{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-post-post-js","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/worst-backyard-pests-in-cincinnati-and-how-to-control-them/","result":{"pageContext":{"wordpressPost":{"id":"5386c13e-97ec-5bf2-abeb-b39dd9f2f4e5","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-in-cincinnati-and-how-to-control-them","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/worst-backyard-pests-in-cincinnati-and-how-to-control-them/","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":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>The last thing you want to see is damage caused by annoying backyard pests. Here are a few of the worst in Cincinnati, along with tips on how to control them.</p>\n","content":"\n<p>You’ve worked hard and invested time and money to have a beautiful lawn and garden. The last thing you want to see is damage caused by annoying backyard pests. Here are a few of the worst in Cincinnati, along with some tips on how to control them.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Billbugs</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/sTj6Eg1yn9nHAv_-kMu4YQ67rmYRw1XWpjuGvJEYDrnpJ9mjRdiA1cb1Wf4mvLbYQSr0aXEOcTx4GD2o1ijal2B3Vu5Y_vVYV27bO_d0nYPXTCpRgoqzbuvUxGMo8-2C2fAXZJJZ\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption>Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/treegrow/32595004883\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Katja Schulz (opens in a new tab)\">Katja Schulz</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Billbugs are grayish-black and have a snout or “bill” on their forehead. Adults live in the thatch layer of your lawn and can do some damage, but the larvae are far worse. Adult females lay their eggs in lawns in June. Within a few weeks, the eggs hatch and the larvae begin feasting on the grass as they move to the soil. You’ll start to see the damage in July or August, with discolored grass and brown patches. You also can easily pull up the grass in infested areas.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prevention can start with varieties of billbug-resistant turf. You can use insecticides to kill the adults in May before they lay their eggs. Billbugs are harder to control when they reach the larval stage, but some newer insecticides have proven effective.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chinch Bugs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only do chinch bugs eat your grass; they inject it with their toxic saliva which kills it. The damage shows up as yellow patches in your lawn that eventually turn brown. Chinch bugs love dry grass, so <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/\">watering your lawn</a> properly can help keep them away.  Keeping your grass longer can also help, as can aerating in the spring. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fleas</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vNM5UWNMh4tyNPVmLbp7UhdQjA5cNEumKHPpyGyYnRG4y6aB0XIytq_Sdjmg-lrIOxail0QOrri1CQMu1UrOa2urZtAOfE9U_aX4AN1PkgVluduPqPG3tfpMtJuKeYrtrxszDSqM\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption>Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/peter-trimming/7858772406\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Peter Trimming (opens in a new tab)\">Peter Trimming</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>These pests annoy you, your pets, and even the squirrels in your yard. Fleas are most active in the summer and can inflict painful bites. Mowing the lawn and getting rid of tall overgrown weeds where fleas like to live can help. You can spray pesticide, but for a nontoxic alternative try nematodes. These small wormlike critters eat fleas in their pupae, larvae and pre-adult forms.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mosquitoes</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mosquitoes can make a backyard barbecue truly miserable. They&#8217;re annoying and often deadly since they can also <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease-program/resources/mosquito-borne-diseases\" target=\"_blank\">spread disease</a>. Females need water sources to lay their eggs, so one way to control them is to remove standing water from your property. Citronella candles, yellow light bulbs and insect repellent can also help. You can also try <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/home-garden/plants-that-repel-insects/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">mosquito repelling plants</a> such as chrysanthemums, basil, lavender, and marigolds.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sod Webworms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This pest does its damage in its larval or caterpillar stage. You’ll first notice lawn damage in the spring when larvae start eating the grass. As the larvae get larger you’ll start noticing larger brown spots in your lawn, often near driveways and curbs. Check for sod webworms by digging in the thatch layer, looking for their silk-lined tunnels. To get rid of them, you need to get rid of the larvae, not the adult moths. If you’re using a pesticide, choose one labeled for effectiveness against them. The larvae feed at night so it’s best to spray in the late afternoon.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">White Grubs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>White grubs are the larval stage of several types of beetles, including Japanese and chafer beetles. They attack the roots of your grass, which causes yellow then brown patches. The turf becomes spongy and rolls back like carpet because the roots are gone. Adult females lay their eggs in mid-July, and the larvae can start feeding in August. They move deeper into the soil to survive the winter, move back to the surface in spring to pupate into adults. Then the cycle begins again. Pesticides can help get rid of them from July to mid-September, but you should only treat the affected area and not your entire lawn. Natural alternatives include nematodes (see above) or milky spore.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining a healthy lawn is one of the best ways to prevent insect infestation. If you’re replacing or planting new grass, consider perennial ryegrass. This variety stands up well to kids and pets and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"contains (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/03/style/this-week-insect-resistant-grasses.html\" target=\"_blank\">contains</a><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/03/style/this-week-insect-resistant-grasses.html\"> endophytes</a>, a fungus that repels ground-feeding insects. It won’t get rid of all the bugs but will help control the worst backyard pests in Cincinnati. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Looking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Cincinnati? Visit our </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/\"><em>Cincinnati Lawn Care page</em></a><em>.</em></p>\n","title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Cincinnati and How to Control Them","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3136288998357963,"src":"/static/26d787bc3e5f1858ebe8a3d6c96d9589/f2cbb/mosquito.jpg","srcSet":"/static/26d787bc3e5f1858ebe8a3d6c96d9589/107df/mosquito.jpg 320w,\n/static/26d787bc3e5f1858ebe8a3d6c96d9589/293e9/mosquito.jpg 500w,\n/static/26d787bc3e5f1858ebe8a3d6c96d9589/f2cbb/mosquito.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/26d787bc3e5f1858ebe8a3d6c96d9589/98a65/mosquito.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/26d787bc3e5f1858ebe8a3d6c96d9589/67b76/mosquito.webp 320w,\n/static/26d787bc3e5f1858ebe8a3d6c96d9589/8df11/mosquito.webp 500w,\n/static/26d787bc3e5f1858ebe8a3d6c96d9589/98a65/mosquito.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Cincinnati and How to Control Them | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"00a73f22-caac-574d-99c2-2a008dc381bb","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas","path":"/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas/","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":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"6ef486ca-ccd1-5849-a339-3c49569b40f6","name":"Los Angeles","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Los Angeles’ warm, sunny climate is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, but it can make yard care a challenge. Thankfully, there are many low-maintenance landscaping ideas that can help you create a beautiful yard in LA that requires minimal upkeep. Let&#8217;s see how you can make your lawn care a little easier. In this article: [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Los Angeles’ warm, sunny climate is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, but it can make yard care a challenge. Thankfully, there are many low-maintenance landscaping ideas that can help you create a beautiful yard in LA that requires minimal upkeep. Let&#8217;s see how you can make your lawn care a little easier.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article:</p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#Native-plants\">Native Plants</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Perennial-plants\">Perennial Plants</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#succulents\">Succulents</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#potted-plants\">Potted Plants</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#mulch\">Mulch</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#low-maintenance\">Low-Maintenance Grass Types</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#ground-cover\">Ground Covers</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#xeriscaping\">Xeriscaping</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hardscape\">Hardscaping</a></li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Native-plants\">1. Make Plant Care Easier With Native Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/47649566962_1092e76082_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"A picture showing a buckwheat plant on a soil\" class=\"wp-image-12878\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/47649566962_1092e76082_c-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/47649566962_1092e76082_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/47649566962_1092e76082_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/47649566962_1092e76082_c-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/47649566962_1092e76082_c-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/127605180@N04/47649566962\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jim Morefield</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want beautiful flowers that need little care, consider native plants. These plants grow naturally in Los Angeles, which means they are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. There are many kinds of native plants out there, so make sure you choose the ones that fit your needs and preferences.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advantages of choosing native plants:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Less watering, which saves time and money</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Little to no chemical treatments</li>\n\n\n\n<li>They attract beneficial wildlife such as pollinators and birds</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of the best Los Angeles native plants:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Buckwheat (Eriogonum)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sage (Salvia)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>California fuchsia (Epilobium canum)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>California lilac (Ceanothus)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flannel bush (Ferontodendron californicum)</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost:</strong> The cost of adding native plants to your yard depends on the plant’s type and size. Roughly, you can expect to pay <strong>$1,000 to $3,000</strong> for a flower bed and <strong>$25 to $60</strong> per shrub. Large shrubs can cost as much as <strong>$350</strong>. Trees typically cost <strong>$150 to $1,850</strong> per tree but can cost as much as <strong>$3,335</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Perennial-plants\">2. Save Time With Perennial Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Epilobium_canum_Everetts_Choice_kz3.jpg\" alt=\"Red colored epilobium canum plant\" class=\"wp-image-12883\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Epilobium_canum_Everetts_Choice_kz3.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Epilobium_canum_Everetts_Choice_kz3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Epilobium_canum_Everetts_Choice_kz3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Epilobium_canum_Everetts_Choice_kz3-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Epilobium_canum_Everetts_Choice_kz3-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Epilobium_canum_%27Everett%27s_Choice%27_kz3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kenraiz</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s the difference between annual and perennial plants? Annuals live for one growing season, whereas perennials come back year after year with proper care. They don&#8217;t need to be replaced every year and can even last for decades.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want the lowest-maintenance perennial, get a shrub or a tree. You can also plant smaller perennials, but they&nbsp; usually need more care.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>But keep in mind that perennials tend to take longer to bloom and have shorter blooming seasons than annuals. When they’re in bloom, their blossoms are usually less vibrant. They also tend to be more expensive. So if you’ve got a bit of time for yard care or want to hire a lawn care pro, a good option is to get a mix of perennials and annuals.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advantages of adding perennial plants:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Perennials come back after winter, so you can save time and money on replacing them</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some species can last for decades</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of perennial plants:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>California fuchsia (Epilobium canum)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>California lilac (Ceanothus)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flannel bush (Ferontodendron californicum)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beardtongue (Penstemon)</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost:</strong> Once again, the cost of adding perennial Los Angeles plants to your lawn will depend on various factors. Some of these factors include the plant type and size, and whether you plant them yourself or hire a pro.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>But here are some rough figures. If you plant them yourself, your plants should cost around <strong>$2.50 to $60</strong> per plant. However, they can cost over <strong>$100</strong>, depending on their size and type. Shrubs usually cost between <strong>$25 and $60</strong> per shrub, but large shrubs can cost as much as <strong>$350. </strong>Trees are more expensive. They typically cost between <strong>$150 and $1,850</strong> per tree but can cost as much as <strong>$3,335</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"succulents\">3. Save Water With Succulents</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Aeonium_korneliuslemsii_Crassulaceae_leaves.jpg\" alt=\"Green colored leaves of aeonium plant\" class=\"wp-image-12885\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Aeonium_korneliuslemsii_Crassulaceae_leaves.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Aeonium_korneliuslemsii_Crassulaceae_leaves-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Aeonium_korneliuslemsii_Crassulaceae_leaves-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Aeonium_korneliuslemsii_Crassulaceae_leaves-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Aeonium_korneliuslemsii_Crassulaceae_leaves-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aeonium_korneliuslemsii_%28Crassulaceae%29_leaves.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Magnus Manske</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Succulents are low-maintenance plants that are popular in Southern California and beyond. They do well in the warmest parts of Los Angeles. Planting succulents in your garden save money on water bills and helps conserve water.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some succulents only thrive in climates that never reach low temperatures.Minimum temperatures in Los Angeles County range between 0 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp; Every Los Angeles area has a different hardiness zone, which is the minimum temperature it reaches each year. Check your area&#8217;s minimum temperature<a href=\"https://www.plantmaps.com/hardiness-zones-for-los-angeles-county-california\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> here</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advantages of succulents:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Less watering, which saves time and money</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less maintenance</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unique look</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Variety</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of succulents:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type of Succulent</strong></td><td><strong>Minimum Temperature</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Supervivum</td><td>-30 degrees Fahrenheit and above</td></tr><tr><td>Aeonium</td><td>30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit</td></tr><tr><td>Coastal prickly pear (native)</td><td>25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit</td></tr><tr><td>The jade plant</td><td>30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost: </strong>There are many kinds of succulents out there. Depending on the type and size, their prices usually range from <strong>$5 to $100</strong> per plant.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"potted-plants\">4. Add Versatility With Potted Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-tara-winstead-7663973-1.jpg\" alt=\"A picture showing a large number of potted plants on shelf\" class=\"wp-image-12890\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-tara-winstead-7663973-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-tara-winstead-7663973-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-tara-winstead-7663973-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-tara-winstead-7663973-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-tara-winstead-7663973-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.pexels.com/photo/high-angle-shot-of-potted-plants-on-shelf-7663973/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Potted plants are a versatile option that can complete your landscaping project. You can pick from various designs and place them anywhere you want. Moreover, they need less maintenance than in-ground plants, so they’re an easy solution to add an elegant touch to your garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advantages of potted plants:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Less maintenance</li>\n\n\n\n<li>More versatility</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Variety</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Which plants can you pot?</strong> You can grow most plants in a pot as long as you care for them properly. Make sure that you choose the right pot and soil and that you learn about your plants’ needs.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost: </strong>As mentioned above, your budget for your new plants depends on a number of factors. But to give you some ballpark figures, the typical cost of plants is <strong>$2.50 to $60</strong>. However, they can cost up to <strong>$190</strong>, depending on their type and size. If you want a decorative pot, their prices usually range between <strong>$4 and $150</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mulch\">5. Save Water With Mulch</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"A landscape with mulch added to it.\" class=\"wp-image-13651\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/atgeist/8470969805\" target=\"_blank\">Tom Britt</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mulching is excellent at conserving water and reducing weeds. It&#8217;s one of the easiest, cheapest ways to keep your garden healthy and hydrated.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can choose between organic mulch and inorganic mulch. Organic mulch breaks down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. You&#8217;ll need to replace it every year. On the other hand, inorganic mulch doesn&#8217;t add any nutrients to the soil. However, it can last for several years without needing to be replaced, making it a low-maintenance option.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advantages of mulch:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Less watering, which saves time and money</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suppresses weeds</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aesthetically pleasing</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of organic mulch:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Grain straw</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wood shavings</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tree leaves</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grass clippings</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of inorganic mulch:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Rubber mulch</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crushed seashells</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gravel</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost:</strong> Mulching typically costs around <strong>$85</strong> per cubic yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"low-maintenance\">6. Choose a Low-Maintenance Grass Type</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49950590552_df6d1a4836_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"A closeup view of blade of california buffalo grass\" class=\"wp-image-12905\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49950590552_df6d1a4836_c-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49950590552_df6d1a4836_c-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49950590552_df6d1a4836_c-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49950590552_df6d1a4836_c-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49950590552_df6d1a4836_c-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://flickr.com/photos/aspidoscelis/49950590552/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Patrick Alexander</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC0 1.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like plants, there are grass types that thrive in the soil and climate of Los Angeles. Consider selecting a low-maintenance grass type to complement your low-maintenance plants. This can not only save you time and effort in lawn care but also money on water.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The advantages of low-maintenance grass types are obvious:</strong>&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Less watering, which saves time and money</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also less mowing and overall lawn maintenance</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Two examples of </strong><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/best-grass-types-los-angeles/\"><strong>low-maintenance grass types</strong></a><strong> include:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://ccuh.ucdavis.edu/uc-verde-buffalograss\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California buffalograss</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https://calscape.org/Agrostis-densiflora-(California-Bent-Grass)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California bentgrass</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>One more option is<a href=\"https://calscape.org/loc-California/Carex%20pansa%20(Sand%20Dune%20Sedge)?newsearch=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> sand dune sedge</a>, but take note that this grass grows in clumps and won&#8217;t create a uniform lawn appearance.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost:</strong> Professional grass removal typically costs <strong>$1.50</strong> per square foot. Professional lawn seeding typically costs between <strong>$0.10 and $0.19</strong> per square foot.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ground-cover\">7. Choose Ground Covers Instead of Grass</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"519\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Sedum_lineare_variegatum.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow colored carpet sedum plant\" class=\"wp-image-12898\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Sedum_lineare_variegatum.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Sedum_lineare_variegatum-300x195.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Sedum_lineare_variegatum-768x498.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Sedum_lineare_variegatum-480x311.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sedum_lineare_variegatum.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Ghislain118</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to go a step further, you can choose a low-maintenance ground cover instead of traditional turfgrass. Ground cover plants are short plants that can create the appearance of a dense lawn without needing as much maintenance.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advantages of choosing ground cover over turfgrasses include:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>No lawn mowing</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less risk of weeds and pests</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less watering</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some ground covers don&#8217;t need fertilizer</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>These ground cover plants should do well in your Los Angeles lawn:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>California fuchsia (Epilobium canum)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carpet sedum (Sedum lineare)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amethyst in Snow (Centaurea montana)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blue catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creeping thyme (Thymus praecox)</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost:</strong> On average, the cost of ground covers ranges from <strong>$10 to $25</strong> per square foot without installation.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"xeriscaping\">8. Save Water With Xeriscaping</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2.jpg\" alt=\"A xeriscape garden with yellow and purple colored flowers in it.\" class=\"wp-image-12900\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Xeriscape_garden_%282014%29_-_2.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James Steakley</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that focuses on reducing water usage. So if you want a low-maintenance garden that you won’t need to water much, xeriscaping is a great option for you.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The advantages of xeriscaping include:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Less watering, which saves time and money</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eco-friendly</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&#8217;t have to xeriscape your entire lawn at once. You can start by taking small but impactful steps. As time goes on, you can gradually incorporate more xeriscaping techniques into your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here&#8217;s how you can start xeriscaping today:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Use as little turf grass as possible (you can replace it with ground covers)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you need to use turfgrass, choose a drought-tolerant grass type</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn to hydrazone, which means grouping plants together based on their water needs</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plant only drought-resistant plants</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use organic matter and mulch to help keep moisture in your soil</li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you need to use an irrigation system, install drip irrigation, sprinklers with a rain sensor, or another efficient type</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use hardscapes to take up some of your lawn space</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost:</strong> The average cost of xeriscaping ranges between <strong>$5 and $20</strong> per square foot.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hardscape\">9. Let Hardscapes Take Up Some of the Space</h2>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2.jpg\" alt=\"A picture showing patio of a house alongwith backyard lawn\" class=\"wp-image-12904\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/icpigallery/8145471727/\" target=\"_blank\">Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardscaping is any non-living element on your lawn, whether it be rocks, furniture, or a patio. By adding a few hardscapes to your landscape design, you can make it more functional and appealing while also making it easier to take care of.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many features you can add to your yard to create a low-maintenance, efficient outdoor living space. Some hardscapes, like fences and rock gardens, can even be made into a fun DIY project if you have the skills, tools, and time. If not, you can consider hiring one of <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/\">WikiLawn’s landscaping pros</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The advantages of hardscaping include:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Less watering, which saves time and money</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also less mowing and overall lawn maintenance</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better curb appeal</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can increase your home value</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can make your lawn more functional</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can increase privacy</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of common hardscapes include:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Decks</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patios</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gazebos</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outdoor kitchens</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire pits&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walkways</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water features</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fences</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rock gardens</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Estimated cost: </strong>There are many types of hardscaping projects, and their costs vary. Roughly, a new patio costs <strong>$2,200 to $6,500</strong>; a new deck costs <strong>$3,900 to $10,500</strong>; a new fire pit costs <strong>$250 to $2,200</strong>; a new pergola costs <strong>$2,100 to $6,000</strong>; a water feature installation can cost <strong>$1,100 to $7,500</strong>; river rocks cost <strong>$60 to $170 </strong>per ton; and stone paver projects cost between<strong><em> </em></strong><strong>$3 and $30 </strong>per square foot, depending on the type of stone.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, there are various things homeowners can do to make lawn care easier. But even adding a few native, drought-tolerant plants can go a long way. Just make sure you do your research because plants all have advantages and drawbacks. Some plants are also toxic, so it&#8217;s important to be aware of any potential hazards before planting.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>But let&#8217;s face it: even a low-maintenance lawn requires some level of upkeep. If you&#8217;d prefer to enjoy more of your free time without worrying about lawn care, consider hiring one of WikiLawn&#8217;s<a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ca/los-angeles/\"> Los Angeles lawn care pros</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/14012466@N07/18261266660\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Paolo Gamba</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n","title":"9 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Los Angeles","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4962593516209477,"src":"/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/1789c/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/107df/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/293e9/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/f2cbb/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/1789c/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/c26c2/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/1dd6e/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/67b76/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/8df11/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/98a65/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/1dd6e/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/b383ba5b29ac2ef952e870945293d947/3cc96/18261266660_eccc33d429_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Los Angeles | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"How can you make your lawn care easier? Read on for 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Los Angeles."}}},{"node":{"id":"37dc5c64-df1b-5279-9f8b-9bc31b4505f9","slug":"best-trees-for-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-trees-for-utah/","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":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Whether you want a bit of shade to protect you from Utah&#8217;s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to plant a tree. But with Utah&#8217;s unpredictable climate, which likes to fluctuate between hot summers and freezing winters, it’s wise to know the best trees [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Whether you want a bit of shade to protect you from Utah&#8217;s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to plant a tree. But with Utah&#8217;s unpredictable climate, which likes to fluctuate between hot summers and freezing winters, it’s wise to know the best trees for your Utah landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;In this article:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#best\">10 Best Trees in Local Landscapes</a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#apple\">Apple Tree</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#spruce\">Blue Spruce</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#bur\">Bur Oak</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#maple\">Hot Wings Maple</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#cherry\">Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#northern\">Northern Red Oak</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#peach\">Peach Tree</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#pine\">Pinyon Pine</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sharon\">Rose of Sharon</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#magnolia\">Star Magnolia</a></li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#what\">What Makes a Tree Thrive in Utah</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About the Best Trees in Utah</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how\">How You Can Make Tree Care Easier</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best\">10 Best Trees in Local Landscapes</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"apple\">1. Apple Tree (Malus Domestica)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree.jpg\" alt=\"Apples on an apple tree\" class=\"wp-image-15210\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2014-08-29_13_50_33_Apples_on_an_apple_tree_at_the_Pinelands_Preservation_Alliance_headquarters_in_Southampton_Township,_New_Jersey.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Famartin</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want a tree that looks great and produces delicious, nourishing snacks, why not plant an <a href=\"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/malus-domestica/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">apple tree</a>? There are various apple tree cultivars out there, and most grow better when another variety is planted nearby; so if you feel up to it, plant <a href=\"https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/i-would-plant-apple-tree-spring-do-i-need-second-tree-pollination#:~:text=Apples%20are%20self%2Dunfruitful.,pollination%20from%20a%20second%20variety.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a couple</a>. Standard apple trees may live for more than 50 years.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that they’re also likely to attract birds and a variety of animals to your yard to snack, so consider <a href=\"https://coldhardyfruits.com/apple-trees/keep-squirrels-and-birds-off-apple-tree/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">humane ways</a> to keep them off your apples.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple trees are versatile, don’t need as much care as other fruit trees, and usually <a href=\"https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/apple-production-and-variety-recommendations-for-the-utah-home-garden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grow well in Utah</a>. So if you want to enjoy fresh, organic apples straight from your backyard, planting an apple tree may be a great idea.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tree doesn&#8217;t have serious hazards, but apples&#8217; stems, leaves, and seeds shouldn&#8217;t be eaten, as they&#8217;re toxic.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 3 to 9<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Grows well in well-drained, moist soil, but occasional dryness is fine; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Either full sun or a little shade, but at least 8 hours of sun per day<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 15 to 30 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Deciduous<br><strong>Flowering:</strong> Yes<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Toxic stems, leaves, and seeds</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"spruce\">2. Blue Spruce (Picea Punges)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Spruce\" class=\"wp-image-15211\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blue_spruce_may_16_2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Qirille</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blue spruce is a stunning, coniferous evergreen tree that may live for over 600 years. Though it&#8217;s also commonly called <a href=\"https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=923\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Colorado blue spruce</a>, the tree is also <a href=\"https://facilities.utah.edu/tree-tour/tree-display.php?tree_name=blue-spruce#:~:text=Native%20to%20Utah%2C%20the%20Rocky%20Mountains%20and%20Intermountain%20states.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">native to the Beehive State</a>; in fact, it&#8217;s Utah&#8217;s state tree. Because it&#8217;s a native, it&#8217;s well accustomed to Utah&#8217;s climate, easy to care for, and beneficial for wildlife. As one of the most popular evergreens, it will add a touch of beauty and elegance to your landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 2 to 7<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Needs normal moisture, but tolerates floods and drought to an extent; adaptable; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Should get full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 50 to 75 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Evergreen<br><strong>Flowering?:</strong> No</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> None known, but caution is always advised</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bur\">3. Bur Oak (Quercus Macrocarpa)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak.jpg\" alt=\"Bur Oak\" class=\"wp-image-15212\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bur_oak_%2815232740107%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Justin Meissen from St Paul, United States</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bur oak provides a great deal of shade with its crown, which often becomes wider than the tree&#8217;s height. It tolerates a variety of moisture and soil conditions but thrives in full sun. With a lifespan of over 300 years, <a href=\"https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=874\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bur oak</a> may adorn your yard for generations. It’s also great for local wildlife such as butterflies, moths, beetles, treehoppers, and more.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that all parts of the tree, including acorns, are toxic for you and your pets. However, the acorns are safe to eat for some birds and other wildlife, so you can provide them with food by planting the tree.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 3 to 8<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Needs moderate moisture but tolerates drought to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 50 to 80 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Deciduous<br><strong>Flowering:</strong> No<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> <a href=\"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/quercus-macrocarpa/#:~:text=This%20plant%20has%20low%20severity,appearance%20hence%20the%20common%20name.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Toxic</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"maple\">4. Hot Wings Maple (Acer Tataricum)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"598\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple.jpg\" alt=\"Hot Wings Maple\" class=\"wp-image-15213\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple-300x224.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple-768x574.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple-480x359.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acer_tataricum_%28fruits%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Le.Loup.Gris</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hot wings maple, also known as Tatarian maple, is a showy tree that will make a fun addition to your Utah yard. <a href=\"https://treebrowser.org/?filterByType=isTree&amp;sortby=commonName&amp;action=profile&amp;id=480\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hot wing maple&#8217;s</a> fragrant spring blossoms are followed by double samaras (wing trees) that fall from the tree, oftentimes called “spinners” or “helicopters.”&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although no hot wings actually grow on this tree, it will brighten your yard with its vibrant red foliage and provide some shade during summer barbecues. The tree&#8217;s size makes it perfect for smaller landscapes. It may live for over 70 years.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though the tree poses no known hazards, be sure not to confuse your hot wings maple for a red maple or another toxic tree.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 3 to 8<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Tolerates various soil conditions and drought</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Can grow in either full or partial sun<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 15 to 20 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Deciduous<br><strong>Flowering:</strong> Yes<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> None known, but practice caution; be sure not to confuse your hot wings maple for red maple or another toxic tree</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cherry\">5. Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree (Prunus Serrulata)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree\" class=\"wp-image-15214\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Japanese_Cherry_Blossom_Tree.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kurt Kaiser</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Japanese cherry blossom tree, also known as <a href=\"https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=813\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kanzan</a> tree, features stunning double pink blossoms that bloom in the spring. They also display stunning fall foliage. The tree is shaped like a vase, and once it matures, its crown is often wider than the tree is high. Though it sometimes grows quite tall, it can also be planted as a bonsai tree.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although <a href=\"https://facilities.utah.edu/tree-tour/tree-display.php?tree_name=japanese-flowering-cherry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japanese cherry blossom tree</a> doesn&#8217;t tolerate drought as well as some other trees, it can still handle mildly dry conditions. However, if you want the tree to thrive, you should keep its soil moist. This beautiful tree usually lives for between 15 and 25 years, but its numerous benefits make it well worth planting in your yard.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that the tree doesn&#8217;t bear fruits, and its leaves, stems, and seeds are toxic.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 5 to 8<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Prefers moist conditions but tolerates dry weather to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 30 to 40 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Deciduous<br><strong>Flowering:</strong> Yes</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> <a href=\"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunus-serrulata/#:~:text=Be%20aware%20that%20the%20leaves,cat%2C%20dogs%2C%20and%20horses.&amp;text=Quick%20ID%20Hints%3A,vase%2Dshaped%2C%20spreading%20horizontal%20crown\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Toxic</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"northern\">6. Northern Red Oak (Quercus Rubra)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak.jpg\" alt=\"Northern Red Oak\" class=\"wp-image-15215\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Korina_2015-10-10_Quercus_rubra_7.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Katrin Schneider, korina.info – CC-BY-SA-4.0</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a pop of color during the fall months, consider planting the <a href=\"https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=877\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Northern red oak</a>. This beautiful tree grows a dense crown, perfect for providing shade and improving your home&#8217;s curb appeal. It usually lives up to 300 years, although some northern red oaks have lived up to as many as 500 years.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It tolerates a variety of conditions, such as compacted soil, pollution, and drought, but prefers moist soil and lots of sunlight. While acorns are toxic for some animals, birds and rodents like to feast on them.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 3 to 8<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Prefers moisture, but can handle some drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 60 to 75 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Deciduous<br><strong>Flowering:</strong> No</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Toxic&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"peach\">7. Peach Tree (Prunus Persica)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"620\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree.jpg\" alt=\"Peach Tree\" class=\"wp-image-15216\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree-300x233.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree-768x595.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree-480x372.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prunus_persica_Bonanza_1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stan Shebs</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want a tree that bears juicy, delicious fruit, another option is the peach tree. The peach tree thrives in Utah&#8217;s hot days and cold nights during the growing season, looks beautiful year-round, and has many available cultivars. It also attracts butterflies, birds, and even squirrels and raccoons. If you don’t want your peaches to be snacked on that much, you can consider a <a href=\"https://coldhardyfruits.com/apple-trees/keep-squirrels-and-birds-off-apple-tree/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">humane way</a> to protect your peach tree.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Peach and nectarine trees usually live about 12 years. To keep your peach tree healthy and bearing delicious fruit, make sure to take proper care of it, prune it, and protect it from diseases and insect pests.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note not to eat the seeds and wilted leaves, as they&#8217;re poisonous.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 5 to 9<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Grows well in well-drained, moist soil; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Should get full sun, with at least 6 hours of sun per day<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 15 to 25 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Deciduous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Flowering:</strong> Yes</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Toxic seeds and wilted leaves</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pine\">8. Pinyon Pine (Pinus Cembroides)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"777\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine.jpg\" alt=\"Pinyon Pine\" class=\"wp-image-15217\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine-300x291.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine-768x746.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine-480x466.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/35142635@N05/16318448901/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">S. Rae</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you looking for year-round green foliage? Pinyon pine is one of the most drought-tolerant evergreens, making it a great fit for Utah&#8217;s arid climate. What&#8217;s more, the tree yields delicious and healthy pine nuts that can be consumed raw or toasted.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remarkably, <a href=\"https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=1093#:~:text=The%20Stone%20Pine%20should%20be,nuts%20have%20a%20wonderful%20flavor.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pinyon pine</a> may live as long as 1,000 years. It&#8217;s somewhat oval-shaped when young and becomes more open as it ages. If you want to provide local wildlife with food, you’ll be glad to know that the tree <a href=\"https://adams.extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/pinyon-pine/#:~:text=Native%20to%20North%20America.,Attracts%20birds%20and%20squirrels.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">attracts birds and squirrels</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 5 to 8<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Best not to irrigate once established; should get well-drained soil; can grow on dry, poor, or alkaline soils, but not wet soils; drought-tolerant.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Should get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 25 to 50 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Evergreen<br><strong>Flowering:</strong> No<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> None known for humans or pets, but caution is always advised</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sharon\">9. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus Syriacus)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon.jpg\" alt=\"Rose of Sharon\" class=\"wp-image-15218\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hibiscus_Syriacus.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eric Kounce TexasRaiser</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rose of Sharon is a perennial plant that yields beautiful blossoms year after year for 20 to 30 years. The blossoms&#8217; colors include white, blue, lavender, pink, and red, and sometimes they&#8217;re even combined. Moreover, <a href=\"https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=915\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rose of Sharon</a> is also drought-tolerant and versatile, making it a great addition to your Utah landscape. It also attracts wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take caution, though; this type of hibiscus is reported to be <a href=\"https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/7-surprisingly-common-plants-that-are-poisonous-to-pets/#:~:text=In%20most%20cases%2C%20hibiscus%20is,nausea%2C%20diarrhea%2C%20and%20vomiting.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">toxic to pets</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 5 to 9<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> If in full or partial sun, tolerates various soil temperatures, moisture conditions, and PH, but needs moisture and protection during midday and afternoon sunshine.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Prefers <a href=\"https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=915#:~:text=Full%20sun%20and%20partial%20shade,direct%2C%20unfiltered%20sunlight%20each%20day.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">at least 4 hours of sunlight</a> per day; it also needs a little pruning and shaping<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 8 to 12 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Deciduous<br><strong>Flowering:</strong> Yes</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> <a href=\"https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/7-surprisingly-common-plants-that-are-poisonous-to-pets/#:~:text=In%20most%20cases%2C%20hibiscus%20is,nausea%2C%20diarrhea%2C%20and%20vomiting.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Toxic</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"magnolia\">10. Star Magnolia (Magnolia Stellata)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"678\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia.jpg\" alt=\"Star Magnolia\" class=\"wp-image-15219\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia-300x254.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia-768x651.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia-480x407.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magnolia_stellata_fleurs.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Photo:&nbsp;Myrabella</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;Wikimedia Commons&nbsp;/ <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The showy star magnolia&#8217;s striking, fragrant blossoms stand out in contrast to its dark green leaves, making it a beautiful addition to any landscape. A healthy <a href=\"https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=864\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">star magnolia</a> may live for as long as 120 years. It also provides food and shelter for local wildlife.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tree is easy to maintain and resistant to Utah&#8217;s varying temperatures. Although it&#8217;s quite versatile, you&#8217;re more likely to enjoy more of star magnolia’s magnificent flowers if you plant it in full sun.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tree is generally seen as non-toxic, but some sources report that it may have some poison characteristics; caution is always advised.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:</strong> 4 to 9<br><strong>Growing conditions:</strong> Withstands some flooding and drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sunlight</strong>: Needs full sun and partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day; trees exposed to full sun flower better<br><strong>Mature size:</strong> 15 to 20 feet<br><strong>Leaf retention:</strong> Deciduous<br><strong>Flowering:</strong> Yes<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Most sources report that star magnolia has no toxic effects, but a few sources claim they may have some poison characteristics; caution is always advised</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\">What Makes a Tree Thrive in Utah</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Caring for your tree is important to help it thrive in your landscape. As such, you should research the specific needs of your tree, and make sure that you <a href=\"https://www.slc.gov/parks/urban-forestry/tree-care-information/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">provide it with the right maintenance</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few tips to make your Utah tree thrive:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Choose the right tree: </strong>This may seem obvious, but it&#8217;s a necessary step to ensure your tree thrives in your yard. Make sure that you pick a tree that not only fits the local climate but also your own personal preferences.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider hardiness:</strong> Utah has a hardiness zone of 4 to 9, depending on the area. Make sure you<a href=\"https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-selection/hardiness-by-state/utah-hardiness-zones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> check your hardiness zone</a> and only buy trees that will grow in it.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test your soil: </strong>&nbsp;You can do this by using a soil testing kit or sending a sample to a lab. This will help you determine if any amendments need to be made before planting your tree.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check your space: </strong>Trees should have <a href=\"https://www.kansasforests.org/conservation_trees/careandtips/spacing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sufficient space</a> between them to grow properly. Take your hardscapes and walls into account when planting, too.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check the tree&#8217;s access to sunlight:</strong> Some trees can deal with partial shade, while others need full sun. Wherever you&#8217;re planting your tree, make sure that it will receive the right amount of sunlight for its species.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep tree roots healthy with mulch: </strong>A healthy mulch level helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, while also suppressing weed growth. However, be sure not to over-mulch as this can lead to root rot and other issues.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water your trees: </strong>Although many of the trees listed in this article are drought-tolerant to some extent, watering your trees is essential for their health and growth. Make sure not to overwater them, though.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prune your trees:&nbsp; </strong>Pruning your trees is also crucial for their health and growth. Regular pruning helps remove dead or diseased branches, improves air circulation, and encourages new growth. However, make sure to follow proper pruning techniques and avoid over-pruning, which weakens the tree.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve planted your tree, make sure you give it regular checkups to ensure its health and growth. Be sure to check all parts of the tree and monitor its annual growth.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About the Best Trees in Utah</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How often should I water a new tree?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">According to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www.slc.gov/parks/urban-forestry/tree-care-information/\" rel=\"noopener\">Salt Lake City Public Lands Department</a>, new trees typically need to be watered 1 to 2 times per week. In summer, you should increase the frequency to 3 to 4 times per week.<br><br></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do new trees need fertilizer?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">According to the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fertilizing-trees-and-shrubs-and-nutrient-deficiency-symptoms\" rel=\"noopener\">University of Maryland</a>, most trees shouldn&#8217;t need fertilizer, especially when they&#8217;ve become mature. It&#8217;s definitely better to avoid fertilizing at planting time because it can stunt growth. You should also certainly <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/fertilizing/#:~:text=Trees%20and%20shrubs%20that%20should,to%20be%20fertilized%20every%20year.\" rel=\"noopener\">not use fertilizer</a> if the tree has recently suffered root damage.<br><br></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which fruit tree is easiest to grow?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you want to plant a fruit tree, the apple tree is among the easiest to grow. It&#8217;s relatively low maintenance and a great way to start your fruit tree growing journey.<br><br></p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\">How You Can Make Tree Care Easier</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As we&#8217;ve discussed, a lot goes into making sure that your fruit tree thrives, but there are some things you can do to make tree care easier. For example, you can choose a low-maintenance tree species that won&#8217;t need as much care and attention as other kinds of trees.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make it easier to care for your whole yard, consider <a href=\"https://coloradowaterwise.org/page-645743\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">xeriscaping techniques</a>, hardscapes, and planting low-maintenance grass and plants. If you live in Salt Lake City, be sure to check out our Salt Lake City grasses guide. ****</p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you&#8217;d like some extra help with caring for your Utah yard and trees, be sure to contact one of <a href=\"http://wikilawn.com\">WikiLawn&#8217;s pros in Utah</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Capital of Utah / <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Capital_of_Utah,_Salt_Lake_City_-_panoramio_(1).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Raman Patel</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 3.0</a></p>\n","title":"The Best Trees for a Utah Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/1789c/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/107df/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 320w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/293e9/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 500w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/f2cbb/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 800w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/1789c/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 960w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/c26c2/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/1dd6e/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/67b76/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 320w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/8df11/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 500w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/98a65/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 800w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/1dd6e/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 960w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/3cc96/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 10 Best Trees for a Utah Landscape","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Not every tree will thrive in Utah’s challenging climate, but these 10 will, and they look great as well."}}},{"node":{"id":"e0328510-44ac-530d-bfa1-b4c6fabe6e4c","slug":"11-best-native-plants-tennessee","path":"/lawn-care/tn/11-best-native-plants-tennessee/","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":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Tennessee is home to unconquered natural beauty, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River. Against this stunning backdrop, it would be a shame to have a bare, dull yard when you could incorporate some of that natural beauty into your own outdoor space with these 11 great native plants of Tennessee. In this [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Tennessee is home to unconquered natural beauty, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River. Against this stunning backdrop, it would be a shame to have a bare, dull yard when you could incorporate some of that natural beauty into your own outdoor space with these 11 great native plants of Tennessee.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why\">Why Use Native Plants</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#the\">The Different Climates of Tennessee</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#native\">11 Native Plants for Your Tennessee Yard</a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#spicebush\">Spicebush</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#wild\">Wild Azalea</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#large\">Large Tickseed</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#cardinal\">Cardinal Flower</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#wild\">Wild Blue Phlox</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#american\">American Beautyberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#flowering\">Flowering Dogwood</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#tulip\">Tulip Poplar</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#black\">Black-Eyed Susan</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#little\">Little Bluestem</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#common\">Common Yarrow</a></li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how\">How to Choose the Best Natives for Your Tennessee Landscape</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why\">Why Use Native Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Native plants grow naturally in Tennessee, so they have a number of advantages over non-natives, such as:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>They&#8217;re easier to maintain.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>They provide food and habitat for local wildlife.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>They need fewer chemical treatments to thrive.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the\">Breaking Down Tennessee&#8217;s Climates</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tennessee is a diverse state consisting of different regions that vary in climate, <a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hardiness zone</a>, and elevation. Your area may impact your choice of plants. The<a href=\"https://www.daculaweather.com/climate_reports/ClimateSum_TN.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> different regions</a> include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Western Tennessee:</strong> The climatically warmest part of the state is here; however, the region is also most susceptible to severe weather and remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Middle Tennessee and Cumberland Plateau:</strong> Variable climate; Cumberland Plateau receives the most snow and rain; it’s also most likely to receive snow even when it’s raining in the rest of the state</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eastern Tennessee:</strong> The &#8220;<a href=\"https://lsintspl3.wgbh.org/en-us/lesson/buac20-il-mountainshadow/12\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rain shadow</a>&#8221; effect is in this region, meaning that it’s partially dry; it has both the lowest and the highest rainfall records; the region is also cooler due to a higher elevation</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"native\">11 Native Plants for Your Tennessee Yard</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"spicebush\">1. Spicebush (Lindera Benzoin)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin-1.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow Color Small Flowers\" class=\"wp-image-15360\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lindera_benzoin_-_Spicebush.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Fritzflohrreynolds</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spicebush peaks in the fall when it produces yellow leaves and bright red berries that attract a variety of birds. If you find yourself missing flowers late in the year, don&#8217;t worry. In late winter, <a href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/lindera-benzoin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spicebush </a>flowers with small yellow blooms.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although spicebush naturally lives in wet and shady areas, it&#8217;s often planted in full sun, where it grows denser. If you&#8217;re getting multiple spicebush plants, you&#8217;ll need both male and female plants to produce berries.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There aren’t any known toxic effects of the spicebush, but it’s always better to practice caution anyway.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Shrub<strong><br></strong><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun, partial shade<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Moderately moist<br><strong>Soil: </strong>Prefers fertile, loamy soil but tolerates sandy loam as well<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Mature height: </strong>6 to 12 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> None known, but practice caution in any case</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wild\">2. Wild Azalea (Rhodefondron Canescens)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Azalea-Rhodefondron-Canescens.jpg\" alt=\"Pink Color flower with green leaves\" class=\"wp-image-15364\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Azalea-Rhodefondron-Canescens.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Azalea-Rhodefondron-Canescens-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Azalea-Rhodefondron-Canescens-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Azalea-Rhodefondron-Canescens-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Azalea-Rhodefondron-Canescens-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Azalea_nudiflora_var._canescens_%28Rhododendron_canescens%29_-_Arnold_Arboretum_-_DSC06693.JPG\" target=\"_blank\">Daderot</a> / Wikimedia Commons / CC0</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wild azalea grows visually appealing white and pink flowers that bloom from March to April and complement a variety of landscapes. If you decide to plant it, don&#8217;t fertilize it and don&#8217;t let its leaves get wet. Provide it with well-drained soil to avoid potential problems, and be sure to lay mulch to maintain the plant’s moisture.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that the <a href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/rhododendron-canescens/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wild azalea</a> may scorch in full sun and that it&#8217;s susceptible to diseases and insect pests, so be sure to take care of it if you want to keep it looking pretty. However, the plant doesn&#8217;t only look great; it also benefits local ecosystems by serving as food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, take note: the plant is <a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=rhca7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">severely toxic</a>, and its ingestion can be fatal. You should never eat it or feed it to animals.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub<br><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun, partial shade<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Moderate moisture<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Prefers soil with a high organic matter content but tolerates sandy and loam soils; the soil must be acidic<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> 6 to 8 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Toxic</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"large\">3. Large Tickseed (Coreopsis Major)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Large-Tickseed-Coreopsis-Major.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow Color flower with blur background\" class=\"wp-image-15366\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Large-Tickseed-Coreopsis-Major.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Large-Tickseed-Coreopsis-Major-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Large-Tickseed-Coreopsis-Major-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Large-Tickseed-Coreopsis-Major-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Large-Tickseed-Coreopsis-Major-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-xivqc\" target=\"_blank\">PxFuel</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Large tickseed has bright yellow, showy flowers that will bring vibrancy to your yard year after year. The plant is native to Middle and East Tennessee, so if you&#8217;re from either of these regions, it may be a great addition to your garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/coreopsis-major/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Large tickseed</a> spreads easily, isn&#8217;t invasive, and attracts pollinators. It also feeds birds, who like to snack on its seeds, which look like ticks (hence the plant&#8217;s name).</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Coreopsis species are listed as non-toxic on the<a href=\"https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/coreopsis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> ASPCA website</a>, but there are some reports of toxicity in some Coreopsis varieties. Also note that the plant is susceptible to diseases to some extent.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Flower<br><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun, partial shade<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Dry or moderately dry<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Will tolerate most soils, but sandy or rocky preferred<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> 2 to 3 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> No data reporting toxicity for this variety, but practice caution in any case</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cardinal\">4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"818\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Red Color Flowers with blur background\" class=\"wp-image-15368\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-1.jpeg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-1-293x300.jpeg 293w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-1-768x785.jpeg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-1-480x491.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo by: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CARDINAL_FLOWER_%28Lobelia_cardinalis%29_%2810-14-2015%29_sycamore_cyn,_scc,_az_-_02_%2822032547978%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">ALAN SCHMIERER</a> / Wikimedia Commons / CC0</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cardinal flower&#8217;s vibrant, red flowers will make your garden a real showstopper when they bloom in the summer. Because the plant thrives in wet conditions, you&#8217;ll want to mulch to retain moisture in the soil. It&#8217;s an ideal plant for rain gardens, too. The <a href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/lobelia-cardinalis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cardinal flower</a> also provides food for pollinators like butterflies.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, take note: this plant is severely toxic, and ingesting it can be fatal. You should never ingest it or feed it to <a href=\"https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/cardinal-flower\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">animals</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Wildflower<br><strong>Sun: </strong>Partial shade<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Needs to stay moist at all times<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Prefers moderately wet to wet soil that is rich and mildly acidic; likes to live next to streams or in moist meadows or woodland habitats<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial; divide every three years to perpetuate this flower<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> 2 to 4 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Toxic</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wild\">5. Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox Divarcicata)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Blue-Phlox-Phlox-Divarcicata.jpg\" alt=\"Blue color phlox flowers \" class=\"wp-image-15369\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Blue-Phlox-Phlox-Divarcicata.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Blue-Phlox-Phlox-Divarcicata-300x201.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Blue-Phlox-Phlox-Divarcicata-768x515.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Blue-Phlox-Phlox-Divarcicata-480x322.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/wackybadger/4565099512\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wild blue phlox, also known as woodland phlox and wild sweet William, produces delicate flowers that range between white, pink, and blue in color. It forms strong colonies over time that are sure to complement any Tennessee yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, <a href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/phlox-divaricata/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wild blue phlox </a>provides a natural habitat for various species and enhances local biodiversity. You may need to protect your phlox plants from rabbits by elevating them or installing a net.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Phlox plants usually aren’t toxic, but it&#8217;s best to always practice caution anyway. Also, don’t confuse the wild sweet William with sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) or another toxic species that may look similar or have a similar name.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Flower<br><strong>Sun: </strong>Partial shade, full shade<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Tolerates medium-dry to medium-wet soils<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Widely adapted, but prefers soil with lots of organic matter<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> Up to 1.5 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> None known, but practice caution in any case</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"american\">6. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana-1.jpg\" alt=\"American berry on green tree\" class=\"wp-image-15371\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana-1-480x319.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Callicarpa_americana_2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eric Hunt</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\">CC BY-S</a><a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>American beautyberry is a shrub mainly found in Eastern Tennessee, although it sometimes appears in Western Tennessee, too. It especially lives up to its name in the fall, when it produces clusters of bright, purple berries. It doesn’t typically have any major pest problems, and it tolerates drought to some extent, too. To control your <a href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/callicarpa-americana/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American beautyberry’s</a> size and keep it looking beautiful, you can prune it in the spring before new flowers begin to grow.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beautyberries serve as a great source of food for various wildlife. Some sources report it as non-poisonous to humans as well. Others, however, claim that it may have <a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=2971\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mild toxic effects</a>. You can speak to a professional about any dietary changes. There’s a lack of data regarding the plant’s toxicity to domestic animals, so avoid letting them eat it.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub<br><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Low<br><strong>Soil: </strong>Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter; tolerant of various soil types as long as it gets good drainage<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Mature height: </strong>3 to 8 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Mild toxic effects reported; a lack of data regarding toxicity to pets</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flowering\">7. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2.jpg\" alt=\"White color dog wood flower\" class=\"wp-image-15374\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.hippopx.com/en/flower-dogwood-white-tree-305728\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hippopx</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flowering dogwood is a small tree that produces delicate flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall. If you want to provide food or habitat for local animals, this plant is a great choice. The tree is enjoyed by various wildlife, like pollinators and birds, and bees and butterflies even use the <a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cofl2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flowering dogwood</a> to lay eggs.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the appearance and name of the flowering dogwood berries, be warned: they&#8217;re very poisonous, so neither humans nor pets should ever eat them, or any part of the tree. Instead, allow wildlife that won&#8217;t harm itself to snack on it.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Small tree<br><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, partial shade; prefers partial shade<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Can handle occasional dryness; prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Prefers high organic matter content; will tolerate sand, loam, and clay mixes<br><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> 12 to 30 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Toxic</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tulip\">8. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron Tulipifera)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tulip-Poplar-Liriodendron-Tulipifera.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow color tulip flower with green leaves on tree\" class=\"wp-image-15375\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tulip-Poplar-Liriodendron-Tulipifera.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tulip-Poplar-Liriodendron-Tulipifera-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tulip-Poplar-Liriodendron-Tulipifera-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tulip-Poplar-Liriodendron-Tulipifera-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tulip-Poplar-Liriodendron-Tulipifera-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Liriodendron_tulipifera_3tulips.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dcrjsr</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tulip poplar is the state tree of Tennessee. It adds beauty to any landscape with its tulip-shaped flowers. If you like a little color variety in your yard, you&#8217;ll appreciate that these unique blossoms are green and orange in the summer and turn bright yellow in the fall. Birds and pollinators like to snack on the <a href=\"https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_litu.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tulip poplar</a>, too.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t let the tulip poplar&#8217;s size intimidate you; although it can reach a height of 120 feet, there are smaller cultivars, like Little Volunteer, that are easier to maintain in backyards.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>While<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://plantura.garden/uk/trees-shrubs/tulip-tree/tulip-tree-overview#:~:text=All%20parts%20of%20the%20tulip,to%20the%20same%20plant%20family.\" target=\"_blank\"> ASPCA</a> lists this tree as non-toxic to some domestic animals, take note that<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/211208/liriodendron-tulipifera-roodhaan/details\" target=\"_blank\"> some sources</a> report that this tree is toxic to both people and pets. It&#8217;s always better to be cautious.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Large tree<br><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Moist or occasionally dry in well-drained soil<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Slightly acidic loam<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> 70 to 120-plus feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Some reports of toxicity</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"black\">9. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bunch of yellow color black eyed flowers \" class=\"wp-image-15376\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://pixabay.com/es/photos/rudbeckia-hirta-susan-de-ojos-negros-4412476/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Black-eyed Susan adds a yellow pop of color that is not only attractive to humans but also to pollinators such as butterflies. Although it takes around a year to see the first blossoms, once they appear, they’ll accompany your yard for months.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/rudbeckia-hirta/\" target=\"_blank\">Black-eyed Susan</a> is mainly present in Middle and Eastern Tennessee but can also be found in Western Tennessee. It’s easy to care for and tolerates various conditions, including heat, drought, and cold.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, black-eyed Susan is also toxic to animals, so be sure to keep them away. Although the data regarding its toxicity is limited, we know it can also cause allergic reactions and asthma in humans. Don’t consume or touch it, and use protective gloves while handling it.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Wildflower<br><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Moderate<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Average, well-draining, acidic<br><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> 2 to 3 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Toxic</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"little\">10. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Little-Bluestem-Schizachyrium-Scoparium.jpg\" alt=\"Brown color grass \" class=\"wp-image-15377\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Little-Bluestem-Schizachyrium-Scoparium.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Little-Bluestem-Schizachyrium-Scoparium-300x199.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Little-Bluestem-Schizachyrium-Scoparium-768x509.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Little-Bluestem-Schizachyrium-Scoparium-480x318.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/wackybadger/30267424171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want your yard to pop even more, you might want to add some ornamental grass, like <a href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/schizachyrium-scoparium-andropogon-scoparius/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">little bluestem</a>. This grass is bluish in the summer and orange-red in the fall, adding the extra touch of vibrancy you may be looking for.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, little bluestem is a great food source for birds and is also beneficial to butterflies that lay eggs in it. The grass thrives in hot, humid conditions and grows well on hillsides. Once established, it tolerates drought and needs little maintenance. To keep it looking beautiful, cut it back in late winter or early spring.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Little bluestem doesn’t have known toxic effects, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution anyway.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Ornamental grass<br><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Occasionally; dry to moist<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Any type (clay, loam, sand, rocky) but must be well-drained<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> 2 to 4 feet<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> None known, but practice caution in any case</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"common\">11. Common Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\" alt=\"White Color small flower with blur background\" class=\"wp-image-15378\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_Yarrow_%28Achillea_millefolium%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jitaeri</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a> </p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ve probably seen the fragrant common yarrow during a stroll in the park, but why not make this easy-care plant a part of your yard? You can get a pink, white, or yellow variant, depending on which one’s the best fit for your outdoor space. No matter which color variant you pick, your common yarrow will attract pollinators and birds, providing them with nectar and seeds to snack on. Starlings even like to use <a href=\"https://tnyards.utk.edu/achillea-millefolium/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">common yarrow</a> to build their nests.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to encourage more blooms on your common yarrow, be sure to cut off its dead flowers. Even though the plant is tolerant of various conditions, you may need to treat its common problems, such as mildew and root rot. It can also <a href=\"https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/mtpmcpg13974.pdf\">become weedy</a> in poorly managed areas.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note, that common yarrow is toxic and should never be ingested by you or your pets. Touching the plant may cause irritation.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Flower<br><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun, partial shade, full shade<br><strong>Water needs:</strong> Once established, usually survives on <a href=\"https://valleywaternews.org/2017/06/22/plant-of-the-month-achillea-millefolium/#:~:text=As%20a%20drought%2Dtolerant%20plant,for%20a%20water%2Dwise%20garden.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">natural rainfall</a>; water no more than once a month in summer<br><strong>Soil:</strong> Tolerates most soil types<br><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Mature height:</strong> 1 to 3 feet tall<br><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Toxic&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how\">How to Choose the Best Natives</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, there&#8217;s a broad selection of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tnipc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/landscaping_2016_forweb.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">native plants</a> that can thrive in your Tennessee landscape. When- picking the ones that are right for your yard, consider factors such as:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Your soil</li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much sunlight your yard gets</li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much you&#8217;re willing to care for the plant</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Which Tennessee region you&#8217;re from (see above)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>The plant&#8217;s potential hazards (even if there are none known, that doesn&#8217;t mean the plant is free of hazards)</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, if you want a beautiful yard, there&#8217;s more to it than planting flowers, shrubs, or trees. You also need to maintain your yard regularly by mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, removing weeds, and watering.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need a hand? Don&#8217;t hesitate to contact one of<a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\"> WikiLawn&#8217;s lawn care pros</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo by: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/wackybadger/9187266259\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Your Tennessee Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/1789c/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/107df/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.jpg 320w,\n/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/293e9/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.jpg 500w,\n/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/f2cbb/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.jpg 800w,\n/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/1789c/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.jpg 960w,\n/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/c26c2/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/1dd6e/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/67b76/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.webp 320w,\n/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/8df11/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.webp 500w,\n/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/98a65/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.webp 800w,\n/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/1dd6e/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.webp 960w,\n/static/583329a1dc15f1dc90da0a75ac9a9db7/3cc96/Best-Native-Plants-for-Your-Tennessee-Yard.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Your Tennessee Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"It would be a shame to have a bare yard in the midst of the natural wonders of Tennessee, so here’s a guide to11 popular native plants of the region."}}},{"node":{"id":"0afb2be5-3cfc-5cf0-bc48-0292d43130b9","slug":"native-plants-baton-rouge-la","path":"/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/native-plants-baton-rouge-la/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d1d6935d-c1c2-53e6-93e2-8203b0f7327d","name":"Baton Rouge","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"July 12th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Living in a subtropical planting zone has its advantages. One of the most noteworthy is the wide range of beautiful native plants we can use for landscaping. Natives are an optimal choice for yards and gardens because they&#8217;re already adapted to all the conditions the Gulf Coast environment can throw at them. They provide habitat [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Living in a subtropical planting zone has its advantages. One of the most noteworthy is the wide range of beautiful native plants we can use for landscaping. Natives are an optimal choice for yards and gardens because they&#8217;re already adapted to all the conditions the Gulf Coast environment can throw at them. They provide habitat for <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/la/new-orleans/planting-for-pollinators/\">native wildlife</a> and help to preserve our native flora. Read on for a list of native plants for Baton Rouge, LA.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perennials</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/iKRzbM9Pns266l1jxMd-tJSeXRu-i4m671meODt_rK3jGnrNhdf51Ocmg7RqnNHEUS5bV-jacP-MYPOS0vgi3G1fKtTLBTIAlnc1J5AJ1yzQAiwlNBKcZda_1wYM6-qolsrBsXRC\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibbit/42791927675/\"><strong>Source</strong></a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This class of plants is a gardener’s best friend. Perennials come in many shapes and sizes, and most importantly, they bounce back from even the harshest winters. These plants give a great deal while asking little in return.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https://www.louisianatravel.com/blog/native-plants-you%E2%80%99ll-see-everywhere-louisiana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Louisiana phlox (Phlox divaricata</a>) thrives in sunny to partly shaded areas and features prolific blooms in the spring. Flowers may range from deep blueish purple to pink or even white.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Hybrid Louisiana iris is a stately plant, crossbred from several iris species to produce the best bloom under local conditions. Depending on the hybrid, blooms appear from mid-May until late June and come in a dizzying array of colors. Expect flowers around 5 inches wide, although it’s not unusual to see them reach 7 inches.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Simpson&#8217;s rosinweed (Silphium simpsonii) is in the aster family and will show off its bright, yellow blooms through summer. This flower can reach 5 feet, so give it a little room to spread out and reach up.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its beautiful red spikes. What’s more, it can bloom from February to October, giving a splash of color to the landscape for most of the year.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shrubs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This part of the garden helps create privacy and visually connects the ground to the trees. Shrubs can provide a windbreak or direct traffic along walkways, or even add to the feeling of separate “rooms” in a landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Florida starbush (Illicium floridanum), also known as Florida anise, is an evergreen shrub. It erupts in the spring with distinctive deep burgundy flowers that look as if they&#8217;re plastic. The shrub grows up to 10 feet tall, with deep evergreen leaves popping out in a starburst shape, radiating out from the stems.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=eura14\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Swamp sweetbells (Leucothoe racemosa)</a> is a deciduous native that spreads to around 6 feet wide 4 feet tall. It enjoys moist, acidic soil and does well in part shade. The bell-shaped flowers that bloom in spring and early summer are fragrant and delicate. Aphrodite Althea (Hibiscus syriacus &#8216;Aphrodite&#8217;) is a beautiful shrub that grows 8-10 feet tall with blooms all summer. The ruffled pink blossoms have a deep red “eye” in the center and can make an attractive hedge.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trees</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/26fREMHnfu5h3HRiQz8vQt9oi_hZA_2c0YPPdExgig8AiDnC0PBqSmzJN4gMn8cXSfaMkO4udEyM8TdEEsM_FY3tYcCWBgF5mwpIWPIPjUbOcNq2xM_fftoPVWZcJqFSKxnZwigJ\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><br><a href=\"https://visualhunt.com/photo/96818/\">Source</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=tadi2\" target=\"_blank\">Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)</a> is one of the most iconic trees of the region and also Louisiana’s state tree.&nbsp; It performs well in any poorly drained area or locations near water, so you&#8217;ll often see them in swamps and along streams. Before planting one of these giants, make sure you have space where it can grow to maturity, which is 50-100 feet tall.&nbsp;</li><li>Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a fast-growing tree that can yield tremendous volumes of edible nuts in the fall. Pecans prefer well-drained soil but need lots of water. They can tolerate a wide range of soils, as long as the drainage is adequate.</li><li>Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the Southern standard you&#8217;ll see everywhere in the city. The evergreen tree is prized for its shiny, evergreen leaves. The fragrant, white blooms that appear from April through June are <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.50states.com/flower/louisiana.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Louisiana’s state flower</a>. This tree can grow up to 80 feet tall, so plant it where it has plenty of room.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many options for native plants in your Baton Rouge landscape. The beauty they offer is matched only by their low-maintenance needs. They also provide food for local wildlife and help repel invasive insects. Once you go native, it’s hard to look back.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Baton Rouge? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/\">Baton Rouge Lawn Care page</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><em>Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.</em></p>\n","title":"Native plants for Baton Rouge, LA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/404f63b0b132c2cd623544a5b9a418a4/f2cbb/scarlet-sage.jpg","srcSet":"/static/404f63b0b132c2cd623544a5b9a418a4/107df/scarlet-sage.jpg 320w,\n/static/404f63b0b132c2cd623544a5b9a418a4/293e9/scarlet-sage.jpg 500w,\n/static/404f63b0b132c2cd623544a5b9a418a4/f2cbb/scarlet-sage.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/404f63b0b132c2cd623544a5b9a418a4/98a65/scarlet-sage.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/404f63b0b132c2cd623544a5b9a418a4/67b76/scarlet-sage.webp 320w,\n/static/404f63b0b132c2cd623544a5b9a418a4/8df11/scarlet-sage.webp 500w,\n/static/404f63b0b132c2cd623544a5b9a418a4/98a65/scarlet-sage.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native plants for Baton Rouge, LA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ever wonder why some of your flowers flourish and others flounder? Here are the native plants that will thrive in your Baton Rouge landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"90f2cfca-4a01-51d6-afdd-dc3bfd353626","slug":"best-native-plants-south-dakota","path":"/lawn-care/south-dakota/best-native-plants-south-dakota/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tatiana Barrie is a writer with a background in law and tech, passionate about environmental sustainability and animal welfare. When she’s not writing, Tatiana enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and traveling the world.","name":"Tatiana Barrie","id":"8c60c769-47b8-542b-b658-4947278b51c5","path":"/author/tatiana-barrie/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2efff47c9ef277fa369b6224bb184e40?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"eba14984-b582-5139-9a48-b2408169ef6a","name":"South Dakota","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/south-dakota/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>If you&#8217;ve ever tried to maintain a garden in the Mount Rushmore State, you know that South Dakota&#8217;s erratic weather can be both a blessing and a curse. While the hot and sunny summers encourage lush growth, the harsh winter blizzards and unpredictable storms can make it challenging to keep your yard thriving. The solution? [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>If you&#8217;ve ever tried to maintain a garden in the Mount Rushmore State, you know that South Dakota&#8217;s erratic weather can be both a blessing and a curse. While the hot and sunny summers encourage lush growth, the harsh winter blizzards and unpredictable storms can make it challenging to keep your yard thriving. The solution? Incorporating native plants. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the best native plants for South Dakota’s unique landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the sweeping prairies of the Great Plains to the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills, South Dakota is home to an impressive array of native plants that have adapted to the state’s extreme weather patterns. Adding these species to your lawn has many benefits, including:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Low maintenance: </strong>Native plants require less watering, fertilizing, and overall care, as they are already adapted to our soil and climate conditions.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased biodiversity: </strong>They’re great for promoting a diverse ecosystem in your yard, supporting pollinators, hummingbirds, and other wildlife that rely on these species for food and shelter.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> They are generally more <a href=\"https://www.drought.gov/states/south-dakota\">drought-tolerant</a> than non-native species, so you won’t need to irrigate as much during South Dakota’s dry months.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pest resistance: </strong>They are more resistant to local pests and diseases, which means you won’t have to rely as heavily on pesticides or other chemical treatments to keep your garden healthy and thriving.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we’ll cover:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Yard\">Native Plants for Your South Dakota Yard</a></strong>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Maple\">Boxelder Maple</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Yarrow\">Common Yarrow</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Anemone\">Canadian Anemone</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Coneflower\">Narrowleaf Purple Coneflower</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Goldenrod\">Canada Goldenrod</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Nannyberry\">Nannyberry</a>&nbsp;</strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Milkweed\">Swamp Milkweed</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Susan\">Black-Eyed Susan</a></strong></li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Landscape\">How to Choose Native Plants for Your South Dakota Landscape</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Plants\">FAQ About Native South Dakota Plants</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Dakota\">Where to Find Native Plants in South Dakota</a></strong></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Yard\">8 Native Plants for Your South Dakota Yard</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Maple\">1. Boxelder Maple <em>(Acer negundo L.)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51140942935_cf1d07ffea_o-1.jpg\" alt=\"green leaves on brown stem of a plant\" class=\"wp-image-14850\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51140942935_cf1d07ffea_o-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51140942935_cf1d07ffea_o-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51140942935_cf1d07ffea_o-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51140942935_cf1d07ffea_o-1-480x319.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/tgerus/51140942935\" target=\"_blank\">Tatters</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The boxelder is a fast-growing deciduous tree particularly suited for the <strong>western two-thirds of South Dakota</strong>. You&#8217;ll often find it thriving along the stream banks, and even tucked away in canyon bottoms throughout the Great Plains. It&#8217;s a real champ when it comes to adapting to various soil types, from the sandy soils near the Missouri River to the clay-rich earth found in the Black Hills. And once it&#8217;s established, it can even handle the state’s frequent droughts.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best things about the boxelder is the generous shade it provides, making it a top choice for creating a cool and comfy spot in your yard to relax during South Dakota’s scorching summer days. But keep in mind that it can soar up to 80 feet tall and spread just as wide, so you need to make sure you give it plenty of room to grow.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zones: </strong>2 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Just about any well-drained soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foliage: </strong>Deciduous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Mild</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>March &#8211; April</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium, drought tolerant</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>30 to 80 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:&nbsp; </strong>They are <a href=\"https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxelder_trees_are_toxic_to_horses\">toxic</a> to horses and some people get an allergic reaction from them.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance needs: </strong>&nbsp;Be careful not to overwater.&nbsp; It thrives best when the soil’s moisture varies.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Yarrow\">2. Common Yarrow <em>(Achillea millefolium)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\" alt=\"White Color small flower with blur background\" class=\"wp-image-15378\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_Yarrow_%28Achillea_millefolium%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Jitaeri</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a> </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common yarrow is easily recognizable by its feathery, fern-like leaves and clusters of tiny, white to pale pink flowers that form a flat-topped bloom. <strong>It can grow in most of South Dakota’s yards</strong>. However, you&#8217;ll find it <strong>naturally growing around the northern and southern edges of the Black Hills</strong>, like in Custer, Fall River, and Pennington County.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing up to 3 feet tall, the common yarrow has a spreading growth habit, making it an excellent choice for ground cover or as a border plant. It prefers well-drained sandy and loamy soils, but can tolerate other soil types, such as clay.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s a sun-lover, thriving in full sun exposure, but it&#8217;s also pretty adaptable and can handle a bit of light shade. Now, it might require some extra attention to keep it from taking over other plants in your garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Herb</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zones: </strong>4 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full to partial sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Well drained soil, Prefers sandy loams</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foliage: </strong>Evergreen</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Spicey</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>April &#8211; September</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium, Drought tolerant</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>3 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:&nbsp; </strong>Poisonous to humans, pets, and horses when ingested in large quantities.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance needs: </strong>&nbsp;Regularly prune and deadhead.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Anemone\">3. Canadian Anemone <em>(Anemone canadensis)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone.jpg\" alt=\"Canadian Anemone\" class=\"wp-image-15884\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anemone_canadensis01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Meneerke bloem</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>While its common name is Canadian anemone, this species is actually a fantastic native plant for South Dakota gardens, too. It grows well in the sandy and loamy soils of both the <strong>northern and southern regions of the state</strong>. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, it prefers moderately moist soils, so it’s perfect for planting near a pond. If you don&#8217;t have a water feature, that’s okay; it can also tolerate drier conditions, which is great news if you live somewhere with low precipitation levels, like Sioux Falls.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to planting Canadian anemone, it&#8217;s a good idea to give it some space, as it tends to spread and form colonies. This makes it an excellent ground cover option, especially in shady areas where other plants might struggle. Just remember to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn&#8217;t become too invasive.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Herb</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zones: </strong>3 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Partial shade to full shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Moderately moist, sandy soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>April to August</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium; water weekly or when topsoil is completely dry</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>Up to about 30 inches tall</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Toxic to humans and pets if eaten in large quantities</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low; keep the soil moist</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Coneflower\">4. Narrowleaf Purple Coneflower <em>(Echinacea angustifolia)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Narrowleaf-Purple-Coneflower.jpg\" alt=\"pink colored flowers\" class=\"wp-image-15977\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Narrowleaf-Purple-Coneflower.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Narrowleaf-Purple-Coneflower-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Narrowleaf-Purple-Coneflower-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Narrowleaf-Purple-Coneflower-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Narrowleaf-Purple-Coneflower-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Echinacea_angustifolia.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Dy-e</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narrowleaf purple coneflower is a true gem among South Dakota&#8217;s native plants. This perennial herb, with its striking purple flowers and distinctive central cone, is a pollinator magnet. So if you’re looking to attract wildlife to your garden, this might be the perfect addition. Plus,<strong> it can grow statewide</strong>, whether you&#8217;re in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or anywhere in between.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only is this plant visually appealing, but it’s also incredibly easy to care for. Once established, it can survive with little to no supplemental watering. Additionally, its deep taproot system allows it to thrive in a variety of soil types without the need for constant fertilization. However, one potential drawback of the narrowleaf purple coneflower is its tendency to self-seed and spread throughout your garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Herb</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zones: </strong>3 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Dry; clay, loamy, and sandy</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Light, sweet, honey-like</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Late summer &#8211; early fall</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>Up to 28 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Goldenrod\">5. Canada Goldenrod <em>(Solidago canadensis L.)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canada-Goldenrod.jpg\" alt=\"yellow colored flowers\" class=\"wp-image-15979\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canada-Goldenrod.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canada-Goldenrod-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canada-Goldenrod-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canada-Goldenrod-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canada-Goldenrod-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/anemoneprojectors/10169466724\" target=\"_blank\">Peter O&#8217;Connor aka anemoneprojectors</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada goldenrod is another great choice. Known for its bright yellow flowers and tall, slender stems, this plant thrives in the <strong>eastern part of the state</strong>, and can also be found in the <strong>central region</strong>, <strong>near the north part of the Missouri River</strong>, where it benefits from the fertile sandy soil. While it might not grow well in Harding, Butte, Meade, or Jackson County, it adapts pretty well to the <strong>southwestern and northwestern regions of the Black Hills</strong>. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can plant it in borders or along fences to create a vibrant, eye-catching display. It has a moderate shade tolerance and can grow in areas with dappled sunlight, such as beneath trees or near larger shrubs and bushes that cast shade. Keep in mind though, that Canada goldenrod can be prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, particularly when grown in areas with high humidity or poor air circulation.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Herb</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zones: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Dry and moist soils; sandy, loam, and clay.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Mild</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom Time: </strong>August &#8211; November</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>Up to 6 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low to Medium.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Nannyberry\">6. Nannyberry <em>(Viburnum lentago)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"573\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of nannyberry plant\" class=\"wp-image-15404\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-300x215.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-768x550.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-480x344.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/douglas_mcgrady/32047714591\" target=\"_blank\">Doug McGrady</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nannyberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for creating natural privacy screens or borders. In the spring, it produces clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>It thrives in <strong>various regions of South Dakota</strong>, with a particular affinity for the <strong>eastern part of the state</strong>, in countries like Marshall, Roberts, Brookings, and Union. It can also grow well in the <strong>Black Hills</strong> (Harding, Pennington, and Lawrence), where the cooler temperatures and higher elevations provide a suitable environment.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub or small tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zones:</strong> 2 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to full shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance</strong>: N/A</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time:</strong> April &#8211; June</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 10 &#8211; 20 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Milkweed\">7. Swamp Milkweed (<em>Asclepias incarnate</em>)</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"582\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg\" alt=\"Pink Color Flower\" class=\"wp-image-15166\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata-300x218.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata-768x559.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata-480x349.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/wackybadger/23202355142\" target=\"_blank\">Joshua Mayer</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swamp milkweed is a tall herb perennial that can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Its showy clusters of pink flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, and provide the essential food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. While it’s low maintenance, you’ll need to regularly deadhead the spent flowers to prevent self-seeding, and keep an eye on the plant&#8217;s growth to ensure it doesn&#8217;t encroach on neighboring plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It grows best in the <strong>southwestern counties of South Dakota</strong>, such as Fall River, Bennett, and Tripp, where the soil is moist and fertile. It’s also well-suited to<strong> eastern areas near rivers</strong>, such as Brule, and <strong>other regions in the east part of the state </strong>(for example, Clark, Roberts, and McCook counties).</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Herb</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweet smelling</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Midsummer to fall</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>High</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>4 to 6 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals if ingested.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Susan\">8. Black-Eyed Susan (<em>Rudbeckia hirta</em>)</h3>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"555\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-3.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow Color Black eyed susan flower\" class=\"wp-image-15691\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-3.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-3-300x208.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-3-768x533.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-3-480x333.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/volvob12b/18978433569\" target=\"_blank\">Bernard Spragg. NZ</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC0 1.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Black-eyed Susan is a versatile plant that can grow well in various regions of South Dakota, particularly in the <strong>southwestern and northeastern edges of the state</strong>. It’s drought-tolerant and can even thrive in the more arid regions of Mount Rushmore State. However, it may not perform as well in areas with consistently wet or poorly-draining soil. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it’s also quite cold-hardy, which means it can survive South Dakota’s harsh winters without a problem. Now, black-eyed Susan is a short-lived species, meaning individual plants may only last for a few years. However, the plant&#8217;s self-seeding nature typically ensures a continuous presence in your garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Flower</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun. Can tolerate some partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Dry, moist, well drained soils.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Annual , Perennial, or Biennial depending on growing conditions</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Early summer to early fall (Jun &#8211; Sept)</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>1 to 3 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low. During its first season, it should be irrigated with only one inch of water per week – once established, it’ll be drought-resistant.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Landscape\">How to Choose Native Plants for Your South Dakota Yard&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before selecting native plants for your lawn, it&#8217;s essential to keep in mind a few things:</p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, think about your lawn. How much sunlight exposure does it have? What’s the predominant soil type? Some native plants<em> </em>will thrive in shaded yards, but others, like the black-eyed Susan, need full sun exposure.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, certain plants are well-adapted to dry, sandy soils, while others require moist or well-draining soils. Knowing your yard&#8217;s quirks will help you pick native plants that&#8217;ll feel right at home.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, consider your location within South Dakota and its corresponding <a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/\">USDA hardiness zone</a>. South Dakota spans zones 3 to 5, with colder temperatures in the northern regions and warmer conditions in the southern areas. Select native species that are well-suited to your zone to ensure they can withstand the local climate and temperature extremes.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintenance requirements are another crucial factor to consider. You need to choose plants that match your gardening style and commitment level, so you don&#8217;t end up in over your head.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, while we&#8217;ve covered some of the best native plants for South Dakota here, there are many other options to also check out. For example:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Lindley&#8217;s aster <em>(Aster ciliolatus)</em></li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black Walnut <em>(Juglans nigra)</em></li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rough Blazing Star<em> (Liatris aspera)</em></li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common Evening primrose <em>(Oenothera biennis)</em></li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harebell <em>(Campanula rotundifolia)</em></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Plants\">FAQ About Native South Dakota Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What plants are native to Sioux Falls?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Sioux Falls is home to a wide variety of native plant species. Some popular options include:<br/><br/>● Red Columbine <em>(Aquilegia canadensis)</em><br/>● Swamp Verbena <em>(Verbena hastata)</em><br/>● Nannyberry <em>(Viburnum lentago)</em><br/> <br/> </p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What plants are native to Rapid City?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You&#8217;ll find a range of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in the Rapid City area. For example: <br/><br/>● Fireweed <em>(Chamerion angustifolium)</em><br/>● Tall Thimbleweed<em> (Anemone virginiana)</em><br/>● Common Yarrow <em>(Achillea millefolium)</em><br/> <br/> </p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What plants are native to Northeastern South Dakota?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Northeastern South Dakota is home to a variety of native plants that have adapted to the region&#8217;s climate and soil conditions. Some of the plants you&#8217;ll find in this area include:<br/><br/>● Black-Eyed Susan <em>(Rudbeckia hirta)</em><br/>● Narrowleaf Purple Coneflower<em> (Echinacea angustifolia)</em><br/>● Big Bluestem <em>(Andropogon gerardii)</em><br/> <br/> </p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Dakota\">Where to Find Native Plants in South Dakota</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local nurseries</strong> are an invaluable resource for finding native plants that are well-suited to your garden&#8217;s specific needs. They can provide expert advice on which plants will thrive in your area and offer a wide selection of native species to choose from.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporating native plants into your garden can truly transform your outdoor space, creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape that reflects the unique character of Mount Rushmore State. However, to keep your garden looking its best, it&#8217;s essential to maintain it properly —and that means pruning, edging, and mowing among many other things.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to keep your yard healthy and vibrant without the stress of constant upkeep, hire a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care expert near you</a> today.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1424515\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere</a></p>\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for South Dakota","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/1789c/Nannyberry-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/107df/Nannyberry-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/293e9/Nannyberry-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/f2cbb/Nannyberry-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/1789c/Nannyberry-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/c26c2/Nannyberry-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/1dd6e/Nannyberry-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/67b76/Nannyberry-2.webp 320w,\n/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/8df11/Nannyberry-2.webp 500w,\n/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/98a65/Nannyberry-2.webp 800w,\n/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/1dd6e/Nannyberry-2.webp 960w,\n/static/14d62f0c946cd4d6eb219dd756d65212/3cc96/Nannyberry-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for South Dakota | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want to attract more wildlife to your yard? Transform your yard into a thriving, eco-friendly space with these eight best native plants for South Dakota."}}},{"node":{"id":"d51626b4-31cf-532e-a90e-587dd42960c6","slug":"benefits-xeriscaping-your-lawn","path":"/blog/landscaping/benefits-xeriscaping-your-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4fa4848-36b3-57c3-925d-ae36e49e878f","name":"Garden Landscape","count":8,"path":"/category/garden-landscape/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 14th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Keeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That&#8217;s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn&#8217;t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Keeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That&#8217;s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn&#8217;t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; it just means you use plants and landscaping that needs little water. So if you&#8217;re ready to give up those water-hungry plants and lower your monthly water bill, join the crowd. </p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-container wikibox ab-block-container\"><div class=\"ab-container-inside\"><div class=\"ab-container-content\" style=\"max-width:1600px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6 Benefits of Xeriscaping a Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Water conservation is environmentally friendly.</li><li>It lowers water bills.</li><li>It highlights the natural beauty of the area by using native plants.</li><li>Low-maintenance plants and grasses save you time and energy. You won&#8217;t need an irrigation system or lawn mower.</li><li>Xeriscaping can eliminate the need for chemical lawn treatments.</li><li>Xeric plants and low-maintenance lawns can <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://jensenandcompany.com/our-top-recommendations-for-maximizing-your-homes-resale-value/\" target=\"_blank\">raise your property value</a>. </li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n</div></div></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How It Started</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/1a-vG2kR6WgTmvVLrtHGejLDqaXJP7j2caONyxpIKfaY03T4HnZ3oBoykjLVJghuVhJDwX-4j3Q65fY9n-qnuvSwzp47hMKKBDboA6msh62_4igT70m74vd0WECRDRi5yHHlR39X\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption>The low-maintenance landscaping in front of Denver Water,  the city&#8217;s water utility, shows it xeri-practices what it xeri-preaches. Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/denverjeffrey/19895254828\" target=\"_blank\">Jeffrey Beall</a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"CC-by SA-2.0 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC-by SA-2.0</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The term &#8220;xeriscape&#8221; comes from the Greek word &#8220;xeros,&#8221; meaning dry. Denver Water, the city’s utility service, coined and copyrighted the word in the 1980s when Colorado was experiencing a worse-than-usual drought. The water department looked at the soil in most yards, (clay soil doesn&#8217;t absorb water quickly), and the types of sprinkler systems people were using. The city began by offering rebates to people who used drip irrigation and turfgrass that requires little water. You’ll notice by the front of the office, the utility practices what it preaches.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Traditional Kentucky bluegrass is lush and hardy, but it requires a substantial amount of water in our semi-arid climate,&#8221; <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.denverwater.org/residential/rebates-and-conservation-tips/remodel-your-yard/xeriscape-plans/xeriscape-principles\" target=\"_blank\">according to Denver Water</a>. &#8220;One way to use less water is to reduce the amount of bluegrass turf in your landscape. Native or low-water-use plants, patios, decks, or mulches can beautify your landscape while saving water. Also, try planting turf such as buffalo grass, blue grama grass, turf-type tall fescue, and fine fescues to reduce water use in your landscape.&#8221;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The North Marin Water District, which provides water to Novato and other communities just north of San Francisco, offers a “<a href=\"https://www.nmwd.com/conservation_exterior.php\">Cash for</a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.nmwd.com/conservation_exterior.php\" target=\"_blank\"> </a><a href=\"https://www.nmwd.com/conservation_exterior.php\">Grass</a>” program that pays rebates to customers who remove lawns and plant approved low-water plants instead. In 2019, almost 15,000 square feet of turfgrass were converted.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The district also saw xeriscaping as a way to stop people from fertilizing their lawns and gardens. Native plants and grasses are adapted to the soil, so they need few amendments. What little they need can be provided by grass clippings and other organic matter … things that won&#8217;t harm the ocean or waterways.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Xeriscape Your Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as you&#8217;re making your lawn water-wise, go a step further and make your garden more efficient. Plant drought-resistant plants such as agave, juniper, yarrow, and lavender. Many herbs and spices are also drought-tolerant, such as thyme, sage, and oregano. The native and drought-tolerant plants will also attract local wildlife and pollinators to your garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Begin</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZEhlju3G6ZCAaw6jn0gF2iZIqU1ztxS2JYJ6ajV9qWS-KrBC-xAfbEPjHrfGxAVLpjz0WqDPWLQqTkfa_foDgJQcwANxKrtTtNGVAQxl5yDwbCgOuaV0Z-am26dM57JqO8OkkT2L\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption>Carefully chosen low-maintenance plants and pervious ground cover create an appealing landscape. Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Jerry Levine (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremylevinedesign/2888120894\" target=\"_blank\">Jerry Levine</a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"CC 2.0 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC 2.0</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re ready to take the plunge and xeriscape, don&#8217;t rush out and dig up all your flowers and turf. Start by <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/austin/xeriscaping/\">mapping out your yard</a>, noting where the shade trees are and which areas get the most sun. It&#8217;s also a good idea to see how much rainfall your yard gets in a typical year. You want plants that will thrive with the water nature provides.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re not crazy about drought-tolerant grasses, consider a rock garden or mulched border around your patio and yard. Mulching around trees and plants helps keep moisture from absorbing. Plant ground covers around sloped areas to prevent any water from running off. While a completely hardscaped backyard may sound appealing, check with your city or county. Some municipalities, including <a href=\"http://www.austintexas.gov/design-standards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Austin, Texas</a>, require a percentage of your land to be landscaped, to prevent rainwater from pouring into the street.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as much as <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">50% of irrigation water usage is wasted</a>. By opting for a xeriscaped yard, you can save hundreds of gallons of water from being squandered over just one scorching summer. So go ahead and plant a cactus and other succulents. Your lawn will look sharp for years to come.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main image credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Downtowngal (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Xeriscape_2,_Hidden_Meadows.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Downtowngal</a>, <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"CC-by SA-3.0 (opens in a new tab)\">CC-by SA-3.0</a></p>\n","title":"Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.549636803874092,"src":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1789c/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/107df/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 320w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/293e9/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 500w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/f2cbb/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 800w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1789c/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 960w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/356ef/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1dd6e/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/67b76/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 320w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/8df11/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 500w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/98a65/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 800w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1dd6e/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 960w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/93f70/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0bba1bda-9590-5771-b765-07fd5f17569e","slug":"best-grass-types-hartford","path":"/lawn-care/ct/hartford/best-grass-types-hartford/","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":"e5749cce-e649-530f-ab65-97c08883af12","name":"Connecticut","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ct/"},{"id":"fed6ff53-c40d-5845-824c-3ad4c27fab37","name":"Hartford","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ct/hartford/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Hartford is a city of historic landmarks, green parks, and beautiful gardens. There are many inspiring sights, from the scenery of the Connecticut River to the blossoms of Elizabeth Park. If you&#8217;re looking to add some natural beauty to your own backyard, you&#8217;re in the right place. Let’s discuss which type of grass is best [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Hartford is a city of historic landmarks, green parks, and beautiful gardens. There are many inspiring sights, from the scenery of the Connecticut River to the blossoms of Elizabeth Park. If you&#8217;re looking to add some natural beauty to your own backyard, you&#8217;re in the right place.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let’s discuss which type of grass is best for your Hartford backyard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;In this article:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#best\">5 Best Cold-Season Grasses for Hartford</a>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#kentucky\">Kentucky Bluegrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#rough\">Rough Bluegrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#perennial\">Perennial Ryegrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#tall\">Tall Fescue</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#fine\">Fine Fescue</a></li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Hartford Grass Types</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#choose\">Choose the Right Grass and Plants for Your Hartford Landscape</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best\">5 Cold-Season Grasses for Hartford</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every type of grass is suitable for Hartford&#8217;s climate and soil conditions. Grass types are divided into two main categories:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Warm-season grasses </strong>grow most actively in late spring and summer when temperatures are around 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform best in the southern half of the United States.&nbsp;</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cool-season grasses </strong>grow most actively in early spring and fall when temperatures are around 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They&#8217;re well-suited to northern climates with distinct seasons and cold winters.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hartford has warm, sunny summers and cold, snowy winters. That means that cool-season grasses are the best choice for Hartford&#8217;s climate. Find out more about the best grasses for Hartford below.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kentucky\"><strong>1. Kentucky Bluegrass</strong></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\" alt=\"Close up image of kentucky bluegrass\" class=\"wp-image-12491\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kentucky_Blue_Grass.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pilot138-17</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kentucky bluegrass is a high-quality, blue-green grass that thrives in direct sunlight. Because of its cold resistance, it&#8217;s especially popular in the northern parts of the country. Another of its advantages is that if it suffers damage, it can self-repair.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This grass does well in cold climates but can have trouble in poor soil and excessive heat. It grows slowly and doesn&#8217;t tolerate shade as well as other varieties of grass. It also has shallow roots, which is why it needs a lot of water.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, <a href=\"https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/TURFSPECIES/kenblue.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kentucky bluegrass</a> is vulnerable to diseases and pests more than other grass types. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s often mixed with other grasses, such as perennial ryegrass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season grass<br><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Underground stems (known as rhizomes)<br><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> Partial shade to full sun<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> High but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:</strong> High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5 to 7 days; fertilize 1 to 3 times a year<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> 1 to 3 inches<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rough\"><strong>2. Rough Bluegrass</strong></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Poa-Trivialis-Winterplay.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn with rough bluegrass\" class=\"wp-image-12505\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Poa-Trivialis-Winterplay.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Poa-Trivialis-Winterplay-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Poa-Trivialis-Winterplay-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Poa-Trivialis-Winterplay-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Poa-Trivialis-Winterplay-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Poa_trivialis_Winterplay_0zz.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Photo by David J. Stang</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rough bluegrass is similar to Kentucky bluegrass, but with a few distinct differences. It&#8217;s a yellow and light-green grass with a rougher texture that grows in areas with more shade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this grass is less resistant to heat and needs more shade and moisture in the summer. It doesn&#8217;t mix with other grasses as well as its counterpart. <a href=\"https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/grasses/rough-bluegrass/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rough bluegrass</a> also has poor wear tolerance and doesn&#8217;t salt well. Additionally, it has a medium-to-high potential for disease.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification: </strong>Cool-season grass<br><strong>Spreads by: </strong>Rhizomes<br><strong>Shade tolerance: </strong>High<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> High<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance: </strong>Moderate<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong>&nbsp; High<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> 1.5 to 2.5 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"perennial\"><strong>3. Perennial Ryegrass</strong></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"497\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of a perennial ryegrass\" class=\"wp-image-12224\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-300x186.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-768x477.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-400x250.jpg 400w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-480x298.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/marygillhamarchiveproject/26820162412\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perennial ryegrass stands out for its low maintenance and rapid growth. This medium-to-dark green grass tolerates cold and is resistant to damage once it&#8217;s been established. Because of its strength, <a href=\"https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/grasses-sedges-and-rushes/perennial-rye-grass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">perennial ryegrass</a> is sometimes mixed with other grass types, like Kentucky bluegrass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, this grass type comes with cons, too. It doesn&#8217;t do well in heat and has low resistance to diseases and pests. If it suffers damage, it won&#8217;t self-repair. On the upside, it will grow back quickly if you reseed it. But then again, this grass spreads so quickly and aggressively that it may become an issue. If you&#8217;re going to get perennial ryegrass, make sure you manage it carefully.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season grass<br><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Produces neither rhizomes nor stolons; you’ll need to seed or lay sod on the entire lawn to grow this grass<br><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> Moderate<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> Moderate, depending on the variety<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:</strong> High<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> 1.5 to 2.5 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tall\"><strong>4. Tall Fescue</strong></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close up image of tall fescue grass\" class=\"wp-image-12492\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue-1-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/152031736@N03/23480915048/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ty Haller</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tall fescue is a medium-to-dark green, versatile grass type that&#8217;s excellent at withstanding heat, foot traffic, diseases, and weeds. It can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. <a href=\"https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/TURFSPECIES/tallfesc.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tall fescue</a> grows quickly and doesn&#8217;t need much maintenance except frequent mowing to keep its height in check.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the downside, this grass won&#8217;t repair itself if damaged, but it can be reseeded. It should then grow back relatively quickly.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season grass<br><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Grows in clumps and spreads through tillers (vertical shoots that grow from the base of the plant)<br><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> High<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> Very high<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:</strong> High<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed or it will go dormant<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> 3.5 to 4 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fine\"><strong>5. Fine Fescue</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many kinds of <a href=\"https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/beaverturf/fine-fescues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fine fescue</a> to choose from, but generally, this grass type is versatile and low maintenance. It&#8217;s a medium to dark green grass that withstands both full sun and partial shade and is relatively drought resistant (although it may go dormant in drought).</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fine fescue isn&#8217;t resistant to diseases and wear and tear, so take care of it and keep foot traffic to a minimum. Also, be careful with fertilizers. Too many fertilizers can cause high thatch levels, which can choke the grass and lead to diseases.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season grass<br><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (modified stems that run underground)<br><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> High<br><strong>Drought tolerance:</strong> High<br><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:</strong> Moderate to low; not best for heavy foot traffic<br><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Mow every 2 to 3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2 to 4 times a year; aerate once a year<br><strong>Recommended mowing height:</strong> 3 to 3.5 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Grass Types for Hartford</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What&#8217;s the best grass type for a low-maintenance lawn?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider planting fine fescue. Just make sure you mow it regularly to keep its height between 2.5 and 4 inches. It should never be shorter than 2 inches.<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What&#8217;s the best grass type for a lawn that gets a lot of foot traffic?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Kentucky bluegrass is your best option, especially during winter. It&#8217;s excellent at repairing itself but is more susceptible to damage during warmer months. Alternatively, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue both tolerate foot traffic. However, they’ll need reseeding if damage occurs. On the upside, they grow back quickly.<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What&#8217;s the best grass type for a shady lawn?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If your lawn is shaded, fine fescue grass, tall fescue grass, and rough bluegrass are all good choices.<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What&#8217;s the best grass type for a pet-friendly lawn?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Kentucky bluegrass is soft, withstands foot traffic, and repaiurs itself. Again, just take note that it&#8217;s less resistant during warm months.</p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choose\">Choose the Right Grass and Plants for Your Hartford Landscape</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you&#8217;re deciding on the best grass for your Hartford lawn, consider a variety of factors, including your personal aesthetic preferences, how the lawn will be used, and maintenance requirements. This guide should help you get a picture of how Hartford grasses differ from each other.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to establish a beautiful lawn for the years to come, your next step could be adding native Hartford plants. These plants are well suited to the local climate and soil conditions. That means they require less maintenance and are beneficial to the environment. Make sure you also research how to care for your lawn at each time of the year.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining your lawn is no easy task. It involves consistent effort and knowledge of the specific needs of your plants. You can keep your lawn green and healthy with services from WikiLawn&#8217;s <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ct/hartford/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hartford lawn care pros</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daniel_Hosmer_House_in_West_Hartford,_August_16,_2008.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ragesoss</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Hartford, Connecticut","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/1789c/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg","srcSet":"/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/107df/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 320w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/293e9/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 500w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/f2cbb/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 800w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/1789c/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 960w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/c26c2/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/1dd6e/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/67b76/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 320w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/8df11/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 500w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/98a65/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 800w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/1dd6e/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 960w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/3cc96/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Hartford, Connecticut","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Which are the best grass types for your Hartford yard, and what are their pros and cons? Read on to find out."}}},{"node":{"id":"9fbfe0d8-7076-5656-9429-0902cd51f3eb","slug":"the-worst-weeds-in-your-san-antonio-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/the-worst-weeds-in-your-san-antonio-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 12th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Here are the five worst weeds that San Antonio area homeowners have to contend with, from chickweed to thistle. </p>\n","content":"\n<p>Keeping up with <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/san-antonio-lawn-mowing-maintenance/\">lawn maintenance</a> can be tough in Central Texas. Not only is the climate hot year-round, but the worst weeds in your San Antonio lawn tend to grow faster than the grass&#8230;and some are harder to kill than others. Here are the worst weeds to look out for the next time you’re mowing:</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Broadleaf Weeds</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chickweed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This notorious weed may seem simple enough with its small leaves and white flowers. But don’t let the appearance of chickweed fool you. This worst weed is hard to get rid of due to its ability to produce up to 15,000 seeds from just one plant! Chickweed can adapt and spread well all across the lawn, making it even harder to eradicate! You’ll find it growing in shaded parts of the yard where birds will visit it to eat the seeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thistle</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/CG6Vm0XXKjkO1jDpbLu5x36794_BS3H4pFJQlJulOtl44FvHqi9qGVd8yWWY5QgezbWCqJaKVGHD6UqB2OMPVyedocCw99QpXq2mIm24gBU1YMWydjmkTll2s_cNFmsRPKl5XRAm\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://visualhunt.com/photo/167073/\">Source</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This broadleaf weed is easy to spot with its spiny leaves with jagged edges. Thistle looks a lot like a dandelion when it is small but will have a purple hue to it. Many homeowners consider thistle one of the worst weeds in your San Antonio lawn thanks to its quick growth rate and the amount of space it covers. When left untreated, thistle can grow tall and spread, blocking the grass underneath. Use gloves to pull out this sucker and make sure to get the entire root, so it doesn’t come back.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purslane</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/oZCwJz1ENkTp5CP68Ii_3YJaoiazV3mmo67f-38V0wlzDcfhspkAmk60ocIJ1QaHfS0adRKjQ18PW_RDAZ6-A0Q1Whm-MsGsXY0JPG4xDwJMD-1UBRyA_BCUnglJB2x9ZvGZNkvQ\" alt=\"Claytonia Perfoliata, Indian Lettuce, Spring Beauty\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Known as the Dolly Parton weed, this persistent perennial blooms from 9 to 5, when the sun&#8217;s out. It&#8217;s hard to get rid of because of its low stems and many seedpods it produces. Purslane seeds sit in the soil year after year as well. This is an <a href=\"https://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/08/purslanesedumstone-crop.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">edible weed</a> although most homeowners may not be thrilled about a Purslane salad. It also is tolerant of both drought and heat, making it a stubborn plant that won’t go without a fight. You’ll know you have this weed in the lawn by spotting its red stems and clover-like leaves. Pull the weed by the roots and make sure you get the seeds to prevent it from re-rooting.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grassy Weeds</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crabgrass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grassy weeds are harder to spot thanks to their close resemblance to the grass. But over time, crabgrass will spread and choke the grass underneath. This weed usually grows faster than the rest of the lawn and can take over if not eliminated. Spotting and taking out crabgrass is critical as one plant can produce thousands of seeds. Pull it out by the roots (use a trowel or spade) as soon as it appears. To prevent it from returning, use a pre-emergent herbicide at the beginning of spring.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dallisgrass</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/XoY2FuipC1zoRkwypwcVf-Tjrzrxu1QifftBhn07W-peA5bS3tLxZeniv1hkmVMa5vEXr1DFU5da-rg6vxWlcqRKE1IdUt7TyhkwIun0LZNFJaYLObZ_Ciw1HA0i6ALOYO-Z-NbV\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This other grass weed is a common problem all throughout the San Antonio and New Braunfels area. <a href=\"https://www.star-telegram.com/living/home-garden/neil-sperry/article3869242.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Dallisgrass</a> is harder to spot at first since it looks much like the surrounding turf. However, if you miss a mow or two, you’ll find that the Dallisgrass stands much taller than the rest of the lawn. This weed can grow quite large, and a single plant can smother the surrounding grass. It&#8217;s a common issue for manicured lawns like athletic fields and golf courses.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spotting any of these weeds early is the key to keeping them out of your manicured lawn. Your best defense is regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing, so the weeds won&#8217;t find bare spots to seed.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Have questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in San Antonio? Check out our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/\">San Antonio, Texas, lawn care</a> page. </em><br></p>\n","title":"The Worst Weeds in Your San Antonio Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/1789c/chickweed-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/107df/chickweed-.jpg 320w,\n/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/293e9/chickweed-.jpg 500w,\n/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/f2cbb/chickweed-.jpg 800w,\n/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/1789c/chickweed-.jpg 960w,\n/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/313d6/chickweed-.jpg 1536w","srcWebp":"/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/1dd6e/chickweed-.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/67b76/chickweed-.webp 320w,\n/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/8df11/chickweed-.webp 500w,\n/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/98a65/chickweed-.webp 800w,\n/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/1dd6e/chickweed-.webp 960w,\n/static/7b3ff985c1bcbaf901ced0cc2ffb81e8/1fc67/chickweed-.webp 1536w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Worst Weeds in Your San Antonio Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If only our grass would grow as well as the weeds! We identify the worst weeds in your San Antonio lawn and tell you how to get rid of them."}}},{"node":{"id":"1b8efa3d-8665-5f24-86c1-df248f59d7ed","slug":"worst-weeds-in-richmond-va","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/worst-weeds-in-richmond-va/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08edb056-11a9-55f1-a92d-6400a6e86bbc","name":"Richmond","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"August 9th, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Richmond&#8217;s mild climate gives weeds plenty of opportunities to invade, often undetected. Here’s a guide to some of the worst weeds in Richmond — and how to control them.</p>\n","content":"\n<p>With four mild but distinct seasons, Richmond offers a perfect environment for us to enjoy the great outdoors. It also gives <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/the-definitive-guide-to-identifying-common-lawn-weeds/\">weeds plenty of opportunities</a> to invade, often undetected. Here’s a guide to some of the worst weeds in Richmond and how to control them.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nutsedge</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Far more insidious than the annual weeds covered above, nutsedge (pictured above) has the unfortunate distinction of being an annual weed, which means that its invasions are not limited to spring or fall. This very aggressive weed requires a long-term strategy to eliminate, so be prepared for a marathon rather than a sprint. Nutsedge thrives in moist areas and can be an indicator that you’re overwatering. Small patches of nutsedge can be eliminated by digging out (to a depth of 10 inches), but larger concentrations will have to be treated with a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/nutsedge/\" target=\"_blank\">specific post-emergent herbicide</a> during warm months. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dandelion</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/sPdtBA44JjuK6q1NlAvEXcCx5sIRe83_ReXEaluVI576F8l7SYgXZ3i0IqXNvshCSJ9KrdKIZIudDA0Cg_ZtF-7sgHhcdJIklP4SOo0bO-s0MdnlJPLryU8d6Vo9zcwhNddOE7lp\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite our childhood wonder and making wishes blowing on the white poofs of dandelion seeds, this is one noxious weed. What’s more, those “wishes” send airborne seeds far and wide — for miles — much to the dismay of anyone with a lawn. The key to controlling these perennial weeds is to catch them in the spring before they’ve had time to spread. As soon as you spot one in the lawn, take care to pull up the entire plant including the taproot. If you’ve got a dandelion problem, then a broadleaf herbicide applied in the fall can help.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chickweed</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A cool-season annual, chickweed is adaptable to almost any condition, although it prefers moist, well-irrigated soil. If it&#8217;s allowed to spread, you’ll notice it first by the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://weedid.cals.vt.edu/weedimg/346\" target=\"_blank\">small white flowers</a> it sends out. You can control it by manually pulling up the plants by their shallow roots as they appear. However, the bare areas they leave in the lawn are an invitation to other weeds. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/\">Aeration and reseeding</a> in the early fall can help to fill in any gaps in the turf. Use herbicides as a last resort, only if frequent mowing doesn&#8217;t prevent the chickweed from going to seed.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purple Deadnettle</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CCHjuWXl8WimgoikEJmEhZYsAaamJFLW3J8vTGXISv7BHsl2FknB7LV7tNf9YWHfQdQsBO4EZX7ppDm8fJCWnMuLBvR24aNg2AyMDB-ePXdxtV-Zs1TT8ehxouOG-bVXX0FHa5Ae\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Another winter annual, purple deadnettle is part of the mint family that makes its appearance in late March and early April. Mild winter seasons can help these worst weeds in Richmond can get a head start, taking advantage of any gaps in the lawn. Bare spots in your lawn can also be exploited by aggressive summer weeds like crabgrass. Hand weeding is effective for small outbreaks, but applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall is the only way to prevent an infestation. Don’t bother treating with herbicide in the spring. Your best course of action is actually to mow regularly to prevent the mature plants from going to seed. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that most weeds are opportunists who exploit any gap in the lawn and take advantage of issues in that make it easy for them to outcompete turfgrass. The best way to defend your lawn against them is to keep it lush, dense, and healthy. Aeration, good mowing technique, appropriate irrigation, and well-timed fertilization will all contribute to your lawn’s health. A bit of effort spent on maintaining a healthy lawn will save you loads of time spent combatting the weeds. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Richmond? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/va/richmond/\">Richmond, Va., lawn care page</a>.</p>\n","title":"Worst Weeds in Richmond, Va.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2229299363057324,"src":"/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/1789c/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg","srcSet":"/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/107df/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 320w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/293e9/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 500w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/f2cbb/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 800w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/1789c/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 960w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/4fb49/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/1dd6e/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/67b76/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 320w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/8df11/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 500w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/98a65/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 800w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/1dd6e/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 960w,\n/static/226823db4ec72f2e93dae08fcc5a67ac/62477/nutsedge-grass-pixabay.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Worst Weeds in Richmond, Va. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"e27b07d9-6bcb-5fda-b394-009c7f1ef370","slug":"watering-restrictions-columbus-ohio","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/watering-restrictions-columbus-ohio/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"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":"<p>While there are no watering restrictions in Columbus when temperatures and precipitation are in their normal range, you will see a call to action during periods of drought. When temps go up, and the rivers go down, check with the city’s utilities department, or local news stations for updates.   The &#8216;Burbs Some municipalities within the [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>While there are no watering restrictions in Columbus when <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.weather.gov/iln/climate_graphs_cmh\" target=\"_blank\">temperatures and precipitation</a> are in their normal range, you will see a call to action during periods of drought. When temps go up, and the rivers go down, check with the city’s <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.columbus.gov/utilities/\" target=\"_blank\">utilities department</a>, or local news stations for updates.  </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The &#8216;Burbs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some municipalities within the Columbus metro need to keep watering schedules in place year-round, especially during periods of excessive heat and limited rainfall. That&#8217;s because the suburban facilities serve many customers within a smaller region.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https://www.westerville.org/services/water/water-conservation/odd-even-lawn-watering-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Westerville</a>, for example, houses or businesses with addresses that end in even numbers can water the grass on even-numbered days.&nbsp; Subsequently, house and business addresses that end in odd numbers may water on odd-numbered days. The restriction doesn&#8217;t apply to trees, shrubs, gardens, and flowerbeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://delcowater.org/watering-restrictions/\" target=\"_blank\">Delaware, Ohio</a>, to conserve resources, voluntary restrictions are in place during normal rainfall. But the schedule becomes more rigid during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. Homeowners whose properties have odd numbers can water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. In an effort to refill reserves, <a href=\"https://delcowater.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Delco Water Company</a> prohibits watering on Mondays. During drought times in Ohio, residents are asked to limit car-washing, running the dishwasher and clothes washer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watering restrictions and conservation tips are similar in <a href=\"https://www.gahanna.gov/utilities/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Gahanna,</a> Dublin, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Powell, Bexley, Grandview, and Granville.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Precious Resource</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, Ohioans may take it for granted, but water is a precious resource, although we do get a lot of rain here.  Still, there are reasons to preserve water. Cutting down on water usage means a lower utility bill. Conserving water and using this precious resource as wisely as possible is always a good habit.   </p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outdoors</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Water early in the morning or after the sun sets in the evening.  Irrigating the lawn before 10 a.m. is preferred by experts,  as it allows water to soak directly into the ground before evaporating.  Mulching flowerbeds, garden and shrub areas helps to keep moisture in. Wash the car from a bucket of water; use a hose with a hose-end nozzle when it’s time to rinse.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indoors</h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8nR4FoUXTG4Q6VafTC9CKj8-pRZ8-8Ap3BeNz9h0QGkjKKQ5FfiEo5gxVCL7b5kMOF60Y4TA0Ppa5ImwNL9w2eRbPzkGFxW1LLaSw4FrKAuXI5baxj2BE1Lp7bH_WjriBg0fewBg\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Refrain from rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. Run full loads.</li><li>Wash full loads of laundry.</li><li>Replace hoses, faucet washers, toilet innards, showerheads and anything else that leaks or drips.</li><li>Shorter showers mean less hot water usage.</li><li>Turn off the faucet while shaving, brushing teeth, and cleaning fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Columbus Water Stats</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Columbus Division of Public Utilities operates and maintains three water treatment plants, 37 water storage tanks, 26 pump stations, nearly 27,000 hydrants, and close to 3.500 miles of water lines. Nearly 134 million gallons of water are pumped into homes and businesses every day. That’s about 50 billion gallons a year to 1.2 million people.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Preventing water pollution and conserving resources is a community-wide responsibility. You can do your part by not pouring kitchen grease down the drain, properly disposing of household hazardous waste and yard and pet waste. You can also limit stormwater runoff by <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas/\">creating a rain garden</a>. This area provides water for your garden and prevents pollutants from entering our water supply.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider <a href=\"https://www.columbus.gov/volunteers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">volunteering</a> for litter cleanup sessions along watersheds and waterways. That&#8217;s something you can do year-round in Columbus, rain or shine.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Columbus? Visit our <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/la/columbus/\">Columbus Lawn Care page</a>. <br></p>\n","title":"Watering Restrictions in Columbus","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5047021943573669,"src":"/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/1789c/sprinklers-5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/107df/sprinklers-5.jpg 320w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/293e9/sprinklers-5.jpg 500w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/f2cbb/sprinklers-5.jpg 800w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/1789c/sprinklers-5.jpg 960w","srcWebp":"/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/1dd6e/sprinklers-5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/67b76/sprinklers-5.webp 320w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/8df11/sprinklers-5.webp 500w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/98a65/sprinklers-5.webp 800w,\n/static/d947b34011ac80602cd70a175f76ac76/1dd6e/sprinklers-5.webp 960w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Watering Restrictions in Columbus | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Just because there are no watering restrictions in Columbus this year doesn't mean you can waste water. See how the city is working to conserve water."}}},{"node":{"id":"9b773e35-df5b-51f7-8c97-481acd7b2771","slug":"how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas/","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":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"February 21st, 2019","excerpt":"<p>Austin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Austin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek motto ‘Keep Austin Weird’ in more ways than are obvious to the casual observer. Being a center for creative design and out of the box thinking, Austinites have embraced the idea of getting innovative when it comes to the way they view landscaping and water management. One of these ways is with the healthy use of Rain Gardens. Although the use of rain gardens, bioswales, and other forms of using the landscape to manage rainwater have gained in popularity in the past years, it is good to know the basic fundamentals of what makes for a successful rain garden that can withstand the extremes of the Central Texas climate.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>First Things First: What is a Rain Garden?</strong> </h2>\n\n\n\n<p> <strong>A Solid Foundation</strong>. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a rain garden. There are lots of terms and descriptors used to categorize these very similar landscape applications, but they all differ from each other in one way or another. A rain garden is perhaps the simplest of them all. A rain garden is purely an area of planting that you install in a low spot in your landscape. Rain gardens should be designed to hold water for only a brief period of time after a storm, with water quickly infiltrating back into the ground. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike a pond or wetland, rain gardens should not generally be more than a foot deep at any given point and should not use any sort of liner. The actual depth and size of your rain garden will vary depending upon how much rainfall you need to collect from your roof or other impervious surfaces.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are examples of a rain garden in a dry state versus a wet state.</p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Residential Rain Garden in a Dry State</strong></h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IZtgwprugCTW6rZfud7Qw5dmJ2qoRXmqzN2xAmCUBS8XmBegxcU4sqHmdh7wvr437JxtdLLoqGjtLrWGp4_rbPHdII_qjLYnXuLQjnmB_8I7ZW3fkpV2anv8HpUFo9Uzm_m7TT_R1EVzVTfdrw\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em>Photo: </em><a href=\"https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-rain-gardens﻿\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Residential Rain Garden in a Wet State</strong></h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_MSsZiTdiwZFgSLW5TcZA8NOJgtdX0HB7Y-xxrKmVxgUIx8PUk5_DBG3dOT6DPtDc3ml6HjVqiooQ65lOUtP4OjHj85P3HKmAPDAHT9CWS-eZPY3MKHvV-JjYwTifhsfWEfePS40DRs8GNGJ8Q\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em>Photo: </em><a href=\"https://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/rain-garden-basics/\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benefits of Rain Gardens</strong>\t</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Small plantings packing a BIG punch.  </strong>The benefits of rain gardens are multifold. Firstly, they help prevent pollution from runoff water. The water that falls off our roofs, down the street, or across a parking lot isn&#8217;t pure rainwater; it collects pollutants as it flows, especially excess nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers. These pollutants can harm rivers and ponds by causing algae blooms and fish kill. The deep roots of native plants readily absorb these nutrients, protecting groundwater quality. During heavy to moderate rain events, this storm surge can cause damaging erosion, sediment buildup, and bring a number of other harms to freshwater ecosystems, negatively impacting freshwater mussels and other aquatic life.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rain gardens can also play a part to protect Austin properties from floods. A mature stand of rain garden plants will take up excess water that might normally puddle in your yard, leading to water damage issues in your home. When you get rid of standing water, you also reduce mosquito breeding problems around your home.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rain gardens create habitats for wildlife. The traditional Austin front yard is turf grass, a monoculture that does little to nurture wildlife, but a mixed planting of native Texas flowers and grasses will draw butterflies, bees, beneficial insects, and birds. Rain gardens also help conserve water. Once established the native plants that thrive in the rain garden won&#8217;t need supplemental irrigation, as they are deep-rooted and have evolved to survive periods of drought between rains.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Right Site, Size, and Shape for the Rain Garden</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Getting s<g class=\"gr_ gr_13 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace\" id=\"13\" data-gr-id=\"13\">pecific</g>.  </strong>How big should a rain garden be? A small rain garden is better than nothing, but you should plan on a garden at least 150 square feet in order to include an interesting variety of plants that can process the runoff associated with your landscape. Choose a natural, rounded shape for your rain garden, like an oval, teardrop, or kidney shape. Outline the potential area with a hose or rope first, and view it from all angles, as well as from inside your home to envision the finished product.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re planning to divert your roof gutters into your rain garden, you won&#8217;t want to install the feature too far away from your home, but you must place it at least ten feet away from your home. Underground utilities and tree roots may also influence the placement of the rain garden. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Be sure to check for these two things before you begin to dig. </strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>If your yard doesn&#8217;t have a natural depression, you will need to create one by digging: either by hand or with an excavator. It isn&#8217;t necessary to create a pit; a gentle basin no more than about five inches deep is sufficient. The basin should have a flat bottom and gently sloping sides, and you can use some of the fill dirt to create a berm to hold excess rainfall until the plants can absorb the excess water<g class=\"gr_ gr_13 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"13\" data-gr-id=\"13\">.</g></li><li><g class=\"gr_ gr_13 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"13\" data-gr-id=\"13\">Additionally</g>, the use of river rocks 2”- 4” diameter can be implemented to help slow the flow of water entering the planted rain garden and add textural interest. </li></ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2Esyi2eVKRoMKak2UnqoBo4JPdg5DkL4jJUDn8ivE8u9SaQkRaCMvZceYQm97QzCHvIKNEpkUXrPgEUx61iuKp4jt6i6Lkmf3basdfESz35HM-fhBzwH4IlS1mn7ys2BHpWVGxYxsh3ArH6npg\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em>Photo: </em><a href=\"https://xerces.org/2018/04/04/rain-gardens-are-a-win-win/\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Plants for a Rain Garden</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Choosing the Right Plants. &nbsp;</strong>In order to properly design a rain garden, only use perennial plants. This is because a rain garden functions as a water remediation (cleaning) feature and greatly depends on the deep roots of perennial plants. When considering plants, look at their soil moisture requirements and plan accordingly. While your rain garden should favor plants that can tolerate occasional flooding, this does not mean you are limited to only wetland species or that they are necessarily the best fit for a rain garden. In places like Austin, where rain may be seasonal or intermittent, drought tolerance should be a greater consideration than tolerance of flooding. Luckily, Austin native plants with deep roots that are useful for driving water back into the earth are often drought tolerant as well—making them an excellent choice for rain gardens.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few good choices of plants for each zone of a rain garden that are well suited to Austin:</p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Base of the garden</strong> </h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Frog Fruit</li><li>Mistflower</li><li> Milkweed</li><li>Eastern Gamagrass</li><li>Horsetail</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong> </strong><strong>\t</strong><strong>Sides of the Garden</strong></h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Big Bluestem</li><li>Big Muhly</li><li>Black-eyed Susan</li><li>Cut-Leaf Daisy</li><li>Coreopsis</li><li>Gulf Coast Muhly</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trees and Shrubs for a Rain Garden</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Add Some Height. </strong>Although a rain garden is not the place to grow a large shade tree, you can add a small ornamental tree or shrub to act as a focal point in the landscape. A Texas redbud tree has beautiful pink-red flowers in the spring and will reach a mature height of 15-20 feet. A cypress or cedar elm specimen can work in a larger landscape, and will greatly increase the water absorption ability of your rain garden. Trees also lend much-needed shade along a street or sidewalk when rain gardens are used in those settings.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bw0nehWRO3FijgqiVY6ni0q7qzRHA_lBeGHvI23vzit05SDMbDt0LdSfjhV_KQ-XxLnxh4korfL2cBKGcH76X8SXDlP5pO4uuI6NK8wVogiMXQV8HTSG9Oh9kJyjnOdQRbun24Fm7FBxdObJJw\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em>Photo: <a href=\"https://statecollegepa.us/2476/On-Street-Rain-Gardens﻿\">Source</a></em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rain Garden Care and Maintenance</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Create a long life for your g<g class=\"gr_ gr_54 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace\" id=\"54\" data-gr-id=\"54\">arden</g>.</strong> Although rain gardens are lower in maintenance than a typical Austin residential flowerbed, they definitely will benefit from some of the same basic landscape care practices. The plants in rain gardens will require more direct care in their first year after planting as they establish their root systems. Be sure to remember to water deeply but infrequently during times of drought to encourage healthy roots to grow deep into the soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rain gardens need to be kept free of weeds, both for plant health and aesthetic value. The best time to weed is right after a strong Austin rain event when the soil becomes soft and weed roots release their hold more easily. Additionally, by adding a &nbsp;three-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil surface weed growth will be further suppressed. Use a fine hardwood mulch, as it&#8217;s less likely to float away after a heavy rain.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Diagram of water flow from a rooftop to a rain garden</strong></h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GAC1IlHN4g6UVu3tqj_NNysGh0QYYz_hfzfhXHhqicwfYyPkgEBP_auAm0HOQogjouBH3a-eLhAzAln7NJ85nc74CW0yNytgWgFTO0CPDvFnQcEQJ35mjPJ6mUQ3SrkPTvhVxaP_1i7kO5LA9A\" alt=\"\"/><figcaption><em>Photo: </em><a href=\"https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Stormwater-is-directed-from-the-roof-to-a-rain-garden-for-infiltration_fig8_322644556\"><em>Source</em></a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Top Photo: </em><a href=\"https://unsplash.com/photos/HCcmfL-l08I?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\"><em>Source</em></a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have questions about lawn care? Please visit our Austin, TX lawn care page by clicking <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/austin/\">here</a>.</p>\n","title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6,"src":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg","srcSet":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/107df/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/293e9/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/f2cbb/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/c26c2/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/67b76/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/8df11/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/98a65/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/3cc96/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas | 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":"<p>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 [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we will cover:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#types\">Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grass Types&nbsp;</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#grasses\">5 Warm-Season and Cool-Season Grasses for Wyoming</a></strong></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#buffalo\">Buffalograss</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#fine\">Fine Fescue</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#kentucky\">Kentucky Bluegrass</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#perennial\">Perennial Ryegrass</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#tall\">Tall Fescue</a></strong></li>\n</ol>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Wyoming Grass Types</a></strong></li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#choosing\">Choosing Plant and Grass Varieties for Your Wyoming Landscape</a></strong></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\">Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grass Types</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warm-Season Grasses</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-season grass types enter their active growth phase when temperatures are between 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp; 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-season grasses in Wyoming wait until late spring through early fall to push out fresh growth and go dormant throughout the winter.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cool-Season Grasses</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool-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.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"grasses\">5 Warm-Season and Cool-Season Grasses for Wyoming</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following warm and cool-season grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Wyoming:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buffalo\">1. Buffalograss</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss.jpg\" alt=\"green buffalograss in a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-14801\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/52141576746/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Lavin</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buffalograss 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buffalograss 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> Very low — best suited for full sun</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought resistance</strong> High</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:</strong> Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Low mowing frequency — once per week or less</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height:</strong> 2-4 inches or leave unmowed</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease:</strong> Low; bipolaris leaf spot may occur</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for pests: </strong>Low; most common pests are mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, and chinch bugs</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil pH:</strong> 6.5-7.5</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil type:</strong> Native soils, not sandy soils</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fine\">2. Fine Fescue</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\" alt=\"Fine Long grass\" class=\"wp-image-13702\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://pxhere.com/en/photo/743848\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PxHere</a> / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0 1.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fine 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fine 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification: </strong>Cool-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues possess rhizomes</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance:</strong> Moderate to high</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought resistance:</strong> Moderate to high</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance: </strong>Low to moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs:</strong> Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mowing height:</strong> 1.5-3 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease:</strong> Moderate; red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, powdery mildew, and downy mildew can occur</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for pests: </strong>Moderate; most common pests are chinch bugs, sod webworms, grubs, billbugs, winter mites, and crane flies</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil pH:</strong> 5.5-6.5</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil type: </strong>Well-drained soils; tolerates infertile and sandy soils</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notes:</strong> Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kentucky\">3. Kentucky Bluegrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of Kentucky blue grass\" class=\"wp-image-14104\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kentucky_Blue_Grass.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pilot138-17</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kentucky 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Rhizomes</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance: </strong>Low to moderate; prefers full sun</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance: </strong>Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance: </strong>Low to moderate; recuperates well</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs: </strong>Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recommended mowing height: </strong>2-3 inches; mow taller during summer</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease:</strong> Moderate to high; snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, and necrotic ring spot can occur</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for pests: </strong>Moderate to high; most common pests are<strong> </strong>chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs, grubs, and greenbugs</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil pH</strong>: 6-7</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil type:</strong> Well-drained, fertile soils</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notes: </strong>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.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"perennial\">4. Perennial Ryegrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\" alt=\"Long Green color grass\" class=\"wp-image-13705\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://pixabay.com/photos/grass-spike-meadow-plants-seeds-6356804/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manfredrichter</a> / Pixabay / <a href=\"https://pixabay.com/de/service/terms/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perennial 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perennial 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Tillers (Bunch-type)</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance: </strong>Low; requires four to five hours of sunlight</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance: </strong>Low</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance: </strong>High; recuperates poorly</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs: </strong>High; requires frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recommended mowing height: </strong>2-3 inches</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease:</strong> High; susceptible to flag rust, stem rust, leaf spot, downy mildew, brown patch, and red thread</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for pests: </strong>High; chinch bugs and greenbug aphids can occur</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil pH</strong>: 6-7</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil type:</strong> Adaptable; prefers well-drained, fertile soils</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tall\">5. Tall Fescue</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\" alt=\"Tall Fescue\" class=\"wp-image-13511\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Festuca_arundinacea_-_Berlin_Botanical_Garden_-_IMG_8538.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daderot</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Public_domain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public domain</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tall 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hybrid 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.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tall 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.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season grass</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Tillers (Bunch-type)</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shade tolerance: </strong>Moderate to high</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drought tolerance: </strong>Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance: </strong>Moderate; recovers slowly</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance needs: </strong>Moderate</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recommended mowing height: </strong>2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many cultivars grow best when mowed on the tall side.)</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for disease:</strong> Low to moderate; can be prone to leaf spot, seedling disease, and brown patch</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential for pests:</strong> Low to moderate; susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, and grubs</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil pH</strong>: 5.5-6.5</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil type:</strong> Adaptable; prefers clay soils</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notes: </strong>Fertilize in September and November. Plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years to maintain a dense lawn and fill thinning spots.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Wyoming Grass Types</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>What is the best soil for turfgrass?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>Loam 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.<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>What is the best fertilizer for turfgrass in Wyoming?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>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. <br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>What can I plant as a substitute for grass in Wyoming?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>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: <br/><br/>● <meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>Breckland Thyme<br/>● <meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>Creeping Phlox<br/>● <meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>Myrtle<br/>● <meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>Stonecrop<br/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>● <meta charset=\"utf-8\"/><meta charset=\"utf-8\"/>Yarrow<br/><br/></p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choosing\">Choosing Plant and Grass Varieties for Your Wyoming Landscape</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When designing your landscape, consider using Wyoming native plants to create a low-maintenance and drought-resistant landscape.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before choosing a grass type for your lawn in Wyoming, you will want to consider:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Your area&#8217;s Hardiness Zone; <a href=\"https://www.plantmaps.com/interactive-wyoming-usda-plant-zone-hardiness-map.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wyoming’s USDA Zones</a> are 2a-5b</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Climate and seasonal conditions</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunlight and watering capabilities of your landscape</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yard work in Wyoming can feel like thankless work when there are so many chores to complete. Let Wikilawn connect you with a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">local lawn care pro</a> to take care of your yard chores, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAED2OHYsMc-montana-landscape/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">espiegle</a> / Canva Pro / <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/policies/content-license-agreement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License</a></p>\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. 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