![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
White sand beaches are the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast Capital. Your weekends are best spent surfing snorkeling, kayaking, or fishing, not maintaining your South Texas lawn. Whether you prefer the kid-friendly calm waters at McGee Beach or the breaking waves at Bob Hall Pier, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut […]
\n","content":"\nWhite sand beaches are the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast Capital. Your weekends are best spent surfing snorkeling, kayaking, or fishing, not maintaining your South Texas lawn. Whether you prefer the kid-friendly calm waters at McGee Beach or the breaking waves at Bob Hall Pier, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your outdoor tasks so you can feel the sand between your toes.
\n\n\n\nSwitching to low-maintenance landscaping means spending less time and effort watering, weeding, mowing, and removing pests. In subtropical areas like Corpus Christi, where summer temperatures can soar to well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, energy and water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Corpus Christi
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Corpus Christi
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nLiving near the ocean has its perks, including long walks on the beach and salty breezes. It also means local Corpus Christi water sources test high for salinity. The bright flowers you see while walking through your local store are annuals and are not always salt-tolerant. These inexpensive flowers look great, for now, and last one growing season before dying in late fall, even in Texas.
\n\n\n\nIf bright blooms are your thing, consider switching out your annuals for salt and drought-tolerant perennials. Perennials have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals, but they survive the cold winters and re-bloom every year. Perennials are more expensive upfront. However, they tolerate extreme weather and come in many varieties, such as deer-resistant, shade-loving, and salt-tolerant types for your Corpus Christi yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty on repeat, check out some of the best salt-tolerant perennials for Corpus Christi:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a perennial plant varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blue_Mistflower_Conoclinium_coelestinum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Linda M Morgan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative Texas plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in the South Texas heat and humidity while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive a surprise winter snow. They are the most low-maintenance plants you can include in your landscaping project. Native plants are hands-off and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Corpus Christi native plants to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like perennials, native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8470969805_38047bb4d6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tom Britt / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch locks in soil moisture, reduces weeds, and protects your plants’ roots from heat. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips. Mulching is an inexpensive DIY job that increases the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your South Texas landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Inorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch for your Corpus Christi landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/8145471727_f0843aa441_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou don’t have to live in Hill Country to experience hot Texas summers. No matter where you live in Texas, weekly lawn maintenance is a daunting task, and there are a million other things you would rather do. The fewer plants in your landscape design, the less time you will spend maintaining your lawn and Texas natives.
\n\n\n\nConsider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance. While some hardscaping ideas like loose rocks and landscape glass are best left to the inland cities of Central Texas like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, there are still many hurricane-safe hardscaping options for your beach-city landscape.
\n\n\n\nHurricane–safe hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. They are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for garden design and don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. Hardscapes are an expensive upfront investment, but they increase home value and curb appeal, saving you time and money in the long run.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIn the U.S., landscape irrigation makes up nearly one-third of all residential water usage. Like hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping with an emphasis on water conservation. This practice involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering outside of regular rainfall.
\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi native plants are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard and giving your irrigation system a break. They are naturally salt-tolerant, drought resistant, and adapted to harsh Texas summers. Besides native plants, some basic steps for xeriscaping your yard include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will save around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Trachelospermum_asiaticum_kz3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to traditional warm-season turfgrass. These plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space. Groundcovers fill areas of your lawn to mimic “grass,” while their low-maintenance needs mean less work for you.
\n\n\n\nMost species still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Texas groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and best of all, low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Corpus Christi groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Corpus Christi landscaping experts, Moon Valley Nurseries, groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/artificial-turf-g91d792f7e_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe grass is always greener when the grass is artificial turf. The Brady Bunch helped put synthetic grass on the map, and its popularity has waxed and waned over the years. Synthetic grass is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is virtually maintenance free, and thanks to technological advancements, it is hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases. Unfortunately, it is expensive to install and there is some debate that it renders your soil unusable in the future.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/moss-rose-purslane-g1d08f2e8c_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDrought-resistant succulents like cacti and agaves may seem better suited to the dry inland cities of Central Texas. However, Corpus Christi’s unique USDA zones, 9a, 9b, and 10a, are well-suited for salt-tolerant succulent varieties.
\n\n\n\nSucculents love arid climates, and some varieties are highly salt tolerant and thrive in coastal regions with polluted or acidic soils thanks to thick leaves or trunks. They prefer to be left alone and work well for xeriscaping a landscape for water conservation. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are incredibly low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nSucculents need:
\n\n\n\nPopular salt-tolerant succulent varieties for Corpus Christi include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the size and type of succulent and ranges from $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nExperts know little about the salinity tolerance of most Texas native wildflowers. Most are hardy, heat and drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance once established. If you want to include wildflowers in your Corpus Christi landscape, check out these salt-tolerant varieties that may or may not be native:
• Common Cordgrass (Sporobolus anglicus)
• Eelgrasses (Zostera spp.)
• Marsh Samphire (Salicornia europaea)
• Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum)
Succulents thrive in the Corpus Christi area. Typically, water your succulent plants once per week when it has not rained.
There are many types of artificial turf, including pet-friendly turf, that are specially designed for your furry family members to be stain and odor resistant and easy to clean.
Hurricane season creates the best surf, but it also wreaks havoc on your Corpus Christi landscape. Check out our list of the best hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to combine with your low-maintenance landscape, so you can reclaim your weekends and spend more time at the beach.
\n\n\n\nBetter yet, stop wasting your time on lawn maintenance. Consider letting Wikilawn hook you up with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to the beaches of the Gulf Coast Capital.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Butterfly Milkweed / Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Corpus Christi, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/1789c/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/107df/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/293e9/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/f2cbb/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/1789c/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/c26c2/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/1dd6e/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/67b76/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.webp 320w,\n/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/8df11/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.webp 500w,\n/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/98a65/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.webp 800w,\n/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/1dd6e/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.webp 960w,\n/static/8ea63ecc208af3cac153704c12bfff1f/3cc96/22667699043_850a3344d7_k-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Corpus Christi, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spend more time at the beach with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Corpus Christi, including the estimated cost of each."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"9f629a98-4af7-53e3-be48-1645e902e8a0","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 17th, 2023","excerpt":"With only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants. That doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you […]
\n","content":"\nWith only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you can cut down on your time, effort, and expense with plants that don’t require a lot of water to survive. Let’s take a look at some of the best drought-tolerant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll plants listed here are native to Utah. But what are native plants? They are called “native” because they have been growing in a particular region for years and are well-adapted to that region’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere are the advantages of native plants over non-natives.
![\"Apache](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apache-Plume.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApache plume looks distinctive with white, five-petaled flowers and fluffy pink seed heads. It blooms from late spring to mid-fall and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Water newly planted Apache plume at least once a week. Once established, you can water it once a month.
\n\n\n\nApache plume grows best in soil with good drainage. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 8 feet. It can also resist deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Rabbitbrush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rabbitbrush-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush looks attractive with its fine-textured, gray-green foliage. It blooms from late summer to mid-fall, producing showy golden yellow flowers. Bees and butterflies love them. Once established, rabbitbrush requires little to no watering.
\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. This shrub is toxic to humans and pets. So, if you have children and pets playing around in your yard, it’s best to avoid this shrub or plant it elsewhere, maybe on the exterior.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 7 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Sage-Salvia-apiana-California.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HLWolfe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite sage grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. It looks distinctive with clusters of white flowers. This shrub blooms from spring to summer and attracts carpenter bees. White sage has many medicinal benefits.
\n\n\n\nWhite sage features aromatic greenish silver leaves. This shrub grows up to 5 feet, but the floppy appearance of mature flower shoots makes it appear shorter than it actually is.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Greenish silver
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Turpentine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Turpentine-Bush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurpentine bush blooms from late summer to fall, producing bright yellow flowers. The sticky, needle-like leaves have a turpentine aroma. Turpentine bush grows best in full sun and can also handle partial shade.
\n\n\n\nThe turpentine bush prefers well-drained soil and requires weekly watering when it is first planted. Once it’s established, however, don’t water the shrub more than once a month, as overwatering can reduce blooming.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Globemallow-Sphaeralcea-Ambigua.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow looks beautiful with five-petaled, reddish-orange flowers. It blooms throughout spring and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Desert globemallow grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow features gray-green leaves that are broad and have three lobes. Be careful when touching this plant, as the hair on the leaves can cause eye irritation.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow looks beautiful with clusters of small white or yellow flowers. The leaves are aromatic and have a fine-textured, feathery appearance. Common yarrow blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Butterflies and bees love it.
\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow grows best in full sun. It prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. Common yarrow has many medicinal uses too.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fireweed\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fireweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Borealomas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFireweed can be a gorgeous addition to your Utah yard. It features pinkish-purple colors and requires little to no watering once established. Plant fireweed in a place with abundant sunlight, as it needs 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nFireweed prefers sandy soil with good drainage. One note of caution: This herb is toxic to both humans and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Goldenrod\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoldenrod grows best in full sun and can withstand partial shade. It grows in sandy, rocky, and clay soils with good drainage. The leaves are smooth with slightly jagged edges.
\n\n\n\nGoldenrod blooms from summer to fall, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers that bees and butterflies love. Remove the dried flowers to keep goldenrod in bloom for much longer. Once the blooming period ends, goldenrod will look like an ordinary plant with medium-green foliage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eastern-Cottonwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood is a large, fast-growing tree that produces beautiful flowers during early spring. It grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This tree can live up to 100 years.
\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood has weak wood and penetrating roots. If you live in a windy area, it’s best to avoid this large tree as it’s prone to uproot.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nUtah has a warm, desert climate. In fact, it’s one of the driest states in the country. All plants listed here are native to Utah and can easily withstand drought.
\n\n\n\nAnalyze your lawn’s soil condition and sun exposure and choose a plant that best suits your lifestyle. Also, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity levels, especially if you have kids and pets playing in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA lush, green, and healthy lawn requires proper maintenance. If you don’t want to spend your weekend doing lawn chores, Wikilawn Utah lawn care pros can help. We can assist you with everything related to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Red Butte Garden / Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscapes","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/107df/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/293e9/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/f2cbb/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/c26c2/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/67b76/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/8df11/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/98a65/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/3cc96/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscaping","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Drought-tolerant plants are a great way to add color and life to a drab yard, especially when you live somewhere as dry as Utah"}}},{"node":{"id":"1c67d9da-a9ec-51ca-8d19-58993eb7d50a","slug":"how-to-grow-grass","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-grow-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 15th, 2019","excerpt":"Starting a lawn from seed can be a daunting task, but one that is well worth it. Once you establish a new lawn — or fill in bare spots — the lush, green grass is a reward in and of itself. Here is how to grow grass. When To Seed The “when” of how to […]
\n","content":"\nStarting a lawn from seed can be a daunting task, but one that is well worth it. Once you establish a new lawn — or fill in bare spots — the lush, green grass is a reward in and of itself. Here is how to grow grass.
\n\n\n\nPlanting grass seed is not as simple as it sounds. Before you start seeding, get the yard ready.
\n\n\n\nThe “when” of how to grow grass depends on what type of grass you’re planting. The time of year makes a difference in how well your new lawn will establish itself. If you’re planting in a warmer climate, like the southern part of the United States, warm-season grasses like Zoysia and Bermudagrass will work best in your yard. Plant those warm-season grasses in the late spring — late May through early June. As the name suggests, this grass type thrives in warmer temperatures better than the cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses tolerate deep freezes better. That’s not to say they will stay green through the winter, but the cold won’t kill the roots. Examples of cool-season grasses include Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. It’s best to plant this grass type in the early fall.
\n\n\n\nThe crucial part of planting grass seed is water. New grass needs lots of water, especially if you live in a drier climate, or it hasn’t rained. “As the seed germinates and seedlings begin to grow, it’s essential the new seedlings are not allowed to dry out. Continue to water the seedlings two to four times a day if the weather conditions are dry,” advises Clark Throssell, a turfgrass specialist at Purdue University. Once you get the grass seed growing, you want your new grass to grow into a healthy lawn. You may need to set your automatic sprinkler if it has a timer. If not, be sure to get outside to check on your new grass every day until its established. These rules also apply if you’re overseeding an existing lawn and trying to fill in bare spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/rsz_lawn-mowing-catcher.jpg\")
You can start mowing and regular lawn maintenance once the new grass gets a couple of inches high. Try to keep the soil moist and foot traffic to a minimum until your lawn has reached that stage and matured a bit.
\n\n\n\nThe exact mowing height depends on what kind of grass you have:
\n\n\n\nDon’t rush to put down weed killer right away, even if you see weeds popping up. New grass is delicate, and herbicides can do damage to even the best grass when it’s starting to germinate. Only consider putting down weed killers — whether pre-emergent or post-emergent — after you have mowed the new lawn several times. Weed control comes only after you have established your healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nGrowing grass takes time and patience — thus the cliche, “watching the grass grow.” If you’re in a hurry to establish a lawn and don’t have time to plant grass seed, consider laying down sod. This will be a little more expensive, especially if you have large areas to cover, but it won’t take nearly as long.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not a quick process, and in order to have a healthy green lawn, you will need to make the right preparations. But if you follow the recommendations that best suit your climate and your yard, you will be rewarded by the thick, beautiful lawn you want.
\n","title":"How to Grow Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7799752781211373,"src":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1789c/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/107df/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/293e9/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/f2cbb/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1789c/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/88d35/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1dd6e/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/67b76/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/8df11/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/98a65/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1dd6e/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/d6099/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Grow Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b14a7f00-32a3-5c0c-9861-a1a16366e9ca","slug":"best-grass-types-frisco","path":"/lawn-care/tx/frisco-tx/best-grass-types-frisco/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"fbcb4f86-672c-5568-973c-ef39df6b31fd","name":"Frisco, TX","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/frisco-tx/"},{"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 11th, 2023","excerpt":"Home to the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and the Rowlett Creek Nature Preserve Trail, Frisco has a lot of natural beauty. Why not bring some of that beauty to your lawn with some of Frisco’s best grasses? In this article: Bermudagrass Photo Credit: Pexels Bermudagrass is popular in Frisco because it tolerates drought quite well, […]
\n","content":"\nHome to the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and the Rowlett Creek Nature Preserve Trail, Frisco has a lot of natural beauty. Why not bring some of that beauty to your lawn with some of Frisco’s best grasses?
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_4pexels-rovenimagescom-949584.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is popular in Frisco because it tolerates drought quite well, allowing it to hold up nicely to our hot summers. It also requires lots of sunlight, so Bermudagrass might not do as well if you have a shady yard.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is used in golf courses, lawns, and athletic fields because it tolerates heavy foot traffic and low mowing heights.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShade- and drought-tolerant St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for lawns and recommended for any property that doesn’t get much sunlight.
\n\n\n\nHowever, St. Augustinegrass doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic, cold, or diseases well, so be careful if you have a brutal winter. Likewise, if you plan on having kids and pets in the yard, this isn’t the right grass for you.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 – 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you don’t like watering your lawn, buffalograss is a great choice. It’s naturally drought-tolerant and disease resistant (meaning it doesn’t require extra fertilizer or pesticides). Its lower and slower growth rate also means you don’t need to water it as much as other grasses.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has a cool, green summertime color, making it a very attractive turf. It also has finer and drier leaves than other grasses, so it doesn’t clump or thatch when you mow it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizome
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWant a low-maintenance lawn? Centipedegrass is probably your best bet. Its slow, low growth habit means you don’t need to mow or fertilize it as often as other warm-season grasses. It also tolerates diseases.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic, cold, or shade. If you have a shady area or plan to use your lawn frequently, avoid this grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nIf you get a lot of shade, go for St. Augustinegrass.
Bermudagrass handles foot traffic very well, making it a great option for busy yards.
Either centipedegrass or bermudagrass is the way to go.
Centipedegrass and buffalograss handle highly acidic soils well, so either is a good choice.
Picking the best grass type depends on both your yard and your lifestyle. There’s no right or wrong answer.
\n\n\n\nOnce you pick your grass, add some native plants to your yard. Not only are they good for the ecosystem, but they’ll look good in your yard while not needing much attention.
\n\n\n\n
If you want a professional to do the work instead, contact one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll lend a helping hand.
Main Photo Credit: Brent Eckley / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Best Grasses for Your Frisco Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/1789c/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/107df/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.jpg 320w,\n/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/293e9/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.jpg 500w,\n/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/f2cbb/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.jpg 800w,\n/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/1789c/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.jpg 960w,\n/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/c26c2/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/1dd6e/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/67b76/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.webp 320w,\n/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/8df11/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.webp 500w,\n/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/98a65/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.webp 800w,\n/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/1dd6e/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.webp 960w,\n/static/5597a9a1b7a24c2c3654abfcc8a5b65c/3cc96/11312-Hubbard-Creek-Drive-Frisco-TX-7503.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Types for Frisco, TX","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"A great lawn starts with the right type of grass. These five grass types thrive in Frisco’s climate"}}},{"node":{"id":"6a7a6ce9-1e7b-51f2-9d30-e85e547414af","slug":"best-grass-types-pittsburgh","path":"/lawn-care/pa/pittsburgh/best-grass-types-pittsburgh/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2d317bbd-578b-5162-8946-7b230bb15f85","name":"Pennsylvania","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pa/"},{"id":"df1e282b-b8dd-56e2-b231-44dc03e8950d","name":"Pittsburgh","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pa/pittsburgh/"}],"date":"March 24th, 2023","excerpt":"Your Steel City yard can become green and beautiful when you choose the right grass. The secret is to grow grass that can survive both the summer and winter temperatures of Pittsburgh. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve gathered the 4 best grass types for Pittsburgh lawns. Choosing the perfect type of grass for […]
\n","content":"\nYour Steel City yard can become green and beautiful when you choose the right grass. The secret is to grow grass that can survive both the summer and winter temperatures of Pittsburgh. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve gathered the 4 best grass types for Pittsburgh lawns.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the perfect type of grass for your home requires considering multiple factors carefully. By evaluating your yard’s climate, soil type, and sun exposure, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a healthy and beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season and cool-season grasses are two types of grasses that thrive in different temperature ranges and have different growing habits.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are adapted to hot and dry climates, grow actively during the warm summer months, and become dormant during winter. They are more drought-tolerant and require less water than cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses, on the other hand, are adapted to cooler climates. They usually grow actively during the cooler months of spring and fall and can tolerate mild winters.
\n\n\n\nSince temperatures are cool throughout most of the year in Pittsburgh, the best grass type for your yard is likely a cool-season grass. Let’s take a close look at the 4 cool-season grasses that thrive in Pittsburgh:
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass is an excellent choice for homeowners who need to protect yard areas from erosion. Not only does the dense turf protect eroding soil, but it also creates a beautiful uniform look. It has moderate traffic tolerance and can withstand the occasional backyard BBQ as you cheer on the Steelers. It also recovers quickly.
\n\n\n\nIts root system tolerates drought conditions, but like most cool-season grasses, the turf becomes dormant and brown during hot, dry summers.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass might not be the best option if you want to avoid high-maintenance turf. It demands fertilizer, is prone to disease, and requires frequent mowing. Got shade? Kentucky bluegrass won’t tolerate it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Tolerates close, frequent grazing better than most grasses. Forms tight sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has a fine-textured, lush, and dark green appearance. It’s commonly grown in athletic fields, landscapes, and cattle fields.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is very popular because of its rapid growth and high traffic tolerance, which makes it ideal for homeowners that like to spend time outdoors. This grass is best for sunny lawns but tolerates partial shade.
\n\n\n\nIf you would like to give ryegrasses a chance in your yard, consider that they are heavy users of water and don’t tolerate drought well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spots, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8 but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass for a more traffic and disease-resistant turf.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are known for their fine texture and excellent shade tolerance. In fact, fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant cool-season grass, particularly the chewings variety. So, if your backyard has shade, this may be the perfect grass for you.
\n\n\n\nThis turf is also low-maintenance; it requires less water, fertilizer, and mowing than other types of grasses. As long as you water it regularly, this is the best grass for busy homeowners who would like to relax in a beautiful landscape.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red Fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. It prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fine fescue grasses are often added to mixtures with other cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, to create a dense, attractive lawn that can withstand shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a coarse textured grass with a deep green color. Its deep root system allows it to tolerate drought and heat stress better than any other cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t mind mowing often, tall fescue is a good low-maintenance choice. If this grass’s deep root system, low maintenance, and rapid growth sound good to you, then it might be the perfect fit for your yard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Many tall fescue lawns become thin after hot, dry summer conditions. Thin, tall fescue lawns can form clumps and become unsightly. To prevent this from occurring, it’s usually necessary to overseed tall fescue lawns in the fall.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is among the easiest cool-season grasses to maintain. It’s known for its fine texture, shade tolerance, and low maintenance requirements, making it an attractive option for homeowners and landscapers.
Of the cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass is generally considered to be the softest and most comfortable grass to walk on. It has a fine texture and a dense growth habit, which gives it a lush, carpet-like appearance. Kentucky bluegrass is also known for its ability to self-repair, making it a durable choice for high-traffic areas.
Tall fescue is generally considered the best cool-season grass for poor soil conditions. It has a root system that allows access to nutrients and water from deeper soil layers, making it more drought-tolerant than other cool-season grasses.
Tall fescue is well adapted to different soil types, including poor and compacted soils. It can grow well in soil with low fertility and is more resistant to diseases and pests than other cool-season grasses.
Pittsburgh grass can withstand hot summers and cold winters, but different types have different characteristics and needs. Choose the proper kind for your lawn, thinking about your space, the use you will give it, and the work you are willing to do for it.
\n\n\n\nWould you like a lawn that can withstand barbecues and parties? Consider Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. Do you have a shaded yard? Fine fescue is an excellent choice. Would you like a low-maintenance lawn? Think about tall fescue or fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nRemember that the type of grass you choose is just one part of your ideal landscape. There are various low-maintenance landscaping options and native plants popular in Pittsburgh.
\n\n\n\nA welcoming backyard is within reach. Contact a Pittsburgh lawn care pro who can maintain your lawn and landscaping.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: MartinThoma / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Pittsburgh","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/1789c/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg","srcSet":"/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/107df/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 320w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/293e9/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 500w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/f2cbb/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 800w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/1789c/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 960w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/c26c2/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/1dd6e/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/67b76/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 320w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/8df11/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 500w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/98a65/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 800w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/1dd6e/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 960w,\n/static/376fc5b18b0d78337615d5bbfd155976/3cc96/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Pittsburgh","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Cool-season grass types are suitable for mild, cool temperatures. Here are the 4 best grass types for Pittsburgh."}}},{"node":{"id":"0adae769-d709-59ab-9544-7dbb5a7e0059","slug":"best-grass-types-southern-california","path":"/lawn-care/ca/best-grass-types-southern-california/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 10th, 2023","excerpt":"There’s nothing like relaxing on a fresh green lawn on a sunny day. But what kind of grass do you need to create your dream lawn? Any SoCal turf has to handle the heat. You’ll also need to consider if your lawn is decorative or practical. You’ll need a grass type with good traffic tolerance […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s nothing like relaxing on a fresh green lawn on a sunny day. But what kind of grass do you need to create your dream lawn?
\n\n\n\nAny SoCal turf has to handle the heat. You’ll also need to consider if your lawn is decorative or practical. You’ll need a grass type with good traffic tolerance if you have pets, kids, or frequent backyard parties. If you live near the beach, you’ll need something with salinity tolerance. Let’s review the best grass types for Southern California so you can find a good fit for your yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWith dozens of turfgrass species in the U.S., how do homeowners narrow down their choices? The primary method is by what climate the grass thrives in. Warm-season grasses thrive in the Southern U.S., while cool-season grasses thrive in the Northern U.S.
\n\n\n\nHowever, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow any cool-season grasses in SoCal. Cool-season grass can survive throughout California, except in the desert regions in the Southeast. Homeowners in that area must choose warm-season grass. If you live anywhere else in California, you must weigh the pros and cons of warm and cool-season grasses to see which suits you better.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nWith such a tropical name, it’s no wonder bermudagrass does well in warm climates. This dark to blue-green grass is water-efficient, though it may turn brown during extended drought. It also doesn’t grow well in the shade. It has no significant pest problems and tolerates salinity and foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass can be high or low-maintenance, depending on the variety. While most types have a moderate nitrogen requirement, hybrid varieties require more fertilizer. Most varieties require frequent mowing due to their rapid growth, which provides good resilience during the growing season. However, it could invade garden beds or neighboring yards because of this aggressive growth.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases like spring dead spot are common; low resistance to insects like bermudagrass mites, dichondra flea beetles, and fiery skippers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kikuyugrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose, Macleay Grass Man / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhile some consider this grass a weed, others have adopted it as a turfgrass. Kikuyugrass is light green and coarse-textured with a similar appearance to St. Augustinegrass. It is mainly found within 50 miles of the coast in Southern and Central California but also can survive inland. It has a high temperature, drought, and salinity tolerance. While it tolerates shade, it is susceptible to cold weather.
\n\n\n\nKikuyugrass’ quick-spreading growth pattern is a double-edged sword — it recovers from damage well, but it’s also susceptible to thatch and spreads where it’s not wanted. Though the excess thatch makes mowing challenging, that shouldn’t deter you from a regular schedule. If you let it grow too long and cut too much off at once, this turf is likely to suffer for it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-1.5; it’s vulnerable to scalping damage if it isn’t mowed frequently
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, moderately drained soils with a light to medium texture; can tolerate low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass type is native to East Africa and was imported to California to help with erosion. Its aggressive growth makes it more resilient but makes many consider it a weed. It develops thatch easily.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis medium green grass creates dense lawns with a high drought and heat tolerance. It does well on the Southern California coast and the coastal valleys. Though St. Augustinegrass has a high shade tolerance for warm-season grass, it prefers full sun. It may go dormant in winter because of its low cold tolerance, but it depends on what part of Southern California you live in.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass requires moderate to high maintenance. Though it has few weed problems, it needs lots of fertilization. You also must dethatch regularly to improve grass health and make mowing easier. This grass isn’t the best choice for backyard sports enthusiasts, but it holds up well enough for general lawns. St. Augustinegrass seeds are not commercially available, so you need to establish the grass with sod or stolons.
\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 tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing 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; watch out for iron deficiency, fiery skippers, and Southern chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a dark green grass type that forms thick, prickly turf. It is well adapted to warm climates and has a good drought, heat, and traffic tolerance. This grass does best in full sun but tolerates shade. It can turn brown and dormant in winter if temperatures are cool enough, but fall fertilization can improve its winter color.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is generally low-maintenance, with few pest problems and low fertilizer needs. Overfertilization could lead to excessive thatch buildup and difficulty mowing. The biggest downside of Zoysiagrass is its slow establishment. Some varieties like “Emerald”and “DeAnza” establish quicker, but most homeowners install sod or sprigs instead to speed things up.
\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 tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall; watch out for nematodes
\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![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nDespite the name, this grass type is more dark green than blue. It creates dense turf that repairs itself when damaged. Despite this quick recovery time, it isn’t very traffic tolerant. This moderate to high-maintenance grass prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass will grow in Southern California in fall, winter, and spring in Southern California. However, it’s not a good choice if you want a summer superstar. It won’t grow in the heat and will likely go dormant in droughts. When stressed by heat, lack of water, or poor soil quality, it will be much more susceptible to diseases and weeds. Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with 15% perennial ryegrass, so it performs better.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nThe mild California winters are just right for this cool-season grass. While it does best in fall through spring, it will tolerate warm temperatures and heat stress. Its extensive root system gives it good drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Tall fescue is low maintenance, with little mowing required. It also has good weed and disease resistance.
\n\n\n\nThis medium to dark green grass is prevalent throughout the state but won’t do well in high-altitude areas. Though tall fescue has moderate traffic tolerance, it may struggle to recover from damage. Reseed any patchy areas since they won’t fill in naturally.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast rate of growth, so plan to mow often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side); do not mow less than 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wider range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\nSouthern California’s most drought-resistant grass types are bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and Zoysiagrass. If you would prefer cool-season grass, choose tall fescue.
Bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and Zoysiagrass are the best grass types for dog owners. They can handle the extra foot traffic and recover from damage. Keep in mind that no grass is completely dog-resistant.
Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue are available in seed form. They are all suitable for seeding new or existing lawns.
While Zoysiagrass seeds exist, their slow establishment rate makes sod more practical. St. Augustinegrass and kikuyugrass are not commercially available in seed form.
Yes. Kentucky bluegrass is frequently combined with ryegrass or tall fescue to improve performance. Some blends are specially formulated for the SoCal climate. For example, Marathon grass is a mixture of different tall fescue varieties.
You fight a losing battle when you ignore Mother Nature. If you embrace the California climate, your lawn and garden will thrive. Complement your new lawn and reduce your fire risk with drought-resistant landscaping and plants native to Southern California.
\n\n\n\nLawn care and landscaping are sweaty work, especially in sunny SoCal. If you need a hand, Wikilawn’s pros are here to help. We can connect you with landscapers and lawn care companies in Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, and many more Southern California cities.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Josh Lee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Southern California","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/1789c/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/107df/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/293e9/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/f2cbb/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/1789c/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/c26c2/lawn-in-southern-california-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/1dd6e/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/67b76/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/8df11/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/98a65/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/1dd6e/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4578caace32bf09da5eaf649611fe81c/3cc96/lawn-in-southern-california-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Southern California | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Do you need a lawn to beat the SoCal heat? The best grass types for Southern California will look good and thrive in the local climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"4e0d8cb2-9348-5c34-9621-9affb156fa88","slug":"best-ground-covers-yard","path":"/blog/landscaping/best-ground-covers-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Ground covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy. The mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, […]
\n","content":"\nGround covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy.
\n\n\n\nThe mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, is a huge fan of ground covers as a lawn replacement. “If you have children or pets who are likely to play in your yard, you can do a blended yard,” he says, adding, “Be mindful of both your average high temps and your low temps, and pick plants that can handle both.”
\n\n\n\nNow that you’re convinced, take a look at some of the best ground covers for sun or shade in all climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_SDqGc7dP9YS9F6Y3RkvK_8iO3lTYkZZZ5VNlOL6sedxdWXBAJa5RPVA6ZBfP4rVwgY6DGapir_ww-ob8xo6Y-QscKHAKscDBJmkf0xXfYAs_afx7MnbKteF8mUu2610okjWik-R\")
Bugleweed comes in dozens of varieties ranging from green to bronze, purple, and sometimes even variegated. This ornamental ground cover stands up to heavy foot traffic and is hardy to minus 40 degrees. It can thrive in full sun to part shade and presents blue-purple flowers from late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nThis fast-growing ground cover spends months producing white flowers and is hardy all the way down to -30 degrees. Candytuft is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s the perfect choice for sunny slopes and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial ground cover with chartreuse leaves is a favorite for its hardiness and attractive foliage. Creeping Jenny enjoys full sun but can tolerate part shade as long as the soil is moist. With a fountain-like growth pattern, she’s a favorite for raised flower beds and planters.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F60x8NcemcIl4tDxNhj0lfnrrohZY4EQxU2lPGir5Hb_PCrBjwPrOZw2HiuRcIgXVeOaLPzXSRaIFgAGjWeRHbVZd2I8gdtbWvHwnDXUd77Q_NEqsmUBPtUiBGpUhKG8um3oS6Xt\")
Deer resistant and cold hardy to minus 40 degrees, creeping phlox bursts into glorious bloom in spring. Best with full sun to part shade, this 6-inch-tall superstar performs well on slopes and retaining walls.
\n\n\n\nAdding stunning beauty to shaded areas, deadnettle has silvery, variegated leaves, and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. This deciduous plant offers cheerful pink flowers in late spring but dies back in winter. The only precaution to take when planting deadnettle is to make sure you’re not in an area where it’s considered invasive.
\n\n\n\nThe thyme family offers dozens of varieties of this hardy ground cover, most of which can handle temps down to minus 20 degrees. Only 3 inches tall, most varieties don’t attract deer or rabbits. Plant in full sun and enjoy a show of pink flowers in summer. and an herb for cooking all year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Uru5bSHYQ_Bl5BvRgE0FWNnd9AMwMkHYn0XKgx7l2u1wWpnJOdVJozdHyp6T2SnGnU0uzKdbxq3Nl6v9YfumhAAW6fQTy6uVa5KxuTvF1uE7gaJMbzVY0_l-N9BnstfGoPg-BENA\")
This succulent, evergreen thrives in warm climates and can’t tolerate foot traffic or temperatures below minus 10 degrees. But on sunny, well-drained slopes, it provides beautiful texture and neon-bright, flowers from mid-summer to early fall. For high-visibility blooms and solid erosion control, ice plants are hard to beat.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant evergreen prefers part to full shade and is hardy to minus 30 degrees. The glossy, dark green leaves create a 12-inch tall mat of foliage that produces spiky white blossoms in late spring.
\n\n\n\nThis grasslike ground cover, also known as lilyturf, thrives in sun and shade (but needs moist soil) and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. Both clumping and creeping varieties erupt into spikes of purple, white, or blue flowers in late summer. Liriope makes an attractive garden edging and is good for erosion control or under trees as a substitute for grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8vDsC_PoUx3TzLUQu3IfExcvkoDqrJ2fWxATHrfZ9J-lI7Ot8wzZLSGGw61FF8y-VwV4xgmwMme31AaupVrYyatVrhKgQUpp7RYDNltF1M9vPDKVdsdKK62C55AkEkDUd4dkF2Kz\")
One of the most popular evergreen ground covers, periwinkle, prefers moist soil in partly shaded areas. Hardy to minus 20 degrees, periwinkle is a vigorous, vining plant that may need to be cut back every so often to keep it under control.
\n\n\n\nWhether your goal is to cover the bare spots beneath trees or to fill the negative space in your flower beds, there’s a ground cover out there for the job. Choose wisely, and your groundcover will reward you for years to come.
\n\n\n\nTop image credit: “Ajuga reptans Chocolate Chip,” David J. Stang, CC by-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/107df/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/293e9/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f2cbb/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f605f/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/67b76/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/8df11/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/98a65/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/23e94/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"5d156f39-e1ee-5dcf-ab11-e18b7c16b391","slug":"best-grass-types-sacramento","path":"/lawn-care/ca/sacramento/best-grass-types-sacramento/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc0d7559-6ab0-5a1c-9b69-ba5afc1fb61f","name":"Sacramento","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/sacramento/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Sunny Sacramento is the perfect town for the outdoorsy type. You can enjoy its parks, rivers, and trails practically every day of the year. However, the dry, Mediterranean climate isn’t always friendly to lawns. Because of this, you need to choose a well-adapted grass type to give your turf the best chance. The best grass […]
\n","content":"\nSunny Sacramento is the perfect town for the outdoorsy type. You can enjoy its parks, rivers, and trails practically every day of the year. However, the dry, Mediterranean climate isn’t always friendly to lawns. Because of this, you need to choose a well-adapted grass type to give your turf the best chance.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Sacramento tolerate the summer heat and cool winters. Good news — you have lots of options. You can pick a grass based on drought hardiness, maintenance levels, color, shade tolerance, or foot traffic tolerance. No matter your priorities, one of these six grass types should meet your needs.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass species are categorized based on their seasonal growth patterns and preferred climates. Warm-season grasses thrive in the southern U.S., while cool-season grasses do best in the northern U.S.
\n\n\n\nBut where is that line drawn? Sacramento falls in the transition zone, which means both warm-season and cool-season grass types can survive. You must consider each category’s general characteristics to know which will work best for you.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nWith a gray-green color and a medium to coarse texture, Bermudagrass is well-adapted to California’s climate. It loves full sun and high temperatures and holds up well during drought. Bermudagrass bounces back quite well from foot traffic and diseases while actively growing. It also has a good salt tolerance — despite not being directly next to the ocean, some parts of the Central Valley do deal with salinity issues.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is quick-growing, so it needs frequent mowing. While this aggressive growth can help it outcompete weeds, it could spread into your garden bed or any viable ground nearby. Homeowners interested in this variety should edge their lawns with rocks, gravel, bricks, or plastic to prevent unwanted spread.
\n\n\n\nThough this grass type loves the heat, it doesn’t do well with cold temperatures or shade. It may turn brown in the winter as Sacramento temperatures drop into the 50s and 40s. Bermudagrass lawns also will be more susceptible to traffic damage during this time.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease resistance, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects; keep an eye out for problems like Bermudagrass mites, dichondra flea beetles, fiery skippers, and spring dead spot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns. It has a decent salt tolerance.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThis fine-textured, grayish-green grass is best known for gracing the central plains. However, UC Davis and UC Riverside researchers developed a California cultivar called UC Verde buffalograss. This cultivar is especially drought and heat tolerant.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is low-maintenance with little water, fertilizer, and mowing needed. These qualities make it suitable for busy homeowners or those less passionate about lawn care. Though drought resistant, it may turn brown if not watered in the summer. Not to worry, though — it will recover well from drought once it has something to drink.
\n\n\n\nOne unappealing quality of buffalograss is its long winter dormancy. Though most cultivars survive cold weather, they will be brown all winter. It also doesn’t tolerate shade well. The seeds and sod can be expensive compared to other grass types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed; UC Verde doesn’t grow taller than 4-6 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers soils that aren’t sandy
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Buffalograss often turns brown in winter. Because of its few flowerheads, it produces little pollen and seeds, making it suitable for those with allergies.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St.-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
St. Augustinegrass has a medium green color and broad leaf blades. It’s salt tolerant, water-efficient, and has few pest problems. Though it prefers full sun, it tolerates shade better than most warm-season grasses. St. Augustinegrass does well in general lawns but doesn’t handle high foot traffic well — that means no backyard sports games if you want to keep it healthy.
\n\n\n\nThis grass’ dense growth pattern helps it outcompete weeds. However, it does produce a lot of thatch (a buildup of plant debris above the soil) that could make it difficult to mow. Dethatch your lawn in late spring if the thatch depth exceeds ½ inch. It’s also crucial to keep up with mowing. If you try to cut off more than ⅓ of the height in a single mow, the grass will suffer from scalping damage.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass has poor cold tolerance, with an active growth period between March and October. Its growth will slow down in spring and fall, going dormant in late autumn. There are no commercially available seeds for this grass type, so you must establish with sod or bushels of stolons.
\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 tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in the shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; keep an eye out for fiery skippers, southern chinch bugs, and iron deficiency
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during late autumn or winter
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kentucky_Blue_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather do the bulk of your lawn care in mild spring and fall, consider a cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass. It has a medium texture, dark green color, and dense growth pattern. The rhizomes can repair worn areas, allowing the grass to recover quickly from most damage. It prefers full sun but tolerates some shade.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass isn’t the best choice if you want a green lawn in summer. It doesn’t handle hot temperatures well and is only moderately drought-tolerant. In the summer, it may need water as often as every one to three days. When stressed by heat, drought, or poor-quality soil, Kentucky bluegrass will be more susceptible to weeds and diseases. Mow high in summer to improve its performance.
\n\n\n\nDespite its slow growth in summer, Kentucky bluegrass can grow throughout fall, winter, and spring. It’s often mixed with perennial ryegrass (at least 15%) to improve its color and performance year-round.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; it’s susceptible to most diseases and insects.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained and fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as perennial ryegrass, in home lawns
\n\n\n\nPerennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Do you need traffic-tolerant cool-season grass? Rich green, fine-textured perennial ryegrass has the highest wear tolerance of all the cool-season grass types. Establish with seed or sod. It is frequently mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to improve traffic and disease tolerance.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has a high cold tolerance, so you can expect it to stay green from February to June and October to December. This grass does exceptionally well in mild temperatures. Though it can tolerate a little shade, it prefers full sun. It doesn’t handle heat and drought well, so it may go dormant in summer.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has a competitive growth pattern. Its fast emergence allows it to outcompete weeds. However, it also may outcompete other turfgrasses in mixed lawns, particularly warm-season varieties. If you overseed your warm-season lawn with perennial ryegrass, mow low and frequently to help encourage the warm-season grass to return.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low (may go dormant in summer)
\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\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). It needs moderate levels of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis medium to dark green grass is one of California’s most common lawn grasses. It does well in sunny or partially shady areas, with one of the best shade tolerances on this list. Tall fescue tolerates warm temperatures and cool winters well. It has good drought tolerance for cool-season grass and can handle moderate traffic.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is generally low-maintenance. It needs infrequent mowing and generally does well mowed high. If you mow too low, it could become thin and patchy.
\n\n\n\nDense tall fescue lawns have a uniform, coarse-textured appearance, though some varieties have finer textures and shorter heights. This density helps the turf have good weed and disease resistance. However, its bunch-type growing pattern means it may develop thin patches. Reseed to fix these spots. You can establish tall fescue lawns with seed or sod.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast growth rate, so plan to mow more often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches, depending on the cultivar
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils but tolerates a broader range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhether your priority is drought resistance or a green lawn in summer, bermudagrass and UC Verde buffalograss are your best options. Buffalograss may turn brown during summer droughts, but it will still survive.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses do best when planted between mid-April and mid-May. You can plant cool-season grasses between March and April, but they also establish well in September and October. Spring is a good establishment time for all grass types, but the peak times vary by species. Here are the best times to plant each Sacramento grass type:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Best Season to Plant |
| Bermudagrass | Late spring to early summer |
| Buffalograss | Late spring to early summer |
| St. Augustinegrass | Spring to early fall |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Fall or spring |
| Perennial ryegrass | Fall or spring |
| Tall fescue | Fall or spring |
Like most lawn maintenance, it depends on whether it’s warm-season or cool-season. Grasses best utilize the nutrients in fertilizer when they’re actively growing. Using it too early or late could cause a growth spurt at the wrong time and make your grass more vulnerable to environmental factors like hot or cold weather. Here are the best months based on the grass type:
\n\n\n\nWarm-Season Grass: May, June, September, October
\n\n\n\nCool-Season Grass: March, May, September, October
\n\n\n\nAfter you choose a grass type, you’ll need to plant and care for it. New grass needs frequent watering while establishing, which means more work for you. Reseeding an existing lawn may be simple enough for a weekend project. However, planting a brand new lawn or replacing an old one can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not experienced in lawn care.
Would you rather spend your spring at the Sacramento Baconfest? Let a local lawn care professional do the work for you. Their expertise will ensure your new lawn is established correctly so it’ll be in tip-top shape before you know it.
Main Image Credit: Barr House Sacramento / Ingawh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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\n","content":"\nWhen you live in the Garden State, you want a lawn worthy of the title. Achieving a beautiful lawn starts with choosing a grass type that thrives in New Jersey’s temperate climate and also suits your personal preferences.
\n\n\n\nNot every grass is ideal for your lifestyle, after all. Whether you’re looking for something that tolerates the high foot traffic of Sunday afternoon flag-football games or one that doesn’t require frequent mowing, there is a grass that suits your needs.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTurfgrasses are classified as either cool-season or warm-season grasses, and it’s essential to understand the difference between them and ensure you’re planting the right type for your climate.
\n\n\n\nIn the Northern United States, most lawns are cool-season grasses that are adapted to colder temperatures. They start growing when temperatures are just above freezing (40 to 42°F) in early to mid-spring and stay green well into October or November, when they go dormant to survive being buried under snow.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow best in the spring and late fall when soil and air temperatures are 65 to 75°F. Since they have adapted to survive below-zero climates, they aren’t as adapted to hot summers. They do well when temperatures are milder in July and August but need more water when it’s hot to stay green.
\n\n\n\nCommon cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nNew Jersey’s climate is characterized by cold winters and warm, humid summers. Because of this, cool-season grasses thrive in New Jersey’s climate.
\n\n\n\nWith that background, here are the best grasses for New Jersey.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Lindsey at Ecology of Commanster / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue stands out for its ability to handle shade and dry soil. It comes in many varieties, such as creeping red, hard, and sheep. It’s also popular in turfgrass mixes.
\n\n\n\nFans love the soft, fine texture of the narrow leaves on Chewings fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and strong creeping red fescue. Fine fescues also have excellent shade tolerance, hold up to moderate foot traffic, and tolerate low soil fertility. In short, they are pretty durable.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass (except creeping red fescue, which may produce rhizomes)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is popular here due to its beauty and versatility. It adapts to many different soils and forms a thick green turf that self-repairs when damaged.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass tolerates partial shade, but it does best in full sun. The seed is slower to germinate and establish than some other grasses, but because it spreads by underground stems known as rhizomes, it holds up well and recovers quickly from foot traffic. Bare spots from kids or pets also fill in quickly.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll usually find Kentucky bluegrass in a seed mix with fine fescues and perennial ryegrass. Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to diseases, pests, and thatch, so mixing it with other grasses lessens the damage.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low; may go brown (dormant) during the summer without supplemental watering, but its rhizomes allow it to green up quickly once it rains and cooler temperatures return.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass germinates quickly and acts as a nurse grass (a grass that protects other grasses) for slower-growing grasses. While it grows, perennial ryegrass covers the soil and prevents erosion.
\n\n\n\nBecause they can withstand cold temperatures, perennial ryegrass is grown for pasture and home lawns. It withstands foot traffic well, but is prone to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall Fescue is a good choice for school grounds, sports fields, and parks in New Jersey. It’s commonly mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to allow the turf to spread sideways. Additionally, if you want a low maintenance lawn, tall fescue is what you want.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue grows quickly, tolerates heat and drought, and grows quickly from seeds. It’s also immune to diseases that infect other turfgrasses.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow often, fertilize appropriately
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches; higher is better (allows for deeper roots)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is the most common warm-season grass in New Jersey. It grows well during the hot summer months and grows thickly, making weeds less of a problem. It also doesn’t need as much water compared to cool-season turfgrasses.
\n\n\n\nHowever, avoid Zoysiagrass if you have a shady lawn, as it doesn’t like shade. Additionally, because it grows thickly, you’ll need to mow it regularly in summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nAll grasses require some maintenance, but fine fescue and Zoysiagrass need the least.
Fine fescue tolerates shade the best, but perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass handle shade decently.
Zoysiagrass and fine fescue handle sunlight the best.
Zoysiagrass and perennial ryegrass are the best choices if you have many feet running around the yard.
Whether you want to enhance your lawn or need help picking the right grass seed, contact Wikilawn’s lawn care pros. They don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Wood Lawn in New Brunswick / Zeete / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Seed for a Beautiful New Jersey Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/1789c/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg","srcSet":"/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/107df/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 320w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/293e9/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 500w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/f2cbb/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 800w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/1789c/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 960w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/c26c2/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/1dd6e/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/67b76/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 320w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/8df11/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 500w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/98a65/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 800w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/1dd6e/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 960w,\n/static/899061fa985f7683dbf768e0cb6f88bd/3cc96/Wood-Lawn-New-Brunswick-NJ.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Seed for a Beautiful New Jersey Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Achieving a beautiful lawn starts with choosing a grass seed that suits New Jersey’s climate and your personal preferences"}}},{"node":{"id":"ece6526a-2ceb-5fdd-a7ce-fc25948bd066","slug":"best-push-lawn-mowers","path":"/lawn-care/best-push-lawn-mowers/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 28th, 2019","excerpt":"If you care about the state of your lawn, you’ve never had more options to find the right tool for the job. However, “cheaping out” and buying a clunker can hurt your wallet and leave your lawn looking worse than it was before. When it comes to push lawn mowers, there are several mower varieties […]
\n","content":"\nIf you care about the state of your lawn, you’ve never had more options to find the right tool for the job. However, “cheaping out” and buying a clunker can hurt your wallet and leave your lawn looking worse than it was before.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to push lawn mowers, there are several mower varieties to choose from, each with their respective benefits and disadvantages. For this article, we got our hands-on countless push lawn mower models to help you find the best product to keep your lawn looking crisp and clean. Read on to learn about our top picks and how you can avoid picking up a dud.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/great-states-push-mower.jpg\")
This classic manual push mower from Great States has five rotating blades of various lengths between 14 and 18 inches to help you keep your lawn looking pristine while also saving money and the environment. For narrow lawns and hard-to-reach corners, the 14” cutting width of this mower is ideal, affording it easy maneuverability and lightweight frame.
\n\n\n\nA T-style handle with a padded grip makes this push mower a great choice for those who are tired of pushing uncomfortable, non-ergonomic mowers.
\n\n\n\nPlus, low-sitting 8.5” composite wheels make this lawn mower able to cut between 1 and 1-¾” grass height for a low, clean cut. This alloy steel build comes at a low cost to provide maximum value with little upkeep.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Precise 1″ cutting height
✓ Five blades for smooth rotations
✓ Ergonomic handle for comfortable pushing
✓ Low 8.5″ composite wheels for a crisp cut
Cons:
✗ May require two passes for a perfect cut
![\"BLACK+DECKER](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rsz_mm2000.jpg\")
This corded electric lawn mower from the renowned BLACK+DECKER punches through thick overgrowth with a powerful 13-amp motor. The 20-inch cutting deck is especially wide for a corded electric model, letting you mow your whole lawn with fewer passes.
\n\n\n\nPlus, the EdgeMax deck design lets you cut grass right up against curbing, fencing, and other obstacles. With the MM2000, you won’t need a separate edger for the borders of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSeven adjustable cutting height options make this mower perfect for different areas of your lawn and different grass types. Using a lever, you can easily adjust the deck between 1.5 and 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Seven cutting height settings
✓ Wide 20″ cutting path
✓ 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge
✓ EdgeMax deck design for close-to-edge cutting
✓ Folds for compact storage
Cons:
✗ On the heavier side of electric mowers at 46.2 pounds
✗ Must stay plugged in during use
![\"PowerSmart](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rsz_powersmart.jpg\")
This gas lawn mower features a powerful 170cc OHV 4-stroke engine that easily propels the mower through the thickest, tallest grass. The durable steel cutting deck is 21 inches wide, so you can clear large areas quickly.
\n\n\n\nAnother great feature is the 2-in-1 mulching and discharging capability that lets you return helpful nutrients to your lawn as you mow it. With five different cutting height settings between 1.18 and 3.05 inches, the PowerSmart D8621CR will work for multiple grass types.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Powerful 170cc engine
✓ Durable steel 21″ cutting path
✓ 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
✓ Five cutting height settings
✓ 2-in-1 side discharge and mulching
Cons:
✗ Weighs more than 50 pounds
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/worx-mower-blower.jpg\")
If you need a reliable all-in-one solution for your lawn care needs, you can’t go wrong with investing in the powerful dual-battery 20V WORX WG958. This electric lawn mower also comes with an electric leaf blower to ensure your lawn is looking its best all year long. With patented Intellicut technology, this mower provides premium torque to cut through the toughest terrain.
\n\n\n\nWith cutting paths ranging from 14 to 20 inches, this small yet powerful push lawn mower will save you time by cutting a wide path through your lawn. Plus, there’s a built-in removable discharge bag so you can dump your shavings without having to worry about having your lawn littered with clippings and ugly shavings.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Dual 20V 4.0Ah lithium ion batteries for long run time
✓ Cordless leaf blower included
✓ Compatible with WORX Power Share batteries
✓ Intellicut technology preserves battery during standby time
✓ 2-in-1 rear discharge for easy cleaning and maintenance
✓ Adjustable cutting height
Cons:
✗ 33.5-pound design slightly heavy for an electric mower
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/sun-joe-mower.jpg\")
For a truly unique mowing experience, consider choosing the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO, which packs a small but mighty 13A electric motor. Contained within an aerodynamic green frame, this mower contains a 10.6-gallon discharge bag and chute so your lawn can receive the vital nutrients it needs for the clippings and shavings.
\n\n\n\nThe pro version of this mower comes with a fast rear discharge chute and a fully adjustable cutting height mechanism. Stainless steel blades ensure precise cuts, and in our experience, we never had to double back and redo a cut thanks to a wide 14-inch mowing path. In one charge, this electric mower can easily service a lawn up to 200 sq. ft. in size.
\n\n\n\nPros:
✓ Power of gas machine with convenience of electric
✓ 3,500 RPM steel blade
✓ Large 10.6 gallon catch bag for easy cleanup
✓ Lightweight 29-pound construction
✓ ETL-approved with 2-year limited warranty
Cons:
✗ Broken washers require a full wheel replacement kit
We always go the extra mile to ensure our readers get the most out of the products they buy. That’s why we always test the products we review multiple times. This way, our readers can purchase with confidence knowing they got the best value out of their lawn care product.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, there are many factors that go into finding a reliable push lawn mower. However, our expert analysis considers every relevant factor, including durability, manufacturer’s warranty, blade construction, battery time, storage capacity, and mowing path width.
\n\n\n\nOur holistic review approach covers all aspects of the product so our readers can make a choice that satisfies their lawn’s unique needs.
\n\n\n\nThis guide will cover all angles of push mowers to help readers find the best lawn care solution for their unique needs.
\n\n\n\nThere are three main types of push lawn mowers. Below, we’ll touch on all three varieties and their respective benefits and capabilities.
\n\n\n\nNothing beats the power and torque from a gas-powered push lawn mower. Although they offer maximum performance, buyers should beware that these power mowers are often the most expensive. Not only do they come with the highest price tag, but they are costly to maintain and replace, and gas isn’t cheap these days either.
\n\n\n\nSpeedy and efficient electric lawn mowers are becoming the new norm thanks to cost and environmental concerns. These power mowers plug in overnight and usually provide enough output to cover large lawns without having to recharge. However, over time their ability to hold a charge gradually degrades.
\n\n\n\nPush mowers without motors provide the best long-term bang for your buck thanks to their low upkeep costs. They don’t require gas, electricity, or oil, but they might wear out your arms if you purchase a heavier unit and have a large lawn (100 sq. feet or above).
\n\n\n\nTo find the best push lawn mower, you need to consider four main factors beyond the price tag. Below, we’ve listed what these are and why they’re important.
\n\n\n\nNo matter what type of mower you buy, you should look for a lightweight unit. Ideally, a push mower under 45 lbs. will ensure that you can mow large lawns without your arms and shoulders getting fatigued. Lighter units also allow for easier storage.
\n\n\n\nMake sure that your mower can round corners with ease and get into tight crevices and spaces without having to resort to an external trimmer.
\n\n\n\nPay close attention to the cutting height of the mower. If the cutting height is above 2 inches, you may find that your lawn looks untouched even after a fresh mow. Ideally, find a push mower with adjustable cutting height.
\n\n\n\nMotorized push mowers need to run for at least an hour or two, especially for large lawn maintenance. If you’re considering a gas or electric mower, ensure that it has a long run time of multiple hours on a single tank of gas or battery charge.
\n\n\n\nThe hard truth is that you can’t simply glance at the price tag of a mower to find out which one’s the best for you. Instead, you need to take a deep dive into the model’s specifications to see if it has what it takes to satisfy your lawn’s needs. In this article, we’ve listed our top five picks that will handle most lawn care jobs with ease.
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"Here Are the Best Push Lawn Mowers of 2021","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4990619136960601,"src":"/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/86a97/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/107df/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.jpg 320w,\n/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/293e9/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/86a97/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.jpg 799w","srcWebp":"/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/db080/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/67b76/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.webp 320w,\n/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/8df11/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.webp 500w,\n/static/f3608b7e06c889a2ff30c77db19ba3fa/db080/34845481540_15893d28a3_c.webp 799w","sizes":"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Here Are the Best Push Lawn Mowers of 2021 | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"42eb9988-76ad-5bf5-92e0-e7cfe74f9499","slug":"how-to-avoid-fertilizer-burn-on-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-avoid-fertilizer-burn-on-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 18th, 2019","excerpt":"Feeling the burn might good during a workout, but you don’t want to feel — or see — the burn after fertilizing your lawn. Have you noticed yellow or brown patches several days after applying fertilizer to your otherwise healthy lawn? If so, you may have fertilizer burn. Read on to learn how to avoid […]
\n","content":"\nFeeling the burn might good during a workout, but you don’t want to feel — or see — the burn after fertilizing your lawn. Have you noticed yellow or brown patches several days after applying fertilizer to your otherwise healthy lawn? If so, you may have fertilizer burn. Read on to learn how to avoid this grass-killing phenomenon. If it’s too late for that, we’ve also got some pointers on how to repair the damage.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/oHEDSbogc2NxXqQCp02OD91iiXr9qnXOT_nkGSptjZyfagnlD5K-H5YTzSMtj0ug1L0K-RTtYqrz9tvO6AiGzcne9kefyMx02Ns1NhORzjDWU6-0iRx28mCzqEQsqVx5bQJGud8z\")
So what exactly is fertilizer burn? It’s what can happen to your lawn or garden when you over-fertilize. It can also occur when you apply fertilizer to wet grass or plants. Your previously green foliage will look scorched: It will turn yellow, then brown. This can happen within a day or two, or it can take several weeks with a slow-release fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThe Michigan State University Extension office offers this advice: “Look for turf fertilizers that have at least a portion, 25 percent or more, of their nitrogen in the form of slow-release N [nitrogen].” Organic lawn fertilizer is another good choice. It doesn’t contain synthetic chemicals, so it’s less likely to burn your lawn.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer burn happens because fertilizers contain salts that can draw moisture away from grass and plants, causing them to dry out and turn brown. This damage can show up in stripes from overlapping spreader rows, or in larger patches on your lawn. Oregon State University’s Extension department suggests that you “water long enough to wash granules off foliage or until granules completely dissolve.”
\n\n\n\nUse our guide on When and How to Fertilize Your Lawn correctly to learn how to apply the right fertilizer in the right amount at the right time. Done correctly, fertilization will help your grass, not burn it.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/L5pKl8tml0A1jNeo5nzQHySSkvpYUGTNbtiAl6TsfdTmqYH--DRuaEakgjCZY7TP0w_ompKBihxNtPmUJ60jGlMxYD33PrvOa7HNZtNbzZ4z4NIa-zel5MvxxTFfI_ItxMcI2eRe\")
Your lawn can recover from fertilizer burn. If the damage is limited to the leaves or blades, but the roots are OK, you can fix it easily. If the roots are damaged, it’ll take more effort.
\n\n\n\nYour first step is to check the roots as soon as you notice any yellow or brown spots. Check the roots in more than one spot. If the roots are healthy and not dried out, you’ll need only to water the grass to dilute and remove excess fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how much damage you have, you’ll need to water, water, and water the affected areas. When you’re done with that, you’ll need to water some more. Water helps carry the fertilizer salts into the soil and dilutes their concentration. Give the damaged areas at least an inch of water a day for a week or more. Remember to water in the morning so the water has time to evaporate off the grass blades. This will prevent the additional problem of fungal disease. Using sprinklers will help you evenly distribute the water. Watering unaffected areas will help the fertilizer salts leach through the soil throughout the yard, rather than keeping them concentrated in one area.
\n\n\n\nYou should start to see new growth by the end of the first week, or a few days after that. If not, you’ve probably got root damage. Check the roots in the affected areas again. If the roots are shriveled and brown after a week of watering, they’re past the point of saving. You’ll need to reseed or re-sod those areas. Don’t start this process before you’ve watered, because you need to flush the minerals out of the soil. Otherwise, you’ll have the same problem with your replanting.
\n\n\n\nAfter correcting the burn, preventing it from happening again is a matter of basic lawn care. Following these tips can help keep your lawn looking green and healthy without unsightly signs of fertilizer burn. Applying fertilizer correctly will let it do its job of nourishing your lawn, rather than damaging it.
\n\n\n\nImmediate-release fertilizers, liquid fertilizers, and synthetic fertilizers are most likely to burn your grass. To reduce the risk of fertilizer burn, choose a slow-release, granular, organic lawn fertilizer. Learn more in our article How to Choose Lawn Fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYes, applying fertilizer at the wrong time of year can cause fertilizer burn. Never fertilize when your grass is dormant or when it’s under stress from drought, extreme heat, lawn disease, or pests. To find out the best time to fertilize your lawn depending on your grass type, check out our recommended lawn fertilizer schedule.
\n\n\n\nSince fertilizer burn is caused by too much nitrogen in the soil, grass types with low nitrogen needs are the easiest to burn. Fine fescues, centipedegrass, and Bahiagrass can get by with very little nitrogen and therefore are easy to overfertilize. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, on the other hand, need much more nitrogen than other grass types and may be harder to burn.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Sten Porse, CC by-SA 3.0
\n","title":"How to Avoid Fertilizer Burn on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/1789c/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/107df/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/293e9/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/f2cbb/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/1789c/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/c26c2/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/1dd6e/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/67b76/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/8df11/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/98a65/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/1dd6e/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/3cc96/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Avoid Fertilizer Burn on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"7c4701f2-060d-5b49-b30a-f16f08c4bc1e","slug":"best-grass-types-columbia","path":"/lawn-care/sc/columbia/best-grass-types-columbia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"fdf0bc73-027b-53cd-9759-0a8e363ba959","name":"Columbia","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/columbia/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"1ea697f8-5b42-5431-b368-7296faebead2","name":"South Carolina","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/sc/"}],"date":"April 4th, 2023","excerpt":"One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, our Columbia climate happens to be conducive to green, thick, lush landscapes. This creates a great opportunity for those trying to build a lawn here. Still, some grass types fare better than others here. If you’re trying to breathe new life into a withering lawn or […]
\n","content":"\nOne of the most biodiverse places on the planet, our Columbia climate happens to be conducive to green, thick, lush landscapes. This creates a great opportunity for those trying to build a lawn here. Still, some grass types fare better than others here.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re trying to breathe new life into a withering lawn or just repairing tired patches, try inviting one of these grass types into your yard.
\n\n\n\nGenerally, South Carolina lawns favor warm-season grasses but a few cool-season grasses also manage to thrive here. Let’s take a more detailed look at your options so you can pick the right grass seed for your Columbia lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are hardy and grow best in summers. Planting them in your South Carolina lawn means having a naturally lush, green lawn from late spring to early fall – the growing season for warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nBut once the temperature drops, you’ll have to work hard on your warm-season lawn to help it survive the cold. Here’s everything you need to know about the four most appropriate warm-season grasses for your Columbia landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a resilient, dense, warm-season turf that will keep your lawn green throughout the year. It develops a dark green color in summer that pales as the winter approaches.
\n\n\n\nDespite being a warm-season grass, Zoysiagrass stands up pretty well against the South Carolina cold. It can also withstand an impressive amount of foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for households with kids, pets, and lots of visitors.
\n\n\n\nAs a bonus, Zoysiagrass requires little maintenance. Your Zoysiagrass turf will be the first to turn green in spring and last to go brown in the fall, giving you a lush lawn most of the year. Fully established turf turns thick and dense, leaving no room for weeds to gain a foothold.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass covers most of our sports fields, golf courses, play areas, and other high-traffic sites. Owing to its fast-growing habit and tough nature, it’s a popular grass type for Columbia lawns too.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is tolerant to drought, heat, salt, and a wide range of soil pHs. It spreads by underground rhizomes and stolons and develops into a dense, thick, and green lawn. The density of grass blades also crowds out weeds naturally, while the quick growth rate makes sure recovery from foot traffic and wear is negligible.
\n\n\n\nThis grass requires full, bright sun, so make sure your yard gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day if you’re considering Bermudagrass. Plus, the dense Bermudagrass turf also needs regular dethatching.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis grass type is perfect for those looking for low-maintenance grass. But there’s a tradeoff: Centipedegrass doesn’t tolerate foot traffic real well.
\n\n\n\nIt spreads by stolons and grows slowly, so it might even take years to establish from seed. Centipedegrass lawns are typically yellow-green, which might tempt homeowners and gardeners to apply nitrogen fertilizer to bring about a richer green. Don’t. Over-fertilization will only increase the need for grass maintenance, spur thatch, and reduce cold tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a green garden during the winter, centipedegrass might not be suitable for you. This grass type doesn’t generally do well with overseeding and cold weather. But centipede lawns are fairly drought tolerant, accept shade, and won’t cause grass tunneling in flower beds due to their stolon growth.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a coarse-textured grass that develops a broad-leafed, thick turf. It creates a cushioned, dense lawn from plugs and sod. St. Augustinegrass seeds are not available commercially since it doesn’t produce enough viable seeds, so it might be hard to find St. Augustine seeds at your local gardening store.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass tolerates salt and withstands shade better than most other warm-season turf grasses. It can also tolerate extreme heat and grow in various types of soil, as long as it is well-drained. But it’s the least cold-tolerant of all warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive in areas where winters are long and summers are shorter. Columbia weather doesn’t favor every cool-season turf type, only a few manage to survive. They’re built to grow in shaded areas and withstand the cold weather without freezing.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at three cool-season grasses that you can plant in your Columbia lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis cool-season grass is a drought-resistant, durable turf that doesn’t need strict maintenance. It will survive on low fertilization and in poor soil conditions, too. Plus, it’s hardy enough to withstand lots of outdoor activity.
\n\n\n\nIt will be a great addition to your Columbia lawn since it maintains its medium to dark green color from early spring till late fall. Generally, tall fescue resists disease and insects but might fall prey to them if over-fertilized or over-watered.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a popular choice across the U.S. due to its picture-perfect deep-green appearance. It’s a fine-textured, dense grass that withstands cold winters pretty well. Colors may vary from blue-green to emerald depending on the type you choose.
\n\n\n\nBut all this comes at a price: Kentucky bluegrass is very high maintenance. This grass type requires more fertilizer, herbicide, and water than any other cool-season grass. In addition to being pleasing to the eyes, Kentucky bluegrass is also easy on the feet. However, too much foot traffic will cause damage to the turf.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis grass type can be planted as a single-grass lawn (monostand) or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to enhance its disease- and traffic resistance. It’s a popular choice for many homeowners because it has the ability to suppress weeds, germinate quickly, and retain a lovely green color in winter.
\n\n\n\nIts tapered blades give a tufted, shiny appearance and have a pale green hue. Its fine-textured blades need regular maintenance to give it a kept look. Perennial ryegrass can bear considerable foot traffic but it doesn’t self-repair and needs reseeding to recover.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a popular, low-maintenance grass type that won’t ask for much. It tolerates foot traffic, is drought-resistant, and does not require a lot of fertilizing and water.
Centipedegrass is one of the most popular grasses in South Carolina because of its ability to create thick, lush lawns with minimal maintenance. It’s well-adapted to the soil type and climate of this region and has developed a lighter color and medium texture to it.
Bermudagrass is the fastest-growing grass seed with a germinating time of as little as just 10 days.
Trying to build or maintain a healthy lawn in Columbia can be challenging, but it’s quite much easier if you choose the appropriate grass type for our climate.
\n\n\n\nIt’s safe to say that Zoysiagrass is the best pick for your Columbia lawn. It has the ability to thrive through varying weather conditions and is great in sun as well as shade. For cool-season turf, Kentucky bluegrass and Tall fescue are some great options.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re confused or want someone to help you set the lawn up, call one of our lawn care pros for help and advice.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: University of South Carolina Horseshoe / Dfscgt21 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Columbia, South Carolina","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.643835616438356,"src":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1789c/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg","srcSet":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/107df/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 320w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/293e9/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 500w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/f2cbb/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 800w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1789c/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 960w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/c26c2/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1dd6e/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/67b76/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 320w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/8df11/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 500w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/98a65/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 800w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/1dd6e/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 960w,\n/static/12490fd3a73545f6ead54b703a37f607/3cc96/University-of-South-Carolina-Horseshoe.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Columbia, South Carolina","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of looking at your grim and sad lawn? Worry not, fill it with one of the 7 best grass types for Columbia and enjoy a thick, healthy lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"8cd2fbfb-cdf3-5927-9a97-6f870a0a6439","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Living on the Gulf Coast has nice benefits, like being able to visit the beach anytime you feel like it for a fun day of swimming and building sandcastles. The only problem is that living near the ocean leaves homes vulnerable to hurricane damage from flooding and high winds. You can never have a 100% […]
\n","content":"\nLiving on the Gulf Coast has nice benefits, like being able to visit the beach anytime you feel like it for a fun day of swimming and building sandcastles. The only problem is that living near the ocean leaves homes vulnerable to hurricane damage from flooding and high winds.
\n\n\n\nYou can never have a 100% guarantee that your home will not suffer storm damage, but there are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Tampa that will help protect your property.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa
\n\n\n\nProtect Your Tampa Home Before a Hurricane Strikes
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"group](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wind-tolerant-trees.jpg\")
Photo Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to a hurricane-resistant landscape, it’s best to go native. For your landscaping, pick Floridia-friendly plants that are acclimated to the local climate and weather.
\n\n\n\nHurricane-resistant trees with sturdy trunks and deep-reaching roots are usually the best kind of trees to stand up to strong winds. If you have trees in your Tampa yard, they should be reliable, wind-resistant trees such as:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nCost: Hiring a professional to plant a new tree costs about $150 to $1,850, depending on the size, age, and type of tree. A DIY job will cost less, though you will have to pay for the equipment needed for the job.
\n\n\n\n“Location, location, location” is the motto when it comes to strategic real estate investments, but the principle applies to landscaping trees, as well. Picking the right spot to plant your tree isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about picking the safest and most practical location for your tree.
\n\n\n\nDon’t plant a tree right next to your house. If a tree topples over in a storm, it might fall on top of your home and cause severe damage.
\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to planting trees near power lines. A falling tree might knock over power lines and create a dangerous electric hazard. Avoid this kind of crisis by planting trees a safe distance away from power lines. If your tree grows to over 20 feet tall at maturity, then it needs to be planted at least 20 feet away from power lines.
\n\n\n\nRegularly inspect your trees for damage or illness, and remove any dead or dying trees, especially if they are near your home.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of keeping trees away from structures:
\n\n\n\nCost: The size of a tree determines the size of the job, but generally transplanting a tree costs $229 to $5,440.. Tree removal prices range from $223 to $2,089.
\n\n\n\nThere’s safety in numbers, and when trees are clustered close together, they are more wind-resistant and less likely to topple over in hurricane-force winds. Generally it’s recommended to plant trees in groups of five or more.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also better to have a mixture of different types of trees rather than planting a group of the same type of tree in the same cluster.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of grouping trees:
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree prices range from $150 to $1,850, so budget accordingly for how many trees you need. Don’t forget to consider additional logistical costs, such as the extra trips it will take to transport multiple new trees from the store to your backyard.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trim-Trees.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTake care of your trees and they will take care of you. Trees are a great source of shade, natural beauty, and, depending on the type, delicious fruit. Without proper care and regular pruning, trees aren’t as resistant and durable in a storm. Keeping your trees regularly pruned helps prevent them from being tossed around in fierce hurricane winds. When it comes to pruning, look out for the three D’s: Diseased, damaged, and dead trees.
\n\n\n\nWhen pruning, remember to thin the crowns of your trees. If the crown of a tree is too dense, rough winds can uproot the tree by pulling it right out of the ground.
\n\n\n\nShrubs aren’t as catastrophically destructive as trees, but loose branches from shrubs still cause plenty of problems on their own. Loose branches become dangerous projectiles in high speed winds or cause drainage blockage problems.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of tree and shrub trimming:
\n\n\n\nCost: To get a professional to trim your tree, you are looking at $315 to $700. A hedge trimming costs approximately $57 per hour, trimming a bush costs roughly $9, and tree trimming is often priced around $428 per tree. If you prefer to save money, you can trim your vegetation yourself.
\n\n\n\nThere’s such a thing as too much of a good thing, and you might be giving your trees too much water. If you overwater trees, the roots will stay shallow because they don’t have any need to delve deeper into the soil in search of water when water is readily available near the surface.
\n\n\n\nTrees with a shallow root system are more prone to getting uprooted when fierce storms and damaging winds blow through.
\n\n\n\nTo help your tree develop deeper roots, water it less frequently. If the soil around your tree is still moist, wait a week or so until it dries out. Then when the ground by the tree roots is dry, you can water your tree again. When you do water, give your tree a good, long drink. Trees need a thorough watering every so often to ensure that they continue to grow roots deeper into the ground.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of not overwatering:
\n\n\n\nCost: This will actually be a cost-saving measure. If you water less frequently, you will be saving on your monthly water bill.
\n\n\n\n![\"Ilex](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/31953982266_8871446f01_c-1.jpg\")
American Holly
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Hurricanes are tumultuous tempests that cause wild waves that send salty sea spray flying everywhere. Sometimes gusty winds blow salty seawater right into your yard.
\n\n\n\nTo help your landscaping plants survive a storm, choose tough, salt-tolerant plants such as the ones listed below:
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nIf a plant is not salt tolerant, salt will dry out the plant’s roots. This will hinder the plant from absorbing the water and nutrients it needs to survive, killing the plant.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of salt-tolerant plants:
\n\n\n\nCost: To have your plant bed installed by a professional, service prices typically range around $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to dealing with gusty hurricane winds, you need a fence that allows air to flow through.
\n\n\n\nEven a brand new wooden fence can be easily blown over in powerful high-speed winds if there aren’t gaps wide enough allowing wind to pass through. For this reason, sturdy wooden fences usually aren’t the best options for cities like Tampa. Instead, choose a slatted fencing material, such as:
\n\n\n\nTypes of fencing to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hurricane-resistant fencing:
\n\n\n\nCost: Prices depend on the type of fencing material, although usually fencing costs $7 to $51 per linear foot. Chain link fences cost between $6 and $36 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you live next to the ocean, you might need a seawall. A seawall helps prevent flooding and erosion of your property near the edge where the waves relentlessly batter your property.
\n\n\n\nSeawalls can be made out of several different materials:
\n\n\n\nSeawalls are designed to block out sea waves by holding them at bay so they don’t flood your property. This is especially important during a storm surge when the weather and waves are extra wild.
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of building a seawall:
\n\n\n\nCost: Seawall prices range from $113 to $770 per linear foot. Prices will vary depending on the scope of the project and the type of seawall material you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soft-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: pseudo obscure / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you use mulch in your landscape, avoid hard or sharp mulches such as pea gravel or stone. When blown around by high-speed hurricane winds, mulch becomes dangerous projectiles that cause a lot of damage when they hit windows or batter the surface of your house or car.
\n\n\n\nSoft mulch is gentler and won’t cause the same level of damage. Some soft mulches to consider include:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of soft mulches:
\n\n\n\nCost: Organic mulches such as tree bark, grass clippings, wood chips, or pine needles are usually best for lawns in hurricane territory. Free is always the best price, since some types of mulch types can be found in your yard, like pine needles or grass clippings. Prices of mulch vary depending on the type of mulch you want to purchase.
\n\n\n\nWhen rain is pouring down in torrents, water needs somewhere to drain or else flooding ensues. Before a hurricane hits Tampa, check that nearby storm drains aren’t clogged. This involves checking that nothing in your landscape is obstructing or blocking storm drainage pathways.
\n\n\n\nLeaves, sticks, and other debris get washed down and become blockage. To prevent a blocked drain from causing flooding, don’t slack off on keeping the yard clean and clear, especially if there is a hurricane heading your way. Mowing your lawn before a hurricane also makes it easier for water to drain through your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of clearing storm drains:
\n\n\n\nCost: If there is a lot of clutter in your yard that needs to be removed but you don’t have time to do the job yourself, lawn care professionals offer services at around $154 to $411.
\n\n\n\nBefore a hurricane hits Tampa, bring any loose objects inside, including outdoor chairs, lawn decor and lawn ornaments, toys, etc. Anything left outside might get blown away or become a dangerous projectile that could crash into your windows or car.
\n\n\n\nAlso, if you have a pool, you should cover it to protect it from getting filled with debris.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of bringing your yard decor inside:
\n\n\n\nCost: Clearing your yard should be a DIY job provided you have enough room inside your house to store your lawn decor. If there’s room, your garage can be used as a space to store your yard decor.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Gutter-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf the weather forecast predicts that a hurricane will hit Tampa soon, than you should clean out your gutters. Clearing out leaves, sticks, or other debris clogging your gutter drainage system allows water to drain properly off your roof.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of cleaning your gutters:
\n\n\n\nCost: Hiring a professional to clean your gutters costs $72 to $424, depending on the size of the house and whether the house is a single-story or a multi-story building.
\n\n\n\nWhen there are heavy hurricane rains and the city is in danger of flooding, the last thing needed is more water on your lawn. Turning off your sprinkler systems before a storm hits helps conserve water and protect the pipes from too much pressure.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of turning off the sprinkler system:
\n\n\n\nCost: Switching off the sprinkler system doesn’t cost any money and in fact it will save you some money on water bills.
\n\n\n\nHurricanes are dangerous and have a tendency to leave behind a lot of wanton destruction in their path. You won’t be able to keep your yard impervious to all damage, but taking steps to protect your yard can reduce property damage and repair costs. For hurricane preparedness, follow these steps to protect your yard from damage:
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to plan ahead and have an evacuation plan ready for your and your family. While you can take steps to protect your yard and increase its hurricane resistance, it still won’t guarantee that your yard or home will be safe. Play it safe and have a plan for what to do when a hurricane strikes.
\n\n\n\nThe hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass are the best hurricane-resistant grasses for Tampa yards. They are both warm-season grasses with high salt tolerance and a hardiness that makes them able to weather rough weather.
Yes. Artificial grass is wind-resistant and can handle a large amount of water during heavy hurricane rains.
It’s not just wind-resistant trees you need to think about when it comes to your yard: There are also shrubs, bushes, and flowers to consider, as well as fencing and what mulch types are the safest. Ideally, it’s best for Tampa residents to fill their yard with plants that are native to Florida.
If you want a hurricane-resistant landscape design, then find a Tampa lawn care pro to help you with your next landscaping project.
Main Image Credit: Mark Souther / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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