![\"Sagebrush](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-from-rawpixel-id-4033032-jpeg-1.jpg\"){kind=tracking}
Montana is rich in natural resources, wildlife, unique vegetation, and adventure. The Treasure State’s geographic diversity and altitudinal ranges create variable climates. Western Montana is mountainous, with cool summers and snowy winters, while central and eastern Montana experience warmer summers and cold winters. No matter where you live in Big Sky Country, there are drought-resistant […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is rich in natural resources, wildlife, unique vegetation, and adventure. The Treasure State’s geographic diversity and altitudinal ranges create variable climates. Western Montana is mountainous, with cool summers and snowy winters, while central and eastern Montana experience warmer summers and cold winters. No matter where you live in Big Sky Country, there are drought-resistant landscaping ideas that will help you conquer the dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nSwitching to drought-resistant landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In steppe climates like Montana where average rainfall is less than 15 inches per year, water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n9 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Drought-Resistant Landscaping in Montana
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Rawpixel
\n\n\n\nNative plants support conservation efforts and promote a healthy ecosystem. They thrive in the summer heat and dry conditions while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive Montana’s harsh winters and snow. Native plants are hands-off, water efficient, and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe vibrant, late-summer and early-fall blooms attract pollinating insects, while the dried stalks and leftover seed heads provide food and shelter for songbirds in the winter. From preferring full sun to part shade, they are the most low-maintenance and drought-resistant plants you can include in your landscaping project.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Montana native plants to choose from, including:
\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![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_16686130046_1524d40e6c_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the vibrant flowers lining the shelves of your stores fool you. While inexpensive, these eye-catching blooms only remain beautiful for a short time. These landscape plants are annuals and only last one growing season before dying in the fall. If bright blooms make your heart sing, you can switch out your annuals for drought-tolerant and cold-resistant perennials.
\n\n\n\nPerennials bloom year after year, surviving the cold Montana winters. They have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals and are more expensive. However, these drought-tolerant plants withstand more extreme weather and come in many varieties, including shade-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance wildflowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, vines, and more.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty that bounces back every year, check out some of the best perennials for the Treasure State:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like native plants, the average cost of perennial plants varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\nHydrozones are a crucial component of drought-resistant landscape design. They are groupings of plants with similar soil, water, and sunlight needs. Hydrozoning reduces water use and protects your plants from being over or under-watered.
\n\n\n\nSome common Montana plant groupings include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hydrozoning:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: You can save money and DIY relocate your plants into groups based on their water needs. You can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree for fresh additions.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is a loose material typically made of inorganic or organic matter like compost, tree bark, wood chips, or rubber. It is an inexpensive DIY job that provides enormous benefits for your Montana landscape. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from cold and heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches are more durable and low-maintenance but do not offer additional nutrients. It is important to note you will need to replace organic mulches like wood chips annually with a fresh layer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\nMontana is incredibly dry across most of the state. While many native plants are adapted to the harsh conditions, Big Sky Country’s weather is unpredictable and unforgiving. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance and watering.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for your landscape. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Be prepared. Hardscapes are an expensive upfront investment, but they increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/xeriscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Hilton / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMontana’s mountainous western regions, with their continental climates, receive over 35 inches of annual rainfall. Unfortunately, the steppe climates in the central and eastern regions of the Treasure State only receive around 15 inches or fewer, far below the national average rainfall of 30 inches.
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping with additional emphasis on water conservation. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except natural rainfall.
\n\n\n\nMontana native plants and turfgrasses are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard. They are naturally drought resistant and adapted to harsh seasonal shifts. Besides native plants, some basic steps for xeriscaping your yard include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will save around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\nSlopes, shade, sedimentary rock, and sandstone all have one thing in common. They can make growing turfgrass incredibly difficult. Luckily, your lawn doesn’t need to be covered in traditional grass to have a thick, green appearance. Drought-resistant, low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to grass. These plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space.
\n\n\n\nGroundcover fills areas of your lawn to mimic “grass.” They are low-maintenance, which means less work for you. These plants still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Montana groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought tolerant, and low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Montana groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\nLush lawns are scarce in Montana thanks to its semi-arid climate. Luckily, 365 days of perfectly manicured, green lawn is possible if you channel your favorite 1970s sitcom family, the Brady Bunch. Artificial turf is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet. And contrary to popular belief, it is really hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is expensive to install and may render your soil unusable in the future. However, it is virtually maintenance-free and a great four-season option for the Great Plains region.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4012667803_b9a8385ed1_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you live in central or eastern Montana, consider planting drought-resistant succulents like cacti. Succulents love arid climates and thrive in the sedimentary rocks of Montana thanks to their thick leaves and shallow root systems. They prefer to be left alone, so you can forget about watering your plants and let nature take over. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work great in back and front yards.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these native Big Sky Country succulents:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the size and type of succulent and ranges from $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nMontana is home to the only grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states and many urbanized rural areas that share landscape space with other local wildlife, including deer, wolves, coyotes, and even bobcats. The best method to deter wildlife is using landscape plants they prefer not to eat.
Wildlife-resistant native Montana plants include:
No. It is typically unnecessary to mow groundcover. They are a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant alternative to traditional turfgrass and only grow to heights of several inches.
There are many types of artificial turf, including pet-friendly turf, that are specially designed for your furry family members to be stain and odor resistant and easy to clean.
Drought-resistant landscaping is the first step to a hardy and low-maintenance, outdoor space. Be sure to consider your yard’s unique microclimate and hardiness zone when selecting plants for your yard.
\n\n\n\nMontana sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a to 6a, with most of the Treasure State falling within zones 3b to 4a. Select drought-resistant plants that are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in your hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nStop wasting your time on lawn maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you live in the home of Montana State University, Bozeman, or the capital city, Helena. Consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to the rugged outdoors.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Montana University / Sara goth / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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\n","content":"One of the biggest hurdles for people who choose landscaping as their small business is the feast or famine aspect. Revenue peaks and valleys are a real issue. Not only for lawn mowing services but for any business that has ups and downs in cash flow during the year.
\nAs business owners, we can view these issues as problems or challenges. A problem is something we complain about. A challenge is something we are more likely to take personally and overcome.
\nSo let’s look at some ways landscapers, in particular, can battle the slow months of the year when the grass is not growing.
\nTake time to talk to your customers, then listen. It’s easy to get in a hurry when you have 32 acres to mow before the days end. But you will leave money on the table if you fail to connect to the good people who pay you regularly. A five-minute conversation could turn into a request for a retaining wall estimate. Or they may mention that their neighbor is looking into a water pond.
\nTalking with customers naturally results in more work. Maybe not immediately, but it could materialize in the dead of winter when you need extra work.
\nServices like lawn care, house painting, and even garbage collection are going high-tech. We may never see a weed-whacking robot on every lawn, but as the owner of a service-based business, technology should be your friend.
\nThere are apps designed to connect service providers with customers. So it’s a no-brainer to get onboard with a company looking to find customers for you. For example, these tech companies know how to find customers who need interior painting in the cold of winter. That’s a big help to a painting crew wanting to stay busy… and warm!
\nOften the best solution to a problem is the simplest solution. If your lawn business is slow from December through February, you need to pay attention to what services people are using in those months.
\nBy watching how folks are spending their money in your slower season, you’ll find ways to offer those services as well. It’s not a guessing game as to what sells when you physically see the same services being performed over and over.
\nUsing social media to promote your small business is smart. And it’s easy to post projects in the busy season. After all, you have something to “talk” about and show off.
\nDon’t forget to be sociable during the slower season though. Facebook conversations can lead to similar results as chatting with your customers face to face.
\nHow climbing ladders is one of the top ways to get sent to the ER… then mention your new Christmas lights installation service.
\nPut up a post about how clogged gutters can rot parts of a house. November is the prime time people search for “gutter clean,” according to Google Trends.
\nUse news items that are trending on your Facebook feed. Connect your services and advice to a local or national news story.
\nDuring the slower months of the year, you may have to round up some new customers to add to your base. One easy way to do that is to offer a tiny service for a very reasonable price.
\nLandscapers can get their foot in the door with a simple task like testing homeowners’ soil. Or if you have a friend in the roofing business, you could offer free roof inspections. You’d be able to help your friend get more business and drop off your card as well.
\nI could point you to 50 different tools to budget your money in order to survive down months in your seasonal business. But here are my top picks:
\nClark Howard is a consumer advocate who can help you get your spending under control. He is a pro at finding deals on flights and he can spot a financial scam from 100 yards away.
\nFor a digital approach to budgeting, give YNAB (You Need A Budget) a try. This software will help you tell your money where to go before it slips away mysteriously each week.
\nI’ll admit that getting out and staying out of debt sounds impossible. But if you need a pep talk about “acting your wage,” take a listen to Dave Ramsey’s podcast.
\nIf you like to handle your money with a smartphone, there are several apps for that. Mint is still one of the best, with over 190,000 reviews on Apple’s App Store.
\nMaybe you want no part of an elaborate budgeting system, then it’s simple. Spend less than you make. It’s not easy, but it is a worthy, actionable habit to build. Especially for landscapers who have more revenue in the warm months.
\nYour business may never have as steady an income as you’d like all through the year. But if you are steady and consistent in pursuit of that goal, you will see a big improvement.
\nTry to implement these tips to see which work best for your specific seasonal business.
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\n","content":"\nNevada, being the driest state in the country, is no stranger to drought. The intense heat and limited water supply can make maintaining a lush garden difficult and expensive. So, if you’re looking to save water and money while creating a stunning outdoor oasis, consider these 10 drought-resistant landscaping ideas for Nevada.
\n\n\n\nA growing trend in sustainable landscaping has emerged, offering homeowners a way to create a beautiful outdoor space while reducing water usage. With drought-tolerant landscaping, you can choose plants and materials that require minimal watering.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nNevada’s scorching heat and drought conditions should not hinder you from creating a beautiful landscape design. Just because the desert climate can be harsh doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your landscaping.
\n\n\n\nDrought-resistant landscaping has numerous advantages. Not only is it perfectly suited for the hot, arid climate of Nevada, but it also helps in water conservation. Additionally, this type of landscaping has these benefits:
\n\n\n\nChoosing drought-tolerant plants and implementing water-saving techniques can help you create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that thrives even in the most challenging conditions.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to reduce water use while promoting low maintenance and eco-friendliness in your garden, these 10 drought-resistant landscaping ideas can help. With these tips, you can transform your yard into a stunning oasis that not only looks great but also helps conserve one of Nevada’s most precious resources – water.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/flowers-g5b9e0e5d7_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTired of spending hours mowing and maintaining your lawn every week? It might be time to ditch traditional grass and consider a more effortless option – drought-tolerant groundcovers. These low-growing plants quickly spread to form a beautiful, verdant carpet-like lawn.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of using groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nWhile groundcovers still require some watering and sunlight, they’re much less demanding than traditional grasses. Moreover, Nevada homeowners have a range of drought and heat-tolerant options to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Switching from turfgrass to groundcover can cost between $3.50 and $12.50 per square foot, depending on the groundcover type. Keep in mind that the expense may increase if you need to remove existing grass before planting.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/artificial-turf-g91d792f7e_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf you’re still attached to the idea of a grass lawn but hate the maintenance, artificial turfgrass might be the answer. With this alternative, you’ll get the aesthetic appeal of a green lawn without having to spend time and resources on upkeep.
\n\n\n\nThanks to advancements in technology, artificial grass looks more realistic than ever before, so much so that it’s tough to distinguish it from the real thing. It’s a fantastic option for those who prefer a beautiful lawn without the work.
\n\n\n\nOpting for artificial turf provides several benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNote: Why go through all the trouble of maintaining a natural grass lawn when you can choose the alternative that complies with Nevada’s grass ban? Although the installation costs for artificial turf may be steep, the long-term benefits are significant. With it, you can scratch off lawn maintenance and reduce your water consumption. Moreover, your city or utility company might be offering incentives and rebates to encourage the installation of artificial turf.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The installation cost of artificial turf depends on multiple factors, such as the shape and size of your yard as well as the specific type of faux grass you select. Typically, hiring a professional for artificial turf installation can cost between $5 and $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Joshua_Trees_Yucca_brevifolia_in_Joshua_Tree_National_Park-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brocken Inaglory / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAnother way to reduce your landscaping maintenance and water consumption is to use native plants for your drought-tolerant garden. These water-efficient plants have evolved to thrive in the state’s unique climate, and they require minimal TLC to grow and flourish.
\n\n\n\nFortunately, many drought-tolerant plants are well-suited to Nevada’s conditions, and there are numerous native plants to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nBefore incorporating native plants into your desert landscape, remember to choose the ones specifically native to your region. While some plants may thrive in Phoenix or Southern California, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can grow well in Las Vegas or other parts of Southern Nevada.
\n\n\n\nAlways choose native plants ideal for your location, so you can enjoy its benefits:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of planting new shrubs or trees, or creating a new flower bed, can be determined by various factors such as plant size, type, and the size of the area you want to cover. On average, the cost of planting a new shrub can cost anywhere from $25 to $50 per plant, while you can expect to pay between $150 and $3,000 for a tree. For those looking to add a new flower bed to their landscape, the cost can vary from $600 to $3,000.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blackfoot-Daisy-Melampodium-leucanthum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zbigniew Niepokój / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nChoosing perennial plants for your landscape is a smart investment for homeowners who want to enjoy beautiful blooms beyond a single season. Unlike annuals, which need to be replanted every year, perennial plants can survive harsh winter conditions and regrow year after year.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to their resilience, perennials provide various benefits to homeowners:
\n\n\n\nTo ensure long-lasting beauty in your garden, you must select plants that are labeled as perennials when shopping for new additions. With the Southwest’s extreme heat, you’ll want to focus on heat-tolerant varieties that can thrive in the region. There are many exceptional perennials that can withstand the hot weather, including:
\n\n\n\nBy selecting the right perennials for your garden, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape year after year without the hassle of replanting every season.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: If you decide to do the planting yourself, the cost will depend on the specific type of perennials you choose. Expect to pay between $10 and $60 per plant, with some rare and exotic varieties costing even more. If you hire a landscaping professional, the cost will be higher, but they can get the job done more quickly and efficiently.
\n\n\n\n![\"Conserve](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Conserve-Water-With-Xeriscaping11.jpg\")
Photo Credit: RawPixel
\n\n\n\nCreating a water-wise xeriscape is a popular landscaping technique that homeowners in Nevada are using to combat dry desert climates. With xeriscaping, your garden will have little water requirements outside of natural rain.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nThe following can help you transform your outdoor space with xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nWith these xeriscaping tips, you can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that conserves water and reduces your water bill. Although there is an upfront cost associated with converting to a water-efficient landscape, the benefits are substantial. Plus, you can enjoy long-term savings that far outweigh the initial investment.
\n\n\n\nIf transforming your entire landscape into a xeriscape seems daunting, start small by replacing your water-thirsty flower bed with succulents, cacti, or a decorative rock garden. Doing so also allows you to experiment with different desert landscaping plants and hardscape features without committing to a complete overhaul.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The typical cost for xeriscaping is between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot. But xeriscaping can help you save money on maintenance costs – an average of 36 cents per square foot per year. So, while there may be an initial cost involved, the return on investment is well worth it in the end.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rock-garden-wall.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nIf you want to save on your water bill and help conserve water, rock gardens are a fantastic alternative to a traditional garden. Not only do they require no water, but they also can be arranged in an endless number of ways to create a unique and eye-catching landscape.
\n\n\n\nYou can customize your rock garden to suit your style and your yard. Depending on your preferences, you could incorporate boulders, gravel, natural stone, or a mix of these into your design. Plus, you can add your favorite drought-resistant plants, garden ornaments, or even small water features for added interest.
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the many benefits a rock garden can provide:
\n\n\n\nBy using rocks of different sizes and shapes, you can create a natural rock formation or a modern design. The possibilities are endless, as there are no restrictions based on water or sunlight requirements. With rocks, you are only limited by your imagination.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for inspiration for your rock garden, consider some popular designs like the following:
\n\n\n\nOne way to lower the cost of a rock garden is to find the rocks yourself. You can usually find them at construction sites, quarries, or natural settings. However, remember that rocks can be heavy and difficult to transport, so handle them carefully.
\n\n\n\nAnother way to save money is to use affordable materials such as mulch, gravel, or recycled concrete. You can use these materials to create walkways, borders, and accents within your rock garden. Be creative and resourceful when designing a unique and stunning rock garden without breaking the bank.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Installing a rock garden can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000. Or, you can source your own rocks to significantly lower the price.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2181805564_458df3fb74_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Seán A. O’Hara / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLooking for low-maintenance plants that can thrive in the Southwest’s desert environment? Why not try growing a succulent garden? These plants have evolved to survive in arid conditions by storing water in their thick leaves, making them perfect for drought-prone areas.
\n\n\n\nSome benefits of incorporating succulents into your landscape are:
\n\n\n\nSucculents are not only easy to care for but also add texture and interest to any yard. Even if you’re just starting out, succulents are a great choice for creating a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Succulents come in all shapes, sizes, and prices, with factors such as species, rarity, and size determining their cost. While some smaller and more common types can be found for as low as $5, others could easily cost over $100 per plant, especially the larger or rarer ones.
\n\n\n\n![\"Mulch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mulch-Your-Flower-Beds.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTransforming your desert landscape into a beautiful oasis doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. One simple and affordable way to enhance your outdoor space is by mulching. Mulch is a loose material spread over the soil around your plants to improve soil health and water retention while suppressing weeds.
\n\n\n\nThere are two mulch types – organic and inorganic. Organic mulches, like pine straws and wood chips, improve soil quality and provide nutrients as they break down over time. However, they require annual replacement. Inorganic mulches, such as rubber nuggets and gravel, are more low-maintenance and last longer.
\n\n\n\nHere are some benefits of mulching:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of mulch varies depending on the type of material used. While it may last longer than organic mulches, rubber mulch is often more expensive, ranging from $7 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. Landscape gravel is more affordable, at around $4 to $30 per 0.5-cubic-foot bag, depending on the type of stone. Typically the most cost-effective option, wood mulch usually costs between $3 and $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/32233513968_9ed0aa0dc8_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Redi-Rock International / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBy incorporating hardscapes into your front yard, you can reduce the amount of maintenance required for plants and increase your curb appeal. Hardscapes are features made of non-living materials that add visual interest to your landscape. Here are some hardscapes to consider:
\n\n\n\nTransforming your outdoor space with hardscapes can be a great investment, but it’s important to know the costs upfront. While hardscapes can be expensive to install, they often provide a better return on investment, as they require less maintenance than plants. Plus, they only need occasional cleaning, helping you reduce water usage while increasing your home’s value.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Patios generally cost between $2,000 to $6,000, while deck installations can range from $4,000 to $11,000. For a stone paver project, expect to pay around $8 to $22 per square foot, depending on the type of stone material. If you want to add a fire pit, the cost can be between $500 and $3,000, while a pergola can range from $2,000 to $9,000.
\n\n\n\n![\"leaks](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Irrigation_drip_leaks.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sciencehacker / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re concerned about water conservation in Nevada, you might be surprised to learn that an automatic irrigation system can be a smart choice. Rather than using traditional sprinklers, which can waste a lot of water, consider installing a drip irrigation system.
\n\n\n\nDrip irrigation systems are designed to apply water directly to the roots of your plants, where it’s needed most. Instead of watering a large area all at once, a series of individual emitters deliver water to each plant or group of plants with similar water needs.
\n\n\n\nWith drip irrigation, you can easily adjust the amount of water that each emitter releases. This way, you can ensure your plants receive the right amount of water without any excess.
\n\n\n\nSome of the benefits of using a drip irrigation system include:
\n\n\n\nRegardless of whether you choose to hire a professional or do it yourself, a drip irrigation system can be a water-efficient and cost-effective choice for your landscape. By delivering water directly to the roots of your plants, you can reduce water waste and help your plants thrive.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: If you’re considering installing a drip irrigation system, the cost will depend on whether you choose to have it professionally installed or do it yourself. If you opt for a DIY installation, the cost can be significantly less. You can find drip irrigation kits for as low as $20, although the cost will vary based on the size of your project. Professional installation typically costs between $1.50 and $4.75 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nNevada faces severe drought conditions, making water conservation a critical issue. To address this, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has implemented a mandatory watering schedule that applies to all customers, including residential and commercial properties.
During summer, the schedule limits outdoor watering to three assigned days per week, while there’s one assigned day per week during winter. These watering restrictions apply to all sources of water, including municipal water, private wells, and water delivered by truck.
The SNWA has also implemented specific guidelines for outdoor watering. Watering is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. during summer, as this is when evaporation rates are highest. Additionally, water cannot be allowed to flow off the property or onto the street or sidewalk. Violations of these restrictions can result in fines or other penalties.
Yes. While drought-resistant plants are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions, they still need watering to some extent. The key difference is that they require less water and can tolerate longer periods without it.
You need to provide enough water to establish the plant’s root system. But after that, you can reduce the watering frequency to promote deep root growth. In Nevada’s arid climate, it’s especially important to ensure the plants receive enough water during the hot summer months.
Before adding plants to your desert landscape, you must choose the ones that can withstand the harsh desert climate. Look for plants that are native to the desert or are well-suited to its unique conditions. Some characteristics to look for include:
With Nevada’s scarce water resources and temperatures reaching scorching heights in the summer, creating an attractive and sustainable outdoor space requires thoughtful planning.
\n\n\n\nWith these ten drought-tolerant landscaping ideas, you can reduce water usage and create a stunning landscape tailored to Nevada’s unique environment. From using native plants to installing artificial turf, there are numerous creative and eco-friendly ways to beautify your property without breaking the bank or depleting the state’s limited water supply.
There’s no better time to invest in the future of your home and the environment than today. Whether you live in Las Vegas, Reno, or another city in Nevada, reach out to a local landscaping pro and let them help you switch to water-efficient landscaping.
Main Image Credit: Lawn Las Vegas / André Corboz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Nevada","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4851485148514851,"src":"/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/1789c/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.jpg","srcSet":"/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/107df/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.jpg 320w,\n/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/293e9/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.jpg 500w,\n/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/f2cbb/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.jpg 800w,\n/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/1789c/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.jpg 960w,\n/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/c26c2/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/1dd6e/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/67b76/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.webp 320w,\n/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/8df11/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.webp 500w,\n/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/98a65/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.webp 800w,\n/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/1dd6e/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.webp 960w,\n/static/627c10058ef826cb0cbb8158842ab031/3cc96/Las_Vegas._Rancho_Sahara_in_Sahara_Avenue_visto_dal_giardino.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Nevada | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With these 10 drought-resistant landscaping ideas for Nevada, you can have a beautiful garden while helping the state conserve water."}}},{"node":{"id":"fcb936b6-38d0-50aa-aaad-053f1a4f2bce","slug":"lawn-mowing-and-maintenance-in-dfw","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/lawn-mowing-and-maintenance-in-dfw/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 20th, 2019","excerpt":"A maintenance-free lawn doesn’t exist in North Texas. That’s the first thing to keep in mind when you think about your yard in Dallas or Plano or Irving. Because the growing season is so long, you’ll be putting work into it even longer than homeowners in cooler climates. But it’s not complicated! Here are some […]
\n","content":"\nA maintenance-free lawn doesn’t exist in North Texas. That’s the first thing to keep in mind when you think about your yard in Dallas or Plano or Irving. Because the growing season is so long, you’ll be putting work into it even longer than homeowners in cooler climates. But it’s not complicated! Here are some tips to lawn mowing and maintenance in DFW.
\n\n\n\nThe key here is not to “scalp” your grass, meaning cut it too short. Scalping lets precious water evaporate more quickly in the Texas heat. It also stresses your grass, leaving it vulnerable to diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn is most likely a warm-season variety like St. Augustine, Zoysia grass, buffalo grass or Bermudagrass. Your proper grass length depends on the variety you have. Experts recommend St. Augustine be cut 2 to 2.5 inches tall. The recommended height for common Bermuda is 1.25 to 1.5 inches tall. Zoysias should be between 2 to 3 inches tall, and buffalograss is the longest, with a recommended height of 3 to 4 inches. Look to mow the lawn about once a week during the hot season. Pro tip: mow in a different direction each time. This helps the blades of the grass stand up straight and prevent ruts. The grass will most likely be dormant from about November to early March.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/vHG1MducY0LBd579jO3HRCClmLbPu7eobddVBdtvyq6LejozJUEYiFyff7lSvOMfM_exP_OHNp5DTONuAVImxUt4WWvqa13zi45JPLA3-I6Kwt2i7W6nJCa-bQkGcv9viKxaH9ig\")
Don’t bag those clippings. The clippings add vital nutrients back into the soil as they decompose. As long as you mow at the proper height, the clippings will break down quickly.
\n\n\n\nSharpen the blades, change the oil and spark plugs once a year. Dull blades will tear the grass instead of cutting it, leaving it susceptible to disease and pests.
\n\n\n\nSome make a ritual out of applying weed and feed to their lawns every Super Bowl Sunday in February. This counts as “early spring” in Texas, and the grass is beginning to green up. That’s when it needs feeding. The rule of thumb is generally between February and April. This is also the time to stop weeds in their tracks — before they ever get a firm root in your yard. You can also find weed and feed mixtures that contain fire ant killer, to keep the nasty little insects from digging up mounds of dirt in your lawn and biting you.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/YptMC0oZEqtKFy16WxPQfFmKZxvkrn2ezC8E6g2hLw1UorINVbEqlEWsbuFmtq1VRcm8Lj7A5etV3aw4Rx0lq8Imaxp-LHNfyA8g9SNKFhvVOW-JWV9udULXgXxH7RSKY-hpAHP3\")
Your lawn needs a good long drink every five to ten days, generally. Keep that in mind before you overwater the grass. Also, your city probably has ordinances or recommendations on what days you can water and what time. Use your sprinkler two times a week, and don’t water between 10 am and 6 pm. In most cases, drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand watering are allowed any day of the week. Ideally, you water early in the morning — giving your grass a good drink of water, but allowing the droplets on the blades to evaporate over the daytime hours. This lowers your lawn’s risk of fungus problems.
\n\n\n\nThe key to a lush, green lawn in north Texas is consistency over the course of the long, hot growing season. If you begin tending to it on a regular basis when it first begins to green, and maintain it through the triple-digit temperatures of the summer, and into the fall, it will reward you with beautiful, emerald green grass.
\n\n\n\nDo you want to know more about what plants to grow in DFW? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
\n\n\n\nDon’t move to Phoenix, AZ unless you love sunny days. Phoenix averages at least 300 days of sun every year, hence the nickname The Valley of the Sun. All those sunny days gives residents the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature or to grow some fantastic gardens. Sun is essential for happy living. Not […]
\n","content":"\nDon’t move to Phoenix, AZ unless you love sunny days. Phoenix averages at least 300 days of sun every year, hence the nickname The Valley of the Sun. All those sunny days gives residents the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature or to grow some fantastic gardens. Sun is essential for happy living.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mpchvuoRuhUiVM6B9QpUs0XiekbmTOa46CNWPEYDwuyKzuKbDelc-XZOHU9JGwVRzUpKfotj3DQn9GxIhMm8pIi0ZdApYTL9QkHGjWLRtMjQ5sr3RYFd2Xql5O7oafMj1SfCjNER\")
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Have questions about lawn care? Visit our Phoenix, AZ lawn care page for more information.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: AZDew
\n","title":"29 Pictures of Life in The Valley of the Sun","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7853403141361257,"src":"/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/1789c/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/107df/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 320w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/293e9/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 500w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/f2cbb/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 800w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/1789c/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 960w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/8e61a/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 1023w","srcWebp":"/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/1dd6e/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/67b76/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 320w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/8df11/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 500w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/98a65/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 800w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/1dd6e/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 960w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/0cf9f/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 1023w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"29 Pictures of Life in The Valley of the Sun | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"26d53bc6-c3de-5cc7-a448-9e03696d4b47","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/lawn-mowing-maintenance-columbus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Your beautiful Central Ohio home is a source of pride and joy. Part of that joy is the sometimes-overwhelming task of yard care. Lawn mowing and maintenance in Columbus is, at the very least, a weekly chore — whether you do it yourself or hire a lawn service. Mowing, weeding, fertilizing, aerating … it’s all […]
\n","content":"\nYour beautiful Central Ohio home is a source of pride and joy. Part of that joy is the sometimes-overwhelming task of yard care. Lawn mowing and maintenance in Columbus is, at the very least, a weekly chore — whether you do it yourself or hire a lawn service. Mowing, weeding, fertilizing, aerating … it’s all a piece of the puzzle that comes with owning a house or rental property.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are suitable for Columbus lawns because they can handle our cold winters. Chances are your turf consists of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) – or a blend of KBG and perennial ryegrass, tall fescue or Buffalograss.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/c0m7Y3fthxqXa0hb0CNGUJ-8_L06QP5VtKXDihlDKJMOmUc1oUfXH1vsXQKpDem0MPLK4ellVHBlq9zF9EYxtGuJwE-uP8zpQytxx2jElgaFVzZhf3u8NS_suukto6XEpOG2utNq\")
If you’re reseeding or replacing a lawn in Franklin County, The Ohio State University Extension recommends having the soil tested to determine the best cool-season grass for your lawn. Geographical location, soil alkalinity, and temperature are important considerations.
\n\n\n\nSharpen the cutting blades on your gasoline or electric mower every season, and set the height relative to the lawn’s condition. Columbus tends to get an ample amount of rainfall in the spring and autumn, so you can lower the blades for a shorter cut. Kentucky bluegrass can be cut to about 2-1/2 inches if you’re only mowing once a week. In late July and into August’s extreme summer heat and dry weather, cool-season grass root systems tend to become shallow. Raise the blades to about 3-1/2 inches high. Cutting the grass too short in the hot summer months will stress it and keep it from staying green. You can mow KBG, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues twice a week, if a lot of rain is prompting growth spurts.
\n\n\n\nMowing in straight lines, back and forth every time compacts the soil and pushes the grass blades into one direction, which leads to an irregular cut. Changing directions each mow allows individual blades to spring back. Lawnmowers work better on dry grass, but do not wait too long. The amount of Columbus rainfall is always hit or miss. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and serves as excellent mulch.
\n\n\n\nFertilizing your Columbus lawn depends on its pH level, and that’s where having the soil tested comes in handy. Ohio soils vary, but the best range for grass is slightly acidic, in the pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Commercial fertilizer contains measured portions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Feed the lawn in early spring and summer or use slow-release chemicals over dry grass in August to December. Fertilize and follow with a deep watering every eight to 10 weeks.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/oV_ZyfWGU1MESsCrbWe92b6Nw4GUBCsdOBvA062DRf02pvWMctUOgh6Z8MTT20Hjhn44SVncioA9DUzhpxJqZnN6YyBbuP8umfyRvv2RwaaEiuenM3ip4C2aiyM8_r7YFma9B3wQ\")
Post-emergent herbicides will not keep new weeds from sprouting up, but they will kill existing ones. Weed-killing chemicals include dicamba, 4-DP and MCPP (in liquid and granular form). Apply them in early spring, the first couple of weeks in June, and then again in September. See “Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus” for more details.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a rotting tangled-up mass of fallen grass blades, rhizomes, and various organic material that spread into a type of vegetative rug. A little is good because it provides a moisture-holding zone where these materials can decompose into nutrients. But when it gets too thick, this woven carpet keeps new grass blades from growing. Bluegrass and some fescue blends may develop thatch that’s more than a half-inch thick. This prevents grass from absorbing enough nutrients and water. Raking, mowing, and fertilizing lawns regularly will help to control thatch.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/e_Bh0WbjZQCcpLGIeyTjhzcQz93xfFJx06dDiLwjmjUroaKz5SoLr5JwuLm3Qkqg6A25NRx4Ke7xkD1g9H7LZ8FhvoeOv3He3dBuH5K-HHKwW-NHSwHlsc9EgDKDuzXy3TfyX361\")
Aeration is the process of pulling soil plugs from a thickening lawn so that water and nutrients can reach the roots. Core aerators are recommended for large properties, but if you have a smaller yard, a spading fork will work for a DIY job.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how you look at it, lawn mowing and maintenance in Columbus is a chore and will take a good chunk of the weekend’s leisure time. But the look and smell of a beautiful, well-kept expanse green grass make it all worth it. Any more questions about your lawn? Visit our Columbus lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nJill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.
There’s nothing like relaxing on a fresh green lawn on a sunny day. But what kind of grass do you need to create your dream lawn? Any SoCal turf has to handle the heat. You’ll also need to consider if your lawn is decorative or practical. You’ll need a grass type with good traffic tolerance […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s nothing like relaxing on a fresh green lawn on a sunny day. But what kind of grass do you need to create your dream lawn?
\n\n\n\nAny SoCal turf has to handle the heat. You’ll also need to consider if your lawn is decorative or practical. You’ll need a grass type with good traffic tolerance if you have pets, kids, or frequent backyard parties. If you live near the beach, you’ll need something with salinity tolerance. Let’s review the best grass types for Southern California so you can find a good fit for your yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWith dozens of turfgrass species in the U.S., how do homeowners narrow down their choices? The primary method is by what climate the grass thrives in. Warm-season grasses thrive in the Southern U.S., while cool-season grasses thrive in the Northern U.S.
\n\n\n\nHowever, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow any cool-season grasses in SoCal. Cool-season grass can survive throughout California, except in the desert regions in the Southeast. Homeowners in that area must choose warm-season grass. If you live anywhere else in California, you must weigh the pros and cons of warm and cool-season grasses to see which suits you better.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nWith such a tropical name, it’s no wonder bermudagrass does well in warm climates. This dark to blue-green grass is water-efficient, though it may turn brown during extended drought. It also doesn’t grow well in the shade. It has no significant pest problems and tolerates salinity and foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass can be high or low-maintenance, depending on the variety. While most types have a moderate nitrogen requirement, hybrid varieties require more fertilizer. Most varieties require frequent mowing due to their rapid growth, which provides good resilience during the growing season. However, it could invade garden beds or neighboring yards because of this aggressive growth.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases like spring dead spot are common; low resistance to insects like bermudagrass mites, dichondra flea beetles, and fiery skippers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kikuyugrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose, Macleay Grass Man / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhile some consider this grass a weed, others have adopted it as a turfgrass. Kikuyugrass is light green and coarse-textured with a similar appearance to St. Augustinegrass. It is mainly found within 50 miles of the coast in Southern and Central California but also can survive inland. It has a high temperature, drought, and salinity tolerance. While it tolerates shade, it is susceptible to cold weather.
\n\n\n\nKikuyugrass’ quick-spreading growth pattern is a double-edged sword — it recovers from damage well, but it’s also susceptible to thatch and spreads where it’s not wanted. Though the excess thatch makes mowing challenging, that shouldn’t deter you from a regular schedule. If you let it grow too long and cut too much off at once, this turf is likely to suffer for it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-1.5; it’s vulnerable to scalping damage if it isn’t mowed frequently
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, moderately drained soils with a light to medium texture; can tolerate low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass type is native to East Africa and was imported to California to help with erosion. Its aggressive growth makes it more resilient but makes many consider it a weed. It develops thatch easily.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis medium green grass creates dense lawns with a high drought and heat tolerance. It does well on the Southern California coast and the coastal valleys. Though St. Augustinegrass has a high shade tolerance for warm-season grass, it prefers full sun. It may go dormant in winter because of its low cold tolerance, but it depends on what part of Southern California you live in.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass requires moderate to high maintenance. Though it has few weed problems, it needs lots of fertilization. You also must dethatch regularly to improve grass health and make mowing easier. This grass isn’t the best choice for backyard sports enthusiasts, but it holds up well enough for general lawns. St. Augustinegrass seeds are not commercially available, so you need to establish the grass with sod or stolons.
\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 tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing 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; watch out for iron deficiency, fiery skippers, and Southern chinch bugs
\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: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a dark green grass type that forms thick, prickly turf. It is well adapted to warm climates and has a good drought, heat, and traffic tolerance. This grass does best in full sun but tolerates shade. It can turn brown and dormant in winter if temperatures are cool enough, but fall fertilization can improve its winter color.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is generally low-maintenance, with few pest problems and low fertilizer needs. Overfertilization could lead to excessive thatch buildup and difficulty mowing. The biggest downside of Zoysiagrass is its slow establishment. Some varieties like “Emerald”and “DeAnza” establish quicker, but most homeowners install sod or sprigs instead to speed things up.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall; watch out for nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining; some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if the grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nDespite the name, this grass type is more dark green than blue. It creates dense turf that repairs itself when damaged. Despite this quick recovery time, it isn’t very traffic tolerant. This moderate to high-maintenance grass prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass will grow in Southern California in fall, winter, and spring in Southern California. However, it’s not a good choice if you want a summer superstar. It won’t grow in the heat and will likely go dormant in droughts. When stressed by heat, lack of water, or poor soil quality, it will be much more susceptible to diseases and weeds. Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with 15% perennial ryegrass, so it performs better.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nThe mild California winters are just right for this cool-season grass. While it does best in fall through spring, it will tolerate warm temperatures and heat stress. Its extensive root system gives it good drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Tall fescue is low maintenance, with little mowing required. It also has good weed and disease resistance.
\n\n\n\nThis medium to dark green grass is prevalent throughout the state but won’t do well in high-altitude areas. Though tall fescue has moderate traffic tolerance, it may struggle to recover from damage. Reseed any patchy areas since they won’t fill in naturally.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast rate of growth, so plan to mow often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side); do not mow less than 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wider range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\nSouthern California’s most drought-resistant grass types are bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and Zoysiagrass. If you would prefer cool-season grass, choose tall fescue.
Bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and Zoysiagrass are the best grass types for dog owners. They can handle the extra foot traffic and recover from damage. Keep in mind that no grass is completely dog-resistant.
Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue are available in seed form. They are all suitable for seeding new or existing lawns.
While Zoysiagrass seeds exist, their slow establishment rate makes sod more practical. St. Augustinegrass and kikuyugrass are not commercially available in seed form.
Yes. Kentucky bluegrass is frequently combined with ryegrass or tall fescue to improve performance. Some blends are specially formulated for the SoCal climate. For example, Marathon grass is a mixture of different tall fescue varieties.
You fight a losing battle when you ignore Mother Nature. If you embrace the California climate, your lawn and garden will thrive. Complement your new lawn and reduce your fire risk with drought-resistant landscaping and plants native to Southern California.
\n\n\n\nLawn care and landscaping are sweaty work, especially in sunny SoCal. If you need a hand, Wikilawn’s pros are here to help. We can connect you with landscapers and lawn care companies in Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, and many more Southern California cities.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Josh Lee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Southern California","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/1789c/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/107df/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/293e9/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/f2cbb/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/1789c/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/c26c2/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/1dd6e/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/67b76/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/8df11/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/98a65/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/1dd6e/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/3cc96/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Southern California | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Do you need a lawn to beat the SoCal heat? The best grass types for Southern California will look good and thrive in the local climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"9244667c-3d25-5ede-964a-92e92b3b3df8","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/worst-backyard-pests-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Ruma Akter","id":"b4adb332-066f-5309-a11a-ada9d71b73f7","path":"/author/opushaon10/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ebb2426fcf700731e458d89422adc475?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"July 19th, 2019","excerpt":"Jacksonville’s warm climate is something that backyard pests really appreciate, too. Here’s a list of the biggest pests, and what to do about them.
\n","content":"\nJacksonville’s warm climate and proximity to many bodies of water create the perfect environment for pests. These backyard pests can create many issues for homeowners. Here are some of the worst backyard pests in Jacksonville, and more importantly, how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nYay, Jax! In 2019 the city broke into the list of the top U.S. cities …for mosquitoes. Some people tend to get bitten only a few minutes after stepping outside while others aren’t mosquito magnets at all. Either way, it’s essential to keep the mosquito population down around your home. These bloodsuckers can spread disease and cause significant health problems for your family and pets. There’s no doubt they’re among the worst pests in Jacksonville and one of the deadliest in the world.
\n\n\n\nMake sure to rid your lawn and garden from any standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Buy a mosquito zapper and wear bug repellent while outdoors. Guard the family pooch against heartworms spread by infected mosquitoes as well. Use natural mosquito repellent plants around your home. Catmint, marigolds, and citronella have a scent that bugs mosquitoes.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/c2sdWdrobROzG-bFF6MjtV360OrNNqfe4j_m2OocW71AZDXYMWMG4PXszf8dxZlBEwGzc3c_Voz0VC964QSQGMnSNKLIefrBeSPgZL-D-qizb2tt14TstRkT0-0BlixNc54a4zIZ\")
While these flying lovers aren’t harmful to humans, their sheer numbers can wreak havoc in the Jacksonville area. They are also known as the honeymoon fly, but they’re nothing lovable about them. These bugs mate and then remain attached for several days afterward. Lovebugs are commonly found flooding sides of buildings and splattering across the front of cars.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TfsJW9tGCddH6YzJVE-Fjio2NpwLdYMxJeyVmndOt83zAGmeW_TADhv8cJoJIUTAqSykzVwg2dx5pOpIIj1beQ52nl-set_T3hjEifv3C7XeFZSEijk8rC9SXCFSCdJyM8TVDLdC\")
2019 was a particularly bad year (actually a good year for the bugs, bad for us,) thanks to a lack of rainfall that encouraged eggs production. There isn’t much you can do to prevent or rid your backyard of these swarms of lovebugs other than use screened-in outdoor areas. Cutting down on piles of plant debris in the yard could also help keep these amorous pests away. They especially like feeding on Brazilian pepper.
\n\n\n\nAny wood structures are targets for termites in the Jacksonville area. It doesn’t take long for these small wood eaters to do some costly damage to homes, garages, sheds, and backyard playgrounds. Walk around any wood structures on your property to look for mud tubes and droppings that look like sawdust. Ridding your property of any wood piles or dead trees is one way to prevent termites from entering your area. If you’ve got an infestation, it’s time to call a professional exterminator.
\n\n\n\nThese small gnats are also known as sand fleas in the Jacksonville area. They tend to hang out on the sandy beaches but can also fly around the city. No-see-ums are usually active in the mornings or late afternoons, and their sting is easy to feel. You’ll most likely feel a no-see-um before you lay eyes on it.
\n\n\n\nApplying insect repellent before going outside is one way to prevent these little critters from causing issues. Carbon dioxide traps are also popular to use in backyards.
\n\n\n\nWhile Florida may be a prime target for many bugs, you can prevent some of the worst pests in Jacksonville from making themselves at home in your home. Keep your grass mowed, and remove any yard debris. Most pests are looking for tall grass and woodpiles to breed and nest. You don’t have to use harmful chemicals to control the pest population, but it will take plenty of perseverance and patience.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care in Jacksonville? Make sure to check our Jacksonville, FL lawn care page.
Like us, turfgrass needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But grasses come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. So one of the keys to getting the most out of your lawn here in Indiana is to understand how and when to fertilize it. Fertilizing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as […]
\n","content":"\nLike us, turfgrass needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But grasses come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. So one of the keys to getting the most out of your lawn here in Indiana is to understand how and when to fertilize it.
\n\n\n\nFertilizing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as there are different kinds of grasses, there are different kinds of fertilizer that affect grasses in unique ways. This guide will walk you through the best way to feed your lawn so you get the most out of it now, and year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nIn the wild, grasses draw nutrition from decomposing organic material. It’s not as simple when the grass is in someone’s yard, though. Grass planted in rich soil thrives with just some grass clippings as food. But when soil lacks nutrition, fertilizers are sent to the rescue.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers mainly supply lawns with three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. Here’s what each of them does:
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
Before you embark on your fertilizing journey, make sure that you:
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nHow much fertilizer you use (or if you fertilize at all) depends on a number of factors:
\n\n\n\n| Needs More Fertilizer | Needs Less Fertilizer |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Zoysiagrass |
| Perennial ryegrass | Turf-type tall fescue |
| Fine fescue |
What’s a soil test? A soil test analyzes the nutrient content, pH level, and other properties of the soil to determine how well your grass can grow. It identifies the nutrients your soil lacks and recommends the right fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou can do either a DIY soil test or send a soil sample to a laboratory for a detailed report. Purdue University recommends testing your soil every 3 to 5 years, but more frequent soil tests can be beneficial too.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to fertilize, Purdue University recommends fertilizing in these months for optimal performance:
\n\n\n\n| April | If you apply a pre-emergent herbicide, use a product with little to no nitrogen; if it does contain any nitrogen, it should be slow-release, ideally organic |
| May | If you didn’t fertilize in April, fertilize now with a product containing mostly slow-release nitrogen |
| June | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| July | Fertilize with a product containing slow-release nitrogen if there have been above-average rainfalls or if you’ve been irrigating |
| August | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| September | Fertilize with nitrogen |
| October | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| November | Purdue University recommends using quick-release fertilizer in November, but be aware that it may be harmful to the environment and wildlife; slow-release fertilizer is better |
You may not need to fertilize this much; these tips are for the most high-maintenance lawns.
\n\n\n\nFor precise dosages and more information, you can check out this lawn care calendar from Purdue University.
\n\n\n\nWhen we talk about fertilizer, we’re often referring to chemical products. However, organic fertilizers are also effective and have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. They release nutrients slowly over time, promoting healthy soil and plant growth.
\n\n\n\nThere are many options for fertilizing your lawn organically, but they can be summed up into these two categories:
\n\n\n\nBecause organic fertilizers are natural, many people think that they’re harmless. The truth is, organic fertilizers still contain ingredients that may harm people and animals. Plus, animals are often attracted to some organic fertilizers because of their smell. Moreover, many store-bought fertilizers are mixed with hazardous ingredients to make them more efficient.
\n\n\n\nSo what’s the bottom line? Regardless of which fertilizer you use, be cautious and follow the instructions carefully.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CanvaPro
\n\n\n\nApart from organic and inorganic fertilizers, fertilizers are further categorized so that homeowners can get a product that’s right for their needs.
\n\n\n\nYou can choose from dry or liquid fertilizers:
\n\n\n\nIt’s also important to note the difference between slow- and quick-release fertilizers:
\n\n\n\nIn summary, most lawns can benefit from using slow-release fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThere are some conditions that aren’t ideal for fertilizing. Those include:
\n\n\n\nFeeding your lawn the right nutrients is vital to its overall health and appearance. But it’s necessary that you also perform other maintenance jobs throughout the year, such as mowing, watering, overseeding, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nSounds like a lot of work? Wikilawn connects you to the best best Indiana lawn care pros so let them take yard care off your to-do list.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Canva Pro
\n","title":"How (And When) to Fertilize Your Lawn in Indiana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1789c/Fertilizer-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/107df/Fertilizer-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/293e9/Fertilizer-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/f2cbb/Fertilizer-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1789c/Fertilizer-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/c26c2/Fertilizer-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1dd6e/Fertilizer-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/67b76/Fertilizer-1.webp 320w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/8df11/Fertilizer-1.webp 500w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/98a65/Fertilizer-1.webp 800w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1dd6e/Fertilizer-1.webp 960w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/3cc96/Fertilizer-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How (And When) to Fertilize Your Lawn in Indiana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Make sure your lawn gets fed with all the nutrients it craves. Here’s when and how to fertilize your lawn in Indiana."}}},{"node":{"id":"77191444-d893-50f4-921f-e7c9fd3e7eeb","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-kansas-city","path":"/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/worst-backyard-pests-kansas-city/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"05d0f445-881a-5277-b62a-ce38f7c7af9f","name":"Kansas City","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2019","excerpt":"If you have pests in your Kansas City backyard — and chances are you do — you can take these steps to zap them or send them scampering off.
\n","content":"\nFleas, ticks, wasps, ants, spiders, mosquitoes — you name the pest, and Kansas City has it. The same balmy summers that make for thick lawns and backyard barbeques come with the unwanted byproduct of bugs. The worst backyard pests in Kansas City have six legs (or more), can sting or bite or, at the very least, look disgusting!
\n\n\n\nIf you have backyard intruders — and chances are you do — you can take steps to zap them or send them scampering off. Let’s look at the worst of the lot.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/sRuIDQ728DZkPno9fMw9DnM0E2w1J-U1s44Q6hd8bEqYXLsEzh2gbH77-l_oV_yuzMXJG9fFWdOZw4dxxE2-cAX-ZsXFYTYmnPfBs-enLhKWQPOj5uCWhobFf3I9j3lr8jLnvTiu\")
This bloodsucker makes the top of the list because ticks transmit more diseases to humans than any other insect — and Missouri has them. The most common here, the American dog tick, carries Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and other infections. Ticks can make pets sick and kill them, and as temperatures warm, we’re seeing more of them. The CDC reports double the cases of tick-borne diseases in the past 10 years. Keeping them out of your yard is a top priority. Bifen IT, Onslaught, and Permethrin help control ticks outdoors. Keeping a well-maintained yard is also crucial.
\n\n\n\nThey buzz, and you swat. They land, and you slap. Beyond being irritating, this flying insect also carries disease. West Nile Virus, though relatively rare, can be deadly. Add to the list zika, malaria, and dengue fever, and it’s no wonder mosquitoes rank as the deadliest creature on the planet. The best preventative steps are to keep your yard clean and do not leave standing water where larvae hatch. Consider a commercial spray that contains sodium lauryl sulfate. DEET products work on skin and clothing.
\n\n\n\nWant to avoid chemicals? Surround your patio or deck with mosquito-repelling plants. The scent of petunias, mint, lavender, and chrysanthemums really bugs mosquitoes. They also hate rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and garlic.
\n\n\n\nUsually mentioned in the same breath as ticks, this tiny parasite likes the shady and moist areas of your yard. Because they feed on any warm-blooded creature, they will quickly attach to your dog, your cat, you, your kids, and your backyard guests. Left untreated, fleas can kill your pet. Flea-transmitted disease in people is rare in the U.S., but doctors are seeing more of them. This lowliest of creatures was responsible for wiping out half the population of Europe in the Black Death of the 14th century. Sprays, powders, pet collars, and ointments are readily available. Look for ones containing carbonyl.
\n\n\n\nWhen these armed insects are around, we don’t care if they’re a wasp, a hornet, a yellow jacket, or a dirt dauber. We just know they sting, it hurts, and we don’t want them on our property. They belong to the insect order of Apocrita and 58 varieties call Missouri home. The best way to be rid of them is with sprays containing tetramethrin. The task is best left to the bravest and fastest member of the family because when the spray hits the nest, they’re going to come out, well — mad as a hornet.
\n\n\n\nA word about bees and wasps. Although bees are from the same family as wasps, they’re less aggressive unless their hives are threatened. Otherwise, they’re content buzzing around and performing the crucial job of pollinating flowers. Since these bugs are essential to our food chain, it’s best to call a beekeeper if you find a hive. The aggressive Africanized or “killer” bee has not made its way to Missouri. And while wasps may bug you, they also eat the pests that feed on your vegetable plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Yi3CxzB1LG2HfbUuN95nw1cVBz_ZOcjC2qRFuOhDeU8YVcMxmNDfcYOm5rjfzv_NqgcTWUJ6FxvLWwxdaYpdoGhAKRRLez8RsuKNGukdJs_ZBydETaYKroZk5OT3aBaun_p58xmc\")
Like Rodney Dangerfield, spiders “don’t get no respect.” Even though most of them rid our yards of flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, their reputation is sullied by a few bad eggs. Think the black widow and the brown recluse, which bite can hurt you. The black widow is common across Missouri and likes to hide under rocks, logs, and in your garden shed. The brown recluse, which also calls Missouri home, prefers to hang out in your closet or sock drawer. A direct shot of commercial bug spray will kill a spider, but because they’re arachnids rather than insects, routine bug sprays won’t keep them away. A smack with a flyswatter does just as good.
\n\n\n\nYou can control the worst backyard pests in Kansas City with pesticides and with some homemade natural remedies. But when you feel your family’s health is at risk — call in the pros!
Looking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Kansas City? Visit our Kansas City Lawn Care page.
If your peonies are looking puny and your daffodils are drooping, chances are, you planted some seriously unsuitable plants in a hostile environment. In the hot, humid, and often drought-stricken climate of Central Texas, the more native plants in your landscape, the higher your chances of enjoying low-maintenance flowers year-round. To get you started, here’s […]
\n","content":"\nIf your peonies are looking puny and your daffodils are drooping, chances are, you planted some seriously unsuitable plants in a hostile environment. In the hot, humid, and often drought-stricken climate of Central Texas, the more native plants in your landscape, the higher your chances of enjoying low-maintenance flowers year-round. To get you started, here’s a guide to some of the native plants and flowers that thrive in Austin and Round Rock.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ah3C0U0Qf7eUWghPnv0n8PpADI2KdSW7EFWSUBTnMGGIdGHQdjdtZj8zvSZESQGRHktIq2duYZyFcaB0BbzqRu0r8U4eP5RwTNtH4tQ32R8MdA40JNDCH7CT6LmIp7lxl5ldWRMm\")
Ground covers serve many purposes. They form a base layer in your landscape design that provides ground-level color and texture. They also shade the ground, which helps to conserve water. Silver ponyfoot is a beautiful, bright ground cover that forms a dense mat of tiny cup-shaped leaves. The leaves cascade over the edges of containers and terraces. Lyre-leaf sage is a hearty, flowering ground cover with evergreen leaves that’s often used around the bases of trees, as it performs well in sun or shade. Sedum is a succulent ground cover that tolerates poor soil. It comes in many shapes and sizes, flowers in the fall and blushes red in the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/m4hgqIsMp92Xm0gQ3CHjzZvb4Q6tg4TVbtVVUUrjP4GB0DwwXlYk9WhK2tVUPQR0DJ2qSMsec66nYnhrSfPj-rYVb1g_7bL7p_X-BltZyO-KBCiEkbx0fS0eF6jQXqag22Vs1D_3\")
Photo credit: AbbeyCF on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nFor concealing unsightly fences and adding vertical color and texture to walls and surfaces, vines are perfect. Fig vine will cling to walls, forming a vertical evergreen carpet, even in part shade. Carolina jessamine creates a wall of foliage with yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Star jasmine features glossy leaves that withstand cold winters and fills the air with the sweetest fragrance. Crossvine and coral honeysuckle add color to walls, fences, and trellises. They also provide nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and birds throughout the seasons.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mFq2WLhtekSRYir9NpDpw4Ndpisqib6U4Iemac2laRObLrTVmgT2s572aWBO3l5EY8WEJN09iEbVOA9w9FanPG30feEjjq--MX4zzu8APB-yqm3kzbTCjtu9szu3oYtvs1HGfoOP\")
For seasonal interest that returns year after year, plant perennials in your landscape. Most of these plants are cut back to a few inches in the winter and return vigorously each spring. Esperanza, or yellow bells, throws out cheerful yellow or orange blooms that last throughout the hottest summer. Cast iron plants have blade-like, evergreen foliage that performs well in the shade. Bicolor iris forms tidy evergreen clumps with creamy, yellow flowers in spring and early summer. Purple coneflower and rock rose throw up pops of pink that draw butterflies. Duranta or skyflower is a dense perennial with deep purplish-blue flowers from summer to autumn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k8BSABeJRTkLyYb615zNykCJUaCnypigNbCZlbjdmb0aAa4MAFCSpgvmUAvcbOygMZK5GbBa34xsLz1SfYkKZ3fNdWSCwiwnHoqEZC57XkE9uxm1uM_-rL5zM0bAm3pweLr9B2ZI\")
Shrubs give landscapes color, texture, and often privacy and structure. Possumhaw holly lends a bit of flair to the yard with festive, red berries in the fall that persist even as the leaves drop off — to dramatic effect. Japanese aralia can give shaded areas a lush, tropical feel. Wooly butterfly bush is an unusual shrub featuring fuzzy, grayish leaves and bizarre orange flowers that butterflies flock to. Texas sage is a silvery-leafed shrub that blooms before rainstorms. That’s why it’s affectionately nicknamed “barometer bush.” Any number of roses, from antique climbers to the knockout cultivars can add fragrant, colorful flowers to your beds year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LdD_mab1Zwv2dUI9UE8oS5uUHEDFTZVd-WJs2PpM9eW954qS7Ij5mUhLhFTp9NTZZq6BmJqIXD8OEr0Ow_-lvI09LbgjqY5_tUyQi5IVcNyqURr83ghSainCOMSKDVTGBSFuBmUN\")
Photo credit: wormwood_3 on VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to understory trees and bold autumn colors, there are a number of small native trees and shrubs that fit the bill. The Texas smoke tree has beautiful fall foliage and flowers that, once spent, display stunning, smoke-like poofs. Mexican redbuds burst into bright pink blooms in springtime. The flameleaf sumac erupts into brilliant flame-like colors in autumn.
This is a very short list to demonstrate the wonderful range of native plants and flowers available in Austin and Round Rock. There are far more natives than you may imagine. By getting back to our roots and with native plants in your landscape, you can spend less time working on the garden and more time enjoying it.
Interested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX, lawn care page.
\n","title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in Austin/Round Rock","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8518518518518519,"src":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native_austin_garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/107df/native_austin_garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/293e9/native_austin_garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/f2cbb/native_austin_garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native_austin_garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/398d8/native_austin_garden.jpg 1500w","srcWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native_austin_garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/67b76/native_austin_garden.webp 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/8df11/native_austin_garden.webp 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/98a65/native_austin_garden.webp 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native_austin_garden.webp 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/9dc04/native_austin_garden.webp 1500w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in Austin/Round Rock | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c9c780c6-7743-557c-bb63-0e5e53f29266","slug":"a-monthly-lawn-care-checklist-for-houston-tx-homeowners","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/a-monthly-lawn-care-checklist-for-houston-tx-homeowners/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 6th, 2018","excerpt":"Keeping a beautiful lawn and garden is less about hiring the best professionals or purchasing the most expensive lawn care products and more about knowing the best time to do certain activities. For example, planting mums in the springtime is most likely going to result in a failure as mums are best planted in the […]
\n","content":"Keeping a beautiful lawn and garden is less about hiring the best professionals or purchasing the most expensive lawn care products and more about knowing the best time to do certain activities. For example, planting mums in the springtime is most likely going to result in a failure as mums are best planted in the fall before any threat of frost sets in. Similarly, watering your lawn during the middle of a scorching, summer day will cause much of the water being lost to evaporation and could often cause your lawn to suffer from water stress.
\nFurthermore, taking care of a lawn and garden will be substantially different in Minnesota than in Florida. While planting out your flower bed in Miami might be possible in early February, you would have a hard time breaking the frozen ground in Minneapolis at that same time of year. Knowing the specifics of your planting and heat zones where you live is important. However, the specific guidelines for the optimum times to do certain lawn and garden activities can vary widely even within certain plant hardiness zones.
\nFor Houston, Texas residents, the average high temperature of 62 degrees in January means that we lived in an extremely privileged part of the country when it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn and garden year round. The heat and humidity of the summer months, however, can be a challenge for certain homeowners trying to keep their lawn and ornamental gardens healthy and vigorous during those summer heat waves when temperatures in the high 90s are a daily occurrence. Below, we offer a complete breakdown of the most essential summer garden and lawn care tasks for Houston homeowners.
\nWhile much of the country is finally enjoying the arrival of the warmer temperatures of spring, Houston residents have been enjoying average temperatures above 70 degrees since March. One of the most important activities for May is to prepare your lawn for the barrage of hot summer temperatures that are set to arrive. Broadcasting a slow-release fertilizer is a great idea to help strengthen the root systems while also increasing the resiliency of the plant to droughts that can be common in late summer and autumn. Slow release fertilizer formulas designed for lawns, such as 15-5-10 can be spread dry over the lawn. However, the fact that we average well over 5 inches of rain in May should mean that a couple of afternoon showers will help to activate the fertilizer so that it can be best used by the grass.
\nMay is also a good time to control chinch bugs that are reproducing around your home and probably causing damage to your lawn. While there are several pesticide options to control this common lawn pest, you can also use organic controls such as applying diatomaceous earth around your lawn or spraying your lawn with a biodegradable soap that will penetrate the exoskeleton of these bugs and cause them to die.
\nLastly, if you have a decent sized flower garden, it might be a good idea to apply a bit of chelated iron to the base of your flowering plants. The high temperatures of summer can cause flowering plants to suffer from iron deficiency, thus yellowing leaves and sometimes causing the plant to die. A bit of chelated iron will go a long way in helping to avoid this common problem.
\nJune is the wettest month in the Houston area with close to 6 inches of average rainfall. The abundance of rain and warm temperatures usually leads to abundant foliar growth in your ornamental shrubs. Early June, then, is a great time to get out the pruning shears. By pruning back your bushes and hedges early in the season, you can effectively stunt their growth and thus make it easier to keep them the size you want. Of course, subsequent pruning in later summer and autumn will also most likely be necessary.
\nThe early spring flowers that you planted in January and February will most likely be done flowering by June, thus giving you an excuse to replant other flowers. Perennial flowering plants are a great option if you have some extra space around your home. Pink Autumn sage offers yearly pink flowers that are incredibly aromatic and bloom almost year round. They are also very drought tolerant. Another option for perennial flowers is verbena. This plant can flower pink, purple or red, and is a great groundcover for areas around your home that will keep the weeds at bay.
\nLastly, if you have any overgrown trees around your home, pruning large tree limbs might be a good idea before hurricane season begins.
\nDuring July, the heat really picks up in the Houston area. To protect your lawn, it is a good idea to raise your lawnmower to 4 inches height. This will protect the grass against droughts and heat as extra moisture can be stored in the longer, individual blades.
\nIf your lawn has an automatic irrigation system, you will want to run it continuously during July, especially during dry spells. If you are irrigating fruit or ornamental trees in your yard, July is a month when you want to make sure that the root areas of your trees are being slow-soaked at least once a week. If you are using sprinklers, make sure to only run them at night as this will help limit the amount of water you use through minimizing evaporation.
\nAlso, in July you might spot fairy rings popping up around your yard and garden. While these strange looking creatures might cause alarm for some homeowners, they are simply a type of mushroom indicating healthy soil with an abundance of organic matter.
\nAugust is a great time to set out your hummingbird feeders around your garden. Migrating hummingbird species generally past through the Houston area this month and they are a delight for gardeners. You can attract them by simply boiling 4 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar to make a delectable nectar that they will love.
\nAlso, if you have cacti plants in your garden, you will want to let the roots completely dry out before replanting. Digging up fresh cacti roots will usually kill off the plants. Since August is usually the month when most fungal and bacterial infections of plants prosper, you might consider spraying your ornamental and edible plants with a seaweed spray. These sprays are full of essential plant nutrients and will boost their immune systems in order to help them avoid certain diseases.
\nThere are dozens of other activities that could (and should) be done around the garden and lawn throughout the summer. The fast growth of plants and grasses mean that you will most likely spend a fair amount of time mowing and pruning. For garden lovers, however, there is simply nothing better than being outside on a cool, summer evening, watching hummingbirds float through your flowers in full bloom.
\nHave more lawn care or gardening questions? Visit our Houston, TX lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"A Monthly Lawn Care Checklist for Houston, TX Homeowners","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.499267935578331,"src":"/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/1789c/houston-tx-home.jpg","srcSet":"/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/107df/houston-tx-home.jpg 320w,\n/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/293e9/houston-tx-home.jpg 500w,\n/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/f2cbb/houston-tx-home.jpg 800w,\n/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/1789c/houston-tx-home.jpg 960w,\n/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/a2a79/houston-tx-home.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/1dd6e/houston-tx-home.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/67b76/houston-tx-home.webp 320w,\n/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/8df11/houston-tx-home.webp 500w,\n/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/98a65/houston-tx-home.webp 800w,\n/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/1dd6e/houston-tx-home.webp 960w,\n/static/98bda924c0b1a776ee9e9b67ec0b1749/7aa54/houston-tx-home.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Monthly Lawn Care Checklist for Houston, TX Homeowners | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"4fc8702c-45bd-5936-9c41-aafdfdabefdc","slug":"best-native-plants-oklahoma","path":"/lawn-care/ok/best-native-plants-oklahoma/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Janae Soules is a freelance writer with a newly discovered love of gardening with her kids. She enjoys spending time in nature hiking, biking, or playing sports.","name":"Janae Soules","id":"0def06f9-a4f4-58d5-891d-d423dde342f4","path":"/author/janae-souleslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/aab1931e793481d75c080c7271be7652?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Here in the Sooner State, you must prepare your landscape for any weather Mother Nature throws your way – anywhere from heat and humidity to snow and everything in between. What better way to do that than to grow plants that are adapted to Oklahoma’s weather? Here are 8 best native plants for Oklahoma to […]
\n","content":"\nHere in the Sooner State, you must prepare your landscape for any weather Mother Nature throws your way – anywhere from heat and humidity to snow and everything in between. What better way to do that than to grow plants that are adapted to Oklahoma’s weather? Here are 8 best native plants for Oklahoma to help you get started.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have many benefits. They require less water and fewer pesticides than non-native plants, support the ecosystem, and are generally low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll talk about the following:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Poppy-Mallow.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nPurple poppy mallow has magenta-colored, upward-facing, cup-shaped flowers. The flowers open in the morning. It’s easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and closes in the evening. Purple poppy mallow attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nEnsure your purple poppy mallow is planted in full sun with well-draining soil, because if the soil is too wet, it could cause the plant to suffer from rust.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering ground cover
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 1 foot
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Can prune in late summer if desired
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed also goes by the common name butterfly weed. It’s recognizable by its orange or yellow-orange flowers and is a crucial plant to help monarch butterflies survive. Butterfly milkweed grows up to two feet tall, and it’s low-maintenance, pest-resistant, and disease-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPlant your butterfly milkweed in a location that receives full sun. Butterfly milkweed isn’t an ideal choice for a landscape with cats, dogs, or horses, as butterfly milkweed is toxic to humans and animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51866218670_d4e9012b29_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo is a native wildflower that will require some patience if you’re starting from seed – it could take up to two years for the blooms to appear. Once the blooms appear, you’ll be delighted to see clusters of upright blue flowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to Blue false indigo.
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo must be planted in full sun to avoid the plant becoming laggy.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sad
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\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\nAmerican black elderberry has white, lemon-scented flowers in the early summer, followed by black elderberry fruits. The fruit attracts birds, but people can make elderberries into jams or jellies. You can plant American black elderberry in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil – just ensure you wait until the last frost to plant this shrub.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates a wide variety of wet to dry soils but prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves smell like lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw elderberries are toxic and should not be consumed
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Regular pruning to remove suckers from the base of plant
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/38566472155_ba5393fccb_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is a beautiful native flower with daisy-like purple coneflowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar in purple coneflowers. These flowers are resistant to drought, heat, humidity, and poor soil, making them a fantastic choice for a native garden.
\n\n\n\nFeel free to cut your purple coneflowers and put them in a vase – they make an excellent cut flower. Purple coneflower can spread aggressively through self-seeding, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\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\nIf you’re looking for a small tree, red maple is not the one – this beauty can grow up to 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Native to Southeastern Oklahoma, this tree is low-maintenance and fast growing. Red flowers and red fruit will emerge before the leaves. The leaves will be red in the spring, then green or yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nRed maple’s size makes it an excellent shade tree, and these trees are often in backyards, parks, or streets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Southeastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet cherry or almond flower scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to horses
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize in the spring before the leaves appear
\n\n\n\n![\"an](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ageratina_altissima_-_White_Snakeroot-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative throughout Eastern Oklahoma, white snakeroot boasts small, white puffy flowers in the summer and fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and moths. With its flowers lasting into the fall, white snakeroot provides a fall-interest landscape. White snakeroot doesn’t generally have problems with diseases or pests.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Eastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves can be foul smelling – like turpentine
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Causes trembles in cattle and milk sickness in humans
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pawpaw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendell Smith / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the easternmost parts of Oklahoma, pawpaw is recognizable by its large, drooping, oval-shaped bright green leaves, which turn yellow in the fall. Pawpaw’s cup-shaped purple flowers appear before the leaves, and its edible banana-like tasting fruit may emerge afterward.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your pawpaw to resemble more of a tree than a shrub, ensure you’re in a location that receives long, hot summers. Without long, hot summers, pawpaw might stay closer to the size of a shrub, which wouldn’t be fruit-bearing.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the fragrance of pawpaw flowers isn’t delightful, beneficial pollinators like beetles and flies are attracted to the smell. Butterflies and songbirds are also attracted to pawpaw trees.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Eastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Fermenting grapes
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves are toxic if ingested. Ingesting the fruit could cause stomach pain for some people. Contact dermatitis could occur when collecting fruit.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Prune congested or damaged shoots
\n\n\n\nThere are many things to consider when choosing native plants for your landscape. First, consider your region. A plant that’s native to Eastern Oklahoma may not be native to Western Oklahoma. Visit your local nursery to learn more about plants native to your area.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also need to consider your landscape’s conditions. A native plant that prefers full sunlight may struggle if your yard is shaded by trees or buildings. Does your lawn’s soil struggle to drain? Not all plants are tolerant of poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nTulsa’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nOklahoma City’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIf you want to complement your native plants with lush, green grass, the best grass types for Oklahoma include:
\n\n\n\nTake note that, similar to native plants, the best grass type for your yard will vary depending on your region.
\n\n\n\nThe best place to find native plants is to visit your local plant nursery. You can also discover new plants through the Oklahoma Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nWhile you’re busy planning your new native plant garden, save yourself some time and hand your other yard chores over to the pros. Hire a lawn care pro near you who can handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. We have trusted pros in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ken Gibson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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