![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
From the educational exhibits and programs at Great Plains Nature Center to the beaches, hiking, and fishing available at Lake Shawnee, Kansas is home to many places to learn about and enjoy nature. You can continue to enjoy nature and celebrate it by creating a home environment filled with the best native plants for Kansas. […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the educational exhibits and programs at Great Plains Nature Center to the beaches, hiking, and fishing available at Lake Shawnee, Kansas is home to many places to learn about and enjoy nature. You can continue to enjoy nature and celebrate it by creating a home environment filled with the best native plants for Kansas. Keep reading to find out the 10 best native plants to create a beautiful and diverse home garden.
\n\n\n\nNative plants not only promote biodiversity and support the local ecosystem, but they can also reduce the amount of time you spend on upkeep. Because they have adapted to the local climate, native plants typically require fewer waterings, fertilizers, and other maintenance tasks than non-native plants.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed, also known as butterfly weed, has bright orange flowers and wide green leaves that are an attractive addition to any native plant garden. However, all parts are poisonous if ingested. Butterfly milkweed is also an eye and skin irritant. As lovely as these summer blossoming flowers are, take precautions if you plant this herb and you have children or pets.
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed embraces stability and does not transplant well once planted. It requires minimal maintenance and is pest and disease tolerant. Milkweeds are crucial for the survival of the monarch butterfly. Their population has reduced significantly in the past two decades. Plant this herb in borders or a butterfly garden and proudly support your local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Most areas of Eastern and Central Kansas and limited areas of Eastern Kansas
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to animals and humans if ingested. Possible skin and eye irritants if touched.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nThis beautiful herb has no shortage of fluffy-looking, striking yellow flowers. The petals are layered on top of each other, although you can also find them arranged side by side like a saucer with a slight upward bend.
\n\n\n\nLargeflower tickseed is indeed a large flower, measuring two inches across. This easy-to-grow flowering herb attracts butterflies and bees. It prefers full sun and is especially ideal for the South Central area.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, tickseed will survive off the area’s rainfall and may require watering once biweekly, at the most. This herb has also proven to grow well in the droughts of Northwestern Kansas. Plant it in cottage gardens or use it as an accent plant or container plant.
\n\n\n\nTo enjoy blossoms from late spring to late summer, remove the spent flower shoots.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Limited counties in all regions
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant, 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some people are allergic to tickseed. This herb is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Tickseed may attract aphids, aster leafhoppers, or coreopsis beetles.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, fertilize and deadhead to encourage robust blooms.
\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 3.0
\n\n\n\nLooking for a blast of fall color? This richly red flower blooms from midsummer to early fall. It enjoys moisture so much that it withstands brief flooding. If you are looking at low-maintenance landscaping ideas like rain gardens and xeriscaping, cardinal flower is a good choice.
\n\n\n\nBe mindful of its toxic potential. It’s harmful if large quantities are ingested.
\n\n\n\nHummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to this flower. Cardinal thrives in full sun but expects afternoon shade to grow at its best. If your soil remains wet, your property is a good home for this flower.
\n\n\n\nApply root mulch during the cold Kansas winters to protect cardinal flower’s root system and ensure sufficient room for the roots to grow.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Select counties in all regions
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Fall and Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if large amounts are ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is also called pink double delight. It has small-petaled reddish or purple flowers that look like little pom-poms that sit atop longer petals of the same color.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is a favorite for homeowners wanting to see magnificent color during the cold Kansas winters. The pink double delight continues to bloom until frost.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower looks great in borders, beds, and wildflower gardens. It is deer resistant and tolerant of pests and diseases. This flower is very low maintenance and is even known to grow well when neglected.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None; has medicinal properties
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\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\nThese yellow flowers cluster near the top of upright stems that reach up to five feet high. Showy goldenrod catches the attention of butterflies, bees, and birds. This flower has a rating of medium flammability, so it is not the best plant to place near the barbeque grill or outdoor fire pit.
\n\n\n\nShowy goldenrod thrives on properties with a lot of sun or partial shade. You will not have to water it much, as it is drought-tolerant once established. Add it to cottage gardens or borders. It’s not picky about soil choice, but moist soils may cause this showy wildflower to become aggressive.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Select areas of Eastern and Central Kansas; not native to Western Kansas
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: July to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Medium flammability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to Medium; May have to divide it every 2 years for size management.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/800px-Schizachyrium_scoparium_4zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nReady for a little winter color? Little bluestem is blue-green in the summer, yellow-orange in the fall, and copper in the winter.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is very adaptable and thrives in the wetter and drier areas of Kansas. It is humidity, heat, and drought-tolerant. Bluestem is easy to grow and will do well in a yard that gets a lot of sun.
\n\n\n\nBecause it is drought-resistant once established, little bluestem is ideal for rock gardens. Plant it on slopes to take advantage of its erosion control properties. Little bluestem is classified as a warm-season grass, so it is a great choice for a low-maintenance groundcover to replace turfgrass in lawns.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to moist, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August – February
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is another plant that adds a little fall color. It blossoms for at least six weeks, starting in late summer. This flower looks like a daisy. It has pink petals emerging from a yellow center. Dark green leaves grow on stems that stand three to six feet tall.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster’s roots have been used for medicinal purposes, and it’s naturally found in moist soil or drying sandy soil.
\n\n\n\nThis daisy imposter attracts butterflies and bees. Plant it in butterfly gardens and cottage gardens and give it space for adequate air circulation.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Eastern Kansas; not native to Central and Western Kansas
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer – early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Nontoxic
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. If it grows tall, it may require staking or other support. Pinching back stems before midsummer controls plant height and promotes flower growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/372193348_617265a4e6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dinesh Valke / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nFall phlox has small white flowers that clump together atop stems with dark green leaves. The flower opens to show a yellow center.
\n\n\n\nLike New England aster, fall phlox needs space for good airflow. Although this herb is a breathtaking display, she takes some extra work to maintain because of her high susceptibility to diseases and pests. For example, to manage her risk of powdery mildew, plant her so that she receives adequate air circulation. Do not water her from the top, and remove her from the garden in the winter.
\n\n\n\nDespite all the fuss she causes, fall phlox is a great choice for pollinator gardens and in perennial borders. She also supports the ecosystem by attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other birds.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: South Central, Northwest, and limited areas of Eastern Kansas
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 ft
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: No hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pink-evening-primrose-g6b9ec0b4d_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nPinkladies, also called Mexican primrose, have four large white petals. You may also see her boasting pink petals. In either case, she has a yellow center and white stigmas. The stems are erect, and this showy herb beckons hummingbirds, bees, and hawk moths to pollinate the petals.
\n\n\n\nAlthough she requires full sun, she tolerates a variety of soils. If you have a lot of shade and poor soil, pink ladies will understandably adapt.
\n\n\n\nShe works well in coastal gardens and wildflower gardens. Because this herb tolerates drought, she is a good choice for rock gardens. Mexican primrose can get beside herself and become invasive. As a result, she is earmarked as an excellent option for groundcover.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Southeast and most of Eastern and Central Kansas; limited areas of Northwest Kansas
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained sand, loam, clay, or rocky soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-Medium, Drought-resistant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Plant in a confined space to prevent overgrowth. Prune or mow in late summer or early fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/40977811455_49680606f2_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schluz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a tall shrub, look no further. Spicebush grows up to 12 feet tall. She is known for her small yellow flowers that sprout in early to mid-spring and red berries that follow. The ripe berries attract small mammals and birds in the fall. The flowers are prey to pollinators and butterflies. The twigs and leaves have been used for medicinal purposes and teas, and the fruit has been used as a spice.
\n\n\n\nWoodland gardens and rain gardens provide a wonderful spot for spicebush to showcase her fall color.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Select areas of Southeast Kansas; not native in other areas
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist but well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Allspice
\n\n\n\nBloom Time/Season of Interest: Spring and autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6-12 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None; all parts of the plant aside from the roots and stems are edible and female plants have edible berries
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nYou’ll want plants with the necessary hardiness to survive the hot Kansas summers, cold winters, multiple soil types, and varying rainfall levels. Choose plants that are most likely to thrive in your area of the state. Plants not native to your area may still grow well, but it may take more maintenance to keep them alive and thriving.
\n\n\n\nSome other things you can do to choose the best native plants are:
\n\n\n\nResearch can be your best friend. Gather all the information necessary to make sure your vegetation is a practical fit for your yard’s conditions, your maintenance preferences, and your family composition.
\n\n\n\nHere are some benefits of using native plants:
• Native plants are adapted to the Kansas climate. They will still require some maintenance to be healthy, but they require less watering, fertilizing, and other tasks that may be necessary to keep non-native plants thriving.
• Native plants are adapted to local diseases and pests. These plants require fewer, if any, chemical treatments, like pesticides and fungicides, to manage infestations and insect problems.
• Because fewer pesticides, fertilizer, and other toxic substances are needed on native plants, fewer chemicals run off into the water supply.
• Native plants support the local ecosystem by providing food and habitat to local pollinators, insects, and wildlife.
• Blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
• Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa)
• Rose verbena (Glandularia canadensis)
• Smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
• Pussytoes (Antennaria parlinii)
• Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Eastern blue star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
• Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Beebalm (Monarda bradburiana)
• Royal catchfly (Silene regia)
• Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
• Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
• Wintercreeper euonymus (Euonymus fortunei var. coloratus)
• Purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma)
• Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
• Shrub rose (Rosa spp.)
You probably already know you can find native plants at The Wichita Gardens. But if you want native plants to start your own garden, the Kansas Native Plant Society has information on native plant sales, nurseries, and more.
\n\n\n\nYou now have the resources to create a home environment that provides habitats and food sources for local pollinators and insects. Let’s get you over to the Kansas City Zoo to see wildlife that you won’t see, and probably don’t want to see, visiting your property. (The zoo is for little and big kids, which includes you.) Hand over your outdoor mowing, edging, and trimming chores to a local lawn care pro so you can do something else.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Purple Coneflower / James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nThere’s a reason one of Los Angeles’ nicknames is City of Flowers and Sunshine: Its Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal location for growing plants. But not every plant is ideal for every climate. If you want an amazing garden, it’s always best to choose native plants that can thrive in the area.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at 10 of the best native plants for LA.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are all kinds of reasons to use native plants, the most important being that they are well-adapted to your climate, so they have a greater likelihood of surviving and thriving under the unique conditions in your area. Here is why:
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5501710064_6f35aee311_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris Samuel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBuckwheat plants are not only stunning but also known for being healthy and nutritious. They bloom in late spring, and various beneficial wildlife is attracted to their flowers. You can expect to enjoy them together with birds, bees, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nYou can pick from eight different types of LA-native buckwheat. For example, California buckwheat is particularly attractive to honey bees. On the other hand, the Bernardino dotted-blue butterfly feasts on ashyleaf buckwheat.
\n\n\n\nBuckwheat plants have short growing seasons, need little care, and can keep weeds from growing. Some types of buckwheat don’t tolerate cold weather well, so check your area’s hardiness zone and the plant’s hardiness before you buy it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habbit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
Duration: Annual
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Dry or mostly dry, well-draining soils
Maintenance needs: Cut back every few years to encourage healthy new growth and control shape
Potential hazards: None known (if consumed in moderation)
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1culinary-sage-quotsalvia-officinalisquot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nSage comes in various, stunning colors that bloom in the summer. And sage plants are generally seen as non-toxic if consumed in small quantities.
\n\n\n\nThere are 13 species of sage native to Los Angeles, and each plant is unique in its own way. For example, black sage is among the most popular types of sage. Hummingbird sage, on the other hand, attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators and birds with its bright red flowers.
\n\n\n\nSome types of sage tolerate cold well, and some don’t, so check your area’s hardiness zone and the plant’s hardiness before you buy it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial or annual depending on species and location
Foliage: Varies by type but often deciduous in Los Angeles’ dry climate
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Prune lightly in spring; remove dead flowers to encourage more blooms
Potential hazards: Toxic when eaten in high or consistent doses; toxicity levels depend on growing conditions and season
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5965186545_e6a73bf093_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: chuck b. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCalifornia fuchsia brighten your garden with their vibrant red-orange flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. California fuchsia is favored by hummingbirds, as well as other pollinators and birds. It’s a great option to bring wildlife into your yard while improving your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 3 to 18 inches tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Cut back to the ground after flowering season to promote healthy new growth; water once a month during summer in dry areas
Potential hazards: None known for humans nor most animals
![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_800px-ceanothus_-_california_lilac.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Changku88 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCalifornia lilac is a beautiful and low-maintenance shrub. It produces vibrant blue, purple, pink, or white flowers in the spring and summer. It’s also drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators, butterflies, and moths. California lilac is suitable for the warmest parts of LA, where temperatures don’t go below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your minimum local temperature here.
\n\n\n\nThere’s a variety of options to choose from. Nine kinds of California lilac are native to Los Angeles, ranging from the rare San Diego ceanothus to the more common buck brush.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, some afternoon shade in hotter areas
Soil preferences: Any well-draining soil
Maintenance needs: Lightly prune and remove dead limbs as needed
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4666396689_7a12cff0ca_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Staley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe flowers of the flannel bush plant are large and showy. They bloom in late spring to early summer. Bees and butterflies are attracted to their deep yellow to orange-red blossoms. The plant can grow tall if you take care of it, so it works well for homeowners who want extra privacy.
\n\n\n\nTake note that the flannel bush is suitable for areas where temperatures don’t go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your local minimum temperature here.
\n\n\n\nThe plant itself isn’t toxic. However, its stem and leaves can irritate skin and eyes upon contact, so be cautious.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
Mature size: 6 to 20 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Well-draining, sandy soils
Maintenance needs: Avoid summer watering and severe pruning, as these can kill the plant
Potential hazards: Toxic stem and leaves that can irritate skin and eyes
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/plant-fruit-berry-flower-food-red-443747-pxhere.com-1-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nToyon, also called the California Holly, can be a shrub or a small tree that grows tall quickly when it receives the right care. It’s superb for attracting local wildlife. The plant has white flowers that bloom in the summer and attract pollinators and birds.
\n\n\n\nToyon then produces red berries in the winter. It’s a popular food source for mockingbirds, American robins, and cedar waxwings. Be cautious, though, because they’re toxic to other animals and humans.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
Mature size: 6 to 10 feet typically, can reach up to 30 feet
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Tolerates most soil types
Maintenance needs: Prune as needed to maintain desired shape and height
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou’ve almost certainly seen the common yarrow in meadows and along roadsides, with its white, pink, or yellow flower clusters. It is a hardy perennial that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. It’s beneficial for birds like starlings, who gather common yarrow for their nests. If you want a charming, easy-care plant that attracts both birds and pollinators, common yarrow may be a great choice.
\n\n\n\nTake note, though, that the plant is toxic and shouldn’t be ingested. It can also cause irritation if touched.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
Soil preferences: Tolerates most soil types
Maintenance needs: Cut off dead flowers to encourage more blooms; treat common problems like aphids, mildew, and stem rot as needed
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_800px-opuntia_littoralis_upper_newport_bay_feb_2014_08.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nandaro / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe coastal prickly pear is an easy-care, attractive cactus plant. It does well in the warmest parts of LA, where temperatures don’t go below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (check your local minimum temperature here). This cactus has oval branches and bears purplish fruits. Its flowers bloom from spring to summer and support pollinators and birds.
\n\n\n\nHowever, keep in mind that the plant and its fruits are prickly and highly toxic for dogs and other animals. Although people like to snack on the plant’s fruit, some of its other parts are mildly toxic for humans, too. There isn’t enough data about the safety of coastal prickly pear fruit or pads, so vulnerable people such as children and pregnant women should avoid eating them.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to know if you can enjoy the fruit of your coastal prickly pear or not, make sure you discuss your diet with a medical professional.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Cactus
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Sandy soils
Maintenance needs: Make sure roots don’t get too damp, otherwise they’ll rot.
Potential hazards: Prickly; highly toxic for pets, especially dogs; mildly toxic for humans; not enough data regarding the safety of its fruit or pads
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_blue-eyed-grass-wildflowers-1533299474atm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nWestern blue-eyed grass, also called the California blue-eyed grass, has delicate blue flowers. It requires little maintenance and is even considered fire-resistant. Additionally, it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. You can consider planting this flower in your yard for a pop of color and ecological benefits.
\n\n\n\nMost types of blue-eyed grass aren’t toxic, but there isn’t enough data to determine the effects of western blue-eyed grass. It can also be easily confused for many similar-looking plants which are highly poisonous. Caution is advised.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Summer semi-deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
Soil preferences: Moist loam soils
Maintenance needs: Water occasionally during summer droughts
Potential hazards: May be toxic and can be easily confused for similar-looking highly toxic plants
![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_16686130046_1524d40e6c_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBeardtongues are a lovely family of flowers, some of which are native to Los Angeles. LA-native beardtongues range between purple, pink, and red to yellow.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most popular kinds of beardtongue is showy penstemon. Showy penstemon is a stunning herb that attracts birds and various insects. Other native beardtongue kinds are the climbing penstemon, the foothill penstemon, the southern foothill penstemon, and the yellow bush penstemon.
\n\n\n\nHowever, beardtongues have toxic effects, so be careful to keep children and pets away from them.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Sub-shrub
Mature size: 6 inches to 4 feet tall depending on species
Duration: Perennial
Foliage: Some species are evergreen, while others are deciduous
Sunlight needs: Full sun
Soil preferences: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils
Maintenance needs: Water 1 inch per week in summer; cut back stems after flowering season
Potential hazards: Toxic
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing Los Angeles natives for your landscape. Make sure to consider your options carefully and pick plants that meet your specific needs and preferences.
\n\n\n\nBe mindful of potential hazards such as toxicity, and do your research to protect your family and pets. Some plants are more toxic than others, but to be on the safe side, you should always keep your pets from eating your garden plants.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, you need to pick plants that are suitable for your hardiness zone. Los Angeles hardiness zones range from 7a to 11a, depending on the area. This means that LAs’ lowest temperatures are between 0 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nAll of the plants in this article can grow in all of Los Angeles’s temperatures, except where mentioned otherwise. You can check your local minimum temperature here.
\n\n\n\nCheck your yard, and you might just find that some native plants have already made a home there. But if you want to plant new natives, never take them directly from the wild because it can disrupt local ecosystems and harm wildlife.
\n\n\n\nInstead, there are ethical sources that can help. Consider purchasing from local plant nurseries that specialize in native plants, such as:
\n\n\n\nPicking beautiful new plants for your yard is a fun experience. Once you’ve decided on the types of plants you want, it’s time to think about other factors that will make your lawn thrive and look its best. Make sure you get the right grass type for your area and that you take care of your lawn properly at each time of the year.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your native plant garden to stay healthy and beautiful, consider hiring one of WikiLawn’s local pros who can handle your landscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Udo Schmidt / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Los Angeles","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6216216216216217,"src":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1789c/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg","srcSet":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/107df/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 320w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/293e9/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 500w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/f2cbb/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 800w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1789c/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 960w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/c26c2/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1dd6e/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/67b76/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 320w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/8df11/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 500w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/98a65/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 800w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/1dd6e/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 960w,\n/static/02562bb55eec8c43160f242e1cc20904/3cc96/rsz_7806866410_505a383cbb_k.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Los Angeles | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are easier to maintain and better for the environment. Find the best native plants for LA here."}}},{"node":{"id":"a34e55ba-1d87-5875-b0d3-f4db65c53f93","slug":"best-native-plants-baltimore","path":"/lawn-care/md/baltimore/best-native-plants-baltimore/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Ayoola Azzan is a versatile writer and investment enthusiast who hails from Nigeria. He loves developing an impactful course and enjoys meditating when at leisure.","name":"Ayoola Azzan","id":"bbad4bd5-6d15-5dbd-a18e-a835dfd091f5","path":"/author/ayoola-azzan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bd07aedf4f4c15974bb501275dee93ce?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d65d5975-f3bf-56a0-86b3-804de72f0ba7","name":"Baltimore","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/baltimore/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2a5e33f9-ad47-575e-b414-2fa0c9049fd1","name":"Maryland","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/"}],"date":"April 5th, 2023","excerpt":"There’s a reason that Baltimore has some of the most beautiful parks on the Eastern seaboard. It’s located in a temperate climate that supports an incredible array of plants. But you don’t have to go to a park to experience all this natural beauty, though. Carefully landscaping your Baltimore yard with native plants gives you […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s a reason that Baltimore has some of the most beautiful parks on the Eastern seaboard. It’s located in a temperate climate that supports an incredible array of plants.
\n\n\n\nBut you don’t have to go to a park to experience all this natural beauty, though. Carefully landscaping your Baltimore yard with native plants gives you the best chance at establishing a yard that is both visually appealing and hardy.
\n\n\n\nBut why native plants?
\n\n\n\nFinding native plants that thrive in the garden can be difficult, as not all are suitable. That’s why we have compiled a list of 11 native plants for your Baltimore home and garden project.
\n\n\n\nWhat we’ll cover in this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/5992418976_285495a522_c-646x485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild bergamot, also known as bee balm, is a popular ornamental perennial that produces clusters of lavender, pink or white flowers. It is one of the easiest wildflowers to grow, with beautiful blooms that last from mid to late summer. With its mint-scented leaves, bergamot is great for mint tea and bouquets.
\n\n\n\nMonarda fistulosa is very appealing to butterflies, hummingbirds, and native bees, which are helpful pollinators—probably why it is also called bee balm. This plant tolerates most soils and a partial shade to full sun location but should not be watered to avoid powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1.5 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Can range from light to deep green to red or purple tinted
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/image-76.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: rockerBOO / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNamed for the bright red color of the Roman Catholic cardinal’s robe, the cardinal flower is recognizable from a distance. It is very hardy, easy to care for, and simple to grow. It blooms for a long time and boasts an intense red color when other perennials are withering. Although the cardinal flower can tolerate full sun or light shade, it is most likely to thrive in filtered light.
\n\n\n\nThis showy perennial is common in Baltimore in marshes, stream banks, and low woods and is favored by hummingbird species for its sweet nectar.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Can range from light to deep green to red or purple tinted
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if eaten in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed, also known as chigger flower, orange milkweed, and pleurisy root, is a colorful native flower that makes a wonderful addition to butterfly gardens, rain gardens, native plantings, prairies, and home gardens. When in bloom (often from May to September), it is easily identified by the flat-topped clusters of large, bright orange flowers at the top.
\n\n\n\nTo thrive, this plant requires direct sunlight. However, it can grow in any soil if it is well-drained, although it prefers sandy soils. As its name suggests, butterfly milkweed serves as a vital host plant, attracting swarms of butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Leaves turn a dull yellow in the fall
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_chelone_glabra_-_white_turtlehead.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTurtlehead, a perennial wildflower of the plantain family, takes its name from its distinctive flowers, which resemble the head of a turtle. The leaves are green, but the flowers are pinkish-purple and bloom between mid-summer and fall.
\n\n\n\nTurtleheads thrive in moist places in any landscape but are also hardy enough to grow in dry soils. They look best when planted in masses, so it’s best to plant them in groups rather than individually.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"clusters](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_1024px-viburnum_dentatum_1zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis native shrub has the charm and hardiness for a wide range of climates, so it will fit into any landscape. It displays a massive showy bloom from late spring to late summer with flat-topped creamy-white flowers and blue-hued berries that are attractive to birds and wildlife. It’s a great species for beautification, wildlife habitat, and gardens or hedges.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of care, the Southern arrowwood shrub is relatively low maintenance due to its adaptability to a variety of soil conditions and locations and has no severe plant or disease problems. The medicinal properties of arrowwood have been known for a long time. Historically, all parts of the plant have been used in various preparations to help heal the body.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Leaves turn shades of yellow, red, or orange
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy,
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/columbine-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild red columbine, also known as Eastern or Canadian columbine, is known for its stunning bell-shaped bloom of red and yellow flowers that appear from late spring to early summer. The beautiful blooms, easy growth, and all-around charm of this native plant make it suitable for home gardens.
\n\n\n\nWhile the toxicity of wild red columbine makes it of little value to most herbivores as a food source, its nectar and foliage provide food for bees, hummingbirds, and insects. As a self-seeding perennial, it spreads more quickly, making it an excellent ground cover.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy,
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Partly toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"four](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_1024px-smooth_blue_aster_symphyotrichum_laeve_washington_island_wisconsin.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis herbaceous perennial is one of the most attractive of the asters, and its smooth leaves set it apart from other asters. It is cold-hardy and continues to thrive even after other plants have faded. It boasts delicate lavender-blue flowers that bloom from August through November and daisy-like petals that give your landscape a whimsical and charming look.
\n\n\n\nMany pollinating insects are attracted to the smooth blue aster, and birds enjoy the seeds. It’s occasionally affected by rot or blight, but simple measures such as growing it in well-drained soil and careful watering can prevent these diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Yellow flower-center reddish later in the season
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sandy, loamy,
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"small](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_pixnio-18980-800x518-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nNamed bluestem goldenrod for its bluish-purple stem, this plant features showy clusters of yellow flowers clinging to greenish-purple stems in late summer and fall. A mature bunch provides an excellent presence and brightens any semi-shaded garden in the late season.
\n\n\n\nBlue-stemmed goldenrod is low-maintenance, easy to grow, and isn’t very demanding on soil conditions; it thrives in clay, loam, organic soils, or almost any soil with dry to moderate moisture. This species doesn’t spread as quickly or as aggressively as other goldenrods. It does well in perennial borders, native gardens, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, or woodland gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3.5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan, also called cornflower because of its corn-shaped head, is seen all over the U.S. but remains Maryland’s state flower. It blooms in the sweltering days of August, brightening flower gardens and open fields like a brilliant sunbeam.
\n\n\n\nThe bright colors of the lemon yellow, orange, and gold flowers bloom for weeks with little maintenance. Black-eyed Susan is relatively easy to grow, spreads quickly (if given space), and is loved by a variety of pollinating insects.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1.5 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; sap can irritate the skin
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/grass-green-leaf-terrestrial-plant-plant-close-up-1600603-pxhere.com_-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nBlue sedge is prized for its unique, stacked form and attractive grass-like leaves that stay steel blue year-round. Its foliage provides a stunning display with its varying textures and distinctive shades of color. Blue sedge is drought tolerant, low maintenance, easy to transplant, and a great addition to borders, rock gardens, ponds, and stream edgings.
\n\n\n\nIt grows best in groups as it forms clumps, making it an excellent ground cover. Move blue sedge until it finds its ideal terrain, as it thrives in shade, sometimes even better than the sun.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ground cover
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 1.5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"frond](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_1024px-cinnamon_fern.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cody Hough / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe cinnamon fern is a large, widespread fern that grows in clumps. It has fertile, feathery, cinnamon-colored fronds that grow in the center of the plant. Its fronds are beautiful when they first appear in the spring and turn bright shades of gold and orange in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe cinnamon fern thrives in the shade and adapts well to garden conditions, but only if kept moist. Perfect for rain gardens or conservation gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Fern
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, moist, rich, humusy, acidic
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to carefully consider the ecosystem when choosing native plants. Before you buy, find out what already works in your soil, sun conditions, temperatures, and moisture to get the best results.
\n\n\n\nFor a city like Baltimore, whose Hardiness Zone range is between 7a and 8a (0–15 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s clear that overwintering is inevitable. So choosing any of the perennials mentioned above for your garden puts homeowners in a safe zone because these plants withstand both the colder winter months and the sunnier summer months.
\n\n\n\nYou can purchase various native plants for your garden and landscaping projects at your local nursery. Check with the Maryland Native Plant Society rather than threatening the plants with extinction by taking them from the wild.
If you want to know more about these plants or other things that could make your lawn healthier, get in touch with our Baltimore lawn care professionals, who will educate you on the latest lawn and garden techniques.
Main Image Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Your Baltimore Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/1789c/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg","srcSet":"/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/107df/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 320w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/293e9/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 500w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/f2cbb/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 800w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/1789c/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 960w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/c26c2/Baltimore-Native-plant.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/1dd6e/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/67b76/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 320w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/8df11/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 500w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/98a65/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 800w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/1dd6e/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 960w,\n/static/184ab2381f745b1449ded65b78709ba6/3cc96/Baltimore-Native-plant.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Your Baltimore Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Beautify your Baltimore garden with diverse, colorful native shrubs, flowers, and trees that work well with the city’s climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"c5ef6238-ac97-57ac-96bd-feccea1e6ce6","slug":"fire-resistant-landscaping-montana","path":"/lawn-care/mt/fire-resistant-landscaping-montana/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"851f9dd2-d0b9-5a5b-a0a0-cf65224620d5","name":"Montana","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mt/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Montana is nicknamed “The Last Best Place” for its natural, rugged terrain. It is home to some of the last uninhabited areas in North America, and every year, residents expand further into its remote regions, increasing populations across the wild landscapes and the chances of wildfires. Wildfire activity continues to increase thanks to Montana’s semi-arid […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is nicknamed “The Last Best Place” for its natural, rugged terrain. It is home to some of the last uninhabited areas in North America, and every year, residents expand further into its remote regions, increasing populations across the wild landscapes and the chances of wildfires. Wildfire activity continues to increase thanks to Montana’s semi-arid climate. All residents, especially those living in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas in remote locations near undeveloped forests or grasslands, should implement these fire-resistant landscaping ideas to protect their homes, families, and landscapes.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nBenefits of Fire-Resistant Montana Landscaping
\n\n\n\n6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Montana
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant landscaping offers many benefits to Montanans, including:
\n\n\n\nWildfires are part of Montana’s past, present, and future. There is no such thing as a completely fireproof landscape. However, you can take steps to protect your home and yard through fire-smart landscaping practices.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dethatcher.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nMay is Wildfire Awareness Month in Montana. The primary goal of firewise landscaping is to keep a wildfire low, minimizing its intensity. Wildfire risk reduction is an ongoing process requiring regular attention to landscape maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMontana wildfire preparedness lawn maintenance activities include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Three](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blanketflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMontana’s mountainous western regions, with their continental climates, receive over 35 inches of annual rainfall. Unfortunately, the steppe climates in the central and eastern regions of the Treasure State only receive around 15 inches of rain or less, far below the national average rainfall of 30 inches, creating a fire-prone habitat.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that no plant is fireproof, and any plant will burn under the right conditions. However, some plants resist ignition and are better suited to withstanding extreme heat. Fire behavior, climate, moisture content, plant size, and flammable or inflammable compounds inside bark or leaves all affect a landscape’s ability to resist ignition.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some of the best fire-resistant plants for the Treasure State:
\n\n\n\nHerbaceous Perennials
\n\n\n\nLow-Growing Groundcover
\n\n\n\nMontana Turfgrass
\n\n\n\nTrees and Shrubs
\n\n\n\nSucculents
\n\n\n\nNot all landscape plants are created equal. In fact, most succulents, salt-tolerant plants, and deciduous trees and shrubs are naturally fire-resistant. Watch for the following characteristics when choosing non-native and native Montana plants:
\n\n\n\nConversely, avoid the following characteristics when choosing landscape plants:
\n\n\n\nFirewise construction comes together with your firescaping to create a complete, fire-resistant landscape. FIrewise structures must reduce fuel sources and exposure. Like plants, not all materials are created equal and many construction materials are combustible.
\n\n\n\nLook for the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nDefensible space, now known as survivable space, involves modifying landscape design, building materials, and inorganic and organic fuel sources to decrease the likelihood of home ignition caused by wildfire. Fire experts encourage all Montana homeowners to firescape and maintain their survivable space, 100 to 200 feet in all directions. This area is known as the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
\n\n\n\nYour home is more likely to survive a wildfire without fire suppression and intervention if grasses, plants, trees, and man-made structures are spaced regularly to reduce a fire’s intensity.
\n\n\n\nMontana recognizes three home zones:
\n\n\n\n| Zone | Distance from Structure | Things to Avoid | Recommendations |
| Zone 1 | 0-30 feet | • Woody, aromatic, or resinous plants • Closely spaced plants • Organic mulch • Woodpiles • Wooden decks, pergolas, or trellises | • Fire-resistant plants, shrubs, and trees • Short, green, well-maintained turfgrass • 100-foot garden hose attached to home • Gravel, flagstone, and non-flammable composite decking and hardscapes • Accessible driveway with visible address |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 feet | • Vegetation near wood piles, fuel tanks, or outbuildings • Dense, closely-spaced vegetation • Organic debris piles | • Location for storage shed or outbuilding • Recycle or compost instead of burning • Thin and prune coniferous trees • Store woodpiles and propane tanks |
| Zone 3 | 100-200+ feet | • Dense thickets of shrubs or trees • Overgrowth | • Prune and thin trees • Regularly monitor re-sprouting |
![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hardscaping.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative plants are adapted to the harsh and dry conditions of Big Sky Country. The unpredictable weather can make outdoor lawn maintenance a burden, while the semi-arid climate makes growing a dense, green yard difficult. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance and watering and reducing your landscape’s fire risk.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for your landscape. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Be sure to consider materials and location when choosing and installing your hardscapes. Keep wooden structures away from vegetation inside Zone 2 of your home’s survivable space. Stone hardscapes and garden paths make great additions to Zone 1.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nAccording to the National Park Service, humans cause almost 85% of all wildfires in the the U.S. Creating defensible space, maintaining your landscape, and planting fire-resistant species are small steps you can take to help increase the survivability of your property while using common sense and adopting fire-smart habits to decrease Montana’s chances of wildfires.
\n\n\n\nFire-smart habits include:
\n\n\n\nYes. Your roof comprises two-thirds of your home’s outer structure, and it is its most vulnerable component. It can easily catch fire from floating embers. Select a Class A roofing material for the best fire resistance and limit the length of eaves and overhangs.
Montana’s fire season runs from May through October, but wildfires can occur at any time under the right conditions.
In Montana, human negligence from debris burning, campfires, or landscaping and farm equipment cause 75% of all wildfires.
Fire-prone regions like Big Sky Country are arid, and drought-resistant landscaping performs best under these conditions. Switching to drought-resistant landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In steppe climates like Montana where average rainfall is less than 15 inches per year, water conservation is important. Consider integrating our drought-resistant landscaping tips into your fire-resistant landscape.
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant landscaping is only a small part of your fire preparedness plan. From designing evacuation routes to creating emergency supply kits and securing furry family members, there is a lot to consider.
Give yourself peace of mind and check one thing off your to-do list. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your fire-resistant landscape design.
Main Photo by: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1789c/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/107df/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 320w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/293e9/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 500w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/f2cbb/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 800w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1789c/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 960w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/c26c2/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1dd6e/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/67b76/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 320w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/8df11/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 500w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/98a65/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 800w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1dd6e/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 960w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/3cc96/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Keep your property safe from wildfire with these 6 fire-resistant landscaping ideas for Montana and enhance your outdoor space while staying protected."}}},{"node":{"id":"90c69ec4-f8f5-5fd8-97b7-23873bde68b8","slug":"when-to-plant-grass-seed-in-massachusetts","path":"/lawn-care/ma/when-to-plant-grass-seed-in-massachusetts/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"33c4a526-c6f7-5d9e-96d4-d1803a4d03b7","name":"Massachusetts","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/"},{"id":"b2017967-36f8-5ac9-b071-8e4cd20e8690","name":"Uncategorized","count":1,"path":"/category/uncategorized/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"With its picturesque landscapes and prestigious institutions like Harvard and UMass, Massachusetts boasts a wealth of luscious green lawns. However, certain challenges can arise amidst this verdant beauty, from pests and diseases to unpredictable weather and irregular maintenance practices, leading to damage and the need for reseeding. To achieve a vibrant and resilient turf, it […]
\n","content":"\nWith its picturesque landscapes and prestigious institutions like Harvard and UMass, Massachusetts boasts a wealth of luscious green lawns. However, certain challenges can arise amidst this verdant beauty, from pests and diseases to unpredictable weather and irregular maintenance practices, leading to damage and the need for reseeding.
\n\n\n\nTo achieve a vibrant and resilient turf, it becomes imperative to master the art of timing – knowing when to plant grass seed in Massachusetts. By understanding the optimal windows of opportunity, you can have a thriving lawn that will be the pride of your property.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Raindrops](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/rain-on-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Johannes Plenio from Pexels / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIn the Bay State, the best time to plant grass seeds is early fall – specifically from late August to early September (Aug. 15 – Sept. 15). Fall offers several advantages for successful grass seed germination and establishment.
\n\n\n\nException: Zoysiagrass is the only warm-season grass that grows in Massachusetts, and it’s an exception to the fall planting rule. If you plan to use this grass type for your lawn, plant seeds after the last frost, usually in late spring or early summer. This is the optimal seed germination time for Zoysiagrass, and once grown, it thrives in hot weather.
\n\n\n\n![\"Snow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/snow-in-massachusetts-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: DenisTangneyJr / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWhile fall is generally the most recommended time for seeding lawns, there are specific reasons why the other seasons may not be optimal for seeding. Here’s a breakdown of the challenges associated with each season:
\n\n\n\nSpring may be your second-best ideal time for planting due to milder temperatures and increased rainfall. But inconsistent weather patterns and fluctuating temperatures during these months, especially during early spring, will make you think otherwise. Plus, soil temperatures aren’t warm enough until April or May, and the air temperatures get very high by the end of May or early June.
\n\n\n\nThese conditions can make it challenging for newly seeded grass to establish strong root systems before the onset of hot summer weather. And since weeds tend to thrive during spring, they can compete with the newly germinated grass for resources and hinder its growth.
\n\n\n\nDue to cold temperatures and frost, this time of year is not suitable for seeding. If your yard is covered in snow, it would be impossible to seed your lawn. And even without snow on the ground, new seeds require consistent soil temperatures above a certain threshold for germination to occur.
\n\n\n\nMost lawns in the state have cool-season grasses, which tend to go dormant when temperatures rise. Therefore, planting in the summer leads to poor seed germination and death of the seedlings.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, the high temperatures and increased evaporation rates during this season can lead to soil drying out quickly, making it challenging to keep the seedbed consistently moist, which is essential for germination.
\n\n\n\n![\"Seed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/seed-spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jon Rehg / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIn Massachusetts, planting grass seeds is relatively easy. For a beautiful lawn, follow these simple steps:
\n\n\n\n![\"Installing](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ikostudio / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nPlanting grass seed isn’t hard, but sometimes the seed doesn’t take, and that’s frustrating. Before you pull your hair out, try these grass seed planting tips:
\n\n\n\nOnce your lawn is established, mow it often to stimulate root and tiller growth. And remember to follow the 1/3 rule.
\n\n\n\n![\"Kingston,](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/8401010173_5c22d918a5_k-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug Kerr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nMassachusetts has sandy, acidic soil, which can be a challenge for some grasses. To cut down on maintenance, choose one of the five best grass seed types for Massachusetts.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Paolinio / Pixabay / License
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is one of the best grass seeds you can plant on your Massachusetts lawn due to its exceptional adaptability to the region’s diverse environmental conditions. With its tolerance for shade, drought, and poor soil quality, this cool-season grass thrives in various settings. Unless temperatures soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, fine fescue lawns stay green all summer long.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5552536384_1bc90958b3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ferran Pestaña / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith its exceptional durability and moderate tolerance to foot traffic, Kentucky bluegrass creates a lush, dense turf that can withstand the harsh New England winters. It can easily recover from damage and fill in bare spots. However, its short roots can make absorbing essential nutrients and water challenging, so it’s often mixed with other grass types like fescues or ryegrass.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lolium_perenne_TK_2021-06-26_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: T. Kebert / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass creates an aesthetically pleasing turf with its fine texture and vibrant green color. It’s highly resistant to pests and diseases and boasts exceptional tolerance to cold temperatures and foot traffic. This cool-season grass has rapid germination and establishment speed, making it an excellent option for overseeding lawns. It’s also used as a companion or nurse grass to steady delicate grass types.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is unique from other popular Massachusetts grass types because of its shiny, wide, ribbed, dark green coarse leaves. With its excellent cold tolerance, it can survive frigid winters. But because of its bunched growth, it’s best used as a stand-alone grass. If mixed with other grass types, your lawn becomes patchy. It may require overseeding but not dethatching.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhile this warm-season grass may not be the best grass seed choice for planting in Massachusetts due to the state’s cooler climate, some homeowners still opt to use it. It thrives in regions with long, hot summers and mild winters, prefers full sun, and requires high temperatures to grow and establish properly. Hidden under snow, it will go dormant in the winter.
\n\n\n\nNot all grass seed is blue, but blue grass seed has a chemical coating. The coating helps seed germination, reduces the amount of needed water, and protects the seed from disease.
If you let the grass grow, seed heads will form at the top of a long thin stem, similar to crabgrass or wheat. Each grass type has different-looking seed heads, but they all form similarly.
Technically, yes. But while you can toss grass seeds onto your lawn, using a spreader is better for more even and successful seed distribution. Tossing seeds by hand can result in uneven coverage, leading to patchy or sparse areas of grass growth.
With a spreader, the seeds have a better chance of germinating and establishing a healthy, uniform lawn. It also helps control the amount of seed applied and prevents over-seeding or under-seeding in certain areas.
Once you’ve established your new lawn, keep it healthy by following these tips:
\n\n\n\nIf you want a healthy, robust lawn but don’t have the time to maintain it, you’re not alone. It’s hard work, so many homeowners turn to highly-rated lawn care professionals to handle lawn maintenance. Whether you’re in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, or somewhere in between, Wikilawn can help you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: DenisTangneyJr / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"When to Plant Grass Seed in Massachusetts","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/1789c/harvard-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/107df/harvard-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/293e9/harvard-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/f2cbb/harvard-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/1789c/harvard-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/c26c2/harvard-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/1dd6e/harvard-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/67b76/harvard-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/8df11/harvard-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/98a65/harvard-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/1dd6e/harvard-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4bdd245d1bc836faabf45dda5df1af29/3cc96/harvard-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When to Plant Grass Seed in Massachusetts | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Knowing the best grass types is crucial, but you also must know when to plant grass seed in Massachusetts."}}},{"node":{"id":"b27cda1d-9e47-5825-b5ad-d7efdd9dc615","slug":"the-worst-pests-in-san-antonio-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/the-worst-pests-in-san-antonio-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Photo credit: Thompson Rivers on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA Those summertime pests are back. Is there anything that bugs you more? They get under our skin, our clothing and gardens. Here’s a list of the pests that bug us in San Antonio and some tips on getting rid of them before they make your […]
\n","content":"\nPhoto credit: Thompson Rivers on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nThose summertime pests are back. Is there anything that bugs you more? They get under our skin, our clothing and gardens. Here’s a list of the pests that bug us in San Antonio and some tips on getting rid of them before they make your home their permanent home.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/fire-ant-usda-free.jpg\")
These tiny creatures are easy to miss, especially if you’re not watching where you’re walking. Take a step in one of their piles, and you’ll be wishing you paid more attention. They bite and follow up with a sting. They feed on plants and seeds but sometimes attack small animals. They can also climb inside machinery, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Making matters worse, they’re extremely resilient and can survive cold weather and even floods. (Millions survive hurricane Harvey by clumping together!) Leave enough food lying around, and they’ll make their way inside your home.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easier to prevent a fire ant infestation that to kill them once they’ve made themselves at home. Spread fire ant bait in your backyard in the spring, before the ants form new colonies. You’ll need to do it again in the fall. During the summer, sprinkle the bait three to four feet around each ant mound.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/A9EIztBiu9CDdXAYjzqwm_R3bwQpukvB_BUariKqtFv8lDbt3rC1qVL3fXdnJ-XKsNI-5efuUTDsSeokHQ3sRyJoR43xi4muM8VtCg5ywnqwBEbpY5tIxCYeXswH04BGKbr7H1lV\")
There are plenty of spiders in Texas, but few are as scary as the Black Widow. The females are the most dangerous and easy to spot. They’re black, about an inch and a half long and have a distinctive hourglass, red mark on their backs. Their venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s, according to National Geographic. Fatal bites are rare, but you’ll need to get medical help immediately to avoid extreme discomfort if you’re bitten.
\n\n\n\nSince black widows are nocturnal, it’s best to hunt for their webs during the day. They usually build their webs in dark corners or wood piles where they’re hard to spot. Spray the webs with a liquid insecticide, and it will kill the spiders on contact and prevent new spiders . from moving in. If you have a wood pile, the best thing you can do is constantly rotate the logs. Black widows search for undisturbed places to nest.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/j-XNVCL0zt-BDj8CzJzdbkmUtfe2ygdnFL8HM8kVDNwpIjfWN83Wxda1PYe06UpeI0zIR0BzF3IQCr_y9JR-LUs3beyIJSAGVzyga9WqvCHDo8S6dw4bLtzzQzUWTPJRDkks7PB8\")
Texas is home to 18 species of scorpions. The most common in San Antonio and New Braunfels is the striped bark scorpion. These yellowish-tan creatures with two dark stripes down their back are easy to spot. Like us, scorpions are looking for a cool place to spend the summer. You’ll find them hiding under rocks, logs, landscaping materials, and in dark corners of your home during the day. Like the black widow, they come out at night searching for food. Their stings are rarely deadly, but they are painful and can cause muscle spasms and burning sensations.
\n\n\n\nThe best ways to control them is to keep firewood away from your house and prune trees or shrubs that hang over your house. Keep your grass closely mowed, so they have no place to hide. Spray an insecticide containing permethrin around the perimeter and foundation of your home. Make sure you hit the gutters and any cracks where the critters can hide. And finally, fill all weep holes with steel wool.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/aWiS2v5mD3la9YhLoy6kou_HsLoM0_8llL75EWgQplGWluZXM0D_uJ7cmXeD1Q7697UHdRMMyyckKgtEZG8XP9gMIaIsxCrUj5r4hDCd_NnDU9oKBRAdmQwiXZyDELX2PSbR-rXr\")
The name speaks for itself. Get bitten by one of these critters, and you’ll be dealing with a blister or several. Not only can they be harmful to your skin, but their toxin can be fatal to animals and small children when swallowed. More than 100 species exist in Texas, chewing their way through our vegetable and flower gardens. Though their color varies, the most-common ones found in Texas are black and orangish-yellow with three black stripes.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s tough to completely rid your garden of blister beetles, it’s possible to limit the damage to your plants. Wearing gloves (always!) brush the beetles off your plants into a bucket of soapy water. Shake the plant and watch the beetles fall in the dirt and play dead. Then pick them up and drop them in the bucket. You can spread oyster shell lime around the edge of your garden. It will repel them, but it won’t kill them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1858/42427615240_2b10b8b18d_b.jpg\")
Like the black widow, a brown recluse’s venomous bite can be harmful. And it could take several hours to notice the symptoms. Good news: you’re unlikely to run into them because, like their name, they are shy and try to avoid humans at all costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wa9BQNNN97lupuxdZMENNRHJsQTIGqmk2yacbOY7p7RhuAIVzAlP7zLEIo83ucVG-OAkUfoE2RilkJoK9mN9dR_yrwMGW45InfMC8OD1LmtbslLnaZV2xZo7XOU2sY8jA7t2nhwb\")
Photo credit: Dis da fi we
\n\n\n\nA bite from one of these tiny insects can make you extremely ill. The average size of an adult is slightly larger than a penny but beware of its bite. Some may be infected with a parasite that carries Chagas disease and can leave you with fever-like symptoms, rashes, and a loss of appetite.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZCq76MM2IYpXamdSEAkQtuY0wkC9U5BjWnPV8txzuwetlGtsVCpu5640XNgLUKL7dZo9pdJFigQne5v6dwyLqRxfSbLwyRN49uaaciuAZkZxzgSeaOmruEeiSuqUuOngQAcjRpsa\")
Aedes aegypti mosquito
\n\n\n\nThese bloodsuckers are more than just a nuisance. They’re actually the deadliest creature on the planet, blamed for malaria, zika, dengue fever, encephalitis, and other fatal illnesses. Whether it’s the high-pitched buzz or their sneaky bites, these bugs really bug us and can have you itching for days and sometimes even weeks. There’s plenty to love about Texas, but this just isn’t one of them.
\n\n\n\nOne study published in 2017 named one mosquito species, the Aedes aegypti, as the most common in San Antonio and Bexar County, found in 35% of the traps the scientists laid. But there were a total of 35 different varieties.
\n\n\n\nConsider spraying your home and yard for bugs every three months. You want to kill the bugs and the eggs they leave behind. If you prefer to go organic, you can make your own insecticide with soap, neem oil or vinegar. These potions will kill the bugs without killing the earth.
\n\n\n\nIf you decide to go with a professional, most exterminators will offer organic options. Keep in mind an exterminator isn’t a one-time option. You should have a treatment every three months.
\n\n\n\nYou can also plant pest repelling flowers such as lavender, marigolds, petunias, and citronella. Their scent really bugs the bugs.
\n\n\n\nWe may not be able to get rid of all the bugs. Let’s face it, most of them would probably survive a nuclear war! But you can make it tough on them to make themselves at home at your home. Remember puddles and standing water are an open invitation to mosquitoes and many other critters looking to breed. We want our yards to be bird and bee friendly … but we want to get rid of the pests that are out for blood.
\n","title":"The Worst Pests in San Antonio and How to Get Rid of Them","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.4752475247524752,"src":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1789c/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/107df/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 320w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/293e9/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 500w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/f2cbb/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 800w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1789c/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 960w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/f605f/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1dd6e/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/67b76/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 320w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/8df11/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 500w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/98a65/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 800w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1dd6e/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 960w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/23e94/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Worst Pests in San Antonio and How to Get Rid of Them | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f8402ea9-7286-5c80-b1b0-2227ee7ade2f","slug":"watering-restrictions-dallas-irving-plano","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/watering-restrictions-dallas-irving-plano/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"},{"id":"f47748ec-2ca2-5e01-9cbd-e56dc7932c0d","name":"Zone 8a","count":3,"path":"/category/zone-8a/"}],"date":"June 18th, 2019","excerpt":"It’s shaping up to be a fantastic 2019 in Texas, at least when it comes to drought. As the year began, more than 95% of the state was NOT in drought, and water levels were at their highest since the early 1990s. It’s certainly a very different picture than it was 10 years ago when […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s shaping up to be a fantastic 2019 in Texas, at least when it comes to drought. As the year began, more than 95% of the state was NOT in drought, and water levels were at their highest since the early 1990s. It’s certainly a very different picture than it was 10 years ago when Texas survived intense drought across much of the state.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can go wild with your sprinklers and water your yard every day. Most local governments learned their lesson in that bad drought — and many cities have watering restrictions that remain in place.
\n\n\n\nTexas was still in that bad drought when the Dallas City Council passed permanent watering restrictions for homes and businesses inside city limits. It was an attempt to be proactive about the water supply. Now years later, it looks like it has helped. And don’t worry too much about those summer days with highs in the triple digits. Lawn care experts say your grass only needs a long drink of water every five days or so.
\n\n\n\nEveryone may turn on the sprinklers twice a week in Dallas:
\n\n\n\nThe city of Plano also has recommended watering guidelines for 2019, and like Dallas, it’s a twice-weekly schedule:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/JTAt7d0c4LxAakTsSgtYmoAcfZFW1ZPb7bDHUKNRijP3yMu8Aw-EJg31U69zOrwzBG_ZmM-3_4-jdlnSiuOglZEEHC7_1QJKNt66s2oMyFPe6eydX3SXWzJqiUwIEKOvCw\")
In the City of Irving:
\n\n\n\nThe city also recommends planting low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants for your yard. Native flowers like hibiscus and verbena are easy to care for and need little watering. It’s also helpful if you install plumbing fixtures and appliances that conserve water.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in another city in the Metroplex that isn’t mentioned here, it’s pretty easy to search your city or county government’s website for watering restrictions. The restrictions are likely to be similar to the ones enacted by Dallas, Plano, and Irving. In a drought-prone state like Texas, we’re all in it together — and every drop of water counts.
\n\n\n\nDo you want to know more about lawn care in the DFW? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
\n","title":"Watering Restrictions in Dallas, Irving and Plano","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.585139318885449,"src":"/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/1789c/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/107df/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 320w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/293e9/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 500w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/f2cbb/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 800w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/1789c/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 960w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/a2a79/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/1dd6e/sprinkler-1024x646.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/67b76/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 320w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/8df11/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 500w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/98a65/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 800w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/1dd6e/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 960w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/7aa54/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Watering Restrictions in Dallas, Irving and Plano | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Water is a precious resource in DFW, so local governments are doing their best to protect it. Here's a list of the watering restrictions in DFW."}}},{"node":{"id":"7c4701f2-060d-5b49-b30a-f16f08c4bc1e","slug":"best-grass-types-columbia","path":"/lawn-care/sc/columbia/best-grass-types-columbia/","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":"fdf0bc73-027b-53cd-9759-0a8e363ba959","name":"Columbia","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/columbia/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"1ea697f8-5b42-5431-b368-7296faebead2","name":"South Carolina","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/"}],"date":"April 4th, 2023","excerpt":"One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, our Columbia climate happens to be conducive to green, thick, lush landscapes. This creates a great opportunity for those trying to build a lawn here. Still, some grass types fare better than others here. If you’re trying to breathe new life into a withering lawn or […]
\n","content":"\nOne of the most biodiverse places on the planet, our Columbia climate happens to be conducive to green, thick, lush landscapes. This creates a great opportunity for those trying to build a lawn here. Still, some grass types fare better than others here.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re trying to breathe new life into a withering lawn or just repairing tired patches, try inviting one of these grass types into your yard.
\n\n\n\nGenerally, South Carolina lawns favor warm-season grasses but a few cool-season grasses also manage to thrive here. Let’s take a more detailed look at your options so you can pick the right grass seed for your Columbia lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are hardy and grow best in summers. Planting them in your South Carolina lawn means having a naturally lush, green lawn from late spring to early fall – the growing season for warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nBut once the temperature drops, you’ll have to work hard on your warm-season lawn to help it survive the cold. Here’s everything you need to know about the four most appropriate warm-season grasses for your Columbia landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a resilient, dense, warm-season turf that will keep your lawn green throughout the year. It develops a dark green color in summer that pales as the winter approaches.
\n\n\n\nDespite being a warm-season grass, Zoysiagrass stands up pretty well against the South Carolina cold. It can also withstand an impressive amount of foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for households with kids, pets, and lots of visitors.
\n\n\n\nAs a bonus, Zoysiagrass requires little maintenance. Your Zoysiagrass turf will be the first to turn green in spring and last to go brown in the fall, giving you a lush lawn most of the year. Fully established turf turns thick and dense, leaving no room for weeds to gain a foothold.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass covers most of our sports fields, golf courses, play areas, and other high-traffic sites. Owing to its fast-growing habit and tough nature, it’s a popular grass type for Columbia lawns too.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is tolerant to drought, heat, salt, and a wide range of soil pHs. It spreads by underground rhizomes and stolons and develops into a dense, thick, and green lawn. The density of grass blades also crowds out weeds naturally, while the quick growth rate makes sure recovery from foot traffic and wear is negligible.
\n\n\n\nThis grass requires full, bright sun, so make sure your yard gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day if you’re considering Bermudagrass. Plus, the dense Bermudagrass turf also needs regular dethatching.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis grass type is perfect for those looking for low-maintenance grass. But there’s a tradeoff: Centipedegrass doesn’t tolerate foot traffic real well.
\n\n\n\nIt spreads by stolons and grows slowly, so it might even take years to establish from seed. Centipedegrass lawns are typically yellow-green, which might tempt homeowners and gardeners to apply nitrogen fertilizer to bring about a richer green. Don’t. Over-fertilization will only increase the need for grass maintenance, spur thatch, and reduce cold tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a green garden during the winter, centipedegrass might not be suitable for you. This grass type doesn’t generally do well with overseeding and cold weather. But centipede lawns are fairly drought tolerant, accept shade, and won’t cause grass tunneling in flower beds due to their stolon growth.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a coarse-textured grass that develops a broad-leafed, thick turf. It creates a cushioned, dense lawn from plugs and sod. St. Augustinegrass seeds are not available commercially since it doesn’t produce enough viable seeds, so it might be hard to find St. Augustine seeds at your local gardening store.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass tolerates salt and withstands shade better than most other warm-season turf grasses. It can also tolerate extreme heat and grow in various types of soil, as long as it is well-drained. But it’s the least cold-tolerant of all warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive in areas where winters are long and summers are shorter. Columbia weather doesn’t favor every cool-season turf type, only a few manage to survive. They’re built to grow in shaded areas and withstand the cold weather without freezing.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at three cool-season grasses that you can plant in your Columbia lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis cool-season grass is a drought-resistant, durable turf that doesn’t need strict maintenance. It will survive on low fertilization and in poor soil conditions, too. Plus, it’s hardy enough to withstand lots of outdoor activity.
\n\n\n\nIt will be a great addition to your Columbia lawn since it maintains its medium to dark green color from early spring till late fall. Generally, tall fescue resists disease and insects but might fall prey to them if over-fertilized or over-watered.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a popular choice across the U.S. due to its picture-perfect deep-green appearance. It’s a fine-textured, dense grass that withstands cold winters pretty well. Colors may vary from blue-green to emerald depending on the type you choose.
\n\n\n\nBut all this comes at a price: Kentucky bluegrass is very high maintenance. This grass type requires more fertilizer, herbicide, and water than any other cool-season grass. In addition to being pleasing to the eyes, Kentucky bluegrass is also easy on the feet. However, too much foot traffic will cause damage to the turf.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis grass type can be planted as a single-grass lawn (monostand) or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to enhance its disease- and traffic resistance. It’s a popular choice for many homeowners because it has the ability to suppress weeds, germinate quickly, and retain a lovely green color in winter.
\n\n\n\nIts tapered blades give a tufted, shiny appearance and have a pale green hue. Its fine-textured blades need regular maintenance to give it a kept look. Perennial ryegrass can bear considerable foot traffic but it doesn’t self-repair and needs reseeding to recover.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a popular, low-maintenance grass type that won’t ask for much. It tolerates foot traffic, is drought-resistant, and does not require a lot of fertilizing and water.
Centipedegrass is one of the most popular grasses in South Carolina because of its ability to create thick, lush lawns with minimal maintenance. It’s well-adapted to the soil type and climate of this region and has developed a lighter color and medium texture to it.
Bermudagrass is the fastest-growing grass seed with a germinating time of as little as just 10 days.
Trying to build or maintain a healthy lawn in Columbia can be challenging, but it’s quite much easier if you choose the appropriate grass type for our climate.
\n\n\n\nIt’s safe to say that Zoysiagrass is the best pick for your Columbia lawn. It has the ability to thrive through varying weather conditions and is great in sun as well as shade. For cool-season turf, Kentucky bluegrass and Tall fescue are some great options.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re confused or want someone to help you set the lawn up, call one of our lawn care pros for help and advice.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: University of South Carolina Horseshoe / Dfscgt21 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Columbia, South Carolina","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.643835616438356,"src":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1789c/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg","srcSet":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/107df/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 320w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/293e9/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 500w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/f2cbb/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 800w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1789c/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 960w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/c26c2/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1dd6e/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/67b76/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 320w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/8df11/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 500w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/98a65/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 800w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1dd6e/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 960w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/3cc96/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Columbia, South Carolina","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of looking at your grim and sad lawn? Worry not, fill it with one of the 7 best grass types for Columbia and enjoy a thick, healthy lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"896ca5d7-6c87-54a3-bffa-b671568858c2","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-for-maryland","path":"/lawn-care/md/fall-lawn-care-checklist-for-maryland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Amy Adams is a freelance writer and former newspaper journalist. She grew up in Kansas but has been living in Florida for the past 15 years and has no intentions of ever moving back!","name":"Amy Adams","id":"eb80c67d-0627-5815-9dd0-304031dbe1be","path":"/author/amy-adams/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8e73c6ada90c41863cce7b93d142c7d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2a5e33f9-ad47-575e-b414-2fa0c9049fd1","name":"Maryland","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, and colorful autumn foliage make fall really fun in Maryland. But the fabulous fall colors on the leaves also remind us that just because summer may be coming to a close doesn’t mean we can ignore our yard. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. As the landscape transforms into a breathtaking […]
\n","content":"\nPumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, and colorful autumn foliage make fall really fun in Maryland. But the fabulous fall colors on the leaves also remind us that just because summer may be coming to a close doesn’t mean we can ignore our yard. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
\n\n\n\nAs the landscape transforms into a breathtaking palette of fall colors, you must get ready to give your lawn TLC. With this fall lawn care checklist for Maryland, you can better prepare your yard for the changing seasons – harmonizing nature’s beauty with a vibrant and well-nurtured canvas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nNeglecting your lawn during this season risks dire consequences for your yard come spring. Contrary to popular belief, lawn care extends beyond the summer months. With cooler temperatures, fall provides the ideal environment for these essential practices:
\n\n\n\nUnleash the transformative power of fall lawn care – preserving the beauty of your yard and setting the stage for a breathtaking spring.
\n\n\n\nAs the season winds down, don’t hang up your lawn care hat just yet. Fall is the best time for basic lawn maintenance that can help promote root development and good soil conditions. With the help of these fall lawn care tips, you can ensure your lawn will come back better than ever next spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3768077054_1a9fc5e9a5_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Mol / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNow that summer has passed, you may be tempted to put away your sprinkler for the year, but it’s best to keep it out just a bit longer. Properly watering your lawn is essential for it to continue coming back each spring.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your lawn watered is especially important for late-season nitrogen applications to work properly. Otherwise, the fertilizer is less likely to enhance root growth if your grass is dry, rendering the fertilizer application useless.
\n\n\n\nAn underwatered lawn will become brown and crunchy, and the dirt will become dusty as the grass stops growing. Nevertheless, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause weeds and fungal diseases. An overwatered lawn will quickly become luscious and green, then become limp and spongy before fading to brown and moss.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue, the most common type of grass in Maryland, needs approximately 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-leaves-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay / License
\n\n\n\nRaking leaves can be one of the most exhausting and back-breaking fall chores, yet it’s necessary. And chances are, you may not be raking your leaves as often as you should.
\n\n\n\nRake early, and rake often. Don’t wait until your trees are mostly or completely bare before you clear the leaves from your yard. You should rid your lawn of leaves as soon as possible. A rule of thumb is to rake your leaves one to two times a week once they start falling. If you do put it off, make sure your yard is clear of leaves before the first frost of the season.
\n\n\n\nWaiting to remove leaves from your lawn can cause them to suffocate the grass. Over time leaves will become wet from rain and morning dew – causing them to stick together and form a barrier.
\n\n\n\nThis barrier filters out essential sunlight and water, preventing vital nutrients from reaching the roots. It also creates the perfect environment for weeds, rodents, insects, and diseases.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to save yourself from the back pain of raking, especially if you have lots of trees or a large yard, you can use a lawnmower with a collection bag or vacuum system to clear the leaves.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIt’s a common misconception that it’s best to fertilize in the spring when it’s actually better to fertilize your lawn in the fall. During this season, grass recovers from the summer heat and drought while preparing for the upcoming winter months. But if you don’t fertilize in the fall, you should do it in the spring.
\n\n\n\nFall fertilization advantages:
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to apply fertilizer twice in the fall. The first round should be applied just after Labor Day, and the second should be when you mow the last time for the year.
\n\n\n\nEarly fall fertilization increases turf density without promoting excess growth. On the other hand, late fall fertilization increases root growth and carbohydrate storage to help the grass survive winter and prepare for the spring’s new growth.
\n\n\n\nIf you only fertilize once, then aim to fertilize in September. According to Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, fertilizer cannot be applied between Nov. 15 through March 1, so plan accordingly.
\n\n\n\nTypes of fertilizer:
\n\n\n\n![\"Hands](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sergii Petruk / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWeeds. They seem to be an ever-present annoyance. Whether you are currently fighting a weed infestation or are looking to prevent weeds, fall is the time to treat them.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of treatment:
\n\n\n\nWeeds can invade even the healthiest and luscious of lawns. If left untreated, weeds will consume the valuable nutrients intended for your grass – causing your lawn to look dull and drab. These results happen because your grass will be robbed of essential water, clean air, and direct sunlight. Your grass will become weak and susceptible to disease and insect infestations.
\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\nAs you prepare your grass for the upcoming winter weather, it’s also the best time to aerate your lawn. It will help:
\n\n\n\nAeration also energizes your lawn’s root system to expand before winter, which will help it survive the harsh winter months and return healthy and vibrant in the spring.
\n\n\n\nTypes of aeration:
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: It’s usually best to hire a professional to aerate your lawn. This takes time and the proper equipment to do it right.
\n\n\n\n![\"grass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/overseed-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Elena Photo / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAs the seasons transition, you can seize the opportunity to overseed your lawn. Amidst the autumnal landscape, when weeds retreat, dispersing grass seeds over your established lawn will yield better results. Doing this helps fill in bare areas and thicken up the lawn to provide a more dense and fluffy appearance.
\n\n\n\nBut don’t forget to water – it’s an essential part of the seeding process. A newly seeded lawn needs to be watered lightly every day. You don’t want your seeds to dry out, or they won’t germinate.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to overseed between mid-August to mid-September. Be sure to plant at least 45 days before the first frost, and don’t seed past Oct. 15. This will give your seed time to get established after the heat of the summer but before it goes dormant for the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: sean hobson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nJust because the calendar hit September doesn’t mean it’s time to store the lawn mower for the season. You want to continue mowing your lawn throughout the fall. It’s best to slowly taper your grass down rather than mowing it short once.
\n\n\n\nAlso, maintain proper grass heights. Cutting grass too short may cause its root system to freeze. On the other hand, letting your grass grow too long can cause it to become matted and diseased. For example, tall fescue should be kept about 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nWhen in doubt, follow the one-third rule: Cut one-third of your grass’s length. You never want to cut more because it can make it susceptible to weeds, pests, and disease.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Fine fescue | 3 – 4 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 inches |
![\"draining](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hose-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SLRadcliffe / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOne last task before you can call it quits for the season is winterizing your sprinkler system. Any water remaining in your pipes over the winter can lead to frozen pipes, broken sprinkler heads, and cracked plastic. So, completely drain all water from your irrigation system. Come springtime, and you’ll be glad you did.
\n\n\n\nSince Maryland is in a transition zone, both cool and warm-season grasses can grow here. But with its hot summers and cold winters, you need to select grass species that can withstand both extremes. Moreover, different regions in the Old Line State have varying soil compositions, such as clay-heavy or sandy soil, which can impact drainage and root growth.
Plus, irregular rain patterns require careful water management to avoid drought stress or excessive moisture. The state’s diverse ecosystem contributes to pest and disease pressure, necessitating proactive lawn maintenance and pest management strategies. Additionally, coastal areas may face higher humidity levels and salt spray challenges.
Yes, absolutely. There are numerous ways to create a low-maintenance landscape, and one of the best ways is to replace all or just a part of your lawn with a grass alternative. Planting grass alternatives will help eliminate the need for regular mowing, cutting down the time needed for landscape maintenance.
Grass alternatives:
● Garden beds or borders
● Groundcovers
● Moss
● Mulches
● No-mow/natural areas
● Ornamental grasses
● Trees
Yes. Knowing your soil’s pH is the best way to know what amendments might be needed to your soil and what kind of fertilizer to use on your lawn.
Test your soil with a DIY kit. You can buy these kits from your local garden center or home improvement store. Or contact your local extension office for professional testing. Test sooner rather than later to prevent problems down the road.
Maryland soil sometimes lacks proper amounts of boron, zinc, and manganese. The results of your soil test will show whether you need to add a few elements to balance your soil’s pH for optimal growth.
Since Maryland is in a transition zone, both cool and warm-season grasses can grow here. But with its hot summers and cold winters, you need to select grass species that can withstand both extremes. Moreover, different regions in the Old Line State have varying soil compositions, such as clay-heavy or sandy soil, which can impact drainage and root growth.
\n\n\n\nPlus, irregular rain patterns require careful water management to avoid drought stress or excessive moisture. The state’s diverse ecosystem contributes to pest and disease pressure, necessitating proactive lawn maintenance and pest management strategies. Additionally, coastal areas may face higher humidity levels and salt spray challenges.
\n\n\n\nYes, absolutely. There are numerous ways to create a low-maintenance landscape, and one of the best ways is to replace all or just a part of your lawn with a grass alternative. Planting grass alternatives will help eliminate the need for regular mowing, cutting down the time needed for landscape maintenance.
\n\n\n\nGrass alternatives:
\n\n\n\nYes. Knowing your soil’s pH is the best way to know what amendments might be needed to your soil and what kind of fertilizer to use on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nTest your soil with a DIY kit. You can buy these kits from your local garden center or home improvement store. Or contact your local extension office for professional testing. Test sooner rather than later to prevent problems down the road.
\n\n\n\nMaryland soil sometimes lacks proper amounts of boron, zinc, and manganese. The results of your soil test will show whether you need to add a few elements to balance your soil’s pH for optimal growth.
\n\n\n\nElevate your yard’s potential by preparing it for the coming winter, ensuring a triumphant return next spring — vibrant, robust, and more breathtaking than ever.
\n\n\n\nWhether you live in Baltimore, Frederick, Ocean City, Annapolis, or any of Maryland’s amazing towns, let us help you find a lawn care pro near you to help transform your lawn into a masterpiece that will leave your neighbors in awe.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: DenisTangneyJr / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Maryland","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1789c/Untitled-design.jpg","srcSet":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/107df/Untitled-design.jpg 320w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/293e9/Untitled-design.jpg 500w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/f2cbb/Untitled-design.jpg 800w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1789c/Untitled-design.jpg 960w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/c26c2/Untitled-design.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1dd6e/Untitled-design.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/67b76/Untitled-design.webp 320w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/8df11/Untitled-design.webp 500w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/98a65/Untitled-design.webp 800w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1dd6e/Untitled-design.webp 960w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/3cc96/Untitled-design.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Maryland | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Prepare your lawn for the winter chill with this comprehensive fall lawn care checklist for Maryland."}}},{"node":{"id":"36f4f4e1-1007-5c09-bfb6-8b0c193c07bf","slug":"picking-a-drought-tolerant-grass-type","path":"/lawn-care/picking-a-drought-tolerant-grass-type/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"December 27th, 2019","excerpt":"You love having a thick, green lawn, but you dread your summer water bills. And the minute water restrictions begin during a drought, it can all feel like money down the drain. What if you could turn off the tap and rest easy knowing that your grass won’t wither and brown under a little dry […]
\n","content":"\nYou love having a thick, green lawn, but you dread your summer water bills. And the minute water restrictions begin during a drought, it can all feel like money down the drain. What if you could turn off the tap and rest easy knowing that your grass won’t wither and brown under a little dry spell? With drought-tolerant grasses, you can!
Certain species of lawn grass have the hardiness to hold up to the rigors of high traffic and low water usage. If you’d like to use less water year-round, consider replacing your lawn with one of the low-maintenance, drought-resistant grass species. Note that all grasses are more drought-tolerant if you care for them with regular mowing and fertilization. Read on to learn more about the variety that is right for you.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are exactly what they sound like: species well suited to the scorching-hot summers of the south. These grasses hit their growth peak in mid-summer and can retain their green color with less water than their non-drought-tolerant counterparts.
\n\n\n\nFine-textured and sun-loving, Bermudagrass doesn’t mind heavy traffic and is quick to recover from damage. It grows at an aggressive pace and needs more mowing than some varieties, but doesn’t do well in deep or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nA bright, apple-green grass, centipedegrass is slow-growing, requiring less mowing than fast-growing varieties. It loves full sun but will perform well in shady areas. Centipede grass doesn’t mind sandy, acidic soil, which means it’s ideal for the coastal Southeastern states. One drawback to this low-maintenance grass: It doesn’t hold up well to high traffic.
\n\n\n\nDeeply-rooted and very shade-tolerant, St. Augustine grass forms a dense, carpet-like mat that crowds out weeds. Floratam is the most drought-tolerant variety of this hardy warm-season grass. But, cold winters will turn a St. Augustine lawn brown during dormancy, in which case you may want to overseed with a winter variety.
\n\n\n\nThough it is slow-growing, once established, Zoysiagrass offers a dense, carpetlike grass cover. It handles high traffic well and will grow in full sun or shade. The most drought-tolerant cultivars include El Toro, Jamur, and Palisades.
\n\n\n\nCool-season drought-tolerant grasses have different water requirements and are not all suited for foot traffic. Take care when choosing the right variety for your yard, especially if you have kids or pets.
\n\n\n\nNative to plains states from Texas to North Dakota, buffalograss can handle winter lows and summer highs. It does particularly well with heavy clay soils and low rainfall but isn’t well-equipped to handle high traffic. This slow-grower requires less mowing than other varieties but also takes longer to establish than other grass types. It does best mowed high (to 5 inches), making it a poor choice for heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nNorthern states are the ideal location for this aggressive, emerald-green lawn grass. While severe droughts may bring on dormancy, Kentucky bluegrass recovers quickly once watering resumes. This grass type can be a bit slow to green up come spring, but overseeding with a little ryegrass can help speed up the process.
\n\n\n\nThis coarse-textured turfgrass can handle heavy foot traffic and with consistent mowing, provides a dense carpet of grass. Tall fescue needs less than an inch of water per week, and the dwarf varieties are the most drought-tolerant of them all.
\n\n\n\nWhile drought-resistant turf grasses are cultivated for their ability to survive periods of low rainfall, how you manage your turf will contribute to its drought tolerance. Deep and infrequent watering will help to encourage deep root growth, which increases resistance to drought. Likewise, mowing at the recommended height will also increase the chances of survival.
\n\n\n\nJim Baird, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources turf expert, recommends checking your irrigation system to ensure it’s watering evenly. ” We suggest homeowners test their sprinklers by placing cans around the lawn and running sprinklers to see if the water is being applied uniformly.” He suggests mowing at the tallest recommended height to encourage healthy, deep root development.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to continue caring for your grass during a water-scarce period. Don’t assume drought-tolerant means your lawn doesn’t need any irrigation. During a drought, Baird reminds us, “The grass may not be as lush and green as usual,” noting, “but you can still have a lawn where kids and pets can play.” He cautions against letting a lawn die back too much during a drought because only weeds may come back in its place.
\n\n\n\nIf your drought-tolerant grass suffers in shady areas, you may want to consider some lawn alternatives beneath trees such as ground cover plants. You can also take measures to encourage grass growth in the shade.
\n\n\n\nYou can have a drought-tolerant lawn, no matter where you live. With a little effort and care, your water-wise lawn can save you time and money and look great (almost) year-round.
Utah features a stunning array of mountains, plateaus, natural arches, sand dunes, and basins. Homeowners here will want a lawn that is just as beautiful as their state, and that starts with choosing the best grass seed for Utah. Utah sits primarily in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, meaning cool-season grasses thrive throughout the state. But […]
\n","content":"\nUtah features a stunning array of mountains, plateaus, natural arches, sand dunes, and basins. Homeowners here will want a lawn that is just as beautiful as their state, and that starts with choosing the best grass seed for Utah.
\n\n\n\nUtah sits primarily in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, meaning cool-season grasses thrive throughout the state. But which cool-season grasses? Below, we’ll break down the best grasses for your Utah lawn, including a warm-season grass option for those in southern Utah.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most widely used turfgrasses in the United States. This grass type is a dense turf that recovers well from stress. Kentucky bluegrass can tolerate cold temperatures as well as moderate shade. This species is susceptible to disease and is often mixed with perennial ryegrass to improve its resilience.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 2 ½ inches
\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\nTall fescue is another common lawn grass here. It is coarse-textured and resistant to weeds and diseases. This grass type is considered low maintenance due to its ability to handle drought and its infrequent mowing needs. Like other cool-season grasses, it does well in cool climates. However, it may not survive extreme winters.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: No higher than 3 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is actually a collection of four turfgrasses, including creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, sheep fescue, and hard fescue. This turfgrass is known to be low maintenance compared to more common grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass. Fine fescue typically requires less frequent mowing, watering, and fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, rhizomes (creeping red only)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is often confused with Kentucky bluegrass due to its similar color, texture, and density. This turfgrass is often used for overseeding to maintain color in the winter. Perennial ryegrass can handle heavy foot traffic although it struggles in the shade.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss.jpg\")
]Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nOur only warm-season grass on this list, buffalograss stays green in summer with much less watering than other grasses. For homeowners in southern Utah, where the USDA hardiness zone is 8a in some areas, this may be a better option. Buffalograss survives drought and cold temperatures, but because it is a warm-season grass, it is dormant in the fall.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss does not handle shade or high altitude well. Buffalograss is considered low maintenance once established due to infrequent mowing and fertilizing needs. However, growing buffalograss from seeds can be a long process.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nTall and fine fescue grasses are great for low-maintenance lawns.
Homeowners with pets will want a grass type with high urine tolerance and a good ability to handle foot (or paw) traffic. On this list, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass are all pet-friendly options.
Fine fescue grasses are great choices for shady lawn areas.
You can purchase bags of grass seed from your local home improvement store and seed your lawn yourself. If you’d rather not wait too long for the grass to develop, you can purchase sod instead. This will allow you to lay an entire pre-grown lawn that will have established roots in just a few weeks.
\n\n\n\nToo busy heading out to the Great Salt Lake or Bryce Canyon for some summer fun? Have a pro do the work for you and come home to a brand-new lawn. For help with all of your outdoor chores contact Wikilawn’s lawn care professionals for help.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Utah Lawn / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Seed for Your Utah Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/1789c/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.jpg","srcSet":"/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/107df/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.jpg 320w,\n/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/293e9/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.jpg 500w,\n/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/f2cbb/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.jpg 800w,\n/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/1789c/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.jpg 960w,\n/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/c26c2/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/1dd6e/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/67b76/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.webp 320w,\n/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/8df11/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.webp 500w,\n/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/98a65/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.webp 800w,\n/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/1dd6e/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.webp 960w,\n/static/307399f55b2d7ab0e64de8c816e301ac/3cc96/Pleasant_View_Utah_City_Hall.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Seed for Your Utah Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Having a great lawn starts with choosing the right grass. These five grasses thrive in Utah's unique climate, provided that you care for them properly"}}},{"node":{"id":"9667e3d2-dcaa-59eb-8fe1-655d7f1993e5","slug":"when-to-fertilize-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/when-to-fertilize-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Like us, turfgrass needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But grasses come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. So one of the keys to getting the most out of your lawn here in Indiana is to understand how and when to fertilize it. Fertilizing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as […]
\n","content":"\nLike us, turfgrass needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But grasses come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. So one of the keys to getting the most out of your lawn here in Indiana is to understand how and when to fertilize it.
\n\n\n\nFertilizing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as there are different kinds of grasses, there are different kinds of fertilizer that affect grasses in unique ways. This guide will walk you through the best way to feed your lawn so you get the most out of it now, and year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nIn the wild, grasses draw nutrition from decomposing organic material. It’s not as simple when the grass is in someone’s yard, though. Grass planted in rich soil thrives with just some grass clippings as food. But when soil lacks nutrition, fertilizers are sent to the rescue.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers mainly supply lawns with three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. Here’s what each of them does:
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
Before you embark on your fertilizing journey, make sure that you:
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nHow much fertilizer you use (or if you fertilize at all) depends on a number of factors:
\n\n\n\n| Needs More Fertilizer | Needs Less Fertilizer |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Zoysiagrass |
| Perennial ryegrass | Turf-type tall fescue |
| Fine fescue |
What’s a soil test? A soil test analyzes the nutrient content, pH level, and other properties of the soil to determine how well your grass can grow. It identifies the nutrients your soil lacks and recommends the right fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou can do either a DIY soil test or send a soil sample to a laboratory for a detailed report. Purdue University recommends testing your soil every 3 to 5 years, but more frequent soil tests can be beneficial too.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to fertilize, Purdue University recommends fertilizing in these months for optimal performance:
\n\n\n\n| April | If you apply a pre-emergent herbicide, use a product with little to no nitrogen; if it does contain any nitrogen, it should be slow-release, ideally organic |
| May | If you didn’t fertilize in April, fertilize now with a product containing mostly slow-release nitrogen |
| June | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| July | Fertilize with a product containing slow-release nitrogen if there have been above-average rainfalls or if you’ve been irrigating |
| August | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| September | Fertilize with nitrogen |
| October | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| November | Purdue University recommends using quick-release fertilizer in November, but be aware that it may be harmful to the environment and wildlife; slow-release fertilizer is better |
You may not need to fertilize this much; these tips are for the most high-maintenance lawns.
\n\n\n\nFor precise dosages and more information, you can check out this lawn care calendar from Purdue University.
\n\n\n\nWhen we talk about fertilizer, we’re often referring to chemical products. However, organic fertilizers are also effective and have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. They release nutrients slowly over time, promoting healthy soil and plant growth.
\n\n\n\nThere are many options for fertilizing your lawn organically, but they can be summed up into these two categories:
\n\n\n\nBecause organic fertilizers are natural, many people think that they’re harmless. The truth is, organic fertilizers still contain ingredients that may harm people and animals. Plus, animals are often attracted to some organic fertilizers because of their smell. Moreover, many store-bought fertilizers are mixed with hazardous ingredients to make them more efficient.
\n\n\n\nSo what’s the bottom line? Regardless of which fertilizer you use, be cautious and follow the instructions carefully.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CanvaPro
\n\n\n\nApart from organic and inorganic fertilizers, fertilizers are further categorized so that homeowners can get a product that’s right for their needs.
\n\n\n\nYou can choose from dry or liquid fertilizers:
\n\n\n\nIt’s also important to note the difference between slow- and quick-release fertilizers:
\n\n\n\nIn summary, most lawns can benefit from using slow-release fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThere are some conditions that aren’t ideal for fertilizing. Those include:
\n\n\n\nFeeding your lawn the right nutrients is vital to its overall health and appearance. But it’s necessary that you also perform other maintenance jobs throughout the year, such as mowing, watering, overseeding, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nSounds like a lot of work? Wikilawn connects you to the best best Indiana lawn care pros so let them take yard care off your to-do list.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Canva Pro
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\n","content":"\nPhoenix, AZ is no stranger to tumultuous droughts, especially during summer and spring seasons. The conservation of water is especially important in this area to support local guidelines in year-long drought protections. While a green lawn may seem unattainable here, there are watering techniques that make grass very efficient in conserving water with not very much water at all. Here are some tips on achieving that luscious lawn during drought season.
\n\n\n\nWatering a lawn is most efficient when wind speeds and evaporation are minimized. The time of day that this usually aligns with is in the morning when the sun is rising and at night time. Watering at night is slightly more risky than watering in the morning. However, if night time fits your schedule better, you will just want to keep a closer eye on how much water the grass is getting. It is easier to over water a lawn when the sun isn’t helping to soak up excess water.
\n\n\n\nUnderstand that with different weather, a watering schedule will change from week to week. If the weather is cold or windy, it is best to not water as much that day. In general, although it varies with different grass types, a lawn should receive about an inch of water each week.
If the goal is to have a green lawn the course of action has to be to train roots to grow deep. You do this by watering deep and infrequently. When you water, whether in the morning or at night, the grass should have water trickle to about ten inches deep. To test this, you can use a screwdriver about an hour after watering to see how deep the soil will allow it to go. If it is around the 10-inch range then you are watering properly. If it is not then you need to water a little more.
\n\n\n\nBermuda grass is a great option for Phoenix homes. It is drought tolerant and resistant to traffic and other stresses. This is a warm-season grass and will go dormant during the winter. To maintain green all year you can overseed with R
Midiron is another grass type that thrives in Phoenix for its drought tolerance and resistance to traffic. This lawn requires very low maintenance and like Bermuda grass needs about an inch of water every week during peak growing season.
\n\n\n\nIrrigation systems take the sweat out of consistently watering the lawn. They are reliable and mostly last very long. Timers allow for the homeowner to designate how much water the lawn receives and when it receives it. Most of human error can be taken out through one of these systems.
\n\n\n\nDrip Irrigation has been coined as the most efficient form of irrigation. The Drip systems are incorporated by the base of the grass and or plants. The water drips directly into the base of the grass minimizing runoff and evaporation. This type of system works really well in a desert environment. Sometimes soil becomes overly dry and when it is watered there becomes a flux of runoff. If you’re looking for the best conservation of water, this is it. This system is more geared towards smaller lawns.
\n\n\n\nSprinklers offer a wider coverage than drip irrigation and are a very popular choice for residential properties. Automatic sprinklers will come with a timer that can be adjusted. These should be watched closely after instillation to ensure there is not runoff water. If runoff occurs change the settings to smaller durations of watering time. If used correctly these can be efficient for water conservation.
\n\n\n\nIn any region, residents should aim to plant plants that are native to the area. For Phoenix especially, you will want to plants plants that do not rely on much additional water. Plants like Cacti, Succulents and native wildflowers do really well in this climate and may not even need any extra water. If you are planting any trees remember that shaded areas of the lawn do not need as much water as exposed sections of the lawn.
\n\n\n\nRead more: 5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care advice? Visit our Phoenix, AZ lawn care page for a list of pros and additional lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Dean Terasaki
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