![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dYH47_LhsxA6pRDosaZ0Yh8bfVmXsRRrqs77-meWU9H0NivpuN2ZywlPHIUd2ZzOhicYfnd-vt6Xh4VogxayJsZTJ3nQv3DyFjPlwqcupEGo6bn8ULJAMtAREkiYf3yLHETkjej1BuZTbWEA5g\")
Living in Pflugerville, Texas certainly has many benefits. Being a suburb of Austin offers Pflugerville residents big city amenities and attractions close to home while still enjoying the charm of a small Texas town. However, a problem that plagues both big city and small town alike are common landscape weeds. Homeowners often find that if […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in Pflugerville, Texas certainly has many benefits. Being a suburb of Austin offers Pflugerville residents big city amenities and attractions close to home while still enjoying the charm of a small Texas town. However, a problem that plagues both big city and small town alike are common landscape weeds. Homeowners often find that if a certain garden weed problem is not dealt with quickly and efficiently the once small issue becomes an all-out ordeal to correct.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common weeds that plague central Texas homeowners like those in Pflugerville and discuss ways to properly identify and eradicate the culprits before they cause more chaos to your home and landscape.
A Plant Out of Place.
Weeds are known by everyone but are not always easily recognized. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a garden weed. Simply put a weed is just any plant that is ‘out of place’. While this definition could include desirable plants that have overgrown their intended boundaries, most commonly it is used to cover any plant that…
What’s in a Name?
In Texas, there are two main types of weeds: broadleaf and grassy. Both of these can be difficult to treat as there are also subcategories: annual and perennial. The perennials are the most difficult to get rid of since they live the longest and keep returning year after year. Left unchecked, the annual varieties will continue to reproduce and spread across your property year after year as well. Additionally, there are often several common names for the same weed so photographic identification is most helpful.
It is in fact, a Texas wildflower, but grown in the wrong setting can be a troublesome weed. A winter annual that blooms in early spring, Henbit is very plentiful in Central Texas. Henbit’s leaves are rounded with notched edges. They grow every inch or so on a square stem. The stems are weak so the longer the weed grows, the less stable its foundation is. It has purple flowers that grow at the very top of the plant.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/odbWuyHSmDgLUwq4WpTvzVjhuOi-wM9SJuzIRXmesGIDacg1aLgUuTmXMJPcCgn-5OEBQMQBvhtKzRi5H9ESXPBeGDrPjS4UfgWdLobu5S4b_qIuOIBeZ9ujksNMjnfPxVlS3Lof5_VYp9vI1g\")
Iconic due to its seed-head, the dandelion is easily recognizable. Coming from the French name dent de lion (lion’s tooth), the flower has a unique look. Children and adults alike enjoy blowing the seeds, so they take root in a lot of lawns. The leaves grow close to the ground in a star-shaped pattern. In bloom, the flower is yellow. You will usually see them in spring to early summer. They are a biennial or perennial bloom.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MBZtuJSNYr3d7wBmKh00vsMnrZOJWhplZ46IHz2xQYFgOQ_0hhjwnwVjs0du1-1B-bnm1SL4VWve9QVkOSLWB0LVEOCseIMHJGLqalsuWXAWITem1kfuUXqDBITLcB3L9xQBYf4si-0BTtjnkQ\")
Thistle has a rapid growth rate and it can get very tall. If you don’t deal with it, it will grow several feet high and about a foot wide, taking up a bit of space in your lawn. When it’s young, it resembles a dandelion except that it’s purplish in color and the leaves have long spines on them. They also have hairy, jagged edges. Butterflies and other insects love this woolly biennial or perennial and will often eat from it.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BJgv1pl632m8SJD1h1HDcfwJ_YC5KOE36abJzx1DfemU3Toe6W2tZ2Qg_s5lUE4zQvtsOTJKFnQ5-HeDUHf8sse5lYtSdBgHgGNg4gSCk4nDK6B6Ro4J1x2vn3VtJ2pjrPG-hU5WYZM2lGZiSg\")
Chickweed is an annual broadleaf and it germinates in the fall. It grows during the winter, produces seed and dies by early summer. It’s actually an herb and is named as such because it is a favorite food of chickens. Chickweed grows to about 8 inches high and the plant can mat together to about 16 inches. The leaves have smooth edges and are no more than 1 inch long. They also always grow in pairs, directly opposite each other on the stem. The stem has hairs covering the entire length. The flowers are small, about 1/8 inch across, and white with five petals, giving them a star shape.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/DW_UJerhvBYNX83cmVS4LyZS9lIwwUl_mG8rlmy6q_dVNrsGrxozjWnGn70zXmVdkV3Jvf6eGItNHdh6JTyFNDPVzjNGInCQMxOxtaJiYcuI6jmhTo56GU3xYOQSc1LZW1q2_JkKe0HENTv6AA\")
Purslane tends to appear after the soil warms in late spring or early summer. It’s common in rich, fertile soil, often showing up in garden beds that have been freshly turned over. The succulent stems and leaves stay close to the ground. The tiny flowers at the stem tips quickly give way to seedpods. Purslane seeds can persist in soil for years, making them a perennial. It is heat and drought tolerant. The colors of round the stems are tinted red. The leaves are paddle-shaped, flat and alternately arranged.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wimV98YUYR9v7Nab3hVZkZAHlZqhI2h10VjL-z6aNwnZs0lNrvWIXNvWy_fKW3EXv23VgDBapYHQrbR7EC8h60QHjFZUz_V1ioqavC3oW0MOc1QjavZibCsurV6SQ9SvaqgHM7_6POmnNiCM4g\")
This grass will quickly take over in poor soils that have been left unattended too long. They have a branched base with stems usually displaying red coloration. The leaf blades are flat, and both leaves and sheaths are covered with soft hairs. Seedheads are open and drooping. It will grow rapidly from seed, maturing within 2 months to 2 ft. tall.
\n\n\n\nNow that we’ve identified a few of the most common weedy plants that grow in Pflugerville, Texas let’s talk about the wide option of eradication strategies available to homeowners.
There are many effective organic herbicides on the market and are widely available especially at the home improvement stores and nurseries around Pflugerville and Austin. Look for applications that allow you to control the distribution of the herbicide so that you do not unintentionally damage or kill your desirable plants that may be near the bunch of weeds.
\n\n\n\nFor stubborn weeds use a mixture of white vinegar and orange oil as an organic herbicide.
\n\n\n\n1. In a large bucket mix 1 gallon 10-20% white vinegar with 2 ounces of orange oil or cleanser containing d-limonene (available at garden centers and some large retailers) and 2 ounces of liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir well to combine.
2. Funnel the weed killer into a plastic spray bottle. Shake it well as you use it, as the orange oil will tend to separate. Drench all surfaces of the weed with the solution during the hottest part of a sunny day. The weed will show signs of distress or die completely within two to four days. Repeat after 2 days and reapply after rain.
3. For year-long protection, give perennial weeds, such as dandelions, a good shot of the mixture in the spring before they have the chance to set seeds. Pick seed heads off and destroy them as they appear throughout the growing season. Don’t add them to your compost heap. Spray perennials with the herbicide in the fall to fully utilize the weed’s life cycle and send the material to the stems and roots to aid in killing the plants.
4. Tightly stored in a glass jar, this weed killing mixture will last indefinitely.
\n\n\n\nAnother benefit of living in the suburb of a large city means that homeowners in Pflugerville have easy access to a wide selection of highly specialized and qualified lawn care specialists that can come to your site and directly assess the issues your lawn presents.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about lawn care? Visit our WikiLawn Lawn Care of Pflugerville, TX page.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Jamie Beveridge
\n","title":"Pflugerville, TX Homeowners: How to identify and eradicate these 6 common weeds","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5003663003663004,"src":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1789c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/107df/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 320w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/293e9/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 500w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/f2cbb/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 800w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1789c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 960w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/d2f4e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1dd6e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/67b76/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 320w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/8df11/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 500w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/98a65/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 800w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1dd6e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 960w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/8952c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pflugerville, TX Homeowners: How to identify and eradicate these 6 common weeds | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"43e7c0da-3068-5b54-a08d-5c74304ade47","slug":"firewise-landscaping-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/firewise-landscaping-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Wildfires love dry weather, which is why Utah, with its arid climate, is highly prone to wildfire. In fact, it’s among the most dangerous states for wildfires in the U.S. But you can minimize the damage by adopting these fire-wise landscaping ideas for your Utah home. In this article: 1. Prepare Your Defensible Space Photo […]
\n","content":"\nWildfires love dry weather, which is why Utah, with its arid climate, is highly prone to wildfire. In fact, it’s among the most dangerous states for wildfires in the U.S. But you can minimize the damage by adopting these fire-wise landscaping ideas for your Utah home.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Farmer](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Getting-rid-of-the-dead-wood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pauline Eccles / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDefensible space is the buffer between your home and the vegetation around it. By keeping this area clear of flammable vegetation and objects, you rob the fire of the fuel it needs to maintain its destructive march.
\n\n\n\nIf your home doesn’t have a defensible space, it most likely won’t survive the fire, and the flames may spread quickly to your neighbor’s property as well. The secondary benefits of defensible space is that it can create a safe zone for firefighters to battle a blaze without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nAn effective defensible space consists of three zones:
\n\n\n\nZone 1 (Immediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 1 extends up to 5 feet from your home. If you live on a hill, increase the distance by 5 feet or more because fire travels faster uphill.
\n\n\n\nHere is how to prepare this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 2 (Intermediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 2 begins where the first zone ends. It extends from 6 feet up to 30 feet. Here are some guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 3 (Extended Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 3 extends from 31 feet up to 100 feet or the property line. Here are the guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Metal-Gazebo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: GAlexandrova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWooden fences and gazebos look great, and many homeowners across the U.S. prefer them. But they are highly flammable and can quickly spread fire. So, wood shouldn’t be your first choice in Utah.
\n\n\n\nMetal and stone structures are a fire-resistant alternative to wood. They look great, are more durable, and require less maintenance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Silvery](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Silvery-Yarrow.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PicturElements / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe term “fire-resistant plants” is a bit of a misnomer. All plants will burn when exposed to fire. However, fire-resistant plants won’t ignite as violently.
\n\n\n\nA fire-resistant plant:
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the most fire-resistant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips for growing fire-resistant plants correctly.
\n\n\n\nNote: If you live on a hill, leave more space between plants as fire travels faster uphill.
\n\n\n\n| Slope Size | Tree Distance | Shrub Distance |
| Mild slope (less than 20%) | 10 feet | 2 times the shrub’s height |
| Moderate slope (20% to 40%) | 20 feet | 4 times the shrub’s height |
| Steep slope (greater than 40%) | 30 feet | 6 times the shrub’s height |
![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gravel-mulch-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sten Porse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch helps plants conserve water. It can also reduce weed growth. Weeds are highly flammable and can spread fire. But choosing the wrong mulch – meaning mulch that is highly flammable – actually aids the spread of fire.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, pebbles, and river rocks have great fire resistance. These mulches also look good and require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer organic mulches, we recommend wood chips as they are the least flammable, according to a study by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. That study indicates that composted wood chips are the least flammable mulches.
\n\n\n\nHere are some mulches to avoid, as they are combustible.
\n\n\n\n![\"Our](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_concrete_retaining_wall_in_walnut_creek_ca_built_by_retaining_wall_experts.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Easterday / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features added to a landscape design. They increase the appearance of your lawn and can also slow the spread of fire. Hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nUse bricks, concrete, and metal for your hardscapes, but not wood. Here’s how hardscapes can help minimize fire spread.
\n\n\n\nUtah is hot, and it’s the second driest state in the U.S., making it highly prone to wildfires.
\n\n\n\nIt’s impossible to prevent wildfires from erupting, but you can minimize the damage by creating a defensible space, using metal structures, growing fire-resistant plants, applying fire-resistant mulch, and building hardscapes.
\n\n\n\nWildfires spread rapidly, and a single fire-resistant landscape can’t slow the spread. If you live in a community, involve your neighbors and encourage them to create a fire-resistant landscape too.
\n\n\n\nIf you want some help creating your lawn fire-resistant, Wikilawn Utah lawn care experts can help. We can also help you with regular lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Devereaux House / Ken Lund / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"5 Fire-wise Landscaping Ideas for Utah","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1789c/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/107df/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/293e9/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/f2cbb/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1789c/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/c26c2/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1dd6e/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/67b76/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/8df11/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/98a65/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1dd6e/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/3cc96/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Firewise Landscaping Ideas for Utah","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Utah's desert climate is highly prone to wildfire, but you can protect your home with a good firewise strategy that includes fire-resistant landscaping"}}},{"node":{"id":"6b9cd8e9-d042-5c54-8fc7-ba6d233536c6","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-cincinnati","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/lawn-mowing-maintenance-cincinnati/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"There’s more to lawn mowing and maintenance in Cincinnati than simply dragging out the mower once a week. Here’s what to do.
\n","content":"\nIf you have a yard, you know having a good-looking expanse of green lawn takes planning and effort. There’s more to lawn mowing and maintenance in Cincinnati than simply dragging out the mower once a week. It’s important to mow correctly to help your lawn thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/lawn-mower-938555_1920-1024x444.jpg\")
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy lawn is to mow your grass at the proper height. Cutting the grass too short puts stress on the root system and the grass blades. Strong, healthy roots help fend off weeds and disease. Longer grass also holds more moisture and protects roots from the summer sun.
\n\n\n\nMowing height will depend on your type of grass. Kentucky bluegrass — either by itself or with a mixture of other grasses in supporting roles — is the most common in Cincinnati. Bluegrass shouldn’t be mowed any shorter than 2 ½ to 3 inches. Tall and fine fescue is also popular. These grasses shouldn’t be mowed any shorter than 3 or 3 ½ inches. Virtually all lawn mowers have adjustable blades to help you achieve the proper height for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind the one-third principle: Don’t mow any more than one-third of your lawn in any one mow. If your grass is too tall or you’re behind on lawn mowing chores, cut your lawn in increments to stay within the one-third rule.
\n\n\n\nWait until the grass is at least 3 inches tall before mowing for the first time in the spring. You should mow your lawn weekly, especially during the early growing season. In the heat of summer, when grass growth tends to slow, you may only need to mow every other week. Put the mower away when the grass stops growing in the fall. This is usually in early to mid-November in Cincinnati, when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nMulch grass clippings instead of bagging them. The cut blades of grass help fertilize your lawn. They also add extra moisture and protect the soil from the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nFertilizing is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lawn. Fertilize in the spring and the fall for best results. Spread the first application in the spring when the temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This can happen in March or April, depending on the year, so be ready! It’s too hot to use fertilizer in the summer, and doing so can damage your grass.
\n\n\n\nFall is the most important time to fertilize your lawn. Late-fall fertilization will help your grass survive the winter with strong roots. Some of the fertilizer will still be active when spring rolls around again, and your lawn will wake up healthy and green.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/watering-the-lawn.jpg\")
The best time to water your lawn is early morning. This gives the soil a chance to absorb the water before it evaporates in the afternoon heat. Your grass will also have enough time to dry by nightfall. Leaving too much water on the grass overnight can lead to fungal disease and rot.
\n\n\n\nUnlike many U.S. cities, the plentiful water of the Ohio River means Cincinnati has no permanent watering restrictions.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs at least an inch of water each week. Water deeply twice a week, rather than shorter waterings each day. This allows the soil and roots to soak up the much-needed moisture. If it rains, cut back on how much you run your sprinklers.
\n\n\n\nLawn mowing and maintenance in Cincinnati is an ongoing process, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Using these tips will give you a healthy and thriving lawn to enjoy all season long.
\n\n\n\n
Still have questions about your lawn? Visit our Cincinnati, OH, lawn care page.
You probably have a favorite time of day to cut the grass, but is that the best time to mow your lawn? Industry professionals agree that the best time of day to cut the lawn is midmorning between 8-10 a.m. The second-best time for lawn mowing is late afternoon between 4-6 p.m. Why are these […]
\n","content":"\nYou probably have a favorite time of day to cut the grass, but is that the best time to mow your lawn? Industry professionals agree that the best time of day to cut the lawn is midmorning between 8-10 a.m.
\n\n\n\nThe second-best time for lawn mowing is late afternoon between 4-6 p.m.
\n\n\n\nWhy are these the optimum times to mow your grass? Midmorning and late afternoon cuts allow the grass enough time to recover before the hot sun or evening dew, protecting it from too much evaporation at midday or exposure to fungus at night.
\n\n\n\n✓ The grass is dry.
✓ The grass has plenty of time to recover before the heat of the day or the dew at night.
✓ Equipment is less likely to overheat if used during cooler times of day.
✓ YOU are less likely to overheat.
✓ You won’t disturb the neighbors (unless they have different work/sleep schedules).
An added bonus of a midmorning mow: You’ll get to smell your freshly cut grass all day long.
\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_shutterstock_1119073862.jpg\")
The hottest time of the day is the worst time to mow your lawn, and that also is probably not your favorite time to be pushing a mower.
\n\n\n\nSo, when is the hottest time of the day? The middle of the day, before and after high noon, is generally the hottest. During this time, the grass experiences stress due to the hot temperatures. Since mowing also places stress on your lawn, avoid cutting your grass during these midday hours.
\n\n\n\nThe second worst time to mow is early morning before 8 a.m.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why: Mowing in the early morning, or at any time when you have wet grass or morning dew, will leave clumps of grass on the lawn and may even clog your mower. Mowing when the grass is wet can cause ruts in the lawn and may even pull the grass from the roots instead of shearing the blades of grass.
\n\n\n\nAnd when you’re all done mowing dewy or wet grass? You will have to clean those wet clumps of grass from your mower blade — not fun.
\n\n\n\n![\"As](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_1shutterstock_277566824.jpg\")
Besides time of day, the height of your grass also can determine when it’s the best time to mow. Mowing when your grass is too short could harm your lawn, and cutting too-long grass will take more of your time.
\n\n\n\nThese are general guidelines for when is the best time to mow your grass based on various common types of grass:
\n\n\n\n| WARM SEASON GRASS TYPES | INCHES |
| Bermuda | 1.5” – 3” |
| Centipede | 1” – 2” |
| St. Augustine | 2” – 4” |
| Zoysia | 1” – 2.5” |
| COOL SEASON GRASS TYPES | INCHES |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5” – 4” |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2” – 3.5” |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 2.5”- 3.5” |
| Tall Fescue | 2”- 4” |
There are many other factors that affect your mowing height:
\n\n\n\n✓ Sun or shade (Cut shaded areas higher by about half an inch)
✓ Periods of stress (Cut higher and less often during drought or extreme heat.)
✓ Time of year
✓ Grass use (lawn vs. athletic field vs. golf green)
✓ Climate
✓ Type of equipment (push mower vs. rotary mower)
To get local, professional advice, search for and contact your nearest Cooperative Extension Service office.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_shutterstock_197046728.jpg\")
The best day of the week to mow your lawn is probably one of your days off work. However, if you work the night shift and get off at 8 a.m. or go in early and get off at 4 or 5 p.m., you could get out the mower after work and cut your grass at an optimal time.
\n\n\n\nThere are great and not-so-great times to mow the lawn. In the end, the best time to mow (or do any lawn care, for that matter) is whenever you can get the job done.
\n\n\n\nIf that happens to be a morning from 8-10 a.m. or an afternoon from 4-6 p.m., know that your grass has been mowed at a time that is optimal for its health and recovery.
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather not worry about mowing your grass at the perfect time, you can contract that out to lawn care professionals. We can help you to find a lawn care mowing crew near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Shutterstock
\n","title":"When is the Best Time to Mow a Lawn?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1789c/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg","srcSet":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/107df/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 320w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/293e9/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 500w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/f2cbb/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 800w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1789c/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 960w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/c26c2/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1dd6e/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/67b76/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 320w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/8df11/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 500w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/98a65/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 800w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1dd6e/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 960w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/3cc96/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When is the Best Time to Mow a Lawn? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When is the best time to mow your lawn? Industry pros say 8 to 10 a.m. is the best time to cut your grass. Why? Grass is dry, and overheating risk is low."}}},{"node":{"id":"87d3348f-0de8-5a75-8c39-3d89a6894e1d","slug":"how-to-make-spring-lawn-care-miserable-what-not-to-do-this-spring","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-make-spring-lawn-care-miserable-what-not-to-do-this-spring/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"September 8th, 2018","excerpt":"Ever wondered how your perfect neighbor down the street has a top-notch lawn at the beginning of every spring? Maybe the guy is a former landscaper at Augusta National Golf Club. Or maybe he sold his soul in exchange for the best lawn in your whole county, annually. I’m sure you’d like to believe one […]
\n","content":"Ever wondered how your perfect neighbor down the street has a top-notch lawn at the beginning of every spring? Maybe the guy is a former landscaper at Augusta National Golf Club. Or maybe he sold his soul in exchange for the best lawn in your whole county, annually.
\nI’m sure you’d like to believe one of those possibilities. But most likely, the man simply stays on top of his yard work during the winter time. He is prepared. His reward is not struggling during March and April in order to get his Bermuda lawn back under control.
\nWhile you are missing your kid’s ball games and skipping lake trips to fight off all manner of weeds, “Mr. Yard of the Month” has plenty of time to relax and enjoy his property.
\nSo let’s continue your streak of terrible yard experiences each and every year. Use these tips to make your spring lawn care as miserable as possible, or avoid the satire and follow these laughable statements as what to easily not do.
\nYou know deep down that your Toro mower is not designed to be a wood chipper. But you just can’t help yourself. So keep leaving those fallen tree limbs and branches all over the yard.
\nEven if you don’t want to destroy your mower deck and blades, surely you enjoy picking up limbs on the first sunny day in April, right? It sure beats a trip to your favorite hiking trail.
\nPro tip: It would be a good idea to prune any weak looking limbs during the winter so they don’t add to the fallen branches. Also, protect your eyeballs and prevent concussions. Go ahead and trim those limbs you’ve banged your head on for the past decade.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wheelbarrow-full-of-garden-equipment-300x200.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr / Paul Johnson
\nFor me, there is nothing better than saving money with low effort. I don’t like handing hard-earned cash over to the mower repair shop.
\nBut since you want to cause yourself plenty of stress when the flowers bloom, don’t dare winterize your lawn equipment.
\nPro tip: A couple of repair guys told me that ethanol resulted in about 80 percent of their work.
\nNobody has time for fun in the sun come May. Keep yourself busy with nonsense like cleaning out those gutters full of November leaves. Sure, you could have cleaned them out easier when they were 100 percent leaf material. Now they are wet and resemble potting soil as they decomposed over the winter. Have fun with the rubber gloves.
\nAnd most lawn procrastinators will toss the gutter debris right on the grass. That’s a great way to kill off spots of turf as the debris weighs down the young blades of grass.
\nSince you like testing yourself, let those lawn pests build up for a fight. No need battling a few ants when you can let them form an army over the winter.
\nPro tip: Fire ants may be coming to your area soon. They are found in 17 U.S. states currently and only cause $1.2 billion in damage each year.
\nDon’t bother using these tricks to get a jump on lawn pests:
\nYour neighbor with the lush lawn likes pre-emergent herbicides to keep weeds away. But you wouldn’t want to bother with that in the winter. You have better things to do, like watch 23 meaningless college football bowl games.
\nPre-emergents work gradually so they are used by homeowners with patience. Guys who don’t use them end up using post-emergents all spring and summer. It’s a giant time-suck!
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/flower-bed-spring-lawn-care-300x221.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr / danielle_hp
\nLeaves in the flower beds may look festive in the fall, but not in December. It’s a miserable chore to get those soggy leaves out of mulch beds in March. Dry leaves can be blown easily with a blower in the fall. But be prepared to get your hands dirty and blistered with a rake once they have been in the beds for three long months.
\nA proper lawn guy would wait no later than mid-November to clean those flower beds up. You want to have a neat yard when the family visits on Thanksgiving anyway.
\nIt can cost you a pile of money to buy yard tools that you only use once per year. Do you really need a 10-foot extendable gas-powered chainsaw very often? It would be a good plan to get together with five of your buddies from the neighborhood and create a tool co-op. This setup allows you all to use each other’s tools. Most homeowners don’t need ten different lawn tools. Share and save money.
\nBy the way, this is another way to stay connected to your neighbors. Flying solo is unhealthy mentally. Be the lone wolf and enjoy the misery. Or join the pack so you can break your tool addiction.
\nWinter time is a good opportunity to adapt to “The Great Outdoors” of your backyard. If you can come up with ways to enjoy the patio when it’s really cold, then you can enjoy the days in April – September with less than perfect weather. Storms and cold fronts also come in the warmer seasons.
\nBut if you love misery, just stay piled up on the couch all winter. Don’t give any thought to the ways you can heat the patio with a chiminea, natural gas heater, or a simple DIY fireplace. Your pasty skin will be your reward.
\nSince you treat your mower like a tank when in use, you can do the same while it sits idle before spring. It would be a waste of time for you to inspect the tires, right? You never ran over any debris last year I’m sure.
\nPro tip: Even with tough “no-flat” type tires, you may have wheel bearings that get dirty and need greasing.
\nAnd mower belts last forever, don’t they? They must be in great shape even after chips of limbs flew around the belts with your patented wood-chipping style! And since you’re not a mower repair expert, belt replacement will eat up half of your Saturday in early spring.
\nTo make your mowing take longer and damage your grass, don’t even think of sharpening the blades after your last cut in the fall. Just do your usual… buy new blades once you see chunks of metal missing (unsafe… do not do!).
\nThose tips should make your life pretty tough when spring pops up. Maybe you learned this vicious cycle from your dad. You must think it’s a rite of passage to struggle in the springtime with mowing, lawn pests, and running to Home Depot every day.
\nIt is not!
\nJust take a look at “Mr. Yard of the Month” as you drive by this spring. He’s laying up in his hammock, sipping a cold one, and teaching his dog to fetch. He’s also found time to coach his daughter’s softball team to a 5-0 record. And I bet he walks around barefoot on that awesome lawn for the heck of it.
\nThere’s still time for that to be you. All it takes is some attention to your yard when the weather is not so perfect. For additional reading on how to actually take care of your lawn and prepare it for the spring, here a couple resources:
\nArkansas is best known for its scenic lakes, rivers, and hot springs, but it’s also home to the only active diamond mine in the U.S. How’s that for fancy? Arkansas’ climate is classified as humid subtropical, but the Natural State experiences four seasons with plenty of precipitation and short, cold winters. Arkansas has plenty of […]
\n","content":"\nArkansas is best known for its scenic lakes, rivers, and hot springs, but it’s also home to the only active diamond mine in the U.S. How’s that for fancy? Arkansas’ climate is classified as humid subtropical, but the Natural State experiences four seasons with plenty of precipitation and short, cold winters.
\n\n\n\nArkansas has plenty of prime outdoor months for the avid adventurer with high temperatures averaging 74 degrees Fahrenheit and lows averaging 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The six best grass types for Arkansas need little water to survive the unique climate. Read on to discover varieties suitable for your Arkansas landscape.
\n\n\n\nArkansas sits in the transition zone, a region ranging from East Coast states like Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina all the way west to Missouri, Kansas, Eastern Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This zone has incredibly unique weather, and neither warm nor cool-season turfgrasses completely adapt to the region.
\n\n\n\nIn the transition zone, summers are too hot for cool-season grass varieties and winters are too cold for warm-season grasses, making it incredibly difficult to maintain your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nArkansas is a landlocked state just south of its transition zone neighbor, Missouri. Cool-season grass varieties grow best in Northern and Central Arkansas, while the entire state is suited to growing most warm-season cultivars.
\n\n\n\nThe following grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Northern Arkansas:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nLike some warm-season cultivars, bermudagrass adapts to the entire state. It is the most common Arkansas grass variety and a versatile option suited for many applications, including athletic fields, golf courses, and home lawns. Bermudagrass is moderately cold-tolerant, hardy, and fine to coarse-textured. It is an aggressive grass that recovers quickly, withstanding drought and heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nCommon and hybrid bermudagrass varieties grow well in Arkansas. Common varieties are sun-loving with 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 and lower disease resistance.
\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; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, armyworms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is hardy as far north as Little Rock and thrives in Arkansas’ hot summers. It is a dense turfgrass with deep roots. However, it is the least winter-hardy warm-season cultivar. St. Augustinegrass has a high shade tolerance and is easy to establish. It is quick-growing but does not stand up well to herbicides or heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nAll cultivars of this dense turfgrass are susceptible to disease and pests, especially chinch bugs. St. Augustinegrass is blue-green with a coarse, carpet-like texture. The most readily available Arkansas cultivar is the common St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, armyworms, webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: 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![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nLike bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass grows throughout Arkansas. It has thick, stiff leaf blades and grows dense, blocking out weeds. The low-maintenance turfgrass requires little fertilization and tolerates drought, shade, heavy traffic, low mow heights, and low temperatures.
\n\n\n\nArkansas is home to two main cultivars of Zoysiagrass, Zoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella. The attractive turfgrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. Arkansas 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: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is slow-growing and a great low-maintenance option for Southern and Central Arkansas lawns. Like St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass cultivars are hardy as far north as Little Rock, requiring little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain lush and green.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass handles shade better than bermudagrass, but the smooth, flat blades do not handle heavy traffic, cold, or herbicides well. The turfgrass has a pronounced medium texture and light green color. It prefers to be left alone and 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: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: 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\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/solar-panels-working-2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Billy Lau / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nTall fescue grows best in the northern one-third of the state but will grow as far south as Central Arkansas. It is shade and cold-tolerant, growing best in spring and fall, and most cultivars go dormant in the hot Arkansas summers. Tall fescue has a clumping growth habit with deep roots and a sparse appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe turfgrass has an attractive medium to dark green color and coarse texture. It requires regular watering, fertilization, and mowing. Tall fescue stands up to heavy foot traffic and grows well in a range of soils, including clay and sand. Cultivars are not the most attractive choices for home lawns. However, homeowners appreciate their climatic adaptability, especially in the tough transition zone.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – can be prone to leaf spot, seedling disease, and brown patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For optimal results, apply fertilizer once during the months of September and November. Also, plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years if you wish to maintain a lush lawn and tackle any sparse or thinning spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5552536384_1bc90958b3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ferran Pestaña / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance, cool-season cultivar that only grows in Northern Arkansas when mixed with tall fescue. It has low drought tolerance but withstands cold and the winter conditions of Arkansas well. To survive the hot, dry Arkansas summers, Kentucky bluegrass cultivars must be mixed and seeded with tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is recognizable for its famed blue-green color, fine texture, and dense appearance. Hybrid cultivars have improved heat tolerance and include Durablue, Thermal Blue Blade, and Solar Green. While these varieties withstand hot temperatures better, they still grow best alongside tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nMost varieties are available as premixed seeds. The most common pre-mixed ratio for Arkansas is 90% tall fescue seed and 10% hybrid bluegrass seed. This ratio ensures a more dense appearance that is hardy to the drought needs of a Northern Arkansas summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches – mow taller during summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – can be prone to snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, necrotic ring spot, chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs, grubs, and greenbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns. Due to its limited root depth, regular watering is necessary. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are generally hardier and more resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\nNo. While some homeowners overseed their warm-season grass with perennial ryegrass to maintain a year-round green lawn, it is not recommended for healthy warm-season turfgrass. The ryegrass slows spring green-up, competing with your warm-season turfgrass and stealing vital nutrients.
It is best to allow your warm-season grass to enter natural dormancy during the cold winter months. Warm-season Arkansas turfgrasses include Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass.
If you live south of Little Rock, plant your warm-season grass seed in May or June. This gives the seed plenty of time to germinate before the hot summer. For residents of Northern Arkansas, sow your cool-season cultivar in September or October to complement the natural fall growth cycle.
Perennial ryegrass is a temporary turfgrass option for Arkansas. It is often used after new construction or lawn renovation to prevent erosion and reduce dust and mud. Like other cool-season cultivars, sow perennial ryegrass in September or October. The temporary turfgrass will green up quickly and last through spring before your warm-season cultivar takes over.
The best grass cultivars for Arkansas depend on where you live in the state. Varieties are suited to your unique USDA zone. Arkansas’ zones include 6b to 8a, with most of the state falling between 7b to 8a. All turfgrasses have their own characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your space and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together to help form your complete landscape. There are numerous landscaping options for the Natural State, and you can take advantage of the state’s four unique seasons. Be sure to check out our guides to help you plan your landscape and keep your lawn healthy year-round:
\n\n\n\nFrom well-known cities like Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Bentonville to the resort destinations of Hot Springs, no matter which part of the state you live in, conquer Arkansas’ unique climate. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro today to help you maintain a green and healthy lawn, so you have more free time outdoors.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Lawn, Arkansas / Pxhere
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Arkansas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/1789c/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/107df/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/293e9/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/f2cbb/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/1789c/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/c26c2/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/1dd6e/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/67b76/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/8df11/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/98a65/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/1dd6e/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/71b8acaee442be7a7fb266c518f56c51/3cc96/tree-architecture-lawn-house-flower-home-1349315-pxhere.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Arkansas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Depending on your location, the best grass types for Arkansas are both warm-season and cool-season varieties suitable for the unique transition zone."}}},{"node":{"id":"bc82f02b-2576-5a74-9397-5692edc58c76","slug":"best-grass-types-des-moines","path":"/lawn-care/io/des-moines/best-grass-types-des-moines/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.","name":"Amanda Shiffler","id":"458fa7a4-b709-56ae-8d79-9dc400e34ff1","path":"/author/amanda-shiffler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0048ef20c97263b5f26951aa210d62c8?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9e5d4ac9-f72b-5ccc-801c-72c19ec7ae9a","name":"Des Moines","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/io/des-moines/"},{"id":"a3aeae07-f76c-5bc9-a8d8-4eddb5f4c33f","name":"Iowa","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/io/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Everyone knows that Iowa is one of the best places for growing corn and soybeans. But the humid continental climate and rich prairie soil is also fantastic for growing plush, terrific lawns. Still, not every type of grass thrives here, and not every grass is ideal for your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for something that […]
\n","content":"\nEveryone knows that Iowa is one of the best places for growing corn and soybeans. But the humid continental climate and rich prairie soil is also fantastic for growing plush, terrific lawns.
\n\n\n\nStill, not every type of grass thrives here, and not every grass is ideal for your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for something that tolerates the high foot traffic of Sunday afternoon flag-football games or one that doesn’t require frequent mowing, there is a grass that suits your needs. Below are the grasses that thrive in Des Moines.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTurfgrasses are classified as either cool-season or warm-season grasses, and it’s essential to understand the difference and ensure you’re planting the right type for your climate.
\n\n\n\nIn the northern United States, most lawns are cool-season grasses that are adapted to colder temperatures. They start growing when temperatures are just above freezing (40 to 42°F) in early to mid-spring and stay green well into October or November, when they go dormant to survive being buried under snow.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow the most, producing the most biomass in the spring and late fall when soil and air temperatures are 65 to 75°F. Since they have adapted to survive below-zero climates, they aren’t as adapted to hot summers. They do well when temperatures are milder in July and August but need more water when it’s hot to stay green.
\n\n\n\nCommon cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nConversely, warm-season grasses are better adapted to southern climates and the summer heat. They tolerate drought better and continue to grow when temperatures soar but don’t grow as well in cooler temperatures. Because of this, they grow for a shorter period and don’t stay green as long.
\n\n\n\nCommon warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass (KBG) tops our list because it’s a prime choice for many homeowners and commercial sod growers in Iowa and the Midwest. This dark green turf creates a dense blanket across your yard and has the best winter hardiness of the cool-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass tolerates partial shade, but plant it in full sun to see it in its glory. The seed is slower to germinate and establish than some other grasses, but because it spreads by underground stems known as rhizomes, it holds up well and recovers quickly from foot traffic. Bare spots from kids or pets inclined to dig holes will also fill in quickly.
\n\n\n\nCompared to other turfgrasses, the shorter root system on KGB does compromise its drought tolerance a little, so you will need to water it more than some lawns. That being said, it also requires more maintenance regarding fertilization and mowing to keep it lush and dark green.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: During the growing season, water requirements for Kentucky bluegrass are pretty high. It will go dormant during droughts and survive four to six weeks without water.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother first-rate option for a Des Moines-area lawn is one of the five turfgrasses grouped as fine-leaf fescues. Fans love the soft, fine texture of the narrow leaves on chewings fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and strong creeping red fescue. Fine fescues also have excellent shade tolerance, hold up to moderate foot traffic, and tolerate low soil fertility.
\n\n\n\nStrong creeping red, hard, and chewings fescues are popular in the midwestern United States, usually blended with other grasses. Fine fescues can be sown straight in partially shaded yards because of their tolerance. Still, these low-maintenance grasses are typically sown with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass to improve the lawn’s aesthetic.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While fine fescues have good drought tolerance, they quickly lose color in hot, dry conditions.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re hurrying to start a lawn, perennial ryegrass is a good option. This cool-season bunchgrass germinates in under a week to get you well on your way to a beautiful, medium to dark-green lawn. Its ability to establish rapidly is one of the reasons it’s so popular for both permanent and temporary lawns.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is excellent if you have small children roaming outdoors, teenagers who like to roughhouse, or pets running circles around the yard. It handles abuse well, but once damaged or a thin spot arises, it can’t self-repair because it grows in clumps and doesn’t send out rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass also doesn’t tolerate cold temperatures well and may thin if exposed to temps below 30°F for long periods.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to plant it and forget it, perennial ryegrass is not for you. It is another moderately high-maintenance, cool-season grass type. You’ll need to mow and water it regularly and reseed areas when they thin.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Perennial ryegrass is often blended with Kentucky bluegrass because of its fast germination and foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother bunchgrass, tall fescue grows upright in clumps and primarily spreads through vertical shoots off the base of the plant. These tillers create identical clones of medium to dark green, broad, coarse grass blades. The lack of underground spreading means it requires reseeding when bare spots appear.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is an ideal low-maintenance grass type and does well in full sun or partial shade. A naturally extensive root system easily grows down 2-3 feet in the soil. This strong root system makes the grass very resilient, so tall fescue is well suited for high-traffic play areas and non-irrigated lawns.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Do not mow improved varieties shorter than 3’ tall. A shorter mowing height encourages weed growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComing in as our honorable mention, buffalograss is a warm-season species that is often used in and around Des Moines. The only warm-season grass on the list, it has been used historically for grazing animals and pastures but also appears in Iowa along low-maintenance landscape areas like roadsides and city streets.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a highly sustainable lawn option. Native to the North American prairies, this finely textured perennial grass is one of the few native types of grass that forms a dense, soft sod suitable for lawn use with minimal mowing.
\n\n\n\nAs a native species, extreme temperatures, high pH soils, and drought are no issues for buffalograss. You will see hampered growth if you’re trying to grow it in the shade.
\n\n\n\nThe big drawback to this warm-season grass is it will begin to lose its green color and go dormant as soon as the first frost hits in the fall.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Buffalograss grows 8 to 10 inches high when left unmowed.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to deciding between the different recommended types, you have to consider some factors that are specific to your yard. When choosing a grass type for your Des Moines lawn, it is essential to pick something that thrives in your space.
\n\n\n\nLike choosing flowers for your garden, you must pick a turfgrass that corresponds with your yard’s sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nDoes your yard get more than 6-8 hours of sun daily? Is it free of big trees and isn’t shaded by your neighbor’s house? If so, pick a turf that grows in full sun.
\n\n\n\nGrass types for full sun:
\n\n\n\nDoes your yard get less than four hours of sun throughout the day? Is it shaded by a privacy fence, giant trees, or your neighbor’s house? If so, you need grass that grows in full shade.
\n\n\n\nGrass types for shade:
\n\n\n\nOr is your yard a mix of both? If that’s the case, you need a turfgrass that tolerates all sun conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrass types for a combination of both sun and shade:
\n\n\n\nDoes your yard see a constant flurry of activity? Do you have dogs or kids running through the grass regularly? Are you often inviting friends and family over? If so, choose a grass that tolerates and recovers well from foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBest grasses for high-traffic lawns:
\n\n\n\nIs your yard pretty secluded and doesn’t get played in often? If so, choose something with lower foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nBest grasses for low to moderate traffic:
\n\n\n\nAre you a homeowner who loves to work outside when the weather is nice? Do you like fertilizing, mowing, and weeding? Then you may enjoy a high-maintenance grass type.
\n\n\n\nHigh to medium-maintenance:
\n\n\n\nBut if you don’t like these lawn care chores, opt for something low-maintenance instead so you can spend your free time doing more exciting things.
\n\n\n\nGrasses with a low or moderate maintenance level:
\n\n\n\nAcross much of the Midwest, many people like to grow lawns with a blend of different turfgrass species. This genetic diversity improves the overall disease resistance of the yard, and the turf is often better adapted to growing in varied conditions such as part-shade.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there aren’t many warm-season grass seed blends available for purchase. You can buy grass seeds containing a mix of Bermudagrass cultivars but not different types. This lack of grass seed blends is because there is such a varied difference in the color, shade tolerance, and watering needs of warm-season turfgrasses.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing a grass seed blend, ensure the mix’s dominant species best fits your yard conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe goal with seeding — whether overseeding an existing lawn or starting one from scratch — is to get seed down just before your grass type goes into its active growth period.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: Cool-season grasses are best seeded between August 15 and October 1. They’ll have about six weeks to grow before the first fall frost.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can’t plant in the spring. Just understand spring isn’t the best time for cool-season grasses. This timing usually brings warm soils, cooler temperatures, and frequent rainfall—all of which encourage quick germination, so the grass has an excellent jump-start.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also essential to understand that cool-season species can handle colder temperatures better than heat. Seeds do better when planted in the fall, just as the grass goes dormant for the winter, versus in the spring with the stress of summer heat bearing down.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, as a warm-season grass, bermudagrass should be seeded about June 1st. Warm-season grass species grow the most when it’s hot to establish well before fall/winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nWhen you plant depends on your regional climate and the type of grass you’re growing. In northern regions, it’s best to plant cool-season grasses in the fall. Wait for hot summer temperatures to subside, but give the grass time to establish before the first fall frost. In the south, the best time to plant warm-season grasses is in late spring or early summer, just as the temperatures begin warming up.
Warm-season grasses need hot summer temperatures and mild winters without snow; they grow mainly in the southern United States. Cool-season grasses need more temperate summer conditions but can survive harsh winters; they grow primarily in the northern United States.
Planting grass seed at least six weeks before your first anticipated hard freeze in the fall is best. Your grass then has time to establish a root system before it goes dormant. You can plant later, but cool-season grasses won’t grow if temperatures are below 40 or 42°F, so the growth may be lackluster.
Picking the right grass type for Des Moines and the surrounding area can be daunting, especially if you’re a new homeowner or have never had to handle lawn care. Thankfully, you don’t have to tackle any of it alone!
\n\n\n\nThe experts at WikiLawn want you to have the best, most beautiful lawn imaginable.
\n\n\n\nWe’ll help you choose the grass for your yard and can set you up with service professionals to mow, fertilize, or handle weed control. So take the first step towards the lawn your neighbors will envy!
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Iowa State Capitol / Pixabay
\n","title":"Grasses That Thrive in Des Moines, Iowa","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.279317697228145,"src":"/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/1789c/Iowa-State-Capitol.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/107df/Iowa-State-Capitol.jpg 320w,\n/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/293e9/Iowa-State-Capitol.jpg 500w,\n/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/f2cbb/Iowa-State-Capitol.jpg 800w,\n/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/1789c/Iowa-State-Capitol.jpg 960w,\n/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/c26c2/Iowa-State-Capitol.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/1dd6e/Iowa-State-Capitol.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/67b76/Iowa-State-Capitol.webp 320w,\n/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/8df11/Iowa-State-Capitol.webp 500w,\n/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/98a65/Iowa-State-Capitol.webp 800w,\n/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/1dd6e/Iowa-State-Capitol.webp 960w,\n/static/4fa982efcfc5a0b29b84380b43e80fad/3cc96/Iowa-State-Capitol.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass for Des Moines","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Growing a beautiful lawn in Iowa is really pretty simple, provided that you start with the right grass and then give it the care it needs"}}},{"node":{"id":"4f7986c9-62a1-59f4-818c-6e4f69632eb4","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-in-minneapolis","path":"/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/worst-backyard-pests-in-minneapolis/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9badf8d4-14ba-5471-aa78-425360d9330e","name":"Minneapolis","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/"},{"id":"559d4c6e-5b85-5b4a-86c3-1f1a5351df4b","name":"Minnesota","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"It’s time to put away that ‘Minnesota nice’ and get tough on the insect invaders.
\n","content":"\nTwin Cities gardeners hate any backyard bugs that destroy lawns and gardens. But some of those pests will wreak more damage than others. It’s time to put away that “Minnesota nice” and get tough on the insect invaders. Here are some of the worst backyard pests in Minneapolis — and tips on how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nCutworms (pictured above) aren’t really worms. They’re caterpillars that will turn into several different species of the Noctuidae moth if left alone. The adult moths don’t do any damage. It’s the cutworms in their larval stage that feed on buds, shoots, and leaves, and wreak havoc in your garden. Some prefer your vegetable garden, while other species will damage the lawn. Cutworms get about 2 inches long and curl up into a tight “C” shape if you bother them.
\n\n\n\nYou can pick them off your plants by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Consider adding some beneficial nematodes to your garden to devour the cutworm eggs. You can prevent them from invading your garden by maintaining a 3-foot buffer of dry soil around the edge of your garden. Make sure your yard is well weeded, so cutworms don’t feed on the weeds. And till your plots before planting — it will expose and kill the cutworms long before they can do any damage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Japanese](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/xvntc7whoQz75e9Y5YcsQdFNGTp-dXYnPv-qqQVAEui3agjF8A67m9ZKi47qczN0vBlQQxioe9G_TFCiJTmej_NWKJZqDgK_bYsxdJ-nWMQfNDdgDrpixSOpEUEpRT-AnLtLTFBK\")
If you spot iridescent green beetles in your vegetable patch, you’ve got Japanese beetles. The Japanese beetle is an invasive species that was accidentally introduced to the U.S. in the early 20th century. Today they’re a major backyard pest in the Midwest and on the East Coast. They attack in groups, damaging plants. Even if you don’t see the beetle itself, you can tell they’ve moved in when they’ve eaten your plants down to the veins. They can also cause brown patches in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most effective ways to get rid of Japanese beetles is to handpick them. Drop them into a mixture of dish detergent and water, and they will drown. Or put a drop cloth underneath the plants and shake them off. Then, drown them in the detergent water. You can also spray neem oil or potassium bicarbonate on affected plants. This will kill the eggs laid by the adult beetles. There are also commercial pesticides available for sale at your local garden store that will kill Japanese beetles.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll be glad to know that termites aren’t common in Minneapolis. But carpenter ants are a problem, and if you see ants burrowing into an old stump, or log, or your deck, they could be getting inside your home. Like termites, carpenter ants do some costly damage, eating away at the foundation of your house.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll need to call a professional pest removal company to get rid of these buggers. This isn’t the time to try DIY pest control. Some bug sprays can make the problem worse since carpenter ants have several colonies and queens. But you can help yourself out by removing any stumps, logs or old wood near your home, and cut back any branches or bushes from touching your home. Also, make sure you stack firewood away from the walls of your home and inspect any firewood you bring inside.
\n\n\n\nThe bluegrass billbug likes Kentucky bluegrass, as the name suggests. You’ll know you have a problem when you spot irregularly shaped patches of grass that turn yellow, and then brown. The damaged grass can be pulled out easily because the insects weaken the roots. Damage from this backyard pest becomes apparent around July.
\n\n\n\nYou can squeeze the billbug infestation out by making your grass healthier. That means keeping up moisture levels and nutrients, to reduce stress. Lawn experts don’t recommend pesticides for these pests, because the chemicals also kill beneficial bugs and parasites that keep the billbug population in check. However, an application of insect parasitic nematodes might control the infestation. If the infestation is too severe, consider laying down pesticides the following spring.
\n\n\n\nThis caterpillar will destroy your irises. Iris borers chew holes in the leaves and then tunnel through the plant all the way down into the rhizome, the underground runner that is the prize this pest is after. You can spot the iris borer in the spring, by looking for signs of chewed up leaves, or streaks. In the summer, after the caterpillar makes its way down to the rhizome, you’ll see brown-tipped leaves.
\n\n\n\nIf you find them in the spring, you can simply crush the caterpillar while it’s inside the iris leaf, or pick the affected leaves. But if you suspect iris borers later in the season, you need to dig it up and inspect the rhizome. If you see signs of tunneling or the caterpillars themselves, toss the rhizome in the trash. In the fall, after the iris season is over, experts recommend you remove and burn any plants afflicted with the pest. And clean up the iris beds after a hard frost. If you use a pesticide, apply it immediately after the eggs hatch — very early in the spring.
\n\n\n\nFighting the worst backyard pests in Minneapolis can be a time-consuming job. But it’s easier to treat the problem before the damage becomes severe. The difficult part is knowing which pests are damaging which plants. Once you’ve identified the enemy, it will easier to fight it.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care information and tips? Be sure to check our Minneapolis lawn care page.
Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.
\n","content":"\nAfter working so hard to make your yard and garden perfect, you deserve to enjoy it. Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches are generally about 1.5 inches long and love the humidity in Tampa. You’ll find them in your garden, trees, under your sink, in your bathroom, behind the dishwasher, and anywhere there’s moisture. The females will lay eggs anywhere they can find food and water. Avoid leaving pet food out and, to the extent possible, deprive them of the moist, shady outdoor areas in which they thrive, such as stacks of wood, piles of leaves or hollow tree stumps.
\n\n\n\nThere are many species of cockroaches in Florida. Some fly, some don’t. Some seek shelter in homes, others don’t. The giant of them all is the Florida woods cockroach, also known as the palmetto bug. One member of the species was plucked from the obscurity of a woodpile in Apopka, Fla., and won the World Cockroach Contest in 1986. Its length: 2.49 inches. Its name: Longfellow. Its one saving grace: Like other palmetto bugs, it prefers to live outdoors.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches rarely bite, but many carry bacteria such as salmonella which can contaminate food. Their waste and sheddings can trigger attacks in people with asthma. Boric acid dust and common insecticides help control them, but it’s best to call an exterminator for any substantial infestation. Even a professional won’t be able to totally rid your yard or house of these worst backyard pests in Tampa.
\n\n\n\nThe tiny mouths of these arthropods allow them to make holes in many of your plants. Getting rid of spider mites can be difficult. Try applying a half and half mixture of water and alcohol. Make sure the alcohol is isopropyl, which is toxic to insects but shouldn’t hurt your plants. If the mites are still making your garden and lawn into their home, you may have to research chemical products.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/K3UXOYZ81AKeXZfwZwO9qG3NJbV6eczq6Hgv2I8vQviswAkGhD5gri16byFvUB97GDqnN5mFh0wtB49_r9WmNnTXr4IQyKonStT6LhVlnBQqLkS_bfA4Fk92T3QCzOafsNoWfGRZ\")
Tropical sod webworms can do a lot of damage. For such tiny creatures, they can have a big impact on your yard. These caterpillars may be hard to spot, as they can turn as green as the grass they eat. If one part of your lawn has brown patches and is shorter than the rest, bend down and inspect it closely to see whether your lawn is infested.
\n\n\n\nThe adults are annoying triangular-shaped moths that don’t do much damage. But they lay eggs in the lawn, and the hatching larvae feed on the grass blades. To get rid of these tiny troublemakers, try sprinkling soapy water on the lawn. This will usually draw the critters out, so you can remove them. But if you notice a large infestation, you’ll have to resort to an insecticide. Spinosad is an organic product that controls the tropical sod webworm, without hurting the grass or beneficial bugs.
\n\n\n\nThese gray oval bugs can destroy your plants quickly. Their dusty and grainy look is actually a waxy protective coat. Since they may be hard to spot, keep an eye out for dirty or yellow patches on your plants. Your plants looking like they have fur or lint on them may be another sign mealybugs have taken up residence.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of them, spray the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Another approach is to deter them their natural predators. Tiny wasps, “mealybug destroyer” ladybugs and lacewings will make a quick meal of the mealy bugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Pulm8_tsekxSdH-8nbUZKxQa8LVaiXskw2AXgxpMwqfdMLBGFwrh8GahZ69xx7qX5b2SIY4pBbv64tPhtQEcrv-hbsQqzEogBZUnc__0-qCMmLfLmCfWT6WweCcCdSlUjBK7kSqO\")
Opossums are prevalent in Florida. If they can get ahold of anything in your garden, they will. To keep them away, trim the fruit trees where the critters like to snack. You can also block off and cover individual plants and areas you want to protect. Chemical deterrents for opossums are also available if you ‘re at your wits end with these pests.
\n\n\n\nWhile opossums are a nuisance, they can also be beneficial. Besides feasting on your citrus trees, they eat ticks, mice, roaches, rats and snakes. They’re actually immune to rattlesnake venom. Opossums are also the only marsupial in North America and one of the oldest critters on earth.
\n\n\n\nYou may not immediately think of housepets such as cats or dogs as garden pests, but they can ruin a lawn and garden faster than an opossum. Cats and dogs are naturally curious and like to chew on plants and grass. Cats like to lay and roll in the grass and newly seeded dirt. Dogs love to dig. The best way to keep your pets from chewing on your grass and garden plants is by training them to use a designated area of the yard. You can also try a homemade solution which has garlic, hot pepper or soapy water. Another tip is to water the area your yard where the dog goes potty. This will help dilute the urine, which can kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nWith the right knowledge and effort, you can protect your home from the worst backyard pests in Tampa. Once your garden is safe, you’ll have more time to enjoy relaxing in it, than working on it.
\n\n\n\n
Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Tampa? Visit our Tampa Lawn Care page.
The only thing not enchanting about the Land of Enchantment is the relentless heat. New Mexico’s arid climate makes it difficult for certain plants to thrive in your yard. If you’re tired of your water-guzzling yard still left wilted in the summertime, try these drought-resistant landscaping ideas to keep your yard in good shape even […]
\n","content":"\nThe only thing not enchanting about the Land of Enchantment is the relentless heat. New Mexico’s arid climate makes it difficult for certain plants to thrive in your yard. If you’re tired of your water-guzzling yard still left wilted in the summertime, try these drought-resistant landscaping ideas to keep your yard in good shape even during dry weather.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nA drought-resistant landscape is a type of low-maintenance landscape design designed to retain moisture for as long as possible. Plants survive on the minimum amount of water so the landscape can withstand even long dry spells.
\n\n\n\nIn the Southwest, desert-like conditions put a heavy toll on plants. New Mexico is known for droughts and its hot summer temperatures that soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. With an abundance of sunshine and low humidity, New Mexico has dry weather that not just any plant can withstand.
\n\n\n\nNot only do drought-resistant plants and landscapes save you time, work, and money, they are eco-friendly and beneficial to the environment, as they help conserve valuable water resources.
\n\n\n\n![\"Native](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Xeriscape.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDespite its unusual name, xeriscaping is a trendy new method for landscaping your property in a way that minimizes water usage as much as possible. There are many ways to xeriscape:
\n\n\n\nDon’t worry about xeriscaping making your lawn look boring and bland. No one ever said that a yard can’t be both beautiful and practical. Combining a mixture of colorful drought-tolerant plants, vibrant mulches, and striking rock beds can make the colors of your xeriscape pop.
\n\n\n\nNot only does xeriscaping hold up in the blistering New Mexico heat, but it is also low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Sedum_lineare_variegatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ghislain118 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSome plants are water guzzlers, whereas other plants can go for extended periods without rain or water. Plants that thrive in environments with low moisture and full sun are known as xeric plants.
\n\n\n\nLuckily, there are many types of drought-tolerant plants to choose from:
\n\n\n\nHere are some specific drought-tolerant plants to help you get started:
\n\n\n\nEven if a drought-tolerant plant withers during a drought, the roots will remain so the plant can grow back next year.
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to also think about installing drought-tolerant grass in your yard. Lawn grasses consume a lot of water during the hot season, so it’s a good idea to find a turfgrass that will last in the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nHere are some types of drought-tolerant grasses that perform well in New Mexico:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of drought-tolerant plants:
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nFor as dry and hot as New Mexico’s climate is, it will take hardy plants to survive in the desert-like state. Since they grow in the wild without outside help, native plants are drought-tolerant and capable of growing in your yard without much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPlant some flowering plants to add a splash of color to your yard and attract pollinators, such as hummingbirds and butterflies, at the same time. Choosing deciduous plants will ensure your plants last longer than annuals, and evergreens are a good choice if you want to keep your yard filled with green foliage year-round.
\n\n\n\nBefore you start adding native plants to your yard, you should determine your soil’s USDA hardiness zone:
\n\n\n\nOnce you know the hardiness zone for your area, you can research plants that will grow well in the local soil and climate.
\n\n\n\nSome native plants to choose from include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of growing native plants:
\n\n\n\nTired of all the work and stress it takes to maintain your lawn every day, and you just want a break? An alternative is to switch to an artificial grass yard instead. Using artificial turf means having a lawn you don’t have to mow and maintain and stays green year-round.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf is designed to mimic grass. It looks so realistic that your neighbors won’t be able to notice a difference between your artificial lawn and live grass. Artificial turf comes in different types and textures, so you can customize your lawn by picking the grass that best matches your home.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rock-garden-wall.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nWhen you hear the word garden, most likely you envision images of crisp green leaves, the scent of freshly turned earth, aromatic wildflowers, and colorful butterflies.
\n\n\n\nBut there is another type of garden: a rock garden. While a garden made of rocks may sound drab and bland, it can be quite beautiful and colorful. And if you want more interest and variety, you can add drought-resistant plants like cacti, sedums, and succulents to your rock garden.
\n\n\n\nAfter they are installed, rock gardens require virtually no maintenance. They are weed-resistant and save homeowners the trouble of lawn maintenance. You can enjoy the picturesque beauty of a rock garden without putting in all the effort a traditional garden requires.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rock gardens:
\n\n\n\nIt may surprise homeowners to learn that sprinkler systems and garden hoses waste a lot of water. Sometimes water spray lands where it’s not supposed to or evaporates before the plants even have a chance to absorb the water.
\n\n\n\nForgo using traditional sprinklers and use drip irrigation instead. Drip irrigation waters your plants slowly over time by delivering moisture right to the roots of the plant, drip by drip.
\n\n\n\nIf a drip irrigation system isn’t in your budget right now, you can purchase a soaker hose attachment instead. Position the soaker hose around a tree so it can slowly provide water to the plant’s root system.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of drip irrigation:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-3-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAdding mulch to your landscape is one of the easiest ways to improve your yard while also increasing its drought resistance. Simply purchase a bag of the desired mulch and spread a layer of it over your plant bed.
\n\n\n\nMulch traps moisture in the soil and shades plant roots, preventing the soil from drying out. It also prevents weed growth.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulches break down as they age and feed nutrients back to the soil. Made from organic materials, they are a good choice since they provide nutrients to the soil:
\n\n\n\nThe downside of organic mulches is that since they break down over time, they have to be replaced frequently.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to replace your mulch often, consider using an inorganic mulch instead. Here are some examples of commonly used inorganic mulches:
\n\n\n\nHowever, you should avoid using rocks for mulch. While they look nice, rocks dry the soil out and don’t retain water as well as organic mulches do.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chairs](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hardscape.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rochester Concrete / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOverwhelmed by the massive amount of lawn care that your grass requires? Try downsizing the green space in your yard by adding hardscapes to your property. Not only will they increase your home value and improve curb appeal, but they also require little maintenance aside from the occasional cleaning. And most hardscapes even serve recreational purposes.
\n\n\n\nHere are some hardscapes you might consider adding to your yard:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of Hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nAnother way to cut back on excessive water usage is to trade your traditional flower bed for a container garden. Keeping your plants in containers and pots makes them easier to water and take care of.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of container gardens:
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting containers for your potted garden, keep in mind that bigger pots store more moisture. And since these containers are mobile, you can carry them indoors during extreme temperatures. Storing them inside during the worst parts of a drought can prevent them from getting scorched by the sun.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8571254617_0fdeb0acc3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jennifer C. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRain barrels help reduce water waste by repurposing rainfall. Install a rain barrel as a part of your gutter system so you can harvest rainwater and save it for when you need to water your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rain barrels:
\n\n\n\nFor every 1 square foot of your roof, 1 inch of rainfall fills your rain barrel with an average of 0.6 gallons of water. And if you don’t want the rain barrel to be an eyesore in your yard, you can do the following to hide or disguise it:
\n\n\n\nHydrozoning is the art of arranging your landscape plants in a way that they’re grouped together depending on their water requirements. This way, plants with the same water needs can be easily watered, helping save time and reducing water loss.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hydrozoning:
\n\n\n\nConserving water becomes even more crucial during a drought. Generally, you should water your lawn less often but deeply to encourage roots to grow deeper. You can choose any of these options:
• Let your lawn go dormant. A dormant lawn requires 0.5 inches of water every two weeks. It’s enough to help your grass survive the drought but will not keep it green.
• Keep your lawn green. If you choose to keep your lawn green throughout the drought, it will take a lot of water. Most turfgrasses need 1 inch of water every week.
Additionally, you can consider using drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing water loss through evaporation.
Water in the early morning before 10 a.m., preferably between 4 and 6 a.m. Never water in the afternoon or during the hottest times of the day.
If watering in the morning isn’t an option, water your lawn in the evening between 6 and 8 p.m. Don’t wait until it’s too late at night. You don’t want water to sit in your yard overnight since a damp lawn can attract lawn diseases and pests.
Don’t fertilize your lawn during a drought. Fertilizers should never be applied when the grass is dormant.
If New Mexico is experiencing a drought, cut your grass longer and mow less frequently – but don’t stop mowing altogether. During this time, never cut more than ⅓ of the grass’s height. Otherwise, it can damage your grass.
There are many ways to turn your yard into a drought-resistant landscape. It can be as simple as adding a layer of mulch to your flower bed or as extensive as installing a rock garden in your backyard. No matter how small, any step taken to reduce your yard’s water consumption makes it more capable of taking care of itself and less likely to succumb to droughts.
Looking for a New Mexico lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Albuquerque and many more cities across the Land of Enchantment.
Main Image Credit: Coralles, New Mexico / ivanastar / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"11 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for New Mexico","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.263157894736842,"src":"/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/1789c/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/107df/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/293e9/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/f2cbb/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/1789c/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/c26c2/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/1dd6e/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/67b76/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 320w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/8df11/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 500w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/98a65/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 800w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/1dd6e/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 960w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/3cc96/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for New Mexico | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 11 drought-resistant landscaping ideas for New Mexico that can help your lawn and landscape thrive even during dry weather."}}},{"node":{"id":"e27b07d9-6bcb-5fda-b394-009c7f1ef370","slug":"watering-restrictions-columbus-ohio","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/watering-restrictions-columbus-ohio/","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":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"While there are no watering restrictions in Columbus when temperatures and precipitation are in their normal range, you will see a call to action during periods of drought. When temps go up, and the rivers go down, check with the city’s utilities department, or local news stations for updates. The ‘Burbs Some municipalities within the […]
\n","content":"\nWhile there are no watering restrictions in Columbus when temperatures and precipitation are in their normal range, you will see a call to action during periods of drought. When temps go up, and the rivers go down, check with the city’s utilities department, or local news stations for updates.
\n\n\n\nSome municipalities within the Columbus metro need to keep watering schedules in place year-round, especially during periods of excessive heat and limited rainfall. That’s because the suburban facilities serve many customers within a smaller region.
\n\n\n\nIn Westerville, for example, houses or businesses with addresses that end in even numbers can water the grass on even-numbered days. Subsequently, house and business addresses that end in odd numbers may water on odd-numbered days. The restriction doesn’t apply to trees, shrubs, gardens, and flowerbeds.
\n\n\n\nIn Delaware, Ohio, to conserve resources, voluntary restrictions are in place during normal rainfall. But the schedule becomes more rigid during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. Homeowners whose properties have odd numbers can water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. In an effort to refill reserves, Delco Water Company prohibits watering on Mondays. During drought times in Ohio, residents are asked to limit car-washing, running the dishwasher and clothes washer.
\n\n\n\nWatering restrictions and conservation tips are similar in Gahanna, Dublin, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Powell, Bexley, Grandview, and Granville.
\n\n\n\nYes, Ohioans may take it for granted, but water is a precious resource, although we do get a lot of rain here. Still, there are reasons to preserve water. Cutting down on water usage means a lower utility bill. Conserving water and using this precious resource as wisely as possible is always a good habit.
\n\n\n\nWater early in the morning or after the sun sets in the evening. Irrigating the lawn before 10 a.m. is preferred by experts, as it allows water to soak directly into the ground before evaporating. Mulching flowerbeds, garden and shrub areas helps to keep moisture in. Wash the car from a bucket of water; use a hose with a hose-end nozzle when it’s time to rinse.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8nR4FoUXTG4Q6VafTC9CKj8-pRZ8-8Ap3BeNz9h0QGkjKKQ5FfiEo5gxVCL7b5kMOF60Y4TA0Ppa5ImwNL9w2eRbPzkGFxW1LLaSw4FrKAuXI5baxj2BE1Lp7bH_WjriBg0fewBg\")
The Columbus Division of Public Utilities operates and maintains three water treatment plants, 37 water storage tanks, 26 pump stations, nearly 27,000 hydrants, and close to 3.500 miles of water lines. Nearly 134 million gallons of water are pumped into homes and businesses every day. That’s about 50 billion gallons a year to 1.2 million people.
\n\n\n\nPreventing water pollution and conserving resources is a community-wide responsibility. You can do your part by not pouring kitchen grease down the drain, properly disposing of household hazardous waste and yard and pet waste. You can also limit stormwater runoff by creating a rain garden. This area provides water for your garden and prevents pollutants from entering our water supply.
\n\n\n\nConsider volunteering for litter cleanup sessions along watersheds and waterways. That’s something you can do year-round in Columbus, rain or shine.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Columbus? Visit our Columbus Lawn Care page.
So your golf game isn’t up to par, and you need to practice, practice, practice! But who has time to go to the driving range to practice their chipping? Hit the green any time you want without ever getting in your car by putting a putting green in your backyard. Adding your own putting green […]
\n","content":"\nSo your golf game isn’t up to par, and you need to practice, practice, practice! But who has time to go to the driving range to practice their chipping? Hit the green any time you want without ever getting in your car by putting a putting green in your backyard. Adding your own putting green to your landscape will make you everyone’s best friend and do wonders for your short game!
\n\n\n\nBefore you go digging up your lawn:
\n\n\n\nWhere you build your outdoor putting green will determine whether it’s a hit or a failure! Some of the things to consider are how much sun hits the area (when using real grass), slope, and airflow. Choose an area that gets full sun when using real grass. This is best for growth and performance. Stay away from spots near fences and tall trees, as these will block the sun. Shade can cause the soil to hold in too much moisture. The right amount of sun also helps prevent mold and diseases that can destroy the green turf.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of moisture, too much of a slope can drown your green. Low, deep areas of your lawn gather water, something that’s a definite no-no for a putting green. On the other hand, a completely flat area is boring, so you may want to keep or add some small bumps. No matter where you decide to build, install drains to the green dry. These drains should be no more than 10 feet apart and allow water to drain off in all directions.
\n\n\n\nAirflow (wind) is the third component when deciding the location. The right airflow helps the grass grow and stay dry. Don’t place the golf green in a spot where fences, shrubs, and trees block the wind. But, if you live in a very windy area, you may need to find a happy medium, so your ball isn’t constantly blowing around.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HYMZ5WGK4XW_km1QRQQARj6tHSiLItYiZLopBMxjb0onSlGTk6DAhE8syvrw5v-g6wbRKkKHvY7nejpw_Xpq2P1aUi2thpuxRtWatk3DO2QlwMSTjTMh9qJVx4R6rwPKdNhjf1Ug\")
Natural grass and synthetic putting greens each have their pros and cons. Most backyard putting greens made with real turf use creeping bentgrass. It’s less expensive to install than artificial turf and gives the look of a real golf course. The surface of creeping bentgrass provides a smooth, even surface for fast putts. Keep it trimmed to a quarter-inch or less. That means a lot of mowing, not to mention fertilizer, weeding, and watering! Installing real grass is initially cheaper than installing synthetic turf, but long-term maintenance is more costly.
If you want a low maintenance putting surface, artificial turf is the way to go. Synthetic grass is more expensive to install but requires little upkeep. While you do need to keep leaves and sticks off the area, you don’t need to worry about mowing, fertilizing, or weeding. Some golfers think artificial putting greens don’t look like an actual golf course. It’s also more difficult to move the cups around on synthetic turf than real grass. Keep in mind, synthetic grass has come a long way. If you install high-quality turf, few people will know the difference.
\n\n\n\nSome golfers are extremely handy and are capable of building a PGA style backyard green in a day or two. If you find it too time-consuming to do it yourself, it may be easier to hire someone to install the surface. There are quite a few steps involved, but you may enjoy the process and feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re done. Be aware there’s more to it than just digging up the backyard and laying down turf and cups.
\n\n\n\nThe digging, hauling and cutting require a lot of effort. Of course, the size and style of your green will have an impact on price no matter who installs it.
\n\n\n\nReal grass and artificial turf both require maintenance but grass requires more. To keep it at a half-inch or less, you’ll be mowing every other day. The green needs frequent watering. You’ll also put down fertilizer and fungicide. Keeping pests from destroying your hard work is also high on the list. Clark Throssell of Purdue University’s Extension Office says, “Several insects and diseases are potential pests of creeping bentgrass greens. The first step in pest control is to produce a dense, actively growing stand of grass.” If that doesn’t work, you may need an insecticide.
\n\n\n\nA backyard putting green is an investment in your home’s charm as well as in your own leisure time. So what you put into it is a predictor of what you’ll get back.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Lotus Head, CC by-SA 3.0
\n","title":"How to Build a Backyard Putting Green","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1789c/1280px-Golfball.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/107df/1280px-Golfball.jpg 320w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/293e9/1280px-Golfball.jpg 500w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/f2cbb/1280px-Golfball.jpg 800w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1789c/1280px-Golfball.jpg 960w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/356ef/1280px-Golfball.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1dd6e/1280px-Golfball.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/67b76/1280px-Golfball.webp 320w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/8df11/1280px-Golfball.webp 500w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/98a65/1280px-Golfball.webp 800w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1dd6e/1280px-Golfball.webp 960w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/93f70/1280px-Golfball.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Build a Backyard Putting Green | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"89d4f5bf-07c5-58c6-b032-db8a18fef31c","slug":"best-grass-types-dearborn","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/dearborn/best-grass-types-dearborn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nick Crawford is a blog writer based in Philadelphia. He enjoys writing just as much as he enjoys reading a good book, cooking, and working out in his spare time.","name":"Nick Crawford","id":"5213edde-9943-5767-a5ae-163493ecfae5","path":"/author/nick-crawford/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7ce3281d49bd9eb99cb1c4f0200247d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"3245d8e6-f8d1-5861-b7b9-483ccf7c3781","name":"Dearborn","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/dearborn/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"In Dearborn, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. The balanced mix of rain, shine, and mild temperature is great for most plants. And candidly, it wouldn’t be fair to live in a plant-friendly city and not have an amazing lawn to flaunt. Four grass types, in particular, […]
\n","content":"\nIn Dearborn, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. The balanced mix of rain, shine, and mild temperature is great for most plants. And candidly, it wouldn’t be fair to live in a plant-friendly city and not have an amazing lawn to flaunt.
\n\n\n\nFour grass types, in particular, thrive in this environment, and understanding them will help you achieve a fantastic lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are generally two categories of grass: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses tend to grow thicker and lusher in warmer climates. However, it can get rather chilly in the Midwest, and Michigan is no exception.
\n\n\n\nProximity to the Great Lakes means a lot of cool breezes, so you’ll want to choose cool-season grasses. These grasses germinate faster and perform better in temperatures between 60 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making them well-suited for mild summers.
\n\n\n\nHere are the grass types that will give you an amazing lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass is the most popular and well-known type of turfgrass in Michigan. This cool climate varietal spreads quickly, perhaps even aggressively, in some areas. Its rapid growth allows it to effectively patch bare spots in your lawn, and it provides a visually appealing blue-green turf.
\n\n\n\nWhile Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, it can also tolerate light shade and some cloudy days. It performs best in well-drained, fertile soil with a higher pH between 6.0 and 7.0, but it can also grow in the sandier soil of lakeshore regions.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Kentucky bluegrass does not hold up well to foot traffic. And it is a maintenance-intensive grass, requiring constant watering and a lot of fertilizer to thrive. With its shallow roots, bluegrass is also less resistant to drought and heat than other grass types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low (prefers sunlight)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFine fescue encompasses several kinds of grass, all of which tolerate shade and drier soil conditions. In fact, numerous grass seed mixtures contain some percentage of fescue with the intent to pass on the species’ shade and drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nThe fescue grasses are Chewings fescue, creeping red fescue, sheep fescue, and hard fescue. Each varietal grows with a gray-green color and a fine texture to its leaves. In addition, fine fescues do not require as much maintenance as other grasses
\n\n\n\nWhile fine fescue benefits many seed mixes, it’s rare to see it grown alone. Overwatering, excessive fertilization, and rapid thatch development can cause thinning in a fine fescue lawn, especially during the summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Red fescue spread by below-ground rhizomes, while hard and Chewings fescues are bunch-forming and spread through tillers.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a popular cool-season grass that tolerates all but the most severe of cold weather conditions. As indicated by its name, this grass grows taller than most species.
\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest benefits of tall fescue is its ability to control and limit weed growth. Its height allows it to dominate sunlight intake over weeds that may be lurking. In addition, tall fescue is a low-maintenance grass that requires occasional watering and a small amount of fertilization.
\n\n\n\nHowever, tall fescue’s growth rate, combined with its height, means that you will need to mow your lawn more often. And it may not be an ideal choice if you find coarse grass objectionable.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/7370356864_c9e8d6081f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a hardy and drought-resistant varietal that stays green in dry conditions. Once planted, this grass grows and spreads quickly, allowing it to act as an erosion-controlling factor. In addition, it holds up well to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBecause of their similar qualities, perennial ryegrass is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to keep your lawn verdant during times when other grass types would typically go dormant.
\n\n\n\nPart of the reason perennial ryegrass is seen in mixes is that despite its resilience, it does not tolerate high heat or intense cold on its own. Ryegrass, alone, also has a poor mowing quality due to its tough, fibrous leaves.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Very high, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
\n\n\n\nA mix of fine fescue and perennial ryegrass will have the highest chance of maintaining a healthy green color all year round. Both types of grass are drought resistant and complement each other’s strengths while shoring up their weaknesses.
Cool-season grasses perform well in the Michigan climate, and the best time to plant them is mid-to-late fall. The general rule of thumb is to plant cool-season grass at least 45 days before the estimated time of the first frost.
Fine and tall fescues are very easy to maintain. They are both hardy and crowd out weeds, though tall fescue does so better than fine fescue.
To maintain a beautiful lawn in Dearborn, Michigan, you will need to plant cool-season grasses that can stand up to the chill of the Midwest. You’ll also need to take the proper steps to care for that grass once it’s established. If you would like help with mowing, landscaping, and other general yard maintenance, feel free to hire a lawn care professional to put your mind at ease.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Nicole Yeary / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types For Dearborn, Michigan","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/1789c/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/107df/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 320w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/293e9/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 500w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 800w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/1789c/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 960w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/c26c2/Lawn-in-Dearborn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/67b76/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 320w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/8df11/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 500w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/98a65/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 800w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 960w,\n/static/b5c43e79de1ce895dc8124d43345c117/3cc96/Lawn-in-Dearborn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types For Dearborn, Michigan | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you’re living in Dearborn and want your lawn to look stunning, you should know which grasses are best for your area."}}}],"postCity":{"node":{"name":"Pflugerville","slug":"pflugerville","state":{"name":"Texas","slug":"tx"},"suburbs":[],"parentCity":{"name":"Austin","slug":"austin","suburbs":[{"name":"Buda","slug":"buda"},{"name":"Cedar Park","slug":"cedar-park"},{"name":"Georgetown","slug":"georgetown"},{"name":"Lakeway","slug":"lakeway"},{"name":"Pflugerville","slug":"pflugerville"},{"name":"Round Rock","slug":"round-rock"},{"name":"Steiner Ranch","slug":"steiner-ranch"},{"name":"West Lake Hills","slug":"west-lake-hills"},{"name":"Bastrop","slug":"bastrop"},{"name":"Elgin","slug":"elgin"},{"name":"Hutto","slug":"hutto"},{"name":"Cedar Creek","slug":"cedar-creek"},{"name":"Kyle","slug":"kyle"},{"name":"Leander","slug":"leander"},{"name":"Del Valle","slug":"del-valle"},{"name":"Dripping Springs","slug":"dripping-springs"},{"name":"Lockhart","slug":"lockhart"},{"name":"Liberty Hill","slug":"liberty-hill"},{"name":"Luling","slug":"luling"},{"name":"Smithville","slug":"smithville"},{"name":"Manchaca","slug":"manchaca"},{"name":"Dale","slug":"dale"},{"name":"Spicewood","slug":"spicewood"},{"name":"Taylor","slug":"taylor"},{"name":"Wimberley","slug":"wimberley"}]}}}}}}![\"Bluegrass](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Lw8jGF31lep3Mg79Nkkxx8TuLo1EllH8Jtqvf8mOp6wD9nWz4u0Kv6tZuxk452-S7kneo0IxNsRkDez_m7r8fHesIoUlguH63-KwcBgIBd5JH4kFUKJb3BalJOLzBBXrpOpLb_Rv\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/eXZKJCH0nXqblC_uBh4TJCdQgW83fF9v6egxRT3EmKItJtSd2l5OXzJrf6uadMyr1qx5LkSXtgDUShn-GMZCS0iZIuXbbCIUV_rnHG9tpgW6uteKoLIfODTMykjZWF7LUFveyqI9\")
![Source](\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphenophorus_parvulus-Berger.jpg\"){kind=link}
![Source](\"https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/30000/nahled/barata-cucaracha-cockroach.jpg\"){kind=link}