![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3883807553_bb3e30d89e_c-1.jpg\")
Whether you like to host the neighborhood Winterfest or view the Ford Fireworks from your yard, having the right grass type is key. Your grass needs to be sturdy enough to handle all the lawn chairs and foot traffic, yet soft enough to cushion your falls during those epic snowball fights. To help you get […]
\n","content":"\nWhether you like to host the neighborhood Winterfest or view the Ford Fireworks from your yard, having the right grass type is key. Your grass needs to be sturdy enough to handle all the lawn chairs and foot traffic, yet soft enough to cushion your falls during those epic snowball fights. To help you get your yard ready, we’ve compiled a list of the best grass types for Detroit lawns.
\n\n\n\nFrom humid summers with heavy rains to cold, snowy winters, the Motor City’s weather can take its toll on even the toughest grasses. The solution? Planting cool-season grasses. These hardy species are the only types of grass that can withstand the unpredictable weather conditions of Detroit.
\n\n\n\nIn this list, we’ll take a look at 5 cool-season grasses: Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and creeping bentgrass. It’s worth noting that the best type of grass for your lawn will depend on a variety of factors, such as the amount of shade, maintenance requirements, and foot traffic. Let’s dive in!
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are those that thrive in warmer climates and are commonly found in the southern regions of the United States. They turn green when temperatures warm up in spring, and go dormant during the winter months.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are better suited for cooler regions. They grow best when soil temperatures are between 50 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (during spring and early fall), and enter winter dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are an excellent option for lawns in Detroit, as they can handle the harsh winters and humid summers that are typical in the northern half of the United States.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the most popular choice among homeowners in Detroit. If you like to host Red Wings-themed BBQs or just have kids that love to play outdoors during the holiday season, then this type of grass should be on your radar. Its blades are tough enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, and it has an aggressive sod-forming nature that allows quick recovery from damage.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass has a rich, deep green hue and grows best in full sun conditions. This means it doesn’t tolerate shade as well as other cool-season grasses (like fine fescue), so it’s not the best option if your yard has lots of trees and shrubs in it. While it can resist drought, keep in mind that you’ll need to water it and fertilize it regularly to keep it looking its best.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low shade tolerance, among the lowest of any cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate – if the lawn is not properly irrigated during hot months, the grass will become brown.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – however, its rhizomes give it an exceptional capacity to quickly recover from damage.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5 – 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: Kentucky bluegrass takes longer to sprout compared to other cool-season grasses. To achieve a thick and healthy lawn in a shorter time, using a blend of grass seeds is recommended. Perennial ryegrass and specific types of fescues (such as fine fescue) complement Kentucky bluegrass well.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/7370356864_c9e8d6081f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is known for its fast germination and rapid growth, making it an excellent choice for overseeding or establishing a new lawn. If you have pets that like to dig in the yard,
\n\n\n\nit will fill in bare spots in a matter of weeks and provide a more uniform appearance to your lawn overall. You’ll need to mow and water it frequently to maintain its lush appearance, but it’s highly adaptable to different soil types and can tolerate romping kids, yard sports, and parties.
\n\n\n\nOne downside to perennial ryegrass is that it can struggle to survive during periods of extended heat –think of Detroit’s harsh summer months (July – August). It also tends to be more susceptible to disease than some of the other grasses on this list, especially with Detroit’s humidity.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: 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 buildup isn’t significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5 – 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’s very common to mix between 10% to 15% of perennial ryegrass with Kentucky bluegrass in order to improve the bluegrass germination and achieve a more healthy and traffic-tolerant lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blades](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Festuca_arundinacea-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a great choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn that can withstand Detroit’s climate and environmental stressors. Additionally, this grass type has a deep green color and a fine texture, giving it an aesthetically pleasing appearance that can enhance the curb appeal of any property.
\n\n\n\nIt adapts well to most soil conditions, and has a deep root system that allows it to tolerate drought and heat better than many other grasses. Tall fescue is also tolerant of many common lawn diseases and pests in Michigan, such as dollar spot, brown patch, white grubs, and chinch bugs. And while you’ll need to mow it regularly (it grows fast), fall fescue doesn’t require frequent watering and fertilizing.
\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: It doesn’t mix well with other grass types, so it’s best to seed it by itself.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue does well in full sun, but is also the most shade tolerant cool-season grass you can get your hands on – especially the chewings variety. It resists drought pretty well and doesn’t require much fertilizer to grow.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if you plan to celebrate the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day in your yard, this grass type isn’t ideal. It doesn’t have as much traffic tolerance as perennial ryegrass or Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nNow, one of the most significant benefits of fine fescue is its low maintenance requirements. It’s a slow-growing grass that doesn’t require frequent mowing, making it a great choice for homeowners who want a beautiful lawn without the hassle of constant upkeep.
\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: When used in combination with other types of cool-season grasses, fine fescue can help create a low-maintenance, healthy green lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blades](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3820997510_5ae18bbfb3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCreeping bentgrass is the Cadillac of Motor City’s lawns, providing a velvety-smooth, carpet-like texture that’s perfect for golf courses and high-end landscapes. But be warned –– if you’re not willing to invest the time and money necessary to manage it properly, you may be in for a rough ride.
\n\n\n\nThe truth is, creeping bentgrass requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking its best. Neglect it, and it can quickly become overgrown and adopt a rough weed look. It’s also highly susceptible to pests and diseases, which can be difficult and expensive to control.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Requires frequent watering, fertilizing, dethatching, and mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 0.5 – 0.125 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High disease potential. Common infections include dollar spot and brown patch.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers moist soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Without proper care, creeping bentgrass has the potential to quickly spread into other turf areas nearby.
\n\n\n\nThe ideal time for planting grass seed in Detroit is typically towards the end of summer, specifically between mid-August and late September. This is a suitable time because the high heat and dry conditions of summer have passed, and rainfall becomes more frequent.
If you miss the fall planting season, early to mid spring is the second-best time to plant grass seeds, but it’s recommended to avoid planting beyond mid-June.
For those looking to cultivate a soft, comfortable lawn in Detroit, Kentucky bluegrass is the best option. This cool-season grass is well-suited for heavy traffic areas and is known for its thin, fine blades that give it a soft texture and appearance.
When it comes to low-maintenance grass options for Detroit, fine fescue grasses are often a great choice. This grass type adapts well to the climate and soil conditions in Michigan, and it requires less fertilizer, water, and mowing than other cool-season grasses.
Perennial ryegrass is a fast-growing grass that is often used for overseeding or patching up bare spots in lawns. It’s also ideal for areas that need to withstand foot traffic and wear and tear, like around playgrounds and athletic fields.
Choosing the right grass for your Detroit lawn can make all the difference in its appearance and overall health. Consider factors such as shade tolerance, soil type, and maintenance requirements when deciding which grass type to plant.
\n\n\n\nThe five grass types we discussed are all great options for Detroit’s climate and soil conditions, but there may be other species that best complement your unique landscape. Don’t forget to explore the vast array of native plants that thrive in Michigan’s climate and consider incorporating them into your lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to create a comfortable and inviting outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy, contact a Detroit lawn care pro today.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Arther M. Parker House Detroit / Andrew Jameson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Detroit","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3761467889908257,"src":"/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/1789c/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/107df/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/293e9/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/f2cbb/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/1789c/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/c26c2/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/1dd6e/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/67b76/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.webp 320w,\n/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/8df11/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.webp 500w,\n/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/98a65/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.webp 800w,\n/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/1dd6e/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.webp 960w,\n/static/a67e6222682e0f75be4a178947679ca8/3cc96/Arthur_M._Parker_House_Detroit_MI-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Detroit | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a green, lush yard? Use this guide to decide between the best cool-season grass types for your Detroit, Michigan lawn."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"d8e00237-3b05-52bd-a483-4882bf0fe488","slug":"native-plants-for-cincinnati","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/native-plants-for-cincinnati/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"These plants have adapted to the Cincinnati climate and soil conditions, so they need less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.
\n","content":"\nAfter a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, you may feel inspired to transform your landscape into a native plant garden. With potentially hundreds of trees, shrubs, and flowers to choose from, the long list can be quite overwhelming. It might surprise you that not all Ohio-native plants can thrive in your area. To save you from hours of research, this article will cover some of the best native plants for Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n![\"Baptisia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Baptisia-australis-Blue-False-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe blue false indigo is a valuable addition to your Cincinnati garden. It is great for a specimen plant or in small groups, with bloom colors ranging from purple to blue. Blue false indigo bears spikes of pea-shaped indigo blue flowers that last for approximately 3 weeks. This plant is of great value to bumblebees, so they offer more than just aesthetics.
\n\n\n\nOn an important note, several parts of this plant may be toxic if ingested. Children may be most vulnerable to this plant’s toxicity, so make sure your little ones don’t get too curious when playing outdoors.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested.
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is one of the easiest and fastest milkweeds to grow in Cincinnati. Common milkweed is a great choice for flower gardens, or to create a natural setting on your property. This native plant produces clusters of starry, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom during the summer.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, common milkweed gives way to prominent seed pods in the fall. If you enjoy dried flower arrangements, these pods can be a great addition! Common milkweed is also vital to the survival of monarch butterflies. Add this native plant to your backyard to help boost the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that eating milkweed is not recommended. Boiling the sap may still not be enough to eliminate this plant’s toxicity.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Rhizomatous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweetly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Thistle-Cirsium-muticum-Cape-St.-Marys-Ecological-Reserve-Newfoundland-2019-08-10.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe swamp thistle is highly valued as a nectar plant. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This biennial plant produces deeply lobed leaves in the first year and flowers in the second year.
\n\n\n\nThe flowers produced by this plant give way to small seeds with white hair tufts. Songbirds will generally eat the seeds and use the hair tufts to build their nests. Given its biennial nature, the swamp thistle will die after flowering.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tall biennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Mature](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mature-Hackberry-Celtis-occidentalis-Chicago-IL.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Adam Shaw / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis native plant is a medium to large deciduous tree, with glossy to dull green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The common hackberry produces greenish male and female flowers in the spring. They provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The female flowers are followed by a heavy crop of edible berries that many birds relish.
\n\n\n\nOverall, the common hackberry is a tough shade tree that can be used as a lawn tree.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, clay, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a popular, showy plant that can be used as a large shrub or a small deciduous tree. Many gardeners or landscapers throughout the Midwest regard this plant as one of the best small flowering trees, with no routine pruning required. Overall, it can serve as a specimen plant near patios and lawns, or in shrub borders.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood blossoms give way to rounded orange-red fruits from early summer. This plant attracts birds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrubs, trees
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet honeysuckle
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Aesculus-flava-Yellow-Buckeye.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYellow buckeye is a deciduous tree that must be planted in rich, moist, well-drained soil. If your property has a large lawn, then this plant works great as a shade tree. The foliage turns brilliant yellow to pumpkin-orange in the fall, giving your backyard a picturesque feel.
\n\n\n\nThe flowers give way to smooth, pear-shaped capsules that contain one or two buckeyes, justifying this plant’s common name. What separates this tree from the Ohio buckeye (aesculus glabra) is the small teeth along the margin of the leaflet.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that all parts are mildly poisonous if ingested, but can be severely toxic to horses, dogs, and cats.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cat, and horses; all parts are mildly poisonous by ingestion
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed oak is a fast-growing deciduous tree, a common symbol of strength and endurance in North America. It is a popular shade and street tree that can be easily spotted in Cincinnati, but can also serve as a great specimen tree for large landscapes.
\n\n\n\nRed oak has a beautiful spring foliage of broad, dark green leaves that turn bright red in the fall. Once the first crop of acorns are produced, they become a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds. A moist but well-drained soil is required to ensure these native trees grow properly.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves and acorns may be toxic to some animals; non-toxic to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild hydrangea is a small, multi-stemmed shrub with greenish-white flowers as its main landscape feature. It is a great plant for shrub borders, or as a flowering hedge. Once the fall season kicks in, this plant’s foliage will turn yellow.
\n\n\n\nPruning wild hydrangea, sometimes even to the ground, is highly recommended to encourage the growth of large flowerheads. This process should take place during late winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: rich, well-drained, moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild fruity
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe name of this plant is derived from the dark brown center of its daisy-like flower head. Black-eyed susan does very well in landscapes, butterfly gardens, or containers. Additionally, they can serve as great cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis plant’s flowers bloom regularly when exposed to full sunshine. Black-eyed susan attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators due to the nectar found in its flowers. Once established, this plant will tolerate droughts.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, biennial, perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nCincinnati lies in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6, a vital factor to consider before planting new shrubs, flowers, or trees. This will also help gardeners and landscapers to distinguish between non-native and Ohio native plants. However, your backyard or garden is not the same as everyone else’s in Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting new native plants for your garden, you should consider the type of soil, level of sun exposure, and the watering capabilities of your landscape. For example, placing a native plant under the shade when it requires full sun will not allow it to thrive and grow properly.
\n\n\n\nThe pawpaw is the native fruit of Ohio. Cincinnatians will know that this fruit can be found or eaten mid-to-late September. As for the name, it is derived from the fruit’s black seeds that resemble an animal’s paw.
The problem with invasive species is that they compete for space with native plants. Garlic mustard is among the worst invasive plants you may encounter in Ohio. To make matters worse, the flowers of this plant will emit a strong odor of garlic when crushed.
To get rid of the garlic mustard plant, you can simply pull them out by hand or spray them with glyphosate.
In January of 2023, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources made it illegal to plant, sell, or grow Callery pear trees in the entire state due to their invasiveness. Additionally, this tree is likely to cause harm to the local economy and ecosystem. For all these reasons, the Callery pear tree was added to the list of invasive plants no longer allowed to thrive in Ohio.
To learn more about other invasive plant species, visit the official webpage of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Native plants are essential to preserve the local ecosystem. It’s not just about how good they look in your yard, but how they serve as a valuable source of food or nectar to many animals in the area.
Here are some reasons to grow Cincinnati native plants:
• Save water
• No fertilizers or pesticides needed
• Rarely invasive
• Preserve biodiversity
• Require less maintenance
• Save you money
Homeowners in Cincinnati may find native plants naturally growing around their property, or visit local garden centers to select from a wide variety of native plants.
\n\n\n\nHere are some garden centers located in and around the Greater Cincinnati area:
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer hiring a professional to maintain your lawn and garden, connect with a local lawn care professional who can take the job off your hands.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Cincinnati","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/1789c/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/107df/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 320w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/293e9/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 500w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/f2cbb/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 800w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/1789c/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 960w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/c26c2/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/1dd6e/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/67b76/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 320w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/8df11/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 500w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/98a65/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 800w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/1dd6e/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 960w,\n/static/0f13b94b68f1e9d814d7c6f83422f84f/3cc96/Hauck-Botanic-Gardens.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Cincinnati","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This article provides detailed information on native plants for your Cincinnati landscape, including tips on how and where to locate them."}}},{"node":{"id":"40d9a461-4028-5e56-8889-f932c5567e30","slug":"best-grass-types-charleston","path":"/lawn-care/sc/charleston/best-grass-types-charleston/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a8c83048-dc3b-5f6e-b021-c92b6000eb0c","name":"Charleston","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/charleston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"1ea697f8-5b42-5431-b368-7296faebead2","name":"South Carolina","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Nestled along the picturesque coast of South Carolina, Charleston is a city known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and lush greenery. From sprawling parks to manicured lawns, the Holy City boasts an array of outdoor spaces that showcase the beauty of the Lowcountry. However, maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn in Charleston can be […]
\n","content":"\nNestled along the picturesque coast of South Carolina, Charleston is a city known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and lush greenery. From sprawling parks to manicured lawns, the Holy City boasts an array of outdoor spaces that showcase the beauty of the Lowcountry.
\n\n\n\nHowever, maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn in Charleston can be challenging due to the city’s hot and humid climate, which can wreak havoc on many grass varieties. To help homeowners and landscapers choose the best grass for their lawns, here’s a list of the five best grass types for Charleston.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season and cool-season grasses have distinct differences in growth patterns and requirements.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: As the name suggests, these grass varieties grow actively and thrive during summer – when the temperature is between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They go dormant and turn brown during winter, so they should be planted in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: The ideal temperature range for them to thrive is typically between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why they’re most active in the spring and fall and struggle in the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nIn Charleston, warm-season grasses are the best option for lawns because they are well-suited to the region’s long, hot summers and can tolerate drought and high temperatures. Some of the most common warm-season grasses you’ll find in the area include centipedegrass, bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nExplore the most common grass types available for Charleston lawns and choose the one that will best help you achieve your goals for your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a popular grass variety for lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields in Charleston, and for a good reason. This hardy grass type can stay pretty while it tolerates heavy foot traffic and withstands the city’s unique climate and environmental challenges.
\n\n\n\nOne thing homeowners love about bermudagrass is its ability to thrive in full sunlight. This grass variety requires a lot of direct sunlight to grow and remain healthy, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who have lawns exposed to full sun throughout the day.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass also has a high tolerance for drought, meaning it can continue to grow and remain green even during periods of low rainfall or high temperatures.
Classification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – some cultivars need more time in the sun than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – but may become dormant in long periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – requires frequent watering, fertilization, and mowing
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches – raise the mowing height to retain more moisture during drought or extreme heat
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be prone to brown patch, dollar spot, leaf spot, and spring dead spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – mostly prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, and armyworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in almost all soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Homeowners may find this grass species appealing due to its remarkable ability to grow rapidly. But its aggressive growth can have adverse effects as it may invade and take over other meticulously maintained areas and plant beds.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carpetgrass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDespite its resemblance to crabgrass, this grass variety has unique characteristics that make it a desirable option for homeowners facing challenging lawn conditions. For example, its ability to thrive in drought-prone and nutrient-poor environments makes it an ideal choice where other grass types may find it hard to survive.
\n\n\n\nWhile other grass varieties struggle in areas with limited sunlight, carpetgrass can grow and flourish in shaded areas, making it an excellent option for lawns surrounded by trees or other structures that block out the sun.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Louisianagrass, this grass variety can withstand flooding and other water-related challenges. It can tolerate standing water for extended periods, making it an ideal choice for Charleston homes threatened by hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and flooding or properties with poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, carpetgrass requires minimal maintenance as it can grow without additional fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Although, some homeowners may still opt to apply nitrogen to promote growth.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – less shade-tolerant than St. Augustinegrass
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate – its shallow roots won’t survive in dry conditions
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – Requires weekly mowing to control its tall seed heads
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low resistance – mostly prone to large patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be prone to nematodes and white grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Sandy, acidic, infertile, moist but not muddy
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Often propagated through seeds, this grass type doesn’t fare well in dry climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a popular grass type in South Carolina, thanks to its ability to produce dense lawns that demand minimal upkeep. Due to its slow growth rate, it doesn’t require frequent mowing, so you won’t need to spend hours each week tending to your lawn.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, this resilient grass can survive in nutrient-deficient and acidic soils. Its light color and medium texture are well-suited to the region’s soil types and climate conditions. Since it’s resistant to most pests and diseases, centipedegrass is a great option for homeowners who want to avoid using chemicals and pesticides on their lawn.
\n\n\n\nHowever, its primary limitation is its inability to withstand heavy foot traffic. As such, it’s best suited for areas with minimal activity and not recommended for homeowners who often host barbecue parties in their backyards.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – thrives in areas that receive abundant sunlight but can still grow well with as little as six hours of sun exposure per day
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate – may turn brown and become dormant during extended periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low – grows well even with minimal watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches – increase the mower height by 1/2 inch for lawns in shaded areas
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – mostly prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be prone to mole crickets, sod webworms, spittlebugs, nematodes, and ground pearl insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, and well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Avoid overusing fertilizers and excessive nitrogen levels to maintain a balanced ecosystem in your lawn, discouraging the proliferation of harmful lawn diseases and pest infestations.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St.-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
St. Augustinegrass, also known as Charleston grass, is a popular choice for lawns in coastal homes. It can tolerate both sandy and clay soils, which are common in many areas of Charleston. Homes along the Carolina coast can benefit from this grass variety’s ability to tolerate heat and salt while preferring warm winters and moist soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type’s flat stems and broad leaves create a dense turf, resulting in a lush and beautiful blue-green lawn. Due to its thick growth, St. Augustinegrass is effective at crowding out most weeds. But it can be prone to fungal diseases and pests like chinch bugs. As such, you should take preventative measures to protect your lawns from these potential threats.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – some cultivars are more shade-tolerant
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow tall in shade, standard cultivars 3-4 inches, and dwarf cultivars 2.5-3 inches)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – common diseases include large patch, take-all root rot, and gray leaf spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – mostly prone to grubs, chinch bugs, armyworms, cutworms, grass loopers, mole crickets, and webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers moist (not muddy) and moderately fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Indigenous to coastal areas, St. Augustinegrass favors damp soils and temperate winters, but it can flourish even in inland regions as long as proper growing conditions are met. Although, it wouldn’t do well in compacted, clay soils.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a popular choice for homeowners who want a lawn with a beautiful, light to medium green hue and dense coverage. While different varieties of Zoysiagrass have varying characteristics, most have a medium to coarse texture.
\n\n\n\nWhat makes Zoysiagrass especially great for Charleston is its remarkable ability to thrive in any soil type, be it sand, loam, or clay, and its salt tolerance. Additionally, this grass type is incredibly versatile – able to withstand heat, drought, and even cold weather. It has deep roots that can reach up to 6 feet underground, allowing it to access moisture and nutrients even during periods of low rainfall.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety’s dense growth pattern allows it to handle heavy traffic and activity with ease, making it perfect for families with pets and children. While it requires minimal maintenance, adding nitrogen during the growing season can support its carpet-like growth.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – it needs adequate sun exposure
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – although you need to give it supplemental water 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 spring dead spot, rust, pythium blight, powdery mildew, root decline, brown patch, curvularia, dollar spot, leaf spot, and fairy wings
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – can be prone to mole crickets, sod webworms, grubs, hunting billbugs, armyworms, nematodes, and chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but thrives in well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This turfgrass is a popular pick for those who frequently host outdoor gatherings in their backyard, as it can easily handle heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nTwo grass types are perfect for shady areas in Charleston – St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass. St. Augustinegrass is known for its high tolerance to shade and can thrive even with just four hours of sunlight per day. With excellent drought tolerance and disease resistance, it is well-suited for Charleston’s warm and humid climate.
On the other hand, centipedegrass is a low-maintenance option that also tolerates shade well. It has a fine texture and medium green color, making it ideal for any Charleston landscape.
Dogs love running around the backyard during playtime hours, so you need a resilient grass type that can withstand high paw traffic and pet activities. Zoysiagrass is known for its durability and ability to recover quickly from damage, making it an ideal choice for pet owners.
Additionally, this grass variety tends to have fewer issues with common lawn pests and diseases, which can be a concern for those who want to keep their pets safe and healthy while playing outdoors.
Bermudagrass is another grass type that can withstand heavy foot traffic on your Charleston lawn. This grass variety is known for its tough, durable texture, making it an ideal option for areas that receive a lot of wear and tear.
During dormancy, grass enters a state of hibernation to conserve resources and energy during periods of environmental stress such as extreme cold, heat, or drought. As a result, the grass appears brown or straw-colored and shows no signs of new growth. The blades become dry and brittle, making them more susceptible to damage and not spring back up after being compressed. Footprints left on dormant grass will remain longer than on healthy grass.
Remember that dormancy is a natural process for grasses, allowing them to survive until conditions improve. When the weather warms up or cools down and there is sufficient moisture, the grass will come out of dormancy and start to grow again. Avoid walking on the dormant grass during this time to prevent unnecessary damage. Also, continue basic lawn care, such as mowing and watering, to ensure the grass stays healthy during dormant periods.
Picking the right grass variety can be the key to achieving the lush, vibrant lawn of your dreams. With several grass types available, you can choose a low-maintenance option or one that can tolerate the Holy City’s unique environmental challenges the most.
\n\n\n\nConsider factors like the amount of sunlight your lawn receives, soil type, and water availability to select the ideal grass type for your needs. Whether you’re drawn to the resilience and drought tolerance of Zoysiagrass, the thick and luscious texture of St. Augustinegrass, or the durability of bermudagrass, there’s a grass variety that is perfect for your lawn.
Reach out to a Charleston lawn care professional today, and create the backyard paradise that your family and friends will enjoy.
Main Image Credit: Paul Gillett / Geograph / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Charleston, SC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/1789c/Lawn-at-Charleston.jpg","srcSet":"/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/107df/Lawn-at-Charleston.jpg 320w,\n/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/293e9/Lawn-at-Charleston.jpg 500w,\n/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/f2cbb/Lawn-at-Charleston.jpg 800w,\n/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/1789c/Lawn-at-Charleston.jpg 960w,\n/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/c26c2/Lawn-at-Charleston.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/1dd6e/Lawn-at-Charleston.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/67b76/Lawn-at-Charleston.webp 320w,\n/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/8df11/Lawn-at-Charleston.webp 500w,\n/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/98a65/Lawn-at-Charleston.webp 800w,\n/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/1dd6e/Lawn-at-Charleston.webp 960w,\n/static/62040bac996ecf4df414735322b8238d/3cc96/Lawn-at-Charleston.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Charleston, SC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking for the perfect grass type for your yard? Discover the 5 best grass types for Charleston's climate and enjoy a lush, healthy lawn"}}},{"node":{"id":"3d3007d2-1af2-5aaa-a834-c097f71ede3e","slug":"best-grass-types-nashville","path":"/lawn-care/tn/nashville/best-grass-types-nashville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Beck Carter","id":"3b38b422-934a-5aae-81e6-7a8844634ab1","path":"/author/beck-carter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/faa5e8711d89766a0fe69560b04f52b1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"6022ebc8-f59a-5092-819f-17d84814cacf","name":"Nashville","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/nashville/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"April 11th, 2023","excerpt":"Home to the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Nashville Parthenon, there’s plenty to love about the capital city of the Volunteer State. Whether you live here for music, sports, or just the great lifestyle, you’ll want your turf to be as amazing as the rest of the city. But getting your […]
\n","content":"\nHome to the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Nashville Parthenon, there’s plenty to love about the capital city of the Volunteer State. Whether you live here for music, sports, or just the great lifestyle, you’ll want your turf to be as amazing as the rest of the city.
\n\n\n\nBut getting your lawn to hit all the right notes in the Music City starts with choosing a type of grass that harmonizes with the climate and your lifestyle. Below, we break down the six best types of grass for Nashville.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two general types of grass that work in the temperate Tennessee climate, where summers are hot and winters are chilly.
\n\n\n\nHere is a closer look at each.
\n\n\n\nSeveral fescue species can be found throughout Tennessee. Although tall fescue is originally from Europe it has adapted well to various climates and soil conditions. This makes it well suited for states in the transition zone of the United States such as Tennessee.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is popular with homeowners looking for durable low maintenance grass that helps them conserve water. This rapidly growing grass is great at resisting disease and insects. It possesses strong resistance to disease and insects. While this grass type does not tolerate high altitudes well, it does tolerate drought and foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: No higher than 3 inches
\n\n\n\nFine fescue encompasses several types of grass that do exceptionally well in shady locations. These grasses include chewings fescue, hard fescue, and red fescue. Fine fescue resists deer and tolerates foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue can tolerate a variety of climates. When allowed to grow out, this grass type has a meadow-like appearance. Fine fescue is known to attract pollinators such as butterflies.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, rhizomes (creeping red only)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"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\nMost types of bluegrass grow in transitional climates making Kentucky bluegrass ideal for the Nashville area. Kentucky bluegrass tends to be much slower to establish than other types of cool-season grasses. However, this grass is widely used due to its ability to recover quickly from stressors.
\n\n\n\nAs one of the most popular turfgrasses, it is well known for its ability to tolerate foot traffic. Kentucky bluegrass is identifiable by its noteworthy boat-shaped leaves, This cool-season grass can be found in pastures across the United States where it withstands continuous grazing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a perennial turf grass that tolerates a variety of soil types and grows rapidly. Its fine texture, resistance to foot traffic, and rapid recovery time make it ideal for lawns, parks, athletic fields, and golf courses. While other turfgrasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are more popular in Tennessee, Bermudagrass is still widely used.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons, rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1 ½ inches
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a coarse apple-green low-maintenance turfgrass. This grass type is slow growing and spreads using centipede-like stolons. While centipedegrass does not handle shade well, it does tolerate drought.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is prone to thatch buildup. Frequent mowing and fertilization aren’t necessary when it comes to this grass type and may actually increase the risks of thatch buildup or disease. Additionally, centipedegrass is known to be sensitive to commercially available herbicides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 ½ to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is one of the first-ever grasses to be implemented as turf. Introduced to the United States from Asia, this grass type is a slow-growing and very dense grass. It requires less frequent mowing than other warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is difficult to seed and is usually planted using plugs or sod. It is drought-tolerant and resists disease well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons, rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: ½ to 1 inch
\n\n\n\nTall fescue requires the least maintenance and is the most durable cool-season grass on this list. Zoysiagrass is going to be your best bet when it comes to low-maintenance warm-season grasses.
Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and zoysiagrass all hold up well to frequent foot traffic.
Fine fescue grasses are great at tolerating heavy shade. If you prefer warm-season grass, zoysiagrass also performs well in the shade.
Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and fine fescues such as creeping red fescue all have high urine tolerance which is ideal for pet owners.
Each of these typical Nashville grasses has features that make it appropriate for specific lawn conditions. Nashville homeowners should choose the grass that best fits their own needs and aesthetic inclinations. Ensure that you are prepared for the level of maintenance your preferred grass requires.
\n\n\n\n
Another way to enhance your Music City lawn is to add native plants to your landscape. Check out our list of native plants to find a variety of options perfect for Tennessee’s transitional climate. For help with lawn maintenance in Nashville, contact your local professional.
Main Image Credit: Stephen Yeargin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Nashville","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3824884792626728,"src":"/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/1789c/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/107df/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/293e9/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/f2cbb/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/1789c/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/c26c2/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/1dd6e/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/67b76/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/8df11/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/98a65/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/1dd6e/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/3cc96/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Nashville | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"These six types of grass are great options for building an attractive, sturdy lawn that withstands both Nashville's warm summers and cold winters"}}},{"node":{"id":"91f2ce66-a581-513b-94a7-daf19ed24f04","slug":"best-grass-types-flint","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/flint/best-grass-types-flint/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Ayoola Azzan is a versatile writer and investment enthusiast who hails from Nigeria. He loves developing an impactful course and enjoys meditating when at leisure.","name":"Ayoola Azzan","id":"bbad4bd5-6d15-5dbd-a18e-a835dfd091f5","path":"/author/ayoola-azzan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bd07aedf4f4c15974bb501275dee93ce?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"658c6b99-bf82-550a-a0d5-6b23ee15b7f7","name":"Flint","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/flint/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"March 23rd, 2023","excerpt":"For a cold-weather city like Flint, cool-season grasses are ideal. However, not all grass varieties can tolerate the region’s chilly weather. Here are the best grasses for seeding and growing lawns in Flint. In this article: 4 Great Grasses for Flint In Michigan, where each season is distinct and vibrant and winters are frosty, cool-season […]
\n","content":"\nFor a cold-weather city like Flint, cool-season grasses are ideal. However, not all grass varieties can tolerate the region’s chilly weather. Here are the best grasses for seeding and growing lawns in Flint.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn Michigan, where each season is distinct and vibrant and winters are frosty, cool-season grasses thrive. They actively grow in early spring and fall and stay green late into the fall before going dormant.
\n\n\n\nHere is a closer look at each.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis grass is a top choice for Michigan homes because it tolerates cold and thrives in well-drained soils. In addition, its fast-growing, sod-forming properties allow for quick recovery of bare spots. It’s most easily recognized by its boat-shaped leaf tip and narrow grass blades. Its fine texture is highlighted by a lush emerald blue-green hue that makes it both visually appealing and comfortable under bare feet.
\n\n\n\nTo look its best and last as long as possible, this grass needs a fair amount of maintenance. Kentucky bluegrass needs regular fertilization per season and a lot of water during hot, dry spells to produce high-quality, weed-free turf grass.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Fine-leaf Fescue
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Fine fescue is another grass that performs well in cool or cold climates like Flint and maintains its fresh appearance year-round. In terms of drought and shade tolerance (partial or complete), this grass outperforms Kentucky bluegrass. Thanks to its deep roots, the finely textured, dark green blades germinate amazingly fast, even in poor or challenging soils.
\n\n\n\nThe only thing to worry about with fine fescue is the amount of water. Excessive fertilizer and water use will eventually harm this hardy grass species and cause thinning.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Tall fescue is an improved version of fine-textured fescue with a good covering time, excellent turf quality, minimal maintenance requirements, and higher tolerance to heat and drought. Its excellent performance on sandy and dry soils makes it ideal for dry regions in Michigan’s warmer climate.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners with pets, lots of kids, or who have had insect problems in the past may want to try tall fescue. The downside is that its rapid growth requires more frequent lawn mowing.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is renowned for growing extremely fast. Given the right conditions, it can begin growing in as little as five days. It’s hardy and drought-resistant, similar to fescue. Because of its rapid growth, perennial ryegrass acts as temporary shade for bluegrass to establish itself, as well as for varieties that cannot tolerate direct sunlight.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass grows in clumps and cannot spread because it has no rhizomes or stolons. This makes it less tolerant of heavy use.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nPlant between August and October for best results. If you miss that, try mid to late spring, but no later than mid-June.
Kentucky bluegrass. Its high cold hardiness makes it the most commonly grown grass in Michigan.
Tall fescue is tough enough to withstand Michigan’s cold winters, as well as heat and drought. Its deep, hard roots help it survive harsh conditions, even when heavily walked on.
It depends on the grass species and climate. On average, grass seed in Michigan takes 7 to 14 days to germinate.
As you can see, the best grass seed for a lawn in Michigan depends on where you live and the time of year. It’s, therefore, important to know the grass species to plant and maintain the lawn in the right place.
\n\n\n\nEstablishing and maintaining a great lawn is tough. If you need a little help, reach out to our lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Peakpx
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Flint, MI","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/1789c/Green-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/107df/Green-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/293e9/Green-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/f2cbb/Green-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/1789c/Green-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/c26c2/Green-grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/1dd6e/Green-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/67b76/Green-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/8df11/Green-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/98a65/Green-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/1dd6e/Green-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/3cc96/Green-grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Flint, MI | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Here are our four top picks for the best cool-season grasses for Flint homeowners."}}},{"node":{"id":"9716c201-4d26-56f5-b62d-593bf7e636d8","slug":"best-native-plants-lafayette","path":"/lawn-care/la/lafayette/best-native-plants-lafayette/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"dc827560-ae67-51d9-837b-dff243431ac3","name":"Lafayette","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/lafayette/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Known for scrumptious Creole and Cajun food, Lafayette prides itself on its unique culture and natural beauty. It’s home to an array of flora and fauna, including many native plants that thrive in the region’s hot, humid summers. From wildflowers and shrubs to vines and trees, these plants offer a host of benefits to homeowners […]
\n","content":"\nKnown for scrumptious Creole and Cajun food, Lafayette prides itself on its unique culture and natural beauty. It’s home to an array of flora and fauna, including many native plants that thrive in the region’s hot, humid summers. From wildflowers and shrubs to vines and trees, these plants offer a host of benefits to homeowners and the environment alike, including:
\n\n\n\nExplore the 15 best native plants for Lafayette, and discover how you can incorporate these beautiful and beneficial species into your own backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nHere are 15 of the best native plants for Lafayette, including shrubs, trees, wildflowers, and groundcovers.
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA shrub native to the southeastern United States, American beautyberry can be found growing naturally along the edges of fields and in wooded areas. It is a tough and adaptable plant that can thrive in various soil types and light conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant is known for its clusters of bright purple berries that are produced in late summer and fall, which are not only beautiful to look at but also serve as an important food source for birds, raccoons, whitetail deer, and opossums.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its attractive berries, American beautyberry produces small, pale pink flowers in the spring and early summer that are a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It is also a larval host plant for the beautiful royal walnut moth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – requires a minimum of four hours of sunlight per day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers organic, fertile, loam soil but can still grow in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch of water per week, but give it deep, slow watering during drought and extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic – but avoid eating its berries as they may cause discomfort, such as vomiting
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taxodium_Distichum_Bald_Cypress_28894599385.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHighly valued for its aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits, the bald cypress has a broad, pyramidal shape and needle-like leaves that turn a striking rust color in the fall. It’s commonly found in swamps, bayous, and floodplains throughout the Lafayette area, but you also can see it in various parks and gardens, such as Girard Park and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Cypress Lake.
\n\n\n\nAs a native species, this deciduous tree is well adapted to the hot and humid Louisiana climate, and requires little maintenance once established. Its cones and seeds are a food source for various wildlife, and its roots help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
\n\n\n\nIn addition, bald cypress is tolerant of wet soil conditions and can help absorb excess water during heavy rains. It’s slightly to moderately resistant to challenges, such as salt, fire, deer, and standing water.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 50-70 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – thrives in areas with at least six hours of sun exposure per day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, fertile, acidic, clay, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – needs at least 1 inch of water per week, and the soil must be kept evenly moist
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed_susan_flowers_40862429212.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, black-eyed Susan can add a pop of color to your landscape. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that blooms from early summer to early fall in the Gulf Coast region, producing bright yellow-orange flowers with dark centers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nFrom New Orleans to Baton Rouge to Lafayette, you’ll commonly find black-eyed Susan planted in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. You can plant it as a border or backdrop for other plants in your garden or flower bed, along fences or walls, and in naturalized areas. Remember to deadhead the flowers after they bloom to promote further blooming throughout the season.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial, annual, or biennial (depending on growing conditions)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it needs at least six hours of sun exposure each day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and pets, but may cause allergic skin reactions and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3694407592_5d15f78c77_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Calvin Webster / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as swamp rose mallow, crimson-eyed rose mallow is a perennial plant native to Louisiana and other southeastern states. The plant produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, white, and red, measuring up to 12 inches in diameter. It blooms from summer to fall, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is perfect for rain gardens, naturalized areas, and other wet or low-lying spots in the yard. To encourage healthy growth and maximum flowering, fertilize crimson-eyed rose mallow with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.
\n\n\n\nAs a larval host to several moths and butterflies, including the rose mallow moth, pearly wood nymph, and common checkered skipper, the crimson-eyed rose mallow is an integral part of the local ecosystem. Additionally, the plant’s deep roots help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an ideal choice for wetland restoration projects.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-6 feet tall, 2-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, slightly acidic, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High – water regularly, especially during hot weather
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to both humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the southeastern United States, coral honeysuckle is commonly found growing in woodlands, along roadsides, fence rows, and trellises. It’s sometimes called trumpet honeysuckle because of the bright coral-red tubular flowers that adorn it from spring to early fall.
\n\n\n\nA larval host to the spring azure butterfly, this perennial vine attracts pollinators and wildlife, including hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. In addition to its beauty, coral honeysuckle is relatively easy to care for. Although, it needs regular watering, especially during dry spells.
\n\n\n\nAn excellent groundcover, coral honeysuckle can be mixed with other native plants to create a beautiful and diverse landscape. And if you want to make it more beautiful in the garden, prune it to maintain its shape and size. Deadheading spent flowers also can encourage additional blooming throughout the growing season.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun but can still grow in partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types but thrives in well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: While birds eat its berries, they are toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its striking pink or white blooms that appear in the spring, flowering dogwood can add beauty and elegance to your garden. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, this perennial tree serves a crucial ecological role in supporting local wildlife. Its nectar-rich flowers attract various pollinators, while its leaves serve as a host for the larvae of certain moth species.
\n\n\n\nWhether planted as a specimen tree or as part of a larger landscape design, flowering dogwood is a beautiful and valuable addition to any Lafayette homeowner’s yard. And if you want it to thrive in your garden or landscape, provide it with proper care. Prune it regularly to promote growth and maintain its shape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-65 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Part shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Goldenrod-Solidago-species-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as sweet goldenrod, this perennial plant boasts beautiful clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. It’s often planted in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands but can thrive even in home gardens.
\n\n\n\nBesides attracting pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and wasps, fragrant goldenrod also serves as a host plant for several moth species, including the goldenrod gall moth.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant it in groups for a bold statement or mix it with other native plants for a more diverse landscape. It has a pleasant fragrance that can fill the air around it. And like bluestem goldenrod, this wildflower is also moderately deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: While it has therapeutic properties, certain people, like those with medical conditions, should avoid ingesting any of its parts.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Louisiana-Iris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nWell-suited to the humid and rainy climate of the Acadiana region, Louisiana iris is a rare plant found growing in the wetlands and along the edges of ponds, lakes, waterways, and other bodies of water throughout Lafayette. It blooms in a range of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, and white, and typically flowers in the spring.
\n\n\n\nVarious insects, pollinators, and wildlife rely on this plant. For example, it is the host plant for the Louisiana iris moth, which is found in the southern United States.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as dixie iris, this plant is a favorite among gardeners due to its hardiness and ability to thrive even in standing water. Lawn enthusiasts can use this native wildflower in mass plantings or as a backdrop for other plants in their gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – needs at least 1 inch of water per week during its growing season
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to pets, especially cats, dogs, and horses
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4615947433_f6d02a427c_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris M Morris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA small tree ideal for little gardens or as an understory tree in larger landscapes, parsley hawthorn is commonly found growing in the woods and along streams and rivers throughout the southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nAs a larval host plant for the gray hairstreak butterfly, this perennial tree serves as an essential part of the local ecosystem. The tree blooms in the spring, producing lovely white flowers that attract other pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, and other butterflies. In the fall, the tree’s red berries provide a food source for birds and other wildlife.
\n\n\n\nYou can enhance the tree’s beauty by planting it in groupings, adding understory plantings beneath it, or underplanting it with other shade-loving plants such as ferns or hostas. When properly cared for, parsley hawthorn can be a stunning addition to any landscape, providing year-round interest and supporting biodiversity.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – can survive even in deep shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – needs infrequent but deep watering
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but the seeds can be poisonous if ingested, and its thorns can cause injuries
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tennessee-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\nNative to the eastern and central US, purple coneflower grows wild in prairies, meadows, and open woods. This hardy perennial is easy to grow and can add a beautiful burst of color to any garden. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, it’s a favorite of butterflies and bees, making it perfect for gardeners looking to attract pollinators to their yards.
\n\n\n\nRemember to deadhead the flowers as they fade to encourage more blooms. You also can pair this wildflower with companion plants, such as black-eyed Susans or ear-leaved tickseed, to create a stunning display of color and attract even more pollinators. Note, though, that this deciduous plant has a medium flammability rating, so don’t place it too close to your home.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist to occasionally dry, fertile soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause discomfort when ingested in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red_maple_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Heng Wang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRed maple is a beautiful and versatile tree that can thrive in various soil types and growing conditions. This deciduous tree is native to Louisiana and can be found throughout Lafayette in a range of habitats – from swamps to uplands. In the fall, its leaves turn a brilliant shade of red, making it a stunning addition to any landscape.
\n\n\n\nAn essential resource for pollinators and wildlife, the tree produces small, red flowers in the early spring that attract bees and other insects. These flowers give way to distinctive winged seeds that provide food for birds and small mammals. Additionally, the red maple is a larval host to several species of moths and butterflies, including the rosy maple moth.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to make your red maple tree more beautiful, give it enough water and nutrients. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and can benefit from regular fertilization. Also, prune it regularly to maintain its shape and prevent the growth of weak branches that may break during hurricanes and strong winds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-60 feet tall and 25-45 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic, especially the wilted and dried leaves
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Rhododendron_indicum_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Korzun / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhen azaleas bloom in the Deep South, it signals the start of spring. For this reason, the Southern Indian azalea has been named the official city flower of Lafayette. With its showy blooms of pink, purple, white, and red, this azalea is a popular choice for adding color and beauty to any yard.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the Southern Indica azalea, this beloved flowering shrub can be found in many gardens and landscapes throughout Lafayette. And if you want to bask in the beauty of their blooms along with other azaleas, you can simply stroll around the city’s historic azalea trail.
\n\n\n\nAs a larval host plant, Southern Indian azaleas provide a home for the larvae of the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. They are typically planted in early spring and bloom from late March to early May, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.
\n\n\n\nPruning after the blooms have faded will help encourage new growth and maintain a healthy shape. These plants are often used as foundation plants, specimen plants, or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, rich, slightly acidic, loamy (silt) soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – requires at least 1 inch of water per week during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southern-Magnolia-Magnolia-grandiflora1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWith its fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom from spring to summer, the Southern magnolia is Louisiana’s state flower. Native to the southeastern United States, it’s often planted as ornamental trees in yards, parks, and public gardens, including the Acadiana Park Nature Station.
\n\n\n\nKnown for its large, glossy leaves, this native tree grows wild in forests or near water and provides a habitat for various wildlife, including birds and insects. Beetles pollinate the tree’s flowers, while birds and small mammals eat its fruits.
\n\n\n\nYou can make it more beautiful in your native garden by providing proper care, such as regular fertilizing and mulching. Pruning Southern magnolia can help shape it and encourage healthy growth. Planting complementary understory plants such as ferns and shade-loving perennials can help create a beautiful and healthy ecosystem around the tree.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 60-80 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – may need supplemental watering during extended dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4367996170_22305dace4_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tatters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the scarlet rose mallow, the Texas star hibiscus has large, showy, bright red flowers with prominent stamens and a dark maroon center. It typically blooms from late spring to early fall and is a great choice for gardeners looking to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, as it is a favorite nectar source for these pollinators.
\n\n\n\nIn Lafayette, you can find this salt-tolerant wildflower planted in many gardens and public spaces, including the Hilliard University Art Museum and the Lafayette Science Museum. Its natural habitat is along the edges of swamps, bayous, and rivers, but it can thrive in a range of soil types and growing conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist soil but grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High – needs 1-3 inches of water per week, even more during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/plant-flower-tree-branch-flowering-plant-fruit-1490773-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in the southeastern United States, yaupon holly is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in various soil conditions. Its natural habitat is along coastal areas, in sandy soils or swamps, maritime woods, and limestone uplands. This evergreen plant is resistant to drought, deer, salt, and wind.
\n\n\n\nAs a larval host to the Henry’s Elfin butterfly, yaupon holly plays an important role in supporting local ecosystems. The plant blooms in spring and produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators. The berries that follow are also an important food source for birds.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, you can prune it to create an attractive shape or incorporate it into a mixed border with other plants that complement its glossy green foliage. It also responds well to regular fertilization and watering, so giving it the right nutrients and moisture can help it thrive in the landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub, small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, rich, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its berries can be poisonous when eaten
\n\n\n\nLafayette is home to an array of stunning native plants that can add color and character to any landscape. But the task of choosing the right plants for your specific yard can be tedious.
\n\n\n\nThe first step is to consider the USDA hardiness zone, which for Lafayette is primarily 9a. The average minimum temperature in the city is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This means plants that thrive in warm, humid climates can flourish in your yard.
\n\n\n\nSince native plants have already evolved to thrive in your local ecosystem, they can provide multiple benefits to your yard. They support the local pollinators and wildlife and can even help mitigate local environmental issues such as soil erosion. But you must check if they are well-suited to your specific yard’s conditions, such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels.
\n\n\n\nYou can seek guidance from LSU’s local cooperative extension or soil testing lab to determine your soil type and condition. Also, consider water usage and conservation. Many native plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot summers, but you may still need to add mulch or compost to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering.
\n\n\n\nLafayette is home to various public gardens and natural areas that showcase the region’s stunning plant life. One popular destination is the Lafayette Science Museum Native Garden, which features over 150 species of native plants. The garden is designed to provide a hands-on educational experience for visitors and serves as a model for sustainable landscaping practices.
Another must-see spot is the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Native Plant Garden. This garden showcases over 100 species of native plants and serves as a living laboratory for students studying horticulture, ecology, and biology.
If you want a more natural setting, you can head to the nearby Acadiana Park Nature Station. Here, you’ll find a variety of native plant species, including swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, and beautyberry. The nature station also offers guided hikes and educational programs throughout the year.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the city’s numerous parks and green spaces, many of which feature native plantings. From Girard Park to Moncus Park, you will find stunning examples of Lafayette’s diverse plant life just a short drive from your doorstep.
Some excellent choices for backyard buffers in Lafayette include Southern magnolia, yaupon holly, and Texas star hibiscus. These plants not only provide a natural screen but also attract wildlife to your yard and support the local ecosystem. Consider using a mix of native grasses to create a diverse buffer that provides year-round interest and beauty.
Lafayette is located in a region with a rich history of agriculture and farming, so it’s no surprise that the city’s soil is ideal for many types of plants. The soil is typically well-draining, sandy loam, with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0.
The sandy texture of the soil provides excellent drainage, making it less prone to waterlogging, which is important during the rainy season. It also allows for good aeration and root development, essential for healthy plant growth.
While sandy soil is generally easy to work with, it can be low in nutrients and organic matter. To help plants thrive, homeowners may consider adding compost or other organic materials to their soil.
When it comes to selecting turfgrass to complement your native plants, you must consider several factors, such as climate, soil type, and maintenance requirements. Warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass are well-suited to the region’s hot and humid summers, making them a popular choice for lawns.
Bermudagrass is known for its durability and drought tolerance, while Zoysiagrass is favored for its low maintenance and tolerance to foot traffic. St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for its lush appearance and shade tolerance, making it a good option for areas with partial shade.
Lafayette homeowners looking to add native plants to their gardens have a wealth of resources at their disposal. The region’s warm climate and well-draining soil make it an ideal environment for many native species, which can help support the local ecosystem and create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nOne excellent place to start your search for native plants is the Louisiana Native Plant Society. This organization offers a wealth of information on native plants, including their growing conditions and where to find them.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing plants for your garden, consider factors like soil type, exposure to sunlight, and water availability. Native plants often thrive with minimal maintenance, but you’ll still need to pick the right plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAnother option for finding native plants is to attend a local plant sale or nursery event. Many nurseries and botanical gardens host sales throughout the year, and these can be an excellent opportunity to find rare or hard-to-find species.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have enough time to design and maintain an eco-friendly garden or aren’t confident in your gardening ability, a Lafayette landscaping pro can assist you in creating and preserving a lovely and sustainable garden.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Flowering dogwood / Pxfuel
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\n","content":"\nLove for the outdoors is a common trait among most New Englanders. But after a tiresome hike along the trails of Mount Washington, you may wish to spend some time relaxing in your own backyard. But then you remember that your grass needs mowing, or your annuals have died out and need replacement. With 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for New England, you won’t have to worry about any back-breaking or time-consuming chores.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo go year after year without having to add new plants, use perennials. Unlike annuals, they last for more than 2 years and come back on their own after dormancy. Perennials native to the region will thrive with little to no maintenance, as they are well-adapted to the local climate. Just as they benefit the local wildlife habitat, perennials such as deciduous trees will adorn your landscape for years to come.
\n\n\n\nHere are some everlasting perennials for your low-maintenance landscape:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennials depends on the plant’s size, and type. On average, a perennial plant will cost you between $10 and $100.
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American-Black-Elderberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWherever you’re based in New England, you will eventually come across native plants that grow naturally in your area. For that reason, you won’t have to worry about regular watering or fertilizing. Native plants can attract beneficial insects to your back or front yard, and provide a valuable source of food for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to consider your area’s hardiness zone, the plant’s need for full sun, and growth potential before establishing a native garden.
\n\n\n\nWe suggest the following native plants for your garden design:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on the plant’s type and size, expect to pay between $600 and $3,000 per flower bed, $25 and $50 per shrub, $150 and $3,000 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Britt / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch is a simple yet effective way to obtain a low-maintenance landscape. It smothers weeds before they grow, retains moisture in the soil, and helps make the garden bed look more attractive. Inorganic mulch will make flower beds more aesthetically pleasing, while organic mulch will offer more nutritional benefits to enhance growth. There is no right or wrong option, just your personal preference and landscape design.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, mulch will cost you between $45 and $130, depending on which type of mulch you choose.
\n\n\n\nHardscaping is integrating non-living, hardy elements in your landscape design. They are features that provide shape and functionality to your outdoor living space. The best part is that you can remove watering, pruning, and fertilizing from your to-do list. Hardscaping will help make your outdoor landscape more enjoyable, and reduce the amount of hours spent on maintenance work.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There are several features to choose from, each at a different cost. Expect to pay between $3,600 and $9,500 for retaining walls, $2,100 and $6,000 for a pergola, $5,365 and $9,025 for a gazebo, $370 and $2,235 for a fire pit.
\n\n\n\nOne of the best low-maintenance ideas, xeriscaping helps reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. From drought-tolerant plants to rock gardens, xeriscaping helps you create a beautiful and cost-effective backyard. Such features are wildlife friendly, and can provide shelter to beneficial insects and pollinators. Overall, a xeriscaped landscape needs little or no water beyond what nature provides.
\n\n\n\nHere are some water-saving examples of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of xeriscaping ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bunchberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gillfoto from Juneau, Alaska, United States / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBy planting groundcovers, you will cut back on chores, such as mowing or aerating your lawn. They are low-growing plants with lower maintenance requirements than traditional turfgrass. Groundcovers can help prevent erosion and retain moisture in the soil. You can go for aesthetically pleasing groundcovers that add plenty of color to your yard, or the plain green ones for a more traditional look.
\n\n\n\nHere are some suitable groundcovers for your New England landscape:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on which type you choose, a groundcover will typically cost you between $4 and $40.
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Small-Artificial-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: R3dus-01 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtificial grass may look so life-like that your jealous and envious neighbors won’t be able to tell the difference! Replacing traditional grass with synthetic turf will provide you with a year-round green lawn. It helps you reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides, making it an eco-friendly alternative. Artificial grass can also withstand heavy foot traffic, justifying its increased popularity as a low-maintenance landscaping option.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of getting artificial turf professionally installed ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot on average.
\n\n\n\n![\"Automatic](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Automatic-Irrigation-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a great way to save both time and money. This type of irrigation system can be programmed to automatically water your yard with a specific amount of water, ensuring an even distribution. The system is quite easy to adjust, you only need to set the timer and duration. With this type of technology, you can maintain a healthy lawn without manually watering the plants or grass yourself.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of an automatic irrigation system:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Hiring a landscape architect to install an irrigation system will cost you between $2,000 and $4,900, depending on your yard size and the system you choose.
\n\n\n\nGiven the Northeast’s climate, cool-season grasses are most suited for your New England landscape. However, some cool-season grasses are high-maintenance, and do not make the homeowner’s to-do list any shorter.
For a healthy turfgrass with minimal upkeep, your best options are fescue grasses. Turf-type tall fescue is highly durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for those who don’t want lawn worries.
Fine fescue, which includes creeping fescue and chewings fescue, are shade- and drought-tolerant. Though they still require less maintenance than other grass types, a little extra mowing would get the best out of this grass species.
Rock gardens are a great example of xeriscaping, helping you conserve water and save money. To maintain that low budget, you might wonder which type of rocks or stones are more affordable.
Beach pebbles (or pea gravel) give you an aesthetically pleasing garden at a very low price. You can use them to create a shiny stone walkway, or an elegant garden path. You can get very creative with these highly affordable stones, and keep your back or front yard relatively low-maintenance.
There are plenty of native plants you can add to your low-maintenance landscape. Some may lack any significant attributes, while others are appreciated for tolerating drought, heat, or shade better than others.
Drought-tolerant plants are essential to obtain a low-maintenance garden, so here are some that can thrive in New England:
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
• Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
• American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
• Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Designing a low-maintenance landscape may seem daunting at first, so start with easy and low-budget projects to simplify the process.
\n\n\n\nYou can start by adding mulch, which is an easy DIY task. Next, you may want to plant native perennials that are perfect for New England’s climate and hardiness zones. You can keep the momentum going and hire a pro to install hardy elements, such as pergolas or concrete pavers. These design ideas can spruce up your backyard while keeping it low-maintenance.
Of course, no outdoor living space can remain functional without the occasional upkeep. To minimize your outdoor chores, such as mowing or trimming, hire a lawn care pro near you to check off your to-do list.
Main Photo Credit: Hill-Stead Museum / Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for New England","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/1789c/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/107df/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/293e9/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/f2cbb/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/1789c/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/c26c2/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/1dd6e/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/67b76/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 320w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/8df11/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 500w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/98a65/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 800w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/1dd6e/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 960w,\n/static/af5bea796a4dda5e92411137d2ccc823/3cc96/Hill-Stead-Museum-Farmington-CT-sunken-garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for New England","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Wouldn’t you rather spend the weekend hiking along a new trail? Spend less time on chores with these 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for New England."}}},{"node":{"id":"cc1e91ba-25cc-54d8-88cf-cfd22f8dbc06","slug":"best-grass-types-lakeland","path":"/lawn-care/fl/lakeland/best-grass-types-lakeland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tatiana Barrie is a writer with a background in law and tech, passionate about environmental sustainability and animal welfare. When she’s not writing, Tatiana enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and traveling the world.","name":"Tatiana Barrie","id":"8c60c769-47b8-542b-b658-4947278b51c5","path":"/author/tatiana-barrie/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2efff47c9ef277fa369b6224bb184e40?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"e7fe32a4-ef2d-5853-82d9-74e2a9e34811","name":"Lakeland","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/lakeland/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"Maintaining a Lakeland lawn that rivals the manicured greens of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course is a tough task. Swan City’s unique subtropical climate requires a smart grass choice, or else you’ll find yourself spending more time battling weeds and bare spots than enjoying epic cornhole tournaments and pool parties. To help you turn your […]
\n","content":"\nMaintaining a Lakeland lawn that rivals the manicured greens of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course is a tough task. Swan City’s unique subtropical climate requires a smart grass choice, or else you’ll find yourself spending more time battling weeds and bare spots than enjoying epic cornhole tournaments and pool parties. To help you turn your yard into the perfect playground for outdoor fun, we’ve compiled a list of the best grass types for Lakeland.
\n\n\n\nIn the steamy, sauna-like summers of Central Florida —where hot, humidity, and heavy rainfall are just a part of daily life— the secret to having a green, lush lawn is simple: opt for warm-season grasses. This article explores 5 warm-season grasses: bahiagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, bermudagrass, and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, make sure to take some time to think about how these grass types will fit into your lawn’s unique needs. Your perfect pick will depend on things like your soil type, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and what kind of look or feel you’re going for.
\n\n\n\nHere’s what we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in regions with hot summer and mild winters, generally in the southern parts of the United States. They are typically heat and drought tolerant, requiring less water than cool-season grasses. They also tend to go dormant and turn brown during the winter months when temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in regions with mild summers and cold winters, typically in northern parts of the United States. They grow rapidly during the spring and fall months when temperatures are cooler, and go dormant during the hot summer months.
\n\n\n\nAs a Lakeland local, you know how brutal the city’s summers can be, with temperatures often soaring above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. With warm-season grasses, you won’t have to worry about your lawn turning brown and dying under the scorching sun.
\n\n\n\nThe following grasses are heat-tolerant, and some varieties even have a deep root system that allows them to access water deep underground.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a staple in Lakeland’s parks and recreational areas, and it’s easy to see why. Its fine to medium texture creates a dense and soft surface that’s perfect for playing, picnicking, and simply relaxing.
\n\n\n\nThis means bermudagrass is super durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, so it’s a great choice if you like to host backyard BBQs or set up slip-n-slide adventures for your kids. Plus, it requires minimal shade and thrives in full sunlight, which is perfect for Lakeland’s sunny climate.
\n\n\n\nThe only downside to this grass type is that you’ll need to mow it regularly during the growing season. If you don’t, it’ll quickly become invasive and spread to flower beds, vegetable gardens, or even your neighbor’s yard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 0.5-1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5-2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It can be propagated through seeds, sod, or sprigs.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a must-have for anyone looking to protect their yard from turning into a barren landscape during Lakeland’s dry spells. Sure, it needs regular watering to keep its gorgeous green color, but it’s a total champ when it comes to handling Florida’s typical drought periods —way better than other grass options like St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nPlus, the dense growth pattern of Zoysiagrass creates a natural barrier against weeds, giving them a tough time gaining a foothold in your lawn.On top of that, it has a deep root system that helps prevent erosion by holding soil together when those torrential summer rains hit Lakeland.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, Curvularia, and lead spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: There are several different species of Zoysiagrass, each with their own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Some common species include Meyer, Emerald, and Zeon.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard has a bunch of trees and tall shrubs giving you some much-needed shade during Lakeland’s scorching summers, St. Augustinegrass should definitely be on your radar. While other grass types might struggle and turn brown in those cool, shady spots, St. Augustinegrass can tolerate them pretty well.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is also incredibly versatile, able to grow in a wide range of soils and pH levels.
\n\n\n\nNot to mention, it’s a fast grower, meaning you won’t have to wait long to see its beautiful, thick blades of grass. Now, while it can resist moderate foot traffic, it’s not the softest grass underfoot.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: St. Augustinegrass may struggle in cold weather. Some cultivars (such as Palmetto) can handle cooler temperatures better than others. However, when winter rolls around, it’s a good idea to take a few extra steps to protect your St. Augustinegrass from the cold.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to establish a Lakeland lawn quickly, bahiagrass it’s a great option. This type of grass grows super fast because it’s an amazing seed producer. Plus, it looks great with its medium to coarse texture and vibrant green color. The best part? There are loads of varieties to pick from.
\n\n\n\nIt has a lovely fine texture, and it’s a champ when it comes to thriving in sandy soils. Another well-known variety you might like is Argentine bahiagrass. This one’s got a bit of a coarser texture, but the upside is that it’s super pest-resistant and easy to maintain.
\n\n\n\nWhatever type of bahiagrass you choose, keep in mind that it tends to produce tall seedheads. In such cases, regular mowing will help you maintain a more uniform appearance. Also, bahiagrass can’t stand the wear and tear of high-traffic areas, so make sure to use it only as part of an ornamental landscape.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but more shade-tolerant than Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertility requirements. Expect frequent mowing (every one to two weeks) to remove seed heads.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Ideal grass height is 3 to 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease and insect infestations
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs well in sandy loam soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including soils with low fertility.
\n\n\n\nVarieties: Pensacola, Argentine, TifQuik, Tifton 9, UF Riata
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While Bahiagrass is relatively pest and disease-resistant, it can still fall prey to certain issues. For instance, during Lakeland’s humid, rainy summers, it might develop a brown patch fungal disease.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is warm-season grass that has a lovely fine texture and a charming light green color. It’s known for its shallow root system, which makes it a bit more susceptible to drought stress than other grass types. However, since it doesn’t need a lot of water to thrive, it’s still a great option for central Florida’s climate.
\n\n\n\nHowever, centipedegrass does have a few quirks. This type of grass can be a bit slow to recover from damage, so it’s important to take care when mowing or performing other lawn maintenance tasks. Make sure your mower blade is sharp and set to the appropriate height to avoid damaging the grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s important to avoid over-fertilizing. Too much fertilizer can lead to thatch buildup, which can suffocate the grass roots and make your Centipedegrass lawn more susceptible to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass and bermudagrass are easiest grass types to grow in Lakeland lawns. The first grows quickly, even in less-than-ideal soil conditions. You’ll find that it’s quite low-maintenance, so you won’t have to spend much time fretting over it.
Bermudagrass is also fantastic because it’s both heat-tolerant and versatile enough to grow well in sunny or shady areas. Besides, it’s perfect for lawns that see a lot of foot traffic, as it’s quite hardy and won’t easily get trampled.
Ideally, you should plant your grass seed in mid-spring or early summer. The high temperatures during these months give warm-season grasses the best chance to grow strong and healthy.
If you have a shady Lakeland lawn, look no further than St. Augustinegrass. This grass type is among the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses.
When it comes to designing your dream landscape, it’s important to consider the unique needs of your outdoor space. Think about how much sunlight your Lakeland lawn gets, what type of soil you have, and how much space you have to work with. Luckily, there are plenty of grass varieties that are well-suited to the Swan City’s climate.
\n\n\n\nHowever, choosing the right grass type isn’t the only thing to keep in mind when planning your landscape. Make sure to check out Florida natives plants as well. Incorporating native species to your yard can add a touch of local charm while also supporting the Lakeland ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nWant to turn your yard into a healthy and functional space? Connect with a Lakeland lawn care pro to get top-notch mowing, trimming, and edging services tailored to your yard’s specific needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Lakeland, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/1789c/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/107df/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/293e9/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/1789c/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/c26c2/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/67b76/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 320w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/8df11/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 500w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/98a65/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 800w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 960w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/3cc96/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Lakeland, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of dealing with a lackluster lawn? Check out the best grass types for Lakeland, tailored to Florida’s scorching summers and mild winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"4ee1f51e-80fa-5d99-bef5-c69d1fdd836c","slug":"best-grass-for-north-georgia","path":"/lawn-care/ga/best-grass-for-north-georgia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"North Georgia enjoys all four seasons to the fullest. This diversity is super, but it can also disrupt a lawn’s appearance and health as the weather changes. The secret to a problem-free and attractive lawn is to choose a grass that is adapted to your area. Luckily, both warm-season and cool-season grasses do well in […]
\n","content":"\nNorth Georgia enjoys all four seasons to the fullest. This diversity is super, but it can also disrupt a lawn’s appearance and health as the weather changes.
\n\n\n\nThe secret to a problem-free and attractive lawn is to choose a grass that is adapted to your area. Luckily, both warm-season and cool-season grasses do well in mountainous North Georgia. But these seven grasses really thrive in North Georgia and can provide the luscious, evergreen yard you want
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the details, here’s a quick overview of warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nHere are four warm-season grasses best suited for your Georgia yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass is popular in Georgia because of its hardiness. It develops a dense, low-maintenance turf that won’t need much watering during the hot summer months. The density comes from its underground woven rhizome and stolons and translates into excellent foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nTightly packed Bermudagrass blades also naturally crowd out weeds. Bermudagrass is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and resists salinity and heat. It also does well in a wide range of soil pHs. Rapid growth rate also helps this grass type to recover quickly from wear and traffic damage.
\n\n\n\nThe only downside of Bermudagrass is that it needs a full, bright sun to thrive. Plus, the dense turf needs regular dethatching to stay disease free. It goes brown and dormant in the winter and greens up around early April in North Georgia. The growing season may vary at different elevations.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 to 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a resilient, cold-tolerant, and dense warm-season turf that will give your lawn all hues of green around the year. It is popular among homeowners with pets and kids due to its sturdiness and impressive foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass blades establish a dark green color that slowly fades as the temperature drops. It thrives in direct sunlight but won’t mind some shade too. Its improved cold tolerance is quite fitting for North Georgia.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it’s a dense grass, it won’t need as much mowing as other warm-season grasses. But you need to detach regularly.
\n\n\n\nDespite being a drought-tolerant perennial species, Zoysiagrass needs frequent watering during the summer. It tackles a good amount of foot traffic and is also super easy to maintain.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 to 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is great if you want dense, cushioning turf in your yard. St. Augustinegrass develops broad-leafed, coarse-textured grass blades that are hardy enough to tolerate shade and salty soil.
\n\n\n\nThis is the least cold-tolerant warm-season grass and is the slowest to gain its green lusciousness back in spring. St. Augustinegrass can tolerate extreme heat and has the capacity to thrive in all soil types, but only if the soil is well-drained.
\n\n\n\nThe only minus of a St. Augustine lawn is that it won’t do great with lots of foot traffic. If your household is outdoorsy or you have pets and kids who like to hang around the yard, you might prefer Bermudagrass or Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for low-maintenance grass, Centipedegrass is your pick. It’s a highly drought-tolerant grass that does pretty well with little to no fertilization.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass spreads by stolons and is one of the slow-growing grass types; it might even take a few years to fully establish if grown from seed. Typically, it creates a yellow-green lawn, that will turn a darker green when nitrogen fertilizer is applied. But resists the urge. Over-fertilization only increases maintenance needs and makes the grass sensitive to cold, thatch, and disease.
\n\n\n\nGenerally, centipedegrass lawns don’t respond well to overseeding and cold weather. But this grass type is fairly tolerant of shade and drought-like conditions, and repels weeds.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.0 to 6.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nA few details about cool-season grasses you should know about:
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at these three cool-season grasses for your North Georgia yard:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis type of grass makes a great winter cover or a temporary yard for your Georgia landscape. You can plant perennial ryegrass as a protective cover over your warm-season grass to help it survive North Georgia’s cold winter with the nicest pop of green.
\n\n\n\nYou can also mix it with Kentucky bluegrass to improve its traffic and disease resistance. Perennial ryegrass naturally germinates quickly, suppresses weeds, and maintains a lovely green color through the winter.
\n\n\n\nIt develops tapered, fine-textured, and shiny blades that need regular maintenance to look uniform and good.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, extends with tillers
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis is your go-to cool-season grass for a lawn in North Georgia. It’s shade-tolerant, drought-resistant, and highly adaptable to changing weather conditions. This grass type will also stay green throughout the year if you give it proper care. Plus, it’s pretty low-maintenance and is easy for beginners.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue survives in poor soil conditions and with low fertilization. Generally, tall fescue is also highly resistant to pests and diseases. Its coarse, wide blades proliferate fast and help the grass recover quickly from foot traffic or other damage.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis grass type creates a beautiful bluish-green lawn and grows best in Georgia’s cooler, northern areas.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is high maintenance. It needs more fertilizer, water, and herbicide than any other cool-season grass type. It prefers areas with partial shade, but will also handle full sunlight if watered generously. Kentucky bluegrass makes a soft, “walkable” lawn, but won’t adjust well to excessive foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass requires little maintenance. This fine-textured grass resists disease and drought and thrives in a variety of growing conditions.
Bermudagrass is popular across Georgia because of its incredible drought tolerance, dense appearance, low maintenance needs, and overall sturdiness.
Tall fescue can stay green year-round, provided you appropriately care for it. This grass type thrives in yards that have both shady and sunny areas and makes do with minimal maintenance in colder months.
Building and keeping a healthy lawn in cities with temperamental weather can get tough, but the best way to do it is to choose the appropriate grass type for our climate.
\n\n\n\nFor lawns in North Georgia, the best-suited cool-season grass is tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass for warm-season lawns.
If you aren’t sure which turfgrass would be good on your lawn, or you don’t wish to expend so much energy into researching, planning, and planting, call in one of our lawn care pros to help.
Main Image Credit: ZachJBeavers / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Grasses That Thrive in North Georgia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6666666666666667,"src":"/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/1789c/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/107df/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/293e9/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/f2cbb/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/1789c/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/c26c2/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/1dd6e/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/67b76/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 320w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/8df11/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 500w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/98a65/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 800w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/1dd6e/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 960w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/3cc96/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Grasses That Thrive in North Georgia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of your lawn struggling every time the weather changes? Here are seven grass types that thrive in North Georgia."}}},{"node":{"id":"4e0d8cb2-9348-5c34-9621-9affb156fa88","slug":"best-ground-covers-yard","path":"/blog/landscaping/best-ground-covers-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Ground covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy. The mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, […]
\n","content":"\nGround covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy.
\n\n\n\nThe mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, is a huge fan of ground covers as a lawn replacement. “If you have children or pets who are likely to play in your yard, you can do a blended yard,” he says, adding, “Be mindful of both your average high temps and your low temps, and pick plants that can handle both.”
\n\n\n\nNow that you’re convinced, take a look at some of the best ground covers for sun or shade in all climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_SDqGc7dP9YS9F6Y3RkvK_8iO3lTYkZZZ5VNlOL6sedxdWXBAJa5RPVA6ZBfP4rVwgY6DGapir_ww-ob8xo6Y-QscKHAKscDBJmkf0xXfYAs_afx7MnbKteF8mUu2610okjWik-R\")
Bugleweed comes in dozens of varieties ranging from green to bronze, purple, and sometimes even variegated. This ornamental ground cover stands up to heavy foot traffic and is hardy to minus 40 degrees. It can thrive in full sun to part shade and presents blue-purple flowers from late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nThis fast-growing ground cover spends months producing white flowers and is hardy all the way down to -30 degrees. Candytuft is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s the perfect choice for sunny slopes and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial ground cover with chartreuse leaves is a favorite for its hardiness and attractive foliage. Creeping Jenny enjoys full sun but can tolerate part shade as long as the soil is moist. With a fountain-like growth pattern, she’s a favorite for raised flower beds and planters.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F60x8NcemcIl4tDxNhj0lfnrrohZY4EQxU2lPGir5Hb_PCrBjwPrOZw2HiuRcIgXVeOaLPzXSRaIFgAGjWeRHbVZd2I8gdtbWvHwnDXUd77Q_NEqsmUBPtUiBGpUhKG8um3oS6Xt\")
Deer resistant and cold hardy to minus 40 degrees, creeping phlox bursts into glorious bloom in spring. Best with full sun to part shade, this 6-inch-tall superstar performs well on slopes and retaining walls.
\n\n\n\nAdding stunning beauty to shaded areas, deadnettle has silvery, variegated leaves, and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. This deciduous plant offers cheerful pink flowers in late spring but dies back in winter. The only precaution to take when planting deadnettle is to make sure you’re not in an area where it’s considered invasive.
\n\n\n\nThe thyme family offers dozens of varieties of this hardy ground cover, most of which can handle temps down to minus 20 degrees. Only 3 inches tall, most varieties don’t attract deer or rabbits. Plant in full sun and enjoy a show of pink flowers in summer. and an herb for cooking all year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Uru5bSHYQ_Bl5BvRgE0FWNnd9AMwMkHYn0XKgx7l2u1wWpnJOdVJozdHyp6T2SnGnU0uzKdbxq3Nl6v9YfumhAAW6fQTy6uVa5KxuTvF1uE7gaJMbzVY0_l-N9BnstfGoPg-BENA\")
This succulent, evergreen thrives in warm climates and can’t tolerate foot traffic or temperatures below minus 10 degrees. But on sunny, well-drained slopes, it provides beautiful texture and neon-bright, flowers from mid-summer to early fall. For high-visibility blooms and solid erosion control, ice plants are hard to beat.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant evergreen prefers part to full shade and is hardy to minus 30 degrees. The glossy, dark green leaves create a 12-inch tall mat of foliage that produces spiky white blossoms in late spring.
\n\n\n\nThis grasslike ground cover, also known as lilyturf, thrives in sun and shade (but needs moist soil) and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. Both clumping and creeping varieties erupt into spikes of purple, white, or blue flowers in late summer. Liriope makes an attractive garden edging and is good for erosion control or under trees as a substitute for grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8vDsC_PoUx3TzLUQu3IfExcvkoDqrJ2fWxATHrfZ9J-lI7Ot8wzZLSGGw61FF8y-VwV4xgmwMme31AaupVrYyatVrhKgQUpp7RYDNltF1M9vPDKVdsdKK62C55AkEkDUd4dkF2Kz\")
One of the most popular evergreen ground covers, periwinkle, prefers moist soil in partly shaded areas. Hardy to minus 20 degrees, periwinkle is a vigorous, vining plant that may need to be cut back every so often to keep it under control.
\n\n\n\nWhether your goal is to cover the bare spots beneath trees or to fill the negative space in your flower beds, there’s a ground cover out there for the job. Choose wisely, and your groundcover will reward you for years to come.
\n\n\n\nTop image credit: “Ajuga reptans Chocolate Chip,” David J. Stang, CC by-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/107df/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/293e9/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f2cbb/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f605f/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/67b76/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/8df11/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/98a65/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/23e94/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"65ccb380-9bca-50b9-aeb7-dd9fb8a3f6fe","slug":"best-native-plants-peoria","path":"/lawn-care/il/peoria/best-native-plants-peoria/","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":"51e1f258-c2e9-5d28-83c3-bb7bc475352c","name":"Illinois","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/il/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"7424e8c1-74fb-5607-a946-d87b0be13097","name":"Peoria","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/il/peoria/"}],"date":"April 30th, 2023","excerpt":"The big-hearted town of Peoria in the middle of Illinois has wide appeal. Sitting right on the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria has a picturesque backdrop that many cities can only dream of. When you find yourself putting down roots in a city that one national publication dubbed one of the Top 50 Best […]
\n","content":"\nThe big-hearted town of Peoria in the middle of Illinois has wide appeal. Sitting right on the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria has a picturesque backdrop that many cities can only dream of.
\n\n\n\nWhen you find yourself putting down roots in a city that one national publication dubbed one of the Top 50 Best Places to Live, you might as well embrace the area and landscape your property with native plants. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for Peoria and the surrounding areas.
\n\n\n\nIncluded in this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower resembles daisies, but this native beauty has a large center cone that stands well above the dry, papery petals. It is the most popular type of coneflower grown and one of the first native wildflowers to jump into mainstream horticulture.
\n\n\n\nThis beautiful plant looks stunning when planted en masse and creates a soothing rustle when the papery petals brush up against one another in the breeze. Flowers appear between mid to late summer, and when deadheaded, purple coneflowers may gift you a second round of blooms before the season ends.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium green, rough texture
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full to part sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Fertile loam; tolerates clay if dry
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need more during dry periods)
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Japanese beetles, leaf spot, aster yellows disease
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe sensational cardinal flower blooms for about a month in late summer, displaying brilliant red flowers that attract hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies to your garden. Plants get their common name from the bright red robes traditionally worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.
\n\n\n\nThese plants are excellent choices for wet areas in your yard. They naturally occur in wetlands and thrive in full sun and light shade. They aren’t long-lived perennial species, but they self-seed prolifically, so you’ll always have a cluster of cardinal flowers bringing color to your yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green,
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full to part sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Loamy, rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Snails, slugs
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContrary to its name, milkweed isn’t considered a noxious weed anywhere in the United States. This tough wildflower is the only host plant for the endangered monarch butterfly, making it an essential aspect of native habitats.
\n\n\n\nMilkweeds were once widespread across the prairies of the Midwest, but habitat destruction has severely reduced the plant’s range and numbers. Thankfully, gardeners are increasingly adding them back into their landscapes. They are loved, of course, for bringing in the bold, beautiful monarchs but also appreciated for their fragrant, purplish-pink flowers that appear in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be mindful that milkweed sap contains alkaloids that irritate everything except the monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 24 to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green with fine, soft hairs
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-draining
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall; may need more during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Large or small milkweed bugs, swamp milkweed beetles, blue or red milkweed beetles, milkweed aphids, and furry milkweed tussock moth caterpillar
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Cause eye and skin irritations and are poisonous to pets when ingested
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susans are among the most easily recognized flowering perennials and a favorite of gardeners. These tough-as-nails plants also look like daisies, with their center discs in deep, rich hues and bright yellow to orangish, oblong petals.
\n\n\n\nAs members of the sunflower family, black-eyed Susans thrive in rocky, infertile soils where most other plants can’t survive. Between this, and their heat and drought tolerance, it’s no wonder you often see them blanketing roadside ditches and open fields across the country.
\n\n\n\nBe careful when planting them, though. They spread aggressively through underground stems called rhizomes and prolific self-sowing. Their spreading is excellent if you want to fill in a flowerbed, but it can be problematic when planted close to other plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Bright green with coarse hairs
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained, not too rich
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dries out
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Aphids, slugs, snails, powdery mildew, aster yellows, Southern blight, downy mildew, rust
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3912256151_865e2a4b51_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwitchgrass is an important native prairie grass that grows well in any soil type and under any moisture level. Their low maintenance needs have given them solid standing as landscaping plants. Growing upwards of six feet tall, they work well as background plantings in flower beds, hedges, or privacy screens.
\n\n\n\nDifferent varieties offer you a variety of foliage colors. Switchgrass plants are available with reddish-tinged, steel-blue, or metallic blue-green foliage that takes on a golden glow come autumn. Seed heads are pinkish early in the season and fade into a reddish-brown to add even more interest to fall landscapes.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Perennial bunchgrass
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium green with a prominent midrib
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained, not too rich
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week the first year, then only during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Very few
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Purpletop\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Purpletop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joanna Boisse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurpletop is a native warm-season ornamental bunchgrass. It grows individually or in tufts and frequently in ditch banks alongside the road. Come late summer, it puts out flower spikes with reddish-purple seed heads that bring rich color to the landscape into November. It’s often called grease grass; the seed heads are covered in an oily, sticky substance.
\n\n\n\nThis native grass does well in part shade and even in moist conditions, making purpletop a fantastic choice for growing under the canopy of larger trees or as a foundation plant against your home.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Perennial bunchgrass
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green, rough
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Adapted to all types
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week the first year, then only during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Very few
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Bottlebrush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bottlebrush-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: I, SB Johnny / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBottlebrush is a cool-season grass that likes cooler temps and grows abundantly during the spring and fall. It’s one of the few native plants on this list that is shade-tolerant and prefers a wooded area over full sun. Plant it under your big oak trees, where it receives a little bit of dappled light to add tremendous interest and texture.
\n\n\n\nThe tall grass has a unique spike arrangement that sets atop bright green blades, making it easily recognizable. As its name states, the spikelets resemble a large-bristled brush used for cleaning bottles. Over time, bottlebrush grass reseeds itself to form small colonies of plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Cool-season perennial grass
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Blue-green to grey-green, mostly hairless
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Part shade to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week the first year, then only during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Aphids, leaf spot
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Shooting](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Shooting-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: C T Johansson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShooting star plants are a spring ephemeral—a plant that is in full glory in spring but then fades into the background—so they add glorious color to your early-season landscape. This charming native plant has pink, purple, or white flowers resembling shooting stars streaking across the night sky.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as prairie pointer, the shooting star used to grow abundantly through moist wooded areas or rocky slopes in cooler climates. Now it is frequently grown as a garden ornamental and, in 1993, received the Royal Horticulture Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 9 to 20 inches
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 9 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Emerald to grayish green with a prominent midrib
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Partial shade, will tolerate full sun in cooler climates
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Rocky or sandy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week when flowering, less during the summer
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Very few
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: none
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Prairie-Smoke.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner from USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe prairie smoke plant is one of the earliest spring bloomers on the prairie, and it brings a delicate, unique look when planted in your yard. In late spring, each flowering stem bears clusters of nodding, feathery pink, maroon, or purple bell-shaped flowers in clusters of three to nine. Once fertilized, the nodding blooms transform into arrays of wispy pink, feathery blooms.
\n\n\n\nPrairie smoke forms a colorful ground cover resembling delicate puffs of smoke from your planting beds. Plants don’t like to be overcrowded by taller perennials, so give them at least 18-24 inches of space.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 to 18 inches
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 6 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen, deeply cut margins
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Tolerant of types, as long as well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about inch of water per week when flowering, less during the summer
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Great](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Great-Blue-Lobelia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGreat blue lobelia is perfect if you’re looking for a rough, hardy perennial that brings late summer color to your yard. This easy-to-grow native perennial blooms gorgeous, light icy-blue blooms in late summer, drawing in a crowd of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlants thrive in moist garden spots and grow well in damp clay soils where other plants struggle. They will grow in sunny places if plenty of moisture is present. When grown in its favored spot of shaded, moist areas, great blue lobelia will gladly spread and multiply to bring you dozens of new plants each spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 12 to 18 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium green, somewhat coarse
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Sun, part shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Keep soil moist
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Snails, slugs
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Toxic if ingested in large quantities
\n\n\n\nAll the plants mentioned above are native to Peoria and, in theory, should do well in your yard. However, it is crucial to consider some things when choosing plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nIs your yard in full sun, or are you planting in partial or full-shade spots?
\n\n\n\nAre you looking to plant in full sun, partial shade, or full shade? Or trying to find a plant that will do well in mixed conditions? You always want to match the sun exposure to the plant’s needs. A plant that needs full sun will struggle in the shade, and vice versa. Since Peoria has a varied climate and plenty of trees, this list contains a nice mix of plants that thrive in different conditions.
\n\n\n\nWhat kind of soil are you working with?
\n\n\n\nLike sun exposure, it’s also critical to consider the soil in your landscape. The soil type directly affects water retention and drainage. It wouldn’t be wise to put a plant needing well-draining soil in a planting spot with heavy clay that holds water. You must also pay special attention to the specific planting area, as your yard can have anomalies with slightly different soil textures.
\n\n\n\nWhat size space are you working with?
\n\n\n\nIt’s always a challenge when buying new plants because they tend to look so small for the space you’re working with. Remember, though, you should always consider a plant’s mature size, not how big it is, when you purchase it. Over time that plant will grow, and you don’t want to buy something that will be too large for the space after a few years.
\n\n\n\nWhen buying native plants to add to your landscape, it’s always helpful if you can buy them locally. Not only does it support local businesses, but these plants are also usually propagated from parents acclimated to your climate, so they are better equipped to survive your seasons.
\n\n\n\nDreaming of a yard filled with native plants but overwhelmed with choices or trying to figure out what’s best for your yard? Reach out to our Peoria lawn care pros! Our experts are ready and looking forward to helping you make your landscape dreams come true.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Pettingill-Morron House / Mmikhailova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Peoria, Il","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/1789c/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/107df/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/293e9/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/f2cbb/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/1789c/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/c26c2/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/1dd6e/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/67b76/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 320w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/8df11/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 500w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/98a65/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 800w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/1dd6e/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 960w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/3cc96/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Peoria","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking for low-maintenance plants for your Peoria landscape? We’ve pulled together a list of the best native plants for your area."}}},{"node":{"id":"c31668e0-a14b-5f06-9676-e98f7aef82fd","slug":"best-grass-types-for-birmingham","path":"/lawn-care/al/birmingham/best-grass-types-for-birmingham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"17db6bdd-4802-5368-a598-f1f632ae1e64","name":"Birmingham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/birmingham/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Birmingham is nicknamed the “Magic City” because of its magic soil, which contains everything you need to make iron. However, Birmingham homeowners want their soil to do a different magic trick — grow a pristine lawn full of lush green grass. Fortunately, the loamy soil contains all the magic needed to support the best grass […]
\n","content":"\nBirmingham is nicknamed the “Magic City” because of its magic soil, which contains everything you need to make iron. However, Birmingham homeowners want their soil to do a different magic trick — grow a pristine lawn full of lush green grass. Fortunately, the loamy soil contains all the magic needed to support the best grass types for Birmingham, AL.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen choosing a grass type, it is essential to consider your grass zone. For example, Birmingham is in the warm-season grass zone but is very close to the transitional zone. That means warm- and cool-season grass can grow in Birmingham, but warm-season grass has the advantage.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass flourishes in the heat, reaching peak growth in the spring and summer and typically going dormant in the winter. On the other hand, cool-season grass prefers moderate temperatures and peaks in the spring and fall. As a result, many cool-season grass varieties go dormant in both summer and winter.
\n\n\n\nLong hot summers and mild winters make Birmingham’s climate best for warm-season grass. So we researched and selected the best warm-season grasses for Birmingham’s climate and soil.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass rapidly establishes dense, dark green lawns making it Alabama’s most popular turfgrass. Furthermore, its resilience and high foot traffic tolerance make it the most popular choice for athletic fields. It grows best from April to October when temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, bermudagrass requires a lot of maintenance, such as frequent mowing, fertilization, and dethatching. Although it is prone to insect damage, proper lawn care will keep pests out of your lawn. Consider cold-tolerant cultivars such as Yukon bermudagrass to ensure your lawn can withstand a harsh winter.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermudagrass requires more fertilization than most Alabama turf. Therefore, conduct a soil test every year or two to ensure you provide enough nitrogen and lime for the lawn. Avoid burning the grass by using a fertilizer that contains no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass grass is a cold-tolerant warm-season grass that flourishes in Birmingham. Although it grows densely in our climate, zoysiagrass also grows slowly, requiring less mowing than bermudagrass. Additionally, Zoysia is tolerant to shade, whereas bermuda needs full sun.
\n\n\n\nZoysia japonica is the most popular variety of Zoysia grass found in Alabama, and many homeowners choose Meyer Zoysiagrass (also called Z-52), an upgraded version of zoysia japonica. It is highly tolerant to cold weather and grows lush dark green lawns.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall, but may get dollar spot or brown patch fungus
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Zoysia has good tolerance to herbicides and pesticides.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlabama has about one million acres of bahiagrass, and although much of it is for grazing, it’s also popular as turf grass. Its deep root system allows bahia to pull more water and nutrients from the soil than most grass types, making it ideal for Alabamians looking for low-maintenance turf. It doesn’t require much fertilizer or water, and its coarse blades resist most insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but more shade-tolerant than bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertility requirements. Expect frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Ideal grass height is 3 to 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease and insect infestations
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs well in sandy loam soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including soils with low fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: You can plant bahiagrass from seeds or sod, but the lawn will establish much quicker with sod.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass thrives in Birmingham’s hot and humid subtropical climate. Although centipedegrass looks similar to St. Augustinegrass, it is distinguishable by its fine blades and pointed tips. The main advantages of centipedegrass are its high adaptability to just about any soil and its tolerance to shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nHowever, centipede has a low cold tolerance, so many Alabamans use TifBlair, a cultivar that tolerates colder temperatures than traditional centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer requirements. Requires weekly mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Common diseases include brown patch, leaf spot, and Pythium root rot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Thrives in wet, poorly drained sandy soils with low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Because centipedegrass is very sensitive to cold, the grass may discolor or die during a harsh winter. Regularly mow your lawn to its recommended height and avoid over-fertilizing to prevent winter illness. Also, be careful of herbicides and pesticides that may weaken the grass.
\n\n\n\nAlthough warm-season grass is recommended for central Alabama lawns, there are a couple of cool-season grasses that can withstand our steamy summers:
● Tall fescue thrives in our cool winters and is heat tolerant enough to survive the summer, making it the best cool-season grass for Birmingham lawns. Overseeding in late fall helps tall fescue stay dense through the summer.
● Perennial ryegrass is another cool-season grass that can tolerate heat. Although it can endure a typical summer, extended heat waves with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the grass.
Invasive Cogongrass is a problem in Birmingham and throughout most of Alabama, but you can control the invasion using the following tips:
● Don’t hand-pull Cogongrass because its razor-sharp leaves and sprouts can seriously hurt you. In addition, hand-pulling isn’t effective because it is extremely difficult to remove its rhizomes altogether.
● Herbicides, such as glyphosate and imazapyr, effectively kill the plant, but it takes multiple applications to get the job done. The best time to apply herbicide is from late summer until early fall.
● Tillage can help control Cogongrass if you repeat the process whenever new growth emerges. However, infrequent tilling can make the infestation worse.
If your lawn loses its deep green color, it probably needs more nourishment. Nitrogen and iron deficiencies often turn grass light green or yellow. Conduct a soil test, then use an appropriate fertilizer to restore your lawn.
When choosing plants for your Birmingham yard, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\nThe secret to maintaining a pristine lawn in Birmingham is to hire a professional. An experienced lawn care pro in Birmingham knows what it takes to sustain lush terrain, so they can do the heavy lifting for you. As a result, your lawn will be healthy, and you’ll have extra time to enjoy Railroad Park or Vulcan Walking Trail.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sharon Phelan Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Birmingham, AL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7804154302670623,"src":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1789c/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/107df/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/293e9/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/f2cbb/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1789c/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/c26c2/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1dd6e/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/67b76/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 320w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/8df11/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 500w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/98a65/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 800w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1dd6e/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 960w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/3cc96/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Birmingham, AL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass types for Birmingham are bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, bahiagrass, and centipedegrass. But tall fescue can also thrive in this climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"b402167d-a3ac-5eaf-8d61-7e59e048b233","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/hurricane-resistant-landscaping/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b2c4f6ff-0472-5f66-b3a2-f18459ce21c7","name":"Tallahassee","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Tallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. […]
\n","content":"\nTallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. Here are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to help you prepare your outdoor space for hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Miami Landscaping
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSustained winds of 90 mph or more will uproot large trees. Even 20 miles from the nearest coast, Tallahassee is no stranger to tropical storm winds during hurricane season. The city endured 12 hours of hurricane-force winds and gusts up to 71 miles per hour when Hurricane Michael ripped across the Gulf of Mexico in 2019.
\n\n\n\nWith 41% of all U.S. hurricanes making landfall in Florida, it is important to plant wind-resistant trees to protect your home and neighborhood from flying branches and falling trees.
\n\n\n\nWind-resistant Tallahassee tree species include:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a hurricane-resistant tree varies depending on the size and type of tree, purchase location, and whether you are having a certified arborist handle your landscaping. If you head to your local nursery to purchase your tree, you can expect to spend between $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/tree-meadow-trunk-woodland-palm-trees-tree-trunks-1097898-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nStorm preparedness and emergency management are second nature to most residents of Leon County. Unfortunately, no matter how much you plan, you know there is no way to completely protect your home and yard from high winds and storm damage. Selecting wind-resistant trees and thoroughly planning your landscape design increases your plants’ survival chances during a storm surge.
\n\n\n\nSome things to consider as you plan your hurricane-resistant landscape include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/40561099854_c6581da4db_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTally sits in the central portion of the Northern Florida panhandle. Native plants are the most salt and wind-tolerant plants you can include in your landscaping, and they are incredibly low-maintenance. Native plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in Tallahassee’s subtropical climate. These plants are hands-off, resistant to local insects and diseases, and more likely to survive flooding from a hurricane churning in from the Gulf.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Tallahassee native plants to choose from. Take a look at some of the most wind-tolerant examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: 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![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Tree_Pruning.jpg\")
Photo Credit: TreeMinion15 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTallahassee residents get to experience the enviable Florida weather and a short 30-minute drive to sugary white beaches. They also have the added advantage of being inland away from most storm surges during a hurricane, and hurricanes only directly impact Tally once every eight years on average.
\n\n\n\nStill, healthy trees are sturdy trees, and one of the best ways to maintain healthy trees is to perform routine maintenance, including pruning and trimming. Be sure to keep your hedges, shrubs, and trees pruned or trimmed to cut down on the number and size of branches flying across your yard during a tropical storm.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of landscape maintenance:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional tree trimming and landscape maintenance costs between $315 to $700, depending on the size of your yard and the number of trees and shrubs.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4608457413_921dff2b0e_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive DIY job with enormous benefits for your Florida lawn. Mulch comes in many forms and colors. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips that helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protects your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your Tallahassee landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the sandy loam soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Organic mulch absorbs water, prevents puddling, decreases runoff, and assists in flood management.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBest mulch for your Tallahassee landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\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. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JiminyPicketVinylFence.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Deniseesser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMany Tallahassee fence contractors specialize in wind-resistant fencing and reinforcement. Like trees, all fences are not created equal, especially for wind resistance. It is important to consider the best type of fencing for your landscape and note that wood fences are not the best choice for wind-resistant fencing. However, if the sustainability and natural beauty of wood are something you cannot live without, be sure to choose a slatted fence design to minimize wind resistance.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some of the most wind-resistant fence types:
\n\n\n\nFence types to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional fence installation costs between $1,330 to $5,550, depending on size, materials, and location.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bird-bath-gdd2579a6f_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe average Florida homeowner spends 37.7 days mowing in their lifetime. That is a lot of time outdoors, which comes as no surprise considering the year-round warm weather. Statues, flower containers, bird baths, small fountains, and patio furniture are all great additions that add a personal touch and visual appeal to your Tallahassee landscape. Unfortunately, these objects are no match for hurricane-force winds. Be sure to remove all movable storm hazards to minimize damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There is no cost to move your landscaping decorations or furniture indoors. However, if you are short on space and want to maximize your storm preparedness, you can rent a storage unit for around $125 per month.
\n\n\n\n![\"Water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-ready-made-3964796-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nTallahassee receives 60 inches of rain per year, and Leon County’s unique topography, including streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, is susceptible to overland flooding. Storm drains are an integral part of your overall landscape. Unfortunately, many homeowners often overlook these necessities because they offer little aesthetic value. Yard waste and organic debris clog your drains, leading to increased flooding and water damage. Be sure to keep paths to your drains clear by maintaining your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of proper drainage:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional French drain installation costs between $1,650 to $12,250, depending on location, size, and excavation needs.
\n\n\n\nThe best hurricane-resistant grasses for your Tallahassee landscape are bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. Both types of grass tolerate submergence and are great warm-season grasses that also stand up well to heavy traffic.
Yes. Most artificial grass is wind-resistant and can withstand up to 50 inches of rain per hour. Most hurricanes generate precipitation at a rate of 6 inches per hour.
Mow regularly once the ground is completely dry. Aim to mow weekly to stimulate grass growth. Be sure to set your mower to the tallest setting to help your grass establish deep roots, making it more flood and drought resistant.
Check hurricane-resistant landscaping off of your storm preparedness list. While you focus on other areas of preparation, consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tallahassee FL Park Ave / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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