![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
Dallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to […]
\n","content":"\nDallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to give your lawn a fighting chance against the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDallas is rainier than most Texas cities, averaging 40 inches annually. However, temps soar to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the summer. These high temperatures and sunny days place a lot of stress on your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nMay is the wettest month of the year, and spring months are ideal for your plants and grass to establish healthy roots to help them survive the tough summer.
\n\n\n\nSummer is the most demanding and damaging time for your lawn. The excessive heat, potential drought conditions, and Dallas water restrictions can lead to a brown and stressed lawn, making proper lawn maintenance from June to September vital.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nHow you water and how often you water are equally important to your Texas landscape. Your Dallas native plants and turfgrass are adapted to withstand Dallas’ USDA hardiness zone 8, including heat and potential drought.
\n\n\n\nFollow Dallas’ ordinances and these watering tips to keep your landscape in the best shape throughout the summer:
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to note that an irrigation system with directed sprinkler heads removes the guesswork from determining how much water your lawn needs. You can program your system to apply the right amount of water for your grass type, saving you time and money while increasing the health of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives in the dense clay North Texas soils. This popular turfgrass stands up to frequent foot traffic and loves full sun. Bermudagrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your bermudagrass twice per week early in the morning before 9 a.m. Aim for 15 minutes of watering per zone for automatic pop-up head sprinklers and 35-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass appears to be the exact opposite of aggressive bermudagrass, but these warm-season grasses thrive in Dallas. St. Augustinegrass does not tolerate foot traffic and prefers partial sun or shade. The fast-growing grass requires only 1 inch of water per week, making it an economical choice for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWater St. Augustinegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. Water each zone for 15 minutes for pop-up head sprinklers, and 30 minutes for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass handles anything you throw at it: drought, traffic, shade, and even low temperatures. The dark green turfgrass requires little fertilization, and its dense blades block out weeds. Like St. Augustinegrass, it only requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your Zoysiagrass lawn twice per week before 9 a.m. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss grows well in the nutrientless clay soils, requiring little fertilization. However, the low-fuss grass does not stand up to heavy foot traffic or weeds. Like Zoysia and St. Augustine, this cultivar requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your buffalograss before 9 a.m., twice per week. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass does not handle traffic or herbicides. However, it is incredibly low-maintenance with low mowing and watering requirements. This smooth, flat-bladed turfgrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week to remain green.
\n\n\n\nWater centipedegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. If you are using pop-up head sprinklers, aim for 15-minute sessions. However, if you are using rotary heads, be sure to extend your sessions to 35 minutes.
\n\n\n\nWe all want to be in the pool or inside in the air conditioning, and it is really tempting to mow our lawns short to make less work for ourselves. However, cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to weeds, scorching, and dormancy.
\n\n\n\nYour grass should never change from green to brown after mowing. Brown grass signals a stressed lawn, meaning you have removed too much at one time. Be sure to raise your mower height after your lawn has recovered before your next mow.
\n\n\n\nTaller grass blades develop deeper roots and provide shade, cooling the soil underneath and minimizing evaporation, which makes your morning watering sessions more efficient. Your lawn will be lusher and stay greener, increasing your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer mowing tips for your warm-season grass:
\n\n\n\nThe recommended mowing height for bermudagrass is 1-2 inches using a traditional mower. During active growing seasons in the spring and early summer, plan to mow your lawn weekly, never cutting more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass prefers higher heights in the summer to help water retention. You should mow your St. Augustine lawn every seven to 10 days, aiming for a mowing height of 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass actively grows in the summer, requiring regular mowing every five to seven days. Like bermudagrass, never cut more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length and aim to keep your lawn between one to two inches high.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss prefers higher heights like St. Augustinegrass. You should aim for a height between two to three inches, requiring a mowing session every seven to ten days.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is another turfgrass, preferring taller heights. Mow weekly with a traditional lawn mower, keeping your grass between 1.5 to two inches high.
\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nFertilizer promotes healthy growth, but be careful, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape. Unseasonably hot and dry Texas summers can lead to dormant grass. It is tempting to over-fertilize your lawn. Unfortunately, this will have the opposite effect and harm your turfgrass by burning it.
\n\n\n\nHere are some summer fertilizing tips for your Dallas lawn:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives with regular fertilizer applications. During the summer, this turfgrass requires 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every month. You should aim to apply 2 to 6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually to keep your lawn healthy.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass has higher fertilization requirements, like bermudagrass. Apply 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually, or 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet monthly during the summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has the similar requirements to bermudagrass. During the summer growing season, apply 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn monthly for a total of 1 to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has incredibly low fertilization requirements. In fact, some homeowners skip applications completely. Typically, buffalograss up to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually. Aim to apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during two months of the active summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance centipede grass requires little fertilization. Aim for 1 pound of nitrogen-based fertilizer per 1,000 square feet applied twice, once in June and again in September.
\n\n\n\nTexas is one of the few places in the U.S. with clay soil. Unlike the loose, sandy soils of the Southeast, impacted and dense clay soils require biannual lawn aeration. Liquid aeration helps your lawn handle the intense heat and dry conditions of summer by opening pathways for air, sunshine, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, resulting in deeper, more drought-resistant roots.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass, require liquid aeration applications in late spring before summer and early fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"an](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spraying-pesticide.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nPlenty of pests hide from the heat of the Texas sun, seeking shaded areas under decks and logs. Unfortunately, white grubs, chinch bugs, and fire ants are notoriously sun-loving Dallas pests that can wreak havoc on your warm-season turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nKeep these pest control tips in mind this summer:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most popular turfgrass choice for Texas lawns. Unfortunately, it has a low resistance to unfriendly visitors. It is prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms.
\n\n\n\nRegular lawn maintenance and irrigation help combat pest infestations. Additionally, spray a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide over infected areas to combat pests.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is fast-growing and shade-loving. It also attracts many pests, including chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs.
\n\n\n\nCombat pests ruining your lush lawn by using a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide. Be sure to look for one containing carbaryl, trichlorfon, or pyrethroid if you are dealing with chinch bugs or grubs.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass stands up to most pests thanks to its thick leaf blades and dense structure. Occasionally, mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, or sod webworms will move in and set up residence in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAlways wait until your grass has greened in the spring or early summer to apply insecticides. Use spot treatments of broad-spectrum pesticides as needed to combat insect infestations.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss resists most pests. However, mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, and chinch bugs can cause the occasional headache.
\n\n\n\nSpot treat affected areas with broad-spectrum repellent-free pesticide.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is low-maintenance and prefers to be left alone. It is moderately prone to pests, including ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars.
\n\n\n\nIrrigate and mow your lawn 24 hours before insecticide applications. Treat affected areas with a broad-spectrum non-repellent insecticide containing carbaryl or pyrethroid. Aim to apply preventative treatments in May before the heat of summer sets in and follow-up with another application in June.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass diseases and weeds love a weak lawn and signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health. They love low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds steal vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and plants while simultaneously spreading pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nMaintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and weeds and diseases won’t stand a chance. There are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best method. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer weeding tips to maintain a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\nOne of the star attributes that makes bermudagrass so popular in North Texas is its disease-resistance. If you are unlucky enough to experience a disease infestation with your bermudagrass, chances are good it is spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, or sheath spot.
\n\n\n\nCombat bermudagrass weeds and diseases using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice brown patches with regular and smooth outlines caused by fungal diseases, treat your entire lawn with a fungicide designed for bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nFor all its strengths, St. Augustinegrass falls short in the disease-resistance category. It is moderately to highly prone to diseases such as gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot.
\n\n\n\nCombat fungal diseases in your St. Augustine lawn with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant designed for plants.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is incredibly resistant to most diseases. However, large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur.
\n\n\n\nLike St. Augustinegrass, fungal diseases are the most common. Treat your lawn with a preventative fungicide program. Apply fungicide in the spring to decrease your chances of developing diseases like large patch. If you notice dead spots in your lawn and have ruled out insect activity, treat the affected area with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant for plants.
\n\n\n\nThanks to its adaptability, buffalograss has high disease-resistance. Treat the most common problem, bipolaris leaf spot, with preventative fungicide at the first sign of brown patches.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is moderately disease-tolerant. It is prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis. Combat these lawn diseases with proper lawn maintenance and apply 2 ounces of iron sulfate per 1,000 square feet if you notice yellowing.
\n\n\n\nSucculents thrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Typically, water your succulent plants once per week when it has not rained.
Organic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost.
Dallas adopted lawn and landscape irrigation ordinances in 2012 to defer the costs of expanding the city’s water supply infrastructure. Drip irrigation, hand watering, and soaker hoses are allowed at any time and on any day.
However, Dallas homeowners can only water with hose-end sprinklers or automatic sprinkler systems twice per week from April 1 to Oct. 31. No watering may take place between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays.
Summer is the perfect time for lazy days. The days are sunny and long, and backyard barbecues and pool parties are in full swing. Reclaim your weekends and sanity by installing low-maintenance landscaping and following our summer lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nInstead of breaking a sweat in the heat, 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 your Longhorns or Aggies.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
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\n","content":"\nEveryone is moving to Dallas, TX, or so it seems. The city averages 300 more people every single day; that’s a huge growth spurt! It’s easy to understand why everyone wants to live here with the year-round great weather, a booming cultural scene, and a rocking economy. Dallas, TX has the 5th best city economy in the United States, signifying a growing and strengthening area.
It’s not a coincidence that 23 of the richest Americans call Dallas their home. There is so much to do here!
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![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/84_tzj8RFFZ6kMmQqcGPPRbybcJ8PgvezpFGUlBWZ79BBAdT9xB7pQadiJa0Q0Zxm65LTXxs2UYngFAs2bq4RmIKr7Bb_tK0wEsKFeRGyfQJ5TwOGVr7uun2nREutQ6S2NNC4miU\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/C9gGKSkE4V2I_A_aZAhVh7hmfrfl4UrQHvXwf7u3J5vrj8-yownCfKRKBgSeLAd_ptxvyxkTdnz_eKW5HF3JuvIyhNwIXorywrNWRmT6SjgFy7j5-rCd9yYdy0PgQ2mQ1fCYUOyG\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/r4AzeRPJoi8KdARMGw4TcHzGbSafoONqiwD1XsENH6naILoHqKVmVtVdbEt9p5TWNHsrBs-bZIKcx-nGMMM2qIIMcxrhY7kHL5KmZjtPXfpb3yLzMB1imaReXoHlDXeJRnDNyDVh\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/attODGS9li-4vNqlIDXnjIrtApdQPHliYdr0xy_wifMakeN60TW6w8xu223P4wv5gi_m9ObAzzUQa1MM18Br_af8yDfnOySF2SShn1lSjCaLd0OUVi4ck6Gj0Jqm5Oq-qExJwqdV\")
Are you looking for lawn care services in Dallas, TX? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page for professionals and advice.
\n","title":"30 Pictures That Truly Show Why Dallas is Awesome","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.903345724907063,"src":"/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/1789c/dallas-skyline.jpg","srcSet":"/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/107df/dallas-skyline.jpg 320w,\n/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/293e9/dallas-skyline.jpg 500w,\n/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/f2cbb/dallas-skyline.jpg 800w,\n/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/1789c/dallas-skyline.jpg 960w,\n/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/a2a79/dallas-skyline.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/1dd6e/dallas-skyline.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/67b76/dallas-skyline.webp 320w,\n/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/8df11/dallas-skyline.webp 500w,\n/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/98a65/dallas-skyline.webp 800w,\n/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/1dd6e/dallas-skyline.webp 960w,\n/static/876fa38cc7b00d2eed6186036fb5beea/7aa54/dallas-skyline.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"30 Pictures That Truly Show Why Dallas is Awesome | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"19a5f6c1-a45f-5bb8-9b9c-ee36037f9071","slug":"popular-outdoor-living-landscaping-projects-for-dallas-tx-homeowners","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/popular-outdoor-living-landscaping-projects-for-dallas-tx-homeowners/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"January 7th, 2019","excerpt":"As residents of Dallas, we are blessed to live in Texas for many reasons, a few of which are our long hot summers and mild shoulder seasons. Make the most of your outdoor spaces by trying a few of these popular outdoor living and landscaping projects and get ready to see the full potential of […]
\n","content":"\nAs residents of Dallas, we are blessed to live in Texas for many reasons, a few of which are our long hot summers and mild shoulder seasons. Make the most of your outdoor spaces by trying a few of these popular outdoor living and landscaping projects and get ready to see the full potential of your own backyard.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/hVBjwwqgxgQ8Hn4YdtzWxF67wYrPsXorwfnxTMRwR3fyjISFZvr2pOGMAeZGg--GZItdyC2SbDUVxssitw0FYYHEEQGhBHRc4bCRjRbVzDrf_88wPDTUCy0baw-_aQ0l54jt4jIJ\")
As all Texans know, magic happens around the family grill. By building simple countertops around your existing grill you’ll be creating more space to prepare your culinary masterpieces. Think about adding a sink as well to make outdoor clean up a breeze.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/oAQ6iCOdwK9xq_6G8-SpjylI1QeWwAeSYUgwwnlmespwHGVuqIKszlLnXKkA4Fu4RHmBggCZNO9WL18vfVf91VEnWHYUVCmuUu4Esl7RuXT81UtiJRYPQEuQ1ZIJHcvl-JfpkEem\")
All that grilling and BBQing is hard work and sure to serve up a thirst in the most skilled grill master. Why not consider adding a special place for storing cool drinks into you grill station countertop system. A mini fridge stocked with cold refreshments will save the day, or at least save you too many trips back into the house!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/2Mghjh1cb-EKrxxg4jgy2_I7Ta724dZuMp4AhrC07W9aFd89oIWPwNiB58R--C4b0JeJaaUi6AscTLgrEOGWBIz26D1E29QgzD0jZq0a-qt1eQ9T69yX85b7j-RnrauowrQYEBja\")
Sometimes starting the day off with a good cup of coffee in peace and quiet of nature is all it takes to set you up for success. Consider finding a quiet corner or tucked away spot in your yard; one that gets lots of morning sunshine to use as a place for practicing your morning ritual, whatever that might be. Create a simple path using hardwood mulch, decomposed granite, or irregular flagstone leading to your sitting area for easy access. Pick your favorite style of outdoor furniture and a stylish cushion with a small bistro table and you’ll be ready to take on whatever the day may bring.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/q01VrSkGHiaqkcyWO-0rbmhm6mU_UuDP7FoRxJ-HNohPa-74Am55Qvj1ay_CPQf437pM5mda-IrkwR2yproOb2WPR6K9OQJ5VdIfUEURwF3ffigWzTd9xWHWUZlpBXyx1cD-1Npw\")
Extend your outdoor use by adding shade canopies to your back patio or deck. These can be as simple as a prefabricated, modular system such as those free-standing shade awnings found at most home improvement stores, or a more elaborate structure built directly off your building’s exterior walls. Just be sure to check with your local city codes for any permits you might be required to obtain before building!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Y9OoFOy2vl0_J2RLcRXLOQo76I0Jyh-FZaL_9yUZoNpUAUPFWegNchYQJPMJHuz1VQ4um7-xIqLVBLxMSIFjhjIBvfaoxzMxwHpKP-grEzoHmgR4ZvpZy7HYiGqKhTeeY6kBkX8W\")
Add a nighttime focal point to your landscape by creating a safe area for a fire pit or tall chimenea. Start by checking your local codes and ordinances for rules or requirements related to outdoor fire pits or open flame to make sure they are allowed where you live. No matter your local laws, all fire pits should be at a minimum 10 feet from all structures, 25 feet is preferable and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of accidents.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fCeSOXwRroQHejFhY-ihx186ckbBL-_09kCguUxyQ2g4_1RLeh5hl9ohNmbJuo2-XZc5WebOtpW7F2sMGRhoR4KW7-N5U4Yk2w7D6UQIzbRJa7Y29bnpUvRc2zFaZX9XThVUqj-g\")
Make your outdoor living space and landscape a fun experience for people of all ages. Do this by planting species that are both educational as well as beautiful. Children love being able to touch, smell, and pick plants from the garden. Create a designated area for your little ones to be able to explore nature in their own backyard. Plants like Lambs Ears are soft and fuzzy, Balloon Flower creates interesting shaped petals and seed pods, and a row of culinary herbs smells and tastes amazing while providing the added benefit of enhancing your culinary adventures.
\n\n\n\nChoose any one from this list to take your outdoor space to the next level and maximize its potential by adding a few simple features to keep friends and family entertained all year long!
Looking for more landscaping or lawn care tips? Visit our Dallas lawn care guide for more information!
Texas is one of the most bug-diverse locations in the U.S. and home to almost 30,000 species of insects. Thanks to “Big D’s’ subtropical climate, 40 inches of annual rain, and average daily temperatures around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the Metroplex is a bug’s paradise. We compiled a list of the 11 worst bugs in Dallas, […]
\n","content":"\nTexas is one of the most bug-diverse locations in the U.S. and home to almost 30,000 species of insects. Thanks to “Big D’s’ subtropical climate, 40 inches of annual rain, and average daily temperatures around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the Metroplex is a bug’s paradise. We compiled a list of the 11 worst bugs in Dallas, including tips on how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nInsects are vital to the well-being of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, that does not mean we want them in our homes or infesting our garden plants. While many insects are beneficial or neutral, some species are destructive and should be controlled.
\n\n\n\nHere are some reasons why pest control is important:
\n\n\n\nThere are two ways to control pests in your lawn and around your home: chemical treatments and organic methods. Organic methods are the safest treatment options, but these methods aren’t always the best and many are ineffective. Be sure to identify the type of pest you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nIt is always advisable to hire a professional pest control company to perform quarterly treatments inside and outside of your home. These methods are the safest and most effective for your family and pets.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree home pest control is necessary, and many Dallas-Fort Worth critters can be prevented. Organic pest control has come a long way and is safer than chemical treatment options for your pets and children. However, it is also typically less effective.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some available organic pest control options:
\n\n\n\nChemical pest control treatments are more effective than organic techniques. They control rodents and insects, stopping the spread of dangerous bacteria and diseases.
\n\n\n\nSome popular chemical treatments include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Crematogaster_ashmeadi_casent0103762_profile_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: April Nobile / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, acrobat ants stray far from the circus into your Dallas yard. These reddish-brown and black ants grow to ⅛ inch and have distinctive, heart-shaped abdomens. They emit an odor when threatened and raise their abdomen over their head in a feat of acrobatics. Omnivorous colonies of a few thousand members eat honeydew from aphids, dead or living insects, and mealybugs.
\n\n\n\nAcrobat ants rarely nest in the open or enter homes. They love moisture and live under rocks, logs, trees, and wood piles. The most obvious sign of an infestation is an ant trail. These foragers travel up to 100 feet from their nest in search of resources.
\n\n\n\nThe easiest way to prevent these moisture-loving pests is to eliminate sources of standing water, keep your yard clear of fallen branches and logs, and store firewood at least 5 inches from the ground.
\n\n\n\nIf you are unlucky and find these predatory ants around your home, opt for a foam insecticide sprayed directly on the nest indoors or a non-repellent pesticide outdoors.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Crematogaster
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist areas under rocks, logs, trees, or wood piles
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; emit an odor when threatened, occasionally bites when disturbed
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/adult-bed-bug-cimex-lectularius-ee47a5-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Picryl
\n\n\n\nFew bugs make your skin crawl by mere mention like bed bugs. These indoor vampiric pests are small and brownish-red with flat, oval-shaped bodies and six legs. They grow to ¼ inch and feed on blood, preferably human blood.
\n\n\n\nThese pests are hitchhikers and have no environmental preferences aside from the presence of humans. Bed bugs enter your home through clothes, belongings, and luggage. They are nocturnal and most active from April to November, hiding in mattresses, box springs, baseboards, and outlets.
\n\n\n\nPrevent bed bugs by keeping your luggage and personal belongings off the ground while traveling. Do not purchase used furniture or mattresses and wash used clothing immediately.
\n\n\n\nIf you suspect bed bugs have infested your home, contact a local exterminator. Professional removal is the best way to eradicate a bed bug infestation, and many experts rely on organic heat treatments.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Cimicidae
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Anywhere where humans live
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; but can cause red rashes that can lead to secondary infections in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Professional pest control services, including heat treatments
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Camponotus_sideview_2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Richard Bartz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nThere are 14 species of carpenter ants in Texas, and the largest species is the black carpenter ant. Thankfully, these pests prefer wooded outdoor areas, including old stumps, decaying logs, and firewood. Carpenter ants are brown-red with black abdomens and reach up to 1⁄2 inch long.
\n\n\n\nThese ants can cause structural damage to homes, though it is rare. You may find them between wood shingles, siding, or fascia boards. Identify carpenter ant tunnels and nests by looking for sawdust near openings. Like acrobat ants, these omnivores forage for decaying fruits, honeydew from aphids, and live or dead insects.
\n\n\n\nPrevent carpenter ants by eliminating moisture problems and sealing cracks or openings near your foundation. Remove dead branches and trim trees away from structures.
\n\n\n\nCarpenter ants have chewing mouthparts and stingers. They can bite but do not sting. Remove them from your home by using a propellant foam insecticide. Similarly, use a pyrethroid insecticide outdoors to eliminate the nest and trails.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Camponotus
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Dead or decaying wood, stumps, logs, or weakened building materials
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; bites when disturbed, causes structural damage to wood
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hairy_Chinch_Bug_-_Blissus_leucopteru_50594763067-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Christina Butler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs are 3/16 inch long with black bodies and white wings. They feed on the sap of grasses, commonly occurring in bunch grasses and Dallas turfgrasses, including bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nWatch for round, localized yellow or brown spots in your yard, typically from July to August.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, chinch bugs are drawn to heat, sun, and warm-season grasses. Your best defense against these nuisance pests is proper lawn maintenance, including watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
\n\n\n\nDIY collect chinch bugs using a coffee can with both ends removed to create a hollow pipe. Insert the can into the soil inside the affected area. Fill the can with water and leave it for a few days. Chinch bugs will float to the top of the can for removal. Additionally, use a granular insecticide for lawn pests.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Blissus leucopterus
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Bunch grasses and turfgrasses, including bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; medically harmless but capable of injuring plants and turfgrass
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Granular lawn pesticide or coffee can method
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Periplaneta_americana_-_D8-10-2861Crop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eran Finkle / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nYou can find cockroaches all over the world, and Dallas is no exception. Home to the American cockroach, German cockroach, and oriental cockroach, these pests have a thick shell of armor covering their oval bodies, six legs, and two long antennae. Both the American and German cockroach species have fully developed wings for flying.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches love moisture, including drains, flower beds, and mulch. They seek shelter indoors during bad weather, hiding in laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. These nuisance pests spread disease, contaminate food, emit odors, worsen allergies, and even trigger asthma attacks.
\n\n\n\nPrevent cockroaches around your home and yard by creating a barrier between your home and mulched beds, locking your outdoor trash can lids, sealing foundation gaps, and eliminating standing water. Keep living areas clean and vacuumed and use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels.
\n\n\n\nGlue traps, bait stations, and repellent pesticides are the best indoor removal methods while you can use non-repellent pesticides outdoors around your lawn.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Periplaneta
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist areas; drains, flower beds, mulch, laundry rooms, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; carry diseases, contaminate food, emit odors, and trigger allergies and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Glue traps, bait stations, and repellent and non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/14878801786_985ed3d160_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Animal Diversity Web / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFire ants are as menacing as they sound. These reddish-brown insects are only ⅜ inch long with powerful jaws that deliver painful bites and stringers full of venom. Fire ants are aggressive and a year-round problem in the DFW area. Like carpenter and acrobat ants, they are omnivorous, eating fruit, meat, insects, earthworms, compost, outdoor pet food, and trash.
\n\n\n\nFire ants thrive in sunny areas and open spaces. Thankfully, their nests are easy to spot on your lawn as these insects create distinct granular mounds up to 4 feet in size.
\n\n\n\nPrevent fire ants by covering trash cans and treating at the first signs of infestation. It is important to maintain a proper watering schedule, ensuring you do not overwater your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThere is no best control method for fire ants. You can use non-repellent pesticides or granular treatments.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Solenopsis
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Sunny, open areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; deliver painful bites but rarely sting
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Non-repellent pesticides and granular treatments
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Flea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Erturac / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFleas are extremely common in Dallas, usually living on your furry animal friend. These tiny, wingless insects are dark brown and the size of a speck of dirt. There are more than 300 species of fleas, and each flea can produce around 500 offspring in its lifetime.
\n\n\n\nFleas enter your yard on the coats of wild animals and quickly jump from pet to human before making their way into your home. They also can find their way into your home through used furniture and clothing, but thankfully, fleas are mainly outdoor pests. These insects love tall grass, debris piles, and bushes.
\n\n\n\nPrevent fleas by grooming your pets, using year-round veterinary flea control, and keeping your lawn maintained. Trim bushes and shrubs and keep bird feeders away from your property.
\n\n\n\nThe best removal method for fleas is propellant insecticide. Alternatively, topical and oral prescriptions, flea shampoo, and pet-safe sprays are available for pet infestations.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Siphonaptera
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, shady areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; bites transmit diseases such as murine typhus, tularemia, and tungiasis
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Propellant pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mosquito_Culicidae_Cradley_Herefordshire_UK.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gailhampshire / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes love Dallas’ subtropical climate. These biting insects have oval-shaped bodies, long legs, and wings. They are brownish black and females feed on human and animal blood, but the mosquito’s primary food source is plant nectar.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes cause itchy red bumps and spread diseases like Zika virus, encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
\n\n\n\nPrevent these pests by eliminating standing water and food sources. They thrive in moist areas with a lot of flowering vegetation, including ponds, wooded areas, and near swimming pools. Limit flowering plants near your home and maintain proper yard drainage to eliminate standing water.
\n\n\n\nPerform routine yard maintenance, cutting back overgrown vegetation. Professional pest control plans often offer add-on outdoor mosquito control. Additionally, use non-repellent insecticides to help maintain a mosquito-free yard.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Culicidae
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, high-vegetation areas such as forests, ponds, and tall grasses
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; female bites transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, encephalitis, and Zika virus
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fauna-invertebrate-close-up-spider-arachnid-india-443985-pxhere.com_.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nSpiders catch a bad rap for being scary. These beneficial arachnids are vital to the ecosystem. They have eight legs and two distinct body regions. The most common species found in the Metroplex are black widows, brown recluses, and wolf spiders.
\n\n\n\nMost spider species are not a direct threat to humans. However, the brown recluse and black widow spiders are venomous. Their bites can cause serious reactions in some people.
\n\n\n\nIf you notice webs and have a spider infestation in your yard, it is a signal you have a larger underlying infestation. Spiders move into an area where large populations of insects live and love secluded areas to hide, like garden sheds, tall grasses, covered porches, basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
\n\n\n\nPrevent spiders by eliminating hiding places, maintaining your lawn, and reducing the number of smaller pests in your yard.
\n\n\n\nKnock out an indoor infestation with a repellent pesticide or use a non-repellent pesticide outdoors.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Araneae
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; seek shelters and areas to hide
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; venomous spiders can cause allergic reactions in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"5-6](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3049109271_68829f87c4_c-1-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTermites are beneficial insects in nature. However, once these wood-chomping social insects wander indoors or near homes, they pose a serious problem. Termites live in large colonies. They are cream, yellow, or brown with elongated bodies and enormous jaws.
\n\n\n\nTermites can cause severe structural damage if left untreated, and unfortunately, most homeowners’ insurance does not cover termite damage. These insects love moist areas such as leaking pipes, basements, foundations, and beneath decks.
\n\n\n\nThe best termite prevention and control is to hire a pest control expert. A routine termite inspection and prevention plan offers peace of mind. If your termite infestation is isolated and contained to the outdoors, you can opt for a DIY solution using a termiticide, a pesticide designed specifically for termites.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Isoptera
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Dark, moist areas with minimal air exposure
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; cause structural damage
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Professional pest control and termiticide
\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6980305991_3209cd81a6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sid Mosdell / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWasps help control insect populations and help pollination. The most common wasp in the Dallas Fort Worth area is paper wasps, recognizable for their pinched waists and long legs. They are black or brown with bright yellow markings and gray wings.
\n\n\n\nPaper wasps are aggressive if their nests are threatened. They are venomous, and some people develop allergic reactions to their stings. These insects are adaptable, forming nests in shrubs, trees, windows, door frames, and overhangs.
\n\n\n\nPrevent wasps by properly sealing garbage cans and eliminating food sources around your entrances.
\n\n\n\nUse a repellent insecticide to treat infestations. When you are certain all residents are dead, scrape and remove the nest left behind.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Vespidae
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; form nests in shrubs, trees, door and window frames, and overhangs
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; deliver painful and venomous stings that can cause allergic reactions in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent pesticide
\n\n\n\nThe mild year-round weather is one of the most attractive things about Texas. Unfortunately, bugs love the subtropical climate as much as humans. Experts recommend quarterly pest control treatments for preventative maintenance.
No, bed bugs are extremely hard to exterminate completely once they have made their way into your home. Treatment requires specialized equipment and training. Your best hope of complete eradication starts by calling a professional in your area for a free quote.
Typically, pest control companies offer separate rodent services. Some companies offer a specialized rodent control and prevention program.
Pests are creepy, crawly nuisances that will inevitably pop up in your home or yard. The best defense against an invasion is routine lawn maintenance and a pest control prevention plan. There are many low-maintenance landscaping options available for Dallas, and be sure to check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you need some help to control a pest invasion, contact a Dallas exterminator today to keep your family and lawn healthy year-round.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Wasp sitting on green leaf / Pexels
\n","title":"11 Worst Bugs in Dallas, TX (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2,"src":"/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/1789c/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/107df/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.jpg 320w,\n/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/293e9/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.jpg 500w,\n/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/f2cbb/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.jpg 800w,\n/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/1789c/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.jpg 960w,\n/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/c26c2/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/1dd6e/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/67b76/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.webp 320w,\n/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/8df11/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.webp 500w,\n/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/98a65/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.webp 800w,\n/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/1dd6e/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.webp 960w,\n/static/ad54f3c9a1577868f6cfd5d17b28d2a5/3cc96/pexels-skyler-ewing-4784891.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Worst Bugs in Dallas, TX (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Bugs are common in Dallas thanks to the subtropical climate. Get rid of them with a few simple tips."}}},{"node":{"id":"f3b67bb5-6efc-5204-9fc2-8b87b2fb54f8","slug":"worst-lawn-weeds-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/worst-lawn-weeds-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 18th, 2019","excerpt":"Weeds are like stealthy ninjas, gaining control of your lawn and bringing it to the brink of destruction. Even when you think you are doing everything right, diligently applying your pre-emergent herbicide and swooping in immediately to pull weeds that pop up in your lush Dallas lawn, these pesky invaders multiply before your eyes. Luckily, […]
\n","content":"\nWeeds are like stealthy ninjas, gaining control of your lawn and bringing it to the brink of destruction. Even when you think you are doing everything right, diligently applying your pre-emergent herbicide and swooping in immediately to pull weeds that pop up in your lush Dallas lawn, these pesky invaders multiply before your eyes. Luckily, we compiled a list of the most common lawn weeds in Dallas, including tips on how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeed Control Chemical Treatments
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike a good con man, weeds love a weak spot. These lawn invaders signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health. They love low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Maintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and the weeds won’t stand a chance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some reasons why weed control is so important:
\n\n\n\nThere are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree, hand weeding is just as important as chemical removal methods. You should aim to weed your yard and garden weekly or bi-weekly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Annual-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass, also known as Poa annua, is an annual grass that reproduces with creeping stolons. It appears in late summer and lasts through fall. It has a dense, clumping growth pattern with serrated, boat-shaped leaves.
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass grows rapidly, easily out-competing existing turfgrass. It is important to note this annual weed is adaptable and responds well to mowing, and it is used as turfgrass in commercial settings like golf courses.
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass is best controlled using a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall and responding to follow-up growth with a post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers disturbed, cultivated soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bull-Thistle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown as Texas thistle in Dallas, bull thistle is a broadleaf biennial, meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle when left undisturbed. It blooms dark-pink, prickly flowers, and puffy seed heads spread in the air for germination like dandelions.
\n\n\n\nSpray Texas thistle with post-emergent herbicide after it flowers, usually in early to late spring. Don’t worry if you have to come back and spray the pesky weed again. It can take several applications to get rid of the hardy biennial completely.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf biennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; prickly flowers, mildly toxic to humans and livestock
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Common-Chickweed.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon chickweed appears during North Texas winters. Star-shaped white flowers bloom in low-growing mats of leaves. The broadleaf annual stands up to mowing well, making it difficult to get rid of.
\n\n\n\nIt is an edible weed and is often fed to poultry. Chickweed thrives in moist, shaded areas. Removal methods include pulling the weed by hand, being sure you get the root system and spraying pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, shady lawns and gardens, especially near buildings
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; edible but large quantities cause stomach irritation in humans
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass thrives in the Dallas summer. This annual grassy weed prefers dry soil. Its blades and leaf sheaths are covered by dense hairs that irritate the skin, and the high stalks steal valuable nutrients from your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nIt reproduces quickly and grows faster than your lawn. Crabgrass loves the sun and overtakes thin lawns. Think twice before cutting your grass extremely short to lessen your mowing frequency, as the fast-growing weed will overtake it quickly.
\n\n\n\nThe best method to get rid of crabgrass is to use a pre-emergent herbicide and maintain a healthy and dense lawn with routine fertilization and a consistent watering schedule.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Sparse, disturbed habitats like thin lawns, gardens, vacant lots, roads, and grass paths
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide, and routine lawn maintenance
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Creeping-Charlie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCreeping Charlie, or ground ivy in Texas, is a broadleaf perennial herb. Its distinguishable scalloped leaves and clusters of purple flowers pop up in the spring and quickly spread, or creep, to form a dense green carpet.
\n\n\n\nThe minty-smelling weed loves unhealthy, patchy grass, low-fertility soils, and shady spots. The best way to unfriend this herb isn’t to ignore it. Instead, maintain your lawn’s pH levels by following a regular fertilization plan and use post-emergent broadleaf herbicide to eliminate the pest.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, shaded locations
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; toxic to horses in large quantities
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, regular fertilization schedule
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dallisgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass is a warm-season perennial grass that loves to invade Texas turfgrass, especially bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass. It is aggressive and difficult to control thanks to multiple reproductive methods, including seeds, rhizomes, and stolons. Dallisgrass has a clumped, circular appearance with rough edges.
\n\n\n\nProper lawn maintenance is the best line of defense against this aggressive grassy weed. It also responds well to hand pulling and pre-emergent herbicides in the spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefers moist disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; non-toxic but susceptible to ergot fungus, which is toxic to livestock and horses
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Routine lawn maintenance, pre-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dandelion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDandelions seem like fun when you are a kid, but they turn into nightmares when you own your own lawn. These perennials behave like annuals and are a broadleaf weed. Dandelions pop up in the Dallas spring, beginning with their trademark bright yellow flowers before turning into light, puffy helicopter blade seeds that want nothing more than to be airborne.
\n\n\n\nDandelions have a taproot that grows vertically downward between 6 to 18 inches deep. Unfortunately, removing the entire dandelion by hand is next to impossible, and the best removal method is a broadleaf herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefer disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; edible but may cause irritation in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hairy-Bittercress.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHairy bittercress thrives in moist environments, popping up after early spring rains with blooms of tiny white flowers. The annual’s flowers turn into pods, dispersing seeds to propagate the plant. Post-emergent weed control is the best method to manage hairy bittercress before the seeds disperse.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Cultivated and open ground, rocks, and walls
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHenbit is a cool-season broadleaf annual with square branching stems. It is hairy with circular leaves and purple flowers. It spreads aggressively in the North Texas winters. Thankfully, it has shallow roots and responds well to hand pulling and pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefers disturbed lawns, pastures, gardens, nursery plots, and building edges
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nPurslane is a low-growing succulent and broadleaf annual weed. It loves the rocky soil of North Texas, thriving in between cracks. It is adaptable and will easily encroach on turfgrass. Purslane is drought and heat-tolerant, surviving hot Dallas summers.
\n\n\n\nPurslane grows through spreading in a matted web. It has purple stems, alternating oval leaves, and yellow flowers. The best method to control purslane is hand pulling, ensuring you remove the whole root system.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNutsedge, “the world’s worst weed,” is a perennial sedge weed with a triangular stem. It is drought-tolerant but prefers moist, undrained Texas soil. It grows faster than turfgrass and thrives in warm weather before going dormant in cool weather, only to pop up again when it warms back up.
\n\n\n\nTreat nutsedge with post-emergent herbicide and ensure your lawn is thick and healthy, being sure to fix drainage issues. Left unattended, the sedge perennial will thrive in bare spots, coming back year after year.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Sedge perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, poorly drained soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Quackgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nQuackgrass sounds made up, but this perennial grass loves the Texas fall and winter seasons. It out-competes turfgrass and other weeds, spreading in large clumps with rhizomes. Quackgrass has coarse blades and resembles wheat.
\n\n\n\nPull quackgrass by hand, being sure to remove the roots. The perennial grass also responds well to spot treatment using post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Perennial grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: Noxious; quickly overtakes fields and crops
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Spotted-Spurge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nEven though spotted spurge is a broadleaf annual, it is a nuisance. Like dandelions, this resilient weed has a long taproot which seemingly brings this zombie weed back from the dead. Spurge grows fast, and its tangled web of leaves spreads low. It loves dry, Texas soil and sun.
\n\n\n\nPull spotted spurge by hand, but be sure to wear gloves. The zombie plant exudes a skin-irritating milky sap. This annual responds well to pre-emergent herbicide, or you can opt for a post-emergent herbicide if your spurge has already bloomed.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefer sunny, dry, disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; irritating milky sap
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent, post-emergent, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-Clover.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhite clover is another broadleaf perennial like dandelions that loves Dallas yards. It thrives in sparse turfgrass, blooming white flowers in the summer. Clover typically signals low nitrogen levels in your soil.
\n\n\n\nTo remove the pesky good-luck charm, douse it with iron-based herbicides. You can also weed them by hand, taking care to remove their root systems.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Nitrogen-poor, grassy habitats
\n\n\n\nDanger: Toxic; damaged leaf tissues release cyanide
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent, iron-based herbicide and hand removal
\n\n\n\nSelective herbicides control specific weeds or weed families.
Non-selective herbicides are typically more potent than selective herbicides. They work on many weeds, including grassy and broadleaf. However, they also wipe out good vegetation and turfgrass. These heavy-duty herbicides are best left to the professionals.
Perennial weeds are the toughest to control thanks to their underground reproductive systems, including rhizomes and tubers. These weeds regrow season after season. Perennial weeds include clover, spotted spurge, dandelion, crabgrass, and chickweed. The best method to prevent perennial weeds from returning is hand weeding, ensuring you remove the entire root system.
Weeds are a nuisance, and no matter how diligent you are, they will pop up in your yard. The best defense against an invasion is a healthy lawn. There are many low-maintenance landscaping options available for Dallas, including weed-controlling mulch, and be sure to check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you need some help killing weeds before your next backyard barbecue, contact a Dallas lawn care pro today to keep your lawn healthy year-round.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"14 Worst Lawn Weeds in Dallas, TX (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1789c/Lawn-Weeds.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/107df/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 320w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/293e9/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 500w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/f2cbb/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 800w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1789c/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 960w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/c26c2/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1dd6e/Lawn-Weeds.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/67b76/Lawn-Weeds.webp 320w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/8df11/Lawn-Weeds.webp 500w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/98a65/Lawn-Weeds.webp 800w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1dd6e/Lawn-Weeds.webp 960w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/3cc96/Lawn-Weeds.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"14 Worst Lawn Weeds in Dallas, TX (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Weeds are common in Dallas thanks to the Texas sun and warm weather. Get rid of them with a few simple tips."}}},{"node":{"id":"ba45de85-91e3-5ed4-bcd4-3024564b646a","slug":"lawn-mowing-and-maintenance-in-dallas-plano-irving","path":"/blog/lawn-mowing-and-maintenance-in-dallas-plano-irving/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2022","excerpt":"A maintenance-free lawn doesn’t exist in North Texas. That’s the first thing to keep in mind when you think about your yard in Dallas or Plano or Irving. Because the growing season is so long, you’ll be putting work into your yard long after homeowners in cooler climates have put away the mower. Here are […]
\n","content":"\nA maintenance-free lawn doesn’t exist in North Texas. That’s the first thing to keep in mind when you think about your yard in Dallas or Plano or Irving. Because the growing season is so long, you’ll be putting work into your yard long after homeowners in cooler climates have put away the mower. Here are some tips to lawn mowing and maintenance in North Texas.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe key here is not to “scalp” your grass, meaning cut it too short. Scalping lets precious water evaporate more quickly in the Texas heat. It also stresses your grass, leaving it vulnerable to diseases and pests. Your lawn is most likely a warm-season variety like St. Augustinegrass, Zoysia grass, buffalograss or Bermudagrass. Your proper grass length depends on the variety you have.
\n\n\n\nExperts recommend St. Augustine be cut 2 to 2.5 inches tall. The recommended height for common Bermuda is 1.25 to 1.5 inches tall. Zoysias should be between 2 to 3 inches tall, and buffalograss is the longest, with a recommended height of 3 to 4 inches. Look to mow the lawn about once a week during the hot season. Pro tip: mow in a different direction each time. This helps the blades of the grass stand up straight and prevent ruts. The grass will most likely be dormant from about November to early March.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/SPQeqvQ6uMk7cMElBDUFbYM1ustCr3YbH-zwCAxan81fLDKrx77uFe8taJ0ZYyDkBxGA-WdL7l9txXMvtPLIQJFTefe5HefL-zb1DKtCU59NI1FmHe7QwhTw1ifQE8LXcg\")
Don’t bag those clippings. The clippings add vital nutrients back into the soil as they decompose. As long as you mow at the proper height, the clippings will break down quickly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_11pixnio-46676-6144x4096-1.jpg\")
Sharpen the blades, change the oil and spark plugs once a year. Dull blades will tear the grass instead of cutting it, leaving it susceptible to disease and pests.
\n\n\n\nSome make a ritual out of applying weed and feed to their lawns every Super Bowl Sunday in February. This counts as “early spring” in Texas, and the grass is beginning to green up. That’s when you need to fertilize your lawn. The rule of thumb is generally between February and April. This is also the time to stop weeds in their tracks — before they ever get a firm root in your yard. You can also find weed and feed mixtures that contain fire ant killer, to keep the nasty little insects from digging up mounds of dirt in your lawn and biting you.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RlVQn9EJ-aojgCh7tRmrSbz18RBq6WSySSIjeOIaXKZFzGZ4oiV4yo0xVM45-4P97x6HMDcARpfMYt1TUuGapaqJ6uuYWqK2Zka5OdU4a9HHakvPIYiWNdxHJCQKg16tKA\")
Your lawn needs a good long drink every five to ten days, generally. Keep that in mind before you overwater the grass. Also, your city probably has ordinances or recommendations on what days you can water and what time. Use your sprinkler two times a week, and don’t water between 10 am and 6 pm. In most cases, drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand watering are allowed any day of the week. Ideally, you water early in the morning — giving your grass a good drink of water, but allowing the droplets on the blades to evaporate over the daytime hours. This lowers your lawn’s risk of fungus problems.
The key to a lush, green lawn in north Texas is consistency over the course of the long, hot growing season. If you begin tending to it on a regular basis when it first begins to green, and maintain it through the triple-digit temperatures of the summer, and into the fall, it will reward you with beautiful, emerald green grass.
\n\n\n\n1. Will a cool-season grass survive in north Texas?
\n\n\n\nYes. Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and tall fescue will grow better in fall and winter, but they will survive a north Texas summer. Cool-season grasses are not recommended further south where it gets much warmer.
\n\n\n\n2. Are some grass types more shade-tolerant than others?
\n\n\n\nYes. St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass are the most shade tolerant warm season grasses for the Dallas area.
\n\n\n\n3. Is it possible to keep a green lawn year-round in Dallas?
\n\n\n\nYes. Southern blue is a hybrid turf that mixes Texas bluegrass with Kentucky bluegrass and stays green even in winter. This cool-season grass is also drought-resistant and does well in the shade. Southern blue is not recommended by south Texas.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeed help mowing and maintaining your lawn? We can help you to find a lawn care or landscaping pro near you.
\n","title":"Lawn Mowing And Maintenance in Dallas-Plano-Irving","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6204379562043796,"src":"/static/358255b99ee43c9a2f24cac4f073ec13/7e2e0/lawn-mowing.jpg","srcSet":"/static/358255b99ee43c9a2f24cac4f073ec13/107df/lawn-mowing.jpg 320w,\n/static/358255b99ee43c9a2f24cac4f073ec13/293e9/lawn-mowing.jpg 500w,\n/static/358255b99ee43c9a2f24cac4f073ec13/7e2e0/lawn-mowing.jpg 666w","srcWebp":"/static/358255b99ee43c9a2f24cac4f073ec13/a66c8/lawn-mowing.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/358255b99ee43c9a2f24cac4f073ec13/67b76/lawn-mowing.webp 320w,\n/static/358255b99ee43c9a2f24cac4f073ec13/8df11/lawn-mowing.webp 500w,\n/static/358255b99ee43c9a2f24cac4f073ec13/a66c8/lawn-mowing.webp 666w","sizes":"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Mowing And Maintenance in Dallas-Plano-Irving | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"A beautiful lawn in DFW doesn't just happen. We offer tips on lawn mowing and maintenance in Dallas-Plano and Irving to help you keep your lawn thrivinging."}}},{"node":{"id":"207e6d67-f26a-57db-8f2f-45c58bdd4e06","slug":"lawn-mowing-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/lawn-mowing-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"}],"date":"March 5th, 2019","excerpt":"Lawn mowing is the most common maintenance task you will perform, typically each week, depending on the weather that week. While mowing seems pretty straightforward, you want to make sure you are doing it correctly. Here are some tips. Never cut more than one-third of the height of your grass. If you cut your grass […]
\n","content":"\nLawn mowing is the most common maintenance task you will perform, typically each week, depending on the weather that week. While mowing seems pretty straightforward, you want to make sure you are doing it correctly. Here are some tips.
\n\n\n\nEach type of grass in big D has a recommended mowing height. Some grasses do better when at a shorter height, but some do require a higher length. At the start of the season, make sure you sharpen your mowing blades and raise (or lower) the blades to the appropriate height.
\n\n\n\nThe recommended mowing heights for popular grass types in Dallas, TX are:
\n\n\n\nDuring periods of drought, you should mow at the higher end of the recommended spectrum. You can go as far as letting grass reach a full inch above the normal height. Doing so gives the roots ample time to grow deeper into the soil, finding water deep down.
\n\n\n\nOf course, be sure to remain safe when mowing the lawn. Never mow the lawn during the dark, and be sure to collect all rocks and stones. Additionally, never let your kid sit on your lap while operating a riding lawn mower – that’s the source of many child injuries.
\n\n\n\nDon’t want to brave the Texas heat this summer? We’ve compiled a list of the top lawn care services in Dallas, TX for your convenience.
\n","title":"A Quick Guide to Lawn Mowing in Dallas, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.508515815085158,"src":"/static/cf88d17909791171d0506afca8ca8451/b2620/kid-pushing-lawn-mower.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf88d17909791171d0506afca8ca8451/107df/kid-pushing-lawn-mower.jpg 320w,\n/static/cf88d17909791171d0506afca8ca8451/293e9/kid-pushing-lawn-mower.jpg 500w,\n/static/cf88d17909791171d0506afca8ca8451/b2620/kid-pushing-lawn-mower.jpg 620w","srcWebp":"/static/cf88d17909791171d0506afca8ca8451/7561c/kid-pushing-lawn-mower.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf88d17909791171d0506afca8ca8451/67b76/kid-pushing-lawn-mower.webp 320w,\n/static/cf88d17909791171d0506afca8ca8451/8df11/kid-pushing-lawn-mower.webp 500w,\n/static/cf88d17909791171d0506afca8ca8451/7561c/kid-pushing-lawn-mower.webp 620w","sizes":"(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Quick Guide to Lawn Mowing in Dallas, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Here's how to mow your lawn in the DFW area for the best results, without cutting your toes off."}}},{"node":{"id":"f306e43f-d25e-5a96-a6e2-eaec4e4d56d2","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/low-maintenance-landscaping-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"Let’s face it, your weekends are better spent cheering on your favorite team than maintaining your North Texas lawn. Whether you are an Aggie or a Longhorn, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your outdoor chores so you can get back to the “Lone Star Showdown.” Switching to low-maintenance landscaping means […]
\n","content":"\nLet’s face it, your weekends are better spent cheering on your favorite team than maintaining your North Texas lawn. Whether you are an Aggie or a Longhorn, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your outdoor chores so you can get back to the “Lone Star Showdown.”
\n\n\n\nSwitching to low-maintenance landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In subtropical areas like Dallas, where summer temperatures can soar to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, energy and water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennials-landscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Acabashi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe bright blooms you see as you’re strolling through your local store are annuals. These flowers are less expensive and look great, for now, lasting one growing season before dying in late fall. If bright blooms are your thing, consider switching out your annuals for drought-tolerant perennials.
\n\n\n\nPerennials have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals, but they survive the cold winters and bloom every year. They are more expensive upfront. However, they tolerate extreme weather and come in many varieties such as deer-resistant and shade-loving types for your urban Dallas yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty on repeat, check out some of the best heat-tolerant perennials for Dallas:
\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![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/native-plants.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Hippopx
\n\n\n\nNative Texas plants are the most low-maintenance plants you can include in your landscaping project. They promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in the North Texas heat while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive a surprise winter snow. Native plants are hands-off and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Dallas native plants to choose from. Take a look at some examples:
\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![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garden-Bed-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive and low-effort DIY job that will provide a big payoff for your Texas landscape. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches like rubber and gravel are more low-maintenance and durable but do not offer additional nutrients. It is important to note that organic mulches like wood chips must be replaced each year with a fresh layer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Backyard-Hardscaping-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bill Wilson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTexas summers are hot, and there’s nothing more you want to do than relax at your backyard barbecue with a refreshing frozen margarita. The fewer plants in your landscaping design, the less time you will spend maintaining your lawn and garden. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nFor the most part, hardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for garden design. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. 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\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscaping-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping and water conservation. In the U.S., landscape irrigation makes up nearly one-third of all residential water use. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except rainfall.
\n\n\n\nDallas native plants are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard. They are naturally 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 be saving around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Groundcover.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: I.Sáček, senior / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWho says your entire yard has to be covered in traditional grass for a thick, green appearance? Low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to traditional turfgrass. Groundcover plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space.
\n\n\n\nGroundcover can fill areas of your lawn to mimic “grass,” while their low-maintenance attitude means less work for you. These plants still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Texas groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought tolerant, and best of all, low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Dallas groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Dallas landscaping experts, Eco Blossom Nursery, groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Perfect Grass / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChannel your inner Brady Bunch with artificial turf. Contrary to popular belief, this synthetic grass is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet. Thanks to technological advancements, it is hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is virtually maintenance-free. However, it is expensive to install and may render 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![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Succulent-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nDallas natives love their Cowboys and Tex-Mex. If you would rather spend more time perfecting your brisket tacos and less time maintaining your yard, consider planting drought-resistant succulents like cacti or agaves.
\n\n\n\nSucculents love dry, arid climates and thrive in the Texas climate thanks to their thick leaves. They prefer to be left alone, so you can forget about watering your plants and let nature take over. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work great in back and front yards.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular succulents that are great for Dallas yards:
\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\nOrganic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost.
Succulents thrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth 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.
Low-maintenance landscaping is the first step to reclaiming your weekends. Unfortunately, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance, and you will still find yourself stuck outside in the blistering sun.
Instead of 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 Margarita Mile.
Main Image Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Dallas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1789c/Landscaping-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/107df/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/293e9/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/f2cbb/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1789c/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/c26c2/Landscaping-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1dd6e/Landscaping-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/67b76/Landscaping-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/8df11/Landscaping-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/98a65/Landscaping-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/1dd6e/Landscaping-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab77cb74d540f3bfbf3c539315f4350/3cc96/Landscaping-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Dallas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spend more time tending to your BBQ with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Dallas, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"7f1dec31-6783-56fd-935f-e41331b8e2c7","slug":"dallas-homeowners-how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/dallas-homeowners-how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 3rd, 2018","excerpt":"Caring for St. Augustine grass St. Augustine grass thrives in Dallas, Texas making it a favorite for homeowners in the area. The grass is tolerant to the Texas heat, can survive small periods of droughts and can grow in just about any soil type. The grass is characterized by its dark green hue and dense […]
\n","content":"St. Augustine grass thrives in Dallas, Texas making it a favorite for homeowners in the area. The grass is tolerant to the Texas heat, can survive small periods of droughts and can grow in just about any soil type. The grass is characterized by its dark green hue and dense carpet-like cover. As a warm-season grass, it grows best in warm and humid areas. Its resilience to heat makes it an easy choice for any southern state, and getting on a regular maintenance schedule can keep this lawn flourishing for years.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/st-augustine-sod-patch-dallas-tx-1024x768.jpg\")
Photo: homemadeaustin.com
\nSt. Augustine grass comes as sod, sprigs or plugs and is best planted between May and August. Measure the desired area to ensure you buy enough materials and then begin the prepping process.
\nStart with raking or tilling the lawn until the soil is loose. Be sure to get rid of all weeds, whether by pulling them or applying a herbicide. If there are leftover weeds they will grow into the new lawn. There are soils offered that are designed specifically to enhance growth and nourishment through the early stages of a new lawn. Use this to fill in low spots around the lawn. Lay the sod, sprigs or plugs around the yard and sprinkle a slow-release starter fertilizer. Avoid using other fertilizers because they may damage the new grass.
\nBegin watering two times per day for the first three weeks after planting, then move towards a regular watering schedule. Make sure not to flood the new grass to keep it from catching a disease or fungus. To ensure this, water in the early morning and early afternoon while the sun is out.
\nAs soon as the grass begins to turn green again from winter dormancy its time to up your water regimen to two times a week and start a regular mowing schedule. The first of the grass clippings will help to fertilize the lawn so it’s best not to bag them. About three weeks after the grass turns green apply fertilizer to the lawn. Springtime is an important marker in lawn care for deciding how lush your grass will be for the growing seasons.
\nSt. Augustine grass does great in the summer with proper care from the spring. Measure the amount of water the lawn gets per week from rain and supplement that with watering. The lawn should get about an inch of water each week. Watering twice a week is recommended. Use the same mowing schedule as spring season during summer.
\nApply a 2nd fertilizer 8 to 10 weeks after spring fertilization for the best growth throughout the end of summer.
\nTexas’ autumn seasons can feel like a continuation of summer. With that in mind St. Augustine grass will continue to flourish in warmer seasons, so until cooler days, continue the regular mowing and water schedule from spring and summer.
\nDuring cooler days, the grass will start to turn brown as it goes dormant. The grass will only need to be watered periodically at this point. Be aware of warmer, windy and dry days because this is when the lawn will need a little water.
\nDuring the winter season, the lawn will be dormant so there is not much upkeep at this point. Do not apply any fertilizer in the months of December through February.
\nChinch Bugs are common in St. Augustine grass, especially in the summer. They love heat and the lawn will give them a steady stream of food. Watering the lawn regularly and keeping the lawn healthy will proactively keep the pests away. If, however, the pests are already present, investing in a pesticide may be the only way to get your lawn back. Look out for any patches of yellow grass as this can be a sign of pests.
\nFire ants are the bane of every Texan’s existence. These little pests usually find their way into St. Augustine grass as well. Pesticides tend to be the first response to these suckers, however, if you are opting for a more natural remedy, a 3 percent dish soap to water formula can get rid of them.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/watering-st-augustine-grass-1024x681.jpg\")
Photo: agrilife.org
\nWatering is essential for any lawn, but especially so in Texas. St. Augustine grass is only slightly drought resistant, so monitoring how much rain the lawn gets is very important. Watering the lawn twice a week is good for this grass. The best time frame to water is early morning and early evening.
\nThe city of Dallas has a strict two times per week watering schedule. Depending on the last digit of your address there are certain days allotted for watering. Even numbers are Sundays and Thursdays, odd numbers are Saturdays and Wednesdays and no address numbers fall on Sundays and Thursdays as well. Watering is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the days watering is allowed. These policies have been in place since 2012 to ensure that there will be water in the future for a growing population.
\nStill have lawn care questions that need to be answered? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page or read what’s going on in your state.
\n","title":"Dallas Homeowners: How to Care for St. Augustine Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/1789c/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/107df/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.jpg 320w,\n/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/293e9/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.jpg 500w,\n/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/f2cbb/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.jpg 800w,\n/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/1789c/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.jpg 960w,\n/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/4fb49/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/1dd6e/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/67b76/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.webp 320w,\n/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/8df11/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.webp 500w,\n/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/98a65/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.webp 800w,\n/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/1dd6e/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.webp 960w,\n/static/cb246d4ffa629ee73038f42c9c05e4c3/62477/st-augustine-grass-dallas-tx.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Dallas Homeowners: How to Care for St. Augustine Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"dd8dd66b-7223-5063-9db2-955f66ba5505","slug":"dallas-homeowners-monthly-lawn-garden-tips","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/dallas-homeowners-monthly-lawn-garden-tips/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 6th, 2018","excerpt":"So, fact: Summertime is hot in Texas. I don’t hear anyone arguing! If you are anything like me, summertime in Dallas always ends up claiming at least one of my plants, as it is annihilated by the heat. It’s a tragic loss, and it is one that doesn’t have to happen! Extreme heat doesn’t have […]
\n","content":"So, fact: Summertime is hot in Texas. I don’t hear anyone arguing!
\nIf you are anything like me, summertime in Dallas always ends up claiming at least one of my plants, as it is annihilated by the heat. It’s a tragic loss, and it is one that doesn’t have to happen! Extreme heat doesn’t have to take another victim! There are numerous steps that can be done to protect your plants from the stress of the heat. It is important not only what you do to protect your plants, but when you do it.
\nBelow are some important steps to take during the summer, broken down by month, to keep your lawns lush and your flowers perky. For sake of this article, we will consider the summer months to be May-September, although we know around it can start earlier and last into “winter.”
\nTo keep it simple, I have narrowed it down to a list of 3 steps that I find to be useful for each month. (According to Live Science, research has found that the mind’s limit to remember is 3-4 things at one time) Several references were used, along with personal experience. If you would like to find a more comprehensive list, one good guide is an article published by the Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Inc.; it contains great advice for our local area.
\nThis list isn’t at all comprehensive, but it is a good start for us garden warriors as we try to fight the warm summer months.
\nStill have questions about lawn care and gardening in Dallas? Visit our Dallas lawn care page to read more articles like this one. Also, comments are highly encouraged!
\n","title":"Dallas Homeowners: Monthly Lawn & Garden Tips","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1789c/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/107df/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 320w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/293e9/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 500w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/f2cbb/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 800w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1789c/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 960w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/4fb49/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1dd6e/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/67b76/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 320w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/8df11/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 500w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/98a65/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 800w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/1dd6e/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 960w,\n/static/f068918da0321ad6b7a6bfcc68c49a4c/62477/summer-lawn-care-dallas-tx.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Dallas Homeowners: Monthly Lawn & Garden Tips | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"bf71fa9f-247d-5b4d-b0f5-9d59eee04fb8","slug":"lawn-treatment-advice-for-fire-ants-in-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/lawn-treatment-advice-for-fire-ants-in-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2019","excerpt":"The desire for lawn maintenance can come from a sense of pride for your landscape or a need to surround yourself with living things. Regardless of why you keep your yard looking tidy and clean, there are benefits for having the lawn maintained that go beyond how you want your property to look. Mowing the […]
\n","content":"\nThe desire for lawn maintenance can come from a sense of pride for your landscape or a need to surround yourself with living things. Regardless of why you keep your yard looking tidy and clean, there are benefits for having the lawn maintained that go beyond how you want your property to look. Mowing the lawn gets rid of the long unkempt grass that attracts not only weeds but bugs as well. Short grass does not provide shade for pests like mosquitos, moths, and beetles. These species do not thrive in the sun and are most active during dawn or dusk. A lack of available shade can prevent them from swarming in your yard. Fertilizing the lawn can make the grass a vibrant green, but too much fertilizer can be toxic and cause your grass to die. It can also runoff into your sewer system, causing health problems and possible HOA violations.
\n\n\n\nIf you see disturbed soil in your yard with mounds around 18 inches tall with no visible entrances, then you are most likely dealing with fire ants. The article will focus on teaching you how to recognize the warning signs and how to treat fire ants in your yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/fire-ants-1788584_640.jpg\")
There are all sorts of ants in Dallas. Carpenter ants, leafcutter ants, and pavement ants are just a few species common to Dallas, but fire ants are a species that sticks out from the rest. They are notorious for their sting. There are native fire ants as well as imported fire ants in Dallas. The native ants are not as aggressive as their imported counterparts, but they do sting and may also cause a pustule at the site of the bite. Red imported fire ants are considered to be exotic and invasive species in various parts of Texas. They have even displaced the other species of fire ants native to the state.
\n\n\n\nThe red imported fire ants’ colonies scale between 300-500,000 workers and scavenge a perimeter as far as 100 yards. They either have a single-queen colony or a multiple-queen one. Single-queen colonies are territorial and only forage within their area while the latter colony is freer ranged in their scavenging, moving from one mound to another. Areas infested with single-queen colonies have around 40-150 mounds per acre (typically no more than 7 million ants per acre). In regions with multiple-queen colonies, there may be over 200 mounds and 40 million ants per acre.
\n\n\n\nThe queen lives between 2 to 6 years while her workers typically live around 180 days (or 6 months). The total time for an egg to become adult averages 30 days. The fire ant workers diverse from one another in various ways. They come in different colors, ranging from shades of red to black and vary in size as well, up to ¼ an inch. Regardless of the size, they all have the same body proportions with the head width never exceeding the abdomen width. The one thing they have in common is their aggressive nature that they push many insects away from their local habitat.
\n\n\n\nThe homes of red imported fire ants are mounds of loose soil with no clear entrances. The fire ants come and go to the mound through underground tunnels, and they prefer to build mounds in open sunny areas such as pastures, parks, meadows, and lawns. Locate mounds around trees, rotting logs, and stumps. You can also find colonies in or under buildings. The colony generally lives in numerous mounds near each other.
\n\n\n\nIf the mounds are unearthed, they will swarm and viciously sting whoever disturbed the mound. Different from other ants, which simply bite and then spray acid on the wound, fire ants bite to get a hold of its prey and then sting like a bee from the abdomen. The fire ants inject a toxic alkaloid venom called solenopsin. This venom causes a painful sting for humans and leaves a sensation similar to what someone feels when burned by fire, rightfully giving them the name of fire ants.
\n\n\n\nThey mostly feed on young plants and seed but are known to attack small animals and even kill their victims. They are attracted to food that includes protein, greases, and sweets. They also eat and forage small insects and dead animals. When fire ants invade a building, residential or commercial space, they seem to be charmed by electrical currents. Their presence can create damage to air-conditioning units, telephone wires, and even electrical junction boxes.
\n\n\n\nFire ant activity starts from spring and goes into the late fall months. Fire ants are most active when the temperatures range between 65 °F to 90 °F. The workers are generally active outside the nest, scavenging for food during the cooler morning and evening hours. They are also renowned for their ability to survive extreme conditions, but they do not hibernate and can endure cold conditions. Another extreme condition is when the population has declined, the queen only needs a few workers to start a new colony. They would then develop a new mound not far from their previous location in just a few hours.
\n\n\n\nSee also: 10 Insect-Repelling Plants that Drive Away Nasty Pests
\n\n\n\nThere are a few methods to use when dealing with fire ants. If you desire to handle fire ants yourself, try following these steps recommended by a pest control company in Dallas.
\n\n\n\nWe advise you first to treat your lawn with the broadcasting method. Broadcast a fire ant bait over the entire yard. You would do this a few times a year during the spring and summer. Treating your lawn will help significantly reduce your fire ant infestation. Apply the fire ant baits on sunny days and when you see higher activity around the mound. Baits will entice the worker ants to forage for it. Check for the weather to avoid putting out the bait on extremely hot or rainy days.
\n\n\n\nAfter applying the fire ant bait, apply a broadcast fire ant killer. This will prevent surviving queens and workers from forming new mounds or invisible mounds you believe you missed.
\n\n\n\nThis method is most effective when dealing with smaller areas or individual mounds. Your main goal when using a liquid insecticide is to kill the queen. Drench the mound with the insecticide using a rod to form vertical tunnels that ensure the liquid reaches the queen.
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about pest control? Visit our Pest Control page for more information.
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic 2019 in Texas, at least when it comes to drought. As the year began, more than 95% of the state was NOT in drought, and water levels were at their highest since the early 1990s. It’s certainly a very different picture than it was 10 years ago when […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s shaping up to be a fantastic 2019 in Texas, at least when it comes to drought. As the year began, more than 95% of the state was NOT in drought, and water levels were at their highest since the early 1990s. It’s certainly a very different picture than it was 10 years ago when Texas survived intense drought across much of the state.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can go wild with your sprinklers and water your yard every day. Most local governments learned their lesson in that bad drought — and many cities have watering restrictions that remain in place.
\n\n\n\nTexas was still in that bad drought when the Dallas City Council passed permanent watering restrictions for homes and businesses inside city limits. It was an attempt to be proactive about the water supply. Now years later, it looks like it has helped. And don’t worry too much about those summer days with highs in the triple digits. Lawn care experts say your grass only needs a long drink of water every five days or so.
\n\n\n\nEveryone may turn on the sprinklers twice a week in Dallas:
\n\n\n\nThe city of Plano also has recommended watering guidelines for 2019, and like Dallas, it’s a twice-weekly schedule:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/JTAt7d0c4LxAakTsSgtYmoAcfZFW1ZPb7bDHUKNRijP3yMu8Aw-EJg31U69zOrwzBG_ZmM-3_4-jdlnSiuOglZEEHC7_1QJKNt66s2oMyFPe6eydX3SXWzJqiUwIEKOvCw\")
In the City of Irving:
\n\n\n\nThe city also recommends planting low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants for your yard. Native flowers like hibiscus and verbena are easy to care for and need little watering. It’s also helpful if you install plumbing fixtures and appliances that conserve water.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in another city in the Metroplex that isn’t mentioned here, it’s pretty easy to search your city or county government’s website for watering restrictions. The restrictions are likely to be similar to the ones enacted by Dallas, Plano, and Irving. In a drought-prone state like Texas, we’re all in it together — and every drop of water counts.
\n\n\n\nDo you want to know more about lawn care in the DFW? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
\n","title":"Watering Restrictions in Dallas, Irving and Plano","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.585139318885449,"src":"/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/1789c/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/107df/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 320w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/293e9/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 500w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/f2cbb/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 800w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/1789c/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 960w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/a2a79/sprinkler-1024x646.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/1dd6e/sprinkler-1024x646.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/67b76/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 320w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/8df11/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 500w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/98a65/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 800w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/1dd6e/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 960w,\n/static/d3934d26de4455ac3471f7ebe1c836a5/7aa54/sprinkler-1024x646.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Watering Restrictions in Dallas, Irving and Plano | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Water is a precious resource in DFW, so local governments are doing their best to protect it. Here's a list of the watering restrictions in DFW."}}},{"node":{"id":"a2686088-d2d1-5a1c-b532-7c5463bbae8f","slug":"best-grass-types-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/best-grass-types-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"March 5th, 2019","excerpt":"With an average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit in October, it is easy to see why backyard barbecues and frozen margaritas are so popular in Dallas, Texas, and it would be a shame not to show off your lush, green yard. The best grass types for Dallas need little water to thrive in the city’s […]
\n","content":"\nWith an average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit in October, it is easy to see why backyard barbecues and frozen margaritas are so popular in Dallas, Texas, and it would be a shame not to show off your lush, green yard. The best grass types for Dallas need little water to thrive in the city’s hot summers. If you’re installing a new lawn or ready to take your existing yard from drab to fab, consider one of these options for results that will survive the Texas heat.
\n\n\n\nThe city’s hot summers, cold winters, and low precipitation levels are best suited to warm-season grass varieties. Warm-season grasses soak up the sun and actively grow during late spring and go dormant around mid-fall. These varieties grow best in the southern United States, preferring growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most popular Texas grass variety. The hardy, fine-textured turfgrass withstands drought and heavy traffic, making it a durable and versatile option for athletic fields, home lawns, golf courses, and more. It is an aggressive grass that recovers quickly from damage, leading some to consider it an aggressive species.
\n\n\n\nDallas is home to many types of sun-loving bermudagrass. Common bermudagrass has a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Common bermudagrass requires less maintenance than hybrid varieties but is less dense with a more sparse appearance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: 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![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nDeep roots are one thing Texans and St. Augustinegrass have in common. This warm-season grass is a popular choice for urban Dallas thanks to its shade tolerance. While the quick-growing grass is easy to establish, it does not stand up well to heavy traffic and might struggle during unusually cold Texas winters.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is dark-emerald to blue-green and coarse-textured. It is not as hardy as other warm-season grass types and is susceptible to disease and pests like chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\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/zoysia-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThere are around eleven cultivars of Zoysiagrass available in Texas. These grasses tolerate low mow heights, drought, cold, shade, and heavy traffic, and have low fertilization requirements. Cultivars of Zoysiagrass grow densely, blocking out weed growth thanks to thick stiff leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. Cultivars are not prone to disease or insect infestation but grow slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\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 grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nTexas native Buffalograss loves to be undisturbed to soak in the Dallas sun. The warm-season grass is drought and cold-tolerant. It requires little fertilization and less mowing than most varieties. Unfortunately, the low-fuss cultivar does not stand up to heavy traffic, shade, or weeds.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss loves hot summers and its gray-green blades are pest and disease resistant.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a low-maintenance cultivar, requiring little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain lush and green. The smooth, flat-bladed grass does not handle heavy traffic, shade, cold, or herbicides well.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass has a pronounced light green color and medium texture. The slow-growing grass is prone to pests and disease when improperly maintained or over watered.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow when the Texas temperatures hit 65 degrees Fahrenheit, usually toward the end of February or the beginning of March. The growing season typically ends with your grass going dormant when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit around mid-November.
You should plant your grass seed in March or April. This gives the seed plenty of time to germinate before the hot Texas summer.
St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-friendly grass type for Dallas.
Dogs and cats love to soak up the summer sun as much as your Texas plants. If your furry friend spends a lot of time outdoors, bermudagrass is your best option. This variety grows densely, withstands heavy traffic, and recovers quickly when man’s best friend has the urge to dig.
All Texas grass varieties thrive in warm weather, but different cultivars have different characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your space and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass variety is just one component of your complete landscape. There are numerous low-maintenance landscaping options available for Dallas. Check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in the dry summer heat.
\n\n\n\nA lush backyard oasis is within reach. Contact a Dallas lawn care pro today to keep your lawn and landscaping green and healthy.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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