![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nzyKNrQr-u9Fiufa2RbOwTiRv-wNXk1emfV2L68LJJnMDMXCQG6_E7JQ_aVE1e8XMuAwKWAZTTIW19SdC7HavuNGnT_hpepLb7pC9rw2B3q3UeaIbre6VJL6buUabdLV8tycY0hf\")
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":""}}},{"node":{"id":"9387e11f-aea2-5133-a7a3-1ee3642d3fa9","slug":"water-restrictions-san-antonio-new-braunfels","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/water-restrictions-san-antonio-new-braunfels/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"When you think of how hot the summers get in South-Central Texas, you may want to water your lawn for as long and as often as possible. Not so fast! Getting into this mindset could threaten the water supply. That’s why there are watering restrictions in San Antonio and nearby cities. Since a stretch of […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you think of how hot the summers get in South-Central Texas, you may want to water your lawn for as long and as often as possible. Not so fast! Getting into this mindset could threaten the water supply. That’s why there are watering restrictions in San Antonio and nearby cities.
\n\n\n\nSince a stretch of Historic droughts in the 1990s, cities across Texas have adopted water restrictions. Here is everything you need to know about conserving water in San Antonio.
\n\n\n\nAs do most cities, San Antonio enacted various stages of water restrictions, depending on recent rainfall. So far in 2019, supply seems to be fine in San Antonio. The city is currently under year-round restriction status, which means the water supply is at a healthy level — the city’s source, the Edwards Aquifer, is at or above 660 feet.
\n\n\n\nAs long as the aquifer remains at that level or above, here’s what you need to know about water use:
\n\n\n\nShould the water level fall below 660 feet, the city will begin to layer on additional water-use restrictions.
\n\n\n\nNew Braunfels has four stages of water restrictions as well as nondrought water restriction status, which the city is currently under. That means you can use a water sprinkler or irrigation system twice a week.
\n\n\n\nYour house number determines which days you can water:
\n\n\n\nThere are some exceptions, though. Hand-held and bucket watering, drip irrigation systems, and soakers are okay any day at any time.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re living in the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metroplex, it’s a good idea to check your city or community water restriction status. It will most likely be similar to the requirements listed above. A quick online search on your city’s government website can help with this. Failing to follow the water-restriction guidelines can land you a citation or even a fine. Some water districts also attach an extra fee for extravagant water use. So, considering Texas is a drought-prone state, every effort to protect our water systems counts!
\n\n\n\nLooking for more information about lawn care and landscaping in the San Antonio area? See our San Antonio, TX lawn care page.
\n","title":"Water restrictions in San Antonio, New Braunfels","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5058823529411764,"src":"/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/1789c/watering-can-flowers.jpg","srcSet":"/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/107df/watering-can-flowers.jpg 320w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/293e9/watering-can-flowers.jpg 500w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/f2cbb/watering-can-flowers.jpg 800w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/1789c/watering-can-flowers.jpg 960w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/356ef/watering-can-flowers.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/1dd6e/watering-can-flowers.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/67b76/watering-can-flowers.webp 320w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/8df11/watering-can-flowers.webp 500w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/98a65/watering-can-flowers.webp 800w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/1dd6e/watering-can-flowers.webp 960w,\n/static/603c9eb8810afc60be5c7dc42f11ab93/93f70/watering-can-flowers.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Water restrictions in San Antonio, New Braunfels | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c79b4e4e-071e-55f0-8829-0bfbf7158c34","slug":"native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-san-antonio","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-san-antonio/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"It’s hard to go wrong with native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. It’s not only environmentally smart but can save you some head and back aches since they’re easy to maintain. The city’s humid, subtropical climate produces long summers and short winters and delivers more than 30 inches of rainfall each year. […]
\n","content":"\nIt’s hard to go wrong with native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. It’s not only environmentally smart but can save you some head and back aches since they’re easy to maintain. The city’s humid, subtropical climate produces long summers and short winters and delivers more than 30 inches of rainfall each year.
\n\n\n\nSo, you’ll want to consider plants acclimated to this type of environment to get the best bang for your buck. Here’s a guide to help you pick plants and flowers that will thrive around your home for years to come.
\n\n\n\n![\"Penstemon](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QEnhMzkBM8PEIb0Z5S9s8YXyfI7oGxuCdXW2KdvnztAYU4iKgLHfx_0PtXuov4q1SsVU4IfQhZEIl_vdZkSEvCYEZmEHkk9Qy9VRQV7IzqwbwrCi5Zw-tu_czqh8a5KqiaFZ06Ah\")
This bright, beautiful flower reaches up to two feet tall, with brilliant red petals sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by. Since this plant is native to the San Antonio-New Braunfels region, it doesn’t take much watering to survive. A bonus from this plant? It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies — a feature that could make your yard more entertaining than the one next door.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MBdeZYOlLIlL9AlRQZpV3N59wsClbAyAn1YKwhYRlnJeGvFcGvwbEUwFkWsSwobDl56fUiSLqs0t-edKOHo2tc8QIGJNC9IVLKqPQY5Xn5t7A8bLj2QtYYkwTSlhAw6-1vRqMCQy\")
If you’re looking for a beautiful ornamental shrub bursting with a gentle fragrance, the Texas Mock Orange is it. Its white-petaled flowers bloom in the spring. This plant will reach about 1-3 feet high and is deer resistant, so you can enjoy its beauty without a Bambi rummaging around it for food.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rosa](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YvkaVkHPwu9JvPWXTNghScxgbOiN9CYiVdCWFZYgu-vxoQwCXJcrFkcPTfTh1i-Zdprik5k4xprCL4dhLR8kc2q3l06XWVibEHxi5mT5LpV-SDSS86COahSVn9ylA0DPWuYxlrND\")
The Rosa woodsii, more commonly known as Woods’ rose, is another eye-catcher. Since this plant is native to South-Central Texas, it does great in the long summer months. This plant also attracts bees gathering pollen since it produces nectar. This will keep them coming back for more, which helps sustain a healthy environment, keeping our food supply abundant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lNNBwl11na6qMb2pBcKemmzxwtiOQIVr-jLpDxSwjyyPtwewfJpS6dT7hg5qe44ggYcXxv6RD8iRljUn8fJW_-q_IHEMVwIheV6754aYH9I8eJwBkAaFF0_AMDTd-H4veqD8w7LV\")
It’s the plant that feels like Christmas. This grayish shrub blooms with clusters of yellow flowers that become red fruit that resemble holly. The berries are edible — great for birds and small mammals and for local jelly-makers. The blooming period for this shrub is February to April. Since it’s a perennial, you won’t have to work to keep it thriving year after year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_U1cEom-lvQK7cWVllDA6ODnJWTFIYSZb0WdR8OtSWGTiLD84-RGhiauhfXb41EyXKv9E_vDeeyLyfEyiQAYm1uHKxnSqLbdRund-cSIfxdXQFKcNvVLMtCEV4mkTObdZqkDXZZ\")
Photo credit: Noel C. Hankamer on Visualhunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nThe Texas wisteria is a beautiful native vine that will make your yard stand out. Its large purple flowers resemble lilacs. They hang like grapes, reaching down about 6-9 inches. The entire vine expands about 30 feet and will need strong support to grow upward. It grows best in well-drained soil that receives plenty of sunlight.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dhuU9kvt9CMFKKQmeyskgezbf1U1iavGeKJSDa3xEHfGbi8HmUIl-Vdagr9snyuuNCR7zMQ1VklsGnJbQ7avniCjoBp3Ll9cko7S9pLhI922DaTm0l5_8FBQzQ6S6uJJHQulkU86\")
This flower beams with bright blood-orange petals. It’s an excellent native flower to plant if you want to really make your yard pop. This flower loves plenty of sun, but it also does quite well in the shade and doesn’t need much water.
\n\n\n\nThese are only a handful of the native plants and flowers that thrive in San Antonio. In addition to being low maintenance, they’ve built up defense systems against local pests. Some of these plants are threatened by invasive species which overcrowd the land and rob the native wildlife of food they need to survive. By choosing these plants, you’re also cutting down on the chemical fertilizers and pesticides that hurt the environment. So go native and keep Texas strong!
Looking for more information about lawn care and landscaping in the San Antonio area? See our San Antonio, TX lawn care page.
\n","title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in San Antonio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8518518518518519,"src":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/107df/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/293e9/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/f2cbb/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1789c/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/398d8/native-san-antonio-plants.jpg 1500w","srcWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native-san-antonio-plants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/67b76/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 320w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/8df11/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 500w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/98a65/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 800w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/1dd6e/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 960w,\n/static/2280b1bb4a3af3aef4b4d6121288d3ea/9dc04/native-san-antonio-plants.webp 1500w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants and Flowers That Thrive in San Antonio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b74316bc-0fca-59f9-8d4c-3ea901fbe1ea","slug":"san-antonio-lawn-mowing-maintenance","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/san-antonio-lawn-mowing-maintenance/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"There’s plenty to love about South-Central Texas. You know its iconic historical landmark, the Alamo. But it also has vast landscapes and beautiful waterways such as the San Antonio and Comal rivers. These natural, lush environments thrive without much help. But if you’re living in this part of Texas, you’ll have to put in some […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s plenty to love about South-Central Texas. You know its iconic historical landmark, the Alamo. But it also has vast landscapes and beautiful waterways such as the San Antonio and Comal rivers. These natural, lush environments thrive without much help. But if you’re living in this part of Texas, you’ll have to put in some work to keep the landscape around your home looking as nice. Here’s a guide to lawn mowing and maintenance in San Antonio.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TfgScEVpZpDKMvpYvW4wUo7eDaNC7H4DtTUiCGOAdRb-HSKhut-r6NwJjr0kAEm1RBqwGvmiS_uW1sxQQR1pe83YimHy9n5Xw_wwd-2na_IRF-zIFUCtP0SD_nOtwan026qp9LTt\")
The human body is made up of about 60 percent water. The grass is made up of even more — 85 percent. Just like the human body, grass doesn’t do well when it’s thirsty. That’s why it’s crucial to water once or twice weekly and make sure you’re giving your lawn plenty to keep it healthy.
\n\n\n\nHeat? We get it. San Antonio averages 116 days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want to water in the morning, when it’s cool, before the heat can set in and evaporate that moisture.
\n\n\n\nWatering will depend on what type of grass you have, the time of year, and how much sun it’s getting. St. Augustine and Zoysia are some of the more popular grass types in the San Antonio area and require about 3/4ths of an inch of water each week. You can measure this by placing a shallow, straight-edge can or pan on your lawn as you water. It is better to give the lawn a good soaking once a week than to a shallow watering more often. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper, enabling them to grow stronger.
\n\n\n\nYour trees and shrubs need watering, too. Trees should be watered once or twice a week during the growing season if rainfall is limited. How often you water shrubs will vary, depending on how young or mature the plant is. New shrubs need water two to three times a week. As they get older, watering every six to 10 days should be enough to keep them looking vibrant and fresh.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/NBRfJ3fyOnKzoWlvm7iGVP40KH6kNUHGQ0BfCXTZx3KEQAlXP3TFKHheNQmhVKzDf8RwLR0-DGAr6mSryygsy6kSikUNE5UKuVzMoS5g4GHzoMy_yMCUqWdGb3mtSSPlq2MzTKPj\")
Don’t be that eyesore on the block. Trim your yard on time because an overgrown yard both looks bad and attracts pests. It’s also healthier for the grass and helps keep weeds at bay. Most lawns need mowing about once a week. (You may be able to get away with trimming the edges every two weeks.) Don’t forget to follow the one-third rule: Never cut more than one-third of your grass height at a time. When you cut your lawn too short, the grass weakens and is more susceptible to diseases and pests. Keep mowing your lawn until you notice a slowdown in growth.
\n\n\n\nThe soil becomes compacted and dried out, thanks to the warm, dry weather in San Antonio. Compacted soil makes it tough for water and fertilizer to reach the roots. Aerating — creating holes in the soil — improves the drainage and increases the lawn’s resistance to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nYou should aerate twice a year: once during spring and again in the fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fFcErBkcaWtmH0pRnA3hqlimjOZkl12HGjCU4F40yrLp7o2usyDoWvrtxxoTTblPsvrcovgkS3VkdbhD6Z5ncb81A2tJTB-uXKW6Haw2AN4yGXLXQiwvPQJiGEGW9DIINUpv9IwF\")
Don’t skip out on giving your lawn proper nutrition. This is one way to shrink its life-span and turn your turf from gorgeous green to yucky yellow. But don’t fertilize too soon. Once winter is over, give your grass some time to grow before adding fertilizer to the ground.
\n\n\n\nA lush, healthy lawn will crowd out weeds before they have a chance. Bare spots give the invaders room to sprout. Whether it’s dandelions or crabgrass, weeds will compete with the turf for room and nourishment. They are infamous for hogging water, sunlight, and other nutrients your lawn needs to thrive. A natural vinegar and water mixture is a great organic solution for ridding your yard of these nuisances, but store-bought weed-fighting chemicals work great too. Just make sure you read the label, so you know what you’re putting in your yard. Keep in mind, some weed killers will also kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nSet aside time for the basic lawn care tasks in the early spring. Then set a weekly schedule for mowing and watering and you’ll soon reap the rewards of a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about lawn care in San Antonio? Visit our San Antonio, TX lawn care page for more information.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","title":"San Antonio Lawn Mowing and Maintenance","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.275609756097561,"src":"/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/e50ee/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.png","srcSet":"/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/7b880/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.png 320w,\n/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/49b19/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.png 500w,\n/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/e50ee/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.png 523w","srcWebp":"/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/d641c/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/67b76/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.webp 320w,\n/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/8df11/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.webp 500w,\n/static/a71c05126b6b284da05678bc9528e9b2/d641c/lawn-mowing-san-antonio-brenda.webp 523w","sizes":"(max-width: 523px) 100vw, 523px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"San Antonio Lawn Mowing and Maintenance | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Despite the heat, a beautiful lawn is possible in San Antonio, New Braunfels and Central Texas. You just have to know what you're doing. Here's how."}}},{"node":{"id":"9fbfe0d8-7076-5656-9429-0902cd51f3eb","slug":"the-worst-weeds-in-your-san-antonio-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/the-worst-weeds-in-your-san-antonio-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Here are the five worst weeds that San Antonio area homeowners have to contend with, from chickweed to thistle.
\n","content":"\nKeeping up with lawn maintenance can be tough in Central Texas. Not only is the climate hot year-round, but the worst weeds in your San Antonio lawn tend to grow faster than the grass…and some are harder to kill than others. Here are the worst weeds to look out for the next time you’re mowing:
\n\n\n\nThis notorious weed may seem simple enough with its small leaves and white flowers. But don’t let the appearance of chickweed fool you. This worst weed is hard to get rid of due to its ability to produce up to 15,000 seeds from just one plant! Chickweed can adapt and spread well all across the lawn, making it even harder to eradicate! You’ll find it growing in shaded parts of the yard where birds will visit it to eat the seeds.
\n\n\n\nThis broadleaf weed is easy to spot with its spiny leaves with jagged edges. Thistle looks a lot like a dandelion when it is small but will have a purple hue to it. Many homeowners consider thistle one of the worst weeds in your San Antonio lawn thanks to its quick growth rate and the amount of space it covers. When left untreated, thistle can grow tall and spread, blocking the grass underneath. Use gloves to pull out this sucker and make sure to get the entire root, so it doesn’t come back.
\n\n\n\n![\"Claytonia](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/oZCwJz1ENkTp5CP68Ii_3YJaoiazV3mmo67f-38V0wlzDcfhspkAmk60ocIJ1QaHfS0adRKjQ18PW_RDAZ6-A0Q1Whm-MsGsXY0JPG4xDwJMD-1UBRyA_BCUnglJB2x9ZvGZNkvQ\")
Known as the Dolly Parton weed, this persistent perennial blooms from 9 to 5, when the sun’s out. It’s hard to get rid of because of its low stems and many seedpods it produces. Purslane seeds sit in the soil year after year as well. This is an edible weed although most homeowners may not be thrilled about a Purslane salad. It also is tolerant of both drought and heat, making it a stubborn plant that won’t go without a fight. You’ll know you have this weed in the lawn by spotting its red stems and clover-like leaves. Pull the weed by the roots and make sure you get the seeds to prevent it from re-rooting.
\n\n\n\nGrassy weeds are harder to spot thanks to their close resemblance to the grass. But over time, crabgrass will spread and choke the grass underneath. This weed usually grows faster than the rest of the lawn and can take over if not eliminated. Spotting and taking out crabgrass is critical as one plant can produce thousands of seeds. Pull it out by the roots (use a trowel or spade) as soon as it appears. To prevent it from returning, use a pre-emergent herbicide at the beginning of spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/XoY2FuipC1zoRkwypwcVf-Tjrzrxu1QifftBhn07W-peA5bS3tLxZeniv1hkmVMa5vEXr1DFU5da-rg6vxWlcqRKE1IdUt7TyhkwIun0LZNFJaYLObZ_Ciw1HA0i6ALOYO-Z-NbV\")
This other grass weed is a common problem all throughout the San Antonio and New Braunfels area. Dallisgrass is harder to spot at first since it looks much like the surrounding turf. However, if you miss a mow or two, you’ll find that the Dallisgrass stands much taller than the rest of the lawn. This weed can grow quite large, and a single plant can smother the surrounding grass. It’s a common issue for manicured lawns like athletic fields and golf courses.
\n\n\n\nSpotting any of these weeds early is the key to keeping them out of your manicured lawn. Your best defense is regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing, so the weeds won’t find bare spots to seed.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in San Antonio? Check out our San Antonio, Texas, lawn care page.
Weeds, Disease and Drought are the common lawn killers in San Antonio. In this piece we’ll cover how to deal with each. Common Weeds in San Antonio Weeds in San Antonio, Texas can be divided into two categories, grassy and broadleaf. Broadleaf weeds include Henbit, Dandelion, Thistle, Chickweed, and Purslane. If your lawn is too […]
\n","content":"\nWeeds, Disease and Drought are the common lawn killers in San Antonio. In this piece we’ll cover how to deal with each.
\n\n\n\nWeeds in San Antonio, Texas can be divided into two categories, grassy and broadleaf. Broadleaf weeds include Henbit, Dandelion, Thistle, Chickweed, and Purslane. If your lawn is too fraught with these, it’s recommended you contact a lawn service professional for assistance.
\n\n\n\nHenbit can be identified by the purple at the top of the plant, and Dandelion by its bright yellow flower. Thistle is a prickly bush that can grow several feet tall, and chickweed has white, star-shaped flowers all over it. Purslane has flat, paddle-shaped leaves, and can bloom year round in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nGrassy weeds look more like regular grass but can be just as harmful to your lawn. These include Rescue grass, Bluegrass, Crabgrass, and Dallisgrass. Rescuegrass is most common in Central Texas and features leaves which are hairy, flat, and spiky. It typically blooms in winter.
\n\n\n\nBluegrass is one of the most common weeds in the San Antonio area, and usually shows up early spring or late winter. It grows in bunches, giving your lawn an uneven look and yellow color. Crabgrass is the most widely hated weed in America, because it grows primarily during spring and summer, and can stay dormant for ages. It’s resistant to drought and quickly dominates a lawn once it germinates.
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass grows in large clusters so big that the middle sometimes dies while the outer edges of the clump will continue spreading and dominating your lawn. It tends to grow in clay or sandy soils, and it loves nitrogen fertilizer. It also grows twice as fast as normal turf grasses.
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases can afflict any lawn in San Antonio. It’s important to recognize them early on, so they’re dealt with quickly. If any of these diseases are too prevalent on your lawn, you should call a San Antonio lawn service professional to help you.
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the more common weeds we see around the Alamo City.
\n\n\n\nThis disease makes red or pink threads extend from your grass and can be easily identified by its color.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll know this lawn disease by the silver dollar sized patches of tan grass that will appear all around your lawn. Left untreated they can rot your whole lawn.
\n\n\n\nNamed for its look, this disease actually starts out causing purple-green patches with a dark ring around them throughout your lawn. Once it progresses, it kills your grass completely leaving dead, brown spots all around your yard.
\n\n\n\nThis disease starts out as small, crescent-shaped clusters of brown and yellow that will quickly rot your grass down to the soil if left untreated.
\n\n\n\nDrought is the third lawn killer in San Antonio. Proper watering will solve this. Additionally, proper watering will help with the first two lawn threats.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll obviously want to keep your lawn well-watered in San Antonio, but be careful not to overdo it. Current watering restrictions in San Antonio state that you are only allowed to water your lawn with a sprinkler or irrigation system once per week, before 11 am or after 7 pm.
\n\n\n\nThese regulations are subject to change so be sure to stay up-to-date on them. In times of less or no restriction, you’ll want to water at least 3 or 4 times per week, especially during the growing season. Wintertime requires less water for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWatering in San Antonio, Texas is best done during the late evening or the early morning when temperatures are cooler. This helps the soil retain more water.
\n","title":"Common Weeds and Lawn Diseases in San Antonio, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4442877291960508,"src":"/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/1789c/weeds-1024x709.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/107df/weeds-1024x709.jpg 320w,\n/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/293e9/weeds-1024x709.jpg 500w,\n/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/f2cbb/weeds-1024x709.jpg 800w,\n/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/1789c/weeds-1024x709.jpg 960w,\n/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/a2a79/weeds-1024x709.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/1dd6e/weeds-1024x709.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/67b76/weeds-1024x709.webp 320w,\n/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/8df11/weeds-1024x709.webp 500w,\n/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/98a65/weeds-1024x709.webp 800w,\n/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/1dd6e/weeds-1024x709.webp 960w,\n/static/4e56a677722b338b1b9adad5445ade83/7aa54/weeds-1024x709.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Common Weeds and Lawn Diseases in San Antonio, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b27cda1d-9e47-5825-b5ad-d7efdd9dc615","slug":"the-worst-pests-in-san-antonio-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/the-worst-pests-in-san-antonio-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Photo credit: Thompson Rivers on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA Those summertime pests are back. Is there anything that bugs you more? They get under our skin, our clothing and gardens. Here’s a list of the pests that bug us in San Antonio and some tips on getting rid of them before they make your […]
\n","content":"\nPhoto credit: Thompson Rivers on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nThose summertime pests are back. Is there anything that bugs you more? They get under our skin, our clothing and gardens. Here’s a list of the pests that bug us in San Antonio and some tips on getting rid of them before they make your home their permanent home.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/fire-ant-usda-free.jpg\")
These tiny creatures are easy to miss, especially if you’re not watching where you’re walking. Take a step in one of their piles, and you’ll be wishing you paid more attention. They bite and follow up with a sting. They feed on plants and seeds but sometimes attack small animals. They can also climb inside machinery, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Making matters worse, they’re extremely resilient and can survive cold weather and even floods. (Millions survive hurricane Harvey by clumping together!) Leave enough food lying around, and they’ll make their way inside your home.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easier to prevent a fire ant infestation that to kill them once they’ve made themselves at home. Spread fire ant bait in your backyard in the spring, before the ants form new colonies. You’ll need to do it again in the fall. During the summer, sprinkle the bait three to four feet around each ant mound.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/A9EIztBiu9CDdXAYjzqwm_R3bwQpukvB_BUariKqtFv8lDbt3rC1qVL3fXdnJ-XKsNI-5efuUTDsSeokHQ3sRyJoR43xi4muM8VtCg5ywnqwBEbpY5tIxCYeXswH04BGKbr7H1lV\")
There are plenty of spiders in Texas, but few are as scary as the Black Widow. The females are the most dangerous and easy to spot. They’re black, about an inch and a half long and have a distinctive hourglass, red mark on their backs. Their venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s, according to National Geographic. Fatal bites are rare, but you’ll need to get medical help immediately to avoid extreme discomfort if you’re bitten.
\n\n\n\nSince black widows are nocturnal, it’s best to hunt for their webs during the day. They usually build their webs in dark corners or wood piles where they’re hard to spot. Spray the webs with a liquid insecticide, and it will kill the spiders on contact and prevent new spiders . from moving in. If you have a wood pile, the best thing you can do is constantly rotate the logs. Black widows search for undisturbed places to nest.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/j-XNVCL0zt-BDj8CzJzdbkmUtfe2ygdnFL8HM8kVDNwpIjfWN83Wxda1PYe06UpeI0zIR0BzF3IQCr_y9JR-LUs3beyIJSAGVzyga9WqvCHDo8S6dw4bLtzzQzUWTPJRDkks7PB8\")
Texas is home to 18 species of scorpions. The most common in San Antonio and New Braunfels is the striped bark scorpion. These yellowish-tan creatures with two dark stripes down their back are easy to spot. Like us, scorpions are looking for a cool place to spend the summer. You’ll find them hiding under rocks, logs, landscaping materials, and in dark corners of your home during the day. Like the black widow, they come out at night searching for food. Their stings are rarely deadly, but they are painful and can cause muscle spasms and burning sensations.
\n\n\n\nThe best ways to control them is to keep firewood away from your house and prune trees or shrubs that hang over your house. Keep your grass closely mowed, so they have no place to hide. Spray an insecticide containing permethrin around the perimeter and foundation of your home. Make sure you hit the gutters and any cracks where the critters can hide. And finally, fill all weep holes with steel wool.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/aWiS2v5mD3la9YhLoy6kou_HsLoM0_8llL75EWgQplGWluZXM0D_uJ7cmXeD1Q7697UHdRMMyyckKgtEZG8XP9gMIaIsxCrUj5r4hDCd_NnDU9oKBRAdmQwiXZyDELX2PSbR-rXr\")
The name speaks for itself. Get bitten by one of these critters, and you’ll be dealing with a blister or several. Not only can they be harmful to your skin, but their toxin can be fatal to animals and small children when swallowed. More than 100 species exist in Texas, chewing their way through our vegetable and flower gardens. Though their color varies, the most-common ones found in Texas are black and orangish-yellow with three black stripes.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s tough to completely rid your garden of blister beetles, it’s possible to limit the damage to your plants. Wearing gloves (always!) brush the beetles off your plants into a bucket of soapy water. Shake the plant and watch the beetles fall in the dirt and play dead. Then pick them up and drop them in the bucket. You can spread oyster shell lime around the edge of your garden. It will repel them, but it won’t kill them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1858/42427615240_2b10b8b18d_b.jpg\")
Like the black widow, a brown recluse’s venomous bite can be harmful. And it could take several hours to notice the symptoms. Good news: you’re unlikely to run into them because, like their name, they are shy and try to avoid humans at all costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wa9BQNNN97lupuxdZMENNRHJsQTIGqmk2yacbOY7p7RhuAIVzAlP7zLEIo83ucVG-OAkUfoE2RilkJoK9mN9dR_yrwMGW45InfMC8OD1LmtbslLnaZV2xZo7XOU2sY8jA7t2nhwb\")
Photo credit: Dis da fi we
\n\n\n\nA bite from one of these tiny insects can make you extremely ill. The average size of an adult is slightly larger than a penny but beware of its bite. Some may be infected with a parasite that carries Chagas disease and can leave you with fever-like symptoms, rashes, and a loss of appetite.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZCq76MM2IYpXamdSEAkQtuY0wkC9U5BjWnPV8txzuwetlGtsVCpu5640XNgLUKL7dZo9pdJFigQne5v6dwyLqRxfSbLwyRN49uaaciuAZkZxzgSeaOmruEeiSuqUuOngQAcjRpsa\")
Aedes aegypti mosquito
\n\n\n\nThese bloodsuckers are more than just a nuisance. They’re actually the deadliest creature on the planet, blamed for malaria, zika, dengue fever, encephalitis, and other fatal illnesses. Whether it’s the high-pitched buzz or their sneaky bites, these bugs really bug us and can have you itching for days and sometimes even weeks. There’s plenty to love about Texas, but this just isn’t one of them.
\n\n\n\nOne study published in 2017 named one mosquito species, the Aedes aegypti, as the most common in San Antonio and Bexar County, found in 35% of the traps the scientists laid. But there were a total of 35 different varieties.
\n\n\n\nConsider spraying your home and yard for bugs every three months. You want to kill the bugs and the eggs they leave behind. If you prefer to go organic, you can make your own insecticide with soap, neem oil or vinegar. These potions will kill the bugs without killing the earth.
\n\n\n\nIf you decide to go with a professional, most exterminators will offer organic options. Keep in mind an exterminator isn’t a one-time option. You should have a treatment every three months.
\n\n\n\nYou can also plant pest repelling flowers such as lavender, marigolds, petunias, and citronella. Their scent really bugs the bugs.
\n\n\n\nWe may not be able to get rid of all the bugs. Let’s face it, most of them would probably survive a nuclear war! But you can make it tough on them to make themselves at home at your home. Remember puddles and standing water are an open invitation to mosquitoes and many other critters looking to breed. We want our yards to be bird and bee friendly … but we want to get rid of the pests that are out for blood.
\n","title":"The Worst Pests in San Antonio and How to Get Rid of Them","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.4752475247524752,"src":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1789c/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/107df/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 320w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/293e9/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 500w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/f2cbb/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 800w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1789c/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 960w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/f605f/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1dd6e/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/67b76/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 320w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/8df11/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 500w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/98a65/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 800w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1dd6e/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 960w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/23e94/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Worst Pests in San Antonio and How to Get Rid of Them | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}}],"id":"ck1gn0rsolt8u0a305wb5jzq4"}}}![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/CG6Vm0XXKjkO1jDpbLu5x36794_BS3H4pFJQlJulOtl44FvHqi9qGVd8yWWY5QgezbWCqJaKVGHD6UqB2OMPVyedocCw99QpXq2mIm24gBU1YMWydjmkTll2s_cNFmsRPKl5XRAm\")
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