![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Your Steel City yard can become green and beautiful when you choose the right grass. The secret is to grow grass that can survive both the summer and winter temperatures of Pittsburgh. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve gathered the 4 best grass types for Pittsburgh lawns. Choosing the perfect type of grass for […]
\n","content":"\nYour Steel City yard can become green and beautiful when you choose the right grass. The secret is to grow grass that can survive both the summer and winter temperatures of Pittsburgh. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve gathered the 4 best grass types for Pittsburgh lawns.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the perfect type of grass for your home requires considering multiple factors carefully. By evaluating your yard’s climate, soil type, and sun exposure, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a healthy and beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season and cool-season grasses are two types of grasses that thrive in different temperature ranges and have different growing habits.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are adapted to hot and dry climates, grow actively during the warm summer months, and become dormant during winter. They are more drought-tolerant and require less water than cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses, on the other hand, are adapted to cooler climates. They usually grow actively during the cooler months of spring and fall and can tolerate mild winters.
\n\n\n\nSince temperatures are cool throughout most of the year in Pittsburgh, the best grass type for your yard is likely a cool-season grass. Let’s take a close look at the 4 cool-season grasses that thrive in Pittsburgh:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass is an excellent choice for homeowners who need to protect yard areas from erosion. Not only does the dense turf protect eroding soil, but it also creates a beautiful uniform look. It has moderate traffic tolerance and can withstand the occasional backyard BBQ as you cheer on the Steelers. It also recovers quickly.
\n\n\n\nIts root system tolerates drought conditions, but like most cool-season grasses, the turf becomes dormant and brown during hot, dry summers.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass might not be the best option if you want to avoid high-maintenance turf. It demands fertilizer, is prone to disease, and requires frequent mowing. Got shade? Kentucky bluegrass won’t tolerate it.
\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: Tolerates close, frequent grazing better than most grasses. Forms tight sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has a fine-textured, lush, and dark green appearance. It’s commonly grown in athletic fields, landscapes, and cattle fields.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is very popular because of its rapid growth and high traffic tolerance, which makes it ideal for homeowners that like to spend time outdoors. This grass is best for sunny lawns but tolerates partial shade.
\n\n\n\nIf you would like to give ryegrasses a chance in your yard, consider that they are heavy users of water and don’t tolerate drought well.
\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 spots, 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: It is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass for a more traffic and disease-resistant turf.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are known for their fine texture and excellent shade tolerance. In fact, fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant cool-season grass, particularly the chewings variety. So, if your backyard has shade, this may be the perfect grass for you.
\n\n\n\nThis turf is also low-maintenance; it requires less water, fertilizer, and mowing than other types of grasses. As long as you water it regularly, this is the best grass for busy homeowners who would like to relax in a beautiful landscape.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red Fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. It prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fine fescue grasses are often added to mixtures with other cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, to create a dense, attractive lawn that can withstand shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a coarse textured grass with a deep green color. Its deep root system allows it to tolerate drought and heat stress better than any other cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t mind mowing often, tall fescue is a good low-maintenance choice. If this grass’s deep root system, low maintenance, and rapid growth sound good to you, then it might be the perfect fit for your yard.
\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: Many tall fescue lawns become thin after hot, dry summer conditions. Thin, tall fescue lawns can form clumps and become unsightly. To prevent this from occurring, it’s usually necessary to overseed tall fescue lawns in the fall.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is among the easiest cool-season grasses to maintain. It’s known for its fine texture, shade tolerance, and low maintenance requirements, making it an attractive option for homeowners and landscapers.
Of the cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass is generally considered to be the softest and most comfortable grass to walk on. It has a fine texture and a dense growth habit, which gives it a lush, carpet-like appearance. Kentucky bluegrass is also known for its ability to self-repair, making it a durable choice for high-traffic areas.
Tall fescue is generally considered the best cool-season grass for poor soil conditions. It has a root system that allows access to nutrients and water from deeper soil layers, making it more drought-tolerant than other cool-season grasses.
Tall fescue is well adapted to different soil types, including poor and compacted soils. It can grow well in soil with low fertility and is more resistant to diseases and pests than other cool-season grasses.
Pittsburgh grass can withstand hot summers and cold winters, but different types have different characteristics and needs. Choose the proper kind for your lawn, thinking about your space, the use you will give it, and the work you are willing to do for it.
\n\n\n\nWould you like a lawn that can withstand barbecues and parties? Consider Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. Do you have a shaded yard? Fine fescue is an excellent choice. Would you like a low-maintenance lawn? Think about tall fescue or fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nRemember that the type of grass you choose is just one part of your ideal landscape. There are various low-maintenance landscaping options and native plants popular in Pittsburgh.
\n\n\n\nA welcoming backyard is within reach. Contact a Pittsburgh lawn care pro who can maintain your lawn and landscaping.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: MartinThoma / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
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\n","content":"\nMaintaining a healthy, green lawn is a top concern for many homeowners, and fertilization is key to achieving this. Like any living thing, your grass requires nutrients to grow and thrive. Fertilizers are specifically developed to replenish these nutrients. But it’s important to know when and how to fertilize your lawn to make the most of it.
\n\n\n![\"Fertilizers](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_14457202926_6d52aae30a_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Norbury / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to fertilizing your lawn, timing is everything. The answer to the “when” question depends on the following:
\n\n\n\nBut there is one general rule: Don’t feed the lawn during periods of dormancy – only fertilize your grass at the time of year when it grows actively.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses, and both have different growth and fertilization requirements. You have cool-season grass if you live in the northern third of the country and warm-season grass if you live in the southern third. If you live in the middle of the US, you may have either or both types of grass.
\n\n\n\nBut what is the right time to fertilize either of them? Here is the answer:
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass grow actively in cooler months. Usually, the grass grows most actively in fall, so the best time to fertilize your lawn is once in early fall and once in late fall, at least 6 weeks before the expected first frost. During these times, the grass is actively developing and can best use the fertilizer’s nutrients.
\n\n\n\nYou can also apply fertilizer to your lawn in early spring because it’s the time when the grass greens up after winter dormancy and has a brief period of growth before the heat of summer sets in. It is the optimal time if you want to apply a third application of fertilizer to your lawn in addition to those done in fall.
\n\n\n![\"Cool](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone-1024x709.jpg\")
Illustration by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, or Zoysiagrass, have totally different fertilization times. Because they actively grow in the warmer months, late spring and early summer is usually the best time to apply fertilizer. This helps the grass to receive nutrients during its active development phase while remaining lush throughout the summer.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a fall fertilizer application, early fall, at least 6-8 weeks before the first frost, is also suitable for your warm-season lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou can read our guide to the ideal lawn fertilizer schedule to learn more about when to fertilize your lawn.
\n\n\n\nGenerally, apply fertilizer to your lawn two to four times per year. The frequency might vary depending on the type of grass, the makeup of your soil, the local climate of your area, and the type of fertilizer used. Slow-release fertilizers remain in the soil for 6-8 weeks, so you should wait at least 6 weeks between applications. Immediate-release fertilizers need to be applied more often to remain effective, about every 4-6 weeks.
\n\n\n\nThe most common frequency recommendation for lawn fertilizer application is:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’re sure you’ve got the timing right, follow these steps to fertilize your lawn in the best and most efficient way possible.
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nBefore applying fertilizer to your lawn, you should do a few things to ensure the best results and minimize any potential harm to your grass or the environment. Preparing your lawn ahead of time will set up the foundation for successful fertilization.
\n\n\n\nSoil tests are like bloodwork for your soil. They describe the type of soil, the level of plant nutrients, and the soil pH, among other things. Get your soil tested by sending a sample to your local county Cooperative Extension office or buy an at-home test kit for quicker but less detailed results.
\n\n\n\nBased on the soil test results, amend your soil to make it adaptable for the turfgrass and fertilizer. Adjust the soil’s pH so that it’s between 6.5 to 7 (ideal for most grass types) by adding lime for lawns to increase the pH or sulfur to decrease the pH.
\n\n\n\nRemove any lawn weeds, moss, or excessive thatch growth in your lawn before fertilizing. Obstacles like these can prevent fertilizer from reaching the soil, which is where it needs to be for your grass to absorb its nutrients.
\n\n\n\nIdeally, you should mow the grass slightly lower than its typical maintenance height before fertilizing. Shorter grass permits the fertilizer to reach the soil more effectively and reduces the possibility of the fertilizer sitting on top of tall blades and causing burn or uneven distribution.
\n\n\n\nWater your lawn well for at least three to four days before fertilizing it. Moist soil improves nitrogen uptake and reduces the risk of fertilizer burn. Overwatering, on the other hand, can cause the fertilizer to seep away or become less effective.
\n\n\n\n![\"hand-held](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Norbury / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nIt is essential to apply lawn fertilizer carefully to ensure nutrients reach the plant roots and deliver maximum benefits.
\n\n\n\nFirst, choose the right tool according to your lawn’s area and fertilizer type. There are various kinds of fertilizer spreaders, including:
\n\n\n\nFill your chosen tool with fertilizer on a non-grassy, hard surface like a driveway or sidewalk. This keeps spills or excess fertilizer from reaching the grass before you begin, which again reduces the risk of fertilizer burn.
\n\n\n\nStart Applying the Fertilizer: Begin walking across your lawn at a slow, steady pace, pushing the spreader consistently. If you’re using a sprayer, spray a wide arc in front of you, from side to side, as you walk. Then turn around and walk the other way in a line parallel to your first pass. Continue walking back and forth across the lawn in parallel lines until you’ve covered the whole area.
\n\n\n\nTo achieve thorough coverage and eliminate missed spots, overlap each pass slightly. If you’re using a granular fertilizer, check the grass for any prominent clumps or heaps of granules once you’ve finished applying it. Use a sweep or rake to disperse these clumps to ensure even dispersion.
\n\n\n\nNote: After each usage, properly clean your spreader or sprayer. Rinse it with water to remove any residual fertilizer, which can damage the equipment if not removed.
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_150456484_cef7d54b8f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shaylor / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nWatering your lawn after fertilizing is essential for activating the nutrients in the fertilizer and ensuring optimum absorption by the grass’s roots. It is best to water your grass immediately after fertilizing it. This reduces the risk of burn from concentrated nutrients lingering on the grass blades.
\n\n\n\nUse an in-ground sprinkler system or a hose with a sprinkler attachment for even coverage. To avoid overwatering certain areas and underwatering others, make sure the water is distributed evenly across the lawn.
\n\n\n\nNote: If you use liquid fertilizer, wait two to four hours for the fertilizer to dry, and then water your lawn. Don’t water immediately after applying liquid fertilizer because it will wash the fertilizer away before it’s had time to soak into the soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"broom](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/broom-for-sweeping-sidewalk-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: undefined undefined / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIn addition to cleaning your spreader or sprayer, it’s important to clean excess fertilizer off impervious surfaces near your grass, such as a driveway or patio. For granular fertilizers, sweep off any granules that may have landed on sidewalks or driveways to prevent runoff into nearby bodies of water. Fertilizer runoff can cause water pollution and harmful algae blooms.
\n\n\n\nBe especially diligent about sweeping up excess fertilizer if you have curious pets or small children in your family who might try to play with or even eat the tiny granules.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right fertilizer for your lawn is critical. First of all, check your soil’s nutrient requirements through your soil test. Then select a fertilizer with a suitable nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus ratio according to your soil’s needs.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to finding a lawn fertilizer with the right nutrient blend, you’ll need to decide what type of fertilizer is best for your lawn. You’ll have to choose between slow-release and immediate-release fertilizers, synthetic and organic fertilizers, and liquid and granular fertilizers.
\n\n\n\nTo learn more about each of these options and figure out which one is best for you, see our guide on How to Choose Lawn Fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYes, organic fertilizers are an excellent choice for lawn care. They come from natural sources and provide slow-release nutrients that improve soil health and microbial activity. Organic fertilizers are less harmful to the environment and contribute towards eco-friendly lawn care.
\n\n\n\nLook for organic fertilizers designed exclusively for lawns in our guide to organic lawn fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nIt’s critical to act quickly if you mistakenly over-fertilize. Thoroughly water the lawn to help dilute and flush out extra nitrogen and other nutrients. Mow as little as possible until the grass recovers, and consider skipping the next scheduled fertilization to let the grass rebalance. If extensive damage develops, such as the grass turning brown, your grass may be dead. Seek the advice of a lawn care specialist to figure out the best path forward.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to avoid fertilizing during periods of excessive heat or drought. High heat and dry weather can cause stress on the grass, and fertilization during this time may worsen the stress.
\n\n\n\nRegular fertilization not only improves the general health and appearance of your lawn, but it also increases its resistance to external stressors like severe temperatures and foot traffic. It’s an essential technique contributing to a beautiful, healthy lawn you can enjoy all year. For help keeping up with a regular fertilization schedule, connect with a local lawn care pro on WikiLawn today.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: SVproduction / Canva Pro / License
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\n","content":"\nIf your peonies are looking puny and your daffodils are drooping, chances are, you planted some seriously unsuitable plants in a hostile environment. In the hot, humid, and often drought-stricken climate of Central Texas, the more native plants in your landscape, the higher your chances of enjoying low-maintenance flowers year-round. To get you started, here’s a guide to some of the native plants and flowers that thrive in Austin and Round Rock.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ah3C0U0Qf7eUWghPnv0n8PpADI2KdSW7EFWSUBTnMGGIdGHQdjdtZj8zvSZESQGRHktIq2duYZyFcaB0BbzqRu0r8U4eP5RwTNtH4tQ32R8MdA40JNDCH7CT6LmIp7lxl5ldWRMm\")
Ground covers serve many purposes. They form a base layer in your landscape design that provides ground-level color and texture. They also shade the ground, which helps to conserve water. Silver ponyfoot is a beautiful, bright ground cover that forms a dense mat of tiny cup-shaped leaves. The leaves cascade over the edges of containers and terraces. Lyre-leaf sage is a hearty, flowering ground cover with evergreen leaves that’s often used around the bases of trees, as it performs well in sun or shade. Sedum is a succulent ground cover that tolerates poor soil. It comes in many shapes and sizes, flowers in the fall and blushes red in the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/m4hgqIsMp92Xm0gQ3CHjzZvb4Q6tg4TVbtVVUUrjP4GB0DwwXlYk9WhK2tVUPQR0DJ2qSMsec66nYnhrSfPj-rYVb1g_7bL7p_X-BltZyO-KBCiEkbx0fS0eF6jQXqag22Vs1D_3\")
Photo credit: AbbeyCF on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nFor concealing unsightly fences and adding vertical color and texture to walls and surfaces, vines are perfect. Fig vine will cling to walls, forming a vertical evergreen carpet, even in part shade. Carolina jessamine creates a wall of foliage with yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Star jasmine features glossy leaves that withstand cold winters and fills the air with the sweetest fragrance. Crossvine and coral honeysuckle add color to walls, fences, and trellises. They also provide nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and birds throughout the seasons.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mFq2WLhtekSRYir9NpDpw4Ndpisqib6U4Iemac2laRObLrTVmgT2s572aWBO3l5EY8WEJN09iEbVOA9w9FanPG30feEjjq--MX4zzu8APB-yqm3kzbTCjtu9szu3oYtvs1HGfoOP\")
For seasonal interest that returns year after year, plant perennials in your landscape. Most of these plants are cut back to a few inches in the winter and return vigorously each spring. Esperanza, or yellow bells, throws out cheerful yellow or orange blooms that last throughout the hottest summer. Cast iron plants have blade-like, evergreen foliage that performs well in the shade. Bicolor iris forms tidy evergreen clumps with creamy, yellow flowers in spring and early summer. Purple coneflower and rock rose throw up pops of pink that draw butterflies. Duranta or skyflower is a dense perennial with deep purplish-blue flowers from summer to autumn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k8BSABeJRTkLyYb615zNykCJUaCnypigNbCZlbjdmb0aAa4MAFCSpgvmUAvcbOygMZK5GbBa34xsLz1SfYkKZ3fNdWSCwiwnHoqEZC57XkE9uxm1uM_-rL5zM0bAm3pweLr9B2ZI\")
Shrubs give landscapes color, texture, and often privacy and structure. Possumhaw holly lends a bit of flair to the yard with festive, red berries in the fall that persist even as the leaves drop off — to dramatic effect. Japanese aralia can give shaded areas a lush, tropical feel. Wooly butterfly bush is an unusual shrub featuring fuzzy, grayish leaves and bizarre orange flowers that butterflies flock to. Texas sage is a silvery-leafed shrub that blooms before rainstorms. That’s why it’s affectionately nicknamed “barometer bush.” Any number of roses, from antique climbers to the knockout cultivars can add fragrant, colorful flowers to your beds year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LdD_mab1Zwv2dUI9UE8oS5uUHEDFTZVd-WJs2PpM9eW954qS7Ij5mUhLhFTp9NTZZq6BmJqIXD8OEr0Ow_-lvI09LbgjqY5_tUyQi5IVcNyqURr83ghSainCOMSKDVTGBSFuBmUN\")
Photo credit: wormwood_3 on VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to understory trees and bold autumn colors, there are a number of small native trees and shrubs that fit the bill. The Texas smoke tree has beautiful fall foliage and flowers that, once spent, display stunning, smoke-like poofs. Mexican redbuds burst into bright pink blooms in springtime. The flameleaf sumac erupts into brilliant flame-like colors in autumn.
This is a very short list to demonstrate the wonderful range of native plants and flowers available in Austin and Round Rock. There are far more natives than you may imagine. By getting back to our roots and with native plants in your landscape, you can spend less time working on the garden and more time enjoying it.
Interested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX, lawn care page.
\n","title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in Austin/Round Rock","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8518518518518519,"src":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native_austin_garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/107df/native_austin_garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/293e9/native_austin_garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/f2cbb/native_austin_garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native_austin_garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/398d8/native_austin_garden.jpg 1500w","srcWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native_austin_garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/67b76/native_austin_garden.webp 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/8df11/native_austin_garden.webp 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/98a65/native_austin_garden.webp 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native_austin_garden.webp 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/9dc04/native_austin_garden.webp 1500w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in Austin/Round Rock | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"aa7fca9f-2b92-51c4-b437-040f156b73e8","slug":"when-to-fertilize-ohio-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/oh/when-to-fertilize-ohio-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"A lush, green lawn takes work. But as they say, work smarter, not harder. One of the keys to achieving a beautiful lawn is knowing how and when to fertilize your lawn in Ohio. Grass in the wild survives on nutrients from decomposing organic material. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s not enough. A lawn often […]
\n","content":"\nA lush, green lawn takes work. But as they say, work smarter, not harder. One of the keys to achieving a beautiful lawn is knowing how and when to fertilize your lawn in Ohio.
\n\n\n\nGrass in the wild survives on nutrients from decomposing organic material. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s not enough. A lawn often requires some TLC to become and stay strong and consistently thick, and that means adding nutrients that your grass craves.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nYou may wonder what fertilizer does for your lawn. In nature, grasses draw nutrients from decomposing organic matter. In a managed lawn, however, the grass may not receive enough of these nutrients. Malnourished grass may become thin, weak, and susceptible to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nIf you build your lawn in healthy, rich soil and leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing, that may be enough for a green and healthy lawn. But if your soil test shows nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, fertilizers can provide the necessary nutrients to help your grass grow healthy and green.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to use fertilizers properly and in moderation to avoid over-fertilization. You need to know what your soil is lacking, which fertilizer to use, and how much (be sure to always follow instructions).
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/man-was-pictured-dispensing-fertilizer-granules-across-his-front-lawn-850x565-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nDoes your soil really need fertilizer, or will grass clippings suffice? Fertilizers mainly consist of three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. In different regions, grasses need various amounts of nutrients to grow best. Here’s what each of them does:
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
Because of Ohio’s cool climate, you probably have a cool-season grass type such as:
\n\n\n\nOhio State University recommends a fertilizer ratio of 3:1:2 (nitrogen:phosphorous:potassium), 4:1:2, or 5:1:2 for lawns in the Buckeye State. Many organic fertilizers can’t precisely meet the recommended ratio. In that case, you should use the nitrogen value (the first number) as the deciding factor. You then need to calculate precisely how much of the product you should use for your lawn; using too much fertilizer is hazardous.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s useful to have your soil tested before selecting a fertilizer. Soil tests identify the specific nutrient needs of your lawn and determine whether you need to fertilize at all. The Department of Agriculture recommends testing your soil at least every two to three years, but if you want to make informed decisions about fertilizing your soil, you can do so even more often.
\n\n\n\nA soil test involves analyzing the composition of your soil to find out its:
\n\n\n\nYou can either do a simple DIY test or send a soil sample to a local laboratory to get a detailed report. Once you’ve received the results of your soil test, you can take steps to address any issues and improve the health of your lawn. To know more about testing your soil in Ohio, you can check out this fact sheet from Ohio State University.
\n\n\n\nChemical fertilizers aren’t the only option for improving soil health. Organic fertilizers are also effective, plus they’re environmentally friendly. So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your soil, consider doing so organically.
\n\n\n\nYour first option is to use grass clippings. If you have soil rich in microbes and nutrients and regularly leave grass clippings on your lawn, you may not need to use fertilizer. You can use a mulching mower to chop your grass clippings into fine pieces that easily break down and feed your soil. This is the easiest and most environmentally friendly way to keep your grass healthy.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if that’s not enough for your soil, you can use a slow-release fertilizer made out of organic materials. That could be manure, alfalfa, compost, and so forth. There’s even the option of making your own fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nNote that organic fertilizers aren’t necessarily safer for pets. The materials that make up organic fertilizers may be dangerous to ingest (such as some plants, etc.). Moreover, store-bought organic fertilizers are often mixed with extremely toxic ingredients. Be careful, and don’t forget that animals tend to find the smell of organic ingredients more appealing.
\n\n\n\nNo matter which fertilizer you use, you should always follow instructions. Don’t let any animals access your lawn for as long as advised or before the product settles (or dries, if it’s in liquid form), whichever happens last. Also, never use more fertilizer than needed. This is damaging to your lawn and dangerous to the environment and local animals.
\n\n\n\n![\"Granular](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1pixnio-47943-2391x3600_11zon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThere are various options for store-bought fertilizer. Most fertilizers are either dry or liquid, and they have their own pros and cons:
\n\n\n\nThe difference between slow-release and quick-release fertilizers is as follows:
\n\n\n\nAll things considered, slow-release fertilizers are usually the better option. They’re more suitable for feeding your grass, and they’re much less harmful to the environment.
\n\n\n\nHow often should you fit fertilization into your schedule? If you have healthy, rich soil and want to use grass clippings, you can leave them on your lawn after each mow. However, be sure that your clippings aren’t too thick or stuck together so that your grass gets sufficient airflow.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to use fertilizer, Ohio State University recommends doing so four times a year to provide your soil with sufficient nitrogen. That’s because nitrogen moves through soil over time. However, you can apply it only once in the spring if you applied fertilizer late in the fall of the previous year. If you only want to fertilize once a year, do so in the fall to store nutrients for the spring.
\n\n\n\nHere are the best months for fertilization in Ohio:
\n\n\n\nNote that fertilizing your lawn too often or with too much product can damage your lawn and harm the environment. Stick to the recommended guidelines and read your product instructions carefully.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/man-applying-fertilizer.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nAre you establishing a new lawn? Don’t use regular fertilizer. Instead, if necessary, you can use a starter fertilizer specifically designed for new lawns. This will provide the necessary nutrients for seedlings and promote healthy root growth. It helps your grass seedlings and sod roods establish quicker than regular fertilizer, giving them a boost to thrive in their early stages.
\n\n\n\nMost starter fertilizers will contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but some may contain two parts nitrogen and one part phosphorus and potassium. As with regular fertilizer, you can choose between different starter fertilizer types. Remember to always be careful when applying any fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve discussed the best times to fertilize your lawn, but when should you definitely not do so? There are a number of scenarios where fertilizing your lawn would be a bad idea. For example:
\n\n\n\nFertilizers are hazardous substances, and it’s important to follow guidelines and stay safe at all times. Here are a few heads-ups to keep in mind before you fertilize your lawn:
\n\n\n\nMaking sure that you have healthy soil rich in nutrients is necessary for your grass to grow strong and healthy. However, it’s equally critical to follow other maintenance practices, such as mowing, watering, and overseeding, to see the best results.
\n\n\n\nNeed a hand maintaining your lawn? Be sure to get in touch with one of WikiLawn’s Ohio lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"What to Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn in Ohio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1789c/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/107df/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/293e9/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/f2cbb/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1789c/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/c26c2/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1dd6e/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/67b76/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/8df11/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/98a65/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1dd6e/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/3cc96/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What to Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn in Ohio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Fertilizer can be the difference between a drab lawn and a fab lawn. Here’s what you should know about fertilizing a lawn in Ohio"}}},{"node":{"id":"6a36cb74-33a8-5d29-9e37-6c80aa9557c3","slug":"the-definitive-guide-to-identifying-common-lawn-weeds","path":"/lawn-care/the-definitive-guide-to-identifying-common-lawn-weeds/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 24th, 2019","excerpt":"Home and business owners across the country have one thing in common no matter their location, taking pride in a well-kept lawn and landscape. Part of that task almost always requires knowledge of what plants are wanted in our gardens and which are intruders. Some weeds are iconic like the thought of tumbleweeds blowing across […]
\n","content":"\nHome and business owners across the country have one thing in common no matter their location, taking pride in a well-kept lawn and landscape. Part of that task almost always requires knowledge of what plants are wanted in our gardens and which are intruders. Some weeds are iconic like the thought of tumbleweeds blowing across the western United States, but most weeds found in our landscape are not as easily identifiable. Let’s take a moment to discuss how to best identify common lawn weeds and how to create healthy lawn care habits that will give your grassy areas a fighting chance against the toughest weeds.
\n\n\n\nA Plant Out of Place. Weeds are known by everyone but are not always easily recognized. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a garden weed. Simply put a weed is just any plant that is ‘out of place’. While this definition could include desirable plants that have overgrown their intended boundaries, most commonly it is used to cover any plant that –
\n\n\n\nWhat’s in a Name? There are two main types of weeds: broadleaf and grassy. Both of these can be difficult to treat as there are also subcategories: annual and perennial. The perennials are the most difficult to get rid of since they live the longest and keep returning year after year. Left unchecked, the annual varieties will continue to reproduce and spread across your property year after year as well. Additionally, there are often several common names for the same weed so photographic identification is most helpful.
\n\n\n\nGrass Weed Types. Everyone knows about lawn weeds but the fact is that they are not always easily recognized. When grass-like weeds start to grow in poorly established grassy areas it can become very difficult to distinguish the desirable turf grass from the weeds. Here are just a few weed types that closely resemble grass and how to quickly identify them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cheatgrass-definitive-guide-to-weeds.jpg\")
Cheatgrass lives up to its name in that when it is young from a distance it blends into a lawn so well that a homeowner might not realize it has started to take hold until it overruns the turfgrass. When looking to identify cheatgrass, look for leaves that branch out from the base of the plant. These leaves will often have a reddish color and the blades are flat and covered with soft hairs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Johnsongrass.jpg\")
Yet another weed that too closely resembles lawn grass is Johnsongrass. It forms a thick, vigorously growing clump that can rapidly develop into large colonies spreading by their tough rhizomes. Its leaf blades are smooth and display a prominent white mid-rib down the center of each stem.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/crabgrass.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1\")
It is for good\nreason that most people are very familiar with crabgrass, it seems to grow\neverywhere! However, the good news is it is just as easy to prevent. Crabgrass\nis a warm-season annual grass, which means it sprouts from seed when\ntemperatures rise in late spring and can continue to do so through the summer.\nIt will then die when temperatures cool or with the first hard frost in the\nfall. This weed thrives on moist sites with plenty of sunlight and will quickly\ninvade areas where your lawn is thinnest and especially along edges and\nsidewalks.
\n\n\n\nFlowering Weed Types. Some common weed types produce their own flowers. But unlike the flowers cultivated for the gardening bed, these flowers grow from plants that are often quick spreading, have an unruly growth habit, have thorns and pickers, or other undesirable characteristics. The following examples of flowering weeds are examples of those traits.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Henbit-Deadnettle-definitive-guide-to-weeds.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1\")
In some parts of the country, Henbit Deadnettle is considered a wildflower. However, it is a winter annual that blooms in early spring, especially in the south and south central states. Henbit leaves are finely hairy and rounded with notched edges. These leaves grow every inch or so on a square stem. The stems are weak so the longer the weed grows, the less stable its foundation is. It has purple flowers that grow at the very top of the plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/dandelion-3923885_640.jpg\")
Iconic due to its seed-head, the dandelion is easily recognizable. Coming from the French name dent de lion (lion’s tooth), the flower has a unique look. Children and adults alike enjoy blowing the seeds, so they take root in a lot of lawns. The leaves grow close to the ground in a star-shaped pattern. In bloom, the flower is yellow. You will usually see them in spring to early summer. They are a biennial or perennial bloom.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Thistle.jpg\")
Thistle\nhas a rapid growth rate and it can get very tall. If you don’t deal with it, it\nwill grow several feet high and about a foot wide, taking up a bit of space in\nyour lawn. When it’s young, it resembles a dandelion except that it’s purplish\nin color and the leaves have long spines on them. They also have hairy, jagged\nedges. Butterflies and other insects love this woolly biennial or perennial and\nwill often eat from it.
\n\n\n\nNow that we’ve identified a few of the most common weedy plants that grow in lawns across America, let’s talk about the wide option of eradication strategies available to homeowners.
\n\n\n\nThere are few lawn weeds that can establish themselves in healthy grass.
\n\n\n\nTherefore, the first line of defense is creating an environment that is good for your lawn and bad for weeds. Simple right? Well, actually it is! A good lawn starts with good soil. If you are starting your lawn from bare soil, such as what happens after new construction, be sure to till the top 4” of native soil before adding a high-quality organic compost to the top. This will ensure there is a little soil compaction as possible, one of the foundations to healthy soil no matter what the soil make up maybe.
\n\n\n\nProper or improper soil preparation before a lawn is installed will have a huge impact on how a lawn looks, and the amount of money it takes to maintain the lawn for years to come. Proper lawn preparation before the turf is installed costs almost nothing compared to what it costs to correct something done wrong after the turf is installed. If you are trying to increase the health of a lawn that already has turf grass adding a ‘top dressing’ of organic compost mulch will help give your soil a boost of nutrients and therefore create a better growing environment for turf grass, not lawn weeds.
\n\n\n\nFor a good source of information about turf grass and soil health visit www.redhenturf.com.
\n\n\n\nThere are many effective organic herbicides on the market and are widely available especially at the home improvement stores and nurseries. Look for application methods that allow you to control the distribution of the herbicide so that you do not unintentionally damage or kill your desirable plants that may be near the bunch of weeds.
\n\n\n\nFor stubborn weeds use a mixture of white vinegar and orange oil as an organic herbicide. In a large bucket mix 1 gallon 10-20% white vinegar with 2 ounces of orange oil or cleanser containing d-limonene (available at garden centers and some large retailers) and 2 ounces of liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir well to combine. Then…
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"The Definitive Guide to Identifying Common Lawn Weeds","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/1789c/grass-845960_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/107df/grass-845960_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/293e9/grass-845960_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/f2cbb/grass-845960_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/1789c/grass-845960_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/356ef/grass-845960_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/1dd6e/grass-845960_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/67b76/grass-845960_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/8df11/grass-845960_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/98a65/grass-845960_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/1dd6e/grass-845960_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/93f70/grass-845960_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Definitive Guide to Identifying Common Lawn Weeds | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"2910b61f-5f6f-5c69-a8ae-9b5f66d34e45","slug":"best-grass-for-north-texas","path":"/lawn-care/north-texas-lawn-care/best-grass-for-north-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"e843f740-e1b0-58c3-87f5-e0a9b28decc6","name":"North Texas","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/north-texas-lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Texas is a sprawling place. Covering a whopping 269,000 square miles and occupying a land mass larger than 39 of the world’s countries, it’s the second largest state in the nation. Who cares? You do if you’re trying to grow a beautiful lawn, because Texas is so large that what thrives in the arid West […]
\n","content":"\nTexas is a sprawling place. Covering a whopping 269,000 square miles and occupying a land mass larger than 39 of the world’s countries, it’s the second largest state in the nation.
\n\n\n\nWho cares? You do if you’re trying to grow a beautiful lawn, because Texas is so large that what thrives in the arid West Texas city of El Paso won’t do as well in the more temperate climate of Dallas and North Texas.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to know the differences so you can make wise choices about your grass seed and grow a lawn that will be the envy of your North Texas neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTurfgrasses are classified as either cool-season or warm-season grasses, and here in Texas – pretty much everywhere in Texas – warm-season grasses should be your go-to.
\n\n\n\nHere’s the difference:
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive in the spring and late fall when soil and air temperatures are 65 to 75°F. Since they have adapted to survive below-zero climates, they aren’t as adapted to hot summers. They do well when temperatures are milder in July and August but need more water when it’s hot to stay green.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses, on the other hand, are better adapted to warm climates and the summer heat like ours. They tolerate drought better and continue to grow when temperatures soar, but they don’t grow as well in cooler temperatures.
\n\n\n\nSo now let’s look at the best warm-season varieties of grass seed for North Texas.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the fastest-growing of all the warm-season grasses, making it difficult to control, especially around flower beds or borders. But its fast growth rate means Bermudagrass stands up well to heavy foot traffic, which is why it’s a popular choice for golf courses and athletic fields. It likes direct sun and needs well-draining soil, making it ideal for this climate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is one of the more attractive grasses, with its broad, dark green blades. St. Augustinegrass tolerates cold better than Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, but it goes dormant when soil temperatures go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is tree-lined, St. Augustinegrass is a great option, as it does just fine in the shade. It tolerates drought, too. St. Augustinegrass grows fast, but that also means it requires frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nOn the downside, St. Augustinegrass doesn’t tolerate lots of wear and tear as well as some other grasses. So, if you plan to use your lawn heavily, we recommend you avoid this grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass looks beautiful, with its green, medium-coarse grass blades. It’s durable but takes time to recover from damage. Zoysiagrass has an extensive root system, making it tolerant of drought and shade.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is popular throughout Texas, but it’s on the expensive side, perhaps because it’s both hardy and requires little maintenance. It needs little fertilization and can resist diseases and insects. Zoysiagrass can take a long time to spread and form dense turf, but it grows quicker under full sun.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’d prefer not to spend time and money watering your lawn, buffalograss is a great choice. It’s naturally drought-tolerant and disease-resistant (meaning it doesn’t require extra fertilizer or pesticides). Its lower and slower growth rate also means you don’t need to water it as much as other grasses.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has a cool, green summertime color, making it a very attractive turf. It also has finer and drier leaves than other grasses, so it doesn’t clump or thatch when you mow it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nFor a low-maintenance lawn, centipedegrass is probably your best bet. Its slow, low-growth habit means you don’t need to mow or fertilize it as often as other warm-season grasses. It also tolerates diseases.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic, cold, or shade. If you have a shady area or plan on using your lawn frequently, avoid this grass.
\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
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nIf you get a lot of shade, go for St. Augustinegrass.
Bermudagrass handles foot traffic very well, making it a great option for busy yards.
Either centipedegrass or Bermudagrass is the way to go.
Centipedegrass and buffalograss handle highly acidic soils well, so either is a good choice.
When picking a grass seed from the list above, remember to also consider how much you’ll be using your lawn and how much time you want to spend maintaining it because each variety has strengths and weaknesses.
\n\n\n\nOnce you pick your grass, add some native plants to your yard. Not only are they good for the ecosystem, but they’ll look good in your yard while not needing much attention.
If you want a professional to do the work instead, contact one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll lend a helping hand.
Main Photo Credit: University of North Texas / Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass Seed for Your North Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/1789c/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/107df/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 320w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/293e9/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 500w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/f2cbb/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 800w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/1789c/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 960w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/c26c2/Lawn-in-north-texas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/1dd6e/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/67b76/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 320w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/8df11/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 500w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/98a65/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 800w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/1dd6e/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 960w,\n/static/b65eb01c9e5142387819228742683eff/3cc96/Lawn-in-north-texas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Seed for Your North Texas Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"99a8a8a1-0eee-5669-b635-4a59bfaa7e90","slug":"how-to-prevent-repair-rock-salt-damage-on-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-prevent-repair-rock-salt-damage-on-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"6fc58ffa-eaae-56a2-a670-d6f84e2bb962","name":"Cold Climate","count":4,"path":"/category/cold-climate/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 21st, 2019","excerpt":"The debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage […]
\n","content":"\nThe debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage is not apparent until spring, when snowmelt and warming temperatures reveal the dead grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NjGOu8zuJtv1iLsWaOawKFZkMeM88I6RMbT39KNWxyyP4HtkKpZ3FaM3z-QvKFOfPq_ruGVeQvxM4VYlm51XL_BWd4oUJp_7-eKeEKNVLH5FYFx7YXLEebmoYGqR3_sKplyNOfVl\")
If you live on a major roadway where crews use salt as a road de-icer, consider a little preventive and remedial lawn care to safeguard your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen rock salt is applied to icy surfaces, it melts the ice and then runs off or is sprayed by the tires of cars driving through the slush. That overspray can travel up to 150 feet, which means even if your yard isn’t directly affected, some mist may still reach your yard. Salt spray can cause injury to plant buds, leaves, and stems.
\n\n\n\nSalt draws moisture out of leaves, leaving them brown and dry. It also pulls moisture out of the soil, causes soil compaction, and exposes grass roots to chlorides. When chlorides build up to a toxic level, plants lose the ability to produce chlorophyll and eventually die.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/eMqSKQJMlPHs_fovZyFU86BptGtpjXzfRSIJMS6h5y6pAMvBZrj4YuQ9mChNNaxemCHLuKi8jEmxVrM6PsA9_4yeacUeQQgx6VnTAL1L6UlHuHOHT3ZraXxc6OK9hfElPEz_GXzZ\")
Rock salt has a corrosive effect on hard surfaces, often leaving white spots on natural stone walkways and patios. Concrete that isn’t sealed is porous and will soak up the briny water left behind from a de-icing treatment. That absorbed water will refreeze when the temperature dips below freezing, causing expansion. This process will eventually cause chipping, cracks, and flaking in concrete structures. The least expensive de-icing salts tend to be the most corrosive. Pricier de-icing agents are less harmful to grass and less corrosive to concrete and stone. Even if you use a cheaper, more corrosive de-icer, you can cut it with sand to reduce the volume of harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nSalt remains in the soil for years, and it accumulates over time until it creates an environment where grass can no longer thrive. Salt is leached out by rainfall, but it can take a while for this process to be complete. Speeding this process by irrigating deeply once the weather warms up will help. But the best solution is to avoid the accumulation of salt in the soil in the first place.
\n\n\n\nGenevieve Schmidt, owner of Genevieve Schmidt Landscape Design and Fine Maintenance in Humboldt County on California’s northern coast, recommends using calcium or magnesium acetates rather than chlorides to de-ice areas around yards and landscapes. She cautions, “When you see dieback and browning or yellowing of leaves, it’s evident there’s been salt damage. If you suspect salt has leached into your landscaping, it’s wise to rinse plants and soil with water as soon as the snow melts. Apply 2 inches of water over a two- to three-hour period, then repeat a few days later.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mzr4JokmArjex8fONGsriVGdlk7rogYtVDYn7Jn2p9p6dkkmm55B4mFZ5yBYIdX2jHnqwOIigim53_JN9OnlWXt497yNnHHE5MD4LtQ7cYwWqutEXbn5L5y8Ku7xq5axXtgrLMwm\")
There is little point in reseeding or overseeding a lawn that has a high level of salt buildup. Without flushing out the salt beforehand, the new grass will absorb the chlorides in the soil and eventually suffer the same fate as the grass you’re replacing. Once you’ve adequately flushed salt out of your lawn in the spring, take your time to reseed your lawn the right way. While salt damage in your yard is nothing to shrug off, it also isn’t the end of the world. With a little foresight and prevention, you can protect your lawn and treat the damage before it’s irreversible.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Michael Pereckas, CC by 2.0
\n","title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8311874105865522,"src":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/107df/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/293e9/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/f2cbb/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/356ef/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/67b76/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/8df11/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/98a65/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/93f70/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"2a8ecb7e-d45c-5f19-8a36-8ee726cdee9e","slug":"raleigh-nc-lawn-mowing-maintenance","path":"/lawn-care/nc/raleigh/raleigh-nc-lawn-mowing-maintenance/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"},{"id":"960004f5-f837-5b2c-8241-8a86613fdf92","name":"Raleigh","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/raleigh/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"Homeowners in the Triangle know a thing or two about landscaping. Raleigh enjoys the nickname, “City of Oaks” thanks to the majestic trees that line the city streets and parks. Those oaks provide shade for many backyards here. Both front and back lawns are common gathering areas as homeowners enjoy all that the seasons have […]
\n","content":"\nHomeowners in the Triangle know a thing or two about landscaping. Raleigh enjoys the nickname, “City of Oaks” thanks to the majestic trees that line the city streets and parks. Those oaks provide shade for many backyards here. Both front and back lawns are common gathering areas as homeowners enjoy all that the seasons have to offer.
\n\n\n\nKnowing how to care for your grass is paramount to creating a lush, green lawn to enjoy year-round. Proper lawn mowing and maintenance in Raleigh is half the battle. Check out these tips on mowing and maintaining your lawn in the Triangle.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sOAfnI1RjUlg7c1aJnTf7YmO_ElxF-TBHvYFuMezA1JDey_zc4n5hxjd-Xl9hPQ2D2rRXlCLmNN97fKuNVfrbGzOuVau5ji96uLxA_1kjqdExRr5QeD2KmEx1lvtqCguyuQlLbt4\")
Most lawns in the city consist of fescue, which is a cool-season grass that grows well. Every grass type has a different recommended height, so it’s important to identify the type of grass growing in your yard. Mow fescue to a height between 3.5-4 inches tall for best results. Other grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, do best when kept between 2.5-3 inches. Check out the characteristics of your grass and compare it to other lawns in the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s convenient to mow the grass on a regular basis, there could be factors that play into the best time to mow. Rainy periods can cause the grass to grow quickly while periods of drought can stifle grass growth. You should mow once every 10-14 days on average. Pay attention to the yard and only mow it when it grows beyond the recommended height for your grass type.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8qHmWbMNNIdtozJ_G4loTdZcUTAPv4idPTXzeTzkGnzeeCyA4Hf9kMhhrqK7MM46pidsJWAOeKcBCwSy1Yq4Kab-GCojsy-aT5Q9s7waFMwaQjgGFyoFAXhTHid7mEisHfFDv088\")
Forget about bagging those clippings during a mow. Sure, it may look neater at first, but it could hurt your lawn. Allowing clippings to lie where they fall helps boost the nitrogen levels in the soil, which creates a healthier lawn. You may want to blow clippings off the sidewalk and pathways to keep neighbors happy.
\n\n\n\nIt’s common to see sprinkler systems giving area lawns a drink every day, but it’s actually bad for the yard. Grass responds better to longer weekly soakings than smaller daily drinks. One long soak during the week encourages grass roots to grow down into the soil, creating a strong, healthier lawn. Grass that has a stronger root system can stand up better to foot traffic, disease, and drought.
\n\n\n\nLawns need energy at different times of the year. Many Raleigh lawns can use a boost of energy at both the beginning and end of the growing season. If your yard is having trouble, consider adding another fertilizer treatment to help bring it back up to speed. Quick release fertilizers are great for a boost of energy and color. Slow release fertilizers will help give your grass a prolonged amount of energy through the summer.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/7jvO3EWuoggdzAwntZevyO_YAxYIi6UB3iz2c6lYI_MoU27y33LG5wVkXHSe_oQP1XhJzb7TGj9dQbG0fIYrHcjM52GqOLkM3N_f9ubZAVtTicxCmGS-qIAs61BS7ERJOM9cg9xS\")
Weeds are a common enemy for anyone trying to grow a verdant lawn. They compete with the grass for space and nutrients. A healthy lawn is your best defense against the invaders since the weeds will have little room to sprout. Many early season fertilizers also contain weed treatments. If you do find stubborn weeds, treat them with a pre-emergent or pull them out by the roots right away, before they have a chance to sprout new seeds.
\n\n\n\nFollow these tips to keep your Raleigh lawn looking great this year. Keeping these things in mind will help you create a beautiful yard that showcases your home.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more information about taking care of lawns and landscape in Raleigh? Go to our Raleigh, NC lawn care page.
Starting a lawn from seed can be a daunting task, but one that is well worth it. Once you establish a new lawn — or fill in bare spots — the lush, green grass is a reward in and of itself. Here is how to grow grass. When To Seed The “when” of how to […]
\n","content":"\nStarting a lawn from seed can be a daunting task, but one that is well worth it. Once you establish a new lawn — or fill in bare spots — the lush, green grass is a reward in and of itself. Here is how to grow grass.
\n\n\n\nPlanting grass seed is not as simple as it sounds. Before you start seeding, get the yard ready.
\n\n\n\nThe “when” of how to grow grass depends on what type of grass you’re planting. The time of year makes a difference in how well your new lawn will establish itself. If you’re planting in a warmer climate, like the southern part of the United States, warm-season grasses like Zoysia and Bermudagrass will work best in your yard. Plant those warm-season grasses in the late spring — late May through early June. As the name suggests, this grass type thrives in warmer temperatures better than the cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses tolerate deep freezes better. That’s not to say they will stay green through the winter, but the cold won’t kill the roots. Examples of cool-season grasses include Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. It’s best to plant this grass type in the early fall.
\n\n\n\nThe crucial part of planting grass seed is water. New grass needs lots of water, especially if you live in a drier climate, or it hasn’t rained. “As the seed germinates and seedlings begin to grow, it’s essential the new seedlings are not allowed to dry out. Continue to water the seedlings two to four times a day if the weather conditions are dry,” advises Clark Throssell, a turfgrass specialist at Purdue University. Once you get the grass seed growing, you want your new grass to grow into a healthy lawn. You may need to set your automatic sprinkler if it has a timer. If not, be sure to get outside to check on your new grass every day until its established. These rules also apply if you’re overseeding an existing lawn and trying to fill in bare spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/rsz_lawn-mowing-catcher.jpg\")
You can start mowing and regular lawn maintenance once the new grass gets a couple of inches high. Try to keep the soil moist and foot traffic to a minimum until your lawn has reached that stage and matured a bit.
\n\n\n\nThe exact mowing height depends on what kind of grass you have:
\n\n\n\nDon’t rush to put down weed killer right away, even if you see weeds popping up. New grass is delicate, and herbicides can do damage to even the best grass when it’s starting to germinate. Only consider putting down weed killers — whether pre-emergent or post-emergent — after you have mowed the new lawn several times. Weed control comes only after you have established your healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nGrowing grass takes time and patience — thus the cliche, “watching the grass grow.” If you’re in a hurry to establish a lawn and don’t have time to plant grass seed, consider laying down sod. This will be a little more expensive, especially if you have large areas to cover, but it won’t take nearly as long.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not a quick process, and in order to have a healthy green lawn, you will need to make the right preparations. But if you follow the recommendations that best suit your climate and your yard, you will be rewarded by the thick, beautiful lawn you want.
\n","title":"How to Grow Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7799752781211373,"src":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1789c/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/107df/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/293e9/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/f2cbb/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1789c/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/88d35/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1dd6e/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/67b76/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/8df11/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/98a65/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1dd6e/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/d6099/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Grow Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c4ae7810-cdc6-5cfd-825c-c620f10f37de","slug":"best-native-plants-novi","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/novi/best-native-plants-novi/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"},{"id":"65c71077-8e3e-53cf-bfe2-68e1c598a700","name":"Novi","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/novi/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"A nice lawn is visually pleasing, but great landscaping that features attractive plants, trees and shrubs really takes your yard to the next level. And the best way to ensure they thrive in a climate as diverse as Novi’s is to use native plants that are adapted to the region. There are several key benefits […]
\n","content":"\nA nice lawn is visually pleasing, but great landscaping that features attractive plants, trees and shrubs really takes your yard to the next level. And the best way to ensure they thrive in a climate as diverse as Novi’s is to use native plants that are adapted to the region.
\n\n\n\nThere are several key benefits to using native plants:
\n\n\n\nInterested? Here are some of the best native plants for your Novi, Michigan garden.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
New England asters grow large, purple (or pink-purple) flowers with yellow centers, making them ideal for when you want your garden to have a splash of color. They bloom in late summer to early fall, and their flowers attract butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis plant grows easily from seed and is moderately deer-resistant. Pinching back the stems several times helps control the height of New England asters and promotes bushiness. This eliminates the need to stake them.
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, well-draining
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Nodding-Wild-Onion.jpg\")
The nodding wild onion isn’t a plant you can use for cooking. Instead, it’s a bulb that grows 1-2 feet tall with long grass-like foliage. Pink flowers grow from clusters between June and August, attracting pollinators. The easiest way to propagate them is to divide the bulb offsets (which allows the plant to spread).
\n\n\n\nNodding wild onion grows in well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. You can recognize it by its scrapes hooking downward below the flower to make it seem like it’s nodding (hence the name).
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect, arching
\n\n\n\nMature size: Six inches to 2 feet tall and 4 inches to 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, bulb
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, dry to medium, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nSunlight: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Butterfly weeds are colorful and, as the name implies, attract butterflies like a moth to a flame. It’s a durable plant that tolerates deer, drought, and dry soil. It blooms from May to August and displays from August to September.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it may be toxic, so don’t eat it. Nevertheless, if your garden needs a splash of color, butterfly weed is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, dry to medium, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Swamps might evoke images of vines, decay, and stagnant water, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at this beautiful plant that grows there. Swamp milkweeds have small pink to mauve (or uncommonly white) flowers growing in clusters at the stem ends.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweeds grow in medium to wet soils but surprisingly tolerate average well-drained soils. Butterflies are attracted to them for their nectar.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Clumping, erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, medium to wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blackhaw-Virburnum.jpg\")
This shrub or small tree is a high-value plant for wildlife. White flowers bloom in spring, and showy red flowers bloom in fall. Its berries mature to purple-black and are edible to both humans and birds. You can use its berries in jams and preserves.
\n\n\n\nBlackhaw thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought. It has no serious insect or disease problems and even does well in air pollution.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect, irregular, multi-stemmed, rounded
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12 to 20 feet tall and 6 to15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, dry to medium
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Suppose you want to add a bit of sunshine to your garden. Consider planting black-eyed Susans. Their large yellow flowers attract butterflies, songbirds, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susans tolerate heat, drought, and most soils (the exception being poorly-drained wet ones). They freely self-seed and usually remain in the garden during that time.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Erect
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is quite beautiful: a gorgeous spring bloom, bright red berries (which birds and mammals can eat, but not humans), an alligator-esque bark, and leaves that turn a brilliant red in the fall. It prefers two to four inches of mulch, which keeps its roots cool and moist in the summer. It also prefers moist, organically rich, acidic soils.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the flowering dogwood is especially vulnerable to diseases, particularly anthracnose, so planting it where anthracnose infestations are present isn’t recommended.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ascending, pyramidal, rounded, spreading
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall, and 15 to 30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Good Fall
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, organically rich, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing native species for your landscape, consider the amount of available sunlight, the type of soil (and how well it drains), as well as whether you have standing water.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding your location’s hardiness zone also helps determine what to plant. Novi’s hardiness zone is 6a, meaning its coldest annual temperature ranges from -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Your plants should be able to handle extreme cold.
\n\n\n\nYou can usually find native plants in garden centers, so check with them. Additionally, understand where these plants come from before buying them. If they come from the wild, they can devastate the local plant populations. (Propagated plants are also healthier than wild ones.)
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve picked and planted your natives, your next step is the lawn. To ensure the healthiest lawn possible, pick from one of our best grass types for Novi. Then, contact one of WikiLawn’s lawn and landscaping pros, and we’ll do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pxfuel
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\n","content":"\nVirginia boasts several native species of milkweed, a humble herbaceous wildflower that attracts pollinators and acts as a vital food source for native pollinators and beloved endangered species, like bees and monarch butterflies. It’s a great idea to plant milkweed for any garden in the Old Dominion – but how can you choose which milkweed to plant in your yard?
\n\n\n\n
Some milkweed varieties may not be available at your local garden center, while others just aren’t suited to Virginia’s tricky transition zone climate. Check out these eight milkweed species native to Virginia to make the perfect choice for your lawn.
In this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed is a classic choice for the garden with native regions across North America, including the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. This versatility makes it a great option for Virginia’s hot summers and cold winters. It’s the favorite host plant of the monarch butterfly, and produces pinkish-white flowers with an attractive vanilla scent.
\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed spreads rapidly through rhizomes, so make sure you’re ready for it to make itself at home in your garden. It can grow to about 5 feet tall, and in addition to monarchs it’ll attract bumblebees and other insects to its nectar-laden flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Jun-Aug
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, clay, well-drained loamy, and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is a common milkweed native to Virginia, where it thrives in wet soils such as the Washington, D.C. area and the Great Dismal Swamp. It’s moderately tolerant of salt spray, and produces clusters of dusty pink flowers that bloom from late summer to mid-fall, providing visual interest and an important source of food and shelter. Unlike other milkweeds, it can tolerate partially shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is another preferred choice for monarch butterflies, and it may also attract aphids. It thrives when planted near riverbanks, ponds, and streams in the home landscape. Swamp milkweed is a great option for a rain garden, or a wet yard with the red clay soil common in Virginia’s Piedmont region.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2 to 6
\n\n\n\nMature size: approx. 5 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Jun-Oct
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, wet, mucky clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrue to its name, butterfly weed is a major attraction for many different butterfly species, including monarchs, gray hairstreaks, and queen butterflies. The bright orange blooms of this compact milkweed make a lovely addition to Virginia lawns, and it’s commonly grown from seed for home use. Unlike other milkweeds, butterfly weed doesn’t produce the trademark milky sap.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is also known as pleurisy root for its historic medicinal uses, though be cautious, as it’s toxic if ingested in large quantities. Native from New England to Florida and westward to Arizona, it’s an exceedingly drought-tolerant milkweed choice, and will also attract hummingbirds, though you may face problems with aphids.
\n\n\n\n
Growth habit: Herb
USDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, well-drained sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"Poke](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Poke-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPoke milkweed, also known as tall milkweed, is a widely-distributed milkweed native to Virginia. Poke milkweed is naturally found on the edges of forests, where it thrives in rich organic soils. It’s been known to hybridize with common milkweed when the two are in proximity, as these plants closely resemble each other.
\n\n\n\n
Poke milkweed can grow up to six feet in height, and like swamp milkweed it will also tolerate shade and damp conditions, though it doesn’t require its soil to be waterlogged. When in bloom, poke milkweed has a striking cinnamon-vanilla fragrance.
Growth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 6 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich organic content and moderate moisture
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"Whorled](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Whorled-Milkweed-Asclepias-verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhorled milkweed is slightly rarer than other types of Virginia milkweed, but it still makes for a great native milkweed garden addition. Its name comes from the “whorled” or spiraling nature of its leaves, and it’s also known as horsetail milkweed for its distinctive flower stalks. Whorled milkweed is naturally found in woodland habitats, and it can tolerate drought, partial shade, and rocky or clay soils.
\n\n\n\nWhorled milkweed is one of the more toxic milkweed varieties to humans and animals, and it should not be ingested if grown in the garden. It creates greenish-white flowers and is of particular value to monarch butterflies and honey bee species.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Green-Comet-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith its thick vertical stem and yellow-green and pink blooms, green comet milkweed provides a unique appearance and a pollinator habitat in the garden. It’s particularly valuable to native bee species, as well as monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars feed on the leaves.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant milkweed is very adaptable to different soil and light conditions, and will produce longer, thinner leaves in dry weather and rounder ones in moist climates.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Beetle](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Redring-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Leon Young / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite milkweed is a rarer find in Virginia, but it’s still a native plant that makes a great addition to any butterfly garden or pollinator garden. Also known as redwing milkweed or redring milkweed, this is another native to woodland habitats, and it’s highly resistant to damage from grazing deer.
\n\n\n\nWhite milkweed produces white, popcorn-like flowers with purple centers. It looks particularly breathtaking when planted in clumps or masses, which will show off its appearance and maximize pollinator benefit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 4 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy to rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-milkweed-Asclepias-purpurascens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple milkweed has very distinctive pinkish-purple flowers, which are excellent at attracting long-tongued bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s naturally found in several different habitats, including shrub thickets, shorelines, and woodlands, making it an adaptable and attractive garden addition.
\n\n\n\nPurple milkweed prefers a higher nutrient content than some other milkweed types in its soil. While it’s widely distributed across the US, its population is in decline in some areas, so planting is a good opportunity to aid in conservation efforts!
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy soils, high nutrient content
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\nWith all the options available for native Virginia milkweeds, it can seem difficult to select the perfect fit for your lawn. To make sure you’re making the right choice, consider the climate around your Virginia home. Are you looking for a salt-tolerant milkweed that will bask in the beachy conditions of the Tidewater, or one that thrives in the loamy soils of the Blue Ridge Mountains?
\n\n\n\nThese factors can help you pick the perfect milkweed plants for you:
\n\n\n\nPlant milkweed seeds in your garden in the fall in Virginia, as they have adapted to overwinter and thrive in cool temperatures.
\n\n\n\nYes! Milkweed is hardy enough to take root if it’s simply scattered around your yard – that’s how it spreads naturally. But, if you have a specific planting scheme in mind or want better odds of germination, prep your soil first and press each seed into the ground by walking over them or using your hands – no need to bury them.
\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed behaves aggressively in the lawn and can take over a planting scheme. For a less boisterous alternative, try butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, or purple milkweed.
\n\n\n\nVirginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nBecause milkweed is so beneficial to pollinators, there are plenty of ways to find it. Native plant nurseries are likely to sell milkweed varieties, so check out this list of native plant nurseries in Virginia compiled by the Virginia Native Plants Society for options near you.
\n\n\n\n
Prefer to buy your plants online? The Virginia page on the blog Grow Milkweed Plants has online purchase options specifically for Virginia natives.
The great thing about native plants is they’re typically low-maintenance. You can further minimize your outdoor chores by hiring a lawn care pro near you to handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. Connect with trusted pros in Richmond, Alexandria, Falls Church, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: USFWSmidwest / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n","title":"8 Milkweeds Native to Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5286624203821657,"src":"/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/1789c/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/107df/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 320w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/293e9/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 500w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/f2cbb/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 800w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/1789c/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 960w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/c26c2/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/1dd6e/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/67b76/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 320w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/8df11/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 500w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/98a65/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 800w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/1dd6e/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 960w,\n/static/5838a836a04e8a9177bfc4730910bd04/3cc96/Monarch-Butterfly-on-Swamp-Milkweed.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Milkweeds Native to Virginia","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Virginia boasts several native milkweed species. Check out these 8 milkweeds native to Virginia to help you pick the right one for your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"3ebd0074-0403-5c7a-b6e2-447d002198f4","slug":"best-native-plants-cleveland","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cleveland/best-native-plants-cleveland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7ba0d0fa-46fc-5a18-a83f-513673ed896c","name":"Cleveland","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cleveland/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"April 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Cleveland is called the Forest City for a reason. It’s home to many gardens, including the world-famous Cleveland Cultural Gardens. You can have a fantastic garden, too, especially if you choose easy-to-maintain native plants that thrive in Ohio’s diverse climate. Here is a look at 10 of the best native plants for Cleveland. In this […]
\n","content":"\nCleveland is called the Forest City for a reason. It’s home to many gardens, including the world-famous Cleveland Cultural Gardens. You can have a fantastic garden, too, especially if you choose easy-to-maintain native plants that thrive in Ohio’s diverse climate.
\n\n\n\nHere is a look at 10 of the best native plants for Cleveland.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants, as the name suggests, belong to a local region. They are well-adapted to a region’s climate and soil conditions as they have been growing there for several years.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why native plants are better than non-natives.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/image-263.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBee balm looks beautiful with its bright scarlet flowers. The foliage has a minty fragrance as they are part of the mint family. Bee balm performs best in full sun and moist soil.
\n\n\n\nBee balm blooms throughout the summer, and the flowers attract bees and butterflies. Songbirds like to snack on their seed heads during fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Geranium-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild geranium features palmate-shaped leaves with five petals. The flowers come in pink or lavender colors. Wild geraniums are beautiful and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWild geraniums bloom for a lengthy period, from late spring to early summer. They prefer moist soil and grow well in full or partial sun.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs high watering during the growth period. Once matured, it requires watering only in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to children. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Field](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan blooms throughout the summer, adorning your lawn with bright-yellow flowers with dark brown beads in the center. They are fast-growing climbers that attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan requires low maintenance and grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. You can remove the dead heads of the faded flowers to keep black-eyed Susan in bloom for much longer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, high drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/image-76.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: rockerBOO / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCardinal flowers look attractive with their two-lipped bright red tubular flowers. They bloom during hot summers when most plants are done blooming. Cardinal flowers require low maintenance and can tolerate partial shade but not drought.
\n\n\n\nCardinal flowers depend on hummingbirds for fertilization as other insects can’t make their way in to reach the nectar because of the flower’s shape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist,well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed features clusters of bright orange flowers that attract bees, hummingbirds, and especially monarch butterflies. They require little maintenance and can tolerate drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed blooms from late spring and stays the same throughout the summer. During fall, the leaves of butterfly weed turns dull yellow, and the flowers burst open to reveal their fluffy white seeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, high drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/White-Wood-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mets501 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWhite wood aster looks beautiful and blends well with other plants on your lawn. They bloom in late summer, producing small white flowers with yellow centers that gradually turn red. Butterflies love white wood asters.
\n\n\n\nWhite wood aster tolerates drought and can grow in rocky soil. These plants only require three hours of partial sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun. Can tolerate full shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil. Can survive in rocky soil.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, high drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nPerennial coneflower looks distinctive with reddish-purple petals. It blooms from early summer through early fall. Perennial coneflower attracts birds and butterflies when in full bloom.
\n\n\n\nThis plant grows in rocky soils, making it a great option for low-maintenance lawns. It tolerates drought but doesn’t tolerate shade very well.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and about 1.5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil. Can survive in rocky soil.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Obedient-Plant.jpg\")
Photo Credit: F. D. Richards / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe obedient plant, also known as false dragonhead, blooms from late summer to fall. The flowers appear in light shades of pink and white. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when in full bloom.
\n\n\n\nObedient plant is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. Wondering how obedient plant got its name? These plants hold their position when bent.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wood-Poppy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nWood poppies look attractive with their bright yellow flowers. They can grow under full shade, making them a great option for shady lawns. They can resist diseases and perform best in well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nWood poppies bloom from spring to early summer. Remove the dead heads of the old flowers to make the plant bloom much longer.
\n\n\n\nIf you like chipmunks, wood poppies are a must-have on your lawn. These cute creatures love the seeds produced by this plant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to a foot tall and a foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Bluish green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Savanna-Blazing-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rawpixel
\n\n\n\nSavanna blazing star is rare to spot in Cleveland, but it’s native to Ohio and can adapt to the climate of the Forest City. It looks appealing with its bright pink shaggy flower heads. Savanna blazing star grows best in full sun and can tolerate drought and rocky soil.
\n\n\n\nSavanna blazing star blooms from late summer to mid-fall and lasts about 1.5 months. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds when in full bloom.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nCleveland’s hardiness zone is 6, meaning the winters are cold and summers are warm. The plants listed here are native to Cleveland and survive nicely in the area’s climate. Select a plant that best suits your lawn’s conditions and satisfies your requirements.
\n\n\n\nIf you have children and pets playing on your lawn, we suggest you choose non-toxic plants. Make sure to consider a plant’s growing size when you purchase it. Some plants grow too big, which may not suit your yard.
\n\n\n\nHere are Cleveland nurseries that sell native plants.
\n\n\n\nSometimes, native plants may be already growing on your lawn. So, don’t forget to look around your yard for these plants.
\n\n\n\nNative plants can increase the appeal of your yard. But your lawn won’t be complete without planting the best grass types in Cleveland. A lush, green, and healthy lawn is a combination of everything, including proper maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you want someone to help you to maintain your lawn, consider hiring Wikilawn Cleveland lawn care experts.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Cleveland, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/1789c/Native-plants-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/107df/Native-plants-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/293e9/Native-plants-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/f2cbb/Native-plants-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/1789c/Native-plants-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/c26c2/Native-plants-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/1dd6e/Native-plants-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/67b76/Native-plants-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/8df11/Native-plants-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/98a65/Native-plants-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/1dd6e/Native-plants-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4b65b5c09faaee1d704dc648ce390c0f/3cc96/Native-plants-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Cleveland, OH | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Turn your ordinary yard into a heavenly paradise by installing native plants that look great and thrive in Cleveland's diverse climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"d8e00237-3b05-52bd-a483-4882bf0fe488","slug":"native-plants-for-cincinnati","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/native-plants-for-cincinnati/","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":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"These plants have adapted to the Cincinnati climate and soil conditions, so they need less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.
\n","content":"\nAfter a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, you may feel inspired to transform your landscape into a native plant garden. With potentially hundreds of trees, shrubs, and flowers to choose from, the long list can be quite overwhelming. It might surprise you that not all Ohio-native plants can thrive in your area. To save you from hours of research, this article will cover some of the best native plants for Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\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\n\n\n\n\nThe blue false indigo is a valuable addition to your Cincinnati garden. It is great for a specimen plant or in small groups, with bloom colors ranging from purple to blue. Blue false indigo bears spikes of pea-shaped indigo blue flowers that last for approximately 3 weeks. This plant is of great value to bumblebees, so they offer more than just aesthetics.
\n\n\n\nOn an important note, several parts of this plant may be toxic if ingested. Children may be most vulnerable to this plant’s toxicity, so make sure your little ones don’t get too curious when playing outdoors.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is one of the easiest and fastest milkweeds to grow in Cincinnati. Common milkweed is a great choice for flower gardens, or to create a natural setting on your property. This native plant produces clusters of starry, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom during the summer.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, common milkweed gives way to prominent seed pods in the fall. If you enjoy dried flower arrangements, these pods can be a great addition! Common milkweed is also vital to the survival of monarch butterflies. Add this native plant to your backyard to help boost the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that eating milkweed is not recommended. Boiling the sap may still not be enough to eliminate this plant’s toxicity.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Rhizomatous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweetly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Thistle-Cirsium-muticum-Cape-St.-Marys-Ecological-Reserve-Newfoundland-2019-08-10.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe swamp thistle is highly valued as a nectar plant. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This biennial plant produces deeply lobed leaves in the first year and flowers in the second year.
\n\n\n\nThe flowers produced by this plant give way to small seeds with white hair tufts. Songbirds will generally eat the seeds and use the hair tufts to build their nests. Given its biennial nature, the swamp thistle will die after flowering.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tall biennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Mature](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mature-Hackberry-Celtis-occidentalis-Chicago-IL.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Adam Shaw / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis native plant is a medium to large deciduous tree, with glossy to dull green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The common hackberry produces greenish male and female flowers in the spring. They provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The female flowers are followed by a heavy crop of edible berries that many birds relish.
\n\n\n\nOverall, the common hackberry is a tough shade tree that can be used as a lawn tree.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, clay, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a popular, showy plant that can be used as a large shrub or a small deciduous tree. Many gardeners or landscapers throughout the Midwest regard this plant as one of the best small flowering trees, with no routine pruning required. Overall, it can serve as a specimen plant near patios and lawns, or in shrub borders.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood blossoms give way to rounded orange-red fruits from early summer. This plant attracts birds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrubs, trees
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet honeysuckle
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Aesculus-flava-Yellow-Buckeye.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYellow buckeye is a deciduous tree that must be planted in rich, moist, well-drained soil. If your property has a large lawn, then this plant works great as a shade tree. The foliage turns brilliant yellow to pumpkin-orange in the fall, giving your backyard a picturesque feel.
\n\n\n\nThe flowers give way to smooth, pear-shaped capsules that contain one or two buckeyes, justifying this plant’s common name. What separates this tree from the Ohio buckeye (aesculus glabra) is the small teeth along the margin of the leaflet.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that all parts are mildly poisonous if ingested, but can be severely toxic to horses, dogs, and cats.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cat, and horses; all parts are mildly poisonous by ingestion
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed oak is a fast-growing deciduous tree, a common symbol of strength and endurance in North America. It is a popular shade and street tree that can be easily spotted in Cincinnati, but can also serve as a great specimen tree for large landscapes.
\n\n\n\nRed oak has a beautiful spring foliage of broad, dark green leaves that turn bright red in the fall. Once the first crop of acorns are produced, they become a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds. A moist but well-drained soil is required to ensure these native trees grow properly.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves and acorns may be toxic to some animals; non-toxic to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild hydrangea is a small, multi-stemmed shrub with greenish-white flowers as its main landscape feature. It is a great plant for shrub borders, or as a flowering hedge. Once the fall season kicks in, this plant’s foliage will turn yellow.
\n\n\n\nPruning wild hydrangea, sometimes even to the ground, is highly recommended to encourage the growth of large flowerheads. This process should take place during late winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: rich, well-drained, moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild fruity
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe name of this plant is derived from the dark brown center of its daisy-like flower head. Black-eyed susan does very well in landscapes, butterfly gardens, or containers. Additionally, they can serve as great cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis plant’s flowers bloom regularly when exposed to full sunshine. Black-eyed susan attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators due to the nectar found in its flowers. Once established, this plant will tolerate droughts.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, biennial, perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nCincinnati lies in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6, a vital factor to consider before planting new shrubs, flowers, or trees. This will also help gardeners and landscapers to distinguish between non-native and Ohio native plants. However, your backyard or garden is not the same as everyone else’s in Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting new native plants for your garden, you should consider the type of soil, level of sun exposure, and the watering capabilities of your landscape. For example, placing a native plant under the shade when it requires full sun will not allow it to thrive and grow properly.
\n\n\n\nThe pawpaw is the native fruit of Ohio. Cincinnatians will know that this fruit can be found or eaten mid-to-late September. As for the name, it is derived from the fruit’s black seeds that resemble an animal’s paw.
The problem with invasive species is that they compete for space with native plants. Garlic mustard is among the worst invasive plants you may encounter in Ohio. To make matters worse, the flowers of this plant will emit a strong odor of garlic when crushed.
To get rid of the garlic mustard plant, you can simply pull them out by hand or spray them with glyphosate.
In January of 2023, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources made it illegal to plant, sell, or grow Callery pear trees in the entire state due to their invasiveness. Additionally, this tree is likely to cause harm to the local economy and ecosystem. For all these reasons, the Callery pear tree was added to the list of invasive plants no longer allowed to thrive in Ohio.
To learn more about other invasive plant species, visit the official webpage of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Native plants are essential to preserve the local ecosystem. It’s not just about how good they look in your yard, but how they serve as a valuable source of food or nectar to many animals in the area.
Here are some reasons to grow Cincinnati native plants:
• Save water
• No fertilizers or pesticides needed
• Rarely invasive
• Preserve biodiversity
• Require less maintenance
• Save you money
Homeowners in Cincinnati may find native plants naturally growing around their property, or visit local garden centers to select from a wide variety of native plants.
\n\n\n\nHere are some garden centers located in and around the Greater Cincinnati area:
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer hiring a professional to maintain your lawn and garden, connect with a local lawn care professional who can take the job off your hands.
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