![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Poppy-Mallow.jpg\")
Here in the Sooner State, you must prepare your landscape for any weather Mother Nature throws your way – anywhere from heat and humidity to snow and everything in between. What better way to do that than to grow plants that are adapted to Oklahoma’s weather? Here are 8 best native plants for Oklahoma to […]
\n","content":"\nHere in the Sooner State, you must prepare your landscape for any weather Mother Nature throws your way – anywhere from heat and humidity to snow and everything in between. What better way to do that than to grow plants that are adapted to Oklahoma’s weather? Here are 8 best native plants for Oklahoma to help you get started.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have many benefits. They require less water and fewer pesticides than non-native plants, support the ecosystem, and are generally low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll talk about the following:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nPurple poppy mallow has magenta-colored, upward-facing, cup-shaped flowers. The flowers open in the morning. It’s easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and closes in the evening. Purple poppy mallow attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nEnsure your purple poppy mallow is planted in full sun with well-draining soil, because if the soil is too wet, it could cause the plant to suffer from rust.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering ground cover
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 1 foot
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Can prune in late summer if desired
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed also goes by the common name butterfly weed. It’s recognizable by its orange or yellow-orange flowers and is a crucial plant to help monarch butterflies survive. Butterfly milkweed grows up to two feet tall, and it’s low-maintenance, pest-resistant, and disease-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPlant your butterfly milkweed in a location that receives full sun. Butterfly milkweed isn’t an ideal choice for a landscape with cats, dogs, or horses, as butterfly milkweed is toxic to humans and animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51866218670_d4e9012b29_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo is a native wildflower that will require some patience if you’re starting from seed – it could take up to two years for the blooms to appear. Once the blooms appear, you’ll be delighted to see clusters of upright blue flowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to Blue false indigo.
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo must be planted in full sun to avoid the plant becoming laggy.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sad
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American-Black-Elderberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican black elderberry has white, lemon-scented flowers in the early summer, followed by black elderberry fruits. The fruit attracts birds, but people can make elderberries into jams or jellies. You can plant American black elderberry in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil – just ensure you wait until the last frost to plant this shrub.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates a wide variety of wet to dry soils but prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves smell like lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw elderberries are toxic and should not be consumed
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Regular pruning to remove suckers from the base of plant
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/38566472155_ba5393fccb_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is a beautiful native flower with daisy-like purple coneflowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar in purple coneflowers. These flowers are resistant to drought, heat, humidity, and poor soil, making them a fantastic choice for a native garden.
\n\n\n\nFeel free to cut your purple coneflowers and put them in a vase – they make an excellent cut flower. Purple coneflower can spread aggressively through self-seeding, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Central Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red_maple_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Heng Wang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a small tree, red maple is not the one – this beauty can grow up to 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Native to Southeastern Oklahoma, this tree is low-maintenance and fast growing. Red flowers and red fruit will emerge before the leaves. The leaves will be red in the spring, then green or yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nRed maple’s size makes it an excellent shade tree, and these trees are often in backyards, parks, or streets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Southeastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet cherry or almond flower scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to horses
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize in the spring before the leaves appear
\n\n\n\n![\"an](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ageratina_altissima_-_White_Snakeroot-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative throughout Eastern Oklahoma, white snakeroot boasts small, white puffy flowers in the summer and fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and moths. With its flowers lasting into the fall, white snakeroot provides a fall-interest landscape. White snakeroot doesn’t generally have problems with diseases or pests.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nRegion: Eastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves can be foul smelling – like turpentine
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Causes trembles in cattle and milk sickness in humans
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pawpaw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendell Smith / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the easternmost parts of Oklahoma, pawpaw is recognizable by its large, drooping, oval-shaped bright green leaves, which turn yellow in the fall. Pawpaw’s cup-shaped purple flowers appear before the leaves, and its edible banana-like tasting fruit may emerge afterward.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your pawpaw to resemble more of a tree than a shrub, ensure you’re in a location that receives long, hot summers. Without long, hot summers, pawpaw might stay closer to the size of a shrub, which wouldn’t be fruit-bearing.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the fragrance of pawpaw flowers isn’t delightful, beneficial pollinators like beetles and flies are attracted to the smell. Butterflies and songbirds are also attracted to pawpaw trees.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nRegion: Eastern Oklahoma
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Fermenting grapes
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves are toxic if ingested. Ingesting the fruit could cause stomach pain for some people. Contact dermatitis could occur when collecting fruit.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Prune congested or damaged shoots
\n\n\n\nThere are many things to consider when choosing native plants for your landscape. First, consider your region. A plant that’s native to Eastern Oklahoma may not be native to Western Oklahoma. Visit your local nursery to learn more about plants native to your area.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also need to consider your landscape’s conditions. A native plant that prefers full sunlight may struggle if your yard is shaded by trees or buildings. Does your lawn’s soil struggle to drain? Not all plants are tolerant of poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nTulsa’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nOklahoma City’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIf you want to complement your native plants with lush, green grass, the best grass types for Oklahoma include:
\n\n\n\nTake note that, similar to native plants, the best grass type for your yard will vary depending on your region.
\n\n\n\nThe best place to find native plants is to visit your local plant nursery. You can also discover new plants through the Oklahoma Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nWhile you’re busy planning your new native plant garden, save yourself some time and hand your other yard chores over to the pros. Hire a lawn care pro near you who can handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. We have trusted pros in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ken Gibson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nAfter a visit to the Myriad Botanical Gardens, you’re inspired to have a beautiful native landscape. Whether you want to add a new pop of color or do your part for the ecosystem with native plants, we’ve got you covered with the 8 best native plants for Oklahoma City.
\n\n\n\nPatience is often needed when growing native plants from seeds, as some may take a couple of years before the beauty appears, but it is well worth it.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nPurple poppy mallow is a drought-tolerant flowering native plant. The magenta cup-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer to give your garden a bright pop of color and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPurple poppy mallow does not thrive in moist soil–– ensure your soil is medium to dry and well-draining to avoid rust. The flower may self-seed if the growing conditions are favorable and can be grown as a ground cover.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering ground cover
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 1 foot
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Can prune in late summer if desired
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/new-england-aster_800.jpg\")
Photo Credit: hedera.baltica / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
New England aster is another wonderful native flower for your OKC garden if you want to attract bees and butterflies. It boasts a range of colorful flowers, including purple, blue, white, and pink.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves on New England aster are rough and hairy. These flowers flourish well in moist soil with good air circulation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. May require staking or other support if it grows tall. Pinch back stems before midsummer to control the plant height and produce more flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you already have a butterfly garden or wish to have one that gets abundant sun, check out butterfly milkweed for your Oklahoma City backyard. Its bright-colored orange and yellow flowers attract not only butterflies but also rabbits. Consider metal fencing around your butterfly milkweed so a monarch butterfly can enjoy it, but the rabbits cannot.
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed is low-maintenance, even in the aspect of watering–– once established, butterfly milkweed only needs occasional watering and prefers dry soil.
\n\n\n\nThe downside to butterfly milkweed is that it can have invasive qualities due to large seed pods that disperse small seeds with hairs that spread with the wind. Remove ripened seed pods if you don’t want the plant to spread.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to cats, dogs, livestock, and people when ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Crossvine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCrossvine is a vine with green leaves and trumpet-shaped yellow and orange flowers. If you were to look closely at the stems on crossvine, you would notice the crisscross pattern–– hence the name.
\n\n\n\nIf your landscape is part shade, you can still grow crossvine, but it won’t flower as much as in a full sun yard.
\n\n\n\nEnsure you plant the crossvine with abundant space–– these vines can grow an impressive 30 to 50 feet high and 6 to 9 feet wide. Crossvine is often used on fences, trellises, walls, or as a ground cover. Crossvine will move across the ground if there is not a vertical structure for it to climb up.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mocha
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid-spring to late summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Climbs up to 50 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Prune to keep the desired shape
\n\n\n\n![\"Baptisia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Baptisia-australis-Blue-False-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo is a fantastic option if you want to add some bright, beautiful color to your native garden. It is a perennial flower but can have a shrub-like appearance. As beautiful as blue false indigo may be, avoid planting it in your garden if kids or pets frequent the area–– it is mildly toxic to people and pets if ingested.
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo has blue-purple flowers which attract bumblebees from April to July. Keep blue false indigo planted in full sun to avoid it flopping over. Good air circulation is also needed for blue false indigo to remain happy–– without it, the plant might develop a fungal disease, such as leaf spot or rust.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sad
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to cats, dogs, livestock, and people when ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican black elderberry, also known as common elderberry, is a native shrub with white flowers that bloom from May to July with dark purple fruits following the flowers in late summer. It can be grown in a location with either full sun or partial shade and moist soil with good air circulation.
\n\n\n\nAmerican black elderberry fruit is edible and full of antioxidants–– it can be used for jellies or wines, but it needs to be cooked, dried, or fermented before consuming.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates a wide variety of wet to dry soils but prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw elderberries are toxic and should not be consumed
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Regular pruning to remove suckers from the base of plant
\n\n\n\n![\"Evening](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/evening-primrose-1458681_1920_800-646x440.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nEvening primrose is a beautiful plant with four-petaled yellow flowers and a leafy stem. It is often viewed as an invasive weed because of its self-spreading seeds, but it can be a wonderful addition to your native garden with minimal work.
\n\n\n\nEvening primrose needs full sun (even though the flowers open at night), well-draining soil, and snipping of expired blooms to reduce the self-spreading of the seeds. During especially hot OKC summers, you may need to give your evening primrose some additional water.
\n\n\n\nHolistic properties have been associated with evening primrose, which is why it’s also known as the cure-all plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, gravelly, medium moisture, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Snip expired blooms
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is a common yet beautiful flower with its long-blooming, daisy-like purple flowers and a brown-colored center. It’s low maintenance but needs full sun to achieve the best blooms. A landscape with part shade can still have purple coneflower. However, they could eventually flop over.
\n\n\n\nWhile you admire this showy wildflower, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and finches will also enjoy the purple coneflower.
\n\n\n\nAn overly wet soil does not suit a purple coneflower well–– ensure to only give the plant one inch of water per week during its first growing season and only water during droughts thereafter. Fertilizers shouldn’t be used for purple coneflowers because it can cause the plant to become laggy– instead, opt for compost to provide nutrients.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nBefore you choose native Oklahoma plants for your OKC landscape, evaluate your space — you wouldn’t want a massive native tree if you have a small space. Consider whether you want drought-resistant plants, how much maintenance you wish to perform, and how much shade your property receives.
\n\n\n\nOKC is in USDA hardiness zone 7, so ensure any other plants (native or non-native) that catch your eye fall into the correct hardiness for OKC.
\n\n\n\nThis article covers several plants that are poisonous when ingested, including blue false indigo, butterfly milkweed, and the raw berries of American black elderberry. If your kids play close by and have curious hands, you may want to avoid growing these native plants.
OKC can see frost through March or April. Most native plants have the best chance of survival if they are planted after the last frost has occurred.
Native plants require less watering, less use of fertilizers, and less use of pesticides. This is great not only for gardeners but for the environment. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies will also be attracted to many native plants.
The best view is sometimes off the beaten path–– take the scenic route during springtime, and you’re bound to see flower-lined roads with native wildflowers. Bricktown, Turner Falls, and Medicine Park all boast colorful wonders of Oklahoma’s native plants. In addition to seeing native plants along the roadways, you might also spot native plants or purchase native plants at the following locations:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want your landscape to include more than just native plants, the best grass types for Oklahoma City can help complete your picturesque backyard oasis. Connect with a local lawn care pro to upkeep your landscape with lawn mowing, edging, and trimming.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Bill Wilson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Oklahoma City","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/1789c/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg","srcSet":"/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/107df/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 320w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/293e9/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 500w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 800w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/1789c/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 960w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/c26c2/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/67b76/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 320w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/8df11/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 500w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/98a65/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 800w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 960w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/3cc96/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Oklahoma City | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Oklahoma City native plants must tolerate heat, cold, and everything in between. Check out these 8 native plants that grow well in the area."}}},{"node":{"id":"367475e8-37e1-57ee-b643-d3aca209d1ce","slug":"best-native-plants-tulsa","path":"/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/best-native-plants-tulsa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"},{"id":"105f656f-2e37-56d3-ad23-147a8a48d26a","name":"Tulsa","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/"}],"date":"April 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Nestled between the Ozarks and the Great Plains, Tulsa has a lush, hilly landscape that produces beautiful native flora. This article highlights the best native plants for Tulsa, OK. Here we will discuss the benefits of integrating native plants into your landscape, highlight a few native species, and answer some frequently asked questions about native […]
\n","content":"\nNestled between the Ozarks and the Great Plains, Tulsa has a lush, hilly landscape that produces beautiful native flora. This article highlights the best native plants for Tulsa, OK. Here we will discuss the benefits of integrating native plants into your landscape, highlight a few native species, and answer some frequently asked questions about native planting.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have had thousands of years to develop in a particular ecosystem. With that much local experience, the native plants covered in this article need virtually no assistance to thrive in Tulsa’s temperate climate.
\n\n\n\nOther perks of growing native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bluestar-Amsonia-tabernaemontana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nBluestar is a medium-sized shrub that compliments the landscape of Oklahoma with its four-season interest. This shrub produces clusters of small powder-blue flowers from March until May. The star-shaped blooms attract pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and carpenter bees. This herbaceous perennial has soft green stems and leaves that turn a buttery yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nBluestar prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. It has a vase-shaped growth pattern, with wax stems that are toxic to ingest, so any whitetail deer that pop in won’t hang around. This shrub is not prone to disease and is available in dwarf varieties, such as ‘Blue ice,’ if you need to landscape a small space.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loamy, moist soil
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March-May
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, delicate scent
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs frequent watering (should never dry out)
\n\n\n\nMature height: 24 to 36 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic (dogs, cats, humans)
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Cut one-third of the plant back each spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coneflower-Echinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n\n\n\nEchinacea has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, but Tulsa residents probably recognize this distinct perennial as a local wildflower. Named after the Greek word ‘echinus,’ which means hedgehog, this flower has a spikey, cone-shaped center that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThese native flowers grow 2 to 4 feet tall and produce blooms from July through September. As the plant matures, its petals droop, highlighting the coneflower’s signature cone shape. A sun-loving flower, this plant is accustomed to the fertile loam of the prairies; however, it will tolerate dryer, sandy soils.
\n\n\n\nThe coneflower is available in yellow, red, orange, purple, and white, with purple being the most common. Plant a variety of colors for a cheerful springtime look, and be sure they get plenty of sunlight.
\n\n\n\nSome coneflower varieties worth exploring:
\n\n\n\nMost coneflowers rebloom without deadheading, which adds to their low-maintenance appeal.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers fertile loam, tolerates clay
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and sweet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch of water weekly.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Water weekly, add a layer of compost in the spring. Cut back in the fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Indian-Blanket-Gaillardia-pulchella.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIndian blanket is Oklahoma’s state wildflower. This colorful flower gets its name from how its blooms blanket the ground with vibrant color patterns often found in Native American weaving baskets. A member of the daisy family, this multi-tonal flowering plant has a reddish-pink center that bleeds to yellow towards the tips of the petals.
\n\n\n\nEasy to care for and drought-tolerant, Indian blanket blooms from May through July, and occasionally the colorful blooms continue into the fall. Pollinators are drawn to these flowers’ colors and sweet fragrances, making them an excellent addition to butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Poor soils, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Depending on the habitat, the scents range from licorice to bubblegum.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water daily during germination. Then after blooms appear, you may water once or twice a week when the ground dries out.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: aphids and thrips, Aster yellow
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: No maintenance is required.
\n\n\n\nThis list of native plants would be incomplete without mentioning Oklahoma’s state tree, the eastern redbud. Favored for its stout stature and brilliant violet blooms in spring, the Oklahoma redbud has heart-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. This tree adds four-season interest to Tulsa’s hilly forests. This redbud is also remarkably drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nThis deer-resistant tree is excellent for smaller yards in need of visual interest. As one of the first trees to bloom each year, the redbud’s bloom proclaims spring’s arrival. Due to its deep root systems, the eastern redbud can withstand Tulsa’s harsh winters.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering deciduous tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet pea
\n\n\n\nSeasons of interest: Purple blooms in spring, and leaves turn yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Minimal.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 25 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize annually and add mulch. Prune after blooming as needed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Purple-Passion-Vine-Passiflora-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nPassion flowers may be synonymous with the tropics, but the purple passion vine stems from Texas and Oklahoma. This tenacious vine can grow up to 25 feet long and produces unique purple flowers that add a regal touch to arches and trellises. In addition to producing flowers, this vine produces edible fruit, which is used to relieve anxiety and sleep problems.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance vine is considered drought-tolerant; however, it needs regular moisture to produce flowers and fruit from mid-summer through fall. The uniquely shaped flowers have spaced-out petals surrounded by a dazzling array of thin, crimped, hair-like segments that lend an exotic feel to any Oklahoma garden. The vine blooms spring through the fall, though most blooms last only 24 hours.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous flowering vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rich, non-saline clays, loams, and san
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, tropical. Reminiscent of grapes.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water every week.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet tall, 25 feet long
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize in spring, prune in early spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nIf you want to lure butterflies to your garden, try planting butterfly milkweed. Monarch butterflies only lay their eggs on this wildflower, which the caterpillars use as a food source while growing. Twenty-five milkweed cultivars are native to Oklahoma, so gardeners should have no problem selecting the perfect native specimen for their lawns.
\n\n\n\nDon’t be deterred by the term “weed’–– this plant produces clusters of small, orange, star-shaped flowers that bring a burst of unexpected color to any landscape. This herbaceous perennial loves sunlight and is drought-tolerant. Thanks to its long tap root, this plant only needs an inch of water a week.
\n\n\n\nThis plant releases seed pods in the fall and can become invasive. To stop the unwanted spread around your home garden, you’ll need to cut off the seed pods in late summer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry soil, well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested by people, pets, and livestock.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants. Do not fertilize.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bitternut-Hickory-Carya-cordiformis-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA deciduous tree that bridges the divide between the hilly forests and prairie land around Tulsa, the bitternut hickory is among the tallest trees in the hickory family. This tree reaches heights of 60 to 80 feet and provides excellent shade. Its long, narrow leaves with serrated edges fade from green to bright yellow each fall. This hickory holds its spectacular foliage longer than most trees.
\n\n\n\nThe bitternut tree is named after the bitter-tasting nuts it produces when it blooms each April. Male flower clusters bond together to make green, rope-like tendrils called catkins, while female flowers produce the bitter fruit after which the tree is named.
\n\n\n\nThe nuts of the bitternut hickory might be too bitter for the human palate, but they are a favorite among squirrels, raccoons, foxes, chipmunks, and rabbits.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous perennial tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam and well-drained quartz sands
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: an inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 60 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Hyacinth-Camassia-scilloides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA clump-forming bulbous perennial, the wild hyacinth produces upright clusters of small flowers called racemes. These star-shaped flowers are mostly white but can also be found in lavender, pink, and blue.
\n\n\n\nThey reseed themselves; however, they are easier to grow from bulbs. Plant the bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart for best results. Like lilies, irises, and other blossoming springtime bulbs, the wild hyacinth has a relatively short bloom time.
\n\n\n\nAfter your hyacinths have finished flowering, remove their blooms, but do not remove their foliage. In order to produce next year’s blooms, bulbs need their leaves to gather energy. Foliage will naturally die back at the end of spring. To prevent fungal diseases, remove the leaves once they have turned brown.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rich, acidic soils, chalk, loam, sandy soil.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to June
\n\n\n\nScent: Heavy, earthy, and sweet.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Regular moisture during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry at a depth of 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants.
\n\n\n\nTulsa, Oklahoma, sits within zone 7 on the USDA hardiness zone map, meaning wintertime temps can drop to negative 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Native plants are accustomed to eastern Oklahoma’s winters and will return to life each spring.
\n\n\n\nAll plants have unique sun, soil, and water requirements, so consider these needs when planting. Also, consider your plant’s mature size when spacing your specimens to avoid overcrowding.
\n\n\n\nAsk your local plant nursery about resources for native seeds and plants. You can even find landscapers who specialize in native plant gardening if you want a professional to set up your eco-friendly yard.
\n\n\n\n While digging up a plant from a nearby meadow or prairie may be tempting, transplanting a wild specimen is not a good idea. Digging up native plants disrupts local ecosystems. Plus, some native species are endangered, and transplanting them risks killing them.
Autumn and early spring are the best times to plant native plants because the cooler temperatures and increased precipitation make for a gentler introduction to the new environment.
The beauty of native plants is their low-maintenance needs. Even before planting, most native species need no special treatment. You may aerate the soil and add 0.5 to 1 inch of compost to the soil, but no preparation is necessary.
It can be difficult to find native plants at national garden warehouse retailers. Check out these local nurseries for native Tulsa species.
\n\n\n\nEven though Oklahoma’s native plants don’t need much attention, your landscape may begin to look a little too wild without partial interference. Thankfully, a local lawn care pro can tame your yard’s turf, hedges, and edging to achieve the manicured look.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Andrew C / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Tulsa, OK","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/1789c/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/107df/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/293e9/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/f2cbb/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/1789c/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/c26c2/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/1dd6e/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/67b76/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.webp 320w,\n/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/8df11/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.webp 500w,\n/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/98a65/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.webp 800w,\n/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/1dd6e/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.webp 960w,\n/static/8f7895bd1ac187d453245a7aa74a369b/3cc96/Native-Plants-Tulsa-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Tulsa, OK | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn about the best native plants for Tulsa, Oklahoma, and enjoy a low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscape that’s easy on the eyes and wallet."}}},{"node":{"id":"f8c210b5-862c-5745-97a0-66a5a23c6ca4","slug":"best-grass-types-tulsa","path":"/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/best-grass-types-tulsa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"},{"id":"105f656f-2e37-56d3-ad23-147a8a48d26a","name":"Tulsa","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Whether you’re patching an existing lawn, or starting a new lawn from scratch, choosing the best grass type for your Tulsa lawn is key if you want it to survive the harsh temperature swings of the Sooner State. This article will look at the four best grass types for Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grasses […]
\n","content":"\nWhether you’re patching an existing lawn, or starting a new lawn from scratch, choosing the best grass type for your Tulsa lawn is key if you want it to survive the harsh temperature swings of the Sooner State. This article will look at the four best grass types for Tulsa, Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nTulsa is home to both warm and cool-season grasses. Understanding the differences between the two grass types will help you choose the grass most suitable for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses have adapted to grow in climates with extreme temperature fluctuations. A cool-season lawn emerges when the temperature drops between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If your yard’s soil temperature drops below 45 degree Fahrenheit in winter, expect your lawn to enter dormancy. Cool-season grass also enters dormancy in summer as temps rise.
\n\n\n\nBecause cool-season grass prefers mild summers and cool weather, it performs best in northern states.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow optimally in climates where temperatures routinely stay above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These grasses thrive throughout Oklahoma but can be damaged by an extremely harsh winter. Many warm-season grasses are sold as established sod, a perk for many homeowners looking to skip the seeding process.
\n\n\n\nWhen winter arrives, your warm-season lawn will fade from green to brown; resilient grass will green up beautifully with warmer weather and spring rains.
\n\n\n\nBecause warm-season grass prefers long summers and mild winters, it performs best in southern states.
\n\n\n\nSince Tulsa falls in the transition zone (which means it experiences both hot summers and frigid winters), it accommodates both grass types. When selecting a grass, it’s essential to understand the sun, soil, and water requirements for each species. Let’s take a closer look at the best grasses for Tulsa.
\n\n\n\nWarm-Season Grasses:
\n\n\n\nCool-Season Grasses:
\n\n\n\n![\"Bermudagrass\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOften found on golf and tennis courts, bermudagrass grass is quick to bounce back from underwatering and heavy foot traffic. It has the fastest growth rate of any warm-season grass, which makes it a viable choice for homeowners starting lawns from seed. This grass is heat- and salt-tolerant, but be sure to give bermudagrass proper drainage to avoid water-logging the grass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass has an extensive root system, making it more resilient against environmental stresses than other warm-season turf grasses. This highly drought-tolerant grass only needs about an inch of water each week.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is so successful in Oklahoma that multiple cultivars have taken root across the state. Arizona Common, Guymon, Sunturf, Tifgreen, Tifway, and U-3 are all specially cultivated to succeed in the Sooner State.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda’s stolons and rhizomes spread aggressively and outcompete many weeds. However, it can sometimes be considered an invasive species and a nuisance. Many species tunnel underground and spread to neighboring flower beds and lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA fine-textured warm-season turfgrass, Zoysiagrass spreads by rhizomes and stolons. This grass is sought-after because of its winter hardiness and ability to grow in light shade. However, its slow establishment rate makes it less desirable for some homeowners needing to patch a lawn in a hurry.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass and fine-textured Bermudagrass should be considered when a top-quality, high-maintenance lawn is desired. Zoysiagrass’ dense growth makes it highly durable against foot traffic and weeds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The grass is moderately salt tolerant; it should be cut with a sharp mower blade; if it is in partial shade, it needs to be cut taller.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKBG, or Kentucky bluegrass, is a cool-season grass well-suited to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This grass is a favorite among homeowners because of its winter resilience and ability to self-repair. A sun-loving grass, Kentucky bluegrass weakens in shaded areas. KBG can easily grow from seed and develops emerald to blue-green leaves with a medium to fine texture.
\n\n\n\nSpring and fall are optimal for growing KBG, while the summer heat slows its growth dramatically. Kentucky bluegrass durability depends on the cultivar. To create a more robust turf, mix in some tall fescue with your KBG. This grass requires 1 inch of water a week.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Kentucky bluegrass is the most winter-hardy turfgrass available. Seeds are best planted in early fall. For shaded lawns, choose varieties like Glade and Bensun.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis resilient grass grows well in various climates and is highly resistant to drought, heat, and shade. Tall fescue lawns are an excellent option for homeowners looking to improve their lawn’s resilience and durability. This versatile grass may be an excellent choice for you, depending on where you live and your lawn goals.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is one of the most drought-tolerant cool-season grasses. It only needs 1.25 inches of water a week.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is an effective option for shaded lawns too. This cool-season grass grows best in fall and spring but may lie dormant in the summer, unless given supplemental water and fertilizer, especially in areas with full sun.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The ideal mowing height for Tall Fescue is 3–3.5 inches. Using the highest setting on most lawnmowers will ensure your tall fescue is always maintained at a healthy height. Your tall fescue can be mowed at this length any time of the year.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most durable turfgrass for homeowners with rowdy dogs. Bermudagrass’ deep roots and quick recovery time make it an excellent playing field for children and dogs. Tall fescue is the more urine-resistant choice if you are concerned about pets damaging your grass while marking their territories on your property.
Oklahoma lawns commonly use tall fescue to cover shady areas since it is more shade-tolerant than warm-season grasses and more drought- and heat-tolerant than other cool-season grasses.
Warm-season grasses should be planted between May 1st and July 1st in Oklahoma, while late September and October are ideal for planting cool-season grasses.
Selecting a turfgrass that can withstand Tulsa’s temperature swings is the first step toward creating your best landscape. Many of Oklahoma’s native plants are perfectly adapted to Tulsa’s climate, too. Explore native flowers, shrubs, trees, and vines to create a drought-tolerant landscape as rugged and beautiful as Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of the grass type you install, you may discover you need maintenance help from a lawn care professional near you. We have trusted pros in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Woodward Park / I, Tim Morgan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Types for Tulsa, OK","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/1789c/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg","srcSet":"/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/107df/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 320w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/293e9/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 500w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/f2cbb/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 800w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/1789c/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 960w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/c26c2/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/1dd6e/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/67b76/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 320w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/8df11/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 500w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/98a65/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 800w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/1dd6e/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 960w,\n/static/27152ad74a3467271029e9f19c49221b/3cc96/Tulsa-Oklahoma-Woodward-Park-Lily-Pond.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Tulsa, OK","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tulsa homeowners can choose between warm and cold-season turf grasses. Here are the 4 best grass types for Tulsa, Oklahoma."}}},{"node":{"id":"c778f6a8-f055-5016-b690-fb83c78a9886","slug":"best-grass-types-for-oklahoma","path":"/lawn-care/ok/best-grass-types-for-oklahoma/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Finding the best grass type for your Oklahoma yard can be challenging. The Sooner State falls within the transition zone between warm and cool-season grasses. This means the right grass type for your lawn will be a regional decision, like whether to root for OU or OSU at kickoff. Hopefully, as you learn more about […]
\n","content":"\nFinding the best grass type for your Oklahoma yard can be challenging. The Sooner State falls within the transition zone between warm and cool-season grasses. This means the right grass type for your lawn will be a regional decision, like whether to root for OU or OSU at kickoff.
\n\n\n\nHopefully, as you learn more about each grass type, you’ll find choosing the best grass for your lawn to be less contentious than backing an NCAA powerhouse.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll distinguish between warm and cool-season grasses, identify the best grass type for each state region, and address some frequently asked questions about Oklahoma grass types. Lastly, we’ll connect you with local pros to help you get the most out of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in the heat. In Oklahoma, warm-season grasses grow vigorously from mid-spring to early fall. They do best when the air temperature averages between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nWhen temperatures drop, these grasses become dormant and turn brown. Dormancy can begin in the fall and continue until early spring when ground temperatures are consistently below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are most robust during spring and fall when air temperatures range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In the transition zone of Oklahoma, these grasses will grow new leaves in late winter or early spring. Cool-season grasses enter dormancy in extreme heat and extreme cold.
\n\n\n\nMany Oklahoma lawns contain warm-season grass. These turfgrasses can withstand the heat and drought of the southern plains. The most suitable grass for your lawn depends on your location, soil type, and how much shade your lawn receives.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Bermudagrass is the most popular grass in Oklahoma. This aggressive species spreads rapidly by aboveground (stolons) and belowground (rhizomes) stems. This grass grows only during the warm seasons.
\n\n\n\nSuitable for lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses, bermudagrass can withstand heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass cultivars have a fine texture and a high density. This sun-loving grass has excellent heat and drought tolerance and needs only an inch of water each week during summer drought periods.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass lies dormant when temperatures dip below freezing but revives when warmer weather returns. Bermudagrass can be overseeded with perennial ryegrass for an extended green period as temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nA healthy bermudagrass lawn depends heavily on sunlight. A full seven-hour day of sunlight is recommended. Shaded areas around trees or between houses will begin to thin without plentiful sunlight. However, there have been recent developments in bermudagrass varieties that require 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is considered a high-maintenance grass because of its aggressive growth habits, but its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic is great for families who like to throw around the pigskin.
\n\n\n\nThis grass’s sun and water requirements make it suitable statewide.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Keeping weeds under control is essential. Take action to control weeds when you anticipate weed problems.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Pixnio
Buffalograss is a warm-season, sod-forming native prairie grass ideal for Oklahoma’s prairies. Grayish-green in color, with a fine texture, this grass has excellent tolerance for the heat, drought, and winter conditions of Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss grows best in areas of Oklahoma with 12 to 25 inches of rainfall annually and where the grass is exposed to full sun.
\n\n\n\nThis grass tolerates alkaline soil but grows best on heavy-textured soils of Western Oklahoma’s unirrigated lawns. Buffalograss produces numerous seed heads that may disrupt the turf’s overall appearance.
\n\n\n\nBecause buffalograss grows slowly and requires less fertilizer than other grasses, it’s a good choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lawn that requires less mowing.
\n\n\n\nThis grass can be established from seed or sod. Buffalograss performs best in Western Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Requires weed control.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native clay soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass is low maintenance; overmanagement can damage it.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Zoysiagrass is dense, warm-season grass with a fine to medium texture. It is the toughest warm-season grass due to its resistance to heat, cold, drought, heavy foot traffic, and ability to grow in light shade. While it requires more maintenance than other grasses, well-irrigated lawns yield the best results.
\n\n\n\nZoysia grass is a moderately high-maintenance grass best suited to people who enjoy regular lawn care and have time to dethatch periodically. Zoysia’s dense growth protects against invasive weeds, but this dense growing habit also accumulates excess thatch.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is best suited for Eastern Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
St. Augustine
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
St. Augustine grass blades are coarse and distinct. This grass grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. St. Augustine grass is vegetatively propagated, which means it can only be planted as sod or grass plugs.
\n\n\n\nYou can use St. Augustine grass plugs if sod isn’t an option for you. St. Augustine plugs are used to fill in bare spots in your lawn by “plugging” turf into them. These plugs can also be used for starting new lawns.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine lawns are suitable for homeowners with shaded lawns. This grass grows best in the extreme southeastern parts of Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate. It is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 3.5 and 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: A low-maintenance coastal favorite, St. Augustine tolerates saline soils and regular foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
Kentucky bluegrass is a resilient and attractive species found on many residential lawns, institutional grounds, parks, and athletic fields. The leaves of this species have a medium to fine texture and deep green color when adequately fertilized.
\n\n\n\nCompared to most other cool-season turfgrasses, KBG has extensive underground stems called rhizomes, which are suitable for sod production and have a superior recuperative capacity.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is cold tolerant, moderately heat and drought tolerant, and withstands foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nKBG will remain dormant when hot and dry, but grows fervently in spring and fall. When cooler temperatures arrive and soil moisture is sufficient, it’s quick to spring to life.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is best suited for lawns in Northern Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Develops a moderate level of thatch over time. Plan to dethatch every few years.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
Improved turf-type tall fescues are gaining popularity as an additive in the state’s southern regions with moderate shade conditions. In southern Oklahoma, it’s often mixed with sun-loving grasses for full coverage, even in the shade.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is suited to a wide range of soils and climates but performs best in well-draining clay soils in Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nWhen properly watered and fertilized, tall fescues retain their color during winter and provide year-round green lawns.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is an excellent choice for shaded areas. It prefers full sun, but if your lawn has shaded areas, tall fescue may provide more resilience than KBG. Tall fescue grows well statewide.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The right mowing, fertilization, watering, and sun/shade conditions can help minimize disease pressure on your turf.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Even though perennial ryegrass naturally suits northern states, its widespread use in southern lawns is a phenomenon. Winter brings dormancy and browning for warm-season grasses in the south and west. Lawn owners in Oklahoma keep their lawns green in winter by overseeding perennial ryegrass into their warm-season lawns in the fall.
\n\n\n\nDuring winter, fast-germinating perennial ryegrass provides a temporary green lawn. Once warm-season grasses take over and summer heat returns, it dies out. Its fast germination rate and quick establishment make it one of the most popular fine-bladed grasses.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is used throughout the state for soil stabilization and winter color. If grown as a lawn’s main turf, it will perform best in Northern Oklahoma.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: In comparison to other cool-season grasses, it produces less thatch.
\n\n\n\nLate September and October are the best times to plant cool-season grasses. Planting these grasses any later makes them prone to frost, interfering with germination. You can plant grass seeds in early spring if you miss the September-October planting window for cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is one of Oklahoma’s most popular cool-season grasses thanks to its high heat tolerance. Tall fescue needs lots of water to thrive, but with ample irrigation and fertilizer, tall fescue can remain green all year round.
\n\n\n\nThe best turf for Western Oklahoma is buffalograss. Suitable for unirrigated lawns and general turf areas, this grass produces numerous seed heads, which can distract from the turf’s overall appearance. Buffalograss lawns can be started by seed or by sod.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Tulsa lawns include:
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Oklahoma City lawns include:
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips to keep your lawn lush and healthy:
\n\n\n\nNeed to hire a lawn care pro near you to get the best out of your Oklahoma grass? We have trusted professionals in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and many other cities throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Lawn, Oklahoma / MARELBU / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Oklahoma","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4354066985645932,"src":"/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/1789c/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg","srcSet":"/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/107df/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 320w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/293e9/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 500w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/f2cbb/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 800w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/1789c/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 960w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/c26c2/lawn-in-oklahoma.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/1dd6e/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/67b76/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 320w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/8df11/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 500w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/98a65/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 800w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/1dd6e/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 960w,\n/static/815c973f330bde39ae6bf864455bb5ed/3cc96/lawn-in-oklahoma.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Oklahoma | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Growing a new lawn? Learn about the best grass types for Oklahoma lawns with this helpful guide to warm-season and cool-season grasses."}}},{"node":{"id":"5494332a-a31c-59aa-9d34-d35dfe60c25b","slug":"best-grass-types-oklahoma-city","path":"/lawn-care/ok/oklahoma-city/best-grass-types-oklahoma-city/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Janae Soules is a freelance writer with a newly discovered love of gardening with her kids. She enjoys spending time in nature hiking, biking, or playing sports.","name":"Janae Soules","id":"0def06f9-a4f4-58d5-891d-d423dde342f4","path":"/author/janae-souleslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/aab1931e793481d75c080c7271be7652?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"},{"id":"89161243-3980-5fa1-a6f5-daf0cebe4f02","name":"Oklahoma City","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/oklahoma-city/"}],"date":"March 24th, 2023","excerpt":"If you like to host BBQs for all the Sooners games, your grass needs to withstand the viewing party’s emotional roller coaster as you watch the score. Your turf also needs to handle OKC’s roller coaster weather. To get your yard ready for the games (and the changing seasons), we’ve compiled a list of the […]
\n","content":"\nIf you like to host BBQs for all the Sooners games, your grass needs to withstand the viewing party’s emotional roller coaster as you watch the score. Your turf also needs to handle OKC’s roller coaster weather. To get your yard ready for the games (and the changing seasons), we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best grass types for your Oklahoma City lawn.
\n\n\n\nOklahoma City is in the transition zone, which means your yard can grow either warm or cool-season grasses. This list includes 4 warm-season grasses: bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, buffalograss, and St. Augustinegrass. The 3 best cool-season grasses for OKC include tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nEach home has different lawn needs and uses, so you’ll have to evaluate different things, such as foot traffic, amount of shade, and how much maintenance you want to perform on your lawn. Let’s take a closer look at each grass type.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll talk about:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass goes dormant in the winter if the outside temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or the soil temperature drops below 55 degrees. When temperatures warm up through spring, summer, and early autumn, expect your warm-season grass to thrive.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass needs additional water in summer as it endures dormancy. Cool-season grasses green up in early spring, enter dormancy in summer, return to green in autumn, and enter winter dormancy when the soil temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nOKC sits in the transition zone for grass growing, which means your lawn can grow either warm-season or cool-season grasses. Northern states typically grow cool-season lawns that prefer long winters and mild summers, while southern states grow warm-season grasses that thrive throughout the warm summers and mild winters.
\n\n\n\nSince Oklahoma is sandwiched in the middle (aka the transition zone) it experiences both extreme summers and winters. The question is, what time of year do you want your lawn to be its greenest? The following 4 warm-season grasses will grow best in summer, while the 3 remaining cool-season grasses will grow best in spring and autumn.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to its high foot traffic tolerance, kids and pets can run freely on bermudagrass for hours on end. It recovers quickly from damage, which is why you’ll often see bermudagrass on sports fields.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass checks many boxes: high drought tolerance, high foot traffic tolerance, high salt tolerance, and high heat tolerance.
\n\n\n\nBut those upsides come with some downsides. Bermudagrass is high-maintenance and has low shade tolerance. So if your lawn receives shade, bermudagrass might struggle. If you’re looking for low-maintenance grass, bermudagrass might not be the optimal choice either. It grows fast, develops thatch, and can be invasive, so it requires lots of care and attention. Left unchecked, it can invade your flower beds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low – thrives in full sun.
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Fertilize once a year according to soil test results. Susceptible to thatch build-up – dethatch when thatch layer is more than ½ inch.
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Good tolerance to salt
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeeds are not generally a problem with Zoysiagrass, thanks to its dense growing habit. However, its thick growth makes the turf more susceptible to pet urine damage than other grass types. Why? Because the urine won’t drain well. Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass aren’t nearly as thick as Zoysiagrass, allowing the pet urine to drain through easier, leading to less damage.
\n\n\n\nIf we compare Zoysiagrass to bermudagrass, you’ll notice that both grass types have a high foot traffic tolerance. However, some homeowners might prefer bermudagrass over Zoysiagrass because bermudagrass recovers faster. On the other hand, Zoysiagrass is more shade tolerant than bermudagrass, so you’ll need to consider which strength takes priority.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: High but recovers slowly from damage.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: Set mowing height between 1 to 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if the grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a warm-season, low-maintenance, blue-green grass. Once it’s established, you won’t have to frequently mow, fertilize, or water your buffalograss lawn. Lawn diseases and insects aren’t generally a problem in buffalograss, which means less work on your end. However, buffalograss’ open growth habit can make weeds a never-ending battle.
\n\n\n\nAlthough buffalograss is soft to walk on barefoot, don’t let the foot traffic get too high on it – Buffalograss has a low foot traffic tolerance. It might not recover well after your Sooners-themed BBQ.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Develops thatch and requires weed control.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native clay soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Overwatering could cause invasive weeds
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a rich green-colored, high-maintenance, warm-season grass. Homeowners will have to perform many maintenance tasks during the active growing season. These tasks include fertilizing regularly, dethatching, aerating, and inspecting for lawn diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nUnlike bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass can tolerate shade. It’s the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass, which makes it an excellent choice if your lawn receives shade.
\n\n\n\nIf your family spends time in your saltwater pool for exercise instead of running around on the grass, St. Augustinegrass may be a good fit–– it has a low foot traffic tolerance but can tolerate salt.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate. It is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 3.5 and 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Vulnerable to lawn pests such as chinch bugs, white grubs, and mole crickets.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a great transition zone grass because its deep roots help with drought tolerance (it will need water during the summer with periods of little rainfall, though). Among other cool-season grasses, tall fescue has the highest heat tolerance. It’s also low maintenance and doesn’t need regular fertilization compared to other cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, OKC’s humidity could increase the possibility of lawn pests with tall fescue. If pests damage your tall fescue lawn, you’ll need to overseed it because this turf doesn’t repair itself well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Aerate in the fall if your soil gets compacted
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance cool-season grass that needs full sun. It’s considered high-maintenance because it needs to be mowed, fertilized frequently, dethatched every one to two years, and monitored for lawn diseases.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is soft to walk on and has a deep green color. If it gets damaged from your cornhole boards always being in the same spot, rest assured the rhizomes in Kentucky bluegrass will self-repair (unlike tall fescue).
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species in home lawns, such as tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a cool-season, fast germinating, medium to dark green-colored grass. It is most often used in The Big Friendly to overseed warm-season lawns, such as bermudagrass. Overseeding warm-season lawns with cool-season grass can extend the lawn’s green period in winter.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass cultivars such as Diplomat, Citation, Palmer, Prelude, Ranger, and Repell perform well in Oklahoma City conditions.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Develops less thatch than other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant grass seed in Oklahoma City depends on if you choose warm-season or cool-season grass. Warm-season grasses should be planted between late spring and early summer. Cool-season grasses should be planted between late August to early October.
If you want to avoid pulling weeds and spraying herbicides, consider Zoysiagrass. Its thick growth habit helps choke out weeds.
St. Augustinegrass is the best warm-season grass type for a shaded lawn. For cool-season grass, tall fescue is the best choice from this list.
You’ve decided on the grass type that best fits the yard’s foot traffic, shaded and sunny areas, and your maintenance needs (how much do you want to be sweating doing maintenance in the hot summer sun?). But a nice lawn is only one aspect of your OKC landscape – remember to adorn the lawn with OKC’s best native plants, too.
\n\n\n\nWant more time to visit the Oklahoma City Zoo instead of maintaining the lawn? Contact an Oklahoma City lawn care professional to help take over your lawn mowing, edging, and trimming.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: MARELBU / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Oklahoma City","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.430274135876043,"src":"/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/1789c/Oklahoma-City.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/107df/Oklahoma-City.jpg 320w,\n/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/293e9/Oklahoma-City.jpg 500w,\n/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/f2cbb/Oklahoma-City.jpg 800w,\n/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/1789c/Oklahoma-City.jpg 960w,\n/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/c26c2/Oklahoma-City.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/1dd6e/Oklahoma-City.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/67b76/Oklahoma-City.webp 320w,\n/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/8df11/Oklahoma-City.webp 500w,\n/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/98a65/Oklahoma-City.webp 800w,\n/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/1dd6e/Oklahoma-City.webp 960w,\n/static/ae02978074bcbc6f8d7954e900518ec5/3cc96/Oklahoma-City.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Oklahoma City","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking to start a new lawn or refresh one? This article will discuss both warm- and cool-season grass types for Oklahoma City lawns."}}},{"node":{"id":"1317afa2-6990-56ff-b781-6b3693010f0c","slug":"drought-tolerant-landscaping-ideas-oklahoma","path":"/lawn-care/ok/drought-tolerant-landscaping-ideas-oklahoma/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"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\n![\"Bur](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-Quercus-Macrocarpa.jpg\")
Photo 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.
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