![\"Carolina](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Carolina-Phlox.jpg\")
Our balmy climate and Southern charm are what defines the Carolinas. And although it’s pretty hot for a good part of the year, Columbia has an abundance of ecoregions that support a wide array of plants. The heat may discourage many homeowners from building a nice, big garden, but that won’t be a problem if […]
\n","content":"\nOur balmy climate and Southern charm are what defines the Carolinas. And although it’s pretty hot for a good part of the year, Columbia has an abundance of ecoregions that support a wide array of plants.
\n\n\n\nThe heat may discourage many homeowners from building a nice, big garden, but that won’t be a problem if you plant natives that have adapted to Columbia’s hot weather. To help you with that, we put together a list of nine of the best native plants for Columbia to help you brighten up that dull yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nA native plant is a species that has lived, reproduced, and adapted naturally in a specific region or area for hundreds or even thousands of years. Their presence then becomes an integral part of that area’s ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nThese natives adapt perfectly and completely to the region’s soil conditions, climate, temperature, light exposure, and other factors of the environment until they become part of it. That makes them “indigenous”.
\n\n\n\nWant a healthy, long-lasting, and beautiful yard? Native plants are the way to go. There are many advantages of planting natives in your landscape, including:
\n\n\n\nHere is a collection of the best natives you can bring into your Columbia lawn and enjoy a low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: peganum from Small Dole, England / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe strongest Southeastern U.S. native plant, Carolina phlox is a herbaceous flowering plant that boasts broadly cylindrical clusters of white, pink, or lavender flowers. They bloom from late spring to mid-summer and continue intermittently until the first few touches of frost.
\n\n\n\nCarolina phlox flowers sit atop red-streaked, slender stems with oval, leathery leaves that bear the perfect bright-green color. Clusters of these nectar-rich flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of butterflies to your garden. Fresh, picture-perfect Carolina phlox flowers make excellent fresh-cut flowers too!
\n\n\n\nThis native plant self-sows but won’t get aggressive. It works great in perennial borders, home gardens, and city gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, but capable of tolerating shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Acidic or neutral clay, loamy, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, tolerant of dry conditions
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5a – 9b
\n\n\n\n![\"Black](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Cohosh.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso known as black bugbane, the black cohosh plant is native to most of eastern North America. It is a woody perennial that thrives in shady forest edges and grows into tall flower spikes bearing pom-pom-like flowers. This native plant strikes with its arching wands of white flowers all summer long and has finely divided, deep green foliage that compliments the flowers well.
\n\n\n\nThe fluffy spikes grow into seed pods and make a great addition for shade gardens. Black cohosh prefers moist, rich soil with organic matter and thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it one of the easiest, low-maintenance plants for a Columbia lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Slightly acidic and rich loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3a – 8b
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a colorful native shrub that will fill your garden with shades of green, white, pink, and burgundy all around the year. Oakleaf hydrangea develops into a large woody shrub and has tiny flowers that form clusters at each branch end. It produces white blooms that arrange themselves in showy, pyramidal clusters.
\n\n\n\nBelow the flowers are large dark green leaves that add to the plant’s grandeur. The blooms give a honey-like scent, attracting tons of bees to your yard.
\n\n\n\nIt prefers well-drained and organically rich soils with medium moisture content and does well with full sun to partial shade. Oakleaf hydrangea is a long-living perennial that blooms from mid-summer to early summer. As summer progresses the white bracts turn pink and make beautiful dried flower arrangements.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-draining soil with high organic matter
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5a – 9b
\n\n\n\n![\"Crested](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Crested-Iris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: OakleyOriginals / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis Columbia native species is a woodland perennial that spreads by underground rhizomes and creates impressive clumps. It grows well in dappled shades and produces delicate lavender and white flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees.
\n\n\n\nThe crested iris sprouts up to only 16 inches in height, at most. You can use this native flowering perennial as a ground cover in perennial borders or shady areas of rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 16 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-draining and moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3a – 8b
\n\n\n\n![\"Goldenrod\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSolidago is a herbaceous perennial from the aster family and produces bright yellow, small flowers in dense clusters. These clusters sit stop tall stems and keep your garden yellow from July through September. Goldenrod is vastly used for medicinal purposes and produces abundant nectar for butterflies, wasps, bees, and seeds for birds.
\n\n\n\nGoldenrod also neutralizes quickly so you might want to divide them to control the spread. This flowering native plant is also resistant to deer so you won’t have to worry about a ruined yard.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full, bright sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Will survive in dry soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2a – 8b
\n\n\n\n![\"Deciduous](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Deciduous-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis plant has over 13 deciduous species that are native to the U.S., one being exclusively found in South Carolina. The Azaleas bloom from early spring till mid-summer and spread white, pink, orange, or red, and sweet fragranced flowers.
\n\n\n\nAs the name implies, deciduous azaleas have lots of leaves that change color as the temperature drops. You will have a variety of colors throughout the year in your garden from early spring to late autumn days.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 15 feet tall, depending on the species
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Shade with partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-draining, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium once established
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7a – 9b, depending on the species
\n\n\n\n![\"Devilwood](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Devilwood-Osmanthus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCartrema americana, or the Ostmanthus americanus, is a shrub that may sometimes develop into a small tree, 13 to 23 feet tall. Devilwood bears small, white, and strongly fragranced flowers early in the spring. And when the plant is mature, it produces globose fruits with dark blue drupes that contain a single seed. Their sweet smell attracts songbirds, bees, and pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThe evergreen devilwood shrub lasts year round with its small, urn-shaped white flowers maturing into dark blue drupes in the fall. The bark is finely scaly and gray-brown while the leaves have a rusty-colored underside and wavy margins. It’s easy to grow too, devilwood tolerates a range of light, wind, and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-draining, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6a – 9b
\n\n\n\n![\"Fraser](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fraser-Magnolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Richtid / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis deciduous tree is also referred to as mountain magnolia, mountain-oread, or the ear leaf cucumbertree. Fraser magnolia can grow quite tall, up to 40 feet, when fully mature and its snowy white flowers give off a sweet, pleasant fragrance.
\n\n\n\nThis native plant blooms in late spring and early summer and typically contains just one or two seeds. You can spot a magnolia tree from afar with its large leaves, an open crown of spreading branches, and huge flowers. Its long leaves turn from green to yellow and then brown in the fall while the flowers serve as a food source for the wildlife at every stage.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 40 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist and well-draining soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6a – 9b
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/american-beautyberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Donald Lee Pardue / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis native shrub will stand out in your Columbia yard with its distinctive yellow-green fall foliage and clusters of striking, glossy, purple fruit. These bright purple berries ripe late in June or July and make a favored food source for bobwhite and other berry-eating native birds.
\n\n\n\nThe arching branches create a fountain-like shape, giving your landscape a unique edge. During spring, American beautyberry also produce balls of small pink flowers at each leaf node.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun and partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8a – 10b
\n\n\n\n![\"Palmetto](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Palmetto-Palm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSouth Carolina’s state tree, the Palmetto palm is a tall native tree that is a great option for you if you want some shade in your Columbia landscape. It has blue-green, fan-shaped leaves that offer a great nesting space for migrating birds and provide shade.
\n\n\n\nThe best thing about palmetto palm trees is that you don’t have to worry about them freezing in the South Carolina cold. It’s a low-maintenance plant that blooms around June and produces nectar for honeybees.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Palm
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8a – 11b
\n\n\n\n![\"Foamflower\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Foamflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Evan M. Raskin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTiarella cordifolia is a native perennial that is found all through Eastern North America and the East Coast of the United States. It’s also referred to as heart-leaved foamflower because of its unique, attractive foliage. It produces about 8-inch stalks and develops white, feathery flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis plant prefers shade and will thrive on a lawn that gets dappled sunlight. It blooms early in the spring and continues till mid-spring before the flowers start fading. However, the foliage is evergreen and creates a pleasing visual.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8 to 16 inches
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3a – 8b
\n\n\n\nLandscaping with native plants doesn’t automatically make it easier to maintain your Columbia landscape, you need to pick the right natives that go well with the soil, light, and wind exposure in your area.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, when choosing native plants for your garden you need to take the plant’s USDA Hardiness Zone range. This range will help you determine and narrow down the right plants for your yard. Columbia Hardiness Zone is 7a to 8b.
\n\n\n\nWhen planning your Columbia garden, aim to create a healthy ecosystem that benefits your plants, the winged visitors, small mammals, and the environment. Water, soil, wind, moisture, and the overall climate should sync with your plants. For more information, you can check South Carolina Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nNative species shouldn’t be hard to spot around your neighborhood. Better yet, you may find some natives already sprouting up in your yard. Don’t pull them out if you see them, as it will disturb the natural habitat. Instead, try to build your lawn around them.
\n\n\n\nYou can also buy from the local selection of natives at nurseries such as Humble Roots Nursery, Native Plants Garden Center, and Alex’s Nursery, or order from Carolina native nursery.
\n\n\n\nAnd when you’ve chosen and brought home your new native plants, plan the landscape around them and spruce up other parts of your garden to create a final look. Take a look at Wikilawn’s detailed guide on the best grass types for Columbia to see what grass bed should be planted with your natives. If you need help with setting up or regular maintenance of your Columbia lawn, hire one of our pros who will keep your yard and native plants happy.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
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\n","content":"\nKnoxville’s moderate climate and ample rainfall supports a variety of beautiful native plants that can add color and texture to your garden. These native plants offer advantages over non-native species, some of which may not thrive in Eastern Tennessee’s unique climate.
\n\n\n\nHere is a look at 12 gorgeous native plants for your Knoxville landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAs you can see, native plants are easier to maintain and better for the environment. Let’s take a look at the best native plants for Knoxville lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Virginia-Bluebell-Mertensia-Virginica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells can enhance the appearance of any garden because they feature colors that aren’t normally seen in the area. They bloom in the spring and disappear for the rest of the year. Virginia bluebells look especially beautiful when they are in full bloom.
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells can grow about one or two feet in height and require little maintenance. Bluebell blossoms are bell-shaped, and each flower has approximately five petals.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High; can’t survive in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Winterberry-Ilex-Verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree that produces red berries in winter that birds love to eat. The leaves of the tree are long and elliptical. The axils of winterberry leaves contain delicate and radially symmetrical white flowers arranged in small clusters.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet tall and 49 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed, also known as butterfly milkweed, consist of large clusters of orange flowers. Thanks to their bright color, they attract many pollinators, especially monarch butterflies.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed blooms throughout the summer and grows well in full sun. They burst open in the fall to reveal their white, soft, and fluffy seeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, high drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Geranium-Geranium-Maculatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild geraniums are a great choice for Knoxville lawns. They are highly versatile and attractive, with flowers in beautiful shades of pink and lavender. Wild geraniums bloom from late spring to early summer, and the flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWild geraniums grow well in full sun or partial shade and perform best in moist soils.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs high watering during the growth period. Once matured, it requires watering only in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to children. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bee-Balm-Monarda-Didyma.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nBee balm features beautiful bright red, tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is a summer bloomer, and its seed heads are a food source for songbirds during fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves and stems of bee balms have a minty fragrance as they are part of the mint family. They perform best under full sun and moist soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"River](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/River-Oats-Chasmanthium-Latifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nRiver oats are low-maintenance, native cool-season perennial ornamental grass that can increase the appearance of your lawn. They have showy seed heads that can add diversity to your yard.
\n\n\n\nRiver oats bloom from late summer to early fall, and the seed heads turn light brown as the season progresses. The seed heads only appear during summer and stay for about three months. River oats tolerate drought well once they establish a healthy root system.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/woodland-phlox-phlox-divaricata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWoodland phlox is a beautiful shade-tolerant flower that blooms in spring for about a month and produces dainty petals in various pastel colors, including white, lavender, pink, or blue. Woodland phlox appears as a leafy green mound for the rest of the year.
\n\n\n\nWoodland phlox grows up to 1.5 feet tall but spreads slowly. It attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 1.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderates. Tolerates medium-dry and medium-wet soils.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/White-Wakerobin-Trillium-Grandiflorum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWhite wakerobin are also known as sweet white trillium. As the name suggests, they emit a sweet odor. They bloom between late spring and early summer and are showy, especially in full bloom. The petals start white and turn slightly pink as they age.
\n\n\n\nWhite wakerobin have dark purplish ovaries in the center. They attract bees, moths, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and a foot spread
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Requires frequent watering when newly planted. Once grown, you don’t need to water them frequently.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic to humans when eaten. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Elderberry-Sambucus-Nigra.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nElderberries are edible, fast-growing plants that can grow in partly shady areas. They sprout white flowers during late spring and produce dark purple or black edible berries in late summer or sometimes early fall. Elderberries look beautiful and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Edible plant
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Bright lemon- to lime-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full shade; can tolerate partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans when consumed raw. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bottlebrush-Buckeye-Aesculus-Parviflora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendy Cutler / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBottlebrush buckeye is an attractive deciduous shrub that blooms in summer. When it blooms, it displays white flower clusters that are long and fluffy. Unlike other buckeyes, bottlebrush retains its foliage well into fall.
\n\n\n\nBottlebrush buckeyes require low maintenance and are more resistant to diseases and insects. They have a slow growth rate. But once grown, their flowers can attract varieties of butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prairie-Aster-Machaeranthera-Tanacetifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Net
\n\n\n\nPrairie aster is an attractive wildflower that requires low maintenance. They grow best under full sun and in loamy, well-drained soil. They bloom from late summer to mid-fall. During their bloom period, the petals appear violet with yellowish centers.
\n\n\n\nThe bright colors of prairie asters attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The center portion of the flower turns purple once it is pollinated.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Pale blue-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Solomons-Seal-Polygonatum-Biflorum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Charles T. Bryson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nSolomon’s seal is a herbaceous perennial plant species. It blooms from late spring to early summer in attractive flowers of pink, white, and green. These flowers later turn into blackish berries that birds love.
\n\n\n\nAs Solomon’s seal grows, it slowly spreads, making it an excellent ground cover. The plant’s foliage looks unique and adds diversity to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High during summer and low during winter.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nThe right plant for your Knoxville lawn depends on various factors, such as sunlight, soil, and water needs. Not just that.
\n\n\n\nYou should know your location’s hardiness zone before purchasing a plant. Knoxville’s hardiness zone is 7a, meaning the average annual least temperature is between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the plants listed here are native to Tennessee, they can thrive in cool weather.
\n\n\n\nSumming up, research thoroughly and choose a plant that you can maintain and that suits the characteristics of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou can buy these plants from local nurseries. But wait! Before you visit your local garden center, make sure to take a look around your yard, as some of these native plants might be already growing there.
\n\n\n\nIf there’s no native plant in your yard, you can visit these Knoxville nurseries.
\n\n\n\nBuilding a healthy and appealing landscape doesn’t just stop by choosing the best native plant. You should also select the best grass type for your Knoxville lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you wish to keep your yard lush and healthy, consider hiring Wikilawn’s lawn care experts.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: PxFuel
\n","title":"12 Best Native Plants for Knoxville, TN","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1789c/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/107df/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 320w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/293e9/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 500w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/f2cbb/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 800w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1789c/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 960w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/c26c2/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1dd6e/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/67b76/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 320w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/8df11/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 500w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/98a65/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 800w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1dd6e/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 960w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/3cc96/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Best Native Plants for Knoxville, TN | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Knoxville is replete with natural beauty, so it makes sense to bring native plants into your yard that blend with the surrounding flora."}}},{"node":{"id":"08d55eaf-d54d-5c80-93ef-571572b0bf60","slug":"best-grass-east-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-east-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"Houston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible. Warm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East […]
\n","content":"\nHouston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East Texas and its sometimes-intense climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is drought-tolerant, moderately shade-tolerant, and cold-tolerant, making it a popular choice for lawns in East Texas. It also handles foot traffic well, so it does well on lawns.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass comes in at least 11 varieties, all used as turfgrass. Some varieties perform better at higher mowing heights, while others have improved shade tolerance. The type of Zoysiagrass you choose depends on your environment and how much work you plan to do.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\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\nCompared to other warm-season grasses, St. Augustinegrass tolerates shade well. It’s drought tolerant as well (although not as much as Zoysiagrass) and can handle being cut at higher heights.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Handles tall mowing heights
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider centipedegrass. Centipedegrass performs best in East Texas’ acidic soils and requires little mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. However, it needs irrigation to combat drought (which it can be sensitive to). It also doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow every 7 to 10 days
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is versatile because it tolerates drought and foot traffic exceptionally well. For this reason, it’s perfectly suited for golf courses, athletic fields, and lawns and comes in many varieties.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass isn’t low-maintenance, as it requires frequent mowing and occasional fertilization. It also doesn’t like shady areas, so avoid it if you have a shady backyard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, St. Augustinegrass is your best bet. Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass are also shade-tolerant, but avoid bermudagrass, which doesn’t like shade.
The most drought-tolerant grasses are St. Augustinegrass and Bermudagrass.
Zoysiagrass only requires mowing once a week, making it the most low-maintenance, but centipedegrass is worth looking into if you don’t mind mowing a little more often (7 to 10 days).
If you plan on having many people and animals on your lawn often, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are the way to go.
Picking the right grass for your East Texas lawn boils down to your living space and how much work you want to put into your lawn. There isn’t a “one size fits all” type of grass.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’re ready with your chosen grass, contact Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll give you a green, lush lawn. You won’t need to lift a finger.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Alamo / Nan Palmero / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/107df/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/293e9/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/f2cbb/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/c26c2/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/67b76/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/8df11/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/98a65/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/3cc96/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"East Texas has unpredictable weather and intense heat, but these grasses don’t mind the weather and will thrive in East Texas."}}},{"node":{"id":"079c05ff-d6c4-5155-8d73-697c9856b528","slug":"watering-restrictions-in-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/watering-restrictions-in-jacksonville/","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":"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":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"Like many other Florida cities, Jacksonville has imposed watering restrictions. Before you turn on the sprinkler or hose, make sure you’re up to date with the rules.
\n","content":"\nJust because we live next to an ocean, doesn’t mean we have access to unlimited water supplies. Fresh water is one of our most precious resources. That’s why there are watering restrictions in Jacksonville and many other cities in Florida. Before you turn on the sprinkler or hose, make sure you’re up to date with the regulations.
\n\n\n\nWatering restrictions are enforced year-round in Jacksonville and throughout the 18 Northeast Florida counties in the St. Johns River Water Management District. You may water only on Saturday if your address ends in an odd number, and on Sunday if your address ends with an even number. You get an extra day during Daylight Saving Time (March-November). By limiting lawn watering, the hopes to conserve water during peak usage. Here’s a look at the summer schedule.
\n\n\n\nBut each year, when November arrives and you set back your clock an hour for Standard Time, your watering also must do a “fall back” to watering just once a week. That’s Saturday for odd-numbered addresses and Sunday for even-numbered addresses.
\n\n\n\nEven if it’s your day to water, you may not turn on the sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The reason? Most of the water ends up evaporating in the heat of the sun. You can turn the sprinklers on in the evening, but you could be inviting fungus and disease to your lawn since the grass will stay wet most of the night. The best time for watering is at sunup, first thing in the morning.
\n\n\n\nYou can water any day of the week if you’re using a handheld device like a hose. That doesn’t mean you can turn the hose on, lay it down, and let it run. You may also use “gray water,” (recycled bath or kitchen sink water). Areas of newly established landscaping may also be exempt.
\n\n\n\nViolating the watering or fertilization ordinances can cost you. The first offense results in a written warning. A second violation could get you a $50.00 ticket while a third violation could cost you more than $250.00.
\n\n\n\nThe Clean Water Act set forth by the City of Jacksonville also limits the amount of fertilizer that enters into the St. Johns River. Local retailers and property owners are also asked to be mindful of fertilizer treatments that could run off into the water supply. Required ground cover or landscaping that extends at least 6 feet around bodies of water help protect the water supply. Florida-Friendly landscaping, a program from the University of Florida Extension, stresses the use of native plants. Native plants need little water and are much easier to maintain.
\n\n\n\nThe St. Johns River Water Management District supplies North Florida with more than 540 million gallons of water a day. More than half of that is used in our landscapes. By following the watering restrictions in Jacksonville, we’ll keep the taps flowing for years to come.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care in Jacksonville? Make sure to check our Jacksonville, FL lawn care page.
The debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage […]
\n","content":"\nThe debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage is not apparent until spring, when snowmelt and warming temperatures reveal the dead grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NjGOu8zuJtv1iLsWaOawKFZkMeM88I6RMbT39KNWxyyP4HtkKpZ3FaM3z-QvKFOfPq_ruGVeQvxM4VYlm51XL_BWd4oUJp_7-eKeEKNVLH5FYFx7YXLEebmoYGqR3_sKplyNOfVl\")
If you live on a major roadway where crews use salt as a road de-icer, consider a little preventive and remedial lawn care to safeguard your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen rock salt is applied to icy surfaces, it melts the ice and then runs off or is sprayed by the tires of cars driving through the slush. That overspray can travel up to 150 feet, which means even if your yard isn’t directly affected, some mist may still reach your yard. Salt spray can cause injury to plant buds, leaves, and stems.
\n\n\n\nSalt draws moisture out of leaves, leaving them brown and dry. It also pulls moisture out of the soil, causes soil compaction, and exposes grass roots to chlorides. When chlorides build up to a toxic level, plants lose the ability to produce chlorophyll and eventually die.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/eMqSKQJMlPHs_fovZyFU86BptGtpjXzfRSIJMS6h5y6pAMvBZrj4YuQ9mChNNaxemCHLuKi8jEmxVrM6PsA9_4yeacUeQQgx6VnTAL1L6UlHuHOHT3ZraXxc6OK9hfElPEz_GXzZ\")
Rock salt has a corrosive effect on hard surfaces, often leaving white spots on natural stone walkways and patios. Concrete that isn’t sealed is porous and will soak up the briny water left behind from a de-icing treatment. That absorbed water will refreeze when the temperature dips below freezing, causing expansion. This process will eventually cause chipping, cracks, and flaking in concrete structures. The least expensive de-icing salts tend to be the most corrosive. Pricier de-icing agents are less harmful to grass and less corrosive to concrete and stone. Even if you use a cheaper, more corrosive de-icer, you can cut it with sand to reduce the volume of harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nSalt remains in the soil for years, and it accumulates over time until it creates an environment where grass can no longer thrive. Salt is leached out by rainfall, but it can take a while for this process to be complete. Speeding this process by irrigating deeply once the weather warms up will help. But the best solution is to avoid the accumulation of salt in the soil in the first place.
\n\n\n\nGenevieve Schmidt, owner of Genevieve Schmidt Landscape Design and Fine Maintenance in Humboldt County on California’s northern coast, recommends using calcium or magnesium acetates rather than chlorides to de-ice areas around yards and landscapes. She cautions, “When you see dieback and browning or yellowing of leaves, it’s evident there’s been salt damage. If you suspect salt has leached into your landscaping, it’s wise to rinse plants and soil with water as soon as the snow melts. Apply 2 inches of water over a two- to three-hour period, then repeat a few days later.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mzr4JokmArjex8fONGsriVGdlk7rogYtVDYn7Jn2p9p6dkkmm55B4mFZ5yBYIdX2jHnqwOIigim53_JN9OnlWXt497yNnHHE5MD4LtQ7cYwWqutEXbn5L5y8Ku7xq5axXtgrLMwm\")
There is little point in reseeding or overseeding a lawn that has a high level of salt buildup. Without flushing out the salt beforehand, the new grass will absorb the chlorides in the soil and eventually suffer the same fate as the grass you’re replacing. Once you’ve adequately flushed salt out of your lawn in the spring, take your time to reseed your lawn the right way. While salt damage in your yard is nothing to shrug off, it also isn’t the end of the world. With a little foresight and prevention, you can protect your lawn and treat the damage before it’s irreversible.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Michael Pereckas, CC by 2.0
\n","title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8311874105865522,"src":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/107df/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/293e9/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/f2cbb/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/356ef/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/67b76/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/8df11/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/98a65/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/93f70/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"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":"9895d57a-4008-5961-8fc2-26214cbff1a3","slug":"best-native-plants-pennsylvania","path":"/lawn-care/pa/best-native-plants-pennsylvania/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Rela Catucod, a journalism graduate, nurtured her love for gardening while admiring her grandmother's vibrant orchids. When she's not writing about lawn care, Rela indulges in reading, traveling, and playing with her two dogs.","name":"Rela Catucod","id":"14e95666-6df4-5827-8d17-081d01b8ce99","path":"/author/rela-catucod/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c4741d869f47268640f525e2135c701c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2d317bbd-578b-5162-8946-7b230bb15f85","name":"Pennsylvania","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pa/"}],"date":"May 20th, 2023","excerpt":"The Keystone State, renowned for its scenic Pocono Mountains and the Appalachian Plateau’s rolling hills, boasts a diverse array of native plants. These unique landscapes create a perfect backdrop for the eastern redbud, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best native plants for Pennsylvania gardens. Embracing native plants […]
\n","content":"\nThe Keystone State, renowned for its scenic Pocono Mountains and the Appalachian Plateau’s rolling hills, boasts a diverse array of native plants. These unique landscapes create a perfect backdrop for the eastern redbud, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best native plants for Pennsylvania gardens.
\n\n\n\nEmbracing native plants in Pennsylvania has plenty of benefits, such as:
\n\n\n\nChoosing Pennsylvania native plants means you’ll create a vibrant, balanced ecosystem right in your backyard. If you’re ready to dive into the world of native plants, we’ve got some fantastic options for your yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Eastern-Redbud-Cercis-canadensis-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe eastern redbud, with its vibrant pink flowers blooming in early spring, is a stunning deciduous tree native to Southern Pennsylvania, such as Philadelphia and Delaware. This eye-catching tree offers homeowners a spectacular focal point in their gardens while supporting local ecosystems. As a bonus, the eastern redbud’s blossoms also attract pollinators, particularly bumble bees, enhancing the beauty and vitality of any Pennsylvanian outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adaptable to various soil types; prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pennsylvania-Sedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nOpt for a low-maintenance groundcover with the versatile Pennsylvania sedge, a native grass-like plant found throughout the state. Adaptable to various soil conditions and shade levels, this evergreen sedge is perfect for homeowners looking to fill in areas under trees or create a lush, natural look in their gardens. As an added bonus, Pennsylvania Sedge is deer-resistant, ensuring its beauty remains untouched.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Grass/Grass-like
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adaptable; dry to moist soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 10 inches tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed, commonly found throughout the state, is an attractive perennial that produces clusters of pink flowers during the summer. Ideal for wetland areas or rain gardens, this native plant is a wonderful choice for homeowners looking to support local ecosystems while adding a touch of color to their landscape.
Swamp milkweed not only adds charm to homeowners’ gardens but also serves as a crucial host for Monarch butterflies and a nectar source for various pollinators.
Plant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3a to 6b
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers clay soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to people, pets, and livestock if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virginia-Bluebells-Mertensia-virginica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Khan “Sadh” N. Mostafa / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirginia Bluebells are charming woodland wildflowers that feature delicate, trumpet-shaped blue flowers in spring. These captivating blooms offer homeowners in the area a delightful splash of color, perfect for brightening up shaded garden spots. Their graceful appearance makes them a charming, low-maintenance addition to any Pennsylvania landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand; acid, alkaline, neutral; moist but well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, dogs, horses, and cattle; can be fatal when consumed in large amounts
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5992418976_afc9bf5fe7_o-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAdd a touch of charm to your Pennsylvania garden with wild bergamot, also known as bee balm. This delightful native plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, while offering fragrant foliage and lovely lavender flowers. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, wild bergamot is a perfect addition to your landscape. It’s also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a popular choice among homeowners in the area.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Shallow, rocky soil or clay that’s moist, well-drained, or dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mint and Oregano
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Natural rainfall should be sufficient; withstands dry soil for a while
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderately flammable
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed susan a hardy native plant that thrives in Pennsylvania. Its bright yellow petals surrounding a dark central cone make it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Loved by pollinators and resistant to pests, this low-maintenance beauty is perfect for homeowners looking to add a splash of color without too much fuss.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial, annual, or short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nEnhance your Pennsylvania garden with the vibrant New England aster. Its rich purple blooms, which attract butterflies and bees, add a stunning pop of color to your landscape. Not only is this plant drought-tolerant, but it also boasts pest resistance, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious homeowners who want to support local pollinators.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 8b
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Wreath](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wreath-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritz Flohr Reynolds / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWreath goldenrod, native across Pennsylvania, is a native plant known for its hardiness and adaptability. Showcasing brilliant yellow flowers, this drought-tolerant beauty is a favorite among pollinators and an excellent choice for homeowners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options. With its pest-resistant properties, wreath goldenrod is perfect for gardens across the Keystone State.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained acidic and neutral soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Aniche
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAdd a burst of red to your landscape with the stunning cardinal flower, a native plant that thrives in Pennsylvania. Known for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, this vibrant perennial offers both visual appeal and ecological benefits. Homeowners will appreciate its resistance to pests and deer, making it a lovely addition to gardens in the region.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if eaten.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Heartleaf-Foamflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Raul654 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCreate a woodland haven in your Pennsylvania garden with the delicate heartleaf foamflower. Its lovely white flowers, resembling a frothy foam, provide a unique visual interest, while its shade-tolerance makes it ideal for homeowners with shaded yards. This low-maintenance beauty is also deer-resistant, ensuring its delicate charm remains unharmed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, hummus-rich, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 16 inches tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAttract butterflies to your Pennsylvania garden with the aptly named butterfly milkweed. This native plant, with its brilliant orange blooms, provides an important food source for Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Not only is it drought-tolerant, but it’s also deer-resistant, making it an ideal addition to gardens in Southern Pennsylvania.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to people, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blazing-Star-Liatris-spicata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlazing star, also known as gayfeather, is a native perennial that produces tall spikes of vibrant purple flowers that bloom mostly in the Southeast Pennsylvania Region. This striking plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. Its low-maintenance, pest-resistant beauty is perfect for homeowners looking to add a touch of the wild to their outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nReady to pick the perfect native plants for your Pennsylvania garden? First, consider your outdoor space’s unique needs. Here’s an easy guide to help you make the best choices:
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, it’s important to remember that Pennsylvania falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 7, so keep this in mind when choosing plants that can handle the local climate. By paying attention to these details, you can create a vibrant, low-maintenance garden filled with Pennsylvania native plants that’ll make your landscape truly shine.
\n\n\n\nBoth Philadelphia and Pittsburgh fall within USDA Hardiness Zones 6 and 7. Some native plants well-suited for these cities include eastern redbud, virginia bluebells, and pennsylvania sedge.
\n\n\n\nIn Southeastern Pennsylvania, homeowners can create a vibrant garden with native plants like Swamp Milkweed to attract butterflies and wild bergamot for a lovely fragrance.
\n\n\n\nFor a welcoming backyard in Western Pennsylvania, consider planting heartleaf foamflower for cheerful blooms, wreath goldenrod for a pop of color, and black-eyed Susan to create a lush, attractive landscape that supports local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nOther native plants of Western Pennsylvania include:
\n\n\n\nReady to create a stunning Pennsylvania garden filled with native plants? With options ranging from eye-catching wildflowers and stunning trees to resilient grasses and easy-to-care groundcovers, there’s a native plant for every garden style and taste. Begin your journey by checking out local native plant suppliers found in the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website.
\n\n\n\nEmbracing native plants is just one of the many low-maintenance landscaping options for Pennsylvania residents. To further elevate your outdoor space, explore the best grass types for your region to complement your new native plants.
\n\n\n\nTo keep your landscape and the surrounding greenery in tip top shape, hire a lawn care professional near you who can handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. We have trusted pros throughout Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"12 Best Native Plants for Pennsylvania","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/1789c/Wild-Bergamot.jpg","srcSet":"/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/107df/Wild-Bergamot.jpg 320w,\n/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/293e9/Wild-Bergamot.jpg 500w,\n/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/f2cbb/Wild-Bergamot.jpg 800w,\n/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/1789c/Wild-Bergamot.jpg 960w,\n/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/c26c2/Wild-Bergamot.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/1dd6e/Wild-Bergamot.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/67b76/Wild-Bergamot.webp 320w,\n/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/8df11/Wild-Bergamot.webp 500w,\n/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/98a65/Wild-Bergamot.webp 800w,\n/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/1dd6e/Wild-Bergamot.webp 960w,\n/static/65603e1bb2c499b3fe4ed479811c55b6/3cc96/Wild-Bergamot.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Best Native Plants for Pennsylvania | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want an eco-friendly yard? Discover the best native plants for Pennsylvania landscapes, and learn where to get native plants in your area."}}},{"node":{"id":"0147d12a-bf6b-528f-9ac4-5f6236453db2","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-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 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Tropical weather isn’t all beautiful. Sunny weather may be followed by a tropical storm or a hurricane. While there’s only so much you can do to protect your home, hurricane-resistant landscaping can minimize damage and make cleanup easier. Here are 12 ideas to implement in your yard to help your landscaping weather the storm. In […]
\n","content":"\nTropical weather isn’t all beautiful. Sunny weather may be followed by a tropical storm or a hurricane. While there’s only so much you can do to protect your home, hurricane-resistant landscaping can minimize damage and make cleanup easier. Here are 12 ideas to implement in your yard to help your landscaping weather the storm.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping ideas for Jacksonville
\n\n\n\nHurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30, and during the hurricane season, Floridians don’t want to be caught off-guard. With winds reaching speeds over 157 mph, hurricanes cause a lot of wind damage and often lead to flooding.
\n\n\n\nFor hurricane preparedness, here are some tips to keep your yard safer so you can be ready for the next time a tropical storm strikes Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/777px-Miami_Beach_-_South_Beach_Sand_Dune_Flora_-_Helianthus_debilis_Dune_Sunflower_29.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daniel Di Palma / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSeeing all your hard work go down the drain is heartbreaking if you’re a plant lover. The additional salt water from tropical storms can cause plants to wilt, halt growth, or die. Some plants are susceptible to salinity, but others are more salt tolerant and better adapted to coastal areas.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are more likely to survive local weather and are lower maintenance. However, other plants may be able to brave the storm, as well. Here are some salt-tolerant plant recommendations from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS):
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nWhat about your lawn? St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass are good turfgrass choices for Jacksonville and can handle more salt than other grass types.
\n\n\n\nCost: Planting a tree costs homeowners between $90 and $3,212. Flower bed planting costs between $861 and $3,100. You can save money by planting them yourself, but research the plant thoroughly before planting, so you set it up for success.
\n\n\n\nTrees are a significant hazard during hurricanes. They could fall on your home, fence, or car, causing costly damage. While no tree is entirely immune to high winds, research from the University of Florida has shown these trees to be most wind-resistant:
\n\n\n\nWant to know which trees have poor wind resistance? Avoid these species:
\n\n\n\nCost: Planting a tree costs homeowners between $90 and $3,212.
\n\n\n\nIs your tree at risk of falling? Besides species, tree health is another factor determining which trees survive hurricanes. Sick, diseased, damaged, rotting, and pest-infested trees aren’t in peak condition to face stormy weather. Look for any changes in your tree’s health, and call a certified arborist to assess whether the tree needs to be treated or removed.
\n\n\n\nEven if your trees are healthy, pruning and reshaping will improve their wind resistance. Train your young trees to have one dominant trunk and well-spaced branches. To prepare for a hurricane, contact an arborist to prune any trees over 15 feet tall and remove branches that could pose a danger to your property.
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree trimming costs between $227 and $708. Want to trim your hedges and bushes as well? Expect to pay between $56 and $85 per hour for hedge trimming and $7 to $24 per bush or $45 to $75 per hour. You can trim small plants yourself, but leave large trees to the pros.
\n\n\n\nArborists may offer advice on tree trimming or removal for free but charge $40 to $550 for in-depth consultations or services performed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Power](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Power-Line.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matthew Paul Argall / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTrees are much more dangerous near power lines and your house. They could smash through your roof or take out your power. Don’t plant trees or other tall plants too close to your home or power lines, and move or cut down existing trees that pose a danger.
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree transplants cost between $229 and $5,440. Tree removal costs between $323 and $2,089.
\n\n\n\nHardy plants are an excellent first step, but you should also provide extra protection before the storm hits. Wrap trees and large plants with burlap and small plants with a floating row cover. Make sure to secure them to the ground with garden stakes. While these covers may fail in severe hurricanes, they’ll likely reduce some damage in your yard.
\n\n\n\nCost: Depending on the size, burlap costs between $7 and $180 per roll. Floating row covers cost $11 to $240 per cover, with agricultural covers costing even more.
\n\n\n\nMulch controls weeds in your garden, but hurricanes scatter pieces all over your yard. Avoid hard mulch types like gravel. Strong winds can send them flying through the air and possibly through your windows. Here are some soft mulch types that will cause less damage and be easier to clean up:
\n\n\n\nCost: Mulch costs between $45 to $100 per cubic yard, depending on the type. You also can make mulch for free from grass clippings, pine needles, or newspaper.
\n\n\n\nFlooding is a significant source of damage during hurricane season. A seawall is the first line of defense against rising water levels, redirecting floodwaters away from your property. They are beneficial for properties next to the ocean or rivers. Choose from materials like concrete, wood, steel, and vinyl.
\n\n\n\nCost: Seawall construction costs between $215 and $843 per square foot, depending on the material.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chain-link-fence.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nIf those winds are strong enough to knock down trees, they can destroy most fences. Privacy fences often fall because their large surface area takes the brunt of the wind and floodwaters. Concrete and brick fencing may hold up better, but other materials will be more likely to survive if they have gaps to let the elements through. Consider picket, shadowbox, lattice, or louvered designs.
\n\n\n\nChain-link and metal fences are your best bet if you want to see your fence still standing after the storm. They might be dented by flying objects, but that repair will be easier than a splintered wooden fence.
\n\n\n\nCost: Metal fences cost between $21 and $57 per linear foot, depending on the type of metal. Chain-link fences, also known as cyclone or hurricane fences, cost between $12 and $37 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nThat comfy lounger on your patio may not be so lovely after it’s been thrown around by the wind and flood waters. Your outdoor furniture and decor could easily be damaged or damage other property. Move anything not bolted down to a secure location, such as a shed or garage, so you won’t need to recover or repair them after the storm.
\n\n\n\nCost: Nothing if you already have a shed or garage to store your items in.
\n\n\n\n![\"leaves](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30120082286_d296f7477f_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dan Keck / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nStorm surges during the hurricane can flood your yard. That water won’t leave if it doesn’t have a clear path to nearby storm drains. Leaves and debris can clog the drains, causing flooding for you and your neighbors. Keep your yard clean from debris and avoid placing landscaping features between your yard and the drain if they might prevent water flow.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid standing water in a sloped yard, install a French drain. French drains are ditches filled with gravel with a perforated drain pipe underneath. Rather than pool in your yard or create unwanted rivers, the water will follow the French drain to the municipal storm drain. These installations can redirect water away from your foundation and prevent flooding inside your home.
\n\n\n\nCost: Yard cleanup typically costs between $153 and $374 but can cost as much as $1,059 in extreme cases. French drains cost between $500 and $18,000.
\n\n\n\nLeaving gutters clogged before a hurricane is asking for trouble. To avoid unnecessary flooding, clean your gutters twice a year. It’s best to start with the cleanest slate possible so the leaves don’t pile too high and cause more damage.
\n\n\n\nCost: Gutter cleaning costs between $72 and $424. Costs will be on the higher end for large and multi-story houses.
\n\n\n\n![\"water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Automatic-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ildar Sagdejev / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAutomatic sprinklers make our lives easier most of the year, but more water is the last thing your lawn needs during a hurricane. Your yard will already be saturated for a long while after the storm, and your plants will need to recover from the excess water. You may also want to turn off your water entirely to avoid damage from burst pipes.
\n\n\n\nCost: None. You will actually save money on your water bill.
\n\n\n\nHurricanes are a risk to homeowners all over Florida, and Jacksonville is no exception. Because Jacksonville is right on the coast, even a brush with a hurricane can cause major flooding in the city. Some damage is inevitable, but preparedness can save money and time as you pick up the pieces.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can make your landscape more resilient in storms, it can’t protect you. Create an emergency evacuation plan to keep you and your family safe.
\n\n\n\nHurricane prediction isn’t a perfect science. Jacksonville residents should expect a bush or direct hit from a hurricane every two or three years, with direct hits landing every 11 to 12 years. Direct hits cause the most damage, but even a brush can cause significant damage.
In Florida, hurricane season falls between June and November, with the peak times in August and October. It’s a good idea to start assessing your hurricane preparedness around this time, so you aren’t scrambling to protect your home.
Yes, and not just from hurricanes. The long rainy season from June to November can cause tributaries and creeks to rise and damage nearby properties. The City of Jacksonville warns that any property in the floodplain will likely be damaged at some point, though other properties are also at risk.
Some hurricane preparations you make in your yard will help with these issues, such as clearing paths to storm drains. However, you’ll likely need to make additional preparations.
You have a lot to check off your hurricane preparedness list to keep your family and property safe. Why not get some help to ease your burden? Local landscaping pros can prep your yard for hurricanes and clean up afterward.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Jacksonville","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1789c/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/107df/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/293e9/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/f2cbb/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1789c/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/c26c2/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1dd6e/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/67b76/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 320w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/8df11/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 500w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/98a65/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 800w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/1dd6e/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 960w,\n/static/e90b4693753cde2909591830c302a0d0/3cc96/5091579642_d9aa7b44db_k-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Jacksonville | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Hurricanes wreak havoc if you aren’t prepared. Here’s how to implement hurricane-resistant landscaping for your Jacksonville home."}}},{"node":{"id":"f3cedee9-3f12-5780-b5e8-eb8974ca3926","slug":"diy-hydroseeding","path":"/blog/diy-hydroseeding/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A writer by trade, Janine Caayao graduated from the University of the Philippines. She draws, plays video games, and snuggles with her cats during her free time.","name":"Janine Caayao","id":"eab2e0a9-2863-5dad-b98f-fe06c596c508","path":"/author/janine-caayao/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4577dd58c063fcc8a254c30d035fc354?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Are you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to grow a new lawn? Hydroseeding is cheaper than laying sod and more convenient than hand-seeding; as a bonus, it grows faster, too! If you’re ready to get your hands a little dirty, you could hydroseed your own lawn instead of hiring a professional. DIY […]
\n","content":"\nAre you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to grow a new lawn? Hydroseeding is cheaper than laying sod and more convenient than hand-seeding; as a bonus, it grows faster, too! If you’re ready to get your hands a little dirty, you could hydroseed your own lawn instead of hiring a professional. DIY hydroseeding isn’t too complicated. Let’s go over the steps.
\n\n\nAlso called hydraulic mulch seeding, hydroseeding is simply the process of seeding with a slurry mixture of seeds, water, mulch, and fertilizer. It has a slew of benefits, such as faster seed germination and a more uniform look.
\n\n\n\nThe slurry is sprayed with hydroseeding equipment or a pump. You can also buy a do-it-yourself hydroseeding kit that comes with the slurry ingredients and its own sprayer.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hydroseeded-lawn-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou need the following tools and materials for your hydroseeding project:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gardener](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/mulchy-copy-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: artursfoto / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nThe very first step is planning out the specifics of your hydroseed slurry: the types of seeds you want to plant and the mulch that you’ll be using.
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to seed grass types that match your area’s climate: cool-season grasses for the North and warm-season grasses down South. With hydroseeding, you can plant multiple types of grass instead of just one. Some people blend Kentucky bluegrass with tall fescue, for example.
\n\n\n\nThere are many types of mulch that homeowners can use in their hydroseed slurries. Each one has its own pros and cons. Here are some of these mulch types:
\n\n\n\nFinding out the condition of your soil before you plant new seeds is a good move; it will tell you if the soil needs any amendments to ensure the most optimal growing conditions for your new grass. A soil test — either from a lab or from a home testing kit — will tell you your soil’s pH level and what nutrients it has.
\n\n\n\nGrass grows best in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. You can add lime if your soil is too acidic; add sulfur if it’s too alkaline. Any number outside of this pH range can cause your grass to grow poorly or even die.
\n\n\n\nUsing the soil test results, you can also determine what fertilizer to add to your hydroseed slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow it’s time to prepare your lawn for hydroseeding. The first step is clearing your lawn, as hydroseeding is most successful when applied to bare soil. Clear your lawn of existing grass (dead or alive), old plants, weeds, rocks, tools, toys, and other debris.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, you should mark any sprinkler heads around your lawn. This is especially important if you’re lugging around a heavy hydroseeding machine.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have a sprinkler system but want to install one, you should do it while you’re prepping your lawn and before spraying the slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"grading](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Grading-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JulNichols / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nGrading the soil is simply the process of adjusting its slope to prevent rainwater and runoff from getting to your house and other structures. When grading soil, it also gets leveled.
\n\n\n\nTo prepare your lawn for hydroseeding, grade your soil 2 ½ to 3 inches below the final grade you want it to be. The final grade is how high you want your lawn to be. Afterward, fill in holes and level your lawn with a rake and/or a yard leveler.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe next step is adding your soil additives: topsoil, compost, and sulfur or lime (if needed). The first two components stimulate healthy grass growth mainly because they supply your growing grass with nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAdd enough topsoil and compost so that it adds about 3 inches to your lawn’s grade. Then, churn it into the existing soil.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, it’s time to re-grade and level your lawn to the final grade you want it to have. It’s now ready to be hydroseeded!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo you have a hydroseeder? Chances are that the average homeowner doesn’t have one. In that case, you have three options: renting a hydroseeder, making one yourself, or buying a hydroseeding kit in-store or online. Buying a hydroseeding kit is not a bad option if you need to seed a smaller area.
\n\n\n\nYou can rent a hydroseeding machine for covering large areas from equipment rental companies like United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and MacAllister Rentals.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather make your own hydroseeder, this video tutorial will show you how:
\n\n\n\nOnce you have your hydroseeding equipment, it’s time to mix your slurry. If you have a DIY hydroseeding kit, you only need to read the instructions.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow much of each slurry component you need depends heavily on the size of the area you’ll be spraying. Typically, you’ll need 5 to 7 lbs of seed, 40 to 50 lbs of mulch, and 20 lbs of fertilizer for every 1,000 sq. ft. you’ll be hydroseeding. You’ll need enough water to fill your equipment about ¾ of the way. When in doubt, ask your materials supplier for guidance.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHydroseeding machines can vary in how they’re operated; always read the manual for specific instructions. However, you can expect this general process:
\n\n\n\nNow, it’s time to spray your lawn. It’s best to spray when it’s calm and cool outside, but it’s ok if it’s predicted to rain lightly that day. Wear your protective equipment before spraying, as you might be out in the sun for a while.
\n\n\n\nPlan your path ahead of time to prevent you from having to step on the areas you’ve just sprayed. Keep the nozzle at least 3 inches from the ground and spray slowly and evenly throughout your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou might want to overlap your slurry a little bit while you spray. This ensures there aren’t any gaps that will result in bare patches later on. You can make this easier for yourself if you add lawn-friendly dye to your slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"hydroseeded](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sue Thompson / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCongratulations, you’ve now hydroseeded your lawn! However, this is only the beginning. You’ll need to maintain your new grass for it to grow into a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few hydroseeded lawn maintenance tips:
\n\n\n\nJust like when you’re planting grass seeds the old-fashioned way, the best time to hydroseed is during your chosen grass type’s growing season.
\n\n\n\nFor Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, and other warm-season grasses, you should hydroseed in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass, ryegrasses, and other cool-season grasses should be hydroseeded from late summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can hydroseed in the summer, it can be a bit more challenging as you must keep your new lawn moist for the first few weeks, and water tends to evaporate in the hot summer sun before it can soak into the soil and reach the grass’s roots.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to grow new grass in a larger area, then you should hydroseed. If you’re filling in bare patches, then it’s better to overseed the regular way. The hydroseed slurry can injure or kill your existing grass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn average, the cost of professional hydroseeding ranges from 8 to 20 cents per square foot. The rate will depend on many factors, including your lawn’s condition and how big it is.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDIY hydroseeding isn’t too complicated and can make for an interesting project to tackle. You could save money on labor, too. However, it can be more beneficial to hire a professional because they have the knowledge and the equipment to hydroseed your lawn already. Besides, a pro will usually be more successful at hydroseeding than the average homeowner.
Wikilawn can connect you with dependable lawn care pros that can hydroseed, fertilize, and mow your lawn for you. Hire a lawn maintenance pro near you today for a lush lawn without all the work.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"DIY Hydroseeding: How to Hydroseed Your Own Lawn in 11 Steps","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/1789c/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/107df/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/293e9/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/f2cbb/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/1789c/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/c26c2/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/1dd6e/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/67b76/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 320w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/8df11/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 500w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/98a65/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 800w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/1dd6e/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 960w,\n/static/7fdd6619182dacdca0e5c8d06e7bb930/3cc96/Hydroseeding-lawn-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"DIY Hydroseeding: How to Hydroseed Your Own Lawn in 11 Steps | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Hydroseeding can give you the beautiful and lush lawn of your dreams. You can even do it yourself. Learn how with this DIY hydroseeding guide."}}},{"node":{"id":"669a157f-11d9-5a5b-922c-7e43291b39cc","slug":"great-perennials-for-north-carolina","path":"/lawn-care/nc/great-perennials-for-north-carolina/","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":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Want a garden that is both beautiful and low-maintenance? Try these 10 great perennials for your North Carolina landscape, which are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive in our temperate climate and its four distinct seasons. In this article: 1. American Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) Photo Credit: Kevin Kenny / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 […]
\n","content":"\nWant a garden that is both beautiful and low-maintenance? Try these 10 great perennials for your North Carolina landscape, which are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive in our temperate climate and its four distinct seasons.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Boneset.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kevin Kenny / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican boneset distinguishes itself by the small white flowers it sprouts between late summer and early fall. These flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Once pollinated, they sprout seeds that attract songbirds.
\n\n\n\nAnother cool fact: The American Boneset, which was awarded the 2003 NC Wildflower of the Year, was historically used as a medicine for the flu, fevers, and colds.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, high organic matter
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pleasant floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Frequent standing water
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe bright yellow black-eyed Susan is popular due to its long bloom time, giving a garden bed a long-lasting splash of color. Bees and butterflies use it as a source of both nectar and pollen, and songbirds eat their seeds when they’re ripe.
\n\n\n\nThe black-eyed Susan reseeds readily, but other plants keep it in check. It adapts to numerous soils, making it easy to plant in North Carolina.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring, summer, early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. It has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Can self-seed freely. Black-eyed Susan can become aggressive if given too perfect an environment and insufficient competition.
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCardinal flower sets itself apart with its brilliant red flowers, a nod to the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. Cardinal flowers are generally low-maintenance. However, they require frequent watering to maintain the moist soil they prefer. Some afternoon shade will shield them from the heat and prevent them from drying out.
\n\n\n\nWhile historically used for medicine, all parts of the plant are poisonous, so it’s not the best choice for parents or pet owners. The cardinal flower was selected as the 1982, 1983, and 2001 NC Wildflower of the Year.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Evan M. Raskin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFoamflower can get up to a foot tall, making it a good ground cover. In spring, spiked flowers bloom, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These flowers range from cream-colored to light pink.
\n\n\n\nIn early summer, black fruits bloom, which can be dried. Foamflower was named the 1986 NC Wildflower of the Year.
\n\n\n\nSun: Part to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, hummus-rich, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Keith Pomakis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGarden phlox is a perennial growing in woodlands, thickets, gardens, prairies, and forests. In summer, dome-shaped pink, purple, or white flowers sprout, and the entire plant blooms in the fall. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
\n\n\n\nHowever, garden phlox has disease and pest problems. It’s vulnerable to powdery mildew and root rot and attracts spider mites in hot and dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, high organic matter, good drainage, moist
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid-summer to mid-fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water in dry summers. Avoid overhead watering.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Indian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Pink.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Levisay / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClassified as a NC threatened species, Indian Pink stands out with its red and yellow flowers that bloom in spring. These tubular flowers see hummingbirds as their main visitor. Its fruits develop after the flowers, which provide a food source for songbirds.
\n\n\n\nIndian Pink is poisonous to humans, deer, and rabbits. It usually grows in moist woods and along wooded stream banks.
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late Spring to Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 CA
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe fabulously showy New England aster grows in moist meadows, prairies, low valleys, and stream banks. It sprouts large, purple flowers with yellow centers in late summer and early fall. These flowers attract wildlife like bees and butterflies while also making great cut flowers for arrangements.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, high organic matter, good drainage, moist, occasionally dry
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late Summer and Fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water weekly or when the topmost layer of soil dries out
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple coneflowers are popular pollinator plants. They bloom pink-purple flowers with spiky cone-shaped centers. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies visit them in the growing season, and songbirds eat the seeds after they sprout in the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflowers are favorites at the garden center. Native Americans use their roots to treat coughs and fevers, and its ingredients are still used in teas and medicines today.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, clay, rocky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, swamp milkweed likes wet, moist, and swampy areas. It grows clusters of pink or white flowers in mid to late summer. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while being deer resistant.
\n\n\n\nIn 2005, the swamp milkweed was named the North Carolina Wildflower of the Year. It’s a critical host for monarch butterflies, which have declined due to habitat loss.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, moist, wet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid to late summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Virginia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Virginia-Bluebells.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells bloom in spring and go dormant by late summer. Due to the sap in their petals changing pH over time, their trumped-shaped flowers change from pink to blue. Long-tongued pollinators like mason bees, digger bees, and butterflies pollinate them. Deer and rabbits avoid Virginia bluebells.
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells work best surrounded by later-blooming flowers, which will take over after they die. They are self-seeders, meaning they drop seeds for other Virginia bluebells to grow.
\n\n\n\nSun: Part shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average. It does its best when moisture is abundant and will decline when the soil is too dry.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. This plant self-seeds but is challenging to propagate. It should be cut back after flowering.
\n\n\n\nAn annual lives for only one growing season before dying, while a perennial regrows every spring.
The best planting time is in the spring or fall, but perennials can be planted any time the ground can be worked and when there’s no danger of frost.
The biggest dangers to perennials are:
• Lack of, or too much, sunlight
• Not enough, or too much, water
• Too much or not enough fertilizer
• Weed killers
• Freeze damage
• Transplant shock
Need help with finding and planting the right perennials? Contact a Wikilawn lawn care professional, and we’ll get your plants growing beautifully in no time.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: brillianthues / Flickr / Public Domain Mark 1.0
\n","title":"10 Great Perennials for Your North Carolina Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1789c/Perennials.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/107df/Perennials.jpg 320w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/293e9/Perennials.jpg 500w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/f2cbb/Perennials.jpg 800w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1789c/Perennials.jpg 960w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/c26c2/Perennials.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1dd6e/Perennials.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/67b76/Perennials.webp 320w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/8df11/Perennials.webp 500w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/98a65/Perennials.webp 800w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1dd6e/Perennials.webp 960w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/3cc96/Perennials.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Great Perennials for Your North Carolina Landscape","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Perennials can be great additions to your landscape because they are native to North Carolina and come back year after year"}}},{"node":{"id":"59c7b3ed-9e07-553c-a15d-d70fa60c2f70","slug":"7-native-plants-kansas-city","path":"/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/7-native-plants-kansas-city/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"05d0f445-881a-5277-b62a-ce38f7c7af9f","name":"Kansas City","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"July 31st, 2019","excerpt":"Landscaping with native plants will save you work and money. Native plants and flowers for Kansas City typically need less maintenance, use less water, and provide a natural habitat for local wildlife.
\n","content":"\nIf you live in Kansas City and are into gardening — you’re lucky! KC straddles the humid subtropical South and the humid continental climate of the North, with cool winters and long, hot summers. So you get the best of both worlds in native plant varieties. Landscaping with native plants will save you work and money. Native plants and flowers for Kansas City typically need less maintenance, use less water, and provide a natural habitat for local wildlife. They’re energy-efficient and eco-friendly as well.
The list of native trees, shrubs, and flowers for KC is long. Let’s start with the choices for flowers when it comes to hardiness and ease of care:
\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to see why Missouri named the white Hawthorne blossom (pictured above) as the official state flower in 1923. This woody plant can reach 20 feet high. It’s beautiful and functional. The fruit makes a tasty jam and provides food for birds and other native critters.
\n\n\n\nOK, so it’s the state flower of Kansas, but what says the plains of the midwest better than the sunflower? This iconic, drought-resistant plant will grow just about anywhere but loves the sunshine on our side of the river. Left on its own, it will spread, so it needs thinning every few years. It’s an excellent plant for borders or along fences.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/kq_AIQfagk065emPkQKUIrUxJ234Kkp4QOAuctVMg6uuLSZJjIzVtCY9zvqmIj72w11ddOkEnu6LGjQ3NqSmwkCR8y20ygLPZOytt6Spft1y1WT8i5ZB3Y3ESUo_AJtyUhLryX75\")
Photo credit: likeaduck on Visualhunt.com/ CC BY-SA
\n\n\n\nAs the name suggests, this plant produces vivid red flowers from July to September. Because that’s the dead of summer, the cardinal flower will do best in the shade. Make sure to give it room. Its blooms can soar 4 feet high.
\n\n\n\nGreat when you need some color in the spring. The flowers are delicate blue, and the plant will stay a vibrant green through the summer and then turn to a nice gold in autumn.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/4C6JRIC2xS9Kff7mqHUtoFzaufz6e3sN8fA4xoxXK_CcFPKD1mwWA94bUOiWlo6R-rtLI2QK3QHOP0CxMSzyhkYHj3z5gL0tAYcLop152QyATFgT3odogsh30oVnicOWknWcgdzR\")
This tube-shaped flower adds a touch of purple to your garden, and butterflies and hummingbirds love it!
\n\n\n\nThis spring perennial gets its name from the early settlers who used it as a substitute for true indigo to make blue dye. The seed capsules are popular in dried arrangements.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/9bYlkNMxKhmw66noYTwuzvC90Yzsdmm3msiqHWBFWMMNtH_TL-52xsjb9WY2kxZUivBeEfpvOAm3H3eLHST7NVzMHIjIN4ffm20EfrZ5NLgQhJbWgAreZ1ZugsKyCyWGzFUijQPj\")
Although KC is on the western fringe of its native habitat, this evergreen fern is a perennial that adds variety to a garden. It also works well in an indoor hanging basket near a sunny window.
\n\n\n\nThe Kansas City Native Plant Initiative has a wealth of information on native plants and flowers to Kansas City. The organization works to encourage gardeners to plant them instead of the invasives which threaten them.
\n\n\n\nWhen settlers came west and cleared the land, they virtually wiped out native shrub species. As towns and cities grew, developers opted for European and Asian shrubs, but now the natives are making a comeback. Our native trees are among the hardiest.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/tk-fmCT8ah6uJL23-fzDIYzwBhmtWRYvCRqHXyalcOTjZop9rTRxPZpg2xyGhqsIXc5i7hCqv_Pdsw1yCZsLN2A_9qBwFRPmsKdC8f8jjINIc7-esrJ8t-FzQ4u_NqqxepYZh599\")
Any discussion of trees must begin with the flowering dogwood, the state tree of Missouri. You’ll find it at the edges of forests and in many neighborhoods. The red mulberry is easy to grow but has a bad reputation for producing juicy berries that stain everything they touch. Male cultivars available in nurseries do not have this trait.
\n\n\n\nThe hardy pecan drops a bountiful crop of nuts after the first freeze, and a sycamore that soars to 100-feet will impress your neighbors. Missouri even has its own magnolia tree called the cucumber tree because it produces blossoms that look like, well — cucumbers!
\n\n\n\nThe fringe tree is sometimes called old man’s beard because of its drooping clusters of white flowers in the spring. Fragrant sumac likes sunshine and tolerates drought well, and hazelnut produces an edible nut. Eastern witch hazel holds the distinction of being the last shrub to bloom in Missouri in November and December.
\n\n\n\nAlthough Kansas City has a wealth of hardy native plants and averages 42 inches of rain per year, the area is susceptible to occasional drought. Summer of 2018 was particularly bad. Winters are generally mild, but periodic extreme temperature dips can hurt plants. Native plants and flowers for Kansas City have acclimated to our climate, and withstand the changes and brighten up your landscape for years to come.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Kansas City? Visit our Kansas City Lawn Care page.
Home and business owners across the country have one thing in common no matter their location, taking pride in a well-kept lawn and landscape. Part of that task almost always requires knowledge of what plants are wanted in our gardens and which are intruders. Some weeds are iconic like the thought of tumbleweeds blowing across […]
\n","content":"\nHome and business owners across the country have one thing in common no matter their location, taking pride in a well-kept lawn and landscape. Part of that task almost always requires knowledge of what plants are wanted in our gardens and which are intruders. Some weeds are iconic like the thought of tumbleweeds blowing across the western United States, but most weeds found in our landscape are not as easily identifiable. Let’s take a moment to discuss how to best identify common lawn weeds and how to create healthy lawn care habits that will give your grassy areas a fighting chance against the toughest weeds.
\n\n\n\nA Plant Out of Place. Weeds are known by everyone but are not always easily recognized. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a garden weed. Simply put a weed is just any plant that is ‘out of place’. While this definition could include desirable plants that have overgrown their intended boundaries, most commonly it is used to cover any plant that –
\n\n\n\nWhat’s in a Name? There are two main types of weeds: broadleaf and grassy. Both of these can be difficult to treat as there are also subcategories: annual and perennial. The perennials are the most difficult to get rid of since they live the longest and keep returning year after year. Left unchecked, the annual varieties will continue to reproduce and spread across your property year after year as well. Additionally, there are often several common names for the same weed so photographic identification is most helpful.
\n\n\n\nGrass Weed Types. Everyone knows about lawn weeds but the fact is that they are not always easily recognized. When grass-like weeds start to grow in poorly established grassy areas it can become very difficult to distinguish the desirable turf grass from the weeds. Here are just a few weed types that closely resemble grass and how to quickly identify them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cheatgrass-definitive-guide-to-weeds.jpg\")
Cheatgrass lives up to its name in that when it is young from a distance it blends into a lawn so well that a homeowner might not realize it has started to take hold until it overruns the turfgrass. When looking to identify cheatgrass, look for leaves that branch out from the base of the plant. These leaves will often have a reddish color and the blades are flat and covered with soft hairs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Johnsongrass.jpg\")
Yet another weed that too closely resembles lawn grass is Johnsongrass. It forms a thick, vigorously growing clump that can rapidly develop into large colonies spreading by their tough rhizomes. Its leaf blades are smooth and display a prominent white mid-rib down the center of each stem.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/crabgrass.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1\")
It is for good\nreason that most people are very familiar with crabgrass, it seems to grow\neverywhere! However, the good news is it is just as easy to prevent. Crabgrass\nis a warm-season annual grass, which means it sprouts from seed when\ntemperatures rise in late spring and can continue to do so through the summer.\nIt will then die when temperatures cool or with the first hard frost in the\nfall. This weed thrives on moist sites with plenty of sunlight and will quickly\ninvade areas where your lawn is thinnest and especially along edges and\nsidewalks.
\n\n\n\nFlowering Weed Types. Some common weed types produce their own flowers. But unlike the flowers cultivated for the gardening bed, these flowers grow from plants that are often quick spreading, have an unruly growth habit, have thorns and pickers, or other undesirable characteristics. The following examples of flowering weeds are examples of those traits.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Henbit-Deadnettle-definitive-guide-to-weeds.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1\")
In some parts of the country, Henbit Deadnettle is considered a wildflower. However, it is a winter annual that blooms in early spring, especially in the south and south central states. Henbit leaves are finely hairy and rounded with notched edges. These leaves grow every inch or so on a square stem. The stems are weak so the longer the weed grows, the less stable its foundation is. It has purple flowers that grow at the very top of the plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/dandelion-3923885_640.jpg\")
Iconic due to its seed-head, the dandelion is easily recognizable. Coming from the French name dent de lion (lion’s tooth), the flower has a unique look. Children and adults alike enjoy blowing the seeds, so they take root in a lot of lawns. The leaves grow close to the ground in a star-shaped pattern. In bloom, the flower is yellow. You will usually see them in spring to early summer. They are a biennial or perennial bloom.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Thistle.jpg\")
Thistle\nhas a rapid growth rate and it can get very tall. If you don’t deal with it, it\nwill grow several feet high and about a foot wide, taking up a bit of space in\nyour lawn. When it’s young, it resembles a dandelion except that it’s purplish\nin color and the leaves have long spines on them. They also have hairy, jagged\nedges. Butterflies and other insects love this woolly biennial or perennial and\nwill often eat from it.
\n\n\n\nNow that we’ve identified a few of the most common weedy plants that grow in lawns across America, let’s talk about the wide option of eradication strategies available to homeowners.
\n\n\n\nThere are few lawn weeds that can establish themselves in healthy grass.
\n\n\n\nTherefore, the first line of defense is creating an environment that is good for your lawn and bad for weeds. Simple right? Well, actually it is! A good lawn starts with good soil. If you are starting your lawn from bare soil, such as what happens after new construction, be sure to till the top 4” of native soil before adding a high-quality organic compost to the top. This will ensure there is a little soil compaction as possible, one of the foundations to healthy soil no matter what the soil make up maybe.
\n\n\n\nProper or improper soil preparation before a lawn is installed will have a huge impact on how a lawn looks, and the amount of money it takes to maintain the lawn for years to come. Proper lawn preparation before the turf is installed costs almost nothing compared to what it costs to correct something done wrong after the turf is installed. If you are trying to increase the health of a lawn that already has turf grass adding a ‘top dressing’ of organic compost mulch will help give your soil a boost of nutrients and therefore create a better growing environment for turf grass, not lawn weeds.
\n\n\n\nFor a good source of information about turf grass and soil health visit www.redhenturf.com.
\n\n\n\nThere are many effective organic herbicides on the market and are widely available especially at the home improvement stores and nurseries. Look for application methods that allow you to control the distribution of the herbicide so that you do not unintentionally damage or kill your desirable plants that may be near the bunch of weeds.
\n\n\n\nFor stubborn weeds use a mixture of white vinegar and orange oil as an organic herbicide. In a large bucket mix 1 gallon 10-20% white vinegar with 2 ounces of orange oil or cleanser containing d-limonene (available at garden centers and some large retailers) and 2 ounces of liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir well to combine. Then…
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"The Definitive Guide to Identifying Common Lawn Weeds","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/1789c/grass-845960_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/107df/grass-845960_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/293e9/grass-845960_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/f2cbb/grass-845960_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/1789c/grass-845960_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/356ef/grass-845960_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/1dd6e/grass-845960_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/67b76/grass-845960_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/8df11/grass-845960_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/98a65/grass-845960_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/1dd6e/grass-845960_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/e8fc32d80ddf5cb307a2ece1e3089202/93f70/grass-845960_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Definitive Guide to Identifying Common Lawn Weeds | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"6ba29152-fc73-502b-8a6c-d72e769a7d6d","slug":"a-guide-to-summer-lawn-care-in-virginia-beach","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/a-guide-to-summer-lawn-care-in-virginia-beach/","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":"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 9th, 2019","excerpt":"A great looking Virginia lawn doesn’t happen overnight. It takes work and adjustments, discovering just the right thing needed for thick, green grass.
\n","content":"\nA great looking Virginia lawn doesn’t happen overnight. It takes work and adjustments, discovering just the right thing needed for thick, green grass. Each season has its own requirements to keep your yard in tip-top shape and summer’s no different. With a few simple steps and this guide to summer lawn care in Virginia Beach, your lawn will hold up through the heat and humidity.
\n\n\n\nA Virginia Beach lawn is hard to maintain if you don’t start with the right type of grass.
\n\n\n\nGrass has two major types — cool-season grasses, suited to Northern climates, and warm-season grasses, bred to thrive in the Southern heat. The state of Virginia is in the “transition zone” where both can be grown, but each will have challenges. Warm-season grasses will struggle in the winter, while cool-season grasses will wilt in the summer.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Virginia Beach’s climate is moderated by the ocean, so it rarely gets bitterly cold. In addition, it has sandy soils. Both those conditions mean warm-season grasses are the better choice, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.
\n\n\n\nSo, the experts recommend a warm-season grass like Bermuda, Bahia, or Zoysia have strong roots and the ability to tolerate drought. However, the cool-season fescue remains the most-dominant grass type.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9Kt4OrHtGmwhVVVi0vJhB6QUlx_Q22P9zDVbDpVF69Zl7eXzD50J7Tbv_ABitXg2gn5PkN3P6WOHkgJvxIXP2FQhcOrpIyizcEaUs206KR05iONT3c9Rr-9VvEGwMU5mN_IqLNuH\")
Regular mowing is one of the most important things you can do for a healthy lawn. Doing it right creates a low-maintenance yard that also resists drought. The correct mowing height depends on the type of grass you plant. Mowing to the proper height makes the turfgrass thicker and promotes deep root growth. It also helps the grass stand up better against weeds and environmental stresses. Also, never cut more than one-third of the top at one time.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass: 1 to 1 1/2 inches
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass: 2 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass: 1 1/2 to 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn is dry, water it or wait for rain before cutting. Mowing parched grass stresses the turf by exposing it to the wind and sun.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zx62tJ30i-O-bkkh_NrPb4LgtdpUzxpwXaap5rC1ebC1TJP74vcl-vur8cX_Qp36i03HEMnSyPOqLJU2nFwaGtcJ1bxkhWR9rsrjjaY2TfHDYpsNb3JmV9mK9bUEZL9jLEov5DFc\")
When you mow regularly, and the grass isn’t too tall, the volume of clippings left behind aren’t enough to warrant raking. Nor should you. Clippings left after mowing act as a fertilizer. They decompose, leaving water and nutrients behind in your yard. Clippings are rich in nitrogen and can reduce both the need for chemical fertilizer and the risk of the chemicals burning the lawn. It’s also better for the environment. There are, however, a few instances where it’s better to bag the clippings. Rake when the grass is wet, or you waited too long between mowings. Pick the clippings up if you need them for your compost pile. And definitely, don’t leave the clippings behind if you have spots of disease in the lawn. Bag them up and throw them away to prevent spreading the disease to other areas of your yard.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn will survive a Virginia Beach summer without a lot of watering, except during severe drought conditions. But this guide to summer lawn care in Virginia Beach recommends watering about an inch per week in dry weather. The best time is early morning. Watering during the heat of the day will put stress on the lawn, and much of the water will evaporate. When water is needed, water deeply to encourage deep grass roots.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d like more information about lawn care and landscaping, visit our Virginia Beach lawn care page.
![\"lawn](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ZaJpJzTvLJW2CAMfO0RcAuW4An7qGVU_lYKSXuCzftZxVpbbKUrujSk1q7qBJ1osnMYrsKCORAT-UU256N4Wzk-uHsDO6lKUQ5J202PgdmS2ytmo1JYRD2mJB50c0bXhnYQ-Ng8U\")
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