![\"Bur](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-Quercus-Macrocarpa.jpg\")
Several parts of Oklahoma are prone to tough periods of drought, especially in northwest counties, such as Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver. If you reside in similarly affected areas, it is vital you design a landscape that can tolerate drought conditions. If not, your yard could require plenty of maintenance and constant spending. So we’ve compiled […]
\n","content":"\nSeveral parts of Oklahoma are prone to tough periods of drought, especially in northwest counties, such as Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver. If you reside in similarly affected areas, it is vital you design a landscape that can tolerate drought conditions. If not, your yard could require plenty of maintenance and constant spending. So we’ve compiled a list of drought-tolerant landscaping ideas for Oklahoma, helping you spruce up your backyard in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nWhen a landscape is drought-tolerant, it can thrive with little to no supplemental water. It consists of boulders, hardscapes, native perennials, and other features that are considered low-maintenance. Essentially, they are features or plants that can withstand dry periods.
\n\n\n\nHowever, drought-tolerant does not mean zero water needs. Native plants that tolerate drought may still require some amount of water to grow or survive. They are not entirely resistant to drought, but their water needs are quite low compared to other high-maintenance plants. This is one of the key purposes of a drought-tolerant landscape— conserving water!
\n\n\n\nThe upcoming section will cover 8 ideas for a drought-tolerant landscape, including hardscapes and artificial turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative plants grow naturally in Oklahoma, comfortably able to thrive as they are accustomed to its climate and soil conditions. Going native can reduce the amount of time spent on maintenance, attract hummingbirds and beneficial pollinators, and boost the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nHowever, not all Oklahoma native plants are able to withstand dry periods. Some trees or wildflowers require plenty of water to grow, so they are obviously not a good fit for your low-maintenance landscape. Additionally, you need to consider your area’s plant hardiness zone to select the right drought-tolerant plants.
\n\n\n\nTo help your decision-making process, below are some suggestions for native drought-tolerant plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on the plant’s size and type, 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\n![\"Rain](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rain-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA rain garden is a planted depression that collects rainwater runoff from the surrounding landscapes. For this type of garden, the soil and plants are uniquely selected to absorb the collected water. You can also add local rocks to the rain garden, to set garden borders or just to increase your yard’s visual appeal. In a way, a rain garden lets mother nature do all the watering for us.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to conserving water, here are some key benefits of a rain garden:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Installing a rain garden yourself will cost $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the materials and plants you use. If you decide to hire a professional, installation may cost between $10 and $15 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Artificial-turf-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sarah Stierch / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you wish a green lawn all year round, artificial grass is the way to go. You won’t have to worry about any damage from your kids running around playing lawn games. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, synthetic turf doesn’t require any water! Artificial grass can withstand harsh weather conditions, including periods of drought.
\n\n\n\nDespite its high upfront cost, it can be a worthwhile investment and a terrific option for a drought-tolerant landscape.
\n\n\n\nHere are some benefits of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Hiring a professional landscaper to install artificial grass will cost you between $5 and $20 per square foot on average.
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-with-red-bark-mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U. J. Alexander / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimply put, mulch is an easy and cheap way to keep your garden bed hydrated. If you add some on top of deep-rooted plants with low water needs, you’ll get yourself a drought-tolerant yard. Mulch keeps your plant beds moist during the dry summer heat. You can add organic mulch that benefits the soil, or go for the aesthetically pleasing option with inorganic mulch.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: This depends on which type of mulch you choose. Wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2 cubic foot bag, while landscape gravel costs between $4 to $30 per 0.5 cubic foot bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"Drip](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Drip-Irrigation-Detail.jpg\")
Photo Credit: GrigoriosMoraitis / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDrip irrigation will prevent water being wasted by runoff or evaporated. This installation applies water at the plant root zone where it’s needed the most. Because of this, soil moisture levels are kept at an optimal level. You can apply drip irrigation in your vegetable or perennial garden, even to water shrubs or trees. Overall, it is an efficient and economical way to water your garden.
\n\n\n\nHere are some other benefits of drip irrigation:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most homeowners pay between $295 and $775 for a drip irrigation system.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rock](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rock-Garden-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: LookTarn / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for an alternative to turfgrasses, look no further than a rock garden. With low water and maintenance needs, a rock garden takes trimming, weeding, and mowing off your to-do list. It features carefully arranged rocks, boulders, or stones. Consider adding succulents or perennial flowers to create a beautiful, colorful, and inviting garden.
\n\n\n\nIf designing a rock garden seems like a back-breaking task, stick to smaller boulders or stones that can easily be moved around. This would allow you to reshape your garden whenever you feel like mixing things up a little.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Rock garden projects will cost you between $600 and $700 on average. To buy and install rocks or boulders yourself, the cost will range from $460 to $1,000, depending on the size and type of rock.
\n\n\n\n![\"Stack](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Stack-of-Brick-Pavers-for-Hardscape.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JPLDesigns / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are naturally low-maintenance features that are perfect for a drought-tolerant landscape. They are non-living elements that can improve your outdoor space functions. Unsurprisingly, they require no watering, pruning, or fertilizing. It’s great being able to relax with your family and friends around a fire pit, not worrying about countless hours of outdoor chores.
\n\n\n\nThese decorative and practical structures may still require some care, such as basic cleaning. Unless something goes majorly wrong, hardscaping does not require continuous maintenance for long periods of time.
\n\n\n\nHere are some examples of hardscaping for a drought-tolerant yard:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost will depend on the project size and type of feature you choose. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,500 for fencing, $370 and $2,235 for a fire pit, $5,055 and $17,275 for an outdoor kitchen.
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaped](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Xeriscaped-Front-Yard-with-Dry-Creek-Bed-and-Solar-Lighting.jpg\")
Photo Credit: remedypic / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe’re not following the “save the best for the last” format, but xeriscaping is certainly among the best ideas for a drought-tolerant landscape. Its essential purpose is to use as little water as possible, helping you obtain a low-water and low-maintenance garden. Xeriscaping can help you reduce water bills, cut back on energy consumption, and eliminate chores such as mowing and weeding.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, it can attract beneficial insects and promote biodiversity. For a drought-tolerant landscape, xeriscaping is highly recommended. It can help you create a beautiful and eco-friendly landscape with minimal water consumption.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping can include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: This depends on the size and type of project. For example, the cost of a groundcover ranges from $10 to $25. On average, homeowners spend between $5 and $20 per square foot on xeriscaping.
\n\n\n\nA drought-tolerant landscape does have financial benefits, but it also supports the local wildlife habitat. Native plants may serve as a valuable food source for many birds and insects, while a rain garden cleans the rainwater before it reaches lakes or rivers.
\n\n\n\nHere are more reasons why every Oklahoma homeowner should opt for a drought-tolerant landscape:
\n\n\n\nIn short, yes. A lot of homeowners think they’re the same concept, but their main difference can be spotted in each of the terms. Using plants as an example, drought-tolerant means they can withstand drought for a limited period only. If they go through months and months without any water, the plants could wither and die.
On the other hand, drought-resistant plants are ones that can go without water for long periods of time. Cacti are great examples of such plants, as we automatically picture them in dry, sunny areas.
Oklahoma lies in the South Central region of the United States, so it should come as no surprise that many parts of the state suffer from drought conditions. Areas northwest of Oklahoma City suffer more than the likes of Lincoln, Pittsburg, or McCurtain Counties.
To monitor the drought map and get weekly updates, you can check Oklahoma’s drought status here.
A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape will still require the occasional upkeep. Nothing major, but just enough to keep all your features in tip-top shape.
Here are simple ways to care for your drought-tolerant yard:
• Yearly mulching
• Water your new plants until they are established
• Aerate your soil yearly
• Trim, prune, and weed when needed
• Test your soil every 3 to 5 years (pH, condition..)
A drought-tolerant landscape has several advantages. It helps you save time, reduce maintenance costs, and keep your area’s climate healthy. Transforming your landscape will result in a more sustainable, cost-effective, and valuable property.
\n\n\n\nThere are many plant species that thrive in the local climate. Explore the best native plants for Oklahoma to freshen up your garden with long-lasting trees and beautiful wildflowers. If your turfgrass is beginning to look grim and patchy, check out the best grass types for Oklahoma and enjoy barbecues on a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nLooking to spend the weekend with your family at the Oklahoma City Zoo? Hire a local lawn care pro to trim the shrubs, mow the lawn, or plant drought-tolerant turfgrass such as Bermudagrass. We have trusted lawn care pros in Oklahoma City, Bixby, Okmulgee, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: MARELBU / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"8 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Ideas for Oklahoma","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/1789c/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/107df/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.jpg 320w,\n/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/293e9/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.jpg 500w,\n/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/f2cbb/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.jpg 800w,\n/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/1789c/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.jpg 960w,\n/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/c26c2/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/1dd6e/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/67b76/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.webp 320w,\n/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/8df11/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.webp 500w,\n/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/98a65/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.webp 800w,\n/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/1dd6e/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.webp 960w,\n/static/7c2c14c2eea10e2391df80d1b265f826/3cc96/Nichols-Hills-Oklahoma-City-OK-USA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Ideas for Oklahoma","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Get started on a sustainable, low-water, and low-maintenance outdoor living space by exploring 8 drought-tolerant landscaping ideas for Oklahoma."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"c4ae7810-cdc6-5cfd-825c-c620f10f37de","slug":"best-native-plants-novi","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/novi/best-native-plants-novi/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"},{"id":"65c71077-8e3e-53cf-bfe2-68e1c598a700","name":"Novi","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/novi/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"A nice lawn is visually pleasing, but great landscaping that features attractive plants, trees and shrubs really takes your yard to the next level. And the best way to ensure they thrive in a climate as diverse as Novi’s is to use native plants that are adapted to the region. There are several key benefits […]
\n","content":"\nA nice lawn is visually pleasing, but great landscaping that features attractive plants, trees and shrubs really takes your yard to the next level. And the best way to ensure they thrive in a climate as diverse as Novi’s is to use native plants that are adapted to the region.
\n\n\n\nThere are several key benefits to using native plants:
\n\n\n\nInterested? Here are some of the best native plants for your Novi, Michigan garden.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
New England asters grow large, purple (or pink-purple) flowers with yellow centers, making them ideal for when you want your garden to have a splash of color. They bloom in late summer to early fall, and their flowers attract butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis plant grows easily from seed and is moderately deer-resistant. Pinching back the stems several times helps control the height of New England asters and promotes bushiness. This eliminates the need to stake them.
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, well-draining
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Nodding-Wild-Onion.jpg\")
The nodding wild onion isn’t a plant you can use for cooking. Instead, it’s a bulb that grows 1-2 feet tall with long grass-like foliage. Pink flowers grow from clusters between June and August, attracting pollinators. The easiest way to propagate them is to divide the bulb offsets (which allows the plant to spread).
\n\n\n\nNodding wild onion grows in well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. You can recognize it by its scrapes hooking downward below the flower to make it seem like it’s nodding (hence the name).
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect, arching
\n\n\n\nMature size: Six inches to 2 feet tall and 4 inches to 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, bulb
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, dry to medium, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nSunlight: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Butterfly weeds are colorful and, as the name implies, attract butterflies like a moth to a flame. It’s a durable plant that tolerates deer, drought, and dry soil. It blooms from May to August and displays from August to September.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it may be toxic, so don’t eat it. Nevertheless, if your garden needs a splash of color, butterfly weed is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, dry to medium, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Swamps might evoke images of vines, decay, and stagnant water, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at this beautiful plant that grows there. Swamp milkweeds have small pink to mauve (or uncommonly white) flowers growing in clusters at the stem ends.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweeds grow in medium to wet soils but surprisingly tolerate average well-drained soils. Butterflies are attracted to them for their nectar.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Clumping, erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, medium to wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blackhaw-Virburnum.jpg\")
This shrub or small tree is a high-value plant for wildlife. White flowers bloom in spring, and showy red flowers bloom in fall. Its berries mature to purple-black and are edible to both humans and birds. You can use its berries in jams and preserves.
\n\n\n\nBlackhaw thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought. It has no serious insect or disease problems and even does well in air pollution.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect, irregular, multi-stemmed, rounded
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12 to 20 feet tall and 6 to15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, dry to medium
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Suppose you want to add a bit of sunshine to your garden. Consider planting black-eyed Susans. Their large yellow flowers attract butterflies, songbirds, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susans tolerate heat, drought, and most soils (the exception being poorly-drained wet ones). They freely self-seed and usually remain in the garden during that time.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is quite beautiful: a gorgeous spring bloom, bright red berries (which birds and mammals can eat, but not humans), an alligator-esque bark, and leaves that turn a brilliant red in the fall. It prefers two to four inches of mulch, which keeps its roots cool and moist in the summer. It also prefers moist, organically rich, acidic soils.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the flowering dogwood is especially vulnerable to diseases, particularly anthracnose, so planting it where anthracnose infestations are present isn’t recommended.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ascending, pyramidal, rounded, spreading
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall, and 15 to 30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Good Fall
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, organically rich, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing native species for your landscape, consider the amount of available sunlight, the type of soil (and how well it drains), as well as whether you have standing water.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding your location’s hardiness zone also helps determine what to plant. Novi’s hardiness zone is 6a, meaning its coldest annual temperature ranges from -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Your plants should be able to handle extreme cold.
\n\n\n\nYou can usually find native plants in garden centers, so check with them. Additionally, understand where these plants come from before buying them. If they come from the wild, they can devastate the local plant populations. (Propagated plants are also healthier than wild ones.)
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve picked and planted your natives, your next step is the lawn. To ensure the healthiest lawn possible, pick from one of our best grass types for Novi. Then, contact one of WikiLawn’s lawn and landscaping pros, and we’ll do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pxfuel
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Novi, Michigan","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/1789c/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg","srcSet":"/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/107df/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 320w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/293e9/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 500w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/f2cbb/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 800w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/1789c/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 960w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/c26c2/Native-Plant-Novi.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/1dd6e/Native-Plant-Novi.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/67b76/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 320w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/8df11/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 500w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/98a65/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 800w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/1dd6e/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 960w,\n/static/79062ac7ac8ed2a0a68fba3c0abb6cb4/3cc96/Native-Plant-Novi.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Novi, Michigan | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Using native plants that are adapted to their environment gives your yard the best chance of thriving year-round. Here are some of the best"}}},{"node":{"id":"7a9468f8-d9d2-55f4-98e0-b5ebd5b69905","slug":"kansas-city-watering-restrictions","path":"/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/kansas-city-watering-restrictions/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"05d0f445-881a-5277-b62a-ce38f7c7af9f","name":"Kansas City","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2019","excerpt":"There are no current watering restrictions in Kansas City, which gets an abundant supply of water from the Missouri River. But conservation is still a good idea.
\n","content":"\nUnlike many other cities across the United States, Kansas City is in a fortunate position when it comes to water supply. The Missouri River provides an abundance of water flowing through the metropolitan area — more than enough to provide for Kansas City’s drinking and irrigation needs, without the need for water restrictions.
\n\n\n\nBut during hot, dry summers and periods of unexpected drought, the KC Water division will put the kibosh on your watering plans. While the city can usually handle its water needs, you’ll want to keep your eyes and ears open for news of any watering restrictions in Kansas City, Mo.
\n\n\n\nThe city treats and distributes water to 170,000 residences and businesses in greater Kansas City, as well as 32 wholesale customers in the metro area. The water division is now working on system development plans for expected growth within the region.
\n\n\n\nMunicipalities within a short drive from KC are likely to have watering restrictions when water treatment facilities hit their near-capacity for several days in a row. This sometimes happens in Gardner, Kansas. When the Hillsdale Water Treatment Facility operates at more than 90 percent capacity for five days straight, Gardner will issue the following mandatory water cutbacks:
\n\n\n\nLawn watering and car washing for even-numbered addresses are OK in Gardner before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Homeowners whose addresses end in odd numbers may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. When it comes to refilling a swimming pool, you can do that only one evening a week after sunset. Want to completely fill a privately owned pool? That will have to wait until the city lifts the watering ban.
\n\n\n\nNearby Cameron, Mo., has seen its share of drought during the last few summers. Even with four reservoirs, mandatory water restrictions go into effect during these droughts and high usage. Cameron is part of the Tri-State Water Resource Coalition, which is building new water lines for surrounding areas.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to forget that water is a precious resource. There are several ways to preserve this liquid gold:
\n\n\n\nA single person uses about 100 gallons of water a day to drink, bathe, perform personal hygiene, and clean their house. That number goes up significantly when you water the lawn or fill the swimming pool.
\n\n\n\nThe best reason to conserve water is so that we don’t run out. This is a community-wide effort because it’s easy to assume the tap will continue to flow, even in severe drought. Your water company does its best to fulfill demand, but it cannot control the weather. Another reason to cut back on water and energy usage is more tangible. Who doesn’t want lower utility bills?
\n\n\n\nYour water division is working on long-term projects to improve the water main lines. Updating the infrastructure of KC includes improving sewers and wastewater treatment. The city gets its drinking water from the Missouri River and surrounding floodplain. It’s cleaned and sanitized from lawn fertilizers, oil, dirt, pet waste and whatever other pollutants it picks up along the way.
\n\n\n\nIf you have questions about Kansas City tap water, or if there are restrictions in place, the division is open during regular business hours.
\n\n\n\nDo you have questions about lawn care and gardening in Kansas City? Visit our Kansas City lawn care page.
When’s the last time you stopped to smell the roses in Houston? How about any of the native flowers like the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan? These are the native plants for Houston landscapes that attract birds, bees and other pollinators. Since they grow here naturally, they need little maintenance or water to thrive. Planting […]
\n","content":"\nWhen’s the last time you stopped to smell the roses in Houston? How about any of the native flowers like the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan? These are the native plants for Houston landscapes that attract birds, bees and other pollinators. Since they grow here naturally, they need little maintenance or water to thrive. Planting native helps the environment and your yard.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing your landscape, don’t forget the smaller details that set your property apart from the neighborhood. Native plants in Houston and other cities in Texas are celebrated for their visual appeal, and for being eco-friendly. Since they’re easy to maintain, they’ll increase the curb appeal of your home.
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the trees, vines, shrubs, and plants that grow easily in H-Town.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/IAujYhyWhiqbOHyzjyFz6NUQFQvuj2I4pc0kkG_GEpPRgkHDbedud1tWw-tSl8u5lLD4SUErYX1jawFWbfdTpNs6zx_Cd8b1hLSby8HcMZmKulLbZukItYRNevfhRyjKn25ZAPKw\")
There are many species of large trees in Texas; oaks are ones you’ll find everywhere in Houston. They fall into two groups; red and white. Red oaks have jagged leaves with acorns that take two years to mature. White Oaks have smooth foliage with acorns maturing in one season. You’ll also see maple, walnut, ash, cypress, pine, sycamore and tulip trees that typically grow anywhere from 60 to 80 feet tall. The pecan may be our state tree, but don’t forget about the tree that gave Houston one of its many nicknames. The Southern magnolia tree is losing ground to invasive species, but it continues to be the centerpiece in many Houston gardens.
\n\n\n\nSmaller varieties of native trees include the American holly, with its sharply jagged foliage and bright red berries. Pawpaw gives off a tropical-like appearance that highlights your landscape with maroon-red flowers. Acacia sprouts white-yellow blooms, and crape myrtle comes in a variety of colors including lavender, white, reds and pink. You can’t walk far in Houston without seeing a Basham Party Pink Crape Myrtle — a hybrid that can grow up to 30 feet tall.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Gzce4KAaryUIcFtEITJNsdxf48uoM2X-rqy4v2n9DePqDD5Ony7JP9jgifltb08ELuwcOjc22JdH8u6wg9d5e3YiQlTFA5YoTkXn3lgvLU3JH4CWqmssbJ8yv3CpsmsmA6nVLy16\")
Coral honeysuckle has reddish green stems, dark green leaves and looks similar to small shrubs. This vine climbs fences and features red trumpet-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds. Birds will enjoy a sumptuous feast of orange and red berries during September and October. Coral honeysuckle prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sE86jEBcqWKxF-M92mDKHrnmbixjg18LkCtWraPmOAKx7RwpmT5X4zAaTd3R97gVO77MDiIcii8TBlzOtxFkoZW--1liGil3oSdw6Y5_uXGer1niLxFRqIdjsxlGc_b0MGNJZUwn\")
Photo credit: dunnmary735 on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC
\n\n\n\nCarolina Jessamine climbs high with its long, tapered leaves. In winter, you’ll see bright yellow trumpet flowers tinged with a spicy scent.
\n\n\n\nCrossvine blooms in spring with dark-red and yellow flowers.
\n\n\n\nPassionflower vine. With small lavender blooms from April to September, this vine spreads out over fences and trellises. The deep green leaves also attract colorful butterflies. Passionflower vines can grow 10 to 20 feet tall and sprout tiny melon-like edible fruits. A Yellow passionflower vine grows to about 10 feet, blooming in May to September with bluish-black berries.
\n\n\n\nTexas native grapevines draw the birds! With 15 grape species native to Texas, the most common ones are muscadine grape, riverbank grape, and mustang grape.
\n\n\n\nTrumpet creeper is a woody vine that climbs trees and fences, producing red-orange flowers. Houston hummingbirds love these blooms! Trumpet creepers thrive in moist soil and partial shade to full sunlight.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kRurmXejG2XnLwp_LpX1W6xu6z6EVxHo1RnRolb2Fk9B87uTryabo4I7bQbxFf8OT0nX_kvuoX6wKclMNbCXFxgPXAIu_6gBD-0E2-WP6fwrZ40kzIElyG0VArJAnx0VCvBFOE07\")
Agarita is an evergreen that yields single yellow flowers in the spring and then red berries. Agarita prefers full sunlight and well-draining, alkaline soil.
\n\n\n\nGardenia is an evergreen shrub found in many areas of the South. Its white flowers bring about a pleasant scent.
\n\n\n\nJasmine shrubs are evergreens that grow in the Houston area. Primrose and Italian jasmine sprout yellow flowers.
\n\n\n\nPineapple Guava is a grayish green shrub that produces white flowers with bright red stamens.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/uNdVGiSx2EG9v5x1-MZfcVx9dcMOe_glWWlidL4AckyX5OPL6tC5boje8E_bDPS2Q4m98CsZLZ-0Me1DHgSCeZ5zayFH1EA1cTsUCeRLAYmm2RYlqJG9rod4bT84eMQGfQ6Phazi\")
The obedient plant blooms in the spring, with some varieties flowering in autumn. Indigenous to Harris County, they spread thickly through their habitats to protect nearby vegetation, especially in winter. Pigeonberry plants develop red fruits to attract birds, and when the sun shines, you can see a red hue on the foliage. Frog fruit perennials grow just about anywhere; it’s an evergreen thatch in the verbena family. If you prefer something with more of a fleshy root system, Mallows hibiscus helps to stabilize the soil in small landscapes.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1atdfgu7JUNDWUCbbU9kVRZAJgX6B551nnuyhKZcvt8AcAYRUFQamIJH554Dg5I2Ze6ZZYMPTLxZ0SXB4YJj5BR81Rc7pyqgdHmfyaBCRM9y39ds0lfUQaykbnqUE7njtdQcmcHP\")
Photo credit: FritzFlohrReynolds on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-SA
\n\n\n\nWith thousands of native plants to choose from, there’s no reason to plant anything else in your garden. They’ll bring color to your landscape that will return year after year with little help from you. The native plants for Houston landscapes will thrive in our heat and humidity and keep your yard Texas strong.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about landscaping and maintenance? Visit our Houston, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
With waterfalls around every other corner and over 12,000 acres of natural parks, Rochester is a city that values its green spaces. Shouldn’t your lawn blend in with its lush surroundings? Having a great lawn starts with choosing a grass that’s suitable for the area’s climate. Here are the 4 best grasses for your Rochester […]
\n","content":"\nWith waterfalls around every other corner and over 12,000 acres of natural parks, Rochester is a city that values its green spaces. Shouldn’t your lawn blend in with its lush surroundings? Having a great lawn starts with choosing a grass that’s suitable for the area’s climate.
\n\n\n\nHere are the 4 best grasses for your Rochester lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrass types are divided into two categories: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Here are their differences:
\n\n\n\nRochester’s weather is partly cloudy year-round. While summers are warm, winters can be bitter, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Therefore, cool-season grasses are the best choice. Cornell University specifically recommends choosing between the following grasses for home lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is unique because it forms a thick, dark-green turf with excellent ability to spread and self-repair. It’s common throughout the United States, but especially in Northern areas. It’s slow to establish but then spreads quickly.
\n\n\n\nThis grass handles foot traffic well in the winter months but is susceptible to damage in the heat of summer. It also struggles to handle drought and shade and is susceptible to disease, insect pests, and thatch. For these reasons, Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with other grass types that mitigate some of these issues.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade, but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High, but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5-7 days; fertilize 1-3 times a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
![\"Blades](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Festuca_arundinacea-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue can stay green even through the coldest Rochester months. At the same time, it’s one of the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass types. This grass is happy in either full sun or partial shade and can also withstand other stresses such as foot traffic, weeds, and diseases.
\n\n\n\nHowever, most tall fescue varieties don’t reseed themselves, so you’ll need to reseed your grass if it suffers damage. It also grows relatively quickly and needs to be mowed frequently. Tall fescue is often mixed with other grass types to provide a hardier and more versatile lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed or your lawn will go dormant
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Festuca_arundinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a versatile, easy-care blue-green grass that grows in full sun or partial shade. It grows slowly and is often mixed with other grass types to help it grow in infertile, acidic soils. The many varieties of this grass differ in maintenance, density, germination times, and so forth. Fine fescue may go dormant during droughts, but it’s still relatively drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\nOn the downside, this grass is susceptible to some diseases and isn’t the best choice for high-traffic lawns. Be careful not to overfertilize fine fescue because it can create lots of thatch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Depends on the variant (most variants grow in bunches, but creeping red fescue uses rhizomes)
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Mow every 2-3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2-4 times a year; aerate once a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable
Potential for disease: Moderate
![\"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\nPerennial ryegrass stands out for its quick germination and establishment. It turns bright green as soon as the snow melts, tolerates cold, and resists wear once established. It doesn’t produce as much thatch as other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nHowever, perennial ryegrass can’t self-repair. Moreover, it’s susceptible to fungal diseases and can wilt from excessive heat and drought. It also doesn’t like shade as much as some other grasses do. Because perennial ryegrass grows fast, it’s important to mow it frequently.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4-6 weeks
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches, depending on species, weather, and intended use; you can cut even shorter, but very short heights need a reel mower
Potential for disease: High, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
Kentucky bluegrass tolerate foot traffic during cooler months and can self-repair easily. Alternatively, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass handle foot traffic well, too, but won’t self-repair (except for some tall fescue varieties).
Fine fescue has excellent shade tolerance. It’s often mixed with tall fescue to help it grow in shady areas.
Turf-type tall fescue and fine fescue are two easy-care options; choose the one that’s more suitable for you, or get a mix.
If you have pets, planting Kentucky bluegrass can be a good option. It’s resistant during cooler months and can self-repair if damaged. Plus, it has a soft texture.
Now that you know the different types of grass that can thrive in your Rochester lawn, you can narrow down your options to the ones that are most suitable for your needs and preferences. Make sure that you evaluate factors such as foot traffic, maintenance, shade tolerance, and how pet-friendly the grass is before you make a decision.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to make your yard pop, consider adding some plants that are native to the Rochester area. Native plants are not only beautiful but are also used to the weather and soil in your area, which makes them easier to care for and more likely to thrive in your yard. On top of that, they’re better for the environment.
\n\n\n\nGetting the right grass type and plants is just the first step. Make sure you have all your maintenance tasks down, including fall and spring lawn care jobs. Or, you can get in touch with a Rochester lawn care pro who will help you create a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Rochester NY / Andreas F. Borchert / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 DE
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\n","content":"\nThe 2020 Grant Fire east of the city was too close for comfort for many Sacramento homeowners. Though the city historically hasn’t been as affected by wildfires as neighboring areas, Sacramento may be more at risk in the future. Homes are also at risk from nearby house fires. Planning ahead is vital so that if the worst comes to pass, you can increase fire safety.
\n\n\n\nFirewise landscaping or firescaping is one step to protecting your property. These landscape designs minimize combustible materials, create defensible spaces, and allow easier evacuation and fire department access. And no, you don’t need to turn your yard into barren dirt and rocks (unless you want to). These eight fire-resistant landscaping ideas for Sacramento will keep you safe and allow creativity.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nBefore we dive into design ideas, let’s unpack what works for fire safety and why. Defensible space is a crucial landscaping principle for fire protection. The idea is to reduce the chance of flames or embers jumping from one part of your landscaping to another toward your home.
\n\n\n\nFire safety experts break defensible space into three zones (0, 1, and 2), each with different recommendations. The zones cover between 0 feet and over 100 feet surrounding your home. Prioritize the innermost zone first, then work outward as far as possible. Here is a brief breakdown of each part of a defensible zone and their dos and don’ts:
\n\n\n\n| Zone | Distance Surrounding the Home | Things to Avoid | Recommended Landscaping Features |
| 0 | 0-5 feet | ● Woody plants ● Organic mulch ● Woodpiles ● Combustible trellises ● Stored items | ● Walkways ● Hardscapes ● Rocks and gravel |
| 1 | 5-30 feet | ● Closely bunched trees | ● Well-irrigated and maintained vegetation islands separated by hardscaping, mowed grass, or groundcovers ● Shrubs and trees with lower branches removed |
| 2 | 31-100+ feet or to the property line | ● Dense shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants | ● Well-pruned, spaced-out shrubs and trees |
Landscape density is one of the most significant fire hazards in yards. If a fire is nearby and something on your property catches fire, it can jump from object to object toward your home. This danger is why the defensible space strategy advises against closely bunched vegetation. You can fill the area between plantings with turfgrass or hardscaping.
\n\n\n\nThe recommended distance between shrubs or trees depends on the slope. The steeper the slope, the more space is needed between the plants.
\n\n\n\n| Angle of the Slope | Space Between Shrubs | Space Between Trees |
| Less than 20% | 2 times the shrub’s height | 10 feet |
| 20-40% | 4 times the shrub’s height | 20 feet |
| Greater than 40% | 6 times the shrub’s height | 30 feet |
If you have a large property, consider incorporating fuel breaks. Fuel breaks are areas with a reduced fuel load to stop a fire in its tracks or slow it down. For example, a fuel break could be a strip of dirt cleared of vegetation or a paved path or roadway.
\n\n\n\nMost homeowners enjoy some greenery to spruce up their yards. However, it’s best to avoid some plantings altogether, either because they are inherently too close to each other or your home. Here are some examples of plant types that could inadvertently spread fire:
\n\n\n\n*Well-maintained hedges at the edge of your property can sometimes block embers from reaching your garden or home. However, if they do ignite, they could lead the fire toward your home.
\n\n\n\nNo plants are entirely fire-proof — they all can burn if the fire is hot enough. However, some plants are less likely to go up in flames than others. Fire-resistant plants have:
\n\n\n\nHydrated, well-cared-for plants will do better in a fire regardless of species. The additional dead plant material from dried-out, stressed vegetation fuels fires.
\n\n\n\nBut what about drought? Sacramento’s water restrictions may limit your watering schedule, and any missed days could make your plants drought-stressed and vulnerable to fire. Reduce your water needs with water-wise landscaping. Succulents are a popular low-maintenance option for water conservation. If you need extra water to care for your plants, consider rainwater harvesting to stretch resources further.
\n\n\n\nMany drought-tolerant plants are fire-resistant, as well. California native plants are most likely to check both boxes because they are well-adapted to the hot, dry summer weather when fire risk is highest. They also are more likely to be pollinator-friendly.
\n\n\n\nHere are some fire-resistant plants native to Sacramento:
\n\n\n\nOvergrown, dense plants provide more fuel for fires. Regular trimming will:
\n\n\n\nThough well-irrigated lawns have some fire resistance, overgrown grass with excess thatch may be a fire hazard. Keep grass mowed at 4 inches or less to reduce risk.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-leaves-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nPlant debris is a natural part of any garden. Though fallen leaves and pine cones may provide a forest-like appearance to your yard, they can increase fire risk and provide a fuel trail for the spread of fire. Regularly cleaning plant litter decreases fire risk and makes your yard look neater. Here are some types of plant litter to watch out for:
\n\n\n\nPlant debris also may be on your porch, deck, roof, or gutter. A stray ember could ignite this debris and spread fire to your home. Clean your roof and gutter once or twice a year, though they may need more frequent attention if your plants shed excessively. Gutter guards can reduce debris buildup. Remove plant litter from porches and decks as it accumulates.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gravel-mulch-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sten Porse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is any material spread over the soil’s surface to provide nutrients, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. It’s usually applied around the base of trees and shrubs, flower beds, or paths.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch like wood chips, leaves, needles, bark, and straw may look nice, but they can catch fire and spread the flames further. Even some inorganic mulches, like shredded rubber, are susceptible to combustion. Use gravel or rocks instead, especially near the home and between vegetation islands.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most fire-resistant landscaping options is hardscaping. Hardscaping uses concrete, cement, pavers, gravel, bricks, and stones to create patios, paths, and other landscape features. This landscape design creates an ideal area for backyard hosting. You can have a completely hardscaped yard or combine it with greenery.
\n\n\n\nUsing non-flammable materials, you can create a defensible perimeter around your home, separating the house from potentially flammable garden plants. You also can use it between vegetation islands to make it more difficult for flames to travel.
\n\n\n\nIf you decide to install a fire pit or outdoor heater as part of your hardscape, ensure it is at least 10 feet away from anything that could catch fire. Always follow Sacramento’s recreational burning guidelines and double-check that the fire has been put out before you leave the area.
\n\n\n\nYour wicker furniture and wooden pergola could be kindling in the making. Wooden, reed, or bamboo fences also may create a dangerous fire path, especially if the fence connects to your home. These outdoor structures and furniture are most hazardous in the 5-foot perimeter around your home. Consider replacing them with metal or vinyl alternatives.
\n\n\n\nYou also should be mindful of cushions, umbrellas, and tablecloths — put them away when not in use or don’t use them at all.
\n\n\n\nThe pathways surrounding your home can create defensible space, but only if they’re well-maintained. Overgrown plants, firewood, wooden tools, and flammable toys left on walkways could allow flames to spread and make emergency access more difficult.
\n\n\n\nClear walkways to minimize the chance of fire jumping across. This maintenance also will allow for easier evacuation and firefighter access in an emergency. Remove stray items and trim plants lining paths to minimize fire hazards. Firewood is best kept on the outer edge of your yard rather than next to the home. It’s also a good idea to keep driveways clear for easier evacuation.
\n\n\n\nIf you live on a large property, you should clear roadways by thinning and pruning trees, mowing the grass, and cutting back shrubs. These actions will allow easier emergency access and evacuation.
\n\n\n\nThe fire season in Northern California generally peaks in summer and fall. However, extreme drought may extend the fire season into winter and spring. You can check the current fire hazard severity on CAL FIRE’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone map.
Fire can spread in several ways, including:
● Direct contact: Actively burning fire directly touches a flammable object.
● Embers: Small embers can float through the air or be blown by the wind. If they come into contact with something, they may or may not light it on fire, depending on its flammability.
● Fuel paths: A continuous line of flammable objects or plants can lead a fire toward a home. For example, plants on the other side of a wooden fence can ignite the fence, which may lead the fire directly to the home.
● Fuel ladders: Living or dead vegetation can create a path upward for fire to spread. For example, a shrub on fire may light the tree above it if there isn’t sufficient room between the flames and the branches.
● Radiant heat: If temperatures are hot enough, flammable objects may combust without direct contact with fire or embers.
Roofs are part of the home most vulnerable to fire. This risk is why trimming trees and clearing debris from the gutters and rooftops are essential. While wooden and shingle roofs are most at risk, materials like metal, clay, and tile reduce risk.
Other vulnerable areas include:
● Vents
● Chimneys
● Eaves
● Soffits
● Windows
● Wooden siding
● Wooden decks and porches
● Patio covers
Fire preparedness is already overwhelming. You need to check evacuation routes, pack an emergency supply kit, and create plans to transport your pets.
While you may need to complete those tasks yourself, you can offload landscaping to a professional. They will assess your landscape’s safety, provide advice, and execute any necessary changes so you can feel peace of mind.
Main Image Credit: Wildroof / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Sacramento, CA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/1789c/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/107df/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/293e9/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/f2cbb/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/1789c/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/c26c2/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/1dd6e/fire-resistant-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/67b76/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/8df11/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/98a65/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/1dd6e/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/3cc96/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Sacramento, CA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Are you worried about your property’s fire safety? These fire-resistant landscaping ideas for Sacramento will help protect your house."}}},{"node":{"id":"13e794e9-b37e-5b2f-b07d-67d0aeabe3cb","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-south-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/low-maintenance-landscaping-south-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"f554d6ce-e3dd-57ef-8689-67cb82a1795b","name":"South Texas","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/south-texas/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Working outdoors can be brutal during the searing Texas summers. So if you find yourself melting one afternoon while pushing a mower around the lawn, you might begin to wonder if there’s an easier way to get a nice yard. There is. While all yards require some level of care, it’s possible to cut down […]
\n","content":"\nWorking outdoors can be brutal during the searing Texas summers. So if you find yourself melting one afternoon while pushing a mower around the lawn, you might begin to wonder if there’s an easier way to get a nice yard.
\n\n\n\nThere is.
\n\n\n\nWhile all yards require some level of care, it’s possible to cut down on your time, effort and expense by adopting low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your South Texas yard that minimize the required amount of watering, fertilizing, mowing, and weeding. Let’s take a look at some of the best ideas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nGo native and plant some indigenous Texas plants in your garden and landscape. It only makes sense that plants that thrive in the Texas wilderness will also grow well in your yard. So if you’re searching for low-maintenance landscaping ideas, a good place to start is by adding native plants.
\n\n\n\nNative Texas plants already know how to survive in the wild without extra special care, so they won’t require much watering, fertilizing, or pest control. They are also more resistant to local pests and diseases. Planting a mixture of native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs means less maintenance for your yard.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few to start with:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of growing native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The price tag of a native plant depends on the size and type of plant. Here’s a general price range for different types of plants:
\n\n\n\n| Plant Type | Price |
| Shrub | $15 to $50 |
| Vine | $5 to $50 |
| Tree | $200 to $1,500 |
If you are planning a more intensive project, installing a flower bed costs $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not just native plants that thrive in the Texas heat – succulents are hardy, drought-resistant plants that thrive in hot climates, too.
\n\n\n\nSucculents don’t require much maintenance or care, as they are perfectly content on their own, without outside help. Unlike most plants, succulents prefer arid conditions. In fact, they sometimes die if they are overwatered.
\n\n\n\nFrom cacti to agaves, there are many varieties of succulents to choose from, and homeowners can add a desert-like flare to their yard while simultaneously reducing the amount of effort required for lawn upkeep.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: As with any plant, the price depends on the type and size of the succulent. Usually, you can expect to pay about $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Groundcover.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: I.Sáček, senior / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWant a natural growing lawn without having to mow weekly? Then ground covers may be just the thing you’re looking for. Ground covers are low-growing plants that usually grow no more than a few inches tall.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are decorative, require little maintenance, and spread over your yard the way a lawn would. Some groundcovers bloom with flowers during the year, adding a touch of floral color to your yard.
\n\n\n\nLook for groundcovers that grow well in South Texas’ USDA hardiness zone, which ranges from 9a to 10a. Some groundcovers that flourish in 9a zones include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground covers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Installing ground covers usually costs around $4.50 to $26 per square foot, although prices vary depending on the type of ground cover. If you have to remove your old grass lawn first, that job will be an additional cost that will depend on the scope of the project.
\n\n\n\nOne easy way to keep an evergreen lawn year-round without ever having to take care of it is to replace your traditional grass lawn with artificial turf.
\n\n\n\nWith artificial turf, you never have to water or mow your yard. You won’t have to worry about the scorching heat burning your grass to a brown crisp or remember to fertilize it at the right time. Even without maintenance, your lawn will look the same all year long.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf can look very realistic, and most people won’t know the difference between a real grass lawn and a synthetic lawn. Artificial grass is available in several different varieties, so you can find the right grass type to fit your landscape design.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Different types of artificial turf are priced differently, but in general professional artificial turf installation costs $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners who want their yards to stay as green as possible all year long should consider planting evergreens.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen shrubs and trees stay green all year, meaning they don’t shed their leaves in the fall. Think about it. No raking.
\n\n\n\nTry some of these evergreens:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of using evergreen plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Evergreens usually cost $20 to $60 per shrub and $150 to $3,000 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Jessamine-Gelsemium-sempervirens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nReplanting new plants in your flower beds every year is a costly endeavor that takes a lot of time. Instead of buying annuals, switch to perennial plants.
\n\n\n\nAnnuals last only a single year and biennials only last 2 years, but perennials keep returning year after year. If you’re tired of all the planning and physical labor it takes to replant your flower beds every year, then redo your landscape with perennials. This approach also spares you the time and effort of nurturing new annuals as they adjust to their new home.
\n\n\n\nTry out some of these perennials:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of gardening with perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Usually it costs $10 to $60 per plant, although costs vary widely across the board depending on what kind of perennial you get. If you hire a professional to plant your perennials for you, that will affect the cost of the project as well.
\n\n\n\nRecently, xeriscaping has become a hot new landscaping trend, as it reduces the amount of time and effort that needs to be spent on yard maintenance.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is drought-resistant landscaping that requires little water, which makes it perfect for weathering Texas heat. Natural rainfall should be the only water that xeriscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nSome xeriscaping methods you can try include:
\n\n\n\nTry one or several of these ideas to reduce the amount of yard work. Every little bit helps, so even if you can’t afford to redo your whole landscape at once, you can slowly add one succulent at a time until, eventually, your yard requires little to no water.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Depending on the nature and scope of the project, xeriscaping projects usually cost $8,737 to $22,226. The upfront cost is expensive, but xeriscaping saves a lot of money on landscaping maintenance in the long run since it reduces both monetary and time costs for watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSome homeowners don’t want to deal with a lawn at all, so instead of dealing with a vegetative lawn, you could add more hardscapes to your lawn. Hardscapes take up space that your grass lawn would normally occupy, reducing the area where grass or other plants can grow. And with less lawn comes less mowing.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes generally require little maintenance other than occasional cleaning, which is much less intensive than the regular upkeep of grass lawns.
\n\n\n\nSome ideas for hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of using hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of a hardscape depends on the type and scope of the hardscaping project. If you’re looking for a hardscape project that fits your budget, here is a list of price ranges for different hardscape projects:
\n\n\n\n| Project | Price |
| Decorative rock | $460 – $1,000 |
| Rock garden | $460 – $1,000 |
| Stone paver | $8 – $22 per square foot |
| Pergola | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Gazebo | $4,828 – $9,930 |
| Patio | $2,000 – $6,500 |
| Deck | $4,000 – $11,000 |
| Fire pit | $500 – $3,000 |
| Retaining wall | $3,622 – $9582 |
Mulch is as useful as it is simple. Applying mulch to your yard is a simple matter of buying a bag of mulch and spreading a layer of mulch over your flower bed. After that, it’s just a matter of leaving mulch to do its thing.
\n\n\n\nMulch acts as a protective layer over the dirt of your plant bed by keeping moisture in and weeds out. There are two different categories of mulch to choose from:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulching:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The price is dependent upon the type of mulch, as each mulch type has a different price tag.
\n\n\n\n![\"water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Automatic-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ildar Sagdejev / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAn automatic irrigation system can save you a lot of time and energy spent on watering. Instead of watering your yard by hand, an automatic irrigation system allows you to pre-program your sprinklers for when and how long you want them to water your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSprinklers can even be installed with a sensor that allows them to automatically adjust according to the local water levels.
\n\n\n\nInstalling an automatic underground irrigation system might be an expensive investment, but it will save you a lot of time and make things easier for you and your lawn in the long term.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of an automatic irrigation system:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, installing an automatic irrigation system will cost between $2,400 and $4,200. Above-ground sprinkler head attachments are much cheaper: between $9 and $36. However, they are not as convenient, as they can’t be automatically programmed like an in-ground sprinkler system.
\n\n\n\nWhether you surround your landscaping plants with mulch or rocks is a matter of personal preference, as both stone and mulch offer benefits for your landscaping.
• Both are customizable and come in a variety of colors, textures, types, and shapes.
• Organic mulch requires more maintenance since it has to be replaced every so often.
• As it breaks down, mulch provides nutrients for the plants and soil.
• Rock mulch has more expensive up-front costs but the long-term costs are cheaper than wood mulch
• Gravel is better for high-traffic areas
• Wood mulch is better at retaining water while rock mulch tends to dry out the soil
• Rocks are fireproof, making them good for dry areas in Texas that are prone to wildfires
Bermudagrass, buffalograss, and Zoysiagrass are the best drought-tolerant lawn grasses for South Texas. They can endure long dry spells and high amounts of foot traffic, making them good low-maintenance grasses for your lawn.
For homeowners who don’t want to spend money on mulch, it is possible to make your own, as several different things found around your yard can be used for mulch:
• Compost from your compost bin.
• Grass clippings from when you mow your lawn.
• Leaves can be raked and then run over with a lawnmower to break them down into mulch-sized pieces for your plant beds.
• Pine needles can be chopped up in a wood chipper to cut them into mulch-size pieces.
• Tree branches in your yard can be run through a wood chipper and converted to mulch for your plant beds.
If you don’t own a wood chipper – most people don’t – rent one from a hardware store or home improvement center like Home Depot or Lowes. Organic mulch has to be replenished more frequently than inorganic mulch, but it can act as fertilizer for your plants as well by providing nutrients to your soil and plants.
Redoing your yard’s infrastructure can reduce or eliminate lawn care maintenance. The more you minimize the yard work that needs to be done, the more you can enjoy the air-conditioned indoors and kick back with a cool glass of lemonade.
If the job seems too daunting to tackle on your own, consider using a lawn care pro near you? We have trusted pros in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Pflugerville, San Antonio, and many more cities across the Lone Star State.
Main Image Credit: Victoria, Texas / Surely Shirly / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"10 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for South Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3590033975084939,"src":"/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/1789c/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/107df/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/293e9/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/f2cbb/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/1789c/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/c26c2/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/1dd6e/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/67b76/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/8df11/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/98a65/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/1dd6e/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/3cc96/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for South Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Beat the heat with a low-maintenance yard. With these time-saving tips, Texas homeowners can reduce the amount of care their yards need"}}},{"node":{"id":"bd885ece-a3cc-57ad-8b75-dc3c228d7da9","slug":"best-grass-types-new-york","path":"/lawn-care/ny/best-grass-types-new-york/","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":"d385702e-0566-5651-8f72-f93cc1c9db6b","name":"New York","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ny/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"One of the great things about New York is its natural diversity and distinct seasons. But all that diversity has a price: Not all grasses thrive in conditions that swing from hot and humid to cold and icy. So if a beautiful lawn is a must-have, it pays to know what kinds of grasses do […]
\n","content":"\nOne of the great things about New York is its natural diversity and distinct seasons. But all that diversity has a price: Not all grasses thrive in conditions that swing from hot and humid to cold and icy.
\n\n\n\nSo if a beautiful lawn is a must-have, it pays to know what kinds of grasses do well in our unique climate. Here are four grasses that not only survive but thrive in New York.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses.
\n\n\n\nNew York enjoys warm to hot summers and cold winters. The difference is even more pronounced in upstate New York, where regions bordering the Great Lakes experience brutally cold, ridiculously snowy winters. Downstate sees warmer summers with higher humidity levels, but the winters are cold and wet.
\n\n\n\nOverall, cool-season grasses are best suited to New York’s climate because they tolerate cold well, and the heat isn’t sustained or intense enough to do any real harm.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a closer look at each kind:
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue looks beautiful with its medium green thin grass blades. It tolerates shade and can grow in sunny conditions, too. Fine fescue requires minimal watering.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue has a soft texture. However, it can’t tolerate high foot traffic. Fine fescue requires low maintenance but is highly susceptible to red thread and other diseases.
\n\n\n\nWe recommend mixing fine fescue with other cool-season grasses for the best results. New York homeowners usually mix fine fescue with Kentucky bluegrass at a 50:50 or 50:25 ratios.
\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\nTall fescue has a deep root system, so it tolerates shade and drought. The leaves are dark green in color, with a coarse appearance. You can combine tall fescue with other cool-season grasses for a better lawn appearance.
\n\n\n\nOn the down side, if you plan to use your lawn heavily, avoid tall fescue. It can handle normal yard usage but doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic. On the up side, tall fescue resists diseases pretty well but requires frequent mowing and fertilization.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5552536384_1bc90958b3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ferran Pestaña / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass looks beautiful with its soft-textured, fine grass blades. It forms a dense, medium- to dark-green lawn. Kentucky bluegrass grows best in full sun and is suitable for yards with high foot traffic. It also recovers quickly from damage.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass requires high maintenance and is susceptible to many diseases, so, it’s a good option only if you mix it with other cool-season grasses. You can use a grass blend of 75% Kentucky bluegrass and 25% fine fescue or perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass germinates in five to fourteen days, making it one of the fastest-growing grasses. It looks beautiful with its dense, dark green leaves. Perennial ryegrass grows best in full sun and with regular watering.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass tolerates high-foot traffic but can’t quickly recover from damages as it lacks rhizomes. It’s susceptible to gray leaf spot and leaf thread. You can mix perennial ryegrass with Kentucky bluegrass at a 75:25 ratio for the best results.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn is shady, go with fine fescue. Tall fescue also tolerates shade and survives with four hours of dappled sun.
Fine fescue does well in dry conditions.
If you plan to use your lawn heavily, go with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.
Fine fescue is the best option for a low-maintenance lawn.
Grass Comparison Table
\n\n\n\n| Cool-Season Grasses | Spreads By | Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Maintenance Needs |
| Fine fescue | Bunch-type | High | High | Low |
| Tall fescue | Bunch-type | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Rhizomes | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Perennial ryegrass | Bunch-type | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
Cool-season grasses can quickly adapt to New York’s climate. Analyze your lawn’s condition and choose a grass type that best suits your requirements.
\n\n\n\nA good lawn isn’t all about planting the correct grass. It also includes choosing the best native plants and proper maintenance. For a closer look at how to get your lawn in tip-top shape for the warm-weather months, see this Wikilawn guide to spring lawn care in New York.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a lush, green, and healthy lawn without breaking a sweat, Wikilawn New York lawn care experts can help.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixabay
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for New York Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/1789c/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/107df/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/293e9/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/f2cbb/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/1789c/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/c26c2/Lawn-in-New-York-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/1dd6e/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/67b76/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 320w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/8df11/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 500w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/98a65/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 800w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/1dd6e/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 960w,\n/static/ab553b1ebe5a16e3499d034ceded9e2c/3cc96/Lawn-in-New-York-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for New York Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"A lush, green, and healthy lawn starts with choosing the correct grass. Let's take a look at the best grass types for New York."}}},{"node":{"id":"3e37f030-a14b-594d-8a42-f7084ea3b465","slug":"5-most-common-lawn-problems","path":"/lawn-care/5-most-common-lawn-problems/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"84a346a7-9ce4-5d70-a95f-abcea3779ced","name":"Pests and Diseases","count":10,"path":"/category/pests-and-diseases/"}],"date":"November 4th, 2019","excerpt":"If you’ve got a yard, you’re likely spending some time taking care of it. After all your hard work, it can be frustrating to discover unsightly lawn problems. This may be small comfort, but you’re far from alone. The best way to avoid lawn problems is to grow and maintain a healthy lawn. Start by […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve got a yard, you’re likely spending some time taking care of it. After all your hard work, it can be frustrating to discover unsightly lawn problems. This may be small comfort, but you’re far from alone.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to avoid lawn problems is to grow and maintain a healthy lawn. Start by choosing a grass type that will grow well in your area. That alone will give your lawn the best chance against pests, weeds and lawn disease. Read on to learn more about the most common problems that may be plaguing your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/4S-DCXhofFHBaDgbXOWqsRPRmMSnhZqLGHGmXAAMHV15iaGXKjQRchnMgJeTxS4u7m7VB8PnqphYL1Oa1gLlySGuiTPS4SjiMcC9aYQcQNBqtqpvlRIlPCueccRwDMfuXnPTG6-d\")
Brown patch disease happens most frequently during hot, humid summer months. The University of Massachusetts Extension says “Brown patch caused by Rhizoctonia solani is the most widespread of all turf diseases occurring throughout the world and attacking all known turfgrasses.” You’ll notice large irregular circles of brown grass. Tall fescue and ryegrass are particularly susceptible.
\n\n\n\nRust is a fungal disease caused by fungal spores. It leaves yellow-orange spots with a powdery residue in your grass. The spores prey on under-watered and over-watered lawns. They’ll also attack lawns that are lacking in key nutrients like nitrogen.
\n\n\n\nSnow mold develops under snow that sits on your lawn for extended periods. There are two types: pink snow mold and gray snow mold. It appears in early spring when the snow melts as gray or pink-hued patches of white. Pink snow mold can also grow during cool, wet weather without any snow. Prevent snow mold by gradually cutting the grass shorter ahead of winter, and by not leaving a thick layer of leaves on your lawn over the winter. A preventative fungicide may also help.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot shows up as patches of silver-dollar sized brown patches in your lawn. It’s caused by a fungus and is very common on golf courses and recreational turf fields. It affects cool and warm-season grasses and can appear anywhere from late spring to late fall. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and after long periods of wet weather.
\n\n\n\nWhite grubs are beetle larvae and larvae of other types of insects. White grubs feed on grass roots, causing irregular brown spots in your yard. You’ll notice this damage most often in the fall.
\n\n\n\nYou can tell you have an infestation if you can pull up the dead turf like a rug, revealing the C-shaped white larvae on top of the soil. You may also notice birds on your lawn because they love to feast on the grubs. Other animals are attracted to the scent, including raccoons, opossums, moles, and skunks. They’ll dig up your yard to get to the grubs, so lawn damage is another sign you may have an infestation.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wyUrxwMg673hhLE8s8NmrkONFoFXHp-075zupE9zNyFdaCTv4UeE2mcDY9Vre23NJcJ8QfjPmdJ23PfpJK8_8Cz7O-ypVhff8FFeonNvC6sUNpFqeOYFQCLaPheyp3vCUubbjCPv\")
Weeds may be the king of lawn problems, or at least one of the most common. Weeds like crabgrass and dandelions will take over your yard if given the chance, especially if your lawn isn’t healthy. To avoid this, use good lawn care practices. These include regular mowing with a sharp blade and adequate watering for your grass type. To conserve water, supplement rainfall with a regular watering schedule. Weeds will have a harder time taking hold in a thick, healthy lawn with a healthy root system.
\n\n\n\nThese problems show up for many different reasons. These include foot traffic, lawn diseases, compacted soil or broken or badly adjusted sprinklers. Aerating once a year can help with compacted soil and in the prevention of lawn diseases. Test sprinklers to see if you need to adjust or replace them. In areas with high foot traffic, consider replacing the grass with a pathway using rocks, pavers or wood chips. You could also hardscape the area rather than continually reseeding or replacing the turf.
\n\n\n\nDog urine contains high amounts of nitrogen which can burn your grass and cause it to turn brown. Dark green grass can sometimes ring the brown patches. Train your dog to take care of business in one part of your yard. Consider re-planting damaged grass with a urine-resistant grass like tall fescue or ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nRecognizing these common lawn problems is the first step in fixing them. Preventing these problems before they start is even better. Regular mowing, watering, and lawn care can go a long way in keeping these unwelcome issues off your lawn.
Main image credit: Veracious Rey, CC by-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Most-Common Lawn Problems","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5064814814814815,"src":"/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/1789c/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/107df/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 320w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/293e9/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 500w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/f2cbb/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 800w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/1789c/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 960w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/3f77c/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 1627w","srcWebp":"/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/1dd6e/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/67b76/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 320w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/8df11/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 500w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/98a65/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 800w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/1dd6e/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 960w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/c6846/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 1627w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Most-Common Lawn Problems | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"85d82e74-d7c3-5783-9dfa-75279100daa5","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-little-rock","path":"/lawn-care/ar/little-rock/spring-lawn-care-tips-little-rock/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"31b8d887-3e55-503a-9ba9-8fac7d950ccf","name":"Arkansas","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ar/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"3f184524-ced0-581e-a7ce-1d315593ccbf","name":"Little Rock","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ar/little-rock/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2023","excerpt":"Little Rock is unique. The metropolitan city experiences all four seasons. Centrally located, Little Rock has short but cold winters, leaving you more springtime than the average homeowner. Use this extra time to implement our 9 spring lawn care tips to help prepare your yard for backyard parties, barbecues, and the humid Arkansas summer. In […]
\n","content":"\nLittle Rock is unique. The metropolitan city experiences all four seasons. Centrally located, Little Rock has short but cold winters, leaving you more springtime than the average homeowner. Use this extra time to implement our 9 spring lawn care tips to help prepare your yard for backyard parties, barbecues, and the humid Arkansas summer.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nSpring is all about new beginnings. It is a transformative time, and the springs in Little Rock are warm and extremely wet. From March to May, Arkansans tend to their warm-season grasses hoping to encourage fresh growth before the heat and humidity take over in June.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care in Arkansas is more than watering and mowing. As your yard goes through its green-up, you need to be on the lookout for diseases, pests, and bare spots that need some TLC. With the proper spring maintenance plan, you will set your yard up for success.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mow-More-Cut-Less.jpg\")
Mow more is probably the last thing you want to hear. It is tempting to mow our lawns short to make less work for ourselves. Unfortunately, for most grass types, cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to injury and weeds, and taller grass blades develop deeper roots.
\n\n\n\nLittle Rock’s subtropical climate and four distinct seasons make for interesting weather, especially in the spring. The city’s short winters give way to prolonged wet springs. Your grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height.
\n\n\n\nBegin mowing your lawn when it turns green, typically beginning in April or May. To avoid injuring your lawn, never mow low or scalp your lawn in spring, and never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade.
\n\n\n\nAlways aim to cut less, more often. You should mow every five to seven days within the recommended range for your grass type. Do not collect clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nUnlike centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass go dormant, turning brown, in the winter. Before the spring green-up, you can mow your lawn to remove dead leaf blades and reduce shading of fresh growth and increase soil temperatures.
\n\n\n\nBegin mowing normally when your lawn turns green in April or May, following the recommended height for your grass type. Mow often, every five to seven days, and never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade. Like other warm-season varieties, leave clippings on the lawn to act as fertilizer.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 0.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.75 – 2.5 inches |
![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/water-sprinkler.jpg\")
Lawns seldom need irrigating thanks to the rainy Little Rock springs, and this applies to all turfgrass varieties unless your lawn is brand new. If hot, dry, or windy conditions occur for an extended period, begin a watering regimen in April or May, aiming for 1 inch of water per week for all varieties.
\n\n\n\nIf you notice a dark blue-gray color, foot-printing, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves, your lawn needs water no matter what variety it is.
\n\n\n\nThe humid conditions in Arkansas create the perfect environment for lawn diseases and fungi. Maintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and diseases won’t stand a chance. Some of the most common diseases affecting Arkansas turfgrasses are large patch, gray leaf spot, dollar spot, and spring dead spot.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus that affects St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass. Watch for brown, circular patches several feet in diameter. Resist the urge to reach for a fungicide and call it a day. The most effective method to control and prevent large patch is proper lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMonitor patches and improve drainage and air movement. Limit fertilization in affected areas and avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nGrey leaf spot is another turfgrass fungus affecting St. Augustinegrass in Little Rock. Watch for grass that appears yellow, mottled, or scorched. Treat gray leaf spot with proper lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nReduce or remove thatch and improve air circulation. Do not apply post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active and avoid fertilization. Monitor and fix drainage issues and avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot affects bermudagrass. It is extremely common in the Southeast and is caused by a fungus living in Arkansas soils. Keep an eye out for circular brown or yellow spots that look like dollar coins.
\n\n\n\nTreat dollar spot with proper lawn maintenance. Maintain nitrogen levels by applying a nitrogen-based fertilizer. Additionally, minimize moisture stress by ensuring proper drainage and watering deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce foliage wetness.
\n\n\n\nSpring dead spot is another soil-dwelling fungus affecting bermudagrass in the Southeast. Watch for circular patches of dead grass ranging in diameter from 6 inches to several feet. The easiest way to spot spring dead spot is to monitor your lawn during its active green-up phase. Areas affected by spring dead spot will not go through the green-up process.
\n\n\n\nTreat spring dead spot by removing thatch and aggressively aerating affected areas to relieve soil compaction. The dense, clay soils in Little Rock are prone to soil compaction, making spring dead spot incredibly common.
\n\n\n\n![\"Gloves,](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Weed-Control.jpg\")
Little Rock’s wet spring climate creates the optimal habitat for plant growth, including weeds. Weeds love to invade your lawn, signifying an underlying problem with its health. They thrive in low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf.
\n\n\n\nThe stealthy plant ninjas steal vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and plants while simultaneously spreading pests and diseases. You can stop weeds in their tracks and minimize the number that pops up come summer using pre-emergent herbicide designed to kill seeds before germination.
\n\n\n\nAlways wait three weeks after your grass has gone through its green-up. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early March to all turfgrass varieties to control crabgrass.
\n\n\n\nBroadleaf weeds typically become a nuisance during Little Rock summers. However, post-emergent herbicides target broadleaf weeds you can see, disrupting their growth, no matter the season. Never apply over two applications per year and always wait 30 days between applications.
\n\n\n\nHere are some common broadleaf weeds in Little Rock you might find in the spring:
\n\n\n\nLittle Rock springs are traditionally very wet, which deters most turfgrass pests. In the unlikely event of a dry spring, chinch bug infestation in St. Augustinegrass may occur. Watch for yellow spots in sunny locations, signifying chinch bug activity.
\n\n\n\nDIY collect chinch bugs using a coffee can with both ends removed to create a hollow pipe. Insert the can into the soil inside the affected area. Fill the can with water and leave it for a few days. Chinch bugs will float to the top of the can for removal. If you notice more than 15 chinch bugs per square foot, it is time to call a professional.
\n\n\n\nSoil provides nutrients for your grass to thrive. Unfortunately, Little Rock soils are notoriously nutrient deficient, requiring fertilization and other nutrient applications. Arkansas homeowners can send in a soil sample for free soil testing.
\n\n\n\nSimply send in a core sample to receive your unique results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include lime for soil pH imbalances, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus applications.
\n\n\n\nClay soils dominate in Central Arkansas. It is dense, compact, and nutrientless. Aeration is a common lawn method to combat compacted soil and introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns. There are two types of common aeration, core aeration and spike aeration. Aerate your lawn in late May or early June if you notice compacted soil.
\n\n\n\nAeration creates holes in the soil so it can breathe. A core aerator punches into the ground, removing plugs of soil to create small holes. Unfortunately, this method leaves the leftover plugs of soil on the surface of your lawn, which remain an eye sore until Mother Nature breaks them down.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for clay soils. These aerators do a better job of breaking through compacted soil to improve nutrient access.
\n\n\n\nSpike aeration is like core aeration, but less effective on severely compacted soils. Spike aerators rotate to punch small holes in the ground. Unlike core aeration, this method does not remove material from the soil, so there is no loss of aesthetic appeal.
\n\n\n\nNo one wants a thin and patchy lawn. The rainy spring conditions in Little Rock make it the prime time to seed or replant your lawn and encourage fresh growth.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and centipedegrass are low-maintenance cultivars that respond well to overseeding. Overseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turfgrass to fill thin areas.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your Arkansas lawn in March, April, or May at least two months after applying a pre-emergent herbicide. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet for bermudagrass and centipedegrass varieties.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass do not respond to overseeding. Instead, plan to replant large bare areas using sod plugs in April or May. Space plugs 6 to 12 inches apart. Water well daily and be sure to apply a pre-emergent herbicide that does not affect root growth to keep crabgrass at bay.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fertilizing.jpg\")
Fertilizer promotes healthy growth, but be careful, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape. The best time to apply fertilizer is after your lawn has gone through its green-up and before the Arkansas summer heat sets in. The type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your variety of turfgrass and your unique soil sample test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 5-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn three weeks after it turns green, typically in late May. Apply 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other warm-season turfgrass, centipedegrass does not need nitrogen. Instead, apply iron three weeks after your lawn has turned green in May if you notice a yellow appearance.
\n\n\n\nYes. Fresh grass seed or sod plugs require more water than just the average spring rainfall in Little Rock. Aim to water your grass seed three times a day for the first week. During the second week, water two times per day, and in the third week, water once per day if it does not rain.
Organic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost. In Little Rock, lay a new layer of mulch anytime from March to May.
Warm-season grasses like the varieties in Little Rock take longer to germinate than cool-season grasses. It can take two months for your new lawn to grow long enough to require mowing and a full year before it is matured and dense.
Wet spring weather creates lush green backdrops for Little Rock homeowners. With the proper spring lawn care schedule, your yard can experience its green-up and glow-up in time for the humid summer months to set in.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, spring isn’t the only busy time for yard-loving Arkansans. Thanks to Little Rock’s four seasons, be sure to check out our fall lawn care checklist to get a jump start on what you can expect from your long-term lawn care maintenance plan.
\n\n\n\nIf you are short on time and need help setting your landscape off on the right foot, contact a Little Rock lawn care pro to help you establish deep roots so your lawn can survive the humid summer.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Adam Bartlett / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Little Rock, AR","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/1789c/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg","srcSet":"/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/107df/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 320w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/293e9/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 500w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/f2cbb/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 800w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/1789c/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 960w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/c26c2/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/1dd6e/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/67b76/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 320w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/8df11/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 500w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/98a65/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 800w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/1dd6e/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 960w,\n/static/36993bee1355633d50fa153cc70b2075/3cc96/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Little Rock, AR | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 9 valuable tips for maintaining a lush spring lawn in Little Rock and prepare your grass for the humid Arkansas summers."}}},{"node":{"id":"63ff7415-a5aa-577e-b5a8-7d04c496c667","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-new-hampshire","path":"/lawn-care/nh/spring-lawn-care-tips-new-hampshire/","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":"ce61d165-8da6-58e6-9252-345a1299e95e","name":"New Hampshire","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nh/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Spring in New Hampshire is a treat. The snow melts, and the flowers start blooming again. But don’t stand around too long admiring the scenery. There are some things you need to do to get your own yard in shape. If you follow these spring lawn care tips for New Hampshire, you’ll get the most out […]
\n","content":"\nSpring in New Hampshire is a treat. The snow melts, and the flowers start blooming again. But don’t stand around too long admiring the scenery. There are some things you need to do to get your own yard in shape. If you follow these spring lawn care tips for New Hampshire, you’ll get the most out of your grass all year long.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Raking](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rake.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nAs the temperature starts warming up in spring, your lawn will slowly wake up from its deep winter sleep. Grab your rake and remove debris, fallen branches, and dead plants to allow sunlight, water, and other nutrients to reach the soil.
\n\n\n\nRaking also splits grass blades and promotes straight grass growth. If the soil is wet, wait for it to dry to avoid pulling out healthy grass.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a layer of living and dead organic plant matter that accumulates in your grass.
\n\n\n\nAfter your first rake, you can let thatch build up to half an inch, as it can actually be good for your lawn. Any more than that creates a barrier that blocks oxygen and moisture from reaching the roots. Excessive thatch also attracts pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nNew Hampshire has a humid summer climate. Fungi thrive in warm, humid weather and can attack your lawn any time during spring. Here are some tips to eliminate fungi at their source.
\n\n\n\nHere are some common lawn diseases in New Hampshire.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat snow mold:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat red thread:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dethatcher-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: RawPixel
\n\n\n\nIf a lot of thatch has accumulated on your lawn, raking won’t help, and you probably have to dethatch with a dethatcher or vertimower.
\n\n\n\nYou may dethatch your lawn once every five years if needed. Most New Hampshire lawns don’t require frequent dethatching.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to dethatch your lawn is when it’s actively growing. It’s usually during early spring for cool-season grasses. Before running the dethatcher, ensure the soil is moist. If you notice any bare spots after dethatching, overseed to fill them.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Remove-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nWeeds can take over your lawn at any time of the year. Don’t worry! You can apply pre-emergent herbicides early in the spring to stop weeds from germinating. If weeds are already showing up, it can be too late to use pre-emergent herbicides. In this case, apply post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nNote: Pre-emergents may also prevent seeds from germinating. So, if you want to overseed your lawn, wait for at least four months.
\n\n\n\nIf there are just a few weeds in your lawn, you can remove them manually.
\n\n\n\nPests are inevitable, and it’s impossible to stop them altogether. But with proper irrigation, fertilization, and dethatching, you can keep them under control.
\n\n\n\nLawn pests usually reproduce during spring. Use pesticides before they get time to lay and fertilize eggs.
\n\n\n\nHere are some lawn pests common to New Hampshire.
\n\n\n\nYou may also find wasps, centipedes, and spiders on your lawn. In this case, it’s best to seek expert help to eliminate them, as they harm humans.
\n\n\n\nDon’t use catch-all pesticides, as they are less effective and can harm beneficial insects, pets, and even kids. We recommend you identify the exact pest in your lawn and use a pesticide that targets it specifically.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lawn-Equipment.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nSpring has started, and it’s time to get your lawn equipment duty-ready.
\n\n\n\nSteps To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades:
\n\n\n\nIt’s spring! Turn on your lawn mower and mow your grass. Here’s the recommended mowing height for the popular grass types in New Hampshire.
\n\n\n\n| Grass type | Recommended height |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Fine fescue | 1.5 – 3 inches |
| Turf-type tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
Here are some tips for a perfect mow.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/test-soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nYou can care for your lawn only if you know about the soil. So, it’s best to test your soil at least once a year. We also recommend you test your soil before fertilizing to choose the right fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou can test the soil yourself with a DIY kit. However, we recommend you send your soil sample to your local soil testing laboratory for a complete analysis.
\n\n\n\nYou can add calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, or other amendments to your soil if it lacks nutrients. If you want to fertilize your soil after adding amendments, wait at least a month to prevent them from negatively interacting with each other.
\n\n\n\nFall is the best time to fertilize cool-season grasses. However, you can fertilize in spring if you didn’t do so the previous fall.
\n\n\n\nAvoid fertilizing your grass regularly in spring, as it can increase the growth rate. When grass grows too fast, it doesn’t get sufficient nutrients and will become weak.
\n\n\n\nAnalyze your soil test result and go for a fertilizer that contains the nutrients your grass needs. Also, apply the right amount of fertilizer. Over-fertilizing will kill your grass and cause runoff.
\n\n\n\nNote: Always go with slow-release fertilizers. Fast-release fertilizers will make your grass grow quicker but will damage it. In fact, they can even burn your grass.
\n\n\n\nNew Hampshire is one of the snowiest states in the United States, and you probably wouldn’t even have touched your gutters after fall, so, there will most likely be lots of leaves in them.
\n\n\n\nClogged gutters can spoil the appearance of your otherwise beautiful lawn. Not just that. They can cause water to overflow, damaging the foundation of your home. Water clogged in gutters can also leak through your ceiling or attic, damaging the interior.
\n\n\n\nNew Hampshire is famously known for its long, cold, snowy winter. Spring lawn care is needed to recover your lawn from extreme cold and prepare it for the upcoming summer.
\n\n\n\nRaking debris, treating diseases, removing weeds, eliminating pests, mowing, and watering are all great ways to make your lawn look good again.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time for doing lawn chores? Wikilawn connects you to the best lawn care pros near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Horticulturaldna / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for New Hampshire","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/1789c/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.jpg","srcSet":"/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/107df/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.jpg 320w,\n/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/293e9/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.jpg 500w,\n/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/f2cbb/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.jpg 800w,\n/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/1789c/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.jpg 960w,\n/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/c26c2/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/1dd6e/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/67b76/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.webp 320w,\n/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/8df11/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.webp 500w,\n/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/98a65/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.webp 800w,\n/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/1dd6e/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.webp 960w,\n/static/50004e26e3ff64a33c2d3724c68d9a28/3cc96/Spring-Lawn-Care-Tips-for-New-Hampshire.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for New Hampshire | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Giving your New Hampshire lawn a little TLC in the spring provides a strong foundation for the months to come. We'll show you how."}}},{"node":{"id":"97260ebe-9274-5d73-b454-48940de4090a","slug":"growing-drought-tolerant-grasses","path":"/drought-tolerant-plants/growing-drought-tolerant-grasses/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"2bca3176-5c56-5608-8083-8819b11f4a4c","name":"Drought Tolerant Plants","count":2,"path":"/category/drought-tolerant-plants/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"If you’re looking to conserve water, why not start with your lawn? Choosing drought-tolerant grass will save you money on your water bill. Not only do they need less water, these grass types also don’t need to be mowed or fertilized as often, which will save you time and even more money. As the name […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re looking to conserve water, why not start with your lawn? Choosing drought-tolerant grass will save you money on your water bill. Not only do they need less water, these grass types also don’t need to be mowed or fertilized as often, which will save you time and even more money.
\n\n\n\nAs the name implies, drought-tolerant grasses can survive and even stay green during dry spells. This is helpful if you live in a drier climate or in a community with water restrictions. There are two types of turfgrass to consider when you’re switching to a drought-resistant variety: cool-season and warm-season grass. Choose the type that’s best suited for your climate to increase their hardiness and decrease the time you spend on lawn care.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass types thrive in areas with cold winters and hot summers. Its preferred temperature range is 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why you’ll see more active growth in the spring and fall. These varieties are most common in the upper third of the United States. You’ll also find them in the Midwest, or the “transition zone,” where cool-season and warm-season grasses overlap. They will go dormant in winter when the temperatures get cold.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/15Qv9T51iqfQnmp485RUGDSmxielZf8b72XZIytggcI6Hnl87VQWMzNMcq-wuy2J1f0hHoclryI-XJQcYckibBqwtWQR4tSkZYTYEJzRRXGNwDdjaMbofiqNGxQBySfB_jQZRDit\")
Tall fescue grass is a course-textured, bunching grass with a wide blade that grows well in full sun and shade. It’s becoming more popular as a turfgrass because it looks like other varieties, but doesn’t need as much maintenance. It is well suited to the transition zone because it tolerates both high heat and drought. Its root system reaches deep (2-3 feet), allowing it to find moisture deep in the soil. It only needs 1-1 ¾ inches of water a week.
Sheep fescue is another excellent choice for a drought-tolerant lawn. It needs little water and only infrequent mowing (two to three times a year, and not at all during the summer). Because of its bumpy surface, it’s not ideal for backyard play.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass is a tough, low maintenance grass that grows quickly and holds up well to foot traffic. It’s most commonly used in grass seed mixtures rather than as a stand-alone lawn grass. There are perennial and annual types, and the perennial variety is what you’ll find in permanent lawns.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find warm-season grasses in the southern United States. They prefer temperatures of 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Their most active growth happens in late spring through the summer.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass has the most drought-tolerance of the warm-season grasses. It tolerates heat, drought, high traffic, and even salt, making it popular for lawns, golf courses and football fields in the South. It has deep roots that can extend up to 6 feet, meaning it can find water far underground. It stays green all year in areas where it doesn’t freeze and can recover quickly after going dormant during a drought. It does require more maintenance than some. It needs 1 ¼ inches of water a week during the hottest months. It also grows rapidly, so you’ll need to mow it every five to seven days.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/cmCZ-pouktN7Lzche5bJKvRqPxX7TmDioLyc_0kz-_9GtsJnKqSn1oAPQ-x1shEES7nwn41vUxEwXFkXDBypu87ew7OUjFBWHn6KPg7Yj0piYzv7X4QrMaB6WFeM16lUUMQoAr1Q\")
Buffalograss is native to the Midwest and is growing in popularity as a turfgrass. It’s thick and can survive on less than 1/4 inch of water a week. Newer cultivars are easier to establish in your yard, but it’s still slow to start. The Colorado State University Extension says, “The development of attractive turf-type cultivars and greater availability of seed, sod, and plugs has generated new interest in this grass for home lawns.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/aa8-cN9F14jSdbkKutcB1orwG2IJJ54YA9edneADPtRXB3u3Rfg_VOPSWxTtVD4TYDSk7MrZPTSlxCgYeo6a07DCODyfO3QNRyxApVfe9wb-WDIA8D0yO7sHAHEoL7LerWWQQ3kz\")
Zoysiagrass will give you a dense, green lawn with little maintenance. It grows well in southern states and in the transition zone. It turns brown during winter dormancy, but this happens later in the fall than with other warm-season grass. It also greens up earlier in the spring than other varieties and can grow in partial shade. Like Bermudagrass, it will recover after going dormant in a drought. Zoysia lawns need about an inch of water a week.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a coarser grass that holds up under some foot traffic. It stays green, even when going dormant in the winter, but it is susceptible to disease if overwatered.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. It’s also disease- and pest-resistant, but it won’t do well in shady areas.
\n\n\n\nSwitching a thirsty, high maintenance lawn to one that is water-wise and drought-tolerant is a good ecological and economical choice. You’ll spend less time and money on watering, mowing and fertilizing your lawn, while still having a green outdoor space to enjoy.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Anton Croos, Art of Photography
\n","title":"Growing Drought-Tolerant Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1789c/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/107df/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 320w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/293e9/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 500w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/f2cbb/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 800w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1789c/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 960w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/356ef/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1dd6e/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/67b76/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 320w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/8df11/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 500w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/98a65/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 800w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/1dd6e/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 960w,\n/static/3961cbd32ec1be6f9e9a3bc964a83dfe/93f70/1280px-Sprinkler_Irrigation_-_Sprinkler_head.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Growing Drought-Tolerant Grasses | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"a4004a53-8114-5035-b3c0-7fc3929c7037","slug":"best-grass-for-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/best-grass-for-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"The American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much. But hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and […]
\n","content":"\nThe American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much.
\n\n\n\nBut hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and take care of your lawn properly. So while your neighbors might instead embrace drought-tolerant xeriscaping that needs little water, if you just can’t live without a lawn, we’ve got a list of the best grasses that grow best in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWhat do these grasses have in common? We’ll get into the particulars below, but in general, they handle the heat well and don’t require as much water as other species, which makes them well-suited to the searing, dry desert climate.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the fastest-growing of all the warm-season grasses, making it difficult to control, especially around flower beds or borders. But its fast growth rate means it stands up well to heavy foot traffic. Bermudagrass likes direct sun and needs soil with good drainage, making it ideal for this climate. And best of all, it’s equally well adapted to the low desert valleys of Phoenix and the higher elevations of northern Arizona, around Flagstaff.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Good; can go dormant during extended periods of drought, however
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\nNote: Bermudagrass goes dormant in the winter and stays dormant longer than other warm-season grasses like Zoysia.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palmetto-St.-Augustine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPalmetto St. Augustinegrass is akin to its East Coast cousin, St. Augustinegrass, but is darker and has a finer texture. It does well in all kinds of conditions — shade, cold, heat, and drought – making it an excellent choice for Arizona lawns. It also endures foot traffic reasonably well and doesn’t need a great deal of water – about an inch a week on average.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Midiron.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nThe most widely used turf grass in Arizona, Midiron is a tough, durable, medium-textured grass known for its beautiful blue-green color. Midiron is a hybrid Bermudagrass, so it tolerates drought, requires little maintenance, and can withstand a great deal of foot traffic. Although it goes dormant in the winter, it recovers quickly when overseeded, so you can transition back to a green yard as the weather warms up. It also can be planted in hard soils like sand or clay, which are found in abundance here in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nJust because all these grasses do well in Arizona, doesn’t mean they all work equally well for you. The type of grass you choose also has to do with your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and the amount of effort you are willing to commit to maintaining your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider:
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather spend more time enjoying life and less time dealing with your lawn, go with midiron.
If so, the only option is Palmetto St. Augustinegrass. All the other grasses struggle in shade.
If you need a lawn that can stand up to heavy foot traffic, choose midiron or Bermudagrass.
With the desert climate in Phoenix, warm-season grasses look beautiful through spring and summer but can leave your lawn brown and unattractive in winter.
\n\n\n\nYou can avoid this by overseeding with cool-season grasses like annual and perennial ryegrass and creeping bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Arizona recommends overseeding in October when the daytime temperatures are between 80 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nNeed help choosing the best grass for your Arizona yard? Contact a local lawn care professional to install and maintain your beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Mcmillin24 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Grasses That Grow Best in Your Arizona Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1789c/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/107df/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/293e9/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/f2cbb/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1789c/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/c26c2/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1dd6e/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/67b76/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/8df11/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/98a65/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1dd6e/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/3cc96/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Grasses That Grow Best in Your Arizona Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Yearning for a green lawn amid the arid Arizona scenery? It’s actually possible if you start with a grass that thrives in our climate"}}}],"postCity":{}}}}![Source](\"https://i.pinimg.com/736x/40/f0/8f/40f08f4ccba3ef9d875b205d789819ab.jpg\"){kind=link}
![Eric Hunt](\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Callicarpa_americana_2.jpg\"){kind=link}