![\"Poison](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/08/31/20/20/poison-ivy-1634562_960_720.jpg\")
Homowners can’t be blamed for getting frustrated if, after putting many hours of hard work into a creating a beautiful lawn, they find weeds cropping up. The weather in Columbus, Ohio, contributes to the weed population with hot and humid summers and periods of heavy rainfall. Being proactive and controlling the worst weeds in Columbus […]
\n","content":"\nHomowners can’t be blamed for getting frustrated if, after putting many hours of hard work into a creating a beautiful lawn, they find weeds cropping up. The weather in Columbus, Ohio, contributes to the weed population with hot and humid summers and periods of heavy rainfall. Being proactive and controlling the worst weeds in Columbus is possible.
\n\n\n\nThe State of Ohio has defined 31 weeds as noxious and deserving eradication anywhere they’re found on public right-of-ways. They’re a good starting point for homeowners looking to create their own “most unwanted” list, too. The weeds may be grassy or broadleaf. Some even have striking blooms and florets. Of about 700 nonnative plants found in Columbus and the rest of the Buckeye State, fewer than 100 of them are problems in natural areas. But all Ohio weeds can damage grass and gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe City of Columbus Code Enforcement division considers grass to be too high when it exceeds 12 inches. Noxious weeds that can cause unhealthy or unsafe conditions, such as poison ivy, oak or sumac, must be removed promptly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/AMvCybT5Ft9BTQK9NW6ebzgJySy7nhjSjE-DUTGtS-tnZNtfGtnBERndagGOhIwsO1Y3cTb57Z7vwMKXkr11OxHs59KAboIv8JoMsPFvkBNygbDW8jrXt0gavU9doL73dJrRMdXT\")
Bittercress is that winter weed with long stems and tiny white blooms that crops up every year. Pulling it up by hand with a weeding tool is recommended, but not always practical. Treating bittercress with chemical herbicide poses a risk to people, pets, and the environment. A pre-emergent herbicide product applied in late summer or early fall will prevent the seeds from germinating. The problem? Pre-emergents also stop grass seed from growing. Products containing MCPP or dicamba may be effective.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3IunA4uMZLgePLApFvlo3DFe2aWhKaMl18-wWGVsHhpZLRaW00zoe1iJEUqtPlTVlzWFh8X2L2TKXUSHPPjlCY6G7KkaccrZpGPSEDpm1i4n18n1bFg7cwoQX3ofk99lH72dnX2Y\")
This invasive plant is rather attractive for a weed, with tiny white florets on a pinecone-like spike. Post-emergent weed killers are helpful but may need several applications.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed,](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VbcGgnm2p0lsuJZ_Cj4JUwOyzkVgU_GIrypVa4VDrqcsfWkLxthEm6JJ5TaOqzbkRvvUddoDodrYL6ggppV7oh2jEK8H0zauvCnE2wYKSs9c9KT88oWP-pqfDQBrAQpS6FgfVUDg\")
One of the most common grassy flower weeds, chickweed is a favorite of honeybees and other pollinating insects. The thin green stems with white flower buds are difficult to control without killing off the surrounding vegetation. The best way to remove shallow chickweed roots is to pull them out by hand and then aerate the soil. Watch out for bees!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P0lWBEYObh6ResFkaZLQkJJE26ZbyKodgHSdw7SKSBCiVVp8Kkcbl-K89OTvgjBVf77n_UqcK4MDjxVqxdDXwt6-oCFDhG8tg1uQOJJaY91vrBXHgW9lL1YRyOSTp3o_vvVy82iY\")
Springtime is the beginning of this season-long weed, as it thrives in full sunlight. Leggy stems grow and spread out over the lawn. It can be hard to spot, but crabgrass color is a lighter shade of green. Pre-emergent herbicide is effective on young crabgrass plants – where only two or three leaves are present. Post-emergent weed killers work if there aren’t many weeds embedded in the lawn. But large areas of aged crabgrass that have swallowed up the turf will leave dead, brown stems if you treat it. Crabgrass dies with the first hard frost; in Columbus, that is usually in late October. Reseed in early autumn and apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most persistent weeds, with their yellow petals that turn into white puffy seed balls. Broadleaf post-emergent weed killers are effective. But keep in mind the seeds are windborne, and it’s quite a chore to kill them before they germinate.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/VyYog62CrJoqXeotey7m0uKd4tlYKhGpAxWmPLHLVZzbmTv7ssF1GVnOq5ad3RVKv5Tf8LMXrkSkHOslZwaoC9U2z8rKClAUhih0P13j2-lTUvVyokAhQjlEcE2NjN3PFtS8wNAw\")
If left untreated, nutsedge can choke out healthy plants in its path. This weed starts out looking like grass blades — only taller and with an invasive root system. The perennial weed is resilient and comes back year after year. Post-emergent herbicides are your best bet, but their effectiveness is hit or miss.
\n\n\n\nThistle seed is a draw for songbirds in Columbus, but the spiky, prickly plants can be rough on bare feet! Weedkiller helps, but it’s better to don a pair of heavy gardening gloves and remove them by hand at the base of the plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wZmdBQ6xEUuiV_ov-CP381Icoco1bEfVlgs2bDSaBCPBWDRYcHBcJ2wNhJu-ZZJSfjKkoBGLcWmx0K-R7ieJi9xBsI2QItT_TQ6GnSt_WxrfXMw43KSoZOAAXKCdaW16xJkDgPCl\")
Yes, those bright purple blooms are pretty, but wild violets are perennial weeds with heart-shaped foliage. Autumn is the best time to treat wild violets since the post-emergent chemical absorbs into the root system before winter’s freeze.
\n\n\n\nWhether you fight the weeds yourself or hire a lawn service, establishing a diligent plan will help you keep one step, and one weed ahead of the game.
\n\n\n\nNeed more information about lawn care in Columbus and Central Ohio? Check out our Columbus, OH Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nJill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.
\n","title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.501466275659824,"src":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1789c/spraying.-dandilions.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/107df/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 320w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/293e9/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 500w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/f2cbb/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1789c/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 960w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/a2a79/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1dd6e/spraying.-dandilions.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/67b76/spraying.-dandilions.webp 320w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/8df11/spraying.-dandilions.webp 500w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/98a65/spraying.-dandilions.webp 800w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1dd6e/spraying.-dandilions.webp 960w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/7aa54/spraying.-dandilions.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Nothing can ruin a lush, green lawn faster than invasive weeds. Identifying them makes controlling the worst weeds in Columbus a breeze."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"c4a93188-9617-5631-a91d-50a6a9fc8386","slug":"best-native-plants-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/best-native-plants-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"The subtropical climate of Jacksonville surely calls for a beautiful tropical garden. But wait — don’t purchase imported landscape plants just yet. North Florida has many gorgeous native plants, some only found in this state. You may even find native alternatives to plants you’re considering, such as hibiscus and azaleas. Why native plants? Not only […]
\n","content":"\nThe subtropical climate of Jacksonville surely calls for a beautiful tropical garden. But wait — don’t purchase imported landscape plants just yet. North Florida has many gorgeous native plants, some only found in this state. You may even find native alternatives to plants you’re considering, such as hibiscus and azaleas.
\n\n\n\nWhy native plants? Not only will they be easier to care for, but the local wildlife will thank you for it. These plants are much more likely to survive Jacksonville weather, pests, and diseases. If you’re ready to make your garden part of the local ecosystem, consider the following 14 native plants.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coral-Bean.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Everglades National Park / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nYou get a two-for-one deal with coral beans: beautiful flowers and seed pods. The plant grows red tubular flowers in spring, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. By fall, they’ll turn into pea pods with bright red seeds. They may look appetizing, but put away your fork and knife — they’re toxic if ingested.
\n\n\n\nCoral beans are visually appealing in spring and fall but don’t look exciting when not flowering or producing seeds. They’ll play an excellent supporting role in your garden landscape, so pair them with various plants for visual interest year-round.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial in Northern Florida
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or light shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fertile, sandy, and well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low once established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The seeds are poisonous – keep away from pets and children
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pink-Pinxter-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: EoRdE6 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThough many azaleas come from Asia or are hybrids, some are native to Florida. Pink pinxter azalea is native to the Jacksonville area, though other Florida varieties may also thrive here. This plant’s fragrant white to dark pink flowers are stunning in spring and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPink pinxter azaleas have decent pest and disease resistance, but watch out for mites, iron deficiency, and mushroom rot. They do best when shielded from harsh winds. This plant is relatively slow-growing and needs little pruning. If you decide to prune, wait until after flowering. Do not allow people or animals to ingest this plant, as it could be deadly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-10a
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic if ingested; could be fatal
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Beautyberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAs the name suggests, the American beautyberry’s fruit is the star of the show. Birds love eating them and have thus spread the seeds all over Florida. Humans can eat these berries in small amounts or make them into jellies and wines. The purple fruit appears around September, but you can enjoy its lavender-pink flowers in spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant plant works well for borders. If you decide to prune it, do so before it flowers for the best results.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich soils but can also grow in poor, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic for humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLove wildflowers? The yellow, orange, and red colors of the Black-eyed Susan are a bright and cheery choice for gardeners in the Sunshine State. They flower in summer and fall. Use it for your butterfly garden, or pick some for a beautiful bouquet.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is easy to grow and tough. It can handle drought and salt, making it ideal for coastal homes in Jacksonville. While they’re great for creating borders or carpets of flowers, they could become a weed since their seeds spread and germinate readily.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Can grow in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Not poisonous to humans, but can be a skin irritant or cause allergic reactions if consumed; could be poisonous to grazing animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Beach-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe beach sunflower blooms practically year-round. Like other sunflowers, the flower head will turn to face the sun as it moves through the sky. Butterflies like its flowers, and birds like its fruit. Though there are several varieties throughout Florida, you should use the local variety, cucumber dune sunflower, to avoid hybridization with the native plant population.
\n\n\n\nBeach sunflowers are well-suited to hot, dry, salty coastal climates. Don’t overwater this drought-resistant plant, or it may fall victim to sunflower rust. Though beach sunflowers may not survive a freeze, they will reseed and quickly spread again, making an excellent ground cover. Fertilize once or twice a year at most.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8b-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, but will be annual if there are freezing temperatures
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy or well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe oakleaf hydrangea is aptly named for its leaf shape. The broad, dark leaves grow up to 12 inches long, with the biggest growing in the shade. The leaves may turn red, bronze, or purple in the fall and may stay on the plant into the winter. Cone-shaped flower clusters bloom in the summer months, then turn light pink or purple. In winter, the unusual peeling bark adds visual interest even when the plant is bare.
\n\n\n\nBecause they prefer shade, oakleaf hydrangeas are perfect for yards with tree cover. They need little water or maintenance, but you should water them during dry spells and prune them periodically to your liking. Leave room for it to grow and send up new shoots, or get a dwarf or compact cultivar. Oakleaf hydrangeas aren’t kid or pet friendly since eating any part is toxic.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9a
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full shade, but partial is tolerable
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Does best in fertile, well-drained soil but can survive in other conditions
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All parts are toxic when ingested; keep away from children and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coontie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe coontie may look like a fern or palm tree, but it’s a cycad. Its glossy, feathery leaves are food for Atala butterfly larvae, a species once thought to be extinct in Florida. While the native people in this region historically created cooking flour from its stems, they are toxic unless properly prepared.
\n\n\n\nCoontie has a high drought tolerance and does well in the cold. Its mild salt tolerance helps it survive in coastal areas like Jacksonville. It does best in well-drained soil but will survive in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Use coontie as a specimen plant or fill large areas with it for a wild look.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Cycad (shrub-sized)
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 10a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, and full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-draining soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The stem is toxic to ingest unless properly prepared
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chickasaw-Plum.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Lm13700 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you plant a chickasaw plum tree, its tiny white flowers will entice you with their smell. They look particularly striking since they bloom before the leaves have returned after winter. Soon the flowers will turn into red fruits that turn yellow as they ripen. You can eat them yourself or watch wild animals enjoy the feast.
\n\n\n\nChickasaw plum trees grow quickly and resist most pests and diseases. Though they’re drought tolerant, they may need a drink during dry spells. One feature you may or may not like is the abundance of tree suckers, which are vertical stems growing near the base. They aren’t harmful to the tree and can benefit wildlife, but some people find them unappealing and messy. Prune them if you’d like.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Typically 6-12 feet, but can be up to 25 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun but can tolerate dappled shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates a wide variety of soil types but prefers acidic soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low once established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low poison severity from cyanide in leaves, stems, and seeds when ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Southern-Live-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nWant a break from the harsh sun? Once established, a large southern live oak will provide plenty of shade in your yard. When fully grown, they can have a height of up to 60 feet and a spread of 100 feet. They can live for hundreds of years. You may see Spanish moss growing on it, but not to worry — it won’t hurt the tree.
\n\n\n\nLive oaks are best for large yards, so they have ample space to grow. Plan other landscaping accordingly; you don’t want your tree stealing all the sunlight from plants that need it. Pair with shade-tolerant plants to make sure all your green friends are happy. To improve wind resistance, prune your live oak regularly when young.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet tall with a spread of 100 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen or evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity to humans if young leaves or raw acorns are ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sabal-Palm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nFlorida and palm trees go together like shrimp and grits. Want a local variety? Sabal palms earned the title of state tree in 1953. They’re also called cabbage palms or palmettos because the immature leaves taste like cabbage. The bud, or heart of palm, is also edible. Sabal palms produce tiny white flowers that pollinators love, then small black fruits that make a good snack for wild animals.
\n\n\n\nDespite the many edible parts of this plant, it’s not the best idea to handle the tree too much since the leaves may cause skin irritation. Sabal palms can handle salt spray but aren’t as tolerant of salt near their roots. Watch out for the fatal Lethal Bronzing Disease (LBD). While it’s incurable, preventative treatments could save your tree if others nearby are infected.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Palm
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-50 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy soil or well-drained loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Skin irritant
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tickseed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alabama Extension / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThe name may not sound pretty, but don’t judge a book by its cover (or title, in this case). These daisy-like flowers cover fields, gardens, and roadsides throughout Florida in spring, summer, and sometimes fall. Coreopsis, or tickseed, is Florida’s state wildflower and a type of aster. Though most have yellow petals, some varieties come in other colors, such as the purple Georgia tickseed.
\n\n\n\nThere are several varieties of tickseeds in Florida. Coastal plain tickseed, Leavenworth’s tickseed, Texas tickseed, and Georgia tickseed are all found naturally in Duval County. Tickseed is typically drought tolerant, but it depends on the species. While short-lived, they can stick around for years since they reseed themselves. Taller flowers may need support to stay upright.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual to short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained soils that aren’t overly rich; tolerates acidic, slightly alkaline, sandy, loam, and clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hibiscus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Quartl / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhile some hibiscus varieties originate in Asia, several are right at home in the Florida landscape. The varieties found naturally in Duval County are comfort root, scarlet rosemallow, swamp rosemallow, and crimson-eyed rosemallow. Though their colorful flowers are short-lived, hibiscus plants produce many flowers throughout the flowering season. Hummingbirds and butterflies will flock to them for nectar.
\n\n\n\nHibiscuses come in shrub and tree forms suitable for hedges. These plants may be a good fit if your yard is too wet for other perennials since they prefer moist soil. Hibiscus are sensitive to the cold weather in North Florida, so they may lose their leaves and die away above ground. However, they can still return from the roots through shoots in spring. Watch out for aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 20 feet, depending on the variety; annual freezes will make the plant generally shorter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennials
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Any soil that is not too dry; tolerates extended flooding and sandy, loamy, clay, and acidic soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coral-Honeysuckle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThey may not live under the sea like real coral, but their clusters of long flowers are just as pretty. Coral honeysuckle is also called trumpet honeysuckle because of the flower’s shape. Most coral honeysuckle flowers are red, but some cultivars have pink or yellow flowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds will enjoy the flowers, and songbirds will enjoy the fruit that follows.
\n\n\n\nThis vine is suitable for trellises, fences, hanging baskets, or erosion-preventing ground cover. Coral honeysuckle is low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and pest-resistant but won’t flower as nicely in the shade and may die back in freezing weather. Its fast growth can be aggressive, so carefully direct growth where you want. This local species is an excellent substitute for the invasive Japanese honeysuckle.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 15 feet, but it depends on the supporting structure
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Does best in slightly acidic soils but tolerates most soil types; doesn’t do well in dry sands
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: May upset stomach if consumed
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Carolina-Jessamine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWant a taste of spring flowers before your other plants bloom? Carolina jessamine flowers in late winter and early spring. The flowers are yellow, fragrant, and trumpet-shaped (thus the nickname “evening trumpet flower”). The “Pride of Augusta” cultivar has double flowers and a longer blooming season. Look but don’t touch — the sap contains a skin irritant, and the whole plant is toxic, sometimes even to honeybees.
\n\n\n\nCarolina jessamine looks great on trellises, fences, and pergolas. It also works as a groundcover in sloped yards. The vine grows quickly but is containable. Carolina jessamine has few disease and insect problems and tolerates frost and drought. It may drop leaves if too dry, but it will bounce back quickly. Don’t overfertilize, as it reduces flowering.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The whole plant contains poisonous toxins, including nectar that may be toxic to honeybees. It also has skin-irritating sap.
\n\n\n\nJacksonville falls in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9A, with this zone determined by the average minimum winter temperature. While non-native plants may still thrive in these conditions, native plants do even better. Native plants have adapted to everything in the area, from weather to soil salinity.
\n\n\n\nThat said, each yard is slightly different. Get a soil test from your local cooperative extension or soil testing lab to learn about its texture (sand, silt, clay, or loam) and pH, nutrient, and salinity levels. You’ll also need to consider your current landscape. Are there shady trees? A nearby body of water? Ask your neighbors what plants have done well in their yards to understand what to expect.
\n\n\n\nYou could choose plants specifically to attract wildlife, practical plants to provide shade on your patio, or the lowest-maintenance plants possible. Once you know what you want out of your yard, you can narrow down your choices.
\n\n\n\nThe bad news for North Florida residents is that many plants that bloom year-round in Central and South Florida won’t bloom in Jacksonville. You could get lantana, a native of South Florida, for your yard. However, be sure not to choose a non-native version as this species is invasive in the area and toxic to livestock. If you need your floral fix in winter, consider houseplants instead.
The best native plants to adorn your fence are coral honeysuckle and Carolina jessamine. If you’d prefer a non-climbing plant to hide your fence with, hydrangea and hibiscus will add the desired visual interest.
North Florida tends to have very sandy soils. This soil texture is good for plants that need good drainage but won’t work well for plants that prefer clay. The native plants on this list either prefer or tolerate the sandy soils typical in Jacksonville.
Sometimes, the best way to decide which plants to buy is to see them in person. The employees at your local native plant nursery can help guide you through the plant selection process. Here are some local garden centers that carry native plants:
\n\n\n\nWant to buy online? You can purchase plant seeds from the Florida Wildflowers Growers Cooperative.
\n\n\n\nWhile you’re at it, consider planting a new lawn or implementing low-maintenance landscaping. If you’re worried about storms tearing apart all your hard work, focus on hurricane-resistant landscaping to keep your garden and house safe.
You may find your new gardening journey overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to contact local landscaping pros in Jacksonville to handle anything you’re uncomfortable with or don’t have time for.
Main Image Credit: Canna lirio / PublicDomainPictures
\n","title":"14 Best Native Plants for Jacksonville, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/1789c/Native-plant.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/107df/Native-plant.jpg 320w,\n/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/293e9/Native-plant.jpg 500w,\n/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/f2cbb/Native-plant.jpg 800w,\n/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/1789c/Native-plant.jpg 960w,\n/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/c26c2/Native-plant.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/1dd6e/Native-plant.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/67b76/Native-plant.webp 320w,\n/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/8df11/Native-plant.webp 500w,\n/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/98a65/Native-plant.webp 800w,\n/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/1dd6e/Native-plant.webp 960w,\n/static/d54c0b2e81b504d6f838d4794af39dd8/3cc96/Native-plant.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"14 Best Native Plants for Jacksonville, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want easy-to-care-for plants that are good for the local ecosystem? These native plants will thrive in your Jacksonville yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"819f27ef-07c7-56c0-978e-d30294af0e96","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-portland","path":"/lawn-care/oregon/portland/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-portland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b01c7937-99d7-5473-926c-97b8b9c1c454","name":"Oregon","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/"},{"id":"c32f974b-3776-5b5e-9d95-bf0f285dc5e4","name":"Portland","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/portland/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Portland is home to picturesque landscapes and beautiful hiking trails. If you’ve ever been to the Columbia River Gorge or Forest Park, you know exactly what we’re talking about. All this nature might inspire you to redesign your outdoor living space, but where do you start? We’ve listed 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Portland that […]
\n","content":"\nPortland is home to picturesque landscapes and beautiful hiking trails. If you’ve ever been to the Columbia River Gorge or Forest Park, you know exactly what we’re talking about. All this nature might inspire you to redesign your outdoor living space, but where do you start? We’ve listed 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Portland that will give you the inspiration and knowledge you need to kickstart the project.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Low-Maintenance Portland Landscaping
\n\n\n\nProfessional Landscaping Services in Portland
\n\n\n\nAdding mulch to your garden or flower bed is a great start to obtain a low-maintenance landscape. It is an easy task that doesn’t require a professional landscaper. Mulch smothers weeds before they grow, retains moisture in the soil, and helps make the garden design look more attractive. Depending on your plants and preferences, there are two types of mulch for you to choose from:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The amount you spend on mulch depends on which type you choose. Wood mulch costs $3 to $5 per 2 cubic foot bag, while landscape gravel costs $4 to $30 per 0.5 cubic foot bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/red-elderberry.jpg\")
Red elderberry
Photo Credit: Leslie Seaton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
For anyone who wishes for a low-maintenance landscape in the Pacific Northwest, native plants are absolutely essential. They could improve your yard’s visual appeal, and serve as a valuable food source for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nNative plants will thrive in your area because they’ve already adapted to its dry spells, cold temperatures, and rainy days. Once established, they won’t need much fertilizing, watering, or other types of maintenance. With dozens of Portland native plants to choose from, here are a few suggestions:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on the plant’s type and size, expect to pay between $600 and $3,000 per flower bed, $25 and $50 per shrub, $150 and $3,000 per tree.
\n\n\n\nWith native perennials, you won’t need to think about adding new plants year after year. As the name suggests, perennials live longer than 3 years and come back on their own after their dormant season. They can provide some shade, attract pollinators, and improve the air quality in and around your property. Overall, these low-maintenance plants will adorn your landscape for years to come.
\n\n\n\nBelow are some perennials that thrive in Portland’s USDA hardiness zones:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennials depends on the plant’s size and type. On average, a perennial plant will cost you between $10 and $100.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/xeriscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Hilton / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nUnlike traditional gardens, a xeriscaped yard does not require much water. That is essentially the entire point, to use as little water as possible while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Xeriscapes typically feature drought-tolerant plants such as succulents, local boulders, and shade trees.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is a terrific idea for a wildlife-friendly, low-water, and low-maintenance landscape. Some other examples include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, the cost of xeriscaping ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nAn automatic irrigation system can help your landscape through dry spells. With this technology, you can have a watered lawn without manually watering the grass yourself. It helps you save time and reduce your water bill. All you need to do is set the timer and the sprinklers will take care of the rest.
\n\n\n\nInstalling an irrigation system is not a cheap addition to your landscape. However, it is a worthy investment that could help increase your home’s resale value.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of automatic irrigation systems:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Hiring a landscape contractor to install an irrigation system will cost you between $2,000 and $4,900, depending on your yard size and the system you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bunchberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gillfoto / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers are low-growing plants with lower maintenance requirements than traditional turfgrass. You will no longer have to mow, drain, or aerate your lawn. If you’re looking for a more traditional appearance, there are plain green groundcovers that will suit your preferences. On the other hand, you can go for the aesthetically pleasing groundcovers that add plenty of color to your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBelow are hardy and evergreen groundcovers for you to choose from:
\n\n\n\nBenefits of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, the cost of planting groundcovers ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot without installation.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are non-living elements that are naturally low-maintenance, such as decorative or practical structures. They require no pruning, watering, or fertilizing. Hardscape features can help define areas in your yard, and improve your outdoor space functions. However, they will still require the occasional cleaning, just to keep your landscape neat!
\n\n\n\nIf you lack the proper tools or experience to install such features, it is best to hire a professional landscaping company to get the job done. Here are some hardscaping examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost depends on the project size and the type of feature you choose. Expect to pay between $1,140 and $3,690 for a water feature, $2,600 and $7,300 for a patio, $2,100 and $6,000 for a pergola.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/artificial-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Soft Surfaces Ltd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith artificial grass, you won’t have to worry about your kids or pets causing any damage from running in the yard. It will provide you with a green lawn all year round with minimal maintenance work. You won’t have to worry about mowing, watering, or harsh weather conditions affecting the synthetic turf.
\n\n\n\nInstalling artificial grass may seem costly at first, with no benefits to the environment, but is ideal for homeowners looking for a maintenance-free lawn.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of hiring a pro to install artificial grass ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot on average.
\n\n\n\nOrnamental grasses are versatile, low-maintenance, and easy to grow. You can plant small ones in groups, while the larger types can stand alone as a focal point. Ornamental grasses are an attractive addition, and can be a major component of a low-maintenance landscaping design.
Below are some examples of drought-tolerant ornamental grasses:
● English blue fescue
● Porcupine grass
● Hameln fountain grass
There are dozens of plants that thrive in Oregon, but not all of them are native to this part of Willamette Valley. There are several wildflowers, shrubs, conifers, or herbaceous perennials you can plant in your backyard.
We’ve the done the research and come up with these Portland native plants for you to consider:
● Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
● Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)
● Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium)
● Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata)
● Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
● Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
● Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
● Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana)
● Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
● Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)
Succulents are naturally drought-tolerant, and you almost never have to worry about watering them. Even a minor rainfall will provide these plants with sufficient water to survive. Additionally, showy succulents add plenty of color and boost your garden’s visual appeal.
You can plant any of these sedum succulents in your front or backyard: Spathulifolium, dasyphylum, and divergens.
Designing a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape can seem like a daunting task, but it gets easier once you break it down to one small project at a time.
\n\n\n\nYou can start by adding mulch, which is an easy-to-do task that doesn’t require a professional gardener. Next you may move on to native, drought-tolerant plants that are a good fit to your lawn and Portland’s hardiness zone. You can keep the momentum going and install non-living elements such as pergolas or concrete pavers. These features can spruce up your backyard without the need for regular upkeep.
\n\n\n\nHowever, no outdoor living space can remain functional without the occasional maintenance. If you need help with outdoor chores, such as mowing, trimming, and edging, hire a lawn care pro near you to check off your to-do list.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ian Poellet / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Portland, OR","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/1789c/lawn-in-portland.jpg","srcSet":"/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/107df/lawn-in-portland.jpg 320w,\n/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/293e9/lawn-in-portland.jpg 500w,\n/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/f2cbb/lawn-in-portland.jpg 800w,\n/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/1789c/lawn-in-portland.jpg 960w,\n/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/c26c2/lawn-in-portland.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/1dd6e/lawn-in-portland.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/67b76/lawn-in-portland.webp 320w,\n/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/8df11/lawn-in-portland.webp 500w,\n/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/98a65/lawn-in-portland.webp 800w,\n/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/1dd6e/lawn-in-portland.webp 960w,\n/static/547a6074bec90d3938ff0704836a4dea/3cc96/lawn-in-portland.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Portland, OR | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"For a sustainable backyard with minimal chores, these 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Portland can help you get started."}}},{"node":{"id":"a7921643-9997-5030-ae4b-449afa0fc0a4","slug":"best-native-plants-portland","path":"/lawn-care/oregon/portland/best-native-plants-portland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b01c7937-99d7-5473-926c-97b8b9c1c454","name":"Oregon","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/"},{"id":"c32f974b-3776-5b5e-9d95-bf0f285dc5e4","name":"Portland","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/portland/"}],"date":"May 20th, 2023","excerpt":"Located in the northwest of Oregon, Portland is a unique city with its endless landscapes, panoramic vistas, and beautiful hiking trails. You can truly enjoy the endless wonders that mother nature has to offer. With the best native plants for Portland, you can have a piece of that natural landscape in your own backyard. Taking […]
\n","content":"\nLocated in the northwest of Oregon, Portland is a unique city with its endless landscapes, panoramic vistas, and beautiful hiking trails. You can truly enjoy the endless wonders that mother nature has to offer. With the best native plants for Portland, you can have a piece of that natural landscape in your own backyard.
\n\n\n\nTaking into consideration Portland’s climate and its plant hardiness zone, we have come up with a native plants list to help you get started on redefining your outdoor landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nPortland lies in USDA plant hardiness zones 8b and 9a. When doing your research, make sure the plants you select are suitable for this city in Multnomah County. Plants that are listed as native to Oregon may not necessarily thrive in Portland. They could be more suitable for southern or eastern parts of the state.
\n\n\n\nThe plants we’ve covered below are a great fit for your Portland lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVine maple is most commonly grown as a large shrub, but also works as a small to medium-sized tree. It develops multi trunks with reddish-green bark. Its foliage is bright green in spring, with attractive shades of orange and red in the fall. Vine maple has tiny purple and white flowers that are borne in short clusters, followed by red-winged fruits that are consumed by mammals and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nTo control this native tree’s shape, prune during the dormant season. Vine maple performs well in cooler climates, and can be used as a very attractive lawn specimen.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree, shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, clay, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching up to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Amelancheir_alnifolia_-_Saskatoon_serviceberry_-_Flickr_-_Matt_Lavin-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSaskatoon serviceberry is a deciduous plant that can be used as an attractive, ornamental shrub. Known for being drought-tolerant, the shrub has a foliage of light green leaves that turn orange-red in the fall.
\n\n\n\nIn mid-spring, compact clusters of white flowers emerge just before the leaves. They are followed by sweet, blue-colored berries in early summer. These berries are consumed by both humans and songbirds. Additionally, saskatoon serviceberry is a great plant for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loamy or sandy; well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lightly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 16 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis medium-sized, deciduous tree is the largest American alder. It has a thin, smooth bark that is often covered with moss. In early to mid-spring, long male catkins dangle like Christmas decorations near the bare branch tips. They release clouds of pollen that attract bees and other insects.
\n\n\n\nAlder species support 255 species of caterpillars, and provide shelter for many native birds. Consider adding red alder to your landscape and help boost Portland’s ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet and delicate spice scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 50 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed osier dogwood is a medium-sized, ornamental shrub that adds beauty to the winter landscape. It has a rapid growth rate, and is adaptable to most soils. Its foliage consists of medium to dark green leaves which turn red-purple in fall. This perennial shrub produces fragrant, creamy-white flowers that give way to clusters of white berries. These attractive berries are often devoured by birds.
\n\n\n\nRed osier dogwood is a highly-attractive perennial that adds color in the dull and snowy months of winter.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Distinctive and pleasant smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Oregon](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oregon-White-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: MyName (Jamidwyer (talk)) / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative to the West Coast, the Oregon white oak is a perennial tree that may live up to 500 years. It develops narrow crowns with small branches on clear, straight stems. Male and female flowers appear separately with new foliage in spring. The acorns ripen from August to November during the first season after flowering.
\n\n\n\nMore importantly, both the acorns and foliage are a valuable source of high-protein food for many animals. Plating white oaks will be your way of supporting Portland’s wildlife habitat.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, gravelly soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 90 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Acorns and young leaves are poisonous to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bitter-Cherry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis deciduous, shrub-like tree is commonly used in bird or bee gardens. With a silvery-gray bark, this native perennial produces white flowers which grow in thickets. They are followed by small, fleshy drupes which are red-black in color. Adding to that, the fruit is inedible to humans. With its attractive flowers and fruit, bitter cherry is an aesthetically pleasing addition to your garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist soils with good drainage
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Soft honey scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 45 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Seeds found inside the fruits contain poisonous substances and should not be eaten
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Oregon](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oregon-Grape-Holly.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The original uploader was Meggar at English Wikipedia. / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOregon grape holly is an evergreen, ornamental shrub that is the state flower of Oregon. Its foliage of evergreen leaves emerges bronze-red in spring before turning burgundy in fall. In spring, bright golden-yellow flowers appear just before the leaves. They are lightly-fragrant and attract many pollinators. These flowers are followed by edible berries that resemble small grapes and attract wildlife.
\n\n\n\nOverall, Oregon grape holly is another great addition to your backyard, attracting pollinators and supporting the local wildlife habitat.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Flowers smell like honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low, average
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Bleeding-Heart-Dicentra-formosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPacific bleeding heart is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial that is easily grown in fertile, well-drained soils. It is adorned with a gray-green foliage and short racemes of nodding, heart-shaped flowers. They bloom from late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that the foliage may aggravate skin allergies, so wear gloves when handling this herbaceous perennial.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Flowers have a delicate, sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All parts may cause stomach upset if ingested. Foliage may aggravate skin allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bigleaf-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Geographer at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBigleaf maple is a large, deciduous tree with a rounded crown of massive, spreading branches. It is the largest maple species in North America. The deeply-lobed leaves mature to dark green before turning yellowish-orange in the fall. They give way to two-winged samaras that turn brown when ripe.
\n\n\n\nIt requires very little pruning, and attracts many wildlife species. Bigleaf maple is perfect for homeowners who wish to keep a low-maintenance lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned before, not all Oregon native plants are suitable for Portland. In addition to that, you need to consider the following key points when choosing plants for your garden:
\n\n\n\nAs their name suggests, invasive plants are not native to Portland or the state of Oregon. They invade sites where Portland native plants grow, deny their proper growth, and even harm the local wildlife habitat. Learning about invasive plants and how to deal with them will help preserve your area’s ecosystem.
According to Oregon State University, here are some invasive plant species found in Portland:
• Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
• English holly (Ilex aquifolium)
The Pacific Northwest offers a variety of edible fruit plants that we can locate and enjoy. After all, they are Portland native plants that can be found throughout nature. Despite the upcoming plant list, you must always be cautious with the plant you pick fruits off. If you’re not sure whether a specific fruit is edible, just be safe and avoid it altogether.
Below are some edible fruit plants in the city of Portland:
• Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)
• Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
• Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
• Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflora)
Portland’s climate allows cool-season grasses to thrive. Warm-season grasses are not recommended for this area, as they are not simply not suited for the weather conditions in northern Oregon.
The most common grasses planted in Portland are mixtures of perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass.
If your lawn has to endure heavy foot traffic, Kentucky bluegrass is the perfect it. Perennial ryegrass is known for its rapid growth, and its adaptability in drought conditions. Based on your lifestyle and lawn needs, be sure to select the proper type of turfgrass.
Plant species native to Portland naturally grow in wetlands, national parks, forests, or even near your home. But if you’re struggling to locate them, there are several nurseries that sell native plants, including Birds and Bees Nursery, Garden Fever!, and Livingscape Nursery.
\n\n\n\nOther Portland native plants to consider include:
\n\n\n\nLooking to revamp your outdoor living space? With several low-maintenance landscaping ideas that include xeriscaping features and native perennials, you can design a distinctive and attractive outdoor space with minimal yard work.
\n\n\n\nA low-maintenance lawn will still need some amount of care. Hire a lawn care professional near you who can handle the yard’s mowing, edging, or trimming.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Pioneer Courthouse Square / David Wilson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nMaintaining a Lakeland lawn that rivals the manicured greens of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course is a tough task. Swan City’s unique subtropical climate requires a smart grass choice, or else you’ll find yourself spending more time battling weeds and bare spots than enjoying epic cornhole tournaments and pool parties. To help you turn your yard into the perfect playground for outdoor fun, we’ve compiled a list of the best grass types for Lakeland.
\n\n\n\nIn the steamy, sauna-like summers of Central Florida —where hot, humidity, and heavy rainfall are just a part of daily life— the secret to having a green, lush lawn is simple: opt for warm-season grasses. This article explores 5 warm-season grasses: bahiagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, bermudagrass, and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, make sure to take some time to think about how these grass types will fit into your lawn’s unique needs. Your perfect pick will depend on things like your soil type, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and what kind of look or feel you’re going for.
\n\n\n\nHere’s what we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in regions with hot summer and mild winters, generally in the southern parts of the United States. They are typically heat and drought tolerant, requiring less water than cool-season grasses. They also tend to go dormant and turn brown during the winter months when temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in regions with mild summers and cold winters, typically in northern parts of the United States. They grow rapidly during the spring and fall months when temperatures are cooler, and go dormant during the hot summer months.
\n\n\n\nAs a Lakeland local, you know how brutal the city’s summers can be, with temperatures often soaring above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. With warm-season grasses, you won’t have to worry about your lawn turning brown and dying under the scorching sun.
\n\n\n\nThe following grasses are heat-tolerant, and some varieties even have a deep root system that allows them to access water deep underground.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a staple in Lakeland’s parks and recreational areas, and it’s easy to see why. Its fine to medium texture creates a dense and soft surface that’s perfect for playing, picnicking, and simply relaxing.
\n\n\n\nThis means bermudagrass is super durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, so it’s a great choice if you like to host backyard BBQs or set up slip-n-slide adventures for your kids. Plus, it requires minimal shade and thrives in full sunlight, which is perfect for Lakeland’s sunny climate.
\n\n\n\nThe only downside to this grass type is that you’ll need to mow it regularly during the growing season. If you don’t, it’ll quickly become invasive and spread to flower beds, vegetable gardens, or even your neighbor’s yard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 0.5-1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5-2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It can be propagated through seeds, sod, or sprigs.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a must-have for anyone looking to protect their yard from turning into a barren landscape during Lakeland’s dry spells. Sure, it needs regular watering to keep its gorgeous green color, but it’s a total champ when it comes to handling Florida’s typical drought periods —way better than other grass options like St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nPlus, the dense growth pattern of Zoysiagrass creates a natural barrier against weeds, giving them a tough time gaining a foothold in your lawn.On top of that, it has a deep root system that helps prevent erosion by holding soil together when those torrential summer rains hit Lakeland.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, Curvularia, and lead spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: There are several different species of Zoysiagrass, each with their own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Some common species include Meyer, Emerald, and Zeon.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard has a bunch of trees and tall shrubs giving you some much-needed shade during Lakeland’s scorching summers, St. Augustinegrass should definitely be on your radar. While other grass types might struggle and turn brown in those cool, shady spots, St. Augustinegrass can tolerate them pretty well.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is also incredibly versatile, able to grow in a wide range of soils and pH levels.
\n\n\n\nNot to mention, it’s a fast grower, meaning you won’t have to wait long to see its beautiful, thick blades of grass. Now, while it can resist moderate foot traffic, it’s not the softest grass underfoot.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: St. Augustinegrass may struggle in cold weather. Some cultivars (such as Palmetto) can handle cooler temperatures better than others. However, when winter rolls around, it’s a good idea to take a few extra steps to protect your St. Augustinegrass from the cold.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to establish a Lakeland lawn quickly, bahiagrass it’s a great option. This type of grass grows super fast because it’s an amazing seed producer. Plus, it looks great with its medium to coarse texture and vibrant green color. The best part? There are loads of varieties to pick from.
\n\n\n\nIt has a lovely fine texture, and it’s a champ when it comes to thriving in sandy soils. Another well-known variety you might like is Argentine bahiagrass. This one’s got a bit of a coarser texture, but the upside is that it’s super pest-resistant and easy to maintain.
\n\n\n\nWhatever type of bahiagrass you choose, keep in mind that it tends to produce tall seedheads. In such cases, regular mowing will help you maintain a more uniform appearance. Also, bahiagrass can’t stand the wear and tear of high-traffic areas, so make sure to use it only as part of an ornamental landscape.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but more shade-tolerant than Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertility requirements. Expect frequent mowing (every one to two weeks) to remove seed heads.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Ideal grass height is 3 to 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease and insect infestations
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs well in sandy loam soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including soils with low fertility.
\n\n\n\nVarieties: Pensacola, Argentine, TifQuik, Tifton 9, UF Riata
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While Bahiagrass is relatively pest and disease-resistant, it can still fall prey to certain issues. For instance, during Lakeland’s humid, rainy summers, it might develop a brown patch fungal disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is warm-season grass that has a lovely fine texture and a charming light green color. It’s known for its shallow root system, which makes it a bit more susceptible to drought stress than other grass types. However, since it doesn’t need a lot of water to thrive, it’s still a great option for central Florida’s climate.
\n\n\n\nHowever, centipedegrass does have a few quirks. This type of grass can be a bit slow to recover from damage, so it’s important to take care when mowing or performing other lawn maintenance tasks. Make sure your mower blade is sharp and set to the appropriate height to avoid damaging the grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s important to avoid over-fertilizing. Too much fertilizer can lead to thatch buildup, which can suffocate the grass roots and make your Centipedegrass lawn more susceptible to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass and bermudagrass are easiest grass types to grow in Lakeland lawns. The first grows quickly, even in less-than-ideal soil conditions. You’ll find that it’s quite low-maintenance, so you won’t have to spend much time fretting over it.
Bermudagrass is also fantastic because it’s both heat-tolerant and versatile enough to grow well in sunny or shady areas. Besides, it’s perfect for lawns that see a lot of foot traffic, as it’s quite hardy and won’t easily get trampled.
Ideally, you should plant your grass seed in mid-spring or early summer. The high temperatures during these months give warm-season grasses the best chance to grow strong and healthy.
If you have a shady Lakeland lawn, look no further than St. Augustinegrass. This grass type is among the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses.
When it comes to designing your dream landscape, it’s important to consider the unique needs of your outdoor space. Think about how much sunlight your Lakeland lawn gets, what type of soil you have, and how much space you have to work with. Luckily, there are plenty of grass varieties that are well-suited to the Swan City’s climate.
\n\n\n\nHowever, choosing the right grass type isn’t the only thing to keep in mind when planning your landscape. Make sure to check out Florida natives plants as well. Incorporating native species to your yard can add a touch of local charm while also supporting the Lakeland ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nWant to turn your yard into a healthy and functional space? Connect with a Lakeland lawn care pro to get top-notch mowing, trimming, and edging services tailored to your yard’s specific needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Lakeland, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/1789c/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/107df/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/293e9/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/1789c/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/c26c2/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/67b76/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 320w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/8df11/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 500w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/98a65/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 800w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 960w,\n/static/d57f211f2feb351f723628c5f2f4dcbe/3cc96/Lawn-in-Lakeland-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Lakeland, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of dealing with a lackluster lawn? Check out the best grass types for Lakeland, tailored to Florida’s scorching summers and mild winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"9f629a98-4af7-53e3-be48-1645e902e8a0","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 17th, 2023","excerpt":"With only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants. That doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you […]
\n","content":"\nWith only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you can cut down on your time, effort, and expense with plants that don’t require a lot of water to survive. Let’s take a look at some of the best drought-tolerant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll plants listed here are native to Utah. But what are native plants? They are called “native” because they have been growing in a particular region for years and are well-adapted to that region’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere are the advantages of native plants over non-natives.
![\"Apache](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apache-Plume.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApache plume looks distinctive with white, five-petaled flowers and fluffy pink seed heads. It blooms from late spring to mid-fall and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Water newly planted Apache plume at least once a week. Once established, you can water it once a month.
\n\n\n\nApache plume grows best in soil with good drainage. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 8 feet. It can also resist deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Rabbitbrush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rabbitbrush-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush looks attractive with its fine-textured, gray-green foliage. It blooms from late summer to mid-fall, producing showy golden yellow flowers. Bees and butterflies love them. Once established, rabbitbrush requires little to no watering.
\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. This shrub is toxic to humans and pets. So, if you have children and pets playing around in your yard, it’s best to avoid this shrub or plant it elsewhere, maybe on the exterior.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 7 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Sage-Salvia-apiana-California.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HLWolfe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite sage grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. It looks distinctive with clusters of white flowers. This shrub blooms from spring to summer and attracts carpenter bees. White sage has many medicinal benefits.
\n\n\n\nWhite sage features aromatic greenish silver leaves. This shrub grows up to 5 feet, but the floppy appearance of mature flower shoots makes it appear shorter than it actually is.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Greenish silver
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Turpentine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Turpentine-Bush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurpentine bush blooms from late summer to fall, producing bright yellow flowers. The sticky, needle-like leaves have a turpentine aroma. Turpentine bush grows best in full sun and can also handle partial shade.
\n\n\n\nThe turpentine bush prefers well-drained soil and requires weekly watering when it is first planted. Once it’s established, however, don’t water the shrub more than once a month, as overwatering can reduce blooming.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Globemallow-Sphaeralcea-Ambigua.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow looks beautiful with five-petaled, reddish-orange flowers. It blooms throughout spring and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Desert globemallow grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow features gray-green leaves that are broad and have three lobes. Be careful when touching this plant, as the hair on the leaves can cause eye irritation.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow looks beautiful with clusters of small white or yellow flowers. The leaves are aromatic and have a fine-textured, feathery appearance. Common yarrow blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Butterflies and bees love it.
\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow grows best in full sun. It prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. Common yarrow has many medicinal uses too.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fireweed\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fireweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Borealomas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFireweed can be a gorgeous addition to your Utah yard. It features pinkish-purple colors and requires little to no watering once established. Plant fireweed in a place with abundant sunlight, as it needs 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nFireweed prefers sandy soil with good drainage. One note of caution: This herb is toxic to both humans and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Goldenrod\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoldenrod grows best in full sun and can withstand partial shade. It grows in sandy, rocky, and clay soils with good drainage. The leaves are smooth with slightly jagged edges.
\n\n\n\nGoldenrod blooms from summer to fall, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers that bees and butterflies love. Remove the dried flowers to keep goldenrod in bloom for much longer. Once the blooming period ends, goldenrod will look like an ordinary plant with medium-green foliage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eastern-Cottonwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood is a large, fast-growing tree that produces beautiful flowers during early spring. It grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This tree can live up to 100 years.
\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood has weak wood and penetrating roots. If you live in a windy area, it’s best to avoid this large tree as it’s prone to uproot.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nUtah has a warm, desert climate. In fact, it’s one of the driest states in the country. All plants listed here are native to Utah and can easily withstand drought.
\n\n\n\nAnalyze your lawn’s soil condition and sun exposure and choose a plant that best suits your lifestyle. Also, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity levels, especially if you have kids and pets playing in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA lush, green, and healthy lawn requires proper maintenance. If you don’t want to spend your weekend doing lawn chores, Wikilawn Utah lawn care pros can help. We can assist you with everything related to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Red Butte Garden / Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscapes","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/107df/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/293e9/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/f2cbb/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/c26c2/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/67b76/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/8df11/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/98a65/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/3cc96/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscaping","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Drought-tolerant plants are a great way to add color and life to a drab yard, especially when you live somewhere as dry as Utah"}}},{"node":{"id":"ef21a10f-8aef-5c89-be52-99e4dfd2bfa1","slug":"columbus-ohio-lawn-care-lawn-mowing-guide","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/columbus-ohio-lawn-care-lawn-mowing-guide/","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":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 8th, 2022","excerpt":"We take pride in our lawns in Columbus. The grass that covers your landscape is like a cover to a book. People will assume the inside of your home is just as pristine as your yard. That’s why this quickstart guide to lawn care in Columbus is crucial. Contents: The 4 Most Popular Grass Types […]
\n","content":"\nWe take pride in our lawns in Columbus. The grass that covers your landscape is like a cover to a book. People will assume the inside of your home is just as pristine as your yard. That’s why this quickstart guide to lawn care in Columbus is crucial.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nSince we get more than the average amount of precipitation (more than 56 inches a year), lawn care in Columbus is relatively easy. We still need to water occasionally and mow often. How often you should mow, and water depends on the type of grass covering your landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"tall](\"http://lawnstarter.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/tall-fescue.jpg\")
Tall fescue grass is perfect if you don’t want to spend a lot of time watering and maintaining your lawn. This variety is drought-resistant and will survive a hot, dry summer. It also holds up well during our cold winters.
\n\n\n\nIt does grow quickly and will need mowing at least once a week. It looks best when mowed between 3 and 3½ inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZJelm3O3DzG-doQdR0rekiXL7qGVKJkSrPMH5HtEnRlFQG1syvtDf97LmhStDSawKjpyNspADimLJDukiJt27dgNso9M6DtmZ149IM6dducfpnoF_YFeAlbSUpRE0mOR-BKOpiaO\")
This is the most common grass you’ll see on Columbus lawns. Kentucky bluegrass is an eye-catching shade of deep green, but in the spring, the bluish-purple buds tint the landscape blue.
\n\n\n\nAs a cold-season grass, Kentucky bluegrass holds up well to winters here. It’s long-lasting and resilient to heavy foot traffic, It’s also more resistant than other grasses to disease. If you’re planting a new lawn, keep in mind bluegrass takes one to three months to establish itself, so it’s best to plant it in the spring or fall. We recommend mowing this grass to a height of 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vzmTOQphoueWk2oivJZRNZ0nObnaicYDQED1O7Pkx_t6faunOvLpkDV07otpxZ4I801ugNHs1nBw_yCFJeamA6ZerGu-TMWtXd8WxmfCCxEd-Q5jq8q-VQSXgoyhNnuMpHH2mtUy\")
Got kids and pets? Perennial ryegrass is perfect for your yard. As one of the toughest sods, it can stand up to heavy foot traffic and hot and cold weather. Like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues, it continues to grow in poorly drained soil. It’s best to keep this grass shorter, 1½ to 2½ inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pixnio-4149-2560x1920-1.jpg\")
Buffalo grass is a North American native turf you can plant and almost forget about. It’s extremely versatile and doesn’t require a lot of attention. It’s also durable and can bounce back after a heavy snowfall and a lot of foot traffic. You should mow Buffalo grass at a height of 2½ to 3½ inches.
\n\n\n\nNever cut more than one-third of the height of your grass. If you cut too much off at once, your grass becomes vulnerable to pests and diseases. Got an overgrown lawn? Sorry: Do multiple mows, taking off one-third each time. Most turfs need a weekly mow until late fall when the growth slows down or stops. Vary the pattern and direction each time you mow. It reduces compaction of the soil and stops your grass blades from leaning in one direction, making the cut uneven. Leave the clippings in the yard as you mow. They will decompose and fertilize your lawn. If you hire a lawn service professional, make sure to remind this person.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining your lawn mower is an essential part of lawn care in Columbus. A poorly maintained mower can damage your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_11pixnio-46676-6144x4096-1.jpg\")
Dull mower blades will tear the grass instead of cutting it. Shredded grass blades are ugly — and less disease-resistant. With sharp mower blades, you cut efficiently and put less strain on your mower’s engine. Many hardware stores can sharpen them for you, or you can do it yourself in less than an hour. Just make sure you disconnect the spark plug or cord first.
\n\n\n\nYou can adjust the cutting height by raising or lowering the mower’s wheel. Look on the side of your lawnmower and find a knob or lever that adjusts the height for your grass type.
\n\n\n\nClean the blades often, so you don’t spread fungus and other lawn diseases throughout your yard. The same goes for pruning shears and other gardening tools.
\n\n\n\nOnce you put the mower away, you’ll need to make sure your lawn stays thick and green once it comes out of dormancy in the spring. You can do this by preparing it in the fall.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn will start to look tired and worn out after a summer of use. By raking up all debris and thatch and spreading fresh seed, you can replenish some of those bare patches over the fall and winter. A thinning lawn is an invitation for weeds and pests. You can spread seed over the smaller areas by hand, or rent a seed spreader for the entire lawn.
\n\n\n\nYour soil can become compacted after a summer full of heavy traffic. Poking tiny holes in the lawn, or aerating, gives the grass a chance to take in more moisture and nutrients. It also raises the lawn’s resistance to diseases and pests. Do this in the fall, just before you add fertilizer. Fertilizing the lawn at the end of September will help it make it through the cold winter. Before deciding which fertilizer to use, find out what your lawn needs. You can get a home soil test kit at your local home improvement store. The extension office at The Ohio State University can recommend labs in your area to test the soil for you.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn may need a little more moisture before it goes dormant over the winter. Keep your sprinkler ready until the first frost. A few good soakings will give the roots of the grass the strength it needs to make it through the winter. You also want to make sure the new seeds and fertilizer work their way into the soil. Check with the city or Wikilawn’s post for lawn watering restrictions in your area.
\n\n\n\nWhile you won’t be mowing in the winter, you can’t completely forget about your lawn after it goes dormant in fall. It’s crucial that you rake up the leaves, or mulch them finely with your mower. Wet leaves that pile up will suffocate your lawn and invite disease. Be sure to remove any lawn furniture from the grass and avoid walking on the lawn when it’s covered with snow or frost. This could damage the lawn when it’s dormant.
\n\n\n\n1. How do I clean my lawn mower blades?
\n\n\n\nLay the lawn mower on its side and spray down the mower casing and blade with a high-pressure hose to remove all the grass and debris. It’s crucial that you empty the gas tank and disconnect the spark plugs first.
\n\n\n\n2. Will lawn decorations harm my grass?
\n\n\n\nYes, especially if those ornamental decorations are heavy. Avoid heavy holiday decorations to save your grass from mold and tearing. As far as those garden gnomes? Look for smaller ones and place them at the edge of your yard. You may also want to move them around every so often to allow the sun and water to reach those covered spots.
\n\n\n\n3. Will long periods of snow in the winter damage my lawn?
\n\n\n\nIt can. When the snow and ice melt, your lawn becomes vulnerable to snow mold, a fungus that can affect cool-season grass types. You can prevent snow mold by avoiding walking on your snow-covered lawn and by fertilizing in the fall, before the first frost.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time or energy to keep your lawn looking pristine? We’ll help you find a lawn care and landscaping professional who can handle the work for you while you sit back and enjoy your yard.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Rawpixel
\n","title":"Your QuickStart Guide to Lawn Care in Columbus, Ohio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5247776365946633,"src":"/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/1789c/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/107df/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.jpg 320w,\n/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/293e9/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.jpg 500w,\n/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/f2cbb/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.jpg 800w,\n/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/1789c/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.jpg 960w,\n/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/c26c2/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/1dd6e/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/67b76/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.webp 320w,\n/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/8df11/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.webp 500w,\n/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/98a65/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.webp 800w,\n/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/1dd6e/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.webp 960w,\n/static/7cd9ef2ce2f7b7cc97bf1a5993e08a4f/3cc96/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-08-08_at_10209_pm.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Your QuickStart Guide to Lawn Care in Columbus, Ohio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a lawn that will turn your neighbors green with envy? Our Columbus, Ohio lawn care & mowing guide will help you keep your lawn green and lush."}}},{"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":"If you’ve ever tried to maintain a garden in the Mount Rushmore State, you know that South Dakota’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? […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve ever tried to maintain a garden in the Mount Rushmore State, you know that South Dakota’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.
\n\n\n\nFrom 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:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51140942935_cf1d07ffea_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tatters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe boxelder is a fast-growing deciduous tree particularly suited for the western two-thirds of South Dakota. You’ll often find it thriving along the stream banks, and even tucked away in canyon bottoms throughout the Great Plains. It’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’s established, it can even handle the state’s frequent droughts.
\n\n\n\nOne 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.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 2 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Just about any well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 30 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They are toxic to horses and some people get an allergic reaction from them.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Be careful not to overwater. It thrives best when the soil’s moisture varies.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jitaeri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon 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. It can grow in most of South Dakota’s yards. However, you’ll find it naturally growing around the northern and southern edges of the Black Hills, like in Custer, Fall River, and Pennington County.
\n\n\n\nGrowing 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.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a sun-lover, thriving in full sun exposure, but it’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.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well drained soil, Prefers sandy loams
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and horses when ingested in large quantities.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Regularly prune and deadhead.
\n\n\n\n![\"Canadian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Meneerke bloem / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhile 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 northern and southern regions of the state.
\n\n\n\nNow, it prefers moderately moist soils, so it’s perfect for planting near a pond. If you don’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.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to planting Canadian anemone, it’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’t become too invasive.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moderately moist, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; water weekly or when topsoil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 30 inches tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets if eaten in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; keep the soil moist
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Narrowleaf-Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dy-e / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNarrowleaf purple coneflower is a true gem among South Dakota’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, it can grow statewide, whether you’re in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or anywhere in between.
\n\n\n\nNot 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.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry; clay, loamy, and sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer – early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 28 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canada-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCanada goldenrod is another great choice. Known for its bright yellow flowers and tall, slender stems, this plant thrives in the eastern part of the state, and can also be found in the central region, near the north part of the Missouri River, 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 southwestern and northwestern regions of the Black Hills.
\n\n\n\nYou 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.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry and moist soils; sandy, loam, and clay.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: August – November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to Medium.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNannyberry 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.
\n\n\n\nIt thrives in various regions of South Dakota, with a particular affinity for the eastern part of the state, in countries like Marshall, Roberts, Brookings, and Union. It can also grow well in the Black Hills (Harding, Pennington, and Lawrence), where the cooler temperatures and higher elevations provide a suitable environment.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: N/A
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 – 20 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nSwamp 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’s growth to ensure it doesn’t encroach on neighboring plants.
\n\n\n\nIt grows best in the southwestern counties of South Dakota, such as Fall River, Bennett, and Tripp, where the soil is moist and fertile. It’s also well-suited to eastern areas near rivers, such as Brule, and other regions in the east part of the state (for example, Clark, Roberts, and McCook counties).
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a versatile plant that can grow well in various regions of South Dakota, particularly in the southwestern and northeastern edges of the state. 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.
\n\n\n\nThis 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’s self-seeding nature typically ensures a continuous presence in your garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun. Can tolerate some partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, moist, well drained soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual , Perennial, or Biennial depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall (Jun – Sept)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. During its first season, it should be irrigated with only one inch of water per week – once established, it’ll be drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting native plants for your lawn, it’s essential to keep in mind a few things:
\n\n\n\nFirst, think about your lawn. How much sunlight exposure does it have? What’s the predominant soil type? Some native plants will thrive in shaded yards, but others, like the black-eyed Susan, need full sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nSimilarly, certain plants are well-adapted to dry, sandy soils, while others require moist or well-draining soils. Knowing your yard’s quirks will help you pick native plants that’ll feel right at home.
\n\n\n\nNext, consider your location within South Dakota and its corresponding USDA hardiness zone. 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.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance requirements are another crucial factor to consider. You need to choose plants that match your gardening style and commitment level, so you don’t end up in over your head.
\n\n\n\nFinally, while we’ve covered some of the best native plants for South Dakota here, there are many other options to also check out. For example:
\n\n\n\nSioux Falls is home to a wide variety of native plant species. Some popular options include:
● Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
● Swamp Verbena (Verbena hastata)
● Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
You’ll find a range of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in the Rapid City area. For example:
● Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)
● Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)
● Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Northeastern South Dakota is home to a variety of native plants that have adapted to the region’s climate and soil conditions. Some of the plants you’ll find in this area include:
● Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
● Narrowleaf Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
● Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Local nurseries are an invaluable resource for finding native plants that are well-suited to your garden’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.
\n\n\n\nIncorporating 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’s essential to maintain it properly —and that means pruning, edging, and mowing among many other things.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to keep your yard healthy and vibrant without the stress of constant upkeep, hire a lawn care expert near you today.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\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":"66f1209a-8287-5610-ab30-d4404a8e313f","slug":"best-grass-types-montana","path":"/lawn-care/mt/best-grass-types-montana/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"851f9dd2-d0b9-5a5b-a0a0-cf65224620d5","name":"Montana","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mt/"}],"date":"May 11th, 2023","excerpt":"Montana is rich in natural resources, including gemstones, palladium, and platinum, earning it the moniker of “The Treasure State.” Its climate is classified as semi-arid or steppe, with its mountainous western regions transitioning into a humid continental climate. The Treasure State’s varying elevations experience vast precipitation ranges. Its lowlands and valleys receive as little as […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is rich in natural resources, including gemstones, palladium, and platinum, earning it the moniker of “The Treasure State.” Its climate is classified as semi-arid or steppe, with its mountainous western regions transitioning into a humid continental climate. The Treasure State’s varying elevations experience vast precipitation ranges. Its lowlands and valleys receive as little as 7 inches of rain annually, while its mountainous western half receives 35 inches or more. The 7 best grass types for Montana thrive in the semi-arid environment and withstand the long, cold winters. Read on to discover suitable varieties for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMontana sits in the Northern Rockies and Plains region, south of Canada, in the northwestern United States. This region has incredibly unique weather thanks to its lowlands, plains, valleys, and mountainous terrain. It is one of the coldest states, but temperatures in the high 80s are not uncommon in the summer. Despite seasonal shifts and short, warm summers, Montana is best suited to cool-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nMontana’s vast elevation ranges, sunlight variances, and shifting temperatures create unique microclimates. All grass types have specific needs, and not all grass varieties will grow well in your landscape. It is important to select a turfgrass suitable for the sun exposure, soil, and water capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMontana’s microclimates are best suited to a mixture of grass species to create a hardy blend that will withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
\n\n\n\nThe Goldilocks Zone for Montana microclimates has moderate irrigation, sunlight, and fertility levels, providing not too much or too little of any one area. Seed your lawn with a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue like creeping red fescue or Chewing’s fescue, and perennial ryegrass. Aim for a ratio of 60% Kentucky bluegrass, 30% fine fescue, and 10% ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nShaded lawns with moderate irrigation and fertility levels require a unique ratio of grass seed mixture with an emphasis on shade-tolerant fine fescue. Kentucky bluegrass struggles to grow in densely shaded landscapes. Seed your lawn with 60% fine fescue, 30% Kentucky bluegrass, and 10% perennial ryegrass, and maintain heights between 2.5 to 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nThe Great Plains encompassing the eastern two-thirds of the Treasure State create semi-drylands. Seed your water-poor landscape with a drought-tolerant turfgrass variety like tall fescue or sheep fescue, a type of fine fescue. These clumping bunchgrass types do not require a mixture of seeds and can be sewn alone, but be sure to seed thickly to form a dense home landscape.
\n\n\n\nNon-irrigated landscapes or those located in dryland areas benefit from non-traditional turfgrasses like crested wheatgrass, streambank wheatgrass, or smooth bromegrass. These drought-tolerant turfgrasses form sod but can go dormant during long drought periods. Sew your arid landscape with any mixture or cultivar you choose. Never mow dryland cultivars less than 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nThe following cool-season grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Montana:
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance, cool-season cultivar that grows well throughout Montana, especially the western half of the state. It has low drought tolerance but withstands cold and winter conditions well, forming a thick sod. It is prone to disease and insects but recovers quickly from damage thanks to rhizomes and its spreading growth habit.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is recognizable for its famed blue-green color, fine texture, and dense appearance. It is wear-tolerant but slow to green up in the spring. To combat the turfgrass’ high-maintenance needs, seed your lawn with a mixture of tall or fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate; recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches; mow taller during summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, and necrotic ring spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate to high; most common pests are chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs, grubs, and greenbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It is most often mixed with other species. Regular watering is necessary because of its shallow roots. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are more hardy and resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Red Fescue – a species of fine fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Fine fescue encompasses several varieties, including Chewing, Red, Sheep, and Hard fescues. Cultivars are bunching type cool-season grasses with good shade tolerance. They adapt to a range of soils, including Montana’s Scobey soil.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are low-maintenance but more expensive than most seeded cultivars. They are drought and cold-tolerant but have moderately low wear tolerance. Cultivars have a soft texture and narrow, deep green leaf blades. Miix fine fescue cultivars with Kentucky bluegrass to create a resilient and lush home lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues possess rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, powdery mildew, and downy mildew can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; most common pests are chinch bugs, sod webworms, grubs, billbugs, winter mites, and crane flies
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained soils; tolerates infertile and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue grows well throughout Montana, surviving most drought conditions of the Plains region. It is shade and cold-tolerant and grows best in spring and fall. Cultivars are quick to green up and produce little thatch. Tall fescue has a clumping growth habit with deep roots and a sparse appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe turfgrass has an attractive medium to dark green color and coarse texture. It requires regular watering, fertilization, and mowing. Tall fescue stands up to heavy foot traffic and grows well in a range of soils, including clay and sand. Cultivars are not the most attractive choices for home lawns. However, homeowners appreciate their climatic adaptability, especially in the seasonal variances of Big Sky Country.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate; recovers slowly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many cultivars grow best when mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate; can be prone to leaf spot, seedling disease, and brown patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to moderate; susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize in September and November. Plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years to maintain a dense lawn and fill thinning spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a bunching grass that mimics the appearance of Kentucky bluegrass but does not provide most of the popular cultivar’s better qualities. It has a dark green color and fine texture. Perennial ryegrass is disease and insect-prone and intolerant to drought, freezing temperatures, flooding, and wind.
\n\n\n\nCultivars do not survive Montana’s harsh climate and are not a permanent home lawn solution. Instead, perennial ryegrass acts as a nurse grass in seed mixes to protect other cultivars like Kentucky bluegrass during their germination process. The presence of perennial ryegrass in seed mixtures is optional.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; requires four to five hours of sunlight
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High; recuperates poorly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High; requires frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High; susceptible to flag rust, stem rust, leaf spot, downy mildew, brown patch, and red thread
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; chinch bugs and greenbug aphids can occur
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\n![\"Crested](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Crested-Wheatgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCrested wheatgrass is a perennial, cool-season grass commonly used in pastures as forage for livestock. However, thanks to high drought tolerance, this grass type makes a great low-maintenance lawn for residents in dryland areas or homes without irrigation. Crested wheatgrass survives with as little as 8 inches of annual rainfall.
\n\n\n\nCultivars tolerate a wide range of soils and are not prone to diseases. Crested wheatgrass is extremely cold and fire tolerant and very long-lived. It has a light-green color and a bunching growth habit.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch-type)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; wheat leaf rust can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; susceptible to black grass bugs, leafhoppers, grubs, mature click beetles, and billbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6+
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers medium-weight sand-loam or clay-loam soils; intolerant of loose, sandy soils, heavy clays, or saline soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: All cultivars are fire and cold-tolerant and can withstand occasional flooding. They are long-lived and often used as forage for grazing animals.
\n\n\n\n![\"Streambank](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Streambank-Wheatgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStreambank wheatgrass is another popular Montana farming grass. It forms sod for home lawns and spreads via underground rhizomes. Unlike crested wheatgrass, streambank wheatgrass is not used as a forage. It is low-maintenance and extremely drought-tolerant, surviving on as little as 6 inches of annual rainfall.
\n\n\n\nStreambank wheatgrass adapts to most soil types. It has a light green color and fine-textured leaf blades. It is native to the intermountain western regions of the United States and spreads slowly. Streambank wheatgrass requires thick seeding for a dense lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; wheat leaf rust can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; susceptible to black grass bugs, leafhoppers, grubs, mature click beetles, and billbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-9.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; dry or wet, well-drained to poorly drained, deep, sandy, clay, or loam soils
\n\n\n\n![\"Smooth](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smooth-Bromegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmooth bromegrass is another sod-forming perennial grass with extreme drought tolerance. It is an aggressive grass, spread laterally by underground rhizomes. This Depression-era favorite tolerates Montana’s extreme temperatures and thrives in its deep Scobey soil.
\n\n\n\nSmooth bromegrass has a bright green color, an extensive root system, and fine leaf blades. It doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic well, and dull mowing equipment can damage its blades. However, cultivars are not prone to disease or pests.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; requires early spring and fall applications of nitrogen fertilizer
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3+ inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; selenophoma leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; susceptible to grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable; prefers well-drained silt-loam or clay-loam soils
\n\n\n\nNo. Perennial ryegrass acts as a nurse grass for other varieties. It germinates and establishes quickly, protecting the seeds and emerging blades of other cool-season grass varieties like fine fescue, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Perennial ryegrass will die as your permanent mixture takes over. Many homeowners leave perennial ryegrass out of their seed mixes, replacing the 10% with a fescue variety.
The best time to sew your Montana lawn is around Labor Day, the first Monday in September. Aim to seed your lawn between mid-August and mid-September to complement the natural fall growth cycle.
Early morning is the best time to water your lawn. 30% of the water applied during midday irrigation sessions is lost to evaporation. In the morning, winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Montana grass cultivars are suited to your unique USDA hardiness zone. Montana’s zones include 3a to 6a, with most of the state falling between 3b to 4a. All turfgrasses have their own characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your microclimate and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together to help form your complete landscape. There are numerous landscaping options for the Treasure State, and you can take advantage of the state’s four seasons. Be sure to check out our Montana landscaping guides to help you plan your landscape.
\n\n\n\nFrom historic western cities like Missoula to riverside destinations like Billings, no matter which part of the state you live in, conquer Big Sky Country’s ever-changing climate. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro today to help you maintain a green and healthy lawn, so you have more free time to explore the Treasure State’s rich resources.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Montana State Capitol / R. Sieben / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Montana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/1789c/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/107df/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 320w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/293e9/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 500w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/f2cbb/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 800w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/1789c/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 960w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/c26c2/Montana-State-Capitol.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/1dd6e/Montana-State-Capitol.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/67b76/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 320w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/8df11/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 500w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/98a65/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 800w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/1dd6e/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 960w,\n/static/c8bc1a4656241289ce6ec2049c855692/3cc96/Montana-State-Capitol.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Montana","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best 7 grass types for Montana are cool-season varieties suitable for the semi-arid climate and harsh winters of the Treasure State."}}},{"node":{"id":"5270115d-cf39-5d28-9b40-ac24a6e9ec35","slug":"6-best-grass-types-for-northern-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/northern-virginia/6-best-grass-types-for-northern-virginia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"5dd0bcb4-bbab-5a8b-9920-c939eab0b702","name":"Northern Virginia","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/northern-virginia/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"April 30th, 2023","excerpt":"Located close to our nation’s capital, Northern Virginia boasts distinct character and historical gems. From Old Town Alexandria to the Sky Meadows State Park, there are plenty of charming locations for locals to be proud of. But after having too many adventures, what if you feel like relaxing in your own backyard? By exploring the […]
\n","content":"\nLocated close to our nation’s capital, Northern Virginia boasts distinct character and historical gems. From Old Town Alexandria to the Sky Meadows State Park, there are plenty of charming locations for locals to be proud of. But after having too many adventures, what if you feel like relaxing in your own backyard? By exploring the best grass types for Northern Virginia, you will transform that grim-looking turf into a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith a wide variety of grass types to choose from, it is important to distinguish between warm- and cool-season grass. Here are some of their main differences:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They actively grow in late spring and summer, entering dormancy as temperatures drop in winter. Warm-season grasses have low frost-tolerance, enjoy high temperatures, and require less water than cool-season grasses. They include Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They tolerate frost and lower temperatures, actively growing in spring and fall. Cool-season turfgrasses include tall fescue, creeping red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nSituated between Chesapeake Bay and Shenandoah Valley, the Northern Virginia region lies in the transition zone. It is situated in plant hardiness zones 6b to 7b. What matters the most for turfgrasses is the fact the transition zone allows for cool- and warm-season grasses to thrive.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses tend to grow better in Northern Virginia, with a couple of warm-season varieties able to thrive in the area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nArguably the best turfgrass for Northern Virginia, tall fescue is quite versatile and valued for its adaptability to a wide range of climates. It has greater heat tolerance than other cool-season grasses. It also has a decent shade and drought tolerance, mainly due to its extensive root system. Tall fescue grows in clumps, which may limit its ability to repair itself after damage.
\n\n\n\nThis grass seed can easily grow in Northern Virginia, providing you with a green and aesthetically pleasing lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a rhizomatous plant that is popular among homeowners and gardeners. It produces a dense sod, and forms a dark green turf with good leaf density. This is what helps make it very comfortable to walk on barefoot. This turfgrass can withstand heavy foot traffic, and has an excellent capacity for self-repair due to its aggressive growth habit.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is known for its little to no tolerance for shade, with other varieties such as fine fescue more suitable for shady lawns.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnother popular species in the area, perennial ryegrass is a key component in cool-season grass seed mixes for northern and transition zone lawns. It flourishes where summers are moderate and winters are cool. This cool-season turfgrass grows in clumps and spreads through vertical shoots rather than rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass prefers sunny conditions, but can tolerate lightly shaded lawns. In addition to cool-season grass mixes, it can be used to overseed warm-season turfgrasses to extend the lawn’s winter green period.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a drought-resistant, cool-season turfgrass that is popular for home lawns, commercial properties, and golf courses. It has one of the finest leaf textures of all turfgrasses. Fine fescue is distinguishable by its narrow leaf blades, and comes in five subspecies including creeping red. You can plant this grass seed in different types of soil, it will thrive with no issue.
\n\n\n\nWith lower maintenance requirements than Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue is a perfect choice for homeowners with shady lawns.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as Chewings, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWith several species and cultivars available, Zoysiagrass is one of the most cold-tolerant warm-season grasses you can grow. It is suitable for the transition zone, including Northern Virginia. This grass type may establish itself slower than other varieties, but it will form a dense carpet of grass beneath your feet. It also has thick, deep roots that help it withstand periods of dryness.
\n\n\n\nFortunately, Zoysia is among those you can overseed with perennial ryegrass for a green winter color. If your family loves playing lawn games and throwing barbecues, Zoysiagrass is a great option for you.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a warm-season grass that is more sensitive to cold than Zoysia. It spreads quite rapidly by both above- and below-ground runners. It also has excellent drought, wear, and salt tolerance. Unfortunately, this grass type has a very poor shade tolerance, meaning it cannot thrive underneath tree canopies. Bermudagrass is very difficult to control within flower beds, and is susceptible to insect and disease problems.
\n\n\n\nOverall, it is well-adapted to most soils and can be used in athletic fields, tennis courts, and high-quality lawns.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass takes the lead as the fastest growing warm-season turfgrass, allowing it to recover quickly from damage. There is a downside to this, as it can become a very invasive plant in gardens and flower beds. So unless you’re in a rush, there are better varieties such as tall fescue to choose from.
To learn more about other grass types that can thrive in different parts of the state, you can visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension website.
Invasive or non-native plants are a nuisance to any region across the United States. Northern Virginia suffers from one of these invasive species, called the Japanese stiltgrass. It has fast-growing stems that allow it to shade out other native plants or vegetation. It can invade lawns, vegetable gardens, and landscape beds.
If you would like to help clear out these invasive species from Virginia State Parks, you can visit their official website for more information.
Lemongrass is a citrusy plant that is used to flavor Asian cooking such as curries. It can also be infused into essential oils. You can grow this Asian herb in northern parts of Virginia, and they are available to purchase at local international markets.
The best grass types for Central Virginia include:
• Tall fescue
• Perennial ryegrass
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Fine fescue
• Zoysiagrass
• Bermudagrass
Some homeowners wish to limit lawn maintenance and backyard chores, while other families tend to enjoy plenty of lawn games and outdoor activities. Depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle, be sure to pick the right type of grass seed mix that will meet your needs.
\n\n\n\nThere are other ways to spruce up your backyard and create the ultimate outdoor space. Consider low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Virginia lawn, including native wildflowers and xeriscaping features.
\n\n\n\nLooking for a Virginia lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, and many more cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Alexandria, Virginia / Farragutful / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Northern Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/1789c/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/107df/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/293e9/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/f2cbb/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/1789c/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/c26c2/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/1dd6e/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/67b76/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.webp 320w,\n/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/8df11/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.webp 500w,\n/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/98a65/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.webp 800w,\n/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/1dd6e/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.webp 960w,\n/static/81420d1abdb0f373ca6685a0c093aead/3cc96/Rosemont_Historic_District_Alexandria_Virginia_04-1-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Northern Virginia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"To avoid confusion with the transition zone, explore the best grass types for Northern Virginia for a healthy, green lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"78ad6296-99d7-5db9-9a34-a9f02cefb6a7","slug":"houstons-worst-pests","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/houstons-worst-pests/","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":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Houston has a bug problem. One 2017 survey named the city as the most-pest-infested city in America. We’ve singled out the worst creepy-crawly pests and how to get rid of them. Cockroaches Cockroaches love hot and humid urban environments, which means Houston is perfect. About 38 species of cockroaches live in Texas, and Houston generously hosts […]
\n","content":"\nHouston has a bug problem.
\n\n\n\nOne 2017 survey named the city as the most-pest-infested city in America.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve singled out the worst creepy-crawly pests and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_dPcK3B59iPIv3e_AII1R4K9jbtQ_zI4EY-79b9MZdn8vYAItc-uME8QG4Gu8rvCTxRKpYFBL72hFAgZ-Z51GVUzchazq3RKo0hfPed2UMZJfRUA5xx27nkd6FIHP9bC-_xkcAbA\")
Cockroaches love hot and humid urban environments, which means Houston is perfect. About 38 species of cockroaches live in Texas, and Houston generously hosts all of the four most-common —the German, the brown-banded, the Asian and the American cockroach. According to the 2017 Realtor.com survey, Houston has the worst cockroach problem in the United States, with roaches present in 38% of its homes.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not just that they’re numerous — they’re huge.
\n\n\n\nIn 1982, The New York Times’ profiled the city of Houston. Much of the article was devoted to the legendary size of Houston’s bugs.
\n\n\n\n“The Houston cockroach is a creature of altogether different dimension,” the Times wrote. “There are those who maintain that it clanks when it walks, bellows like a wounded water buffalo, and stands flat-footed as high as a turkey. One man, new to Houston, upon first seeing a local cockroach, thought it was a Volkswagen and tried to drive it away. Their shadows weigh 15 pounds. ”
\n\n\n\nCockroaches live both inside and outside — really, they live wherever they want in Houston. But most species live outside and rarely hazard the indoors.
\n\n\n\nThey enter your home looking for food and water, so preventive measures will help keep them away. Clean up after cooking or eating, seal outside garbage cans tightly. Boric acid mixed with cornstarch is another popular potion. Roaches love the sweet starch, and the poison will kill them. Note: Boric acid is toxic, so keep it away from pets and kids.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/VPAFMTfqcE-FPPGGLBzkdr0YcI-FB_IAWQSF7GctJ7R04BGdMbQuQoPyd5Jq33R2DfOCT7dM0D6XmHAaPD6iOvZCH4izr_IoGsopPzmEL6t838q9C7q0stszgiRUEmNvCyNZ2vVA\")
Ants are high on the list of Houston’s worst pests. Pharaoh, fire, carpenter, odorous, and crazy ants are among the most common species. Their colonies can be huge with as many as 400,000 ants. It’s crucial to eliminate them to make sure they don’t relocate somewhere else. If you’re looking to do your own ant removal, bait boxes are more effective than sprays. Ants take the bait back to their nest and spread it. The poison gets to and kills the queen, preventing future populations. To keep from attracting ants, eliminate food and water sources in your home. Do this by keeping food sealed and cleaning up spills and crumbs. Check for cracks and leaks around windows, floorboards and doors so ants can’t enter your home. Maintain a healthy lawn to give ants fewer places to hide.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/cngZPU93td7dPvjVZfLeVWT7nfmDyiv9kydEvMoZgKhbMZGq_YUI5EHC_iLcnK_P4mjcncDgJg9_xoA6LN7Lhh6jzMUDmbv0h1K1GLLjOYbTW7Wz4xErX1tR2c-V801xYxyWbs-p\")
Houston’s subtropical climate attracts mosquitoes like a magnet. It doesn’t help that Houston also has lots of bayous. The wet and humid conditions are breeding grounds for these bloodsuckers. And they breed quickly: females can lay 100 eggs at a time, and those eggs hatch within a couple of days. They need a water source to lay their eggs, so one way to control them is to remove standing water from your property. Make sure windows and screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside and use air conditioning whenever possible. Yellow light bulbs, citronella candles, and mosquito foggers can provide temporary relief. You can also see if your community has a mosquito control program. Use insect repellent when you’re outside and avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. You can also plant mosquito repelling plants such as marigolds, basil, lavender, and chrysanthemums.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J88Hp_L4QOCKcLBRtlgDUGk1H8r-WjCZiMFyWFE4IHyhoge5CUuPsjL8CYN9UXRcm2RaRP9aJ_IEmZfoFe4I2NrvwCAKBbhQ8bQs5096QZkZ0tQb8S1SBXWT2VOfwtLKG0OOD_9c\")
The humidity in Houston attracts many types of spiders, (and all of them bite), but only two are considered deadly. The black widow is easy to recognize by the hourglass-shaped red marking on her back. (Yes, only the female is poisonous.) The brown recluse is tougher to spot, but it has a violin-shaped marking on its back and six eyes. Like most spiders, both of these find dark corners to hide and can live months without food. But they need water to survive, so it’s best to seal all cracks around leaking pipes avoid leaving standing water around.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/MAZ-qI2mSFV5IZUKQz_faGoOri4CZqPn9RwT7wYMS7vnQeUL3g-K_ESXEXwJUG2VYsEDZbiHZUOXSSmACFP3Txi0nkONLmV-QqsDZUR3WdWyFmz-sYMLuS1hSyqcncwNnhO2WrDF\")
Termites also love Houston’s wet conditions. These persistent pests do significant and costly damage to homes, buildings, and crops. Prevention is going to be your best friend and a termite’s worst enemy:
\n\n\n\nYou can treat infestations yourself or hire a pest control service.
\n\n\n\nIf any of these pests have checked in with no plans to check out, you may want to hire a professional exterminator. These experts can de-bug your house and help you keep them away for good.
\n\n\n\nInterested in more information about lawns and landscapes in Houston? Make sure to visit our Houston, TX lawn care page.
Fort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore. And lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on […]
\n","content":"\nFort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore.
\n\n\n\nAnd lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on it, and more time enjoying the 13th-largest city in the United States.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth likes you to keep up the appearance of your lawn. In fact, it insists, in the form of a code compliance office that will issue you a notice if your grass is taller than 12 inches. Properties overgrown with high grass and weeds are not just unsightly, the city says, but “they pose a fire hazard, block visibility for driers, harbor rodents and snakes and contribute to pests like mosquitoes and chiggers.”
\n\n\n\nIgnore the notice for more than 10 days and the city will send out a crew to cut it for you. The cost: $250, payable within 30 days. Failure to pay can result in a lien being placed against the property.
\n\n\n\nIf your neighbor’s grass gets too high, the city makes it easy to file a complaint online.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the most common grasses for lawns in Fort Worth. Zoysia varieties are also making their mark.
\n\n\n\nIn the mood for something more exotic? Texas-bred native grasses based on buffalograss have great drought tolerance, though the appearance is scruffily untraditional. The Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth is one of many buildings experimenting with a buffalograss blend.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses such as the ones that thrive in Fort Worth have their heaviest growth in the summer, so you’ll want to keep to a regular mowing schedule then. If you’re doing the job yourself in the 90+ degree heat, keep your mower blades sharp to prevent shredding that could injure your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMowing heights for different grass varieties are as follows:
\n\n\n\nIn the past, the typical practice was to remove lawn clippings and have them hauled to the landfill. That’s no longer the case, as lawn clippings are now seen as an important source of fertilizer for the lawn. On a typical lawn, leaving the clippings in place to decompose and return nitrogen to the soil for a full season added enough nutrients for you to skip one round of fertilization.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth’s climate is on the hot side, with average highs in the mid-90s in July and August. Expect about 40 inches of rain, with May, June and October the wettest months. That leaves a lot of hot, dry days in the mid to late summer in between, when your lawn will want a deep drink of water. But you’ll need to follow the city’s watering restrictions, imposed year-round to conserve the resource. Lawn irrigation by sprinkler or irrigation system is banned from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Penalties are stiff for violation: up to $2,000 for each offense.
\n\n\n\nBe polite and don’t mow too early or too late. The city has a noise ordinance. While it does not mention lawn mowers or leaf blowers specifically, it does bar “unreasonable noise,” especially at night.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in Fort Worth? We got you covered! Go to our Fort Worth, TX lawn care page for more information.
It’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, prevent, and remove the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll discover:
\n\n\n\nLike any villain, weeds exploit weaknesses. If your lawn has a problem, they’ll find it and take advantage of it. Weeds are typically a symptom of an underlying issue, like thinning turf, soil compaction, or improper pH levels. Routine maintenance, like mowing, fertilizing, and watering, will keep your lawn healthy and prevent weeds from taking root.
\n\n\n\nThere are many reasons weeds are bad for your Austin lawn, including:
\n\n\n\nThere are two effective weed control methods: hand pulling and chemical treatments. Hand pulling is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Before selecting your removal method, identify the weeds you are dealing with to ensure the most effective removal.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree hand weeding is just as necessary as chemical removal methods. Aim to weed your yard and garden weekly or bi-weekly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nWhether your yard is weed-free or overrun with problems, you’ll want to watch for several types of weeds. Some are stealthy, and some are bold, but these are the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Annual-Sow-Thistle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle grows in almost every state, anywhere, including roadsides, lawns, and meadows. The plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and blooms in late spring and fall. Annual sow thistle harbors pests and looks like a cousin of dandelions.
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle is aggressive and has a shallow taproot that allows for easy hand removal. Several pre and post-emergent herbicides are also effective. Specimens have hairless, blue-green, lobed leaves attached to thick, hollow stems that produce milky sap. The flowers are bright yellow and urn-shaped, maturing into a puffy seed head similar to a dandelion.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter; summer
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained, sand, loam, clay, or chalk
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chickweed-Stellaria-Media.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChickweed seeds remain viable for 10 years, and each plant has around 25,000 seeds, making it incredibly difficult to eradicate. This upright plant creates a thick mat of small, smooth, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers.
\n\n\n\nChickweed sprouts in late summer and fall and grows through winter. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils and in shady areas under trees, close to homes, or along garden walls. Thankfully, these weeds respond well to hand pulling, and if you’re hungry, you can eat them in a salad or pesto. Just be sure to wash it first.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; shaded, moist areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/25140451756_2a557dd4c7_c-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass started off as a forage plant for livestock in the 1800s. Homeowners often confuse dallisgrass with crabgrass. This invasive nuisance forms clumps using deep rhizomes. Specimens are low-growing and coarsely textured with light green leaves and long seed heads atop tall stalks.
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass grows faster than turfgrass, and the longer it grows, the harder it is to control. It is one of the more common and problematic weeds in the Southern and Southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; moist sand or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/800px-Taraxacum_officinale_001.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell / Wikimedia Common / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDandelion is one of the most recognizable weeds in the world. The long, deeply lobed leaves form a rosette. Its rounded yellow flowers turn into fluffy puff balls that carry seeds on the wind, infesting your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHand pulling or dandelion forks work well for removal. After you rip them from your lawn, you can clean them off and eat them in everything from cookies to ice cream. Dandelion tea is also popular. Medicinally, they help with several ailments, including:
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, dandelion ford, post-emergent broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHomeowners often confuse goosegrass, also known as wiregrass, with smooth crabgrass. Specimens have leaf sheaths that end in long, thin, green, slightly hairy leaves. The seed heads comprise one to six-inch long spikes growing in a row to resemble a zipper.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass has fibrous roots and prefers compacted soil. One plant produces up to 50,000 seeds and is difficult to eliminate. They are resistant to many pre and post-emergent herbicides. Good aeration and lawn maintenance practices are the best control methods.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; prefer compacted soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; used medicinally
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, non-selective post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHenbit creeps into lawns in the early spring and grows until summer when it goes dormant. You can identify specimens from their pale purple and red blooms that grow in dense whorls. Leaves are egg-shaped, blunt, and coarsely toothed.
\n\n\n\nHenbit is a member of the mint family and is popular with bees and hummingbirds. The leaves, flowers, and square stems are edible with a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, sometimes compared to celery.
\n\n\n\nHenbit has shallow, fibrous roots and grows upright. Choose a dense, warm-season grass and maintain it regularly. It’s important to avoid overwatering, which encourages henbit growth and seed germination.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nOften labeled as the world’s worst weed, nutsedge is also called nutgrass and comes in yellow and purple varieties. Nutsedge resembles grass but grows twice as fast. You’ll notice the long, thin, light green (yellow) or dark green (purple) leaves grow taller than the rest of your lawn shortly after a mow. Aeration and proper watering techniques help control nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLike goosegrass, nutsedge has spiked seed heads. It grows via tubers and rhizomes, six to 12 inches deep. Hand-pulling nutsedge often leaves the tubers, creating a new plant in its place. Apply several applications of chemical herbicide to fend off nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Sedge
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun and wet soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses.
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, weed fork, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nPurslane, or hogweed, is a prostrate-growing plant with shiny, oblong leaves. It is fast-growing with purple-red stems and produces small, five-petaled, yellow flowers. Tiny black seeds form inside egg-shaped pods and are viable for up to 40 years. Purslane responds well to hand removal.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-12
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun; prefers well-drained, moist sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Quackgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nQuackgrass is quick-growing and resembles crabgrass. It establishes via rhizomes. Instead of spikes, the seed heads resemble wheat. Also known as common couch, quackgrass has blue-green leaves and a distinctive auricle, a small appendage that clasps around the stem.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rescuegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRescuegrass, or prairie grass, grows in late spring, summer, and fall in dense concentrations of sword-like, green leaves. Specimens crowd native plants, starving them of beneficial nutrients. The hairy leaf sheaths are a lighter green than the rest of the leaf, and the yellow seed heads have wheat-like, flattened spikelets. Remove rescuegrass by hand, but wear gloves because it is toxic to some people.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; skin irritant
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand removal, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smooth-Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThere are around 35 types of crabgrass, but the one that affects Austin homeowners the most is smooth crabgrass. It is low-growing and has dull green leaves. Its stems turn reddish-purple with age. Smooth crabgrass tolerates mowing and still produces seed at ½ inch in height.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: All
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spotted-Spurge-Trifolium-Repens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nFind spotted spurge on roadsides, sidewalk cracks, gardens, and lawns in late May through summer. Control its growth with mulch or hand-pull pesky specimens. Spotted spurge is a prostrate-growing groundcover with small, dark green, oval leaves with a dark red to purple spot in the middle.
\n\n\n\nThe stems are pink to dark red and excrete a milky sap when broken or cut. Spotted spurge blooms tiny white or pink flowers, forming inconspicuous clusters. The leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits are all slightly hairy.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; skin irritant; toxic to sheep
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\nStop weeds from taking root with these helpful tips:
● Choose the right grass type: certain grass types, like bermudagrass, are aggressive and naturally crowd out weeds.
● Keep a healthy lawn: mow, water, and fertilize according to your grass cultivar; a healthy lawn is more prepared to fend off invasive weeds.
● Apply pre-emergent herbicide: these chemicals prevent weeds from germinating
● Mulch: prevents weeds and aids in soil moisture retention
● Pull by hand: remove weeds as soon as possible
Follower these universal steps to maximize your lawn’s health:
● Mow at the right time: Mid-morning, about 9 a.m., or mid-afternoon, about 5 p.m.
● Leave grass clippings: Grass clippings provide essential nutrients for your lawn
● Keep mower blades sharp: Dull blades rip and tear your grass, causing a brown grass tip and a ragged-looking lawn
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April to avoid late-season frost and give the seed enough time to germinate before the summer.
One of the best ways to keep weeds out of your lawn is to practice good lawn maintenance. Lawn care is a lot of work, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let Wikilawn connect you with an Austin lawn care professional, so you can spend more time enjoying your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Henbit / KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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