![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Even in the dead of winter, Austin temperatures average over 60 degrees, so itâs 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 itâs 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 Austinâs 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, weâve 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. Hereâs 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 theyâll 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, weâve 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\nPhoto 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 â 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. Youâll 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 doesnât 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. Itâs 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; doesnât 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 doesnât 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 âbarefoot grasses” available.
\n\n\n\nAlthough Zoysiagrass is available as seed, itâs 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 Austinâs dry climate. This cold and drought-tolerant grass loves the sun and is pest and disease resistant. However, it doesnât 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 isnât 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 â 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 â 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 itâs susceptible to diseases like dollar spot and brown patch, itâs 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 â 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.Â
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":"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 canât 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 canât 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. Hereâs a quick guide to the worst bugs in Austin and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nAnyone whoâs 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 donât 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 âtwo-step methodâ 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 duskâ 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 isnât easy. It takes hard work and vigilance. However, if you follow our guide to summer lawn care in Austin, you can rest easy knowing youâre 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 isnât easy. It takes hard work and vigilance. However, if you follow our guide to summer lawn care in Austin, you can rest easy knowing youâre giving your lawn a fighting chance.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, weâll 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, itâs safe to say Austin’s summers are hot and dry. Both heat and low rain stress your lawn, making it vulnerable. Proper summer lawn maintenanceâlike watering, mowing, dealing with pest or disease problems, and moreâis 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 âcarpet grassâ 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 wonât 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, theyâll 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 âkeep it weird,â 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, youâll 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 lawnâs health. While your grass and native plants are adapted to Austinâs 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. Hereâs 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 lawnâs 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 œ 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 youâll encounter in your Austin backyard:
\n\n\n\nWhile these common pests are a nuisance and sometimes dangerous to your family and pets, they donât affect your lawn. However, some lawn pests lay devastation, and youâll 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 manufacturerâs 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. Theyâre actually beetle larvae, and they feed on your grassâ roots, causing brown spots and dead turf. If youâre 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 manufacturerâs 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 maintenanceâdethatching, aeration, and not overwateringâ 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. Theyâre 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. Hereâs 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 youâre an Austin homeowner, you may know this from personal experience. Theyâll 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\nLetâs 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 canât 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 manufacturerâs directions. Too much fungicide will burn your grass, and too little wonât be effective.
\n\n\n\nIf youâd 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_ááŁááá áŁáá.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 isnât 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.
âą Xeriscape: low-maintenance landscaping emphasizing water conservation
âą Rock Garden: little to no maintenance hardscaping
âą Native plants: adapted to Austinâs climate, requiring little care
âą Hardscapes: reduce green vegetation with functional hardscapes like a fire pit, patio, or pergola
âą Automatic Irrigation: set-it-and-forget-it smart irrigation saves times and money and conserves water
âą 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":"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.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/voRT1bGJVMxESYDf8OBlQT-xCU2tlksOsAwPoWC1PKWIOyUGebaSY7f3Arm5gKy8k1e7K-BH5iJh1yyEFKPMuYZcZ0HPr5juD9ipE2M7NDx9OrIlF4XR6kBalvaYfWaoFaTKybpL\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/k3f5w3L-YVDc001AXl_FaCFFSJbg_za-mSbJK1t92ZHKtDEqT4szgdxXyZc9iP3j7lOu5RVUf-6YX7Lyfqi1YK1Kg8JKNUtfn37JIxFBeUt_-1xoSI76Il8_YLnCbA2BxYHWeWHE\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/rNJnYaUYx_GV4AA8zQOm35tDnRC9UiWCaDFhQ3mtBPEhZSlE_PzR6FPEG8K9HOM6I6ZBhHWKG-nnJEvdtjeByjhfrsLOia6CWMe_qBLzzXfVwFoqW_5QVp2uqN7EVpTzFr9EPkqQ\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RglETDsJMJobAiB_Z_4D8CpS6h2rcbWeerHLBUaueEfO6lKLwqYkNRxtrWmYyF4Z58RqfzQPDzmfLoGxIotIpFPqhrmEXuYCkfnDxmRZpXlcfXFn_Ey4EhId9O1EZI5JfnQod1IP\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/XTgxsKC51425SoAU2IBNGtN8TTBnhea6eA2TX8-7is_Y6PTAKN1CjymGWmGfS4snU5yMyg2-Ko3-lZLErT-RRdSZYFWoo7Otg_W_EL6geijjPF6Q-QnbU4Zv1teW8BgnicPyRLMq\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VxOCjirb6_vPZrnsCVGg4i9OwKQ2tWrGQRpRWTevYCv2w3kORaZuZisWWR1o-zQr1onn_bqntY-qHnz8uiVfzq2BJ9PknFu9rSA6T2bL9T6HQg16bb9aVgyslq81pnnySAyA06Eh\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/CD_yMoi_pZYcYh0HMMNR0cSjFIhlW6ypngjlReA66AxuTtIcuNrlMxI4qkLsTnapj02ZuHBhGBJzzWW4d_GOaSOqLW2VepK-YdHryhh5fE2LAN_eUWqewgTZC-Xaw5XF6igPkN_o\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/5ws4iiceYqRM4wEj-trocsG5mBUZ3A7qKBs2LTG7ySV9_rm6X_lqu7VYZOyLTSzSfAq7N2sxDWjNrFBfoRNQdUJcFYXps4T0qu1qeQt3DYdXzef0XTD8jdf2tmmJrKQdPj2YbqKG\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3umbswd4wrg8I2AECtu3eKjoS9Wh03ECNTE-ULJF6fD6BO95E8H7GwNr8gFViRVMx2qhrXnqTTaReXRjNgIA1TuRiDVmDJI69SBQ9fYYLop5TPWLJ8NlKoof1plQpFBoU_Ygihtq\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/88RJHyJfcQYf9PdFyDDUAoq0iIbkAXvyqQuBfld_ENtR3OgsjmIJA5uJtwsFIlU8WL06sXpkUwXUtna_W1WIHWBBx_EZVH2nErGRkv9gvufPNjseMDvLMzRzDyKiedpSQZVrf6yO\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/oOZCe7GjAppJ4Y9FT6-p84WzIpj-ev50goe8ldfUlV8JI9qXtRmIYScUizCDmCM4YKEJBZnf18_HR2xzSzH28cW8FdXSXK1m1xOqgU3m1zLt6xiNRI2ZEbZ-2CmJmxGsK7QXFBPa\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/0FgZJgUO3a6kvgjfH1TBX68g9jBKy904pCY-jKIsrcjBNGi8HAfoexBjUtPrxVUt2HmbJqNuMJfdmCoD-SwFKH3xfnfmhyez__MakjlnydVQS6qWRA0bUVU6Q3cVZNf2FLcHjh4V\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OJa645UhsoFFaTcuEpj_pxCXb28MgHJ27KDKr_OMZA1FAXNdGMzyHUZkceekJW-smLzPuJC35Tq783RoOJK9FLnBCFMeH8a1afAjWCIOEdBGREmMnTQYt-iFJpQ8k4xRZjAgsA8O\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/jfA4LQQYU2d3s_ALPYw-Dl9KG7litG7spZyjvIm1dF0QNXVR9fWvRv1eecGTpkJ8li97V2zuvXndmREUHDYHXY9y0wxFcZ3PLp1hJDx8BjQEFDsGEw8hJILgHoK5mdIYMMjrGuYz\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/C06n6ihYrE2zFEXBhszM-6zLdnzIgwg_y7FppK7JM_YpWbryBk6OzM0SrYnsgJPZqpW5i4ImoQvKDUxoj_IRkWX0KNGZ5_UJgpYgYHQSU-dfiJmFtaVuSAJYf3wpKfbgHdKGvTpt\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uwT5v4P2UiCStD8QLTQJC_RoiyG_l4LXL1pyqsEhjDPWyPm8RdKFAVD-3RuTzwPIkPPDf0145qvsp0jjwbdtOmfr-RxK7Q3t9ZboNmCU2hNZ46HlYGnpMBbuNn11eeLq1Im-6VKQ\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dFpB3edBuNANzhnFJBr4HNy4lfclU2Fwu3b0g_gQuBVxmzflKzdNHh1BMzm58xvRXhZO9OuWlnUYVj4dFRDz2HVU-ni-WiGuO32kCjhh9vQVUbII2cCLurv0v_FIz0dzeHlW2KoU\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/dHnyCn9xc0hxDbpQXlRWNsvXtYtHQwJ_dPUe7YcqitXwwIknzJTAh4s9jVOFF2vN0ihx9UWy33FYTnM9Tc7_zYwvlOYTHNirJ3x7ET1dyjHHOqICuCHhFOSm83b4WoAHbbIGr7yj\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TyFWzJVUEKT90GMzgngJiZWeiSNenp15lDrUk07ubwH2YTuJGGKmqRc0ZInG4__IksvMdwjsfenUBAKRtOn3PtVOWxmmOYBiMkqPj3TxfPOOv2tYbSzKMKQvQf2kOFuLqtyvcazk\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Z6_xFdsiTmUdJjnsKJscTN9tY2WuYbXj2onZkR2srqNwLHnb9RtC9giGZJMvOhvp8g8qzKA2cJ8R82MDXQRY5rw-BJamufy-H_zup_20vZcWRESpopzX62rAmNGalZ0iNvFh-jaK\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/INW6EujOSCumemtkbVOhuC1vJD5R51vblvRZE1YSpsvGNNa-Xb1hNjqGAgrUCSq64isyozTp3BwRv3j_1i9_iANI1NPbX3GlTgH0SJ078fqVrmErJ2nGztTJbJ5e42mszlBwCe-F\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/SFtaC7blZMdzNPlvPGsWuLQ9Kv4HA5384lw_j5sNGykl93CC6VXc4dY8KW8QQdiOevlAQ--C2G9_99On_kCT3sPJhY8szg7WYQhZSxoB8cPlypgmYLeL7vDl9vPE043SYgfbxTXg\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VMaA_5cJW7qsOqdosoMOGsI7BP_1G_aaCz5K2_Dmwo0O4IK6ZCGE0q5ZjhnYdINExgTJSmSP-a-q2FO1AO8jQuo413WQMKBUwhoJlUggW1eagr6JnNISJkwIYkIDtKAQmqwMmlDB\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/07b_TqDYXBqS4xJunyQ0uk9Rxb8RFtIbNPmxK_CfRW5posOCas9xUlp2Mqcwo9PqiccUoCKjbj3QoqefEFiLae81r1kRZ4dC5D0UC7FUQwu5Z_3owQ6Aeg03WDzsjOHQDqsoBX0C\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GXtgoIYmgKJ57qMRVYkwqsl1_BgeEOYWo3sMmlPd5W3zGSIs-LY5ZmX_oBhT3boKNxsUxXuBShhJCzsBvI9Jh0qeGrr9NWmfvF9ocIsvCOa2bpOLKzaN11LK8-8B-oBVPQBHuypt\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Yg5eIMcj5ErjUrjkFqO2L9mx50NdyxrdaMPmWADo_Nj5t6ThuCNepW4kHlbneJ75OrPsB4p0L8FqQ3N_2LInTDRq15Hiy--HwQhtP4oknfHDiQ3k4vGCquTkAG6nR45ZAK5otEfi\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/tLE1-4Hs77uCgZWwtaxAS8H_t9QyxPA7CETA-n1NAiEhK3edYskvPWsu4clqYOVFsZY3yEQIN3BQyVDkhTRBFz2gcmInb9kd6B6wJOtcaKHrCTBHTHIkOmKef-mOFQwoE0l30Lhm\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/DJxE53XoLb3dLvyau05o9GdwJXA_n4GDiYkFKyqgX_LtHG_meMomvrfm_C_rG2_WovzrJEpNkQBdY4Osrur5C2Q2HzmzcWm2gwzJO3VLxr12yr-r0bzPy7EZTqmZudbhEO1wBss_\")
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/atx-is-diverse.jpg\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/L9J7NSaaTNii7KMAdLobGP9pejq2NTkrW714HpEz4e22_paJYflSG7GfI_qbLOC-ZR5dZWW72yoy8wyXruMsEni3Q7i8YCuLE4-DzLBVYAyLr2WbYMz-A_PAVN7mIbY958KXoQ4W\")
Top Photo: Flickr // Danny Shrode
\n\n\n\nLooking for lawn care service? Check out our Austin, TX lawn care page.
\n","title":"31 Pictures Showing Why Everyone is Moving to Austin, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.673202614379085,"src":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1789c/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/107df/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 320w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/293e9/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 500w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/f2cbb/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 800w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1789c/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 960w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/a2a79/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1dd6e/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/67b76/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 320w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/8df11/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 500w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/98a65/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 800w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/1dd6e/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 960w,\n/static/d7bf6c9eed1cf949c431bbf01863353a/7aa54/austin-tx-skyline-for-top-31-photos-list.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"31 Pictures Showing Why Everyone is Moving to Austin, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"413634eb-f1f0-5de9-aa05-007f04834fee","slug":"xeriscaping","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/xeriscaping/","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/"}],"date":"December 25th, 2018","excerpt":"Xeriscapingâthe name conjures up space-age like images and futuristic landscaping techniques. While the term has gained massive popularity in the last few years, the idea is not a new one. It has been around since 1978. Coined by the Denver Water Department, this landscaping technique refers to landscaping in a way that addresses our limited […]
\n","content":"\nXeriscapingâthe name conjures up space-age like images and futuristic landscaping techniques. While the term has gained massive popularity in the last few years, the idea is not a new one. It has been around since 1978. Coined by the Denver Water Department, this landscaping technique refers to landscaping in a way that addresses our limited water resources.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is most common in desert climates as a substitute for a grass lawn. While Austin, TX isn’t actually desert climate, the extreme heat, watering restrictions and and periodic droughts make xeriscaping a common and viable option. Additionally, with Austin being the weird, slightly liberal hippie town, environmentally friendly choice is just the right thing to do for many.
\n\n\n\nWe all know that lawn mowing in Austin, TX – especially in the summer – can be brutal. Xeriscaping is a great way to create a natural, gorgeous appearance for your Austin, TX lawn without having to invest in expensive, wasteful irrigation equipment or spend hours tending to your landscape. There are plenty of cacti, succulents and other plants native to the Austin area that make for a beautiful lawn without the hassle of grass.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips if you decide to xeriscape your Austin, TX lawn.
\n\n\n\n1. Plan carefully
\n\n\n\nStart your xeriscaping project by drawing out a detailed map of your yard. Measure and label the distance between buildings, trees, or other permanent structures. Then, make a sun chart, detailing where the sun hits the yard at different times of the day. Note any shaded areas in particular. Think about your areaâs climate, and determine your areaâs annual rainfall. You will need to select plants that can withstand the water levels provided naturally in your area.
2. Add some layers
\n\n\n\nOnce you have figured out your climate and conditions, obtain a list of plants that will be appropriate for your region. Focus on native plants, and then figure out how you want to layer your garden. Each layer should surround a focal point, allowing for excellent visibility and water retention, like a tree.
3. Select your plants wisely
\n\n\n\nThe whole point of xeriscaping is to prioritize native growth. If you have any existing native plants, incorporate them in your design. Think about woodlands and open spaces, and study how these areas interact with plants. Avoid invasive exoticsâwhile these plants may be beautiful, they can damage the natural biodiversity of your surrounding community.
The best type of plants will depend on where you live. Plants native to your location are best choice but you can also use universally drought-tolerant plants. Keep in mind that you will need to tend carefully to your plants until they become established, observing to make sure they receive enough water.
\n\n\n\nFor more info on what plants to use, visit the City of Austinâs guide to native and adapted landscape plants.
4. Donât forget the grass
\n\n\n\nConverting your lawn to a xeriscape doesnât necessarily mean that you have to forego grass altogether. Instead, you need to reduce the amount of grass in your yard to only what you need. Bermudagrass is by far the most common grass here in Austin, but you could also choose buffalo grass or zoysia grass, which are both very water conservative and each have their own look.
If you have areas that are steeply sloped or shaded, consider planting a groundcover plant that will be more shade-tolerant. You can also replace a steep slope or areas between sidewalks with drought-hardy plants or low-water usage perennials.
5. Irrigate intelligently
\n\n\n\nWhile a xeriscaped lawn will drastically reduce your water consumption, you still will need to provide some irrigation system to keep your plants healthyâthey do need some water, after all. Drip irrigation is the most effective way to do this. It can reduce water consumption by up to sixty percent, minimizing the amount of water lost from runoff, evaporation, or wind.
You can also implement techniques to retain water. Consider digging a pond or creating a similar irrigation catchment. Using a rainwater barrel will help you make the best possible use of natural rainfall.
6. Understand and care for the soil
\n\n\n\nTake a soil sample and have it analyzed. Your local agricultural government office or cooperative extension can analyze your soil for you if you send in a sample. You can also use an at-home soil testing kit; soil tests are often very low in cost. Once you know your soilâs type and pH, you can plan accordingly.
If your soil is mostly clay or sand, you will need to amend it so that it can better retain moisture. Depending on the native plants you intend to grow, you may need to adjust the pH or consistency. You can do this by adding compost or other organic matter.
7. Remember to mulch
\n\n\n\nMulch is an easy way to minimize evaporation, control erosion, and reduce weed growth. Either organic mulches, like wood chips, or inorganic mulches, like stones, can be used, but try to avoid materials like plastic. Mulch should be three to four inches deep.
Gardens that are intensely green require much water to maintain. If you live in a dry climate, xeriscaping might be the right choice for you. You will spend less money on plants that will inevitably die, and you will spend less time pampering non-native plants. With xeriscape gardening, you can enjoy your garden more, without having to worry about whether your fragile plants will survive the hot, dry summers.
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.
\nWhatâs 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 Austinâs 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 //Â Huge Cool
\nDid you know that mature trees add beauty AND increase your homeâs value if they are planted correctly? Mature trees can increase your propertyâs 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.
\nItâs important that trees arenât 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.
\nDonât 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 homeâs value by up to 12% – thatâs 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; itâs 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 homeâs 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. Donât 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 //Â Red Jacket Resorts
\nA well-landscaped home can get 5.5 to 12.7 percent increase in the homeâs 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 homeâs 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 youâre 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 itâs 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":"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. Thereâs 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. Thereâs 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. Hereâs 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 isnât looking or feeling its best. Most Austin area lawns are Bermuda grass or St Augustine. If you arenât 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 youâve 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 â 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 â 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 â 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 youâre 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 âbreathe,â 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":"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, weâll 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 âcarpet grassâ 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 wonât 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 doesnât 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 springâs 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 manufacturerâs 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 manufacturerâs 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 natureâs 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 Loweâs, 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 wonât 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 worldâs 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 Austinâs 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, Austinâs 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 lawnâs health. Your grass and native plants are adapted to Austinâs 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 lawnâs 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 hereâs 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 childâs 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 itâs 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 manufacturerâs 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 glyphosateâmany herbicideâs active ingredientâas âprobably carcinogenic to humans.â
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
âą Lawns are carbon sinks, lowering carbon dioxide and cooling the air
âą They prevent erosion and reduce flooding
âą Improves water and soil quality
âą Reduce noise and light reflection
Cons
âą Gas-powered equipment: EPA says 5% of all air pollution comes from lawnmowersÂ
âą 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.
âą 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 thatâs time away from your family, friends, and hobbies. Instead of breaking your back, let Wikilawn set you up with a local lawn care professional. Theyâll 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":"af375aac-f430-5777-81fa-9c837b472add","slug":"best-native-plants-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/best-native-plants-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":"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, weâll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/49643314492_80a78d3d2a_c-1.jpg\")
Photo 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 Zilkerâs Botanical Garden.
\n\n\n\nUniquely beautiful, the blue mistflower blooms in late summer and fall. In the wild, theyâre often found in stream banks, wet meadows, and ditches. For landscaping, theyâre 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 isnât actually part of the willow family, itâs 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 willowâs 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 thatâs the aesthetic youâre 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 shrubâs 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. Itâs 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 âbeardtongue.â 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. Theyâre 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, theyâre 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, itâs 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, theyâre 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 âmoradilla,â Spanish for âlittle purple one,â 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 Zilkerâs 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 treeâs also great for erosion control. While the roughleaf dogwood grows throughout Austin landscapes, itâs 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 donât typically affect the treeâs 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 isnât actually part of the yucca family. It does resemble a yucca with its long, thin, grasslike leaves and tall wand-like flower stems, but itâs 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 âsilverâ 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 âBarometer Bush.â 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 plantâs 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, Wrightâs purple skullcap is also called shrubby skullcap or bushy skullcap. Named after the famous botanist Charles Wright, Wrightâs 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\nWrightâs 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, Jacobâs 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 doesnât mean it will do well in your landscape. Make sure the plant you choose is compatible with your yardâs microclimate, such as soil type and sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nAustinâs 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 youâre planting in spring, plant between Jan. 15 and March 1. If youâre planting in the fall, start between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1. These ranges come from the Texas DOT and USDA plant hardiness zones. Austinâs 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 âyes,â 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. Donât 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."}}},{"node":{"id":"ad308c4e-4f81-5cdf-938b-ab5aa5fad6a1","slug":"grass-types-ausitn","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/grass-types-ausitn/","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":"May 13th, 2020","excerpt":"There are a few different grass types for lawns Austin, TX each with their pros and cons. Here are the top choices for Austinites looking for new grass in their lawns: St. Augustine The most popular grass type in Austin is St. Augustine for several reasons. St. Augustine grass grows fast and tolerates shade. It […]
\n","content":"\nThere are a few different grass types for lawns Austin, TX each with their pros and cons. Here are the top choices for Austinites looking for new grass in their lawns:
\n\n\n\nThe most popular grass type in Austin is St. Augustine for several reasons. St. Augustine grass grows fast and tolerates shade. It doesnât mind the warm weather so that this grass can handle scorching temperatures. You can use plugs and sods to plant and make sure you install them during early spring.
\n\n\n\nA negative to consider is that St. Augustine requires more maintenance than other varieties. You need to fertilize four times per year and water frequently, especially throughout drought periods. Installing an irrigation system is wise. You also must plan to mow frequently to avoid thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a common pick for Austin lawns, suited perfectly for central Texas climate. Residents select this variety, but you can find it on football fields as well. It offers rugged resilience and disease resistance.
\n\n\n\nYou do need to make sure you install an irrigation system or water frequently. Depending on what variety you select â common or improved â you may find yourself fertilizing and watering often. Bermudagrass isnât a good choice for shady lawns.
\n\n\n\nZoysia is a beautiful, thick turf that tolerates shade well. If your grass experiences a lot of wear and traffic, Zoysia is a great choice. Unlike St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grows slower, so you donât have to mow as often. Thatâs a bonus!
\n\n\n\nOn the other side, Zoysia takes one to three seasons to establish and doesnât handle damage well. You will need to fertilize often and ensure that it is properly watered. Zoysia grass doesnât tolerate drought. If you decide to go with Zoysia grass, learn how to maintain it properly, and your grass will look fantastic.
\n\n\n\nBuffalo grass is a Texas native turf grass that is rugged. It is naturally drought tolerant and disease resistant, making it a safe choice for Austin homeowners. You donât have to worry about watering often or installing an irrigation system. Best of all, it only grows about 5 to 6 inches, so you donât have to mow frequently.
\n\n\n\nThe only negative to buffalo grass is that it isnât the prettiest lawn. It is ideal for someone who doesnât want to put the time or resources into lawn care.
\n\n\n\nTaking care of your lawn in Austin, TX requires some dedication and understanding of the climate. It is important that you understand the tasks you should accomplish each season. During each season, pay attention to the different needs of your lawn, whether it is core aeration or proper irrigation. Use this guide to understand proper lawn care in Austin, TX.
\n","title":"The 5 Popular Grass Types in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/1789c/pixabay-green-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/107df/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/293e9/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/f2cbb/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/1789c/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/4fb49/pixabay-green-grass.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/1dd6e/pixabay-green-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/67b76/pixabay-green-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/8df11/pixabay-green-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/98a65/pixabay-green-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/1dd6e/pixabay-green-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/16dcf6fc943142efbe6eb155ffed840d/62477/pixabay-green-grass.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 5 Popular Grass Types in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"6629a91e-2757-5572-bdb6-163ae9ffe296","slug":"these-are-5-houseplants-perfect-for-the-austin-home","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/these-are-5-houseplants-perfect-for-the-austin-home/","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":"January 22nd, 2019","excerpt":"It seems that each year more and more research is published highlighting the importance of and real benefits achieved by exposing ourselves to increased time spent in nature. Physical and psychological benefits can be achieved simply by viewing nature! For most city-dwelling Austinites, an escape from the urban landscape only happens if we plan a […]
\n","content":"\nIt seems that each year more and more research is published highlighting the importance of and real benefits achieved by exposing ourselves to increased time spent in nature. Physical and psychological benefits can be achieved simply by viewing nature! For most city-dwelling Austinites, an escape from the urban landscape only happens if we plan a long weekend getaway into the Texas Hill Country, Travis Lake, or take a trip to the East Texas Piney Woods. While these are some of our favorite outdoor spots, if we do not carve out the time dedicated to spending in nature, we can often go months without being truly immersed in a natural landscape. A great way to have the health benefits of the outdoors year-round is by dedicating a little shelf or hanging space in your home or apartment to the growing of interior houseplants.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few of our favorite, no fail, green thumb to black thumb houseplants that will do more than spruce up the esthetic of the interior of your home but also provide you with cleaner air, a more relaxed environment and a picture-perfect interior esthetic.
\n\n\n\nPick the perfect spot. Before you get too excited about buying your plants, do a bit of research on the specific plants youâve been eying at the garden center. Find out all you can about them and their optimal growth habits. Do they like 8 hours of full sun in a window sill or would they be happier in a shady corner or humid bathroom? Do they mind the warm breeze of a late summer afternoon, or would they rather make their home in the still corner away from all vents and open windows? Remember, lots of popular indoor plant varieties come from tropical/semi-tropical or very dry and arid climates. Try to find a place for them in your own space that will make them feel right at home.
\n\n\n\nRoom to grow. Just as you must do some quick research on the specific conditions your new indoor plant will require, youâll also need to plan ahead when carving out a special space for your verdant new housemate. Some indoor plants will start out small both above and below the soil. Make sure you know the general growing habits of each plant – some like to trail and spread out while others like to grow upright and tall. Likewise, many species of popular indoor plants like to have their roots a little more bound than most.
Here are 5 perfect indoor plants for Austin, TX…
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/chinese-evergreen.jpg\")
Is there a corner of your home where nothing seems to fit? Try the Chinese evergreen to cover that unused space and soften the room. These large houseplants can grow up to three feet in height, with large, oval leaves that are a beautiful camouflage for bare spots in your home. Their leaves can come in a variety of shades of green, dark to light and even a variegated variety.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pilea.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
These are plants that love the sun as much as any Austinite! In fact, if you add this plant to your space, you’ll likely find yourself needing to rotate it often because it will bend its leaves towards the light source. This plant grows fast and will need to be repotted often. If you have a space with lots of sun (who doesnât in Austin?) and want to be highly involved with watering, repotting, trimming and other maintenance, then this whimsical plant is the one for you.
Photo by David VĂĄzquez on Unsplash
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/monstera.jpg\")
Also known as a split leaf philodendron, this gorgeous plant is one of the trendiest indoor plants of all with its iconic leaves making an appearance on art prints, upholstery, stationary and everything in between. Part of the Monsteraâs popularity comes from the uniquely tropical vibe it lends any spaces it inhabits. Monstera plant is native to the Central American rainforest, therefore, it needs a warm climate, lots of sunlight, and plenty of water. With optional growing conditions, this plant can grow up to 30 feet high and needs frequent pruning or propagating so only bring it into your home if you have plenty of space and lots of direct light. It’s safe to say this plant isn’t going away anytime soon.
Photo by Mike Marquez on Unsplash
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/golden-pothos.jpg\")
This popular indoor plant can be found listed under many names, one of which being Devilâs Ivy because it will grow in many harsh conditions. A perfect place for your new Golden Pothos is a corner that could use some new interest. Find a hanger to attach to your plantâs pot or place situated on a high shelf, Golden Pothos is a wonderful plant for low-light areas. As it is a vine, the plant will grow long and cascade down, offering a beautiful addition to any area of the home. You can prune back the vines as needed if they become too long.
Photo by Kevin Lessy on Unsplash
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/snake-plant.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1\")
The snake plant, or also known as the mother-in-lawâs tongue, is a low-maintenance plant with an artistic flare. The multi-colored leaves jet upward ending in a fine point and are mottled with green, yellows and even silver, similar to a snakeâs skin. One of the most forgiving plants when it comes to care, it will survive with little attention, just be sure to not overwater your new Snake Plant because the roots will rot easily. These plants are a great way to fill your Austin home with life and vitality, even those areas that are hidden from bright outdoor light.
Photo by Julie Johnson on Unsplash
It might seem overwhelming and foreign at first, but by asking around at any one of Austinâs local garden centers, youâll quickly find that indoor houseplants are a passion for many people who are all more than happy to share their knowledge.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care? Visit our Austin, TX lawn care page for more info!
\n\n\n\nTop photo: Architectural Digest
\n","title":"These Are 5 Houseplants Perfect for the Austin Home","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7914110429447854,"src":"/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/1789c/houseplants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/107df/houseplants.jpg 320w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/293e9/houseplants.jpg 500w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/f2cbb/houseplants.jpg 800w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/1789c/houseplants.jpg 960w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/9e296/houseplants.jpg 2628w","srcWebp":"/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/1dd6e/houseplants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/67b76/houseplants.webp 320w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/8df11/houseplants.webp 500w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/98a65/houseplants.webp 800w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/1dd6e/houseplants.webp 960w,\n/static/b9116a66d22c2156a7c0975167124371/c86fd/houseplants.webp 2628w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"These Are 5 Houseplants Perfect for the Austin Home | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"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 âKeep Austin Weirdâ 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. Letâs 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. Â 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 wellâmaking 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":""}}}],"id":"ck1cmow86s2pw0a30iyresf2t"}}}![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/psiA7c3XPVFa2Vwjx8d0L-DUbTig06KP7PtIrq0xGMd5ycE34LSC99EMwWQ-pKshUYITG9s54XX2x_sGLUHBef-EYZW1QJUHjo5seug2a_XM_bikGaA2q74tTwdDlMjNGqSfkfzz\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/TgHekR3Rwj-NQtXqUazdshQWPQMD36N07GLrwosaICZp9oELEM2ZKSw_8cdi7yZCN0CUiCj7o5B8vVWlxMyRPRVf4E0KyE759RTfjQsjvTk37ZKJIEMmXREVQ4Z5BkNPICBHRRnD\")
![Forest & Kim Starr](\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp..jpg\"){kind=link}
![mokeybear69](\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Keith_House_%28Texas%29.jpg\"){kind=link}