![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, our Columbia climate happens to be conducive to green, thick, lush landscapes. This creates a great opportunity for those trying to build a lawn here. Still, some grass types fare better than others here. If you’re trying to breathe new life into a withering lawn or […]
\n","content":"\nOne of the most biodiverse places on the planet, our Columbia climate happens to be conducive to green, thick, lush landscapes. This creates a great opportunity for those trying to build a lawn here. Still, some grass types fare better than others here.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re trying to breathe new life into a withering lawn or just repairing tired patches, try inviting one of these grass types into your yard.
\n\n\n\nGenerally, South Carolina lawns favor warm-season grasses but a few cool-season grasses also manage to thrive here. Let’s take a more detailed look at your options so you can pick the right grass seed for your Columbia lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are hardy and grow best in summers. Planting them in your South Carolina lawn means having a naturally lush, green lawn from late spring to early fall – the growing season for warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nBut once the temperature drops, you’ll have to work hard on your warm-season lawn to help it survive the cold. Here’s everything you need to know about the four most appropriate warm-season grasses for your Columbia landscape.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a resilient, dense, warm-season turf that will keep your lawn green throughout the year. It develops a dark green color in summer that pales as the winter approaches.
\n\n\n\nDespite being a warm-season grass, Zoysiagrass stands up pretty well against the South Carolina cold. It can also withstand an impressive amount of foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for households with kids, pets, and lots of visitors.
\n\n\n\nAs a bonus, Zoysiagrass requires little maintenance. Your Zoysiagrass turf will be the first to turn green in spring and last to go brown in the fall, giving you a lush lawn most of the year. Fully established turf turns thick and dense, leaving no room for weeds to gain a foothold.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\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\nThis warm-season grass covers most of our sports fields, golf courses, play areas, and other high-traffic sites. Owing to its fast-growing habit and tough nature, it’s a popular grass type for Columbia lawns too.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is tolerant to drought, heat, salt, and a wide range of soil pHs. It spreads by underground rhizomes and stolons and develops into a dense, thick, and green lawn. The density of grass blades also crowds out weeds naturally, while the quick growth rate makes sure recovery from foot traffic and wear is negligible.
\n\n\n\nThis grass requires full, bright sun, so make sure your yard gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day if you’re considering Bermudagrass. Plus, the dense Bermudagrass turf also needs regular dethatching.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"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\nThis grass type is perfect for those looking for low-maintenance grass. But there’s a tradeoff: Centipedegrass doesn’t tolerate foot traffic real well.
\n\n\n\nIt spreads by stolons and grows slowly, so it might even take years to establish from seed. Centipedegrass lawns are typically yellow-green, which might tempt homeowners and gardeners to apply nitrogen fertilizer to bring about a richer green. Don’t. Over-fertilization will only increase the need for grass maintenance, spur thatch, and reduce cold tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a green garden during the winter, centipedegrass might not be suitable for you. This grass type doesn’t generally do well with overseeding and cold weather. But centipede lawns are fairly drought tolerant, accept shade, and won’t cause grass tunneling in flower beds due to their stolon growth.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\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\nThis is a coarse-textured grass that develops a broad-leafed, thick turf. It creates a cushioned, dense lawn from plugs and sod. St. Augustinegrass seeds are not available commercially since it doesn’t produce enough viable seeds, so it might be hard to find St. Augustine seeds at your local gardening store.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass tolerates salt and withstands shade better than most other warm-season turf grasses. It can also tolerate extreme heat and grow in various types of soil, as long as it is well-drained. But it’s the least cold-tolerant of all warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive in areas where winters are long and summers are shorter. Columbia weather doesn’t favor every cool-season turf type, only a few manage to survive. They’re built to grow in shaded areas and withstand the cold weather without freezing.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at three cool-season grasses that you can plant in your Columbia lawn:
\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\nThis cool-season grass is a drought-resistant, durable turf that doesn’t need strict maintenance. It will survive on low fertilization and in poor soil conditions, too. Plus, it’s hardy enough to withstand lots of outdoor activity.
\n\n\n\nIt will be a great addition to your Columbia lawn since it maintains its medium to dark green color from early spring till late fall. Generally, tall fescue resists disease and insects but might fall prey to them if over-fertilized or over-watered.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a popular choice across the U.S. due to its picture-perfect deep-green appearance. It’s a fine-textured, dense grass that withstands cold winters pretty well. Colors may vary from blue-green to emerald depending on the type you choose.
\n\n\n\nBut all this comes at a price: Kentucky bluegrass is very high maintenance. This grass type requires more fertilizer, herbicide, and water than any other cool-season grass. In addition to being pleasing to the eyes, Kentucky bluegrass is also easy on the feet. However, too much foot traffic will cause damage to the turf.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\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\nThis grass type can be planted as a single-grass lawn (monostand) or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to enhance its disease- and traffic resistance. It’s a popular choice for many homeowners because it has the ability to suppress weeds, germinate quickly, and retain a lovely green color in winter.
\n\n\n\nIts tapered blades give a tufted, shiny appearance and have a pale green hue. Its fine-textured blades need regular maintenance to give it a kept look. Perennial ryegrass can bear considerable foot traffic but it doesn’t self-repair and needs reseeding to recover.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a popular, low-maintenance grass type that won’t ask for much. It tolerates foot traffic, is drought-resistant, and does not require a lot of fertilizing and water.
Centipedegrass is one of the most popular grasses in South Carolina because of its ability to create thick, lush lawns with minimal maintenance. It’s well-adapted to the soil type and climate of this region and has developed a lighter color and medium texture to it.
Bermudagrass is the fastest-growing grass seed with a germinating time of as little as just 10 days.
Trying to build or maintain a healthy lawn in Columbia can be challenging, but it’s quite much easier if you choose the appropriate grass type for our climate.
\n\n\n\nIt’s safe to say that Zoysiagrass is the best pick for your Columbia lawn. It has the ability to thrive through varying weather conditions and is great in sun as well as shade. For cool-season turf, Kentucky bluegrass and Tall fescue are some great options.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re confused or want someone to help you set the lawn up, call one of our lawn care pros for help and advice.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: University of South Carolina Horseshoe / Dfscgt21 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Columbia, South Carolina","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.643835616438356,"src":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1789c/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg","srcSet":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/107df/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 320w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/293e9/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 500w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/f2cbb/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 800w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1789c/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 960w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/c26c2/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1dd6e/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/67b76/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 320w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/8df11/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 500w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/98a65/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 800w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1dd6e/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 960w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/3cc96/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Columbia, South Carolina","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of looking at your grim and sad lawn? Worry not, fill it with one of the 7 best grass types for Columbia and enjoy a thick, healthy lawn."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"9081ac16-de24-5f71-b6f0-0ab4f9c0232c","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-in-virginia-beach","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/worst-backyard-pests-in-virginia-beach/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"},{"id":"9107cea5-e99b-514c-a5cb-295305a7d651","name":"Virginia Beach","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"Ah, summer. But the livin’ isn’t so easy when pesky little critters show up. Slap! Smack! The following are the worst backyard pests in Virginia Beach.
\n","content":"\nAfter Virginia Beach’s cold and windy winters and constant rainfall, you want to enjoy your backyard barbeque or outside get-together when the weather is finally nice. Nothing can ruin your outdoor activities faster than an infestation of pesky bugs. This article explores seven of the worst backyard pests in Virginia Beach and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mosquito-gbae23e6e4_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nWe’re all familiar with these annoying insects that sting and leave us itching. Mosquitoes are more than annoying, they can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika virus. They can also cause skin irritation and allergies. These problems alone are enough to encourage efforts for mosquito control.
\n\n\n\nSome common symptoms that you’ve been stung by a mosquito include red, itchy bumps that may swell. As you may already know, they turn to sores if you scratch them. If you or visitors end up with bites after hanging outside your home, it’s an indication that you have mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes breed in standing water. Any sources you have in your yard that can collect water, like birdbaths, flowerpots, or uncovered trash bins, could attract mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes like to be outside during the lovely, warmer days of the year, just like humans. In Virginia Beach, mosquitoes are most active from late spring through early fall.
\n\n\n\nThere are some things you can do for mosquito control:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Ants_1214176165.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Cho / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe Virginia area first experienced a fire ant infestation in 1989. Most of the fire ants came from infested plant products, or they traveled from infested areas that were close by.
\n\n\n\nFire ants are another nuisance that not only disrupt your peaceful get-togethers with their mere presence, but fire ants can sting, too. Unlike mosquitoes, whose stings leave you itchy, fire ant stings are usually painful. These reddish-brown pests are known for their large, visible mounds in the soil, which can reach up to 18 inches tall. They attack anything that disturbs their nests. Some people can have an allergic reaction to fire ant stings, which can be life-threatening.
\n\n\n\nFire ants build their mounds anywhere, but they gravitate towards sunny and open areas. Look out for small dirt hills or mountains. Like mosquitoes, they prefer moisture, so their homes are often found next to water sources and trees.
\n\n\n\nFire ants like to build multiple mounds in an area. Sometimes there are hundreds of mounds across an acre of land. If you see several mounds throughout your yard, you probably have fire ants. They also build mounds in the cracks of sidewalks, around shrubs, and in landscape beds.
\n\n\n\nIf you or visitors have redness and itchiness, you may have been stung by fire ants. Swelling at the stinging site can also occur. Unlike mosquito bites, fire ant stings usually turn into blisters a couple of days later, regardless of if you scratch.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things that can attract fire ants:
\n\n\n\nSince fire ants prefer warm, sunny weather, they are most active during the summer. When the weather is cooler in the fall and winter, fire ants are less of a pest problem.
\n\n\n\nOne thing you can do if you see a mound is to leave it alone and call a professional exterminator. According to Virginia Tech, eliminating fire ants takes training and equipment that most homeowners do not have. Treating these terrors with the wrong pest control method can lead to an increased infestation.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, mounds are not the only indicator of an infestation, which makes fire ants hard to kill. This is another reason to call a pest control company. They can give you a thorough inspection. But if you insist on doing it yourself, here are some things you can do:
\n\n\n\nThese two methods are considered to be the most effective when applied together:
\n\n\n\nYou can reduce your chances of getting fire ants by:
\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\nIt’s hard to see fleas, but if you’ve ever been bitten by one, you know it doesn’t take seeing to be a believer. The most common flea in Virginia is the cat flea. Cat fleas do not discriminate, they bite dogs and humans, too. Fleas have flattened bodies and no wings.
\n\n\n\nSome tell-tale signs that you have fleas are itching or scratching. Flea bites can cause small red bumps. Since fleas are usually carried by pets, here are some signs you may notice on your pets.
\n\n\n\nFleas get into your yard by jumping onto mammals and wildlife that then carry the fleas to your property. Fleas love to breed in thatch. They also like to make a habitat out of piles of wood and leaves and hide in tall grass.
\n\n\n\nFleas love to make an appearance in the warmer months, during the spring and summer. But they can survive indoors during the colder winter months.
\n\n\n\nThe best treatment is prevention. Since fleas are often transported to homes by way of wildlife, reduce the chances you’ll attract wildlife by:
\n\n\n\nBecause fleas travel on pets, if you have pets:
\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6980305991_3209cd81a6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sid Mosdell / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWe’re used to seeing a bee or wasp every now and then. But when you have a wasp’s nest or other signs of a wasp infestation, it’s time to do something about it. Wasps are typically more aggressive than bees, and wasps look different.
\n\n\n\nThere are several wasp species, and they differ in physical characteristics and where they build their nests. Wasps include hornets and yellow jackets, which have brown bodies and yellow stripes. Some wasps have a shiny look, like mud daubers, or dark wings, like red wasps. For those allergic to wasp stings, this pest problem could lead to death if the allergic person is stung.
\n\n\n\nIf you have several wasps flying around a specific area, you may have an infestation. Another obvious clue is seeing a wasp’s nest. Different species build their nests in different locations. You may find wasp nests in sheds, porch ceilings, garages, vegetation, doorways, trees, or barns.
\n\n\n\nWasps like loud clothing, good-smelling people, and potlucks. In other words, wasps are attracted to bright colors, strong smells, and food, especially sugary items. Open garbage cans may attract wasps, as can open compost bins.
\n\n\n\nWasps like to show up in the spring and fall.
\n\n\n\nRemoving a wasp’s nest can be dangerous. No one will blame you if you seek professional pest control services.
\n\n\n\nUsing professional services can give you the peace of mind of knowing the problem has been eradicated. Professionals can also inspect the outside and inside of your home and find things you cannot. If you have nests hiding underground, inside of walls, or in the attic, professionals can locate and exterminate the wasps.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things you can do on your own if the pest problem seems like it can be handled with a little DIY magic.
\n\n\n\nYou can be proactive and reduce your chances of attracting wasps by keeping garbage and food sealed. You can also keep vegetation around your home trimmed.
\n\n\n\n![\"alot](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/termites-g5c89ceef5_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDid you know that every year homeowners fork out over two billion dollars to treat termites? Termites have caused significant damage to homes by chewing through wooden support beams, flooring, and other materials.
\n\n\n\nVirginia Beach is victim to many different species of termites, including the most common type, subterranean termites. These little insects resemble ants. They’re usually brown, black, or yellow. They live in colonies, but you usually won’t ever see them. You will, unfortunately, eventually see the damage they cause.
\n\n\n\nHollow-sounding wood or buckling floors or walls are some signs of termites. Mud tubes are also an indication. Termites travel through mud tubes or mud tunnels to access food and water. You may find mud tunnels in your home’s foundation and concrete walls. Another symptom of termites is seeing wings around entry points like doors and windows.
\n\n\n\nTermites are attracted to moisture. They are also attracted to situations where wood has come into contact with the soil, so they love wood that is decaying or damaged by water. Termites will invade wooden decks or porches in these conditions. These pests are also attracted to decks or porches that were built with poorly treated or untreated wood.
\n\n\n\nTermites also chew their way into homes when they perceive there is an availability of food.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, termites are active year-round. They are most active in the warmer spring and summer months.
\n\n\n\nA recurring theme of this article is prevention. Here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of a termite pest problem:
\n\n\n\nIn many cases, termiticides, which are what the pesticides for termites are called, can only be administered by a professional. Some EPA-approved treatments are termite baits, wood treatments, and termiticides applied to the soil. If you’ve purchased a pesticide, only use it if the label specifically says it can be used on termites. An active infestation is best handled by professionals.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Periplaneta_americana_-_D8-10-2861Crop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eran Finkle / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat purpose cockroaches have in the ecosystem is probably a mystery to many people. Regardless of any usefulness cockroaches may have, when you see one, you want to make sure you never see another one. They carry several diseases, like cholera and Typhoid fever.
\n\n\n\nIf you see one roach, move quickly to get rid of them. Seeing one means there are probably many more hiding.
\n\n\n\nTwo of the types of cockroaches that terrorize Virginia Beach residents are German cockroaches and American cockroaches. German cockroaches are small and light brown. They’re usually located in bathrooms, kitchens, and other indoor areas where food and water are accessible.
\n\n\n\nAmerican cockroaches are reddish-brown and larger than German cockroaches. American cockroaches enjoy the outdoors more and are typically located in yards and gardens and other outdoor areas. They actually have wings. When they get tired of being outside, they hide in dark, moist places. They invade bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
\n\n\n\nIf you see these critters in your backyard, you want to act quickly to get rid of them. You may already have them in your home. Seeing one roach in your yard or anywhere in your home is an indication that you probably have many more hiding somewhere. You may see cockroach droppings around compost bins, pet food dishes, or garbage cans. Droppings are dark and small and look like pepper.
\n\n\n\nYou may find cockroach egg cases, which are typically brown and cylindrical shaped, in dark places in your yard. The cases may be in crevices and cracks or under leaves.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches shed their skins as they grow. You may see their translucent shells under leaf piles or in crevices in the yard.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, cockroach season is nearly every month of the year. The season is between March and December. That’s 10 months!
\n\n\n\nRoaches are hard to get rid of since they’re so good at hiding. Insecticides contain harmful chemicals. Some treatments, like aerosol sprays, will kill the roaches sprayed but not get rid of the infestation. It is recommended that you call a professional exterminator for the best results.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things homeowners can do to minimize the pest problem:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/47748266872_a0ca5cccea_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nStink bugs are typically found in gardens. They’re not known to be dangerous to humans, but they can ruin your plants. They feed on a variety of plants, and they cause the most damage to fruit, tomatoes, okra, and pecans. They pierce the plant’s surface and suck out its fluids. They alter the plant’s appearance and can weaken the plant. In severe cases, stink bugs can cause the plant to die.
\n\n\n\nStink bugs get their name because they emit a foul smell when threatened. They’re very small insects and are usually brown-colored. They have a shield-shaped or oval-shaped body, six legs, and antennae.
\n\n\n\nIf you see that your plants are damaged, you could have stink bugs. Since the bugs emit a foul odor when threatened, you may smell a strong and unpleasant odor. You may see them on walls, plants, or other areas in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nThey like the warmth, so if you have warm places in your yard, like piles of debris, they may be attracted to them. They also may gravitate to plants they feed on, like pepper and tomatoes. Stink bugs are attracted to cracks and gaps in your home that give them a way into the warmth during the winter weather.
\n\n\n\nThis pest problem usually occurs in the spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an interesting fact that parasitic wasps, like the samurai wasp, naturally attack stink bug eggs. If you have both stink bugs and wasps, maybe the wasps can kill the stink bug eggs before you exterminate the wasps.
\n\n\n\nThese are a few suggestions for controlling stink bugs:
\n\n\n\nIf the bugs have invaded your home:
\n\n\n\n
The most commonly found stinging insects in Virginia Beach are:
Overseeding your lawn is a way to repair it. When you overseed you add new grass to your lawn. This stronger grass covers bare spots created by pests. Overseeding has other benefits, including:
Prevention is always best. However, even the most diligent efforts do not guarantee that you will not incur some unwanted critters and insects. Here are some things you can do to be proactive:
As long as there is an outdoors, there will be insects and critters. Our job is to do what we can to make sure these pests stay in their lane to protect ourselves and our loved ones and ensure these pests do not interrupt our quality of life.
\n\n\n\nWhile there may not be anything that is 100 percent guaranteed to avoid some of these pests, you can at least reduce your chances of an infestation. Now that you know what to look for, you can take measures to proactively guard against these pest problems.
\n\n\n\nA well-maintained lawn can deter pest invasion. For help maintaining your lawn so that you can spend more time strolling along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and less time worrying about pests, call a professional lawn care service.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Stink Bug / Pxfuel
\n","title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Virginia Beach, VA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7804154302670623,"src":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1789c/pxfuel.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/107df/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/293e9/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/f2cbb/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1789c/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/c26c2/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/67b76/pxfuel.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/8df11/pxfuel.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/98a65/pxfuel.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/3cc96/pxfuel.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Virginia Beach, VA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read to find out the worst backyard pests plaguing Virginia Beach homeowners, indicators that you have them, causes, and how to eliminate them."}}},{"node":{"id":"885a237f-ead1-5076-914a-eef7ed694b86","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"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":"b2c4f6ff-0472-5f66-b3a2-f18459ce21c7","name":"Tallahassee","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Charming cafes and elegant restaurants dot the streets of Tally, creating a tasty escape from the heat in the heart of Seminole country. Tucked away in the northern panhandle region of Florida, Tallahassee’s spring temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Implement our ten spring lawn care tips and take advantage of the pleasant […]
\n","content":"\nCharming cafes and elegant restaurants dot the streets of Tally, creating a tasty escape from the heat in the heart of Seminole country. Tucked away in the northern panhandle region of Florida, Tallahassee’s spring temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Implement our ten spring lawn care tips and take advantage of the pleasant weather to prepare your yard for the humid summer just around the corner.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo most of the United States, spring in Tallahassee feels like summer. Average March temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit gradually increase to 90 degrees by May, setting off the active growing seasons for most Florida plants.
\n\n\n\nFloridians care for their warm-season grasses from March to May, hoping to encourage fresh growth before the extreme heat and humidity take over in June. Spring lawn care is more than mowing your lawn and setting the timer on your sprinkler. As your yard goes through its most active growing season, you need to be on the lookout for diseases, pests, and bare spots. With the proper spring maintenance plan, your lawn will be ready to take on the extreme heat.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatch-Your-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rawpixel
\n\n\n\nTallahassee winters are short and relatively cool, causing some grass cultivars to go dormant and develop thatch. Thatch is the tight layer of dead grass intertwined with living grass blades and roots that accumulates just about your soil level and below eyeline visibility. A thin layer of thatch insulates grass roots and makes your turfgrass more resilient. However, too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
\n\n\n\nDense thatch causes:
\n\n\n\nWatch for thatch that is half inch or more thick, spongy turf, footprints, increased pest activity, and active diseases. Always detatch your lawn during its active growing season in mid-spring to early summer using a dethatcher, also known as a lawn scarifier. Dethatchers work like a complex rake to remove thatch to the surface of your lawn for collection. Always remove the layer of thatch immediately.
\n\n\n\nSpringtime is notoriously dry in Tallahassee with only five days of precipitation per month on average. Aeration is a common method to introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns with restricted root growth, allowing for water and nutrients to permeate more easily.
\n\n\n\nOxygen allows your turfgrass to establish deep roots and a dense appearance. There are two types of common aeration: spike aeration and core aeration. Aerate your Tallahassee lawn in mid-spring to stimulate root growth before summer.
\n\n\n\nSpike aerators create small holes in the ground with a rotating punch. This method is less effective than core aeration. Spike aeration does not remove material from the soil, so there is no chance of natural de-thatching.
\n\n\n\nCore aerators remove plugs of soil to create small holes so the soil can breathe. This method leaves leftover plugs of soil on the surface of your lawn, adding beneficial nutrients and microorganisms to decrease thatch naturally.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for the northern panhandle region with its fine sandy loam soils. Fine sandy loam comprises less than 20% clay, less than 50% silt, and between 40 to 50% sand. They retain less moisture, heat more quickly, and lack the nutrients of more dense soil types. Core aerators do a better job of breaking up sand particles, creating airflow, and improving water and nutrient access.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Test-your-Soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nPlants and turfgrasses growing in sandy loam soil require regular fertilization and irrigation, and spring soil preparation is crucial to the success of your Tallahassee landscape. Proper preparation provides nutrients for your grass to thrive, even in the deficient soils of the northern panhandle. Residents should send in a soil sample for testing in March.
\n\n\n\nCollect small samples from different areas of your landscape and combine them to create a one-cup sample. Send the sample in to receive your unique results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include lime for soil pH imbalances and nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus applications.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Equipment.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTaller grass blades develop deeper roots and a dense appearance. Mowing your lawn stresses your warm-season turfgrass, leaving it more susceptible to insects, disease, drought, and sunscald. Tallahassee’s subtropical climate requires year-round lawn maintenance. Warm, dry springs kick-start the active growing season in March.
\n\n\n\nYour grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height. To avoid injuring your lawn, never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade regardless of your cultivar. and always cut less, more often. You should mow weekly within the recommended range for your grass type and leave clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bahiagrass | 3 – 4 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 3.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1.75 – 2.5 inches |
Bahiagrass is the most low-maintenance warm-season variety. Growth peaks in March thanks to Tallahassee’s warm spring temperatures. Aim to mow every seven to 14 days to maintain a height of 3 to 4 inches, encouraging deeper roots and a more dense and resilient turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the lowest-growing warm-season grass and the most high-maintenance, requiring weekly to twice weekly mowing sessions. Mow to a height of 1 to 2 inches to encourage deep roots and a better appearance.
\n\n\n\nLike bahiagrass, centipedegrass benefits from a regular mowing schedule every seven to 14 days. Mow to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches to prompt a more extensive root system to withstand drought and nematode stress.
\n\n\n\nThe most popular Florida turfgrass is prone to scalping and sun scalding, requiring particular mowing heights. Mow St. Augustinegrass to heights of 3.5 to 4 inches to encourage deep roots and decrease insect activity.
\n\n\n\nThe more frequently you mow this dense turfgrass, the less likely your lawn will develop a buildup of harmful thatch. While some thatch is a good thing, too much is harmful, blocking out light and water.
\n\n\n\nMow Zoysiagrass weekly, aiming for heights of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. Zoysiagrass leaves contain larger amounts of lignin and silica, making them more resistant and difficult to mow.
\n\n\n\nUnless your lawn is brand new, all warm-season varieties respond well to the typical drought conditions of a Tallahassee spring. The best watering method for Florida turfgrasses is as needed early in the morning, starting in mid-March. You will know it is time to water your turfgrass when you notice a dark blue-gray color, footprinting, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves.
\n\n\n\nWater these warm-season varieties as needed. Aim for ⅔ to ¾ inch of water per application. Each application will moisten the top 8 inches of soil, saturating the roots of your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nThe roots of bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass are more shallow than other cultivars. Apply ½ to ¾ inch of water per application to moisten the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"Weed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Contorl-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTallahassee’s subtropical climate creates the optimal habitat for plant growth. Unfortunately, this means it is also prone to intense weed growth, signifying an underlying problem with your lawn’s health and maintenance plan. Weeds thrive in low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning damaged turf.
\n\n\n\nWeeds steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from your warm-weather grass and spread pests and diseases. The best control and prevention method is routine maintenance, coupled with supplemental chemical methods like post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides minimize the number of weeds in your yard by killing seeds before germination. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in mid-March when soil temperatures reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit to control grassy weeds.
\n\n\n\nLook for solutions containing benefin, bensulide, oryzalin, or prodiamine. Wait 60 days and apply a second application of pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nCommon grassy weeds in Tallahassee include:
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides target annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, disrupting their growth. Use these herbicides year-round to target weeds you can see.
\n\n\n\nDo not use post-emergent herbicides if temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or if your lawn is moisture stressed. Additionally, be sure to wait a few days after a fresh mow before applying chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nCommon perennial and annual broadleaf weeds include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pest-Control.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Praxis Eco / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDifferent insects invade particular cultivars at different times, but all insects love the year-round warm weather. The most common Tallahassee springtime pests include chinch bugs, hunting billbugs, ground pearls, and nematodes.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs love St. Augustinegrass. Watch for yellow spots in sunny locations, signifying chinch bug activity. These foliage-seeking insects suck vital plant juices from your turfgrass with peak activity occurring in March and April.
\n\n\n\nDIY collect chinch bugs using a coffee can with both ends removed to create a hollow pipe. Insert the can into the soil inside the affected area. Fill the can with water and leave it for a few days. Chinch bugs will float to the top of the can for removal. If you notice more than 15 chinch bugs per square foot, it is time to call a professional.
\n\n\n\nGround pearls are another foliage-seeking, scale insect that loves sucking on the root fluids of most turfgrasses, most notably centipedegrass. These insects lay hundreds of pinkish-white, waxy, sac-like eggs from March to June. The round “pearls,” or eggs range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as 1/16th inch in diameter. Unfortunately, these pearls are likely to go unnoticed and are located up to 10 inches deep in the soil.
\n\n\n\nWatch for yellow or brown patches of stressed or dead turfgrass. The best defense against these pests is proper lawn maintenance and drainage. No insecticides on the market control ground pearls. Tend to your regular lawn maintenance, including nutritional imbalances and drainage needs.
\n\n\n\nHunting billbugs are a year-round problem for homeowners with Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass. Watch for irregular-shaped patches of dead turf. Hunting billbugs feed on the roots of turfgrasses like ground pearls.
\n\n\n\nInfestations are often misdiagnosed as dormancy in the northern panhandle region, but hunting billbug activity peaks in the spring. Treat billbugs with an insecticide application containing bifenthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, or imidacloprid.
\n\n\n\nNematodes affect most warm-season turfgrasses and are one of Florida’s most prolific pests. The best prevention method is proper lawn maintenance to develop dense roots. Nematodes are unsegmented roundworms, and unfortunately, Florida is home to numerous types.
\n\n\n\nWatch for yellowing and thinning turf, especially during dry periods. Nematode populations peak in mid to late spring, and nematodes need moisture to survive. Apply nematicides like Indemnify to affected areas alongside routine lawn maintenance and proper yard drainage.
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases and fungi love Florida’s subtropical climate. The best defense against these lawn invaders is routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization for a healthy and dense lawn. Some of the most common diseases affecting Tallahassee turfgrasses are large patch, pythium root, gray leaf spot, take-all root rot, dollar spot, spring dead spot, and centipedegrass decline.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus affecting most Florida turfgrasses, including St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass. The fungus typically occurs in winter through the end of spring. Watch for brown, circular patches several feet in diameter.
\n\n\n\nMost large patch infestations do not respond to fungicide applications. The most effective control and prevention method is proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage and air movement. Monitor patches and limit fertilization in affected areas. Avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nPythium root occurs in poorly drained or over-watered soils and commonly affects St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass year-round. It is a water mold pathogen that causes slow-growing, thinning turf with irregular, bleached patches of yellow grass.
\n\n\n\nCombat current and future infections by improving drainage and increasing sunlight exposure, if possible. Avoid spreading pythium root by reducing mowing and watering frequencies. Apply a blend of phosphorus, potash, and nitrogen to the soil to combat active infections.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is prone to fungal infections. Grey leaf spot is another turfgrass fungus in Tallahassee popping up in April through the end of summer. Watch for grass that appears yellow, mottled, or scorched.
\n\n\n\nTreat gray leaf spot with proper lawn maintenance. Improve air circulation by removing thatch. Avoid fertilization and post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active. Monitor and fix drainage issues and avoid over-watering to prevent active and future infestations.
\n\n\n\nTake-all root rot is a soil-dwelling fungus active in spring through early summer. Be on the lookout for yellow or brown grass blades, wilting, horizontal stems, and dark brown roots.
\n\n\n\nTreat the warm-season turfgrass disease using fungicide labeled for take-all root rot. Apply to the affected area in 14-day intervals during spring. Prevent the fungus with proper lawn maintenance by improving drainage, reducing thatch buildup, and increasing the time between irrigation sessions.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot affects bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and centipedegrass. It is caused by a fungus living in Florida soils and is extremely common in the Southeast. Watch for circular brown or yellow spots that look like dollar coins.
\n\n\n\nLike most fungi, treat dollar spot with proper lawn maintenance. Maintain nitrogen levels by applying a nitrogen-based fertilizer to bermudagrass or bahiagrass and minimize moisture stress by ensuring proper drainage. Always water deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce foliage wetness.
\n\n\n\nSoil-dwelling fungus, spring dead spot affects Tallahassee bermudagrass. Keep an eye out for circular patches of dead grass ranging in diameter from 6 inches to several feet. The easiest way to spot spring dead spot is to monitor your lawn during its active growth phase in mid-March and early April. Areas affected by spring dead spot will not go through the growth process.
\n\n\n\nTreat spring dead spot by removing thatch and aggressively aerating affected areas to relieve soil compaction and increase airflow.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass decline develops in mature cultivars. Similar to spring dead spot, watch for yellowing or brown patches of dead turfgrass during active spring growth. Centipedegrass decline occurs for numerous reasons, including:
\n\n\n\nTreat centipedegrass decline by adjusting soil pH levels according to your soil test results. Avoid overfertilization with nitrogen and always follow recommended lawn maintenance, including mowing highs and frequencies. Never scalp centipedegrass and mow often to eliminate excessive thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the best time to seed or replant your lawn in Tallahassee. The active growing season beginning in mid-March encourages fresh growth, filling in thin and patchy areas.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turfgrass to fill thin areas. Bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and centipedegrass are low-maintenance cultivars that respond well to overseeding.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your Florida lawn in mid-March to early April. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet for bermudagrass and bahiagrass varieties and 4 ounces per 1,000 square feet for centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass do not respond to overseeding. Instead, plan to replant large bare areas using sod plugs in mid-March, April, or May. Space plugs 6 to 12 inches apart and water well daily. Keep crabgrass at bay by applying a root-safe pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply fertilizer to your Tallahassee turfgrass is mid-April, before the Florida summer heat sets in. Fertilizer promotes healthy growth. The type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your turfgrass cultivar and your unique soil sample analysis results.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 15-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 15% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that Florida’s soil is high in phosphorus, so it is often unnecessary to apply fertilizer containing this chemical. Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in mid-April, but keep in mind that shaded grass requires less fertilizer than grass growing in full sun.
\n\n\n\nThe Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule mandates that slow-release nitrogen fertilizer applications cannot exceed 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and quick-release, soluble nitrogen fertilizer applications cannot exceed 0.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\n\n\n\nMature centipedegrass has low nitrogen requirements. Always follow the amendment recommendations from your soil sample test results. Centipedegrass does not respond well to overfertilization, and nitrogen applications are not typically necessary. High nitrogen levels lead to centipedegrass decline, increased insect activity, and thatch accumulation.
\n\n\n\nUse sprinklers or an automatic irrigation system to apply water in 10 to 20-minute segments, twice per day, until the seeds have germinated. The germination process typically takes seven to 10 days in Florida.
You should stop fertilizing your lawn at least one month before overseeding to give the new seeds a chance to germinate and grow without struggling against actively growing grass. Additionally, you apply fertilizer after overseeding, which is the preferred method. Apply a slow-release fertilizer immediately after overseeding or wait two to three weeks and apply a
fast-release fertilizer to your newly seeded lawn.
Warm-season grass varieties are drought-resistant and most benefit from drying out in between watering sessions. Overwatering your turfgrass stresses your lawn, leading to increased pests and diseases. Watch for these signs you are overwatering your turfgrass:
• Thick layer of thatch over ¾ inch thick
• Fungus growth including mushrooms
• Increased weed growth, including crabgrass and nutsedge
• Signs of pest activity
• Spongy grass and footprint indents
• Pooling water and increased runoff
Tallahassee homeowners love two things: their outdoor space and Florida State University football. With the proper spring lawn care schedule, you can enjoy your yard for most of the year, protect its green color from the summer heat, and ready your landscape for Florida hurricane season. Consider some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to get you started.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help controlling spring weeds or pests, contact a Tallahassee lawn care pro to help your landscape establish deep roots and wind-resistance
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Tallahassee, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7751479289940828,"src":"/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/1789c/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/107df/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 320w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/293e9/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 500w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/f2cbb/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 800w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/1789c/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 960w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/c26c2/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/1dd6e/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/67b76/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 320w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/8df11/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 500w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/98a65/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 800w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/1dd6e/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 960w,\n/static/c6d4d7bd9c084b9568c44c63ffccff53/3cc96/Spring-lawn-care-tips-tallahassee.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Tallahassee, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 10 valuable tips for maintaining a green spring lawn in Tallahassee and prepare your grass for the humid Florida summers."}}},{"node":{"id":"7450a5c7-8f60-5887-90f7-256b3940be0e","slug":"watering-restrictions-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/watering-restrictions-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"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":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"Every sip of water you (or your lawn) takes in Tampa comes from a unique blend of surface, underground and seawater. It’s a resource protected by year round watering rules.
\n","content":"\nIt’s hard to imagine not having enough water to drink and bathe, but dry spells can severely impact reserves in Florida communities. With summertime temperatures in the 90s, watering restrictions in Tampa are in place to keep the taps running for everyone.
\n\n\n\nTampa is unique in that its utility, Tampa Bay Water, is the only utility in the United States to get its supply by blending three sources:
\n\n\n\nWhile having a multitude of sources spreads the risk of ever running dry, each of the sources has its limits, so the Tampa Bay area imposes year-round water restrictions.
\n\n\n\nThe city of Tampa has specific rules in place for watering the grass.
\n\n\n\nThe hot sun draws moisture into Tampa’s already-humid air, so it’s best to water between midnight and 8 a.m. (Watering during the heat of the day invites weeds and wastes water.) The city of Tampa prohibits turning on the sprinklers during the day. The watering day schedule applies to permanent irrigation systems, as well as moveable sprinklers.
\n\n\n\nTampa’s watering restrictions are the same for newly established landscapes, as well as chemical treatments and irrigation system upgrades. But you may hand-water your garden, wash cars, run a cycling fountain and power wash without restrictions … just try not to waste any water. Reclaimed water is not restricted but only use what you need.
\n\n\n\nOutlying areas outside of Tampa, such as Hillsboro, also face watering restrictions. The schedule for Hillsboro County is as follows:
\n\n\n\nThe Southwest Florida Water Management District handles restrictions for several cities in the Tampa area. Unless your city or county imposes more-restrictive water rules, the SFWMD rules are in effect. The rules differ in surrounding neighborhoods. In Temple Terrace, for example, homeowners with even-numbered addresses may water their lawns Thursdays and Sundays. Odd-numbered addresses may turn on the sprinklers Wednesdays and Saturdays. Watering is only permitted before 10 a.m., and after 4 p.m. Common areas may irrigate rights-of-way on Tuesdays and Fridays.
\n\n\n\nBlowing off the city of Tampa’s water rules can cost you anywhere from $100 to $450 per violation and require a court appearance. Tampa’s Water Use Restrictions Enforcement Plan assesses fines of $100 for the first citation, $200 for the second. Then, because you apparently haven’t gotten the message, you’ll face a $450 fine and a trip to court. And if you fail to show up to court, the water department can cut off your service completely.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses for a Florida lawn include Zoysia, buffalograss, bahiagrass, and St. Augustine. Planting a drought-tolerant grass, such as buffalo, ensures its hardiness when rainfall is sparse and the sprinklers are off. Lawns that can best handle periods of drought have deep, spreading root systems.
\n\n\n\nWatering the lawn less frequently but for longer periods is better for the roots. Watering too often prevents the roots from reaching deep into the soil.
\n\n\n\nApply a half-inch of water when about a third or half of the grass shows signs of wilting. When the blades start to fold, turn a blue-gray color, and don’t spring back after being walked on, the lawn is telling you it’s thirsty.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Tampa? Visit our Tampa Lawn Care page.
Even though there aren’t any watering restrictions for Virginia Beach, the city asks you to be smart about the way you use your water outdoors.
\n","content":"\nVirginia Beach is one of the lucky metropolitan areas when it comes to lawn watering. Watering restrictions in Virginia Beach are pretty much nonexistent. A representative of the public utility says Virginia Beach has plenty of water. But the truth isn’t quite as simple as that, and the city asks people to follow a list of water conservation recommendations. Here’s a little bit of the history behind this, along with the city’s conservation recommendations.
\n\n\n\nThe biggest drought of the last century took place in 1930. The United States Geological Survey says that was one of the most severe droughts recorded in the state. Things dried up again in 1938-1942, and 1962-1971 and other years, like in the 1980s More recently, a milder drought hit Virginia in 2002.
\n\n\n\nToday, Virginia Beach pumps in millions of gallons a day from Lake Gaston. That abundant water supply allows the city to skirt water restrictions. But this didn’t come without a court challenge from the state of North Carolina, where part of the lake is located. Virginia Beach prevailed, but the water supply is a hard-fought resource, and the city promotes conservation.
\n\n\n\nThe city of Virginia Beach has a list of recommendations for outdoor and indoor water use on its website. Those recommendations include watering your lawn in the early morning. Morning watering is also best for the grass since it allows the roots time to soak up the water before the heat of the day. Watering during the day wastes water and watering at night leaves the lawn vulnerable to disease and fungus. The city also recommends replacing some of your grass with mulched garden beds and choosing native plants, which are adapted to the climate of Virginia Beach. Other common-sense tips include aiming your sprinklers away from driveways and streets and towards your grass.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line is that you can water as much as you want and when you want, and the city of Virginia Beach is not going to come after you. Even though there aren’t any watering restrictions for Virginia Beach, the city asks you to be smart about the way you use your water outdoors. Save the water for a rainy day … or rather several dry days when we really need it!
\n\n\n\nWant more information about lawn care and landscaping in Virginia Beach? Visit our Virginia Beach lawn care page.
New Hampshire is among the snowiest states in the nation. Though the climate can be harsh in winter, it’s not impossible to have a great lawn in New Hampshire if you know the four grass seeds that thrive in this challenging climate. Good grass is the key to a lush, green, and healthy lawn. Let’s […]
\n","content":"\nNew Hampshire is among the snowiest states in the nation. Though the climate can be harsh in winter, it’s not impossible to have a great lawn in New Hampshire if you know the four grass seeds that thrive in this challenging climate.
\n\n\n\nGood grass is the key to a lush, green, and healthy lawn. Let’s take a look at the grass types that do well here.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are primarily two types of grasses:
\n\n\n\nIt probably comes as no surprise that cool-season grasses are best suited to New Hampshire’s harsh winter.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a closer look at each grass type:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass looks beautiful with its fine-textured, dark-green grass blades, which is why it’s so popular across wide swaths of the North and Midwest. It’s also soft on bare feet.
\n\n\n\nBut if you’re considering Kentucky bluegrass, you should know that it holds up under heavy use only moderately well. It withstands kids and pets but maybe not a neighborhood soccer match. On the plus side, it recovers quickly from damage.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass isn’t a good option for people who want low-maintenance lawns as it requires regular mowing and fertilization. It’s also prone to some diseases.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Red Fescue – a species of fine fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Fine fescue is a highly adaptable grass that grows well in full sun and shade. It forms a lush lawn with green, fine-textured grass blades. Fine fescue is a low-maintenance grass that requires minimal watering and moderate mowing.
\n\n\n\nOn the down side, while fine fescue can handle normal outdoor usage, it doesn’t tolerate a great deal of foot traffic, and it takes time to recover from damage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue features dark green, coarse-textured grass blades. This grass doesn’t look great when used alone, but you can combine it with other grasses for a better appearance. Tall fescue grows best in full sun and resists disease pretty well.
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue can handle occasional backyard parties, but it can’t quickly recover from damage. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance turf, this is not it: Tall fescue requires frequent mowing and fertilization.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass germinates in less than a week, making it one of the fastest-growing grasses. It looks beautiful with fine-textured, dark green grass blades. Perennial ryegrass grows best under constant direct sunlight.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass can tolerate high foot traffic, but it takes time to recover from damages. This grass is prone to red thread and gray leaf spot. But with proper maintenance, you can minimize the damage or prevent the disease altogether.
\n\n\n\nBest Grasses at a Glance
\n\n\n\n| Grass | Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Maintenance Needs | Disease Resistance |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fine fescue | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate |
| Turf-type tall fescue | Moderate | Low | High | Low |
| Perennial ryegrass | Low | Moderate | Moderate | High |
Fine fescue and turf-type tall fescue can handle shade.
Fine fescue can survive with minimal watering.
Fine fescue is the best option for a low-maintenance lawn.
All grasses listed here survive well in New Hampshire’s cool climate. So the next thing to consider is which grass best suits your lifestyle. Some require more maintenance than others, some handle drought better, and some stand up to the pounding of backyard barbecues and other get-togethers.
\n\n\n\nYou should also consider the rest of your landscape. If you want to add some color to your yard we recommend you invest in native plants that grow naturally in New Hampshire’s climate and can survive with little to no maintenance.
\n\n\n\nProper maintenance is critical for a lawn. If you want to enjoy a beautiful garden without breaking a sweat, Wikilawn New Hamshire lawn pros can help.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Congreve Hall / Kylejtod at en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for New Hampshire","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/1789c/Congreve-Hall.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/107df/Congreve-Hall.jpg 320w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/293e9/Congreve-Hall.jpg 500w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/f2cbb/Congreve-Hall.jpg 800w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/1789c/Congreve-Hall.jpg 960w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/c26c2/Congreve-Hall.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/1dd6e/Congreve-Hall.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/67b76/Congreve-Hall.webp 320w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/8df11/Congreve-Hall.webp 500w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/98a65/Congreve-Hall.webp 800w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/1dd6e/Congreve-Hall.webp 960w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/3cc96/Congreve-Hall.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for New Hampshire","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"New Hampshire gets bitterly cold, but that doesn't mean you can't have a beautiful lawn. Here are four cool-season grass types that do well here."}}},{"node":{"id":"0780c0a3-fa8d-53da-a198-f0b693504897","slug":"why-most-lawn-care-companies-shouldnt-be-using-google-adwords","path":"/lawn-care/why-most-lawn-care-companies-shouldnt-be-using-google-adwords/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 14th, 2019","excerpt":"Google Adwords can be a powerful way to grow a business. With 1.2 trillion searches each year it’s certainly tempting to go after a share of those searches with paid search. You can start getting web traffic instantly, the clicks are people who are in the buying cycle, and you can track your ROI very […]
\n","content":"\nGoogle Adwords can be a powerful way to grow a business.
\n\n\n\nWith 1.2 trillion searches each year it’s certainly tempting to go after a share of those searches with paid search. You can start getting web traffic instantly, the clicks are people who are in the buying cycle, and you can track your ROI very accurately.
\n\n\n\nI’ve even written about how landscapers can use Google Adwords to grow their business.
\n\n\n\nHowever, I must say, that some 95% of lawn care and landscaping businesses should stay off of Google Adwords.
\n\n\n\nNo matter what Google’s marketing message says, Google Adwords is an extremely complex system. Just setting an account up properly takes a fairly large amount of knowledge, and most businesses–large and small–get it wrong.
\n\n\n\nAt WikiLawn, we partner with lawn care businesses to help them grow. Many of them use Adwords as well, and I’ve offered to take a look at their accounts since digital marketing is what I live and breathe.
\n\n\n\nEvery time I’ve looked at these accounts, I’m disappointed. None have been set up particularly well, and most are missing even the basics. What’s even more saddening is about half were blatantly losing money.
\n\n\n\nI can also use competitive tools combined with our proprietary knowledge of industry margins to estimate what other companies are making and losing on Adwords. Most are not making money.
\n\n\n\nFor starters, even if you know the ins and outs of Google Adwords, the platform requires continuous maintenance. Landscapers are among the busiest small business owners there are. Do you really think you have an extra 30 hours per week to spend?
\n\n\n\nAlso, the nature of the landscaping industry makes setting up Google Adwords complicated. The conversion funnel typically goes as follows:
\n\n\n\nHere’s how this process makes bidding on Adwords extremely complex:
\n\n\n\nAdwords is complex enough on its own, but add in the complexities of the landscaping industry and it’s no wonder so many lawn and landscape businesses lose money on Adwords.
\n\n\n\nHere’s the kicker. The higher you bid on Adwords, the more clicks you get. But with so many businesses that don’t realize how much money they’re losing, it becomes very difficult to get any clicks at a reasonable price whatsoever.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, hiring a marketing agency is no silver bullet. Many of the bank-account-draining accounts I’ve looked at were run by local agencies.
\n\n\n\nThe fact of the matter is that most local lawn care businesses can’t afford a top-tier agency. Competent agencies start at $5,000 / month, and that doesn’t include your ad spend. Running an Adwords campaign is a lot of work, so an agency charging a fraction of that is likely cutting corners.
\n\n\n\nSimple agency economics don’t work out for small businesses. It’s very hard for an agency to make money if they’re charging less than $1,000 / month. I’m sure there are exceptions to the rule, but be very wary of retaining agencies. They tend to be better at selling new clients than they are at delivering on their promises.
\n\n\n\nSo Adwords may not be the right option for you, but there are still plenty of options to grow your business.
\n\n\n\nFor starters, you can always upsell your existing customers. This has no cost but your time. You can write a carefully crafted email campaign advertising specials, call your customers to see what they’re interested in, or spend a couple of minutes extra at each property on your route making a list of projects that they could use.
\n\n\n\nUpsells drive revenue and customers want them.
\n\n\n\nGetting reviews is currently one of the most powerful ways you can grow your business locally. First focus on the sites that provide organic (free) traffic, namely Google Local and Yelp.
\n\n\n\nSimply politely ask your customers to leave a review, complete your profile, and respond to every review good or bad.
\n\n\n\nThere are many platforms that partner with local lawn care businesses to send recurring lawn maintenance jobs at no upfront cost. We handle all of the customer acquisition and customer support, so all you have to do is complete the work.
\n\n\n\nLarger, regional landscaping businesses can afford to hire a competent marketing agency to run their AdWords, and also front the setup cost for all the tracking associated with it.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the bulk of the lawn care industry is from small local businesses. If you’re one of these businesses, I can only condone that you start doing AdWords if the following criteria are met:
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about lawn care? Please visit our lawn care page for information.
\n","title":"Why (Most) Lawn Care Companies Shouldn’t Be Using Google Adwords","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5058823529411764,"src":"/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/1789c/adwords-793034_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/107df/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/293e9/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/f2cbb/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/1789c/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/356ef/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/1dd6e/adwords-793034_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/67b76/adwords-793034_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/8df11/adwords-793034_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/98a65/adwords-793034_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/1dd6e/adwords-793034_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/93f70/adwords-793034_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Why (Most) Lawn Care Companies Shouldn't Be Using Google Adwords | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"cb5de3f7-9238-5026-81b4-1d17a406324e","slug":"best-grass-types-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/best-grass-types-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 20th, 2023","excerpt":"With the beautiful subtropical climate in Jacksonville, who wouldn’t want a lush lawn to match the greenery? However, you should choose a species that can handle the warm weather, rain or shine. These warm-season grass types are well-suited for the city. Let’s review the pros and cons of each species so you can plant the […]
\n","content":"\nWith the beautiful subtropical climate in Jacksonville, who wouldn’t want a lush lawn to match the greenery? However, you should choose a species that can handle the warm weather, rain or shine. These warm-season grass types are well-suited for the city. Let’s review the pros and cons of each species so you can plant the best lawn for your property.
\n\n\n\nAlmost every lawn you see in Florida is made up of warm-season grass. Warm-season grasses do best in the southern half of the United States, while cool-season grasses do best in the northern states. Warm-season grasses thrive in spring and summer but turn brown and dormant in the winter. Of course, Jacksonville has mild winters, so your lawn will stay green longer.
\n\n\n\nThough many species of warm-season grasses exist, these five are the best-suited for Jacksonville lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhile Zoysiagrass originated in Asia, it’s well-adapted to warm, humid weather like that in Jacksonville. This light- to medium-green grass is heat and drought tolerant with low maintenance needs. However, it can still go dormant or die in extreme heat. Zoysiagrass has better cold tolerance than most warm-season grasses, which makes it a good fit for North Florida.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass can tolerate some shade but grows best in full sun. Zoysiagrass’ density helps it resist wear, diseases, weeds, and pests. It also tolerates herbicides more than other grass types. However, it’s slow to establish. Sod works better for establishment than plugs or seeds, even though it’s the more expensive option.
\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: Moderate mowing frequency and low to moderate fertilizer needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches. Cut with a sharp blade and mow taller if it’s in partial shade
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance and not prone to insect infestation
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Depends on the cultivar, but generally, well-draining soils work best
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Zoysiagrass has a good salt tolerance, which makes it ideal for coastal Jacksonville. Because of its dense growth pattern, zoysiagrass is popularly sold as sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermuda-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThis fine- to medium-textured grass is native to tropical and subtropical climates. Bermudagrass can stay bright green year-round with sufficient irrigation or rainfall but will turn brown with the year’s first frost. It thrives in direct sunlight and has a good humidity and salt tolerance. Its deep root system makes it drought-tolerant, though it may go dormant during extended drought.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is suitable for lawns with lots of foot traffic, such as sports fields and play areas. Why? Its fast growth helps it heal quickly from damage. However, this aggressive growth can make it difficult to contain. Bermudagrass requires frequent mowing and fertilization to keep up with its growth pattern.
\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 tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bermudagrass must be frequently mowed to deal with its rapid growth. It also develops thatch easily. Bermudagrass may require monthly fertilization during its peak growing season of late spring.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing 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: Bermudagrass spreads aggressively, so you must watch out for it spreading into garden beds and neighbors’ yards. It has good salt and humidity tolerance. Establish with seeds, sod, sprigs, or plugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis Brazilian grass is low-maintenance, with little water or fertilizer needed. Its extensive root system allows it to survive in drought and sandy, acidic, and infertile soils. However, it may go dormant during extended drought. It also doesn’t do well in salty or alkaline soils.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass isn’t as thick as other grasses and needs full sun to thrive. It’s best for lawns without too much foot traffic. It will take a while to establish with seeds, but you can also install sod. Though it has low fertilizer needs, it is susceptible to iron deficiency.
\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: Moderate to high. Mow every seven to 14 days. Ensure the blade is sharp so it can cut through the thick leaves and seed head stems.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low with moderate insect tolerance
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils and does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is best grown from seeds or sod. Plugging and sprigging are possible but leave the lawn susceptible to weeds. Overwatered bahiagrass is weaker and more susceptible to weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St.-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the Gulf of Mexico coastline, St. Augustinegrass is one of Florida’s most common turf grasses. It has a coarse texture and blue-green color. Most cultivars have higher shade tolerance than other warm-season grasses. While it grows well in cool and humid coastal climates, it doesn’t do particularly well in drought and turns brown in winter.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass grows quickly, which helps it crowd out weeds. However, it isn’t the densest grass and may not do well with heavy traffic. St. Augustinegrass is vulnerable to chinch bugs and fungal diseases, though some cultivars resist chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate, with one of the highest shade tolerances of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing and fertilizing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3-4 inches for standard varieties and 2.5-3 inches for dwarf varieties; mow tall in shade
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high. St. Augustinegrass is vulnerable to gray leaf spot, large patch, take-all rot, and chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows best in moderately fertile and moist soils with good drainage. It doesn’t tolerate drought or soil compaction.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It will do well in moist soils and mild winters but turn brown during cold winters. St. Augustinegrass has a good salt tolerance. Plant with plugs, sprigs, or sod.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nOriginating in Asia, centipedegrass is well-adapted for Central and North Florida. It’s slow-growing but requires less fertilization and mowing than other grass types in the area. Centipedegrass does well in sandy, acidic soils, making it a good choice for the generally acidic soil in Florida. However, coastal properties may have alkaline soils, so be sure to get a soil test.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass naturally has a medium texture and light green color. Overfertilization could cause centipedegrass decline and dead patches that are difficult to repair. Centipedegrass doesn’t have a high tolerance for salt, traffic, drought, or cold. It is also sensitive to many types of herbicides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate, but it needs at least six hours of full sun daily
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency and fertilization needs; overfertilization causes heavy thatch and centipedegrass decline
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low. Good resistance to diseases and insects. However, centipedegrass is susceptible to nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Can grow in acidic, sandy, and infertile soils. It needs moderately good drainage and doesn’t do well in heavy clay soils.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Centipedegrass is slow-growing and doesn’t have a high cold or salt tolerance. Establish with seed, sod, sprigs, or plugs.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and Zoysiagrass have the best foot traffic tolerance. If you also need durability in the face of drought and disease, Zoysiagrass is well-equipped to face these problems.
Centipedegrass is the easiest to maintain because of its low mowing and fertilization needs. If you need something with a higher traffic tolerance, consider Zoysiagrass.
Jacksonville gets a fair amount of rain, but droughts and dry spells aren’t unheard of. Because of that, it’s best to water on an as-needed basis. When you see folding or wilting leaves, color changes, or visible footprints, give your lawn ½ to ¾ inch of water. Make sure you follow local watering restrictions.
Choosing suitable grass is only the first step. You must plant and properly maintain your lawn to get the desired results. And what about the rest of your yard? Low-maintenance landscaping with native plants will make maintenance easier and allow you to enjoy the beautiful Jacksonville weather surrounded by equally beautiful greenery.
If you need help with your lawn or other yardwork, contact a Jacksonville lawn care professional.
Main Image Credit: indigolotos / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Jacksonville, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/1789c/grassy-lawn-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/107df/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/293e9/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/f2cbb/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/1789c/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/c26c2/grassy-lawn-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/1dd6e/grassy-lawn-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/67b76/grassy-lawn-1.webp 320w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/8df11/grassy-lawn-1.webp 500w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/98a65/grassy-lawn-1.webp 800w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/1dd6e/grassy-lawn-1.webp 960w,\n/static/20416ab858f0f023fbf3883df4651762/3cc96/grassy-lawn-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Jacksonville, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Need to plant a new lawn in your Jacksonville yard? These warm-season grasses are well-suited for the subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"0eccde0b-5cfd-55ed-a957-e6374546393e","slug":"water-restrictions-austin-round-rock-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/water-restrictions-austin-round-rock-texas/","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":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"People in the Austin area enjoy mild winters in a city that offers endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation. But the mellow winters come at a price: extreme summer temperatures that come saddled with water restrictions. These regulations can leave homeowners feeling like they have to choose between a healthy lawn and hefty fines. Read […]
\n","content":"\nPeople in the Austin area enjoy mild winters in a city that offers endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation. But the mellow winters come at a price: extreme summer temperatures that come saddled with water restrictions. These regulations can leave homeowners feeling like they have to choose between a healthy lawn and hefty fines. Read on for a guide to water restrictions in Austin/Round Rock.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how much rain Central Texas receives, water restrictions are typically imposed in summer, when the water levels in lakes Travis and Buchanan — the area’s sources of potable water — fall under a specified level.
\n\n\n\nThe restrictions are based on a few variables, including property type, watering method, and property address. Here’s a breakdown of the water restriction stages:
\n\n\n\nAt this point, water use is severely restricted. Your plants are on their own, as all outdoor irrigation is prohibited.
\n\n\n\nAlso banned at this stage are all car washing, patio misting equipment and power washers. You can’t refill your pool. Ornamental fountains have to be turned off, too, unless doing so would kill aquatic life.
\n\n\n\nWater restrictions are no joke, and enforcement is fairly common. In Stage 2, residential violations get slapped with a $75 fine the first time around. Fines go up to $500 for the fourth violation in a year.
\n\n\n\nThe higher the stage, the higher the fine. In Stage 4, the fourth violation will cost as much as $2,000.
\n\n\n\nWhile water restrictions are nothing to scoff at, the reality is that most yards don’t need more than a deep watering every five days. Landscapes can be drought-proofed by using xeriscaping and installing native landscape plants. You may also consider a rain barrel to harvest rainwater as well as reducing your garden watering in lean times.
\n\n\n\nYes, the schedules can be daunting. The good news is that after a season of generous rain, it’s unlikely the area will go past conservation level restrictions this year. Remember: water conservation is not a punishment, but rather an agreement we all make to preserve our most vital natural resource.
If you’re not sure about whether there are currently water restrictions in your area, check the Austin or Round Rock websites.
Interested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Lower Colorado River Authority.
\n","title":"Water Restrictions in Austin, Round Rock, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4912280701754386,"src":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/73f1e/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg","srcSet":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/107df/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 320w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/293e9/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 500w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/f2cbb/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 800w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/73f1e/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 850w","srcWebp":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/05ed0/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/67b76/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 320w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/8df11/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 500w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/98a65/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 800w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/05ed0/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 850w","sizes":"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Water Restrictions in Austin, Round Rock, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f1af7a6b-7d06-5dfc-bbba-ebd2818cc999","slug":"best-grass-types-plano","path":"/lawn-care/tx/plano/best-grass-types-plano/","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":"eeca14ff-595b-559f-93ba-b53dc08466da","name":"Plano","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/plano/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"You don’t want your Plano lawn to be plain-o. OK, bad puns aside, if you’ have a home built or want a new, ‘re trying to establish a beautiful, green lawn to replace your old, withered one, try out these grass types that are ideal for Plano. In this article: Bermudagrass BermudagrassPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr […]
\n","content":"\nYou don’t want your Plano lawn to be plain-o. OK, bad puns aside, if you’ have a home built or want a new, ‘re trying to establish a beautiful, green lawn to replace your old, withered one, try out these grass types that are ideal for Plano.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\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
Bermudagrass is the most common grass in Plano (and all of North Texas). Plano has two types of Bermudagrass: common and hybrid. Common is a light-green grass with a coarse leaf texture, making it better for lawns. Hybrid is darker, finer, and more aggressive, making it better for golf courses and sports fields.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is incredibly drought-resistant (valuable in Texas’ hot summers), tolerates heavy foot traffic, and grows well in most soil types, even the coarse, sandy variety found in many places in the Southwest. It’s also a versatile grass, as it’s usable in many settings like golf courses, lawns, and athletic fields. However, Bermudagrass doesn’t tolerate shade well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
If you live in an urban area, you’ve probably seen St. Augustinegrass. That’s because it’s more shade-tolerant than other grasses. It also handles being mowed at a higher height than other warm-season grasses, so it’s popular in lawns.
\n\n\n\nWhat it doesn’t tolerate is cold, so it doesn’t thrive in winter. It also struggles under heavy foot traffic, drought, and diseases. However, a well-maintained St. Augustinegrass lawn feels like a carpet (hence its other name, “carpet grass”), making the extra steps worth it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 – 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Buffalograss.jpeg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Pixnio / CC0
Buffalograss is an excellent choice for drought-prone regions. It thrives in areas that don’t get much rain and can tolerate cold better than other warm-season grasses. It’s also a low-maintenance grass that doesn’t require a lot of mowing.
\n\n\n\nHowever, buffalograss doesn’t do well in the shade. It also doesn’t thrive with too much water; overwatering causes weeds and other grasses to invade it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizome
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Centipedegrass
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
Centipedegrass is a slow-growing and coarse-leafed grass that requires little maintenance. It doesn’t need much fertilizer or mowing.
\n\n\n\nIts most prominent issues are that it needs a lot of sun and doesn’t tolerate traffic or prolonged drought. It’s also susceptible to herbicides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, St. Augustinegrass is your best bet.
Bermudagrass is the way to go if multiple legs stampede around your yard.
All lawns require some work to keep them healthy, but if you want a lawn that requires little maintenance, go for either centipedegrass or bermudagrass.
Each of these grass types excels in different conditions, but there’s no right or wrong. It depends on your living conditions and which one works best for you.
\n\n\n\nOnce you find the right grass types, your next step will be to spruce up your yard with some of the best native plants in Plano, as they’ll grow well with little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you are unsure what to do or need a helping hand, contact one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll be happy to help.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sears house Plano / A. McMurray / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Plano, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/1789c/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/107df/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/293e9/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/f2cbb/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/1789c/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/c26c2/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/1dd6e/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/67b76/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.webp 320w,\n/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/8df11/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.webp 500w,\n/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/98a65/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.webp 800w,\n/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/1dd6e/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.webp 960w,\n/static/0b787766ed1be93e79d9b883a4647255/3cc96/1280px-Sears_House_Plano_Il4-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Plano, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you need a new lawn or want to turn your Plano lawn from ordinary to extraordinary, consider one of these grass types."}}},{"node":{"id":"c79b4e4e-071e-55f0-8829-0bfbf7158c34","slug":"native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-san-antonio","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-san-antonio/","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":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"It’s hard to go wrong with native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. It’s not only environmentally smart but can save you some head and back aches since they’re easy to maintain. The city’s humid, subtropical climate produces long summers and short winters and delivers more than 30 inches of rainfall each year. […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s hard to go wrong with native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. It’s not only environmentally smart but can save you some head and back aches since they’re easy to maintain. The city’s humid, subtropical climate produces long summers and short winters and delivers more than 30 inches of rainfall each year.
\n\n\n\nSo, you’ll want to consider plants acclimated to this type of environment to get the best bang for your buck. Here’s a guide to help you pick plants and flowers that will thrive around your home for years to come.
\n\n\n\n![\"Penstemon](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QEnhMzkBM8PEIb0Z5S9s8YXyfI7oGxuCdXW2KdvnztAYU4iKgLHfx_0PtXuov4q1SsVU4IfQhZEIl_vdZkSEvCYEZmEHkk9Qy9VRQV7IzqwbwrCi5Zw-tu_czqh8a5KqiaFZ06Ah\")
This bright, beautiful flower reaches up to two feet tall, with brilliant red petals sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by. Since this plant is native to the San Antonio-New Braunfels region, it doesn’t take much watering to survive. A bonus from this plant? It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies — a feature that could make your yard more entertaining than the one next door.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MBdeZYOlLIlL9AlRQZpV3N59wsClbAyAn1YKwhYRlnJeGvFcGvwbEUwFkWsSwobDl56fUiSLqs0t-edKOHo2tc8QIGJNC9IVLKqPQY5Xn5t7A8bLj2QtYYkwTSlhAw6-1vRqMCQy\")
If you’re looking for a beautiful ornamental shrub bursting with a gentle fragrance, the Texas Mock Orange is it. Its white-petaled flowers bloom in the spring. This plant will reach about 1-3 feet high and is deer resistant, so you can enjoy its beauty without a Bambi rummaging around it for food.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rosa](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YvkaVkHPwu9JvPWXTNghScxgbOiN9CYiVdCWFZYgu-vxoQwCXJcrFkcPTfTh1i-Zdprik5k4xprCL4dhLR8kc2q3l06XWVibEHxi5mT5LpV-SDSS86COahSVn9ylA0DPWuYxlrND\")
The Rosa woodsii, more commonly known as Woods’ rose, is another eye-catcher. Since this plant is native to South-Central Texas, it does great in the long summer months. This plant also attracts bees gathering pollen since it produces nectar. This will keep them coming back for more, which helps sustain a healthy environment, keeping our food supply abundant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lNNBwl11na6qMb2pBcKemmzxwtiOQIVr-jLpDxSwjyyPtwewfJpS6dT7hg5qe44ggYcXxv6RD8iRljUn8fJW_-q_IHEMVwIheV6754aYH9I8eJwBkAaFF0_AMDTd-H4veqD8w7LV\")
It’s the plant that feels like Christmas. This grayish shrub blooms with clusters of yellow flowers that become red fruit that resemble holly. The berries are edible — great for birds and small mammals and for local jelly-makers. The blooming period for this shrub is February to April. Since it’s a perennial, you won’t have to work to keep it thriving year after year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_U1cEom-lvQK7cWVllDA6ODnJWTFIYSZb0WdR8OtSWGTiLD84-RGhiauhfXb41EyXKv9E_vDeeyLyfEyiQAYm1uHKxnSqLbdRund-cSIfxdXQFKcNvVLMtCEV4mkTObdZqkDXZZ\")
Photo credit: Noel C. Hankamer on Visualhunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nThe Texas wisteria is a beautiful native vine that will make your yard stand out. Its large purple flowers resemble lilacs. They hang like grapes, reaching down about 6-9 inches. The entire vine expands about 30 feet and will need strong support to grow upward. It grows best in well-drained soil that receives plenty of sunlight.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dhuU9kvt9CMFKKQmeyskgezbf1U1iavGeKJSDa3xEHfGbi8HmUIl-Vdagr9snyuuNCR7zMQ1VklsGnJbQ7avniCjoBp3Ll9cko7S9pLhI922DaTm0l5_8FBQzQ6S6uJJHQulkU86\")
This flower beams with bright blood-orange petals. It’s an excellent native flower to plant if you want to really make your yard pop. This flower loves plenty of sun, but it also does quite well in the shade and doesn’t need much water.
\n\n\n\nThese are only a handful of the native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. In addition to being low maintenance, they’ve built up defense systems against local pests. Some of these plants are threatened by invasive species which overcrowd the land and rob the native wildlife of food they need to survive. By choosing these plants, you’re also cutting down on the chemical fertilizers and pesticides that hurt the environment. So go native and keep Texas strong!
Looking for more information about lawn care and landscaping in the San Antonio area? See our San Antonio, TX lawn care page.
\n","title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in San Antonio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8518518518518519,"src":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/107df/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/293e9/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/f2cbb/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/398d8/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 1500w","srcWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native-san-antonio-plants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/67b76/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/8df11/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/98a65/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/9dc04/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 1500w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in San Antonio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f9879681-f5b4-5ed2-93df-bd0a0ed130bc","slug":"tired-of-traditional-turf-try-a-grass-alternative","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/tired-of-traditional-turf-try-a-grass-alternative/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Max Mustermann","id":"38f26ae5-e768-550f-a948-33b5a37f67de","path":"/author/roblawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7f12ece9fc89be73ee3b329da1a4eb0c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"Traditional lawns are part of the American dream — an ocean of green covering nearly 2% of our nation’s area. But at what cost? Americans view the hassle of mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and pest control our lawns demand as the price we pay for flawless turfgrass. The net effect is a bit grim. Cristina Milesi, […]
\n","content":"\nTraditional lawns are part of the American dream — an ocean of green covering nearly 2% of our nation’s area. But at what cost? Americans view the hassle of mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and pest control our lawns demand as the price we pay for flawless turfgrass. The net effect is a bit grim.
\n\n\n\nCristina Milesi, a NASA researcher who studies lawn area, says, “I estimate there are three times more acres of lawns in the U.S. than irrigated corn.” Her figures reveal turfgrass is the largest crop in America. “Each family may have only a small lawn,” she explains, “but once you add them all up, they have a big impact.”
\n\n\n\nGrass is needy. It needs a mower to manage its length and an edger to tidy its margins. It thrives in full sun and struggles in shady areas. It hungers for fertilizer and thirsts for water. In short, maintaining a grass lawn means spending a lot of time and money on lawn care.
\n\n\n\nThere are lawn alternatives that are low-maintenance and need less water than a traditional lawn. Here’s a selection of lawn replacements that can save you time and make your yard more eco-friendly.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass isn’t all bad: It absorbs carbon dioxide and helps prevent erosion. But the non-native varieties used in the traditional lawn take large volumes of water and fertilizer. Native grasses thrive on poor soil, are drought-tolerant, and don’t mind partial shade. The best part? They require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nThe most common native is buffalo grass (pictured above), a bunch-type grass that once dominated the Plains. Others include bluestem, blue grama and switchgrass. Contact your local county extension agent to see what the most common varieties or blends do best in your area.
\n\n\n\nIf your goal is to reduce lawn maintenance, consider a product like No-Mow-Grass. There are two blends sold commercially under the No-Mow brand. One is a fescue mix for Northern areas where it freezes, and the other is a buffalo grass mix for hot, dry Southern climes. Despite the name, No-Mow-Grass needs mowing once a year in late spring or fall. Like any turf grass that sees heavy foot traffic, No-Mow lawns benefit from a core aeration every couple of years.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/creeping-jenny-groundcover-peter-stevens-cc20.jpg\")
Not all grass alternatives are green. Using mulch, gravel, or even artificial turf to cover large areas of the yard can be aesthetically pleasing and are obviously shade and drought tolerant as can be. The jury is still out on whether artificial grass is a good alternative to turfgrass. Mulch is a fine addition to garden and flower beds because it helps to control weeds, retains soil moisture, and breaks down over time, adding nutrients to the soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QlUzeqrntDZ8N_UfSNMSnnSunjCk2zWaeLEju6OOX3xGIPgKHDk4cfVcuRJl0yRafKRgaV06H3XNxfOpBaQLSq4vYOmFq9Y_Moa9G6WpBF5OKfQ3ggWjzRvhJMxGPOlEfttDpQOn\")
Offering compact, thick green growth, Dutch white clover is a perfect lawn replacement. Its root system generates nitrogen, reducing the need for fertilizing. You can achieve a more drought-tolerant lawn that requires less mowing by encouraging the growth of existing white clover patches. A mixed turfgrass and clover lawn can take heavy foot traffic better than a solid clover lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line? There’s no reason to support a needy front lawn when so many shade-loving lawn replacements exist. Find your groove, make your changes, and pat yourself on the back for doing your part to make the world a little greener.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: “Buffalo grass” by CAJC: in the PNW is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"Tired of Traditional Turf? Try a Grass Alternative","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.439278937381404,"src":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1789c/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/107df/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 320w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/293e9/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 500w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/f2cbb/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 800w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1789c/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 960w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/e0195/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 1517w","srcWebp":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1dd6e/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/67b76/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 320w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/8df11/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 500w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/98a65/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 800w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1dd6e/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 960w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/bab36/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 1517w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Tired of Traditional Turf? Try a Grass Alternative | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"def56fbd-1b75-583e-af74-ea347102cb14","slug":"best-grass-types-saint-augustine","path":"/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/best-grass-types-saint-augustine/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?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":"9b5a7cc0-52e4-5870-a456-94b94f3508cb","name":"Saint Augustine","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Along the sunny coast of Florida lies the oldest city in the United States – St. Augustine. This picturesque destination is known for its historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and lush greenery. And for homeowners in this idyllic locale, having a backyard with a well-maintained and beautiful green lawn is just fitting. But with so many […]
\n","content":"\nAlong the sunny coast of Florida lies the oldest city in the United States – St. Augustine. This picturesque destination is known for its historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and lush greenery. And for homeowners in this idyllic locale, having a backyard with a well-maintained and beautiful green lawn is just fitting.
\n\n\n\nBut with so many grass varieties available, it can be overwhelming to determine the one best suited for your lawn. Discover the six best grass types that thrive in St. Augustine, and choose the right one to transform your backyard into a place where you can make unforgettable memories with family and friends.
\n\n\n\nGrasses are not created equal, and each has unique growth patterns and specific requirements. Understanding these differences can help you select the right grass for your lawn. There are two broad categories of grasses based on their preferred temperature ranges: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: They thrive in the summer when the temperature is between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These grass varieties grow actively during summer and go dormant in winter, turning brown until the warm weather returns. Therefore, it’s best to plant them in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses grow best in temperatures ranging between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them active during spring and fall. They may struggle during hot summers but can withstand cold winter temperatures.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are perfect for St. Augustine because they are well-suited to the region’s humid subtropical climate and can tolerate drought and high temperatures. Additionally, they can withstand the salty soil conditions found in the coastal areas of Florida.
\n\n\n\nLearn about the characteristics of each grass type so you can choose the one that will suit your lawn requirements. From the resilient bahiagrass to the ever-popular St. Augustinegrass, there’s a perfect grass type waiting to transform your outdoor space into the backyard oasis.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA warm-season grass that thrives in St. Augustine’s hot and humid climate, bahiagrass has a coarse texture and light green color, which can add a unique look and feel to your lawn. It has deep roots that can reach up to 5 feet underground, allowing it to access moisture and nutrients even during periods of low rainfall. Although, prolonged drought can cause it to go dormant.
\n\n\n\nWhile you still need to provide enough moisture, avoid overwatering bahiagrass. Overwatering can weaken the grass, making it more vulnerable to weed growth. Since this grass variety is relatively drought-tolerant, it’s best to water it only when necessary. It also has low fertilizer requirements but can be susceptible to iron deficiency.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – it thrives in direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – control seed heads by mowing every week or two (during summer, mow more often)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low resistance – mostly prone to dollar spot (especially the Pensacola cultivar) and ergot diseases
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in almost all soil types but prefers sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Planting with seeds may take longer to establish compared to using sod. Although plugging and sprigging methods are feasible, they may leave the lawn more vulnerable to weed infestation.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a top choice among homeowners for its resilience in extreme weather conditions and other challenging environments. This hardy grass variety also can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for areas with high activity, like athletic fields and golf courses.
\n\n\n\nOne aspect that makes it perfect for St. Augustine lawns is its love for sunlight. It requires ample direct sunlight to flourish and maintain its luscious appearance. Additionally, bermudagrass boasts exceptional drought tolerance, enabling it to remain green and thrive in low rainfall conditions or during high temperatures.
Classification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – some cultivars need more direct sun exposure than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – extended periods of drought can cause it to become dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – it needs frequent fertilization, watering, and mowing
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches – during extreme heat or drought, increase the mowing height to retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to dollar spot, brown patch, spring dead spot, and leaf spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be prone to armyworms, hunting billbugs, white grubs, and mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The rapid growth of this grass species can pose some challenges, as it can quickly spread and encroach on other areas of the lawn that require more meticulous maintenance.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nA highly sought-after grass variety in Florida, centipedegrass is favored for its ability to create lush lawns that require minimal maintenance. With this slow-growing grass type, you won’t have to spend countless hours each week tending to your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety grows best in full sun but also can tolerate partial shade, making it ideal for lawns with mixed sun exposure. It has a medium to light green color and a fine texture that gives it a soft feel.
\n\n\n\nNonetheless, one of its drawbacks is its low tolerance to heavy foot traffic, so centipedegrass is not ideal for areas with high human activity. As such, homeowners who frequently host backyard events or have several pets or children may want to consider alternative grass types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – grows well in sun-exposed areas but can still survive even with just six hours of sunlight per day
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate – prolonged drought may cause it to turn brown and become dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low – requires minimal mowing, watering, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches – for lawns in shaded areas, raise the mower height by 1/2 inch
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to iron chlorosis and centipedegrass decline
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – mostly prone to spittlebugs, sod webworms, nematodes, mole crickets, and ground pearl insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Perform seeding in late spring or early summer to give it enough time to grow and become established. Since it germinates slowly, avoid seeding too late in the season.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Seashore-Paspalum-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re living near the coast and struggling with salinity issues, you may want to consider seashore paspalum as your lawn grass. Also known as saltwater couch grass, this grass type is commonly used in sports turf, but it can be a suitable option for home lawns where saltwater is a problem.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other grass types, seashore paspalum requires non-saline water during its establishment period. But once established, it can tolerate ocean-level salinity, making it ideal for beachfront lawns and yards in coastal areas.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety has medium-textured leaves and boasts a lush, dark green color during summer, making it an attractive option for homeowners who value aesthetics. Note, though, that seashore paspalum is a high-maintenance grass type requiring regular professional care. But if you can keep it well-maintained, it has a low chance of becoming affected by insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Very Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High resistance – but can be affected by Helminthosporium disease, pythium blight, and take-all root rot if not properly cared for
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High resistance – but it can be susceptible to fall armyworms, sod webworms, and mole crickets if not properly maintained
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-8
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It isn’t tolerant of cold weather, and overfertilization can cause it to become thatchy. Most herbicides are harmful to this grass, so it’s best to avoid using those not labeled for use on seashore paspalum.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Also known as Charleston grass, St. Augustinegrass is the go-to grass option for homeowners in St. Augustine, particularly those living in coastal areas. With its ability to tolerate both sandy and clay soils, this grass variety is a great fit for the region. It can withstand hot and salty conditions but favors warm winters and moist soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nWith its broad leaves and flat stems, you can create a beautiful and lush blue-green lawn. This hurricane-resistant grass is excellent at crowding out most weeds but can be susceptible to lawn diseases and pests like armyworms and chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – some cultivars can tolerate shade better than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – requires frequent mowing, watering, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow tall in shade, dwarf cultivars 2.5-3 inches, and standard cultivars 3-4 inches)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – mostly prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – susceptible to armyworms, chinch bugs, cutworms, grass loopers, grubs, webworms, and mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in most soil types but prefers moderately fertile and moist (not muddy) soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While it’s naturally found in coastal regions, this grass also can thrive in inland areas with the right growing conditions. But it doesn’t perform well in compacted clay soils.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nFor homeowners looking for a beautiful lawn that’s easy to maintain, Zoysiagrass is an excellent option. This grass variety has a light to medium green hue and provides excellent coverage due to its dense growth pattern. Although different cultivars can have varying characteristics, most of them have a medium to coarse texture.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is also salt-tolerant, making it a perfect choice for St. Augustine’s coastal areas. In addition, Zoysiagrass is quite versatile, able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including drought and cold weather. Its extensive root system allows it to access moisture and nutrients from deep underground, even during dry spells and periods of low rainfall.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has a dense growth pattern that makes it ideal for areas with heavy traffic and activity, such as homes with pets and children. It requires minimal maintenance, but if you want a more carpet-like growth, you should add nitrogen during its growing season.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – it requires a lot of time under the sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – but you must give it supplemental water during extended dry spells
\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 – can be susceptible to curvularia, leaf spot, brown patch, dollar spot, rust, spring dead spot, powdery mildew, pythium blight, root decline, and fairy wings
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – common pests include armyworms, chinch bugs, nematodes, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, grubs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in well-drained soils but can survive in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Late spring through early summer, typically from April to July, is an ideal time for seeding, as this allows for a full growing season before the onset of winter weather.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for grass options that will work well in shady areas, your two options would be St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass. St. Augustinegrass is known for having excellent shade tolerance and can thrive even in areas that receive only four hours of sunlight per day.
But if you don’t like St. Augustinegrass, you can opt for centipedegrass instead. It’s a low-maintenance option that also does well in shady yards.
Proper lawn watering is crucial to maintaining healthy grass in St. Augustine. As a general rule, you should aim to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, typically once or twice a week, depending on the season and weather conditions.
To ensure your lawn is getting enough water, you should aim for 1 inch of water per week, which can be achieved through either rainfall or irrigation. But take note of the irrigation schedule from the St. Johns River Water Management District to ensure you’re complying with the city ordinance.
Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal growth and other issues. Additionally, watering in the early morning or evening when the sun is less intense can help prevent evaporation and ensure your lawn is getting the most out of each watering session.
The best grass variety for this situation is seashore paspalum. This grass variety is known for its excellent salt tolerance. Pair it with native plants that are also salt-tolerant, like coastal sweet pepperbush, so you won’t have to worry about needing non-saline water.
Choosing the right grass variety is essential to achieving a stunning lawn. With a range of grass types to choose from, you can find one that suits your specific needs and preferences. Consider important factors like the amount of shade and sunlight in your lawn, soil type, and the presence of salty water.
\n\n\n\nWhether you opt for the salt-tolerant seashore paspalum, the shade-tolerant St. Augustinegrass, or the versatile Zoysiagrass, you can create a lawn that will impress your family and guests. With the right care and maintenance, your lawn can thrive even in the Ancient City’s unique coastal environment.
\n\n\n\nCreate an outdoor space that will provide endless enjoyment for years to come. Consult with a St. Augustine lawn care professional today for expert help in determining the ideal grass type for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Matt Kieffer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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