant flowers, you’re in for a treat. Wild bergamot is an atypical pink, purple, or white perennial in the bee balm family that smells like a mix of mint and oregano. Because it’s a wildflower, wild bergamot doesn’t take too much care for it to grow well in your yard. Moreover, it attracts various bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nWhile annual plants live for one season, perennial plants grow year after year. However, annuals are known for their vibrant colors, and some of them self-seed.
It’s best to plant perennials in fall or spring, but you can plant them at any time of the year before the ground freezes.
Perennials are popular additions to most gardens because they have the dual benefit of being beautiful and, well, perennial; they return year after year. Most of them are pretty hardy as well. They thrive in a variety of pretty tough conditions and climates, so they certainly do well in the temperate climate of Indiana.
\n\n\n\nBut choosing the right plants is only the first step to creating a beautiful yard. You also need to care for it. If you’d like some help, Wikilawn’s lawn care pros are available to do the dirty work for you. Get a quote here.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: PixaBay
\n","title":"12 Great Perennials for Your Indiana Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/1789c/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/107df/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.jpg 320w,\n/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/293e9/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.jpg 500w,\n/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/f2cbb/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.jpg 800w,\n/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/1789c/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.jpg 960w,\n/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/c26c2/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/1dd6e/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/67b76/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.webp 320w,\n/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/8df11/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.webp 500w,\n/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/98a65/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.webp 800w,\n/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/1dd6e/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.webp 960w,\n/static/a01e309f99eb940019e9fa504bb8b21e/3cc96/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Indiana-Landscape.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Great Perennials for Your Indiana Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Perennials turn a hum-drum yard beautiful, and they return year after year, so you won’t invest countless hours planting flowers every spring."}}},{"node":{"id":"ea7b9094-cbde-5a39-9eab-2dbc7e652379","slug":"spring-lawn-care-north-georgia","path":"/lawn-care/ga/spring-lawn-care-north-georgia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"As springtime takes hold in North Georgia, you’re looking at new life budding from your awakening lawn. But if you want your lawn to reach peak condition this spring and summer, it’s important to give it a little early-season pampering. To help you do that, our lawn experts have put together 12 spring lawn care […]
\n","content":"\nAs springtime takes hold in North Georgia, you’re looking at new life budding from your awakening lawn. But if you want your lawn to reach peak condition this spring and summer, it’s important to give it a little early-season pampering. To help you do that, our lawn experts have put together 12 spring lawn care tips specific to North Georgia.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"raking](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pxfuel.com-4-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nThorough cleaning creates a solid base for your lawn. Over time, your lawn collects dead turfgrass, thatch, leaves, and other debris left behind from the fall and winter. You may have raked well during the fall, but you should still rake it in the spring. Raking allows oxygen and water to penetrate deep into the soil and refresh your lawn for new growth.
\n\n\n\nDon’t neglect the rest of your yard, either. You should:
\n\n\n\nThatch is a layer that builds up above the surface of soil. It is comprised of organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings, etc., and essentially covers and cushions the grass beneath. In small amounts, it feeds your lawn as it decomposes and helps soil retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nBut, too much of anything is bad. Excess thatch can suffocate your lawn and create a moist, inviting space for pests. This often occurs in patches – dead grass and other debris forms a thick mat above healthy soil and prevents air, nutrients, and water from penetrating the root system.
\n\n\n\nWhen thatch reaches an inch or more, know that it’s time to pull out your rake or dethatcher (verticutter or vertical mower) from the shed.
\n\n\n\nWhen do you dethatch? The best time to detach your North Georgia lawn is late spring through early summer. And for cool-season lawns, late summer and early fall is the right time to dethatch.
\n\n\n\n![\"brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/31418522411_f5e1d31798_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kris Lord / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSpringtime in Georgia typically breeds diseases because rising temperatures and humidity create an ideal breeding ground for bugs and microbes. This is how your lawn generally will tell you that something’s wrong:
\n\n\n\nBefore new growth starts, it’s important to treat any lawn disease. Some general tips that can help your lawn stay repel diseases and pests include:
\n\n\n\nA little knowledge about Georgia’s turfgrass diseases and their growth habits will help you catch and treat them timely. Here are some lawn diseases that are common in North Georgia.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of brown patch in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of fairy ring in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat fairy ring:
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of dollar spot in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of rust in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat rust:
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of slime mold in a lawn:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat slime mold:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_grasflache_4_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lupus in Saxonia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAnother excellent way of helping your lawn develop a thick, green carpet through the summer is to overseed in spring.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding involves laying grass seeds over your existing lawn so more grass can grow. Understandably, the right time to do this is the growing season. This fills in thinning or bare patches in the early spring so your lawn is ready to contend with Georgia’s summer heat.
\n\n\n\nWhen is the right time to overseed?
\n\n\n\nFor warm-season grasses growing in Georgia, plant new seeds between March and July. and for cool-season grasses, the most appropriate time to overseed is between September and mid-October.
\n\n\n\nNOTE: Make sure that you overseed after your lawn has received all the treatments it needs. Preferably, you’d do this after you aerate and dethatch to make sure the seeds have better access to the soil. The ideal soil temperature should be around 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\n![\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-greta-hoffman-7728397-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to test the soil before you start. North Georgia lawns usually do just fine despite their clay soils, but this doesn’t guarantee that the soil on your lawn is ideal for what you grow. A soil test let you know what your lawn has and what it lacks.
\n\n\n\nWhat’s a soil test? It’s simply a check for the pH level of the soil, acidity, nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics to determine your lawn’s health. Soil tests also reveal the fertility levels, salt levels, and organic matter percentages of the soil.
\n\n\n\nYou can test the soil using a DIY kit and read the results according to the guidelines given. Or you can send a sample to your local Extension Service for expert analysis.The test will indicate what soil amendments you should add, such as phosphorus, lime, calcium, potassium, or magnesium.
\n\n\n\nMake sure you apply all the soil amendments at least one month prior to fertilizing your lawn for the first time. Fertilizers and amendments can counteract or interfere with each other.
\n\n\n\nYour soil test will also indicate the appropriate fertilizer applications for your turf. Your Georgia lawn might not need any fertilizer at all. But make sure you get to the fertilizing part after your lawn has greened up and is actively growing.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to fertilize in North Georgia is late spring through summer for warm-season grasses. We recommend using a slow-release fertilizer to aid steady and consistent growth through the spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nGet ready for the first mow of the year as soon as you see your lawn green up in the spring. For most grass species, you can cut when the height exceeds 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nA few general rules to keep in mind about lawn mowing:
\n\n\n\nWhen you start, know the right mowing height for your grass type. Both warm-season and cool-season grasses can thrive in Georgia if you take proper care. Here’s the recommended mowing height for 7seven grass types that do well in North Georgia:
\n\n\n\n| Grass type | Recommended height |
| Bermudagrass | 1 ¼ – 1 ½ inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2 -3 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 1.5 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2.5 – 3 inches |
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYour lawn’s watering schedule has a huge impact on its overall health. Sometimes, all you need to do to fix a dull lawn is to water it more precisely.
\n\n\n\nIn early spring, the soil is still wet and is recovering from the winter. This is not the right time to start watering. Start watering only after the grass starts to grow. Some watering tips to help you build a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\nAn important spring task for homeowners in North Georgia is to stop weeds in their tracks. The ideal time to apply a pre-emergent weed blocker in Georgia is from February to March, before applying fertilizer. The soil temperature should be somewhere between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit at this time.
\n\n\n\nMake sure you apply the pre-emergent herbicide before you plant new grass seeds. This is because if it’s too close to the time you plant new seeds it will make it difficult for grass to grow.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides are typically easy to apply due to their granular texture. You can apply it with a spreader but make sure you’re using protective equipment and taking all precautions before application.
\n\n\n\n![\"tool](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3409167404_35aeb9659b_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAeration involves poking holes in compacted soil to let air, nutrients, and water reach grass roots better. But this practice isn’t suitable for springtime because:
\n\n\n\nThere is one exception to this: if you find your yard lacking in spring growth because the soil is heavily compacted, you might want to consider aerating after all.
\n\n\n\nAs your Georgia lawn is waking up from its winter nap, you need to gear up for what’s coming. Pull out your power tools, weed eater, lawn mower, and hedge trimmer from their slumber and get them ready for weekly work.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a little checklist to help you do some basic tool management in the spring:
\n\n\n\nWorking on your lawn can be relaxing and super rewarding; no arguments there. But many homeowners simply don’t have the time, expertise to do it.
\n\n\n\nEven if you’re a DIYer, it might be hard to manage everything as the growth starts. Hiring a good lawn care team for weekly or monthly lawn maintenance is the best solution. They’re trained and appropriately equipped to deal with all types of landscapes and solve your lawn issues.
\n\n\n\nYou can call in one of our lawn care pros to lend a hand this spring as you prep for the warm months ahead.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Greenville, GA / Saverivers / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"12 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners in North Georgia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/1789c/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/107df/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 320w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/293e9/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 500w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/f2cbb/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 800w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/1789c/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 960w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/c26c2/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/1dd6e/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/67b76/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 320w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/8df11/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 500w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/98a65/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 800w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/1dd6e/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 960w,\n/static/2c16a96ba68290486b828d95258db43b/3cc96/1280px-Champinole_Greenville_GA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners in North Georgia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Follow these 13 spring lawn care tips for North Georgia to help your lawn awaken from its slumber the right way."}}}],"postCity":{}}}}![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/OYUJmsAhjOL_12ejgsqQGm-PH5u6cR1poMH61G9d17gcXkMC1yIrgZywaHB950PGqIkqHwTc5b59jHDuvp3vIqwJbDSaa9sFON2uLxKqjX8ZjrsdCmD2tEVtWh7ct1Irp3YOcqsz\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wLBMbKbYdIvirmtZPsuLPduwaG0AIv0woEa8F2e1d9_c5gTZjl2qyeHgeqmUqq_boN3Lte-PVnmunQ1f2KqovI-oCo-rloSaUKsDDBwLP32OGcc4kIi2nj3o-udLwgfBmc2oEAv2\")
![Source](\"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/CSIRO_ScienceImage_1739_Testing_soil_pH.jpg\"){kind=link}