![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Texas is a sprawling place. Covering a whopping 269,000 square miles and occupying a land mass larger than 39 of the world’s countries, it’s the second largest state in the nation. Who cares? You do if you’re trying to grow a beautiful lawn, because Texas is so large that what thrives in the arid West […]
\n","content":"\nTexas is a sprawling place. Covering a whopping 269,000 square miles and occupying a land mass larger than 39 of the world’s countries, it’s the second largest state in the nation.
\n\n\n\nWho cares? You do if you’re trying to grow a beautiful lawn, because Texas is so large that what thrives in the arid West Texas city of El Paso won’t do as well in the more temperate climate of Dallas and North Texas.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to know the differences so you can make wise choices about your grass seed and grow a lawn that will be the envy of your North Texas neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTurfgrasses are classified as either cool-season or warm-season grasses, and here in Texas – pretty much everywhere in Texas – warm-season grasses should be your go-to.
\n\n\n\nHere’s the difference:
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive in the spring and late fall when soil and air temperatures are 65 to 75°F. Since they have adapted to survive below-zero climates, they aren’t as adapted to hot summers. They do well when temperatures are milder in July and August but need more water when it’s hot to stay green.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses, on the other hand, are better adapted to warm climates and the summer heat like ours. They tolerate drought better and continue to grow when temperatures soar, but they don’t grow as well in cooler temperatures.
\n\n\n\nSo now let’s look at the best warm-season varieties of grass seed for North Texas.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the fastest-growing of all the warm-season grasses, making it difficult to control, especially around flower beds or borders. But its fast growth rate means Bermudagrass stands up well to heavy foot traffic, which is why it’s a popular choice for golf courses and athletic fields. It likes direct sun and needs well-draining soil, making it ideal for this climate.
\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\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is one of the more attractive grasses, with its broad, dark green blades. St. Augustinegrass tolerates cold better than Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, but it goes dormant when soil temperatures go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is tree-lined, St. Augustinegrass is a great option, as it does just fine in the shade. It tolerates drought, too. St. Augustinegrass grows fast, but that also means it requires frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nOn the downside, St. Augustinegrass doesn’t tolerate lots of wear and tear as well as some other grasses. So, if you plan to use your lawn heavily, we recommend you avoid this grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\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/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass looks beautiful, with its green, medium-coarse grass blades. It’s durable but takes time to recover from damage. Zoysiagrass has an extensive root system, making it tolerant of drought and shade.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is popular throughout Texas, but it’s on the expensive side, perhaps because it’s both hardy and requires little maintenance. It needs little fertilization and can resist diseases and insects. Zoysiagrass can take a long time to spread and form dense turf, but it grows quicker under full sun.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’d prefer not to spend time and money watering your lawn, buffalograss is a great choice. It’s naturally drought-tolerant and disease-resistant (meaning it doesn’t require extra fertilizer or pesticides). Its lower and slower growth rate also means you don’t need to water it as much as other grasses.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has a cool, green summertime color, making it a very attractive turf. It also has finer and drier leaves than other grasses, so it doesn’t clump or thatch when you mow it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nFor a low-maintenance lawn, centipedegrass is probably your best bet. Its slow, low-growth habit means you don’t need to mow or fertilize it as often as other warm-season grasses. It also tolerates diseases.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic, cold, or shade. If you have a shady area or plan on using your lawn frequently, avoid this grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nIf you get a lot of shade, go for St. Augustinegrass.
Bermudagrass handles foot traffic very well, making it a great option for busy yards.
Either centipedegrass or Bermudagrass is the way to go.
Centipedegrass and buffalograss handle highly acidic soils well, so either is a good choice.
When picking a grass seed from the list above, remember to also consider how much you’ll be using your lawn and how much time you want to spend maintaining it because each variety has strengths and weaknesses.
\n\n\n\nOnce you pick your grass, add some native plants to your yard. Not only are they good for the ecosystem, but they’ll look good in your yard while not needing much attention.
If you want a professional to do the work instead, contact one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll lend a helping hand.
Main Photo Credit: University of North Texas / Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass Seed for Your North Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/1789c/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/107df/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 320w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/293e9/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 500w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/f2cbb/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 800w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/1789c/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 960w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/c26c2/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/1dd6e/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/67b76/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 320w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/8df11/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 500w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/98a65/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 800w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/1dd6e/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 960w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/3cc96/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Seed for Your North Texas Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"7bcb6fbe-2866-5c14-b336-5b2a0bc90c15","slug":"best-grass-types-el-paso","path":"/lawn-care/tx/el-paso/best-grass-types-el-paso/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"4e057be7-5409-52e8-9ec3-ae95b35c691d","name":"El Paso","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/el-paso/"},{"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":"April 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Choosing the best grass types for El Paso can certainly be a challenge due to the hot and dry climate of this southwestern city. But with some knowledge and effort, you can transform your patchy, dusty lawn into a lush oasis. Imagine sitting back with a glass of lemonade and enjoying the bright sun and […]
\n","content":"\nChoosing the best grass types for El Paso can certainly be a challenge due to the hot and dry climate of this southwestern city. But with some knowledge and effort, you can transform your patchy, dusty lawn into a lush oasis. Imagine sitting back with a glass of lemonade and enjoying the bright sun and warm desert breeze in your own verdant paradise. So, let’s dive into the world of grasses that can withstand the heat and dryness of El Paso, TX.
\n\n\n\nTo plant a lawn, you’ll have to make a choice between warm-season and cool-season grasses, depending on the climate you live in.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in warm temperatures, while cool-season grasses do better in cooler climates. Warm-season grasses remain green in spring and summer, becoming dormant in autumn and winter. In contrast, cool-season grasses provide warmth and comfort to the soil during the cooler months.
\n\n\n\nThe choice of grass for your lawn ultimately depends on the climate and weather conditions in your area. In either case, both types can make for a stunning lawn.
\n\n\n\nEl Paso, Texas, a city with temperatures ranging from a mild 34 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to a sizzling 97 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, can be a real challenge when it comes to lawn care. Luckily, there are grasses that can withstand the heat and arid conditions of the region. Since El Paso experiences warmer temperatures most of the year, you’ll have the most success growing warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nImagine looking out your window and seeing a lush green lawn, the perfect setting for a summer barbeque with friends and family, or a peaceful, relaxing spot with a good book. It’s time to put away the patchy, brown lawn and transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and inviting oasis. So let’s dive in and explore these four best types of grass for El Paso.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a top pick for El Paso homeowners looking for durable grass that can withstand the harsh desert climate. This grass is known for its ability to handle high use, drought, and disease easily, making it a good choice for lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Bermudagrass requires full sun and does not do well in the shade, so it’s important to remember this when planning your lawn. Additionally, while Bermudagrass has a moderate tolerance for cold weather, it will lose its color and go dormant after a frost in late fall and remain dormant throughout the winter. Overall, Bermudagrass is a fantastic choice for El Paso homeowners looking for a resilient and attractive lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: One of the main challenges of maintaining Bermuda grass is its high demand for nutrients. This grass is a voracious feeder, requiring regular fertilization to sustain its thick and lush growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a fantastic option for El Paso homeowners who want a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn. This grass is known for its ability to withstand heat and drought, requiring only moderate amounts of water thanks to its deep root system. However, in extended periods of drought, Zoysiagrass may turn brown or straw-colored and go dormant.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it is slow to establish and has a slow recovery rate, it has a high traffic tolerance, making it ideal for lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic. Zoysiagrass also has the added advantage of being more tolerant of shade than other grasses. Additionally, Zoysiagrass adapts well to soils with a lack of nutrients, which is common in El Paso.
\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, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Zoysia has a remarkable ability to thrive in drought conditions due to its deep-rooted nature, allowing it to reach groundwater and adapt to different environments.
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is an excellent option for El Paso homeowners looking for grass that can withstand drought and requires little water. This grass is highly resistant to drought and disease, making it an ideal choice for areas with limited rainfall, like El Paso. Buffalograss is also well-known for its water conservation abilities and can survive on less water than most other grasses. However, it is important to note that it can turn brown if it doesn’t receive any water at all.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss requires full sun and has no tolerance for shade. During the winter months, it may go dormant for an extended period, losing its color and becoming less attractive. Finally, buffalograss has low traffic tolerance, so it may not be the best choice for lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Requires weed control.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native clay soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Buffalo grass tends to grow thinly, making it vulnerable to weed invasion.
\n\n\n\n![\"Seashore](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Seashore-Paspalum-also-known-as-biscuit-grass-saltwater-couch-silt-grass-and-swamp-couch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Raffi Kojian / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum is perfect for those who live in El Paso, where the climate is hot and dry. It is salt-tolerant and can handle the soil and irrigation water’s salinity, making it a smart choice for homeowners living in this area. It is specifically designed to handle hot temperatures, but it has a moderate drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low to Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Moderate fertilizer and frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: Set the mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate. Common diseases include large patch and dollar spot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Tolerates a wide soil pH range, from 3.6 to 10.2
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including wet, saline soil.
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Seashore Paspalum Grass has a moderate traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is one of the top grasses, not just because of its ability to withstand drought but also due to its gentle texture. When allowed to grow naturally, it creates a modern and billowing appearance in your landscape.
Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Buffalograss are all low-water-requirement grasses that can withstand extended periods of drought without turning brown or withering away.
In as little as 10 days, bermudagrass, the fastest-growing warm-season grass, can start to germinate. Similarly, ryegrass, which thrives in cool climates, can also germinate in a short period.
In conclusion, choosing the right type of grass for your El Paso backyard requires careful consideration of each grass’s unique characteristics. Factors such as water requirements, drought tolerance, and overall appearance should all be taken into account when making a decision.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to remember that selecting the perfect grass is just one component of creating a beautiful and thriving landscape. The best native plants for El Paso can also transform your Texas yard.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure the continued health and maintenance of your backyard, professional help may be needed. Whether for regular lawn care, pest control, or landscaping services, don’t hesitate to contact an El Paso lawn care pro to help keep your outdoor space looking its best.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Magoffin Home / Visit El Paso / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for El Paso, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.1660649819494586,"src":"/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/1789c/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/107df/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 320w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/293e9/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 500w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/f2cbb/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 800w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/1789c/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 960w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/c26c2/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/1dd6e/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/67b76/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 320w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/8df11/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 500w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/98a65/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 800w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/1dd6e/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 960w,\n/static/3e70fee59cc2cc10325c56f604e9807b/3cc96/Magoffin-Home-El-Paso-Texas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for El Paso, TX","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 4 best grass types for El Paso, TX. Learn about each grass type's unique characteristics and how they can thrive in El Paso's climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"8cde88dd-63e4-529d-86ed-78c173eac13a","slug":"best-grass-types-michigan","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/best-grass-types-michigan/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tatiana Barrie is a writer with a background in law and tech, passionate about environmental sustainability and animal welfare. When she’s not writing, Tatiana enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and traveling the world.","name":"Tatiana Barrie","id":"8c60c769-47b8-542b-b658-4947278b51c5","path":"/author/tatiana-barrie/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2efff47c9ef277fa369b6224bb184e40?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"April 28th, 2023","excerpt":"From the chilly shores of the Upper Peninsula to the warmer lawns of the southern region, Michigan’s climate can be as unpredictable as a Spartans vs. Wolverines coin toss. So, finding the perfect grass to withstand this moody weather is essential – not only to maintain a stunning lawn but also to ensure the health […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the chilly shores of the Upper Peninsula to the warmer lawns of the southern region, Michigan’s climate can be as unpredictable as a Spartans vs. Wolverines coin toss. So, finding the perfect grass to withstand this moody weather is essential – not only to maintain a stunning lawn but also to ensure the health and longevity of your green oasis. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best grass types for Michigan yards.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses, as the name suggests, thrive in cooler temperatures and are the ideal choice for the weather swings we experience in the Great Lake State from season to season. In this article, we’ll explore 5 cool-season grasses: Tall fescue, fine-leaf fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nNow, keep in mind that you’ll need to consider some key factors, such as your soil type and maintenance preferences, before choosing the perfect cool-season grass for your Michigan yard.
\n\n\n\nHere’s what we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are ideal for regions with hot summers and mild winters, such as the southern United States. They grow best in temperatures ranging from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and will go dormant and turn brown during cooler months.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are perfect for areas with cold winters and moderate summers, like the northern United States. They thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows them to stay green for most of the year, except in extreme heat or cold (when they go dormant).
\n\n\n\nMichigan is divided into different USDA hardiness zones, ranging from the frigid 4a zone in the Upper Peninsula to the relatively toasty 6b zone in the southern part. This means that the northern region of Michigan (Marquette, Houghton, Sault Ste) has very cold winters and short, mild summers, while the southern area (Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor) has a slightly warmer climate, especially in summer.
\n\n\n\nNow, despite these differences, cool-season grasses are the only type of grass that can thrive in the Great Lake State. Why? Michigan’s overall temperature is on the cooler side, with summer highs only reaching mid-70s to low 80s degrees Fahrenheit and winter lows dropping to 20s or even colder. Warm-season grasses, which prefer hot climates, simply can’t handle Michigan’s tough winters and milder summers.
\n\n\n\nThe following cool-season turfgrasses are not only the best options for Michigan, but also suitable for lawns across the entire state:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re living in the southern third of the Lower Peninsula, tall fescue is an excellent choice for your lawn. It has a deep root system that helps it stay strong during the hot summer months of cities like Jackson, Battle Creek, Coldwater, and Lansing. Got some big, beautiful oak trees shading your yard? No problem. Tall fescue can also grow in cool, shady areas – however, it’ll perform best with 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
\n\n\n\nThis grass species has strong durability and resistance to common Michigan turf diseases, so you can spend your weekends rooting for the Pistons or the Red Wings without worrying about your lawn’s health. Just keep in mind that fall fescue grows quickly and requires frequent mowing. Also, avoid over-fertilizing. This can cause excessive growth, making your lawn more vulnerable to diseases, such as brown patch or pythium blight.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Young tall fescue seedlings might need some extra care during the winter months. Without proper maintenance, they won’t be able to handle extreme cold temperatures. However, once they’re all grown and established, they can make it through most of Michigan’s chilly winters just fine.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine-leaf fescue is another type of fescue grass, which is known for its fine, narrow blades and its ability to grow in a variety of soil types —even the acidic, infertile soils of the western Upper Peninsula and northern areas of the Lower Peninsula. It can withstand extreme temperatures better than other types of grasses do, and since it grows at a slower rate than other varieties (like perennial ryegrass), you won’t need to spend as much time maintaining your yard.
\n\n\n\nDepending on your lawn’s conditions, you can choose between the various cultivars of fine-leaf fescue to find the best fit for your specific needs. For example, if your lawn sees a lot of foot traffic, you may want to opt for a hardier variety, like creeping red fescue, which is known for its wear resistance. If, on the other hand, your yard has a significant amount of tree cover, chewings fescue is a better choice —it’s one of the most shade-tolerant fine fescue cultivars.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red Fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. It prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fine fescue isn’t typically recommended as a standalone option. If you ¡decide to use it in your lawn, it’s important to mix it with other grass types such as Kentucky bluegrass, and Perennial ryegrass for best results.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is one of the most widely used grass types across all of Michigan’s cities. It’s cold-tolerant, which means it can handle the frosty winter months and come back in full force once spring rolls around. When summer arrives, it’s ready to take on the heat and bring a lush, green vibrancy to your lawn. However, if you live in the southeastern or southwestern regions of Michigan, you’ll need to make sure to water it consistently during the hottest months.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is also incredibly durable and can bounce back from the wear and tear of backyard BBQs, games of catch, and lazy afternoons spent lounging in the sun. Plus, it self-repairs quickly, which makes it a top pick for high-traffic lawns with active families or pets that love to run around outside. It’s important to note, though, that it has a low tolerance for shade, so it’s important to plant it in areas that receive full sun.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low shade tolerance, among the lowest of any cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate – if the lawn is not properly irrigated during hot months, the grass will become brown.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – however, its rhizomes give it an exceptional capacity to quickly recover from damage.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5 – 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 – 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: There are different types of Kentucky bluegrass. For example, some may be better suited for high-traffic areas, while others may be more drought-tolerant. To create a resilient and adaptable lawn, it’s recommended to blend between 2 to 4 cultivars together. Some great options include Alpine, Boutique, Total Eclipse, and Nuglade cultivars.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blades](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3820997510_5ae18bbfb3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCreeping bentgrass grows best in Michigan’s northern and central regions, where the climate is cooler and the summers are mild. It’s a fine-bladed grass that can create a dense, uniform lawn when properly maintained. Now, while it can give your yard a lush, green look, it’s actually pretty rare in Michigan lawns.
\n\n\n\nWhy? Well, creeping bentgrass requires a lot of maintenance. It’s prone to certain diseases, like dollar spot and brown patch, so you’ll need to be diligent about monitoring your lawn and treating any issues that arise. Additionally, it prefers well-draining soils, so if you live in an area with heavy clay or compacted soil (like the southern region of Michigan), you may need to amend your soil before planting.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Requires frequent watering, fertilizing, dethatching, and mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 0.5 – 0.125 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High disease potential. Common infections include dollar spot and brown patch.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers moist soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Creeping bentgrass is known for its aggressive, spreading growth habit. If you’re using creeping bentgrass in a mixed turf area, it’s important to contain its spread to prevent it from invading other grass types.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass with fine, shiny leaves that will leave your lawn looking like a Pure Michigan ad. While Michigan’s cold winters can be tough on this grass type, its rapid establishment can help it recover quickly from any damage. Plus, it’s also highly resistant to pests and diseases commonly found in Michigan, making it a top choice for homeowners who prefer to keep chemical pesticides at bay.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type thrives in areas such as the southwestern and southeastern parts of the Lower Peninsula, where the climate is moderated by the proximity to the Great Lakes. The coastal zones along Lake Michigan or Lake Erie can also benefit from Perennial Ryegrass’s adaptability to various soil types, including sandy soils with some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch buildup isn’t significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spots, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8 but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Perennial Ryegrass is often used in grass seed mixtures with other cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue. This combination creates a dense turf that is more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Northern Michigan include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and fine-leaf fescue. Their deep root system allows them to withstand the freezing winters while also providing excellent drought tolerance during the summer months.
While all of the grass types in this list will fit Detroit’s yards, tall fescue is certainly a top pick. Detroit’s climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, can be harsh on lawns, but tall fescue is a resilient turfgrass that can handle the warmer temperatures of the southern region of Michigan.
Additionally, this low-maintenance grass offers resistance to most local pests and diseases, which is essential considering Detroit’s humidity.
Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the best grass types for Southern Michigan’s climate. Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that’s resistant to drought and heat stress, making it ideal for the hot summers of cities like Detroit, St. Joseph, and Grand Haven.
Kentucky bluegrass is also well-suited for the fluctuating temperatures of Southern Michigan. It has a high tolerance for cold conditions, so it can withstand the freezing temperatures that the region experiences during the winter months.
Choosing the right grass for your Michigan lawn can make all the difference in creating a beautiful landscape that can thrive in our unique climate. However, don’t forget to check your yard’s conditions before making a decision. Some items to consider include:
\n\n\n\nAlso, while we’ve mentioned some low-maintenance grass options, keeping a well-groomed lawn still requires some effort and care. If you want to spend more time hiking in the Porcupine Mountains or enjoying the shores of Lake Erie, try out some low-maintenance landscaping ideas, like pairing these grasses with native plants for Michigan. You’ll have a stunning yard that not only requires less care but also contributes to the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nNeed to hire a Michigan lawn care pro near you? Connect with trusted professionals in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Wave Field / Dwight Burdette / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Michigan","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/1789c/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/107df/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.jpg 320w,\n/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/293e9/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.jpg 500w,\n/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/f2cbb/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.jpg 800w,\n/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/1789c/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.jpg 960w,\n/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/c26c2/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/1dd6e/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/67b76/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.webp 320w,\n/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/8df11/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.webp 500w,\n/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/98a65/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.webp 800w,\n/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/1dd6e/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.webp 960w,\n/static/f2475d1923fb17fc2a41bc293b8bd015/3cc96/The-Wave-Field-Earthwork-Sculpture-University-of-Michigan-Campus.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Michigan","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Need to plant new grass seed? Discover the five best grass types for Michigan's unique climate in our guide."}}},{"node":{"id":"c2d0da30-eb6c-568a-be5d-f5b2c637d1a1","slug":"spring-lawn-care-durham","path":"/lawn-care/nc/durham/spring-lawn-care-durham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"3c4f0f7e-d959-5ea1-9a84-f914bbb6828f","name":"Durham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/durham/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"April 6th, 2023","excerpt":"When spring arrives in Durham, you may be thinking about visiting a park or going on a hike to explore the city’s breathtaking nature. But if you want your lawn to be breathtaking as well, you need to put in the time early and know what you’re doing. We’ve got you covered. Here are 11 […]
\n","content":"\nWhen spring arrives in Durham, you may be thinking about visiting a park or going on a hike to explore the city’s breathtaking nature. But if you want your lawn to be breathtaking as well, you need to put in the time early and know what you’re doing.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve got you covered. Here are 11 tips for caring for your Durham lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gasoline](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pouring-gasoline-in-lawn-mower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour lawn equipment needs to function well. Hopefully, you did a little maintenance before storing it for the winter. As spring emerges, you’ll want to take it out and make sure it’s still in good working order.
\n\n\n\nEach of your pieces of lawn equipment should come with a manual that outlines the specific jobs you need to do and how often to do them.
\n\n\n\nBut to give you a rough idea of the lawn mower maintenance that will be needed, we’ve put together lists of common lawn mower maintenance tasks.
\n\n\n\nHere are typical maintenance jobs for a gas lawn mower (these may not apply to your machine; check your manual for specific instructions):
\n\n\n\n| Gas Lawn Mower Maintenance Job | Estimated Job Frequency (varies based on type) |
| Engine oil change | Either every 20 to 50 hours or once per season, whichever is first; after roughly the first 5 hours for new lawn mowers |
| Fuel change | Fuel goes bad within 30 days unless you add stabilizer |
| Sharpening and balancing | Every 20 to 25 hours of use time |
| Spark plug replacement | Once a season or every 25 hours of use time, whichever is first |
| Cleaning air fillers | At least every 10 uses, possibly more depending on your environment |
| Changing air fillers | Every month to every year, depending on your environment and usage |
| Lubricating the wheels | Once a month to twice every season, depending on usage |
Here are typical maintenance jobs for a battery lawn mower (once again, these may not apply to your machine; check your manual for specific instructions):
\n\n\n\n| Battery Lawn Mower Maintenance Job | Estimated Job Frequency (varies based on type) |
| Battery change | Between 3 and 5 years |
| Sharpen lawn mower blades and balance them | Every 20 to 25 hours of use time or twice per season, whichever is first |
| Cleaning the vents | As needed, depending on usage |
| Lubricating the wheels | Once a month to twice per season, depending on usage |
As you can see, there are a number of tasks you may need to do as part of your seasonal maintenance, and these are just for your lawn mower. On top of these, you also need to maintain your edger, your leaf blower, and your hedge trimmer, if you have them.
\n\n\n\nIt may make things easier to get a professional tune-up to make sure all your equipment is functioning properly.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-debris.jpg\")
During the winter, it’s likely that leaves, branches, and other debris have accumulated on your lawn. It’s important to clean up this debris before you mow your lawn so that you can cut it evenly and prevent damage to your mower. You can follow these steps to clean up your yard:
\n\n\n\nTip: You don’t have to discard picked-up debris, like leaves. Instead, you may be able to turn it into a nutrient-rich compost. Moreover, some of the twigs you’ve picked up could be used for DIY projects.
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWinter can take a toll on your soil, so when spring rolls around, your grass may need additional nutrients like phosphorus, lime, and magnesium. A test can help you find out if your soil is lacking in any essential nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAnother reason you should test your soil is to determine its pH level. Your soil’s pH level can tell you how well it can absorb nutrients. Each turf grass has different pH level needs, but most of them grow in soils with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.
\n\n\n\nAccording to North Carolina State University, you should do a soil test every two to three years. You can test your soil by using a home testing kit or by sending a sample to a lab. If you choose the latter, North Carolina State University accepts samples between April 1 and early November each year. At other times of the year, you’ll need to submit your soil samples to Raleigh.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to do a soil test before you fertilize your lawn so that you know which nutrients it lacks.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs spring approaches, temperature and humidity increase. That’s great for your lawn’s growth, but it also creates the perfect environment for lawn diseases to thrive.
\n\n\n\nHere are just a few of the common North Carolina lawn diseases:
\n\n\n\nThe best way to deal with lawn diseases is to prevent them. You can avoid many lawn diseases by:
\n\n\n\nYour lawn will be more susceptible to diseases if you’re dealing with any of the following:
\n\n\n\nAlways look for signs of disease and treat them right away.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spraying-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Praxis Eco Pest Control / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeeds can quickly take over a lawn and compete with grass for nutrients and water. A few common weeds include:
\n\n\n\nTo prevent weeds from sprouting, you can treat and prevent them with herbicides. There are different kinds of herbicides, so make sure you pick the right ones and apply them correctly.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides are applied before weeds emerge, which should be around March 15. It puts a chemical barrier on the surface of the soil to stop weeds from growing. It’s normally in effect for three to five months.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides are applied later in the spring, when the weeds have already emerged.
\n\n\n\nHerbicides are further categorized as either selective or non-selective. A selective herbicide targets specific weeds, whereas a non-selective herbicide is stronger and can kill any plant. Be careful if you use a non-selective herbicide because it may kill plants that you want to keep.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, you should never use any herbicide on newly seeded areas. It should also be applied at least three or four days before mowing or at least two to three days after. After application, wait 24 hours before you irrigate.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer the organic route, you can look into organic herbicides. Properly caring for your lawn by watering, mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and so forth can also make your lawn stronger and more weed-resistant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour soil may become compacted after a cold winter. To prevent your grass from suffering and even dying as a result, it’s important to aerate your lawn. This process involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeply into the roots of your grass.
\n\n\n\nBefore you aerate, consider your grass type. If you have a warm-season grass type, aerate it in late spring so that it can grow. The best time to aerate a cool-season grass type is in the fall. Following aeration, fertilization and seeding should come next (you can do either of them first). You can buy tools to aerate your lawn or contact a Durham professional.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
The right amount of fertilizer depends on the type of grass you have and the condition of your soil. As mentioned above, overfertilizing can make your lawn more susceptible to diseases. While this is especially the case for centipedegrass, it’s nevertheless important to follow the recommended guidelines for fertilizing and not exceed them.
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned above, your soil test will reveal what your soil is lacking.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers mainly consist of three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. If you buy a 24-6-6 fertilizer, it means that it’s made of 24% nitrogen, 6% phosphorus, and 6% potassium.
\n\n\n\nIdeal fertilization times depend on whether you have a warm-season or a cool-season grass type. You can learn about different Durham grass types to find out if you have a warm- or cool-season grass type. Either way, remember that you should fertilize your grass right after you aerate, if possible. You can overseed before or after you fertilize.
\n\n\n\nBut back to warm- and cool-season grasses’ fertilization needs. According to North Carolina State University, warm-season grasses don’t need fertilizer until about two weeks after they’ve started to green up. Cool-season grasses, on the other hand, should be fertilized in the fall. If you missed the recommended fertilization window, you should fertilize your cool-season grass early in the spring.
\n\n\n\nHere are the recommended fertilization times for typical Durham grass types:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Fertilization |
| Bermudagrass | Early April to May |
| Centipedegrass | June |
| Kentucky bluegrass mix | Mid September to November |
| Tall fescue | Mid September to November |
| Zoysiagrass | June to August |
![\"Bare](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Bare-Patch-Spot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf your lawn has bare patches, you need to overseed them to promote healthy growth. Overseeding should follow core aeration and can be done before or after fertilization. Just like other maintenance practices, the best time to overseed depends on your grass type.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a warm-season grass type, it’s best if you overseed it in late spring to early summer. Warm-season grasses’ optimal planting temperatures vary based on the type of grass. But broadly speaking, they begin to grow at temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and do best at 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a cool-season grass type, you should overseed it in late summer to early fall. Just like warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses’ optimal planting temperatures vary based on the type of grass. But generally, they begin to grow at temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit and do best at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIf you leave overseeding too early or too late, you risk the new grass not establishing well. Check out the best grass types for Durham if you want to know more about warm-season and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nOnce you plant your new seed, don’t forget to fertilize it if you haven’t already. Additionally, water your new grass seed regularly to ensure that it gets enough moisture for proper growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA healthy, lush lawn requires proper mowing. Avoid mowing your grass too short, as it can damage it and affect its growth. Cut no more than one-third of the grass blade in one mow, and don’t mow wet grass. Also, don’t mow for 2 to 3 days before or 3 to 4 days after applying herbicide.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be sure not to let your grass grow too long because it can become susceptible to diseases and pests. How much you’ll need to do depends on your grass type.
\n\n\n\nHere are the recommended mowing heights for Durham grasses:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 1 to 2 inches (rotary mower) or 0.75 to 1 inch (reel mower) |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 to 2 inches, depending on conditions |
| Kentucky bluegrass mix | Depends on the mix; anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 to 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | Typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on cultivar and shade; heights below 1 inch need a reel mower (which is recommended anyway) |
Tip: Once you’ve mowed your grass, you can leave grass clippings behind as natural fertilizer. But make sure that the clippings are not too long or too thick, because this will create too much thatch.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-Armyworm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: uacescomm / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike weeds, insects can threaten the health and appearance of your lawn. Common Durham pests include:
\n\n\n\nTo prevent pests, make sure to keep your grass healthy by providing it with enough water and fertilizer. Moreover, mow, aerate, and dethatch as needed.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn becomes infested with pests, use selective pesticides that kill only a certain kind of insect pests. Otherwise, you risk killing beneficial insects that prey on pests. You can also consider using natural pest control methods or seeking professional help if necessary.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs sufficient watering, but overwatering can damage it and lead to diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nThe amount of water your lawn needs depends on its type and weather conditions. Generally speaking, though, most grass types need around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. You should water your lawn to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips for watering your lawn:
\n\n\n\nPartly, the lawn care you have to do will depend on the type of grass you have in your lawn. For the best care throughout the year, it’s important to know what kind of grass you have and what it needs.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to add plants to your lawn, you can consider native plants. Natives need less care than non-natives and are beneficial to local ecosystems. Once again, make sure you choose plants that suit your specific needs and preferences.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care is just the beginning. If you’d rather enjoy the beauty of your lawn without the hassle of maintenance, you can also consider hiring a professional lawn care service to take care of it for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Greystone Mansion / Warren LeMay / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Durham Homeowners","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/1789c/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/107df/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 320w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/293e9/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 500w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/f2cbb/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 800w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/1789c/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 960w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/c26c2/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/1dd6e/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/67b76/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 320w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/8df11/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 500w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/98a65/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 800w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/1dd6e/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 960w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/3cc96/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Durham Homeowners","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you want a great lawn this year, it pays to get a good jump on it in the spring. Here’s what you should do."}}},{"node":{"id":"4984eb1f-13e3-56d1-8213-a81c782eac31","slug":"worst-weeds-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/worst-weeds-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 18th, 2019","excerpt":"It’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, prevent, and remove the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll discover:
\n\n\n\nLike any villain, weeds exploit weaknesses. If your lawn has a problem, they’ll find it and take advantage of it. Weeds are typically a symptom of an underlying issue, like thinning turf, soil compaction, or improper pH levels. Routine maintenance, like mowing, fertilizing, and watering, will keep your lawn healthy and prevent weeds from taking root.
\n\n\n\nThere are many reasons weeds are bad for your Austin lawn, including:
\n\n\n\nThere are two effective weed control methods: hand pulling and chemical treatments. Hand pulling is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Before selecting your removal method, identify the weeds you are dealing with to ensure the most effective removal.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree hand weeding is just as necessary as chemical removal methods. Aim to weed your yard and garden weekly or bi-weekly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nWhether your yard is weed-free or overrun with problems, you’ll want to watch for several types of weeds. Some are stealthy, and some are bold, but these are the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Annual-Sow-Thistle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle grows in almost every state, anywhere, including roadsides, lawns, and meadows. The plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and blooms in late spring and fall. Annual sow thistle harbors pests and looks like a cousin of dandelions.
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle is aggressive and has a shallow taproot that allows for easy hand removal. Several pre and post-emergent herbicides are also effective. Specimens have hairless, blue-green, lobed leaves attached to thick, hollow stems that produce milky sap. The flowers are bright yellow and urn-shaped, maturing into a puffy seed head similar to a dandelion.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter; summer
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained, sand, loam, clay, or chalk
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chickweed-Stellaria-Media.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChickweed seeds remain viable for 10 years, and each plant has around 25,000 seeds, making it incredibly difficult to eradicate. This upright plant creates a thick mat of small, smooth, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers.
\n\n\n\nChickweed sprouts in late summer and fall and grows through winter. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils and in shady areas under trees, close to homes, or along garden walls. Thankfully, these weeds respond well to hand pulling, and if you’re hungry, you can eat them in a salad or pesto. Just be sure to wash it first.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; shaded, moist areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/25140451756_2a557dd4c7_c-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass started off as a forage plant for livestock in the 1800s. Homeowners often confuse dallisgrass with crabgrass. This invasive nuisance forms clumps using deep rhizomes. Specimens are low-growing and coarsely textured with light green leaves and long seed heads atop tall stalks.
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass grows faster than turfgrass, and the longer it grows, the harder it is to control. It is one of the more common and problematic weeds in the Southern and Southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; moist sand or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/800px-Taraxacum_officinale_001.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell / Wikimedia Common / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDandelion is one of the most recognizable weeds in the world. The long, deeply lobed leaves form a rosette. Its rounded yellow flowers turn into fluffy puff balls that carry seeds on the wind, infesting your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHand pulling or dandelion forks work well for removal. After you rip them from your lawn, you can clean them off and eat them in everything from cookies to ice cream. Dandelion tea is also popular. Medicinally, they help with several ailments, including:
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, dandelion ford, post-emergent broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHomeowners often confuse goosegrass, also known as wiregrass, with smooth crabgrass. Specimens have leaf sheaths that end in long, thin, green, slightly hairy leaves. The seed heads comprise one to six-inch long spikes growing in a row to resemble a zipper.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass has fibrous roots and prefers compacted soil. One plant produces up to 50,000 seeds and is difficult to eliminate. They are resistant to many pre and post-emergent herbicides. Good aeration and lawn maintenance practices are the best control methods.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; prefer compacted soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; used medicinally
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, non-selective post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHenbit creeps into lawns in the early spring and grows until summer when it goes dormant. You can identify specimens from their pale purple and red blooms that grow in dense whorls. Leaves are egg-shaped, blunt, and coarsely toothed.
\n\n\n\nHenbit is a member of the mint family and is popular with bees and hummingbirds. The leaves, flowers, and square stems are edible with a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, sometimes compared to celery.
\n\n\n\nHenbit has shallow, fibrous roots and grows upright. Choose a dense, warm-season grass and maintain it regularly. It’s important to avoid overwatering, which encourages henbit growth and seed germination.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nOften labeled as the world’s worst weed, nutsedge is also called nutgrass and comes in yellow and purple varieties. Nutsedge resembles grass but grows twice as fast. You’ll notice the long, thin, light green (yellow) or dark green (purple) leaves grow taller than the rest of your lawn shortly after a mow. Aeration and proper watering techniques help control nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLike goosegrass, nutsedge has spiked seed heads. It grows via tubers and rhizomes, six to 12 inches deep. Hand-pulling nutsedge often leaves the tubers, creating a new plant in its place. Apply several applications of chemical herbicide to fend off nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Sedge
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun and wet soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses.
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, weed fork, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nPurslane, or hogweed, is a prostrate-growing plant with shiny, oblong leaves. It is fast-growing with purple-red stems and produces small, five-petaled, yellow flowers. Tiny black seeds form inside egg-shaped pods and are viable for up to 40 years. Purslane responds well to hand removal.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-12
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun; prefers well-drained, moist sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Quackgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nQuackgrass is quick-growing and resembles crabgrass. It establishes via rhizomes. Instead of spikes, the seed heads resemble wheat. Also known as common couch, quackgrass has blue-green leaves and a distinctive auricle, a small appendage that clasps around the stem.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rescuegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRescuegrass, or prairie grass, grows in late spring, summer, and fall in dense concentrations of sword-like, green leaves. Specimens crowd native plants, starving them of beneficial nutrients. The hairy leaf sheaths are a lighter green than the rest of the leaf, and the yellow seed heads have wheat-like, flattened spikelets. Remove rescuegrass by hand, but wear gloves because it is toxic to some people.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; skin irritant
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand removal, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smooth-Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThere are around 35 types of crabgrass, but the one that affects Austin homeowners the most is smooth crabgrass. It is low-growing and has dull green leaves. Its stems turn reddish-purple with age. Smooth crabgrass tolerates mowing and still produces seed at ½ inch in height.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: All
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spotted-Spurge-Trifolium-Repens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nFind spotted spurge on roadsides, sidewalk cracks, gardens, and lawns in late May through summer. Control its growth with mulch or hand-pull pesky specimens. Spotted spurge is a prostrate-growing groundcover with small, dark green, oval leaves with a dark red to purple spot in the middle.
\n\n\n\nThe stems are pink to dark red and excrete a milky sap when broken or cut. Spotted spurge blooms tiny white or pink flowers, forming inconspicuous clusters. The leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits are all slightly hairy.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; skin irritant; toxic to sheep
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\nStop weeds from taking root with these helpful tips:
● Choose the right grass type: certain grass types, like bermudagrass, are aggressive and naturally crowd out weeds.
● Keep a healthy lawn: mow, water, and fertilize according to your grass cultivar; a healthy lawn is more prepared to fend off invasive weeds.
● Apply pre-emergent herbicide: these chemicals prevent weeds from germinating
● Mulch: prevents weeds and aids in soil moisture retention
● Pull by hand: remove weeds as soon as possible
Follower these universal steps to maximize your lawn’s health:
● Mow at the right time: Mid-morning, about 9 a.m., or mid-afternoon, about 5 p.m.
● Leave grass clippings: Grass clippings provide essential nutrients for your lawn
● Keep mower blades sharp: Dull blades rip and tear your grass, causing a brown grass tip and a ragged-looking lawn
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April to avoid late-season frost and give the seed enough time to germinate before the summer.
One of the best ways to keep weeds out of your lawn is to practice good lawn maintenance. Lawn care is a lot of work, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let Wikilawn connect you with an Austin lawn care professional, so you can spend more time enjoying your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Henbit / KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"12 Worst Weeds in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.345291479820628,"src":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1789c/Henbit.jpg","srcSet":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/107df/Henbit.jpg 320w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/293e9/Henbit.jpg 500w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/f2cbb/Henbit.jpg 800w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1789c/Henbit.jpg 960w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/c26c2/Henbit.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1dd6e/Henbit.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/67b76/Henbit.webp 320w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/8df11/Henbit.webp 500w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/98a65/Henbit.webp 800w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1dd6e/Henbit.webp 960w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/3cc96/Henbit.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Worst Weeds in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 12 worst weeds plaguing Austin, TX. Learn how to identify and combat these invasive plants in our comprehensive guide."}}},{"node":{"id":"c9942dd2-14db-56df-9018-a4a748efab8b","slug":"the-worst-weeds-in-fort-worth-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them","path":"/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/the-worst-weeds-in-fort-worth-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9ccd5174-167e-5379-890b-68ac830ec905","name":"Forth Worth","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 17th, 2019","excerpt":"Some weeds always seem to grow faster than the grass. In a sense, those weeds are doing you a favor, since it makes them easier to spot and get rid of. It’s the invaders that are tough to spot that can make themselves at home and ruin your green lawn. You can control the worst […]
\n","content":"\nSome weeds always seem to grow faster than the grass. In a sense, those weeds are doing you a favor, since it makes them easier to spot and get rid of. It’s the invaders that are tough to spot that can make themselves at home and ruin your green lawn. You can control the worst weeds in Fort Worth, as long as you know how to identify them. Here are the ones to watch out for:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/tXPB9QgCyNHWO1RCTQrSiTsjNNYvZTm2RIiL8fGbMEt3ZGQOacY0yCJN4DSwhd9L9vqeJATk34eYvYbHrvfxF_BDmwfVBao7OqbLKxgtj2igT7CcTtwMtIHtCAUOv8cCq044xhIv\")
This is a grassy weed that likes to disguise itself as turfgrass, but it’s an ugly addition to any Fort Worth lawn. This weed likes to establish itself in compacted areas of your yard. It grows in a rounded shape and spreads out much like crabgrass. Goosegrass is hard to kill, and your mower may have a tough time with its thick, coarse leaves. Aerating your lawn in the spring and at the end of summer will discourage the weed from establishing. Once it settles in, spot treat areas with an herbicide, being careful not to damage the lawn.
\n\n\n\nThis sneaky weed looks a lot like grass, but you can identify it by looking at the stem. Nutsedge sprouts three thick stems from the same spot, and you need to dig up the entire nut underneath the plant to get rid of it. Nutsedge does its best to disguise itself as grass but can become an issue in Fort Worth lawns. Digging up each seed pod can be tiresome, but it is the only way to get rid of it.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/SOP83d9Blur4o_jb8DF_ClD5HkLGwy5CVYRdhXo7f_XenDOLXCj3tJqyVf3fk8tn7ZJ-bAOBG_4ECa6YknDRFc4ZVtPR-y6PwCyjG-ecCaf0RikF-sqYgmAnNQD0x_Wr2e0uVCtv\")
This edible weed features rounded red stems that are quick to spread throughout the lawn. Purslane, also known as the Dolly Parton weed, blooms from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-summer to early fall. This worst weed in Fort Worth can quickly spread through seeds and root division, making it hard to eradicate if unnoticed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Thistle,](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Gyx61nDAKL6ymEiSjd_8swWW1LjY54Ys9hgvXvdilkKrEcR4LSz0Ce1QP-GeOJGpuXgBFMCDjwtepnMXl2gfe3ou_ttwTIAVc2ici5WDVgFgyc3FU-nPr3lLAOhYHUEQhHMlGJcF\")
For those Fort Worth homeowners with small children, Thistle can be especially worrisome. This spiky weed features leaves covered in prickly spikes which can pierce the skin. Thistle is easy to spot when mature, but also requires thick gloves when removing it from the lawn. Herbicide can also be helpful once the weed starts to spread.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jjhmjjqPwNRmWtRRnVf75brJjWzS7U-V6EVv-mrWhOKggJssJ2P9JpA6hdoqU4pnwF9SKc_MUYUXxUJrs4f2XG6FWxekxiHkaYYbtQWOOlrbOn9cu0Je4rTAUmPWuR0lQGXOo2tG\")
This unique weed looks like a delicate flowering plant, but lambsquarters is one of the worst weeds in Fort Worth lawns. It spreads fast and easy and can take over the garden if not controlled. Its green, oval leaves have a white powder coating, making it easy to spot. Native Americans and some Texans eat this weed, but you need to be cautious. Lamsquarters bears a resemblance to the toxic silverleaf nightshade weed. One big difference? The silverleaf nightshade has thorny stems. A pre-emergent herbicide will stop this weed from seeding. Once it germinates, you’ll need to apply a post-emergent.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find these and of course, crabgrass growing in your Fort Worth yard this year. Checking the lawn on a regular basis, especially between mowings, will help you identify and treat the worst weeds in the Fort Worth area.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about lawn care and maintenance in Fort Worth? Check out our Fort Worth, TX lawn care page.
From Eureka to Palm Springs, homeowners all over California seek picturesque lawns to complement their landscaping. But what grass should you choose? While it depends on your specific region, some grass types do well in large portions of the state. The best grass types for California will survive and thrive in local conditions. Let’s break […]
\n","content":"\nFrom Eureka to Palm Springs, homeowners all over California seek picturesque lawns to complement their landscaping. But what grass should you choose? While it depends on your specific region, some grass types do well in large portions of the state.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for California will survive and thrive in local conditions. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each grass type, including which part of the state they can grow in.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nGrass types break down into two categories based on growth patterns: cool-season and warm-season. Cool-season grasses do best in the northern part of the United States, and warm-season grasses do best in the southern part. In the middle is the transition zone, where you can grow either type.
\n\n\n\nSince California is a large state, it spans the cool-season, transition, and warm-season zones. Cool-season grasses grow in northern, central, and coastal regions. Warm-season grasses grow in southern and central California.
\n\n\n\nWhile those in the far north or south of the state may be limited to either cool or warm-season grasses, most of California can grow either. Here are some critical differences between cool- and warm-season grasses to consider.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Agrostis_pallens_turf.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruff tuff cream puff / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are multiple types of bentgrass available in California. Due to its high maintenance, creeping bentgrass is usually reserved for golf courses and lawn tennis courts. However, California native bentgrass is more suitable for home lawns. It has a medium texture, uniform growth pattern, and deep green color. It also is known as Agrostis pallens or seashore bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia native bentgrass requires half the water of typical cool-season grasses. When faced with heavy foot traffic, its self-repairing rhizomes will heal damage. Plant it in full sun for the best growth. You can mow native bentgrass like a traditional lawn or grow it into a meadow. If you cut it back down after growing it out, gradually lower the mowing height to avoid damage.
\n\n\n\nThough California native bentgrass has many advantages, its slow growth may deter some people. Its seeds establish slowly, and sod is pricier than other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low; you can mow it or let it grow out
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-8
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Any soil with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass can be mowed or left long and meadow-like. It is best suited for coastal areas.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis state may not be Kentucky, but this grass can still grow well in Northern and Central California. Kentucky bluegrass is deep green with a medium texture. It creates a dense turf.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type grows well from fall through spring and needs moderate maintenance. It has an excellent cold tolerance, which makes it suitable for the intermountain west. Plant it in yards with full sun or some shade. Though Kentucky bluegrass is vulnerable to traffic damage, it will self-repair.
\n\n\n\nSummer is the slowest growing season for this grass. It will survive droughts by going dormant but become vulnerable to weeds and diseases if stressed by heat, dehydration, and poor soil quality. Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with at least 15% perennial ryegrass to improve its performance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRich green and fine-textured perennial ryegrass is commonly mixed with other turfgrasses but also can be used on its own. It’s primarily found in Northern and Central California, with some viability in Southern California. It does exceptionally well in the moderate temperatures of coastal California.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is moderate to high maintenance, depending on your desired mowing height. Due to its quick germination, perennial ryegrass is competitive against weeds and tolerates traffic well. You can plant it in full sun or partial shade. Since it is a cool-season grass, it has an excellent cold tolerance.
\n\n\n\nSome people use perennial ryegrass to improve the performance of Kentucky bluegrass lawns or preserve the color of bermudagrass lawns in winter. However, perennial ryegrass’ competitive growth could lead to it overpowering other grass types. It has a low tolerance for shade, heat, and drought.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low (may go dormant in summer)
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but poor recuperative ability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). It needs moderate levels of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis grass is the most common turfgrass in the state. It has a coarse texture, but the turf-type and dwarf-type tall fescue varieties have a finer texture and shorter height.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue has a relatively good heat and drought tolerance for cool-season grass. It stays green in warm and cool weather but may turn brown in severe cold. Sunny or partially sunny yards are ideal for growth. When densely sown, this grass will have a uniform texture and strong resistance to diseases and weeds.
\n\n\n\nThough it can handle moderate traffic, it won’t fill in damaged patches due to its bunch-type growth habit. Reseed the lawn if you see thinning or bare spots. Tall fescue doesn’t grow well in high altitudes, so don’t use it if you live in the mountains.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast rate of growth, so plan to mow often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side); do not mow less than 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wider range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepending on the variety, bermudagrass ranges from gray-green to blue-green to dark green, with a fine to medium texture. It loves the warm weather of Southern California and the Central California coast.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is prepared to handle full sun, high temperatures, and drought. It’s an excellent choice for coastal properties due to its salinity tolerance. Due to its resilience to foot traffic, this grass is popular with families and pet owners. Its fast-growing nature allows it to withstand diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nCold and shade will weaken this grass and leave it vulnerable to weeds and traffic damage. Long periods of cold weather will leave it brown, which makes it less suitable for Northern California. It also may pose problems in its active growth period. Many varieties require frequent mowing, fertilization, and dethatching. Without edging, it could spread to nearby gardens or yards.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases like spring dead spot are common; low resistance to insects like bermudagrass mites, dichondra flea beetles, and fiery skippers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis grass type has a fine texture and grayish-green color. Buffalograss is native to North American Plains but can do well in California. Researchers at UC Davis and UC Riverside developed the UC Verde variety to suit this state’s hot, dry summers.
\n\n\n\nUC Verde buffalograss is very low-maintenance with good resistance to diseases and pests. It requires at least 50% less water than tall fescue and bermudagrass. You can mow as often as once a week or as infrequently as once a year, depending on how manicured or natural you want it to look. UC Verde is allergy-friendly due to the low number of seedheads produced.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss won’t die if you walk over it sometimes or hold the occasional backyard event, but it’s not a good choice if you expect lots of activity on your lawn. It’s also not suited for shady yards. Buffalograss may turn brown and dormant in winter and in summer drought but will recover well. Expect to pay a higher-than-average price whether you buy seed or sod.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed; UC Verde doesn’t grow taller than 4-6 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers soils that aren’t sandy
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Buffalograss often turns brown in winter. Because of its few flowerheads, it produces little pollen and seeds, making it suitable for those with allergies.
\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\nIf you live on the SoCal coast or in the coastal valleys, consider St. Augustinegrass. It produces a dense lawn with broad leaves and a medium green color.
\n\n\n\nThis grass has few weeds and pest problems. It also can handle drought and salinity. St. Augustinegrass thrives in moderate temperatures and grows most in summer, with slow growth in spring and fall and dormancy in winter. It is one of the best warm-season grasses for shady yards but will do best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass isn’t ideal for the cold northernmost regions of California. It requires frequent mowing, fertilization, and dethatching to keep it healthy. This grass is better for decorative lawns than high-use ones due to low traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; watch out for iron deficiency, fiery skippers, and Southern chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass creates dense, uniform, prickly turf. It has a medium to fine texture and dark green color. It does well in Southern California and the coasts of Central and Northern California.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance has few pest problems and resists drought, heat, and foot traffic. The most drought-tolerant variety is Zoysia japonica. Though Zoysiagrass needs little fertilizer, fall fertilization can improve its typically brown winter color. Plant it in full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass establishes slowly, but the “DeAnza,” “El Toro,” “Emerald,” and “Victoria” varieties establish quicker. Use sod instead of plugs if you want an instant lawn. This grass type requires moderate mowing to avoid scalping. Dethatch yearly to avoid matting. A thatch-filled Zoysiagrass lawn will be challenging to mow evenly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall; watch out for nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining; some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if the grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\nCalifornia not only has a diverse culture but a diverse climate. You can narrow your turfgrass choices by general regions, such as Northern, Central, and Southern.
\n\n\n\nThe grass types listed under each region will work in most of that area. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean every city will be well-suited for those grass types or that you can’t use other grass types. For example, you will still need to consider whether you live by the ocean, inland, or in the mountains, as growing conditions will vary greatly.
\n\n\n\nSeashore bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue can stay green all year in California. These grasses may need irrigation to maintain their color year-round. Severe temperatures and drought also may cause lawns to turn brown and dormant.
The most heat-tolerant grass types in California include tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, and buffalograss. Keep in mind that heat tolerance does not always equal drought tolerance. Just because a lawn can handle a heat wave doesn’t mean it won’t want water.
If you don’t want to spend all your time mowing, fertilizing, and irrigating your lawn, consider seashore bentgrass, UC Verde buffalograss, or Zoysiagrass.
The most drought-tolerant grass types in California are bentgrass, bermudagrass, buffalograss, and Zoysiagrass.
Turfgrasses and other plants do best when they’re well-adapted to the area. California native plants are more likely to be low-maintenance and fire-resistant than non-native plants. That said, non-native plants can still be adapted to the California climate and suit your needs.
\n\n\n\nEven when broken down into Northern, Southern, and Central, California has many climates and soil types. Your property may face unique challenges that make landscaping by yourself difficult or time-consuming.
A local lawn care or landscaping professional can take yard chores off your to-do list and provide grass and plant recommendations based on your unique needs. Wikilawn can connect you with pros in Los Angeles, San Jose, Bakersfield, and many other California cities.
Main Photo Credit: Sonoma Plaza / Carlton A. Lear / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"8 Best Grass Types for California","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4796547472256474,"src":"/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/1789c/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..jpg","srcSet":"/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/107df/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..jpg 320w,\n/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/293e9/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..jpg 500w,\n/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/f2cbb/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..jpg 800w,\n/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/1789c/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..jpg 960w,\n/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/c26c2/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/1dd6e/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/67b76/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..webp 320w,\n/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/8df11/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..webp 500w,\n/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/98a65/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..webp 800w,\n/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/1dd6e/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..webp 960w,\n/static/9a8d42ef28448436d946885b593e8bf1/3cc96/Sonoma-Plaza-in-Sonoma-California-a-registered-national-historical-landmark..webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Grass Types for California","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass types for California depend on which part of the state you live in. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each of the eight turfgrasses."}}},{"node":{"id":"4c56138e-9103-52c6-81f9-eb3c6bc55d56","slug":"best-grass-types-boston","path":"/lawn-care/ma/boston/best-grass-types-boston/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp award-winning garden writer, editor, and speaker. (She speaks at libraries, garden clubs, public gardens, home and garden shows, Master Gardener groups, and horticulture industry events.) Known as a hortiholic, she frequently says her eyes are too big for her yard. She blogs at hoosiergardener.com.","name":"Jo Ellen Meyer Sharp","id":"7ac166e7-66c5-5908-b0ac-d817298c8751","path":"/author/jo-ellen-meyer-sharp/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63824390c841836ff2ffdaeb32c90d34?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bc5dd326-c9ae-59ac-ad82-e4a08e14955d","name":"Boston","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/boston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"33c4a526-c6f7-5d9e-96d4-d1803a4d03b7","name":"Massachusetts","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Boston is known for its Emerald Necklace, defined by the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed system of green spaces. You can have a little bit of the Emerald Necklace in your landscape with the correct selection of the best grass types for your Boston lawn. These are recommendations for seed or sod. In this article Kentucky Bluegrass […]
\n","content":"\nBoston is known for its Emerald Necklace, defined by the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed system of green spaces. You can have a little bit of the Emerald Necklace in your landscape with the correct selection of the best grass types for your Boston lawn. These are recommendations for seed or sod.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWant a lawn that feels perfect under bare feet? Something soft, able to withstand kid’s play or lounging on the lawn? Kentucky bluegrass is the way to go. Although it requires a little more maintenance, Kentucky blue is one of the top choices in lawns throughout the country.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance includes regular irrigation, mowing and fertilization to retain its bluish-green good looks, even in winter. Pay particular attention to irrigation. Adequate nitrogen application is important, too. Always read and follow the label directions.
\n\n\n\nIf it gets too hot and dry and there’s no irrigation, Kentucky bluegrass will go dormant. Cooler weather, rain or renewed watering the lawn will revive it quickly, unless it went more than about six weeks without water.
\n\n\n\nPerennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Unlike Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass is a good low-maintenance alternative for your Boston landscape. Perennial rye can handle foot traffic and child play, and is great for relaxing on the deep green turf.
\n\n\n\nThe blades of perennial ryegrass are medium textured rather than fine like Kentucky bluegrass. Because it germinates quickly, it sometimes is mixed in with other grass types for overseeding or to fill bare spots. Although a clump grower, it may compete with other grasses to create an odd-looking mix in the lawn. Use about a 20% perennial rye when mixing with Kentucky blue or fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is susceptible to fungal diseases like red thread and dollar spot. Several cultivars of perennial ryegrass contain beneficial fungal endophytes. These internal compounds help protect plants and enhance growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Fine-leaf Fescue
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This type includes creeping fescue, chewings fescue and hard fescue. Each can be used alone or mixed with other grasses. Fine fescues have medium to dark green narrow leaves. They tolerate acidic or low pH soil and also tolerate shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues do not like hot humid conditions, heavy fertilization or excess foot traffic, however. These may also get fungus disease, such as red thread. Although considered low maintenance, fine fescues do best when irrigated and mowed regularly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
As a rough-and-tumble lawn grass, tall fescue is at the top of the list. It is rooted in lawns throughout the country and appreciated for its low maintenance and durability. It tends to grow quickly in spring and fall, especially in open, sunny areas.
\n\n\n\nAlthough slow to establish, tall fescue requires little fertilizer and resists many pests and diseases. This makes it ideal for Boston homeowners who don’t want lawn worries. The leaf color ranges from medium to dark green with a bit of a rough. texture. Newer varieties have been developed with finer textures.
\n\n\n\nThe only warm-season grass that is winter hardy in the Boston area is zoysiagrass. It is available in the market, but homeowners should give it some thought before planting it.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it has many attributes, they may not offset other zoysia habits. For instance, zoysiagrass turns brown as soon as temperatures drop and returns to medium green when the warm season returns. In cold climates, zoysiagrass tends to be brown for a longer period than it is green.
\n\n\n\nZoysia also spreads by under- and above-ground stems (rhizomes and stolons). It readily creeps out of its space to gardens and landscape beds and the neighbor’s yard. Your neighbor will hate it.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass withstands heat, drought and foot traffic, but will thin in shade. It rarely needs to be mowed. It does need regular aeration, however. Also on the plus side, its dense growing habit discourages weeds.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like zoysiagrass grow most actively in late spring and summer when temperatures are around 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform best in the Southern United States.
\n\n\n\nA good lawn and garden center will stock the type of seed that is best for your Boston lawn, but it’s important to understand that most turf grass seed is a blend of seeds. The reason there are mixes is to get a fast-germinating seed to come on first to hold soil in place while slower-germinating seeds start to grow. Usually, a mixed seed selection can be used broadly in the landscape, from moderately shady locations to full sun. Grass seed also is sold as individual types.
\n\n\n\nBuy the best grass seed you can find. Grass is inexpensive compared to other plants in your Boston landscape. Current grass seed products are much improved over what your parents or grandparents sowed.
\n\n\n\nNewer products have been perfected with coatings that ensure good germination, such as a mini dose of fertilizer and enough moisture to get the seed growing.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow most actively in early spring and fall when temperatures are around 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re well-suited to northern climates with distinct seasons and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to sow grass seed is from mid-August to mid-September. The soil still retains summer warmth to help the seed germinate. Rains in fall also help grass seed take root and grow.
\n\n\n\nEven overseeding – sowing seed to fill in bare spots or thicken the lawn – is best down in early fall.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re a busy bee and want to save time, opt for perennial ryegrass and fescues.
Fine fescue is the best option for lawns with abundant shade.
Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass can withstand a lot of foot traffic. Zoysiagrass is also good for a busy lawn.
Fine fescue doesn’t require as much watering as other grass types. Zoysia also needs little watering.
Don’t have time to keep up with your lawn care duties? Hire a Boston lawn care pro to turn your lawn into an emerald jewel.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Unsplash
\n","title":"The Best Grass Types For a Boston Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/107df/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 320w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/293e9/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 500w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/f2cbb/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 800w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 960w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/c26c2/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/67b76/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 320w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/8df11/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 500w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/98a65/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 800w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 960w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/3cc96/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Types For a Boston Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reseeding some bare patches in your grass or putting in a new lawn? Here are the grass types that thrive best in Boston."}}},{"node":{"id":"9fc458a7-dc2c-59cf-8a99-b4ed5505b920","slug":"best-grass-types-st-petersburg","path":"/lawn-care/fl/st-petersburg/best-grass-types-st-petersburg/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"734573d5-65ff-50b5-a3d5-4fe6344a5027","name":"St. Petersburg","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/st-petersburg/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"It would be tough to find a better climate than St. Petersburg’s, with its warm temps and abundant sunshine. This tropical weather makes it a great place to live and play, but it also gives you an opportunity to have a magnificent lawn year-round, provided you know what grasses thrive here. Let’s take a look […]
\n","content":"\nIt would be tough to find a better climate than St. Petersburg’s, with its warm temps and abundant sunshine. This tropical weather makes it a great place to live and play, but it also gives you an opportunity to have a magnificent lawn year-round, provided you know what grasses thrive here.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at the seven best grass types for St. Petersburg.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll grass types come under these two categories.
\n\n\n\nAs you might have guessed, warm-season grasses thrive best in St. Petersburg’s humid subtropical climate.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a quick-spreading and fast-growing turf that looks gorgeous. It requires high maintenance and grows best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass tolerates drought but requires you to fertilize it five times a year and mow once per week. It tolerates high foot traffic too, and can quickly recover from damages. In fact, Bermudagrass is used on football fields and golf courses because of its durability.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is among the most popular turfs in the Tampa Bay area. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate shade. St. Augustinegrass looks beautiful with its dense green to blue-green coarse grass blades.
\n\n\n\nIf you have kids and pets running around your yard, St. Augustinegrass isn’t a good option, as it can’t tolerate high foot traffic. It’s a high-maintenance grass that requires you to fertilize it four times a year and mow once a week. Avoid irrigating St. Augustinegrass with salt water as it can’t tolerate salt much.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a beautiful grass that’s light to medium green in color. It’s slow growing but requires little maintenance when established. Centipedegrass grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass takes about two years to form a dense turf. During this period, you should keep the weeds in control. Centipedegrass can resist most insects but can’t tolerate high foot traffic and salt.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss looks beautiful with its bluish-green, fine-textured grass. It’s soft on bare feet, but it can’t tolerate high foot traffic. Buffalograss grows well in clay soil and can thrive in soils with pH levels between 6.0 to 8.0.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss grows best in full sun and tolerates drought. Don’t overwater it, as the grass can attract weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysia is a popular grass across Florida because it’s beautiful, durable, and can tolerate high foot traffic. It grows slowly and takes time to recover from damages. If your home is near St. Pete Beach, Zoysia can be a great option, as it can tolerate salt.
\n\n\n\nZoysia prefers full sun but can grow in partial shade too. It can resist diseases and insects, so you don’t have to worry about chinch bugs destroying your grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is distinctive with its light green appearance. It prefers full sun and can’t tolerate high foot traffic. Bahiagrass requires little maintenance and can tolerate drought. But when you don’t water the grass for an extended period, it can turn brown because of drought-induced dormancy.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass resists diseases and insects. If you have salt water in your irrigation system, stay away from this grass as it can’t tolerate salt much.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Seashore-Paspalum-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum can be a great option for homes near St. Pete Beach as it has incredible salt tolerance. It grows best in full sun and can tolerate high foot traffic. Seashore paspalum requires frequent mowing, but be careful when mowing this grass as it takes a long time to recover from damage.
\n\n\n\nSeashore paspalum can’t tolerate drought and is susceptible to diseases like large patches and dollar spots.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and buffalograss are hardy and do well in dry conditions.
If your lawn is shady, you can plant St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, Zoysia, and bahiagrass.
Buffalograss, Zoysia, and bahiagrass are the best options for low-maintenance lawns.
If you want to enjoy a lush green lawn year-round, it’s possible with these warm-season grasses. Choose a grass type that best suits your requirements and your lawn’s condition.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass and Zoysia are the most popular grass types among St. Petersburg homeowners. They both look beautiful and can tolerate high foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nPlanting the right grass can increase the appearance of your lawn. But if you want your yard to look complete, you should select the right plants and maintain your yard correctly.
Keep your lawn in good shape with Wikilawn St. Petersburg lawn care experts.
Main Image Credit: John O’Neill / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for St. Petersburg, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5873015873015872,"src":"/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/1789c/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/107df/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/293e9/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/f2cbb/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/1789c/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/c26c2/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/1dd6e/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/67b76/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 320w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/8df11/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 500w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/98a65/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 800w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/1dd6e/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 960w,\n/static/f3322f7450c3506d550786323da7bcdb/3cc96/lawn-in-st-petersburg-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for St. Petersburg, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"St. Petersburg has a tropical climate, but not all grasses thrive here. Here is a look at the grass types that look great and will thrive in this heat and humidity"}}},{"node":{"id":"4e74e7f0-cebd-5f4c-9489-64bdce0bcbdd","slug":"best-grass-types-marietta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/marietta/best-grass-types-marietta/","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":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be4f0929-508f-58b9-8ddd-9766f4abb272","name":"Marietta","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/marietta/"}],"date":"March 28th, 2023","excerpt":"Marietta is a suburb of Atlanta, a city that’s nicknamed “Hotlanta.” Thus, hot, muggy summers are the norm. However, Marietta (and the rest of Atlanta) has a climate ideal for warm and cool-season grasses. But which ones are the best grass types for your Marietta lawn? And what’s the difference between cool and warm-season grasses? […]
\n","content":"\nMarietta is a suburb of Atlanta, a city that’s nicknamed “Hotlanta.” Thus, hot, muggy summers are the norm. However, Marietta (and the rest of Atlanta) has a climate ideal for warm and cool-season grasses. But which ones are the best grass types for your Marietta lawn? And what’s the difference between cool and warm-season grasses?
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrasses come in either cool-season or warm-season. They’re categorized depending on the seasons they grow in. As you’d expect, cool-season grasses grow in late winter to early summer (where temperatures are coldest), whereas warm-season grasses grow in late spring to early fall (where temperatures are warmest).
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is one of the most popular grasses in the Atlanta area. It tolerates drought and shade and can adapt to various soil conditions. Proper care allows this grass to stay green year-round.
\n\n\n\nBecause tall fescue grows in bunches, it needs pre-emergent herbicides to thwart weeds. It also needs to be reseeded every three years to keep from becoming clumpy and thin.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch forming and spreads by tillers
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.8 and 6.5
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite what its name suggests, perennial ryegrass isn’t a year-round grass. Marietta uses it as a temporary yard or winter cover to protect your actual year-round grass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be careful about overseeding it, as it can damage the warm-season grass it covers unless you properly manage it in the spring.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch forming and spreads by tillers
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Needs moderate sun (at least 4 to 5 hours)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6 and 7
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a bright green grass that tolerates heavy use and foot traffic. Though it grows best in partial shade, it will grow in full sunlight if given enough water. Kentucky bluegrass becomes semi-dormant in summer and grows best in neutral soils.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6 and 7
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want low-maintenance grass, centipedegrass is an excellent option. It tolerates drought, grows best in full sunlight, and fights off insects and diseases well.
\n\n\n\nHowever, centipedegrass doesn’t handle foot traffic well, so if you plan on letting your kids and pets run around in the yard a lot, you’ll want to pick another grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5 and 6
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a fast-growing grass that can form a dense and attractive lawn. It performs best in full sun, although it can handle partial shade.
\n\n\n\nHowever, St. Augustinegrass can’t tolerate cold or heavy foot traffic, and because it grows so quickly, it needs frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but some varieties can tolerate more shade
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3.5 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6 and 6.5
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is one of the more versatile grasses in Marietta. It forms a dense turf when properly maintained and can handle various soils. It prefers full sun and needs eight hours of sunlight daily to perform at its best, although some varieties can tolerate shade.
\n\n\n\nHowever, zoysiagrass can’t tolerate cold and grows more slowly than other turfgrasses. It also needs more watering during the summer months.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and 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: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.8 and 7
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a textbook example of warm-season grass. It grows best during the warm months, goes dormant during the winter months, and thrives in hot weather. It also grows in many soils and can become a firm turf with proper maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Bermudagrass spreads quickly around flower beds, walks, and borders, and if fertilized well enough, it’ll need frequent mowing. If you want low-maintenance grass, this isn’t it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.8 and 7
\n\n\n\nIf you’re too busy to invest a lot of time in your lawn, go for centipedegrass.
Bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass are the way to go.
If your yard gets a lot of shade, anything but Bermudagrass and perennial ryegrass can work.
When picking suitable grass, you must understand your yard and how much work you want to put into it.
\n\n\n\nAfter choosing your grass, supplement your yard with some of the best native plants in Marietta and take it to the next level with some low-maintenance landscaping ideas.
\n\n\n\nKeep your lawn healthy with help from some of Wikilawn’s Marietta lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Communications Office / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Types for Marietta, GA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/1789c/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/107df/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 320w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/293e9/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 500w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/f2cbb/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 800w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/1789c/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 960w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/c26c2/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/1dd6e/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/67b76/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 320w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/8df11/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 500w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/98a65/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 800w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/1dd6e/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 960w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/3cc96/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Types for Marietta, GA","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you live in Marietta, you’ll want a good lawn to complement your house. Knowing what grasses thrive in our climate is essential."}}},{"node":{"id":"18973f4d-a6fe-5953-a87b-24b14dc8b996","slug":"best-native-plants-atlanta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/best-native-plants-atlanta/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 18th, 2019","excerpt":"With Atlanta’s moderate climate and ample rainfall, it’s home to a variety of beautiful native plants that can add color and texture to your garden. As you design your landscape, note that plants native to Atlanta offer several advantages over non-native species. If you’re ready to create a more sustainable and diverse outdoor space that […]
\n","content":"\nWith Atlanta’s moderate climate and ample rainfall, it’s home to a variety of beautiful native plants that can add color and texture to your garden. As you design your landscape, note that plants native to Atlanta offer several advantages over non-native species.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to create a more sustainable and diverse outdoor space that celebrates the natural beauty of Atlanta, here are 12 native plants to get you started.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/american-beautyberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Donald Lee Pardue / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the woodlands of the southeastern United States, American beautyberry is commonly found growing along forest perimeters and in the areas adjacent to the woods – spanning from Texas and Oklahoma all the way to Florida and up to Maryland.
\n\n\n\nThis deciduous shrub is a member of the mint family and boasts bright purple berries that cluster along its stems from August to November. Its green leaves turn yellow in the fall, creating a striking contrast with the berries.
\n\n\n\nAtlanta homeowners love American beautyberry not just for its ornamental value but also for its practical uses. And if you’re an avid bird watcher, its berries are a favorite among local bird species. Since it’s relatively easy to grow and requires minimal care, this native plant is an excellent understory shrub for any Atlanta garden. For mass plantings, red chokeberry, oakleaf hydrangea, and great laurel are excellent companion plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun and partial shade – needs at least four hours of exposure to direct sunlight per day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows best in rich, organic loam soil but can tolerate a range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch per week (during dry spells, it needs slow, deep watering)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause mild stomach cramps if taken in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bigleaf-Magnolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Soil-Science.info / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBigleaf Magnolias are beautiful hardwood trees with huge leaves and large, fragrant flowers. They’re particularly abundant in the Appalachian Mountains, but you can find them planted in a variety of settings throughout Atlanta, including public parks, gardens, and natural areas. Even the historic Oakland Cemetery has a number of bigleaf magnolias planted.
\n\n\n\nWith its impressive size and striking appearance, the “queenliest of all the deciduous magnolias” is an excellent addition to woodland gardens or partially shaded areas. Its fragrant, creamy white flowers, which can be up to 12 inches in diameter, bloom in spring. During its bloom time, this shade tree attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 30-60 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous – semi-evergreen in the deep South
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows best in loose, well-drained, and moist neutral to acidic soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – but can be drought-tolerant
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bottlebrush-Buckeye.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendy Cutler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in western Georgia, bottlebrush buckeyes are so named for their showy, white flower clusters, which resemble the shape of a bottlebrush. The distinctive flowers typically bloom in late spring or early summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nIn the fall, the shrub’s green leaves turn a lovely shade of yellow-green, providing additional visual interest. Low-maintenance yet impressive, the bottlebrush buckeye prefers well-drained, mostly wet soil and can tolerate partial shade. This border plant is excellent for lining driveways and property lines.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Can tolerate partial shade but does best in full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – infrequent but deep watering
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Very poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed is popular for attracting pollinators, especially butterflies, to gardens and landscapes. In fact, it’s an important host plant for monarch butterflies, providing crucial habitat for their eggs and larvae. You’ll see butterfly milkweed planted in various outdoor spaces throughout Atlanta, such as gardens, nature centers, and parks like Piedmont Park.
\n\n\n\nSince this perennial herb can tolerate drought conditions and prefers full sun and well-drained soil, it’s perfect for planting in hot, dry areas. It typically blooms in the summer, producing clusters of bright orange flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All its parts are toxic and can even be fatal if consumed in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Carolina-Silverbell.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the southeastern United States, the Carolina silverbell is valued for its showy, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring – which is typically before its leaves reappear. The drooping clusters of white or light pink flowers add aesthetic appeal while attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to see how these ornamental trees look in person before you plant them in your backyard, you can go to Lullwater Conservation Garden, which has a collection of native plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-40 feet tall, 15-35 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The seeds can be toxic and fatal to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coastal-Pepperbush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnother perennial shrub native to Atlanta, Coastal Pepperbush, can be found in stream banks, swamps, and hillside bogs. Its bloom time is typically mid to late summer, producing fragrant white or pink flowers that are a favorite of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The plant’s leaves are deep green and can turn a lovely shade of yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThis native shrub can tolerate salt spray and is also a good choice for naturalizing – it can be used in rain gardens or as a groundcover to prevent erosion. With its fragrant flowers and adaptability to coastal environments, the Coastal Pepperbush is an excellent addition to any southeastern garden.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to wet, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coral-Honeysuckle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle is a beautiful vine that is native to the Southeast, including Georgia. It typically blooms in the spring, producing bright coral-red flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds, bumblebees, and other pollinators. This perennial vine is also the larval host plant for both the snowberry clearwing moth and spring azure butterfly.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant this vine to attract wildlife to your garden, as its berries are a food source for birds like the Eastern bluebird and American goldfinch. With its showy flowers and importance to wildlife, coral honeysuckle is an excellent addition to any southeastern garden focused on conservation and sustainability.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet long
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types but prefers rich, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its red berries are toxic to humans but favored by birds
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Crossvine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA beautiful flowering vine, crossvine can climb up fences and trees – reaching up to 50 feet in length. The natural habitat for this fast-growing vine includes forests, lowlands, uplands, and clearings, but it can be an excellent choice for adding color and visual appeal to your Atlanta garden. This vine is also deer-resistant and can be used to cover unsightly fences or walls.
\n\n\n\nThe cross-shaped pattern inside its trumpet-shaped, red-orange flowers is where this perennial vine got its common name. Its bloom time is usually in the spring but can be as early as late winter. Plus, its glossy green leaves can provide an attractive backdrop to the flowers. Allowing this vine to spread out horizontally on a sun-drenched incline would make for excellent groundcover.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 36-50 feet long
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous to mostly evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA common tree species in Atlanta, flowering dogwoods are planted throughout the city in parks and gardens, and along streets and sidewalks. The best places to see flowering dogwoods include Piedmont Park and Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
\n\n\n\nThe flowering dogwood is so named for its showy, four-petaled flowers, which are white or pink and bloom in early spring before the tree’s leaves appear. The lovely flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. In the fall, the tree’s leaves turn a vibrant red before falling off, providing additional visual interest.
\n\n\n\nThis deciduous tree is also an important food source for birds like the Eastern bluebird and northern cardinal, as its bright red berries provide nourishment in the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-65 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Part shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mountain-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the southeastern United States, mountain azaleas can be found growing in some parks and gardens throughout the Atlanta area. It typically blooms in mid to late spring and provides any garden with a striking display of pink and white flowers. And during fall, its light green leaves turn a lovely yellow color.
\n\n\n\nWhether used as a specimen or planted in masses, the mountain azalea prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, making it fantastic for planting in woodland gardens or other shaded areas. This perennial shrub is also an important source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mountain-Silverbell.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nMountain silverbell got its common name from its bell-shaped, white or pinkish flowers. It usually blooms in early spring before the tree’s leaves appear. In the fall, the tree’s leaves turn a vibrant yellow, providing additional visual interest.
\n\n\n\nThis deciduous tree is relatively average in height compared to other larger, more common species, but it can grow up to a height of around 60 feet. It’s also an important food source for wildlife, as its fruit provides nourishment for birds like the Northern Bobwhite and wild turkey.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, organic loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple.jpg\")
Red Maple Tree
Photo Credit: David Wagner / PublicDomainPictures / CC0 1.0
Native to eastern North America, red maples can be found from Canada to Florida and west to Texas. In Atlanta, you’ll find these perennial trees in parks and gardens like Grant Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden, as well as many residential neighborhoods throughout the city.
\n\n\n\nThe red maple is so named for its red flowers, twigs, and leaves, which exude striking appeal throughout the year. The tree’s leaves are bright green in the spring and summer and turn a brilliant red or orange in the fall, making it an excellent choice for a shade tree that adds vibrant colors to your yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-60 feet tall, 25-45 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, slightly acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic, especially the wilted and dried leaves
\n\n\n\nAs the capital and largest city in the state of Georgia, Atlanta boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, from the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains to the coastal plains of the Georgia Piedmont. This means that Atlanta is home to many native plants, including mountain azalea, American beautyberry, and flowering dogwoods.
\n\n\n\nHowever, not all native plants will thrive in every part of the city, as each area has its unique soil composition, rainfall patterns, and sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting native plants for your Atlanta landscape, consider each plant’s specific needs and the conditions of your yard. For example, plants that prefer acidic soil, such as mountain azaleas, may not do well in areas with alkaline soil. Similarly, plants that require full sun exposure, such as butterfly milkweed, may not thrive in shady areas.
\n\n\n\nBy choosing native plants well-suited to your microclimate, you can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that supports local wildlife and helps preserve Atlanta’s natural beauty.
\n\n\n\nAtlanta is generally considered to be in USDA hardiness zone 7b, with an average annual minimum temperature range of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some parts of the city may fall into neighboring hardiness zones, depending on their specific microclimate and elevation. It’s crucial to keep your hardiness zone in mind when selecting plants for your landscape, as it can help you choose plants that are well-suited to the local climate and will thrive in your yard.
\n\n\n\nIn general, a plant is considered native to a certain area if it has evolved and existed in that region for a long time. These plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and other environmental conditions, making them well-suited to thrive in their native habitat.
The best time to plant native shrubs and flowering plants in Atlanta is typically in the fall or early spring. During these times, the temperatures are mild and rainfall is more abundant.
In the fall, planting should be done before the first frost, which typically occurs in late November or early December in Atlanta. Doing so gives the plants enough time to establish themselves before the winter cold.
In the spring, planting should be done after the last frost, which typically occurs in mid-to-late March in Atlanta. This way, the plants can take advantage of the longer days, warmer temperatures, and spring showers, which promote growth and establishment.
Native plants are essential for maintaining healthy and sustainable ecosystems. These plants have evolved over time to thrive in their specific environments, providing important ecological functions and supporting local wildlife.
Support biodiversity: One of the primary benefits of native plants is their ability to support biodiversity. Native plants provide food and habitat for various animals, including insects, birds, and mammals. For example, native flowering plants provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, while native trees and shrubs provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.
Support the soil: Native plants also help maintain soil health and prevent erosion. These plants have adapted to local soil conditions and help to build healthy soil structures, which in turn can reduce soil erosion and improve water quality.
Support the ecosystem: Native plants also require less water and fertilizer than non-native plants, making them more sustainable and cost-effective choices for landscaping. Plus, they can help create healthy and diverse ecosystems that are more resilient to invasive species.
When it comes to watering native plants, timing and frequency are key. Generally, it’s important to water deeply and infrequently rather than applying small amounts of water frequently. This helps to encourage deep root growth, which in turn promotes plant health and resilience.
Native plants should be watered when the top inch of the soil already feels dry to the touch. This may vary depending on local weather conditions, soil type, and the plant’s specific needs. During hot, dry weather, native plants may require more frequent watering to maintain proper moisture levels. But don’t overdo it to avoid issues like root rot.
It’s better to apply water directly to the base of the plant rather than spraying the leaves or flowers. This helps to prevent fungal growth and other plant diseases.
In addition to proper watering, it’s also important to mulch around the base of native plants. Doing so can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce water evaporation while also suppressing weed growth and promoting soil health.
If you’re looking to incorporate more native plants into your Atlanta landscape, there are several local nurseries and plant resources to check out. However, it’s important to remember to source your plants ethically and never transplant them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nA great resource for finding information on trees, wildflowers, and other native plant species, the Georgia Native Plant Society also recommends the following local nurseries in the Atlanta area:
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting native plants for your landscape, consider the specific environmental conditions of your site, such as soil type, sun exposure, grass type, and drainage. But filling your yard with native plants is just one step in creating a sustainable and low-maintenance landscape. You also must consider other landscaping ideas that complement your native plants, such as mulching, composting, and using rain barrels to capture and reuse rainwater.
Transform your lawn into a beautiful and thriving garden with the help of a professional landscaper. Connect with a local landscaping pro today.
Main Image Credit: Pixnio
\n","title":"12 Best Native Plants for Atlanta, GA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1789c/native-plants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/107df/native-plants.jpg 320w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/293e9/native-plants.jpg 500w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/f2cbb/native-plants.jpg 800w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1789c/native-plants.jpg 960w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/c26c2/native-plants.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1dd6e/native-plants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/67b76/native-plants.webp 320w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/8df11/native-plants.webp 500w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/98a65/native-plants.webp 800w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1dd6e/native-plants.webp 960w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/3cc96/native-plants.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Best Native Plants for Atlanta, GA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the best native plants for Atlanta and where to buy these landscape plants that thrive in humid subtropical climates."}}},{"node":{"id":"b1284be0-1285-5bf5-9829-3e5ed2610fad","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-atlanta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/lawn-mowing-maintenance-atlanta/","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":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"You don’t have to have a gift for the obvious to know that Atlanta, Georgia, is hot and humid, and the plants grow like crazy, especially in the summer. But what you may not know is that not all grass is the same. Knowing the difference can mean you have a lush, green lawn instead […]
\n","content":"\nYou don’t have to have a gift for the obvious to know that Atlanta, Georgia, is hot and humid, and the plants grow like crazy, especially in the summer. But what you may not know is that not all grass is the same. Knowing the difference can mean you have a lush, green lawn instead of a sparse, stressed one. Here are some tips for lawn mowing and maintenance in Atlanta.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/UjItj78JVyWsPYlbdxXMmo4svIO3j-RPUAUeF5Kfle4oKAZKR0PlBprmYo-3VfNktpS_8Y1oJHfPu2oEF-F_5mfAm9-9FiJgyMoRiO1AU04NPLvsQNlJY-a2JJCdvodwo68L1-7B\")
St. Austinegrass
\n\n\n\nIn Georgia, it’s a good bet you have warm-season grass growing on your lawn. They are heat resistant and tolerate a Georgia summer well. The most popular varieties include St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, and centipede grass. If you aren’t sure which kind you have, you can take a few plants down to your local garden store or extension agency, and they can identify it for you.
\n\n\n\nWhat you don’t want to do is scalp or shave your lawn. Some homeowners love the look of a closely cropped lawn, and others do it because they think it saves them from having to cut it again too soon. But cutting it too close stresses out the grass. Taller grass also shades the soil in the heat of the summer. The recommended height for Bermudagrass is 0.5 – 1.5 inches tall; Zoysiagrass is the same. Cut centipedegrass to a height of 1.5 and 2.5 inches. St. Augustinegrass does well when it’s between 2 to 4 inches tall. Cut on the shorter end in the spring to get rid of dead grass, and cut on the longer end in July and August to help keep the soil shaded and retain more water. Keep your blades sharp, and never cut more than one-third of the lawn’s height in any one mowing. Finally, leave the grass clippings to decompose. It helps feed the soil (and cuts down on the amount of work for you!)
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uXkl1_zHYwisQtts50iW2-kerBoBAouSxPfHL6zuJZU5efTQ_nQDc0nFRbmpdFZ5gnyHanrRYjah3u1jilugqxcT9WpBmWYK057E7yFSOQxJfBxi-i8qbgQGZIAN4QR2MySUtRBK\")
You should fertilize and put down some pre-emergent herbicide in February, say about Super Bowl Sunday. Some people administer the fertilizer and weed killer separately, others swear by weed-and-feed mixtures. Either way, early spring is the time to give your lawn the proper nourishment it needs for the long growing season ahead, and to get a jump on those weeds.
\n\n\n\nMake sure your lawn is getting about an inch or so of water a week, whether it’s rain or from a sprinkler. Grass needs a good, long drink a few times a week, rather than a shallow watering every day or so. And in Atlanta, you want to water early in the morning. It’s the coolest time of the day and helps the water soak into the ground, not evaporate. And as the sun rises and the day heats up, it dries up the remaining water droplets on the grass blades, lowering the risk of fungus and disease.
\n\n\n\nFertilize again at the end of the summer. Aerating before fertilizing in the spring and the fall helps oxygen get into your soil and gives the roots the elbow room they need in the active growing season.
\n\n\n\nAtlanta’s heat and humidity are a blessing for homeowners when it comes to their lawns. Your grass can be thick and bright green with just a little regular maintenance from you. Once you do what you can to nurture your yard, let nature give your lawn the boost it needs to be the envy of the block.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawns or lawn care in Atlanta? Visit our Atlanta, GA lawn care page.
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"Lawn Mowing and Maintenance in Atlanta","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5375375375375375,"src":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1789c/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/107df/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 320w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/293e9/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 500w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/f2cbb/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 800w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1789c/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 960w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/a2a79/lawn-mower-red-toro.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1dd6e/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/67b76/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 320w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/8df11/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 500w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/98a65/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 800w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/1dd6e/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 960w,\n/static/2cfec425e6e282732f318eca5a6fbffd/7aa54/lawn-mower-red-toro.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Mowing and Maintenance in Atlanta | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"a4004a53-8114-5035-b3c0-7fc3929c7037","slug":"best-grass-for-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/best-grass-for-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"The American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much. But hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and […]
\n","content":"\nThe American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much.
\n\n\n\nBut hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and take care of your lawn properly. So while your neighbors might instead embrace drought-tolerant xeriscaping that needs little water, if you just can’t live without a lawn, we’ve got a list of the best grasses that grow best in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWhat do these grasses have in common? We’ll get into the particulars below, but in general, they handle the heat well and don’t require as much water as other species, which makes them well-suited to the searing, dry desert climate.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the fastest-growing of all the warm-season grasses, making it difficult to control, especially around flower beds or borders. But its fast growth rate means it stands up well to heavy foot traffic. Bermudagrass likes direct sun and needs soil with good drainage, making it ideal for this climate. And best of all, it’s equally well adapted to the low desert valleys of Phoenix and the higher elevations of northern Arizona, around Flagstaff.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Good; can go dormant during extended periods of drought, however
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\nNote: Bermudagrass goes dormant in the winter and stays dormant longer than other warm-season grasses like Zoysia.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palmetto-St.-Augustine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPalmetto St. Augustinegrass is akin to its East Coast cousin, St. Augustinegrass, but is darker and has a finer texture. It does well in all kinds of conditions — shade, cold, heat, and drought – making it an excellent choice for Arizona lawns. It also endures foot traffic reasonably well and doesn’t need a great deal of water – about an inch a week on average.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Midiron.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nThe most widely used turf grass in Arizona, Midiron is a tough, durable, medium-textured grass known for its beautiful blue-green color. Midiron is a hybrid Bermudagrass, so it tolerates drought, requires little maintenance, and can withstand a great deal of foot traffic. Although it goes dormant in the winter, it recovers quickly when overseeded, so you can transition back to a green yard as the weather warms up. It also can be planted in hard soils like sand or clay, which are found in abundance here in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: 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: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nJust because all these grasses do well in Arizona, doesn’t mean they all work equally well for you. The type of grass you choose also has to do with your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and the amount of effort you are willing to commit to maintaining your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider:
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather spend more time enjoying life and less time dealing with your lawn, go with midiron.
If so, the only option is Palmetto St. Augustinegrass. All the other grasses struggle in shade.
If you need a lawn that can stand up to heavy foot traffic, choose midiron or Bermudagrass.
With the desert climate in Phoenix, warm-season grasses look beautiful through spring and summer but can leave your lawn brown and unattractive in winter.
\n\n\n\nYou can avoid this by overseeding with cool-season grasses like annual and perennial ryegrass and creeping bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Arizona recommends overseeding in October when the daytime temperatures are between 80 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nNeed help choosing the best grass for your Arizona yard? Contact a local lawn care professional to install and maintain your beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Mcmillin24 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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