![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Spring doesn’t always feel like spring in Cleveland, where temperatures can vary wildly and you might have to deal with the fluffy white stuff as late as April. But if you want a great lawn this summer and deep into the fall, this is the time to put the work in. Here are our 13 […]
\n","content":"\nSpring doesn’t always feel like spring in Cleveland, where temperatures can vary wildly and you might have to deal with the fluffy white stuff as late as April.
\n\n\n\nBut if you want a great lawn this summer and deep into the fall, this is the time to put the work in. Here are our 13 tips to turn your Cleveland lawn into a mini heaven.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nRake debris, remove dead plants, and clear fallen branches to help your lawn breathe more effectively. Removing debris also removes the barriers that block your grass from getting the nutrients it needs. Raking can split your grass blades, promoting straight grass growth.
\n\n\n\nAnd let’s face it, a yard without debris looks better any day. It also gives you a blank canvas for mowing, fertilizing, and performing other lawn activities.
\n\n\n\nNote: It’s nearly impossible to avoid thatch altogether as it keeps building up. Thatch less than an inch in thickness isn’t an issue and can actually be beneficial to your lawn as it provides nutrients for grass growth, protects the grass from damage, and helps preserve moisture in the soil.
\n\n\n\nIf there’s too much thatch on your lawn and raking doesn’t seem to help, dethatching is the solution.
\n\n\n\nAlright, but what’s thatch? Thatch is the grass clippings and leaves that accumulate in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned above, thatch less an inch in thickness can be good for your lawn. But anything more than that can be too much because excessive thatch can attract pests, cause diseases, and deprive your grass of nutrients.
\n\n\n\nDethatching your lawn is necessary before aerating it. But even if your yard doesn’t need aerating, we recommend you dethatch it at least once a year.
\n\n\n\nWhat’s the best time to dethatch lawns
\n\n\n\nYou should dethatch your lawn when the grass is actively growing. The best time to dethatch cool-season grass is from late summer to early fall. If you have warm-season grass, you can dethatch it between late spring and early summer.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners in Cleveland struggle with diseased lawns. Fungus loves Cleveland’s humid climate, which is why the city ranks No. 3 among the worst U.S. cities for weeds and lawn diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe beginning of spring is the best time for fungi to attack your lawn, so, take these precautionary steps to eliminate fungi at their source.
\n\n\n\nHere are the common Cleveland lawn diseases you should be aware of.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for
\n\n\n\nPythium blight appears as small circular patches about a foot in diameter. The infected grasses show up as cottony white material. They appear clearly when the grass is wet.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat pythium blight
\n\n\n\nDethatch your lawn, then treat it with a fungicide that includes mefenoxam or propamocarb.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for
\n\n\n\nBrown patch appears as circular brownish-yellow patches between a few inches and several feet in diameter. Tall fescue grasses are more susceptible to brown patch than other grasses.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch
\n\n\n\nYou can use a fungicide that includes PCNB, propiconazole, triadimefon, myclobutanil, or thiophanate-methyl as one of its active ingredients.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for
\n\n\n\nRed thread appears as pinkish-red patches that can be anywhere between two inches and two feet in diameter. They won’t usually kill your grass but can increase the susceptibility of your lawn to other diseases.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat red thread
\n\n\n\nApply nitrogen fertilizer, water the grass, and mow your lawn. You may also apply fungicides, but they won’t be effective if you don’t maintain your yard correctly, as the disease will most likely return.
\n\n\n\nWell, you have treated lawn diseases and removed debris from your lawn. That’s great! But, if your grass still looks thin and has unattractive patches, you may have to overseed your yard.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding is the process of spreading grass seeds over your existing lawn to improve grass density and fill in the patches. You should overseed your yard after aerating or dethatching it as it increases the access to soil.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners in Cleveland prefer cool-season grasses because of the climate, and early fall is the best time to plant cool-season grass seeds.
\n\n\n\nWhen you plant grass seeds in early fall, they get about three months to grow before winter starts. When spring kicks in, the soil temperature increases, thus accelerating the growth of grass. Before summer, the grass will have strongly established its roots to handle the stress.
\n\n\n\nLast but not least, ensure the newly planted grass seeds get sufficient water and fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: If only a few bare patches are in your yard, it may be because of a pest. So, before you overseed, ensure that a lawn pest isn’t causing the issue.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Test-your-Soil.jpg\")
You should test your soil to know whether it contains the essential nutrients for your grass. You may test the soil yourself using a DIY kit or send it to the local soil testing laboratories.
\n\n\n\nMany Cleveland homeowners tend to test their soil before fertilizing their lawns. It’s a good practice to test your soil at least once a year.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the soil test result, add amendments such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, or phosphorus to your soil. Also, if you plan to fertilize, wait for at least four to five weeks so the fertilizer and amendments won’t negatively interact with each other.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn as your grass turns green and starts growing. This is typically in early spring (between March and April). You should avoid fertilizing too early, especially if you have cool-season grass, as it can promote rapid growth, which is bad for your yard.
\n\n\n\nYour soil test will tell you what kind of slow-release fertilizer to purchase. Generally, most fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in different percentages, as they are essential nutrients for plant growth.
\n\n\n\nFast-release fertilizers can make your grass grow quicker, but they can damage it. Sometimes, they can even burn it. Also, don’t spread fertilizers by hand. Instead, use a spreader to apply them evenly.
\n\n\n\nThe general recommendation is to fertilize your yard four times a year with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Here’s how to calculate how many pounds of fertilizer your lawn needs.
\n\n\n\nThis formula may sound complex, but it’s easy when you apply it practically. Make sure not to overfertilize your lawn, as it can damage the grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Equipment.jpg\")
Winter has come to an end. Spring has begun. Now it’s time to get your lawn mower and other equipment ready to bring your yard back into shape.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a checklist to bring your lawn mower back to form.
\n\n\n\nFollow these steps to sharpen your lawn mower blade.
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to check if your hedge trimmer blades are sharp enough and weed eater has enough line.
\n\n\n\nTurn on your lawn mower and start mowing your lawn as soon as you notice your grass has hit 2 inches of height.
\n\n\n\nThe mowing height depends on your grass type. Here’s the recommended mowing height for common grasses in Cleveland.
\n\n\n\n| Grass type | Recommended height |
| Fine fescue | 2 ½ – 3 ½ inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 ½ – 3 ½ inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 1 ½ – 2 ½ inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 ½ – 3 inches |
Follow these tips for a perfect mow.
\n\n\n\nToo much or too little water can both harm your lawn. Overwatering can make your yard susceptible to pests and disease. It can also cause shallow root growth and excessive thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\nUnderwatering will cause your lawn to lose its color. If your grass is turning gray and footprints linger because the grass doesn’t bounce back quickly, you should water.
\n\n\n\nCleveland lawns generally require about two inches of water each week. However, the exact amount depends on the type of grass. Don’t forget to consider the rainfall for that week when watering.
\n\n\n\nFor the best efficiency, water your lawn in the morning before 9 a.m. If you water your yard at night, the extra water will remain in the soil, making your grass more susceptible to disease.
\n\n\n\nWe recommend you set up an automated irrigation system to make sure your lawn gets the right amount of water at the correct time.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the season when weeds start growing. It’s essential that you get rid of them to keep your lawn in good shape.
\n\n\n\nRemember the good old days when you have to pull the weeds with your hands? It’s a fun experience, but it can be a pain when there are too many weeds. Now, you don’t have to worry about removing the weeds yourself, thanks to pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nApply a pre-emergent herbicide to kill the weeds before they germinate. Early spring (around April) is the best time to apply pre-emergents to your Cleveland lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to overseed your lawn after applying pre-emergents, wait for at least four months, as they prevent seeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nIf you have already started to notice weeds on your lawn, it may be too late to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. In this case, go for post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pests-in-Lawn-1.jpg\")
Prevention is better than cure. You can keep pests away from your lawn by correctly watering the grass, fertilizing, and dethatching.
\n\n\n\nBut! It’s practically impossible to avoid pests altogether. These pesky pests will somehow make their way into your yard. Spring is usually the time when lawn pests reproduce. Eliminate them before they get time to lay and fertilize their eggs.
\n\n\n\nHere are the pests common to Cleveland lawns.
\n\n\n\nSome of these pests only damage your lawn. But some can attack humans too. So, if you spot these pesky creatures in your yard, take immediate action.
\n\n\n\nUse pesticides that target the specific pest in your yard. Avoid catch-all pesticides as they are less effective and can harm beneficial insects and plants.
\n\n\n\nIt’s usually better to seek the help of a professional to get rid of pests, as some can be very aggressive and harmful to humans.
\n\n\n\nAeration is the process of perforating your soil with holes to allow air, water, and other nutrients to reach the roots easily. Generally, we recommend you aerate your lawn once a year.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to aerate the grass is when it grows. As most homeowners in Cleveland have cool-season grass, early spring can be the best time to aerate your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: Aerate your lawn a day after you water your grass. It’s easier to aerate when the soil is moist.
\n\n\n\nA lawn without clean gutters isn’t perfect. So, don’t neglect cleaning your gutters. Here’s why:
\n\n\n\nSpring is the time of the year when your lawn needs your care again. Get your yard back to shape to enjoy the weekends with your family in your home.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re on a busy work schedule and don’t want to spend your weekends doing lawn chores, don’t worry. Wikilawn Cleveland lawn care experts can help you with everything needed to make your lawn lush and beautiful.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pxfuel
\n","title":"13 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Cleveland, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/1789c/Lawn-Care.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/107df/Lawn-Care.jpg 320w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/293e9/Lawn-Care.jpg 500w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/f2cbb/Lawn-Care.jpg 800w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/1789c/Lawn-Care.jpg 960w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/c26c2/Lawn-Care.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/1dd6e/Lawn-Care.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/67b76/Lawn-Care.webp 320w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/8df11/Lawn-Care.webp 500w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/98a65/Lawn-Care.webp 800w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/1dd6e/Lawn-Care.webp 960w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/3cc96/Lawn-Care.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"13 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Cleveland, OH | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When spring starts, your lawn needs your help again. Follow these tips to make your yard the place you desire the most."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"955faa8e-0da7-5d65-867f-65e3a3f4cd74","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-charlotte-nc","path":"/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/worst-backyard-pests-charlotte-nc/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"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":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"The things that make Charlotte a beautiful place to live — short, mild winters and long months of hot, humid weather — make it a haven for insects. Here are the worst ones and what to do about them.
\n","content":"\nThe things that make Charlotte a beautiful place to live — short, mild winters and long months of hot, humid weather — make it a haven for insects. If you haven’t encountered any of these pesky interlopers yet, chances are you will at some point. Here’s a list of the worst backyard pests in Charlotte, N.C., and how to deal with them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BLU_yMhW80SMMI1oRONPvyLPmrRvT25vN4tePCqNjbmnM15jryrQIXtUr_Xz0gChposzndRdYhJLTLYsWz_9ybOVTck2pS4zD9wWqulRU3nW1tQZL8V9P6JwK7od8LVUTaiSkaza\")
These little suckers attach themselves to the undersides of the leaves of herbaceous and woody plants and suck the life out of them. The easiest way to detect aphids is to examine the bottoms of leaves from time to time. If you see a plant looking unusually wilted or developing strangely shaped or colored new leaves, the aphids have invaded. It’s possible to treat aphids without chemicals, by crushing them, spraying them with water from a hose, or treating them with neem oil.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll first see these pests gathering in late spring, forming small bags that resemble upside-down ice cream cones. Conifers are the most susceptible trees. The sooner you notice them, the better. You can treat with a biological, nontoxic pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis, or BT, but only when the worms are young and feeding. Spinosad is your next line of defense, effective on the adult worms and also low in toxicity. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem, because it will only get worse the following year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_gfirmzWi6t0nx5-2kpUgsrgLUbSTri7lPAbERHMSOpoxC6I1fpWrG0fSZ-G3zfLiBoLJsqdwtQKDL91eizRApL2hpt-wTubVRzySXRcMDMvtGyadKJA6haLiOaKsHJJcbXJ-M0b\")
Nothing ruins a good time in the yard faster than fire ants. These inconsiderate invaders do great damage to the lawn and deliver nasty bites that you won’t soon forget. There are many control methods, from treating mounds with boiling water to drenching them with insecticide. One of the most effective techniques is the two-step method, which can reduce the population by 80 to 90 percent. This involves spreading a bait over your yard in the early part of fall. The ants will take this back to their nest where it will kill the queen. The second step involves treating individual mounds with a granule or dust insecticide.
\n\n\n\nWhile mosquitoes don’t do any damage to the lawn, they can ruin a backyard party. They’re also the deadliest creature on the planet! The best way to take care of this pest is to prevent them from breeding in the first place. Make sure there is absolutely no standing water anywhere in the yard. If you have a birdbath, replace the water every few days, and if you have a pond or water feature, treat it with non-toxic mosquito dunks every couple of weeks.
\n\n\n\nPlanting fragrant plants like mint, lavender, geraniums. and rosemary around decks and patios can help to repel these bloodsuckers. If all else fails, installing oscillating deck fans can help to at least keep these slow-flying pests at bay.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8-cnXREv09d7KZnxV_WpM4iROBuk1IaRkCzYF-hehaPeXl15-Re-j9oO5bkUIdF6jDjmSalXZxthOUIDPV7vqq7WAIOai7shYz5OzNysxIZ5RuQ3GdD_mE5xyldYhOV3hGJwhOg4\")
When you begin to see inexplicable brown spots on an otherwise healthy lawn, you can be almost certain that a grub is to blame. If you suspect you have a grub issue, try to lift up a piece of affected turf. If it rolls up and seems to lack roots, then you know you have grubs. To avoid using chemicals on your lawn, use milky spore, nematodes, or neem oil to kill the grubs in the soil. Remember, the healthier your lawn is, the more difficult it is for grubs to make a dent in it. Mow consistently and make sure you irrigate the right amount.
\n\n\n\nNo matter what pests you’re dealing with, prevention and early detection are the best defenses you can mount against them. Treating an all-out infestation will always be more difficult and time-consuming. So keep your eyes open and do your best to defeat the worst pests before they become problematic.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our Charlotte Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nJay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.
A lush, green lawn takes work. But as they say, work smarter, not harder. One of the keys to achieving a beautiful lawn is knowing how and when to fertilize your lawn in Ohio. Grass in the wild survives on nutrients from decomposing organic material. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s not enough. A lawn often […]
\n","content":"\nA lush, green lawn takes work. But as they say, work smarter, not harder. One of the keys to achieving a beautiful lawn is knowing how and when to fertilize your lawn in Ohio.
\n\n\n\nGrass in the wild survives on nutrients from decomposing organic material. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s not enough. A lawn often requires some TLC to become and stay strong and consistently thick, and that means adding nutrients that your grass craves.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nYou may wonder what fertilizer does for your lawn. In nature, grasses draw nutrients from decomposing organic matter. In a managed lawn, however, the grass may not receive enough of these nutrients. Malnourished grass may become thin, weak, and susceptible to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nIf you build your lawn in healthy, rich soil and leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing, that may be enough for a green and healthy lawn. But if your soil test shows nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, fertilizers can provide the necessary nutrients to help your grass grow healthy and green.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to use fertilizers properly and in moderation to avoid over-fertilization. You need to know what your soil is lacking, which fertilizer to use, and how much (be sure to always follow instructions).
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/man-was-pictured-dispensing-fertilizer-granules-across-his-front-lawn-850x565-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nDoes your soil really need fertilizer, or will grass clippings suffice? Fertilizers mainly consist of three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. In different regions, grasses need various amounts of nutrients to grow best. Here’s what each of them does:
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
Because of Ohio’s cool climate, you probably have a cool-season grass type such as:
\n\n\n\nOhio State University recommends a fertilizer ratio of 3:1:2 (nitrogen:phosphorous:potassium), 4:1:2, or 5:1:2 for lawns in the Buckeye State. Many organic fertilizers can’t precisely meet the recommended ratio. In that case, you should use the nitrogen value (the first number) as the deciding factor. You then need to calculate precisely how much of the product you should use for your lawn; using too much fertilizer is hazardous.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s useful to have your soil tested before selecting a fertilizer. Soil tests identify the specific nutrient needs of your lawn and determine whether you need to fertilize at all. The Department of Agriculture recommends testing your soil at least every two to three years, but if you want to make informed decisions about fertilizing your soil, you can do so even more often.
\n\n\n\nA soil test involves analyzing the composition of your soil to find out its:
\n\n\n\nYou can either do a simple DIY test or send a soil sample to a local laboratory to get a detailed report. Once you’ve received the results of your soil test, you can take steps to address any issues and improve the health of your lawn. To know more about testing your soil in Ohio, you can check out this fact sheet from Ohio State University.
\n\n\n\nChemical fertilizers aren’t the only option for improving soil health. Organic fertilizers are also effective, plus they’re environmentally friendly. So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your soil, consider doing so organically.
\n\n\n\nYour first option is to use grass clippings. If you have soil rich in microbes and nutrients and regularly leave grass clippings on your lawn, you may not need to use fertilizer. You can use a mulching mower to chop your grass clippings into fine pieces that easily break down and feed your soil. This is the easiest and most environmentally friendly way to keep your grass healthy.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if that’s not enough for your soil, you can use a slow-release fertilizer made out of organic materials. That could be manure, alfalfa, compost, and so forth. There’s even the option of making your own fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nNote that organic fertilizers aren’t necessarily safer for pets. The materials that make up organic fertilizers may be dangerous to ingest (such as some plants, etc.). Moreover, store-bought organic fertilizers are often mixed with extremely toxic ingredients. Be careful, and don’t forget that animals tend to find the smell of organic ingredients more appealing.
\n\n\n\nNo matter which fertilizer you use, you should always follow instructions. Don’t let any animals access your lawn for as long as advised or before the product settles (or dries, if it’s in liquid form), whichever happens last. Also, never use more fertilizer than needed. This is damaging to your lawn and dangerous to the environment and local animals.
\n\n\n\n![\"Granular](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1pixnio-47943-2391x3600_11zon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThere are various options for store-bought fertilizer. Most fertilizers are either dry or liquid, and they have their own pros and cons:
\n\n\n\nThe difference between slow-release and quick-release fertilizers is as follows:
\n\n\n\nAll things considered, slow-release fertilizers are usually the better option. They’re more suitable for feeding your grass, and they’re much less harmful to the environment.
\n\n\n\nHow often should you fit fertilization into your schedule? If you have healthy, rich soil and want to use grass clippings, you can leave them on your lawn after each mow. However, be sure that your clippings aren’t too thick or stuck together so that your grass gets sufficient airflow.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to use fertilizer, Ohio State University recommends doing so four times a year to provide your soil with sufficient nitrogen. That’s because nitrogen moves through soil over time. However, you can apply it only once in the spring if you applied fertilizer late in the fall of the previous year. If you only want to fertilize once a year, do so in the fall to store nutrients for the spring.
\n\n\n\nHere are the best months for fertilization in Ohio:
\n\n\n\nNote that fertilizing your lawn too often or with too much product can damage your lawn and harm the environment. Stick to the recommended guidelines and read your product instructions carefully.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/man-applying-fertilizer.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nAre you establishing a new lawn? Don’t use regular fertilizer. Instead, if necessary, you can use a starter fertilizer specifically designed for new lawns. This will provide the necessary nutrients for seedlings and promote healthy root growth. It helps your grass seedlings and sod roods establish quicker than regular fertilizer, giving them a boost to thrive in their early stages.
\n\n\n\nMost starter fertilizers will contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but some may contain two parts nitrogen and one part phosphorus and potassium. As with regular fertilizer, you can choose between different starter fertilizer types. Remember to always be careful when applying any fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve discussed the best times to fertilize your lawn, but when should you definitely not do so? There are a number of scenarios where fertilizing your lawn would be a bad idea. For example:
\n\n\n\nFertilizers are hazardous substances, and it’s important to follow guidelines and stay safe at all times. Here are a few heads-ups to keep in mind before you fertilize your lawn:
\n\n\n\nMaking sure that you have healthy soil rich in nutrients is necessary for your grass to grow strong and healthy. However, it’s equally critical to follow other maintenance practices, such as mowing, watering, and overseeding, to see the best results.
\n\n\n\nNeed a hand maintaining your lawn? Be sure to get in touch with one of WikiLawn’s Ohio lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"What to Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn in Ohio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1789c/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/107df/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/293e9/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/f2cbb/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1789c/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/c26c2/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1dd6e/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/67b76/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/8df11/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/98a65/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1dd6e/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/3cc96/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What to Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn in Ohio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Fertilizer can be the difference between a drab lawn and a fab lawn. Here’s what you should know about fertilizing a lawn in Ohio"}}},{"node":{"id":"a87b2533-edf7-5102-9741-fde44d6d6b55","slug":"best-grass-types-colorado-springs-co","path":"/lawn-care/co/colorado-springs/best-grass-types-colorado-springs-co/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Austin Geiger is an avid reader and writer. He has loved to read and write from a young age, and does both daily. His favorite subjects are fantasy and comedy, and he despises run-on sentences.","name":"Austin Geiger","id":"69bc552e-2c03-5c38-acc7-562e86f2a201","path":"/author/austin-geiger/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5baab15ab5786cfd4d2372bb580f441c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"be8bb3a1-b40c-57ba-87f7-ff69490271a0","name":"Colorado","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/"},{"id":"253dba4d-dac0-5b2a-b00c-9b16e649ac14","name":"Colorado Springs","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/colorado-springs/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 24th, 2023","excerpt":"When you’re picking out new grass for your outdoor space, it’s important to choose one that both looks great and can handle your local area’s environmental conditions. This is especially true when it comes to Colorado and its harsh winters. The 6 best grass types for Colorado Springs can handle the local environment while still […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you’re picking out new grass for your outdoor space, it’s important to choose one that both looks great and can handle your local area’s environmental conditions. This is especially true when it comes to Colorado and its harsh winters. The 6 best grass types for Colorado Springs can handle the local environment while still making your landscape look like a dream.
\n\n\n\nHere are six grass types that can help your lawn look its best, even when Jack Frost is nipping at your nose:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass grows best in temperatures between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while cool-season grasses grow best between 60 and 75 degrees. Both warm-season and cool-season grasses can thrive in Colorado Springs since the city’s average temperatures fall within both of their comfortable ranges.
\n\n\n\nThe main difference between warm-season and cool-season grasses is the time of year they grow. Warm-season grasses experience active growth starting in late spring and then go dormant in early to mid-fall. Cool-season grasses, on the other hand, actively start growing in early spring, enter summer dormancy, return to green in fall, and then enter winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses also have a higher tolerance for frost, shade, and low temperatures, whereas warm-season grasses don’t do as well with these conditions. Conversely, warm-season grass is more tolerant of sun, heat, and drought.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is one of the most common grass types in Colorado, and for good reason. Its striking dark green color helps it stand out. Its soft, smooth leaves combined with its moderate foot traffic tolerance and thick turf make it perfect for walking on barefoot or engaging in outdoor activities.
\n\n\n\nIf you like spending time outdoors working on your lawn, then Kentucky bluegrass is a good choice. It requires a bit more maintenance than other grasses on this list, both in mowing and especially fertilization.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass likes plenty of sun, so it’s a good choice for less shaded yards that get a lot of natural light. It’s also a thirsty grass, requiring about 2 to 2.5 inches of water per week in the summer, so make sure you don’t get caught in the sprinklers while you’re soaking up some rays.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Moderate mowing and high fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5-3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate to high. Possible diseases include dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Well-drained heavy soil with high fertility
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Kentucky bluegrass is among the most common grass types used for lawns and sports fields in the United States.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is another common Colorado grass. It’s more tolerant of shade than Kentucky bluegrass, which makes it a better choice for yards with trees or other overhanging areas that block out sunlight. It also has better drought and heat tolerance, but don’t let yourself be fooled into thinking that this means it can go without water completely when the weather gets dry.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is typically medium to dark green in color. Its coarse texture may make it a poor choice if you plan to spend a lot of time on the grass. But thankfully it can still handle some level of outdoor activity thanks to its decent foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nAs far as maintenance goes, the only notable need that tall fescue has is frequent mowing, which can be attributed to its quick growth rate. If you’re looking for a hardy grass that’s easy to care for and have soil that you can’t quite coax other plant life out of, then tall fescue may be the grass type for you.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Short rhizomes with bunch-type growth
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: Set mowing height to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low when properly maintained
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage, but tolerates a wide variety of soils
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Tall fescue grass has very good heat tolerance compared to most cool-season grasses
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a dark green grass with a fine texture that grows in bunches. In terms of foot tolerance, it’s one of the best there is, making it the perfect candidate if you plan to play outdoor sports or host neighborhood get-togethers.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass also pairs very well with other grass types, such as fescues and Kentucky bluegrass. Mixing it with either type can result in a lawn that grows better and is more disease resistant than either would be alone, which is important due to ryegrass’ penchant for sickness.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass soaks up the sun well, so if your lawn doesn’t get much shade, this could be the grass for you. Just keep in mind its low drought tolerance, which means that you’ll need to water it more frequently than other grass types during the dry seasons.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: High. Common diseases include leaf spot, gray leaf spot, and red thread
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-8, prefers 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: High fertility, can tolerate poor drainage but prefers good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Perennial ryegrass doesn’t develop significant thatch
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is another cool-season grass common in Colorado. Its light blue-green color and fine texture make it a very attractive grass type for suburban lawns. It’s also the most shade-tolerant cool-season grass, particularly the chewings fescue.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue’s moderate to high drought tolerance lets it last much longer with less water than most grasses when the weather gets dry. Combined with its low maintenance requirements and tolerance of most soil types, this makes it an extremely hardy grass that can grow in conditions that other types can’t tolerate for one reason or another.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, fine fescue’s low tolerance for foot traffic means that you won’t be able to host barbecues on it every day. If you’re looking for a great-looking hardy lawn that you don’t intend to use all that much, fine fescue sounds like the grass for you.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Depends on the exact species. Creeping red spreads through rhizomes, while most are bunch-type grasses
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low to Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5-4 inches, depending on the species
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers dry soil. Otherwise, tolerates a wide variety of different soil types and fertility levels
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Many of fine fescue’s attributes depend on the species. Some will have higher shade, drought, and foot traffic tolerance than others
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1024px-Blue_grama_Bouteloua_gracilis_MN_2007.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SEWilco / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlue grama grass may be a warm-season grass, but don’t worry, it can handle the Colorado Springs weather just as well as any cold-season grass. It does go dormant when the temperatures drop too low, but otherwise, it makes for a fine-looking grass that can handle whatever Colorado can throw at it.
\n\n\n\nDue to blue grama’s bunch-type growth, you’ll have to seed it thickly to use it as a complete ground cover. It’s certainly possible, but you may be better off using blue grama as a complement for other grass types that can form a carpet more easily. Its exceptional foot traffic tolerance makes it good for reinforcing other grasses that don’t handle it as well.
\n\n\n\nThanks to blue grama’s high drought tolerance and love for the sun, it does extremely well in an open lawn without much shade. In addition, it’s a very good choice for xeriscaping should you choose to make the switch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: High unless dormant
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate. Common diseases include fungal rust and leaf and tar spot
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.6-8.4
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Well-drained sandy or clay soil with little organic content
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Despite being a warm-season grass, blue grama is native to Colorado and is very good for xeriscaping, especially as an ornamental grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is another warm-season grass that can handle the conditions of the Colorado Springs area. It has a beautiful gray to blue-green color with a fine texture that makes it comfortable to walk on with bare feet. But unfortunately, its poor tolerance for foot traffic makes it a bad idea to play backyard football on a regular basis.
\n\n\n\nLike blue grama, buffalograss has a very good drought tolerance and does best with lots of sun. But unlike blue grama, buffalograss is not a bunch-type grass. This means it easily forms a proper ground cover via stolons. However, keep in mind that buffalograss forms a thick thatch that you’ll need to remove about once a year.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is also very low maintenance aside from weed control and keeping away diseases. Overall, it’s a great grass type for someone who wants a good-looking front lawn that they don’t intend to use very often.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low fertilization and mowing, but does require weed control
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers clay soil and does not tolerate sandy soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Buffalograss is another warm-season grass native to Colorado that grows very well in the Great Plains
\n\n\n\nYes, xeriscaping is an excellent water-saving approach in Colorado yards. Blue grama grass is an excellent turf choice if you wish to xeriscape.
It depends on what type of grass you choose. Seed cool-season grasses in spring or fall, and warm-season grasses between late spring and summer.
Colorado Springs is in the transition zone. This means that it can support both cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses.
Yes, cool-season grass can enter dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool-season grass may also enter dormancy in hot summers.
Keep in mind that every species of grass varies in different tolerances depending on its cultivar. Shop around and make sure you get a grass cultivar that meets your needs so that you’re not stuck with a lawn that can’t handle the conditions on your property.
\n\n\n\nFor example, if your lawn doesn’t get a lot of shade, you need a grass that can handle the sun. If you live in an area without much rainfall, you need a particularly drought-tolerant grass.
\n\n\n\nYou don’t need to miss a day at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo because you’re busy working on your lawn. If you need help with landscaping in Colorado Springs, call your local lawn care professionals who can mow, trim, and edge the lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: David / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Colorado Springs","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/1789c/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/107df/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/293e9/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/f2cbb/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/1789c/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/c26c2/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/1dd6e/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/67b76/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/8df11/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/98a65/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/1dd6e/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/5132916c8b5f3d193f21c8ed23f5c1a4/3cc96/Colorado-Springs-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Colorado Springs","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Need help choosing a new grass for your Colorado Springs lawn? Here are the 6 best grass types to consider."}}},{"node":{"id":"6581329e-fb16-5d09-b281-09c46365208a","slug":"5-ways-to-refresh-your-georgetown-tx-landscape-with-a-pop-of-color","path":"/lawn-care/tx/georgetown/5-ways-to-refresh-your-georgetown-tx-landscape-with-a-pop-of-color/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"ad1b90fb-07d0-5cb5-b5a2-e853150ae954","name":"Georgetown","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/georgetown/"},{"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":"February 21st, 2019","excerpt":"As most Georgetown, Texas homeowners will readily admit, lawn maintenance and general upkeep of their home’s exterior can be a tiring and never-ending undertaking. A good way to combat that feeling of landscape fatigue is to hit the refresh button on small elements in your yard. With some tweaks here and there your tired, familiar […]
\n","content":"\nAs most Georgetown, Texas homeowners will readily admit, lawn maintenance and general upkeep of their home’s exterior can be a tiring and never-ending undertaking. A good way to combat that feeling of landscape fatigue is to hit the refresh button on small elements in your yard. With some tweaks here and there your tired, familiar landscape will look alive with new interest and color and take on a completely new personality unique to you!
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/dOnWbBpW9o1pyC6z0b48c25P1yBu0XLiHlowHapcntZYG2kxGHx9QBbSrH8falJsJtCSd7n-KgQk_ttx5GMfaBIIjnNmGyflzno-puaRtUrMDpUu3eOb7klU5vXteI-t7xYav2nnIDpXdFWWUA\")
Perhaps the most obvious recommendation is to utilize shades of red, orange, and yellow. Switch out a few existing plants or empty spots for specimens such as Bulbine, Coreopsis, or Fire Cracker Fern as their warm color flowers catch will catch the eye and help
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/G8cjkCifoXn7nw4s0Ekv6tQSSN7OBXEqQU3BsJfLerXhGuBGSYWyTNcztYQlQhs_3R-oPbUfZ6xqCVQ5jdU-tDcbdDx_xt69S-Qcv2kmZHzy6TWB5mpgk9QVNNU1WLPxg3-Ti4Msmxh-KQn9UA\")
It sounds simple, but using an item you may already have around your patio is an economic and quick way to change the look and feel of your space. Coordinating plants with a striking foliage pattern or complementary shade of flower to that of your garden pots can bring new life to the existing item. Also, consider moving the pot to a new location where they can accentuate a garden path or liven up a dull wall. Don’t already own a few of these vital landscape elements? Head to one of Georgetown’s nursery supply stores or check out the garden section at the local home improvement store.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/SDSzmwMtTdgv7os35ys5KHsKinEayjFKX5EbFi2iRMyrO_T3FoIY09pN5_THVAIsfdZxszwVeNl4Z1DWmuZ3NmedKOJw7rFa4tGy9hnTvr9vaYM4IiIwlWXz1441Q6ktohTcWBCOgHkmK99ugA\")
Having perennials and shrubs that lend a needed pop of color can be a quick and easy way to achieve a refreshed look, but as all homeowners in Georgetown know, shade is everything in the hot Texas summer. After you’ve refreshed your planting beds from below the tree line, think about adding a new shade tree that will offer complementary color of foliage at different points in the year. Texas Red Oak and Texas Red Bud have a dusty red leaf in the fall and winter months that goes great with other evergreen shrubs or low perennials such as Bottlebrush, Cotoneaster, and Bulbine.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/9FT1jfwx4mEoZ-cN2R3xpPqJ2Sz6BVkjWtU39_QUWxGGwHy4XpWcyMNCN4HBU34ZEIViNAbZMrAJwMFqxu68ZU-s9SqQ1kL9qgWOcpRCW5tjFYtqeb0lS7HuLeikCgyM9NuAEiaeZ-W3AO1wcA\")
Don’t overlook the opportunity to add interest at ground level by bringing in a rug with a striking design in shades that will enhance your outdoor dining or seating areas. Just as is the case for adding a special rug to your indoor spaces, an outdoor rug can quickly create a pop of color and add a personal touch to any style. With Georgetown’s nearly year-round warm-to-temperate climate, homeowners should always feel enticed to use their outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/SLIl2flNlF37Vv-SEeFn8-NA-6FiMwp0rc_qNRsGRx4WVF-X0yXgxHJDmMKYmw83a3rBx1Lo1pyeVUa9zrzR3-gq-kdxLeu98vscuTyM_WuX3YzMphL3VOIkYnN3iXFh4Atx-aVZcppUV_dq6A\")
Garden art is a great idea to
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dFawHwd3VAjxqf3E7AMfp1-JgRtJ7xgzalnxRnqoYYUttNJgeUQFQmDwqII0N1xg4lxPEqKCt3C006334I0mus43OHfAyLJDRcmCnrlV3GTaLmtbBbdLy9oZzRslEoa9H9NihKLRau4EOkZM2A\")
Have questions about lawn care? Please visit our Georgetown lawn care page for more info!
\n","title":"5 Ways to Refresh Your Georgetown, TX Landscape with a Pop of Color","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4953271028037383,"src":"/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/1789c/nature-3955000_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/107df/nature-3955000_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/293e9/nature-3955000_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/f2cbb/nature-3955000_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/1789c/nature-3955000_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/356ef/nature-3955000_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/1dd6e/nature-3955000_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/67b76/nature-3955000_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/8df11/nature-3955000_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/98a65/nature-3955000_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/1dd6e/nature-3955000_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/7969865284d966ee2f8d8f18e2945be4/93f70/nature-3955000_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Ways to Refresh Your Georgetown, TX Landscape with a Pop of Color | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"dd8dd66b-7223-5063-9db2-955f66ba5505","slug":"dallas-homeowners-monthly-lawn-garden-tips","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/dallas-homeowners-monthly-lawn-garden-tips/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"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":"July 6th, 2018","excerpt":"So, fact: Summertime is hot in Texas. I don’t hear anyone arguing! If you are anything like me, summertime in Dallas always ends up claiming at least one of my plants, as it is annihilated by the heat. It’s a tragic loss, and it is one that doesn’t have to happen! Extreme heat doesn’t have […]
\n","content":"So, fact: Summertime is hot in Texas. I don’t hear anyone arguing!
\nIf you are anything like me, summertime in Dallas always ends up claiming at least one of my plants, as it is annihilated by the heat. It’s a tragic loss, and it is one that doesn’t have to happen! Extreme heat doesn’t have to take another victim! There are numerous steps that can be done to protect your plants from the stress of the heat. It is important not only what you do to protect your plants, but when you do it.
\nBelow are some important steps to take during the summer, broken down by month, to keep your lawns lush and your flowers perky. For sake of this article, we will consider the summer months to be May-September, although we know around it can start earlier and last into “winter.”
\nTo keep it simple, I have narrowed it down to a list of 3 steps that I find to be useful for each month. (According to Live Science, research has found that the mind’s limit to remember is 3-4 things at one time) Several references were used, along with personal experience. If you would like to find a more comprehensive list, one good guide is an article published by the Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Inc.; it contains great advice for our local area.
\nThis list isn’t at all comprehensive, but it is a good start for us garden warriors as we try to fight the warm summer months.
\nStill have questions about lawn care and gardening in Dallas? Visit our Dallas lawn care page to read more articles like this one. Also, comments are highly encouraged!
\n","title":"Dallas Homeowners: Monthly Lawn & Garden Tips","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1789c/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/107df/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 320w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/293e9/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 500w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/f2cbb/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 800w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1789c/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 960w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/4fb49/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1dd6e/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/67b76/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 320w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/8df11/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 500w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/98a65/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 800w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1dd6e/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 960w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/62477/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Dallas Homeowners: Monthly Lawn & Garden Tips | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"4c56138e-9103-52c6-81f9-eb3c6bc55d56","slug":"best-grass-types-boston","path":"/lawn-care/ma/boston/best-grass-types-boston/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp award-winning garden writer, editor, and speaker. (She speaks at libraries, garden clubs, public gardens, home and garden shows, Master Gardener groups, and horticulture industry events.) Known as a hortiholic, she frequently says her eyes are too big for her yard. She blogs at hoosiergardener.com.","name":"Jo Ellen Meyer Sharp","id":"7ac166e7-66c5-5908-b0ac-d817298c8751","path":"/author/jo-ellen-meyer-sharp/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63824390c841836ff2ffdaeb32c90d34?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bc5dd326-c9ae-59ac-ad82-e4a08e14955d","name":"Boston","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/boston/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"33c4a526-c6f7-5d9e-96d4-d1803a4d03b7","name":"Massachusetts","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Boston is known for its Emerald Necklace, defined by the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed system of green spaces. You can have a little bit of the Emerald Necklace in your landscape with the correct selection of the best grass types for your Boston lawn. These are recommendations for seed or sod. In this article Kentucky Bluegrass […]
\n","content":"\nBoston is known for its Emerald Necklace, defined by the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed system of green spaces. You can have a little bit of the Emerald Necklace in your landscape with the correct selection of the best grass types for your Boston lawn. These are recommendations for seed or sod.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWant a lawn that feels perfect under bare feet? Something soft, able to withstand kid’s play or lounging on the lawn? Kentucky bluegrass is the way to go. Although it requires a little more maintenance, Kentucky blue is one of the top choices in lawns throughout the country.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance includes regular irrigation, mowing and fertilization to retain its bluish-green good looks, even in winter. Pay particular attention to irrigation. Adequate nitrogen application is important, too. Always read and follow the label directions.
\n\n\n\nIf it gets too hot and dry and there’s no irrigation, Kentucky bluegrass will go dormant. Cooler weather, rain or renewed watering the lawn will revive it quickly, unless it went more than about six weeks without water.
\n\n\n\nPerennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Unlike Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass is a good low-maintenance alternative for your Boston landscape. Perennial rye can handle foot traffic and child play, and is great for relaxing on the deep green turf.
\n\n\n\nThe blades of perennial ryegrass are medium textured rather than fine like Kentucky bluegrass. Because it germinates quickly, it sometimes is mixed in with other grass types for overseeding or to fill bare spots. Although a clump grower, it may compete with other grasses to create an odd-looking mix in the lawn. Use about a 20% perennial rye when mixing with Kentucky blue or fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is susceptible to fungal diseases like red thread and dollar spot. Several cultivars of perennial ryegrass contain beneficial fungal endophytes. These internal compounds help protect plants and enhance growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Fine-leaf Fescue
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This type includes creeping fescue, chewings fescue and hard fescue. Each can be used alone or mixed with other grasses. Fine fescues have medium to dark green narrow leaves. They tolerate acidic or low pH soil and also tolerate shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues do not like hot humid conditions, heavy fertilization or excess foot traffic, however. These may also get fungus disease, such as red thread. Although considered low maintenance, fine fescues do best when irrigated and mowed regularly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
As a rough-and-tumble lawn grass, tall fescue is at the top of the list. It is rooted in lawns throughout the country and appreciated for its low maintenance and durability. It tends to grow quickly in spring and fall, especially in open, sunny areas.
\n\n\n\nAlthough slow to establish, tall fescue requires little fertilizer and resists many pests and diseases. This makes it ideal for Boston homeowners who don’t want lawn worries. The leaf color ranges from medium to dark green with a bit of a rough. texture. Newer varieties have been developed with finer textures.
\n\n\n\nThe only warm-season grass that is winter hardy in the Boston area is zoysiagrass. It is available in the market, but homeowners should give it some thought before planting it.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it has many attributes, they may not offset other zoysia habits. For instance, zoysiagrass turns brown as soon as temperatures drop and returns to medium green when the warm season returns. In cold climates, zoysiagrass tends to be brown for a longer period than it is green.
\n\n\n\nZoysia also spreads by under- and above-ground stems (rhizomes and stolons). It readily creeps out of its space to gardens and landscape beds and the neighbor’s yard. Your neighbor will hate it.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass withstands heat, drought and foot traffic, but will thin in shade. It rarely needs to be mowed. It does need regular aeration, however. Also on the plus side, its dense growing habit discourages weeds.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like zoysiagrass grow most actively in late spring and summer when temperatures are around 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform best in the Southern United States.
\n\n\n\nA good lawn and garden center will stock the type of seed that is best for your Boston lawn, but it’s important to understand that most turf grass seed is a blend of seeds. The reason there are mixes is to get a fast-germinating seed to come on first to hold soil in place while slower-germinating seeds start to grow. Usually, a mixed seed selection can be used broadly in the landscape, from moderately shady locations to full sun. Grass seed also is sold as individual types.
\n\n\n\nBuy the best grass seed you can find. Grass is inexpensive compared to other plants in your Boston landscape. Current grass seed products are much improved over what your parents or grandparents sowed.
\n\n\n\nNewer products have been perfected with coatings that ensure good germination, such as a mini dose of fertilizer and enough moisture to get the seed growing.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow most actively in early spring and fall when temperatures are around 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re well-suited to northern climates with distinct seasons and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to sow grass seed is from mid-August to mid-September. The soil still retains summer warmth to help the seed germinate. Rains in fall also help grass seed take root and grow.
\n\n\n\nEven overseeding – sowing seed to fill in bare spots or thicken the lawn – is best down in early fall.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re a busy bee and want to save time, opt for perennial ryegrass and fescues.
Fine fescue is the best option for lawns with abundant shade.
Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass can withstand a lot of foot traffic. Zoysiagrass is also good for a busy lawn.
Fine fescue doesn’t require as much watering as other grass types. Zoysia also needs little watering.
Don’t have time to keep up with your lawn care duties? Hire a Boston lawn care pro to turn your lawn into an emerald jewel.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Unsplash
\n","title":"The Best Grass Types For a Boston Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/107df/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 320w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/293e9/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 500w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/f2cbb/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 800w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 960w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/c26c2/Grassy-Lawn-3.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/67b76/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 320w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/8df11/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 500w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/98a65/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 800w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 960w,\n/static/86e6d238eeb89cef0308e3c00537bc4e/3cc96/Grassy-Lawn-3.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Types For a Boston Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reseeding some bare patches in your grass or putting in a new lawn? Here are the grass types that thrive best in Boston."}}},{"node":{"id":"332d06cd-bc5c-5e25-a9ad-b7b1b43cdaf8","slug":"controlling-worst-weeds-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/controlling-worst-weeds-columbus/","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":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Homowners can’t be blamed for getting frustrated if, after putting many hours of hard work into a creating a beautiful lawn, they find weeds cropping up. The weather in Columbus, Ohio, contributes to the weed population with hot and humid summers and periods of heavy rainfall. Being proactive and controlling the worst weeds in Columbus […]
\n","content":"\nHomowners can’t be blamed for getting frustrated if, after putting many hours of hard work into a creating a beautiful lawn, they find weeds cropping up. The weather in Columbus, Ohio, contributes to the weed population with hot and humid summers and periods of heavy rainfall. Being proactive and controlling the worst weeds in Columbus is possible.
\n\n\n\n![\"Poison](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/08/31/20/20/poison-ivy-1634562_960_720.jpg\")
The State of Ohio has defined 31 weeds as noxious and deserving eradication anywhere they’re found on public right-of-ways. They’re a good starting point for homeowners looking to create their own “most unwanted” list, too. The weeds may be grassy or broadleaf. Some even have striking blooms and florets. Of about 700 nonnative plants found in Columbus and the rest of the Buckeye State, fewer than 100 of them are problems in natural areas. But all Ohio weeds can damage grass and gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe City of Columbus Code Enforcement division considers grass to be too high when it exceeds 12 inches. Noxious weeds that can cause unhealthy or unsafe conditions, such as poison ivy, oak or sumac, must be removed promptly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/AMvCybT5Ft9BTQK9NW6ebzgJySy7nhjSjE-DUTGtS-tnZNtfGtnBERndagGOhIwsO1Y3cTb57Z7vwMKXkr11OxHs59KAboIv8JoMsPFvkBNygbDW8jrXt0gavU9doL73dJrRMdXT\")
Bittercress is that winter weed with long stems and tiny white blooms that crops up every year. Pulling it up by hand with a weeding tool is recommended, but not always practical. Treating bittercress with chemical herbicide poses a risk to people, pets, and the environment. A pre-emergent herbicide product applied in late summer or early fall will prevent the seeds from germinating. The problem? Pre-emergents also stop grass seed from growing. Products containing MCPP or dicamba may be effective.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3IunA4uMZLgePLApFvlo3DFe2aWhKaMl18-wWGVsHhpZLRaW00zoe1iJEUqtPlTVlzWFh8X2L2TKXUSHPPjlCY6G7KkaccrZpGPSEDpm1i4n18n1bFg7cwoQX3ofk99lH72dnX2Y\")
This invasive plant is rather attractive for a weed, with tiny white florets on a pinecone-like spike. Post-emergent weed killers are helpful but may need several applications.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed,](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VbcGgnm2p0lsuJZ_Cj4JUwOyzkVgU_GIrypVa4VDrqcsfWkLxthEm6JJ5TaOqzbkRvvUddoDodrYL6ggppV7oh2jEK8H0zauvCnE2wYKSs9c9KT88oWP-pqfDQBrAQpS6FgfVUDg\")
One of the most common grassy flower weeds, chickweed is a favorite of honeybees and other pollinating insects. The thin green stems with white flower buds are difficult to control without killing off the surrounding vegetation. The best way to remove shallow chickweed roots is to pull them out by hand and then aerate the soil. Watch out for bees!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P0lWBEYObh6ResFkaZLQkJJE26ZbyKodgHSdw7SKSBCiVVp8Kkcbl-K89OTvgjBVf77n_UqcK4MDjxVqxdDXwt6-oCFDhG8tg1uQOJJaY91vrBXHgW9lL1YRyOSTp3o_vvVy82iY\")
Springtime is the beginning of this season-long weed, as it thrives in full sunlight. Leggy stems grow and spread out over the lawn. It can be hard to spot, but crabgrass color is a lighter shade of green. Pre-emergent herbicide is effective on young crabgrass plants – where only two or three leaves are present. Post-emergent weed killers work if there aren’t many weeds embedded in the lawn. But large areas of aged crabgrass that have swallowed up the turf will leave dead, brown stems if you treat it. Crabgrass dies with the first hard frost; in Columbus, that is usually in late October. Reseed in early autumn and apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most persistent weeds, with their yellow petals that turn into white puffy seed balls. Broadleaf post-emergent weed killers are effective. But keep in mind the seeds are windborne, and it’s quite a chore to kill them before they germinate.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/VyYog62CrJoqXeotey7m0uKd4tlYKhGpAxWmPLHLVZzbmTv7ssF1GVnOq5ad3RVKv5Tf8LMXrkSkHOslZwaoC9U2z8rKClAUhih0P13j2-lTUvVyokAhQjlEcE2NjN3PFtS8wNAw\")
If left untreated, nutsedge can choke out healthy plants in its path. This weed starts out looking like grass blades — only taller and with an invasive root system. The perennial weed is resilient and comes back year after year. Post-emergent herbicides are your best bet, but their effectiveness is hit or miss.
\n\n\n\nThistle seed is a draw for songbirds in Columbus, but the spiky, prickly plants can be rough on bare feet! Weedkiller helps, but it’s better to don a pair of heavy gardening gloves and remove them by hand at the base of the plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wZmdBQ6xEUuiV_ov-CP381Icoco1bEfVlgs2bDSaBCPBWDRYcHBcJ2wNhJu-ZZJSfjKkoBGLcWmx0K-R7ieJi9xBsI2QItT_TQ6GnSt_WxrfXMw43KSoZOAAXKCdaW16xJkDgPCl\")
Yes, those bright purple blooms are pretty, but wild violets are perennial weeds with heart-shaped foliage. Autumn is the best time to treat wild violets since the post-emergent chemical absorbs into the root system before winter’s freeze.
\n\n\n\nWhether you fight the weeds yourself or hire a lawn service, establishing a diligent plan will help you keep one step, and one weed ahead of the game.
\n\n\n\nNeed more information about lawn care in Columbus and Central Ohio? Check out our Columbus, OH Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nJill 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.
\n","title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.501466275659824,"src":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1789c/spraying.-dandilions.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/107df/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 320w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/293e9/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 500w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/f2cbb/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1789c/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 960w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/a2a79/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1dd6e/spraying.-dandilions.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/67b76/spraying.-dandilions.webp 320w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/8df11/spraying.-dandilions.webp 500w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/98a65/spraying.-dandilions.webp 800w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1dd6e/spraying.-dandilions.webp 960w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/7aa54/spraying.-dandilions.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Nothing can ruin a lush, green lawn faster than invasive weeds. Identifying them makes controlling the worst weeds in Columbus a breeze."}}},{"node":{"id":"f3aaf17d-f9ca-5766-b16c-d930f6163e26","slug":"watering-restrictions-in-cincinnati","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/watering-restrictions-in-cincinnati/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Watering restrictions are not a concern for Cincinnati, but it’s still a good idea to conserve.
\n","content":"\nDrought and local lawn watering restrictions are plaguing people across the country. Not so in Cincinnati. Cincy is fortunate: It draws 88 percent of its water from the large Ohio River. The other 12 percent comes from an underground aquifer. Watering restrictions in Cincinnati are rare since the river isn’t likely to run dry any time soon. In fact, in 2019 may be the third wettest year on record for the Queen City.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati is also humid, which helps keep things green. That said, some years our lawns and gardens often need more water than Mother Nature provides during the summer.
\n\n\n\nWatering smart involves knowing when and how much to water your lawn. The best time to give the grass a drink is in the morning, before 10 a.m. This allows the soil to absorb the water before it evaporates during the heat of the day and help your lawn thrive in hotter weather. It also gives the grass enough time to dry by nightfall. Too much water on your lawn overnight can lead to disease that can kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nEstablished lawns in Cincinnati need at least an inch of water weekly (the amount varies depending on your soil type). Instead of watering daily for shorter stretches of time, lawn experts recommend watering every few days for longer periods. This way, water soaks deeply into the soil, giving roots the moisture they need to survive. If Mother Nature is giving you a hand with rainfall, cut back on running those sprinklers.
\n\n\n\nProper mowing will help save water and keep your grass thick and healthy. Set your mower blade height to three inches or higher, and don’t mow too often. Taller grass will develop deeper roots which will hold up better during the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nWhile there aren’t any watering restrictions in Cincinnati right now, it’s still a good idea to keep water conservation in mind. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical garden gets kudos for installing underground tanks that reuse rainwater and save millions of gallons of water a year. Likewise, the University of Cincinnati received national recognition for its efforts to conserve water and to lessen the flow of stormwater into the city’s sewer system.
\n\n\n\nSo even though there’s an abundance of water right now, go with the flow and limit your watering. Our neighbors in the drought-stricken states will thank you.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Cincinnati? Visit our Cincinnati Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nTina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.
Working outdoors can be brutal during the searing Texas summers. So if you find yourself melting one afternoon while pushing a mower around the lawn, you might begin to wonder if there’s an easier way to get a nice yard. There is. While all yards require some level of care, it’s possible to cut down […]
\n","content":"\nWorking outdoors can be brutal during the searing Texas summers. So if you find yourself melting one afternoon while pushing a mower around the lawn, you might begin to wonder if there’s an easier way to get a nice yard.
\n\n\n\nThere is.
\n\n\n\nWhile all yards require some level of care, it’s possible to cut down on your time, effort and expense by adopting low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your South Texas yard that minimize the required amount of watering, fertilizing, mowing, and weeding. Let’s take a look at some of the best ideas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nGo native and plant some indigenous Texas plants in your garden and landscape. It only makes sense that plants that thrive in the Texas wilderness will also grow well in your yard. So if you’re searching for low-maintenance landscaping ideas, a good place to start is by adding native plants.
\n\n\n\nNative Texas plants already know how to survive in the wild without extra special care, so they won’t require much watering, fertilizing, or pest control. They are also more resistant to local pests and diseases. Planting a mixture of native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs means less maintenance for your yard.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few to start with:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of growing native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The price tag of a native plant depends on the size and type of plant. Here’s a general price range for different types of plants:
\n\n\n\n| Plant Type | Price |
| Shrub | $15 to $50 |
| Vine | $5 to $50 |
| Tree | $200 to $1,500 |
If you are planning a more intensive project, installing a flower bed costs $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not just native plants that thrive in the Texas heat – succulents are hardy, drought-resistant plants that thrive in hot climates, too.
\n\n\n\nSucculents don’t require much maintenance or care, as they are perfectly content on their own, without outside help. Unlike most plants, succulents prefer arid conditions. In fact, they sometimes die if they are overwatered.
\n\n\n\nFrom cacti to agaves, there are many varieties of succulents to choose from, and homeowners can add a desert-like flare to their yard while simultaneously reducing the amount of effort required for lawn upkeep.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: As with any plant, the price depends on the type and size of the succulent. Usually, you can expect to pay about $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Groundcover.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: I.Sáček, senior / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWant a natural growing lawn without having to mow weekly? Then ground covers may be just the thing you’re looking for. Ground covers are low-growing plants that usually grow no more than a few inches tall.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are decorative, require little maintenance, and spread over your yard the way a lawn would. Some groundcovers bloom with flowers during the year, adding a touch of floral color to your yard.
\n\n\n\nLook for groundcovers that grow well in South Texas’ USDA hardiness zone, which ranges from 9a to 10a. Some groundcovers that flourish in 9a zones include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground covers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Installing ground covers usually costs around $4.50 to $26 per square foot, although prices vary depending on the type of ground cover. If you have to remove your old grass lawn first, that job will be an additional cost that will depend on the scope of the project.
\n\n\n\nOne easy way to keep an evergreen lawn year-round without ever having to take care of it is to replace your traditional grass lawn with artificial turf.
\n\n\n\nWith artificial turf, you never have to water or mow your yard. You won’t have to worry about the scorching heat burning your grass to a brown crisp or remember to fertilize it at the right time. Even without maintenance, your lawn will look the same all year long.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf can look very realistic, and most people won’t know the difference between a real grass lawn and a synthetic lawn. Artificial grass is available in several different varieties, so you can find the right grass type to fit your landscape design.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Different types of artificial turf are priced differently, but in general professional artificial turf installation costs $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners who want their yards to stay as green as possible all year long should consider planting evergreens.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen shrubs and trees stay green all year, meaning they don’t shed their leaves in the fall. Think about it. No raking.
\n\n\n\nTry some of these evergreens:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of using evergreen plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Evergreens usually cost $20 to $60 per shrub and $150 to $3,000 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Jessamine-Gelsemium-sempervirens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nReplanting new plants in your flower beds every year is a costly endeavor that takes a lot of time. Instead of buying annuals, switch to perennial plants.
\n\n\n\nAnnuals last only a single year and biennials only last 2 years, but perennials keep returning year after year. If you’re tired of all the planning and physical labor it takes to replant your flower beds every year, then redo your landscape with perennials. This approach also spares you the time and effort of nurturing new annuals as they adjust to their new home.
\n\n\n\nTry out some of these perennials:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of gardening with perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Usually it costs $10 to $60 per plant, although costs vary widely across the board depending on what kind of perennial you get. If you hire a professional to plant your perennials for you, that will affect the cost of the project as well.
\n\n\n\nRecently, xeriscaping has become a hot new landscaping trend, as it reduces the amount of time and effort that needs to be spent on yard maintenance.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is drought-resistant landscaping that requires little water, which makes it perfect for weathering Texas heat. Natural rainfall should be the only water that xeriscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nSome xeriscaping methods you can try include:
\n\n\n\nTry one or several of these ideas to reduce the amount of yard work. Every little bit helps, so even if you can’t afford to redo your whole landscape at once, you can slowly add one succulent at a time until, eventually, your yard requires little to no water.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Depending on the nature and scope of the project, xeriscaping projects usually cost $8,737 to $22,226. The upfront cost is expensive, but xeriscaping saves a lot of money on landscaping maintenance in the long run since it reduces both monetary and time costs for watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSome homeowners don’t want to deal with a lawn at all, so instead of dealing with a vegetative lawn, you could add more hardscapes to your lawn. Hardscapes take up space that your grass lawn would normally occupy, reducing the area where grass or other plants can grow. And with less lawn comes less mowing.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes generally require little maintenance other than occasional cleaning, which is much less intensive than the regular upkeep of grass lawns.
\n\n\n\nSome ideas for hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of using hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of a hardscape depends on the type and scope of the hardscaping project. If you’re looking for a hardscape project that fits your budget, here is a list of price ranges for different hardscape projects:
\n\n\n\n| Project | Price |
| Decorative rock | $460 – $1,000 |
| Rock garden | $460 – $1,000 |
| Stone paver | $8 – $22 per square foot |
| Pergola | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Gazebo | $4,828 – $9,930 |
| Patio | $2,000 – $6,500 |
| Deck | $4,000 – $11,000 |
| Fire pit | $500 – $3,000 |
| Retaining wall | $3,622 – $9582 |
Mulch is as useful as it is simple. Applying mulch to your yard is a simple matter of buying a bag of mulch and spreading a layer of mulch over your flower bed. After that, it’s just a matter of leaving mulch to do its thing.
\n\n\n\nMulch acts as a protective layer over the dirt of your plant bed by keeping moisture in and weeds out. There are two different categories of mulch to choose from:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulching:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The price is dependent upon the type of mulch, as each mulch type has a different price tag.
\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\nAn automatic irrigation system can save you a lot of time and energy spent on watering. Instead of watering your yard by hand, an automatic irrigation system allows you to pre-program your sprinklers for when and how long you want them to water your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSprinklers can even be installed with a sensor that allows them to automatically adjust according to the local water levels.
\n\n\n\nInstalling an automatic underground irrigation system might be an expensive investment, but it will save you a lot of time and make things easier for you and your lawn in the long term.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of an automatic irrigation system:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, installing an automatic irrigation system will cost between $2,400 and $4,200. Above-ground sprinkler head attachments are much cheaper: between $9 and $36. However, they are not as convenient, as they can’t be automatically programmed like an in-ground sprinkler system.
\n\n\n\nWhether you surround your landscaping plants with mulch or rocks is a matter of personal preference, as both stone and mulch offer benefits for your landscaping.
• Both are customizable and come in a variety of colors, textures, types, and shapes.
• Organic mulch requires more maintenance since it has to be replaced every so often.
• As it breaks down, mulch provides nutrients for the plants and soil.
• Rock mulch has more expensive up-front costs but the long-term costs are cheaper than wood mulch
• Gravel is better for high-traffic areas
• Wood mulch is better at retaining water while rock mulch tends to dry out the soil
• Rocks are fireproof, making them good for dry areas in Texas that are prone to wildfires
Bermudagrass, buffalograss, and Zoysiagrass are the best drought-tolerant lawn grasses for South Texas. They can endure long dry spells and high amounts of foot traffic, making them good low-maintenance grasses for your lawn.
For homeowners who don’t want to spend money on mulch, it is possible to make your own, as several different things found around your yard can be used for mulch:
• Compost from your compost bin.
• Grass clippings from when you mow your lawn.
• Leaves can be raked and then run over with a lawnmower to break them down into mulch-sized pieces for your plant beds.
• Pine needles can be chopped up in a wood chipper to cut them into mulch-size pieces.
• Tree branches in your yard can be run through a wood chipper and converted to mulch for your plant beds.
If you don’t own a wood chipper – most people don’t – rent one from a hardware store or home improvement center like Home Depot or Lowes. Organic mulch has to be replenished more frequently than inorganic mulch, but it can act as fertilizer for your plants as well by providing nutrients to your soil and plants.
Redoing your yard’s infrastructure can reduce or eliminate lawn care maintenance. The more you minimize the yard work that needs to be done, the more you can enjoy the air-conditioned indoors and kick back with a cool glass of lemonade.
If the job seems too daunting to tackle on your own, consider using a lawn care pro near you? We have trusted pros in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Pflugerville, San Antonio, and many more cities across the Lone Star State.
Main Image Credit: Victoria, Texas / Surely Shirly / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"10 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for South Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3590033975084939,"src":"/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/1789c/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/107df/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/293e9/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/f2cbb/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/1789c/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/c26c2/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/1dd6e/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/67b76/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/8df11/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/98a65/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/1dd6e/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/e1b93f4349dbd73f5b2b2cc76ec9bc10/3cc96/50037219732_ae87921ff7_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for South Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Beat the heat with a low-maintenance yard. With these time-saving tips, Texas homeowners can reduce the amount of care their yards need"}}},{"node":{"id":"ab6ec02c-3d55-569a-b53a-1de893d11b12","slug":"best-perennials-delaware","path":"/lawn-care/de/best-perennials-delaware/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"0ce95d41-82d7-5ce1-a6c9-4942e40ae6b9","name":"Delaware","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/de/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Perennials are a great way to add a yearly burst of color to any landscape, and in Delaware there are so many to choose from. The 10 great perennials for your Delaware landscape below are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive in our temperate climate and its four distinct seasons. In this article: 1. […]
\n","content":"\nPerennials are a great way to add a yearly burst of color to any landscape, and in Delaware there are so many to choose from. The 10 great perennials for your Delaware landscape below 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![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Giant-Sunflower-Helianthus-Giganteus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joe deSousa / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nAs the name suggests, the giant sunflower is a real showstopper that grows up to 12 feet. This plant is easy to take care of and tolerates dry weather. Additionally, it’s a magnet for bees and a host for various butterfly species. Plus, its seeds are a common snack for birds.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be careful, because the giant sunflower is severely toxic to pets and various animals. It has some toxic effects on humans, too.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wood-Lily-Lilium-Philadelphicum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe showy, upward-facing blossoms of the wood lily make it a stunning addition to any landscape. The plant was once commonly seen but is now considered a threatened and endangered species in many states.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s not a Delaware native, you can certainly let the wood lily accompany your yard and help its species thrive, especially if you want to attract wildlife like hummingbirds, butterflies, and even rabbits.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Butterfly-Milkweed-Symphyotrichum-Novae-Angliae.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed is resistant, beautiful, and useful to local wildlife. Within 2 years, this plant produces striking orange blossoms that serve as food for various pollinators. But that’s not the only benefit this easy-care plant offers to the local wildlife; milkweed is also the only host plant for the monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nTake caution, though, as this is a toxic plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/New-England-Aster-Symphyotrichum-Novae-Angliae.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe charming New England aster produces delicate, purple petals that are a pleasure to grow in any landscape. This plant also feeds wildlife like bees and butterflies, and it’s a great cut flower for arrangements. If you’re in the market for low-maintenance plant options, New England aster is a fitting choice because it doesn’t need much watering and can often just live off rainwater.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-purpurea-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf you want a real showstopper, purple coneflower may be what you’re looking for. Its pink-purple flowers are not only stunning to look at, but they attract wildlife such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds. The plant may, however, sometimes suffer from diseases, so be sure to take care of it properly.
\n\n\n\nHowever, practice caution, as this plant is toxic.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PixaBay
\n\n\n\nFor a yellow pop of color, you need to look no further than black-eyed Susan, also called yellow coneflower; a popular perennial that may take a long time to bloom for the first time, but once it does, it stays in bloom for months. It looks stunning either on its own or combined with its purple counterpart. Plus, it’s another favorite of bees, butterflies, and songbirds.
\n\n\n\nAlthough this plant is eager to reseed, other plants keep it in check. Other than that, black-eyed Susan makes an easy-care addition to your lawn. It’s adaptable and resistant to stressors like heat, drought, and cold.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-2.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe cardinal flower blooms with vibrant red petals in the summer. Because it thrives in wet conditions, it’s perfect for a rain garden. Although it needs frequent watering, cardinal flower is otherwise easy to care for. Plus, butterflies like to snack on the flower’s nectar.
\n\n\n\nAll parts of the plant are severely poisonous, though, so practice caution.
\n\n\n\n![\"Different](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-Phlox-Phlox-Paniculata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bff / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nGarden phlox is a showy perennial that grows in forests, woodlands, prairies, and other natural habitats. It blossoms with pink, purple, or white dome-shaped clusters that can make any landscape look stunning.
\n\n\n\nPhlox species are usually not toxic, but there’s a lack of data surrounding garden phlox, so practice caution. Also, take note that garden phlox is likely to encounter issues with insect pests and diseases, so it needs extra care in that area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lance-Leaved-Coreopsis-Coreopsis-Lanceolata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William L. Farr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLance-leaved coreopsis, also called tickseed, is an easy-care plant that gives your lawn that extra touch you’re looking for. When it comes to growing conditions, the plant isn’t picky; it spreads easily and grows up to 3 feet. It also resists dry, hot, and humid weather. The plant isn’t a typical perennial, but though it’s short-lived, it self-sows and produces beautiful blossoms year after year.
\n\n\n\nUsually, coreopsis species are non-toxic. But there aren’t many reports surrounding lance-leaved coreopsis, and it’s been reported as toxic to livestock. It’s always better to be cautious.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Bergamot-Monarda-Fistulosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like showy, fragrant flowers, you’re in for a treat. Wild bergamot is an atypical pink, purple, or white perennial in the bee balm family that smells like a mix of mint and oregano. Because it’s a wildflower, wild bergamot doesn’t take too much care for it to grow well in your yard. Moreover, it attracts various bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nWhile annual plants live for one season, perennial plants grow year after year. However, annuals are known for their vibrant colors, and some of them self-seed.
It’s best to plant perennials in fall or spring, but you can plant them at any time of the year before the ground freezes.
Delaware’s hardiness zone is 7, meaning that its lowest annual temperature is around 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Any plants you get should match this hardiness zone.
Now that we’ve gone through 10 perennials that thrive in Delaware, you have various options to choose from. Make sure to research each plant thoroughly before adding it to your garden and take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential hazards. With the right care and attention, these perennials can add beauty and color to your outdoor space for years to come.
\n\n\n\nBut choosing the right plant isn’t the last step to creating a beautiful yard. You also need to care for it. If you’d like some help with that, Wikilawn connects you to the best landscaping and lawn care pros in Delaware.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Hippopx
\n","title":"10 Great Perennials for Your Delaware Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/1789c/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.jpg","srcSet":"/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/107df/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.jpg 320w,\n/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/293e9/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.jpg 500w,\n/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/f2cbb/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.jpg 800w,\n/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/1789c/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.jpg 960w,\n/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/c26c2/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/1dd6e/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/67b76/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.webp 320w,\n/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/8df11/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.webp 500w,\n/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/98a65/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.webp 800w,\n/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/1dd6e/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.webp 960w,\n/static/98d31b87ed0401e9285957b6ee7adadd/3cc96/Great-Perennials-for-Your-Delaware-Landscape.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Great Perennials for Your Delaware Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Perennials turn a hum-drum yard beautiful, and because they return year after year, you won’t invest countless hours planting flowers every spring."}}},{"node":{"id":"f3b67bb5-6efc-5204-9fc2-8b87b2fb54f8","slug":"worst-lawn-weeds-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/worst-lawn-weeds-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 18th, 2019","excerpt":"Weeds are like stealthy ninjas, gaining control of your lawn and bringing it to the brink of destruction. Even when you think you are doing everything right, diligently applying your pre-emergent herbicide and swooping in immediately to pull weeds that pop up in your lush Dallas lawn, these pesky invaders multiply before your eyes. Luckily, […]
\n","content":"\nWeeds are like stealthy ninjas, gaining control of your lawn and bringing it to the brink of destruction. Even when you think you are doing everything right, diligently applying your pre-emergent herbicide and swooping in immediately to pull weeds that pop up in your lush Dallas lawn, these pesky invaders multiply before your eyes. Luckily, we compiled a list of the most common lawn weeds in Dallas, including tips on how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeed Control Chemical Treatments
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike a good con man, weeds love a weak spot. These lawn invaders signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health. They love low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Maintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and the weeds won’t stand a chance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some reasons why weed control is so important:
\n\n\n\nThere are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree, hand weeding is just as important as chemical removal methods. You should aim to weed your yard and garden weekly or bi-weekly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Annual-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass, also known as Poa annua, is an annual grass that reproduces with creeping stolons. It appears in late summer and lasts through fall. It has a dense, clumping growth pattern with serrated, boat-shaped leaves.
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass grows rapidly, easily out-competing existing turfgrass. It is important to note this annual weed is adaptable and responds well to mowing, and it is used as turfgrass in commercial settings like golf courses.
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass is best controlled using a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall and responding to follow-up growth with a post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers disturbed, cultivated soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bull-Thistle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown as Texas thistle in Dallas, bull thistle is a broadleaf biennial, meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle when left undisturbed. It blooms dark-pink, prickly flowers, and puffy seed heads spread in the air for germination like dandelions.
\n\n\n\nSpray Texas thistle with post-emergent herbicide after it flowers, usually in early to late spring. Don’t worry if you have to come back and spray the pesky weed again. It can take several applications to get rid of the hardy biennial completely.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf biennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; prickly flowers, mildly toxic to humans and livestock
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Common-Chickweed.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon chickweed appears during North Texas winters. Star-shaped white flowers bloom in low-growing mats of leaves. The broadleaf annual stands up to mowing well, making it difficult to get rid of.
\n\n\n\nIt is an edible weed and is often fed to poultry. Chickweed thrives in moist, shaded areas. Removal methods include pulling the weed by hand, being sure you get the root system and spraying pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, shady lawns and gardens, especially near buildings
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; edible but large quantities cause stomach irritation in humans
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass thrives in the Dallas summer. This annual grassy weed prefers dry soil. Its blades and leaf sheaths are covered by dense hairs that irritate the skin, and the high stalks steal valuable nutrients from your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nIt reproduces quickly and grows faster than your lawn. Crabgrass loves the sun and overtakes thin lawns. Think twice before cutting your grass extremely short to lessen your mowing frequency, as the fast-growing weed will overtake it quickly.
\n\n\n\nThe best method to get rid of crabgrass is to use a pre-emergent herbicide and maintain a healthy and dense lawn with routine fertilization and a consistent watering schedule.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Sparse, disturbed habitats like thin lawns, gardens, vacant lots, roads, and grass paths
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide, and routine lawn maintenance
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Creeping-Charlie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCreeping Charlie, or ground ivy in Texas, is a broadleaf perennial herb. Its distinguishable scalloped leaves and clusters of purple flowers pop up in the spring and quickly spread, or creep, to form a dense green carpet.
\n\n\n\nThe minty-smelling weed loves unhealthy, patchy grass, low-fertility soils, and shady spots. The best way to unfriend this herb isn’t to ignore it. Instead, maintain your lawn’s pH levels by following a regular fertilization plan and use post-emergent broadleaf herbicide to eliminate the pest.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, shaded locations
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; toxic to horses in large quantities
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, regular fertilization schedule
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dallisgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass is a warm-season perennial grass that loves to invade Texas turfgrass, especially bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass. It is aggressive and difficult to control thanks to multiple reproductive methods, including seeds, rhizomes, and stolons. Dallisgrass has a clumped, circular appearance with rough edges.
\n\n\n\nProper lawn maintenance is the best line of defense against this aggressive grassy weed. It also responds well to hand pulling and pre-emergent herbicides in the spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefers moist disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; non-toxic but susceptible to ergot fungus, which is toxic to livestock and horses
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Routine lawn maintenance, pre-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dandelion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDandelions seem like fun when you are a kid, but they turn into nightmares when you own your own lawn. These perennials behave like annuals and are a broadleaf weed. Dandelions pop up in the Dallas spring, beginning with their trademark bright yellow flowers before turning into light, puffy helicopter blade seeds that want nothing more than to be airborne.
\n\n\n\nDandelions have a taproot that grows vertically downward between 6 to 18 inches deep. Unfortunately, removing the entire dandelion by hand is next to impossible, and the best removal method is a broadleaf herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefer disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; edible but may cause irritation in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hairy-Bittercress.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHairy bittercress thrives in moist environments, popping up after early spring rains with blooms of tiny white flowers. The annual’s flowers turn into pods, dispersing seeds to propagate the plant. Post-emergent weed control is the best method to manage hairy bittercress before the seeds disperse.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Cultivated and open ground, rocks, and walls
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHenbit is a cool-season broadleaf annual with square branching stems. It is hairy with circular leaves and purple flowers. It spreads aggressively in the North Texas winters. Thankfully, it has shallow roots and responds well to hand pulling and pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefers disturbed lawns, pastures, gardens, nursery plots, and building edges
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nPurslane is a low-growing succulent and broadleaf annual weed. It loves the rocky soil of North Texas, thriving in between cracks. It is adaptable and will easily encroach on turfgrass. Purslane is drought and heat-tolerant, surviving hot Dallas summers.
\n\n\n\nPurslane grows through spreading in a matted web. It has purple stems, alternating oval leaves, and yellow flowers. The best method to control purslane is hand pulling, ensuring you remove the whole root system.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNutsedge, “the world’s worst weed,” is a perennial sedge weed with a triangular stem. It is drought-tolerant but prefers moist, undrained Texas soil. It grows faster than turfgrass and thrives in warm weather before going dormant in cool weather, only to pop up again when it warms back up.
\n\n\n\nTreat nutsedge with post-emergent herbicide and ensure your lawn is thick and healthy, being sure to fix drainage issues. Left unattended, the sedge perennial will thrive in bare spots, coming back year after year.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Sedge perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, poorly drained soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Quackgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nQuackgrass sounds made up, but this perennial grass loves the Texas fall and winter seasons. It out-competes turfgrass and other weeds, spreading in large clumps with rhizomes. Quackgrass has coarse blades and resembles wheat.
\n\n\n\nPull quackgrass by hand, being sure to remove the roots. The perennial grass also responds well to spot treatment using post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Perennial grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: Noxious; quickly overtakes fields and crops
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Spotted-Spurge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nEven though spotted spurge is a broadleaf annual, it is a nuisance. Like dandelions, this resilient weed has a long taproot which seemingly brings this zombie weed back from the dead. Spurge grows fast, and its tangled web of leaves spreads low. It loves dry, Texas soil and sun.
\n\n\n\nPull spotted spurge by hand, but be sure to wear gloves. The zombie plant exudes a skin-irritating milky sap. This annual responds well to pre-emergent herbicide, or you can opt for a post-emergent herbicide if your spurge has already bloomed.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefer sunny, dry, disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; irritating milky sap
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent, post-emergent, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-Clover.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhite clover is another broadleaf perennial like dandelions that loves Dallas yards. It thrives in sparse turfgrass, blooming white flowers in the summer. Clover typically signals low nitrogen levels in your soil.
\n\n\n\nTo remove the pesky good-luck charm, douse it with iron-based herbicides. You can also weed them by hand, taking care to remove their root systems.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Nitrogen-poor, grassy habitats
\n\n\n\nDanger: Toxic; damaged leaf tissues release cyanide
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent, iron-based herbicide and hand removal
\n\n\n\nSelective herbicides control specific weeds or weed families.
Non-selective herbicides are typically more potent than selective herbicides. They work on many weeds, including grassy and broadleaf. However, they also wipe out good vegetation and turfgrass. These heavy-duty herbicides are best left to the professionals.
Perennial weeds are the toughest to control thanks to their underground reproductive systems, including rhizomes and tubers. These weeds regrow season after season. Perennial weeds include clover, spotted spurge, dandelion, crabgrass, and chickweed. The best method to prevent perennial weeds from returning is hand weeding, ensuring you remove the entire root system.
Weeds are a nuisance, and no matter how diligent you are, they will pop up in your yard. The best defense against an invasion is a healthy lawn. There are many low-maintenance landscaping options available for Dallas, including weed-controlling mulch, and be sure to check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you need some help killing weeds before your next backyard barbecue, contact a Dallas lawn care pro today to keep your lawn healthy year-round.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"14 Worst Lawn Weeds in Dallas, TX (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1789c/Lawn-Weeds.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/107df/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 320w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/293e9/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 500w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/f2cbb/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 800w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1789c/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 960w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/c26c2/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1dd6e/Lawn-Weeds.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/67b76/Lawn-Weeds.webp 320w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/8df11/Lawn-Weeds.webp 500w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/98a65/Lawn-Weeds.webp 800w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1dd6e/Lawn-Weeds.webp 960w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/3cc96/Lawn-Weeds.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"14 Worst Lawn Weeds in Dallas, TX (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Weeds are common in Dallas thanks to the Texas sun and warm weather. Get rid of them with a few simple tips."}}},{"node":{"id":"7d466487-679b-5f3e-8e63-5a35909ad337","slug":"drought-resistant-landscaping-montana","path":"/lawn-care/mt/drought-resistant-landscaping-montana/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"851f9dd2-d0b9-5a5b-a0a0-cf65224620d5","name":"Montana","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mt/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Montana is rich in natural resources, wildlife, unique vegetation, and adventure. The Treasure State’s geographic diversity and altitudinal ranges create variable climates. Western Montana is mountainous, with cool summers and snowy winters, while central and eastern Montana experience warmer summers and cold winters. No matter where you live in Big Sky Country, there are drought-resistant […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is rich in natural resources, wildlife, unique vegetation, and adventure. The Treasure State’s geographic diversity and altitudinal ranges create variable climates. Western Montana is mountainous, with cool summers and snowy winters, while central and eastern Montana experience warmer summers and cold winters. No matter where you live in Big Sky Country, there are drought-resistant landscaping ideas that will help you conquer the dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nSwitching to drought-resistant landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In steppe climates like Montana where average rainfall is less than 15 inches per year, water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n9 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Drought-Resistant Landscaping in Montana
\n\n\n\n![\"Sagebrush](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-from-rawpixel-id-4033032-jpeg-1.jpg\"){kind=tracking}
Photo Credit: Rawpixel
\n\n\n\nNative plants support conservation efforts and promote a healthy ecosystem. They thrive in the summer heat and dry conditions while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive Montana’s harsh winters and snow. Native plants are hands-off, water efficient, and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe vibrant, late-summer and early-fall blooms attract pollinating insects, while the dried stalks and leftover seed heads provide food and shelter for songbirds in the winter. From preferring full sun to part shade, they are the most low-maintenance and drought-resistant plants you can include in your landscaping project.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Montana native plants to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_16686130046_1524d40e6c_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the vibrant flowers lining the shelves of your stores fool you. While inexpensive, these eye-catching blooms only remain beautiful for a short time. These landscape plants are annuals and only last one growing season before dying in the fall. If bright blooms make your heart sing, you can switch out your annuals for drought-tolerant and cold-resistant perennials.
\n\n\n\nPerennials bloom year after year, surviving the cold Montana winters. They have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals and are more expensive. However, these drought-tolerant plants withstand more extreme weather and come in many varieties, including shade-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance wildflowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, vines, and more.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty that bounces back every year, check out some of the best perennials for the Treasure State:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like native plants, the average cost of perennial plants varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\nHydrozones are a crucial component of drought-resistant landscape design. They are groupings of plants with similar soil, water, and sunlight needs. Hydrozoning reduces water use and protects your plants from being over or under-watered.
\n\n\n\nSome common Montana plant groupings include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hydrozoning:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: You can save money and DIY relocate your plants into groups based on their water needs. You can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree for fresh additions.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is a loose material typically made of inorganic or organic matter like compost, tree bark, wood chips, or rubber. It is an inexpensive DIY job that provides enormous benefits for your Montana landscape. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from cold and heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches are more durable and low-maintenance but do not offer additional nutrients. It is important to note you will need to replace organic mulches like wood chips annually with a fresh layer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\nMontana is incredibly dry across most of the state. While many native plants are adapted to the harsh conditions, Big Sky Country’s weather is unpredictable and unforgiving. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance and watering.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for your landscape. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Be prepared. Hardscapes are an expensive upfront investment, but they increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/xeriscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Hilton / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMontana’s mountainous western regions, with their continental climates, receive over 35 inches of annual rainfall. Unfortunately, the steppe climates in the central and eastern regions of the Treasure State only receive around 15 inches or fewer, far below the national average rainfall of 30 inches.
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping with additional emphasis on water conservation. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except natural rainfall.
\n\n\n\nMontana native plants and turfgrasses are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard. They are naturally drought resistant and adapted to harsh seasonal shifts. Besides native plants, some basic steps for xeriscaping your yard include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will save around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\nSlopes, shade, sedimentary rock, and sandstone all have one thing in common. They can make growing turfgrass incredibly difficult. Luckily, your lawn doesn’t need to be covered in traditional grass to have a thick, green appearance. Drought-resistant, low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to grass. These plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space.
\n\n\n\nGroundcover fills areas of your lawn to mimic “grass.” They are low-maintenance, which means less work for you. These plants still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Montana groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought tolerant, and low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Montana groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\nLush lawns are scarce in Montana thanks to its semi-arid climate. Luckily, 365 days of perfectly manicured, green lawn is possible if you channel your favorite 1970s sitcom family, the Brady Bunch. Artificial turf is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet. And contrary to popular belief, it is really hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is expensive to install and may render your soil unusable in the future. However, it is virtually maintenance-free and a great four-season option for the Great Plains region.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4012667803_b9a8385ed1_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you live in central or eastern Montana, consider planting drought-resistant succulents like cacti. Succulents love arid climates and thrive in the sedimentary rocks of Montana thanks to their thick leaves and shallow root systems. They prefer to be left alone, so you can forget about watering your plants and let nature take over. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work great in back and front yards.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these native Big Sky Country succulents:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the size and type of succulent and ranges from $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nMontana is home to the only grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states and many urbanized rural areas that share landscape space with other local wildlife, including deer, wolves, coyotes, and even bobcats. The best method to deter wildlife is using landscape plants they prefer not to eat.
Wildlife-resistant native Montana plants include:
No. It is typically unnecessary to mow groundcover. They are a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant alternative to traditional turfgrass and only grow to heights of several inches.
There are many types of artificial turf, including pet-friendly turf, that are specially designed for your furry family members to be stain and odor resistant and easy to clean.
Drought-resistant landscaping is the first step to a hardy and low-maintenance, outdoor space. Be sure to consider your yard’s unique microclimate and hardiness zone when selecting plants for your yard.
\n\n\n\nMontana sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a to 6a, with most of the Treasure State falling within zones 3b to 4a. Select drought-resistant plants that are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in your hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nStop wasting your time on lawn maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you live in the home of Montana State University, Bozeman, or the capital city, Helena. Consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to the rugged outdoors.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Montana University / Sara goth / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"9 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/1789c/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/107df/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 320w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/293e9/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 500w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/f2cbb/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 800w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/1789c/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 960w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/c26c2/Billings_Montana_MSUB.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/1dd6e/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/67b76/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 320w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/8df11/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 500w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/98a65/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 800w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/1dd6e/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 960w,\n/static/b795904fefeea4003a591cb2db71bbd2/3cc96/Billings_Montana_MSUB.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tranform your Montana yard with 9 drought-resistant landscaping ideas like using rainwater, choosing native plants, and using efficient irrigation."}}}],"postCity":{"node":{"name":"Cleveland","slug":"cleveland","state":{"name":"Texas","slug":"tx"},"suburbs":[],"parentCity":{"name":"Houston","slug":"houston","suburbs":[{"name":"Sugar Land","slug":"sugar-land"},{"name":"Friendswood","slug":"friendswood"},{"name":"La Porte","slug":"la-porte"},{"name":"Texas City","slug":"texas-city"},{"name":"Alvin","slug":"alvin"},{"name":"Stafford","slug":"stafford"},{"name":"Angleton","slug":"angleton"},{"name":"Baytown","slug":"baytown"},{"name":"Dickinson","slug":"dickinson"},{"name":"Galveston","slug":"galveston"},{"name":"Pasadena","slug":"pasadena"},{"name":"Missouri City","slug":"missouri-city"},{"name":"Tomball","slug":"tomball"},{"name":"Deer Park","slug":"deer-park"},{"name":"Pearland","slug":"pearland"},{"name":"Porter","slug":"porter"},{"name":"Cleveland","slug":"cleveland"},{"name":"Conroe","slug":"conroe"},{"name":"Dayton","slug":"dayton"},{"name":"Humble","slug":"humble"},{"name":"Lake Jackson","slug":"lake-jackson"},{"name":"Richmond","slug":"richmond"},{"name":"League City","slug":"league-city"},{"name":"Montgomery","slug":"montgomery"},{"name":"Willis","slug":"willis"},{"name":"Rosenberg","slug":"rosenberg"},{"name":"Spring","slug":"spring"},{"name":"Magnolia","slug":"magnolia"},{"name":"Cypress","slug":"cypress"},{"name":"Katy","slug":"katy"}]}}}}}}![\"Bown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Diseases.jpg\")
![Eric Hunt](\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Callicarpa_americana_2.jpg\"){kind=link}