![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kvAuEOrw2J6Rf64yeayYRFPs7vdll5gzc87aUI9GzrDG5s4y5rHV8_x7F4XEprsAMyX5k_98Oh97CLuJEJTe41I_ZmLa25301ntLTkyO94K91roDjj0-wa8Mux59y4-gMJiBVn7l\")
Texas is a warm season area for most of the year, and your lawn will thrive with a warm season grass. A clear understanding of what kind your lawn has ensures you’re grass cutting and maintaining appropriately. The most common warm season grasses used in Texas are as follows: Bermudagrass This is the most popular […]
\n","content":"\nTexas is a warm season area for most of the year, and your lawn will thrive with a warm season grass. A clear understanding of what kind your lawn has ensures you’re grass cutting and maintaining appropriately. The most common warm season grasses used in Texas are as follows:
\n\n\n\nThis is the most popular kind of grass in Texas. It’s known to be very resilient against disease and pests. The more you mow this grass, the thicker it grows. This also makes it more able to withstand traffic than other turf grasses, meaning Bermudagrass is best suited for families with pets and/or children.
\n\n\n\nYou should keep Bermudagrass at 1.5 inches tall and have little to no shade over it. Mowing it when it reaches 2.25 inches will give the best results.
\n\n\n\nThis is the second most popular grass in Texas, as it’s cheap and doesn’t require a whole lot of maintenance, but can’t handle a lot of foot traffic. This grass is best for use during the summer because it becomes brittle and brown in the winter. Overseeding with a cool season grass like Ryegrass during the winter is the best way to keep your lawn looking fresh if you primarily use Raleigh St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nOne drawback of this grass is that it’s very susceptible to chinch bugs and brown patch disease. It’s best kept at 3-4 inches long and requires almost no shade at all.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is very low maintenance and is native to Texas. It’s typically found in West Texas growing wild along highways. It has low potential for disease and low fertilization and lawn mowing requirements. It’s best kept at a height of 5-6 inches and needs only 1 inch of water per month to thrive. It does not do well in shade.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has the best shade tolerance of all the grasses on this list, making it perfect for East Texas where shade is much more abundant. It’s very low maintenance and handles traffic decently well.
\n\n\n\nIt requires about .5 inches of water to sustain itself and about .75 inches during the growing season. It’s best kept at a height of 2 inches and should be mowed when it reaches 3 inches.
\n","title":"The 4 Most Common Grass Types in San Antonio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/1789c/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/107df/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/293e9/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/f2cbb/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/1789c/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/4fb49/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/1dd6e/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/67b76/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/8df11/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/98a65/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/1dd6e/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/62477/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 4 Most Common Grass Types in San Antonio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"e13e5cd7-80e1-5ea0-a20f-5df6a56cce02","slug":"buy-first-riding-lawn-mower","path":"/lawn-care/buy-first-riding-lawn-mower/","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":"d91e0772-a35b-588f-a788-9c638e07abbb","name":"Garden Tools","count":2,"path":"/category/garden-tools/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 17th, 2019","excerpt":"Buying your first riding mower is a lot like buying your first car. It has a motor, a steering wheel and a seat. And one more similarity: It’s a major investment. Where a push mower will set you back a few hundred dollars, a good low-end model or riding mower starts around $1,200. At the […]
\n","content":"\nBuying your first riding mower is a lot like buying your first car. It has a motor, a steering wheel and a seat.
\n\n\n\nAnd one more similarity: It’s a major investment. Where a push mower will set you back a few hundred dollars, a good low-end model or riding mower starts around $1,200. At the high end, you can easily You could spend anywhere from $1,000 to more than $3,000. But with that big price tag come big mowing advantages that you can expect to enjoy for years to come. Here are some pointers for buying your first riding mower.
\n\n\n\nWith that big price tag come big mowing advantages that you can expect to enjoy for years to come. Here are some pointers for buying your first riding mower.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve been obsessed with lawn care for as long as lawns have been around. Until the 1600s, people were probably too busy focusing on the sheep trimming our grass to enjoy the lawns themselves. But beginning in the 1700s, manicured lawns came into fashion, along with the first lawn mower — the scythe.
\n\n\n\nFor those unfamiliar, the scythe is an ancient tool with a handle and crescent-shaped blade. It’s carried by the mythical Grim Reaper — an appropriate mascot, because anyone who’s used one for more than an hour probably feels like keeling over. This labor-intensive tool was the go-to for lawn care for a couple of centuries. In 1830, Edwin Budding invented an iron-framed reel lawn mower to cut grass in England.
\n\n\n\nIn 1870, a lighter cylinder-style reel mower was invented in the United States by Elwood McGuire of Richmond, Ind. This popular model prevailed until Colonel Edwin S. George came up with a mower with a gas engine in 1919. George established Moto-Mower, a lawn mowing manufacturing plant in Detroit, and continued to develop the product.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MUV976HkZeK-iFZ3MRV96sXHhCDRBEKgWiJK6evGRSWDy2Qlv3H3ii_5bX1bGYwz91LJXUqbeb5-sLcCv-_Vrz9y3_XV7Lg3ZU68ypGr4EVgbpcQl48nWYL7SlXJedO0pM92HL19\")
In the 1930s, a rotary mower appeared on the scene, paving the way for the ride on mower we know and love today. Mowers grew in popularity after World War II, when GIs came home and began mowing their own lawns.
\n\n\n\nToday, we have a staggering number of lawn mowing options. Once you level up to a riding mower, there are many options available. Ride-on mowers fall into three categories: lawn tractor, rear-engine riding mower, and zero-turn mowers. If you want what they use on golf courses, forget about it, that’s another class of mowing machines entirely.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/f5NdarPVhajqHit8ARAVk3N0sMtWlGrovzTND5TWt5073OV_MBhGbeq_0_xYxxhan5-sTVQQLjaT8ev_QcmziAfSdlzMTtnA-T1vW_Gro8iqRH6WFg5-6pepigEsHFHl2XMo_NVx\")
A lawn or garden tractor is what most people choose as their first riding mower. It features a steering wheel and front-mounted engine, which makes it look and feel less like a power mower and more like a car. With mower decks measuring between 42 and 54 inches, they have a much greater cutting capacity than push lawn mowers, making them a top pick for people with acreage.
An added bonus of lawn tractors? They can haul carts and attachments for mulching, bagging, and sweeping. Some brands even offer a snowblower attachment. If you google “the best lawn tractors,” you’ll see John Deere and Toro come up over and over. Expect to spend between $1,000 and $3000 for one of these lawn mowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LsB2llSw4mvFft2dv4olMgnyB0V2HY-zEm5x0YUxigAEJJA9AUTF0zsopgu9vbxK8jcH9iSDYTwBP-a-4Sf-6cwWRokSt9S7xSxm8CWdGeONLwx3X5H-I9ReYjAlgVyhbW2nzsSu\")
A zero-turn mower is ideal when you have a lot of grass to cut and don’t want to spend a ton of time doing it. Mower decks range from 32 to 60 inches, and steering function allows the mower to make tight turns, hugging corners and curves.
\n\n\n\nFor flatter properties with lots of trees and shrubs, this type of riding mower can cut grass closer to obstacles than the others. But, this perk comes at a price. Expect to pay between $1,200 and $6,000 for a zero-turn mower. Even if you can find a special offer, the prices on this class of machine are steep.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Bm75nwHu1hPMDaRX08pcaQVsfG5AFfWTUxTCD62yK450PmmxQPqRrs3d-S2_gKZ_7GMH1uXN2joq0NVhXGY7RG-mEryUwdXGFzDozN5qJNpTOYbZtkaD_Slf0MVg-OEIjz2DjCID\")
Somewhere between the lawn tractor and the zero-turn mower is the rear-engine riding mower. This is for someone with a lawn a little too large for a push mower but too small to justify a bigger machine. Mowing decks on rear-engine mowers are smaller, from 30 to 33 inches, and so is the price tag — from $1,200 to $2,400.
\n\n\n\nYou can pay half as much by buying a used lawn mower, but you must do your research to make sure you get a good deal. Robert Janis, a mower specialist at LawnEq, reminds us, “You need to be aware that the life expectancy of a residential riding lawn mower is about seven years.” When attempting to buy a used mower, he believes that you shouldn’t be shy about asking questions.
\n","title":"How to Buy Your First Riding Lawn Mower","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/1789c/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/107df/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/293e9/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/f2cbb/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/1789c/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/356ef/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/1dd6e/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/67b76/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/8df11/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/98a65/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/1dd6e/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/6a40d3ec7f993f013324cb11423d9543/93f70/lawn-tool-green-vehicle-lawn-mower-rush-883918-pxhere.com_.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Buy Your First Riding Lawn Mower | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"08d55eaf-d54d-5c80-93ef-571572b0bf60","slug":"best-grass-east-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-east-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"Houston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible. Warm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East […]
\n","content":"\nHouston, we have a problem … a lawn problem. East Texas is humid, rainy, and blazing hot, with frequent hurricanes. Such volatile weather conditions make lawn care difficult but certainly not impossible.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow best in hot summer areas, letting them thrive in East Texas’ intense heat. Below are the best grasses for East Texas and its sometimes-intense climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is drought-tolerant, moderately shade-tolerant, and cold-tolerant, making it a popular choice for lawns in East Texas. It also handles foot traffic well, so it does well on lawns.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass comes in at least 11 varieties, all used as turfgrass. Some varieties perform better at higher mowing heights, while others have improved shade tolerance. The type of Zoysiagrass you choose depends on your environment and how much work you plan to do.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to other warm-season grasses, St. Augustinegrass tolerates shade well. It’s drought tolerant as well (although not as much as Zoysiagrass) and can handle being cut at higher heights.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Handles tall mowing heights
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider centipedegrass. Centipedegrass performs best in East Texas’ acidic soils and requires little mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. However, it needs irrigation to combat drought (which it can be sensitive to). It also doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow every 7 to 10 days
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is versatile because it tolerates drought and foot traffic exceptionally well. For this reason, it’s perfectly suited for golf courses, athletic fields, and lawns and comes in many varieties.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass isn’t low-maintenance, as it requires frequent mowing and occasional fertilization. It also doesn’t like shady areas, so avoid it if you have a shady backyard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, St. Augustinegrass is your best bet. Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass are also shade-tolerant, but avoid bermudagrass, which doesn’t like shade.
The most drought-tolerant grasses are St. Augustinegrass and Bermudagrass.
Zoysiagrass only requires mowing once a week, making it the most low-maintenance, but centipedegrass is worth looking into if you don’t mind mowing a little more often (7 to 10 days).
If you plan on having many people and animals on your lawn often, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are the way to go.
Picking the right grass for your East Texas lawn boils down to your living space and how much work you want to put into your lawn. There isn’t a “one size fits all” type of grass.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’re ready with your chosen grass, contact Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll give you a green, lush lawn. You won’t need to lift a finger.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Alamo / Nan Palmero / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/107df/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/293e9/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/f2cbb/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1789c/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/c26c2/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/67b76/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 320w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/8df11/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 500w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/98a65/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 800w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/1dd6e/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 960w,\n/static/b69d46043650923cd64c68d6673fd918/3cc96/The-Alamo-in-Downtown-San-Antonio.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass for Your East Texas Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"East Texas has unpredictable weather and intense heat, but these grasses don’t mind the weather and will thrive in East Texas."}}},{"node":{"id":"7381b08e-4ff3-5de7-8a18-969a55e19377","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-connecticut","path":"/lawn-care/ct/spring-lawn-care-tips-connecticut/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e5749cce-e649-530f-ab65-97c08883af12","name":"Connecticut","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ct/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 11th, 2023","excerpt":"The praying mantis is the state insect of Connecticut. While not native to North America, this predatory relative of the cockroach is a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and its commitment to protecting its environment. Situated east of New York, Connecticut’s spring temperatures, ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, bring praying mantises and […]
\n","content":"\nThe praying mantis is the state insect of Connecticut. While not native to North America, this predatory relative of the cockroach is a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and its commitment to protecting its environment. Situated east of New York, Connecticut’s spring temperatures, ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, bring praying mantises and residents outdoors. Execute our 10 spring lawn care tips and take advantage of the pleasant weather to prepare your yard for the dry summer just around the corner.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConnecticut sits on the northernmost border of the transition zone. While cool-season grasses are best suited to the New England climate, warm-season Zoysiagrass varieties also grow well in their soils. Spring weather in Connecticut is unpredictable. There is usually snow or frost in March, and temperatures average 43 degrees Fahrenheit, gradually increasing to 75 by late May and setting off the active growing season for many Connecticut native plants.
\n\n\n\nConnecticuters care for their warm or cool-season grasses from March to May, hoping to encourage fresh growth before the dry heat takes over in the summer. Spring lawn care is more than mowing your lawn and setting the timer on your irrigation system. As your yard goes through its active growing season, you need to be on the lookout for diseases, pests, and bare spots. With the proper spring maintenance plan, your lawn will be ready to take on the Connecticut summer.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/800px-Dethatcher2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab, Inc. / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWith an average snowfall of 37 inches, Connecticut winters are freezing and wet, causing warm-season grass cultivars and even some cool-season cultivars to go dormant and develop thatch. Thatch is the tight layer of dead grass intertwined with living grass blades and roots that accumulates just above your soil level and below eye line visibility. A thin layer of thatch insulates grass roots and makes your turfgrass more resilient, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
\n\n\n\nDense thatch causes:
\n\n\n\nWatch for thatch that is a half inch or more thick, spongy turf, footprints, increased pest activity, and active diseases. Aim to dethatch your lawn during its growing season using a dethatcher, also known as a lawn scarifier. Dethatchers work like a complex rake to remove thatch, bringing it to the surface of your lawn for collection. Always remove the loose layer of thatch immediately.
\n\n\n\nConnecticut warm-season grass cultivar, Zoysiagrass, grows in late spring and summer. Cool-season varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass hit their green-up phases in early spring and again in the fall. It is important to understand your grass variety. Dethatch your warm-season lawn in mid-spring to early summer and save your cool-season cultivar dethatching session for fall.
\n\n\n\nConnecticut receives around 45 inches of rain per year, well over the national average of 38 inches. Springtime is notoriously wet and unpredictable in the Nutmeg State with precipitation occurring in 31% of the days. Aeration is a common method to introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns with restricted root growth, allowing for water and nutrients to permeate more easily.
\n\n\n\nOxygen allows your turfgrass to establish deep roots and a dense appearance. There are two types of common aeration: spike aeration and core aeration. Aim to aerate your New England lawn to stimulate root growth following your dethatching schedule: mid-spring to early summer for Zoysiagrass and early fall for cool-season varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nCore aerators remove plugs of soil to create small holes so the soil can breathe. This method leaves leftover plugs of soil on the surface of your lawn, adding beneficial nutrients and microorganisms to decrease thatch naturally.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for Connecticut’s soil varieties, including loose stones and gravel, rich saturated soils, alluvial sediments, disturbed loams, and gravelly sands. These acidic soils decrease nutrients, plant production, and water use and make soils more vulnerable to decline and erosion. Core aerators do a better job of breaking up sand or rock particles, creating airflow, and improving water and nutrient access.
\n\n\n\nSpike aerators create small holes in the ground with a rotating punch. This method does not remove material from the soil, so there is no chance of natural de-thatching.
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Check-Your-Soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nPlants and turfgrasses growing in moist, acidic soil require regular fertilization. Spring soil preparation is crucial to the success of your Connecticut landscape. Proper preparation provides nutrients for your grass to thrive, even in the deficient soils of New England. Residents should send in a soil sample for testing in March or September.
\n\n\n\nMail in a one-cup sample, collected and combined from different areas of your lawn, to receive your unique results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include lime for soil pH imbalances and nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus applications.
\n\n\n\nTall grass blades develop deeper roots and a dense appearance. Healthy lawns resist insects, weeds, and diseases. Mowing is necessary for maintenance, but it stresses your turfgrass, leaving it more susceptible to pests, drought, and sunscald. Connecticut’s unpredictable, wet springs kick-start the active growing season for most plants and turfgrasses in mid to late March.
\n\n\n\nYour grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height. To avoid injuring your lawn, never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade regardless of your cultivar. and always cut less, more often. You should mow weekly during the active growing season and aim to mow every two weeks during your turfgrass’ off-season.
\n\n\n\nAlways mow within the recommended range for your grass type and leave clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.75 – 1.5 inches |
Zoysiagrass is a low-maintenance, warm-season cultivar that goes dormant during Connecticut’s winter months. Growth peaks in summer, but the active growing season begins in late spring. Aim to mow every seven to 10 days to maintain a mowing height between 0.75 to 1.5 inches and encourage deeper roots and a more dense and resilient turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nCool-season Connecticut turfgrasses include fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Unlike Zoysiagrass, these cultivars remain green through most winter months but can go dormant during hot, dry months in the summer.
\n\n\n\nActive growth for cool-season varieties peaks in the early spring and fall. Mow cool-season grasses to their recommended heights every seven days during early spring. Aim to decrease mowing frequency to every 14 days in mid to late spring when growth has slowed.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Man-watering.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nUnless your lawn is brand new, all grass varieties respond well to the typical conditions of a Connecticut spring. The best watering method for turfgrasses is as needed early in the morning, starting in May. It is true what they say about April showers bringing May flowers. April in the Nutmeg State is wet, typically providing more than enough precipitation for your plants and turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nYou will know it is time to water your turfgrass when you notice a dark blue-gray color, footprinting, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves. Water all varieties twice per week, aiming for one-half inch of water per session to moisten the top 4 to 6 inches of soil and encourage deeper roots.
\n\n\n\nConnecticut’s humid continental climate wouldn’t be complete without wet spring weather, creating the optimal habitat for plant growth, including weeds. Weeds signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health and maintenance plan. They thrive in acidic, low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning damaged turf.
\n\n\n\nWeeds steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from your grass and spread pests and diseases. The best control and prevention method is routine maintenance, coupled with supplemental chemical methods like post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides minimize the number of weeds in your yard by killing seeds before germination. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in April before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit to control grassy weeds.
\n\n\n\nA common method used by savvy Connecticuters is to watch for your neighborhood’s Forsythia to bloom. These shrubs are the first to bloom, signaling the arrival of spring and microbial activity in the soil. When you see the bright yellow blooms, it is time to put down your pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nLook for solutions containing prodiamine, dithiopyr, benefin, or pendimethalin. Wait 30 to 60 days and apply a second application of pre-emergent herbicide in mid to late May or June.
\n\n\n\nCommon grassy weeds in Connecticut include:
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides target annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, disrupting their growth. Use these herbicides year-round to target weeds you can see.
\n\n\n\nDo not use post-emergent herbicides if temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or if your lawn is moisture stressed. Additionally, be sure to wait a few days after a fresh mow before applying chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nCommon perennial and annual broadleaf weeds include:
\n\n\n\nDifferent insects invade particular grass cultivars at different times. The most common Connecticut springtime pests include white grubs, sod webworms, armyworms, cutworms, and chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nArmyworms and cutworms include the larvae and pupae of several species of nocturnal lawn-damaging moths. These insects cause significant spring damage. Watch for brown or yellow areas of dead grass that have been chewed to the ground. Patches appear and spread quickly, increasing the bird population in your yard.
\n\n\n\nTreat armyworms and cutworms with chemical insecticides containing pyrethroids or carbaryl. Prevent these devastating insects by avoiding overfertilization and maintaining your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs affect any dense Connecticut turfgrass. Watch for yellow spots in sunny locations, signifying chinch bug activity. These foliage-seeking insects suck vital plant juices from your turfgrass until fall with peak activity beginning in May.
\n\n\n\nDIY collect chinch bugs using a coffee can with both ends removed to create a hollow pipe. Insert the can into the soil inside the affected area. Fill the can with water and leave it for a few days. Chinch bugs will float to the top of the can for removal. If you notice more than 15 chinch bugs per square foot, it is time to call a professional.
\n\n\n\nLike armyworms, sod webworms are the nocturnal larvae of lawn moths. These pests feed on grass blades and create tunnels just below your lawn’s surface. Sod webworms attack most grass cultivars, preferring fescues and Kentucky bluegrass. Watch for small brown spots of dead turfgrass that rapidly increase in size during dry spells. Treat sod webworms with an insecticide application containing bifenthrin.
\n\n\n\nWhite grubs are the larval form of several species of beetles, including Japanese and Scarab beetles. These small white pests feed on turfgrass roots. Keep an eye out for wilting, brown grass blades and an increased bird population.
\n\n\n\nControl white grubs with proper lawn maintenance, irrigation, and aeration. Treat the larval pests with chemical applications. For lawns with a history of white grub activity, apply chlorantraniliprole for prevention in May. For active infestations, use an insecticide designed for white grubs, but keep in mind these chemicals also harm beneficial insects like pollinators.
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollar](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dollar-spot-bentgrass-800-646x443.jpg\")
Dollar spot symptoms on creeping bentgrass
Photo credit: Glenobear | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain
Lawn diseases and fungi love Connecticut’s humid continental climate. The best defense against these lawn invaders is routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization for a healthy and dense lawn. Some of the most common diseases affecting the Constitution State’s turfgrasses are large patch, powdery mildew, dollar spot, rust, and snow mold.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus affecting many Connecticut turfgrasses, including ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. The fungus typically occurs in May and lasts through the end of summer in cool-season cultivars. Watch for brown, circular patches several feet in diameter.
\n\n\n\nMost large patch infestations do not respond to fungicide applications. The most effective control and prevention method is proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage and air movement. Monitor patches and limit fertilization in affected areas. Avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot affects Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass. It is caused by a fungus living in Connecticut soils. Watch for circular brown or yellow spots that look like dollar coins in spring through fall.
\n\n\n\nLike most fungi, treat dollar spot with proper lawn maintenance. Maintain nitrogen levels by applying a nitrogen-based fertilizer and minimize moisture stress by ensuring proper drainage. Always water deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce foliage wetness.
\n\n\n\nPowdery mildew affects Kentucky bluegrass in the cool, wet months of early spring. This fungus produces a white or gray, powdery growth on grass blades. Watch for yellow areas of dying turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nTreat powdery mildew with proper lawn maintenance and fungicide applications. Remove thatch, avoid fertilization and post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active, and monitor and fix drainage issues. Avoid over-watering to prevent active and future infestations.
\n\n\n\nRust is a tissue-dwelling fungus active in spring through fall. Be on the lookout for yellow flecks and raised areas on grass blades and thinning, wilting turf. Rust affects most Connecticut turfgrasses, including bluegrass, ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nTreat this turfgrass disease using a fungicide, and prevent the fungus with proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage, reduce thatch buildup, and increase the time between irrigation sessions.
\n\n\n\nPink and gray snow molds are winter-dwelling fungi that attack Connecticut turfgrasses. They thrive under snow and during cold winter rains. Watch for irregular patches of dead, matted grass ranging from three to 12 inches in diameter in March after the frost and snow melt. Grass will take on a pink-to-white or gray-to-white color depending on the species of snow mold.
\n\n\n\nTreat snow mold by raking affected areas to remove matted grass and organic debris. Overseed the area to fill bare spots and stimulate growth. Prevent the disease by paying attention to the timing of your fall fertilizer application for your cool-season turfgrass. Always aim to fertilize earlier in the fall to avoid a late-season growth spurt which increases your lawn’s chance of developing snow mold.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the best time to seed your warm-season lawn in Connecticut, while fall is the best time to seed cool-season cultivars. The active growing season encourages fresh growth, filling in thin and patchy areas.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turfgrass to fill thin areas. Zoysiagrass is a low-maintenance, warm-season cultivar that responds well to spring overseeding in bare areas.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your Connecticut lawn in May by tilling patchy areas. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass also responds well to sod plugs. Plan to replant large bare areas using sod plugs in May. Space plugs 6 to 12 inches apart and water well daily. Keep crabgrass at bay by applying a root-safe pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tree](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rsz_pixnio-46833-800x550-1.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply fertilizer to your Connecticut turfgrass is April or May, depending on your grass type. Fertilizer promotes healthy growth. The type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your turfgrass cultivar and your unique soil sample analysis results.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that Connecticut soils are acidic, typically ranging from a pH of 4.8 to 5.5. These conditions make vital nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium less available to plants, making fertilizer applications important in New England states.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 15-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 15% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass only needs one spring fertilizer application. Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet around April 15, but keep in mind that shaded grass requires less fertilizer than grass growing in full sun.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass need two spring fertilizer applications to prepare the turfgrasses for the hot summer temperatures. Aim to apply 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet around April 15. Apply a second round of fertilizer around May 15.
\n\n\n\nUse sprinklers or an automatic irrigation system to apply water in 10- to 20-minute segments, once per day, until the seeds have germinated. The germination process typically takes three weeks in Connecticut. Be sure to skip watering sessions if it rains.
Fertilize after overseeding your warm-season grass. Apply a slow-release fertilizer immediately after overseeding or wait two to three weeks and apply a fast-release fertilizer to your newly seeded lawn.
Spring weather in the Nutmeg State is unpredictable. It is typically wet, but even droughts have occurred. Generally, there is no need to supplement Mother Nature during Connecticut springs.
Overwatering your turfgrass stresses your lawn, leading to increased pests and diseases. Watch for these signs you are overwatering your turfgrass:
● Thick layer of thatch over ¾ inch thick
● Fungus growth including mushrooms
● Increased weed growth, including crabgrass and nutsedge
● Signs of pest activity
● Spongy grass and footprint indents
● Pooling water and increased runoff
Connecticut is a nature lover’s dream with its green hills, lush gardens, moist forests, cherry blossoms, and pristine beaches. With the proper spring lawn care schedule, you can get your lawn ready for summer and save yourself time so you can spend more of it outdoors.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help identifying a pest or lawn disease, contact a Connecticut lawn care pro to help your landscape recover and establish deep roots.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sphilbrick / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Connecticut","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1789c/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/107df/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/293e9/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/f2cbb/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1789c/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/c26c2/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1dd6e/lawn-in-CT-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/67b76/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 320w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/8df11/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 500w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/98a65/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 800w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1dd6e/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 960w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/3cc96/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Connecticut | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 10 valuable tips for maintaining a green spring lawn in Connecticut and prepare your grass for the dry summer."}}},{"node":{"id":"9ba1fa4f-94e7-5631-9b5d-c0a994fdfbeb","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-st-louis","path":"/lawn-care/mo/st-louis/spring-lawn-care-tips-st-louis/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"},{"id":"3f02f7ac-cb76-5555-b9a8-490ee8121fe0","name":"St. Louis","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/st-louis/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Spring in St. Louis can be gorgeous, especially once that signature Midwest frost begins to thaw. But don’t stand around too long admiring the scenery. There are some things you need to do to get your own yard in shape. If you follow these six tips to boost your lawn care routine in the spring, you’ll […]
\n","content":"\nSpring in St. Louis can be gorgeous, especially once that signature Midwest frost begins to thaw. But don’t stand around too long admiring the scenery. There are some things you need to do to get your own yard in shape. If you follow these six tips to boost your lawn care routine in the spring, you’ll get the most out of your grass all year long.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-14.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KathrynHatashitaLee / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nCaring for your lawn always requires a proper lawn mower. But your mower also needs care, especially after sitting in your garage for the winter. By performing this maintenance early in the Spring, you can avoid having to do it during the summer when the necessary yard work begins to pile up.
\n\n\n\nHere are the things you need to do to get this essential piece of lawn care equipment ready for use.
\n\n\n\nSharpening your lawn mower’s blades is one oft-forgotten bit of maintenance. Trying to cut your grass with a dull blade is similar to shaving with a dull razor. You may end up tearing or ‘bruising’ the grass rather than shearing it neatly, which will hinder growth. And if your mower has a motor, it’ll have to work harder to get through your grass with a dull blade, which will wear it out faster.
\n\n\n\nHere is how to sharpen your lawn mower’s blades:
\n\n\n\nAs a quick note, you can use a hand grinder to sharpen a lawn mower blade. However, these blades are made with soft metal, and the friction from a grinder could heat the metal enough to damage it if you’re not careful.
\n\n\n\nIf you have experience using a grinder, you can follow the same procedure as you would with a file. Should the blade begin to heat up, stop for a minute and let it cool down, or run some water over it.
\n\n\n\nJust like your car, your lawn mower needs oil to reduce friction within the engine’s parts. The heat from the engine eventually causes the oil to break down, which is made worse if that oil sits in your mower over the winter.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn mower’s engine oil should be changed every 50 hours of mowing or once every spring and summer, whichever comes first. Use a dipstick and only fill the oil to the designated mark.
\n\n\n\nUse high-quality engine oil in your lawn mower. 10W30 is the most common grade of motor oil, and it should be as suitable for most mowers as it is for cars and trucks.
\n\n\n\nHowever, check the owner’s manual to find out if your lawn mower has a four-stroke engine or a two-stroke engine. A two-stroke engine requires a mixture of gasoline and oil to function, usually ranging from 30:1 to 50:1 for the ratio of gas to oil. Two-stroke engines aren’t as common thanks to emissions regulations, but they are still around.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDead leaves, twigs, and branches can accumulate on your lawn over the fall and winter, especially if there are trees on or near your property. When it snows, this detritus will form a tightly packed carpet over your lawn that prevents your grass from getting enough sun.
\n\n\n\nYou should remove as many twigs and branches as you can in the spring so they don’t interfere with mowing or seeding. As for the fallen leaves, the traditional approach is to rake them, bag them, and have them taken to your local landfill. But, there is a better solution.
\n\n\n\nFallen leaves make fantastic organic compost. Simply shred the leaves into smaller bits with your lawn mower for easier absorption as they decompose. You can even add grass clippings and spread the mix around your flower bed as mulch.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pxfuel.com-7-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners don’t realize that the soil in their lawn is just as alive as the plants that grow from it. It can change due to pollution, but the seasons also affect soil composition.
\n\n\n\nMissouri is home to over 500 types of soil, though menfro is the state soil. This clay-rich forest soil is well-drained and densely packed with decaying plant matter, making it very fertile. However, St. Louis’ location along the Central Missouri valley means that soil erosion sometimes makes for weak topsoil.
\n\n\n\nThough menfro soil is well known, you should still have your soil tested to determine whether you need to supplement it with more nitrogen, calcium, lime, or other minerals.
\n\n\n\nTypically, you would fertilize in the fall to provide your lawn with enough nutrients to get through the winter, especially if you have warm-season grass. However, you can help boost new growth with a light layer of fertilizer once during the spring.
\n\n\n\nIf you choose to add fertilizer in the spring, use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Faster fertilizers may encourage faster growth, but that isn’t always the best thing for young growth. You could even end up burning and damaging your grass.
\n\n\n\nTo fertilize your lawn, apply a thin, even layer using a spreader. Hand-spreading the fertilizer may result in an inconsistent coating and missed spots. You also run the risk of adding too much fertilizer, and too much of a good thing is never good.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mow-More-Cut-Less.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nGrowing your grass is like growing hair, and a timely trim of both can help maintain a desirable appearance. But don’t wait until the summer to start up the lawnmower. Keeping your lawn well-groomed early on can go a long way toward preventing weeds from popping up.
\n\n\n\nThere are a few rules of thumb when it comes to mowing your lawn:
\n\n\n\nPlants need water to survive, and your lawn is no different. However, you shouldn’t irrigate your lawn until after the grass begins growing. The soil will still have leftover moisture from the temperature change and any snow or ice that may have thawed.
\n\n\n\nWhen watering your lawn, you should only water until the top six to eight inches of topsoil is wet. That’s the layer where most turfgrasses establish their roots.
\n\n\n\nDo not overwater your lawn. It may be tempting to simply dump a large amount of water on your soil and leave it for the week, but you could easily drown new grass. Too much water can also leave your lawn vulnerable to fungi and disease due to shallow root growth.
\n\n\n\nThe best practice is to water your lawn three times a week in the spring. Check your local weather to avoid watering on a day when it’ll rain.
\n\n\n\nOn the opposite end, don’t underwater your lawn, either. Lack of water will dry out the soil, which can already be a common problem with menfro soil.
\n\n\n\nYou can test the moisture level of your soil with a screwdriver. Insert the head of the tool into your lawn. If you can push it in easily, the soil is moist. If you need to apply pressure or hear a ‘crackling’ sound as the dirt breaks, you need to add more water to your lawn.
\n\n\n\nFrontloading your yard work while your grass is still growing will pay off when you can spend more time simply enjoying the lawn when the St. Louis weather turns warm. But, the key word is work. You’ll have to put in the time and effort to cultivate a beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you could put your lawn in the hands of a local lawn care professional, who will know exactly what needs to be done to clear your spring landscaping checklist.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Neighborhood, St. Louis / Unsplash
\n","title":"6 Spring Lawn Care Tips For St. Louis","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/1789c/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/107df/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/293e9/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/f2cbb/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/1789c/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/c26c2/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/1dd6e/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/67b76/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.webp 320w,\n/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/8df11/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.webp 500w,\n/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/98a65/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.webp 800w,\n/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/1dd6e/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.webp 960w,\n/static/2208716b6c1c53d33980b6c9d8ae2573/3cc96/kay-ingulli-n4WOKspqr4-unsplash-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Spring Lawn Care Tips For St. Louis | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spring is a critical time for your grass. It needs some TLC, and doing it correctly will give your lawn the foundation it needs to thrive all year long"}}},{"node":{"id":"d16e2d6b-56c8-59e2-83f4-27ffd9dd8cd8","slug":"benefits-composting-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Ruma Akter","id":"b4adb332-066f-5309-a11a-ada9d71b73f7","path":"/author/opushaon10/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ebb2426fcf700731e458d89422adc475?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Looking for a cost-efficient way to a beautiful lawn with healthier grass? Composting may be the answer. You may associate compost with gardens and flower beds, but there are several benefits to adding the beautiful rot to your grass, too. What Is Compost? Compost is organic material, made up of decomposing living matter. Food scraps […]
\n","content":"\nLooking for a cost-efficient way to a beautiful lawn with healthier grass? Composting may be the answer.
\n\n\n\nYou may associate compost with gardens and flower beds, but there are several benefits to adding the beautiful rot to your grass, too.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7siWPz9hIYZNaFizVvrLv1ilgO2v5ZEN6q_jZTkH9LyzmiTKBQ-wplgwMSshwyJel0FpzwSEjtWWWzWiVQY7qEuHWGV0kuQrn-qt3FS5grSQfBs4xY62AB-ltZieVNlrBe1SUz3h\")
Compost is organic material, made up of decomposing living matter. Food scraps and yard waste (grass clippings, raked leaves, and remnants of garden plants) make up most compost. Compost also happens on its own in nature with fallen leaves, twigs, and branches. By adding fruit and vegetable scraps, you put back into the soil the ingredients it needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\nFood products that don’t compost well include tea bags (the tea residue works well but only if you remove the bag) and highly acidic citrus fruits and tomatoes (they may kill the good bacteria that break down the compost). Peelings from other fruits and vegetables are also excellent for the compost bin (remove the small paper stickers on them).
\n\n\n\nWhat you don’t want in your compost? Weeds. The weed seeds will spread and regrow in your yard.
\n\n\n\nLawns are dormant in winter, but it’s still a good time for maintenance. Composting supports the root system during dormancy. The organic matter helps the soil retain water, making it more available to the grass roots. Nutrients that would otherwise wash away, (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), make their way down to the roots. The healthier your lawn’s roots are, the deeper they grow and spread under your yard. This holds the soil together and helps it resist wind and water.
\n\n\n\nWith healthier roots created by composting comes healthier soil. The primary nutrients are joined by micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper, and manganese. The fertilizer you buy doesn’t always have these components. But compost breaks down slowly, so it acts as a slow-release fertilizer. The more diverse the ingredients in the compost, the more different types of nutrients sink into the soil. The decomposed compost (also called humus), will also neutralize both acidic and alkaline soils, creating pH levels that enable your grass to absorb the nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn helps break up compacted soil. But compost creates clusters of particles, called aggregates, for a stronger soil structure. These bundles have air channels and tiny holes that keep in water, nutrients, and air. There are basically three types of soil, and organic matter affects each one in different ways.
\n\n\n\nThis dense, heavy soil can be tough to work with. But when maintained, it’s one of the best soils for lawns and gardens. Adding organic matter like pine bark and finely ground leaves creates better soil structure. It also gets rid of drainage problems and compacted soil. Start with 3 to 6 inches of compost on your topsoil and work it down into the ground about ten inches over time. As the matter decomposes, it improves the quality of clay soil.
\n\n\n\nSandy soil is dry with large, coarse particles and a lot of air pockets, so it doesn’t need aeration. It’s also not ideal for growing things because all that space lets water drain before it can provide moisture to plant roots. Fertilizer is ineffective because it washes away before doing any good. Horticulture Agent Charlotte Glen of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension says, “Because they naturally lack nutrients and cannot store nutrients provided by fertilizers, plants growing in sandy sites often show nutrient deficiency symptoms like stunting, yellow leaves, and sparse flowering or poor fruit production.”
\n\n\n\nThe good news is that sand is lightweight and porous and easy to work with. This type of soil needs 3 to 4 inches of compost as topsoil. Till it deep into the ground. Then, in the future, let grass clippings fall onto the yard when mowing. The clippings add to the compost.
\n\n\n\nThis is the best type of soil for growing plants and grass. It’s a mix of equal parts clay, sand, and silt (sediment deposited by running water). While loamy soil already provides excellent growing conditions, you can improve any soil with compost. Do this once a year to lower its pH to a level that works well with grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fXTp3fOUPxxEJfrU4ABu64j_Zld8HZGr_VZc6ZpQOmTIkGU2ukwTl22wTLSETZwBt11kHl7TGBemnJ5-skvzmyBYzYT8xgSiYPixheaoIRMEWt_nrohyBSv7zGXMzLbyIKHk1BcF\")
Healthy turf is about 50% air, held in pockets and spaces in the soil. When that soil is compacted, moisture and nutrients don’t filter down to the plant’s roots as well as they should. Compost creates more accommodating surroundings by loosening the soil, creating natural energy.
\n\n\n\nSo how do you know if your soil is compacted?
\n\n\n\nWorking organic matter into the ground is the best way to fight compaction. For extreme cases, you may need to use up to 50% compost. This will also help decompose thatch buildup in the fall. Too much thatch causes the root system under your lawn to choke itself.
\n\n\n\nPerhaps the best perk from composting is how it benefits the environment. By putting your vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, and other kitchen scraps in a compost pile, you’re keeping it out of landfills. You also eliminate the need for fertilizing. Make sure the organic matter stays damp, and it will keep insects away, negating the need for insecticide. And the air pockets created in the soil will hold more water, meaning you won’t need to water as often.
\n\n\n\nComposting is a win-win in many ways, but poor quality soil with too much clay or sand needs a little more work. After spreading more than an inch of compost over the yard, spray the grass blades with liquid nitrogen to speed up decomposition. Healthy lawns take some work but in the long run, are worth it!
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: normanack, CC 2.0
\n","title":"Benefits of Composting for Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.336116910229645,"src":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1789c/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/107df/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/293e9/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/f2cbb/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1789c/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/356ef/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1dd6e/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/67b76/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/8df11/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/98a65/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1dd6e/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/93f70/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of Composting for Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"99a8a8a1-0eee-5669-b635-4a59bfaa7e90","slug":"how-to-prevent-repair-rock-salt-damage-on-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-prevent-repair-rock-salt-damage-on-lawns/","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":"6fc58ffa-eaae-56a2-a670-d6f84e2bb962","name":"Cold Climate","count":4,"path":"/category/cold-climate/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 21st, 2019","excerpt":"The debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage […]
\n","content":"\nThe debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage is not apparent until spring, when snowmelt and warming temperatures reveal the dead grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NjGOu8zuJtv1iLsWaOawKFZkMeM88I6RMbT39KNWxyyP4HtkKpZ3FaM3z-QvKFOfPq_ruGVeQvxM4VYlm51XL_BWd4oUJp_7-eKeEKNVLH5FYFx7YXLEebmoYGqR3_sKplyNOfVl\")
If you live on a major roadway where crews use salt as a road de-icer, consider a little preventive and remedial lawn care to safeguard your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen rock salt is applied to icy surfaces, it melts the ice and then runs off or is sprayed by the tires of cars driving through the slush. That overspray can travel up to 150 feet, which means even if your yard isn’t directly affected, some mist may still reach your yard. Salt spray can cause injury to plant buds, leaves, and stems.
\n\n\n\nSalt draws moisture out of leaves, leaving them brown and dry. It also pulls moisture out of the soil, causes soil compaction, and exposes grass roots to chlorides. When chlorides build up to a toxic level, plants lose the ability to produce chlorophyll and eventually die.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/eMqSKQJMlPHs_fovZyFU86BptGtpjXzfRSIJMS6h5y6pAMvBZrj4YuQ9mChNNaxemCHLuKi8jEmxVrM6PsA9_4yeacUeQQgx6VnTAL1L6UlHuHOHT3ZraXxc6OK9hfElPEz_GXzZ\")
Rock salt has a corrosive effect on hard surfaces, often leaving white spots on natural stone walkways and patios. Concrete that isn’t sealed is porous and will soak up the briny water left behind from a de-icing treatment. That absorbed water will refreeze when the temperature dips below freezing, causing expansion. This process will eventually cause chipping, cracks, and flaking in concrete structures. The least expensive de-icing salts tend to be the most corrosive. Pricier de-icing agents are less harmful to grass and less corrosive to concrete and stone. Even if you use a cheaper, more corrosive de-icer, you can cut it with sand to reduce the volume of harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nSalt remains in the soil for years, and it accumulates over time until it creates an environment where grass can no longer thrive. Salt is leached out by rainfall, but it can take a while for this process to be complete. Speeding this process by irrigating deeply once the weather warms up will help. But the best solution is to avoid the accumulation of salt in the soil in the first place.
\n\n\n\nGenevieve Schmidt, owner of Genevieve Schmidt Landscape Design and Fine Maintenance in Humboldt County on California’s northern coast, recommends using calcium or magnesium acetates rather than chlorides to de-ice areas around yards and landscapes. She cautions, “When you see dieback and browning or yellowing of leaves, it’s evident there’s been salt damage. If you suspect salt has leached into your landscaping, it’s wise to rinse plants and soil with water as soon as the snow melts. Apply 2 inches of water over a two- to three-hour period, then repeat a few days later.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mzr4JokmArjex8fONGsriVGdlk7rogYtVDYn7Jn2p9p6dkkmm55B4mFZ5yBYIdX2jHnqwOIigim53_JN9OnlWXt497yNnHHE5MD4LtQ7cYwWqutEXbn5L5y8Ku7xq5axXtgrLMwm\")
There is little point in reseeding or overseeding a lawn that has a high level of salt buildup. Without flushing out the salt beforehand, the new grass will absorb the chlorides in the soil and eventually suffer the same fate as the grass you’re replacing. Once you’ve adequately flushed salt out of your lawn in the spring, take your time to reseed your lawn the right way. While salt damage in your yard is nothing to shrug off, it also isn’t the end of the world. With a little foresight and prevention, you can protect your lawn and treat the damage before it’s irreversible.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Michael Pereckas, CC by 2.0
\n","title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8311874105865522,"src":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/107df/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/293e9/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/f2cbb/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/356ef/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/67b76/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/8df11/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/98a65/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/93f70/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"dc059097-0781-5142-aaaf-839e875bd517","slug":"fire-resistant-landscaping-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/fire-resistant-landscaping-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Wildfires are a fact of life here in Arizona. And while you can’t stop them from occurring, a really good fire-resistant landscaping strategy will help keep your home safe from serious damage, or even total ruin due to wildfires. Don’t get the wrong idea. There is no such thing as fireproof plants. Plants burn. But […]
\n","content":"\nWildfires are a fact of life here in Arizona. And while you can’t stop them from occurring, a really good fire-resistant landscaping strategy will help keep your home safe from serious damage, or even total ruin due to wildfires.
\n\n\n\nDon’t get the wrong idea. There is no such thing as fireproof plants. Plants burn. But if you select plants that don’t ignite violently, create a buffer zone around your house, and choose your hardscape materials wisely, you remove the fuel that wildfires need to be, well, wild.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/14179765885_c177dccc9d_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Forestry / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDefensible space is the barrier between your property and the vegetation around it. It slows down or prevents fire from igniting your home. Not just that, but defensible space makes it easy for firefighters to put out the fire without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Arizona Agricultural Extension Service recommends dividing a property’s defensible space into three zones:
\n\n\n\nZone 1
\n\n\n\nZone 1 extends 30 feet from home and should be free of fire hazards.
\n\n\n\nHere are some guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 2
\n\n\n\nZone 2 extends beyond 30 feet. Here are some guidelines to prepare this zone for fire.
\n\n\n\nZone 3
\n\n\n\nZone 3 extends to your property line. This zone obstructs the fire’s path and keeps the flames on the ground.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips for this zone.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"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\nMulch helps plants conserve water and reduce weed growth. But choosing the wrong mulch is like adding fuel to the 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. In fact, a study by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension indicates that composted wood chips are the least flammable mulches.
\n\n\n\nAvoid the following mulches:
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/nature-plant-meadow-flower-purple-herb-1111339-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nThis term is a bit of a misnomer. No plants are fire-resistant. That is, they all burn and die when exposed to flames. But some plants won’t help spread flames.
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant plants:
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the most fire-resistant plants:
\n\n\n\nBut before you start growing these plants, be sure to plant them correctly.
\n\n\n\nFire travels faster uphill, so if you live on a hill, increase the distance between the plants.
\n\n\n\n| Slope Size | Shrub Distance | Tree Distance |
| Flat to mild slope (less than 20%) | 2 times the shrub’s height | 10 feet |
| Mild to moderate slope (20% to 40%) | 4 times the shrub’s height | 20 feet |
| Moderate to steep slope (greater than 40%) | 6 times the shrub’s height | 30 feet |
Wood fences, pergolas, and gazebos look great, but they quickly catch fire and spread. Metal is a fire-resistant alternative to wood.
\n\n\n\nMetal structures don’t look as classy and elegant as wood, but they are cheaper, more durable, and require less maintenance. Just wash metal structures regularly, and they will last for years without you having to worry about decay, rot, and insects.
\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\nHardscapes are non-living materials added to a landscape design. They can be both decorative and practical, and more importantly, they create non-flammable barriers between a wildfire and your home.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re in an area prone to wildfires, you obviously shouldn’t use materials like wood for your hardscapes. Instead, use concrete, bricks, and metal to minimize fire spread.
\n\n\n\nInstalling retaining walls around plant beds can prevent flames from reaching the plants. Constructing walkways in between your garden can also slow fire spread.
\n\n\n\nLarger hardscapes like patios, pergolas, and gazebos can create fire-resistant zones around your home. They also help firefighters battle the fire without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nArizona is one of the most wildfire-prone states in the country, so it pays to put a little thought into how to protect your home.
\n\n\n\nCreating defensible space, growing fire-resistant plants, applying mulch, building hardscapes, and constructing metal structures can help minimize fire damage. Installing artificial grass can also help slow the advance of a fire.
\n\n\n\nSound like too big a job for one person? Get in touch with Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, who can help you create a yard that is both beautiful and safe.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Yuma, Arizona / Cbl62 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"How Landscaping Can Keep Your Arizona Home Safe From Wildfires","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/1789c/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/107df/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 320w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/293e9/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 500w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/f2cbb/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 800w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/1789c/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 960w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/c26c2/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/1dd6e/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/67b76/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 320w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/8df11/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 500w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/98a65/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 800w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/1dd6e/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 960w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/3cc96/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How Landscaping Can Keep Your Arizona Home Safe From Wildfires | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With some careful planning and the right landscaping, you can minimize the threat of wildfire damage to your Arizona home"}}},{"node":{"id":"9667e3d2-dcaa-59eb-8fe1-655d7f1993e5","slug":"when-to-fertilize-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/when-to-fertilize-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2023","excerpt":"Like us, turfgrass needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But grasses come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. So one of the keys to getting the most out of your lawn here in Indiana is to understand how and when to fertilize it. Fertilizing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as […]
\n","content":"\nLike us, turfgrass needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But grasses come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. So one of the keys to getting the most out of your lawn here in Indiana is to understand how and when to fertilize it.
\n\n\n\nFertilizing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as there are different kinds of grasses, there are different kinds of fertilizer that affect grasses in unique ways. This guide will walk you through the best way to feed your lawn so you get the most out of it now, and year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nIn the wild, grasses draw nutrition from decomposing organic material. It’s not as simple when the grass is in someone’s yard, though. Grass planted in rich soil thrives with just some grass clippings as food. But when soil lacks nutrition, fertilizers are sent to the rescue.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers mainly supply lawns with three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. Here’s what each of them does:
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
Before you embark on your fertilizing journey, make sure that you:
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nHow much fertilizer you use (or if you fertilize at all) depends on a number of factors:
\n\n\n\n| Needs More Fertilizer | Needs Less Fertilizer |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Zoysiagrass |
| Perennial ryegrass | Turf-type tall fescue |
| Fine fescue |
What’s a soil test? A soil test analyzes the nutrient content, pH level, and other properties of the soil to determine how well your grass can grow. It identifies the nutrients your soil lacks and recommends the right fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou can do either a DIY soil test or send a soil sample to a laboratory for a detailed report. Purdue University recommends testing your soil every 3 to 5 years, but more frequent soil tests can be beneficial too.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to fertilize, Purdue University recommends fertilizing in these months for optimal performance:
\n\n\n\n| April | If you apply a pre-emergent herbicide, use a product with little to no nitrogen; if it does contain any nitrogen, it should be slow-release, ideally organic |
| May | If you didn’t fertilize in April, fertilize now with a product containing mostly slow-release nitrogen |
| June | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| July | Fertilize with a product containing slow-release nitrogen if there have been above-average rainfalls or if you’ve been irrigating |
| August | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| September | Fertilize with nitrogen |
| October | Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there’s been a severe disease outbreak |
| November | Purdue University recommends using quick-release fertilizer in November, but be aware that it may be harmful to the environment and wildlife; slow-release fertilizer is better |
You may not need to fertilize this much; these tips are for the most high-maintenance lawns.
\n\n\n\nFor precise dosages and more information, you can check out this lawn care calendar from Purdue University.
\n\n\n\nWhen we talk about fertilizer, we’re often referring to chemical products. However, organic fertilizers are also effective and have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. They release nutrients slowly over time, promoting healthy soil and plant growth.
\n\n\n\nThere are many options for fertilizing your lawn organically, but they can be summed up into these two categories:
\n\n\n\nBecause organic fertilizers are natural, many people think that they’re harmless. The truth is, organic fertilizers still contain ingredients that may harm people and animals. Plus, animals are often attracted to some organic fertilizers because of their smell. Moreover, many store-bought fertilizers are mixed with hazardous ingredients to make them more efficient.
\n\n\n\nSo what’s the bottom line? Regardless of which fertilizer you use, be cautious and follow the instructions carefully.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CanvaPro
\n\n\n\nApart from organic and inorganic fertilizers, fertilizers are further categorized so that homeowners can get a product that’s right for their needs.
\n\n\n\nYou can choose from dry or liquid fertilizers:
\n\n\n\nIt’s also important to note the difference between slow- and quick-release fertilizers:
\n\n\n\nIn summary, most lawns can benefit from using slow-release fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThere are some conditions that aren’t ideal for fertilizing. Those include:
\n\n\n\nFeeding your lawn the right nutrients is vital to its overall health and appearance. But it’s necessary that you also perform other maintenance jobs throughout the year, such as mowing, watering, overseeding, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nSounds like a lot of work? Wikilawn connects you to the best best Indiana lawn care pros so let them take yard care off your to-do list.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Canva Pro
\n","title":"How (And When) to Fertilize Your Lawn in Indiana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1789c/Fertilizer-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/107df/Fertilizer-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/293e9/Fertilizer-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/f2cbb/Fertilizer-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1789c/Fertilizer-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/c26c2/Fertilizer-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1dd6e/Fertilizer-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/67b76/Fertilizer-1.webp 320w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/8df11/Fertilizer-1.webp 500w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/98a65/Fertilizer-1.webp 800w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1dd6e/Fertilizer-1.webp 960w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/3cc96/Fertilizer-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How (And When) to Fertilize Your Lawn in Indiana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Make sure your lawn gets fed with all the nutrients it craves. Here’s when and how to fertilize your lawn in Indiana."}}},{"node":{"id":"752d9ea7-31e2-5cf6-9c9d-9e17b81ee8e6","slug":"how-to-create-a-backyard-japanese-zen-garden","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-create-a-backyard-japanese-zen-garden/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 30th, 2019","excerpt":"Today’s hectic society has people looking for ways to simplify their daily lives. Some try to achieve this simplicity by downsizing their homes, cars, and lifestyles. For those that love to garden, be outdoors, or just enjoy a relaxing view while looking out the kitchen window, consider creating a Japanese inspired Garden in your very […]
\n","content":"\nToday’s hectic society has people looking for ways to simplify their daily lives. Some try to achieve this simplicity by downsizing their homes, cars, and lifestyles. For those that love to garden, be outdoors, or just enjoy a relaxing view while looking out the kitchen window, consider creating a Japanese inspired Garden in your very own backyard.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/japanese-zen-garden-what-is.jpg\")
Traditional Japanese gardens (also called Zen Gardens) have always been intended to be spaces of meditation and reflection. Deeply connected to the tea ceremony, they originally began as a space made for Japan’s rulers and royalty, and have transformed over time into a way of life and deep-rooted into Japan’s culture. For many, there is something profound and calming about Asian design whether it is in art, architecture, or fashion. Perhaps it is the influence of the regions’ philosophical outlook on life or the value in leading a simple lifestyle that is deeply connected with nature of the region that has shaped style and design principles for several centuries. Either way, traditional landscape design done in the style of a ‘Japanese’ Garden can create a unique calming oasis in any backyard setting.
\n\n\n\nIt is good to not\nthat if your goal is to create a true Japanese garden you should be prepared to\ndo a little research before you begin as it will take some self education to\nstay loyal to the culture of these traditional creations. At first glance, it\ncould be tempting to utilize many cliché ideas of what the Japanese Zen garden\nshould look like, many of which actually are preconceived notions coming from\nChinese design and culture. Additions such as red hanging flowers and bridges\ncovering small streams are all actually derived from Chinese traditions and\noften mistaken for Japanese garden design. While each and every attempt at this\ntype of landscape is going to be slightly different depending on who is\ncreating it, the theory behind the garden should be consistent — Creating your\nown haven of simplicity and zen.
\n\n\n\nMany Japanese gardens have paths that meander through space, crisscrossing streambeds, either symbolic or flowing with real water, and designed to guide a visitor on a meditative walk. To get the same effect of this thought-provoking walk but on a smaller, backyard scale, try to incorporate a walkway made up of stepping stones. The act of having to step from stone to stone will slow your way through the garden and encourage you to be present in the journey and experience the natural environment you have created elsewhere. Other design elements linked to pathways, such as courtyards, planting beds, and other garden elements should be laid out to promote balance in the landscape. Unlike classical European gardens that favor symmetry, Japanese gardens often achieve balance through asymmetry. For example, if a large boulder is placed on one side of a pathway, a tree is often placed on the other to promote the balance of form.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/space-in-a-zen-garden.jpg?fit=1024%2C681&ssl=1\")
A fundamental element essential to all life and a unifying characteristic across cultures, water, or the illusion of it, is often a celebrated feature in Japanese gardens and has been proven to have a soothing effect in landscape design. To get the look in your own backyard, pick a shady spot if possible and dig a shallow depression to act as a dry streambed. Fill this area with dark gravel and nestle rounded fieldstones along the banks and fill in with ferns and tufts of various sedges (Carex). You now have low maintenance dry creek bed.
\n\n\n\nJapanese gardens often have one or more large stones or boulders representing mountains in the landscape and anchoring the design. Boulders look more natural, and more like miniature mountains when they are partially buried and have plants nestled around the base, or small shrubs placed nearby to relate to the size and scale of the stone.
\n\n\n\nOriginally designed as meditation gardens, dry landscapes made up of a composition of rocks, moss and small trees are also common elements of Japanese gardens. The pale sand or fine gravel spread to cover the ground represents water and is often raked into ripples. Even on a small scale in a home garden, these stylized landscapes can be very peaceful to gaze upon.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/japanese-rock-garden.jpg\")
As is true with most landscape design, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with either joy or dread at the vast options of plants to choose for your new landscape design. But when designing a Japanese or Zen Garden do not feel pressured to incorporate a large variety of plants into the garden. In fact, by sticking with two or three essential mossy or low growing ornamental grasses, you will not only have an easy-to-maintain garden, but you will be more likely to achieve the necessary step of keeping everything simple. A garden that is crafted with the simplicity of design as the driving focus quickly allows a visitor’s mind to unclutter itself. In fact, a true replica garden will not contain flashy or bright colors. Instead, monochromatic green is preferable and used as a primary palette.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to flowers, they are not out of the question. It’s just important to recognize their role in the garden and your journey towards Zen. Flowers can be colorful, but not so colorful as to be distracting. Above all, the Japanese traditions calls for flowers to work towards highlighting the green that acts as the balancing color of the garden.
\n\n\n\nIn addition, the garden arrangement is going to be key. The thought process behind a garden such as this is that every little detail is a symbol. The entirety of the landscape is meant to work towards creating Zen, which means everything serves a purpose. But of course, rules were meant to be broken, and if you are creating a space of your own to relax and meditate in, be sure to make some personal additions that help you on your way to your own piece of inner bliss.
\n\n\n\nA discussion about Japanese gardens would not be complete without mentioning the beauty of the graceful branch formations and delicate leaves of Acer palmatum, or the Japanese Maple. They have long been cherished by both Japanese gardeners and those that value the uniqueness of the tree worldwide. All varieties of the trees stay relatively small, 5 to 25 feet, smaller with pruning, making them beautiful additions to small backyards, near entrances, or in courtyard gardens. Today, buyers can choose from varieties with leaf colors ranging from chartreuse to plum and various forms of leaves from wide palm shapes to long skinny, serrated leaves.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/japanese-maple.jpg\")
We\nhave now discussed the basics of design for a Japanese garden. However, it is\ntrue that you own the landscape and can do anything you want with the space so\nas to best serve your own needs. Yet as we have already discussed, there are\nsimple guidelines to follow for making the garden more attractive and enjoyable\nto you and anyone who experiences it. The following rules for what not to do\nare commonsense principles as you get involved in the design process of a\ntraditional Japanese garden.
\n\n\n\nResist the temptation to paint wooden benches, fences, gates, arbors, or other garden structures. Instead, use a natural colored stain them as needed or allow them to weather naturally. An exception to this rule would be a brightly colored bridge that serves as a focal point. These are often painted a red-orange and have a shiny lacquer finish.
\n\n\n\nToo much color can literally take over the landscape and upset the desired natural flow. Use bright colors sparingly, and specifically, more as an accent.
\n\n\n\nIf you wish to have art or decorations in your Japanese garden, strive to look for ones made of natural elements, such as a windchime made with shells or bamboo or a bird bath carved out of a stone. If you do find that there are no other alternatives, such as a plastic pond liner, simply ensure that all non-natural materials are covered with natural stone, mulch or plant material.
\n\n\n\nThis is a handy rule of thumb when it comes to any type of design. Natural (and non-natural) elements just look better when arranged in odd groupings. For some, it can be hard to not create a landscape design without keeping symmetrical throughout the space, but release yourself from that ‘symmetrical, even-number-is-the-best’ part of your personality, and understand garden elements look more random and aesthetically pleasing if arranged in odd numbers groupings. Remember, we are trying to harness the beauty of nature, and nature is by some definition, random and chaotic order.
\n\n\n\nDeciding to create your own backyard Japanese zen garden can be a large undertaking. While this work of art does take some time to get just right, the benefits of a Japanese garden are worth it in the end. Not only will you have a space you can truly make your own and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits for years to come, but you’ll have learned a history behind your design. You will be able to give your garden a true purpose that is based on a deep-rooted cultural history. However, keep in mind that your end result will be one unique to you and your needs, and while rules are good guidelines, they can also be broken!
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"How to Create a Backyard Japanese Zen Garden","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/1789c/japanese-garden-hero.jpg","srcSet":"/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/107df/japanese-garden-hero.jpg 320w,\n/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/293e9/japanese-garden-hero.jpg 500w,\n/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/f2cbb/japanese-garden-hero.jpg 800w,\n/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/1789c/japanese-garden-hero.jpg 960w,\n/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/a2a79/japanese-garden-hero.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/1dd6e/japanese-garden-hero.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/67b76/japanese-garden-hero.webp 320w,\n/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/8df11/japanese-garden-hero.webp 500w,\n/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/98a65/japanese-garden-hero.webp 800w,\n/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/1dd6e/japanese-garden-hero.webp 960w,\n/static/04476f48706c6585324b55c228216d17/7aa54/japanese-garden-hero.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Create a Backyard Japanese Zen Garden | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b402167d-a3ac-5eaf-8d61-7e59e048b233","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/hurricane-resistant-landscaping/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b2c4f6ff-0472-5f66-b3a2-f18459ce21c7","name":"Tallahassee","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Tallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. […]
\n","content":"\nTallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. Here are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to help you prepare your outdoor space for hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Miami Landscaping
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taxodium_Distichum_Bald_Cypress_28894599385.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSustained winds of 90 mph or more will uproot large trees. Even 20 miles from the nearest coast, Tallahassee is no stranger to tropical storm winds during hurricane season. The city endured 12 hours of hurricane-force winds and gusts up to 71 miles per hour when Hurricane Michael ripped across the Gulf of Mexico in 2019.
\n\n\n\nWith 41% of all U.S. hurricanes making landfall in Florida, it is important to plant wind-resistant trees to protect your home and neighborhood from flying branches and falling trees.
\n\n\n\nWind-resistant Tallahassee tree species include:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a hurricane-resistant tree varies depending on the size and type of tree, purchase location, and whether you are having a certified arborist handle your landscaping. If you head to your local nursery to purchase your tree, you can expect to spend between $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/tree-meadow-trunk-woodland-palm-trees-tree-trunks-1097898-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nStorm preparedness and emergency management are second nature to most residents of Leon County. Unfortunately, no matter how much you plan, you know there is no way to completely protect your home and yard from high winds and storm damage. Selecting wind-resistant trees and thoroughly planning your landscape design increases your plants’ survival chances during a storm surge.
\n\n\n\nSome things to consider as you plan your hurricane-resistant landscape include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/40561099854_c6581da4db_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTally sits in the central portion of the Northern Florida panhandle. Native plants are the most salt and wind-tolerant plants you can include in your landscaping, and they are incredibly low-maintenance. Native plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in Tallahassee’s subtropical climate. These plants are hands-off, resistant to local insects and diseases, and more likely to survive flooding from a hurricane churning in from the Gulf.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Tallahassee native plants to choose from. Take a look at some of the most wind-tolerant examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Tree_Pruning.jpg\")
Photo Credit: TreeMinion15 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTallahassee residents get to experience the enviable Florida weather and a short 30-minute drive to sugary white beaches. They also have the added advantage of being inland away from most storm surges during a hurricane, and hurricanes only directly impact Tally once every eight years on average.
\n\n\n\nStill, healthy trees are sturdy trees, and one of the best ways to maintain healthy trees is to perform routine maintenance, including pruning and trimming. Be sure to keep your hedges, shrubs, and trees pruned or trimmed to cut down on the number and size of branches flying across your yard during a tropical storm.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of landscape maintenance:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional tree trimming and landscape maintenance costs between $315 to $700, depending on the size of your yard and the number of trees and shrubs.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4608457413_921dff2b0e_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive DIY job with enormous benefits for your Florida lawn. Mulch comes in many forms and colors. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips that helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protects your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your Tallahassee landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the sandy loam soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Organic mulch absorbs water, prevents puddling, decreases runoff, and assists in flood management.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBest mulch for your Tallahassee landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JiminyPicketVinylFence.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Deniseesser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMany Tallahassee fence contractors specialize in wind-resistant fencing and reinforcement. Like trees, all fences are not created equal, especially for wind resistance. It is important to consider the best type of fencing for your landscape and note that wood fences are not the best choice for wind-resistant fencing. However, if the sustainability and natural beauty of wood are something you cannot live without, be sure to choose a slatted fence design to minimize wind resistance.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some of the most wind-resistant fence types:
\n\n\n\nFence types to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional fence installation costs between $1,330 to $5,550, depending on size, materials, and location.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bird-bath-gdd2579a6f_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe average Florida homeowner spends 37.7 days mowing in their lifetime. That is a lot of time outdoors, which comes as no surprise considering the year-round warm weather. Statues, flower containers, bird baths, small fountains, and patio furniture are all great additions that add a personal touch and visual appeal to your Tallahassee landscape. Unfortunately, these objects are no match for hurricane-force winds. Be sure to remove all movable storm hazards to minimize damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There is no cost to move your landscaping decorations or furniture indoors. However, if you are short on space and want to maximize your storm preparedness, you can rent a storage unit for around $125 per month.
\n\n\n\n![\"Water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-ready-made-3964796-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nTallahassee receives 60 inches of rain per year, and Leon County’s unique topography, including streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, is susceptible to overland flooding. Storm drains are an integral part of your overall landscape. Unfortunately, many homeowners often overlook these necessities because they offer little aesthetic value. Yard waste and organic debris clog your drains, leading to increased flooding and water damage. Be sure to keep paths to your drains clear by maintaining your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of proper drainage:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional French drain installation costs between $1,650 to $12,250, depending on location, size, and excavation needs.
\n\n\n\nThe best hurricane-resistant grasses for your Tallahassee landscape are bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. Both types of grass tolerate submergence and are great warm-season grasses that also stand up well to heavy traffic.
Yes. Most artificial grass is wind-resistant and can withstand up to 50 inches of rain per hour. Most hurricanes generate precipitation at a rate of 6 inches per hour.
Mow regularly once the ground is completely dry. Aim to mow weekly to stimulate grass growth. Be sure to set your mower to the tallest setting to help your grass establish deep roots, making it more flood and drought resistant.
Check hurricane-resistant landscaping off of your storm preparedness list. While you focus on other areas of preparation, consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tallahassee FL Park Ave / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1789c/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/107df/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 320w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/293e9/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 500w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/f2cbb/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 800w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1789c/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 960w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/c26c2/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1dd6e/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/67b76/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 320w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/8df11/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 500w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/98a65/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 800w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1dd6e/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 960w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/3cc96/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Worry less about your storm preparedness with these hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Tallahassee, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"9081ac16-de24-5f71-b6f0-0ab4f9c0232c","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-in-virginia-beach","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/worst-backyard-pests-in-virginia-beach/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"},{"id":"9107cea5-e99b-514c-a5cb-295305a7d651","name":"Virginia Beach","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"Ah, summer. But the livin’ isn’t so easy when pesky little critters show up. Slap! Smack! The following are the worst backyard pests in Virginia Beach.
\n","content":"\nAfter Virginia Beach’s cold and windy winters and constant rainfall, you want to enjoy your backyard barbeque or outside get-together when the weather is finally nice. Nothing can ruin your outdoor activities faster than an infestation of pesky bugs. This article explores seven of the worst backyard pests in Virginia Beach and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mosquito-gbae23e6e4_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nWe’re all familiar with these annoying insects that sting and leave us itching. Mosquitoes are more than annoying, they can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika virus. They can also cause skin irritation and allergies. These problems alone are enough to encourage efforts for mosquito control.
\n\n\n\nSome common symptoms that you’ve been stung by a mosquito include red, itchy bumps that may swell. As you may already know, they turn to sores if you scratch them. If you or visitors end up with bites after hanging outside your home, it’s an indication that you have mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes breed in standing water. Any sources you have in your yard that can collect water, like birdbaths, flowerpots, or uncovered trash bins, could attract mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes like to be outside during the lovely, warmer days of the year, just like humans. In Virginia Beach, mosquitoes are most active from late spring through early fall.
\n\n\n\nThere are some things you can do for mosquito control:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Ants_1214176165.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Cho / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe Virginia area first experienced a fire ant infestation in 1989. Most of the fire ants came from infested plant products, or they traveled from infested areas that were close by.
\n\n\n\nFire ants are another nuisance that not only disrupt your peaceful get-togethers with their mere presence, but fire ants can sting, too. Unlike mosquitoes, whose stings leave you itchy, fire ant stings are usually painful. These reddish-brown pests are known for their large, visible mounds in the soil, which can reach up to 18 inches tall. They attack anything that disturbs their nests. Some people can have an allergic reaction to fire ant stings, which can be life-threatening.
\n\n\n\nFire ants build their mounds anywhere, but they gravitate towards sunny and open areas. Look out for small dirt hills or mountains. Like mosquitoes, they prefer moisture, so their homes are often found next to water sources and trees.
\n\n\n\nFire ants like to build multiple mounds in an area. Sometimes there are hundreds of mounds across an acre of land. If you see several mounds throughout your yard, you probably have fire ants. They also build mounds in the cracks of sidewalks, around shrubs, and in landscape beds.
\n\n\n\nIf you or visitors have redness and itchiness, you may have been stung by fire ants. Swelling at the stinging site can also occur. Unlike mosquito bites, fire ant stings usually turn into blisters a couple of days later, regardless of if you scratch.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things that can attract fire ants:
\n\n\n\nSince fire ants prefer warm, sunny weather, they are most active during the summer. When the weather is cooler in the fall and winter, fire ants are less of a pest problem.
\n\n\n\nOne thing you can do if you see a mound is to leave it alone and call a professional exterminator. According to Virginia Tech, eliminating fire ants takes training and equipment that most homeowners do not have. Treating these terrors with the wrong pest control method can lead to an increased infestation.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, mounds are not the only indicator of an infestation, which makes fire ants hard to kill. This is another reason to call a pest control company. They can give you a thorough inspection. But if you insist on doing it yourself, here are some things you can do:
\n\n\n\nThese two methods are considered to be the most effective when applied together:
\n\n\n\nYou can reduce your chances of getting fire ants by:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Erturac / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIt’s hard to see fleas, but if you’ve ever been bitten by one, you know it doesn’t take seeing to be a believer. The most common flea in Virginia is the cat flea. Cat fleas do not discriminate, they bite dogs and humans, too. Fleas have flattened bodies and no wings.
\n\n\n\nSome tell-tale signs that you have fleas are itching or scratching. Flea bites can cause small red bumps. Since fleas are usually carried by pets, here are some signs you may notice on your pets.
\n\n\n\nFleas get into your yard by jumping onto mammals and wildlife that then carry the fleas to your property. Fleas love to breed in thatch. They also like to make a habitat out of piles of wood and leaves and hide in tall grass.
\n\n\n\nFleas love to make an appearance in the warmer months, during the spring and summer. But they can survive indoors during the colder winter months.
\n\n\n\nThe best treatment is prevention. Since fleas are often transported to homes by way of wildlife, reduce the chances you’ll attract wildlife by:
\n\n\n\nBecause fleas travel on pets, if you have pets:
\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6980305991_3209cd81a6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sid Mosdell / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWe’re used to seeing a bee or wasp every now and then. But when you have a wasp’s nest or other signs of a wasp infestation, it’s time to do something about it. Wasps are typically more aggressive than bees, and wasps look different.
\n\n\n\nThere are several wasp species, and they differ in physical characteristics and where they build their nests. Wasps include hornets and yellow jackets, which have brown bodies and yellow stripes. Some wasps have a shiny look, like mud daubers, or dark wings, like red wasps. For those allergic to wasp stings, this pest problem could lead to death if the allergic person is stung.
\n\n\n\nIf you have several wasps flying around a specific area, you may have an infestation. Another obvious clue is seeing a wasp’s nest. Different species build their nests in different locations. You may find wasp nests in sheds, porch ceilings, garages, vegetation, doorways, trees, or barns.
\n\n\n\nWasps like loud clothing, good-smelling people, and potlucks. In other words, wasps are attracted to bright colors, strong smells, and food, especially sugary items. Open garbage cans may attract wasps, as can open compost bins.
\n\n\n\nWasps like to show up in the spring and fall.
\n\n\n\nRemoving a wasp’s nest can be dangerous. No one will blame you if you seek professional pest control services.
\n\n\n\nUsing professional services can give you the peace of mind of knowing the problem has been eradicated. Professionals can also inspect the outside and inside of your home and find things you cannot. If you have nests hiding underground, inside of walls, or in the attic, professionals can locate and exterminate the wasps.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things you can do on your own if the pest problem seems like it can be handled with a little DIY magic.
\n\n\n\nYou can be proactive and reduce your chances of attracting wasps by keeping garbage and food sealed. You can also keep vegetation around your home trimmed.
\n\n\n\n![\"alot](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/termites-g5c89ceef5_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDid you know that every year homeowners fork out over two billion dollars to treat termites? Termites have caused significant damage to homes by chewing through wooden support beams, flooring, and other materials.
\n\n\n\nVirginia Beach is victim to many different species of termites, including the most common type, subterranean termites. These little insects resemble ants. They’re usually brown, black, or yellow. They live in colonies, but you usually won’t ever see them. You will, unfortunately, eventually see the damage they cause.
\n\n\n\nHollow-sounding wood or buckling floors or walls are some signs of termites. Mud tubes are also an indication. Termites travel through mud tubes or mud tunnels to access food and water. You may find mud tunnels in your home’s foundation and concrete walls. Another symptom of termites is seeing wings around entry points like doors and windows.
\n\n\n\nTermites are attracted to moisture. They are also attracted to situations where wood has come into contact with the soil, so they love wood that is decaying or damaged by water. Termites will invade wooden decks or porches in these conditions. These pests are also attracted to decks or porches that were built with poorly treated or untreated wood.
\n\n\n\nTermites also chew their way into homes when they perceive there is an availability of food.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, termites are active year-round. They are most active in the warmer spring and summer months.
\n\n\n\nA recurring theme of this article is prevention. Here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of a termite pest problem:
\n\n\n\nIn many cases, termiticides, which are what the pesticides for termites are called, can only be administered by a professional. Some EPA-approved treatments are termite baits, wood treatments, and termiticides applied to the soil. If you’ve purchased a pesticide, only use it if the label specifically says it can be used on termites. An active infestation is best handled by professionals.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Periplaneta_americana_-_D8-10-2861Crop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eran Finkle / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat purpose cockroaches have in the ecosystem is probably a mystery to many people. Regardless of any usefulness cockroaches may have, when you see one, you want to make sure you never see another one. They carry several diseases, like cholera and Typhoid fever.
\n\n\n\nIf you see one roach, move quickly to get rid of them. Seeing one means there are probably many more hiding.
\n\n\n\nTwo of the types of cockroaches that terrorize Virginia Beach residents are German cockroaches and American cockroaches. German cockroaches are small and light brown. They’re usually located in bathrooms, kitchens, and other indoor areas where food and water are accessible.
\n\n\n\nAmerican cockroaches are reddish-brown and larger than German cockroaches. American cockroaches enjoy the outdoors more and are typically located in yards and gardens and other outdoor areas. They actually have wings. When they get tired of being outside, they hide in dark, moist places. They invade bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
\n\n\n\nIf you see these critters in your backyard, you want to act quickly to get rid of them. You may already have them in your home. Seeing one roach in your yard or anywhere in your home is an indication that you probably have many more hiding somewhere. You may see cockroach droppings around compost bins, pet food dishes, or garbage cans. Droppings are dark and small and look like pepper.
\n\n\n\nYou may find cockroach egg cases, which are typically brown and cylindrical shaped, in dark places in your yard. The cases may be in crevices and cracks or under leaves.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches shed their skins as they grow. You may see their translucent shells under leaf piles or in crevices in the yard.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, cockroach season is nearly every month of the year. The season is between March and December. That’s 10 months!
\n\n\n\nRoaches are hard to get rid of since they’re so good at hiding. Insecticides contain harmful chemicals. Some treatments, like aerosol sprays, will kill the roaches sprayed but not get rid of the infestation. It is recommended that you call a professional exterminator for the best results.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things homeowners can do to minimize the pest problem:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/47748266872_a0ca5cccea_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nStink bugs are typically found in gardens. They’re not known to be dangerous to humans, but they can ruin your plants. They feed on a variety of plants, and they cause the most damage to fruit, tomatoes, okra, and pecans. They pierce the plant’s surface and suck out its fluids. They alter the plant’s appearance and can weaken the plant. In severe cases, stink bugs can cause the plant to die.
\n\n\n\nStink bugs get their name because they emit a foul smell when threatened. They’re very small insects and are usually brown-colored. They have a shield-shaped or oval-shaped body, six legs, and antennae.
\n\n\n\nIf you see that your plants are damaged, you could have stink bugs. Since the bugs emit a foul odor when threatened, you may smell a strong and unpleasant odor. You may see them on walls, plants, or other areas in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nThey like the warmth, so if you have warm places in your yard, like piles of debris, they may be attracted to them. They also may gravitate to plants they feed on, like pepper and tomatoes. Stink bugs are attracted to cracks and gaps in your home that give them a way into the warmth during the winter weather.
\n\n\n\nThis pest problem usually occurs in the spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an interesting fact that parasitic wasps, like the samurai wasp, naturally attack stink bug eggs. If you have both stink bugs and wasps, maybe the wasps can kill the stink bug eggs before you exterminate the wasps.
\n\n\n\nThese are a few suggestions for controlling stink bugs:
\n\n\n\nIf the bugs have invaded your home:
\n\n\n\n
The most commonly found stinging insects in Virginia Beach are:
Overseeding your lawn is a way to repair it. When you overseed you add new grass to your lawn. This stronger grass covers bare spots created by pests. Overseeding has other benefits, including:
Prevention is always best. However, even the most diligent efforts do not guarantee that you will not incur some unwanted critters and insects. Here are some things you can do to be proactive:
As long as there is an outdoors, there will be insects and critters. Our job is to do what we can to make sure these pests stay in their lane to protect ourselves and our loved ones and ensure these pests do not interrupt our quality of life.
\n\n\n\nWhile there may not be anything that is 100 percent guaranteed to avoid some of these pests, you can at least reduce your chances of an infestation. Now that you know what to look for, you can take measures to proactively guard against these pest problems.
\n\n\n\nA well-maintained lawn can deter pest invasion. For help maintaining your lawn so that you can spend more time strolling along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and less time worrying about pests, call a professional lawn care service.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Stink Bug / Pxfuel
\n","title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Virginia Beach, VA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7804154302670623,"src":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1789c/pxfuel.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/107df/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/293e9/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/f2cbb/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1789c/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/c26c2/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/67b76/pxfuel.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/8df11/pxfuel.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/98a65/pxfuel.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/3cc96/pxfuel.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Virginia Beach, VA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read to find out the worst backyard pests plaguing Virginia Beach homeowners, indicators that you have them, causes, and how to eliminate them."}}},{"node":{"id":"079c05ff-d6c4-5155-8d73-697c9856b528","slug":"watering-restrictions-in-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/watering-restrictions-in-jacksonville/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"Like many other Florida cities, Jacksonville has imposed watering restrictions. Before you turn on the sprinkler or hose, make sure you’re up to date with the rules.
\n","content":"\nJust because we live next to an ocean, doesn’t mean we have access to unlimited water supplies. Fresh water is one of our most precious resources. That’s why there are watering restrictions in Jacksonville and many other cities in Florida. Before you turn on the sprinkler or hose, make sure you’re up to date with the regulations.
\n\n\n\nWatering restrictions are enforced year-round in Jacksonville and throughout the 18 Northeast Florida counties in the St. Johns River Water Management District. You may water only on Saturday if your address ends in an odd number, and on Sunday if your address ends with an even number. You get an extra day during Daylight Saving Time (March-November). By limiting lawn watering, the hopes to conserve water during peak usage. Here’s a look at the summer schedule.
\n\n\n\nBut each year, when November arrives and you set back your clock an hour for Standard Time, your watering also must do a “fall back” to watering just once a week. That’s Saturday for odd-numbered addresses and Sunday for even-numbered addresses.
\n\n\n\nEven if it’s your day to water, you may not turn on the sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The reason? Most of the water ends up evaporating in the heat of the sun. You can turn the sprinklers on in the evening, but you could be inviting fungus and disease to your lawn since the grass will stay wet most of the night. The best time for watering is at sunup, first thing in the morning.
\n\n\n\nYou can water any day of the week if you’re using a handheld device like a hose. That doesn’t mean you can turn the hose on, lay it down, and let it run. You may also use “gray water,” (recycled bath or kitchen sink water). Areas of newly established landscaping may also be exempt.
\n\n\n\nViolating the watering or fertilization ordinances can cost you. The first offense results in a written warning. A second violation could get you a $50.00 ticket while a third violation could cost you more than $250.00.
\n\n\n\nThe Clean Water Act set forth by the City of Jacksonville also limits the amount of fertilizer that enters into the St. Johns River. Local retailers and property owners are also asked to be mindful of fertilizer treatments that could run off into the water supply. Required ground cover or landscaping that extends at least 6 feet around bodies of water help protect the water supply. Florida-Friendly landscaping, a program from the University of Florida Extension, stresses the use of native plants. Native plants need little water and are much easier to maintain.
\n\n\n\nThe St. Johns River Water Management District supplies North Florida with more than 540 million gallons of water a day. More than half of that is used in our landscapes. By following the watering restrictions in Jacksonville, we’ll keep the taps flowing for years to come.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care in Jacksonville? Make sure to check our Jacksonville, FL lawn care page.