![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49643314492_80a78d3d2a_c-1.jpg\")
Austinites keep it weird with our local celebrities, our infamous murals, and our love of nature. One way we show our love of nature is by growing flowers, shrubs, and trees native to the area. If you need ideas, we have 15 of the best native plants that are perfect for your Austin landscape. But […]
\n","content":"\nAustinites keep it weird with our local celebrities, our infamous murals, and our love of nature. One way we show our love of nature is by growing flowers, shrubs, and trees native to the area. If you need ideas, we have 15 of the best native plants that are perfect for your Austin landscape.
\n\n\n\nBut why should you choose native plants for your landscape? Here are a few of the benefits:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: jimduggan24 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blue mistflower is an eye-catching wildflower famous for its bluish-purple fuzzy flowers. The nectar-producing blooms grow in a nearly-flat cluster at the top of the plant. The bright blooms attract bees and butterflies and stand out against the dark-green leaves. You can check them out at Zilker’s Botanical Garden.
\n\n\n\nUniquely beautiful, the blue mistflower blooms in late summer and fall. In the wild, they’re often found in stream banks, wet meadows, and ditches. For landscaping, they’re perfect for borders, groundcover, and rain gardens. Usually sown from seeds, the blue mistflower is fast growing and needs to be trimmed and pruned to prevent it from crowding out your other plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 5-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; invasive if left unchecked; attracts bees
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/14897851758_fcb78dab1d_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Marmot / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe desert willow resembles a willow but isn’t actually part of the willow family, it’s a member of the bignonia family. With a slew of sweet-smelling pink, white, or purple flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees flock to the desert willow’s nectar-rich blooms. This small, fast-growing ornamental tree is drought resistant and excellent for erosion control. It also makes a great focal point for any yard.
\n\n\n\nThe desert willow requires minimal trimming and is known as a set-it-and-forget-it tree. However, it can be pruned into a large shrub if that’s the aesthetic you’re looking for. Desert willow is popular for xeriscaping or limestone-heavy soil because of its low water needs. You can see them in bloom at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in late spring, summer, and early fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 40 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained limestone soils are preferred, but also does well in sands, loams, clays, caliches, granitic, and rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water occasionally if no rain after 30 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Alterneria leaf spot; attracts wildlife and bees
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/35674161932_8884b13f68_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Earl McGehee / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe flame acanthus is a Texas native with many nicknames, including Hummingbird Bush, Texas Firecracker Plant, Mexican Flame, and more. As one of its nicknames suggests, hummingbirPds love the nectar that flows from the reddish-orange, tubular flowers. It also attracts bees and birds but is deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nPreferring full sun and low moisture, the flame acanthus is an ideal choice for xeriscaping, perennial gardens, and patio pots. Shockingly, this plant can live for more than 30 years. While you will need to control the shrub’s growth, it only requires trimming after the flowers bloom.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable to many soils but prefers well-drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; reseeds profusely; attracts bees
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flameleaf-Sumac.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mike Tilley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the Texan sumac and the prairie flameleaf sumac, the flameleaf sumac puts on a fiery show of fire-engine-red leaves in the fall, hence the name. This native shrub is also eye-catching in bloom with its tiny white flowers. The red berries that follow the blooms can be steeped for a tasty tea rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
\n\n\n\nThis tree is not a skin irritant, unlike the similar-sounding, rash-inducing poison sumac. Flameleaf sumac is also a haven for many species, like birds, bees, and small animals. It’s also highly resistant to both pests and diseases, except Verticillium wilt, a fungal disease. This ornamental beauty is a showstopper in any Austin yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Usually 12-15 feet, but can grow up to 30 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, calcareous, well-drained limestone soils, including clays, loams, and sands.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; potential to be invasive because it seeds itself; susceptible to Verticillium wilt
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Penstemon_triflorus_flowers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSometimes called the Hill Country beardtongue or the scarlet beardtongue, the Hill Country penstemon is an Edwards Plateau native. The vibrant pink or red tube-shaped flowers stand out against the dark green oval leaves. The hairy stamen gives the showy flower the nickname “beardtongue.” This ornamental plant is perfect for perennial gardens and cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nDuring its growing season, this nectar-rich plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and deer. While the Hill Country penstemon is relatively short, the flowers are big in comparison, about 2 inches long. You can see the flowers in bloom in spring and early summer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall; 1.5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, limestone-based soils: sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low; water if 3 to 4 weeks without rain
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to brown spot; attracts deer and bees
\n\n\n\n![\"leaves](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pxfuel.com-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nNative to central Texas, lacey oak trees are found in many Austin area landscapes. They’re named after Howard Lacey, who first collected specimens on his property about two hours west of Austin. The rounded-toothed leaves are peach-colored in spring and fall. In the summer, they take on a smokey grayish-green color. Lacey oaks produce yellow flowers that turn into acorns.
\n\n\n\nBecause lacey oak is resistant to wilt, they’re often preferred over live oak and red oak. The medium-sized tree is an excellent food source and shelter for small mammals and birds. Fun fact: The largest known lacey oak grows just next door in Blanco County. It stands just under 60 feet tall, and the trunk is just over 3 feet in diameter. Wow!
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, limestone or rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; attracts deer; susceptible to oak phylloxera insects
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oenothera_macrocarpa_kz06-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nDespite its name, Missouri primrose is native to the entire south-central United States, including Texas. Even though it has bright yellow elongated flowers, it’s primarily nocturnal, meaning it blooms at night and closes in the day. The Missouri evening primrose is a nectar source that mostly attracts hawk moths but also native bees and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThe showy plant grows easily from seed or stem cuttings. Considered a trailing plant, the Missouri evening primrose is often grown in poor soil gardens, rock gardens, or containers. Remove dead blooms and cut back damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. You can check out these stunning, large, four-petaled blooms at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-10 inches
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils: calcareous, sandy, limestone-based, sandy Loam, medium Loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to root rot
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_4596500345_9f38e0a8fa_c.jpg\")
Native to south-central United States and Central America, prairie verbena is found in grassy areas, along roadsides, trails, and landscapes all over Texas, including Austin. In fact, they’re on display at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Austin chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.
\n\n\n\nAlso called “moradilla,” Spanish for “little purple one,” this beautiful plant puts on a show with clusters of violet, purple, or pink flowers against dark green, unusual-shaped leaves (like large, elongated parsley leaves). This long-blooming (March through October), nectar-producing flower attracts butterflies and birds with its sweet fragrance but is deer resistant. The creeping prairie verbena provides superb groundcover in most gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 16 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, and limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Powdery Mildew
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rose-flower-nature-garden-flowering-plant-petal-1607880-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nNative to the Edwards Plateau through the Rio Grande and into Mexico, the rock rose is a popular choice for Austin landscapes and perennial gardens due to its high heat tolerance and beautiful blooms. The showy, paper-thin, pink or yellow flowers contrast exquisitely with the coarsely toothed, dark green leaves. To see it up close, take a stroll through Zilker’s Botanical Gardens.
\n\n\n\nRock rose is an easily grown shrub that needs to be cut back before winter to encourage bushy, compact growth. The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, nectar moths, and butterflies. The flowers only bloom for a short time before falling off to make room for the next one, but the flowers bloom spring, summer, and fall. Surprisingly, the rock rose fragrance is more prominent in the foliage than the bloom.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-13
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet
\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: Prefers dry, well-drained, rocky or limestone soils: caliche, sandy, clay, and loam (sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to mildew and gray mold (also known as botrytis blight)
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/18658601076_734cc969bc_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: F. D. Richards / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe roughleaf dogwood is an adaptable tree native to the central United States west of the Mississippi and Ontario but now flourishes amid the eastern U.S. too. The large clusters of creamy white flowers turn into bunches of fleshy white berries in late fall. The roughleaf dogwood gets its name from the hairy upper part of its oval leaf.
\n\n\n\nThe roughleaf dogwood blooms attract nectar insects like butterflies and native bees. Small birds feast on the berries while nesting amongst the branches. The tree’s also great for erosion control. While the roughleaf dogwood grows throughout Austin landscapes, it’s also featured at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, alkaline soils. Limestone-based, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, acid-based, calcareous
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to several pests and diseases, but they don’t typically affect the tree’s growth
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hesperaloe_parviflora_Ponteilla.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sylenius / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the hummingbird yucca or the false yucca, the Texas red yucca isn’t actually part of the yucca family. It does resemble a yucca with its long, thin, grasslike leaves and tall wand-like flower stems, but it’s classified as a succulent. Native to Texas and Northern Mexico, the Texas red yucca is heat, cold, and drought tolerant.
\n\n\n\nHummingbirds love the coral, yellow, or red flowers, but so do deer. The dark, olive-green leaves stay green all year, while the flowers bloom from February to July. This evergreen plant is ideal for rock gardens or xeriscaping but thrives in most well-draining soils. If you want to see this beautiful plant firsthand, check it out at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-10
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Succulent
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall; 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained sand, loam, caliche, limestone.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low; no water once established, but occasional watering might be needed if no rainfall after 30 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw plant is toxic to humans and dogs, but cooked Texas Red Yucca is edible.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Leucophyllum_frutescens_Purple_Sage_W_IMG_1125.jpg\")
Photo Credit: J.M. Garg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Texas and Northern Mexico, the Texas sage has several nicknames, including Barometer Bush and Texas Silverleaf. This beautiful shrub gets the “silver” part of its nickname from its leaves that are densely covered in stellate (silvery hairs). Use it in rock gardens or as a hedge.
\n\n\n\nThe Texas sage leaves give the shrub a gray-silvery appearance, which enhances the white, pink, purple, or violet blooms. The year-round blooming flowers are about an inch wide and almost bell-shaped. The flowers bloom in periods of rain or high humidity, hence the nickname “Barometer Bush.” The nectar-producing blooms attract butterflies to your yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Usually 2-5 feet, but can grow up to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained, rocky or limestone-based soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to very low; water if 3-4 weeks without rain
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to Cotton Root Rot
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Wisteria_frutescens_Amethyst_Falls_3zz-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called the American wisteria, the Texas wisteria is native to the entire eastern half and south-central United States, including Texas. This woody, climbing vine usually produces long clusters (6-8 inches) of purple flowers in early summer. The flowers can also be pink, blue, or white. The flowers turn into large pea pods that are not edible, so keep pets away.
\n\n\n\nThe fragrant flowers produce nectar and attract butterflies and moths. While not as aggressive as the Asian cousin, Texas wisteria can crowd out other plants and is best grown on an arbor or trellis. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center proudly displays Texas Wisteria as part of its collection.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flowering vine
\n\n\n\nMature size: 25-30 feet tall; 3-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist to mesic, neutral to slightly acidic soils: sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, and clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; if there is no rainfall, water every 2-3 weeks
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to pets and humans, except flowers are edible
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Callirhoe_involucrata_20107857120.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe winecup flower is prevalent throughout most of the United States and is one of the most common wild herbs in Texas. Its purple, white, or pink flowers bloom in spring and early summer. The winecup flower is used as a flower bed cover, in hanging baskets, or draping over a wall.
\n\n\n\nThe nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and deer. The plant’s roots can be used for medicinal purposes, including for head colds and pain. The chalice-shaped flower blooms most of the year except when it goes dormant in late summer. You can see this plant throughout Austin fields, landscapes, and at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-12 inches tall spreading to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen, semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, calcareous, acid-based, rocky, gravelly and sandy soils: clay, clay loam, medium loam, sandy loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; susceptible to pests or diseases if the soil is too wet when it may contract root or crown rot
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/iStock-1464390827-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Istock
\n\n\n\nNative to Texas and Oklahoma, Wright’s purple skullcap is also called shrubby skullcap or bushy skullcap. Named after the famous botanist Charles Wright, Wright’s purple skullcap is a popular choice for Austin landscape due to its drought and heat resistance. The small, violet, cone-shaped, nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nWright’s purple skullcap blooms in spring and summer, attracting deer. If you want to check out this lovely, hardy shrub, you can see it on display throughout Texas, including Texas Discovery Garden in Dallas, Jacob’s Well Natural Area in Wimberly, and right here in Austin at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 inches
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand, loam, chalk, limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; highly pest resistant; susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet
\n\n\n\nAnyone who lives in Austin knows that our city is much different than the rest of the state. Texas has seven geographical regions, so not all Texas-native plants are good choices for Austin.
\n\n\n\nJust because a plant is an Austin native doesn’t mean it will do well in your landscape. Make sure the plant you choose is compatible with your yard’s microclimate, such as soil type and sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nAustin’s soil consists of three ecoregions, each with different soil types: the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairies, and the Post Oak Savannah Floodplains.
\n\n\n\nEdwards Plateau
\n\n\n\nBlackland Prairie
\n\n\n\nPost Oak Savannah Floodplains
\n\n\n\nLook into which soil type is found in your yard to help you determine the best plants for your landscape. While researching, discover excellent low-maintenance landscape ideas and the best grass types for your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re planting in spring, plant between Jan. 15 and March 1. If you’re planting in the fall, start between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1. These ranges come from the Texas DOT and USDA plant hardiness zones. Austin’s plant hardiness zones are 8a-8b. Austin falls right on the line between those two zones. The hardiness zones help gardeners and landscapers determine what plants will thrive in a certain area based on winter low temperatures. In Austin, albeit rare, the temperature can be as low as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why Austin falls in the 8a-8b zones.
Austin has tons of native plants according to the Native Plant Society of Texas, Austin Chapter. But there are a few things that most Austin native plants have in common.
The simple answer is “yes,” however, there are restrictions depending on the water ban stage and where you live. Here are some common watering restrictions.
If you want to introduce native plants into your landscape, source them ethically. Don’t remove plants from the wild to transplant them into your yard. You can disturb wildlife habitats and introduce pests and diseases to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nInstead, check out the plant selection at one of these local nurseries that Austin Monthly recommends:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve filled your garden with low-maintenance native plants, it might be time to turn your attention to the lawn. Make sure you have one of the best grass types for Austin for the healthiest lawn possible. Then, keep your grass healthy without breaking a sweat by hiring a highly-rated Austin professional to handle lawn care for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Daniel Norton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"15 Best Native Plants for Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.4193548387096775,"src":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1789c/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/107df/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/293e9/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/f2cbb/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1789c/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/c26c2/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1dd6e/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/67b76/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 320w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/8df11/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 500w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/98a65/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 800w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/1dd6e/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 960w,\n/static/3fa6c21e03d5e94735bc1596e7c28e21/3cc96/Bluebonnets_on_Lake_Austin_Boulevard.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"15 Best Native Plants for Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are key to the healthy mico-ecosystem of your garden and landscaping. Discover the best native plants for your Austin yard."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"d30dfd89-7cdd-5d62-a619-9b342ae0cbed","slug":"helpful-tips-for-pet-proofing-your-austin-tx-landscape","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/helpful-tips-for-pet-proofing-your-austin-tx-landscape/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"January 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them! Pets, most often […]
\n","content":"\nDogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them!
Pets, most often dogs, like to go outside for playtime or to lay in the sun. Your landscaping practices may pose several threats to your pets as they try to enjoy their time. Things such as fertilizers, pesticides, mulch, and compost could be toxic if your animal tries to eat or lick it. Which is highly likely if you have a puppy because puppies are adventurous and will get into anything!
So, if you need to pet-proof your Austin, TX landscape, here are some tips!
\n\n\n\nYou might spend hours on your seasonal flower bed only for your dog to dig it up and eat the flowers. These things happen! Many common flowers can be poisonous to dogs. If you’re unsure, call your vet to confirm that your flower selections are dog safe.
A few common backyard flowers that are dangerous for dogs include:
\n\n\n\nPet owners have to worry about more than just flowers. Hundreds of common houseplants and garden plants are toxic for your animal. Here are the 10 most common toxic plants in Austin, TX.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a swimming pool or a pond as part of your landscape, you need to take some extra precautions. Yes, dogs can typically swim, but falling into a pond or a pool can be deadly for your pet.
Pet owners should teach their pets how to get out of their pools from the time they’re little in case they ever fall in accidentally. It could save their lives!
\n\n\n\nDo you have your trash can sitting on the side of your house awaiting trash pick-up day? Most of us do, but that can be hazardous to your dog. Make sure the trash cans are secured with appropriately fitting and locking lids.
Dogs are curious, and the smell of old food is appealing. He will happily take a bite of that old burger without realizing its soaked in old cleaning supplies.
\n\n\n\nInsecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may perform an important job for you, but they can be toxic for your pet. If you do decide to use them, keep your pet away from the lawn when it’s recently been treated. Dogs and cats should never walk on freshly sprayed lawns. Put your animal in another area for a few days.
Ideally, you wouldn’t treat the areas that your pet will spend his time. That prevents your pets from accidentally ingesting any of the chemicals. Dogs do sometimes decide to eat grass.
Most importantly, be sure all of these chemicals are locked up out of your pet’s reach. Put them in your shed or garage. A dog would happily take a drink of some chemicals spilled all over the floor.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is fenced, that’s a huge bonus! Fences keep your pets safe and prevent them from running away. Puppies and dogs need plenty of exercise. A dog or little puppy can easily find a small gap or hole in your fence that you may not notice. So, it’s important for you to regularly check your fence to make sure it’s secure for your animals.
\n\n\n\nTall grass can be a haven for ticks and snakes to hide. While most snakes aren’t venomous, a few poisonous snakes do call Austin, TX home like the Western diamondback rattlesnake.
Make sure you mow your grass regularly and remove any branches that are laying around. Clear out debris often. Ticks can be harmful to your dogs! Plus, fleas love tall grass. Unlike other parts of the nation, Austin doesn’t have a specific flea season. Austin doesn’t have multiple days of below-freezing temperatures or extended dry conditions, so fleas can survive year-round. That means you need to pay attention to your pets to be sure they’re flea-free and cut your grass regularly.
\n\n\n\nIt would be nice if Fido understood walking in your new garden bed is a bad idea, but they have no concept of that. Owners have the responsibility of deciding what areas are off-limits by creating physical reminders.
You can do this by making walls, fences, or pieces of wood to create a makeshift fence around the areas you want your pet to stay away from. Another idea is planting tall, native grasses or bushes. Make sure the plants that you pick aren’t poisonous.
\n\n\n\nGrass will turn brown and die in the area that your dog uses the bathroom. Rather than having random spots throughout your entire lawn, pick a spot where you want your dog to do his business.
\n\n\n\nKeep the grass in that area well watered and longer than the other parts of your yard because it helps dilute the urine and hide the brown spots. Some smart pet owners create a bathroom area hidden behind a fence or a wall so guests don’t notice.
You could also hardscape the area where your dog does his business. Hardscaping would make it easier for you to scoop up feces and spray urine away with a hose!
\n\n\n\nPet owners have the responsibility of keeping their animals safe and sound in their environments. Dogs and some cats are adventurous outside, so you have to pay special attention to how you’ll handle your landscape and yard.
The most important thing is to avoid anything that could be toxic to your animal. That means be sure that your flowers and plants aren’t toxic to animals. If you aren’t sure, talk to your vet. Keep all of the chemicals out of their reach, stored inside a shed or garage ideally.
Last, always watch for dangers. That could be a loose fence board or a pond that you think is beautiful. Landscaping and pets can mix harmoniously with a little planning on your end.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care tips? Visit our Austin lawn care page for more information about everything lawn-related.
\n","title":"Helpful Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Austin, TX Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5003663003663004,"src":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1789c/dog-in-the-yard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/107df/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/293e9/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/f2cbb/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1789c/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/d2f4e/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1dd6e/dog-in-the-yard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/67b76/dog-in-the-yard.webp 320w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/8df11/dog-in-the-yard.webp 500w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/98a65/dog-in-the-yard.webp 800w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1dd6e/dog-in-the-yard.webp 960w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/8952c/dog-in-the-yard.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Helpful Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Austin, TX Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"8436bb98-3733-5c09-a8b9-5b91d51084c7","slug":"how-landscaping-affects-home-value-in-austin-tx","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-landscaping-affects-home-value-in-austin-tx/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 8th, 2018","excerpt":"Landscaping may seem like an afterthought, something that is nice but not a necessity. That may be true if you are at your house for the long haul, even though most homeowners find landscaping appealing. However, those on the hunt to sell their home or simply want to increase your property value, landscaping can increase […]
\n","content":"Landscaping may seem like an afterthought, something that is nice but not a necessity. That may be true if you are at your house for the long haul, even though most homeowners find landscaping appealing. However, those on the hunt to sell their home or simply want to increase your property value, landscaping can increase its value, particularly for homes in Austin, TX.
\nWhat’s the first thing you notice when you arrive at a home? You notice landscaping! It might be the tall bushes under the large window. It could the garden bed full of perennial flowers. Proper lawn care and landscaping make an impact where it’s needed – the first impression.
\nSo, when potential buyers arrive at your home, you want to make a serious first impression. They should remember the landscaping and how well your property is maintained. Many buyers will turn away if they think the landscaping is subpar! So, take the first steps and focus on landscaping.
\nMaking a good first impression is important in Austin’s variable market. You are more likely to set the expectation that the rest of the home is just as amazing as this one.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/add-trees-to-your-yard.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr // Huge Cool
\nDid you know that mature trees add beauty AND increase your home’s value if they are planted correctly? Mature trees can increase your property’s value by up to 10 percent! Homes in Austin are no exception; potential homebuyers love them! Trees offer vital shade to lawns with families and kids.
\nIt’s important that trees aren’t planted too close to the home because large tree roots can cause foundation issues. So, do your homework before planting to avoid pipes and wires, then you can enjoy the added home value years later.
\nOn the other side, dead and dying trees will hurt your resale value. That means if you plan to put your home on the market anytime soon, you should remove any dead trees and branches. After removing the dead branches, fertilizing, prune, and trim the healthy ones as well. This theory goes with anything on your project. Anything that is not taken care of or well-maintained will decrease your home value.
\nDon’t worry; you will get back your cost when you sell the home. Even if it costs you $1,000 to take care of the trees around your house, you can expect to make that money back after the house sells.
\nLandscaping can increase your home’s value by up to 12% – that’s impressive! Now, some landscaping CAN be expensive, so you have to find cheap and easy ways to make sure your yard is maintained.
\nHere are some helpful tips for keeping your lawn in tiptop shape:
\nLandscaping is more than just plants and flower beds; it’s also the porch or patio in your backyard. A well-planned landscape creates an outdoor living space that gives the homeowner more area to spend with friends and family.
\nAustin, TX residents are lucky; the climate is sub-tropical and warm more often than not. Residents want to take advantage of that and live outside. Your home’s landscape plans might include a covered space, like a pergola, with drapes and couches for relaxing. There could be an area to grill and serve drinks to friends. Don’t forget a firepit and a huge swing set.
\nLandscaping includes other things as well, such as:
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/landscaping-adds-money-in-your-pocket.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr // Red Jacket Resorts
\nA well-landscaped home can get 5.5 to 12.7 percent increase in the home’s original value. That means if your home is worth $200,000, you can earn an extra $10,000 to $25,400 when your home finally sells!
\nResearch shows that large landscape expenditures increase the home value and fetch a higher selling price than homes with minimal landscape. According to the responders in the study, most homeowners want to purchase a home with a sophisticated landscape. Plant size and the diversity of the plants also play a factor in how pleased home layers.
\nYou might wonder what is a sophisticated landscape includes. Home buyers want to see large deciduous trees, along with evergreen trees and colorful annual plants. The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests that homeowners invest 10 percent of the home’s value into landscaping.
\nHomebuyers want to see more than plants. Outdoor rooms, terraces, and decks are high-returning investments to make in your landscaping plans.
\nIf you’re trying to figure out how landscaping affects home value, you might want to consider calling in a professional. A landscape architect can create a detailed plan that a contractor will be able to follow. Best of all, the plan will be just for your home! These experts understand botany, engineering, and design, anything with horticulture.
\nUsing a professional also helps you avoid the most common mistake when it comes to landscaping – piecing things together. Your landscaping plan should flow together, and homeowners often start random projects without a plan as to how it all fits together. The result looks like a hodgepodge, which can turn off homebuyers.
\nAustin, TX has a competitive real estate market right now, and there is a lot of competition against your home. If you want to stand out against others AND get the most bang for your buck, hire a professional to create a landscaping plan. A well-designed landscape will make a lasting first impression, leading to a quick offer when you decide it’s time to sell your home.
\nStill have questions about lawn care or landscaping? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or visit our Austin lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"How Landscaping Affects Home Value in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.499531396438613,"src":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1789c/atx-skyline.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/107df/atx-skyline.jpg 320w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/293e9/atx-skyline.jpg 500w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/f2cbb/atx-skyline.jpg 800w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1789c/atx-skyline.jpg 960w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/9352a/atx-skyline.jpg 1600w","srcWebp":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1dd6e/atx-skyline.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/67b76/atx-skyline.webp 320w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/8df11/atx-skyline.webp 500w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/98a65/atx-skyline.webp 800w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1dd6e/atx-skyline.webp 960w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/72532/atx-skyline.webp 1600w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How Landscaping Affects Home Value in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3b008ef6-4054-5eca-bac5-192a19ae962b","slug":"the-worst-bugs-in-austin-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/the-worst-bugs-in-austin-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":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 18th, 2019","excerpt":"Living in a lush city with mild winters feels like heaven… until the armies of pests begin to congregate in yards, on patios, and around pools, waiting for their chance to ruin your day. The creepy crawly, not to mention bitey and stingy contingent of this corner of the world can’t help it. They’re thirsty […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in a lush city with mild winters feels like heaven… until the armies of pests begin to congregate in yards, on patios, and around pools, waiting for their chance to ruin your day. The creepy crawly, not to mention bitey and stingy contingent of this corner of the world can’t help it. They’re thirsty for water, blood, or just trying to defend their turf (even if it happens to be yours), and they need to go. Here’s a quick guide to the worst bugs in Austin and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nAnyone who’s ever wandered into fire ant territory in sandals can tell you they’re the worst pest in Texas. And that’s a tall order in a state crawling with venomous critters. Fire ants top this list because of their aggression and their uncanny ability to show up en mass where you don’t want them. Picnic? You can count on these invasive ants to be there. Veggie garden? Check! Kitchen counter courtesy of any gap in a window or door? You betcha!
\n\n\n\nGetting rid of fire ants is a process. So take a deep breath and start early in the spring, as soon as you see them building their mounds. The “two-step method” involves baiting the ant mounds between August and September. Next, after a few weeks have passed, the individual mounds are spot-treated. Baiting mounds isn’t a good idea for families with young children. In that case, a non-toxic method such as orange oil or boiling water applied to mounds may be preferable.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lLCUlMvzdzrz-l86U0KVD-wCIhPeDvLw5jKUfC8G_bTnPh_VA9K1tUTxIr39ew_m548d9xWQtqzzs2rjvw9yoZ3Gv_u3DWhdwK7ihiPWtnBOECQIeZSa2rFi1RNzL6QBaQ1KSW8G\")
Known as water roaches, tree roaches, or just terrifying monsters that need to get out of the house, palmetto bugs are harmless, but hated insects. These most unwelcome visitors are drawn by food, water, and places they can easily hide. If you have a palmetto bug issue, your first plan of action must be to determine where they’re’ coming from. If you have a compost pile close to your home, this is a likely source. Wood piles and mounds of leaves are likely hangout spots as well.
\n\n\n\nEliminating any cozy places where wood or leaves are decomposing will help give these guys the boot. If they’re coming into your house, identify and seal any gaps or cracks where they’re entering. Try sprinkling boric acid around sills where you suspect they’re lurking.
\n\n\n\nThese bloodsuckers are a stealthy menace, quietly biting us at dusk– when we’re the least likely to see them. Mosquitoes are both annoying and dangerous carriers for tropical diseases. We do have a number of methods for deterring them, beginning with preventing them from breeding in the first place.
\n\n\n\nMake sure there are no containers of standing water anywhere near your home (our friends in Florida know all about this tip). This includes changing the water in bird baths, fountains, and potted plant trays each week. Rain barrels should have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering and laying eggs. Place an agitator in all water features. Mosquitoes will only lay eggs in still water.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeep shrubs trimmed and tidy. Plant basil, marigolds, petunias and lavender to repel the pests. The scent of these flowers really bugs mosquitoes. Installing an outdoor fan can keep mosquitoes from crashing your parties as well. Wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding the outdoors during dawn and dusk are also good ways to avoid their bites.
\n\n\n\nThe mild climate around Austin and Round Rock is just as attractive to these nasty pests as it is to us. In addition to all of the tips above, maintaining a tidy lawn and landscape is one of the best ways to repel the worst bugs in Austin.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about pest control and prevention in your lawn? Visit our Austin, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
\n","title":"The Worst Bugs in Austin and How to Get Rid of them","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.16580310880829,"src":"/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/5d440/fireants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/107df/fireants.jpg 320w,\n/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/293e9/fireants.jpg 500w,\n/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/f2cbb/fireants.jpg 800w,\n/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/5d440/fireants.jpg 900w","srcWebp":"/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/e342a/fireants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/67b76/fireants.webp 320w,\n/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/8df11/fireants.webp 500w,\n/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/98a65/fireants.webp 800w,\n/static/9a100da3f4bc295f45e53afe04a1c712/e342a/fireants.webp 900w","sizes":"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Worst Bugs in Austin and How to Get Rid of them | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Are the bugs really bugging you this summer? Take a look at this list of the worst bugs in Austin and how to get rid of them."}}},{"node":{"id":"3be857f9-2184-5df9-a047-d3e9978d2031","slug":"summer-lawn-care-guide-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/summer-lawn-care-guide-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Austin temperatures climb as spring turns into summer and rainfall becomes scarce. Add inconsistent soil and constant city construction, and maintaining a healthy lawn isn’t easy. It takes hard work and vigilance. However, if you follow our guide to summer lawn care in Austin, you can rest easy knowing you’re giving your lawn a fighting […]
\n","content":"\nAustin temperatures climb as spring turns into summer and rainfall becomes scarce. Add inconsistent soil and constant city construction, and maintaining a healthy lawn isn’t easy. It takes hard work and vigilance. However, if you follow our guide to summer lawn care in Austin, you can rest easy knowing you’re giving your lawn a fighting chance.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith an average temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit and only three days of rain in July and August, it’s safe to say Austin’s summers are hot and dry. Both heat and low rain stress your lawn, making it vulnerable. Proper summer lawn maintenance–like watering, mowing, dealing with pest or disease problems, and more–is vital to a healthy, vibrant, backyard party-worthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe best lawn care maintenance plan starts with understanding your soil and choosing the best type for your lawn. From there, fertilize when needed, aerate, dethatch, and maintain your grass with good watering and mowing practices. Fall all this up by protecting your lawn from ugly, Austin lawn problems, like pests, diseases, and weeds.
\n\n\n\nWith the high temperatures and low rainfall, warm-season grass types thrive in Austin lawns. However, warm-season grasses go dormant in the fall and winter, so mixing in cool-season grass cultivars allows Austinites to have a gorgeous, green lawn year-round. Here are some of the best grass types for Austin lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in regions with hot summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures stress warm-season grasses, and when temperatures drop, these cultivars go dormant and turn brown.
\n\n\n\nLight-green and fine-textured bermudagrass is a popular choice. This fast-growing grass is used in home lawns, sports fields, and parks.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass grows quickly, creating a thick, coarsely textured, dark green lawn. Its nickname is “carpet grass” thanks to its dense appearance.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is soft, fine-textured, and gray-green or blue-green. Although slow-growing, it won’t invade flower beds like many fast-growing grass types.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is light to medium emerald green with medium to fine leaf texture. It grows quickly and stays green longer than most warm-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nLike bermudagrass, seashore paspalum is light to medium green with a fine leaf texture. It has a dense root system and grows quickly.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nWhile cool-season grasses grow in the North, preferring cold winters and mild summers, they also thrive in the mild Southern winters. Heat is the major hurdle for cool-season grasses, so they need more energy to stay green when temperatures rise. Eventually, they’ll go dormant in the summer.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lolium_perenne_L._Perennial_Ryegrass_-_cultivated_3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Arthur Chapman / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a fine-textured, medium-green grass. Along with lawns and golf courses, it’s popular for construction areas. It is often used to prevent erosion because of its fast germination rate.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nA hybrid between Kentucky bluegrass and Texas native grass, Texas bluegrass remains green in the summer. Its dark green color lasts longer than most cool-season grasses. This turfgrass is fine-textured and densely growing.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pxfuel.com-7-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nEveryone knows Austin likes to “keep it weird,” but you may not know that three ecoregions converge in the city. The Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairies, and the Post Oak Savannah Floodplains have different soil types.
\n\n\n\nThe Edwards Plateau covers most of West Austin, with 1st Street being the approximate dividing line. It has the following properties:
\n\n\n\nThe Blackland Prairie covers Northeast Austin near I-290 and Southeast Austin in the Onion Creek area. You can expect to find the following properties:
\n\n\n\nThe Post Oak Savannah Floodplain covers East Austin, downtown through Del Valle. Expect to find:
\n\n\n\nSoil type is only one factor affecting soil quality. Other factors include:
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your soil is in tip-top shape, get your soil tested every one to three years. Once you receive your results, you’ll better understand what your lawn needs, including fertilization.
\n\n\n\nMost lawns will need some fertilization, but too much is harmful. Here are a few fertilizing tips to help you feed your lawn and minimize damage:
\n\n\n\nThe average grass cultivar needs about 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn, but each grass type has different needs.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYour watering practices have a significant effect on your lawn’s health. While your grass and native plants are adapted to Austin’s USDA hardiness Zone, 8, they still face high temperatures, drought, and water restrictions.
\n\n\n\nHere are some helpful tips to get the most out of your watering practices:
\n\n\n\nTake a look at the recommended watering amounts for popular grass types in Austin:
\n\n\n\n| Warm-Season Grass Type | Weekly Watering Needs in Inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1.25 |
| Buffalograss | 1 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 1 |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 |
![\"orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTo make a significant impact on the health of your lawn, mow like a pro. It is important to know what time to mow, how often to mow, and how high you should mow.
\n\n\n\nHere are some pro mowing tips to keep your lawn looking its best:
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding when to mow is also critical to keeping your lawn green.
\n\n\n\nMowing frequency changes with the seasons. Here’s an optimal mowing schedule for each season:
\n\n\n\n| Season | Mowing Frequency |
| Spring | Once per week |
| Summer | 1-2 times per week |
| Fall | Once every 7-10 days |
| Winter | Rarely, as needed |
The largest factor affecting your mowing frequency is your lawn’s turfgrass cultivar. Here are the recommended summer mowing heights and frequencies for popular Austin grass types.
\n\n\n\n![\"tool](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3409167404_35aeb9659b_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBecause Austin sits on the convergence of three different ecoregions, there are three distinctly different soil types. Two of the three soils are compacted, requiring regular aeration and turfgrass dethatching.
\n\n\n\nAeration involves poking small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients into the lawn. Doing this allows the roots to grow deeply, creating a stronger, more robust lawn.
\n\n\n\nAeration relieves soil compaction. Compacted soils prevent proper absorption of air, water, and nutrients within the soil. Excess organic debris, like leaves and thatch, starve the roots of essential nutrients.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a mixture of dead and living roots, and build-up occurs when turf produces waste faster than the environment can break it down. A little thatch is good as it helps insulate the soil and maintains moisture levels. However, thatch over ½ inch hinders water and nutrient absorption, starving your grass.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, many Austin lawns are prone to thatch build-up, because:
\n\n\n\nSome creeping grass types that are prone to thatch include:
\n\n\n\nIf you need to dethatch, you have a few options. Liquid dethatching increases enzymes and thatch-eating organisms. If thatch build-up is just forming, try a dethatching rake. But if you moderate build-up or more, use a power-driven dethatcher, like a vertical mower.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Ants_1214176165.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Cho / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBugs are the worst, and since Austin is in the South, we get our fair share of them. Some Austin bugs are nuisances, some carry diseases, and some will destroy your carefully crafted lawn and garden.
\n\n\n\nHere are some annoying, sometimes harmful pests you’ll encounter in your Austin backyard:
\n\n\n\nWhile these common pests are a nuisance and sometimes dangerous to your family and pets, they don’t affect your lawn. However, some lawn pests lay devastation, and you’ll need to intervene quickly.
\n\n\n\nWhile most ants cause damage to your lawn by boring through the dirt, fire ants are awful, creating mounds and messing up your soil and turf. If you step on a mound, you’re in trouble. This invasive species latches on with its barbed mandibles and stabs you repeatedly with its venomous stinger, leaving itchy pus-filled bites that take days to heal.
\n\n\n\nKeep an eye out for dirt mounds in your lawn. If you spot one, apply fire ant bait, following the manufacturer’s directions. Unfortunately, some colonies abandon mounds and create new ones a few yards away. Consider hiring a professional to eliminate the pesky invaders.
\n\n\n\nGrubs are small, fat, white, c-shaped, caterpillar-like insects you often find while gardening or digging. They’re actually beetle larvae, and they feed on your grass’ roots, causing brown spots and dead turf. If you’re unsure if your turfgrass problem is caused by grubs or a disease, tug on the grass blades. If they come out easily, you may have a grub infestation.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of grubs, use a grub-specific pesticide. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully, or you could harm your lawn. Additionally, apply nematodes or milky spores if you want a natural method. Dethatching and aeration help by giving the grubs less to eat.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs are tiny black insects with white wings. While they may be small, they cause colossal problems. They suck the sap from the base and stolons of grass blades and inject a toxic substance that prevents the plant from transporting water. Soon, patches of your lawn will turn yellow, then brown, before dying. The damage will spread until you handle the infestation.
\n\n\n\nBecause the damage often resembles drought stress or disease, you may not realize the problem immediately. Good lawn maintenance–dethatching, aeration, and not overwatering– help control chinch bugs. Applying preventative pesticides in the spring and targeted insecticides in the summer and fall will eliminate the pests.
\n\n\n\nArmyworms are not actually worms. They’re dark brown caterpillars with white, orange, or yellow stripes, and they can wreck your lawn in a few days by gobbling up grass blades. Armyworms are only two inches long but travel in large groups. They typically go unnoticed until the damage is severe.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to prevent armyworms is applying preventative, commercial-grade pesticides and maintaining your lawn. Armyworms prefer a dense, over-thatched, moist lawn, so a well-maintained lawn eliminates their preferred habitat.
\n\n\n\nSome grasses are more susceptible to pests than others. Here’s what you can expect from common Austin grasses:
\n\n\n\nIrrigate and mow your lawn twenty-four hours before insecticide applications. Use a broad-spectrum, non-repellent insecticide containing carbaryl or pyrethroid to treat affected areas. Apply preventative treatments in May before the heat of summer sets in and then another in June.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases are not fun to deal with, and if you’re an Austin homeowner, you may know this from personal experience. They’ll turn a stunning lawn into a brown, patchy mess.
\n\n\n\nLawns catch a disease when a trio of factors occur:
\n\n\n\nLet’s look at each of these a little closer:
\n\n\n\nMost diseases need daytime temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures above 55 degrees. They also need moisture from dew, irrigation, or rainfall to infect the blades. Lastly, stressed grass is easier to infect and a strong, healthy lawn is more resistant to attack.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, we can’t control the weather, but we can take steps to reduce stress and encourage growth. Here are some key tips to encourage a strong lawn:
\n\n\n\nBecause most lawn diseases are fungal, use a fungicide to eliminate problems. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Too much fungicide will burn your grass, and too little won’t be effective.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather treat the fungus naturally, there are several solutions:
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_stellaria_media_common_chickweed_ჟუნჟრუკი.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLike diseases, weeds love an unhealthy lawn. If you see weeds, some underlying problems include low-nitrogen, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds suck up vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass while simultaneously creating an ideal environment for pests and diseases. To control weeds, maintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance.
\n\n\n\nThere are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer weeding tips:
\n\n\n\nBefore you blink, weeds take over and ruin your gorgeous green grass. Here are five common Austin weeds:
\n\n\n\nCheck out our guide covering the 12 worst weeds in Austin to learn more.
\n\n\n\nSome grass types are more resistant to weeds than others. Check out the most common Austin grass types:
\n\n\n\nLawn maintenance can be overwhelming, but there are some steps you can take to create a low-maintenance Austin lawn that will save time and money.
• Xeriscape: low-maintenance landscaping emphasizing water conservation
• Rock Garden: little to no maintenance hardscaping
• Native plants: adapted to Austin’s climate, requiring little care
• Hardscapes: reduce green vegetation with functional hardscapes like a fire pit, patio, or pergola
• Automatic Irrigation: set-it-and-forget-it smart irrigation saves times and money and conserves water
• Mulch: reduces weeds
Organic mulch needs to be replaced yearly. Inorganic mulch, like gravel or rubber, needs to be replaced every 5-10 years.
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April. Spring planting helps avoid late-season frost and gives the seed time to germinate before the summer heat sets in.
Summer is the perfect time for lounging on Lady Bird Lake, tubing the Comal River, backyard barbecuing, and pool partying. It’s also the time for rapid plant growth and lawn maintenance. Instead of sweating in the Austin heat, let Wikilawn match you with a local lawn care professional who will take care of your lawn so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Texas, Austin / dszc / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.263157894736842,"src":"/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/1789c/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/107df/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/293e9/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/f2cbb/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/1789c/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/c26c2/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/1dd6e/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/67b76/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 320w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/8df11/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 500w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/98a65/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 800w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/1dd6e/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 960w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/3cc96/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With this comprehensive guide to summer lawn care in Austin, you can overcome the heat and drought to have the green lawn of your dreams."}}},{"node":{"id":"77f56b20-5ed4-55be-bd4c-db173a406496","slug":"best-grass-types-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-types-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Even in the dead of winter, Austin temperatures average over 60 degrees, so it’s no wonder residents spend time in their yards year-round. Austinites love their barbeque and tacos, and enjoy eating them at parties in their luscious green backyard with friends and family. If you want an impressive lawn, choosing the right grass type […]
\n","content":"\nEven in the dead of winter, Austin temperatures average over 60 degrees, so it’s no wonder residents spend time in their yards year-round. Austinites love their barbeque and tacos, and enjoy eating them at parties in their luscious green backyard with friends and family. If you want an impressive lawn, choosing the right grass type is critical.
\n\n\n\nWith Austin’s scorching summers and mild winters, warm-season grasses thrive. While warm-season grasses are common in the South, they go dormant in the winter. So along with the best warm-season grass types, we’ve included a cool-season grass that will keep your Austin lawn green in the winter.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the optimal growing climate, there are two types of grasses: Cool-season and warm-season. The primary difference is how they photosynthesize, each requiring different temperatures and environments. Here’s what you can expect from cool-season and warm-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nTypically, cool-season grasses grow in the North, preferring cold winters and mild summers. Heat is the main hurdle for cool-season grasses. As temperatures rise, they need more energy to stay green. Eventually, it becomes too hot for cool-season grass, and they’ll go dormant (turn brown).
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider with cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in places like Austin with hot summers and mild winters. Winters can be stressful for warm-season grasses, so when temperatures drop, warm-season grasses go dormant.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider with cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nWhether installing a new lawn or fixing an existing one, we’ve got four warm-season grasses and one cool-season grass that will transform your Austin lawn and keep it looking great year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nIn Texas, bermudagrass is the most popular grass type. It’s popular due to its fast growth rate, durability in high-traffic areas, and high heat tolerance. Conversely, bermudagrass needs frequent mowing, has low shade tolerance, and tends to develop thatch.
\n\n\n\nCommon in Austin and throughout the South, this light-green, fine-textured grass is used in home lawns, sports fields, and parks. Because of its deep roots and high growth rate, bermudagrass can be considered aggressive and high-maintenance. Even though those traits are great for durability, some homeowners prefer a hybrid mix to cut down on upkeep.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, but susceptible to Spring dead spot, Root decline, Dollar spot, Leaf spot, Large patch; low resistance to insects and susceptible to, Bermudagrass mite, White grubs, Hunting billbug, Mole crickets, Cutworms, Armyworms, Sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Starr-070906-8535-Stenotaphrum_secundatum-habit-Kula_Ace_Hardware_and_Nursery-Maui_24264673843.jpg\")
Photo Credits: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAustin has live oaks everywhere around the city, so St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice due to its high shade tolerance. This warm-season grass is easy to establish because of its fast growth rate. However, St. Augustinegrass doesn’t hold up well in high-traffic areas or an uncommonly cold Austin winter.
\n\n\n\nThis thick, coarsely textured, dark green grass has moderate mowing requirements. It is susceptible to disease and pests, like chinch bugs. While St. Augustinegrass is native to the coastal areas and has high salt tolerance, it grows well in most soils. It’s not available as seed, only as sod, sprigs, or plugs.
\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, take-all root rot. Susceptible to some pests, including chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, armyworms, webworms, 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: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWith about 11 cultivars available in Texas, Zoysiagrass is excellent for homeowners looking for a grass that tolerates drought, shade, cold, and heavy traffic. While Zoysiagrass has moderate mowing and water needs, it doesn’t need much fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nIt comes in light- to medium-green varieties and has thin- and thick-bladed options. Zoysiagrass does well against pests and diseases, and its density crowds out weeds. Its beautifully soft texture makes it one of the best “barefoot grasses” available.
\n\n\n\nAlthough Zoysiagrass is available as seed, it’s recommended to use sod because of its slow growth rate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall; can be susceptible to large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot; insects susceptibility includes Zoysiagrass mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, armyworms, chinch bugs, 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: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if the grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_pixnio-4149-2560x1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a warm-season grass that thrives in Austin’s dry climate. This cold and drought-tolerant grass loves the sun and is pest and disease resistant. However, it doesn’t stand up well against high traffic and shade.
\n\n\n\nThis North American native grass is grayish green, and its slow growth rate means it does not need frequent mowing. Once established with seeds, sod, or plugs, it needs very little water or fertilizer. Its low growth density means thatch isn’t a problem for buffalograss, but weeds can be.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases, but susceptible to bipolaris leaf spot; susceptible to some insects, including mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, buffalograss chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhile ryegrass has a perennial and annual variation, perennial ryegrass is more desirable for your Austin lawn. Perennial ryegrass is much softer, richer, and more vibrant than the course, light green annual ryegrass. This cool-season grass keeps your lawn lush and green in the winter but will need extra attention in the summer due to its low heat and drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass is often mixed with other grasses to keep your lawn looking great year-round. While it’s susceptible to diseases like dollar spot and brown patch, it’s pest resistant. The sun-loving grass dislikes shade but establishes very quickly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low (summer dormancy in some areas)
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High but poor recuperative ability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, especially in areas with hot, humid summers; susceptible to gray leaf spot, dollar spot, brown patch, red thread, rust, pythium blight; insect susceptibility includes billbugs, greenbug aphids, chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, high fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance, and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to care for your lawn depends on the type of grass planted in your yard. However, you should follow a few universal tips and tricks for a healthy lawn. Mow at the right time: Mid-morning, about 9 a.m., or mid-afternoon, about 5 p.m. is the best time of the day to mow. Mowing after the dew dries prevents tearing the grass blades and mowing before the sun sets decreases the risk of disease. Leave grass clippings: Grass clippings provide essential (and free) nutrients for your lawn. However, if your grass is exceptionally long, collect them, or you risk growing mold or smothering your lawn. Keep mower blades sharp: Dull blades rip and tear your grass blades, causing a brown grass tip and a ragged-looking lawn. It also makes your grass more susceptible to disease.
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April. Planting at this time gives the seed enough time to germinate before the summer scorches the lawn.
Bermudagrass is the most drought-tolerant grass type in Austin home lawns.
While most warm-season grasses will do well on your Austin landscape, think about the following when making the best choice for you.
\n\n\n\nChoosing a grass type can be overwhelming, but Austin lawn care professionals can help. Whether you want to install low-maintenance landscaping with things like native plants, or just want someone to maintain the lawn you have, Wikilawn has highly-rated experts that will turn your outdoor space into a lush, emerald oasis.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Smokeybear69 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/1789c/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/107df/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 320w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/293e9/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 500w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/f2cbb/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 800w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/1789c/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 960w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/c26c2/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/1dd6e/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/67b76/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 320w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/8df11/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 500w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/98a65/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 800w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/1dd6e/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 960w,\n/static/3747e34231d1768b175e54b7a1ee947e/3cc96/1280px-Keith_House_Texas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you need to establish a lawn or your existing lawn is a mess, you need the perfect grass. Learn about the best warm and cool-season grass for Austin lawns."}}},{"node":{"id":"5fc7656f-555a-5c98-8e1f-8e6c5ee9567b","slug":"identify-common-lawn-problems","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/identify-common-lawn-problems/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 30th, 2018","excerpt":"A healthy lawn is good for your soul, but lawn care problems are not. Austin is home to Lady Bird Lake, live music, and food truck tacos, but it also has compacted soil, high temperatures, and minimal rain. These factors cause problems that devastate a healthy lawn. Read on to discover how to identify common […]
\n","content":"\nA healthy lawn is good for your soul, but lawn care problems are not. Austin is home to Lady Bird Lake, live music, and food truck tacos, but it also has compacted soil, high temperatures, and minimal rain. These factors cause problems that devastate a healthy lawn. Read on to discover how to identify common lawn care problems in Austin and how to fix them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll discover:
\n\n\n\nFrom dollar spot to drought, Austin has more than its fair share of lawn problems. Learn how to identify and solve common lawn problems in Austin.
\n\n\n\nWith the high temperatures and minimal rainfall, warm-season grasses thrive best in Austin lawns. However, not all warm-season grass types can handle compacted soils. If you’re having trouble growing a thick lawn, consider switching your grass type.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Austin lawns are:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is light-green and fine-textured. This fast-growing grass is used in home lawns, sports fields, and parks. It has excellent drought tolerance, high traffic tolerance, and low to moderate disease potential. However, it has low shade tolerance and is moderately high maintenance.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass grows quickly, creating a thick, coarsely textured, dark green lawn. Its nickname is “carpet grass” thanks to its dense growth habit. It has good drought tolerance and high shade tolerance but is more vulnerable to chinch bugs than other warm-season cultivars. St. Augustinegrass has low traffic tolerance and high disease potential.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is soft, fine-textured, and gray-green or blue-green. Although slow-growing, it won’t invade flower beds like many fast-growing grass types. It has excellent drought tolerance, very low water needs, and goes dormant later than other warm-season grass types. The downside is it has low traffic and shade tolerance.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is emerald green with a medium to fine leaf texture. It grows quickly and stays green longer than most warm-season specimens. It has low to moderate disease potential, great drought tolerance, and moderate to high traffic tolerance. However, it recovers slowly and requires moderate maintenance
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven the healthiest lawns can develop a disease. Once a lawn disease takes hold, the problem continues to worsen until the disease is eradicated. Three factors converge to cause lawn disease:
\n\n\n\nBrown patch causes a smoke ring, resembling a grayish-purple-bordered ring. This fungal disease doesn’t affect grass roots but will infect the blades and leave brown patches in your lawn. It develops with a wet lawn and nighttime temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Brown patch affects bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and buffalograss.
\n\n\n\nTake all patch is a fungal disease that is most active during moist spring’s moderate temperatures. This devastating, hard-to-control disease begins with yellowing leaves and darkening roots. Soon, turf thins as the roots and stolons turn black and die. Take all patch effects bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and buffalograss.
\n\n\n\nIn the spring through fall, dollar spot present as round, white or tan, silver dollar-sized circles. This fungal disease is active when the grass is wet for 10 to 12 hours daily and the nights are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Drainage, mowing, and foot traffic spread dollar spot. This disease affects most grasses, including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and buffalograss.
\n\n\n\nDuring spring and early summer, gray leaf spot develops on St. Augustinegrass and buffalograss when the temperature is warm, and the grass is moist, especially in shaded areas. The fungus causes oval, tan lesions with brown or purplish borders on the grass blades. When the grass eventually dies, the turf appears burned or scorched.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine Decline, or SAD, is an incurable viral disease that only affects St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass. At first, SAD resembles nutrient deficiency or insect issues. The grass blades appear spotty, yellow, and weak, and the stolon growth will slow. When fertilizers and fungal treatments do not help your declining turfgrass, it’s probably SAD.
\n\n\n\nRust prefers warm, humid conditions and grass stressed by drought, low nitrogen, and shade. This fungal disease begins as small orange to reddish-brown flecks that enlarge to form small, oval blisters containing powdery orange to reddish-brown spores. The blisters turn black, and the leaf dies. Rust affects Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, and St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nThe majority of lawn diseases are fungal, so using a fungicide is the best solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Too much fungicide burns grass, and too little is ineffective.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer a natural solution, there are a few options, including:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_23679288519_2efd3eee6f_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simon / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPests are a nuisance and bad for lawns. There are two types of pests in Austin that cause lawn damage: insects and wildlife.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass are more pest-prone while Zoysiagrass and buffalograss are more resistant. If a problem pops up, act fast before the pests spread, causing irreversible damage.
\n\n\n\nFire ants damage lawns by tunneling and creating ant hills. Their mounds can grow up to 18 inches tall. Apply fire ant bait, following the manufacturer’s directions. Sometimes the colony will abandon the mound and create a new one a few yards away. If this cycle continues, consider hiring a professional to handle the problem.
\n\n\n\nGrubs are small, fat, white, c-shaped beetle larvae with burnt orange heads and six legs near the front of their body. Grubs feast on your grass roots, causing brown spots and dead turf. To eliminate them, use a grub-specific pesticide. For a natural method, apply nematodes or milky spores. Regular dethatching and aeration help by limiting their food supply.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs are tiny black insects with white wings. They suck the sap from the base and stolons of grass blades before injecting a toxic substance that prevents the plant from transporting water. Without water, patches of your lawn turn yellow and eventually die. In the spring, apply preventive insecticides. In the summer and fall, use targeted insecticides.
\n\n\n\nDespite the name, armyworms are dark brown caterpillars with white, orange, or yellow stripes. They devour grass blades. Use commercial-grade pesticides to prevent these invaders, and maintain your lawn, as they like dense, thatched, moist areas.
\n\n\n\nNote: Mow and irrigate your lawn a full twenty-four hours before insecticide applications. It’s best to use a broad-spectrum non-repellent insecticide containing carbaryl or pyrethroid to treat affected areas. Experts advise applying preventative treatments in May and June.
\n\n\n\nDespite being the 10th largest city in the country, Austin has a surprising amount of wildlife. While it’s lovely to see nature’s friends as you bustle about your day, they can pose problems for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDeer are among the most troublesome animals affecting yards. They eat vegetation such as flowers, young leaves, and broad-leaf weeds. Sprinkling dog or human hair around your lawn helps keep them at bay or try a deer-repellent product found at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, or other home outdoor retailers.
\n\n\n\nRaccoons, skunks, and opossums tear up lawns looking for insects or places to bury nuts. Keep a close eye on insect problems to restrict the food supply for these animals. Apply capsaicin or mint to repel these invaders. However, note that you will need to reapply after rainfall.
\n\n\n\nRabbits love to eat grass, and their concentrated urine causes brown spots. If you notice spots in your area that appear to be mowed down, you may have a rabbit problem. To stop Thumper, spray odors on your grass, like capsaicin, castor oil, or predator urine.
\n\n\n\nNot all tunneling animals will eat your plants and grass, but they do destroy your lawn. Moles won’t eat your lawn, but they love digging for bugs. Voles and gophers feast on grass and roots. Use traps, bait, or repellent. For a natural method, try peppermint oil, castor oil, coyote, cat, and dog urine, garlic, coffee grounds, fish oil, or scented dryer sheets.
\n\n\n\nCats and dogs dig and urinate on lawns and flower beds, causing brown spots. To keep cats and dogs off your lawn, try repellent, motion-activated sprinklers, or ultrasonic devices. For a more natural solution, try using citrus, coffee grounds, vinegar, pipe tobacco, blood meal, or essential oils.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chickweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeeds love an unhealthy lawn and signify a deeper problem. To make matters worse, weeds steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from your grass, all while creating an ideal environment for pests and diseases. One of the best ways to control weeds is to maintain a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nThere are two ways to control weeds: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Often, hand pulling is the safest way to remove weeds. Identify the type of weed before selecting your removal method to ensure proper elimination.
\n\n\n\nFollow these weeding tips:
\n\n\n\nWeeds are everywhere, but some are a bigger pain in the grass than others. Here are a few particularly nasty Austin weeds.
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle grows everywhere, including roadsides, lawns, and gardens. Like dandelions, they have yellow flowers that turn into white, fluffy seeds that attract and harbor pests.
\n\n\n\nChickweed is challenging to remove. One plant has over 25,000 seeds that stay viable for ten years. It grows in a thick mat and is identifiable by its small, smooth, oval-with-a-point leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers. Chickweed sucks the nitrogen from the soil, depleting resources.
\n\n\n\nNutsedge is often declared the world’s worst weed. It resembles grass but grows twice as fast. Its roots are tubers and rhizomatous that grow 6 to 12 inches deep. Nutsedge is horrible because if you rip out the plant, the tubers are left behind to create new plants. To eliminate nutsedge, apply multiple treatments.
\n\n\n\nAlthough there are 35 crabgrass varieties, smooth crabgrass thrives in Austin’s warm weather. It grows everywhere. Smooth crabgrass is low-growing with dull green leaves. It tolerates mowing and produces seeds, making it difficult to eliminate.
\n\n\n\nSpotted spurge is a prostrate-growing, groundcover plant. It has small, dark green, oval leaves with a dark red to purple spot in the middle. Spotted Surge is a skin irritant to some people and toxic to some animals.
\n\n\n\n![\"dethatcher](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompacted soil and thatch will strangle a lawn, but they also attract pests and disease. Unfortunately, Austin’s soil is prone to soil compaction and thatch.
\n\n\n\nHealthy soil has pore space that allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to filter to roots. Compacted soil is pressed together, reducing pore space and disallowing roots to grow. Compacted soil stunts and starves grass. It also reduces beneficial earthworm activity, which boosts fertility, breaks down thatch, and improves soil structure.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration relieves compacted soils. It is the process of removing plugs from the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate your lawn. Plugs are about 2 to 3 inches long, three-quarter inches wide, and 3 to 4 inches apart, allowing roots to grow deeply, creating a stronger, more robust lawn. You can purchase or rent an aerator from a home improvement store.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a combination of dead and living roots. You get thatch build-up when turf produces grass faster than it is broken down. Some thatch is good because it insulates the soil and retains water. But thatch over a half inch will reduce water and nutrient absorption, starving your grass.
\n\n\n\nMany Austin lawns are prone to thatch build-up, because:
\n\n\n\nThatch-prone grass types include:
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of thatch, you have a few options. Liquid dethatching increases enzymes and thatch-eating organisms. A dethatching rake works for mild thatch, but if you have moderate build-up or more, use a power-driven dethatcher.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Orange-sprinkler-in-dry-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bignai / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeing an Austinite, you know that summers are hot and dry, but sometimes we get even less rain than normal. Like all living things, your grass needs water to survive, so restricted water access causes stress. Grasses turn brown, go dormant, and in extreme cases, die.
\n\n\n\nHere are some best practices for lawn care during a drought:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWatering practices have a powerful effect on your lawn’s health. Your grass and native plants are adapted to Austin’s USDA Hardiness Zone, 8, but they still face high temperatures, drought, and water restrictions. Consider investing in an automatic irrigation system that allows you to program it for your lawn’s needs.
\n\n\n\nFollow these tips to get the most out of your watering practices:
\n\n\n\nFollow the water recommendations for common Austin grass types:
\n\n\n\n![\"lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Dont-Mow-too-much.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImproper mowing causes brown, damaged turf. Proper mowing is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lawn. This means mowing at the right time, the right frequency, and the right height.
\n\n\n\nFollow these mowing tips to maintain a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\nKnowing when to mow is also critical for a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe frequency of mowing changes with the seasons. Growth rates vary by grass type, but here’s an approximate mowing schedule by season:
\n\n\n\nGrass type is a significant factor for mowing best practices. These are the recommended summer mowing heights and frequencies for popular Austin grass types:
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: evgenyb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore you start spreading fertilizer, be sure to understand your soil.
\n\n\n\nAustin has three ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairies, and the Post Oak Savannah Floodplains. Each ecoregion has a different soil type:
\n\n\n\nOther factors that affect soil quality include:
\n\n\n\nKnowing your soil type is essential. Experts recommend getting your soil tested every 1 to 3 years. Once you receive your results, plan a fertilization schedule.
\n\n\n\nMost lawns need fertilization, but too much will burn the grass. Here are a few fertilizing tips to help you feed your lawn without causing damage:
\n\n\n\nThe average grass needs about 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn, but each grass type differs. Here are the typical fertilization needs for common Austin grass types:
\n\n\n\n![\"Mushrooms](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mushrooms-in-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe list of problems a lawn can face is as long as a child’s wish list to Santa. Along with the common lawn problems in this article, lawns can face many more challenges, including:
\n\n\n\nAll of these problems put stress on or kill healthy turfgrass, leaving you with a yellowing, thinning, or patchy lawn.
\n\n\n\nTo solve yellow, thinning, or patchy grass, you first need to address the underlying problem. Whether it’s grubs or brown patch, solve the problem before beginning repair. To repair, remove dead grass, apply grass seed, and then water and fertilize as needed. If the underlying problem is the soil, address those needs before planting fresh sod or seed.
\n\n\n\nMany lawn problems that Austin faces can be avoided with routine maintenance. For more information on how to care for your turf, check out our comprehensive guide to summer lawn care in Austin.
\n\n\n\nYes, lawn care chemicals can be dangerous. Herbicides and pesticides were designed to kill insects and broadleaf weeds, and they can be harmful to humans and pets if used incorrectly. However, the EPA maintains that lawn care products used according to the manufacturer’s directions are safe.
However, some studies have shown that some lawn care products can cause health problems. Round-up, for example, has lost multiple lawsuits, and one of its products was banned in France. According to the World Health Organization, the IARC classified glyphosate–many herbicide’s active ingredient–as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
Regular lawn care should begin at the very beginning of the growing season. In Austin, the growing season starts in February or March, depending on temperatures and the weather.
Yes and no. Some experts cite multiple reasons why lawns are bad for the environment, while others tout their benefits. Here are the environmental pros and cons of home lawns:
Pros
• Lawns are carbon sinks, lowering carbon dioxide and cooling the air
• They prevent erosion and reduce flooding
• Improves water and soil quality
• Reduce noise and light reflection
Cons
• Gas-powered equipment: EPA says 5% of all air pollution comes from lawnmowers
• Synthetic fertilizers: Runoff pollutes local groundwater and other aquatic ecosystems, creating a spike in toxic algae. Soil microbes turn additional synthetic fertilizer into nitrous oxide gas, the third most abundant greenhouse gas.
• Fresh water use: In arid climates, lawns use a lot of fresh water, causing groundwater decline and depletion.
Having a backyard party-worthy lawn takes a lot of work and constant vigilance, but that’s time away from your family, friends, and hobbies. Instead of breaking your back, let Wikilawn set you up with a local lawn care professional. They’ll take care of your lawn problems and maintenance, so you can get back to making memories with your loved ones.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Harry Rose, Macleay Grass Man / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"How to Identify Common Lawn Care Problems in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/1789c/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.jpg","srcSet":"/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/107df/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.jpg 320w,\n/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/293e9/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.jpg 500w,\n/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/f2cbb/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.jpg 800w,\n/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/1789c/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.jpg 960w,\n/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/c26c2/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/1dd6e/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/67b76/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.webp 320w,\n/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/8df11/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.webp 500w,\n/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/98a65/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.webp 800w,\n/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/1dd6e/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.webp 960w,\n/static/65db01f98f927181acdb0e85ab9b8253/3cc96/Pennisetum-clandestinum-yellowing-fungul-disease.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Identify Common Lawn Care Problems in Austin, TX","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Maintaining a healthy lawn is tricky, and lawn problems make it harder. Discover common lawn care problems in Austin and how to fix them."}}},{"node":{"id":"8d4fc8e1-df88-5d3f-b3d3-7fe18bec1c5e","slug":"controlling-the-worst-weeds-in-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/controlling-the-worst-weeds-in-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"Texans fight an uphill battle against the climate to maintain lush, green lawns. While we get wrapped up in mortal combat against scorching heat and epic droughts, another foe wages a battle against us: weeds. Unlike our turf, weeds couldn’t care less when it comes to drought, heat, and neglect. In fact, the conditions that […]
\n","content":"\nTexans fight an uphill battle against the climate to maintain lush, green lawns. While we get wrapped up in mortal combat against scorching heat and epic droughts, another foe wages a battle against us: weeds. Unlike our turf, weeds couldn’t care less when it comes to drought, heat, and neglect. In fact, the conditions that kill the landscapes we love only make them stronger. Once we let down our guard, they sprout and spread. Once these invaders have made landfall, our only hope is to stop them from advancing. Here are some tips for controlling the worst weeds in Austin.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3xloc5YBo1YwFQ690cX2SCF_KZof84QQvmWZAM91v7RDI1GPttiFZrU2rf1rDaPwe08GSA-k4rEUW3w9f3zKKOP5tEmqgP-sYANnTTb907K-HcjNhZgmMCAGsfIkLgBYkD1Vy9UD\")
The best defense against weeds is a vigorous lawn, since that makes it challenging for weeds to gain traction. Your yard is only as safe as its weakest patch of grass. Weeds are opportunists looking for a bare spot where they can put down roots and establish themselves. A number of weeds are waiting for their chance to pounce, but they tend to leave mowed, fertilized, healthy turf alone. Most weeds won’t withstand regular mowing. Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and Saint Augustinegrass all enjoy Austin’s hot, humid summers and with proper care will form a dense mat that resists the enemy.
\n\n\n\nWhen you see weeds invading your lawn, don’t look the other way. Once you allow a weed to go to seed, your front line is compromised, and you’ll have to spend a season working offense. To avoid this, when you spot a weed poking up through the turf, immediately remove it from the roots. String trimmers, aka “weed whackers” are only a temporary fix because when roots remain in the ground, the weed can pop right back up to fight another day.
\n\n\n\nDrop your weeds in the trash to make sure they don’t make a comeback – some weeds can regenerate if you just cast them aside on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDeveloping a strong knowledge of the weeds you’re fighting will help you defeat them. The main categories of noxious weeds in Austin are broadleaf weeds and grass-like weeds. Each requires different techniques to defeat.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IsgL9UTVcXYiG-Mh6w7Kc1qCFfvk5PrGkBaWPso3caR8nai1A70zBNtdaTQeYgvqL-rNnn_6t7AP4pHzVcxBI26_lXxaucrFhflVv2smJkk3nS92--Zaph_tgRlfIDSMQcKfj0Qm\")
Dandelions can be either biennial or perennial but usually burst into full bloom in late spring or early summer. The dandelion’s distinctive appearance makes it easy to identify. There are multiple effective ways to win the war against dandelions. The easiest is to mow often before the flowers have gone to seed. Next, pull them up by the roots. Finally, apply a selective weed killer directly to the plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"Thistle,](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/qHn9KZc9lDtiEA5267GRUtB-oIoQlpfG2Dv6FHv4nF75V7VCMpsrrKzLuQFjg8ZZZ5MYG16qOc-2fTlA_58kcF5FZTyNhc7J8kVM50XYpUzTQvJNBeqlqiMZGnjVbSvmcTtnrpzw\")
Thistles are weeds that can also be either biennial or perennial and can be very tough to fight once established. They can reach a height of several feet and can take up the whole lawn if you let them. Though stubborn, this is one weed that’s easy to control: cut to the ground with a hoe or pull up from the roots. Just remember to bag up the thistle you cut, as they will go to seed wherever they land.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/pyatElKLY5M6EkIRFnfo51BPhVGY4H2Dh69MwmyArT2GulzmGokAtyuHsvYJ5Y7LBtzIarQz9FOp1G9YsbIDdFJ9JEy6KABlmJJDawfXDDaIzJ-vgwmwc8mOyQNqsxZj0hi-2uvU\")
The bane of all homeowners and turf managers, crabgrass is a vigorous weed that thrives under the conditions that kill everything else. It grows flat along the ground, and this low profile allows it to stealthily spread right under the cutting line of mowers. The best way to fight this weed is to apply a pre-emergent weed control treatment at the end of winter before the ground warms.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/iTLOWhTYZYDd_wE23vvq10Pf75B1R4E_1dT7uvhiHpQWB49xqd5jXscCs76jbih_Rv63KujmMW34RzrejlczNuOAexyP44G18srUtvVCJXeViOR1S9pdSUXw4hvpNMeC-YtW3Ozd\")
This warm-season annual grass is tough as nails – mature blades are difficult to cut with a mower if the blades are not razor sharp. Although the first frost of the winter will kill the plants, each plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds. The best method for limiting their expansion is to apply a pre-emergent in the weeks before it sprouts.
\n\n\n\nThe war against weeds is the longest-running battle in human history. Even the most vigilant homeowner finds weeds in their turf from time to time. So keep your eyes peeled and your battle gear handy, because you never know when the weeds will find you.
\n\n\n\nInterested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX lawn care page.
Austin, Texas is home to some hot and humid summers. There is always a chance for drought in this region and so its residents need a solid foundation of watering methods to continue to conserve as much water as possible. Below we have compiled a guide to watering the lawn specific to the region of […]
\n","content":"\nAustin, Texas is home to some hot and humid summers. There is always a chance for drought in this region and so its residents need a solid foundation of watering methods to continue to conserve as much water as possible. Below we have compiled a guide to watering the lawn specific to the region of Austin.
\n\n\n\nDuring peak growth season (spring – summer) watering grass becomes the most important part of lawn care. The optimum time to water a lawn will always be in the morning between the hours of 6 and 10 in the spring. Adjust the time frame to the time the sun rises to ensure watering habits are consistent throughout the year.
Watering the lawn in the evening can cause excess water to accumulate on top of the lawn because the sun isn’t working to evaporate the leftover water. This could lead to diseases, buildup of thatch and suffocation of the grass. On the other side of that, watering in the middle of the day may not allow the water to soak into the roots because of the high evaporation rate at peak sunlight hours.
Austin, TX city restrictions on
Over watering can lead to shallow roots that rely heavily on extra care. Conditioning grass to soak as much water up as possible will allow the lawn to efficiently soak and store as much water as possible.
\n\n\n\nIrrigation systems are often geared towards conserving water. These systems will work on a timer and are set up so they water the whole lawn. Manual watering can take up a good amount of time while still not completely ensuring that the whole water received the right amount of water. Here’s a small guide to the most popular irrigation systems for residential areas.
A drip irrigation system conserves the most amount of water by distributing water directly to the root system and minimizing evaporation. Drip irrigation is prone to damage by external pressure and will need to be kept up with more than the other irrigation systems. However, its’ conservatory nature makes it a very good choice.
\n\n\n\nSpray systems cover a wide range of the lawn, making it a very popular form of irrigation. These systems should be expertly placed to avoid administering water to places outside of the lawn. While they are vulnerable to weather and other forces, they do hold up to most of the weather that Austin has to offer.
Rotor systems are a specific type of spray system that uses a revolving head to administer water throughout the lawn. Instead of a fixed head, these allow for a wider range of the lawn to be showered.
\n\n\n\nThe above is mostly general information that pertains to most lawns in Austin. Each grass has unique attributes that can make generalizations of a certain area hard to make. Make a note that these water requirements include rainwater. Tracking the amount of rain each week will make sure that you are not wasting water.
Here are some popular grass types in Austin, TX and their recommended water regime.
St. Augustine grass is a very popular southern grass. It has a moderate drought tolerance that allows it to keep its color better than competitors.
\n\n\n\nRecommended water amount for St. Augustine gras: It is recommended that St. Augustine lawns receive 1 inch of water per week.
Buffalo grass is a Texas native so it is accustomed especially to the climate of the state. These grasses are drought tolerant however will not remain the pretty blue green color throughout the summer without proper irrigation.
\n\n\n\nRecommended water amount for Buffalo grass: This grass is recommended to receive 1 inch of water each week.
\n\n\n\nBermuda grass is most sensitive to cold weather so it does very well in spring and summer seasons. The grass has a fast growth rate so it requires high maintenance.
\n\n\n\nRecommended water amount for Bermuda grass: Bermuda grass thrives with 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week.
\n\n\n\nZoysia, like the other grasses listed above, is a warm-season grass that stands up to drought and foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nRecommended water amount for Zoysia grass: Heavy infrequent watering is recommended for this grass type and is required to have 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nLawn watering restrictions updated for Spring 2019 via austintexas.gov:
Residential homes are required to only water two days per week during midnight to 10 a.m and/ or 7 p.m. to midnight. We recommend the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. time slot for efficient watering. For an automatic irrigation system, Austin allows one day per week between the hours of midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight.
Here is a list taken from austintexas.gov outlining other watering restrictions:
\n\n\n\nFor information regarding suburbs near Austin Texas here is a more detailed list.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care advice? Visit our Austin, TX lawn care page for more tips and info!
\n","title":"A Comprehensive Guide to Watering Austin, TX Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5015015015015014,"src":"/static/8f73618553575329d9d9434b5e1f4c48/293e9/lawn-watering.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8f73618553575329d9d9434b5e1f4c48/107df/lawn-watering.jpg 320w,\n/static/8f73618553575329d9d9434b5e1f4c48/293e9/lawn-watering.jpg 500w","srcWebp":"/static/8f73618553575329d9d9434b5e1f4c48/8df11/lawn-watering.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8f73618553575329d9d9434b5e1f4c48/67b76/lawn-watering.webp 320w,\n/static/8f73618553575329d9d9434b5e1f4c48/8df11/lawn-watering.webp 500w","sizes":"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Comprehensive Guide to Watering Austin, TX Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"4984eb1f-13e3-56d1-8213-a81c782eac31","slug":"worst-weeds-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/worst-weeds-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 18th, 2019","excerpt":"It’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s staggering how quickly Austin has grown thanks to its fabulous music, delicious food trucks, and booming tech industry. Unfortunately, the weeds grow just as fast as the population. No matter how hard you work to keep weeds at bay, they find a way to wreak havoc on your lawn. Here, we’ll help you identify, prevent, and remove the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll discover:
\n\n\n\nLike any villain, weeds exploit weaknesses. If your lawn has a problem, they’ll find it and take advantage of it. Weeds are typically a symptom of an underlying issue, like thinning turf, soil compaction, or improper pH levels. Routine maintenance, like mowing, fertilizing, and watering, will keep your lawn healthy and prevent weeds from taking root.
\n\n\n\nThere are many reasons weeds are bad for your Austin lawn, including:
\n\n\n\nThere are two effective weed control methods: hand pulling and chemical treatments. Hand pulling is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Before selecting your removal method, identify the weeds you are dealing with to ensure the most effective removal.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree hand weeding is just as necessary as chemical removal methods. Aim to weed your yard and garden weekly or bi-weekly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nWhether your yard is weed-free or overrun with problems, you’ll want to watch for several types of weeds. Some are stealthy, and some are bold, but these are the 12 worst weeds in your Austin lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Annual-Sow-Thistle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle grows in almost every state, anywhere, including roadsides, lawns, and meadows. The plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and blooms in late spring and fall. Annual sow thistle harbors pests and looks like a cousin of dandelions.
\n\n\n\nAnnual sow thistle is aggressive and has a shallow taproot that allows for easy hand removal. Several pre and post-emergent herbicides are also effective. Specimens have hairless, blue-green, lobed leaves attached to thick, hollow stems that produce milky sap. The flowers are bright yellow and urn-shaped, maturing into a puffy seed head similar to a dandelion.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter; summer
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained, sand, loam, clay, or chalk
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chickweed-Stellaria-Media.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChickweed seeds remain viable for 10 years, and each plant has around 25,000 seeds, making it incredibly difficult to eradicate. This upright plant creates a thick mat of small, smooth, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers.
\n\n\n\nChickweed sprouts in late summer and fall and grows through winter. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils and in shady areas under trees, close to homes, or along garden walls. Thankfully, these weeds respond well to hand pulling, and if you’re hungry, you can eat them in a salad or pesto. Just be sure to wash it first.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Winter
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; shaded, moist areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/25140451756_2a557dd4c7_c-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass started off as a forage plant for livestock in the 1800s. Homeowners often confuse dallisgrass with crabgrass. This invasive nuisance forms clumps using deep rhizomes. Specimens are low-growing and coarsely textured with light green leaves and long seed heads atop tall stalks.
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass grows faster than turfgrass, and the longer it grows, the harder it is to control. It is one of the more common and problematic weeds in the Southern and Southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; moist sand or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/800px-Taraxacum_officinale_001.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell / Wikimedia Common / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDandelion is one of the most recognizable weeds in the world. The long, deeply lobed leaves form a rosette. Its rounded yellow flowers turn into fluffy puff balls that carry seeds on the wind, infesting your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHand pulling or dandelion forks work well for removal. After you rip them from your lawn, you can clean them off and eat them in everything from cookies to ice cream. Dandelion tea is also popular. Medicinally, they help with several ailments, including:
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, dandelion ford, post-emergent broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHomeowners often confuse goosegrass, also known as wiregrass, with smooth crabgrass. Specimens have leaf sheaths that end in long, thin, green, slightly hairy leaves. The seed heads comprise one to six-inch long spikes growing in a row to resemble a zipper.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass has fibrous roots and prefers compacted soil. One plant produces up to 50,000 seeds and is difficult to eliminate. They are resistant to many pre and post-emergent herbicides. Good aeration and lawn maintenance practices are the best control methods.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; prefer compacted soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; used medicinally
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, non-selective post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHenbit creeps into lawns in the early spring and grows until summer when it goes dormant. You can identify specimens from their pale purple and red blooms that grow in dense whorls. Leaves are egg-shaped, blunt, and coarsely toothed.
\n\n\n\nHenbit is a member of the mint family and is popular with bees and hummingbirds. The leaves, flowers, and square stems are edible with a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, sometimes compared to celery.
\n\n\n\nHenbit has shallow, fibrous roots and grows upright. Choose a dense, warm-season grass and maintain it regularly. It’s important to avoid overwatering, which encourages henbit growth and seed germination.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nOften labeled as the world’s worst weed, nutsedge is also called nutgrass and comes in yellow and purple varieties. Nutsedge resembles grass but grows twice as fast. You’ll notice the long, thin, light green (yellow) or dark green (purple) leaves grow taller than the rest of your lawn shortly after a mow. Aeration and proper watering techniques help control nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLike goosegrass, nutsedge has spiked seed heads. It grows via tubers and rhizomes, six to 12 inches deep. Hand-pulling nutsedge often leaves the tubers, creating a new plant in its place. Apply several applications of chemical herbicide to fend off nutsedge.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Sedge
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun and wet soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses.
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, weed fork, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nPurslane, or hogweed, is a prostrate-growing plant with shiny, oblong leaves. It is fast-growing with purple-red stems and produces small, five-petaled, yellow flowers. Tiny black seeds form inside egg-shaped pods and are viable for up to 40 years. Purslane responds well to hand removal.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-12
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun; prefers well-drained, moist sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Quackgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nQuackgrass is quick-growing and resembles crabgrass. It establishes via rhizomes. Instead of spikes, the seed heads resemble wheat. Also known as common couch, quackgrass has blue-green leaves and a distinctive auricle, a small appendage that clasps around the stem.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rescuegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRescuegrass, or prairie grass, grows in late spring, summer, and fall in dense concentrations of sword-like, green leaves. Specimens crowd native plants, starving them of beneficial nutrients. The hairy leaf sheaths are a lighter green than the rest of the leaf, and the yellow seed heads have wheat-like, flattened spikelets. Remove rescuegrass by hand, but wear gloves because it is toxic to some people.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Sand or loam
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; skin irritant
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand removal, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smooth-Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThere are around 35 types of crabgrass, but the one that affects Austin homeowners the most is smooth crabgrass. It is low-growing and has dull green leaves. Its stems turn reddish-purple with age. Smooth crabgrass tolerates mowing and still produces seed at ½ inch in height.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: All
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Weed fork, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spotted-Spurge-Trifolium-Repens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nFind spotted spurge on roadsides, sidewalk cracks, gardens, and lawns in late May through summer. Control its growth with mulch or hand-pull pesky specimens. Spotted spurge is a prostrate-growing groundcover with small, dark green, oval leaves with a dark red to purple spot in the middle.
\n\n\n\nThe stems are pink to dark red and excrete a milky sap when broken or cut. Spotted spurge blooms tiny white or pink flowers, forming inconspicuous clusters. The leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits are all slightly hairy.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nType: Broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nGrowing Season: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nGrowing Conditions: Adaptable; full sun
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; skin irritant; toxic to sheep
\n\n\n\nRemoval Methods: Hand pulling, pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\nStop weeds from taking root with these helpful tips:
● Choose the right grass type: certain grass types, like bermudagrass, are aggressive and naturally crowd out weeds.
● Keep a healthy lawn: mow, water, and fertilize according to your grass cultivar; a healthy lawn is more prepared to fend off invasive weeds.
● Apply pre-emergent herbicide: these chemicals prevent weeds from germinating
● Mulch: prevents weeds and aids in soil moisture retention
● Pull by hand: remove weeds as soon as possible
Follower these universal steps to maximize your lawn’s health:
● Mow at the right time: Mid-morning, about 9 a.m., or mid-afternoon, about 5 p.m.
● Leave grass clippings: Grass clippings provide essential nutrients for your lawn
● Keep mower blades sharp: Dull blades rip and tear your grass, causing a brown grass tip and a ragged-looking lawn
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April to avoid late-season frost and give the seed enough time to germinate before the summer.
One of the best ways to keep weeds out of your lawn is to practice good lawn maintenance. Lawn care is a lot of work, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let Wikilawn connect you with an Austin lawn care professional, so you can spend more time enjoying your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Henbit / KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"12 Worst Weeds in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.345291479820628,"src":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1789c/Henbit.jpg","srcSet":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/107df/Henbit.jpg 320w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/293e9/Henbit.jpg 500w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/f2cbb/Henbit.jpg 800w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1789c/Henbit.jpg 960w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/c26c2/Henbit.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1dd6e/Henbit.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/67b76/Henbit.webp 320w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/8df11/Henbit.webp 500w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/98a65/Henbit.webp 800w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/1dd6e/Henbit.webp 960w,\n/static/96fbecdbce255fbc0bfa17ba9ce389a4/3cc96/Henbit.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Worst Weeds in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 12 worst weeds plaguing Austin, TX. Learn how to identify and combat these invasive plants in our comprehensive guide."}}},{"node":{"id":"9b773e35-df5b-51f7-8c97-481acd7b2771","slug":"how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"February 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Austin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek […]
\n","content":"\nAustin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek motto ‘Keep Austin Weird’ in more ways than are obvious to the casual observer. Being a center for creative design and out of the box thinking, Austinites have embraced the idea of getting innovative when it comes to the way they view landscaping and water management. One of these ways is with the healthy use of Rain Gardens. Although the use of rain gardens, bioswales, and other forms of using the landscape to manage rainwater have gained in popularity in the past years, it is good to know the basic fundamentals of what makes for a successful rain garden that can withstand the extremes of the Central Texas climate.
A Solid Foundation. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a rain garden. There are lots of terms and descriptors used to categorize these very similar landscape applications, but they all differ from each other in one way or another. A rain garden is perhaps the simplest of them all. A rain garden is purely an area of planting that you install in a low spot in your landscape. Rain gardens should be designed to hold water for only a brief period of time after a storm, with water quickly infiltrating back into the ground.
\n\n\n\nUnlike a pond or wetland, rain gardens should not generally be more than a foot deep at any given point and should not use any sort of liner. The actual depth and size of your rain garden will vary depending upon how much rainfall you need to collect from your roof or other impervious surfaces.
\n\n\n\nBelow are examples of a rain garden in a dry state versus a wet state.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IZtgwprugCTW6rZfud7Qw5dmJ2qoRXmqzN2xAmCUBS8XmBegxcU4sqHmdh7wvr437JxtdLLoqGjtLrWGp4_rbPHdII_qjLYnXuLQjnmB_8I7ZW3fkpV2anv8HpUFo9Uzm_m7TT_R1EVzVTfdrw\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_MSsZiTdiwZFgSLW5TcZA8NOJgtdX0HB7Y-xxrKmVxgUIx8PUk5_DBG3dOT6DPtDc3ml6HjVqiooQ65lOUtP4OjHj85P3HKmAPDAHT9CWS-eZPY3MKHvV-JjYwTifhsfWEfePS40DRs8GNGJ8Q\")
Small plantings packing a BIG punch. The benefits of rain gardens are multifold. Firstly, they help prevent pollution from runoff water. The water that falls off our roofs, down the street, or across a parking lot isn’t pure rainwater; it collects pollutants as it flows, especially excess nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers. These pollutants can harm rivers and ponds by causing algae blooms and fish kill. The deep roots of native plants readily absorb these nutrients, protecting groundwater quality. During heavy to moderate rain events, this storm surge can cause damaging erosion, sediment buildup, and bring a number of other harms to freshwater ecosystems, negatively impacting freshwater mussels and other aquatic life.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens can also play a part to protect Austin properties from floods. A mature stand of rain garden plants will take up excess water that might normally puddle in your yard, leading to water damage issues in your home. When you get rid of standing water, you also reduce mosquito breeding problems around your home.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens create habitats for wildlife. The traditional Austin front yard is turf grass, a monoculture that does little to nurture wildlife, but a mixed planting of native Texas flowers and grasses will draw butterflies, bees, beneficial insects, and birds. Rain gardens also help conserve water. Once established the native plants that thrive in the rain garden won’t need supplemental irrigation, as they are deep-rooted and have evolved to survive periods of drought between rains.
\n\n\n\nGetting s
If you’re planning to divert your roof gutters into your rain garden, you won’t want to install the feature too far away from your home, but you must place it at least ten feet away from your home. Underground utilities and tree roots may also influence the placement of the rain garden.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to check for these two things before you begin to dig.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2Esyi2eVKRoMKak2UnqoBo4JPdg5DkL4jJUDn8ivE8u9SaQkRaCMvZceYQm97QzCHvIKNEpkUXrPgEUx61iuKp4jt6i6Lkmf3basdfESz35HM-fhBzwH4IlS1mn7ys2BHpWVGxYxsh3ArH6npg\")
Choosing the Right Plants. In order to properly design a rain garden, only use perennial plants. This is because a rain garden functions as a water remediation (cleaning) feature and greatly depends on the deep roots of perennial plants. When considering plants, look at their soil moisture requirements and plan accordingly. While your rain garden should favor plants that can tolerate occasional flooding, this does not mean you are limited to only wetland species or that they are necessarily the best fit for a rain garden. In places like Austin, where rain may be seasonal or intermittent, drought tolerance should be a greater consideration than tolerance of flooding. Luckily, Austin native plants with deep roots that are useful for driving water back into the earth are often drought tolerant as well—making them an excellent choice for rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few good choices of plants for each zone of a rain garden that are well suited to Austin:
\n\n\n\nAdd Some Height. Although a rain garden is not the place to grow a large shade tree, you can add a small ornamental tree or shrub to act as a focal point in the landscape. A Texas redbud tree has beautiful pink-red flowers in the spring and will reach a mature height of 15-20 feet. A cypress or cedar elm specimen can work in a larger landscape, and will greatly increase the water absorption ability of your rain garden. Trees also lend much-needed shade along a street or sidewalk when rain gardens are used in those settings.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bw0nehWRO3FijgqiVY6ni0q7qzRHA_lBeGHvI23vzit05SDMbDt0LdSfjhV_KQ-XxLnxh4korfL2cBKGcH76X8SXDlP5pO4uuI6NK8wVogiMXQV8HTSG9Oh9kJyjnOdQRbun24Fm7FBxdObJJw\")
Create a long life for your g
Rain gardens need to be kept free of weeds, both for plant health and aesthetic value. The best time to weed is right after a strong Austin rain event when the soil becomes soft and weed roots release their hold more easily. Additionally, by adding a three-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil surface weed growth will be further suppressed. Use a fine hardwood mulch, as it’s less likely to float away after a heavy rain.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GAC1IlHN4g6UVu3tqj_NNysGh0QYYz_hfzfhXHhqicwfYyPkgEBP_auAm0HOQogjouBH3a-eLhAzAln7NJ85nc74CW0yNytgWgFTO0CPDvFnQcEQJ35mjPJ6mUQ3SrkPTvhVxaP_1i7kO5LA9A\")
Top Photo: Source
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care? Please visit our Austin, TX lawn care page by clicking here.
\n","title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6,"src":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg","srcSet":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/107df/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/293e9/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/f2cbb/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/c26c2/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/67b76/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/8df11/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/98a65/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/3cc96/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b95df9a9-d723-50d6-b006-773f1d05af6d","slug":"lawn-mowing-and-maintenance-in-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/lawn-mowing-and-maintenance-in-austin/","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":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 18th, 2019","excerpt":"Austin has it all: live music, festivals, art, and culture. There’s so much to do, the last thing you want is to get hung up on something as basic as keeping your yard green and lush. While you may think you know all about yard work, you may be in for some surprises when it […]
\n","content":"\nAustin has it all: live music, festivals, art, and culture. There’s so much to do, the last thing you want is to get hung up on something as basic as keeping your yard green and lush. While you may think you know all about yard work, you may be in for some surprises when it comes to taking care of your landscape properly. Here’s a quick primer on all things lawn mowing and maintenance in Austin.
\n\n\n\nHow high or low you mow has more to do with the type of grass than personal preference. If you’re mowing at irregular intervals to an arbitrary length, chances are your lawn isn’t looking or feeling its best. Most Austin area lawns are Bermuda grass or St Augustine. If you aren’t sure, do a little research so that you can get your mowing height just right and keep it that way.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine grass performs best when kept shorn to around 2.5 inches or so. Bermuda grass, on the other hand, will be at its best when kept to 1.5 to 2 inches long. Once you know what type of grass you’re dealing with, you can set your mower blade height and forget about it. But first, you need to get that grass down to the right length. If you’ve let it get shaggy and unkempt, you need to slow down and mow it in stages over a few weeks rather than all at once.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of grass type, it’s important that you never cut more than ⅓ of the blade length in one go. Excessive cutting will injure your grass and leave it susceptible to pests, diseases, and ugly brown spots. Mow it frequently over a few weeks by ⅓ at a time until you get it to where you want it. Then, set your blades at the optimal length and mow as often as needed to take only ⅓ off at a time. Always mow when your grass is dry to avoid clumping of clippings and dulling of your mower blade.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UVzFg127OSkCqtk4WyO9RnhxfdN9MhGX2nMNql3cc6jehiqkKNarU3cKyukr977iwMjMy5ad3OWNcI9wJVx_4BZtUZ09difUS8WX4DXIoIpmWWwJWG0nzx8NXQ87qKvsVubOKQhf\")
Mower blades get worn down over a season (or many) and eventually come to do more tearing than cutting. If you see blades of grass after a mow that look tattered or brown at the end, it may be time for a little blade maintenance. Dull mower blades can do more harm than good. Tearing the grass can stress the lawn, leaving it open to disease. It will also leave it looking scrappy.
\n\n\n\nFor handy sorts who own tools and are into DIY maintenance, you can sharpen your mower blade quickly and easily. If this seems like too much hassle, you can buy a new blade for around twenty dollars. No matter what you choose, remove the spark plug before removing the blade, to avoid any freak accidents while you’re fiddling around down there.
\n\n\n\nHow you water is almost as important as when you water. Keep to a schedule and irrigate using infrequent, deep waterings rather than frequent, shallow waterings. Watering in the evening can leave grass moist overnight and make it vulnerable to fungal growth. Water early in the morning, and stay aware of watering restrictions to avoid fines.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/xIqKFQPgzaPwOLGMdX6ZaN3eEwUznk0i55BGN78YCztWPw3W971Mp3JVDMehTL_wFx8HMFhVcmUn9vFRC00w-fvFu5IGbJesDM7tnzvSKfiXHtTvvS7FacIIq3bGpEzutDKBLRwf\")
Most lawns will benefit from a little feeding and some relief from the compaction that happens over time. You should fertilize at the beginning and end of the growing season. Grass clippings are an excellent fertilizer for the lawn, so letting them stay where they fall is a good policy. Aerate each year to help your lawn “breathe,” which helps it stay healthy.
\n\n\n\nThese are just the basic guidelines for lawn mowing and maintenance in Austin. If you can get accustomed to maintenance and a schedule, you can spend less time slaving over your lawn and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in Austin? We got you covered! Go to our Austin, TX lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"Lawn Mowing and Maintenance in Austin","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5375375375375375,"src":"/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/1789c/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.jpg","srcSet":"/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/107df/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.jpg 320w,\n/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/293e9/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.jpg 500w,\n/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/f2cbb/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.jpg 800w,\n/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/1789c/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.jpg 960w,\n/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/a2a79/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/1dd6e/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/67b76/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.webp 320w,\n/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/8df11/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.webp 500w,\n/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/98a65/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.webp 800w,\n/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/1dd6e/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.webp 960w,\n/static/23d48992307467f3156a1a10cd4c0a4e/7aa54/lawn-mower-5-1024x666.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Mowing and Maintenance in Austin | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want your lawn to turn your neighbors green with envy? Read our guide to lawn mowing and maintenance in Austin for a lush, green lawn every summer."}}},{"node":{"id":"e70a70e5-dbdb-57c7-be3e-fc652fbbbab6","slug":"31-pictures-showing-why-everyone-is-moving-to-austin-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/31-pictures-showing-why-everyone-is-moving-to-austin-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"April 24th, 2019","excerpt":"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.
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Top Photo: Flickr // Danny Shrode
\n\n\n\nLooking for lawn care service? Check out our Austin, TX lawn care page.
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