![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Highbush_blueberries.jpg\")
You can admire Durham’s captivating native plants in local forests and parks, but why not also grow them in your own yard? Not only will they be a beautiful addition to your property, but they’re good for the environment and easier to care for than non-natives. Read on to find out more about native plants […]
\n","content":"\nYou can admire Durham’s captivating native plants in local forests and parks, but why not also grow them in your own yard? Not only will they be a beautiful addition to your property, but they’re good for the environment and easier to care for than non-natives.
\n\n\n\nRead on to find out more about native plants that work well in your Durham yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t already have native plants growing in your garden, it’s time to make the switch. Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil, and they’re beneficial in numerous ways. For example:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Ryjial Christianson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAs you may have guessed, the highbush blueberry isn’t just a feast for the eyes. The plant’s bell-shaped blossoms give way to delicious blueberries that are perfect for snacking. Moreover, the highbush blueberry provides food for wildlife. In fact, watch out; once your blueberries ripen, birds may like them so much that you need to cover them with netting.
\n\n\n\nBlueberries take about 6 to 8 years to fully mature, but you can plant different cultivars together to increase your berry yield. If you want optimal growth, use acidic soil and remove spent flowers regularly. Starting in the third year after planting, prune your blueberry plant as needed. Laying organic mulch is also beneficial for your highbush blueberries to grow healthy.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Edible shrub
Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water needs: High (1 inch of water per week)
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy; acidic, organically rich, well-drained, medium to wet
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 12 feet
Potential hazards: None known
![\"3,4](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3890892940_425fc87659_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: RHal4D / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nRiver birch, also called water birch, black birch, and red birch, can be a beautiful addition to your landscape the whole year round. This tree can reach 60 feet at maturity, and, because it naturally grows along riverbanks, it thrives in wet weather. However, it handles periods of drought relatively well, too.
\n\n\n\nYou can help your river birch tree stay hydrated by giving it a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch. The best time to trim the tree is in late spring or early fall. Don’t prune in spring when its sap is running.
\n\n\n\nNote that the tree has toxic effects if any part of it is consumed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Hardiness zones: 4 to 9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water needs: Medium
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, average, medium to wet, moist, acidic, fertile; tolerates drier soils and poor drainage
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 30 to 60 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"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\nThe red maple is notorious for its samaras, sometimes called “helicopter seeds.” These winged seeds spin when they fall from the tree, creating a fun and unique display. The tree is also the first to bloom in spring and change color in the fall, making it a showy addition to your yard throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it will take a number of years, the tree can grow up to as high as 120 feet in full sun or partial shade. The tree tolerates many kinds of soil, but to retain moisture and keep your red maple healthy, you should lay a layer of mulch.
\n\n\n\nHowever, take note that the red maple is highly toxic to humans and animals, especially its leaves and bark. If you have children or pets, make sure they don’t ingest any part of the tree.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Hardiness zones: 2 to 9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water needs: Medium
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, average, medium to wet, well-drained; tolerant of various soils but prefers moist, slightly acidic soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 40 to 120 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rhododendron_atlanticum_-_Rendeux_9c_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe coastal azalea forms a dense hedge, creating privacy and curb appeal. It has fragrant flowers that are a magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Depending on the variety and your soil type, your coastal azalea may grow up to 8 feet tall, but it usually grows up to 2 to 3 feet tall.
\n\n\n\nYou should ideally provide your azalea with consistent moisture, but make sure that your soil is well-draining to avoid root rot. Because most of Durham has clay-heavy Utisol soil, it’s advisable to plant your azalea in a raised flower bed.
\n\n\n\nTo keep your azalea looking its best, clip off its spent flower clusters after bloom. Mulching can help the soil retain moisture and manage its temperature. Full sun exposure can damage the plant, so make sure you provide it with the right amount of shade.
\n\n\n\nTake note: azaleas are severely toxic. Don’t eat any part of the plant, and make sure children and pets stay away from it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering shrub
Hardiness zones: 1 to 8 (some may grow shorter, depending on variety and soil type)
Sun: Partial shade
Water needs: Medium
Soil: Light, acidic, sandy, well-drained; tolerates well-drained humusy loams
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 6 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8173412518_9b3cd7aa35_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLance-leaved coreopsis, also called tickseed, is a lovely yellow wildflower that can grow up to 2 feet even in bare areas. It doesn’t only look appealing to the human eye but also attracts pollinators and birds.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial wildflower is quite durable and resists heat, drought, and humidity. Because the plant spreads so easily, make sure to contain it so that it doesn’t overtake your garden. On the other hand, if you want to encourage new blooms, you should deadhead your lance-leaved coreopsis flowers with scissors.
\n\n\n\nThere are various plants in the Coreopsis species, and they’re generally seen as non-toxic. However, there isn’t a lot of data about the toxicity of lance-leaved coreopsis in particular, and there are some reports of toxicity to livestock Because the plant may have toxic effects, it’s always better to be cautious.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
Hardiness zones: 4 to 9
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Medium
Soil: Loamy, sandy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained; ideally poor, sandy or rocky soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Some reports of toxicity
![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3972750375_f55529b403_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Pavelka / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAre you looking to add a pop of color to your yard? Consider planting the American beautyberry, which produces clusters of bright purple berries in the fall. The berries are not only beautiful but also a valuable food source for birds during the winter months. Moreover, the American beautyberry can even act as a natural mosquito repellant.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, you’ll be glad to find out that this shrub is relatively easy to care for. The American beautyberry doesn’t have any big problems with pests, and it can also handle some drought, though too much of it could be a problem.
\n\n\n\nYou may need to prune your American beautyberry in winter if you want to encourage more growth. Also, make sure to remove dead wood in spring. The plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade.
\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry is listed as non-toxic to humans on calpoison.org. Its berries can even be made into jelly. However, some sources report that they may have mildly toxic effects. To find out more information, you can discuss any dietary changes with a medical professional. Because there’s a lack of data about the plant’s toxicity to domestic animals, you should keep them from eating it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Hardiness zones: 6 to 10
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter; tolerant of various soil types as long as it gets good drainage
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 8 feet
Potential hazards: Mild toxic effects reported; a lack of data regarding toxicity to pets
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/winter-berry-tree-background.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nIf you want to add a bit of color to your lawn through the winter, the winterberry holly, also known as the black alder, is a fitting choice. The plant features red berries throughout the winter and also provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators in the summer.
\n\n\n\nWhile it can grow in the shade, this shrub also tolerates heat and drought. It handles wet, swampy, or boggy conditions and both light and heavy soils. Its preference is, however, for moist, organic, acidic soils. Moreover, the winterberry holly is susceptible to some plant diseases, so make sure that you address any signs of infection promptly.
\n\n\n\nTake note that although the plant provides food for wildlife, it’s toxic to humans, domestic animals, and livestock, including dogs, cats, and horses.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree or large shrub
Hardiness zones: 3 to 9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade, deep shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, average, medium to wet soils; ideally moist, organic and acidic soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 15 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/766px-Heartleaf_aster_1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nadiatalent / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe heart-leaved aster is also called the heart-leaved American aster and blue wood aster. It produces delicate blue-purple wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for an easy-care plant, the heart-leaved aster is a great option. It’s resilient and low-maintenance, and can thrive in partial shade. Provide it with good air circulation to avoid diseases.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t deadhead your heart-leaved aster, it’s likely to self-seed. Moreover, you should pinch back stems a number of times before mid-July if you want to control the plant’s look and height. If you do this, you may not need to stake the plant.
\n\n\n\nLittle is known about the hazards of the heart-leaved aster. However, the aster species includes many different types of plants, some of which are severely toxic, so practice caution.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water needs: Low
Soil: Loamy, sandy, average, well-drained; ideally rich and dry to moist (not too moist)
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: Typically 2 to 5 feet; occasionally can grow to 6 feet
Potential hazards: None known due to a lack of data; other plants of the species are highly toxic, so practice caution
![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3912256151_865e2a4b51_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you want to add a dash of vibrance to your landscape, you can consider switchgrass. Not only can it grow quite tall, but it stands out with its colorful foliage.
\n\n\n\nThe first shoots of this tall grass emerge in the summer and brighten up the space with a burst of green. As fall approaches, it turns red and purple. Finally, switchgrass stays yellow throughout the winter.
\n\n\n\nWhile this ornamental grass prefers moist, clay, or sandy soils, it can grow in a variety of soils. Overly rich soils may cause the grass to flop. You should cut your switchgrass clumps back between late winter and early spring.
\n\n\n\nSwitchgrass is also a source of food for pollinators and birds. However, it’s toxic to some animals, so be cautious with your pets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Ornamental grass
Hardiness zones: 5 to 9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water needs: Medium
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, average, medium to wet; prefers moist clay or sandy soil; can tolerate periods of drought and flooding
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 6 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic to some animals
![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/35788220756_6c924b709e_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is also known as orange milkweed. The milkweed family is the only host plant for monarch caterpillars as well as a delicious food source for adult butterflies. Apart from butterflies, hummingbirds also like to snack on butterfly weed’s nectar.
\n\n\n\nApart from being an important natural food for wildlife, butterfly weed can also look amazing on your lawn. It may take up to 2 or 3 years to establish, but after that, you’ll get a yearly display of bright orange flowers.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to caring for your butterfly weed, think about the right spot to plant it. It should stay in its place once established and not be transplanted because of its deep taproot. To thrive, it should grow in full sun. It’s drought tolerant, so warm summer weather shouldn’t pose a problem. If you don’t want your butterfly weed to self-seed, remove seed pods before they split open.
\n\n\n\nTake caution; butterfly weed is a toxic plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
Hardiness zones: 4 to 10
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Sandy, poor, average, dry to medium, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 2 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/47964802722_6865f7b1d4_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nGreen and gold has delicate, golden-yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Don’t let its outward appearance fool you, though. This evergreen ground cover is resilient and can withstand weeds and diseases. Moreover, it also attracts songbirds and pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis ground cover is also perfect for filling in gaps between other plants in your garden because it grows in shady areas. If your turfgrass can’t handle the shade, green and gold is a great option to make your lawn look complete and lush. Just watch out for mildew and contain the plant by removing spent flower stems.
\n\n\n\nGreen and gold has no known toxic effects, but it isn’t confirmed to be non-toxic either, so always proceed with caution.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Ground cover
Hardiness zones: 5 to 9
Sun: Partial shade, deep shade; tolerates full sun only if it grows in consistently moist soils
Water needs: Medium
Soil: Loamy, medium moisture, average, well-drained; ideally moist, acidic, rich with organic matter
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 2 inches
Potential hazards: None known (lack of data)
Each Durham native has its own unique characteristics. Make sure you consider the unique traits of the plant, such as soil needs, shade needs, and potential hazards, before you pick the plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAlso, take note that just because a plant doesn’t have known hazards doesn’t mean it’s completely safe, so be careful and keep an eye on children and pets around all plants. If you want to know about the medicinal or edible uses of any plant, consult a medical professional.
\n\n\n\nOne more important thing to consider is your area’s hardiness zone. Durham’s hardiness zone is 7b, which means its minimum temperatures are between 5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Any plants you get need to match this hardiness zone to handle Durham’s coldest weather conditions. But there’s no cause for concern; all the plants in this article are a good fit for Durham’s climate.
\n\n\n\nDurham has a number of stunning native plants. But if you spot any of them in nature, don’t bring them home. Moving plants out of their natural habitat can disrupt the ecosystem and harm wildlife. Instead, get your plants ethically from local nurseries.
\n\n\n\nExamples of Durham nurseries are:
\n\n\n\nOnce you pick your natives, you’re one step closer to establishing a beautiful landscape, but you’re not done just yet. Don’t forget to also pick the right grass type. and consider all the maintenance work you’ll need to do throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to provide your landscape with the right care, consider hiring one of WikiLawn’s local pros who can handle it for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Red maple / David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"11 Native Plants That Will Make Your Durham, NC, Yard Pop","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/1789c/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/107df/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.jpg 320w,\n/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/293e9/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.jpg 500w,\n/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/f2cbb/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.jpg 800w,\n/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/1789c/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.jpg 960w,\n/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/c26c2/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/1dd6e/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/67b76/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.webp 320w,\n/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/8df11/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.webp 500w,\n/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/98a65/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.webp 800w,\n/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/1dd6e/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.webp 960w,\n/static/86d3ab1550ff364f40eb24296028acc5/3cc96/Acer_rubrum_Red_Sunset_9zz.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Native Plants That Will Make Your Durham, NC, Yard Pop | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When it comes to Durham grass types, there are a variety of options. Let’s see which ones are right for your lawn."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"49cf8025-44ed-5c88-aaea-764b824e85e4","slug":"lawn-watering-restrictions-denver-front-range","path":"/lawn-care/co/denver/lawn-watering-restrictions-denver-front-range/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"be8bb3a1-b40c-57ba-87f7-ff69490271a0","name":"Colorado","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/"},{"id":"29926219-60e0-5bc5-88dc-c08300a10daf","name":"Denver","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/denver/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"cf022cec-2912-5ff7-87bc-908171ba79ae","name":"Zone 5a","count":3,"path":"/category/zone-5a/"},{"id":"be239975-2b22-5eb4-94d4-09c009503181","name":"Zone 6a","count":3,"path":"/category/zone-6a/"}],"date":"June 25th, 2019","excerpt":"In Colorado, beer is for drinking, water is for fighting! That’s why most communities along the Front Range have lawn watering restrictions in place. These restrictions help preserve the Colorado River Basin and reservoir levels, so there’s enough water for agriculture and recreation. Denver Lawn Watering Restrictions From May 1 to Oct. 1, Denver Water […]
\n","content":"\nIn Colorado, beer is for drinking, water is for fighting! That’s why most communities along the Front Range have lawn watering restrictions in place. These restrictions help preserve the Colorado River Basin and reservoir levels, so there’s enough water for agriculture and recreation.
\n\n\n\nFrom May 1 to Oct. 1, Denver Water allows lawn watering three days a week, and not between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. There should be no water spraying on the asphalt or pooling in gutters or streets. Any leaking hoses or sprinkler systems must be repaired within 10 days.
\n\n\n\nThe watering rules extend to car-washing. Do-it-yourselfers must use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve.
\n\n\n\nThe city makes an exception if you’ve planted new seed or sod. You can water as necessary for up to 21 days, but you must call Denver Water and request a watering exemption.
\n\n\n\nYou may water vegetable gardens and flower beds by hand — by way of a watering can or hose with a shut-off nozzle — during restricted lawn watering hours.
\n\n\n\nAurora
\n\n\n\nThe rules in Aurora and Denver mirror those in Denver, but Aurora Water goes a step further by fining homeowners who break the rules. The first mistake will result in a warning. From there, the fines go up to as much as $250 and even a possible summons. Don’t even think about wasting water in Aurora.
\n\n\n\nLakewood
\n\n\n\nLakewood citizens get their water from Denver Water through third party providers, and they generally follow Denver Water’s rules.
\n\n\n\nThanks to a late spring snowfall, Greeley, Boulder, and Broomfield don’t have mandatory restrictions in place this year, but Larimer County continues to ask residents to practice xeriscaping and plant native flowers that don’t require much maintenance or water.
\n\n\n\nA healthy lawn in the metro area requires attention to detail. Irrigation is only half the battle. Regular mowing and weeding will keep your grass healthy. It’s also best to plant Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass will thrive in our summers and survive our cold winters. Fine blended fescue is also great for lawns along the Front Range since it needs little watering and holds up well. You should only need to water two days a week, three at the most. All three varieties only need about 2.5 inches of water a week. Keep in mind, perennials and shrubs need about half as much water as grass. Too much water will drown or rot root systems and can deprive the soil of needed oxygen.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of soil, the pH balance of it will also determine the health and lushness of your lawn. Your lawn and garden soils are acidic if they test below 7.0, and alkaline if the number is above that. In Denver, Lakewood and Aurora, soil tends to be alkaline and needs to have composting material added to bring it down to a pH level in which grass will thrive. Your local extension office can test a soil sample for you.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven if your city has only enacted voluntary lawn watering restrictions, you can still abide by them and have a verdant, lovely lawn all summer and into the fall. As long as you’ve aerated in the spring and fall, two or three deep waterings should be enough to keep the roots hydrated. There’s a reason the city asks you to refrain from turning on the sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Watering during the heat of the day causes the moisture to evaporate too quickly, thereby wasting water. Watering at night is also a bad idea since the moisture will sit on the lawn too long, inviting pests and disease. Find the right balance, so there’s enough water left for our crops and rafting.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about creating a lush, green lawn in the Metro area? Visit our Denver, CO Lawn care page for more guides and information.
\n","title":"Lawn Watering Restrictions for Denver and the Front Range","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.499267935578331,"src":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1789c/sprinklers.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/107df/sprinklers.jpg 320w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/293e9/sprinklers.jpg 500w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/f2cbb/sprinklers.jpg 800w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1789c/sprinklers.jpg 960w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/a2a79/sprinklers.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1dd6e/sprinklers.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/67b76/sprinklers.webp 320w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/8df11/sprinklers.webp 500w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/98a65/sprinklers.webp 800w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/1dd6e/sprinklers.webp 960w,\n/static/9c3c8cebf8cd55af0f2dea1d9dfc537a/7aa54/sprinklers.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Watering Restrictions for Denver and the Front Range | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Water is Colorado's most precious resource. Check out the latest lawn watering restrictions for Denver and the Front Range and the fines for ignoring them."}}},{"node":{"id":"4f4b8aaa-1587-5eed-a6b6-34f017b9275b","slug":"best-grass-for-missouri","path":"/lawn-care/mo/best-grass-for-missouri/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"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":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"In the Midwestern transition zone, your Missouri lawn endures both sweltering summers and freezing winters. This makes a perfect recipe for a dull, grim lawn if your yard doesn’t have the right grass seeds to pull through the temperamental climate. In this article, we look at warm- and cool-season grass varieties that work well in […]
\n","content":"\nIn the Midwestern transition zone, your Missouri lawn endures both sweltering summers and freezing winters. This makes a perfect recipe for a dull, grim lawn if your yard doesn’t have the right grass seeds to pull through the temperamental climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we look at warm- and cool-season grass varieties that work well in Missouri, along with their pros and cons to help you pick the best grass for your Missouri lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the list, here’s a quick rundown of what cool-season grasses are like:
\n\n\n\nLet’s dig into these three best cool-season grasses for your Missouri lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue is excellent for a Missouri landscape. It’s developed by seed or sod and grows coarse-to-medium-textured, tall turfgrass. This grass tolerates high temperatures, heat, drought, and shade. Given proper care, tall fescue lawns can even stay green all around the year. Plus, it’s a pretty low-maintenance grass.
\n\n\n\nTall Fescue may struggle a little in hotter parts of Missouri during the summer months but survives better in the heat than all other cool-season grasses. It can grow in poor soil conditions and with little fertilization, too. Generally, tall fescue is also highly resistant to pests and diseases and grows best during the fall and spring months.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high – may need irrigation during dry summers
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 – 4 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 6.5
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis dark green, fine-bladed grass type will give your Missouri lawn a temporary pop of color for the winter. Perennial ryegrass is fast germinating and suppresses weeds naturally by establishing quickly.
\n\n\n\nOf all cool-season grasses, ryegrass has the highest wear tolerance, which is why it is popular for parks and golf courses. However, it is less tolerant of heat and drought compared to other species.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass develops tapered, fine-textured, shiny blades that require regular maintenance to keep a uniform look. It is considered a nurse grass, meaning it’s often mixed with other grasses to provide shade and protection to less hardy grass types, such as Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, extends with tillers
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, look out for red thread, brown patch, and rust
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Kentucky](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass establishes a dense turf and is a popular choice for northern areas due to its winter hardiness. It has a bluish-green color and has a medium texture – not too hard, not too soft – to make a great “barefoot grass”.
\n\n\n\nBut Kentucky bluegrass is high-maintenance. It needs more water and fertilizer than any other cool-season grass type. It prefers areas with partial shade and spreads quickly by rhizomes. It is often mixed with other grass species, typically perennial ryegrass, to create a disease-resistant, tough turf that maintains a nice green appearance year-round.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, prefers sunlight
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nA quick overview of warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nHere are two warm-season grasses that do well in Missouri lawns:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most widely used grass in Southern Missouri. It’s well suited for your Missouri lawn because it is hardy, low-maintenance, and develops dense turf. Bermudagrass spreads vigorously with stolons and rhizomes and has excellent resistance to foot traffic and wear due to these woven roots.
\n\n\n\nThe dense Bermudagrass turf also naturally crowds out weeds. This grass type is fast-growing and resistant to salinity, heat, and a wide range of soil pHs. However, the rapid growth rate can become a nuisance if the grass invades gardens or flower beds.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass needs full, bright sun to thrive and regular dethatching to stay disease free. It goes brown and dormant in the winter and greens back up around early April.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zoysiagrass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a cold-tolerant and thick warm-season grass that will keep your Missouri lawn green for the most part of the year. It’s a popular choice for homeowners with kids and pets because of its hardiness and impeccable foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass thrives in direct sunlight and develops a dark green color turf. This lush green color slowly fades as the temperature drops but won’t turn brown or tan. Since it develops into a dense lawn by stolons and rhizomes, Zoysia lawns are often vulnerable to thatch.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass needs frequent watering during the summer but is super easy to maintain otherwise. It tackles a good amount of foot traffic too.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nThe most commonly used grass in Missouri is turf-type tall fescue. It is drought, heat, disease, and insect resistant and does fine with moderately shaded environments too.
The optimal time to plant grass in Missouri is late August to mid-October, September being ideal. At this time, the soil is still warm but the chilly breezes help grass seeds germinate faster.
Tall fescue can maintain a deep green color all year if you care for it properly. It’s well-known for its ability to thrive in transition zones with minimal maintenance.
If you’re confused about what grass type suits your lawn, when and how to plant it, or you don’t have the time to set a lawn up by yourself, call in one of our lawn care pros to help. Our pros come equipped with all the knowledge, equipment, and expertise that you need to choose the right grass type for your Missouri lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Hippopx
\n","title":"Best Grasses for Your Missouri Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1789c/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/107df/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/293e9/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/f2cbb/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1789c/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/c26c2/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1dd6e/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/67b76/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/8df11/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/98a65/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1dd6e/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/3cc96/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grasses for Your Missouri Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Trying to find a grass that will survive the temperamental climate of Missouri? Here are five best grasses to liven up your Missouri lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"85d82e74-d7c3-5783-9dfa-75279100daa5","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-little-rock","path":"/lawn-care/ar/little-rock/spring-lawn-care-tips-little-rock/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"31b8d887-3e55-503a-9ba9-8fac7d950ccf","name":"Arkansas","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ar/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"3f184524-ced0-581e-a7ce-1d315593ccbf","name":"Little Rock","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ar/little-rock/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2023","excerpt":"Little Rock is unique. The metropolitan city experiences all four seasons. Centrally located, Little Rock has short but cold winters, leaving you more springtime than the average homeowner. Use this extra time to implement our 9 spring lawn care tips to help prepare your yard for backyard parties, barbecues, and the humid Arkansas summer. In […]
\n","content":"\nLittle Rock is unique. The metropolitan city experiences all four seasons. Centrally located, Little Rock has short but cold winters, leaving you more springtime than the average homeowner. Use this extra time to implement our 9 spring lawn care tips to help prepare your yard for backyard parties, barbecues, and the humid Arkansas summer.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nSpring is all about new beginnings. It is a transformative time, and the springs in Little Rock are warm and extremely wet. From March to May, Arkansans tend to their warm-season grasses hoping to encourage fresh growth before the heat and humidity take over in June.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care in Arkansas is more than watering and mowing. As your yard goes through its green-up, you need to be on the lookout for diseases, pests, and bare spots that need some TLC. With the proper spring maintenance plan, you will set your yard up for success.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mow-More-Cut-Less.jpg\")
Mow more is probably the last thing you want to hear. It is tempting to mow our lawns short to make less work for ourselves. Unfortunately, for most grass types, cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to injury and weeds, and taller grass blades develop deeper roots.
\n\n\n\nLittle Rock’s subtropical climate and four distinct seasons make for interesting weather, especially in the spring. The city’s short winters give way to prolonged wet springs. Your grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height.
\n\n\n\nBegin mowing your lawn when it turns green, typically beginning in April or May. To avoid injuring your lawn, never mow low or scalp your lawn in spring, and never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade.
\n\n\n\nAlways aim to cut less, more often. You should mow every five to seven days within the recommended range for your grass type. Do not collect clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nUnlike centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass go dormant, turning brown, in the winter. Before the spring green-up, you can mow your lawn to remove dead leaf blades and reduce shading of fresh growth and increase soil temperatures.
\n\n\n\nBegin mowing normally when your lawn turns green in April or May, following the recommended height for your grass type. Mow often, every five to seven days, and never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade. Like other warm-season varieties, leave clippings on the lawn to act as fertilizer.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 0.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.75 – 2.5 inches |
![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/water-sprinkler.jpg\")
Lawns seldom need irrigating thanks to the rainy Little Rock springs, and this applies to all turfgrass varieties unless your lawn is brand new. If hot, dry, or windy conditions occur for an extended period, begin a watering regimen in April or May, aiming for 1 inch of water per week for all varieties.
\n\n\n\nIf you notice a dark blue-gray color, foot-printing, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves, your lawn needs water no matter what variety it is.
\n\n\n\nThe humid conditions in Arkansas create the perfect environment for lawn diseases and fungi. Maintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and diseases won’t stand a chance. Some of the most common diseases affecting Arkansas turfgrasses are large patch, gray leaf spot, dollar spot, and spring dead spot.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus that affects St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass. Watch for brown, circular patches several feet in diameter. Resist the urge to reach for a fungicide and call it a day. The most effective method to control and prevent large patch is proper lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMonitor patches and improve drainage and air movement. Limit fertilization in affected areas and avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nGrey leaf spot is another turfgrass fungus affecting St. Augustinegrass in Little Rock. Watch for grass that appears yellow, mottled, or scorched. Treat gray leaf spot with proper lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nReduce or remove thatch and improve air circulation. Do not apply post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active and avoid fertilization. Monitor and fix drainage issues and avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot affects bermudagrass. It is extremely common in the Southeast and is caused by a fungus living in Arkansas soils. Keep an eye out for circular brown or yellow spots that look like dollar coins.
\n\n\n\nTreat dollar spot with proper lawn maintenance. Maintain nitrogen levels by applying a nitrogen-based fertilizer. Additionally, minimize moisture stress by ensuring proper drainage and watering deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce foliage wetness.
\n\n\n\nSpring dead spot is another soil-dwelling fungus affecting bermudagrass in the Southeast. Watch for circular patches of dead grass ranging in diameter from 6 inches to several feet. The easiest way to spot spring dead spot is to monitor your lawn during its active green-up phase. Areas affected by spring dead spot will not go through the green-up process.
\n\n\n\nTreat spring dead spot by removing thatch and aggressively aerating affected areas to relieve soil compaction. The dense, clay soils in Little Rock are prone to soil compaction, making spring dead spot incredibly common.
\n\n\n\n![\"Gloves,](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Weed-Control.jpg\")
Little Rock’s wet spring climate creates the optimal habitat for plant growth, including weeds. Weeds love to invade your lawn, signifying an underlying problem with its health. They thrive in low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf.
\n\n\n\nThe stealthy plant ninjas steal vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and plants while simultaneously spreading pests and diseases. You can stop weeds in their tracks and minimize the number that pops up come summer using pre-emergent herbicide designed to kill seeds before germination.
\n\n\n\nAlways wait three weeks after your grass has gone through its green-up. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early March to all turfgrass varieties to control crabgrass.
\n\n\n\nBroadleaf weeds typically become a nuisance during Little Rock summers. However, post-emergent herbicides target broadleaf weeds you can see, disrupting their growth, no matter the season. Never apply over two applications per year and always wait 30 days between applications.
\n\n\n\nHere are some common broadleaf weeds in Little Rock you might find in the spring:
\n\n\n\nLittle Rock springs are traditionally very wet, which deters most turfgrass pests. In the unlikely event of a dry spring, chinch bug infestation in St. Augustinegrass may occur. Watch for yellow spots in sunny locations, signifying chinch bug activity.
\n\n\n\nDIY collect chinch bugs using a coffee can with both ends removed to create a hollow pipe. Insert the can into the soil inside the affected area. Fill the can with water and leave it for a few days. Chinch bugs will float to the top of the can for removal. If you notice more than 15 chinch bugs per square foot, it is time to call a professional.
\n\n\n\nSoil provides nutrients for your grass to thrive. Unfortunately, Little Rock soils are notoriously nutrient deficient, requiring fertilization and other nutrient applications. Arkansas homeowners can send in a soil sample for free soil testing.
\n\n\n\nSimply send in a core sample to receive your unique results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include lime for soil pH imbalances, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus applications.
\n\n\n\nClay soils dominate in Central Arkansas. It is dense, compact, and nutrientless. Aeration is a common lawn method to combat compacted soil and introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns. There are two types of common aeration, core aeration and spike aeration. Aerate your lawn in late May or early June if you notice compacted soil.
\n\n\n\nAeration creates holes in the soil so it can breathe. A core aerator punches into the ground, removing plugs of soil to create small holes. Unfortunately, this method leaves the leftover plugs of soil on the surface of your lawn, which remain an eye sore until Mother Nature breaks them down.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for clay soils. These aerators do a better job of breaking through compacted soil to improve nutrient access.
\n\n\n\nSpike aeration is like core aeration, but less effective on severely compacted soils. Spike aerators rotate to punch small holes in the ground. Unlike core aeration, this method does not remove material from the soil, so there is no loss of aesthetic appeal.
\n\n\n\nNo one wants a thin and patchy lawn. The rainy spring conditions in Little Rock make it the prime time to seed or replant your lawn and encourage fresh growth.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and centipedegrass are low-maintenance cultivars that respond well to overseeding. Overseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turfgrass to fill thin areas.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your Arkansas lawn in March, April, or May at least two months after applying a pre-emergent herbicide. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet for bermudagrass and centipedegrass varieties.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass do not respond to overseeding. Instead, plan to replant large bare areas using sod plugs in April or May. Space plugs 6 to 12 inches apart. Water well daily and be sure to apply a pre-emergent herbicide that does not affect root growth to keep crabgrass at bay.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fertilizing.jpg\")
Fertilizer promotes healthy growth, but be careful, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape. The best time to apply fertilizer is after your lawn has gone through its green-up and before the Arkansas summer heat sets in. The type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your variety of turfgrass and your unique soil sample test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 5-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn three weeks after it turns green, typically in late May. Apply 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other warm-season turfgrass, centipedegrass does not need nitrogen. Instead, apply iron three weeks after your lawn has turned green in May if you notice a yellow appearance.
\n\n\n\nYes. Fresh grass seed or sod plugs require more water than just the average spring rainfall in Little Rock. Aim to water your grass seed three times a day for the first week. During the second week, water two times per day, and in the third week, water once per day if it does not rain.
Organic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost. In Little Rock, lay a new layer of mulch anytime from March to May.
Warm-season grasses like the varieties in Little Rock take longer to germinate than cool-season grasses. It can take two months for your new lawn to grow long enough to require mowing and a full year before it is matured and dense.
Wet spring weather creates lush green backdrops for Little Rock homeowners. With the proper spring lawn care schedule, your yard can experience its green-up and glow-up in time for the humid summer months to set in.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, spring isn’t the only busy time for yard-loving Arkansans. Thanks to Little Rock’s four seasons, be sure to check out our fall lawn care checklist to get a jump start on what you can expect from your long-term lawn care maintenance plan.
\n\n\n\nIf you are short on time and need help setting your landscape off on the right foot, contact a Little Rock lawn care pro to help you establish deep roots so your lawn can survive the humid summer.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Adam Bartlett / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Little Rock, AR","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/1789c/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg","srcSet":"/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/107df/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 320w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/293e9/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 500w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/f2cbb/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 800w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/1789c/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 960w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/c26c2/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/1dd6e/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/67b76/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 320w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/8df11/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 500w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/98a65/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 800w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/1dd6e/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 960w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/3cc96/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Little Rock, AR | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 9 valuable tips for maintaining a lush spring lawn in Little Rock and prepare your grass for the humid Arkansas summers."}}},{"node":{"id":"face46f5-3dc3-552c-9d8c-c3d1f0d0c513","slug":"worst-weeds-in-cincinnati-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/worst-weeds-in-cincinnati-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Summer heat means summer weeds, and there are a number of these unwanted plants waiting to take over your lawn. We’ve identified some of the worst weeds in Cincinnati lawns, along with ways to get rid of them. Crabgrass This weed spreads across the ground from one central root, and has wide, flat leaf blades. […]
\n","content":"\nSummer heat means summer weeds, and there are a number of these unwanted plants waiting to take over your lawn. We’ve identified some of the worst weeds in Cincinnati lawns, along with ways to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nThis weed spreads across the ground from one central root, and has wide, flat leaf blades. Seeds start to sprout when temperatures reach the mid-50s, usually in mid-spring. Crabgrass spreads in hot weather and will take over any bare or thin spots in your lawn. It dies in the fall, but not before producing thousands of seeds that will take hold in the spring and repeat the cycle. You can prevent crabgrass seeds from spreading by applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial weed is one of the worst weeds in Cincinnati lawns because it looks like grass and is extremely tough to kill. Its leaves grow in sets of three at its base, and it has nut-like seeds at its root. It thrives in unhealthy lawns that are watered too much and mowed too short. Getting rid of it may drive you to the edge of nuttiness because you have to pull it by hand, making sure to get the entire root and all the nuts/seeds. If not, this prolific plant will reappear in no time. The best way to avoid the insanity of this plant is to maintain a healthy, thick lawn and mow it no shorter than 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nOxalis, also called wood sorrel, is a pesky perennial weed that’s also kind of pretty. It has small heart-shaped green or purple-ish leaves and tiny yellow flowers, and it’s sometimes confused with clover. It grows well in sun and shade and in wet and dry conditions. Like crabgrass, it’ll take over bare or thin spots in your lawn. A thick lawn mowed no shorter than 2 inches will help keep oxalis away. You can also pull these invasives by hand before they seed or use a weed killer.
\n\n\n\nWeed it or cook it for dinner? That’s the question many gardeners ask about purslane. It’s an annual creeper with thick reddish stems and paddle-like leaves. People who eat this plant say it tastes like spinach and can be a good substitute for lettuce and pickles (be sure to wash it thoroughly before putting it on your sandwich). If you prefer to keep it out of your garden, do everything you can to keep it from going to seed. The seeds can be viable in the soil for years, even decades. Pull plants while they’re young, making sure you’ve removed the entire plant. Purslane can reroot from any part of the leaves or stems.
\n\n\n\nSpurge is an opportunistic warm-weather annual that loves to take over lawns and flower beds. It’s flat with mat-like growth, purple-hued leaves, and red or purple stems. Its most obvious characteristic is a milky white sap that appears when you break the stem. Spurge loves warm, humid nights, and it grows well in disturbed soil, such as cracks near driveways or in landscape beds. It goes to seed quickly and produces many seeds (we’re talking thousands). To prevent this, use a pre-emergent herbicide in late spring or pull young plants before the seeds can spread.
\n\n\n\nKeeping weeds out of your lawn takes persistence, patience, and prevention. One of the most effective methods of weed control is making sure you’ve got a healthy lawn that doesn’t give weeds a chance to take hold.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Cincinnati? Visit our Cincinnati Lawn Care page.
You can enjoy a fantastic garden in Lilac City by planting native plants that are adapted to the city’s warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Let’s take a look at the 10 best native plants for Spokane. In this article: Advantages of Native Plants Over Non-Natives Native plants belong to a specific […]
\n","content":"\nYou can enjoy a fantastic garden in Lilac City by planting native plants that are adapted to the city’s warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Let’s take a look at the 10 best native plants for Spokane.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants belong to a specific region and have been growing there for several years. They are well-adapted to a region’s weather and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why native plants are better than non-natives.
\n\n\n\n![\"blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/27035188264_f232e288e8_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon camas is beautiful with its star-like violet-colored florets. It blooms from April to June and goes dormant for the rest of the year. When in full bloom, this flower attracts pollinators such as mason bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies.
\n\n\n\nCommon camas prefers full sun and grows best in moist, humus-rich soil. Plant the camassia bulb with the pointy end facing up. Also, leave a 6-inch gap between each bulb.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2.5 feet tall and a foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green, with violet blooms
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Sierra](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sierra-Shooting-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSierra shooting star earns its name from the tiny “shooting stars” that appear to shoot flames from the end. Sierra shooting star blooms from April to June and looks attractive with lavender or bluish flowers. Bumblebees love this flower, and they are its primary pollinator. Sierra shooting star grows best in full sun and humus-rich, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green, with purple flowers
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, and well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: N/A
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-Ribes-sanguineum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson from Williton, UK / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed flowering currant grows best in full sun and blooms from May to June. The red flowers are a treat to hummingbirds and butterflies and have a distinctive sweet, spicy, and resinous scent.
\n\n\n\nIn the fall, red flowering currant produces small dark blue fruits that songbirds love. These berries are edible, and you can use them to make jam or syrup.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium to dark green, with red flowers
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Salal-Gaultheria-shallon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wing-Chi Poon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalal has shiny dark green leaves with bell-shaped pinkish-white flowers that appear in spring. Once the blooming season ends, the flowers transform into dark edible berries that you can use to make jellies. Birds love these berries, too, so, make sure you get them before the birds do.
\n\n\n\nSalal grows best in partial to full shade, reaching heights up to 6 feet. It has a deep root system and can grow in most soil types. Salal can spread up to 5 feet over time, creating a thicket that birds love.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Indian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Plum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS – Pacific Region / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndian plum has a delicate appearance with pale green leaves. It blooms during early spring, displaying white flowers that attract native bees, hummingbirds, and moths. Indian plum grows best in partial shade and can reach up to 15 feet in height.
\n\n\n\nIndian plum produces fruits during summer that are edible for humans. They have a bitter taste even when fully ripe.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kirt Edblom / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOregon grape blooms in spring, producing bright yellow flowers that are lightly scented. These flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The flower matures into fruits during summer. It grows best in full sun and can tolerate almost all soil types.
\n\n\n\nOregon grape berries are edible for humans, but they have a sour taste to them. The shiny green leaves of this shrub look unique with its wavy spine-tipped edges.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green. Turns hues of red and purple in the winter.
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry blooms in spring, producing pinkish-white flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies love. These flowers mature into edible, tasty berries during fall.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry grows best in shady conditions and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. It can also grow in sunny conditions, but the growth rate will be slower and limited to 6 feet. Evergreen huckleberry is an attractive shrub with oval to lance-shaped glossy green leaves.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is an attractive shrub that grows best in full sun. It grows quickly and can reach up to 9 feet tall. Red-osier dogwood blooms during late spring, producing clusters of small white flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub stands out among other plants during winter with its bright red stems. The leaves look simple, with a dark green appearance on top and a paler appearance below.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 9 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium to dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loam, clay, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVine maple is a small deciduous, multi-stemmed tree that grows up to 30 feet in height. It grows best in full sun and prefers humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nVine maple blooms during late spring, producing red and whitish-green flowers. It features distinctive bright green leaves during spring, but they become red, orange, and yellow during fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8090352658_f3dbbefe27_c-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild ginger is a good ground cover for shady areas. It blooms from April through July, producing cup-shaped, brownish-red flowers that specifically attract pipevine swallowtails. Wild ginger prefers humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It can’t tolerate direct sun. In fact, the leaves can even burn when exposed to the summer sun.
\n\n\n\nWild ginger doesn’t produce ginger as you’d imagine. But, when you crush the leaves, they release a ginger-like odor, thus the reason behind its name.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ground cover
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 inches tall and 24 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans
\n\n\n\nNative plants naturally thrive here, so they require little maintenance and are more eco-friendly than non-natives.
\n\n\n\nSpokane’s hardiness zone is 6, meaning the summers are warm, and the winters are cold and snowy. All plants listed here are native to Washington and can thrive in Spokane’s climate. So now it’s a matter of choosing the ones that suit your taste and your maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nAlso, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity, especially if you have kids and pets.
\n\n\n\nNow that you have chosen the best native plants, it’s time to work on other factors to make your landscape look the best in your neighborhood. Also, don’t forget to select a grass that thrives here.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to experience a lush, green, and healthy lawn without breaking a sweat, Wikilawn Spokane lawn care pros can help.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Riverside, Spokane / Roman Eugeniusz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Spokane, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1789c/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/107df/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 320w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/293e9/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 500w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/f2cbb/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 800w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1789c/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 960w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/c26c2/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1dd6e/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/67b76/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 320w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/8df11/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 500w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/98a65/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 800w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1dd6e/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 960w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/3cc96/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Spokane, WA","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You can enjoy a fantastic garden in Spokane by planting native plants that adapt easily to the city's warm summers and cold, snowy winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"8fe5ce68-cd86-5230-a2be-dd3bdb2f3a73","slug":"5-fall-landscaping-tips-to-maintain-your-curb-appeal","path":"/lawn-care/5-fall-landscaping-tips-to-maintain-your-curb-appeal/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 22nd, 2018","excerpt":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced […]
\n","content":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced with a muddy mess come springtime.
\nSo grab your tools and put on your gardening boots. We at Wiki Lawn have prepared a few fall landscaping tips and maintenance ideas you can use to “fall-ify” your landscaping and get your property ready for winter.
\nApproximately 90% of Americans say they prefer to live in a home that’s surrounded by grass, trees, and other plants. But if you’re going to have plants, you’ll need to maintain them like the rest of your yard.
\nThat leads us into the first of these 12 fall maintenance tips.
\nIt’s important to spread mulch during the fall months because it helps to protect the roots of your trees and plants from frost. It also helps to retain moisture in the dry winter weather. You’ll want to spread between 2 and 3 inches of mulch around your trees and shrubs.
\nCheck out our tips for Eco-friendly Lawn Care.
\nFall might not be the time to prune your plants, but it’s definitely the time to remove the dead and dying plants from your yard. When you get rid of your dead landscaping during autumn, you won’t have to look at them during the winter months. Remove dead annuals and perennials. Prune (lightly) the dying branches from trees and shrubs.
\nYour shrubs can be damaged from high winds, ice, and heavy snow. Wrap your shrubs in burlap to protect them from winter weather conditions and surround your trees with shredded leaves. If you have smaller plants, use overturned plastic pots or bucks to hide them.
\nIt’s a good idea to mow your lawn so the grass doesn’t get too long before the first snowfall. According to gentlemanship guide Joel Flynn, grass that’s too long can not only shade the other blades of grass and affect growth but it can also get packed down under the snow and cause snow mold. You’ll want to keep your grass around 3 inches tall year-round to make sure it’s able to grow properly and receive enough sunlight.
\nLearn How to Grow Grass like a gardening expert.
\nIt’s essential to take care of your plants and lawn before winter hits, but it’s important to give your walkways and driveway some special attention, too. If you have cracks in your concrete or asphalt, water can penetrate these cracks and freeze during the winter months. When the water freezes in the cracks, it expands the cracks and causes even more damage to your walkways and driveway. That said, be sure to apply a sealant to keep water from getting into these cracks while it’s still warm enough to do so.
\nFallen leaves in the yard might look like an autumn postcard at first, but soon enough they turn into a problem. After a while, the leaves start to decay, they become slippery and might be a potential health hazard.
\nUse a leaf blower or a lawn sweeper to collect dead leaves and tidy your yard. Ensure that the house gutters are also free from fallen leaves. Clogged gutters can cause significant water damage if left unattended.
\nYellow, red, brown and all sort of hues formed from these colors are what makes fall such a lovely season. Implement these colors in the outdoor decoration of your property. Collect some of the fallen leaves in your yard and place them in baskets at your front porch.
\nAlso, plant seasonal flowers such as crocuses and goldenrod that bloom in October and November. This way you’ll have an incentive to continue watering your lawn and it will remain greener for longer.
\nWhen the trees in your yard lose their leaves, any hidden flaws of the exterior of your home will be exposed. According to manhood culture and lifestyle expert Joel Flynn, poor looks mean it’s time to make an inspection and dedicate some time for small repairs and improvements.
\nUse a pressure washer to clean the exterior of the house along with the driveway and walkway. Repaint and seal any chipped paint, wipe the windows and their frames. And we’ll say it again because it’s highly important – clean your gutters too.
\nWith summer gone, daylight is also scarce. For the convenience of your own family, inspect the outdoor lights to see if they work properly or need maintenance. Test if they provide enough illumination from the walkway to the entrance of your home.
\nInvest in energy-saving lightbulbs to reduce your electricity bills and also help the environment. If you’re a big fan of the upcoming holidays, get decorative lights and arrange them creatively.
\nRead also: How to Use Lighting To Transform Your Outdoor Space.
\nPumpkin, in all its forms and colors, is the queen of autumn. You can even use it for decorating the exterior of your home. Arrange several pumpkins on the front porch or window sills. Create a DIY wreath from mini pumpkins and seasonal flowers and proudly hang it on the front door.
\nFor more inspiration, check out our 9 Examples of Halloween Inspired Garden Designs.
\nWhatever decoration you choose, make sure it’s tasteful. Don’t overdo it.
\nDuring autumn, the weather is often gloomy. And with fewer colors in the yard, your house will lose its appeal. Use this opportunity to put an emphasis on the front door.
\nRepaint it in a bright color that will make it stand out from the neighborhood doors. Yellow, blue, and red are great options for highlighting the entrance.
\nAlso, check the insulation of the front door and prepare it for the cold months.
\nImprove the curb appeal of your property by installing a new mailbox or upgrading the old one. This can be a fun family project for a rainy afternoon. Customize your mailbox with bright colors, unusual design or whatever else comes to your mind.
\nUse Pinterest for mailbox makeover inspiration.
\nAlso, check if your house numbers need any polishing or replacement. Numbers made from aluminum or stainless steel won’t be affected by the weather changes that much.
\nAutumn is the time to prepare your yard for the cold winter months. Make sure your trees, plants, and walkways are as ready for the snow as you are. Upgrade the exterior of your home and make it vibrant even during the gloomy months.
\nStill, have questions about lawn care?
\nVisit our lawn care page for additional information
Living in the nation’s capital, you know that having a beautiful lawn isn’t a right but a choice. As such, it behooves you to get to know the candidates for your lawn turf so you can pick the grass that gives your yard the best chance at prospering long into the future. Here are the […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in the nation’s capital, you know that having a beautiful lawn isn’t a right but a choice. As such, it behooves you to get to know the candidates for your lawn turf so you can pick the grass that gives your yard the best chance at prospering long into the future.
\n\n\n\nHere are the leading candidates:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe grass of choice for the White House, tall fescue is an excellent grass choice for your DC lawn. Its extensive root system gives it a high drought tolerance, it resists disease, it doesn’t require much water, and it can handle heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Most are bunching-type grasses; some have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: At least 2 inches in summer
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.5 – 7.0
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/nature-grass-plant-field-lawn-meadow-743848-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, fine fescue is a fine choice. However, it can adapt to full and partial sun conditions and is very persistent in dry conditions and somewhat poor soils.
\n\n\n\nAre you planning on having your kids and pets run wild in the yard? Pick another grass, as fine fescue doesn’t handle foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Most are bunching-type grasses; some have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: At least 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.5 – 7.5
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5552536384_1bc90958b3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ferran Pestaña / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith its dark green color and fine to medium leaf blades, Kentucky bluegrass provides some of the prettiest lawns in the DC area. It grows well in both sun and shade and comes in numerous varieties.
\n\n\n\nHowever, growing such a pretty lawn requires a lot of maintenance. For example, Kentucky bluegrass requires a lot of water, as it’ll go dormant otherwise. If you want a low-maintenance lawn, this isn’t it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 3-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA medium-textured bunching grass with deep green blades, perennial ryegrass is the most interesting grass here. Because of disease susceptibility, the University of Maryland recommends avoiding a pure perennial ryegrass lawn.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is usually used in seed mixtures because it germinates quickly, and even then, it never takes up more than 5 to 15 percent of the mixture, as it doesn’t last long due to its vulnerability to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunching-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is the best grass for a shady lawn, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass tolerate moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass needs full sun, so avoid it.
Fine fescue is the best grass for a shady lawn, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass tolerate moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass needs full sun, so avoid it.
Kentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance grass, so avoid it. Tall fescues, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass are low-maintenance grasses, making them good choices for lawns that don’t need much TLC.
Perennial ryegrass has a low drought tolerance, so it isn’t recommended for drought-heavy areas. Tall fescues, fine fescues, and Kentucky bluegrass have moderate to high drought tolerance, so they’ll manage just fine in such areas.
Now that you know what grasses to pick, where do you go from here?
\n\n\n\nStart by adding some native plants to your yard. They’ll help the ecosystem and look good in your yard while not needing much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nYou can eliminate doing any maintenance altogether by contacting one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros. They’ll do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: APK /Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Grass Types That Thrive in Washington DC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1789c/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/107df/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 320w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/293e9/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 500w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/f2cbb/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 800w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1789c/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 960w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/c26c2/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1dd6e/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/67b76/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 320w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/8df11/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 500w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/98a65/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 800w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1dd6e/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 960w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/3cc96/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Types That Thrive in Washington DC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Make your lawn worthy of being in the nation’s capital with these grasses. Learn how they handle this challenging transition zone."}}},{"node":{"id":"08d55eaf-d54d-5c80-93ef-571572b0bf60","slug":"best-grass-east-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-east-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"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":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"Houston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible. Warm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East […]
\n","content":"\nHouston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East Texas and its sometimes-intense climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is drought-tolerant, moderately shade-tolerant, and cold-tolerant, making it a popular choice for lawns in East Texas. It also handles foot traffic well, so it does well on lawns.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass comes in at least 11 varieties, all used as turfgrass. Some varieties perform better at higher mowing heights, while others have improved shade tolerance. The type of Zoysiagrass you choose depends on your environment and how much work you plan to do.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to other warm-season grasses, St. Augustinegrass tolerates shade well. It’s drought tolerant as well (although not as much as Zoysiagrass) and can handle being cut at higher heights.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Handles tall mowing heights
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider centipedegrass. Centipedegrass performs best in East Texas’ acidic soils and requires little mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. However, it needs irrigation to combat drought (which it can be sensitive to). It also doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow every 7 to 10 days
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is versatile because it tolerates drought and foot traffic exceptionally well. For this reason, it’s perfectly suited for golf courses, athletic fields, and lawns and comes in many varieties.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass isn’t low-maintenance, as it requires frequent mowing and occasional fertilization. It also doesn’t like shady areas, so avoid it if you have a shady backyard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, St. Augustinegrass is your best bet. Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass are also shade-tolerant, but avoid bermudagrass, which doesn’t like shade.
The most drought-tolerant grasses are St. Augustinegrass and Bermudagrass.
Zoysiagrass only requires mowing once a week, making it the most low-maintenance, but centipedegrass is worth looking into if you don’t mind mowing a little more often (7 to 10 days).
If you plan on having many people and animals on your lawn often, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are the way to go.
Picking the right grass for your East Texas lawn boils down to your living space and how much work you want to put into your lawn. There isn’t a “one size fits all” type of grass.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’re ready with your chosen grass, contact Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll give you a green, lush lawn. You won’t need to lift a finger.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Alamo / Nan Palmero / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/107df/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/293e9/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/f2cbb/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/c26c2/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/67b76/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/8df11/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/98a65/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/3cc96/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"East Texas has unpredictable weather and intense heat, but these grasses don’t mind the weather and will thrive in East Texas."}}},{"node":{"id":"080b57bb-a573-55f1-975f-6e90d5bf61aa","slug":"how-to-grow-grass-in-shade","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-grow-grass-in-shade/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 30th, 2019","excerpt":"When we dream of a perfect landscape, we envision two features that are sometimes at odds with each other: beautiful, green grass and graceful, mature trees. Anyone who has both can tell you that growing grass in the shade of trees is a tall order. If you have shady areas where your turf grass seems […]
\n","content":"\nWhen we dream of a perfect landscape, we envision two features that are sometimes at odds with each other: beautiful, green grass and graceful, mature trees. Anyone who has both can tell you that growing grass in the shade of trees is a tall order. If you have shady areas where your turf grass seems to suffer, this guide to growing grass in the shade will help.
\n\n\n\nThe good news: A healthy lawn and a tree canopy can peacefully co-exist.
\n\n\n\nThe first step to growing grass in shady areas is understanding why it’s a challenging environment for turf. Turfgrass needs air, light, water, and nutrients to grow. Trees can stand in the way of these nutrients reaching your lawn. The canopy of a large tree blocks the sun from filtering through to the grass below, which is the first big issue. Even the most shade-tolerant grasses need four to six hours of sunlight each day to thrive.
\n\n\n\nMost trees have extensive, shallow root systems that spread out beneath the canopy. Tree roots absorb nutrients and oxygen from the soil, depriving the grass roots of necessary elements. Making it even tougher, fallen leaves can further impede air circulation and sunlight from reaching the turf. Grass growing in shady areas also tends to grow shallow roots, making the grass weaker and more susceptible to disease and pests.
\n\n\n\nMany shade-tolerant grasses can tolerate living in the shadow of canopy trees. The key is identifying the best grass variety for your growing area. The first thing to identify is whether you will need a warm-season grass or cool-season grass to overseed your shady areas.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in the southern part of the U.S., you’ll want to choose a warm-season grass such as St. Augustinegrass, buffalo grass, Zoysiagrass, or centipede grass. If you live in a more northern area, you’ll want to go with a cool-season grass such as fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, or Kentucky bluegrass. In general, cool-season grass types have a higher shade tolerance than warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/xGYKX_sS3vC018m8xcXrpK5gJPe5_1M3H5dZDx8Ve3HxOs1lC-1plSWhpSBKY9IsgibQNI0FNOfSA6_nlgTJpTP13bcAQd4-1HgHjBvwwJoBIYYCH1PgiHQYKKHnRKH57523od-i\")
“Despite your best efforts, it may not be possible to successfully grow grass in some areas,” states Richard Jauron, an expert horticulturist at Iowa State University. “For example, growing conditions under hard maples are extremely difficult.” In places where the canopy is dense, Jauron suggests growing grass alternatives or shade-tolerant ground covers.
\n\n\n\nA ground cover can be as simple as mulch or wood chips arranged around the base of trees. Just make sure mulch doesn’t touch the tree trunks. Planting low-maintenance garden beds in shady areas can also fill in the area without the hassle of lawn maintenance. Plants including hostas, pachysandra, ferns, and liriope are ideal species for under the tree canopy.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your shaded turf looking its best is a challenge, but well worth it. With a little effort and some smart strategy, you can have a healthy lawn or landscape even in the shadiest corners of your yard.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: “Shade tree,” tonya, CC2.0
If you’re a proud resident of New Orleans, you know that this city is full of character and charm, from its vibrant music scene to its delicious cuisine. But did you know the local flora is just as unique and fascinating? By planting Louisiana native plants in your backyard, you can add a touch of […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re a proud resident of New Orleans, you know that this city is full of character and charm, from its vibrant music scene to its delicious cuisine. But did you know the local flora is just as unique and fascinating? By planting Louisiana native plants in your backyard, you can add a touch of flavor to your landscape while reaping various benefits.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to create your very own paradise in your New Orleans backyard, you can’t go wrong with native plants; look at its benefits:
\n\n\n\nNative plants help promote a healthier Texas ecosystem. Here are 8 native plants to help you create a one-of-a-kind oasis that celebrates the beauty of New Orleans.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\nLooking to add some color and charm to your backyard? Look no further than Wild blue phlox! This lovely native plant boasts delicate lavender-blue spring flowers that bloom in early spring, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. And the best part? They are perfectly adapted to the climate of New Orleans. It is low-maintenance and easy to grow and a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an eco-friendly choice for your garden.
\n\n\n\nWild Blue Phlox is susceptible to spider mites and rabbits, as well as powdery mildew, which can cause reduced vigor and stunted growth. Cutting back stems after flowering helps combat mildew.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Part shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist soil but well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. Remove spent inflorescences to encourage more flowering. Prevent complete soil dryness. Add compost to enrich the soil as needed
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a stunning native plant perfect for New Orleans gardens. Its bright orange flowers attract pollinators, and its tuberous roots make it highly drought-tolerant. Butterfly weed is a beautiful addition to any garden. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a host plant for monarch butterflies. By planting this native species in your garden, you can help support the monarch population while enjoying a burst of vibrant color. So why not add some Butterfly weed to your garden and watch it come to life with the fluttering of wings?
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, vanilla, or candy-like scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low. It is drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 – 2.5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. If the butterfly weed seed pods are not removed before splitting open, the mature plants may self-seed. Since butterfly weed has a deep taproot, it does not transplant well, and it is best to leave it undisturbed once it is established
\n\n\n\nThe Swamp Azalea is a stunning native plant that is a must-have for any New Orleans garden. With its delicate, fragrant white flowers and vibrant green foliage, it’s sure to make a statement in any landscape. This plant thrives in wet areas. It provides important habitat and food for local wildlife, including birds and insects. The Swamp Azalea is a low-maintenance and rewarding plant that is suitable for both seasoned gardeners and beginners.
\n\n\n\nWhile generally disease-resistant, Swamp Azalea can be susceptible to canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips,and whitefly. Regular monitoring and treatment as needed can help keep the plant healthy and thriving.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: It prefers partial shade but tolerates some full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid. Prefer moist but well-drained soils, but it tolerates poor drainage
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Strong clove-like perfume
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to wet. It tolerates periodic flooding but will not grow in soils where the roots are submerged in water
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All the parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: It is best situated in a location protected from strong winter winds. As it has a shallow, fibrous root system, it will benefit from a good mulch for moisture retention, stabilization of soil temperatures, and winter protection.
\n\n\n\nThe Tickseed Sunflower is a stunning native plant that will brighten up any New Orleans garden. With its golden-yellow blooms and delicate, fern-like foliage, it’s no wonder this plant is a favorite among gardeners. It looks beautiful in flower beds and rock gardens. Tickseed sunflower is resilient and easy to care for.
\n\n\n\nIt grows and flowers best in full sun but is also adapted to partial shade. Its nectar-rich flowers attract various pollinators, making it an essential part of any healthy ecosystem. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant, consider adding Tickseed Sunflower to your garden. You won’t be disappointed with the splash of sunshine it brings!
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: It grows and flowers best in Full sun but is also adapted to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Neutral. Moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous annual
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Its dried leaves smell like vanilla or honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer and autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High. It needs good drainage
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. It is propagated by seed in spring
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a stunning native plant to add some flare to your New Orleans garden, look no further than the Crossvine. With its vibrant orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers, this vine will turn heads and bring hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard.
\n\n\n\nThis vine grows easily over a structure such as a trellis, gazebo, or fence. Not only is the Crossvine visually striking, but it’s also incredibly low maintenance and hardy, making it the perfect addition to any garden. Plus, as a native plant, it’s perfectly adapted to Louisiana’s climate and will thrive with minimal effort on your part.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mocha scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring, early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. It needs good drainage
\n\n\n\nMature height: 35 – 50 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. The vine can spread both by seed and by root suckers. To prevent it from spreading to unwanted areas, removing the root suckers as soon as they are detected is important
\n\n\n\nWatershield is an aquatic plant known for its striking appearance. It has large round leaves that float on the water’s surface and delicate purple flowers that bloom in the summer. Water Shield possesses properties that hinder the growth of other nearby plants. As a result, it can dominate and act as a natural means of controlling invasive water weeds. So if you’re looking for a beautiful addition to your garden, consider adding some Watershield to your pond or water feature.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Aquatic plant
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: It needs standing water. It does best on the water edge in 8 to 10 inches of water but with the roots planted in the mud of more shallow waters
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 – 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Average. Remove yellow leaves regularly
\n\n\n\nCream wild indigo is a tough and versatile native plant well-suited to New Orleans’ hot and humid summers. It adapts to poor soils and occasional droughts. But don’t let its toughness fool you; this plant is also a true beauty, with elegant creamy white racemes of pea-like flowers and green leaves that grace its branches in the late spring and early summer. While Wild indigo is beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring and early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 2.5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It has toxic properties that can be harmful if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. It may need some attention and help when grown in part shade
\n\n\n\nThe Ashy Sunflower of New Orleans is a stunning wildflower that never fails to impress. One of its most fascinating features is its ability to follow the sun’s path each day, earning it the common name of sunflower. As the day progresses, the flower heads slowly turn to face the sun, following its every move from morning until night. But not just humans are drawn to this beautiful plant; birds can’t resist it either! They love to feast on the seeds directly from the sunflower’s head. It is spread by rhizomes and self-seed, forming beautiful, vibrant colonies that brighten any landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full Sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Best to site plants in locations sheltered from strong winds. It may need staking, mainly if grown in exposed areas
\n\n\n\nIf you’re a proud resident of New Orleans and an avid gardener, using native plants in your garden not only ensures that they will be well adapted to the local climate but will also support the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nThe climate in New Orleans is classified as humid subtropical, which translates to very hot and humid summers and relatively mild, short winters. The USDA Hardiness Zone is 9, meaning the average minimum temperature is between 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Native plants have evolved to be resilient to the local weather conditions, making them easy to maintain and care for. They can also add a touch of local flair to your garden and attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
\n\n\n\nNative gardens offer numerous benefits to your garden and the environment. One benefit is their ability to thrive in the local climate and require less watering, fertilizer, and pesticides. This makes them low maintenance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, native plants have deep roots that can prevent water run-off and soil erosion.
\n\n\n\nPlanting native plants is sustainable because they are adapted to the local climate and ecosystem, making them more resilient and resistant to local pests and diseases. They require less maintenance, water, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides than non-native plants.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are better than non-native plants for several reasons. Firstly, they are adapted to the local climate, soil, and other environmental factors, making them more resilient to pests, diseases, and weather fluctuations. This means that they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticide treatments, reducing the need for maintenance and potentially harmful chemicals.
\n\n\n\nNon-native plants may not provide the same level of support for local wildlife, which can lead to imbalances in the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to plant native trees and plants in your backyard, you should buy them from a local nursery which ensures that you are getting plants that are specific to your region. Local nurseries have knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on the best plants for your garden and how to care for them, which can help you create a thriving and sustainable landscape.
\n\n\n\nLook at these local nurseries in the New Orleans area suggested by the Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans:
\n\n\n\nWhile adding native plants to a garden is an important step towards creating a more ecologically friendly landscape, it’s important to remember that it’s only one piece of the puzzle. When planning a landscape project, it’s crucial to consider low-maintenance landscape ideas. Additionally, it’s important to check your lawn and ensure it’s healthy, as it plays a major role in your outdoor space’s overall look.
\n\n\n\nWhenever you are ready to contact a professional to help, let WikiLawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area. By adopting a holistic approach to your landscape project, you can create an enduring outdoor space that is not only beautiful but also environmentally sustainable, providing you with years of enjoyment.
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for New Orleans, LA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/1789c/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/107df/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 320w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/293e9/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 500w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/f2cbb/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 800w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/1789c/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 960w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/4fb49/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/1dd6e/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/67b76/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 320w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/8df11/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 500w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/98a65/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 800w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/1dd6e/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 960w,\n/static/dad98a5ccf977319af9e618d3da53dcd/62477/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for New Orleans, LA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 8 best native plants for your New Orleans garden. Enhance your outdoor space with these resilient and easy-to-maintain plants adapted to the local climate and attract local wildlife."}}},{"node":{"id":"57703967-635b-543e-8ae0-b2e60809557b","slug":"best-native-plants-southern-california","path":"/lawn-care/ca/best-native-plants-southern-california/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"If you’ve been to the California Botanic Garden or the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you know how beautiful native plants can be. Native species are not only well-adapted to the local climate but are also: Do you want to introduce native species to your garden? The best native plants for Southern California gardens will vary […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve been to the California Botanic Garden or the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you know how beautiful native plants can be. Native species are not only well-adapted to the local climate but are also:
\n\n\n\nDo you want to introduce native species to your garden? The best native plants for Southern California gardens will vary by region, as well as the needs and preferences of each homeowner.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bush-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: tdlucas5000 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as California brittlebush, this bushy shrub is native to the coastlines and inland foothills of SoCal. It has thin branches with widely spaced leaves. It produces yellow flowers with a brown center, quite similar to daisies. They bloom from February through June when temperatures are moderate, and moisture is adequate.
\n\n\n\nBush sunflowers attract small birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects. They are fast-growing, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant. You also can use them as a ground cover or for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nWhile their reseeding ability may save you time and money, bush sunflowers may out-compete other plants and invade spaces where they aren’t wanted. They also don’t look appealing during their late summer and fall dormancy. This shrub does best in sunny yards where temperatures won’t drop below freezing.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 ⅗ to 5 feet tall, 3 to 7 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates a wide variety of soils, including sodic soil; does best when pH is between 6 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5965186545_e6a73bf093_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: chuck b. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou can find this flower all over California, right up to the Oregon and Mexican borders. It naturally grows on the coast and all over the foothills. In Southern California, it often grows near water sources to counteract the dry climate. California fuchsia produces red flowers in summer and fall, then dies back in winter.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to attract hummingbirds, this plant is a must-have. Their affinity for the plant has earned it the alternate names hummingbird trumpet or flower. It’s easy to grow, reseeds itself, and flowers profusely in full sun. It’s also included on some fire-resistant plant lists.
\n\n\n\nUnless it is near a natural water source, California fuchsia will need more supplemental water inland than on the coast. Water it around once a month to keep it hydrated. This herb’s appearance will suffer somewhat in fall or winter when flowering is over. You can improve its appearance by cutting it back when flowering is over.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: ¼ to 1 ½ feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Winter semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay and sand with a pH between 6 and 8; they also tolerate serpentine soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/California-milkweed-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joe Decruyenaere / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNamed for its white sap, the California milkweed is an herbaceous plant found from the East Bay down and in the Sierra foothills. It has white wooly stems, and its fuzzy buds burst into star-shaped flowers.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia milkweed’s most important role is hosting endangered monarch butterflies and caterpillars. As a result, avoid pesticides to keep these butterflies safe. California milkweed also attracts bees and other insects. This plant can tolerate sandy, clay, dry, or moist soils and is cold-hardy as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Water it deeply twice a month to keep it healthy.
\n\n\n\nThe Kawaiisu tribes cooked California milkweed sap to create a gum-like candy and roasted the leaves for chewing. Though it is edible to humans when cooked, it may be toxic raw. It’s safest to keep this plant away from children, pets, and livestock.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy or clay with a pH between 6 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic raw, but not when cooked
\n\n\n\n![\"This](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/California-Poppy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: docentjoyce / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIt’s no surprise the state flower made it onto this list. The California poppy grows all over the state and in neighboring states as well, including Oregon. Its appearance varies slightly depending on location, with SoCal poppies more yellow than orange. The flowers can bloom any time between February and September, though they shut in cold, cloudy, or windy weather.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia poppies can tolerate poor-quality soil, full sun, partial shade, and drought. They will do best in well-drained sandy soils. Water twice a month once established. This flower makes a welcome addition to butterfly, bee, or bird gardens. Its quick-growing and self-seeding nature may spread it more than you intended but can create a beautiful meadow in your yard.
\n\n\n\nThough California poppies will generally last for years, they may burn out quicker in the hottest and coldest parts of Southern California. Poppies aren’t safe for pets or small children to eat due to their mild toxicity.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 inches to 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial in mild climates and annual in harsh conditions
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sandy soils with a pH between 5 and 8; tolerates poor soil quality
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"small](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/California-sagebrush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Antandrus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDo you love aromatic plants? The hairy, light green leaves of the California sagebrush release a pleasant smell when touched. It produces small, inconspicuous creamy white flowers. This shrub is also called Coastal sagebrush due to its prominence along the California coastline.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia sagebrush is tough, easy to grow, and drought-tolerant. It can survive in the driest, sunniest areas where other plants can’t. It may not need any supplementary water, but you can water it once a month if needed. Use it as a garden shrub or a groundcover. You also can plant it to attract California gnatcatchers, quails, and many other birds and insects.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub poses no known danger to humans or animals. However, rain may leach toxins from California sagebrush and discourage other plant growth nearby.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy soils with a pH of 5 to 8; tolerates low fertility and clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Extremely low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some toxicity toward other plants, but no known danger to humans or pets
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chalk-Dudleya.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re a fan of succulents, consider chalk dudleya. You also may know it by the names chalk liveforever or chalk lettuce. It naturally grows in rocky coastal areas, desert foothills, and inland mountains. Its thick, water-dense leaves are pale green with pointy ends. Though its shape may look flower-like, the real flowers will develop on tall stems in spring.
\n\n\n\nThis succulent relies on hummingbirds and bees for pollination. When mature, it can handle extreme heat and below-freezing temperatures. Chalk dudleya does well in full sun, but south-facing specimens benefit from partial shade. Don’t panic if the outer leaves turn white, tan, pink, or purple. As long as the inside looks alive, it’s likely just dormant. Water it once a month to improve its appearance.
\n\n\n\nChalk dudleya is easy to grow on rocky slopes and walls but not when planted on flat ground because it collects too much water. Watch out for aphid infestations, as they could cause deformity.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: ⅓ to 1 foot tall and 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fast or medium-drained soils with plenty of rocks and a soil pH between 5 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Checker-Bloom.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe checker bloom is a type of mallow found all over the state. It primarily grows in dry, open flats between sea level and 7,500 feet elevation. This plant has bright green leaves and produces dark pink flowers in spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nChecker bloom is suitable for ornamental and pollinator gardens. You also can use it as a groundcover. It needs little water and can get by with water once a month or less in summer. You can plant it in a variety of soil types in sunny or partially shady yards.
\n\n\n\nMild, damp winters and dry, cool summers best suit this plant. However, it can survive in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a colder part of SoCal, you can use mulch to protect checker bloom from freezing temperatures. Because of its short stature, you’ll need to place it in front of tall plants so it’s not obscured.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: ⅓ to 1 ½ feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates many soil types with a pH between 6 and 7, including serpentine soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and edible
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cleveland-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Phyzome / Flickr / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDespite what the name implies, Cleveland sage is native to the Golden State. It is also called blue sage, fragrant sage, or chaparral sage. Its natural habitat is well-drained flats, bluffs, and gentle slopes in coastal areas. This aromatic shrub is gray-green in color with small, wrinkled leaves. It produces round purple flower clusters in spring and summer. Flower color varies between cultivars.
\n\n\n\nCleveland sage is a great choice for hummingbird and bee gardens. It’s not just useful for animals — dry its fragrant leaves for cooking or just to enjoy the scent. This shrub can handle many soil types and temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant it as an ornamental plant or for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nThis plant needs very little irrigation. While this trait is generally beneficial, it’s possible to overwater Cleveland sage in summer, killing it or shortening its lifespan.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 4 ½ feet tall and 8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates a variety of soils but does best in well-drained soils with a pH between 6 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hummingbird-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Kirkhart / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHummingbird sage is native to Central and Southern California. It grows anywhere between sea level and 2,000 feet but is mostly found on shady slopes, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. This plant has a woody base and is covered with soft hairs. It produces fragrant magenta flowers from March to May. Its leaves also are aromatic when crushed.
\n\n\n\nHummingbird sage is valued for its appearance and scent. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies flock to its flowers as a food source. Because of its sprawling growth habit, you can use it as a groundcover. It can handle sun or shade but does particularly well under dense tree cover. Hummingbird sage can handle temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is drought-tolerant and may not need supplemental irrigation after its first year. However, it may lose some leaves and visual appeal in summer. Water hummingbird sage once or twice a month to keep it green in hot weather, and prune it if you want a neater appearance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 inches to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Various soils with a pH between 5 and 7
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bush-Monkey-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMonkeys may not be native to California, but monkey flowers are. The bush monkey flower grows throughout most of California. It’s also called sticky monkey flower due to its sticky green leaves. Its tubular flowers are typically orange but also may be white, yellow, or red. If you or a pollinator touch the flower’s stigma, it will shut.
\n\n\n\nBush monkey flowers will attract hummingbirds, bees, and other insects. The leaves and flowers are edible, and Native Americans used them for medicinal purposes. Once established, water it once or twice a month in summer.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to increase flower production and get rid of unappealing faded blooms, prune the old growth and seedheads. Be careful not to cut off buds in the process.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates many soil types, including serpentine soils, as long as drainage is adequate; ideal pH is between 5 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and edible
\n\n\n\nPeople from out of state may only see SoCal as sunny coastlines, but residents know there’s more to it. A Southern Californian may live by the beach, mountains, or desert, and each will have its own gardening challenges. Focus on plants that fall in your USDA hardiness zone, which is based on average annual low temperatures. SoCal falls in zones 7 through 10.
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones can’t tell you everything. They don’t account for your yard’s layout, soil makeup, shade levels, and proximity to water sources. Consider getting a soil test, especially if your garden plants have struggled in the past. University of California Cooperative Extensions can connect you with local soil testing labs.
\n\n\n\nThe final factor to consider is you. Consider what features you value, whether it be visual appeal, scent, drought tolerance, safety, or practicality.
\n\n\n\nFor erosion control or bank stabilization, consider planting bush sunflower or Cleveland sage.
Yes. Chalk dudleya is one of the best choices for SoCal, but there are hundreds of other succulents native to the state.
It depends on where you are and which succulents you plant. Southern California generally has mild winters. While some cities may never see a day below 40 degrees, a few places in SoCal have temperatures below freezing and could get as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some succulents, like chalk dudleya, can survive freezing temperatures. However, others are more sensitive and may not survive a cold snap. If you see an unusual temperature drop on your weather channel or app, you can take in any potted succulents, just in case.
Keep in mind that your succulents will get more rain in winter as well. Don’t water them yourself this time of year, and make sure they are in well-drained soil.
It’s easy enough to swing by your local nursery for one or two native plants. However, some homeowners choose to transform their yards into entirely native gardens. They also might replace their lawn with a more suitable turfgrass for improved drought resistance.
The more changes you make, the more time you’ll need to commit. Even the most passionate green thumb may need a helping hand. Wikilawn can connect you with landscaping and lawn care professionals in your area, whether you live in San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, or another SoCal city.
Main Image Credit: Epibase / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Southern California","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2698412698412698,"src":"/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/1789c/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/107df/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/293e9/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/f2cbb/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/1789c/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/c26c2/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/1dd6e/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/67b76/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 320w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/8df11/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 500w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/98a65/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 800w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/1dd6e/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 960w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/3cc96/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Southern California | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best native plants for Southern California include shrubs, wildflowers, and succulents that survive heat, drought, and cold snaps."}}},{"node":{"id":"5f3e0273-dd46-5025-89b5-dd524eafe740","slug":"best-native-plants-north-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-native-plants-north-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"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":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"If you’re a nature lover, North Texas delivers. It’s a scenic wonderland with a massive array of plants and flowers bursting from the countryside. So why do some homeowners insist on stocking their landscape with plants that are pretty, yes, but that require incredible effort to keep alive and looking good? The alternative is pretty […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re a nature lover, North Texas delivers. It’s a scenic wonderland with a massive array of plants and flowers bursting from the countryside.
\n\n\n\nSo why do some homeowners insist on stocking their landscape with plants that are pretty, yes, but that require incredible effort to keep alive and looking good? The alternative is pretty simple: Use easy-to-grow native plants for your North Texas yard.
\n\n\n\nThere are great reasons for using native plants:
\n\n\n\nAnd, by the way, they look incredible. Let’s take a look at some of the best of the natives.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTexas is the second largest state in the United States. It’s so big, in fact, that different regions of the state have different climates. For example, North Texas is cooler and drier than South Texas but receives more rainfall than desert-like West Texas.
\n\n\n\nBecause the climate varies so much, each region has a different hardiness zone, indicating what plants thrive in which area. North Texas is in USDA hardiness zone 8, meaning the lowest temperatures are between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to know these distinctions when choosing plants. Texas is not a one-size-fits-all state. Here are some of the best options for North Texas.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/verbena-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAbundant along Texas roadways, prairie verbena has a long flowering season from March to October. It sprouts purple flowers, each with five petals, and it regularly reseeds. These flowers are adored by butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nPrairie verbena likes partial shade to full sun and tolerates moderate drought conditions. It prefers dry to moist, well-drained soils.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, or sand, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Salvia_splendens_scarlet_sage_1_49081380101.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like red flowers, you’ll love scarlet sage, which explodes with bright blooms from February through October. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and is deer-resistant. However, it needs regular watering and loose, well-drained, rocky soil to thrive.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage thrives in full sun, is easy to grow, and is pest- and disease-tolerant. Pair it with other annuals and perennial plants for the best results.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loam, clay loam, rocky, caliche type
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, but usually reseeds easily
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-3 feet tall, 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Leucophyllum_frutescens_Purple_Sage_W_IMG_1125.jpg\")
Photo Credit: J.M. Garg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nTexas sage has many names, ranging from the barometer bush to the Texas silverleaf. It can withstand heat and drought and requires almost no maintenance once established. Purple flowers sprout in the summer and fall, although some have white or pink flowers.
\n\n\n\nTexas sage requires full sun to bloom and likes alkaline, well-drained soil. If your yard has both those conditions, this is the sage for you.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained alkaline soil or acidic soil with added dolomitic limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/51445852302_7416c139f3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the plains blackfoot, the blackfoot daisy is native to desert slopes, mesas, and high plains. It blooms from early spring through fall, growing brilliant white flowers. It’s a perfect plant for edging beds or rocky outcroppings.
\n\n\n\nBlackfoot daisy loves full sun but can handle light shade, and is deer-resistant. It does, however, need well-drained soil to thrive.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, rocky, calcareous
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and wide
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mexican-Plum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Charles Willgren / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs you would expect from its name, the Mexican plum tree sprouts purple plums in the fall and beautiful white flowers in the spring. At maturity, it grows to 20 to 25 feet tall with spreading branches, making it a good choice for smaller gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe Mexican plum tolerates drough, but it does like some irrigation to help it retain its fruits in the fall. It also handles shade well.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adapts to sandy, loam, clay, or limestone. Prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 25 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pavonia_hastata1DavidMidgley.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Midgley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA very popular plant in Texas, the pavonia, or rock rose, resides naturally on dry, rocky woods or banks of Texas. Its long bloom period and versatility make it a favorite among homeowners; it accepts full sun to half-day shade, various soils, and dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe pavonia bears pink hibiscus-like flowers between spring and fall, which open in the morning and close in the afternoon, when the temperature is highest.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Turks_Cap_323002703-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady yard, the Turk’s cap red is worth planting. It sprouts bright-red, hibiscus-like flowers that resemble a Turkish turban (hence the name). Turk’s cap red attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and is drought-tolerant once established.
\n\n\n\nTurk’s Cap Red is native to South Texas, where it’s used as a perennial. In North Texas, however, it’s used as an annual. Don’t worry, it does just fine here.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay, limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-3 feet tall (up to 9 feet), 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Attention hummingbird, butterfly, and moth lovers: the coral honeysuckle is the right plant for you! This plant sprouts bright red trumpet flowers with shiny oval leaves from March to June. Red berries follow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. Though the deer will eat the flowers, the plant as a whole is fairly deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, slightly acidic, well-drained. It acclimates to many soil types.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15-20 feet
\n\n\n\nNative plants grow in an area without human introduction, while non-native plants were introduced to the area where they now grow. Non-native plants may adapt to an area over time, but they generally aren’t as hardy as natives.
Invasive plants are non-native plants that tend to spread out of control. As their name implies, they ‘invade’ native plants’ space and take their moisture, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to poorer water quality, degraded wildlife habitats, and lower plant diversity.
The Bureau of Land Management states that native plants face numerous threats. These include habitat loss, overgrazing, wildfires, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
Once you buy your plants, your lawn is next. Get one of North Texas’ best grass types to ensure you have the healthiest lawn possible. Then hire one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Coral Honeysuckle / Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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