![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\")
You can do a lot in Massachusetts – get a frappe, bang a uey into Dunks, catch a game at the Garden – but the best is hanging in your yard. Gardening, sunbathing, or tossing a pigskin is even better with a luscious lawn. Whether you’re living on the Cape, the Hub, or down the […]
\n","content":"\nYou can do a lot in Massachusetts – get a frappe, bang a uey into Dunks, catch a game at the Garden – but the best is hanging in your yard. Gardening, sunbathing, or tossing a pigskin is even better with a luscious lawn. Whether you’re living on the Cape, the Hub, or down the Pike in Western Massachusetts, choose one of the 5 best grass seed types for Massachusetts for a wicked awesome lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWith Massachusetts’ relatively mild summers and freezing winters, all but one type of turf (Zoysiagrass) is cool-season grass. In general, there are key differences between warm-season and cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses grow quickly and have high-drought tolerance. Conversely, cool-season grasses are resilient and luxurious.
\n\n\n\nBut those differences only scratch the surface. Here are some more differentiating characteristics between warm-season and cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nThe following grass seed types are perfect for Massachusetts’ climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe fine fescue grass type is a combination of slender creeping red fescue, strong creeping red fescue, hard fescue, chewings fescue, and sheep fescue. Depending on the mixture, fine fescue ranges from blue-green to medium green, and the blades are soft and needle-thin. As long as temperatures stay below 90 degrees, fine fescue lawns stay green throughout the summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass except for creeping red fescues, which have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high; prefers at least four hours of sunlight per day
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; can be prone to diseases like red thread and snow mold
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5- 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Dry to somewhat moist, rocky, sandy, or clay soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For best results, it’s recommended to plant this during late summer or early fall, but it also can be planted in early spring. During the germination process, which can take up to three weeks, it’s important to keep the soil moist.
\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 the most popular cool-season grass due to its lovely dark bluish-emerald color with soft, medium to fine texture. Its self-repairing rhizomes fill in gaps and create a beautiful carpeted lawn. But its roots are short, making absorbing essential nutrients hard. Therefore, it’s best to mix Kentucky Bluegrass with other grass types like fescue or ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches – mow taller in the summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – can be prone to summer patch, snow molds, fairy rings, leaf spot, dollar spot, chinch bugs, grubs, greenbugs, and bluegrass billbugs
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: To ensure the best growth for this grass type, fertilize twice a year (in spring and fall) and frequently mow your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a fast-growing dark green grass with a fine leaf texture. While it can easily stand alone, it’s often used as a companion (nurse grass) for other grasses and seed blends because of its low maintenance, hardiness, and resistance to pests and diseases. However, while still lovely, its bunched growth habit doesn’t typically create a dense carpet-like lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type (tillers)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low – goes dormant in dry summers
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent cutting
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils but adapts to many soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The best time to fertilize perennial ryegrass in Massachusetts is in the early spring or early fall, providing optimal conditions for nutrient uptake and promoting healthy growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is fast-growing with shiny, wide, ribbed, dark green coarse leaves. With excellent cold tolerance, it can survive our cold winters. Due to its bunched growth, it’s best as a stand-alone grass. When mixed with other grass types, your lawn grows patchy and unattractive. It doesn’t require dethatching or a lot of fertilization but may require overseeding.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass – it has vertical shoots called “tillers”
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – can’t recuperate easily
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate – prepare to mow often due to its fast growth rate
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Best on clay soils high in organic matter but adapts to many soil types.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For optimal growth and vibrancy of your lawn, apply fertilizer once during the fall months, preferably in September or November.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is slow-growing but forms a beautiful, dense light to emerald green lawn with fine blades. It’s the only warm-season grass recommended this far north, but it will go dormant in the winter (it hides under the snow). Due to its appearance, excellent erosion control, and high foot traffic tolerance, it’s a common choice for parks, golf courses, and other public places.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – although it needs supplemental watering during dry periods
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – common diseases include leaf spot, fairy rings, brown patch, powdery mildew, rust, large patch, spring dead spot, root decline, and dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s best to fertilize Zoysiagrass during the late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nPlanting grass seed in Massachusetts is a relatively easy DIY project if you follow the proper steps.
• Choose the right time: It varies by region and grass type. But in Massachusetts, homeowners usually plant grass in the fall.
• Prepare the site: Remove dead grass and grade it if needed. Also, rake where you plan to plant.
• Prepare the soil: Test your soil, then fertilize it as needed.
• Choose the best seed: Consider your lawn’s soil, sun, and foot traffic, as well as the amount of time you have for maintenance.
• Plant the seed: Using a spreader, distribute grass seed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Water appropriately: Varies by grass type. Understand your grass types’ water needs, or you could have lawn problems.
• Monitor seed establishment: Growth will take five to 21 days, depending on the grass type. Watch for bare spots as grass comes in. Reseed bare spots.
• Mow and maintain: Mow and maintain according to grass type needs.
Early fall is the best time to plant grass seed in Massachusetts. During this season, the days are cool with intermittent rain, but the ground is still warm enough for germination. This combination ensures that newly planted seeds won’t dry out.
Perennial ryegrass is known for its excellent traffic tolerance, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas in Massachusetts. Its ability to withstand foot traffic and recover quickly from damage makes it an ideal grass type for lawns that experience heavy use.
Several grass types grow well in Massachusetts’ sandy, acidic soil, but each has pros and cons. When choosing your grass seed type, think about your soil’s microclimate – soil, sunlight, water–and how much time you can devote to maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIn the end, your choice will still depend on your specific needs and preferences. If your kids or pets spend a lot of time outside, go with Perennial ryegrass. If you want to mow less often, try Zoysiagrass. Plant Kentucky bluegrass if your goal is simply a dense, beautiful lawn. Or you might want a combination of grasses to achieve a balance of desirable traits.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve established your lawn, don’t forget to add the best native plants to make your landscape pop. Whether in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, or somewhere in between, Wikilawn can connect you with a highly-rated lawn care pro who can help keep your grass healthy.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Boston Common / Shiyang Hu / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Seed Types for Massachusetts","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1789c/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/107df/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 320w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/293e9/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 500w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/f2cbb/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 800w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1789c/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 960w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/c26c2/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1dd6e/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/67b76/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 320w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/8df11/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 500w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/98a65/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 800w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1dd6e/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 960w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/3cc96/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Seed Types for Massachusetts | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"There are 5 best grass seed types for Massachusetts, including fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"d3b8cd53-0983-5731-b5ef-469203c097e7","slug":"summer-lawn-care-guide","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/summer-lawn-care-guide/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to […]
\n","content":"\nDallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to give your lawn a fighting chance against the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDallas is rainier than most Texas cities, averaging 40 inches annually. However, temps soar to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the summer. These high temperatures and sunny days place a lot of stress on your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nMay is the wettest month of the year, and spring months are ideal for your plants and grass to establish healthy roots to help them survive the tough summer.
\n\n\n\nSummer is the most demanding and damaging time for your lawn. The excessive heat, potential drought conditions, and Dallas water restrictions can lead to a brown and stressed lawn, making proper lawn maintenance from June to September vital.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nHow you water and how often you water are equally important to your Texas landscape. Your Dallas native plants and turfgrass are adapted to withstand Dallas’ USDA hardiness zone 8, including heat and potential drought.
\n\n\n\nFollow Dallas’ ordinances and these watering tips to keep your landscape in the best shape throughout the summer:
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to note that an irrigation system with directed sprinkler heads removes the guesswork from determining how much water your lawn needs. You can program your system to apply the right amount of water for your grass type, saving you time and money while increasing the health of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives in the dense clay North Texas soils. This popular turfgrass stands up to frequent foot traffic and loves full sun. Bermudagrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your bermudagrass twice per week early in the morning before 9 a.m. Aim for 15 minutes of watering per zone for automatic pop-up head sprinklers and 35-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass appears to be the exact opposite of aggressive bermudagrass, but these warm-season grasses thrive in Dallas. St. Augustinegrass does not tolerate foot traffic and prefers partial sun or shade. The fast-growing grass requires only 1 inch of water per week, making it an economical choice for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWater St. Augustinegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. Water each zone for 15 minutes for pop-up head sprinklers, and 30 minutes for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass handles anything you throw at it: drought, traffic, shade, and even low temperatures. The dark green turfgrass requires little fertilization, and its dense blades block out weeds. Like St. Augustinegrass, it only requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your Zoysiagrass lawn twice per week before 9 a.m. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss grows well in the nutrientless clay soils, requiring little fertilization. However, the low-fuss grass does not stand up to heavy foot traffic or weeds. Like Zoysia and St. Augustine, this cultivar requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your buffalograss before 9 a.m., twice per week. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass does not handle traffic or herbicides. However, it is incredibly low-maintenance with low mowing and watering requirements. This smooth, flat-bladed turfgrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week to remain green.
\n\n\n\nWater centipedegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. If you are using pop-up head sprinklers, aim for 15-minute sessions. However, if you are using rotary heads, be sure to extend your sessions to 35 minutes.
\n\n\n\nWe all want to be in the pool or inside in the air conditioning, and it is really tempting to mow our lawns short to make less work for ourselves. However, cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to weeds, scorching, and dormancy.
\n\n\n\nYour grass should never change from green to brown after mowing. Brown grass signals a stressed lawn, meaning you have removed too much at one time. Be sure to raise your mower height after your lawn has recovered before your next mow.
\n\n\n\nTaller grass blades develop deeper roots and provide shade, cooling the soil underneath and minimizing evaporation, which makes your morning watering sessions more efficient. Your lawn will be lusher and stay greener, increasing your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer mowing tips for your warm-season grass:
\n\n\n\nThe recommended mowing height for bermudagrass is 1-2 inches using a traditional mower. During active growing seasons in the spring and early summer, plan to mow your lawn weekly, never cutting more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass prefers higher heights in the summer to help water retention. You should mow your St. Augustine lawn every seven to 10 days, aiming for a mowing height of 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass actively grows in the summer, requiring regular mowing every five to seven days. Like bermudagrass, never cut more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length and aim to keep your lawn between one to two inches high.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss prefers higher heights like St. Augustinegrass. You should aim for a height between two to three inches, requiring a mowing session every seven to ten days.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is another turfgrass, preferring taller heights. Mow weekly with a traditional lawn mower, keeping your grass between 1.5 to two inches high.
\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nFertilizer promotes healthy growth, but be careful, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape. Unseasonably hot and dry Texas summers can lead to dormant grass. It is tempting to over-fertilize your lawn. Unfortunately, this will have the opposite effect and harm your turfgrass by burning it.
\n\n\n\nHere are some summer fertilizing tips for your Dallas lawn:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives with regular fertilizer applications. During the summer, this turfgrass requires 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every month. You should aim to apply 2 to 6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually to keep your lawn healthy.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass has higher fertilization requirements, like bermudagrass. Apply 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually, or 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet monthly during the summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has the similar requirements to bermudagrass. During the summer growing season, apply 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn monthly for a total of 1 to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has incredibly low fertilization requirements. In fact, some homeowners skip applications completely. Typically, buffalograss up to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually. Aim to apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during two months of the active summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance centipede grass requires little fertilization. Aim for 1 pound of nitrogen-based fertilizer per 1,000 square feet applied twice, once in June and again in September.
\n\n\n\nTexas is one of the few places in the U.S. with clay soil. Unlike the loose, sandy soils of the Southeast, impacted and dense clay soils require biannual lawn aeration. Liquid aeration helps your lawn handle the intense heat and dry conditions of summer by opening pathways for air, sunshine, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, resulting in deeper, more drought-resistant roots.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass, require liquid aeration applications in late spring before summer and early fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"an](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spraying-pesticide.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nPlenty of pests hide from the heat of the Texas sun, seeking shaded areas under decks and logs. Unfortunately, white grubs, chinch bugs, and fire ants are notoriously sun-loving Dallas pests that can wreak havoc on your warm-season turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nKeep these pest control tips in mind this summer:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most popular turfgrass choice for Texas lawns. Unfortunately, it has a low resistance to unfriendly visitors. It is prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms.
\n\n\n\nRegular lawn maintenance and irrigation help combat pest infestations. Additionally, spray a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide over infected areas to combat pests.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is fast-growing and shade-loving. It also attracts many pests, including chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs.
\n\n\n\nCombat pests ruining your lush lawn by using a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide. Be sure to look for one containing carbaryl, trichlorfon, or pyrethroid if you are dealing with chinch bugs or grubs.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass stands up to most pests thanks to its thick leaf blades and dense structure. Occasionally, mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, or sod webworms will move in and set up residence in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAlways wait until your grass has greened in the spring or early summer to apply insecticides. Use spot treatments of broad-spectrum pesticides as needed to combat insect infestations.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss resists most pests. However, mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, and chinch bugs can cause the occasional headache.
\n\n\n\nSpot treat affected areas with broad-spectrum repellent-free pesticide.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is low-maintenance and prefers to be left alone. It is moderately prone to pests, including ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars.
\n\n\n\nIrrigate and mow your lawn 24 hours before insecticide applications. Treat affected areas with a broad-spectrum non-repellent insecticide containing carbaryl or pyrethroid. Aim to apply preventative treatments in May before the heat of summer sets in and follow-up with another application in June.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass diseases and weeds love a weak lawn and signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health. They love low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds steal vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and plants while simultaneously spreading pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nMaintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and weeds and diseases won’t stand a chance. There are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best method. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer weeding tips to maintain a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\nOne of the star attributes that makes bermudagrass so popular in North Texas is its disease-resistance. If you are unlucky enough to experience a disease infestation with your bermudagrass, chances are good it is spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, or sheath spot.
\n\n\n\nCombat bermudagrass weeds and diseases using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice brown patches with regular and smooth outlines caused by fungal diseases, treat your entire lawn with a fungicide designed for bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nFor all its strengths, St. Augustinegrass falls short in the disease-resistance category. It is moderately to highly prone to diseases such as gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot.
\n\n\n\nCombat fungal diseases in your St. Augustine lawn with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant designed for plants.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is incredibly resistant to most diseases. However, large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur.
\n\n\n\nLike St. Augustinegrass, fungal diseases are the most common. Treat your lawn with a preventative fungicide program. Apply fungicide in the spring to decrease your chances of developing diseases like large patch. If you notice dead spots in your lawn and have ruled out insect activity, treat the affected area with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant for plants.
\n\n\n\nThanks to its adaptability, buffalograss has high disease-resistance. Treat the most common problem, bipolaris leaf spot, with preventative fungicide at the first sign of brown patches.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is moderately disease-tolerant. It is prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis. Combat these lawn diseases with proper lawn maintenance and apply 2 ounces of iron sulfate per 1,000 square feet if you notice yellowing.
\n\n\n\nSucculents thrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Typically, water your succulent plants once per week when it has not rained.
Organic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost.
Dallas adopted lawn and landscape irrigation ordinances in 2012 to defer the costs of expanding the city’s water supply infrastructure. Drip irrigation, hand watering, and soaker hoses are allowed at any time and on any day.
However, Dallas homeowners can only water with hose-end sprinklers or automatic sprinkler systems twice per week from April 1 to Oct. 31. No watering may take place between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays.
Summer is the perfect time for lazy days. The days are sunny and long, and backyard barbecues and pool parties are in full swing. Reclaim your weekends and sanity by installing low-maintenance landscaping and following our summer lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nInstead of breaking a sweat in the heat, consider letting Wikilawn hook you up with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to your Longhorns or Aggies.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Dallas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1789c/Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/107df/Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/293e9/Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/f2cbb/Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1789c/Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/c26c2/Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1dd6e/Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/67b76/Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/8df11/Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/98a65/Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1dd6e/Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/3cc96/Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Dallas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Prep your lawn for the summer heat with this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas, TX."}}},{"node":{"id":"f306e43f-d25e-5a96-a6e2-eaec4e4d56d2","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/low-maintenance-landscaping-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"Let’s face it, your weekends are better spent cheering on your favorite team than maintaining your North Texas lawn. Whether you are an Aggie or a Longhorn, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your outdoor chores so you can get back to the “Lone Star Showdown.” Switching to low-maintenance landscaping means […]
\n","content":"\nLet’s face it, your weekends are better spent cheering on your favorite team than maintaining your North Texas lawn. Whether you are an Aggie or a Longhorn, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your outdoor chores so you can get back to the “Lone Star Showdown.”
\n\n\n\nSwitching to low-maintenance landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In subtropical areas like Dallas, where summer temperatures can soar to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, energy and water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennials-landscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Acabashi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe bright blooms you see as you’re strolling through your local store are annuals. These flowers are less expensive and look great, for now, lasting one growing season before dying in late fall. If bright blooms are your thing, consider switching out your annuals for drought-tolerant perennials.
\n\n\n\nPerennials have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals, but they survive the cold winters and bloom every year. They are more expensive upfront. However, they tolerate extreme weather and come in many varieties such as deer-resistant and shade-loving types for your urban Dallas yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty on repeat, check out some of the best heat-tolerant perennials for Dallas:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a perennial plant varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/native-plants.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Hippopx
\n\n\n\nNative Texas plants are the most low-maintenance plants you can include in your landscaping project. They promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in the North Texas heat while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive a surprise winter snow. Native plants are hands-off and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Dallas native plants to choose from. Take a look at some examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like perennials, native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garden-Bed-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive and low-effort DIY job that will provide a big payoff for your Texas landscape. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches like rubber and gravel are more low-maintenance and durable but do not offer additional nutrients. It is important to note that organic mulches like wood chips must be replaced each year with a fresh layer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Backyard-Hardscaping-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bill Wilson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTexas summers are hot, and there’s nothing more you want to do than relax at your backyard barbecue with a refreshing frozen margarita. The fewer plants in your landscaping design, the less time you will spend maintaining your lawn and garden. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nFor the most part, hardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for garden design. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Hardscapes are an expensive upfront investment, but they increase home value and curb appeal, saving you time and money in the long run.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscaping-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping and water conservation. In the U.S., landscape irrigation makes up nearly one-third of all residential water use. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except rainfall.
\n\n\n\nDallas native plants are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard. They are naturally drought resistant and adapted to harsh Texas summers. Besides native plants, some basic steps for xeriscaping your yard include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will be saving around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Groundcover.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: I.Sáček, senior / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWho says your entire yard has to be covered in traditional grass for a thick, green appearance? Low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to traditional turfgrass. Groundcover plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space.
\n\n\n\nGroundcover can fill areas of your lawn to mimic “grass,” while their low-maintenance attitude means less work for you. These plants still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Texas groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought tolerant, and best of all, low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Dallas groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Dallas landscaping experts, Eco Blossom Nursery, groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Perfect Grass / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChannel your inner Brady Bunch with artificial turf. Contrary to popular belief, this synthetic grass is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet. Thanks to technological advancements, it is hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is virtually maintenance-free. However, it is expensive to install and may render your soil unusable in the future.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Succulent-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nDallas natives love their Cowboys and Tex-Mex. If you would rather spend more time perfecting your brisket tacos and less time maintaining your yard, consider planting drought-resistant succulents like cacti or agaves.
\n\n\n\nSucculents love dry, arid climates and thrive in the Texas climate thanks to their thick leaves. They prefer to be left alone, so you can forget about watering your plants and let nature take over. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work great in back and front yards.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular succulents that are great for Dallas yards:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the size and type of succulent and ranges from $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost.
Succulents thrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Typically, water your succulent plants once per week when it has not rained.
There are many types of artificial turf, including pet-friendly turf, that are specially designed for your furry family members to be stain and odor resistant and easy to clean.
Low-maintenance landscaping is the first step to reclaiming your weekends. Unfortunately, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance, and you will still find yourself stuck outside in the blistering sun.
Instead of wasting your time on lawn maintenance, consider letting Wikilawn hook you up with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to Margarita Mile.
Main Image Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Dallas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1789c/Landscaping-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/107df/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/293e9/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/f2cbb/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1789c/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/c26c2/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1dd6e/Landscaping-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/67b76/Landscaping-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/8df11/Landscaping-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/98a65/Landscaping-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1dd6e/Landscaping-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/3cc96/Landscaping-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Dallas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spend more time tending to your BBQ with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Dallas, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"1b8efa3d-8665-5f24-86c1-df248f59d7ed","slug":"worst-weeds-in-richmond-va","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/worst-weeds-in-richmond-va/","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":"08edb056-11a9-55f1-a92d-6400a6e86bbc","name":"Richmond","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"August 9th, 2019","excerpt":"Richmond’s mild climate gives weeds plenty of opportunities to invade, often undetected. Here’s a guide to some of the worst weeds in Richmond — and how to control them.
\n","content":"\nWith four mild but distinct seasons, Richmond offers a perfect environment for us to enjoy the great outdoors. It also gives weeds plenty of opportunities to invade, often undetected. Here’s a guide to some of the worst weeds in Richmond and how to control them.
\n\n\n\nFar more insidious than the annual weeds covered above, nutsedge (pictured above) has the unfortunate distinction of being an annual weed, which means that its invasions are not limited to spring or fall. This very aggressive weed requires a long-term strategy to eliminate, so be prepared for a marathon rather than a sprint. Nutsedge thrives in moist areas and can be an indicator that you’re overwatering. Small patches of nutsedge can be eliminated by digging out (to a depth of 10 inches), but larger concentrations will have to be treated with a specific post-emergent herbicide during warm months.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/sPdtBA44JjuK6q1NlAvEXcCx5sIRe83_ReXEaluVI576F8l7SYgXZ3i0IqXNvshCSJ9KrdKIZIudDA0Cg_ZtF-7sgHhcdJIklP4SOo0bO-s0MdnlJPLryU8d6Vo9zcwhNddOE7lp\")
Despite our childhood wonder and making wishes blowing on the white poofs of dandelion seeds, this is one noxious weed. What’s more, those “wishes” send airborne seeds far and wide — for miles — much to the dismay of anyone with a lawn. The key to controlling these perennial weeds is to catch them in the spring before they’ve had time to spread. As soon as you spot one in the lawn, take care to pull up the entire plant including the taproot. If you’ve got a dandelion problem, then a broadleaf herbicide applied in the fall can help.
\n\n\n\nA cool-season annual, chickweed is adaptable to almost any condition, although it prefers moist, well-irrigated soil. If it’s allowed to spread, you’ll notice it first by the small white flowers it sends out. You can control it by manually pulling up the plants by their shallow roots as they appear. However, the bare areas they leave in the lawn are an invitation to other weeds. Aeration and reseeding in the early fall can help to fill in any gaps in the turf. Use herbicides as a last resort, only if frequent mowing doesn’t prevent the chickweed from going to seed.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CCHjuWXl8WimgoikEJmEhZYsAaamJFLW3J8vTGXISv7BHsl2FknB7LV7tNf9YWHfQdQsBO4EZX7ppDm8fJCWnMuLBvR24aNg2AyMDB-ePXdxtV-Zs1TT8ehxouOG-bVXX0FHa5Ae\")
Another winter annual, purple deadnettle is part of the mint family that makes its appearance in late March and early April. Mild winter seasons can help these worst weeds in Richmond can get a head start, taking advantage of any gaps in the lawn. Bare spots in your lawn can also be exploited by aggressive summer weeds like crabgrass. Hand weeding is effective for small outbreaks, but applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall is the only way to prevent an infestation. Don’t bother treating with herbicide in the spring. Your best course of action is actually to mow regularly to prevent the mature plants from going to seed.
\n\n\n\nRemember that most weeds are opportunists who exploit any gap in the lawn and take advantage of issues in that make it easy for them to outcompete turfgrass. The best way to defend your lawn against them is to keep it lush, dense, and healthy. Aeration, good mowing technique, appropriate irrigation, and well-timed fertilization will all contribute to your lawn’s health. A bit of effort spent on maintaining a healthy lawn will save you loads of time spent combatting the weeds.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Richmond? Visit our Richmond, Va., lawn care page.
\n","title":"Worst Weeds in Richmond, Va.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2229299363057324,"src":"/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/1789c/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg","srcSet":"/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/107df/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 320w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/293e9/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 500w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/f2cbb/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 800w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/1789c/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 960w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/4fb49/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/1dd6e/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/67b76/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 320w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/8df11/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 500w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/98a65/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 800w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/1dd6e/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 960w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/62477/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Worst Weeds in Richmond, Va. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"e2bbed9d-9766-5df7-a6c8-1ba4f2a29739","slug":"when-how-to-winterize-your-sprinkler-system","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/when-how-to-winterize-your-sprinkler-system/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"6fc58ffa-eaae-56a2-a670-d6f84e2bb962","name":"Cold Climate","count":4,"path":"/category/cold-climate/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"bf4daca3-f477-56c4-b0f9-b212905a3b28","name":"Tools, Apps & Accessories","count":6,"path":"/category/garden-accessories/"}],"date":"October 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Your grass likes a deep drink every week to 10 days in most climates. But the question of when to stop watering your lawn and winterize your sprinkler system is a little more complicated. Most of the country will see at least one deep freeze during the cold season. Many more will see freezing temperatures […]
\n","content":"\nYour grass likes a deep drink every week to 10 days in most climates. But the question of when to stop watering your lawn and winterize your sprinkler system is a little more complicated.
\n\n\n\nMost of the country will see at least one deep freeze during the cold season. Many more will see freezing temperatures and snow through the winter months. The answer to when to shut off your sprinkler system for the season depends on the length of your growing season and the part of the country where you live. Lawns in Texas will need water until they go dormant in November. In Colorado, sprinkler systems run the risk of freezing by the end of September. Some cities and counties also restrict when and how long you can water.
\n\n\n\nWhen the time does come, you will want to get your irrigation system ready for the harsh winter, so you won’t have any unpleasant, wet surprises.
\n\n\n\nYou can also use the blowout method. you’ll need an air compressor, a quick-connect air hose adaptor, and eye protection. Close the main supply valve and the valves around the backflow device. Uncap the blow-out port, connect the quick-connect hose adaptor and attach the compressor hose.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to have a pressure regulator and adjust to pressure to 40 psi if you have PVC pipes, and 50 psi if you have polyethylene pipes. Too much air pressure and the air will crack your pipes. You’ll want to blow out your sprinkler system zone by zone.
\n\n\n\nRemember to wear eye protection. This will protect you in case one of the sprinkler heads pops off during the blowout. You want the sprinkler heads to pop up and push out any water remaining in your water line.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re not certain or intimidated by the idea of blowing out the sprinkler system yourself, you can hire a professional to do it. It should cost from $50 to $150, depending on how big your irrigation system is and where you are. If you plan to do it yourself, renting an air compressor can run you about $50, give or take a few bucks.
\n\n\n\nAfter the water is expelled, you can turn things off for the season by cutting off the water supply at the main shut-off valve. It’s typically a ball valve with a lever. The shutoff valve will keep water from the main water supply from entering your pipes during the winter months.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/icicles-3529002_1280-pixabay-1024x768.jpg\")
Outdoor faucets can freeze just as fast as sprinkler systems. Winterization is crucial if you don’t want to see burst pipes in early spring. Find the shut-off valve in your garage or basement and turn them off. Turn on all faucets to drain any water. Faucets in the southern half of the U.S. are often more vulnerable since Southern homes aren’t built for hard freezes. Since the pipes are often more exposed, one freeze can do a lot of damage. Consider buying faucet and pipe covers to insulate them during the winter — just in case.
\n\n\n\nIf you walk outside in the morning and see frost, don’t confuse that with the killing freeze that ends the season. According to the National Weather Service, “Typically, frost can occur when the temperature falls below 36 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in rural areas. It is a localized phenomenon and can be quite variable across a small area. While the National Weather Service does not keep track of ‘frost’ in observations per se, we do keep track of when temperatures hit the freezing mark or fall below.”
\n\n\n\nMeteorologists define a hard freeze as occurring at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the start of the pipe-busting kind of freezing cold weather and the kind of cold that can kill plants. It can also take out a sprinkler valve or two.
\n\n\n\nIt usually arrives in the first 10 days of September in the upper altitudes of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In Key West, Fla., you can expect the first freeze on the 10th of Never (there has never even been frost, let alone sleet or ice, in America’s southernmost city). Your local TV meteorologist will tell you in no uncertain terms that a hard freeze is in the forecast, and you need to protect your pipes, pets, plants.
\n\n\n\nProtecting your pipes and winterizing your lawn sprinkler system is crucial in parts of the country that see hard freezes during the winter months, and that includes most of the US. It’s easy to keep track of what areas have already had their first freezes, thanks to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, which tracks first freezes as part of its Vegetation Impact Program. So bundle yourself and your pipes up!
\n","title":"When, How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.521997621878716,"src":"/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/1789c/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/107df/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/293e9/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/f2cbb/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/1789c/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/356ef/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/1dd6e/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/67b76/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/8df11/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/98a65/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/1dd6e/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/93f70/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When, How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When the time comes, you will want to get your irrigation system ready for the harsh winter. Proper winterizing sprinklers avoids unpleasant, wet surprises."}}},{"node":{"id":"099558d4-8315-5592-b749-fecf0baa638d","slug":"best-grass-types-western-carolina","path":"/lawn-care/nc/best-grass-types-western-carolina/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"573ee4f0-70b8-506d-bed1-b789c040fa0f","name":"Asheville","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/asheville/"},{"id":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"It would be a shame to have a lawn that doesn’t match the beauty and extraordinary atmosphere of Western Carolina’s wildlife and waterfalls. But not every grass type is the same. If you’re in the market for a lush, green lawn, consider planting one of these 4 grasses that thrive here. In this article: 4 […]
\n","content":"\nIt would be a shame to have a lawn that doesn’t match the beauty and extraordinary atmosphere of Western Carolina’s wildlife and waterfalls. But not every grass type is the same. If you’re in the market for a lush, green lawn, consider planting one of these 4 grasses that thrive here.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two kinds of grasses:
\n\n\n\nGiven Western Carolina’s temperate climate, both work well, but cool-season grasses are a slightly better option. Let’s explore some popular cool-season grass options.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is popular thanks to its picturesque, blue-green turf. It’s a dense grass that can withstand foot traffic, especially during the colder months. While heat may pose some challenges for the grass, it can repair itself if it becomes damaged. It can also withstand drought for some time until it goes dormant.
\n\n\n\nHowever, heat isn’t the only problem your Kentucky bluegrass turf may face. Other conditions that can be problematic include shade, diseases, pests, and thatch. Thus, it’s often mixed with other, more resistant grass types to make it more durable.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High; but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5 to 7 days; fertilize 1 to 3 times a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOur moderate summers and mild winters are the perfect conditions for perennial ryegrass, a bright green, tall grass that can be grown quickly from seed. Once it’s grown in, the grass can handle cold weather, stand up to foot traffic, and make less thatch than other types of grass.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is frequently mixed with other grasses to take advantage of its fast-growing, resistant qualities. But take note that you’ll need to mow it frequently. Additionally, this grass doesn’t self-repair and doesn’t stand up well to shade, excessive heat, drought, or fungal diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches, depending on species, weather, and intended use; you can cut even shorter, but very short heights need a reel mower
Potential for disease: High, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to say goodbye to your green lawn in the winter, look no further. Turf-type tall fescue can form a thick, medium-to-dark green turf that will last all year. It’s resistant to cold as well as shade, heat, drought, and foot traffic, all while being low-maintenance and relatively fast-growing. It’s also a great option for mixing with other grass types to give your lawn more resilience.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it’s resistant, turf-type tall fescue can’t self-repair, so be prepared to overseed any bare spots. It will also need frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed or your lawn will go dormant
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Festuca_arundinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a broad name given to a variety of fescue grasses that differ in maintenance needs, density, germination times, and so forth. However, they’re all distinguished by their fine, thin blades that form a versatile, blue-green turf. Unlike other grass types, fine fescue grows in partial shade as well as drought (although drought may cause dormancy).
\n\n\n\nBe careful, though. Too much fertilizer can cause high thatch levels. While a little thatch is good, too much can choke the lawn and keep the soil and roots from getting oxygen and moisture. Overfertilization carries other hazards as well, so if you need to fertilize, follow instructions and stick to the amount you need. Moreover, take note that fine fescue isn’t the best fit for foot traffic and is susceptible to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Depends on the variant; most variants grow in bunches, but creeping red fescue uses rhizomes
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High; may go dormant
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Mow every 2 to 3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2 to 4 times a year; aerate once a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable
Potential for disease: Moderate
If you want to enjoy time outside with family and friends, you may want a durable grass like Kentucky bluegrass. It’s mainly resistant to foot traffic during cooler months. If damaged, it can self-repair.
Your other options are turf-type tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, which can’t self-repair but can handle foot traffic all year.
The best time to overseed cool-season grasses is in early fall. You want to give your grass at least 45 days to grow before the first frost hits. The risk of frost in Western Carolina begins at the beginning of October, so it’s best to overseed before mid-August.
Although Western Carolina is generally a cool place, it does get warm in the summer. If you want to create a shady lawn oasis, make sure you plant fine-leaf fescue. You can get a fine-leaf fescue and turf-type tall fescue mix to get the best out of both grass types.
If you want to care for your lawn as little as possible, either tall fescue or fine-leaf fescue should be a good fit.
You chose the right grass type, but what’s next? Once you sow your grass, you want to make sure that you give your lawn the right care all year round. This includes cleaning, dethatching, aerating, overseeding, and fertilizing, among many other tasks that are a necessity for every backyard.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re the type who enjoys spending time on your lawn more than working on it, consider creating a low-maintenance landscape. Not only can this mean planting a low-maintenance type of grass, but it can also mean using xeriscaping, hardscaping, planting easy-care plants, and other low-maintenance tips and techniques.
\n\n\n\nStill feeling overwhelmed? Consider hiring a professional lawn care service to take care of your lawn for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Joe Wolf / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n","title":"4 Grasses That Thrive in Western Carolina","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.518987341772152,"src":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1789c/lawn-in-asheville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/107df/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 320w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/293e9/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 500w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/f2cbb/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 800w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1789c/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 960w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/c26c2/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1dd6e/lawn-in-asheville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/67b76/lawn-in-asheville.webp 320w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/8df11/lawn-in-asheville.webp 500w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/98a65/lawn-in-asheville.webp 800w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1dd6e/lawn-in-asheville.webp 960w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/3cc96/lawn-in-asheville.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Grasses That Thrive in Western Carolina | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Grass isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition For a lush, green lawn, consider starting with one of these 4 grasses that thrive in Western Carolina"}}},{"node":{"id":"8c5d9584-5c94-5769-bcb5-a6a51b41d6e3","slug":"interview-building-a-landscaping-business-in-the-dfw","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/interview-building-a-landscaping-business-in-the-dfw/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2018","excerpt":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business Building a successful business is no small feat, especially in the landscaping industry. You will work hours on end. You will sweat. You will bleed. And you will find after all of that, it was worth every second. This article is the beginning of a series of interviews that we […]
\n","content":"Building a successful business is no small feat, especially in the landscaping industry. You will work hours on end. You will sweat. You will bleed. And you will find after all of that, it was worth every second.
\nThis article is the beginning of a series of interviews that we will be conducting for our readers to gain insight into the daunting world of the landscaping industry.
\nToday’s guest is Chris Sadberry, owner and operator of Big League Landscaping, servicing the North Dallas area. Once Chris’ career in the Minor League Baseball ended, he decided to build his own landscaping business. He’s done everything from tree trimming to mowing lawns and building patios.
\nLike many before me, my journey started by walking target neighborhoods. Most people in the landscaping industry who walk neighborhoods just pin flyers up on homeowners’ doors or mailboxes. After not having any luck with that, I decided to switch things up. I began knocking on doors to introduce myself and tell my story to potential customers. The results were clear: a friendly smile and a firm handshake go a long way when it comes to landing customers.
\nIt’s hard to describe the feeling when you sell your first type of any job. It’s an amazing experience to lock in the first customer.
\nWhen I first started out I bought some cheap business cards off of Vistaprint for around $40. I also had to pay a business registration fee of $25 for the county I wanted to work in. The actual business expenses were minuscule compared to the cost of equipment.
\nI knew it was finally time when I kept running into issues with clients because I would promise too many things to multiple customers and ended up being behind every time. I was failing miserably at the golden rule of sales: under-promise and over-deliver. In order to keep up with the number of new customers coming in, I was basically forced to hire someone.
\nReliability is the first thing that I was looking for in my first hire. I really needed a go-getter who wasn’t afraid to help build the business. Secondly, I needed someone trustworthy in case I needed to leave them to go grab materials or even give an estimate.
\nThe most challenging part is getting past the hump of breaking even. It’s hard when you are just breaking into an industry to charge what the established companies are charging. Majority of companies fail within the first 5 years because they struggle to pay their bills. You can overcome this by putting in hours and hours of walking around neighborhoods after work to keep new business coming in (and knocking on doors of course). You will hear a simple, “No,” the vast majority of the time, but you have to accept it and move on.
\nMy favorite project that we’ve done so far has been a large Flagstone patio that we did in Argyle, TX. We had great clients and really enjoyed providing our services to them.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1838-1024x768.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1839-1024x768.jpg\")
Photos courtesy of Big League Landscaping
\nMy favorite tool would be the shovel. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always enjoyed digging.
\nIn the beginning, there will be a lot of sacrifice from you to build your business off the ground. The end result is definitely worth the struggle in the beginning if you’re someone that wants to be in control of your own destiny.
\nFollow Chris and Big League Landscaping on their Facebook page to keep up with their latest projects.
\nHave more questions about lawn care or landscaping? Visit our Dallas lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business in the DFW","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1789c/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/107df/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 320w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/293e9/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 500w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/f2cbb/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 800w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1789c/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 960w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/4fb49/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1dd6e/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/67b76/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 320w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/8df11/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 500w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/98a65/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 800w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1dd6e/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 960w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/62477/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business in the DFW | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"d9eec7c3-8636-5c74-95f8-73172b1546ec","slug":"native-plants-for-richmond-va","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/native-plants-for-richmond-va/","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/"},{"id":"08edb056-11a9-55f1-a92d-6400a6e86bbc","name":"Richmond","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"August 9th, 2019","excerpt":"Virginia’s rich and diverse ecology almost compels you to incorporate native plants into your landscape. Here is an introduction to a few of the most-colorful.
\n","content":"\nVirginia’s rich and diverse ecology almost compels you to incorporate native plants into your landscape. Local plants offer more support to wildlife, maintain biodiversity, and are adapted to the climate. They require far less care than their exotic counterparts and save you time and money with their minimal demands. Here is an introduction to just a few of the native plants for Richmond, Va.
\n\n\n\nA salt marsh and wetland species, these elegant beauties (pictured above) flower over a long period in the late summer to early fall. The creamy-white flowers have a deep red center and are a favorite of hummingbirds. They put on an impressive show, standing from 3-8 feet tall and performing well in sun or part shade. Rose mallow can be grown easily from seed, and will usually come back each spring after being cut back to a few inches from the ground.
\n\n\n\nThis short-lived perennial thrives in part shade and blooms from April to May. A favorite of hummingbirds, the bright, tubular flowers add vibrant cheer in spring. This lovely native plant for Richmond grows from one to three feet tall and will self-sow seeds each year, so you never need to worry about replanting.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/butterfly-milkweed-asclepias-tuberosa-credit-joshua-mayer-flickr.jpg\")
Of the many dozens of varieties of milkweed, only four are native to Virginia. If you only choose one, Asclepias tuberosa is a good choice, as it’s a host plant for monarch butterfly larvae. This cheerful, orange bloom proliferates from June to August, and keeps a low profile, growing 12-30 inches tall. This is a flexible species, performing well in either sun or part shade and requiring no care to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/GL84XK1PL_IKc5Id96fu9ZGi26UmBmc8x3YMmeiBaEcnuLDiGAIGSIpFrMgnaLtVRgsnuOyJnKiWkC2G9Zmk_-CQuLBDfUc0faFddib0lC46Dx3re5WOxPBvwn9wRiX0ikSyDLad\")
Growing 4-8 feet tall, this is the largest and most impressive native lily in the region. A single plant has been recorded with up to 40 blooms. This lily loves to bask in full sun and bursts into bloom from July to September. The distinctive blooms are impossible to ignore and make great showy cut flowers indoors.
\n\n\n\nIn a region sometimes plagued by deer and rabbits, the Christmas fern offers striking texture in the shade that is resistant to these midnight munchers. It stays green through Christmas, hence the name. This is a perfect plant to use in masses on slopes to prevent erosion. As long as there is some shade, it will perform well and reproduce slowly, over time.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/american-beautyberry-john-pavelka-flickr-1024x768.jpg\")
This deciduous shrub has loose, gracefully arching branches and bright, green foliage. It erupts into stunning clusters of purple berries in fall and winter, providing visual interest and forage for wildlife. American beautyberry performs best in full sun to part shade, making it an ideal understory shrub or edge planting. This small shrub requires almost no maintenance and provides a splash of color when most deciduous plants are going dormant.
\n\n\n\nThis is but a small sample of the many species native to our area. For a more comprehensive list, explore some of the resources provided by the state. Remember, a native landscape is one that gives more than it takes, providing you with more time spent enjoying your yard than maintaining it.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Richmond? Visit our Richmond. Va., lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Paul VanDerWerf, Flickr
\n","title":"Native Plants for Richmond, Va.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.0788461538461538,"src":"/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/1789c/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/107df/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 320w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/293e9/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 500w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/f2cbb/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 800w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/1789c/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 960w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/82d62/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.jpg 1122w","srcWebp":"/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/1dd6e/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/67b76/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 320w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/8df11/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 500w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/98a65/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 800w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/1dd6e/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 960w,\n/static/d5ff8271db12da7450ed01417db7ad89/ab6ed/rose-mallow-credit-Paul-VanDerWerf-Flickr.webp 1122w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants for Richmond, Va. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"bd885ece-a3cc-57ad-8b75-dc3c228d7da9","slug":"best-grass-types-new-york","path":"/lawn-care/ny/best-grass-types-new-york/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d385702e-0566-5651-8f72-f93cc1c9db6b","name":"New York","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ny/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"One of the great things about New York is its natural diversity and distinct seasons. But all that diversity has a price: Not all grasses thrive in conditions that swing from hot and humid to cold and icy. So if a beautiful lawn is a must-have, it pays to know what kinds of grasses do […]
\n","content":"\nOne of the great things about New York is its natural diversity and distinct seasons. But all that diversity has a price: Not all grasses thrive in conditions that swing from hot and humid to cold and icy.
\n\n\n\nSo if a beautiful lawn is a must-have, it pays to know what kinds of grasses do well in our unique climate. Here are four grasses that not only survive but thrive in New York.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses.
\n\n\n\nNew York enjoys warm to hot summers and cold winters. The difference is even more pronounced in upstate New York, where regions bordering the Great Lakes experience brutally cold, ridiculously snowy winters. Downstate sees warmer summers with higher humidity levels, but the winters are cold and wet.
\n\n\n\nOverall, cool-season grasses are best suited to New York’s climate because they tolerate cold well, and the heat isn’t sustained or intense enough to do any real harm.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a closer look at each kind:
\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 looks beautiful with its medium green thin grass blades. It tolerates shade and can grow in sunny conditions, too. Fine fescue requires minimal watering.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue has a soft texture. However, it can’t tolerate high foot traffic. Fine fescue requires low maintenance but is highly susceptible to red thread and other diseases.
\n\n\n\nWe recommend mixing fine fescue with other cool-season grasses for the best results. New York homeowners usually mix fine fescue with Kentucky bluegrass at a 50:50 or 50:25 ratios.
\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 has a deep root system, so it tolerates shade and drought. The leaves are dark green in color, with a coarse appearance. You can combine tall fescue with other cool-season grasses for a better lawn appearance.
\n\n\n\nOn the down side, if you plan to use your lawn heavily, avoid tall fescue. It can handle normal yard usage but doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic. On the up side, tall fescue resists diseases pretty well but requires frequent mowing and fertilization.
\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\nKentucky bluegrass looks beautiful with its soft-textured, fine grass blades. It forms a dense, medium- to dark-green lawn. Kentucky bluegrass grows best in full sun and is suitable for yards with high foot traffic. It also recovers quickly from damage.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass requires high maintenance and is susceptible to many diseases, so, it’s a good option only if you mix it with other cool-season grasses. You can use a grass blend of 75% Kentucky bluegrass and 25% fine fescue or perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass germinates in five to fourteen days, making it one of the fastest-growing grasses. It looks beautiful with its dense, dark green leaves. Perennial ryegrass grows best in full sun and with regular watering.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass tolerates high-foot traffic but can’t quickly recover from damages as it lacks rhizomes. It’s susceptible to gray leaf spot and leaf thread. You can mix perennial ryegrass with Kentucky bluegrass at a 75:25 ratio for the best results.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn is shady, go with fine fescue. Tall fescue also tolerates shade and survives with four hours of dappled sun.
Fine fescue does well in dry conditions.
If you plan to use your lawn heavily, go with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.
Fine fescue is the best option for a low-maintenance lawn.
Grass Comparison Table
\n\n\n\n| Cool-Season Grasses | Spreads By | Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Maintenance Needs |
| Fine fescue | Bunch-type | High | High | Low |
| Tall fescue | Bunch-type | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Rhizomes | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Perennial ryegrass | Bunch-type | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
Cool-season grasses can quickly adapt to New York’s climate. Analyze your lawn’s condition and choose a grass type that best suits your requirements.
\n\n\n\nA good lawn isn’t all about planting the correct grass. It also includes choosing the best native plants and proper maintenance. For a closer look at how to get your lawn in tip-top shape for the warm-weather months, see this Wikilawn guide to spring lawn care in New York.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a lush, green, and healthy lawn without breaking a sweat, Wikilawn New York lawn care experts can help.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixabay
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for New York Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/1789c/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/107df/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/293e9/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/f2cbb/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/1789c/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/c26c2/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/1dd6e/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/67b76/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 320w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/8df11/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 500w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/98a65/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 800w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/1dd6e/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 960w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/3cc96/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for New York Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"A lush, green, and healthy lawn starts with choosing the correct grass. Let's take a look at the best grass types for New York."}}},{"node":{"id":"d38b28fb-a599-5776-8444-00ea08b3ebdd","slug":"best-grass-types-phoenix","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/best-grass-types-phoenix/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.","name":"Amanda Shiffler","id":"458fa7a4-b709-56ae-8d79-9dc400e34ff1","path":"/author/amanda-shiffler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0048ef20c97263b5f26951aa210d62c8?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"Contrary to popular belief, you can grow actual grass in Phoenix, even with its inferno-like temperatures and dry-as-a-bone climate. Many homeowners opt to xeriscape their yards, choosing to landscape with rocks and highly drought-tolerant plants instead of traditional grass. But if you want to plant traditional turf, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got […]
\n","content":"\nContrary to popular belief, you can grow actual grass in Phoenix, even with its inferno-like temperatures and dry-as-a-bone climate. Many homeowners opt to xeriscape their yards, choosing to landscape with rocks and highly drought-tolerant plants instead of traditional grass. But if you want to plant traditional turf, you’ve come to the right place!
\n\n\n\nWe’ve got the five best kinds of grass to grow in Phoenix and will walk you through the pros and cons of each one.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll five types of the following types of grass are heat and drought-tolerant, so they’re ideal for the Phoenix climate. Let’s take a closer look at each.
\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\nBermudagrass is an important turf grass grown throughout the Southern United States. It flourishes in full sun and tolerates heat, drought, and foot traffic but does prefer soil with good drainage. Most of the root system is within the top 6 inches of soil, but roots can grow down to 6 feet, increasing its drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIt is the fastest-growing warm-season grass, which is excellent for establishing a new lawn or overseeding bare spots but also poses a concern. This quick-spreading habit makes Bermudagrass challenging to control and contain, so you’ll need to work to keep it out of flowerbeds. Thick layers of thatch can also accumulate, requiring dethatching or power raking regularly.
\n\n\n\nMidiron is a hybrid Bermuda grass and a popular turfgrass choice for Phoenix homeowners because of its toughness and adaptability. It is low-maintenance and has excellent drought tolerance, so it stands up to high summer temps. This hybrid grass can also withstand high levels of foot traffic and transitions well between seasons.
\n\n\n\nIt goes dormant through the winter, but you can keep a continuous green lawn by overseeding it with cool-season grass. Once the weather starts to warm, it quickly greens back up, so there is no lull in your beautiful turf. Midiron also tolerates the hard clay soils common in Phoenix.
\n\n\n\nPalmetto St. Augustine grass is a patented variation of St. Augustinegrass that has been bred to display a darker color and finer texture while keeping the shade, cold, heat, and drought tolerance of St. Augustine. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for the Phoenix climate, and it works well as filler grass in shade spots under shrubs or trees, hiding brown, bare patches. It can survive on as little as 4 to 5 hours of sun.
\n\n\n\nWith its drought tolerance, Palmetto St. Augustine is low maintenance, but you must be cautious not to overwater it. Too much water makes the grass prone to insect and disease problems.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most significant drawbacks to Palmetto St. Augustine is a lack of seed available for purchase. Little viable seed is produced for commercialization, so you must establish a lawn using sod or plugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative to the Great Plains spanning from New Mexico to Montana, buffalograss does well in Phoenix because of its ability to handle extreme temperatures. Buffalograss has the best cold tolerance of the warm-season grasses, yet it also does well in the hot, dry Arizona climate.
\n\n\n\nIt spreads by stolons, so it covers the ground quickly to fill in bare spots. Buffalograss is incredibly drought-tolerant and has low maintenance needs. When left uncut, it creates an airy, wispy meadow look.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Buffalograss is slow to establish from seed and is dormant longer than other warm-season types. It goes dormant earlier in the winter than Bermudagrass and recovers slowly after overseeding. A pre-emergent applied well before seeding helps knock down weed populations, increasing overseeding success, but the process is still laborious and frustrating. Laying sod results in a quicker lawn establishment but costs more.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1024px-Blue_grama_Bouteloua_gracilis_MN_2007.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SEWilco / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRounding out our list of best grasses for Phoenix is blue grama, an important native grass found across the mixed prairies of the U.S. and the Great Plains. When seeded at the proper density, it makes a fantastic native turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass is tough as nails, with high drought and cold tolerance. It thrives in sandy, dry Arizona soils and works incredibly well as erosion control in arid regions. Plus, it’s a fantastic source of food for wildlife.
\n\n\n\nAs a native species, it requires minimal care – minimal watering and fertilizing and minimal, if any, mowing. Blue grama is a bunch-forming grass that will grow 12 to 18 inches tall when left unmowed, making it one of the shortest ornamental native grasses.
\n\n\n\nAll five grass types are fantastic for Phoenix lawns, but you must consider a few other aspects before deciding.
\n\n\n\nIs your yard mostly or partially shaded or in full sun?
\n\n\n\nIf you have any noticeable shade in your yard, your best option is Palmetto St. Augustine grass. All of the other types do not do well in the shade.
\n\n\n\nDo you have kids and pets tromping around?
\n\n\n\nIf you need a lawn that stands up to regular, heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nHow much maintenance do you want?
\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for a lawn that frees up your time to enjoy life instead of working outside, choose buffalograss, midiron, or blue grama.
\n\n\n\nThe hot, dry desert climate of Phoenix isn’t easy to grow grass in, but it is possible to keep your lawn lush and green all year long. If you’d rather not try to keep your warm-season grass beautiful in winter, you can overseed your lawn with cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding with cool-season grass like perennial ryegrass or creeping bentgrass is a great way to maintain color.
\n\n\n\nAccording to the University of Arizona, you should overseed in October when daytime temperatures are 80-85°F, and nighttime temperatures are above 55°F.
\n\n\n\nYes, you can have green grass all year long in Phoenix if you choose the correct type and take care of it properly. One of the best grasses to grow is Bermudagrass, which stays green in frost-free climates, but you need to give it plenty of water through the winter months. Another surefire way to have green grass is to overseed your warm-season lawn with cool-season grass for winter color.
Zoysiagrass is incredibly heat and drought-tolerant, but unfortunately, it doesn’t grow well in the alkaline soils of Arizona. To grow it, you must amend your high-pH soils, adding acidifying products to lower the pH to neutral or slightly acidic.
Even in the arid Arizona climate, you can have a beautiful landscape without using much water. You just need to choose the best turf for your space and the maintenance level to which you’re willing to commit.
\n\n\n\nBeyond choosing the best grass, you can create a dream landscape using the best native plants for Phoenix. These plants thrive in high-heat, low-moisture climates and are ideal for arid conditions.
Selecting the perfect grass type is the first step in having a beautiful yard. Keep your new lawn healthy and green with services from our lawn care pros.
Main Photo Credit: Tomwsulcer / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Phoenix","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/1789c/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/107df/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 320w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/293e9/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 500w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/f2cbb/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 800w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/1789c/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 960w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/c26c2/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/1dd6e/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/67b76/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 320w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/8df11/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 500w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/98a65/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 800w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/1dd6e/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 960w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/3cc96/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grasses for Phoenix","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reseeding some bare patches in your grass or putting in a new lawn? Here are the best grass types for Phoenix, Arizona."}}},{"node":{"id":"6a7a6ce9-1e7b-51f2-9d30-e85e547414af","slug":"best-grass-types-pittsburgh","path":"/lawn-care/pa/pittsburgh/best-grass-types-pittsburgh/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2d317bbd-578b-5162-8946-7b230bb15f85","name":"Pennsylvania","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pa/"},{"id":"df1e282b-b8dd-56e2-b231-44dc03e8950d","name":"Pittsburgh","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pa/pittsburgh/"}],"date":"March 24th, 2023","excerpt":"Your Steel City yard can become green and beautiful when you choose the right grass. The secret is to grow grass that can survive both the summer and winter temperatures of Pittsburgh. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve gathered the 4 best grass types for Pittsburgh lawns. Choosing the perfect type of grass for […]
\n","content":"\nYour Steel City yard can become green and beautiful when you choose the right grass. The secret is to grow grass that can survive both the summer and winter temperatures of Pittsburgh. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve gathered the 4 best grass types for Pittsburgh lawns.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the perfect type of grass for your home requires considering multiple factors carefully. By evaluating your yard’s climate, soil type, and sun exposure, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a healthy and beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season and cool-season grasses are two types of grasses that thrive in different temperature ranges and have different growing habits.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are adapted to hot and dry climates, grow actively during the warm summer months, and become dormant during winter. They are more drought-tolerant and require less water than cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses, on the other hand, are adapted to cooler climates. They usually grow actively during the cooler months of spring and fall and can tolerate mild winters.
\n\n\n\nSince temperatures are cool throughout most of the year in Pittsburgh, the best grass type for your yard is likely a cool-season grass. Let’s take a close look at the 4 cool-season grasses that thrive in Pittsburgh:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass is an excellent choice for homeowners who need to protect yard areas from erosion. Not only does the dense turf protect eroding soil, but it also creates a beautiful uniform look. It has moderate traffic tolerance and can withstand the occasional backyard BBQ as you cheer on the Steelers. It also recovers quickly.
\n\n\n\nIts root system tolerates drought conditions, but like most cool-season grasses, the turf becomes dormant and brown during hot, dry summers.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass might not be the best option if you want to avoid high-maintenance turf. It demands fertilizer, is prone to disease, and requires frequent mowing. Got shade? Kentucky bluegrass won’t tolerate it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Tolerates close, frequent grazing better than most grasses. Forms tight sod.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has a fine-textured, lush, and dark green appearance. It’s commonly grown in athletic fields, landscapes, and cattle fields.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is very popular because of its rapid growth and high traffic tolerance, which makes it ideal for homeowners that like to spend time outdoors. This grass is best for sunny lawns but tolerates partial shade.
\n\n\n\nIf you would like to give ryegrasses a chance in your yard, consider that they are heavy users of water and don’t tolerate drought well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spots, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8 but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass for a more traffic and disease-resistant turf.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are known for their fine texture and excellent shade tolerance. In fact, fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant cool-season grass, particularly the chewings variety. So, if your backyard has shade, this may be the perfect grass for you.
\n\n\n\nThis turf is also low-maintenance; it requires less water, fertilizer, and mowing than other types of grasses. As long as you water it regularly, this is the best grass for busy homeowners who would like to relax in a beautiful landscape.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red Fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. It prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fine fescue grasses are often added to mixtures with other cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, to create a dense, attractive lawn that can withstand shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a coarse textured grass with a deep green color. Its deep root system allows it to tolerate drought and heat stress better than any other cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t mind mowing often, tall fescue is a good low-maintenance choice. If this grass’s deep root system, low maintenance, and rapid growth sound good to you, then it might be the perfect fit for your yard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Many tall fescue lawns become thin after hot, dry summer conditions. Thin, tall fescue lawns can form clumps and become unsightly. To prevent this from occurring, it’s usually necessary to overseed tall fescue lawns in the fall.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is among the easiest cool-season grasses to maintain. It’s known for its fine texture, shade tolerance, and low maintenance requirements, making it an attractive option for homeowners and landscapers.
Of the cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass is generally considered to be the softest and most comfortable grass to walk on. It has a fine texture and a dense growth habit, which gives it a lush, carpet-like appearance. Kentucky bluegrass is also known for its ability to self-repair, making it a durable choice for high-traffic areas.
Tall fescue is generally considered the best cool-season grass for poor soil conditions. It has a root system that allows access to nutrients and water from deeper soil layers, making it more drought-tolerant than other cool-season grasses.
Tall fescue is well adapted to different soil types, including poor and compacted soils. It can grow well in soil with low fertility and is more resistant to diseases and pests than other cool-season grasses.
Pittsburgh grass can withstand hot summers and cold winters, but different types have different characteristics and needs. Choose the proper kind for your lawn, thinking about your space, the use you will give it, and the work you are willing to do for it.
\n\n\n\nWould you like a lawn that can withstand barbecues and parties? Consider Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. Do you have a shaded yard? Fine fescue is an excellent choice. Would you like a low-maintenance lawn? Think about tall fescue or fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nRemember that the type of grass you choose is just one part of your ideal landscape. There are various low-maintenance landscaping options and native plants popular in Pittsburgh.
\n\n\n\nA welcoming backyard is within reach. Contact a Pittsburgh lawn care pro who can maintain your lawn and landscaping.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: MartinThoma / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Pittsburgh","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/1789c/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg","srcSet":"/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/107df/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 320w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/293e9/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 500w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/f2cbb/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 800w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/1789c/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 960w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/c26c2/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/1dd6e/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/67b76/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 320w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/8df11/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 500w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/98a65/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 800w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/1dd6e/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 960w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/3cc96/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Pittsburgh","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Cool-season grass types are suitable for mild, cool temperatures. Here are the 4 best grass types for Pittsburgh."}}},{"node":{"id":"955faa8e-0da7-5d65-867f-65e3a3f4cd74","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-charlotte-nc","path":"/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/worst-backyard-pests-charlotte-nc/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"The things that make Charlotte a beautiful place to live — short, mild winters and long months of hot, humid weather — make it a haven for insects. Here are the worst ones and what to do about them.
\n","content":"\nThe things that make Charlotte a beautiful place to live — short, mild winters and long months of hot, humid weather — make it a haven for insects. If you haven’t encountered any of these pesky interlopers yet, chances are you will at some point. Here’s a list of the worst backyard pests in Charlotte, N.C., and how to deal with them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BLU_yMhW80SMMI1oRONPvyLPmrRvT25vN4tePCqNjbmnM15jryrQIXtUr_Xz0gChposzndRdYhJLTLYsWz_9ybOVTck2pS4zD9wWqulRU3nW1tQZL8V9P6JwK7od8LVUTaiSkaza\")
These little suckers attach themselves to the undersides of the leaves of herbaceous and woody plants and suck the life out of them. The easiest way to detect aphids is to examine the bottoms of leaves from time to time. If you see a plant looking unusually wilted or developing strangely shaped or colored new leaves, the aphids have invaded. It’s possible to treat aphids without chemicals, by crushing them, spraying them with water from a hose, or treating them with neem oil.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll first see these pests gathering in late spring, forming small bags that resemble upside-down ice cream cones. Conifers are the most susceptible trees. The sooner you notice them, the better. You can treat with a biological, nontoxic pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis, or BT, but only when the worms are young and feeding. Spinosad is your next line of defense, effective on the adult worms and also low in toxicity. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem, because it will only get worse the following year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_gfirmzWi6t0nx5-2kpUgsrgLUbSTri7lPAbERHMSOpoxC6I1fpWrG0fSZ-G3zfLiBoLJsqdwtQKDL91eizRApL2hpt-wTubVRzySXRcMDMvtGyadKJA6haLiOaKsHJJcbXJ-M0b\")
Nothing ruins a good time in the yard faster than fire ants. These inconsiderate invaders do great damage to the lawn and deliver nasty bites that you won’t soon forget. There are many control methods, from treating mounds with boiling water to drenching them with insecticide. One of the most effective techniques is the two-step method, which can reduce the population by 80 to 90 percent. This involves spreading a bait over your yard in the early part of fall. The ants will take this back to their nest where it will kill the queen. The second step involves treating individual mounds with a granule or dust insecticide.
\n\n\n\nWhile mosquitoes don’t do any damage to the lawn, they can ruin a backyard party. They’re also the deadliest creature on the planet! The best way to take care of this pest is to prevent them from breeding in the first place. Make sure there is absolutely no standing water anywhere in the yard. If you have a birdbath, replace the water every few days, and if you have a pond or water feature, treat it with non-toxic mosquito dunks every couple of weeks.
\n\n\n\nPlanting fragrant plants like mint, lavender, geraniums. and rosemary around decks and patios can help to repel these bloodsuckers. If all else fails, installing oscillating deck fans can help to at least keep these slow-flying pests at bay.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8-cnXREv09d7KZnxV_WpM4iROBuk1IaRkCzYF-hehaPeXl15-Re-j9oO5bkUIdF6jDjmSalXZxthOUIDPV7vqq7WAIOai7shYz5OzNysxIZ5RuQ3GdD_mE5xyldYhOV3hGJwhOg4\")
When you begin to see inexplicable brown spots on an otherwise healthy lawn, you can be almost certain that a grub is to blame. If you suspect you have a grub issue, try to lift up a piece of affected turf. If it rolls up and seems to lack roots, then you know you have grubs. To avoid using chemicals on your lawn, use milky spore, nematodes, or neem oil to kill the grubs in the soil. Remember, the healthier your lawn is, the more difficult it is for grubs to make a dent in it. Mow consistently and make sure you irrigate the right amount.
\n\n\n\nNo matter what pests you’re dealing with, prevention and early detection are the best defenses you can mount against them. Treating an all-out infestation will always be more difficult and time-consuming. So keep your eyes open and do your best to defeat the worst pests before they become problematic.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our Charlotte Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nJay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.
As hurricane season approaches, homeowners begin to prepare their homes for potential damage. While many focus on strengthening their home’s structure, they may overlook the importance of hurricane-resistant landscaping. A landscape that’s well-designed will not only add beauty to your home but also provide protection from wind and water damage during a hurricane. By using […]
\n","content":"\nAs hurricane season approaches, homeowners begin to prepare their homes for potential damage. While many focus on strengthening their home’s structure, they may overlook the importance of hurricane-resistant landscaping. A landscape that’s well-designed will not only add beauty to your home but also provide protection from wind and water damage during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBy using hurricane-resistant plants, designing windbreaks, and implementing proper maintenance, your landscaping can help reduce the risk of damage to your property. Here are 12 hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for St. Augustine to help you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can follow these suggestions to make your landscape aesthetically pleasing and capable of enduring the turbulent winds and heavy rainfall that come with the hurricane season:
\n\n\n\nIf your property is situated on the waterfront, it is imperative to construct a seawall. The purpose of seawalls is to shield your home against the unrelenting pummeling of waves and avert erosion. Plus, having a seawall can help you avoid floods during storm surges.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting a seawall for your property, you must consider various aspects, like the material to use and the associated cost. Opt for a seawall material that can endure the forces of the Atlantic Ocean, such as the following:
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have a seawall, the shoreline will progressively erode. This, in turn, can inflict substantial damage to your waterfront property. Apart from helping you prevent flooding of your property during storms, seawalls can save you a considerable amount of money in terms of repairs. Hence, it’s crucial not to use materials that decay or corrode over time.
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of building a seawall will depend on the material chosen, with costs varying between $113 to $770 per linear foot. But if you leave your property unprotected, the cost of restoring water damage can be significantly higher.
\n\n\n\nWhen preparing for a hurricane, homeowners often neglect backyard fences. Nevertheless, choosing the right type of fence appropriate for your home can have a significant impact. Remember to prioritize durability.
\n\n\n\nBenefits of hurricane-resistant fencing:
\n\n\n\nYou might think that a solid privacy fence is most effective because it can obstruct the wind. However, the absence of air circulation can cause it to give way under the force of high winds. Wooden fences, even the most robust, can be toppled over easily if there are no gaps large enough to permit the wind to flow through.
\n\n\n\nTypes of fencing to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAvoid spending a lot of money on fence replacements and repairs after a storm by investing in a fence that can resist hurricanes. Choose fences that have slats. The following are types of fencing that enable wind to move through with minimal obstruction:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Fence installation costs fluctuate depending on the material you choose, with the cost usually ranging from $8 to $46 per linear foot. Chain-link fences are typically priced between $12 and $33 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/palm-trees-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shadowmeld Photography / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nHaving a hurricane-resistant landscape with wind-resistant trees can be extremely helpful when a hurricane passes through. These types of trees have robust and deep roots, a lower center of gravity, and sturdy trunks, reducing the probability of being uprooted by high-speed winds. This decreases the likelihood of your trees becoming a danger to your property or community.
\n\n\n\nEach tree species has unique characteristics, and some are more susceptible to wind damage than others. Here are some of the most exceptional tree species with excellent wind resistance:
\n\n\n\nAvoid planting certain trees in areas prone to hurricane winds, as they are more susceptible to wind damage. The University of Florida IFAS Extension states that the following trees should be avoided in hurricane-prone regions like St. Augustine:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of professional tree planting services can vary significantly, ranging from $22 to $3,300. The total cost will be influenced by several factors, including the type of tree species, as well as its age and size. Typically, the expenses will be lower for small saplings than for larger, more mature trees.
\n\n\n\nFor homeowners who want to maintain a healthy lawn, living near the coast presents a unique challenge due to salty coastal air that can damage plants not suited for the environment. However, choosing the right plants can help. You should select native and salt-tolerant plants that can adapt to local environmental conditions and thrive in areas with high salt content in the soil and air.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners in St. Augustine prefer native plants because they have already evolved to survive in the specific climate and soil of the region. In addition, salt-tolerant plants can withstand high levels of salt water, making them perfect for coastal gardens.
\n\n\n\nOne of the key benefits of choosing salt-tolerant and native plants is that they require less maintenance and watering, which can save time and money. They also lessen the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and other environmentally harmful chemicals.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Florida IFAS extension recommends several popular native and salt-tolerant plants for coastal landscapes, including:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nThese plants not only make your coastal landscape beautiful, but they also help support local ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of planting a tree can range from a budget-friendly $90 to a more expensive $3,212. Similarly, planting a flower bed can cost anywhere from $861 to $3,100, depending on factors such as the size of the bed and the type of flowers you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tree-Placement.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matthew Paul Argall / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCareful consideration of tree placements is crucial to prevent them from causing property damage during a storm. While trees help enhance a property’s curb appeal and provide shade, you must keep them away from structures such as buildings and power lines.
\n\n\n\nTo determine where to plant your trees, consider their size at maturity and their root systems. A tree planted too close to a home or power line may cause property damage or power outages during a storm.
\n\n\n\nKeeping trees away from structures can bring many benefits. It can reduce the risk of property damage during a storm, prevent power outages caused by falling or swaying trees, and reduce maintenance costs. Planting trees too close to power lines or your home may require more frequent pruning and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure safe and effective tree placement, follow these tips:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The typical cost of tree removal services ranges from $347 to $1,117 per tree. For transplanting trees, it can cost anywhere between $158 and $880.
\n\n\n\nTrees can provide functional and aesthetic benefits when planted strategically. Planting trees in clusters of five or more can improve their resilience to high winds by over 10%, making them more effective in safeguarding your property during hurricane season. Additionally, grouping five trees with diverse appearances and heights can further enhance your property’s visual appeal.
\n\n\n\nHowever, you should avoid planting trees in a straight line. The University of Florida recommends a natural and unforced arrangement for planting trees – each tree must be within 10 feet of the other. This approach can create a strong and sustainable windbreak.
\n\n\n\nBy planting trees in groups, you can enjoy many benefits beyond just the beauty they bring to your lawn. Here are a few advantages of grouping trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Tree prices vary greatly depending on species and size, but the usual costs range from $150 to $1,850. To lower the cost per tree or sapling, you can purchase them in bulk. Plus, installing several trees will be less expensive per tree than having a single tree installed, so consider this when planning your landscape.
\n\n\n\nCreating a backyard buffer is a great way of preventing flooding and erosion caused by hurricanes while also creating a beautiful natural environment in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nA backyard buffer or riparian buffer is made up of trees, shrubs, flowers, and mulch that work together to absorb and slow down wind and water. By preventing the full force of the storm from reaching your home, the buffer can protect your property from damage and protect waterways from overheating.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, your backyard buffer can provide many benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nTo create a backyard buffer, choose native plants that can withstand heavy rains and high winds, such as Southern live oak and bald cypress. They also have strong roots that help keep the soil in place and prevent erosion. Additionally, you can use low-maintenance shrubs like firebush and wax myrtle to create a buffer zone around your home.
\n\n\n\nWhen installing your backyard buffer, remember to consult with garden centers, local nurseries, or environmental organizations for expert advice on creating a buffer suited for St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: There are many options for selecting plants, and prices will vary depending on the type of plant. For example, small native perennials are generally less expensive and can cost anywhere from $4 to $25 each. On the other hand, planting a tree can cost much higher, ranging from $22 to $3,300, depending on the tree species, size, and age.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tree-grass-light-plant-field-lawn-1359857-pxhere.com-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nHurricane season can wreak havoc on your garden beds, so you should prepare them accordingly. Mulch is an essential part of maintaining a healthy garden, but remember to select the right kind to prevent damage during high winds.
\n\n\n\nOrganic, soft mulches are highly recommended for areas like St. Augustine that experience high winds. During a storm, hard and heavy mulches can become dangerous projectiles, causing damage to your property and neighboring homes.
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic, soft mulch:
\n\n\n\nUnlike hard mulches, such as pebbles, pea gravel, stones, and river rock, organic mulches remain in place better. Plus, they offer numerous benefits to plants, like providing insulation to plant roots, suppressing weed growth, and retaining moisture in the soil.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting the type of soft mulch, avoid using any materials that may harbor disease or pests. Freshly cut grass clippings should be avoided since they can generate heat and attract harmful organisms. Also, avoid using straw or hay as they may contain weed seeds that will proliferate in your garden beds.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, aged wood chips are priced at approximately $70 per cubic yard, while shredded bark mulch costs around $65 per cubic yard. Alternatively, you can get fresh wood chips for free from a certified arborist or a local tree recycling center. Or you can make your own mulch by composting leaves, providing a nutrient-rich material for your garden beds.
\n\n\n\nTo protect your yard from the effects of extreme weather, you should prioritize regular maintenance. This applies not just to your garden and lawn but also to your trees.
\n\n\n\nInspecting your existing trees regularly is an important part of maintaining a healthy and resilient landscape, particularly in the months leading up to hurricane season. Damaged or diseased trees can pose a significant threat to your property and safety during extreme weather events.
\n\n\n\nDuring inspections, look for signs of damage or disease, such as yellowing leaves, dead branches, and cracks in the trunk. If you leave dying or weakened trees untouched, even mild winds can cause them to fall. So if you want to avoid more problems later on, you should address these issues immediately.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure you identify all hazardous trees on your property, consider hiring a certified arborist to inspect them. These professionals can identify hazardous trees in your yard, and you can work together to develop an effective plan for safely removing them.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid property damage caused by falling branches during a storm, it’s important to take preventive measures in your landscape. Strong winds can easily snap branches, creating a potential hazard for your property. A seemingly harmless long branch hanging over your roof could cause significant damage if it’s not removed in time.
\n\n\n\nTo prevent such scenarios, be sure to prune and trim any weak or overgrown branches on your existing trees. Regular maintenance will ensure your plants are healthy and strong, and won’t succumb to high winds during a storm. If you don’t want a broken branch to smash through a window, damage your car or cause injury, you should keep your trees in good shape.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your property safe during high winds requires more than just tree maintenance. You also should keep your lawn and garden well-maintained by regularly mowing, weeding, and removing debris. This will prevent any hazards from flying around during storms. Regularly fertilizing your lawn and garden can help ensure that your plants remain strong and healthy, and able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Bush trimming can range from $45 to $75 per hour or $7 to $24 per bush, depending on the type of bush and the amount of work needed. Hedge trimming can cost between $56 and $85 per hour, while tree trimming costs can range from $227 to $708, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
\n\n\n\n![\"storm](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fried Dough / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nTo prevent potential damage caused by rain, you should take precautions to ensure the proper flow of stormwater. This includes:
\n\n\n\nStanding water or puddling can be a risk to your property and weaken roots, making trees more susceptible to damage during storms. A French drain is an effective solution to prevent water from pooling in your yard. This involves installing a drainpipe that redirects water away from your home and ensures proper drainage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Be prepared to spend anywhere from $154 to $1,059 to have your yard cleaned up. If you’ll be having a French drain installed, it can cost from $500 for a small, simple project to $18,000 for a larger or more complex installation.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to clearing debris, trimming trees, and installing drainage systems, another way of preparing your yard for an impending storm is to provide extra protection for your plants. This can be achieved by wrapping trees and large plants with burlap, which will help to reduce the impact of strong winds.
\n\n\n\nFor smaller plants, using a floating row cover and securing it to the ground with garden stakes is a good option. Although these covers may not withstand severe hurricanes, they can still provide protection and lessen the amount of damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Burlap comes in different sizes and prices, ranging from $7 to $180 per roll. On the other hand, floating row covers have a cost of $11 to $240 per cover, depending on their size and type.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your lawn and plants recover quickly after a hurricane, you should be mindful of the amount of water they receive. While automatic sprinklers can be convenient during the year, they can cause further damage during a storm. Excessive water can saturate your lawn, and the plants may struggle to recover from it.
\n\n\n\nYou should turn off your water supply entirely to prevent damage from burst pipes during a storm. Once the hurricane has passed, assess the damage and adjust the watering schedule accordingly to give your plants the time they need to recover.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: You don’t have to spend a dime. In fact, it can help lower your monthly water bill.
\n\n\n\nEven though St. Augustine is not as susceptible to hurricane damage as other cities, you must take the necessary precautions and be prepared before hurricane season arrives. Keeping yourself updated with weather forecasts and following storm warnings can help you minimize potential damage to your home and ensure your family’s safety.
\n\n\n\nDo the following to prepare for a hurricane:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for hurricane-resistant grass options, Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the best grass types for you.
Zoysiagrass is a warm-season turfgrass that is highly resistant to strong winds and requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for homes located along the First Coast due to its salt tolerance.
On the other hand, the warm-season St. Augustinegrass is native to coastal areas. It’s known for its resilience in humid and hot weather conditions, heavy foot traffic, and rough weather conditions. It’s also salt-tolerant and can be an excellent option for homeowners looking for hurricane-resistant grasses.
The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean offer a conducive environment for hurricanes to develop and strengthen, especially during the peak of the hurricane season, which falls between mid-August and late October. But hurricane season usually begins June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30.
Like Jacksonville, St. Augustine is highly susceptible to hurricanes because of its location along the East Coast. While hurricanes can strike this area at any time, the frequency of these storms varies from year to year.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), St. Augustine has been affected by tropical storms or hurricanes approximately every two to three years over the past century. Note, though, that this is not a fixed pattern, and some years may see more or fewer storms. You must always remain vigilant and prepared for the potential impact of these powerful storms.
As St. Augustine homeowners know all too well, hurricanes are an ever-present threat during the storm season. However, taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricanes can go a long way.
\n\n\n\nOne key aspect of hurricane preparedness is creating hurricane-resistant landscaping. By selecting the right plants, installing barriers and drainage systems, and securing loose items in your yard, you can help minimize damage to your home and ensure your family’s safety.
Don’t wait until the next storm is on the horizon to take action. Reach out to a St. Augustine landscaping professional today and create a beautiful and resilient landscape that can withstand even the toughest storms.
Main Image Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n","title":"12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for St. Augustine, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/1789c/Hurricane-affected-trees.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/107df/Hurricane-affected-trees.jpg 320w,\n/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/293e9/Hurricane-affected-trees.jpg 500w,\n/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/f2cbb/Hurricane-affected-trees.jpg 800w,\n/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/1789c/Hurricane-affected-trees.jpg 960w,\n/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/c26c2/Hurricane-affected-trees.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/1dd6e/Hurricane-affected-trees.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/67b76/Hurricane-affected-trees.webp 320w,\n/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/8df11/Hurricane-affected-trees.webp 500w,\n/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/98a65/Hurricane-affected-trees.webp 800w,\n/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/1dd6e/Hurricane-affected-trees.webp 960w,\n/static/b2b7ee28e4bb2d40d522b7eb28199a91/3cc96/Hurricane-affected-trees.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for St. Augustine, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Create a beautiful landscape design that can withstand storms with these 12 hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for St. Augustine."}}}],"postCity":{}}}}