![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Cincinnati is known for its hilly terrain, abundant breweries, and world-class chili. However, when not at Skyline Chilli or Rhinegeist Brewery, many locals enjoy spending time outdoors. Picking the perfect grass for your Cincy home will beautify your yard and improve your outdoor living experience. For example, if you enjoy playing soccer, you should choose […]
\n","content":"\nCincinnati is known for its hilly terrain, abundant breweries, and world-class chili. However, when not at Skyline Chilli or Rhinegeist Brewery, many locals enjoy spending time outdoors. Picking the perfect grass for your Cincy home will beautify your yard and improve your outdoor living experience. For example, if you enjoy playing soccer, you should choose a grass variety that tolerates heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nWe researched and compiled a list of the best Cincinnati grass types. We break down each variety and explain its strengths and weaknesses. As a result, this guide empowers you to choose the best grass for your Cincinnati home.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost Cincinnati locals prefer cool-season grass because it can survive and flourish through long winters. Cool-season grasses grow best in the fall and spring and may go dormant in July and August, especially during dry spells. In addition, they usually go dormant in the winter once the soil is colder than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
The majority of lawns throughout Cincinnati have Kentucky bluegrass. It’s the most popular lawn grass in the United States and boasts the highest cold tolerance of all cool-season grasses. Homeowners love its lush appearance and appreciate how quickly it recovers after distress. In fact, the Great American Ballpark even uses a Kentucky bluegrass blend.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Kentucky bluegrass is also high maintenance. It prefers well-drained soil, but Cincinnati’s soil contains a lot of clay, so it doesn’t always drain well. However, aerating your lawn will improve drainage and help you maintain healthy turf. Additionally, Kentucky bluegrass requires lots of water, sunshine, dethatching, and fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: During the summer it needs about 2 to 3 inches of water per week. Be sure to fertilize in the fall and as needed throughout the year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Another popular turfgrass is perennial ryegrass. Its color and texture resemble Kentucky bluegrass, but it takes less time to establish and can handle heavier foot traffic. So, it is often used to overseed recreational turf.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass loves sunshine but many cultivars can tolerate partial shade. It prefers loamy soils that are well-drained and fertile, so be sure to aerate and fertilize. However, you probably won’t have to worry about dethatching because perennial ryegrass doesn’t develop significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, 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: Although it goes dormant in the summer, you should still water the lawn.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn with fine blades choose fine fescues, such as creeping red and chewing fescue. Fine fescue doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer, water, or mowing and thrives in cool and humid climates. However, it prefers well-drained soil so be sure to aerate. Although some residents have a pure fescue lawn, many homeowners prefer fine fescue blends.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a lot of trees in your yard, consider fine fescue, because it is the most shade tolerant cool-season grass. However, it isn’t suitable for sports or keg parties because fine fescue doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\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. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: You may need to dethatch the lawn every couple of years.
\n\n\n\nAnother low-maintenance turfgrass is tall fescue. Its coarse deep green blades don’t require a lot of fertilizer or water but require more mowing than fine fescue. And although tall fescue prefers cool temperatures, it is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass, so it will survive a summer heat wave.
\n\n\n\nHowever, tall fescue is intolerant to foot traffic and slowly recovers when damaged. Although it isn’t recommended for outdoor sports or doggy playgrounds, some modern cultivars are better suited to handle foot traffic.
\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: Tall fescue is susceptible to a fungus called Acremonium coenophialum, which harms horses.
\n\n\n\nYes, although it is easier for cool-season grass to thrive in Cincinnati. Some Cincinnatians prefer cold-tolerant warm-season grasses, such as:
● Zoysia japonica
● Pensacola bahiagrass
● Yukon Bermudagrass
Aeration is part of Cincinnati’s fall lawn care checklist and the best months to aerate are September and October. Because the local soil contains a lot of clay, you must aerate to ensure proper soil drainage and prevent the soil from becoming compacted.
The best time to overseed your Cincy lawn is early Fall, within 48 hours of aerating. This is also a good time to apply fertilizer.
Spring lawn care in Cincinnati includes the following:
● Raking and removing debris: When the snow melts, wet yard waste traps moisture in your lawn, making it susceptible to snow mold.
● Resume mowing: Once the grass is about 2 inches tall, it is time to resume regular mowing. Never mow more than one-third of the grass’s height, and follow cutting guidelines for your turf species.
● Pre-emergent herbicides: Weeds tend to sprout in the spring.
● Pest control: Many of Cincinnati’s yard pests surface in the spring.
When selecting vegetation for your Cincinnati home, consider the following:
\n\n\n\nThe best way to maintain a lush lawn free of weeds, pests, and diseases is to hire a lawn care pro in Cincinnati. In addition to maintaining your property, landscaping professionals can help you maintain an alluring landscape that thrives in Cincy’s soil.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: David Ohmer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nYou can enjoy a fantastic garden in Lilac City by planting native plants that are adapted to the city’s warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Let’s take a look at the 10 best native plants for Spokane.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants belong to a specific region and have been growing there for several years. They are well-adapted to a region’s weather and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why native plants are better than non-natives.
\n\n\n\n![\"blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/27035188264_f232e288e8_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon camas is beautiful with its star-like violet-colored florets. It blooms from April to June and goes dormant for the rest of the year. When in full bloom, this flower attracts pollinators such as mason bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies.
\n\n\n\nCommon camas prefers full sun and grows best in moist, humus-rich soil. Plant the camassia bulb with the pointy end facing up. Also, leave a 6-inch gap between each bulb.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2.5 feet tall and a foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green, with violet blooms
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Sierra](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sierra-Shooting-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSierra shooting star earns its name from the tiny “shooting stars” that appear to shoot flames from the end. Sierra shooting star blooms from April to June and looks attractive with lavender or bluish flowers. Bumblebees love this flower, and they are its primary pollinator. Sierra shooting star grows best in full sun and humus-rich, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green, with purple flowers
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, and well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: N/A
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-Ribes-sanguineum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson from Williton, UK / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed flowering currant grows best in full sun and blooms from May to June. The red flowers are a treat to hummingbirds and butterflies and have a distinctive sweet, spicy, and resinous scent.
\n\n\n\nIn the fall, red flowering currant produces small dark blue fruits that songbirds love. These berries are edible, and you can use them to make jam or syrup.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium to dark green, with red flowers
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Salal-Gaultheria-shallon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wing-Chi Poon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalal has shiny dark green leaves with bell-shaped pinkish-white flowers that appear in spring. Once the blooming season ends, the flowers transform into dark edible berries that you can use to make jellies. Birds love these berries, too, so, make sure you get them before the birds do.
\n\n\n\nSalal grows best in partial to full shade, reaching heights up to 6 feet. It has a deep root system and can grow in most soil types. Salal can spread up to 5 feet over time, creating a thicket that birds love.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Indian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Plum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS – Pacific Region / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndian plum has a delicate appearance with pale green leaves. It blooms during early spring, displaying white flowers that attract native bees, hummingbirds, and moths. Indian plum grows best in partial shade and can reach up to 15 feet in height.
\n\n\n\nIndian plum produces fruits during summer that are edible for humans. They have a bitter taste even when fully ripe.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kirt Edblom / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOregon grape blooms in spring, producing bright yellow flowers that are lightly scented. These flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The flower matures into fruits during summer. It grows best in full sun and can tolerate almost all soil types.
\n\n\n\nOregon grape berries are edible for humans, but they have a sour taste to them. The shiny green leaves of this shrub look unique with its wavy spine-tipped edges.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green. Turns hues of red and purple in the winter.
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry blooms in spring, producing pinkish-white flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies love. These flowers mature into edible, tasty berries during fall.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry grows best in shady conditions and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. It can also grow in sunny conditions, but the growth rate will be slower and limited to 6 feet. Evergreen huckleberry is an attractive shrub with oval to lance-shaped glossy green leaves.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is an attractive shrub that grows best in full sun. It grows quickly and can reach up to 9 feet tall. Red-osier dogwood blooms during late spring, producing clusters of small white flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub stands out among other plants during winter with its bright red stems. The leaves look simple, with a dark green appearance on top and a paler appearance below.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 9 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium to dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loam, clay, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVine maple is a small deciduous, multi-stemmed tree that grows up to 30 feet in height. It grows best in full sun and prefers humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nVine maple blooms during late spring, producing red and whitish-green flowers. It features distinctive bright green leaves during spring, but they become red, orange, and yellow during fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8090352658_f3dbbefe27_c-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild ginger is a good ground cover for shady areas. It blooms from April through July, producing cup-shaped, brownish-red flowers that specifically attract pipevine swallowtails. Wild ginger prefers humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It can’t tolerate direct sun. In fact, the leaves can even burn when exposed to the summer sun.
\n\n\n\nWild ginger doesn’t produce ginger as you’d imagine. But, when you crush the leaves, they release a ginger-like odor, thus the reason behind its name.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ground cover
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 inches tall and 24 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans
\n\n\n\nNative plants naturally thrive here, so they require little maintenance and are more eco-friendly than non-natives.
\n\n\n\nSpokane’s hardiness zone is 6, meaning the summers are warm, and the winters are cold and snowy. All plants listed here are native to Washington and can thrive in Spokane’s climate. So now it’s a matter of choosing the ones that suit your taste and your maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nAlso, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity, especially if you have kids and pets.
\n\n\n\nNow that you have chosen the best native plants, it’s time to work on other factors to make your landscape look the best in your neighborhood. Also, don’t forget to select a grass that thrives here.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to experience a lush, green, and healthy lawn without breaking a sweat, Wikilawn Spokane lawn care pros can help.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Riverside, Spokane / Roman Eugeniusz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Spokane, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1789c/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/107df/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 320w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/293e9/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 500w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/f2cbb/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 800w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1789c/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 960w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/c26c2/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1dd6e/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/67b76/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 320w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/8df11/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 500w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/98a65/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 800w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1dd6e/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 960w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/3cc96/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Spokane, WA","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You can enjoy a fantastic garden in Spokane by planting native plants that adapt easily to the city's warm summers and cold, snowy winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"cbdb6945-52ef-5a57-a3fb-89c398f6455c","slug":"orlando-parents-teaching-children-the-beauty-of-gardening","path":"/lawn-care/fl/orlando/orlando-parents-teaching-children-the-beauty-of-gardening/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?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":"a47ebc3c-cc0b-5c7a-9e60-90ac2de0ec2d","name":"Orlando","count":10,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/orlando/"}],"date":"January 24th, 2019","excerpt":"As anyone who loves to spend the day in the garden knows one of the greatest senses of accomplishment can be leading a friend or loved one to find their own personal joy in the art and science of home gardening. This, of course, extends to the children and young adults in our lives. But […]
\n","content":"\nAs anyone who loves to spend the day in the garden knows one of the greatest senses of accomplishment can be leading a friend or loved one to find their own personal joy in the art and science of home gardening. This, of course, extends to the children and young adults in our lives. But with so many distractions in today’s modern life how can we best instill our love and passion that comes along with gardening?
Fortunately, the Orlando, Florida climate allows for a year-round growing season of all kinds of engaging plants that provide outdoor visual interest as well as introducing youngsters to the beauty and gratification that comes with gardening.
\n\n\n\nGet them started early. Young children often want to do everything the adults are doing. Help start their love of the outdoors and all things growing early by bringing them out with you when you garden. Infants and young children will love being in the fresh air and enjoy the sensory stimulation that comes with the outdoors. Let them play in the soil alongside you as you prepare your planting beds or help get them exploring the vibrant colors and smells of the summer blooms and foliage.
![\"\"](\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/liana-mikah-665127-unsplash.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1\")
Learn more than gardening. Creating special tasks for your young ones can help keep them engaged when doing tedious tasks in the garden. Making a game of something as simple as digging holes for new plants or picking off the spent flower heads can teach valuable lessons in fine motor skills as well as the rewards of perseverance.
\n\n\n\nCitrus & Fruit Trees. Florida is known as the Citrus State for good reason. Why not bring the delicious reward of growing your own sweet treat right on your patio? Choose from the numerous varieties available at your local garden center and pick out a non-porous pot with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom to get started. At home, place your new tree in a sunny spot that you and your children can easily watch for signs of growth. Soon enough your family will be enjoying the benefits of homegrown citrus trees, from the glossy evergreen foliage, intoxicating floral fragrance of the delicate white blooms, and the ultimate payoff: letting your little ones do the picking of fresh fruit from your tree.
\n\n\n\nVegetables- A Kid’s New Best Friend. It may be cliche, but getting your kids to eat a full serving of their vegetables might be more common than an Orlando snowstorm in July. However, a vegetable hand-picked from your own garden tastes better than anything you can buy in a store. Coupled with the excitement of planting, watching grow, and the excitement of harvesting, kids are sure to have a new appreciation for their veggies. And here in Florida home gardeners can grow a variety of vegetables all year long. Home gardens are a convenient source for healthy foods and will encourage you and your family to eat more fresh vegetables too. The choices are endless, with vegetables of all sizes, colors, and shapes. If you think that the Florida summer heat and humidity
A Small Handful of Big Flowers. As adults, we often think of our landscapes and gardens as carefully curated pieces of living art. We place a high value on perfectly formed blooms or the intricate patterning on a delicate stem of foliage. But for children, rows, and rows of beautiful blooms are a tempting treat almost too exciting to resist. If you have little ones that are eager to garden but you fear possible damage to your formal landscape consider creating a designated area for your kids to be able to explore nature in their own backyard. Choose from a few of these Orlando kid-friendly choices and watch your littles’ engagement with nature skyrocket.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stanislav-stajer-73392-unsplash.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1\")
Sunflowers are probably the most traditional seeds to give kids. They germinate so easily, you can have kids start the seeds indoors to see how fast they sprout, then move seedlings out to the garden. Kids will stay engaged with the growing process as they grow big and tall. When the season is over, they can harvest the seeds for themselves or watch as the birds come to eat them up! There are so many varieties to pick, from mammoth stalks that grow more than 10 feet high to miniature puffy teddy-bear cultivars. Hit the seed aisle at the garden center to pick your favorite.
These tough succulents are multitaskers when it comes to having a plant that both adults and kids will love. Super trendy succulents are easy to find in most garden centers and since they propagate by leaf dropping or small cuttings of stems they are a great, inexpensive, way to teach kids about plant growth habits. Being one of the more forgiving plants out there, Hens and Chicks succulent are almost impossible to kill. They love lots of sun or light shade and can be planted in the ground or in a pot. Just be sure to not over water. Kids might even want to get creative and make use of these plants in their miniature or fairy gardens.
An often overlooked plant that does well in the central Florida area is the Lamb’s Ear. It gets its descriptive name from the iconic lamb’s ear shape and ultra soft, woolly mint green leaves. Adding these low growing plants along a planting bed border will bring an underused color to your planting bed and also offers little fingers a chance to touch the unique leaves. Plus, they bloom from early summer to mid-fall so you can enjoy them for many months.
\n\n\n\nHave any questions about gardening or lawn care? Visit our Orlando page for more information!
\n\n\n\nTop Photo by Kyle Ellefson on Unsplash
\n","title":"Orlando Parents: Teaching Children the Beauty of Gardening","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/1789c/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/107df/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 320w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/293e9/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/f2cbb/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 800w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/1789c/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 960w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/f605f/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/1dd6e/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/67b76/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 320w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/8df11/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 500w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/98a65/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 800w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/1dd6e/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 960w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/23e94/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Orlando Parents: Teaching Children the Beauty of Gardening | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"bf328c98-dff5-567e-94ba-cb50725bd673","slug":"best-grass-types-for-wyoming","path":"/lawn-care/wyoming/best-grass-types-for-wyoming/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lydian Pine is a creative writer and studio artist whose work first debuted in a short story anthology. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2020 and enjoys video games, theatre, and swimming. Lately, she has started to study entomology as a hobby.","name":"Lydian Pine","id":"3478d9b1-e85b-5e4a-860b-443c62d1e29c","path":"/author/lydian-pine/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f31ce7919bd939bc1f102cee2f3304d2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"01f78449-8135-5644-8596-d22109013057","name":"Wyoming","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wyoming/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Wyoming is one of the grassiest states in the US. thanks to an abundance of prairies. Unfortunately, when it comes to home lawns, only a few turfgrass species are suitable for the Equality State’s tough climate. Discover the 5 best grass types for Wyoming. In this article, we will cover: Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grass Types […]
\n","content":"\nWyoming is one of the grassiest states in the US. thanks to an abundance of prairies. Unfortunately, when it comes to home lawns, only a few turfgrass species are suitable for the Equality State’s tough climate. Discover the 5 best grass types for Wyoming.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nThere are two categories of turfgrass: warm-season and cool-season grasses. Wyoming’s arid continental climate has prolonged, cold winters, making it best suited for cool-season grass types. However, buffalograss, a native warm-season prairie turfgrass, has what it takes to thrive in Wyoming.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass types enter their active growth phase when temperatures are between 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in the southern half of the U.S. Most cultivars are drought tolerant and require frequent mowing at reduced heights in the summer.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses in Wyoming wait until late spring through early fall to push out fresh growth and go dormant throughout the winter.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in the northern half of the U.S. These grasses thrive in cooler temperatures between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool-season cultivars enter their green-up phases in early spring and again in the fall. Many species go dormant in the summer.
\n\n\n\nThe following warm and cool-season grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Wyoming:
\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\nBuffalograss is the only warm-season grass that survives Wyoming’s climate. It thrives in the state’s lower altitudes and dry summers. This fine-textured, gray-green turfgrass has excellent drought tolerance and more cold resistance than other warm-season cultivars.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a low-maintenance turfgrass, requiring little mowing or fertilization. It thrives in full sun. Cultivars struggle in shady areas and do not respond well to overwatering. Buffalograss creates a sparse appearance and is vulnerable to weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are a group of turfgrass cultivars that require less fertilization and irrigation than other cool-season grass types. Many homeowners mix fine fescue with other grasses like Kentucky bluegrass to create a dense and resilient lawn.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a clumping grass with a fine texture. It is a superb choice for small lawns. Specimens do not tolerate heavy foot traffic. Many varieties, like hard fescue and creeping red fescue, thrive in areas with hot summers and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, fescues are low-maintenance. They establish quickly, are drought resistant, cold-tolerant, and grow well in poor soil conditions. Fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant of the cold-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the most popular cool-season turfgrass in Wyoming. Cultivars are dense and blue-green and thrive in full sun. Kentucky bluegrass tolerates partial shade and has good heat tolerance with the right irrigation.
\n\n\n\nIt grows best in the mild temperatures of fall and spring and goes dormant during the summer. The cool-season turfgrass is hardy and recovers quickly from damage, making it a good option for a backyard that gets plenty of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners combine Kentucky bluegrass with other cool-season cultivars to create a dense and resistant home lawn. Cultivars are fairly high-maintenance with high water and fertility needs. Kentucky bluegrass requires regular mowing and dethatching.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It is most often mixed with other species. Regular watering is necessary because of its shallow roots. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are more hardy and resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"Long](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: manfredrichter / Pixabay / License
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is low-maintenance and thrives in areas with good drainage. It is a dense, dark green grass that stands up to heavy foot traffic. It is resistant to pests and tolerant of poor soil.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass does not withstand high temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, going dormant during hot summers. Its roots establish quickly, and it has a long growing season. Perennial ryegrass is often used for winter overseeding on golf courses and athletic fields.
\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\nTall fescue is a deep‑rooted bunchgrass that thrives in full sun but is shade tolerant and cold-resistant. It has a coarse texture with a medium to dark green color and an extensive root system.
\n\n\n\nHybrid varieties offer a more aesthetically pleasing color and texture for home lawns. Unfortunately, many varieties require overseeding with perennial ryegrass for a dense appearance. Additionally, many homeowners mix tall fescue with Kentucky bluegrass for a more dense and resilient lawn.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue remains green during the winter and is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass, thanks to its deep roots. Cultivars are resistant to weeds and insects and adapt to most soils.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize in September and November. Plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years to maintain a dense lawn and fill thinning spots.
\n\n\n\nLoam soil with a balance of sand, silt, and clay is the best soil type for home lawns. Loamy soils drain well, retain nutrients, and allow vital oxygen to reach plant roots.
Wyoming soils are deep, rocky, and overly drained, leaching vital nitrogen. It is important to have your soil tested annually with your local University of Wyoming extension office. Primarily, Wyoming soils require fertilizer high in nitrogen.
Groundcovers are a group of low-growing, spreading plants that make a great, low-maintenance turfgrass replacement. Some great options for your Wyoming landscape include:
● Breckland Thyme
● Creeping Phlox
● Myrtle
● Stonecrop
● Yarrow
When designing your landscape, consider using Wyoming native plants to create a low-maintenance and drought-resistant landscape.
\n\n\n\nBefore choosing a grass type for your lawn in Wyoming, you will want to consider:
\n\n\n\nYard work in Wyoming can feel like thankless work when there are so many chores to complete. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro to take care of your yard chores, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: espiegle / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Wyoming","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/1789c/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/107df/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/293e9/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/f2cbb/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/1789c/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/c26c2/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/1dd6e/wyoming-landscape-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/67b76/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 320w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/8df11/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 500w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/98a65/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 800w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/1dd6e/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 960w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/3cc96/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Wyoming | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 5 best grass types for Wyoming's climate. From drought-resistant varieties to cold-weather options, find the perfect grass for your landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"56837060-c0ff-50b4-8072-75151c42a948","slug":"best-plants-missouri","path":"/lawn-care/mo/best-plants-missouri/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"May 24th, 2023","excerpt":"So, you just installed a new lawn, and you want to finish off your landscaping with some stunning plants. But not all plants are ideal for Missouri’s climate, which ranges from cold and snowy in winter to steamy in the summer. Consider going with landscaping plants that look great and are well-adapted to our climate. […]
\n","content":"\nSo, you just installed a new lawn, and you want to finish off your landscaping with some stunning plants. But not all plants are ideal for Missouri’s climate, which ranges from cold and snowy in winter to steamy in the summer. Consider going with landscaping plants that look great and are well-adapted to our climate.
\n\n\n\nHere are 13 plants that grow naturally in Missouri and are well-suited to the state’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are not only accustomed to the local climate and soil conditions, but they also provide essential habitat and food for native wildlife. By incorporating native plants into your landscaping, you create an easy-care, biodiverse environment and reduce chemical usage.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at these 13 examples of Missouri natives.
\n\n\n\nTip: Are you located in St. Louis? Check out our grass guide and our native plant guide for the area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern redbud bursts with dainty, pink flowers early in the spring, even before its leaves emerge. It makes your yard look stunning and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nHowever, take note that Eastern redbud tends to struggle against some diseases and insects, so extra preventive care will be needed alongside other maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Prefers at least a moderate level of fertility, well-drained, consistently moist but not wet
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 20 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: No major hazards known for people or common (large) pets, but caution is always advised
![\"Prairie](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prairie-Blazing-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: cultivar413 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA real showstopper, the prairie blazing star is sure to catch the attention of anyone that visits your yard, including wildlife. This summer bloomer produces beautiful purple flowers, can grow up to 4 feet tall, and needs minimum maintenance. Prairie blazing star rarely faces problems with diseases or insect pests, too.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Keep soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: No major hazards known for people or common pets, but caution is always advised
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8173412518_9b3cd7aa35_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLance-leaved coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a yellow wildflower that’s both pleasant to the eye and appealing to wildlife such as pollinators and birds. It grows up to 3 feet tall even in dry conditions and spreads easily. Just be careful that your lance-leaved coreopsis doesn’t end up overtaking your yard!
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis species are usually seen as non-toxic, but there are some reports of lance-leaved coreopsis being toxic to livestock, so be cautious.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Keep the soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Loamy, sandy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained; ideally poor, sandy or rocky soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Some reports of toxicity
![\"Aromatic](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Aromatic-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAromatic aster blooms with purple, daisy-like flowers. Although the flowers themselves aren’t particularly fragrant, the flowerheads and foliage give off a balsam-like smell when crushed. The aromatic aster is easy to care for and keep healthy, and it attracts wildlife like bees and butterflies. The threatened checkerspot butterfly even uses the aromatic aster as its host plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Soil should be dry to moderately moist
Soil: Clay or sandy
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Lack of data, but some aster variants are reported to be toxic, so practice caution
![\"picture](\"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\n\n\n\n\nThe American beautyberry produces small pink flowers in the spring and a showy display of purple berries in the fall. The berries not only stand out with their bright color, but are also a real treat for various songbirds. Moreover, American beautyberry is an easy-care plant that’s relatively resistant to drought and insects.
\n\n\n\nAlthough some sources report the berries to be non-poisonous for humans, it’s better to act with caution because they may have mild toxic effects. Moreover, there’s a lack of data surrounding toxicity to domestic animals, so it’s better to keep them from eating any part of the plant.
Plant type: Shrub
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter; tolerant of various soil types as long as it gets good drainage
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 8 feet
Potential hazards: Mild toxic effects reported; a lack of data regarding toxicity to pets
![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want your yard to turn into a purple paradise in the summer, purple coneflower is another flower to add to it. It produces lovely, bright purple petals, and also provides food for pollinators and birds. The plant is self-seeding, although you may need to divide its clumps every few years. Also, note that the purple coneflower may sometimes suffer from diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe plant is toxic to people and animals so make sure you enjoy it with your eyes only.
Plant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun or partial shade (does best in full sun)
Water needs: Keep the soil dry or moderately moist
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"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\n\n\n\n\nThe butterfly milkweed, also known as butterfly weed and orange milkweed, is listed on the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plants of Merit, meaning that it grows outstandingly well in Missouri and surrounding regions. It’s an easy-care plant that tends to resist diseases and insect pests and isn’t invasive in the area.
Butterfly milkweed establishes in 2 to 3 years and then produces beautiful, atypical orange blossoms that produce nectar for pollinators. Moreover, milkweed is the only host plant for the monarch butterfly.
Plant type: Herb
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Sandy, poor, average, dry to medium, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 2 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Downy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Downy-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDowny phlox, also called prairie phlox, blooms with fragrant purple flowers that attract butterflies. While it blooms in the summer, it may produce a second, sparser round of blooms in the fall. Moreover, the downy phlox seldom faces problems with diseases and insects; just look out for spider mites, which may sometimes be a problem during the heat of summer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Fertile and moderately dry or moist, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Potential hazards: Lack of data; always practice caution
![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed_susan_flowers_40862429212.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell from Cornwall, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to add an easy-care, vibrant splash of color to your garden, consider planting black-eyed Susan. The cheerful yellow and black flower blooms within a year and stands up well to heat, drought, and cold.
\n\n\n\nTake caution, though; black-eyed Susan is toxic to animals. There’s a lack of data regarding its toxicity to humans, but it causes allergic reactions in some people. To be on the safe side, don’t consume it, handle it with gloves, and keep it away from pets.
Plant type: Wildflower
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-draining, acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Zigzag](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zigzag-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to plant beautiful tall trees or perhaps add some hardscapes to your outdoor area, zigzag goldenrod is a a great accent piece. It provides your lawn with a pop of yellow whether it grows in full sun or some shade. Moreover, zigzag goldenrod attracts pollinators and rarely deals with diseases and insect pests.
\n\n\n\nAlthough goldenrod plants are sometimes used as a supplement, it’s important to consult a medical professional before doing so. Some people, like pregnant and nursing women or people with health problems, shouldn’t use goldenrod supplements. Furthermore, it’s important to note that some species of goldenrod, such as rayless goldenrod, are toxic to some animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun to full shade (prefers partial shade)
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Goldenrod supplements may have side effects, so consult a professional before taking them; some goldenrod species are toxic to some animals, and there’s a lack of data about the Solidago flexicaulis species, so practice caution and don’t let animals eat them
![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-arborescens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild hydrangea is a showy plant that’s also listed on the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plants of Merit, meaning that it grows outstandingly well in Missouri and the surrounding regions. It tolerates a variety of soils as long as it gets enough moisture. Because wild hydrangea grows well in wet soils, it’s a perfect choice for a rain garden. However, the plant is susceptible to some diseases and insect pest problems, so it needs some extra care.
\n\n\n\nBe cautious, though, because all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Sun: Partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Rocky, shallow, clay, average
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a spring bloomer that looks great and attracts wildlife. Bees and butterflies enjoy its nectar and use it to lay eggs, and birds feast on its red berries in the fall. With its spring flowers and fall berries, flowering dogwood can help your yard stand out throughout the year. However, take note that the tree is susceptible to some diseases, and will need moderate maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAlso, it’s important to know that the tree, including the berries, is very poisonous to humans and pets. Never consume any part of it; leave it for local wildlife instead.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree
Sun: Full sun, partial shade; prefers partial shade
Water needs: Can handle occasional dryness; prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil
Soil: Prefers high organic matter content; will tolerate sand, loam, and clay mixes
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 12 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Pawpaw](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pawpaw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPawpaw offers a touch of tropical beauty with purple flowers in spring and fruits that mature in early fall. It’s a favorite snack of various pollinators, birds, and other wildlife like squirrels and raccoons. Because the tree likes moist soil, it’s ideal for a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nHowever, even though pawpaw is commonly seen as edible, it’s actually been found to contain harmful chemical compounds with toxic effects. You can consult a medical professional if you want to discuss the safety of the fruit. Avoid feeding it to your pets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun
Water needs: Keep soil moderately moist to wet but well-drained
Soil: Tolerates average soil; prefers fertile, acidic soils
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 15 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Contains harmful toxins
For more information about native plants, you can check out GrowNative.org, where you can find a comprehensive list of plants that are native to Missouri.
\n\n\n\nWith such a wide selection of native plants, you can create a yard that not only looks beautiful but also supports local wildlife. Make sure you also pick one of the best grasses for Missouri to complement your plant selection.
\n\n\n\nOnce you pick the right plants and grass, you’re not done just yet. Your yard will need regular maintenance to thrive. If you’d like some help from a pro, get in touch with one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros in Missouri.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Missouri Botanical Garden / Pixabay
\n","title":"Best Landscaping Plants for Your Missouri Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/1789c/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/107df/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/293e9/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/f2cbb/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/1789c/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/c26c2/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/1dd6e/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/67b76/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/8df11/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/98a65/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/1dd6e/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/ca45823f31b1c2d3fe764e0f1bfe88b9/3cc96/Missouri-Botanical-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Landscaping Plants for Your Missouri Yard","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Great landscaping turns an ordinary yard extraordinary, and it’s not difficult to achieve if you use the right plants and then give them a little TLC."}}},{"node":{"id":"dd8dd66b-7223-5063-9db2-955f66ba5505","slug":"dallas-homeowners-monthly-lawn-garden-tips","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/dallas-homeowners-monthly-lawn-garden-tips/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 6th, 2018","excerpt":"So, fact: Summertime is hot in Texas. I don’t hear anyone arguing! If you are anything like me, summertime in Dallas always ends up claiming at least one of my plants, as it is annihilated by the heat. It’s a tragic loss, and it is one that doesn’t have to happen! Extreme heat doesn’t have […]
\n","content":"So, fact: Summertime is hot in Texas. I don’t hear anyone arguing!
\nIf you are anything like me, summertime in Dallas always ends up claiming at least one of my plants, as it is annihilated by the heat. It’s a tragic loss, and it is one that doesn’t have to happen! Extreme heat doesn’t have to take another victim! There are numerous steps that can be done to protect your plants from the stress of the heat. It is important not only what you do to protect your plants, but when you do it.
\nBelow are some important steps to take during the summer, broken down by month, to keep your lawns lush and your flowers perky. For sake of this article, we will consider the summer months to be May-September, although we know around it can start earlier and last into “winter.”
\nTo keep it simple, I have narrowed it down to a list of 3 steps that I find to be useful for each month. (According to Live Science, research has found that the mind’s limit to remember is 3-4 things at one time) Several references were used, along with personal experience. If you would like to find a more comprehensive list, one good guide is an article published by the Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Inc.; it contains great advice for our local area.
\nThis list isn’t at all comprehensive, but it is a good start for us garden warriors as we try to fight the warm summer months.
\nStill have questions about lawn care and gardening in Dallas? Visit our Dallas lawn care page to read more articles like this one. Also, comments are highly encouraged!
\n","title":"Dallas Homeowners: Monthly Lawn & Garden Tips","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1789c/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/107df/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 320w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/293e9/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 500w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/f2cbb/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 800w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1789c/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 960w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/4fb49/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1dd6e/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/67b76/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 320w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/8df11/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 500w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/98a65/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 800w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1dd6e/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 960w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/62477/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Dallas Homeowners: Monthly Lawn & Garden Tips | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"8c5d9584-5c94-5769-bcb5-a6a51b41d6e3","slug":"interview-building-a-landscaping-business-in-the-dfw","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/interview-building-a-landscaping-business-in-the-dfw/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2018","excerpt":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business Building a successful business is no small feat, especially in the landscaping industry. You will work hours on end. You will sweat. You will bleed. And you will find after all of that, it was worth every second. This article is the beginning of a series of interviews that we […]
\n","content":"Building a successful business is no small feat, especially in the landscaping industry. You will work hours on end. You will sweat. You will bleed. And you will find after all of that, it was worth every second.
\nThis article is the beginning of a series of interviews that we will be conducting for our readers to gain insight into the daunting world of the landscaping industry.
\nToday’s guest is Chris Sadberry, owner and operator of Big League Landscaping, servicing the North Dallas area. Once Chris’ career in the Minor League Baseball ended, he decided to build his own landscaping business. He’s done everything from tree trimming to mowing lawns and building patios.
\nLike many before me, my journey started by walking target neighborhoods. Most people in the landscaping industry who walk neighborhoods just pin flyers up on homeowners’ doors or mailboxes. After not having any luck with that, I decided to switch things up. I began knocking on doors to introduce myself and tell my story to potential customers. The results were clear: a friendly smile and a firm handshake go a long way when it comes to landing customers.
\nIt’s hard to describe the feeling when you sell your first type of any job. It’s an amazing experience to lock in the first customer.
\nWhen I first started out I bought some cheap business cards off of Vistaprint for around $40. I also had to pay a business registration fee of $25 for the county I wanted to work in. The actual business expenses were minuscule compared to the cost of equipment.
\nI knew it was finally time when I kept running into issues with clients because I would promise too many things to multiple customers and ended up being behind every time. I was failing miserably at the golden rule of sales: under-promise and over-deliver. In order to keep up with the number of new customers coming in, I was basically forced to hire someone.
\nReliability is the first thing that I was looking for in my first hire. I really needed a go-getter who wasn’t afraid to help build the business. Secondly, I needed someone trustworthy in case I needed to leave them to go grab materials or even give an estimate.
\nThe most challenging part is getting past the hump of breaking even. It’s hard when you are just breaking into an industry to charge what the established companies are charging. Majority of companies fail within the first 5 years because they struggle to pay their bills. You can overcome this by putting in hours and hours of walking around neighborhoods after work to keep new business coming in (and knocking on doors of course). You will hear a simple, “No,” the vast majority of the time, but you have to accept it and move on.
\nMy favorite project that we’ve done so far has been a large Flagstone patio that we did in Argyle, TX. We had great clients and really enjoyed providing our services to them.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1838-1024x768.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1839-1024x768.jpg\")
Photos courtesy of Big League Landscaping
\nMy favorite tool would be the shovel. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always enjoyed digging.
\nIn the beginning, there will be a lot of sacrifice from you to build your business off the ground. The end result is definitely worth the struggle in the beginning if you’re someone that wants to be in control of your own destiny.
\nFollow Chris and Big League Landscaping on their Facebook page to keep up with their latest projects.
\nHave more questions about lawn care or landscaping? Visit our Dallas lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business in the DFW","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1789c/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/107df/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 320w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/293e9/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 500w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/f2cbb/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 800w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1789c/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 960w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/4fb49/big-league-landscaping-banner.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1dd6e/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/67b76/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 320w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/8df11/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 500w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/98a65/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 800w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/1dd6e/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 960w,\n/static/e13cb627bd3ab76826c89f9ad2b55b12/62477/big-league-landscaping-banner.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Interview: Building a Landscaping Business in the DFW | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"65aabcca-7a82-595c-b66f-c536fd8db4d6","slug":"how-to-lay-sod","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-lay-sod/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2021","excerpt":"Homeowners frequently turn to sod for a quick lawn makeover, but is this a project you can DIY? Absolutely. This article will detail how you can transform your lawn into a lush, green carpet in five easy steps. 1. Prep for Your Sod Project Get a soil test A few weeks before you plan to […]
\n","content":"\nHomeowners frequently turn to sod for a quick lawn makeover, but is this a project you can DIY? Absolutely. This article will detail how you can transform your lawn into a lush, green carpet in five easy steps.
\n\n\n\nA few weeks before you plan to lay the sod, get a soil test. You can get an at-home soil test kit or take a sample to your local Cooperative Extension office. Allow a few weeks for processing if you use your Extension service.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why soil testing is a must before installing sod: Your sod needs a good soil structure for drainage and root development in addition to a balance of nutrients. A good soil test will determine your soil’s pH as well.
\n\n\n\n![\"Measuring](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_messradsuricata.jpg\")
Use a measuring tape, measuring wheel, or count your paces to determine how many square feet you’ll need to sod.
\n\n\n\nThere is no industry standard for how many square feet of grass fit on a pallet. It varies from about 400 to 700 square feet, depending on the cut. Sod comes in rectangles (16” x 24”), mini rolls (40” x 18”), or large rolls (60” x 24” or 80” x 18”).
\n\n\n\nContact a local supplier or garden center to work out the details of your sod shipment. Experts recommend laying new sod within 24-48 hours after it has been dug up from the sod farm. Some experts recommend laying it within 24 hours or less. Ask your supplier company what they recommend.
\n\n\n\nGot shade? Ask your sod company for advice before you buy. Sod is generally grown in full sun and does not always perform well in partial shade.
\n\n\n\nDIY enthusiasts should allow two weekends for the sod job — one to do the site work and another to put down the sod. If you have a few friends, the job may take less time.
\n\n\n\nIn any case, choose a schedule that works for you, and be sure to gather your equipment ahead of time. Tools, equipment, and supplies you may need include:
\n\n\n\n✓ Sod cutter
✓ Rototiller
✓ Garden rake (bow rake)
✓ Garden hose or sprinkler
✓ Compost, sand, lime, and starter fertilizer, depending on your lawn’s needs
✓ Retractable utility knife (razor knife, or any sharp knife)
✓ Personal protective equipment:
If you need to rent a sod cutter or rototiller, reserve one ahead of time from your local tool rental or home improvement store.
\n\n\n\nFinally, don’t forget to check the weather forecast. You’ll want nice weather while you work.
\n\n\n\nBeg, borrow, or rent a sod cutter to remove your existing grass. If you have a small area to re-sod, you can use a shovel or hand-held sod cutter. (This is where those friends come in handy.)
\n\n\n\nAfter you have removed the existing lawn, use a rototiller to till down 6 to 8 inches. This will give your sod a nice, loose soil so it can easily put down deep roots.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the results of your soil test, add 1 to 2 inches of organic matter as a soil amendment. Compost helps the soil structure and adds nutrients, and sand is used to help with drainage if the soil is too dense.
\n\n\n\nSpread this organic matter throughout the lawn. Rototill in the new organic matter, then level it out with a lawn rake, correcting high and low spots.
\n\n\n\nAlso, make sure your grade is always sloping away from buildings.
\n\n\n\nAdd lime, if needed, and put down starter fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nFinally, lightly water the soil so it is damp.
\n\n\n\nThe day has arrived! Choose the longest straight edge in the yard as your starting point. From there, you’ll lay the sod like you mop a floor: Start at the farthest edge and work your way out. This ensures you don’t walk on the sod as you are working.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: If you are working on a slope, lay the grass across the slope in a horizontal manner instead of down the slope vertically. Use sod staples or biodegradable sod stakes to hold everything in place.
\n\n\n\nFirst Row: Lay down each roll, making sure you are abutting the grass tightly against the fence, wall, boundary line, etc. Make sure you press down the grass with your hands to ensure good contact with the soil (don’t walk on it). This will reduce the chance of air pockets between sod and soil.
\n\n\n![\"Fresh](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3471068661_c3bc73ede6_w.jpg\")
Second Row: Cut the first roll of sod in half. This will ensure your joints are staggered. Think of laying the rows as if you were laying bricks — you want to stagger the seams.
\n\n\n\nAs you lay down each strip of sod, make sure to press the side seams together with your hands (don’t overlap). This will help the grass to look seamless and will prevent the sod from drying out.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: When you need to cut a piece of sod, cut from the underside — not the grass side. This allows for an easier, cleaner cut.
\n\n\n\nContinue until the yard is complete.
\n\n\n\nUse topsoil to fill in any gaps in the seams, and roll the sod with a lawn roller. (Ask your sod supplier what they recommend. Some roll the lawn; some don’t.)
\n\n\n\nWatering recommendations for new sod can vary. Ask your sod supplier or a local pro what they recommend for your grass type and the time of year.
\n\n\n\nCommon advice looks something like this:
\n\n\n\nSome pros recommend watering to a depth of 3 to 4 inches while others recommend a depth of 6 to 8 inches, at least to begin with. (Use a soil probe.) Ask your sod company to determine what is best for your sod. Program your irrigation system to water at the recommended rate. Make sure your sprinkler heads are set to cover all areas of the new lawn.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn with more starter fertilizer about one month after you have put down the turf. Continue on a regular fertilizing schedule going forward.
\n\n\n\nWait at least three weeks to mow. You can ask the sod company how long your particular variety of sod takes to reach mowing height.
\n\n\n\nIn general, use a walk-behind mower (sharp blade, please!) for the first mow. Don’t cut off more than one-third of the grass, and bag the clippings just this once.
\n\n\n\nYou can compost it. Yes, put it in the compost pile with other yard and food waste to create new soil for your lawn or ornamental beds.
\n\n\n\nSod experts recommend staying off the grass for three to four weeks, which is around the time of the first mowing. Ask your sod company how long they recommend to keep off your new grass.
\n\n\n\nSome say to put a garden hose around the curve and cut it with a utility knife. Others find it easier to put the straight edges of the sod against the straight edges of the flower bed and cut a seam along the curve, removing the excess.
\n\n\n\nLaying sod is a year-round business. Having said that, there are great and not-so-great times depending on your climate and grass type.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are best sodded in the fall, while warm-season grasses are best sodded in early summer. If these times of the year don’t work for you, contact your local sod supplier or Cooperative Extension agent for advice.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re interested in new sod, you’re looking for a fast solution to your lawn woes. Laying new sod isn’t rocket science; in fact, it’s a perfect job for a novice DIYer. However, the devil is in the details. Do your homework, and follow these five easy steps to ensure your thick, green carpet lasts for years to come.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you would rather a pro install your sod, we can help you to find a lawn care or landscaping pro near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: george kiwi / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"How to Lay Sod in 5 Easy Steps","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/1789c/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg","srcSet":"/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/107df/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 320w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/293e9/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 500w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/f2cbb/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 800w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/1789c/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 960w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/c26c2/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/1dd6e/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/67b76/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 320w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/8df11/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 500w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/98a65/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 800w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/1dd6e/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 960w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/3cc96/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Lay Sod in 5 Easy Steps | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3fd329d4-09a2-537a-9b0e-e3e0f10a832a","slug":"a-monthly-lawn-care-guide-for-kansas-city-mo-residents","path":"/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/a-monthly-lawn-care-guide-for-kansas-city-mo-residents/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"05d0f445-881a-5277-b62a-ce38f7c7af9f","name":"Kansas City","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"July 6th, 2018","excerpt":"If you have a green thumb or are just one for enjoying time spent caring for your yard, you will want to take a look at this month-by-month checklist for Kansas City, MO residents. It can be challenging when gardening and caring for your lawn during the sweltering heat of the summer months since Kansas […]
\n","content":"If you have a green thumb or are just one for enjoying time spent caring for your yard, you will want to take a look at this month-by-month checklist for Kansas City, MO residents. It can be challenging when gardening and caring for your lawn during the sweltering heat of the summer months since Kansas City is not exempt from the powerful rays of the sun. Hopefully, this garden and lawn care calendar can make it easier on you this summer.
\nThe month of May is an important one when it comes to gardening and landscaping in the Kansas City area. You should begin the month by applying fertilizer to the lawn. This only needs to be done if you water regularly throughout the summer. If you let the lawn die during the summer you don’t have to put down any fertilizer.
\nThere are quite a few weeds that sprout during the summer. That’s why you need to apply a broadleaf herbicide for your lawn. Make sure there’s no rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours as water will remove the herbicide. This means you must refrain from watering the lawn for that timeframe as well.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/watering-the-lawn-missouri-1024x682.jpg\")
Photo: lawndoctor.com
\nJune is when the temperatures really begin to climb in Kansas City, which means you will need to start watering. You can get away with an infrequent schedule at this point in the summer. Just make sure you don’t overwater the lawn or you will begin to see fungal growth.
\nIf the grass is thin you will want to increase your mowing height to one inch. The more rapid your lawn grows, the more often you need to cut it. Don’t let it grow too tall or you can risk the development of webworm. Consider mowing at heights of 2.5 to 3 inches in order to avoid scalping the turf.
\nYou need to keep up with mowing the lawn regularly into July. Just try to avoid stressful times of the day, especially when in the middle of a heat wave. You also don’t want to mow too often when in a drought.
\nIf weather conditions continue to be hot and humid you need to adjust how much water you give the lawn and when you give it. Water between the morning hours of 6-10 to avoid the occurrence of disease.
\nYou also need to only provide about one inch of water per week. Divide this into watering two to three time per week instead of daily.
\nIf you come across brown areas of grass you need to search for grubs. If you have anywhere from five to 10 grubs in a small space you can use an insecticide specifically for grubs towards the end of July.
\nAugust is the month in which you need to begin preparing your lawn for the fall season. Even though it will still be oppressively hot and humid this is an important prep period.
\nContinue your mowing, weeding, and insect control into August. If you are considering the complete renovation of your lawn you need to kill the vegetation present using a glyphosate spray in the middle of August.
\nShould you not be too sure about the fertility level of the lawn you can have it tested. If the lawn has been dormant for the summer you can begin watering it during the final week of August so that growth in the fall can begin.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/dethatching-1024x768.jpg\")
Photo: lawncaresg.com
\nSeptember is the best time of year when it comes to fertilizing your lawn. Apply only 1 to 1.5 pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\nIf you are putting new sod down now is the time and you should do it as early in September as possible all while keeping the soil moist. It’s not required that you aerate the new sod but it can be done if needed.
\nTowards the end of the month, you can begin raking, dethatching, and killing any weed patches you find on the new sod.
\nThe end of the month is the best time for you to apply broadleaf herbicides to the lawn.
\nAs you can see, caring for your lawn and garden takes a lot of time and effort. For the best results, follow this monthly calendar in Kansas City, MO each year.
\nStill have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page to read more articles like this one.
\nTop photo: trulia.com
\n","title":"A Monthly Lawn Care Guide for Kansas City, Mo Residents","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4803392444101773,"src":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1789c/kansas-city-house.jpg","srcSet":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/107df/kansas-city-house.jpg 320w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/293e9/kansas-city-house.jpg 500w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/f2cbb/kansas-city-house.jpg 800w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1789c/kansas-city-house.jpg 960w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/4fb49/kansas-city-house.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1dd6e/kansas-city-house.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/67b76/kansas-city-house.webp 320w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/8df11/kansas-city-house.webp 500w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/98a65/kansas-city-house.webp 800w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1dd6e/kansas-city-house.webp 960w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/62477/kansas-city-house.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Monthly Lawn Care Guide for Kansas City, Mo Residents | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"70fa4789-d09d-55e9-bb5c-86a744b0e390","slug":"best-grass-types-idaho","path":"/lawn-care/id/best-grass-types-idaho/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Austin Geiger is an avid reader and writer. He has loved to read and write from a young age, and does both daily. His favorite subjects are fantasy and comedy, and he despises run-on sentences.","name":"Austin Geiger","id":"69bc552e-2c03-5c38-acc7-562e86f2a201","path":"/author/austin-geiger/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5baab15ab5786cfd4d2372bb580f441c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"227d70eb-59e2-5d7e-9a56-f6dd9d5025be","name":"Idaho","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/id/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 29th, 2023","excerpt":"Picking out a new grass type is never easy. Whether it’s because the old grass died or you just want a change of pace, it can be difficult to know what type of grass will grow best in your area when you need a new one. This article discusses the best grass types for Idaho […]
\n","content":"\nPicking out a new grass type is never easy. Whether it’s because the old grass died or you just want a change of pace, it can be difficult to know what type of grass will grow best in your area when you need a new one. This article discusses the best grass types for Idaho to help you pick out your new lawn in the Gem State.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nIdaho is in the cool-season zone when it comes to grass types. This means that the best grasses for this area are cool-season grasses as opposed to warm-season.
\n\n\n\nThe main difference between warm-season and cool-season grasses is that cool-season grasses grow best between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while warm-season grasses grow best between 75 and 90 degrees.
\n\n\n\nAnother difference between warm and cool-season grasses lies in their growing seasons. Cool-season grasses experience most of their growth in early spring and autumn, whereas warm-season grass grows the most in summer.
\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\nIf you’re looking for a new grass type, Kentucky bluegrass is a good choice. Despite its name, it has a lovely dark green color, which, combined with its fine texture, makes it a beautiful grass that looks good in just about any lawn.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass has decent tolerance for drought and foot traffic tolerance, but low tolerance for shade, so it’s a good choice if you have a sunny yard and plan to use your outdoor space semi-regularly. Keep in mind that it’s a high maintenance grass, so you’ll need to give it lots of attention.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Moderate mowing and high fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate to high; prone to dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Kentucky bluegrass is the most commonly used lawn grass in the United States
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial Ryegrass is a bunch-type cool-season grass with a light green color and a fine texture that makes it pleasant to walk on. It can be grown by itself, but it’s also commonly used in mixtures with other grass seeds, such as Kentucky bluegrass, due to perennial ryegrass’ quick germination and turf formation. It’s also good for overseeding existing lawns for the same reason.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has the highest foot traffic tolerance of any cool-season grass, making it a great choice for homeowners who like to have a lot of outdoor activities, such as barbecues or games of catch. Its shade and drought tolerance are unfortunately low, however, so keep an eye on this grass and make sure it’s getting plenty of sun and water.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Bunch-type
\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
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: High. Common diseases include leaf spot, gray leaf spot, and red thread
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5 to 8, prefers 6 to 7
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers good drainage and fertility
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Best foot traffic tolerance of any cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall Fescue grass is a hardy cool-season grass with a medium to dark green color and a coarse texture. It grows very quickly, meaning that it requires frequent mowing, but it unfortunately can’t repair damage easily. It has good tolerances across the board, especially drought tolerance, and has a deep root system, making it ideal for homeowners who need a tough grass that can handle conditions others can’t.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Bunch-type with short rhizomes
\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
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2 inches, mow once grass reaches 3 inches tall
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low when properly maintained
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers clay soil with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Tall fescue has the highest heat tolerance among cool-season grasses
\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: Red Fescue (a type of fine fescue) Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue grass is a cool-season grass with a nice gray-green color and a fine texture. Its tolerances vary among cultivars, and it’s a low-maintenance grass with good disease and pest resistance. It grows slowly and, like tall fescue, doesn’t self-repair, so be careful with it.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a good middle-of-the-road grass for someone who likes options. Whatever the conditions in your outdoor space, fine fescue’s varied tolerances among its cultivars means that there’s likely one for you. It’s particularly known for its shade tolerance, boasting the best out of all cool-season grasses, making it a good choice for a shady lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Depends on the cultivar; some spread by rhizomes while others are bunch-type
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate to high, depending on cultivar
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Moderate to high, depending on cultivar
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low to moderate, depending on cultivar
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low fertilization and mowing needs
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 4 inches, depending on cultivar
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers dry soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Fine fescue has one of the finest textures out of all turf-type grasses
\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\nUnlike most others on this list, buffalograss is a warm-season grass. Its resistance to cold means that it can survive Idaho’s winters, but it will unfortunately go dormant for 7 months out of the year in Idaho’s climate.
\n\n\n\nSome major advantages it has, however, are its high drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. It’s a nice hands-off grass if you can’t spend as much time on your lawn as you’d like.
\n\n\n\nIt has a nice gray-green coloration and a fine texture, and grows very quickly in the right conditions. Buffalograss has low shade and foot traffic tolerance, so make sure it gets plenty of sun and you don’t wear it out with too many outdoor activities.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\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 fertilization and mowing needs, but requires weed control
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers clay soil, does not tolerate sandy soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Buffalograss gets its name from the fact that it was a common food source for the Buffalo that once roamed the Great Plains.
\n\n\n\nIdaho’s Panhandle gets a fairly average amount of rainfall, so it has more flexibility in terms of drought tolerance than areas like Idaho Falls. It also gets a fair amount of sun, so you should have no trouble keeping a grass with low shade tolerance. Kentucky Bluegrass or perennial ryegrass are both good candidates for Northern Idaho and the surrounding area.
Boise is located roughly in Central Idaho. It tends to have hot, dry summers and cool, shady winters, so you’ll need a grass type that can handle both. With this in mind, Kentucky bluegrass is a bit too intolerant of shade to truly thrive. Tall and fine fescue can both handle the conditions Idaho’s capital has to offer with ease, so they’re the winners for Boise.
Idaho Falls is located in Southeast Idaho. It has an average annual rainfall of 16.9 inches and enjoys plenty of sunshine, though not enough to be considered arid or semi-arid. Grasses for this area need to be sun-lovers that can handle the light precipitation.
Buffalograss has very high drought tolerance and, as a warm-season grass, thrives with plenty of sun. If you don’t mind it going dormant, it’s a very good grass type for the Idaho Falls area.
When picking out a specific grass type for your Idaho lawn, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The conditions in your yard are extremely important, as they will determine what kinds of grass you can have and how well they will do. For example, if your lawn gets a lot of sunlight, you should pick one that grows best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nYou also need to consider the amount of work you’re willing to put into your lawn on a regular basis. If you’re trying to create a low-maintenance landscape that you don’t have to put a lot of effort into, consider a grass type that needs less maintenance than most.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re having trouble picking out a new grass type for your lawn, or if you just need general lawn care and landscaping services, contact an Idaho lawn care pro near you. We have trusted lawn care pros in many cities across the state, including Boise, that can handle the lawn’s mowing, trimming, and edging.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: F. F. Beale House / Tamanoeconomico / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Idaho","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/1789c/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/107df/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.jpg 320w,\n/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/293e9/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.jpg 500w,\n/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/f2cbb/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.jpg 800w,\n/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/1789c/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.jpg 960w,\n/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/c26c2/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/1dd6e/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/67b76/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.webp 320w,\n/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/8df11/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.webp 500w,\n/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/98a65/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.webp 800w,\n/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/1dd6e/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.webp 960w,\n/static/9bc46772d15f940de87ceb15376984da/3cc96/F.-F.-Beale-House-Caldwell-Idaho.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Idaho","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When it comes to a new grass type, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Here are the best grass types for your Idaho lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"9f629a98-4af7-53e3-be48-1645e902e8a0","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 17th, 2023","excerpt":"With only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants. That doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you […]
\n","content":"\nWith only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you can cut down on your time, effort, and expense with plants that don’t require a lot of water to survive. Let’s take a look at some of the best drought-tolerant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll plants listed here are native to Utah. But what are native plants? They are called “native” because they have been growing in a particular region for years and are well-adapted to that region’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere are the advantages of native plants over non-natives.
![\"Apache](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apache-Plume.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApache plume looks distinctive with white, five-petaled flowers and fluffy pink seed heads. It blooms from late spring to mid-fall and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Water newly planted Apache plume at least once a week. Once established, you can water it once a month.
\n\n\n\nApache plume grows best in soil with good drainage. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 8 feet. It can also resist deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Rabbitbrush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rabbitbrush-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush looks attractive with its fine-textured, gray-green foliage. It blooms from late summer to mid-fall, producing showy golden yellow flowers. Bees and butterflies love them. Once established, rabbitbrush requires little to no watering.
\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. This shrub is toxic to humans and pets. So, if you have children and pets playing around in your yard, it’s best to avoid this shrub or plant it elsewhere, maybe on the exterior.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 7 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Sage-Salvia-apiana-California.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HLWolfe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite sage grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. It looks distinctive with clusters of white flowers. This shrub blooms from spring to summer and attracts carpenter bees. White sage has many medicinal benefits.
\n\n\n\nWhite sage features aromatic greenish silver leaves. This shrub grows up to 5 feet, but the floppy appearance of mature flower shoots makes it appear shorter than it actually is.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Greenish silver
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Turpentine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Turpentine-Bush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurpentine bush blooms from late summer to fall, producing bright yellow flowers. The sticky, needle-like leaves have a turpentine aroma. Turpentine bush grows best in full sun and can also handle partial shade.
\n\n\n\nThe turpentine bush prefers well-drained soil and requires weekly watering when it is first planted. Once it’s established, however, don’t water the shrub more than once a month, as overwatering can reduce blooming.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Globemallow-Sphaeralcea-Ambigua.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow looks beautiful with five-petaled, reddish-orange flowers. It blooms throughout spring and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Desert globemallow grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow features gray-green leaves that are broad and have three lobes. Be careful when touching this plant, as the hair on the leaves can cause eye irritation.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow looks beautiful with clusters of small white or yellow flowers. The leaves are aromatic and have a fine-textured, feathery appearance. Common yarrow blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Butterflies and bees love it.
\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow grows best in full sun. It prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. Common yarrow has many medicinal uses too.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fireweed\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fireweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Borealomas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFireweed can be a gorgeous addition to your Utah yard. It features pinkish-purple colors and requires little to no watering once established. Plant fireweed in a place with abundant sunlight, as it needs 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nFireweed prefers sandy soil with good drainage. One note of caution: This herb is toxic to both humans and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Goldenrod\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoldenrod grows best in full sun and can withstand partial shade. It grows in sandy, rocky, and clay soils with good drainage. The leaves are smooth with slightly jagged edges.
\n\n\n\nGoldenrod blooms from summer to fall, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers that bees and butterflies love. Remove the dried flowers to keep goldenrod in bloom for much longer. Once the blooming period ends, goldenrod will look like an ordinary plant with medium-green foliage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eastern-Cottonwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood is a large, fast-growing tree that produces beautiful flowers during early spring. It grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This tree can live up to 100 years.
\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood has weak wood and penetrating roots. If you live in a windy area, it’s best to avoid this large tree as it’s prone to uproot.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nUtah has a warm, desert climate. In fact, it’s one of the driest states in the country. All plants listed here are native to Utah and can easily withstand drought.
\n\n\n\nAnalyze your lawn’s soil condition and sun exposure and choose a plant that best suits your lifestyle. Also, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity levels, especially if you have kids and pets playing in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA lush, green, and healthy lawn requires proper maintenance. If you don’t want to spend your weekend doing lawn chores, Wikilawn Utah lawn care pros can help. We can assist you with everything related to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Red Butte Garden / Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscapes","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/107df/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/293e9/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/f2cbb/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/c26c2/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/67b76/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/8df11/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/98a65/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/3cc96/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscaping","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Drought-tolerant plants are a great way to add color and life to a drab yard, especially when you live somewhere as dry as Utah"}}},{"node":{"id":"aa8ee0f4-23af-5953-a8cc-8df00f9797bd","slug":"best-native-plants-missouri","path":"/lawn-care/mo/best-native-plants-missouri/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"May 24th, 2023","excerpt":"Gardening can be a drag when you struggle to keep your plants alive and vibrant, but you can enjoy a fantastic garden with one simple trick: Go with native plants that are adapted to our warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Here are 16 native plants that will transform your Missouri yard. […]
\n","content":"\nGardening can be a drag when you struggle to keep your plants alive and vibrant, but you can enjoy a fantastic garden with one simple trick: Go with native plants that are adapted to our warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Here are 16 native plants that will transform your Missouri yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are indigenous to an area, so they have adapted to a certain set of environmental conditions, including a region’s climate, soil, temperature, and light conditions. This happens over the course of hundreds or thousands of years.
\n\n\n\nMissouri native plants grow naturally in our climate and geology and amid our wildlife. In fact, many wildlife species depend on native plants for habitat and survival. They essentially become a part of the region’s ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nPlanting natives isn’t just easy, it’s also beneficial to your environment. Take a look at a few advantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nHere is a collection of Missouri’s best natives that will give you a low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe showy black-eyed Susan plant is known for its yellow to orange-yellow rays and dark brown centers that attract butterflies. It is typically found in fields, prairies, open woods, waste areas, and roadsides throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nThe black-eyed Susan is a hairy, coarse, and somewhat weedy plant. And that might bother you, but the freshness of daisy-like flowers and chocolate brown disks atop a stiff, upright, leafy stem will make up for it. Black-eyed Susans are tough, too. They resist deer, insects, and diseases. They also self-seed and are perfect for mass plantings, cottage gardens, annual beds, wild gardens, and meadows.
\n\n\n\nThis native plant naturally attracts butterflies and bees, prefers dry soil, and is easy to maintain as well. It does well both in the ground and in containers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual (can be perennial or biennial)
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis native plant produces large, distinctive, bright red petals and has a spiky, upright appearance that makes it stand out in a landscape. The cardinal flower, which takes its name from the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals, can grow as tall as 6 feet and grows naturally along stream banks, and in swamps and moist places.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you have to live in a swamp to enjoy it. The cardinal flower grows well in average soil conditions and does well in both full sun and partial shade. The upright stems and bright flowers attract lots of winged visitors and are a popular source of nectar for hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThis is one of the most low-maintenance native plants you can get because it wards off pests and disease really well. In ideal growing conditions, it may self-seed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower, herbaceous
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam, sand, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Vervain-Verbena-hastata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVerbena hastata is also known as swamp verbena or American vervain and is found all over the U.S. Blue vervain features a hairy, stiff, straight stem that grows as tall as 5 feet and features flowering spikes of violet, deep purple, or (rarely) white blooms. Trust this plant to add texture and structure to your Missouri landscape with its upright stems and groups of bluish-purple flowers blooming from early summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nIts densely packed flowers are used by herbalists and may also be incorporated into bath and body products such as foot creams and soaks. Blue vervain attracts butterflies, bumblebees, and birds of all sorts. It prefers well-drained soils and performs best when paired with full, bright sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist or wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Beardtongue-Penstemon-digitalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as foxglove beardtongue or talus slope penstemon, this Missouri native occurs naturally in open woods, fields, meadows, and prairies, or any place that has sandy and moist soils. A perennial, the white beardtongue forms tubular clusters of showy white flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nOne of the many advantages of inviting white beardtongue into your yard is that it won’t have any serious diseases or pest issues. This plant prefers well-drained soil but is super easy to grow and maintain otherwise.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, loamy
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pawpaw-Asimina-Triloba.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAsimina Triloba is a small tree, though it looks more like a shrub due to its short-heightened trunk, that grows 10 to 40 feet tall. It features large, tropical-like leaves that turn from green to a beautiful yellow-green in fall and sprout purple flowers. When it has matured, pawpaw grows cylindric, yellow, or dark-green edible fruit.
\n\n\n\nThe deciduous pawpaw fruit has a banana-like taste and is typically consumed raw or used in pies and ice creams. It attracts wildlife but does not attract serious insect or disease problems.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Medium to wet, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis widely branched deciduous flowering shrub is native to rocky wooded slopes, moist stream banks, and ravines. Wild hydrangea features broad egg-like round, dark green leaves with pale undersides, and sharp teeth all around. These leaves turn fully yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nIt bursts with clusters of tiny white flowers, but a few large sterile flowers may appear around the cluster margins. Hydrangea can grow in almost any type of soil but prefer to stay moderately moist at all times. It can be a good choice for a rain garden in Missouri owing to its high tolerance for wet soils.
\n\n\n\nOn the down side, wild hydrangea is susceptible to several insect and disease problems such as bacterial wilt, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and aphids.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, shallow, rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a popular tree found throughout the Eastern United States. It produces beautiful white blooms around April and May and develops bright red fruits in the late summer. Flowering dogwood’s green tree leaves turn into rust and then go through multiple hues of red in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe good part is, this dogwood tree is not a high-maintenance native. In fact, it prefers partial shade to grow. However, you might want to take care of diseases because flowering dogwood can develop diseases like powdery mildew, dogwood anthracnose, root rot, and more when it’s stressed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to June
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade, prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic, and average soil with lots of organic matter
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blazing-Star-Liatris-spicata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPrairie blazing star is a low-maintenance flower that provides a nice pop of color in your garden. It produces tall, leafy stalks that develop spikes of rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads. Blazing star grows best in well-drained soils with a full sun but does fine in poor soils as well. It is highly tolerant of humidity and summer heat and is a generally low-maintenance plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, average soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, prefers dry or moderately moist soil
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis deciduous shrub can grow as tall as 15 feet and have a unique aroma to it. Spicebush shrub develops a brown or gray-brown bark with light-colored lenticels speckled around. It produces clusters of small, yellow flowers in early spring and smooth-margined leaves. These leaves are crushed to extract the spicy odor they produce.
\n\n\n\nSpicebush is tolerant of deer and heavy shade. The lightly scented flora will also attract colorful birds and butterflies to your Missouri lawn. But this plant is sensitive to drought and heat. Male varieties of these plants develop relatively larger greenish-yellow flowers whereas the female spicebush may also produce a small red fruit with a male pollinator.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February to March
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soils, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs:
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-purpurea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nEchinacea purpurea is a herbaceous perennial from the Asteraceae family and is one of the toughest Missouri native plants. It’s super easy to grow and maintain. Purple coneflower can power through several challenging environments, be it drought, humidity, heat, or poor soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nApart from its impressive adaptability, this plant may also make a popular spot for hummingbirds and insects. It typically grows up to 5 feet tall and produces daisy-like, showy flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. It also bears coarse, dark green foliage around a stiff stem that remains erect well into the winter.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade, but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Lobelia-Lobelia-siphilitica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agnieszka Kwiecień / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlue lobelia resembles cardinal flowers and is commonly known as a blue cardinal flower as well. It makes a great choice for rain gardens and is good if you wish to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your yards. This herbaceous perennial gives blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer all through early fall. These blue flowers have striped tubes and are accompanied by leaves with toothed margins.
\n\n\n\nIt’s extremely hardy, pest-free, and fairly a low-care plant. You can count on blue lobelia to not become invasive despite being a self-seeding plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: September to October
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High to medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis moisture-loving perennial grows up to 5 feet tall in sunny openings of swamps, bogs, marshes, fens, and along stream banks. It has an erect stem with narrow, lance-shaped, and sharp-tipped leaves. Swamp milkweed develops fragrant clusters of flowers in pink, mauve, or reddish-violet color.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies from all around. It’s also an important source of food for monarch caterpillars. However, it also invites a variety of insects, that aren’t a problem unless the plant shows signs of sickness.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs:
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis is another low-maintenance native plant that will fill your Missouri garden with a lovely color from early to mid-summer. It’s a tuberous rooted plant that occurs mostly in dry or rocky open woods, prairies, glades, roadsides, and fields. Butterfly milkweed develops clusters of yellow-orange or bright-orange flowers that sit atop hairy stems. The stems are clad with narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
\n\n\n\nThese flowers serve as a source of nectar for butterflies and its leaves are a popular food source for monarch butterfly larvae. Butterfly milkweed is also drought tolerant and well-performing in dry or poor soils.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pink-Turtlehead-Chelone-lyonii.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis tall Missouri wildflower is also known as “Rose Turtlehead.” It blooms between late summer and early fall. It produces bright pink hooded flowers that rest on top of stiff, square stems. Pink turtlehead flowers look like the heads of open-mouthed turtles and get their name from this very resemblance.
\n\n\n\nIt best grows in medium to wet soils with full sun to part shade, but can also do okay in part shade areas. Although resistant to disease and insects, pink turtlehead shows some susceptibility to mildew, especially if the soil is dry or has poor air circulation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1.5 to 6.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late July to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, clay, loamy, sandy
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Buckeye-Aesculus-pavia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris M Morris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed buckeye is a clump-forming deciduous shrub that creates an irregular crown and bears erect, showy panicles of orange-red to red, tubular flowers. These flowers bloom in spring and begin to decline late in the season along with its dark green, shiny leaves.
\n\n\n\nThis plant also produces light-brown, globular seed capsules that encase 1 to 3 shiny but poisonous seeds. These seeds ripen in the fall and are avoided by wildlife. Red buckeye flowers, however, attract hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prairie-Dropseed-Sporobolus-heterolepis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nSporobolus hereolepis is favored by many homeowners and landscapers for its decorative appearance. It is a fine-textured ornamental grass with long, arching leaves that form beautiful round tufts. From rich green hues in summer to shades of golden and orange, this Missouri native grass stays pretty late into the fall.
\n\n\n\nPrairie dropseed has resilient foliage that powers through snow and extremely low temperatures. It’s a slow-growing grass but isn’t fussy about soil type and growing conditions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Grass
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, sandy, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nPicking native plants does not always turn out to be a win-win situation. The key is to select the right natives that will naturally perform well with the light, soil, and wind exposure in your locality.
\n\n\n\nTo do that, make sure you take into account the plant’s USDA Hardiness Zone range. This range essentially helps in determining the most suitable native plants for your Missouri yard. Missouri Hardiness Zone is 5b through 7a.
\n\n\n\nAnd when your new native plants have made their way to your home, it’s time to create a final look with some landscaping around the other parts of your garden. You can take a few ideas from Wikilawn’s page to pick the best grass types and low-maintenance plants for your Missouri landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you feel like it’s a little too much to manage, call in one of our pros to handle all the planning, planting, and maintenance work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"16 Native Plants That Will Transform Your Missouri Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/1789c/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/107df/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/293e9/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/f2cbb/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/1789c/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/c26c2/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/1dd6e/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/67b76/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 320w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/8df11/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 500w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/98a65/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 800w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/1dd6e/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 960w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/3cc96/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"16 Native Plants That Will Transform Your Missouri Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Are you struggling with fussy plants? You can have a stunning yard without a lot of effort if you go with these 16 native plants."}}},{"node":{"id":"7afd625a-0d74-5637-99ee-b850a6d114f0","slug":"worst-pests-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/worst-pests-columbus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"You look forward to it all year long: backyard barbecue season. But the bugs really put a damper on things — especially in Central Ohio where heat, humidity, and rain attract the worst pests in Columbus. Mosquitos, stinkbugs, ticks, crickets, and other creepy-crawly things love to call Columbus home. And they love to make […]
\n","content":"\nYou look forward to it all year long: backyard barbecue season. But the bugs really put a damper on things — especially in Central Ohio where heat, humidity, and rain attract the worst pests in Columbus.
\n\n\n\nMosquitos, stinkbugs, ticks, crickets, and other creepy-crawly things love to call Columbus home. And they love to make themselves at home in your backyard. Along with proper lawn care, there are some ways to curtail the worst pests in Columbus. Learn how to get rid of them and control infestations.
\n\n\n\nThese bloodsuckers are part of every backyard. Bats and some birds are natural predators, but some people are more freaked out by the idea of a bat house. Insect repellants with DEET or Picaridin are effective in warding off the little buggers. Citronella candles are also helpful, although not as long-lasting.
\n\n\n\nAlong with vegetation, mosquitoes like moisture. They breed in stagnant water such as puddles, storm pipes, and rain buckets. Dump out standing water from buckets, old tires, and outdoor containers. Mosquito-repelling plants include marigolds, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, chrysanthemums, and citronella.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find these critters in most Columbus backyards, snacking on flowers and leaves of ornamental trees and shrubs. These bright metallic green insects appear in late June through September, and they’re tough to get rid of. If it’s a small infestation, you may be able to remove them by hand or use a pheromone trap. A word of warning: Those “bag a bug” methods tend to attract more insects than they catch. A neem or pyrethrin insecticide is often more effective.
\n\n\n\nNeem oil is an organic pesticide that controls a host of backyard bugs, including aphids, cabbage loopers, leafhoppers, scale, sawflies, chinch bugs, and spider mites.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d6m8zouFNIdaVgNXK1wRhHkLhom97CrMMkPc4gRTzgPGPvFz8fUyYXv-shuB3UYDtxsV7xqBfRKi6F4Yxntb2ry0fJ4QLLnFdT5Ne0bUvr1dS2NOUq0DEnx-Mla6Nsisk8STOthU\")
These are the worst backyard pests in Columbus if you’re sensitive to droning noise. You’ll hear them singing their trilling, ringing songs in Central Oho backyards from June until September. They feed off leaves, roots, and trees where the soil is moist but not too wet. Cicadas are often mistaken for locusts. Chemical treatments are usually not effective or necessary. If you really want to get rid of cicadas, spray a garden hose into trees and shrubs to knock the insects out of them. Protect plants with sticky tape or netting to prevent cicadas from feeding or laying eggs.
\n\n\n\nColumbus and Central Ohio have its share of backyard pests and the list is rather daunting.
\n\n\n\nSoapy water helps to remove small numbers of aphids, mealybugs, and thrips. For higher populations, insecticidal soap or pesticides are more suitable. You can make an eco-friendly bug spray with soap, oil, and water.
\n\n\n\nDifficult to control with ordinary pesticides but insecticidal soap works on some of the immature larvae.
\n\n\n\n![\"Caterpillar,](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/21AG80_bT15o-L7m9aCvdufz636l9K8xhW8zovdN38s-WJqUXWHsWPfnZdNpPz339kyN3vxMa32c11B1jmw11t2NxcZly7n_js5Rc8QfVglCKnNVqc-266qGo_lw3CZlJh9EBGAf\")
Registered pesticides are best for these insects, with the granules applied directly to the soil.
\n\n\n\nAphids have a lot of natural backyard predators (lady beetles and lacewings, etc.). You can also control them with insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and strong jets of water.
\n\n\n\nThere is no magic cure to get rid of all backyard insects. The Ohio State University Extension calls it integrated pest management — a process to minimize damage. Pesticides, whether they’re organic or chemical, can sometimes kill the beneficial insects. These are the bugs that eat the worst backyard pests in Columbus.
\n\n\n\nYou can squash the bug problem by choosing disease-controlled and insect-resistant plants and trees. Keep in mind, native plants have built up resistance to the bugs over the years. Keep your grass mowed and weed-free, so the pests have no place to hide or nest.
\n\n\n\nNeed more information about lawn care in Columbus and Central Ohio? Check out our Columbus Lawn Care page.
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