![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin-1.jpg\")
Tennessee is home to unconquered natural beauty, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River. Against this stunning backdrop, it would be a shame to have a bare, dull yard when you could incorporate some of that natural beauty into your own outdoor space with these 11 great native plants of Tennessee. In this […]
\n","content":"\nTennessee is home to unconquered natural beauty, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River. Against this stunning backdrop, it would be a shame to have a bare, dull yard when you could incorporate some of that natural beauty into your own outdoor space with these 11 great native plants of Tennessee.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants grow naturally in Tennessee, so they have a number of advantages over non-natives, such as:
\n\n\n\nTennessee is a diverse state consisting of different regions that vary in climate, hardiness zone, and elevation. Your area may impact your choice of plants. The different regions include:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSpicebush peaks in the fall when it produces yellow leaves and bright red berries that attract a variety of birds. If you find yourself missing flowers late in the year, don’t worry. In late winter, spicebush flowers with small yellow blooms.
\n\n\n\nAlthough spicebush naturally lives in wet and shady areas, it’s often planted in full sun, where it grows denser. If you’re getting multiple spicebush plants, you’ll need both male and female plants to produce berries.
\n\n\n\nThere aren’t any known toxic effects of the spicebush, but it’s always better to practice caution anyway.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water needs: Moderately moist
Soil: Prefers fertile, loamy soil but tolerates sandy loam as well
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 6 to 12 feet
Potential hazards: None known, but practice caution in any case
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Azalea-Rhodefondron-Canescens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nWild azalea grows visually appealing white and pink flowers that bloom from March to April and complement a variety of landscapes. If you decide to plant it, don’t fertilize it and don’t let its leaves get wet. Provide it with well-drained soil to avoid potential problems, and be sure to lay mulch to maintain the plant’s moisture.
\n\n\n\nNote that the wild azalea may scorch in full sun and that it’s susceptible to diseases and insect pests, so be sure to take care of it if you want to keep it looking pretty. However, the plant doesn’t only look great; it also benefits local ecosystems by serving as food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nYet, take note: the plant is severely toxic, and its ingestion can be fatal. You should never eat it or feed it to animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water needs: Moderate moisture
Soil: Prefers soil with a high organic matter content but tolerates sandy and loam soils; the soil must be acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 6 to 8 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Large-Tickseed-Coreopsis-Major.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nLarge tickseed has bright yellow, showy flowers that will bring vibrancy to your yard year after year. The plant is native to Middle and East Tennessee, so if you’re from either of these regions, it may be a great addition to your garden.
\n\n\n\nLarge tickseed spreads easily, isn’t invasive, and attracts pollinators. It also feeds birds, who like to snack on its seeds, which look like ticks (hence the plant’s name).
\n\n\n\nThe Coreopsis species are listed as non-toxic on the ASPCA website, but there are some reports of toxicity in some Coreopsis varieties. Also note that the plant is susceptible to diseases to some extent.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Water needs: Dry or moderately dry
Soil: Will tolerate most soils, but sandy or rocky preferred
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: No data reporting toxicity for this variety, but practice caution in any case
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis-1.jpeg\")
Photo by: ALAN SCHMIERER / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCardinal flower’s vibrant, red flowers will make your garden a real showstopper when they bloom in the summer. Because the plant thrives in wet conditions, you’ll want to mulch to retain moisture in the soil. It’s an ideal plant for rain gardens, too. The cardinal flower also provides food for pollinators like butterflies.
\n\n\n\nHowever, take note: this plant is severely toxic, and ingesting it can be fatal. You should never ingest it or feed it to animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
Sun: Partial shade
Water needs: Needs to stay moist at all times
Soil: Prefers moderately wet to wet soil that is rich and mildly acidic; likes to live next to streams or in moist meadows or woodland habitats
Duration: Perennial; divide every three years to perpetuate this flower
Mature height: 2 to 4 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Blue-Phlox-Phlox-Divarcicata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild blue phlox, also known as woodland phlox and wild sweet William, produces delicate flowers that range between white, pink, and blue in color. It forms strong colonies over time that are sure to complement any Tennessee yard.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, wild blue phlox provides a natural habitat for various species and enhances local biodiversity. You may need to protect your phlox plants from rabbits by elevating them or installing a net.
\n\n\n\nPhlox plants usually aren’t toxic, but it’s best to always practice caution anyway. Also, don’t confuse the wild sweet William with sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) or another toxic species that may look similar or have a similar name.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Partial shade, full shade
Water needs: Tolerates medium-dry to medium-wet soils
Soil: Widely adapted, but prefers soil with lots of organic matter
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: Up to 1.5 feet
Potential hazards: None known, but practice caution in any case
![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry is a shrub mainly found in Eastern Tennessee, although it sometimes appears in Western Tennessee, too. It especially lives up to its name in the fall, when it produces clusters of bright, purple berries. It doesn’t typically have any major pest problems, and it tolerates drought to some extent, too. To control your American beautyberry’s size and keep it looking beautiful, you can prune it in the spring before new flowers begin to grow.
\n\n\n\nBeautyberries serve as a great source of food for various wildlife. Some sources report it as non-poisonous to humans as well. Others, however, claim that it may have mild toxic effects. You can speak to a professional about any dietary changes. There’s a lack of data regarding the plant’s toxicity to domestic animals, so avoid letting them eat it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter; tolerant of various soil types as long as it gets good drainage
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3 to 8 feet
Potential hazards: Mild toxic effects reported; a lack of data regarding toxicity to pets
![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Hippopx
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a small tree that produces delicate flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall. If you want to provide food or habitat for local animals, this plant is a great choice. The tree is enjoyed by various wildlife, like pollinators and birds, and bees and butterflies even use the flowering dogwood to lay eggs.
Despite the appearance and name of the flowering dogwood berries, be warned: they’re very poisonous, so neither humans nor pets should ever eat them, or any part of the tree. Instead, allow wildlife that won’t harm itself to snack on it.
Plant type: Small tree
Sun: Full sun, partial shade; prefers partial shade
Water needs: Can handle occasional dryness; prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil
Soil: Prefers high organic matter content; will tolerate sand, loam, and clay mixes
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 12 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tulip-Poplar-Liriodendron-Tulipifera.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nThe tulip poplar is the state tree of Tennessee. It adds beauty to any landscape with its tulip-shaped flowers. If you like a little color variety in your yard, you’ll appreciate that these unique blossoms are green and orange in the summer and turn bright yellow in the fall. Birds and pollinators like to snack on the tulip poplar, too.
Don’t let the tulip poplar’s size intimidate you; although it can reach a height of 120 feet, there are smaller cultivars, like Little Volunteer, that are easier to maintain in backyards.
\n\n\n\nWhile ASPCA lists this tree as non-toxic to some domestic animals, take note that some sources report that this tree is toxic to both people and pets. It’s always better to be cautious.
Plant type: Large tree
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Moist or occasionally dry in well-drained soil
Soil: Slightly acidic loam
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 70 to 120-plus feet
Potential hazards: Some reports of toxicity
![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan adds a yellow pop of color that is not only attractive to humans but also to pollinators such as butterflies. Although it takes around a year to see the first blossoms, once they appear, they’ll accompany your yard for months.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is mainly present in Middle and Eastern Tennessee but can also be found in Western Tennessee. It’s easy to care for and tolerates various conditions, including heat, drought, and cold.
\n\n\n\nHowever, black-eyed Susan is also toxic to animals, so be sure to keep them away. Although the data regarding its toxicity is limited, we know it can also cause allergic reactions and asthma in humans. Don’t consume or touch it, and use protective gloves while handling it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-draining, acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Little-Bluestem-Schizachyrium-Scoparium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you want your yard to pop even more, you might want to add some ornamental grass, like little bluestem. This grass is bluish in the summer and orange-red in the fall, adding the extra touch of vibrancy you may be looking for.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, little bluestem is a great food source for birds and is also beneficial to butterflies that lay eggs in it. The grass thrives in hot, humid conditions and grows well on hillsides. Once established, it tolerates drought and needs little maintenance. To keep it looking beautiful, cut it back in late winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nLittle bluestem doesn’t have known toxic effects, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution anyway.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Ornamental grass
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Occasionally; dry to moist
Soil: Any type (clay, loam, sand, rocky) but must be well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 4 feet
Potential hazards: None known, but practice caution in any case
![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jitaeri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nYou’ve probably seen the fragrant common yarrow during a stroll in the park, but why not make this easy-care plant a part of your yard? You can get a pink, white, or yellow variant, depending on which one’s the best fit for your outdoor space. No matter which color variant you pick, your common yarrow will attract pollinators and birds, providing them with nectar and seeds to snack on. Starlings even like to use common yarrow to build their nests.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to encourage more blooms on your common yarrow, be sure to cut off its dead flowers. Even though the plant is tolerant of various conditions, you may need to treat its common problems, such as mildew and root rot. It can also become weedy in poorly managed areas.
\n\n\n\nTake note, that common yarrow is toxic and should never be ingested by you or your pets. Touching the plant may cause irritation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Sun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
Water needs: Once established, usually survives on natural rainfall; water no more than once a month in summer
Soil: Tolerates most soil types
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1 to 3 feet tall
Potential hazards: Toxic
As you can see, there’s a broad selection of native plants that can thrive in your Tennessee landscape. When- picking the ones that are right for your yard, consider factors such as:
\n\n\n\nOf course, if you want a beautiful yard, there’s more to it than planting flowers, shrubs, or trees. You also need to maintain your yard regularly by mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, removing weeds, and watering.
\n\n\n\nNeed a hand? Don’t hesitate to contact one of WikiLawn’s lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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\n","content":"\nWyoming is one of the grassiest states in the US. thanks to an abundance of prairies. Unfortunately, when it comes to home lawns, only a few turfgrass species are suitable for the Equality State’s tough climate. Discover the 5 best grass types for Wyoming.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nThere are two categories of turfgrass: warm-season and cool-season grasses. Wyoming’s arid continental climate has prolonged, cold winters, making it best suited for cool-season grass types. However, buffalograss, a native warm-season prairie turfgrass, has what it takes to thrive in Wyoming.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass types enter their active growth phase when temperatures are between 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in the southern half of the U.S. Most cultivars are drought tolerant and require frequent mowing at reduced heights in the summer.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses in Wyoming wait until late spring through early fall to push out fresh growth and go dormant throughout the winter.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in the northern half of the U.S. These grasses thrive in cooler temperatures between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool-season cultivars enter their green-up phases in early spring and again in the fall. Many species go dormant in the summer.
\n\n\n\nThe following warm and cool-season grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Wyoming:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is the only warm-season grass that survives Wyoming’s climate. It thrives in the state’s lower altitudes and dry summers. This fine-textured, gray-green turfgrass has excellent drought tolerance and more cold resistance than other warm-season cultivars.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a low-maintenance turfgrass, requiring little mowing or fertilization. It thrives in full sun. Cultivars struggle in shady areas and do not respond well to overwatering. Buffalograss creates a sparse appearance and is vulnerable to weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are a group of turfgrass cultivars that require less fertilization and irrigation than other cool-season grass types. Many homeowners mix fine fescue with other grasses like Kentucky bluegrass to create a dense and resilient lawn.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a clumping grass with a fine texture. It is a superb choice for small lawns. Specimens do not tolerate heavy foot traffic. Many varieties, like hard fescue and creeping red fescue, thrive in areas with hot summers and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, fescues are low-maintenance. They establish quickly, are drought resistant, cold-tolerant, and grow well in poor soil conditions. Fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant of the cold-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the most popular cool-season turfgrass in Wyoming. Cultivars are dense and blue-green and thrive in full sun. Kentucky bluegrass tolerates partial shade and has good heat tolerance with the right irrigation.
\n\n\n\nIt grows best in the mild temperatures of fall and spring and goes dormant during the summer. The cool-season turfgrass is hardy and recovers quickly from damage, making it a good option for a backyard that gets plenty of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners combine Kentucky bluegrass with other cool-season cultivars to create a dense and resistant home lawn. Cultivars are fairly high-maintenance with high water and fertility needs. Kentucky bluegrass requires regular mowing and dethatching.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It is most often mixed with other species. Regular watering is necessary because of its shallow roots. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are more hardy and resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"Long](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: manfredrichter / Pixabay / License
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is low-maintenance and thrives in areas with good drainage. It is a dense, dark green grass that stands up to heavy foot traffic. It is resistant to pests and tolerant of poor soil.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass does not withstand high temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, going dormant during hot summers. Its roots establish quickly, and it has a long growing season. Perennial ryegrass is often used for winter overseeding on golf courses and athletic fields.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a deep‑rooted bunchgrass that thrives in full sun but is shade tolerant and cold-resistant. It has a coarse texture with a medium to dark green color and an extensive root system.
\n\n\n\nHybrid varieties offer a more aesthetically pleasing color and texture for home lawns. Unfortunately, many varieties require overseeding with perennial ryegrass for a dense appearance. Additionally, many homeowners mix tall fescue with Kentucky bluegrass for a more dense and resilient lawn.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue remains green during the winter and is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass, thanks to its deep roots. Cultivars are resistant to weeds and insects and adapt to most soils.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize in September and November. Plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years to maintain a dense lawn and fill thinning spots.
\n\n\n\nLoam soil with a balance of sand, silt, and clay is the best soil type for home lawns. Loamy soils drain well, retain nutrients, and allow vital oxygen to reach plant roots.
Wyoming soils are deep, rocky, and overly drained, leaching vital nitrogen. It is important to have your soil tested annually with your local University of Wyoming extension office. Primarily, Wyoming soils require fertilizer high in nitrogen.
Groundcovers are a group of low-growing, spreading plants that make a great, low-maintenance turfgrass replacement. Some great options for your Wyoming landscape include:
● Breckland Thyme
● Creeping Phlox
● Myrtle
● Stonecrop
● Yarrow
When designing your landscape, consider using Wyoming native plants to create a low-maintenance and drought-resistant landscape.
\n\n\n\nBefore choosing a grass type for your lawn in Wyoming, you will want to consider:
\n\n\n\nYard work in Wyoming can feel like thankless work when there are so many chores to complete. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro to take care of your yard chores, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: espiegle / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Wyoming","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/1789c/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/107df/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/293e9/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/f2cbb/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/1789c/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/c26c2/wyoming-landscape-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/1dd6e/wyoming-landscape-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/67b76/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 320w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/8df11/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 500w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/98a65/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 800w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/1dd6e/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 960w,\n/static/2f06dea00c75aa632dbd832a3f3197ac/3cc96/wyoming-landscape-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Wyoming | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 5 best grass types for Wyoming's climate. From drought-resistant varieties to cold-weather options, find the perfect grass for your landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"810b8629-f990-5547-a07b-80882ba78242","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-in-richmond-va-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/worst-backyard-pests-in-richmond-va-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08edb056-11a9-55f1-a92d-6400a6e86bbc","name":"Richmond","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/richmond/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2019","excerpt":"Many critters can compromise your lawn, but some are more insidious than others. The following is a guide to the worst backyard pests in Richmond, Va., and how to manage them.
\n","content":"\nRichmond is blessed with mild winters and four mellow seasons that make enjoying the outdoors possible for most of the year. Of course, the lack of hard freezes and the green environment are an open invitation to all backyard pests. Many critters can compromise your lawn, but some are more insidious than others. The following is a guide to the worst backyard pests in Richmond and how to manage them.
\n\n\n\nTrue to their name, these pests will feed in large numbers on all varieties of turf, moving in waves like an army, under cover of night. These caterpillars are most prevalent after a cool, wet spring when gray moths lay their eggs after the sun goes down. Resist the urge to apply chemical pesticides right away: your first line of defense is natural predators. A pheromone trap can track the arrival of moths, at which point you should begin inspecting your grass for signs of eggs and worms. Releasing beneficial nematodes can help to control any outbreaks. Applying BT (a natural caterpillar control) to the lawn will also help nip any infestation in the bud.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wsyWaNxHqYBeUaAbl5kz5co7zu7cbOq7EMc-Vl81_F8sFtovjYES3DWdUQhHINjkZNwuLhI19kgLJDnKYC9j9vwNzmSE7Cdu2tsvTrgfbtpHsm5mwk9-J84fZ8jK9oK-zRKLqcVK\")
An accidental import from South America, fire ants know how to put an end to relaxing times in the yard. They’ll bite and sting anything that imposes on their mounds. Their colonies damage yards and wreak havoc on ecosystems. Combatting fire ants is a pastime for many Southerners, but if you control them early, you can avoid making a lifestyle out of ant control. The two-step method is the most effective approach to ridding your lawn of this horrendous pest. You start by spreading a bait insecticide over your entire yard in the fall. You then treat the individual mounds with a granule or dust insecticide.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs are the bane of Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass, Bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass. They feed on all these grass types. They’re among the worst backyard pests in Richmond in hot, dry areas with a thick layer of thatch. Patches of grass will turn yellow and then brown in the heat of the sun. The best defense against chinch bugs? A healthy lawn, mowed to the recommended height, aerated, and properly watered and fertilized. You can treat small infestations with insecticidal soap, but larger issues need a dose of an organic or chemical insecticide.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/63LB03uylyiw_BQsJ0lzp5C52d9EuOdMwiHBuMuipusNI3JAhX0ojs9Ve27P3FFNnmzGJP4YPMvAjhj43XorQNAmYJBR9PpTBsmVJW4ROcYrH5PkqvPxNRvoQuLCC1ryKz9lEzfq\")
When brown spots begin to appear on an otherwise healthy lawn, it’s time to start looking for grubs. To diagnose a grub issue, find a piece of affected turf and try to lift it up. If it rolls up easily and lacks roots, then you know grubs are to blame. If you prefer taking a nontoxic approach to lawn care, you can use milky spore, nematodes, or insecticidal soap to kill the grubs in the soil. If your lawn is healthy, grubs will be less able to find purchase and take root. Start looking for the grubs in the spring, before they have time to multiply. Mow consistently and make sure you irrigate the right amount.
\n\n\n\nIf you find you have any of these pests invading your lawn, early detection is the best road to successfully wiping them out. Once an infestation is going full-bore, it’s much harder to get the upper hand. So, pay close attention to your turf and keep your Richmond yard healthy to stay a step ahead in the pest prevention game.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about lawn care and landscaping? Visit our Richmond, Va., lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
Texas might be booming, but Austin is on fire. In 2016, Austin was the 3rd fastest growing city and #1 in the rankings for the most new home construction in the United States for good reasons. Not only is the Austin economy on the rise with unemployment dropping, but it also has a happening live […]
\n","content":"\nTexas might be booming, but Austin is on fire. In 2016, Austin was the 3rd fastest growing city and #1 in the rankings for the most new home construction in the United States for good reasons. Not only is the Austin economy on the rise with unemployment dropping, but it also has a happening live music and food scene.
Austin residents enjoy low cost of living with high home values. More and more families are flocking to this area, seeking the diversity and low crime rates. The city also boosts the 3rd lowest crime rate in the country in 2012 – impressive.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/voRT1bGJVMxESYDf8OBlQT-xCU2tlksOsAwPoWC1PKWIOyUGebaSY7f3Arm5gKy8k1e7K-BH5iJh1yyEFKPMuYZcZ0HPr5juD9ipE2M7NDx9OrIlF4XR6kBalvaYfWaoFaTKybpL\")
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![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/atx-is-diverse.jpg\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/L9J7NSaaTNii7KMAdLobGP9pejq2NTkrW714HpEz4e22_paJYflSG7GfI_qbLOC-ZR5dZWW72yoy8wyXruMsEni3Q7i8YCuLE4-DzLBVYAyLr2WbYMz-A_PAVN7mIbY958KXoQ4W\")
Top Photo: Flickr // Danny Shrode
\n\n\n\nLooking for lawn care service? Check out our Austin, TX lawn care page.
\n","title":"31 Pictures Showing Why Everyone is Moving to Austin, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.673202614379085,"src":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1789c/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/107df/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 320w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/293e9/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 500w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/f2cbb/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 800w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1789c/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 960w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/a2a79/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1dd6e/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/67b76/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 320w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/8df11/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 500w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/98a65/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 800w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1dd6e/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 960w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/7aa54/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"31 Pictures Showing Why Everyone is Moving to Austin, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"625c266a-eafa-5ef4-9a42-859530b41c03","slug":"raleigh-nc-water-restrictions","path":"/lawn-care/nc/raleigh/raleigh-nc-water-restrictions/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"},{"id":"960004f5-f837-5b2c-8241-8a86613fdf92","name":"Raleigh","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/raleigh/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"Water is one of our most precious natural resources, that’s why many cities and counties put restrictions on lawn watering. The lawn watering restrictions in Raleigh are based on current drought conditions and often change, depending on the current weather patterns. The majority of Raleigh’s water comes from Falls Lake Reservoir in northern Wake County. […]
\n","content":"\nWater is one of our most precious natural resources, that’s why many cities and counties put restrictions on lawn watering. The lawn watering restrictions in Raleigh are based on current drought conditions and often change, depending on the current weather patterns.
\n\n\n\nThe majority of Raleigh’s water comes from Falls Lake Reservoir in northern Wake County. The water is treated at the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant, which process and distributes more than 48 million gallons of water per day.
\n\n\n\nOur area has had a few years of plenty of rainfall along with two watersheds for our community. As of mid-2019, there are no watering restrictions in Wake County, but that could change if we see some of the dry conditions plaguing the southern end of the state. Check the U.S. drought map regularly to see which areas are hurting. The city will also update its website if it becomes necessary to issue restrictions.
The city encourages everyone to practice permanent conservation measures. Under these measures, lawn watering anytime is permitted, but landscapes should receive only 1 inch of water per week. These voluntary guidelines should keep the reservoir from falling to a dangerously low level:
\n\n\n\nThe city has a series of trigger points for imposing restrictions, based on the level of the Falls Lake Reservoir and the time of year. For example, if levels drop below 65 percent of capacity in June, the city will put stage 1 restrictions in place. That means you’ll only be able to water your lawn once a week on a day designated by whether your address ends in an odd or even number. If the reservoir levels should fall below 30 percent in June, stage 3 restrictions go into place. In that case, all lawn watering (even the city’s athletic fields) is off limits.
\n\n\n\nViolating the city’s water restrictions could cost you a fine of up to $500.
\n\n\n\nThe city also offers a reuse water program that treats wastewater into reclaimed or nonpotable water. This helps lower the effect of a drought for homeowners who use this water for their lawns and gardens. The reuse water is not for human, pet, or livestock consumption.
\n\n\n\nYou can get recycled water at the Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility, in Southeast Raleigh, or at the facility at Little Creek WWTP in Zebulon. The reuse water is free, but you’ll have to complete a certification training before picking it up.
\n\n\n\nTaking advantage of the city’s reuse water program is a great way to keep your lawn hydrated even during a severe drought. Cutting down on your lawn size and choosing to xeriscape is another way to decrease your water consumption. Remember, in times of drought, you can do without.
Interested in more information about gardening or lawn care in Raleigh? Visit our Raleigh, N.C., lawn care page.
\n","title":"Raleigh, NC Watering Restrictions","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5041128084606346,"src":"/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/1789c/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/107df/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 320w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/293e9/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 500w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/f2cbb/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 800w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/1789c/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 960w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/356ef/sprinkler-pixabay.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/1dd6e/sprinkler-pixabay.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/67b76/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 320w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/8df11/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 500w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/98a65/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 800w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/1dd6e/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 960w,\n/static/d1f101daa61a8270f91499b0762610b0/93f70/sprinkler-pixabay.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Raleigh, NC Watering Restrictions | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c5da6dd7-c54c-5ce7-8e9d-a3ca7921f293","slug":"worst-weeds-minneapolis","path":"/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/worst-weeds-minneapolis/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9badf8d4-14ba-5471-aa78-425360d9330e","name":"Minneapolis","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/"},{"id":"559d4c6e-5b85-5b4a-86c3-1f1a5351df4b","name":"Minnesota","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/"}],"date":"August 2nd, 2019","excerpt":"Knowledge is power and the sooner you know your enemy, the sooner you can kill those weeds. Here are some of the worst weeds in Minneapolis — and how to get rid of them.
\n","content":"\nLawn work is hard work, and the last thing you want is weeds to come and mess up your hard work. But knowledge is power and the sooner you know your enemy, the sooner you can kill those weeds. Here are some of the worst weeds in Minneapolis — and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the wild violet’s charming name fool you! The wild violet (pictured above) grows quickly and aggressively and is resistant to a lot of weedkillers. You’ll usually find it in the shade, and it likes moist soil. It is a pretty plant, with waxy, heart-shaped leaves and small lavender-blue blossoms, but if you find it in your yard, you’ll probably get over its looks pretty quickly as it spreads. It is a perennial broadleaf weed with a long taproot, so you’ll want a weedkiller that targets broadleaf weeds, killing them but leaving your grass unharmed.
\n\n\n\nThe black medic is an annual clover and grows well in compacted soil. You’ll be able to tell black medic from other clovers because its pom-pom flowers are yellow. This weed often sprouts up next to sidewalks or other areas that are compacted by traffic. Getting rid of it may be as simple as aerating your lawn. It’s also easy to hand-weed, because black medic is a central-growing plant, making it easier to get at the root than other weeds. Chemical weed killers also do a good job of eradicating this plant.
\n\n\n\nCreeping charlie, aka ground ivy, is unmistakable. This weed has round, coin-shaped leaves with frilly edges. Minneapolis is not alone in the fight against creeping charlie; this is an invasive species that has made itself at home throughout much of the continental United States. If you catch it early, in the spring, you can pull it by hand — but make sure you get all of it because this is a fast and easy grower. If you catch it later, you might be better off putting down a fall herbicide in your lawn to completely eradicate creeping charlie.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dandelion-flickr-1-1024x768.jpg\")
The dandelion has some uses — its leaves can be added to your salad and its central root can be dried and made into a tea. But for most people, the dandelion and its cheery yellow blossoms are a common weed, and one that can be hard to eliminate. If any part of the dandelion, especially that thick central taproot, is left behind, the plant can grow back and proliferate. Experts recommend pulling what you can, and feeding your lawn to make it thick enough to crowd out dandelions and other broadleaf weeds. Applying a pre-emergent weed killer in the spring will help keep dandelions to a minimum as well.
\n\n\n\nThere are dozens of weeds that will try to take advantage of Minneapolis’ sweet but all-too-short summer. This lists off some of the worst of them, so you can eradicate them quickly — and spend more time in your yard relaxing, instead of working.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care information and tips? Be sure to check our Minneapolis lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Liz West, Flickr
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":"aa7fca9f-2b92-51c4-b437-040f156b73e8","slug":"when-to-fertilize-ohio-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/oh/when-to-fertilize-ohio-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"A lush, green lawn takes work. But as they say, work smarter, not harder. One of the keys to achieving a beautiful lawn is knowing how and when to fertilize your lawn in Ohio. Grass in the wild survives on nutrients from decomposing organic material. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s not enough. A lawn often […]
\n","content":"\nA lush, green lawn takes work. But as they say, work smarter, not harder. One of the keys to achieving a beautiful lawn is knowing how and when to fertilize your lawn in Ohio.
\n\n\n\nGrass in the wild survives on nutrients from decomposing organic material. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s not enough. A lawn often requires some TLC to become and stay strong and consistently thick, and that means adding nutrients that your grass craves.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nYou may wonder what fertilizer does for your lawn. In nature, grasses draw nutrients from decomposing organic matter. In a managed lawn, however, the grass may not receive enough of these nutrients. Malnourished grass may become thin, weak, and susceptible to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nIf you build your lawn in healthy, rich soil and leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing, that may be enough for a green and healthy lawn. But if your soil test shows nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, fertilizers can provide the necessary nutrients to help your grass grow healthy and green.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to use fertilizers properly and in moderation to avoid over-fertilization. You need to know what your soil is lacking, which fertilizer to use, and how much (be sure to always follow instructions).
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/man-was-pictured-dispensing-fertilizer-granules-across-his-front-lawn-850x565-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nDoes your soil really need fertilizer, or will grass clippings suffice? Fertilizers mainly consist of three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. In different regions, grasses need various amounts of nutrients to grow best. Here’s what each of them does:
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
Because of Ohio’s cool climate, you probably have a cool-season grass type such as:
\n\n\n\nOhio State University recommends a fertilizer ratio of 3:1:2 (nitrogen:phosphorous:potassium), 4:1:2, or 5:1:2 for lawns in the Buckeye State. Many organic fertilizers can’t precisely meet the recommended ratio. In that case, you should use the nitrogen value (the first number) as the deciding factor. You then need to calculate precisely how much of the product you should use for your lawn; using too much fertilizer is hazardous.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s useful to have your soil tested before selecting a fertilizer. Soil tests identify the specific nutrient needs of your lawn and determine whether you need to fertilize at all. The Department of Agriculture recommends testing your soil at least every two to three years, but if you want to make informed decisions about fertilizing your soil, you can do so even more often.
\n\n\n\nA soil test involves analyzing the composition of your soil to find out its:
\n\n\n\nYou can either do a simple DIY test or send a soil sample to a local laboratory to get a detailed report. Once you’ve received the results of your soil test, you can take steps to address any issues and improve the health of your lawn. To know more about testing your soil in Ohio, you can check out this fact sheet from Ohio State University.
\n\n\n\nChemical fertilizers aren’t the only option for improving soil health. Organic fertilizers are also effective, plus they’re environmentally friendly. So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your soil, consider doing so organically.
\n\n\n\nYour first option is to use grass clippings. If you have soil rich in microbes and nutrients and regularly leave grass clippings on your lawn, you may not need to use fertilizer. You can use a mulching mower to chop your grass clippings into fine pieces that easily break down and feed your soil. This is the easiest and most environmentally friendly way to keep your grass healthy.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if that’s not enough for your soil, you can use a slow-release fertilizer made out of organic materials. That could be manure, alfalfa, compost, and so forth. There’s even the option of making your own fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nNote that organic fertilizers aren’t necessarily safer for pets. The materials that make up organic fertilizers may be dangerous to ingest (such as some plants, etc.). Moreover, store-bought organic fertilizers are often mixed with extremely toxic ingredients. Be careful, and don’t forget that animals tend to find the smell of organic ingredients more appealing.
\n\n\n\nNo matter which fertilizer you use, you should always follow instructions. Don’t let any animals access your lawn for as long as advised or before the product settles (or dries, if it’s in liquid form), whichever happens last. Also, never use more fertilizer than needed. This is damaging to your lawn and dangerous to the environment and local animals.
\n\n\n\n![\"Granular](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1pixnio-47943-2391x3600_11zon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThere are various options for store-bought fertilizer. Most fertilizers are either dry or liquid, and they have their own pros and cons:
\n\n\n\nThe difference between slow-release and quick-release fertilizers is as follows:
\n\n\n\nAll things considered, slow-release fertilizers are usually the better option. They’re more suitable for feeding your grass, and they’re much less harmful to the environment.
\n\n\n\nHow often should you fit fertilization into your schedule? If you have healthy, rich soil and want to use grass clippings, you can leave them on your lawn after each mow. However, be sure that your clippings aren’t too thick or stuck together so that your grass gets sufficient airflow.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to use fertilizer, Ohio State University recommends doing so four times a year to provide your soil with sufficient nitrogen. That’s because nitrogen moves through soil over time. However, you can apply it only once in the spring if you applied fertilizer late in the fall of the previous year. If you only want to fertilize once a year, do so in the fall to store nutrients for the spring.
\n\n\n\nHere are the best months for fertilization in Ohio:
\n\n\n\nNote that fertilizing your lawn too often or with too much product can damage your lawn and harm the environment. Stick to the recommended guidelines and read your product instructions carefully.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/man-applying-fertilizer.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nAre you establishing a new lawn? Don’t use regular fertilizer. Instead, if necessary, you can use a starter fertilizer specifically designed for new lawns. This will provide the necessary nutrients for seedlings and promote healthy root growth. It helps your grass seedlings and sod roods establish quicker than regular fertilizer, giving them a boost to thrive in their early stages.
\n\n\n\nMost starter fertilizers will contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but some may contain two parts nitrogen and one part phosphorus and potassium. As with regular fertilizer, you can choose between different starter fertilizer types. Remember to always be careful when applying any fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve discussed the best times to fertilize your lawn, but when should you definitely not do so? There are a number of scenarios where fertilizing your lawn would be a bad idea. For example:
\n\n\n\nFertilizers are hazardous substances, and it’s important to follow guidelines and stay safe at all times. Here are a few heads-ups to keep in mind before you fertilize your lawn:
\n\n\n\nMaking sure that you have healthy soil rich in nutrients is necessary for your grass to grow strong and healthy. However, it’s equally critical to follow other maintenance practices, such as mowing, watering, and overseeding, to see the best results.
\n\n\n\nNeed a hand maintaining your lawn? Be sure to get in touch with one of WikiLawn’s Ohio lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"What to Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn in Ohio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1789c/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/107df/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/293e9/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/f2cbb/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1789c/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/c26c2/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1dd6e/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/67b76/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/8df11/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/98a65/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1dd6e/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/3cc96/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What to Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn in Ohio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Fertilizer can be the difference between a drab lawn and a fab lawn. Here’s what you should know about fertilizing a lawn in Ohio"}}},{"node":{"id":"cc1e91ba-25cc-54d8-88cf-cfd22f8dbc06","slug":"best-grass-types-lakeland","path":"/lawn-care/fl/lakeland/best-grass-types-lakeland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tatiana Barrie is a writer with a background in law and tech, passionate about environmental sustainability and animal welfare. When she’s not writing, Tatiana enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and traveling the world.","name":"Tatiana Barrie","id":"8c60c769-47b8-542b-b658-4947278b51c5","path":"/author/tatiana-barrie/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2efff47c9ef277fa369b6224bb184e40?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"e7fe32a4-ef2d-5853-82d9-74e2a9e34811","name":"Lakeland","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/lakeland/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"Maintaining a Lakeland lawn that rivals the manicured greens of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course is a tough task. Swan City’s unique subtropical climate requires a smart grass choice, or else you’ll find yourself spending more time battling weeds and bare spots than enjoying epic cornhole tournaments and pool parties. To help you turn your […]
\n","content":"\nMaintaining a Lakeland lawn that rivals the manicured greens of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course is a tough task. Swan City’s unique subtropical climate requires a smart grass choice, or else you’ll find yourself spending more time battling weeds and bare spots than enjoying epic cornhole tournaments and pool parties. To help you turn your yard into the perfect playground for outdoor fun, we’ve compiled a list of the best grass types for Lakeland.
\n\n\n\nIn the steamy, sauna-like summers of Central Florida —where hot, humidity, and heavy rainfall are just a part of daily life— the secret to having a green, lush lawn is simple: opt for warm-season grasses. This article explores 5 warm-season grasses: bahiagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, bermudagrass, and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, make sure to take some time to think about how these grass types will fit into your lawn’s unique needs. Your perfect pick will depend on things like your soil type, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and what kind of look or feel you’re going for.
\n\n\n\nHere’s what we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in regions with hot summer and mild winters, generally in the southern parts of the United States. They are typically heat and drought tolerant, requiring less water than cool-season grasses. They also tend to go dormant and turn brown during the winter months when temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in regions with mild summers and cold winters, typically in northern parts of the United States. They grow rapidly during the spring and fall months when temperatures are cooler, and go dormant during the hot summer months.
\n\n\n\nAs a Lakeland local, you know how brutal the city’s summers can be, with temperatures often soaring above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. With warm-season grasses, you won’t have to worry about your lawn turning brown and dying under the scorching sun.
\n\n\n\nThe following grasses are heat-tolerant, and some varieties even have a deep root system that allows them to access water deep underground.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a staple in Lakeland’s parks and recreational areas, and it’s easy to see why. Its fine to medium texture creates a dense and soft surface that’s perfect for playing, picnicking, and simply relaxing.
\n\n\n\nThis means bermudagrass is super durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, so it’s a great choice if you like to host backyard BBQs or set up slip-n-slide adventures for your kids. Plus, it requires minimal shade and thrives in full sunlight, which is perfect for Lakeland’s sunny climate.
\n\n\n\nThe only downside to this grass type is that you’ll need to mow it regularly during the growing season. If you don’t, it’ll quickly become invasive and spread to flower beds, vegetable gardens, or even your neighbor’s yard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 0.5-1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5-2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It can be propagated through seeds, sod, or sprigs.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a must-have for anyone looking to protect their yard from turning into a barren landscape during Lakeland’s dry spells. Sure, it needs regular watering to keep its gorgeous green color, but it’s a total champ when it comes to handling Florida’s typical drought periods —way better than other grass options like St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nPlus, the dense growth pattern of Zoysiagrass creates a natural barrier against weeds, giving them a tough time gaining a foothold in your lawn.On top of that, it has a deep root system that helps prevent erosion by holding soil together when those torrential summer rains hit Lakeland.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, Curvularia, and lead spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: There are several different species of Zoysiagrass, each with their own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Some common species include Meyer, Emerald, and Zeon.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard has a bunch of trees and tall shrubs giving you some much-needed shade during Lakeland’s scorching summers, St. Augustinegrass should definitely be on your radar. While other grass types might struggle and turn brown in those cool, shady spots, St. Augustinegrass can tolerate them pretty well.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is also incredibly versatile, able to grow in a wide range of soils and pH levels.
\n\n\n\nNot to mention, it’s a fast grower, meaning you won’t have to wait long to see its beautiful, thick blades of grass. Now, while it can resist moderate foot traffic, it’s not the softest grass underfoot.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: St. Augustinegrass may struggle in cold weather. Some cultivars (such as Palmetto) can handle cooler temperatures better than others. However, when winter rolls around, it’s a good idea to take a few extra steps to protect your St. Augustinegrass from the cold.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to establish a Lakeland lawn quickly, bahiagrass it’s a great option. This type of grass grows super fast because it’s an amazing seed producer. Plus, it looks great with its medium to coarse texture and vibrant green color. The best part? There are loads of varieties to pick from.
\n\n\n\nIt has a lovely fine texture, and it’s a champ when it comes to thriving in sandy soils. Another well-known variety you might like is Argentine bahiagrass. This one’s got a bit of a coarser texture, but the upside is that it’s super pest-resistant and easy to maintain.
\n\n\n\nWhatever type of bahiagrass you choose, keep in mind that it tends to produce tall seedheads. In such cases, regular mowing will help you maintain a more uniform appearance. Also, bahiagrass can’t stand the wear and tear of high-traffic areas, so make sure to use it only as part of an ornamental landscape.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but more shade-tolerant than Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertility requirements. Expect frequent mowing (every one to two weeks) to remove seed heads.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Ideal grass height is 3 to 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease and insect infestations
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs well in sandy loam soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including soils with low fertility.
\n\n\n\nVarieties: Pensacola, Argentine, TifQuik, Tifton 9, UF Riata
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While Bahiagrass is relatively pest and disease-resistant, it can still fall prey to certain issues. For instance, during Lakeland’s humid, rainy summers, it might develop a brown patch fungal disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is warm-season grass that has a lovely fine texture and a charming light green color. It’s known for its shallow root system, which makes it a bit more susceptible to drought stress than other grass types. However, since it doesn’t need a lot of water to thrive, it’s still a great option for central Florida’s climate.
\n\n\n\nHowever, centipedegrass does have a few quirks. This type of grass can be a bit slow to recover from damage, so it’s important to take care when mowing or performing other lawn maintenance tasks. Make sure your mower blade is sharp and set to the appropriate height to avoid damaging the grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s important to avoid over-fertilizing. Too much fertilizer can lead to thatch buildup, which can suffocate the grass roots and make your Centipedegrass lawn more susceptible to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass and bermudagrass are easiest grass types to grow in Lakeland lawns. The first grows quickly, even in less-than-ideal soil conditions. You’ll find that it’s quite low-maintenance, so you won’t have to spend much time fretting over it.
Bermudagrass is also fantastic because it’s both heat-tolerant and versatile enough to grow well in sunny or shady areas. Besides, it’s perfect for lawns that see a lot of foot traffic, as it’s quite hardy and won’t easily get trampled.
Ideally, you should plant your grass seed in mid-spring or early summer. The high temperatures during these months give warm-season grasses the best chance to grow strong and healthy.
If you have a shady Lakeland lawn, look no further than St. Augustinegrass. This grass type is among the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses.
When it comes to designing your dream landscape, it’s important to consider the unique needs of your outdoor space. Think about how much sunlight your Lakeland lawn gets, what type of soil you have, and how much space you have to work with. Luckily, there are plenty of grass varieties that are well-suited to the Swan City’s climate.
\n\n\n\nHowever, choosing the right grass type isn’t the only thing to keep in mind when planning your landscape. Make sure to check out Florida natives plants as well. Incorporating native species to your yard can add a touch of local charm while also supporting the Lakeland ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nWant to turn your yard into a healthy and functional space? Connect with a Lakeland lawn care pro to get top-notch mowing, trimming, and edging services tailored to your yard’s specific needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
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\n","content":"\nHomeowners frequently turn to sod for a quick lawn makeover, but is this a project you can DIY? Absolutely. This article will detail how you can transform your lawn into a lush, green carpet in five easy steps.
\n\n\n\nA few weeks before you plan to lay the sod, get a soil test. You can get an at-home soil test kit or take a sample to your local Cooperative Extension office. Allow a few weeks for processing if you use your Extension service.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why soil testing is a must before installing sod: Your sod needs a good soil structure for drainage and root development in addition to a balance of nutrients. A good soil test will determine your soil’s pH as well.
\n\n\n\n![\"Measuring](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_messradsuricata.jpg\")
Use a measuring tape, measuring wheel, or count your paces to determine how many square feet you’ll need to sod.
\n\n\n\nThere is no industry standard for how many square feet of grass fit on a pallet. It varies from about 400 to 700 square feet, depending on the cut. Sod comes in rectangles (16” x 24”), mini rolls (40” x 18”), or large rolls (60” x 24” or 80” x 18”).
\n\n\n\nContact a local supplier or garden center to work out the details of your sod shipment. Experts recommend laying new sod within 24-48 hours after it has been dug up from the sod farm. Some experts recommend laying it within 24 hours or less. Ask your supplier company what they recommend.
\n\n\n\nGot shade? Ask your sod company for advice before you buy. Sod is generally grown in full sun and does not always perform well in partial shade.
\n\n\n\nDIY enthusiasts should allow two weekends for the sod job — one to do the site work and another to put down the sod. If you have a few friends, the job may take less time.
\n\n\n\nIn any case, choose a schedule that works for you, and be sure to gather your equipment ahead of time. Tools, equipment, and supplies you may need include:
\n\n\n\n✓ Sod cutter
✓ Rototiller
✓ Garden rake (bow rake)
✓ Garden hose or sprinkler
✓ Compost, sand, lime, and starter fertilizer, depending on your lawn’s needs
✓ Retractable utility knife (razor knife, or any sharp knife)
✓ Personal protective equipment:
If you need to rent a sod cutter or rototiller, reserve one ahead of time from your local tool rental or home improvement store.
\n\n\n\nFinally, don’t forget to check the weather forecast. You’ll want nice weather while you work.
\n\n\n\nBeg, borrow, or rent a sod cutter to remove your existing grass. If you have a small area to re-sod, you can use a shovel or hand-held sod cutter. (This is where those friends come in handy.)
\n\n\n\nAfter you have removed the existing lawn, use a rototiller to till down 6 to 8 inches. This will give your sod a nice, loose soil so it can easily put down deep roots.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the results of your soil test, add 1 to 2 inches of organic matter as a soil amendment. Compost helps the soil structure and adds nutrients, and sand is used to help with drainage if the soil is too dense.
\n\n\n\nSpread this organic matter throughout the lawn. Rototill in the new organic matter, then level it out with a lawn rake, correcting high and low spots.
\n\n\n\nAlso, make sure your grade is always sloping away from buildings.
\n\n\n\nAdd lime, if needed, and put down starter fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nFinally, lightly water the soil so it is damp.
\n\n\n\nThe day has arrived! Choose the longest straight edge in the yard as your starting point. From there, you’ll lay the sod like you mop a floor: Start at the farthest edge and work your way out. This ensures you don’t walk on the sod as you are working.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: If you are working on a slope, lay the grass across the slope in a horizontal manner instead of down the slope vertically. Use sod staples or biodegradable sod stakes to hold everything in place.
\n\n\n\nFirst Row: Lay down each roll, making sure you are abutting the grass tightly against the fence, wall, boundary line, etc. Make sure you press down the grass with your hands to ensure good contact with the soil (don’t walk on it). This will reduce the chance of air pockets between sod and soil.
\n\n\n![\"Fresh](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3471068661_c3bc73ede6_w.jpg\")
Second Row: Cut the first roll of sod in half. This will ensure your joints are staggered. Think of laying the rows as if you were laying bricks — you want to stagger the seams.
\n\n\n\nAs you lay down each strip of sod, make sure to press the side seams together with your hands (don’t overlap). This will help the grass to look seamless and will prevent the sod from drying out.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: When you need to cut a piece of sod, cut from the underside — not the grass side. This allows for an easier, cleaner cut.
\n\n\n\nContinue until the yard is complete.
\n\n\n\nUse topsoil to fill in any gaps in the seams, and roll the sod with a lawn roller. (Ask your sod supplier what they recommend. Some roll the lawn; some don’t.)
\n\n\n\nWatering recommendations for new sod can vary. Ask your sod supplier or a local pro what they recommend for your grass type and the time of year.
\n\n\n\nCommon advice looks something like this:
\n\n\n\nSome pros recommend watering to a depth of 3 to 4 inches while others recommend a depth of 6 to 8 inches, at least to begin with. (Use a soil probe.) Ask your sod company to determine what is best for your sod. Program your irrigation system to water at the recommended rate. Make sure your sprinkler heads are set to cover all areas of the new lawn.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn with more starter fertilizer about one month after you have put down the turf. Continue on a regular fertilizing schedule going forward.
\n\n\n\nWait at least three weeks to mow. You can ask the sod company how long your particular variety of sod takes to reach mowing height.
\n\n\n\nIn general, use a walk-behind mower (sharp blade, please!) for the first mow. Don’t cut off more than one-third of the grass, and bag the clippings just this once.
\n\n\n\nYou can compost it. Yes, put it in the compost pile with other yard and food waste to create new soil for your lawn or ornamental beds.
\n\n\n\nSod experts recommend staying off the grass for three to four weeks, which is around the time of the first mowing. Ask your sod company how long they recommend to keep off your new grass.
\n\n\n\nSome say to put a garden hose around the curve and cut it with a utility knife. Others find it easier to put the straight edges of the sod against the straight edges of the flower bed and cut a seam along the curve, removing the excess.
\n\n\n\nLaying sod is a year-round business. Having said that, there are great and not-so-great times depending on your climate and grass type.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are best sodded in the fall, while warm-season grasses are best sodded in early summer. If these times of the year don’t work for you, contact your local sod supplier or Cooperative Extension agent for advice.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re interested in new sod, you’re looking for a fast solution to your lawn woes. Laying new sod isn’t rocket science; in fact, it’s a perfect job for a novice DIYer. However, the devil is in the details. Do your homework, and follow these five easy steps to ensure your thick, green carpet lasts for years to come.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you would rather a pro install your sod, we can help you to find a lawn care or landscaping pro near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: george kiwi / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"How to Lay Sod in 5 Easy Steps","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/1789c/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg","srcSet":"/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/107df/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 320w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/293e9/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 500w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/f2cbb/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 800w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/1789c/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 960w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/c26c2/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/1dd6e/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/67b76/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 320w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/8df11/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 500w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/98a65/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 800w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/1dd6e/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 960w,\n/static/43f7f41b51a65c7e65195c5f591e8fe2/3cc96/rsz_4982403097_1d3b47d467_o.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Lay Sod in 5 Easy Steps | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"4b313a94-ef05-5d02-9334-06d741cf5a10","slug":"best-native-plants-california","path":"/lawn-care/ca/best-native-plants-california/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Humans and plants alike love sunny California. But what plants like the Golden State best? Your garden will thrive if you use native plants instead of non-native plants. Vegetation originating in this state is more likely to be Different plants will do well in different parts of the state. For example, a plant that thrives […]
\n","content":"\nHumans and plants alike love sunny California. But what plants like the Golden State best? Your garden will thrive if you use native plants instead of non-native plants. Vegetation originating in this state is more likely to be
\n\n\n\nDifferent plants will do well in different parts of the state. For example, a plant that thrives in Northern California may not do well in the Southern California heat. Many plants that grow on the coast won’t do well inland, and vice versa. Let’s review the best native plants for California, including what areas they’re best suited for.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nThis state is home to thousands of plants. Out of those, we’ve selected some popular choices that work for many different areas. Make sure to double-check whether each plant you’re interested in grows well in your city.
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/California-Buckwheat.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jarek Tuszyński / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you live in Southern or coastal California, consider California buckwheat. This plant grows on scrubby slopes, chaparral biomes, and dry washes. Its structure tends to be more compact in coastal areas and spread out in foothills. You can use some varieties as groundcovers. It produces clusters of leaves and small pink and white flowers from spring to fall.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia buckwheat attracts honey bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. It will shed its flowers and some (but not all) leaves in the dry season, creating a natural mulch. It’s low-maintenance and requires little irrigation once established. California buckwheat may also prevent erosion.
\n\n\n\nThis plant isn’t common in most of Northern California and the Central Valley. It isn’t suited for poorly-drained soils or temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall and 3 feet across
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loamy, well-drained soils with a pH between 5 and 8.5
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Extremely low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5965186545_e6a73bf093_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: chuck b. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as hummingbird flower or trumpet, the California fuchsia is found in foothills and coastal areas throughout the state. This plant is less common in the central valley and desert regions. It naturally grows near creeks and springs. Use it in gardens or as a ground cover.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia fuchsia produces bright red flowers from summer to fall that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths. Their late summer blooms are particularly notable since many plants are past their peak by then. This species is easy to grow and able to reseed itself. It is also featured on many fire-resistant plant lists.
\n\n\n\nThough California fuchsia requires little supplemental water in the north, it will need some irrigation in southern and inland areas unless it is close to a wet area. If you live inland or in SoCal, water once a month to keep it alive. The plant may look less aesthetically pleasing once flowering is done in fall or winter. Cut back after the flowering season to improve its health and appearance in spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: ¼ to 1 ½ feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Winter semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay and sand with a pH between 6 and 8; they also tolerate serpentine soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Epibase / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMost California residents have beheld the beauty of the California poppy, the state’s flower. You can find them in fields all over the state, excluding altitudes above 6,500 feet. They have pale green foliage and orange or yellow flowers. California poppies bloom between February and September, though they close at night and during cold, windy, or cloudy weather.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia poppies are fast-growing and drought-tolerant. Water them twice a month at most in summer to keep them healthy and extend their blooming season. These flowers attract pollinators, birds, and small herbivores. You can easily collect and plant the seeds or let the flowers reseed naturally.
\n\n\n\nThough they have a long flowering period, they may bloom less in areas with extreme weather. California poppies are edible yet mildly toxic, depending on the consumer, amount, part eaten, and time of year. As a result, there may be better choices for parents and pet owners. Poppies can become a weed due to their rapid growth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 inches to 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial in mild climates and annual in harsh conditions
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sandy soils; tolerates poor soil quality
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/California-Sagebrush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NatureShutterbug / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe California or coastal sagebrush is an aromatic shrub found on the coast and foothills. The branches spread out from the base of the plant, creating a round shape. Some varieties work as groundcovers. The leaves are thin, branching, and grayish-green in color. It produces white or yellow flower clusters in spring, summer, and fall.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia sagebrush attracts the California gnatcatcher, a threatened bird species that eats small insects. The plant also appeals to quails, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. This fast-growing shrub grows in dry areas where other plants perish and only needs water once a month in summer. Use it for erosion control on sloped properties.
\n\n\n\nThe Cahuilla and Chumash Native Americans historically used California sagebrush as medicine. Though there are no reported dangers for humans, toxins in the plant leech out during the rain and prevent other plants from growing below it. California sagebrush doesn’t tolerate temperatures lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s best for coastal or Southern California.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy soils with a pH of 5 to 8; tolerates low fertility and clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Extremely low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some toxicity towards other plants, but no known danger to humans or pets
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jitaeri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis plant has a dozen different names, including thousand-leaf and plumajillo. It naturally grows in the grasslands and open forests of Northern, Central, and Coastal Southern California. Common yarrow actively grows in spring and produces white or yellow flower clusters from mid to late spring.
\n\n\n\nButterflies, bees, and other insects are drawn to this fragrant plant. It’s easy to grow and needs water once a week at most in summer. Common yarrow tolerates sun and shade, making it a good fit for many yards. It can also survive temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Use it for erosion control or as a ground cover.
\n\n\n\nBecause it reseeds itself easily, common yarrow can spread aggressively. Native Americans used it to stop bleeding, reduce fever, and lessen pain. However, be aware that it is toxic to animals and can cause photosensitivity and rashes in humans.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 feet tall and ½ to 1 ½ feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen, summer deciduous, summer semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Any as long as it’s not excessively moist; ideal pH is between 4 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to animals; may cause rashes or photosensitivity in humans
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hummingbird-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Kirkhart / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHummingbird sage has upright stems that produce magenta flowers. It blooms from March to May. Its bright green leaves are slightly hairy and produce a pleasant aroma when touched or crushed. The plant is native to Southern and Central California, primarily along the coast and foothills. Cultivars include ‘Topanga’ and ‘Sunrise.’
\n\n\n\nYou guessed it — this plant is great for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Hummingbird sage is a popular choice for gardens and groundcovers. It tolerates anything from full sun to full shade. You likely won’t need to water it at all in summer, though it may lose some leaves. Irrigate hummingbird sage a few times a month to keep it green all year.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that without its tall flower stalks, it will look shorter outside of the flowering season. Hummingbird sage has a limited range compared to other plants on this list. It does best in the coastal areas between the Monterey Peninsula and Carlsbad. It may also do well in some parts of the Bay Area, including the peninsula, San Francisco, East Bay, and North Bay.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 inches to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Various soils with a pH between 5 and 7
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Big-Berry-Manzanita-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThere are several types of manzanita in California, but one of the most popular ones is the big berry manzanita. This shrub grows from the Bay Area down to the border on rocky slopes, flats, desert transition areas, and woodlands. It has light green waxy leaves. Clusters of white or pink bell-shaped flowers bloom in winter and spring. Its berries are the largest of any manzanita.
\n\n\n\nBig berry manzanita flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Other birds eat the round red fruits the shrub produces. Humans can also eat these berries. This shrub is drought tolerant almost to a fault. Water it around once a month once established, but be careful — direct water could kill the plant. Big berry manzanita is generally easy to grow but will be more difficult in dry areas like SoCal.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub has an unusual lifecycle. Not only can it live 100 years, but it won’t produce fruit until 20 years in. Even stranger, its seeds won’t germinate unless exposed to fire or sulfuric acid. The easiest way to propagate this plant is from cuttings. Plant it on rocky slopes, but avoid any south-facing slopes in dry areas because it gets too warm. Big berry manzanita is susceptible to leaf galls, though they aren’t severe.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 ⅓ to 20 feet tall and 6 to 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fast or medium-draining soils with a pH between 6 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"purpled](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Showy-Penstemon-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis plant is primarily found in Southern California’s chaparral, scrub, and woodlands. Its leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. Within its first year, showy penstemon produces clusters of bluish-purple trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds and wasps pollinate. It flowers in winter and spring.
\n\n\n\nShowy penstemon is quick-growing and easy to care for. Though it has a relatively short lifespan of five to ten years, its reseeding ability will allow new plants to pop up in your garden. It can handle a variety of soil textures.
\n\n\n\nThe amount of water needed depends on how well the soil retains water. If it retains water well, you may not need to supplement irrigation. You can water showy penstemon once a month for improved flowering, but it may shorten its lifespan. Plant it on a slight slope for improved drainage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained rocky, loamy, sandy, or clay soils with a pH between 6 and 7.5
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: No known danger
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/plant-fruit-berry-flower-food-red-443747-pxhere.com-1-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Christmas berry or California holly, this shrub is reportedly the namesake of Hollywood. It’s most at home in Western California and the Sierra foothills. It produces small white flower bunches in early summer that release a pleasant smell and attract butterflies and other insects. The red berries produced afterward feed birds and mammals.
\n\n\n\nToyon is drought-tolerant and easy to grow. It tolerates more water than other chaparral shrubs and does well near water sources or irrigated areas. The farther south you live, the more they benefit from shade. If you live in a colder part of California, they will tolerate temperatures as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is sometimes used for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nToyon berries are edible to humans. However, the unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can become cyanide if consumed, similar to apple seeds. Cooking the berries is the safest way to consume them. This plant may not be the best choice for pet owners and parents unless you can supervise their activity carefully.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sand, and serpentine soils with a pH between 5 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Extremely low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Edible but poisonous when unripe
\n\n\n\nMountains, deserts, beaches — California has it all. The variety of climates and geographical differences mean a native plant that does well in Southern California might not do well in Northern California. Before choosing a plant, confirm its suitability for your area. USDA hardiness zones are an excellent way to narrow down your choices. California contains zones 6 through 10.
\n\n\n\nEven within the same city, you may notice differences between your yard and other properties. The soil composition, slope, sun or shade, and presence of water sources can all make conditions more or less favorable. The University of California Cooperative Extensions can recommend commercial soil testing labs to check for pH and nutrient levels.
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget your garden goals. Do you want sweet-smelling wildflowers to attract bees and butterflies? Do you want to minimize water usage and fire risk? California is home to so many native plants that you should be able to find whatever you’re looking for.
\n\n\n\nMost California native species are adapted to low-water conditions. However, the following plants are especially drought-resistant:
● California buckwheat
● California sagebrush
● Toyon
If you need to stabilize a bank or reduce the risk of erosion, consider:
● California buckwheat
● California sagebrush
● Common yarrow
● Toyon
Yes. The California Native Plant Society has information on thousands of plant species native to the state. You can sort by a variety of factors to find what you need.
The safest plants for kids and pets won’t have spikes and aren’t poisonous when consumed. Of the plants we’re discussed, the following species don’t pose any known threat to humans or animals:
● California buckwheat
● California fuschia
● Hummingbird sage
● Big berry manzanita
● Showy penstemon
It takes time and effort to build a native garden. You’ll need to acquire the plants once you narrow your options by location and personal preference. You also can switch to a more suitable turfgrass to make your landscaping more drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\nA new plant here and there is manageable enough, but a complete yard transformation may be too much to handle with limited free time. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company. These pros can help homeowners in Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, and many other cities.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Joe Decruyenaere / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for California","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/1789c/Showy-Penstemon.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/107df/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 320w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/293e9/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 500w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/f2cbb/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 800w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/1789c/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 960w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/c26c2/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/1dd6e/Showy-Penstemon.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/67b76/Showy-Penstemon.webp 320w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/8df11/Showy-Penstemon.webp 500w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/98a65/Showy-Penstemon.webp 800w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/1dd6e/Showy-Penstemon.webp 960w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/3cc96/Showy-Penstemon.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for California | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best native plants for California vary by what part of the state you live in. They include flowers, shrubs, and groundcovers."}}},{"node":{"id":"0a80aabf-c968-5b55-b67c-0f3577ed7703","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-baltimore","path":"/lawn-care/md/baltimore/spring-lawn-care-tips-baltimore/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d65d5975-f3bf-56a0-86b3-804de72f0ba7","name":"Baltimore","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/baltimore/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2a5e33f9-ad47-575e-b414-2fa0c9049fd1","name":"Maryland","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Spring has sprung, and for Baltimore homeowners that means a return to yard work. Your lawn needs all the help it can get to recover from the long, wet winter, and knowing how to care for your lawn in Baltimore will provide the foundation it needs to thrive all year long. These nine spring lawn […]
\n","content":"\nSpring has sprung, and for Baltimore homeowners that means a return to yard work. Your lawn needs all the help it can get to recover from the long, wet winter, and knowing how to care for your lawn in Baltimore will provide the foundation it needs to thrive all year long. These nine spring lawn care tips will set you up well for the warm-weather months ahead.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"raking](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pxfuel.com-4-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your lawn absorbs the sunlight, air, water, and nutrients it needs, you have to clear away any leaves, trash, limbs, and debris on your lawn. Yard trash acts like a blanket on your lawn that blocks sun and water from penetrating to grass roots and the soil. Additionally, take out any plants that died over the winter.
\n\n\n\nWith warmer months comes yard care, so make sure you get your lawn gear back in shape. Here is a short checklist of tasks to do:
\n\n\n\n✓ Change your lawn mower’s oil, and drain and refill its gas tank.
\n\n\n\n✓ Tighten any loose screws.
\n\n\n\n✓ Sharpen its blades.
\n\n\n\n✓ Ensure that your lawn mower and line trimmer work as well.
\n\n\n\nBy checking these tasks off your list, you’ll minimize the chance of any unexpected problems occurring and adding more to your plate.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nTo prevent runoff, fertilizer should only be applied when the grass begins to grow. Apply fertilizer twice, once in early spring and once in late spring.
\n\n\n\nHow to fertilize your lawn: Never apply fertilizer by hand. Instead, use a drop or rotary spreader to apply it evenly to your lawn. Always fertilize 10 to 15 feet away from waterways. Spread half the fertilizer in a north-south direction and the other half in an east-west direction.
\n\n\n\nGive your lawn a quick cut before you start mowing so you understand what shape your lawn is in and can put a mowing schedule together. Once you start mowing, follow these rules:
\n\n\n\nDon’t know how tall you should mow your grass? The following table will give you the recommended mowing heights.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Mowing Height |
| Tall Fescue | 2.5 to 3.5 inches |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2.5 to 3.5 inches |
| Fine Fescue | 2.5 to 3.5 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1.5 to 2 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1.5 to 2 inches |
Watering your lawn might seem like another chore you must do, but it’s a bit more complex than you’d expect.
\n\n\n\nYou don’t want to water the lawn until the grass grows, as the soil is still moist from winter. Also, you don’t want to overwater your lawn, as it would cause pests, fungi, and excessive thatch to form. Underwatering your lawn will starve it and dry it out.
\n\n\n\nWhen watering, follow these tips:
\n\n\n\n![\"brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/31418522411_f5e1d31798_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kris Lord / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFew things destroy a nice lawn as surely as diseases. They can make it look patchy and, if left unchecked, can spread and leave you with vast expanses of bare ground.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to deal with disease is prevention. But if disease does rear its head, you should also know how to diagnose it and treat it.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few of the most common ones:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat red thread:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat snow mold:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides are applied twice: once in both early spring and late spring. If you experience crabgrass, apply a pre-emergent herbicide in mid-March through mid-April. Apply post-emergent herbicides in early summer and fall to control any weeds that have sprouted.
Fall is the best time to overseed your lawn, preferably 45 days before the first frost.
Yes, test your soil in either fall or spring, giving you enough time to assemble a lawn care plan based on your results. Testing your soil once every three years is recommended.
Making your lawn as beautiful as the flowers blooming in spring is entirely doable, but it takes effort.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have the time or energy to do the work, call one of our lawn care pros, and we’ll happily take over, giving you the time to enjoy your city. Perhaps a Ravens or Orioles game?
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Lawn, Baltimore / Pxhere
\n","title":"Spring Lawn Care Tips for Baltimore, Md","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/1789c/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/107df/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/293e9/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/f2cbb/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/1789c/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/c26c2/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/1dd6e/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/67b76/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/8df11/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/98a65/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/1dd6e/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/85db42cd9f172c9a60eb104f3da66cd6/3cc96/landscape-lawn-mansion-house-flower-building-593903-pxhere.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Spring Lawn Care Tips for Baltimore, Md | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spring is when your grass needs your attention again, and doing it correctly will give your lawn the foundation it needs to thrive all year long"}}},{"node":{"id":"7a9468f8-d9d2-55f4-98e0-b5ebd5b69905","slug":"kansas-city-watering-restrictions","path":"/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/kansas-city-watering-restrictions/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"05d0f445-881a-5277-b62a-ce38f7c7af9f","name":"Kansas City","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2019","excerpt":"There are no current watering restrictions in Kansas City, which gets an abundant supply of water from the Missouri River. But conservation is still a good idea.
\n","content":"\nUnlike many other cities across the United States, Kansas City is in a fortunate position when it comes to water supply. The Missouri River provides an abundance of water flowing through the metropolitan area — more than enough to provide for Kansas City’s drinking and irrigation needs, without the need for water restrictions.
\n\n\n\nBut during hot, dry summers and periods of unexpected drought, the KC Water division will put the kibosh on your watering plans. While the city can usually handle its water needs, you’ll want to keep your eyes and ears open for news of any watering restrictions in Kansas City, Mo.
\n\n\n\nThe city treats and distributes water to 170,000 residences and businesses in greater Kansas City, as well as 32 wholesale customers in the metro area. The water division is now working on system development plans for expected growth within the region.
\n\n\n\nMunicipalities within a short drive from KC are likely to have watering restrictions when water treatment facilities hit their near-capacity for several days in a row. This sometimes happens in Gardner, Kansas. When the Hillsdale Water Treatment Facility operates at more than 90 percent capacity for five days straight, Gardner will issue the following mandatory water cutbacks:
\n\n\n\nLawn watering and car washing for even-numbered addresses are OK in Gardner before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Homeowners whose addresses end in odd numbers may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. When it comes to refilling a swimming pool, you can do that only one evening a week after sunset. Want to completely fill a privately owned pool? That will have to wait until the city lifts the watering ban.
\n\n\n\nNearby Cameron, Mo., has seen its share of drought during the last few summers. Even with four reservoirs, mandatory water restrictions go into effect during these droughts and high usage. Cameron is part of the Tri-State Water Resource Coalition, which is building new water lines for surrounding areas.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to forget that water is a precious resource. There are several ways to preserve this liquid gold:
\n\n\n\nA single person uses about 100 gallons of water a day to drink, bathe, perform personal hygiene, and clean their house. That number goes up significantly when you water the lawn or fill the swimming pool.
\n\n\n\nThe best reason to conserve water is so that we don’t run out. This is a community-wide effort because it’s easy to assume the tap will continue to flow, even in severe drought. Your water company does its best to fulfill demand, but it cannot control the weather. Another reason to cut back on water and energy usage is more tangible. Who doesn’t want lower utility bills?
\n\n\n\nYour water division is working on long-term projects to improve the water main lines. Updating the infrastructure of KC includes improving sewers and wastewater treatment. The city gets its drinking water from the Missouri River and surrounding floodplain. It’s cleaned and sanitized from lawn fertilizers, oil, dirt, pet waste and whatever other pollutants it picks up along the way.
\n\n\n\nIf you have questions about Kansas City tap water, or if there are restrictions in place, the division is open during regular business hours.
\n\n\n\nDo you have questions about lawn care and gardening in Kansas City? Visit our Kansas City lawn care page.
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