![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the Palmetto State is blessed with a moderate climate, abundant rainfall, and picturesque scenery. These factors make it an ideal location for growing a beautiful lawn. But with numerous options available, choosing the right grass type for your yard can take time and effort. Take […]
\n","content":"\nNestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the Palmetto State is blessed with a moderate climate, abundant rainfall, and picturesque scenery. These factors make it an ideal location for growing a beautiful lawn. But with numerous options available, choosing the right grass type for your yard can take time and effort.
\n\n\n\nTake a closer look at the 6 best grass types for South Carolina, from the drought-tolerant bermudagrass to the shade-loving Zoysiagrass. You’ll learn about crucial factors like water requirements, disease resistance, and ease of maintenance. With this information, you’ll be well on your way to a lush, green yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season and cool-season grasses have distinct differences that are crucial to understanding their growing patterns. While warm-season grasses grow rapidly and are drought-resistant, cool-season grasses have a resilient and thick growth pattern.
\n\n\n\nHowever, these differences barely scratch the surface of their contrasting characteristics. The following additional details can help you distinguish between warm-season and cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re looking for a warm-season or cool-season grass, here are the top picks that are perfectly suited to South Carolina’s humid subtropical climate and soil conditions:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA warm-season turfgrass that’s well-adapted to the hot and humid climate of South Carolina, bermudagrass boasts fast growth, which means it can quickly establish a thick and healthy turf. This grass variety is known for being drought-tolerant and able to withstand heavy foot traffic, which is why it’s a popular choice for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses in the area.
\n\n\n\nSeveral types of bermudagrass are available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, common bermudagrass is coarser and requires less maintenance. On the other hand, hybrid cultivars have a fine texture and refined appearance but require greater care to maintain.
\n\n\n\nProper care and attention are crucial to maintaining a healthy and beautiful bermudagrass lawn. Regular mowing and watering are necessary, and the grass also requires fertilization and aeration to keep it in top shape. In addition, the soil type and pH can affect the grass’s health and appearance, so homeowners should consider these factors when selecting a bermudagrass variety.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – some cultivars need more exposure to direct sunlight than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – may become dormant in extended periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – requires frequent mowing, fertilization, and watering to maintain its health and appearance
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches – increase the mowing height during bouts of extreme heat or drought
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be prone to leaf spot, spring dead spot, brown patch, and dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – mostly prone to armyworms, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, and white grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass species is notable for its extraordinary potential for quick growth, making it a favored alternative for homeowners seeking fast recovery from damage. However, this aggressive growth can have negative implications because it can cause the grass to invade and overrun other carefully manicured areas or nearby flower beds.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carpetgrass-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDespite its similar appearance to crabgrass, carpetgrass has distinct qualities that make it a favored choice for homeowners in the southern parts of the state who are dealing with problematic lawn conditions. Specifically, it has the ability to thrive in areas that are prone to drought and lack nutrients, which makes it an attractive option when other types of grass may struggle to survive.
\n\n\n\nIn addition, carpetgrass also can grow and flourish in areas with limited sunlight, such as those surrounded by trees or other structures that block out the sun. This characteristic sets it apart from other grasses that may not be able to adapt to such conditions.
\n\n\n\nAlso referred to as Louisianagrass, this type of grass is able to withstand flooding and other water-related challenges. It can tolerate standing water for prolonged periods, which makes it an excellent option for properties that are susceptible to hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and flooding or that have poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nAnother benefit of carpetgrass is that it can grow without the need for additional fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. While some homeowners may choose to apply nitrogen to encourage growth, it is not necessary for the grass to thrive.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – although St. Augustinegrass is more shade-tolerant
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – it needs weekly mowing to control its tall seed heads
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low resistance – can be susceptible to large patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – mostly prone to white grubs and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Sandy, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Late spring to early summer is the optimal time to reseed carpetgrass, as the warm soil temperature will promote seed germination.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in lawns across the southern U.S., centipedegrass is known for its dense, low-growing, and carpet-like appearance. Unlike other turfgrasses, this warm-season grass requires minimal mowing, fertilizer, and water, making it a great option for low-maintenance grass. In fact, it’s known as the “lazy man’s grass.”
\n\n\n\nWith a preference for partial shade and well-drained soils, centipedegrass is perfect for those who want a lawn that doesn’t need regular upkeep. Although it may not have the same deep green color as other types of grass, centipedegrass produces beautiful seed heads that become brown as they mature.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – grows best in areas with the most sun exposure but can survive even with six hours of direct sunlight per day
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate – may become dormant during long periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low – thrives even with minimal fertilization, mowing, and watering
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches – for shaded areas, raise the mower height by half an inch
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be prone to iron chlorosis and centipedegrass decline
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – mostly prone to ground pearl insects, nematodes, spittlebugs, sod webworms, and mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, and well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass variety is ideal for homes in central South Carolina and most of the state.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palmetto-St.-Augustine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Charleston grass, St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for lawns in coastal homes due to its ability to thrive in both sandy and clay soils. This makes it ideal for many areas along the Carolina coast. It can withstand the heat and salt that is common in these beachfront properties while also preferring warm winters and moist soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nWith its flat stems and broad leaves, St. Augustinegrass creates a lush and dense turf, resulting in a beautiful blue-green lawn. Its thick growth also makes it effective at crowding out most weeds. However, this grass variety is susceptible to fungal diseases and pests like chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – some cultivars are more shade-tolerant
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow tall in shade, standard cultivars 3-4 inches, and dwarf cultivars 2.5-3 inches)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – mostly prone to gray leaf spot, take-all root rot, and large patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – common pests include mole crickets, grubs, cutworms, chinch bugs, armyworms, webworms, and grass loopers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers moist (not muddy) and moderately fertile soil but can grow in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: St. Augustinegrass is native to coastal regions and thrives in moist soils and temperate winters. But with the right growing conditions, it also can grow successfully in inland regions. Note, though, that compacted, clay soils would not be suitable for this grass variety.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/solar-panels-working-2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Billy Lau / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWith its striking, dark green color and coarse, textured appearance, this cool-season grass is ideal for lawns in the northwestern parts of the state, like Greenville. It can withstand a wide range of growing conditions, including shade, heat, and drought.
\n\n\n\nOne of the benefits of tall fescue is its ability to maintain a deep root system, which allows it to maintain its green appearance. Although it requires moderate maintenance, including regular watering, fertilization, and mowing, this grass variety is known for its resilience, making it an excellent option for lawns that experience heavy foot traffic or environmental stressors.
\n\n\n\nWhile it may not have the same fine-textured appearance as other grass types, tall fescue’s hardiness makes it a favorite among homeowners who prioritize lawn health and longevity over aesthetics.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – can be prone to leaf spot, seedling disease, and brown patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to moderate resistance – can be susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For optimal results, apply fertilizer once during the months of September and November. Also, plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years if you wish to maintain a lush lawn and tackle any sparse or thinning spots.
\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\nAnother popular choice for lawns in South Carolina, Zoysiagrass grows well in hot and dry conditions – making it well-suited for the region’s climate. This warm-season turfgrass boasts a light green color and fine texture, creating a dense, carpet-like appearance. And because of its low to moderate maintenance needs, it’s a fantastic choice for homeowners who want a beautiful lawn without a lot of work.
\n\n\n\nOne of the standout features of Zoysiagrass is its ability to spread rapidly, thanks to its rhizomes and stolons. This allows it to quickly establish a thick and resilient turf that can withstand heavy foot traffic and pet use. Also, remember that although it can tolerate some shade, it prefers direct sunlight.
\n\n\n\nWhile Zoysiagrass requires less maintenance than some other grass varieties, it still needs proper care and attention to remain healthy and beautiful. This includes infrequent watering, fertilization, and mowing at the appropriate height.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – it needs ample sun exposure
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – although it needs supplemental watering during dry periods
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – common diseases include large patch, fairy rings, leaf spot, dollar spot, curvularia, brown patch, root decline, powdery mildew, pythium blight, rust, and spring dead spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – can be prone to chinch bugs, nematodes, armyworms, hunting billbugs, grubs, sod webworms, and mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass variety is the top choice for homeowners who often organize backyard barbeques since it can withstand heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nLawns that experience heavy foot traffic require grass varieties that can withstand wear and tear. So if you’re looking for a grass type that can hold up to frequent use, both bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass are popular options. These grasses are known for their deep root systems, which help them stay resilient even when subjected to heavy foot traffic.
Caring for a lawn in a transition zone can be confusing, as it is located between the cool-season and warm-season grass regions. The best approach is to choose a grass type adaptable to both hot and cold temperatures and do the following:
• Fertilize it twice a year, in the fall and spring, with a balanced fertilizer.
• Water the lawn infrequently but deeply, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
• Aerate the soil in the fall or spring to improve drainage and nutrient absorption.
• Mow the grass to its recommended height, and leave some of the clippings to provide nutrients.
Also, monitor your lawn for pests and diseases, as the transitional climate can create favorable conditions for both. Look for signs of stress, such as discoloration or wilting, and address any issues promptly.
To have a pet-friendly lawn, choose a grass variety that can tolerate the challenges posed by pets, such as wear and tear, frequent paw traffic, and pet waste. For this purpose, many homeowners prefer tough grass varieties like bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. These grasses are known for their ability to withstand the challenges of pet use, making them excellent candidates for a pet-friendly lawn in South Carolina.
Choosing the right grass for your lawn in South Carolina can be tricky. But by considering factors like moisture, sunlight, and maintenance requirements, you can find the perfect match for your specific needs. Whether you opt for the heat-tolerant bermudagrass or the resilient tall fescue, each of these grass types has unique strengths that make it a great choice for South Carolina’s unique climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nBy giving your lawn the proper care and attention it deserves, you can ensure it stays healthy and vibrant year-round, enhancing the beauty and value of your home.
Reach out to a local lawn care professional today, and get started on your journey toward a lush, green yard that you can be proud of.
Main Image Credit: Anderson University, South Carolina / Good Grades / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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\n","content":"\nAtlanta, known for its mild winters and humid summers, has a diverse ecosystem. But this also means that the city is home to a variety of bugs that can be a nuisance to homeowners. In fact, it’s the second “buggiest” city in the country, according to a recent study. From armyworms to white grubs, these lawn pests can invade yards and cause discomfort and health hazards.
\n\n\n\nKnow how to deal with these pesky insects to keep your home and family safe. Take a closer look at the top 9 worst bugs for Atlanta lawns and learn tips on how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nMaintaining a lush, healthy lawn is a point of pride for many Atlanta homeowners. But the presence of bugs can quickly ruin your lawn’s appearance and damage its overall health. From destructive pests that eat away at your grass to disease-carrying insects that threaten both your lawn and your family’s well-being, the negative effects of bugs on your lawn cannot be overlooked.
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the reasons why bugs are bad for your Atlanta lawn:
\n\n\n\nA vibrant, pest-free lawn is essential to the beauty and enjoyment of your Atlanta property. However, with the warm and humid climate of the region comes a variety of bugs that can wreak havoc on your lawn’s health and appearance. Fortunately, there are two different ways of controlling bugs on your Atlanta lawn: organic methods and chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a natural, chemical-free way to control bugs on your green lawn, several organic treatment options can effectively keep lawn pests at bay. Some of the most popular options that help control bugs without posing a risk to human and environmental health include:
\n\n\n\nWhile organic treatments are a great option for homeowners who prefer natural pest control methods, sometimes a more aggressive approach is necessary. Chemical treatments can effectively control pests, but you must use them carefully to avoid harming the environment or beneficial insects. Here are some common chemical treatments used for pest control:
\n\n\n\n![\"fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28051594681_10f79b96b7_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: K-State Research and Extension / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
One of the worst bugs in the greater Atlanta area, armyworms cause significant damage to green lawns and fields. With their voracious appetites and ability to reproduce rapidly, armyworms can quickly decimate large areas of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSigns they are in your lawn include areas of dead grass that appear brown or yellow and have been chewed down to the nub. These patches may appear quickly and grow larger over time. You also may see clusters of small, greenish-brown caterpillars congregating in patches of grass. Birds also start flocking to your property, as they are attracted to the armyworms as a food source.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of armyworms from your lawn, you can use chemical insecticides specifically designed to target these pests. Some effective options include pesticides containing pyrethroids or carbaryl. Remember to follow the instructions on the label carefully, as these chemicals can be harmful to humans, pets, beneficial insects, and other wildlife.
\n\n\n\nPreventing armyworms involves keeping lawns well-maintained and avoiding overfertilization.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Caterpillar
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Grasses, including bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate – while they don’t bite or transmit diseases, armyworms can quickly decimate large areas of vegetation and cause significant economic and environmental damage
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides, professional pest control services, or biological controls like nematodes or parasitic wasps
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/11212516326_eefa4aef17_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fyn Kynd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Billbugs?
\n\n\n\nDifficult to get rid of, billbugs can cause extensive damage to lawns, golf courses, sod fields, pastures, and other grassy areas in Atlanta. These small, beetle-like insects that can devastate grassroots and leave unsightly brown patches on once-lush lawns have the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nIf you see signs of wilting or discoloration in your lawn, there’s a good chance billbugs are the culprit. You also may notice billbug larvae in the soil or on the surface of your lawn. Additionally, adult billbugs may be visible crawling on the grass blades.
\n\n\n\nGet rid of billbugs from your lawn by applying a pesticide specifically designed for these pests. You should keep your lawn healthy and mow it to the appropriate height.
\n\n\n\nMaintain healthy soil conditions, including proper drainage and aeration. Additionally, you can use insect-resistant grass varieties and avoid overfertilizing your lawn, as this can attract billbugs.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Beetle
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefer to feed on warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate – billbugs do not transmit diseases to humans or pets, but their larvae can cause damage to lawns and grassy areas
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides can be used to control billbugs, but it’s important to follow the label instructions carefully and avoid overuse. In severe cases, professional pest control services may be necessary to eliminate the infestation.
\n\n\n\n![\"Hairy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hairy_Chinch_Bug_-_Blissus_leucopteru_50594763067.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Christina Butler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Chinch Bugs?
\n\n\n\nOne of the most dreaded pests, these tiny bugs are responsible for causing massive damage to lawns by sucking the juices out of grass blades. Particularly worrisome in Atlanta due to the city’s hot and humid climate, chinch bugs have the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nIf you notice certain areas of your lawn are turning yellow, it’s possible chinch bugs are to blame. These yellow or brown patches do not recover with watering.
\n\n\n\nYou also may notice chinch bug nymphs and adults on the grass blades, soil surface, or in thatch. Try to inspect your lawn by parting the grass blades and looking for these tiny insects. Another way to check for chinch bugs is to use the coffee can method.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of chinch bugs from your lawn, you can try applying a pesticide specifically designed for these pests. You should keep your lawn healthy by watering it regularly and mowing it to the appropriate height.
\n\n\n\nTake steps to create an environment that is less hospitable to these pests. Ensure your soil has adequate drainage and is properly aerated. You can opt for grass varieties that are not prone to chinch bug infestations. Also, be mindful of how much fertilizer you use on your lawn, as overfertilization can create an ideal habitat for chinch bugs to thrive.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Ground bug
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefer to feed on St. Augustinegrass but also can damage bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – these bugs don’t pose a health risk to humans and animals but may mistake human hair follicles for grass blades and bite them
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Use insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based insecticides, remove thatch buildup in lawns, increase soil moisture levels, and maintain proper lawn care practices to prevent infestations
\n\n\n\n![\"fire](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3137874781_9a4ae277bf_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Marufish / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Fire Ants?
\n\n\n\nKnown to prefer warm, sunny areas like lawns, gardens, and parks, fire ants have a relatively short growth cycle, with new colonies being established through a process known as swarming. Once established, colonies can grow rapidly and can contain thousands of ants. These ants have the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nOne of the most obvious is the appearance of small, mounded nests in your yard. These nests can range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter, and they are often found in sunny areas with loose soil. If you see a nest, be sure to approach it with caution, as disturbing it can cause the ants to become agitated and attack.
\n\n\n\nYou also may notice swarms of ants crawling around your yard, particularly after rain, in the early morning or late afternoon hours.
\n\n\n\nDon’t wait until you or a family member gets stung by fire ants. One effective method is to use a chemical insecticide specifically designed for fire ants. These products are typically applied directly to the ant mound and can provide long-lasting control.
\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you can use a natural remedy, such as pouring boiling water or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda onto the ant mound.
\n\n\n\nMaintain a healthy lawn and remove potential nesting sites (piles of debris, tree stumps, and fallen logs) to prevent fire ants from invading your yard.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Ant
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefer warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate to high – their bites can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, anaphylactic shock
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Use specialized fire ant bait or contact insecticide.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Erturac / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Fleas?
\n\n\n\nFleas are notorious for their ability to cause intense itching and discomfort in both humans and animals. In addition to their irritating bites, they are also known to transmit a variety of diseases, making them a serious health risk. Other things you need to know about fleas include:
\n\n\n\nEven though fleas are small and difficult to see, there are some signs that can indicate their presence. One of the most common signs is seeing your pets scratching and biting at their skin. You also may notice small, red bites on your pet’s skin (or even your own). Additionally, flea dirt (the waste products of fleas) can often be seen on the fur of pets or in infested areas.
\n\n\n\nIf the infestation is severe, professional pest control services may be necessary to eliminate the problem.
\n\n\n\nPreventing flea infestations can be challenging, but grooming and bathing your pets regularly can help reduce their risk of flea infestations. Additionally, treating your pets with a preventative flea medication can provide long-lasting protection. Vacuuming your home regularly and washing your pets’ bedding in hot water also can help.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Parasite
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Shady, humid, and moist areas of the lawn, but prefer to feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals such as cats, dogs, and rodents
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate to high – their bites can cause intense itching and discomfort, and they are known to transmit diseases like typhus and plague
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Treat infested pets with a flea preventative medication, regularly groom and bathe pets, vacuum and wash pet bedding and other potentially infested areas, and seek professional pest control services if the infestation is severe
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/41222960292_b7687643c0_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schultz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Japanese Beetles?
\n\n\n\nA metallic green beetle with copper-colored wings, the Japanese beetle is one of Atlanta’s most destructive insect pests, causing significant damage to lawns, trees, shrubs, and other native plants.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to identify Japanese beetles in your lawn, as they tend to gather in large groups. You also may notice small, circular holes in the leaves, which are a sign of their feeding.
\n\n\n\nYou can use physical barriers, like netting, to impede their access to your vulnerable lawn. In addition, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil on known feeding sites can effectively deter these pests.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, manually removing adult beetles is a labor-intensive but effective method of control. For the grub stage of the beetle’s life cycle, you can apply a soil insecticide.
\n\n\n\nRemove any rotting or decaying organic matter from your lawn to reduce the beetle population and eliminate potential breeding sites for the grubs.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Beetle
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass are susceptible to Japanese beetle infestations.
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – although they can cause skin irritation in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Use physical barriers like netting to prevent these beetles from reaching lawns, and insecticidal soap or neem oil on plants that they are known to feed on. Manually remove adult beetles and apply a soil insecticide to control the grub stage of the beetle’s life cycle.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mole-cricket-gfc1197571_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: pixabey
\n\n\n\nWhat are Mole Crickets?
\n\n\n\nUsually found underground, in soil and grassy areas, these small, cylindrical insects have destructive behaviors that can lead to significant economic losses for property owners in Atlanta.
\n\n\n\nOne of the signs mole crickets are present in a lawn is the appearance of raised tunnels and mounds of soil. These tunnels can be several inches wide and extend several feet underground, causing considerable damage to the root systems of grasses and plants. Plus, patchy, brown spots on the lawn can be a result of the insects feeding on the grassroots.
\n\n\n\nYou can use a pesticide specifically designed to target mole crickets. Look for a product that contains imidacloprid or bifenthrin – two active ingredients shown to be effective against mole crickets.
\n\n\n\nAnother approach is to use biological control methods. Certain nematodes, like Steinernema scapterisci, are natural predators of mole crickets and can help reduce their population. You can purchase these nematodes online or at garden centers.
\n\n\n\nWatering your lawn less frequently and for longer periods of time can help create a less hospitable environment for mole crickets. Also, consider using physical barriers, like mesh screens, to prevent mole crickets from burrowing into your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, reducing outdoor lighting at night can help prevent mole crickets from being attracted to your yard.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Cricket
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Mole crickets feed on various grass types, including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – but their burrowing can cause damage to lawns and agricultural crops
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Biological control (introducing natural predators) and chemical control (using insecticides)
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9465727988_be7983cfea_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are Spittlebugs?
\n\n\n\nAlthough not the most harmful pest, spittlebugs can be a nuisance for Atlanta homeowners with manicured lawns. These tiny insects have the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nIt’s relatively easy to spot spittlebugs in your lawn, as their frothy nests and foamy spittle are visible on the grass blades. Another sign of spittlebug damage is the yellowing or wilting of leaves.
\n\n\n\nPrompt treatment with insecticides or other control measures can help protect your lawn and prevent further damage. One effective method of control is the use of insecticidal soap or oil spray. These products work by suffocating the spittlebugs and disrupting their life cycle.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners can prevent spittlebug infestations by maintaining healthy lawns, removing excess thatch, and reducing excess moisture in the soil.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Sucking insect
\n\n\n\nHabitat: While they feed on a wide range of plants, spittlebugs are particularly attracted to legumes and grasses like bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and fescue.
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – but can cause mild skin irritation in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: In most cases, spittlebugs do not require treatment as they do not cause significant damage to plants or grass. However, if a large infestation is present, an insecticidal soap or oil spray can be used to control the population.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cyclocephala_sp._Dinastinae_Atlantic_forest_northeastern_Bahia_Brazil_8625349528-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alex Popovkin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhat are White Grubs?
\n\n\n\nA common pest in lawns and gardens throughout Atlanta, white grubs are small, C-shaped larvae that can quickly devastate grass and other plants, feeding on the roots and causing them to wither and die.
\n\n\n\nIf you notice sections of your lawn turning brown and wilting, you may have a white grub infestation. You also may notice birds and other animals digging up your lawn in search of the grubs, as they are a common food source for many animals.
\n\n\n\nGardeners and lawn enthusiasts may consider adopting a biological approach to control grubs in their soil. This approach involves introducing natural predators, like nematodes or parasitic wasps, that attack white grubs.
\n\n\n\nChemical treatments can be highly effective but also can harm beneficial insects and pollinators, which are essential for the proper functioning of ecosystems. Therefore, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemical treatments and only apply them as a last resort when other control methods have failed.
\n\n\n\nIf left unchecked, white grubs can kill entire sections of turf. Maintaining a healthy lawn is an effective way to prevent white grub infestations. Use cultural control methods, like proper water, aeration, and regular lawn care to keep your lawn in top condition.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Larva
\n\n\n\nHabitat: White grubs feed on the roots of many types of grass, including bermudagrass, bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low – but can cause damage to turfgrass and other plants by feeding on their roots, leading to yellowing or browning of the grass and eventual death. They also attract predators like raccoons and skunks, which can cause further damage to lawns.
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Biological control, such as introducing nematodes or parasitic wasps that attack the grubs. Chemical treatments are effective but should be used with caution as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
\n\n\n\nLawn bug infestations can have several long-term effects on your lawn, including: Weakened grass: Lawn bugs can damage the roots of your grass, making it weaker and more susceptible to other diseases, weeds, and environmental stressors. Brown spots: As lawn bugs feed on the grass, they can create brown spots and dead patches throughout your lawn. These spots can be unsightly and can take a long time to repair. Reduced growth: Infested lawns often grow more slowly than healthy lawns, leading to thinning grass. Increased vulnerability: A weakened lawn that bugs have damaged is more vulnerable to diseases, environmental stressors, and other pests. Costly repairs: If the infestation is not addressed promptly, it can result in costly repairs and replacement of damaged areas of your lawn. Address lawn bug infestations as soon as possible to prevent these long-term effects and keep your lawn healthy and beautiful.
Yes, there are certain times of the year when lawn bugs are more active in Atlanta. In general, they are more active during the warmer months when temperatures are consistently above 70°F. The peak activity of lawn bugs is typically from late spring through early fall, which is roughly from March to October. Some common lawn bugs in Atlanta, such as chinch bugs and white grubs, have two cycles of activity per year, with the first cycle occurring in the spring and the second in the late summer or early fall. This means that if you are dealing with an infestation of these bugs, it may require multiple treatments to eradicate them completely. Note: Even during the colder months, some lawn bugs can remain active and cause damage to your lawn. So stay vigilant and monitor your lawn for any signs of infestation throughout the year.
Follow these lawn maintenance practices to help prevent the growth and spread of lawn bugs: Proper watering: Overwatering your lawn can create ideal conditions for certain types of lawn bugs, like chinch bugs. Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, and allow the topsoil to dry out between watering. Regular mowing: Many lawn bugs prefer long grasses, so keep your lawn at the appropriate height for your grass type by regularly mowing it. Aerate your lawn: It can help reduce soil compaction, which can create an environment that is less favorable to lawn bugs. Remove thatch: Thatch buildup can create a breeding ground for lawn bugs. Regularly removing thatch can help prevent the growth and spread of lawn bugs. Use fertilizers responsibly: Over-fertilizing your lawn can create ideal conditions for lawn bugs. Always use fertilizers responsibly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn in Atlanta can be challenging, especially with the presence of pesky bugs. But with the right knowledge and techniques, you can keep these lawn pests at bay and enjoy a thriving lawn year-round.
\n\n\n\nBy taking proactive measures, such as using chemical treatments, practicing proper lawn care, and consulting with experts when necessary, Atlanta homeowners can overcome the challenges of bug infestations and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful lawn.
Be vigilant and stay informed to keep your lawn healthy and pest-free. Contact an Atlanta pest control pro today.
Main Photo Credit: Tortoise beetle attacks bug / gbohne / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"9 Worst Bugs for Atlanta Lawns (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4851485148514851,"src":"/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/1789c/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/107df/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/293e9/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/f2cbb/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/1789c/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/c26c2/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/1dd6e/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/67b76/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 320w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/8df11/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 500w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/98a65/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 800w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/1dd6e/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 960w,\n/static/d1264c814a60e6430e7679cd92adff6d/3cc96/Assassin_bug_exhausts_a_Tortoise_beetle_5070517021-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Worst Bugs for Atlanta Lawns (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 9 most troublesome bugs in Atlanta and how to banish them for good. Keep your lawn healthy and pest-free with our expert tips."}}},{"node":{"id":"ebf92056-0031-5d6d-b916-725e8cfbc56a","slug":"best-trees-for-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/best-trees-for-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Your landscape in Arizona doesn’t need to be barren, and if you want to grow something fun, you’re not limited to cactus. Whether you want a bit of shade on your lawn to protect you from Arizona’s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to […]
\n","content":"\nYour landscape in Arizona doesn’t need to be barren, and if you want to grow something fun, you’re not limited to cactus. Whether you want a bit of shade on your lawn to protect you from Arizona’s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to plant a tree. But before you embark on this project, it’s important to know the best trees to plant in Arizona’s unforgiving climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Willow-Chilopsis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat makes the desert willow a neat addition to any yard is that it’s a fairly slender, low-growing tree (topping out at about 30 feet) that fits well in many spaces and can be easily shaped to your taste. Its branches are relatively sparse and its trunk is narrow, giving it the appearance of a shrub rather than a tree until it reaches maturity. But the most striking feature of the desert willow is its bell-shaped white or lavender blossoms.
\n\n\n\nThe beautiful blooms of the desert willow, along with its rapid growth and ease of maintenance, make it a popular plant across the Southwest and all the way to Southern California. It’s very drought tolerant, meaning it needs just enough water to keep it blooming and healthily green through the warm months.
\n\n\n\n![\"Apple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree-Malus-Domestica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nIs there anything more American than the apple tree? It looks great and produces delicious, fruit. But, wait, don’t apples only grow in cool Northern climates? Absolutely not. There are a variety of cultivars out there – Fuji and Gala, to name two popular varieties – that grow exceptionally well in the desert heat. That’s because apple trees are hardy; they don’t need as much care as other fruit trees, and they can live for more than 50 years.
\n\n\n\nA side benefit is that apple trees attract birds and other animals. If this is a problem, consider humane ways to keep them off your apples, or just skip this recommendation altogether.
\n\n\n\nA few notes about the care of apple trees. Newly planted trees require frequent watering until they are well-rooted. The plant will wilt or develop dull leaves if it isn’t watered enough. Don’t let them stand in pooling water, however, or they will develop root rot. Finally, be sure to prune your tree annually so it produces better quality fruit.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Growing conditions: Grows well in well-drained, moist soil, but occasional dryness is fine; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand
Sunlight: Either full sun or a little shade, but at least 8 hours of sun per day
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic stems, leaves, and seeds
![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce-Picea-Punges.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlue spruce derives its name from its beautiful silvery blue-green color. Commonly called the Colorado blue spruce, it is Arizona’s state tree, but it also does very well in central to northern Arizona.
\n\n\n\nThe blue spruce grows 12 to 20 feet per year and will top out at between 50 and 75 feet, with a width of 10 to 25 feet. It’s a highly adaptable tree that grows in a variety of soils, from loam to sand and clay. When planted in rows, it makes an excellent wind break.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7
Growing conditions: Needs normal moisture, but tolerates floods and drought to an extent; adaptable; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should get full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 50 to 75 feet
Leaf retention: Evergreen
Flowering?: No
Potential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Crabapple-Malus-sp..jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Bruce Marlin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAmong ornamental trees, flowering crabapple is king. They feature breathtaking clouds of blossoms in the spring and colorful fruit in the fall. Their flowers come in an array of magnificent colors, from white to pink, magenta, burgundy, coral and more.
\n\n\n\nThe only knock on the flowering crabapple is their relatively short bloom time. They generally bloom in early spring and continue for about five weeks, with individual blossoms lasting as little as five days or as much as 12 days. But during that relatively short bloom period, you will be treated to a spectacular display, so they are totally worth it.
\n\n\n\nWhen the blooms finally recede, the show isn’t over. The tree’s foliage turns bright green in the summer and, as mentioned earlier, the tree produces colorful fruit in the fall.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Growing conditions: Needs moderate moisture but tolerates drought; grows in acidic, alkaline, or neutral clay, loam or sand soils.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Mature size: 30 to 40 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Bur](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-Quercus-Macrocarpa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBur oak provides a great deal of shade with its crown, which often becomes wider than the tree’s height. It tolerates a variety of moisture and soil conditions but thrives in full sun. With a lifespan of over 300 years, bur oak may adorn your yard for generations. It’s also great for local wildlife such as butterflies, moths, beetles, treehoppers, and more.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Needs moderate moisture but tolerates drought to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Mature size: 50 to 80 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple-Acer-Tataricum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Le.Loup.Gris / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nHot wings maple, also known as Tatarian maple, is a showy tree that makes a fun addition to your Arizona yard. Hot wing maple’s fragrant spring blossoms are followed by double samaras (wing trees) that fall from the tree, oftentimes called “spinners” or “helicopters.”
\n\n\n\nThe hot wings maple will brighten your yard with its vibrant red foliage and provide some shade during summer barbecues. The tree’s size makes it perfect for smaller landscapes. It may live for over 70 years.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Tolerates various soil conditions and drought
Sunlight: Can grow in either full or partial sun
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree-Prunus-Serrulata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nJapanese cherry blossom tree, also known as the Kanzan tree, features stunning double pink blossoms that bloom in the spring. They also display stunning fall foliage. The tree is shaped like a vase, and once it matures, its crown is often wider than the tree is high. Though it sometimes grows quite tall, it can also be planted as a bonsai tree.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the Japanese cherry blossom tree doesn’t tolerate drought as well as some other trees, it can still handle mildly dry conditions. However, if you want the tree to thrive in Arizona’s dry climate, you should keep its soil moist. This beautiful tree usually lives for between 15 and 25 years, but its numerous benefits make it well worth planting in your yard.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Growing conditions: Prefers moist conditions but tolerates dry weather to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 30 to 40 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak-Quercus-Rubra.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFor a pop of color during the fall months, consider planting the Northern red oak. This magnificent tree grows a dense crown, perfect for providing a shade canopy and improving your home’s curb appeal. It usually lives up to 300 years, although some Northern red oaks have lived up to 500 years.
\n\n\n\nThe Northern red oak tolerates a variety of conditions, such as compacted soil, pollution, and drought, but prefers moist soil and lots of sunlight. While acorns are toxic for some animals, birds and rodents like to feast on them.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Prefers moisture, but can handle some drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 60 to 75 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Peach](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree-Prunus-Persica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nAnother fruit tree that thrives here is the peach tree. It holds up well to Arizona’s hot days and cold nights during the growing season, looks beautiful year-round, and comes in many varieties. It also attracts butterflies, birds, and even squirrels and raccoons.
\n\n\n\nPeach and nectarine trees usually live about 12 years. To keep your peach tree healthy and bearing fruit, make sure to take proper care of it, prune it, and protect it from diseases and insect pests.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Growing conditions: Grows well in well-drained, moist soil; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand.
Sunlight: Should get full sun, with at least 6 hours of sun per day
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic seeds and wilted leaves
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine-Pinus-Cembroides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dick Culbert / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you need green foliage year-round, Pinyon pine is a great option. It is one of the most drought-tolerant evergreens, making it a great fit for Arizona’s arid climate. What’s more, the tree yields delicious, healthy pine nuts that can be consumed raw or toasted.
\n\n\n\nRemarkably, pinyon pine may live as long as 1,000 years. It’s somewhat oval-shaped when young and becomes more open as it ages. If you want to provide local wildlife with food, you’ll be glad to know that the tree attracts birds and squirrels.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Growing conditions: Plant in well-drained soil, but it does fine in dry, poor, or alkaline soils; avoid wet soils.
Sunlight: Should get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 25 to 50 feet
Leaf retention: Evergreen
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon-Hibiscus-Syriacus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Kounce TexasRaiser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRose of Sharon is a perennial plant that yields beautiful blossoms year after year for 20 to 30 years. The blossoms come in white, blue, lavender, pink, and red, and sometimes they’re even combined. Moreover, rose of Sharon is also drought-tolerant and versatile, making it an easy tree to care for. It also attracts wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Growing conditions: If in full or partial sun, tolerates various soil temperatures, moisture conditions, and PH, but needs moisture and protection during midday and afternoon sunshine.
Sunlight: Prefers at least 4 hours of sunlight per day; it also needs a little pruning and shaping
Mature size: 8 to 12 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia-Magnolia-Stellata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe showy star magnolia’s fragrant blossoms stand out in contrast to its dark green leaves, making it a beautiful addition to any landscape. The tree is easy to maintain and holds up well to Arizona’s temperature extremes. Although it’s quite versatile, you’ll get more out of star magnolia’s magnificent flowers if you plant it in full sun.
\n\n\n\nA healthy star magnolia may live up to 120 years. It also provides food and shelter for local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Growing conditions: Withstands some flooding and drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Needs full sun and partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day; trees exposed to full sun flower better
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Most sources report that star magnolia has no toxic effects, but a few sources claim they may have some poison characteristics; caution is always advised
Once you pick your tree, it’s important to take proper care of it. Here are a few tips to help your trees thrive here:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve planted your tree, make sure you give it regular checkups to ensure its health and growth. Be sure to check all parts of the tree and monitor its annual growth.
\n\n\n\nNew trees typically need to be watered one to two times per week. In summer, you should increase the frequency to three to four times a week.
According to the University of Maryland, most trees shouldn’t need fertilizer, especially when they’ve become mature. It’s definitely better to avoid fertilizing at planting time because it can stunt growth. You also shouldn’t fertilize if the tree has recently suffered root damage.
The apple tree is among the easiest to grow because it’s relatively low-maintenance.
You can make tree care easier by selecting a low-maintenance variety that won’t need as much care and attention as other kinds of trees.
\n\n\n\nTo make it easier to care for your whole yard, consider xeriscaping techniques, hardscapes, and planting low-maintenance grass and plants. And be sure to check out our guide to the best grasses for ArizonaAfter all this, you still might not be sure of yourself. Or maybe you just prefer to leave the planting and care to someone else. In any case, feel free to get hold of one of WikiLawn’s pros in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"The 12 Best Trees to Plant in Arizona","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1789c/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg","srcSet":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/107df/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 320w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/293e9/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 500w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/f2cbb/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 800w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1789c/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 960w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/c26c2/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1dd6e/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/67b76/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 320w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/8df11/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 500w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/98a65/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 800w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1dd6e/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 960w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/3cc96/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 12 Best Trees to Plant in Arizona | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Not every tree will thrive in Arizona’s unforgiving climate, but these 12 will, and they will look great in your yard as well"}}},{"node":{"id":"80f99559-1e72-59e1-ad9c-5cdf4e6b8618","slug":"how-build-backyard-putting-green","path":"/lawn-care/how-build-backyard-putting-green/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 15th, 2019","excerpt":"So your golf game isn’t up to par, and you need to practice, practice, practice! But who has time to go to the driving range to practice their chipping? Hit the green any time you want without ever getting in your car by putting a putting green in your backyard. Adding your own putting green […]
\n","content":"\nSo your golf game isn’t up to par, and you need to practice, practice, practice! But who has time to go to the driving range to practice their chipping? Hit the green any time you want without ever getting in your car by putting a putting green in your backyard. Adding your own putting green to your landscape will make you everyone’s best friend and do wonders for your short game!
\n\n\n\nBefore you go digging up your lawn:
\n\n\n\nWhere you build your outdoor putting green will determine whether it’s a hit or a failure! Some of the things to consider are how much sun hits the area (when using real grass), slope, and airflow. Choose an area that gets full sun when using real grass. This is best for growth and performance. Stay away from spots near fences and tall trees, as these will block the sun. Shade can cause the soil to hold in too much moisture. The right amount of sun also helps prevent mold and diseases that can destroy the green turf.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of moisture, too much of a slope can drown your green. Low, deep areas of your lawn gather water, something that’s a definite no-no for a putting green. On the other hand, a completely flat area is boring, so you may want to keep or add some small bumps. No matter where you decide to build, install drains to the green dry. These drains should be no more than 10 feet apart and allow water to drain off in all directions.
\n\n\n\nAirflow (wind) is the third component when deciding the location. The right airflow helps the grass grow and stay dry. Don’t place the golf green in a spot where fences, shrubs, and trees block the wind. But, if you live in a very windy area, you may need to find a happy medium, so your ball isn’t constantly blowing around.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HYMZ5WGK4XW_km1QRQQARj6tHSiLItYiZLopBMxjb0onSlGTk6DAhE8syvrw5v-g6wbRKkKHvY7nejpw_Xpq2P1aUi2thpuxRtWatk3DO2QlwMSTjTMh9qJVx4R6rwPKdNhjf1Ug\")
Natural grass and synthetic putting greens each have their pros and cons. Most backyard putting greens made with real turf use creeping bentgrass. It’s less expensive to install than artificial turf and gives the look of a real golf course. The surface of creeping bentgrass provides a smooth, even surface for fast putts. Keep it trimmed to a quarter-inch or less. That means a lot of mowing, not to mention fertilizer, weeding, and watering! Installing real grass is initially cheaper than installing synthetic turf, but long-term maintenance is more costly.
If you want a low maintenance putting surface, artificial turf is the way to go. Synthetic grass is more expensive to install but requires little upkeep. While you do need to keep leaves and sticks off the area, you don’t need to worry about mowing, fertilizing, or weeding. Some golfers think artificial putting greens don’t look like an actual golf course. It’s also more difficult to move the cups around on synthetic turf than real grass. Keep in mind, synthetic grass has come a long way. If you install high-quality turf, few people will know the difference.
\n\n\n\nSome golfers are extremely handy and are capable of building a PGA style backyard green in a day or two. If you find it too time-consuming to do it yourself, it may be easier to hire someone to install the surface. There are quite a few steps involved, but you may enjoy the process and feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re done. Be aware there’s more to it than just digging up the backyard and laying down turf and cups.
\n\n\n\nThe digging, hauling and cutting require a lot of effort. Of course, the size and style of your green will have an impact on price no matter who installs it.
\n\n\n\nReal grass and artificial turf both require maintenance but grass requires more. To keep it at a half-inch or less, you’ll be mowing every other day. The green needs frequent watering. You’ll also put down fertilizer and fungicide. Keeping pests from destroying your hard work is also high on the list. Clark Throssell of Purdue University’s Extension Office says, “Several insects and diseases are potential pests of creeping bentgrass greens. The first step in pest control is to produce a dense, actively growing stand of grass.” If that doesn’t work, you may need an insecticide.
\n\n\n\nA backyard putting green is an investment in your home’s charm as well as in your own leisure time. So what you put into it is a predictor of what you’ll get back.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Lotus Head, CC by-SA 3.0
\n","title":"How to Build a Backyard Putting Green","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1789c/1280px-Golfball.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/107df/1280px-Golfball.jpg 320w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/293e9/1280px-Golfball.jpg 500w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/f2cbb/1280px-Golfball.jpg 800w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1789c/1280px-Golfball.jpg 960w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/356ef/1280px-Golfball.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1dd6e/1280px-Golfball.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/67b76/1280px-Golfball.webp 320w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/8df11/1280px-Golfball.webp 500w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/98a65/1280px-Golfball.webp 800w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1dd6e/1280px-Golfball.webp 960w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/93f70/1280px-Golfball.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Build a Backyard Putting Green | 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.
Marietta is a suburb of Atlanta, a city that’s nicknamed “Hotlanta.” Thus, hot, muggy summers are the norm. However, Marietta (and the rest of Atlanta) has a climate ideal for warm and cool-season grasses. But which ones are the best grass types for your Marietta lawn? And what’s the difference between cool and warm-season grasses? […]
\n","content":"\nMarietta is a suburb of Atlanta, a city that’s nicknamed “Hotlanta.” Thus, hot, muggy summers are the norm. However, Marietta (and the rest of Atlanta) has a climate ideal for warm and cool-season grasses. But which ones are the best grass types for your Marietta lawn? And what’s the difference between cool and warm-season grasses?
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrasses come in either cool-season or warm-season. They’re categorized depending on the seasons they grow in. As you’d expect, cool-season grasses grow in late winter to early summer (where temperatures are coldest), whereas warm-season grasses grow in late spring to early fall (where temperatures are warmest).
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is one of the most popular grasses in the Atlanta area. It tolerates drought and shade and can adapt to various soil conditions. Proper care allows this grass to stay green year-round.
\n\n\n\nBecause tall fescue grows in bunches, it needs pre-emergent herbicides to thwart weeds. It also needs to be reseeded every three years to keep from becoming clumpy and thin.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch forming and spreads by tillers
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.8 and 6.5
\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\nDespite what its name suggests, perennial ryegrass isn’t a year-round grass. Marietta uses it as a temporary yard or winter cover to protect your actual year-round grass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be careful about overseeding it, as it can damage the warm-season grass it covers unless you properly manage it in the spring.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch forming and spreads by tillers
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Needs moderate sun (at least 4 to 5 hours)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6 and 7
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a bright green grass that tolerates heavy use and foot traffic. Though it grows best in partial shade, it will grow in full sunlight if given enough water. Kentucky bluegrass becomes semi-dormant in summer and grows best in neutral soils.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6 and 7
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want low-maintenance grass, centipedegrass is an excellent option. It tolerates drought, grows best in full sunlight, and fights off insects and diseases well.
\n\n\n\nHowever, centipedegrass doesn’t handle foot traffic well, so if you plan on letting your kids and pets run around in the yard a lot, you’ll want to pick another grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5 and 6
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is a fast-growing grass that can form a dense and attractive lawn. It performs best in full sun, although it can handle partial shade.
\n\n\n\nHowever, St. Augustinegrass can’t tolerate cold or heavy foot traffic, and because it grows so quickly, it needs frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but some varieties can tolerate more shade
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3.5 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6 and 6.5
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is one of the more versatile grasses in Marietta. It forms a dense turf when properly maintained and can handle various soils. It prefers full sun and needs eight hours of sunlight daily to perform at its best, although some varieties can tolerate shade.
\n\n\n\nHowever, zoysiagrass can’t tolerate cold and grows more slowly than other turfgrasses. It also needs more watering during the summer months.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.8 and 7
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a textbook example of warm-season grass. It grows best during the warm months, goes dormant during the winter months, and thrives in hot weather. It also grows in many soils and can become a firm turf with proper maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Bermudagrass spreads quickly around flower beds, walks, and borders, and if fertilized well enough, it’ll need frequent mowing. If you want low-maintenance grass, this isn’t it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.8 and 7
\n\n\n\nIf you’re too busy to invest a lot of time in your lawn, go for centipedegrass.
Bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass are the way to go.
If your yard gets a lot of shade, anything but Bermudagrass and perennial ryegrass can work.
When picking suitable grass, you must understand your yard and how much work you want to put into it.
\n\n\n\nAfter choosing your grass, supplement your yard with some of the best native plants in Marietta and take it to the next level with some low-maintenance landscaping ideas.
\n\n\n\nKeep your lawn healthy with help from some of Wikilawn’s Marietta lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Communications Office / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Types for Marietta, GA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/1789c/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/107df/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 320w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/293e9/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 500w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/f2cbb/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 800w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/1789c/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 960w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/c26c2/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/1dd6e/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/67b76/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 320w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/8df11/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 500w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/98a65/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 800w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/1dd6e/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 960w,\n/static/0b1bc108b07a93768f203ee621fcaede/3cc96/Hickory-Hills-Opening-Marietta-GA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Types for Marietta, GA","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you live in Marietta, you’ll want a good lawn to complement your house. Knowing what grasses thrive in our climate is essential."}}},{"node":{"id":"896ca5d7-6c87-54a3-bffa-b671568858c2","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-for-maryland","path":"/lawn-care/md/fall-lawn-care-checklist-for-maryland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Amy Adams is a freelance writer and former newspaper journalist. She grew up in Kansas but has been living in Florida for the past 15 years and has no intentions of ever moving back!","name":"Amy Adams","id":"eb80c67d-0627-5815-9dd0-304031dbe1be","path":"/author/amy-adams/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8e73c6ada90c41863cce7b93d142c7d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2a5e33f9-ad47-575e-b414-2fa0c9049fd1","name":"Maryland","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, and colorful autumn foliage make fall really fun in Maryland. But the fabulous fall colors on the leaves also remind us that just because summer may be coming to a close doesn’t mean we can ignore our yard. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. As the landscape transforms into a breathtaking […]
\n","content":"\nPumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, and colorful autumn foliage make fall really fun in Maryland. But the fabulous fall colors on the leaves also remind us that just because summer may be coming to a close doesn’t mean we can ignore our yard. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
\n\n\n\nAs the landscape transforms into a breathtaking palette of fall colors, you must get ready to give your lawn TLC. With this fall lawn care checklist for Maryland, you can better prepare your yard for the changing seasons – harmonizing nature’s beauty with a vibrant and well-nurtured canvas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nNeglecting your lawn during this season risks dire consequences for your yard come spring. Contrary to popular belief, lawn care extends beyond the summer months. With cooler temperatures, fall provides the ideal environment for these essential practices:
\n\n\n\nUnleash the transformative power of fall lawn care – preserving the beauty of your yard and setting the stage for a breathtaking spring.
\n\n\n\nAs the season winds down, don’t hang up your lawn care hat just yet. Fall is the best time for basic lawn maintenance that can help promote root development and good soil conditions. With the help of these fall lawn care tips, you can ensure your lawn will come back better than ever next spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3768077054_1a9fc5e9a5_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Mol / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNow that summer has passed, you may be tempted to put away your sprinkler for the year, but it’s best to keep it out just a bit longer. Properly watering your lawn is essential for it to continue coming back each spring.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your lawn watered is especially important for late-season nitrogen applications to work properly. Otherwise, the fertilizer is less likely to enhance root growth if your grass is dry, rendering the fertilizer application useless.
\n\n\n\nAn underwatered lawn will become brown and crunchy, and the dirt will become dusty as the grass stops growing. Nevertheless, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause weeds and fungal diseases. An overwatered lawn will quickly become luscious and green, then become limp and spongy before fading to brown and moss.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue, the most common type of grass in Maryland, needs approximately 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-leaves-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay / License
\n\n\n\nRaking leaves can be one of the most exhausting and back-breaking fall chores, yet it’s necessary. And chances are, you may not be raking your leaves as often as you should.
\n\n\n\nRake early, and rake often. Don’t wait until your trees are mostly or completely bare before you clear the leaves from your yard. You should rid your lawn of leaves as soon as possible. A rule of thumb is to rake your leaves one to two times a week once they start falling. If you do put it off, make sure your yard is clear of leaves before the first frost of the season.
\n\n\n\nWaiting to remove leaves from your lawn can cause them to suffocate the grass. Over time leaves will become wet from rain and morning dew – causing them to stick together and form a barrier.
\n\n\n\nThis barrier filters out essential sunlight and water, preventing vital nutrients from reaching the roots. It also creates the perfect environment for weeds, rodents, insects, and diseases.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to save yourself from the back pain of raking, especially if you have lots of trees or a large yard, you can use a lawnmower with a collection bag or vacuum system to clear the leaves.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIt’s a common misconception that it’s best to fertilize in the spring when it’s actually better to fertilize your lawn in the fall. During this season, grass recovers from the summer heat and drought while preparing for the upcoming winter months. But if you don’t fertilize in the fall, you should do it in the spring.
\n\n\n\nFall fertilization advantages:
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to apply fertilizer twice in the fall. The first round should be applied just after Labor Day, and the second should be when you mow the last time for the year.
\n\n\n\nEarly fall fertilization increases turf density without promoting excess growth. On the other hand, late fall fertilization increases root growth and carbohydrate storage to help the grass survive winter and prepare for the spring’s new growth.
\n\n\n\nIf you only fertilize once, then aim to fertilize in September. According to Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, fertilizer cannot be applied between Nov. 15 through March 1, so plan accordingly.
\n\n\n\nTypes of fertilizer:
\n\n\n\n![\"Hands](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sergii Petruk / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWeeds. They seem to be an ever-present annoyance. Whether you are currently fighting a weed infestation or are looking to prevent weeds, fall is the time to treat them.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of treatment:
\n\n\n\nWeeds can invade even the healthiest and luscious of lawns. If left untreated, weeds will consume the valuable nutrients intended for your grass – causing your lawn to look dull and drab. These results happen because your grass will be robbed of essential water, clean air, and direct sunlight. Your grass will become weak and susceptible to disease and insect infestations.
\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/aerate-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeffoto / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAs you prepare your grass for the upcoming winter weather, it’s also the best time to aerate your lawn. It will help:
\n\n\n\nAeration also energizes your lawn’s root system to expand before winter, which will help it survive the harsh winter months and return healthy and vibrant in the spring.
\n\n\n\nTypes of aeration:
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: It’s usually best to hire a professional to aerate your lawn. This takes time and the proper equipment to do it right.
\n\n\n\n![\"grass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/overseed-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Elena Photo / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAs the seasons transition, you can seize the opportunity to overseed your lawn. Amidst the autumnal landscape, when weeds retreat, dispersing grass seeds over your established lawn will yield better results. Doing this helps fill in bare areas and thicken up the lawn to provide a more dense and fluffy appearance.
\n\n\n\nBut don’t forget to water – it’s an essential part of the seeding process. A newly seeded lawn needs to be watered lightly every day. You don’t want your seeds to dry out, or they won’t germinate.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to overseed between mid-August to mid-September. Be sure to plant at least 45 days before the first frost, and don’t seed past Oct. 15. This will give your seed time to get established after the heat of the summer but before it goes dormant for the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: sean hobson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nJust because the calendar hit September doesn’t mean it’s time to store the lawn mower for the season. You want to continue mowing your lawn throughout the fall. It’s best to slowly taper your grass down rather than mowing it short once.
\n\n\n\nAlso, maintain proper grass heights. Cutting grass too short may cause its root system to freeze. On the other hand, letting your grass grow too long can cause it to become matted and diseased. For example, tall fescue should be kept about 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nWhen in doubt, follow the one-third rule: Cut one-third of your grass’s length. You never want to cut more because it can make it susceptible to weeds, pests, and disease.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Fine fescue | 3 – 4 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 inches |
![\"draining](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hose-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SLRadcliffe / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOne last task before you can call it quits for the season is winterizing your sprinkler system. Any water remaining in your pipes over the winter can lead to frozen pipes, broken sprinkler heads, and cracked plastic. So, completely drain all water from your irrigation system. Come springtime, and you’ll be glad you did.
\n\n\n\nSince Maryland is in a transition zone, both cool and warm-season grasses can grow here. But with its hot summers and cold winters, you need to select grass species that can withstand both extremes. Moreover, different regions in the Old Line State have varying soil compositions, such as clay-heavy or sandy soil, which can impact drainage and root growth.
Plus, irregular rain patterns require careful water management to avoid drought stress or excessive moisture. The state’s diverse ecosystem contributes to pest and disease pressure, necessitating proactive lawn maintenance and pest management strategies. Additionally, coastal areas may face higher humidity levels and salt spray challenges.
Yes, absolutely. There are numerous ways to create a low-maintenance landscape, and one of the best ways is to replace all or just a part of your lawn with a grass alternative. Planting grass alternatives will help eliminate the need for regular mowing, cutting down the time needed for landscape maintenance.
Grass alternatives:
● Garden beds or borders
● Groundcovers
● Moss
● Mulches
● No-mow/natural areas
● Ornamental grasses
● Trees
Yes. Knowing your soil’s pH is the best way to know what amendments might be needed to your soil and what kind of fertilizer to use on your lawn.
Test your soil with a DIY kit. You can buy these kits from your local garden center or home improvement store. Or contact your local extension office for professional testing. Test sooner rather than later to prevent problems down the road.
Maryland soil sometimes lacks proper amounts of boron, zinc, and manganese. The results of your soil test will show whether you need to add a few elements to balance your soil’s pH for optimal growth.
Since Maryland is in a transition zone, both cool and warm-season grasses can grow here. But with its hot summers and cold winters, you need to select grass species that can withstand both extremes. Moreover, different regions in the Old Line State have varying soil compositions, such as clay-heavy or sandy soil, which can impact drainage and root growth.
\n\n\n\nPlus, irregular rain patterns require careful water management to avoid drought stress or excessive moisture. The state’s diverse ecosystem contributes to pest and disease pressure, necessitating proactive lawn maintenance and pest management strategies. Additionally, coastal areas may face higher humidity levels and salt spray challenges.
\n\n\n\nYes, absolutely. There are numerous ways to create a low-maintenance landscape, and one of the best ways is to replace all or just a part of your lawn with a grass alternative. Planting grass alternatives will help eliminate the need for regular mowing, cutting down the time needed for landscape maintenance.
\n\n\n\nGrass alternatives:
\n\n\n\nYes. Knowing your soil’s pH is the best way to know what amendments might be needed to your soil and what kind of fertilizer to use on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nTest your soil with a DIY kit. You can buy these kits from your local garden center or home improvement store. Or contact your local extension office for professional testing. Test sooner rather than later to prevent problems down the road.
\n\n\n\nMaryland soil sometimes lacks proper amounts of boron, zinc, and manganese. The results of your soil test will show whether you need to add a few elements to balance your soil’s pH for optimal growth.
\n\n\n\nElevate your yard’s potential by preparing it for the coming winter, ensuring a triumphant return next spring — vibrant, robust, and more breathtaking than ever.
\n\n\n\nWhether you live in Baltimore, Frederick, Ocean City, Annapolis, or any of Maryland’s amazing towns, let us help you find a lawn care pro near you to help transform your lawn into a masterpiece that will leave your neighbors in awe.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: DenisTangneyJr / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Maryland","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1789c/Untitled-design.jpg","srcSet":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/107df/Untitled-design.jpg 320w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/293e9/Untitled-design.jpg 500w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/f2cbb/Untitled-design.jpg 800w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1789c/Untitled-design.jpg 960w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/c26c2/Untitled-design.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1dd6e/Untitled-design.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/67b76/Untitled-design.webp 320w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/8df11/Untitled-design.webp 500w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/98a65/Untitled-design.webp 800w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1dd6e/Untitled-design.webp 960w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/3cc96/Untitled-design.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Maryland | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Prepare your lawn for the winter chill with this comprehensive fall lawn care checklist for Maryland."}}},{"node":{"id":"278def07-8149-5634-b9f1-24f73f3cf7cf","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/spring-lawn-care-tips-columbus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Columbus is known for the Ohio Statehouse, a love of football, its arts scene – and unpredictable weather. While it’s hard to compete with Scioto Mile’s perfect green spaces, transforming your Arch City yard into a lush oasis isn’t as hard as it sounds. We’ve put together eight spring lawn care tips for Columbus to […]
\n","content":"\nColumbus is known for the Ohio Statehouse, a love of football, its arts scene – and unpredictable weather. While it’s hard to compete with Scioto Mile’s perfect green spaces, transforming your Arch City yard into a lush oasis isn’t as hard as it sounds.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve put together eight spring lawn care tips for Columbus to help you understand your lawn’s needs in the spring so it can thrive year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nTo enjoy a fresh, healthy lawn in the summer, you’ll need to hit the ground running in the spring. This is when your lawn responds to nature’s wake-up call after a long, cold Columbus winter.
\n\n\n\nFrom mowing, watering, and fertilizing to treating lawn diseases, springtime lawn care is important if you want to enjoy a thick carpet of green come summer.
\n\n\n\nBy tackling a few tasks early, you’ll help your lawn defend itself against potential diseases, drought, and pests. With the proper maintenance, not only will your lawn burst with health, but it will seriously boost your curb appeal and make you the envy of your neighborhood.
\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pexels-gustavo-fring-5163423.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf it’s springtime, it’s preparation time. Before the grass begins to grow, you’ll want to make sure your lawn equipment is in perfect working condition.
\n\n\n\nHere are some key maintenance checks you should perform sooner rather than later:
\n\n\n\nMaintenance makes a big difference, so get your tools ready ahead of time and have a stress-free summer.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lab](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Soil-Fertility-Analysis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alandmanson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFull, lush lawns can be a beautiful sight, but a lot goes into achieving and maintaining them. If yours isn’t exactly thriving, your soil could be the problem.
\n\n\n\nDepending on each yard, soil composition and acidity levels can differ. By conducting a soil test, you’ll be able to pinpoint soil nutrient needs. Specifically, you’ll get information on soil pH, cation exchange capacity, lime requirement index, and base saturation.
\n\n\n\nPlus, you’ll find out how much phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) your soil contains and whether you need to add soil amendments.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn early spring, there is still enough rain to keep your lawn moist and healthy. Consider watering your lawn when you notice the first signs of grass growth. Once you start, make sure your cool-season grass gets around 1 inch of water per week. Balance is essential, and it’s best to let your lawn guide you.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also incredibly important to let your lawn dry between waterings. Too much water can invite fungal disease, weeds, and pests, something neither your lawn nor you will appreciate. While flowers and other landscape plants can handle everyday watering, don’t include your lawn in this schedule.
\n\n\n\nWatering deeply, but more infrequently, will lead to stronger root development and drought-resistance than doing so briefly every day.
\n\n\n\nSigns of an overwatered lawn:
\n\n\n\nUnderwatering won’t do your lawn any favors either. Not keeping up with regular watering will leave your turf looking dry and unhealthy. Your grass will turn gray or tan, and it will have imprints when you walk on it.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to water your lawn is before 10 a.m., preferably around 5 or 6 a.m. Your grass will be able to absorb the moisture before it evaporates. In the afternoon, try to water between 4 and 6 p.m. Watering late at night will make your lawn more susceptible to disease, as the moisture will just sit on your grass overnight.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mow-More-Cut-Less.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile lawn mowing is an actual ritual for some homeowners, there’s a certain technique involved.
\n\n\n\nWe recommend waiting until your grass is at least 2 inches tall. Our table below shows the recommended cutting heights for Columbus cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\n| Grass type | Recommended height |
| Tall fescue | 3 – 3 ½ inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 ½ inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 ½ inches |
| Fine fescue | 2 ½ – 4 inches |
Once mowing season kicks off, follow these simple rules for a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chickweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are you love making good use of your Columbus lawn. What’s not so great? Those annoying weeds that seem to pop up out of nowhere. They’re an eyesore and embarrassment.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll definitely want to get rid of them as soon as they shoot up, but how do you go about it? We provide a couple of ways you can control pesky, deceiving weeds that masquerade as flowers.
\n\n\n\nIf cool-season weeds have taken up residence on your property, you’ll have to invest in post-emergent herbicide. Apply this solution in March or early April and keep in mind that it only targets weeds that have already germinated. It doesn’t work as a preventative measure.
\n\n\n\nFor that, look into a pre-emergent herbicide that targets weed seedlings. Apply it around Mid-March to get ahead of early spring and summer weeds.
\n\n\n\nAlso important to note is the difference between annual and perennial weeds.
\n\n\n\nAnnual cool-season weeds won’t bother you in the warmer months and generally die before you have to take action. On the flip side, perennial weeds are stubborn and stick around for longer, so investing in pre- or post-emergent herbicides will be necessary in this case.
\n\n\n\nSome of the most common annual and perennial weed types in Columbus include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFertilization helps your grass grow evenly and efficiently and reduces the likelihood of weeds. It supplies your soil with three important nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each nutrient serves a different purpose.
\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 |
Fertilize your Columbus lawn in early to mid spring when your grass begins to grow. This is typically around March or April, when temperatures reach and stay around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the early stages of grass growth, when shoots are tender, it’s important to fertilize more lightly. Once grass is actively growing, you can go in with a well-balanced fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou also need to think about what kind of fertilizer you want to use for your yard. Controlled-release fertilizers are granular beads that release nutrients over a period of six to eight weeks. Quick-release fertilizers can be a liquid concentrate or water-soluble beads that act as soon as they’re watered.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some advantages and disadvantages of both:
\n\n\n\n| Factors | Controlled-release | Quick-release |
| Advantages | • No toxic buildup on the soil • Helps with water movement and soil structure • Introduces beneficial soil microbes • Safer to use around children and pets | • Lower cost • Highly concentrated • Acts faster • Higher nutrient ratio |
| Disadvantages | • Lower concentrations of nutrients • Takes longer to absorb • Costs more | • Can cause more toxic buildup • Made from synthetic materials • Can pollute groundwater |
Fertilizer can be organic or synthetic and selecting the right one for your lawn is vital. Below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons:
\n\n\n\n| Factors | Organic fertilizer | Synthetic fertilizer |
| Advantages | • Doesn’t burn lawns • Slow and steady nutrient release • Contains many trace minerals and balanced nutrition for your grass • Improves soil health | • More commonly available • Formulas made for exact lawn needs • Acts quickly • Costs less |
| Disadvantages | • Less nutrient release in cooler temperatures • Costs more • Dependent on microorganisms in the soil • Can cause harmful runoff | • Shorter lifespan • Can deteriorate soil • Can burn lawn • May cause chemical runoff |
How to fertilize your lawn? It’s easier than you think. Run a spreader around the perimeter of your lawn first and then go over the rest of it, slightly overlapping each pass.
\n\n\n\nThe perks? You won’t have to worry about dirty hands and the fertilizer will be spread evenly.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-Armyworm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: uacescomm / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawn pests. We hate them and want them gone. But they’re stubborn and make it that much harder to achieve the perfect lawn most homeowners dream of.
\n\n\n\nIn Columbus, some of the most common springtime pests include grubs, sod webworms, billbugs, chinch bugs, and cutworms. Read on to find out how to identify them and get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nGrubs
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Grubs are the larval stage of different beetle species. As the name implies, they literally grub your grass and attack it at the root level, killing it. When the root system is compromised, grass can’t absorb nutrients and water, leading to severe damage.
\n\n\n\nGrubs are visible to the eye and have a white or brown body that curls into a C shape if bothered. If you notice beetles flying around, it’s a good sign that you have a grub infestation.
\n\n\n\nPlus, you’ll likely see irregular dead spots on your lawn and an increase in animal activity on your property. Raccoons, skunks, and birds like to feed on grub worms – which, if you think about it, is a great eradication method.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: In addition to limiting moisture, you can introduce beneficial nematodes to your lawn. It can take a few years to establish a colony large enough to eradicate grubs, but you won’t have to treat your lawn with chemicals.
\n\n\n\nAnother way is to apply milky spore, a bacteria that also takes a while to develop, but which is deadly to grubs. As a last resort, you can turn to pesticides – the lower the toxicity level, the better.
\n\n\n\nSod webworms
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Sod webworms are lawn-damaging caterpillars. They’re the immature larval stage of various moth types. They appear as small, white, or tan in color, with snout-like projections on their heads. They generally cling to grass blades and can be found with their heads pointing down and their wings rolled tight.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll know you have an infestation if you notice moths flying away as you mow. Moreover, your grass will appear brown and short in certain areas.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: Water regularly and keep thatch at an optimal level, to avoid stresses on your lawn. You can also use beneficial nematodes or insecticidal soap to kill this pest. Lastly, you can apply low-toxicity pesticides.
\n\n\n\nBillbugs
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Billbugs are particularly troublesome, as both the larvae and adults can damage grass. Adult billbugs chew holes in the grass blades and deposit eggs inside. When they hatch, the larvae start damaging the root system and kill the grass from the inside out.
\n\n\n\nThese insects are a type of weevil and can grow up to ½ inch in length. Their hard shells range in color from brown to near black and have a pitted texture. The larvae are white with reddish-brown heads.
\n\n\n\nDamage in this case is hard to diagnose. Grass turns brown, but can be mistaken for drought damage, fungal disease, or simply grass dormancy. Test an affected area by pulling out some grass. If billbugs are the culprit, the grass will break off at the soil line and will be accompanied by sawdust-like excrement.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: Billbug treatment calls for multiple approaches. Target adult billbugs in early spring before they lay their eggs and kill off newly-hatched larvae before they have a chance to wreak havoc on your lawn. Also, maintain your lawn height to reduce the ideal habitat for billbugs and treat your lawn with pesticides if needed.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Chinch bugs are tiny insects that are difficult to spot due to their size. These pests are red in color when they’re young, but turn black as they mature. They also have a white spot on their back in the shape of an ‘X.’ They love St. Augustinegrass and usually live in the thatch layer.
\n\n\n\nChinch bug damage can look like lawn disease, with the grass turning brown in patches, but it’s important to never rule out a possible chinch bug infestation.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: If you suspect chinch bugs are damaging your lawn, it’s recommended that you contact a professional. Homeowners can have a difficult time getting rid of them on their own. Worse, these insects are known to develop a resistance to pesticides and overcome resistance in the host plant itself.
\n\n\n\nCutworms
\n\n\n\nWhat are they and how do you identify them? Cutworms are general feeders that can damage a wide range of plants. They are smooth, with some hairs, and a length of about 2 inches when fully grown. Different species have different colors, from brown or tan to pink, green, gray, or black. Some larvae are shiny, while others are dull.
\n\n\n\nThey curl their bodies around turfgrass blades or plant stems and feed on them. They’re most active in the evening or at night and hide in debris during the day. Adult moths don’t do damage.
\n\n\n\nWays to get rid of them: If you discover damage or larvae, you can opt for non-toxic removal methods, such as plucking and crushing the insects or dropping them in soapy water. Furthermore, you can try a wash of bleach-free dish soap or apply organic pesticides.
\n\n\n\nBy keeping up with your lawn care maintenance, you’ll have an easier time squashing any pest problem early. Otherwise, you’ll come up against a damaged lawn and pesky insects that can make spending time outdoors a nightmare.
\n\n\n\nIf you have to use pesticides, stay away from catch-all types that also kill beneficial insects. Instead, go for selective pesticides that act in a targeted way.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawn diseases can destroy your yard and cause incredible damage to your grass. If your turf is looking patchy, discolored, or just ‘off,’ lawn disease may be the culprit.
\n\n\n\nResidents of Columbus regularly deal with abnormally cool periods, intense heat, humidity, overcast skies, and drought, all factors that contribute to fungal growth. A susceptible lawn will easily succumb to disease pathogens, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
\n\n\n\nWatch out for the following five types affecting Columbus cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nBrown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nDollar Spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nGray Leaf Spot (Magnaporthe oryzae)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat gray leaf spot:
\n\n\n\nPowdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat powdery mildew:
\n\n\n\nFairy Ring (Soil borne Basidiomycete fungi)
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat fairy ring:
\n\n\n\nTypically, the fertilizer and soil should be moist, but don’t water so much that puddles begin to form on your grass. About 20 minutes should be enough to avoid washing away the nutrients and carrying away the fertilizer itself. It can contaminate groundwater and nearby streams or ponds.
What are some of the biggest lawn care mistakes to watch out for?
If you’re a homeowner, you’re likely eager to care for your lawn yourself. But there are some things you should know before you start.
• Avoid leaving clippings on your lawn after mowing, as this may kill your grass.
• The best time for aeration and seeding is during the growing season of your particular grass type. Find out when that is and you’ll be good to go.
• Don’t cut your grass with dull lawn mower blades, as they can rip and shred your grass and decrease moisture.
• Don’t over or under water your turf – the former will carry away nutrients and increase the risk of disease, while the latter will dry out your grass.
• Don’t forget to fertilize. Without fertilizer, your grass won’t grow as healthy or green.
If your grass is turning brown and dying despite your best efforts, it may be a result of disease or pests setting up camp. It also may be affected by drought and improper fertilization. Identifying the exact cause will help you find a solution fit for the problem.
Columbus cool-season grasses produce beautiful lawns that can survive the region’s fluctuations in temperature. With some targeted springtime lawn care, you’ll be worry-free for the rest of the year and have a lush, healthy carpet of grass at your disposal.
Still, if lawn care is more of a chore than a hobby, hire a Columbus lawn care pro to take your yard to the next level and free up time for other activities.
Main Photo Credit: Topiary Garden / Slowking4 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n","title":"8 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Columbus, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/1789c/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg","srcSet":"/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/107df/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 320w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/293e9/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 500w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/f2cbb/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 800w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/1789c/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 960w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/c26c2/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/1dd6e/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/67b76/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 320w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/8df11/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 500w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/98a65/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 800w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/1dd6e/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 960w,\n/static/91f14012d375eb3837278b7d550f0025/3cc96/Topiary-Garden-Columbus-Ohio.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Columbus, OH","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Consider our 8 spring lawn care tips for maintaining a green and thriving lawn in Columbus year-round."}}},{"node":{"id":"4e0d8cb2-9348-5c34-9621-9affb156fa88","slug":"best-ground-covers-yard","path":"/blog/landscaping/best-ground-covers-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"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 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Ground covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy. The mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, […]
\n","content":"\nGround covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy.
\n\n\n\nThe mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, is a huge fan of ground covers as a lawn replacement. “If you have children or pets who are likely to play in your yard, you can do a blended yard,” he says, adding, “Be mindful of both your average high temps and your low temps, and pick plants that can handle both.”
\n\n\n\nNow that you’re convinced, take a look at some of the best ground covers for sun or shade in all climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_SDqGc7dP9YS9F6Y3RkvK_8iO3lTYkZZZ5VNlOL6sedxdWXBAJa5RPVA6ZBfP4rVwgY6DGapir_ww-ob8xo6Y-QscKHAKscDBJmkf0xXfYAs_afx7MnbKteF8mUu2610okjWik-R\")
Bugleweed comes in dozens of varieties ranging from green to bronze, purple, and sometimes even variegated. This ornamental ground cover stands up to heavy foot traffic and is hardy to minus 40 degrees. It can thrive in full sun to part shade and presents blue-purple flowers from late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nThis fast-growing ground cover spends months producing white flowers and is hardy all the way down to -30 degrees. Candytuft is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s the perfect choice for sunny slopes and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial ground cover with chartreuse leaves is a favorite for its hardiness and attractive foliage. Creeping Jenny enjoys full sun but can tolerate part shade as long as the soil is moist. With a fountain-like growth pattern, she’s a favorite for raised flower beds and planters.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F60x8NcemcIl4tDxNhj0lfnrrohZY4EQxU2lPGir5Hb_PCrBjwPrOZw2HiuRcIgXVeOaLPzXSRaIFgAGjWeRHbVZd2I8gdtbWvHwnDXUd77Q_NEqsmUBPtUiBGpUhKG8um3oS6Xt\")
Deer resistant and cold hardy to minus 40 degrees, creeping phlox bursts into glorious bloom in spring. Best with full sun to part shade, this 6-inch-tall superstar performs well on slopes and retaining walls.
\n\n\n\nAdding stunning beauty to shaded areas, deadnettle has silvery, variegated leaves, and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. This deciduous plant offers cheerful pink flowers in late spring but dies back in winter. The only precaution to take when planting deadnettle is to make sure you’re not in an area where it’s considered invasive.
\n\n\n\nThe thyme family offers dozens of varieties of this hardy ground cover, most of which can handle temps down to minus 20 degrees. Only 3 inches tall, most varieties don’t attract deer or rabbits. Plant in full sun and enjoy a show of pink flowers in summer. and an herb for cooking all year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Uru5bSHYQ_Bl5BvRgE0FWNnd9AMwMkHYn0XKgx7l2u1wWpnJOdVJozdHyp6T2SnGnU0uzKdbxq3Nl6v9YfumhAAW6fQTy6uVa5KxuTvF1uE7gaJMbzVY0_l-N9BnstfGoPg-BENA\")
This succulent, evergreen thrives in warm climates and can’t tolerate foot traffic or temperatures below minus 10 degrees. But on sunny, well-drained slopes, it provides beautiful texture and neon-bright, flowers from mid-summer to early fall. For high-visibility blooms and solid erosion control, ice plants are hard to beat.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant evergreen prefers part to full shade and is hardy to minus 30 degrees. The glossy, dark green leaves create a 12-inch tall mat of foliage that produces spiky white blossoms in late spring.
\n\n\n\nThis grasslike ground cover, also known as lilyturf, thrives in sun and shade (but needs moist soil) and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. Both clumping and creeping varieties erupt into spikes of purple, white, or blue flowers in late summer. Liriope makes an attractive garden edging and is good for erosion control or under trees as a substitute for grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8vDsC_PoUx3TzLUQu3IfExcvkoDqrJ2fWxATHrfZ9J-lI7Ot8wzZLSGGw61FF8y-VwV4xgmwMme31AaupVrYyatVrhKgQUpp7RYDNltF1M9vPDKVdsdKK62C55AkEkDUd4dkF2Kz\")
One of the most popular evergreen ground covers, periwinkle, prefers moist soil in partly shaded areas. Hardy to minus 20 degrees, periwinkle is a vigorous, vining plant that may need to be cut back every so often to keep it under control.
\n\n\n\nWhether your goal is to cover the bare spots beneath trees or to fill the negative space in your flower beds, there’s a ground cover out there for the job. Choose wisely, and your groundcover will reward you for years to come.
\n\n\n\nTop image credit: “Ajuga reptans Chocolate Chip,” David J. Stang, CC by-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/107df/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/293e9/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f2cbb/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f605f/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/67b76/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/8df11/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/98a65/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/23e94/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"5f3e0273-dd46-5025-89b5-dd524eafe740","slug":"best-native-plants-north-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-native-plants-north-texas/","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":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"If you’re a nature lover, North Texas delivers. It’s a scenic wonderland with a massive array of plants and flowers bursting from the countryside. So why do some homeowners insist on stocking their landscape with plants that are pretty, yes, but that require incredible effort to keep alive and looking good? The alternative is pretty […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re a nature lover, North Texas delivers. It’s a scenic wonderland with a massive array of plants and flowers bursting from the countryside.
\n\n\n\nSo why do some homeowners insist on stocking their landscape with plants that are pretty, yes, but that require incredible effort to keep alive and looking good? The alternative is pretty simple: Use easy-to-grow native plants for your North Texas yard.
\n\n\n\nThere are great reasons for using native plants:
\n\n\n\nAnd, by the way, they look incredible. Let’s take a look at some of the best of the natives.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTexas is the second largest state in the United States. It’s so big, in fact, that different regions of the state have different climates. For example, North Texas is cooler and drier than South Texas but receives more rainfall than desert-like West Texas.
\n\n\n\nBecause the climate varies so much, each region has a different hardiness zone, indicating what plants thrive in which area. North Texas is in USDA hardiness zone 8, meaning the lowest temperatures are between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to know these distinctions when choosing plants. Texas is not a one-size-fits-all state. Here are some of the best options for North Texas.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/verbena-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAbundant along Texas roadways, prairie verbena has a long flowering season from March to October. It sprouts purple flowers, each with five petals, and it regularly reseeds. These flowers are adored by butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nPrairie verbena likes partial shade to full sun and tolerates moderate drought conditions. It prefers dry to moist, well-drained soils.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, or sand, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Salvia_splendens_scarlet_sage_1_49081380101.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like red flowers, you’ll love scarlet sage, which explodes with bright blooms from February through October. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and is deer-resistant. However, it needs regular watering and loose, well-drained, rocky soil to thrive.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage thrives in full sun, is easy to grow, and is pest- and disease-tolerant. Pair it with other annuals and perennial plants for the best results.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loam, clay loam, rocky, caliche type
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, but usually reseeds easily
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-3 feet tall, 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Leucophyllum_frutescens_Purple_Sage_W_IMG_1125.jpg\")
Photo Credit: J.M. Garg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nTexas sage has many names, ranging from the barometer bush to the Texas silverleaf. It can withstand heat and drought and requires almost no maintenance once established. Purple flowers sprout in the summer and fall, although some have white or pink flowers.
\n\n\n\nTexas sage requires full sun to bloom and likes alkaline, well-drained soil. If your yard has both those conditions, this is the sage for you.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained alkaline soil or acidic soil with added dolomitic limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/51445852302_7416c139f3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the plains blackfoot, the blackfoot daisy is native to desert slopes, mesas, and high plains. It blooms from early spring through fall, growing brilliant white flowers. It’s a perfect plant for edging beds or rocky outcroppings.
\n\n\n\nBlackfoot daisy loves full sun but can handle light shade, and is deer-resistant. It does, however, need well-drained soil to thrive.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, rocky, calcareous
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and wide
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mexican-Plum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Charles Willgren / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs you would expect from its name, the Mexican plum tree sprouts purple plums in the fall and beautiful white flowers in the spring. At maturity, it grows to 20 to 25 feet tall with spreading branches, making it a good choice for smaller gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe Mexican plum tolerates drough, but it does like some irrigation to help it retain its fruits in the fall. It also handles shade well.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adapts to sandy, loam, clay, or limestone. Prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 25 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pavonia_hastata1DavidMidgley.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Midgley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA very popular plant in Texas, the pavonia, or rock rose, resides naturally on dry, rocky woods or banks of Texas. Its long bloom period and versatility make it a favorite among homeowners; it accepts full sun to half-day shade, various soils, and dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe pavonia bears pink hibiscus-like flowers between spring and fall, which open in the morning and close in the afternoon, when the temperature is highest.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Turks_Cap_323002703-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady yard, the Turk’s cap red is worth planting. It sprouts bright-red, hibiscus-like flowers that resemble a Turkish turban (hence the name). Turk’s cap red attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and is drought-tolerant once established.
\n\n\n\nTurk’s Cap Red is native to South Texas, where it’s used as a perennial. In North Texas, however, it’s used as an annual. Don’t worry, it does just fine here.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay, limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-3 feet tall (up to 9 feet), 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Attention hummingbird, butterfly, and moth lovers: the coral honeysuckle is the right plant for you! This plant sprouts bright red trumpet flowers with shiny oval leaves from March to June. Red berries follow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. Though the deer will eat the flowers, the plant as a whole is fairly deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, slightly acidic, well-drained. It acclimates to many soil types.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15-20 feet
\n\n\n\nNative plants grow in an area without human introduction, while non-native plants were introduced to the area where they now grow. Non-native plants may adapt to an area over time, but they generally aren’t as hardy as natives.
Invasive plants are non-native plants that tend to spread out of control. As their name implies, they ‘invade’ native plants’ space and take their moisture, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to poorer water quality, degraded wildlife habitats, and lower plant diversity.
The Bureau of Land Management states that native plants face numerous threats. These include habitat loss, overgrazing, wildfires, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
Once you buy your plants, your lawn is next. Get one of North Texas’ best grass types to ensure you have the healthiest lawn possible. Then hire one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Coral Honeysuckle / Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Your North Texas Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3683010262257698,"src":"/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/1789c/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/107df/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/293e9/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/f2cbb/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/1789c/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/c26c2/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/1dd6e/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/67b76/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.webp 320w,\n/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/8df11/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.webp 500w,\n/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/98a65/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.webp 800w,\n/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/1dd6e/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.webp 960w,\n/static/7e306c10ecc6e5161fc33b50ba7b7614/3cc96/52199708325_a6dd5b4674_h-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Your North Texas Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"North Texas has an array of stunning native plants that thrive in our climate, so you won’t have to struggle to keep them alive"}}},{"node":{"id":"b7f7d575-7a1a-5785-949d-c1a0c9cab9d3","slug":"worst-new-mexico-weeds","path":"/lawn-care/nm/worst-new-mexico-weeds/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"a5a0b892-6574-5ca0-bb3e-544a1453bec5","name":"New Mexico","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nm/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"It may not seem like much can grow in the heat of the desert, but even New Mexico’s intense droughts and arid climate can’t stop weeds from popping up on your lawn. It’s hard enough for your turfgrass to survive the state’s scorching heat without weeds stealing essential nutrients and crowding it out. You don’t […]
\n","content":"\nIt may not seem like much can grow in the heat of the desert, but even New Mexico’s intense droughts and arid climate can’t stop weeds from popping up on your lawn. It’s hard enough for your turfgrass to survive the state’s scorching heat without weeds stealing essential nutrients and crowding it out.
\n\n\n\nYou don’t want to be stuck out in the heat trying to eliminate weeds using ineffective methods. Discover seven of the worst New Mexico weeds and how you can effectively get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt can be a big problem when invasive weeds sneak into your yard uninvited. And the sooner you detect and identify the invasive plants in your lawn, the easier it is to remove them.
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the reasons weeds are bad for your New Mexico lawn:
\n\n\n\nAs such, it is recommended to weed your yard once every 1-2 weeks.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Camelthorn.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to arid regions of Eurasia and North Africa, camelthorn grows in a tangle of multiple stems around 2 to 4 feet tall. The tips of its stems are lanced with spiny yellow thorns. From June to August, camelthorn blossoms with pea-like flowers that are brown, maroon, or pink. It produces reddish-brown fruit that grows in seed pods.
\n\n\n\nOne of the worst weeds in Arizona and New Mexico, camelthorn can be difficult to remove once it has been established due to its extensive root system. In fact, the state’s Department of Agriculture included it in their noxious weed list. This invasive shrub spreads through seeds or pieces of root left in the ground.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial shrub
USDA hardiness zone: 6-10
Habitat: This aggressive invader can thrive in dry, sandy, or gravelly habitats like steppes, roadsides, irrigation ditches, and disturbed areas.
Danger: Its sharp thorns can injure people and animals. Plus, camelthorn growing in pavement cracks can puncture car tires.
Removal method: Hand removal, herbicides
![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5143745979_064087c0ca_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnother invasive species native to Eurasia, leafy spurge grows 2 to 4 feet tall in the Southwest. Its tall, smooth stem is surrounded by narrow, spiny leaves that have a bluish-green hue. A cluster of greenish-yellow flowers grows at the top of the stem.
\n\n\n\nWith its extensive root system, leafy spurge thrives in full or partial sun. When the seed pods dry out, they explode and can shoot seeds up to 20 feet away from the parent plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial weed
USDA hardiness zone: 3-9
Habitat: Leafy spurge isn’t picky; it tolerates many soil types, though it prefers dry soil. Leafy spurge grows in disturbed areas, pastures, prairies, savannas, grasslands, prairies, fields, and roadsides.
Danger: This weed produces a milky sap that can blister or irritate the eyes and skin. It also displaces resident plants and reduces biodiversity.
Removal method: Hand removal for small infestations and herbicides for larger ones. Tilling the earth repeatedly until the spurge infestation is gone is also an effective way to get rid of this weed.
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pigweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Earl Benton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nPigweed has a tall, stout stem populated with large oval-shaped leaves that end in a crisp point – giving the leaves a near-diamond shape. Its erect stem is covered in fine hairs. Every part of the plant is green, even its flowers, which blossom in vertical clusters during summer.
\n\n\n\nAlso called amaranth, pigweed sets down a deep taproot. This aggressive broadleaf weed can grow to be quite a large plant, sometimes reaching up to 7 feet tall. A heat-loving plant, pigweed can withstand New Mexico’s high temperatures.
\n\n\n\nAll parts of this annual weed are edible and high in nutrition. In some areas, pigweed is cultivated for its culinary properties rather than treated as a weed. There are multiple species of pigweed, including redroot pigweed and prostrate pigweed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual weed
USDA hardiness zone: 6-12
Habitat: Prefers growing in disturbed soil. It can be found in cultivated fields, along roadsides, streams, rivers, and agricultural cropland.
Danger: None – this weed is edible
Removal method: Hand removal, pre-emergent and post-emergent broadleaf herbicides
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Puncture-Vine-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: J. M. Garg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAs sharp as it sounds, puncture vine produces spiky seed pods – the source of its infamously painful thorns. Also called goathead, this summer annual grows miniature dark green leaves that are fern-like in appearance. Its thick, hairy stems can be green, red, or brown. It blooms with yellow flowers that have five petals.
\n\n\n\nNative to the Mediterranean region, this fast-growing weed has a taproot that helps it survive in arid climates, but it grows the fastest in places where water is available. With its germination occurring in spring and summer, this low-growing plant creeps horizontally along the earth and can spread out up to 3 feet.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual broadleaf weed
USDA hardiness zone: 4-10
Habitat: It grows in varying conditions but prefers hot, dry climates with full sun. Its natural habitat includes orchards, pastures, fields, ditches, and roadsides.
Danger: Puncture vine is toxic to livestock if ingested. Stepping on its sharp spikes is very painful and can injure people or animals. They can puncture bike tires and are near impossible to pull out of flip-flops.
Removal method: Hand removal, herbicides
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSometimes regarded as a weed and sometimes as a delectable food, purslane is an often unwanted invader in New Mexico lawns. However, not all homeowners resent the plant since it has nutritional benefits and medicinal uses.
\n\n\n\nIts rounded spoon-shaped leaves cluster around a fleshy, reddish-brown stem. In the summer, purslane blooms with small yellow flowers. This low-growing plant reproduces through seed and grows horizontally, creeping along the ground like a ground cover. Also, it doesn’t need much water to grow.
\n\n\n\nSince purslane can grow from fragments of roots or leaves left in the ground, be sure to remove all parts of the plant if you don’t want it to invade your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual succulent plant
USDA hardiness zone: 5-10
Habitat: Purslane grows in all 50 states and thrives in disturbed soil. It naturally thrives in orchards, crop fields, or roadsides but can pop up in gardens, flowerbeds, container gardens, or cultivated soils.
Danger: While purslane is nutritious and safe for people to eat, it is toxic for pets who consume the weed.
Removal method: Hand removal, herbicides
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Russian-Thistle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: miheco / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhile the term “tumbleweed” is often used colloquially to describe any dried plant that tumbles in this manner, it is most commonly associated with the Russian thistle. This prickly, bushy weed dries up in the fall and becomes a wandering ball of stems that tumbles along in the wind, spreading seeds for miles as it goes.
\n\n\n\nA desert-friendly plant, Russian thistle doesn’t need much water to germinate, and its deep taproots allow it to soak up nutrients from the ground. Growing in a dense tangle of rigid stems, the yellow-green weed grows up to 3 feet tall. With narrow, thin leaves that grow in slender, vertical clusters, it blooms with pink, lavender, or white flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual broadleaf weed
USDA hardiness zone: 7-8
Habitat: Russian thistle grows in semi-desert areas and thrives in disturbed soils and agricultural areas. It prefers loose, sandy soils and can be found in roadsides, stream banks, waste places, pastures, fields, and croplands.
Danger: Tumbleweeds can cause problems – dry Russian thistles can be a fire hazard. In dense infestations, they can limit access to grazing lands for livestock and wildlife.
Removal method: Hand removal is best for young plants and seedlings. Herbicides are most effective when applied at the seedling stage. Large infestations are extremely difficult to remove. Preventative chemicals and maintaining a healthy lawn are the surest ways to prevent Russian thistle weeds from ever sprouting up in your yard.
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Silverleaf-Nightshade.jpg\")
Photo Credit: pschemp / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the floral beauty of silverleaf nightshade fool you. All parts of the weed, including its leaves and fruit, are toxic. Native to New Mexico, this perennial weed has silvery green leaves and yellow or red thorns protruding from its stem – ready to prick any threat that endangers it.
\n\n\n\nSilverleaf nightshade has deep roots and can grow up to 3 feet tall. It produces purple and white star-shaped flowers with a prominent yellow stamen. Its flowers bloom from May through October and produce fruits that look like mini yellow tomatoes. Its long, thin leaves branch out to 2 to 4 inches long.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial weed
USDA hardiness zone: 7-11
Habitat: A sun-loving plant, silverleaf nightshade grows in arid climates. Often found thriving in agricultural areas and disturbed soils, its natural habitat includes prairies, open woods, croplands, roadsides, marshes, and stream banks.
Danger: Toxic to humans and animals. In extreme cases, it can be lethal if ingested.
Removal method: Hand removal or herbicides – it will grow back after being clipped or mowed, so be sure to remove the entire plant. Weekly mowing before the seed-growing season prevents the seed from spreading.
To eliminate weeds from your lawn, you can use chemical pesticides or pull them up by hand. The best weed removal method depends on the type of weed and the size of the infestation.
\n\n\n\nRemoving weeds by hand is the simplest and safest way to remove weeds from your yard. Since it reduces the need for chemicals, it is also the most eco-friendly way to get rid of weeds.
\n\n\n\nHand pulling can be slow and time-consuming, especially if there are a lot of weeds. But for smaller weed infestations, pulling up a few by hand should be a piece of cake.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips for hand pulling weeds:
\n\n\n\nFor severe or widespread weed infestations, use chemical weed control treatments instead of manual hand weeding methods.
\n\n\n\nYou can either hire a pro to apply pesticides or treat your lawn yourself. For DIY jobs, read the herbicide instructions carefully and follow them so you don’t unintentionally end up damaging your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSome of the weeds found in New Mexico gardens aren’t safe for children or pets. If the invasive weeds in your yard are poisonous, remove them ASAP. Apart from silverleaf nightshade, here are other poisonous weeds to look out for:
● Death camas (Zigadenus spp.)
● Desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
● Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)
● Oleander (Nerium oleander)
● Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
● Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)
Noxious weeds are invasive plants that can harm native plants and wildlife and threaten to destroy the local ecosystem. New Mexico State University (NMSU) has a noxious weed list available for reference. Apart from camelthorn and leafy spurge, the other noxious weeds in the list include:
● African mustard (Brassica tournefortii)
● Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
● Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
● Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)
● Dyer’s woad (Isatis tinctoria)
● Hoary cress (Lepidium draba)
● Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)
● Musk thistle (Carduus nutans)
● Russian knapweed (Rhaponticum repens)
● Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)
You can use vinegar for killing weeds, but it isn’t very effective since it only targets the top part of the weed, not the roots. It works as an eco-friendly solution for small patches of weeds, but it’s not effective against larger infestations.
When you’re buying herbicides to treat your lawn, determine whether the herbicide is selective or non-selective. Selective herbicides are usually best for homeowners, while non-selective herbicides are used by weed control professionals.
Selective herbicides target a specific type of weed or family of weeds.
Non-selective herbicides are broader in application use, as they target many kinds of weeds, not just one specific type. The trouble with non-selective herbicides is that they are so effective – if not applied carefully, they also might kill the turfgrass or other nearby lawn plants too.
To prevent summer weeds from growing, you should apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring – specifically in March or April. Spray pre-emergent herbicides in September or October to prevent winter weeds from growing. Always read the herbicide’s label instructions before you start spraying.
Pulling weeds in temperatures that regularly reach 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. That’s why you should keep your New Mexico lawn well-maintained and healthy in order to discourage weed growth.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for ways to reduce the amount of time and effort you have to put in your lawn, check out ideas for a low-maintenance landscape or help conserve natural resources with a drought-resistant landscape. Installing some native plants in your yard is another way to help improve your yard’s health and keep the weeds at bay.
Looking for a New Mexico lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Albuquerque and many more cities across the Land of Enchantment.
Main Image Credit: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"7 Worst New Mexico Weeds","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4962593516209477,"src":"/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/1789c/Puncture-Vine.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/107df/Puncture-Vine.jpg 320w,\n/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/293e9/Puncture-Vine.jpg 500w,\n/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/f2cbb/Puncture-Vine.jpg 800w,\n/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/1789c/Puncture-Vine.jpg 960w,\n/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/c26c2/Puncture-Vine.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/1dd6e/Puncture-Vine.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/67b76/Puncture-Vine.webp 320w,\n/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/8df11/Puncture-Vine.webp 500w,\n/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/98a65/Puncture-Vine.webp 800w,\n/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/1dd6e/Puncture-Vine.webp 960w,\n/static/f5316e1002e2574769c18096cfe6274f/3cc96/Puncture-Vine.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Worst New Mexico Weeds | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of weeds overrunning your yard? Learn about seven of the worst New Mexico weeds and how to get rid of them."}}},{"node":{"id":"6993ff2a-573a-5d2c-b786-d5136e494596","slug":"hydroseeding-cost","path":"/blog/hydroseeding-cost/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A writer by trade, Janine Caayao graduated from the University of the Philippines. She draws, plays video games, and snuggles with her cats during her free time.","name":"Janine Caayao","id":"eab2e0a9-2863-5dad-b98f-fe06c596c508","path":"/author/janine-caayao/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4577dd58c063fcc8a254c30d035fc354?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Have you ever considered hydroseeding your yard to grow a new lawn? This seeding method is more expensive than traditional seeding, but it’s more cost-effective than laying sod. Most homeowners pay 8 to 20 cents per square foot for hydroseeding services. Also called hydraulic mulch seeding, hydroseeding works by spraying a slurry mixture of seeds, […]
\n","content":"\nHave you ever considered hydroseeding your yard to grow a new lawn? This seeding method is more expensive than traditional seeding, but it’s more cost-effective than laying sod. Most homeowners pay 8 to 20 cents per square foot for hydroseeding services.
\n\n\n\nAlso called hydraulic mulch seeding, hydroseeding works by spraying a slurry mixture of seeds, water, fertilizer, and mulch; sometimes, it also has tackifiers (binding agents), lawn-friendly green dyes, and soil amendments. This mixture is applied to your yard with a machine called a hydroseeder.
\n\n\n| Average Cost Range | $0.08 – $0.20 per sq. ft. |
| Low-End | $90 total |
| High-End | $1,000 total |
Most homeowners across the country pay an average of 8 cents to 20 cents per square foot to get their lawns hydroseeded. Depending on your lawn size, that could come out to as little as $90 or as much as $1,000 – or even more, if we’re talking about a huge property.
\n\n\n\nThese prices include the hydroseeding slurry, hydroseeding equipment, and labor costs. There are other factors that can influence the cost of hydroseeding aside from these, which we’ll cover later in the article.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest cost factor influencing how much you’ll pay for professional hydroseeding is the size of the area to be hydroseeded. Many hydroseeding companies charge for their services by square footage. You can expect a higher price tag if your lawn is quite large.
\n\n\n\n| Lawn Size | Cost of Hydroseeding |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $90 – $200 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $160 – $400 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $240 – $600 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $320 – $800 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | $400 – $1,000 |
If the prices above are alarming you as someone with acres of land, there’s some good news. While it’s still more expensive the more land you need hydroseeded, many hydroseeding companies offer discounts when hydroseeding by the acre.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"hydroseeded](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sue Thompson / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhile lawn size is the biggest cost factor when calculating the price of hydroseeding services, it’s not the only factor. Your yard’s condition, the type of grass, and the type of equipment used can all influence the cost of hydroseeding.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs your lawn on a slope? Typically, the steeper the slope of the yard, the higher the hydroseeding cost. Your sloped yard might need more slurry — up to twice as much — and it might need some added ingredients like tackifiers, too.
\n\n\n\nYou might also pay more if your yard is bumpy or uneven, as it’s more difficult to work with. In that case, you might need to have your yard professionally re-graded, which can add quite a bit to your hydroseeding costs.
\n\n\n\nLastly, if your yard’s soil quality is poor, you’ll most likely need to pay more to add soil amendments like lime to improve your soil so the seeds will grow successfully into a new lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHomeowners should always choose a grass type that matches their area’s climate. Typically, this means cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue up North and warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia down South. Some grass seeds and seed mixes are more expensive than others, increasing the cost of the hydroseeding slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother factor that can drive up the cost is the type of equipment the lawn care pro will use to hydroseed your lawn. There are many types of hydroseeding equipment, such as hand-held sprayers, hydraulic pumps, and mechanical rotors. Landscapers that use specialized hydroseeding machines typically charge more for their services.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHydroseeding is only one method of adding grass to your lawn. How does it compare to laying sod and traditional seeding in terms of cost?
\n\n\n\n| Hydroseeding | $0.08 to $0.20 per sq. ft. |
| Sod | $0.87 to $1.76 per sq. ft. |
| Seeding | $0.09 to $0.17 per sq. ft. |
Each service has its own pros and cons. For example, seeding is typically the cheapest, but it’s the most tedious and takes the longest time for the lawn to be fully established. Sod gives you a beautiful lawn instantly, but it’s very expensive. Hydroseeding balances cost and convenience with a slightly shorter (but not instant) wait time for established grass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hydroseeding-of-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAt $240 to $600 for a 3,000 sq. ft. lawn, it’s typically cheaper to hire a pro to hydroseed your lawn than to do it yourself. Chances are that the average homeowner doesn’t have the necessary equipment or knowledge for DIY hydroseeding.
\n\n\n\nTo DIY hydroseed, you’d need a hydroseeder, which can cost thousands of dollars to buy. You can rent or make your own, but renting costs more than $200 per day, and homemade hydroseeders aren’t as reliable.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also need to calculate the right amount of slurry for your lawn. Using too little or too much slurry will most likely end in disaster. That’s assuming you used a good ratio of the hydroseed slurry components, too. You can avoid the hassle of figuring out all these logistics by hiring a pro to hydroseed your lawn instead.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere are some of the advantages of hydroseeding:
\n\n\n\nSeed germination is typically faster with hydroseeded lawns. Expect to see new grass within a week.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHydroseeding is usually performed in spring or fall; summer can work, but you’ll need a lot more water to keep your new, green lawn moist. However, since you’re growing grass from seed, it’s better to hydroseed during the growing season of your chosen grass type(s).
\n\n\n\nA light rain shouldn’t pose a threat to your slurry, especially if it includes a tackifier. Heavy rainfall might be a bit more concerning, but your hydroseed should be fine for the most part.
\n\n\n\nIf you see what seems to be washed away slurry after rainfall, don’t be too alarmed. The slurry may have just been pressed deeper into the ground by the rain.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile it’s not perfect, hydroseeding is quite a good option to seed your lawn. It’s faster and more convenient than traditional seeding but not as expensive as sod, even when working with large areas. If you’re ready to grow the lawn of your dreams, then why not hire a pro to hydroseed your lawn for you?
Connect with a lawn care pro near you through Wikilawn today so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your weekends without the back-breaking work of planting and maintaining your new hydroseed lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/1789c/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/107df/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/293e9/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/f2cbb/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/1789c/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/c26c2/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/1dd6e/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/67b76/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/8df11/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/98a65/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/1dd6e/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/ddc5b9a3460ce2c1591f5bf2db104cf0/3cc96/Hydroseeding-of-a-lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want to grow a new lawn without breaking the bank? Check out how much hydroseeding costs to see if it’s a viable seeding option for your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"f357346f-b84e-57b9-a6cb-77fde3327632","slug":"best-grass-types-orlando","path":"/lawn-care/fl/orlando/best-grass-types-orlando/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Amy Adams is a freelance writer and former newspaper journalist. She grew up in Kansas but has been living in Florida for the past 15 years and has no intentions of ever moving back!","name":"Amy Adams","id":"eb80c67d-0627-5815-9dd0-304031dbe1be","path":"/author/amy-adams/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8e73c6ada90c41863cce7b93d142c7d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"a47ebc3c-cc0b-5c7a-9e60-90ac2de0ec2d","name":"Orlando","count":10,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/orlando/"}],"date":"March 5th, 2019","excerpt":"Orlando has so much to see and do for tourists and residents alike. But it’s not just the popular sites like Disney World that make The City Beautiful stand out – it’s also the tropical landscape. As homeowners, we do our part to hold up our nickname by maintaining our yards. Knowing the six best […]
\n","content":"\nOrlando has so much to see and do for tourists and residents alike. But it’s not just the popular sites like Disney World that make The City Beautiful stand out – it’s also the tropical landscape. As homeowners, we do our part to hold up our nickname by maintaining our yards. Knowing the six best grass types in Orlando is a start to keeping our city’s scenery lush and beautiful.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWarm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses for Orlando
\n\n\n\n6 Warm-Season Grasses for Orlando
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Grass Types for Orlando
\n\n\n\nChoose Plant and Grass Varieties for Your Orlando Landscape
\n\n\n\nLiving in Florida it should come as no surprise that you would want to choose a warm-season grass for your lawn. But you may still wonder, why does it even matter which grass I plant?
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: The southern states are where you will mostly find these types of grasses. They originated in the subtropics and like cool winters and hot summers. Warm-season grasses will be at their greenest with temperatures 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit making them the ideal choice for Orlando homeowners.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses prefer cold winters and warm summers along with regular intervals of rain. They grow the most when temperatures are 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nWith their affinity for hot weather, warm-season grass types are the obvious choice for Central Floridians. Here is some information to help you decide which of the six types of warm-season grasses is best for your Orlando yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Bahiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Bahiagrass may have its roots as a pasture grass, but it has made itself at home in Orlando landscapes. This fast-growing grass is tolerant of most soils but does best in acidic soil. Its resistance to most insects and diseases makes it easy to see why it’s a popular choice.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is good for large spaces due to its aggressive growing rate. Because bahiagrass develops a deep root system and spreads through rhizomes (underground, stemlike roots) it easily spreads to other lawns or flower beds, so it’s best to ask a professional for advice if you live close to your neighbors.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass blades are typically tall and thin with a light green shade, but it also tolerates nitrogen if you desire a darker green grass. Expect to mow every seven to 10 days during the growing season.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; insect tolerance is moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
This grass with its high traffic tolerance is great if you have pets and children. It spreads through both stolons and rhizomes to help it grow into a beautiful green carpet, making it an ideal place for the kiddos to run and play. However, you will need to add metal or concrete borders at least 2 inches into the ground to prevent rhizomes from tunneling and invading nearby ornamental beds.
\n\n\n\nIts heat tolerance is perfect for our relentless hot summers and its drought tolerance is ideal for our dry springs. Bermudagrass also loves lots of sun making it the perfect Sunshine State grass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a fine-textured grass with blades that fan out horizontally creating a soft, dense turf. It’s often used on golf courses and athletic fields. It’s a higher-maintenance grass because it requires frequent mowing and fertilizing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and is able to outcompete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns. Tolerant of most soil types.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Starr-070906-8535-Stenotaphrum_secundatum-habit-Kula_Ace_Hardware_and_Nursery-Maui_24264673843.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credits: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This high-maintenance grass needs lots of moisture and is the least cold-resistant of the warm-season grasses, making it another great option for Central Florida homeowners. Its blue-green blades are quick and easy to establish for a dense turf grass in your yard.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass’s high salt tolerance is another reason why it is a popular choice among Florida homeowners. However, it’s also known for being susceptible to disease so you do need to keep an eye out for any signs of distress.
\n\n\n\nIt has a coarse and spongy texture with broad-rounded tips and doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic. While not a requirement, this grass performs best when fertilizer is applied regularly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Zoysiagrass-2.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: David-Pierre Mangiapan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
This thick grass may be slow to establish but is well worth it once your yard is a full carpet of green turf. Its natural thickness helps to prevent weeds from peeking through and ruining the lawn you’ve spent so much time cultivating.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is native to Asia but has been in the U.S. since at least 1895. Its love of warm weather makes it a favorite among southern gardeners. It also grows deep roots helping it to weather a short drought. It will become dormant if there is an extended drought, but will quickly spring back to life once watered.
\n\n\n\nKeep up with proper lawn maintenance practices to keep pest problems away and your Zoysiagrass looking its best. The University of Florida details how homeowners can use best management practices, like proper fertilization, irrigation and mowing, when maintaining their Zoysia lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Centipedegrass
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
This is a slow-growing grass with origins in Southeast Asia. It does well in acidic soils, is fairly drought tolerant, and even tolerates shade.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is naturally a lighter green than many other grasses but homeowners are discouraged from overfertilization with nitrogen to get a darker green. You risk increasing long-term maintenance and it also reduces the grass’s ability to tolerate cold spells.
\n\n\n\nThe fact that it’s a low-maintenance grass has made it a popular choice for Orlando homwoners. Centipedegrass requires less mowing than other types of grasses and is easy to edge around garden beds and sidewalks.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Buffalograss.jpeg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Pixnio / CC0
Spread by stolons, buffalograss derives its name from its use as a grass to feed bison and buffalo across the Great Plains in the 19th century.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss loves what and sun, making it a great option for Central Florida homeowners. Known for its blue-green color and curling leaves, it grows well in all soil types but does not like high traffic.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance, low-growing grass is drought-tolerant and should only be watered as needed. Overwatering can leave your buffalograss weak and susceptible to weeds. Overwatering can also leave room for diseases to creep into your lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWhile you can plant grass seed year-round in Central Florida, it’s generally best to plant new seed between April and July. This will allow time for a full growing season before cold snaps begin in the late fall.
St. Augustinegrass tends to be the easiest to grow and the most popular grass in Florida due to its heat tolerance.
Yes. However, there are numerous things to consider when mixing grasses. For instance, you don’t want to choose a grass that will outgrow the other, ultimately taking over your yard. It is best to seek professional advice on the best mixes and how to care for them once planted.
Naturally with Orlando falling into the USDA zone 9b, you will always want to choose a warm-grass type for your Orlando landscape. But which grass you choose will largely depend on your personal preferences and needs:
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn: St. Augustinegrass is an excellent option for anyone with a shady yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a sunny lawn: Bermudagrass’s love of the sun makes this a go-to for homeowners with little to no shade in their yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you have kids, pets, and guests walking on your grass frequently: You can’t go wrong with Bermudagrass when it comes to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nThe grass with the least amount of work: Centipedegrass or Zoysiagrass are the easiest to maintain.
\n\n\n\nSo whether you live on the outskirts of town or in the heart of the city near Lake Eola, if you are seeking the ideal Central Florida lawn reach out to an Orlando lawn care professional to get that perfectly lush lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Orlando FL Lake / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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