![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nzyKNrQr-u9Fiufa2RbOwTiRv-wNXk1emfV2L68LJJnMDMXCQG6_E7JQ_aVE1e8XMuAwKWAZTTIW19SdC7HavuNGnT_hpepLb7pC9rw2B3q3UeaIbre6VJL6buUabdLV8tycY0hf\")
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":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"52d754bf-9873-5b80-8542-ab4a5534e07c","slug":"how-to-stripe-a-lawn-in-6-steps","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-stripe-a-lawn-in-6-steps/","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":"bf4daca3-f477-56c4-b0f9-b212905a3b28","name":"Tools, Apps & Accessories","count":6,"path":"/category/garden-accessories/"}],"date":"September 25th, 2019","excerpt":"Whether it’s a sports field or your neighbor’s big-league landscaping that’s giving you lawn envy, a technique called lawn striping will give your yard that manicured look. But it’s not quite as easy as just mowing in a straight line or in different directions. Depending on what kind of grass you have, the time of […]
\n","content":"\nWhether it’s a sports field or your neighbor’s big-league landscaping that’s giving you lawn envy, a technique called lawn striping will give your yard that manicured look. But it’s not quite as easy as just mowing in a straight line or in different directions.
\n\n\n\nDepending on what kind of grass you have, the time of year, or even what type of lawn mower you use, there are some rules to striping.
\n\n\n\nHere’s how to stripe a lawn, whether it’s a basic stripe or a fancier design you want.
\n\n\n\nYou create stripes in your lawn by bending the grass blades in opposite directions as you mow. Light reflects differently on grass bent in one direction than in the other.
\n\n\n\nKeep that basic principle in mind. Everything else you do, from choosing grass variety to mowing equipment, will be done to increase the amount of bend and cause it to hold longer.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/0WDvQVzc-eZdva5viU3viFhQsKHDIU9-bI-I8Zr1T8efFBRVfZOXoORAcY2HCtp8fPu2Vf55jbYzdfuktSf5XIZFklvT_tuFsgXCW_PZJ493u_s35DFks7XhnNvDoPBtQLNN7Dwa\")
You don’t have to go out and buy an expensive new lawn mower, but you do need to know what you’re up against. Major League Baseball field crews don’t use typical household mowers. MLB literally wrote the book on lawn striping, and according to the official manual, rotary push lawnmowers only work on residential lawns. At the pro baseball field, it’s most likely a reel mower. “Reel mowers are more specialized and are used on higher maintenance facilities like golf courses and athletic fields. These mowers require additional training to operate. Reel mowers are used to provide better quality cuts and allows very low cutting heights,” the manual says.
\n\n\n\nWhile you don’t need to run out and buy a reel mower, you will need a lawn roller. A striping kit and sharp mower blades will also put you in the ballpark with the big league lawn stripers. These kits come complete with mounting hardware.
\n\n\n\nNot all grass is created equal when it comes to striping, and your technique must vary with the seasons. The grasses that take to striping the best are cool-season varieties such as fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. They have long, flexible blades that easily bend in the direction of the lawn roller. Warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine have more rigid blades that spring back from the lawn roller. If your lawn consists of the stiffer warm-season kind, it’s more likely to bed and lie flat in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are a little lower. In the peak of the summer heat, those grass blades are less likely to lay how you want them. Keep in mind that cool-season grasses thrive best in spring and early fall. You’re also likely to get the best results from those varieties when the temperatures aren’t soaring into their July and August peaks.
\n\n\n\nMowing height is another major factor in lawn striping. Experts say never mow your lawn too closely, or you risk the health of the grass. Grass that has been scalped also tends to be less green. If you want to stripe your lawn, you have another reason to let it grow a little longer. The longer the blades of grass, the more distinct your stripes will be. That’s because there is more grass blade to lay in one direction and reflect light. Generally, you should keep your lawn between 2.5 to 4 inches long if you want that fancy design.
\n\n\n\nThere’s even more you can do with your grass if you have the inclination. Lawn stripe patterns are limited only by your imagination, the size and shape of your lawn and your lawn mower. Consider waves, circles, even an argyle-like pattern. For inspiration (we’ll call it “lawnspiration”), there are photos and videos online for the aspiring sports turf groundskeeper to check out.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: AdamKR, CC2.0
The climate of Salt Lake City is a wild roller coaster ride, with weather ranging from scorching summers to freezing winters. That means that if you want your lawn to match the state’s stunning nature, you need to get the right grass type. Let’s go through the five best types of grass seed for your […]
\n","content":"\n
The climate of Salt Lake City is a wild roller coaster ride, with weather ranging from scorching summers to freezing winters. That means that if you want your lawn to match the state’s stunning nature, you need to get the right grass type. Let’s go through the five best types of grass seed for your Utah lawn.
In this article:
\n\n\n\nSalt Lake City climate is arid with high elevations, extreme heat, and extreme cold. Let’s go through grass recommendations for Utah from the local University to help you decide which one is most suitable for your Salt Lake City lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue is a versatile grass that stays green all year and endures heat and drought and tolerates shade. If you’re looking for an easy-care option that fits Salt Lake City’s unpredictable weather, turf-type tall fescue is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nThis grass can handle foot traffic, and variants with rhizomes even self-repair if damaged. It also resists weeds, diseases, and pests, and doesn’t produce much thatch. Although it used to be coarse grass, most tall fescue varieties are now soft.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Low to moderate
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDo you have lots of shade on your lawn? While most grasses don’t like shade, it works just fine for fine fescue. There are different types of fine fescue grasses, such as hard, sheep, Chewings, and creeping red. They handle Salt Lake City’s dry summer conditions, are easy to care for, and are perfect for a yard with lots of trees or hardscapes.
\n\n\n\nHowever, fine fescues don’t do so well on lawns that get too hot or busy. Moreover, they’re susceptible to diseases and are likely to produce thatch frequently.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Depends on the variant; most variants grow in bunches, but creeping red fescue uses rhizomes
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High; may go dormant
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Low
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable
Potential for disease: Moderate
![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the grass of choice for many homeowners because of its dense, lush appearance. This soft grass withstands foot traffic (especially before the weather gets too warm) and also repairs itself when damaged.
\n\n\n\nHowever, there are some issues with this grass, too; it often struggles with diseases, pests, and thatch buildup. Salt Lake City’s hot summers may also put a strain on the grass, and it’s not a grass that does well in the shade either. For that reason, Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with it to create a more resilient lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High; but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: High
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is another showy grass that needs some extra care to thrive. However, it’s quick to grow and spread and is great at withstanding stressors like foot traffic, diseases, and insects. It’s happiest in full sun, but a little shade is just fine for this grass, too.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass may struggle during summer when the weather gets hot and dry, but it’s often mixed with other grass types to combine both grasses’ strong qualities. Also, take note that the grass is susceptible to fungal diseases and thatch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: High
Mowing height: Moderate to high
Potential for disease: High, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_pixnio-4149-2560x1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nUnlike the grasses mentioned above, buffalograss is a warm-season grass that stays green even during Salt Lake City’s scorching summer temperatures. It’s easy to maintain the grass’s soft, attractive appearance, and it doesn’t need to be watered as much as cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s important to note that because buffalograss is a warm-season grass, it goes dormant when temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons
Shade tolerance: Low
Drought tolerance: High, but will turn brown during summer if not watered; needs only about a half inch of water per week
Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate
Maintenance needs: Low
Mowing height: Up to you; naturally grows up to 4 to 6 inches tall; never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade per mow
Potential for disease: Low
You can find one more grass type on the University of Utah website, and that is wheatgrass. We’d recommend that you consider one of the above grass types instead, though.
\n\n\n\nWhy? Wheatgrass is a good fit for wildflower meadows and prairies, but it’s not ideal for homeowners. It forms a thin stand, grows too tall to plant around pathways, can’t really be mowed, and goes dormant in summer. With such a relatively high variety of other grasses available in the region, you should choose one that is more practical for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss stands up well to high temperatures and handles Salt Lake City’s summers with no issues.
If you want an easy-care grass that looks great, you can choose between fine fescue, tall fescue, or a mix. If you prefer a warm-season grass, buffalograss stays lovely with relatively little maintenance, too.
If you want a year-round green lawn, turf-type tall fescue is most likely to meet your expectations.
Turf-type tall fescue and perennial ryegrass both handle a lot of foot traffic. If damage occurs turf-type tall fescue will even repair itself if you get a variety of rhizomes.
Alternately, you can also get Kentucky bluegrass; this grass repairs itself as well, but take note that it’s more susceptible to damage in warm weather.
Picking the right grass type is essential for a healthy lawn in Salt Lake City, but that’s not all. You should also water your lawn deeply and infrequently, mow it regularly to the appropriate height, and make sure that you complete regular maintenance jobs.
\n\n\n\nSo much work can be overwhelming, so if you need a hand, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of WikiLawn’s lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Doug Kerr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass Seed for Salt Lake City","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1789c/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg","srcSet":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/107df/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 320w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/293e9/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 500w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/f2cbb/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 800w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1789c/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 960w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/c26c2/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1dd6e/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/67b76/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 320w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/8df11/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 500w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/98a65/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 800w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1dd6e/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 960w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/3cc96/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Seed for Salt Lake City | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Growing a beautiful lawn in one of the driest states in the nation isn’t impossible if you start with the right grass and then give it the care it needs"}}},{"node":{"id":"d51626b4-31cf-532e-a90e-587dd42960c6","slug":"benefits-xeriscaping-your-lawn","path":"/blog/landscaping/benefits-xeriscaping-your-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4fa4848-36b3-57c3-925d-ae36e49e878f","name":"Garden Landscape","count":8,"path":"/category/garden-landscape/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-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":"October 14th, 2019","excerpt":"Keeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That’s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; […]
\n","content":"\nKeeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That’s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; it just means you use plants and landscaping that needs little water. So if you’re ready to give up those water-hungry plants and lower your monthly water bill, join the crowd.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/1a-vG2kR6WgTmvVLrtHGejLDqaXJP7j2caONyxpIKfaY03T4HnZ3oBoykjLVJghuVhJDwX-4j3Q65fY9n-qnuvSwzp47hMKKBDboA6msh62_4igT70m74vd0WECRDRi5yHHlR39X\")
The term “xeriscape” comes from the Greek word “xeros,” meaning dry. Denver Water, the city’s utility service, coined and copyrighted the word in the 1980s when Colorado was experiencing a worse-than-usual drought. The water department looked at the soil in most yards, (clay soil doesn’t absorb water quickly), and the types of sprinkler systems people were using. The city began by offering rebates to people who used drip irrigation and turfgrass that requires little water. You’ll notice by the front of the office, the utility practices what it preaches.
\n\n\n\n“Traditional Kentucky bluegrass is lush and hardy, but it requires a substantial amount of water in our semi-arid climate,” according to Denver Water. “One way to use less water is to reduce the amount of bluegrass turf in your landscape. Native or low-water-use plants, patios, decks, or mulches can beautify your landscape while saving water. Also, try planting turf such as buffalo grass, blue grama grass, turf-type tall fescue, and fine fescues to reduce water use in your landscape.”
\n\n\n\nThe North Marin Water District, which provides water to Novato and other communities just north of San Francisco, offers a “Cash for Grass” program that pays rebates to customers who remove lawns and plant approved low-water plants instead. In 2019, almost 15,000 square feet of turfgrass were converted.
\n\n\n\nThe district also saw xeriscaping as a way to stop people from fertilizing their lawns and gardens. Native plants and grasses are adapted to the soil, so they need few amendments. What little they need can be provided by grass clippings and other organic matter … things that won’t harm the ocean or waterways.
\n\n\n\nAs long as you’re making your lawn water-wise, go a step further and make your garden more efficient. Plant drought-resistant plants such as agave, juniper, yarrow, and lavender. Many herbs and spices are also drought-tolerant, such as thyme, sage, and oregano. The native and drought-tolerant plants will also attract local wildlife and pollinators to your garden.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZEhlju3G6ZCAaw6jn0gF2iZIqU1ztxS2JYJ6ajV9qWS-KrBC-xAfbEPjHrfGxAVLpjz0WqDPWLQqTkfa_foDgJQcwANxKrtTtNGVAQxl5yDwbCgOuaV0Z-am26dM57JqO8OkkT2L\")
If you’re ready to take the plunge and xeriscape, don’t rush out and dig up all your flowers and turf. Start by mapping out your yard, noting where the shade trees are and which areas get the most sun. It’s also a good idea to see how much rainfall your yard gets in a typical year. You want plants that will thrive with the water nature provides.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re not crazy about drought-tolerant grasses, consider a rock garden or mulched border around your patio and yard. Mulching around trees and plants helps keep moisture from absorbing. Plant ground covers around sloped areas to prevent any water from running off. While a completely hardscaped backyard may sound appealing, check with your city or county. Some municipalities, including Austin, Texas, require a percentage of your land to be landscaped, to prevent rainwater from pouring into the street.
\n\n\n\nThe Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as much as 50% of irrigation water usage is wasted. By opting for a xeriscaped yard, you can save hundreds of gallons of water from being squandered over just one scorching summer. So go ahead and plant a cactus and other succulents. Your lawn will look sharp for years to come.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Downtowngal, CC-by SA-3.0
\n","title":"Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.549636803874092,"src":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1789c/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/107df/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 320w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/293e9/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 500w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/f2cbb/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 800w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1789c/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 960w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/356ef/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1dd6e/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/67b76/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 320w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/8df11/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 500w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/98a65/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 800w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1dd6e/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 960w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/93f70/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3a9717ee-8c2d-52c1-a810-f09cb2aa432c","slug":"best-grass-seeds-vermont","path":"/lawn-care/vermont/best-grass-seeds-vermont/","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":"6ca58aed-0605-5274-8b33-210f8c631ce7","name":"Vermont","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/vermont/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"The lawns at Shelburne Farms and Hubbard Park are lush and healthy. They are part of what makes the sites so alluring. You can have a home lawn with just as much beauty and appeal when you grow the right grass type. Keep reading to learn about the best grass seeds for Vermont. It doesn’t […]
\n","content":"\nThe lawns at Shelburne Farms and Hubbard Park are lush and healthy. They are part of what makes the sites so alluring. You can have a home lawn with just as much beauty and appeal when you grow the right grass type. Keep reading to learn about the best grass seeds for Vermont.
\n\n\n\nIt doesn’t matter if you’re in the Green Mountains area where the climate is colder and precipitation is high, the drier and hotter Champlain Valley region, or the Connecticut River Valley section of Vermont where it’s the driest. This article will help you choose the best grass seed to build your ideal lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWhether you are overseeding or establishing a new lawn, there are two choices for grass seeds: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Because Vermont has warm, mild summers and long, cold winters, cool-season grasses are the best type of grasses for The Green Mountain State.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in hot, humid climates with mild winters. They grow best in the summer. This grass type goes dormant and turns brown during the cold winter months, from late autumn through early spring. This grass type is commonly found in the southern part of the United States.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses perform well in areas where temperatures are cool throughout most of the year. Like warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses go dormant in freezing temperatures. However, cool-season grasses go dormant later in the winter than warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses also go brown and dormant in the summer as temperatures rise. They grow best in the spring and fall when the climate is cool. This grass type prefers air temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool-season grass is commonly found in the northern regions of the United States.
\n\n\n\nGrass seeds selected for Vermont homes should be durable enough to withstand the state’s cold winters and warm summers. In addition to the snowy winters and the warm summers, Vermont’s weather conditions include floods, ice storms, and heat waves. While no grass can withstand all or even some of these environmental stressors, some grass types are better suited than others for the general Vermont climate. Let’s take a look at the three best cool-season grasses for Vermont.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky Bluegrass has a medium texture and a dark, blue-green color that lives up to the grass’s name. It’s not the softest or the most coarse grass.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is best for properties that get full sun and have well-drained soil. If your property contains a lot of trees blocking the sunlight, your yard is not the best environment for Kentucky Bluegrass to thrive. It has low shade tolerance.
\n\n\n\nKentucky has more maintenance requirements than the other grasses on this list. It needs more fertilization and is more vulnerable to insects and diseases. Bluegrass also requires frequent mowing. This grass is better suited for homeowners with more time for lawn upkeep. However, it has its advantages.
\n\n\n\nIf you have moderate physical activity on your lawn, bluegrass will hold up well. It recovers from foot damage quickly and has a moderate level of foot-traffic tolerance. Kentucky has a high cold tolerance, making it ideal for Vermont’s cold winters.
\n\n\n\nMixing or blending bluegrass with other grasses that thrive best in Vermont will produce the healthiest lawn. Combining different grass species or varieties within grass species makes your lawn stronger and more adaptable to environmental conditions, resulting in a turfgrass canvas that better withstands pests and stress.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It needs more than 6 hours of full sun daily for optimal performance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue has a dark to medium green color. It comes with lower maintenance needs than Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. If you don’t have much time for lawn chores or you prefer a low-maintenance turfgrass, fine fescue is the best option.
\n\n\n\nBecause fine fescue does not spread by rhizomes like Kentucky does, but instead has a bunch-type growth pattern, fine fescue is not the best grass to fill in bare spots or dead spots. Kentucky or perennial is better suited if you have damaged spots.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue’s growth pattern also makes it less traffic-tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. The fine fescue variety creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes. However, the rhizomes are short, so creeping red fescue is treated like bunch-type grasses.
\n\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, fine fescue does have its share of advantages. Since it grows slowly, it requires less mowing. It has lower fertilization needs than the other two grass types on this list, and it also adapts better to conditions that are less than optimal. For example, fine fescues tolerate multiple soil types and lower fertility.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is the most shade-tolerant of the cool-season grasses. It grows well in partial or full sun. So, whether your property has a lot of trees blocking the sun or your yard receives a lot of sunlight, fine fescue will adapt. It is important to keep in mind that although fine fescue tolerates a variety of soil types, it does not tolerate wet soil or poorly drained soil.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a low-maintenance turfgrass, fine fescue is a good choice. On the other hand, if you have a lawn full of children playing after school and on the weekends, the low to moderate traffic tolerance of this type of grass rules it out as the best selection.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Sheep fescue, hard fescue, creeping red fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and chewings fescue are the most commonly used varieties.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a bunch-type grass. Like fine fescue, it does not recover well from high traffic. But unlike fine fescue, it has high foot-traffic tolerance. Perennial is a better grass for frequent lawn parties, although it will not recover from the damage as quickly as Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nPerennial’s bunch-type growth pattern also makes it more susceptible to weeds. If you’re interested in using this grass type to remedy dead spots, you may find it interesting that the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener reports that weeds tend to fill in bare spots before ryegrass can re-establish.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a grass seed that establishes quickly, perennial is the optimal selection. It germinates in two to four days and produces a lawn in about 14 days. Most grass seeds do not germinate as quickly.
\n\n\n\nPerennial will not grow well in shady areas, so if your property does not get a lot of sun, stick to fine fescue varieties. Although it requires well-drained soil, very dry conditions will hinder its performance.
\n\n\n\nPerennial has a dark green color and fine texture. Its soft feel makes it great for toddlers that like to crawl on the grass or anyone who enjoys grounding themselves by walking barefoot.
\n\n\n\nPerennial is usually not planted alone, but in a mixture with Kentucky or fine fescues. Some reasons perennial ryegrass is best planted with other grass seeds are because of its vulnerability to pests and its lack of hardiness. It does not withstand stresses like heat, cold, salt, and drought.
\n\n\n\nPerennial grows aggressively and may suppress the growth of other grasses. Consequently, do not use more than 15 to 20% of it in grass seed mixtures.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It is recommended that Italian and Annual varieties be avoided. As seedlings, they can grow aggressively. Also, the cold winter weather causes them to die.
\n\n\n\nThe best time of year to plant grass seed in Vermont is during Labor Day. This gives the grass time to establish before winter. Do not plant later than the first week of September, as the grass needs about six to eight weeks to become well-established in cooler temperatures before the colder weather starts.
It depends on your expectations. Sodding allows you to establish grass faster. When you sod, you can do so at any time of year (as long as the soil isn’t frozen). Homeowners just need to make sure the grass will get sufficient water. However, sodding is expensive and there are not as many types of grasses to choose from for sodding.
Seeding, on the other hand, offers a larger variety of seeds to choose from. It is cheaper to seed, and the root system when you seed is initially stronger than when you sod. Unlike sodding, seeding is limited to the growing season, and it takes a longer time to establish a mature lawn when you seed.
Perennial ryegrass germinates the fastest, at two to four days.
No one grass type is best suited for every condition. These conditions include the area of Vermont in which you reside, the characteristics of your property, and your lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nFor example, a shady property requires grass with high shade tolerance. Even if Kentucky bluegrass is recommended for your region, you may need a grass type like fine fescue if your lawn barely gets any sunlight. You may want to be more specific, and choose the chewings variety, which is the most shade tolerant of the fine fescue grass species.
\n\n\n\nChoose grass that compliments your outdoor activity and availability to provide maintenance. A grass with children running and playing hide-n-seek needs durability to withstand the high foot traffic. If you want more time to enjoy sugar samples at the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, select grass seeds that free you from unnecessary upkeep.
\n\n\n\nNeed the help of a lawn care pro? Hire a Vermont lawn care pro near you who will handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Park in Rochester / Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"3 Best Grass Seeds for Vermont ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/1789c/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/107df/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 320w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/293e9/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 500w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/f2cbb/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 800w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/1789c/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 960w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/c26c2/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/1dd6e/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/67b76/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 320w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/8df11/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 500w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/98a65/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 800w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/1dd6e/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 960w,\n/static/f7eda967a4f7b1020bef87a105397138/3cc96/View-of-the-Park-in-Rochester-Vermont.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"3 Best Grass Seeds for Vermont","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best cool-season grass seeds for Vermont homes will fit the yard’s conditions, homeowner’s maintenance preferences, and family composition."}}},{"node":{"id":"cbdb6945-52ef-5a57-a3fb-89c398f6455c","slug":"orlando-parents-teaching-children-the-beauty-of-gardening","path":"/lawn-care/fl/orlando/orlando-parents-teaching-children-the-beauty-of-gardening/","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":"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":"a47ebc3c-cc0b-5c7a-9e60-90ac2de0ec2d","name":"Orlando","count":10,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/orlando/"}],"date":"January 24th, 2019","excerpt":"As anyone who loves to spend the day in the garden knows one of the greatest senses of accomplishment can be leading a friend or loved one to find their own personal joy in the art and science of home gardening. This, of course, extends to the children and young adults in our lives. But […]
\n","content":"\nAs anyone who loves to spend the day in the garden knows one of the greatest senses of accomplishment can be leading a friend or loved one to find their own personal joy in the art and science of home gardening. This, of course, extends to the children and young adults in our lives. But with so many distractions in today’s modern life how can we best instill our love and passion that comes along with gardening?
Fortunately, the Orlando, Florida climate allows for a year-round growing season of all kinds of engaging plants that provide outdoor visual interest as well as introducing youngsters to the beauty and gratification that comes with gardening.
\n\n\n\nGet them started early. Young children often want to do everything the adults are doing. Help start their love of the outdoors and all things growing early by bringing them out with you when you garden. Infants and young children will love being in the fresh air and enjoy the sensory stimulation that comes with the outdoors. Let them play in the soil alongside you as you prepare your planting beds or help get them exploring the vibrant colors and smells of the summer blooms and foliage.
![\"\"](\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/liana-mikah-665127-unsplash.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1\")
Learn more than gardening. Creating special tasks for your young ones can help keep them engaged when doing tedious tasks in the garden. Making a game of something as simple as digging holes for new plants or picking off the spent flower heads can teach valuable lessons in fine motor skills as well as the rewards of perseverance.
\n\n\n\nCitrus & Fruit Trees. Florida is known as the Citrus State for good reason. Why not bring the delicious reward of growing your own sweet treat right on your patio? Choose from the numerous varieties available at your local garden center and pick out a non-porous pot with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom to get started. At home, place your new tree in a sunny spot that you and your children can easily watch for signs of growth. Soon enough your family will be enjoying the benefits of homegrown citrus trees, from the glossy evergreen foliage, intoxicating floral fragrance of the delicate white blooms, and the ultimate payoff: letting your little ones do the picking of fresh fruit from your tree.
\n\n\n\nVegetables- A Kid’s New Best Friend. It may be cliche, but getting your kids to eat a full serving of their vegetables might be more common than an Orlando snowstorm in July. However, a vegetable hand-picked from your own garden tastes better than anything you can buy in a store. Coupled with the excitement of planting, watching grow, and the excitement of harvesting, kids are sure to have a new appreciation for their veggies. And here in Florida home gardeners can grow a variety of vegetables all year long. Home gardens are a convenient source for healthy foods and will encourage you and your family to eat more fresh vegetables too. The choices are endless, with vegetables of all sizes, colors, and shapes. If you think that the Florida summer heat and humidity
A Small Handful of Big Flowers. As adults, we often think of our landscapes and gardens as carefully curated pieces of living art. We place a high value on perfectly formed blooms or the intricate patterning on a delicate stem of foliage. But for children, rows, and rows of beautiful blooms are a tempting treat almost too exciting to resist. If you have little ones that are eager to garden but you fear possible damage to your formal landscape consider creating a designated area for your kids to be able to explore nature in their own backyard. Choose from a few of these Orlando kid-friendly choices and watch your littles’ engagement with nature skyrocket.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stanislav-stajer-73392-unsplash.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1\")
Sunflowers are probably the most traditional seeds to give kids. They germinate so easily, you can have kids start the seeds indoors to see how fast they sprout, then move seedlings out to the garden. Kids will stay engaged with the growing process as they grow big and tall. When the season is over, they can harvest the seeds for themselves or watch as the birds come to eat them up! There are so many varieties to pick, from mammoth stalks that grow more than 10 feet high to miniature puffy teddy-bear cultivars. Hit the seed aisle at the garden center to pick your favorite.
These tough succulents are multitaskers when it comes to having a plant that both adults and kids will love. Super trendy succulents are easy to find in most garden centers and since they propagate by leaf dropping or small cuttings of stems they are a great, inexpensive, way to teach kids about plant growth habits. Being one of the more forgiving plants out there, Hens and Chicks succulent are almost impossible to kill. They love lots of sun or light shade and can be planted in the ground or in a pot. Just be sure to not over water. Kids might even want to get creative and make use of these plants in their miniature or fairy gardens.
An often overlooked plant that does well in the central Florida area is the Lamb’s Ear. It gets its descriptive name from the iconic lamb’s ear shape and ultra soft, woolly mint green leaves. Adding these low growing plants along a planting bed border will bring an underused color to your planting bed and also offers little fingers a chance to touch the unique leaves. Plus, they bloom from early summer to mid-fall so you can enjoy them for many months.
\n\n\n\nHave any questions about gardening or lawn care? Visit our Orlando page for more information!
\n\n\n\nTop Photo by Kyle Ellefson on Unsplash
\n","title":"Orlando Parents: Teaching Children the Beauty of Gardening","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/1789c/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/107df/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 320w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/293e9/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/f2cbb/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 800w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/1789c/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 960w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/f605f/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/1dd6e/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/67b76/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 320w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/8df11/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 500w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/98a65/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 800w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/1dd6e/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 960w,\n/static/6d47f2137c31fc52cc1d8cc12ed62fdd/23e94/kyle-ellefson-196125-unsplash-e1548291734238.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Orlando Parents: Teaching Children the Beauty of Gardening | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"632ba0b0-32f1-53f4-8d17-129161c838a8","slug":"best-grass-types-tennessee","path":"/lawn-care/tn/best-grass-types-tennessee/","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/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"April 30th, 2023","excerpt":"Home to America’s most-visited national park, Tennessee isn’t short of scenic attractions. You can bring some of that beauty to your front yard as well, and it starts with a lush lawn. A great lawn significantly enhances the curb appeal of your home, increases its value, and provides a space for relaxation and recreation. But […]
\n","content":"\n
Home to America’s most-visited national park, Tennessee isn’t short of scenic attractions. You can bring some of that beauty to your front yard as well, and it starts with a lush lawn.
A great lawn significantly enhances the curb appeal of your home, increases its value, and provides a space for relaxation and recreation. But not all grass is built alike. The best grass for a lawn in Tennessee will thrive in a climate that has distinct seasons and significant weather fluctuations.
\n\n\n\nBelow are the best.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrass types are usually categorized into warm-season and cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nBecause Tennessee is in the transition zone, it accommodates both cool-season and warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nHowever, take note that Tennessee is a diverse state that consists of different regions:
\n\n\n\nDepending on where in Tennessee you live, the climate, hardiness zone, and elevation may vary and impact your grass choice. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best warm-season and cool-season grasses for Tennessee below.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass can withstand heat and drought very well. It’s also a great option for busy lawns because it holds up well to foot traffic. Once established, it forms a light green, dense turf.
\n\n\n\nThis grass comes in various cultivars, each with different needs and characteristics. If you want to know which Bermudagrass is right for you, be sure to talk to an expert. Also, take note that the grass has an aggressive tunneling habit, so you’ll need to protect your ornamental beds with concrete or metal edging down to about two inches.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Low; some cultivars may have slightly better shade tolerance, but in general, Bermudagrass needs full sun
Drought tolerance: High
Foot traffic tolerance: Highly wear-resistant; if foot traffic damage does occur, Bermudagrass recovers well because of its aggressive rhizomes.
Maintenance needs: Moderate; may need mowing as often as twice per week due to its low mowing height; plan to dethatch regularly
Mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches (rotary mower) or 0.75 to 1 inch (reel mower)
Potential for disease: Low, but common diseases include spring dead spots, large patches, and take-all root rot
![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass, centipedegrass is a great option. It needs less mowing, watering, and fertilizer compared to other grass types, making it ideal for those who want a beautiful lawn without too much upkeep. Using fewer chemicals is also better for the environment and animals.
\n\n\n\nOne of the weaknesses of centipedegrass is that it can’t handle much foot traffic, so if you have a busy lawn, you should look elsewhere. This grass also grows slowly, so you may want to consider getting sod or plugs, but those will also be more expensive. Moreover, take note that not all varieties are cold-hardy.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons
Shade tolerance: Moderate; full sun or partial shade
Drought tolerance: Moderate to high (with the right maintenance)
Foot traffic tolerance: Very low; if damaged, ensure to water promptly
Maintenance needs: Low, and requires less mowing than other grasses because of its slow growth habit
Mowing height: 1 to 2 inches, depending on conditions
Potential for disease: Moderate; can be prevented with the right care
![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a dense, light-to-medium green warm-season grass that tolerates cold relatively well and can even grow in moderate shade. It can also handle weeds, drought, foot traffic, and various soil types.
\n\n\n\nHowever, keep in mind that Zoysiagrass doesn’t repair itself easily if damaged and is slow to establish. You can choose to buy sod or plugs, although that will be more costly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate (high for a warm-season grass type)
Drought tolerance: Moderate to high, depending on the cultivar
Foot traffic tolerance: High; dense growth resists damage, and spreading through stolons and rhizomes allows for quick recovery
Maintenance needs: Low to moderate
Mowing height: Typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on cultivar and shade; heights below 1 inch need a reel mower (which is recommended anyway)
Potential for disease: Low to medium, depending on the cultivar
![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nA popular choice, turf-type tall fescue is a versatile year-round green grass with coarse leaves. It resists diseases and tolerates heat, drought, and foot traffic. Often, turf-type tall fescue is mixed with Kentucky bluegrass for its strong qualities.
\n\n\n\nOf course, no grass can withstand stress 100 percent of the time. If you want your turf-type tall fescue to recover from damage easily, get variety with rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed or your lawn will go dormant
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nFine fescue grasses come in many varieties and are known for their fine texture and shade tolerance. They’re often mixed with other grass types for a more diverse and resilient lawn, but they can also be used as standalone grasses. Some varieties of fine fescue are suitable for infertile and acidic soils.
\n\n\n\nTake note that fine fescue doesn’t handle foot traffic well, so you might want to look at alternative options if you have a busy lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Depends on the variant (most variants grow in bunches, but creeping red fescue uses rhizomes)
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Mow every 2-3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2-4 times a year; aerate once a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable
Potential for disease: Moderate
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass forms a dark green turf that thrives under full sun and self-repairs if it’s damaged. This grass type is popular throughout the country for its dense, carpet-like appearance. However, it’s especially common in the Northern half of the United States where it grows best.
\n\n\n\nNote that the grass often struggles against diseases and pests. It also faces problems growing in poor soil, excessive heat, and shade. That’s why it’s often mixed with other grass types. Homeowners should keep in mind that Kentucky bluegrass also grows slowly and has shallow roots that need frequent watering.
\n\n\n\n
Classification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade, but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5-7 days; fertilize 1-3 times a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
Centipedegrass requires less water and fertilizer than other grasses. That means less work for you but also fewer chemicals getting into the environment. Additionally, centipedegrass grows slowly, reducing the need for frequent mowing.
Turf-type tall fescue can stay green throughout the year.
If you have trees or hardscapes, consider planting centipedegrass or Zoysiagrass. They’re shade-tolerant grasses that can grow in areas with less sunlight.
Busy lawn? No problem. From warm-season Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass to cool-season turf-type tall fescue (which can be mixed with Kentucky bluegrass if you prefer), you have a number of options.
Choosing the right grass type is just the beginning of making the most of your Tennessee lawn. Proper watering, fertilization, and maintenance practices are also critical. Make sure that you take the steps to take care of your lawn properly.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to add a little extra vibrancy to your yard, you may be in the market for plants. Be sure to look into planting natives. Native plants naturally grow in Tennessee’s climate, meaning that they’re easier to take care of and better for the environment and local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nIf you need a hand, why not contact a Tennessee lawn care pro?
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Stephen Yeargin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass for Your Tennessee Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/1789c/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/107df/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/293e9/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/1789c/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/c26c2/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/67b76/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.webp 320w,\n/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/8df11/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.webp 500w,\n/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/98a65/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.webp 800w,\n/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.webp 960w,\n/static/5fd2cb86b00ce5ea6e8159f7142e930a/3cc96/Lawn-in-Tennessee-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass for Your Tennessee Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Among all the amazing views in Tennessee, the one you really want is in your front yard, but it’s going to take the right kind of grass."}}},{"node":{"id":"3163ae33-24fa-539d-a4ae-42162d441c6a","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-fort-worth","path":"/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/lawn-mowing-maintenance-fort-worth/","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":"9ccd5174-167e-5379-890b-68ac830ec905","name":"Forth Worth","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Fort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore. And lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on […]
\n","content":"\nFort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore.
\n\n\n\nAnd lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on it, and more time enjoying the 13th-largest city in the United States.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth likes you to keep up the appearance of your lawn. In fact, it insists, in the form of a code compliance office that will issue you a notice if your grass is taller than 12 inches. Properties overgrown with high grass and weeds are not just unsightly, the city says, but “they pose a fire hazard, block visibility for driers, harbor rodents and snakes and contribute to pests like mosquitoes and chiggers.”
\n\n\n\nIgnore the notice for more than 10 days and the city will send out a crew to cut it for you. The cost: $250, payable within 30 days. Failure to pay can result in a lien being placed against the property.
\n\n\n\nIf your neighbor’s grass gets too high, the city makes it easy to file a complaint online.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the most common grasses for lawns in Fort Worth. Zoysia varieties are also making their mark.
\n\n\n\nIn the mood for something more exotic? Texas-bred native grasses based on buffalograss have great drought tolerance, though the appearance is scruffily untraditional. The Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth is one of many buildings experimenting with a buffalograss blend.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses such as the ones that thrive in Fort Worth have their heaviest growth in the summer, so you’ll want to keep to a regular mowing schedule then. If you’re doing the job yourself in the 90+ degree heat, keep your mower blades sharp to prevent shredding that could injure your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMowing heights for different grass varieties are as follows:
\n\n\n\nIn the past, the typical practice was to remove lawn clippings and have them hauled to the landfill. That’s no longer the case, as lawn clippings are now seen as an important source of fertilizer for the lawn. On a typical lawn, leaving the clippings in place to decompose and return nitrogen to the soil for a full season added enough nutrients for you to skip one round of fertilization.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth’s climate is on the hot side, with average highs in the mid-90s in July and August. Expect about 40 inches of rain, with May, June and October the wettest months. That leaves a lot of hot, dry days in the mid to late summer in between, when your lawn will want a deep drink of water. But you’ll need to follow the city’s watering restrictions, imposed year-round to conserve the resource. Lawn irrigation by sprinkler or irrigation system is banned from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Penalties are stiff for violation: up to $2,000 for each offense.
\n\n\n\nBe polite and don’t mow too early or too late. The city has a noise ordinance. While it does not mention lawn mowers or leaf blowers specifically, it does bar “unreasonable noise,” especially at night.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in Fort Worth? We got you covered! Go to our Fort Worth, TX lawn care page for more information.
Mississippi’s diverse climate allows for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to grow, though high rainfall and hot temperatures sometimes hinder the successful growth of a lush lawn. Despite these challenges, agriculture has been successful in Mississippi for centuries thanks to its naturally fertile soils. Whether you choose a warm-season or cool-season grass for your landscape […]
\n","content":"\nMississippi’s diverse climate allows for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to grow, though high rainfall and hot temperatures sometimes hinder the successful growth of a lush lawn. Despite these challenges, agriculture has been successful in Mississippi for centuries thanks to its naturally fertile soils.
\n\n\n\nWhether you choose a warm-season or cool-season grass for your landscape depends on many factors. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the best cultivar. Read on to discover the 7 best grass types for Mississippi.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re new to lawn care, distinguishing between cool-season and warm-season grasses can be challenging. Although many maintenance tips apply to both types, they have their share of differences.
\n\n\n\nNorthern Mississippi is in the transition zone, experiencing both hot summers and cold winters. Both cool-season and warm-season grass types grow well in these regions. In the rest of the Magnolia State, warm-season cultivars dominate.
\n\n\n\nEvery homeowner should know when their grass grows, when it goes dormant, and how it handles climate conditions. Whether you select a cool-season or warm-season grass depends on your preferences, location, and the characteristics of your landscape. Consider the unique traits of different grass types:
\n\n\n\nBottom line: Plant warm-season grasses in late spring or early summer, and stick to sowing cool-season varieties in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe following grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Mississippi:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass, also known as Bahama grass or dog’s tooth grass, is an excellent choice for many parts of the South, including Mississippi. It is quick-growing and thrives in most soil types. Bermudagrass is drought, humidity, and salt-tolerant and grows best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season cultivar stands up to heavy foot traffic, recovers quickly, and is disease resistant. Bermudagrass is relatively high-maintenance, requiring weekly fertilization and watering during the spring growing season.
\n\n\n\nCommon bermudagrass is coarser in texture, though hybrid cultivars can create a more fine-textured, albeit high-maintenance, lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and is able to outcompete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns. Tolerant of most soil types
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carpetgrass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCarpetgrass likes tropical climates, moist, fertile soils, and full sun but can easily thrive in partial shade. In fact, experts recommend planting carpetgrass in Mississippi landscapes with large shade trees.
\n\n\n\nCarpetgrass thrives on one inch of water per week. It is a low-maintenance and adaptable grass with a coarse texture that creates a dense, light-to-medium green lawn. It is high-maintenance like bermudagrass and requires regular mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow weekly to control seed heads
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Large patch is common
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Infertile, moist but not waterlogged, acidic, sandy
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Usually established by seed. Flourishes in warm and humid conditions along the Gulf Coast. Does not thrive in arid climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThough slow-growing, centipedegrass is a Mississippi favorite. This medium-textured grass has bright green leaves and a dense growth habit. It is low-maintenance and disease and pest-resistant. Cultivars grow well in partial shade but prefer full sun.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass isn’t exceptionally drought-tolerant and requires sandy, limestone soils for steady growth. It prefers acidic soils with a pH below 7.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a drought and heat-tolerant warm-season grass that blooms in May. It prefers full sun and sandy, well-drained soils. It is more cold and shade-resistant than other warm-season cultivars thanks to a deep root system. Cultivars can hold their own against drought, heavy foot traffic, and weeds.
\n\n\n\nThis slow-growing, dark-green turfgrass produces a dense lawn that needs to be cut with sharp mower blades. Insects have a hard time invading zoysiagrass thanks to its thick blades and growth habit.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a popular cool-season grass, well suited for the northern regions of Mississippi. It is easy to establish, has a coarse texture, and remains green during the cold months when warm-season varieties turn brown and go dormant.
\n\n\n\nTall Fescue is a bunch-type grass that grows most vigorously during spring and fall. It is adaptable but prefers fertile, well-drained, clay soils. Cultivars require regular irrigation during the summer months. Tall fescue loves the sun but tolerates moderate shade.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate – can be susceptible to brown patch, leaf spot, seedling disease, cutworms, armyworms, grubs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize it only once in September and November. To restore the lushness of your lawn and address thinning and patchy areas, it is recommended to sow new grass seeds every few years.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance, high-quality turfgrass with deep roots that rely on regular watering and fertilization. Kentucky bluegrass recovers quickly from injury, so active kids and pets running around won’t be a problem, and its beautiful bluish-green color increases curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nCultivars form a fine-textured, dense, carpet-like lawn, but take six months to thicken. While it grows best in the sun, it doesn’t tolerate high heat and drought unless it is well irrigated. Plank Kentucky bluegrass in northern Mississippi and Tennessee border regions.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lolium_perenne_TK_2021-06-26_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: T. Kebert / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is widely used throughout the U.S., but its application varies from region to region. Cultivars are commonly found in the northern regions of Mississippi, where cool and warm temperatures meet in the middle.
\n\n\n\nIt is a deep green-colored grass with a glossy texture and the highest traffic tolerance of any cool-season variety. Perennial ryegrass is often used around homes, schools, athletic fields, and parks.
\n\n\n\nThis rich, fine-textured grass wins major points for its fast germination rate, quick establishment, and disease resistance. While not as cold-hardy as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, perennial ryegrass thrives in moderate summers and cool winters. It is important to note cultivars are usually mixed with other grass types like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, or fine fescue to create a hardy and drought-tolerant lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low (summer dormancy in some areas)
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but poor recuperative ability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, especially in areas with hot, humid summers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, high fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is preferred when it comes to heavy foot traffic in the Southern states.
Zoysiagrass is one of the easiest turfgrasses to maintain. It withstands drought and survives in poor soil conditions with little upkeep. It also stands up to diseases, pests, and weeds.
Perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are the best cool-season grass varieties for shaded lawns, while zoysiagrass is the most shade-tolerant warm-season cultivar.
When choosing a grass type for your lawn, consider sun exposure, soil type, watering capabilities, and maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nThe grass type you select should match your needs and budget. Whether you pick bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, fine fescue, or any other cultivar, a well-maintained lawn is the difference between fab and drab. For additional inspiration, check out our guide detailing the best native plants for Mississippi.
\n\n\n\nFor a worry-free lawn care experience and a healthy outdoor space, let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro today. Our trusted experts are spread out across Jackson, Southaven, Olive Branch, Pearl, Ridgeland, and many other cities in the Magnolia State.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: ScottOldham / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Mississippi","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2396694214876034,"src":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1789c/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/107df/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/293e9/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/f2cbb/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1789c/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/c26c2/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1dd6e/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/67b76/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 320w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/8df11/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 500w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/98a65/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 800w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1dd6e/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 960w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/3cc96/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Mississippi | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"From bermudagrass to Kentucky bluegrass, choose one of the 7 best grass types for Mississippi’s humid, subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"45f5f0f2-f443-5545-96e7-932dcfd8f03a","slug":"best-grasses-eastern-tennessee","path":"/lawn-care/tn/best-grasses-eastern-tennessee/","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/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"May 9th, 2023","excerpt":"Let’s be honest about this: With its rolling mountains and gentle waterfalls, Eastern Tennessee is one of the most visually stunning places in the U.S. It makes sense, then, that you’d want a lawn that matches that view, and you can have it if you know what grass seed grows best in Eastern Tennessee. But […]
\n","content":"\nLet’s be honest about this: With its rolling mountains and gentle waterfalls, Eastern Tennessee is one of the most visually stunning places in the U.S. It makes sense, then, that you’d want a lawn that matches that view, and you can have it if you know what grass seed grows best in Eastern Tennessee.
\n\n\n\nBut of course grass is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Each variety has different characteristics, different maintenance needs, and tolerates bugs, diseases and shade to varying degrees. The challenge is finding one that thrives here and suits your lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nIn this guide, we walk you through the best ones for Eastern Tennessee.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere you live affects which grass types thrive in your area. Tennessee is a state of diverse climates:
\n\n\n\nGenerally speaking, you can make your choice from our Tennessee grass types. However, much of Eastern Tennessee is more elevated than the rest of the state, which means it’s also colder. If you’re in an elevated region, cool-season grasses are the better pick.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, if you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of rain, you should consider using a grass that can withstand droughts.
\n\n\n\nHere are four grasses that tolerate both drought and cold and work well in Eastern Tennessee.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue is a popular option in Tennessee, and for a good reason. While it’s a cool-season grass, it’s perfect for transition zones thanks to its high drought and heat tolerance. In addition, it’s easy to maintain and isn’t as susceptible to diseases or thatch as other grass types. To get the best of both grasses, some homeowners like to mix turf-type tall fescue with Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nIf you expect a lot of foot traffic on your lawn, turf-type tall fescue should be able to handle it. But if damage occurs, your grass will be able to repair itself if you choose a variety with rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Low
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn with little foot traffic, creeping red fescue may be the right choice. It’s a fine fescue variety that needs little maintenance and even handles drought to some extent. Creeping red fescue can also be used together with Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, this grass isn’t that durable, so if you expect a lot of activity on your lawn, this may not be the right grass for you. Also, take note that fine fescue grasses are prone to thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Low
Recommended mowing Height: 3 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nFor a dense, lush lawn, Kentucky bluegrass is a great choice. It grows well in cool climates and is known for its smooth texture and dark green color. Additionally, Kentucky bluegrass tolerates foot traffic well in colder months and recovers quickly from damage.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Kentucky bluegrass also grows slowly and can become damaged by too much shade, heat, and poor soil. It’s also prone to thatch buildup. It’s often mixed with other grasses to help it thrive. Regardless, though, it’s a slow-growing grass that needs more attention than alternatives.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade, but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: High
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSo far, we’ve only mentioned cold-season grasses; but if you’re in for a warm-season grass that will thrive even in the midst of a scorching summer, zoysiagrass is the right fit. Out of all warm-season grasses, Zoysiagrass is the best at tolerating cold weather, and it can even handle some shade. It also handles a variety of soil types as well as stressors such as drought, heat, foot traffic, and weeds.
\n\n\n\nNevertheless, be careful, because once Zoyisiagrass gets damaged, it doesn’t repair itself. It also takes a long time to establish; and while buying plugs or sod may speed up the process, it will also be more costly. Additionally, you need to watch out for thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate (high for a warm-season grass type)
Drought tolerance: Moderate to high, depending on the cultivar
Foot traffic tolerance: High; dense growth resists damage, and spreading through stolons and rhizomes allows for quick recovery
Maintenance needs: Low to moderate
Mowing height: Typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on cultivar and shade; heights below 1 inch need a reel mower (which is recommended anyway)
Potential for disease: Low to medium, depending on the cultivar
If you live in a cold area with little rain, turf-type tall fescue is the best choice. This grass is known for its year-round foliage as well as its ability to handle drought. It’s also easy to take care of, doesn’t get diseases like other grasses, and handles foot traffic and moderate shade.
If you’d like your lawn to thrive even when temperatures max out in the summer, Zoysiagrass may be your pick. It’s a warm-season grass that tolerates both cold temperatures and drought. Plus, it also easily handles foot traffic and is relatively easy to maintain.
Fine fescue grasses typically tolerate shade well, so if you have a lot of trees or hardscapes that obstruct sunlight in your lawn, and if it doesn’t get too dry or busy, creeping red fescue may be a good option.
Although there are many lovely kinds of grasses out there, Kentucky bluegrass is known for its dense, lush growth and is a popular choice for lawns in cooler climates. It’s a high-maintenance option that’s often picked for its specific look and texture, but it’s also relatively resistant to heat and foot traffic.
Have you found the right grass type? If so, make sure you learn all about it and properly maintain it to ensure a healthy and vibrant lawn. Consider regular maintenance jobs such as aerating, overseeing, mowing, watering, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nEven if you pick a low-maintenance grass type, there will still be a list of tasks you’ll need to get through on the regular. If you’d like some help keeping your lawn in mint condition, get in touch with one of WikiLawn’s lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Smoke321 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass Seed for Your Eastern Tennessee Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/1789c/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/107df/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/293e9/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/f2cbb/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/1789c/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/c26c2/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/1dd6e/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/67b76/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.webp 320w,\n/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/8df11/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.webp 500w,\n/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/98a65/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.webp 800w,\n/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/1dd6e/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.webp 960w,\n/static/5cd34b7b8021f7c711bdd71afc3b3428/3cc96/Lawn-of-ETSU-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Seed for Your Eastern Tennessee Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Enjoy the beauty of greenery in your yard by planting the right grass type. Here are the best grasses for Eastern Tennessee."}}},{"node":{"id":"d30dfd89-7cdd-5d62-a619-9b342ae0cbed","slug":"helpful-tips-for-pet-proofing-your-austin-tx-landscape","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/helpful-tips-for-pet-proofing-your-austin-tx-landscape/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"January 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them! Pets, most often […]
\n","content":"\nDogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them!
Pets, most often dogs, like to go outside for playtime or to lay in the sun. Your landscaping practices may pose several threats to your pets as they try to enjoy their time. Things such as fertilizers, pesticides, mulch, and compost could be toxic if your animal tries to eat or lick it. Which is highly likely if you have a puppy because puppies are adventurous and will get into anything!
So, if you need to pet-proof your Austin, TX landscape, here are some tips!
\n\n\n\nYou might spend hours on your seasonal flower bed only for your dog to dig it up and eat the flowers. These things happen! Many common flowers can be poisonous to dogs. If you’re unsure, call your vet to confirm that your flower selections are dog safe.
A few common backyard flowers that are dangerous for dogs include:
\n\n\n\nPet owners have to worry about more than just flowers. Hundreds of common houseplants and garden plants are toxic for your animal. Here are the 10 most common toxic plants in Austin, TX.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a swimming pool or a pond as part of your landscape, you need to take some extra precautions. Yes, dogs can typically swim, but falling into a pond or a pool can be deadly for your pet.
Pet owners should teach their pets how to get out of their pools from the time they’re little in case they ever fall in accidentally. It could save their lives!
\n\n\n\nDo you have your trash can sitting on the side of your house awaiting trash pick-up day? Most of us do, but that can be hazardous to your dog. Make sure the trash cans are secured with appropriately fitting and locking lids.
Dogs are curious, and the smell of old food is appealing. He will happily take a bite of that old burger without realizing its soaked in old cleaning supplies.
\n\n\n\nInsecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may perform an important job for you, but they can be toxic for your pet. If you do decide to use them, keep your pet away from the lawn when it’s recently been treated. Dogs and cats should never walk on freshly sprayed lawns. Put your animal in another area for a few days.
Ideally, you wouldn’t treat the areas that your pet will spend his time. That prevents your pets from accidentally ingesting any of the chemicals. Dogs do sometimes decide to eat grass.
Most importantly, be sure all of these chemicals are locked up out of your pet’s reach. Put them in your shed or garage. A dog would happily take a drink of some chemicals spilled all over the floor.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is fenced, that’s a huge bonus! Fences keep your pets safe and prevent them from running away. Puppies and dogs need plenty of exercise. A dog or little puppy can easily find a small gap or hole in your fence that you may not notice. So, it’s important for you to regularly check your fence to make sure it’s secure for your animals.
\n\n\n\nTall grass can be a haven for ticks and snakes to hide. While most snakes aren’t venomous, a few poisonous snakes do call Austin, TX home like the Western diamondback rattlesnake.
Make sure you mow your grass regularly and remove any branches that are laying around. Clear out debris often. Ticks can be harmful to your dogs! Plus, fleas love tall grass. Unlike other parts of the nation, Austin doesn’t have a specific flea season. Austin doesn’t have multiple days of below-freezing temperatures or extended dry conditions, so fleas can survive year-round. That means you need to pay attention to your pets to be sure they’re flea-free and cut your grass regularly.
\n\n\n\nIt would be nice if Fido understood walking in your new garden bed is a bad idea, but they have no concept of that. Owners have the responsibility of deciding what areas are off-limits by creating physical reminders.
You can do this by making walls, fences, or pieces of wood to create a makeshift fence around the areas you want your pet to stay away from. Another idea is planting tall, native grasses or bushes. Make sure the plants that you pick aren’t poisonous.
\n\n\n\nGrass will turn brown and die in the area that your dog uses the bathroom. Rather than having random spots throughout your entire lawn, pick a spot where you want your dog to do his business.
\n\n\n\nKeep the grass in that area well watered and longer than the other parts of your yard because it helps dilute the urine and hide the brown spots. Some smart pet owners create a bathroom area hidden behind a fence or a wall so guests don’t notice.
You could also hardscape the area where your dog does his business. Hardscaping would make it easier for you to scoop up feces and spray urine away with a hose!
\n\n\n\nPet owners have the responsibility of keeping their animals safe and sound in their environments. Dogs and some cats are adventurous outside, so you have to pay special attention to how you’ll handle your landscape and yard.
The most important thing is to avoid anything that could be toxic to your animal. That means be sure that your flowers and plants aren’t toxic to animals. If you aren’t sure, talk to your vet. Keep all of the chemicals out of their reach, stored inside a shed or garage ideally.
Last, always watch for dangers. That could be a loose fence board or a pond that you think is beautiful. Landscaping and pets can mix harmoniously with a little planning on your end.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care tips? Visit our Austin lawn care page for more information about everything lawn-related.
\n","title":"Helpful Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Austin, TX Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5003663003663004,"src":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1789c/dog-in-the-yard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/107df/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/293e9/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/f2cbb/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1789c/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/d2f4e/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1dd6e/dog-in-the-yard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/67b76/dog-in-the-yard.webp 320w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/8df11/dog-in-the-yard.webp 500w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/98a65/dog-in-the-yard.webp 800w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1dd6e/dog-in-the-yard.webp 960w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/8952c/dog-in-the-yard.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Helpful Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Austin, TX Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3212e9a6-d283-54df-afa2-0e32551b8d69","slug":"4-pros-and-cons-of-diy-lawn-care-in-washington-dc","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/4-pros-and-cons-of-diy-lawn-care-in-washington-dc/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"September 8th, 2018","excerpt":"Living in Washington, DC provides bushels of options when it comes to lawn care. You can choose from hundreds of professional landscapers or you can go the do-it-yourself route. Depending on your schedule, property size, and the shade of your green thumb there are several pros and cons. Keep in mind. Lawn care shouldn’t stress […]
\n","content":"Living in Washington, DC provides bushels of options when it comes to lawn care. You can choose from hundreds of professional landscapers or you can go the do-it-yourself route. Depending on your schedule, property size, and the shade of your green thumb there are several pros and cons.
\nKeep in mind. Lawn care shouldn’t stress you out as a homeowner. Your yard should enhance your life and make for peaceful days hanging around the homestead.
\nIf you need help deciding, here are a few pros and cons of do-it-yourself lawn care in Washington, DC:
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/pushing-a-lawnmower.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr / East Cobber
\nYou may not think of a lawn mower on the same level as a treadmill, but yardwork can still work up a sweat. Walking behind a mower for 30 minutes can burn as many calories as walking around the block for half an hour. More actually, if you go old-school by using a mower that is not self-propelled.
\nThe average high temperature for Washington, DC in July is 88 degrees. So you’re sure to sweat some extra calories during the hottest months.
\nOf course, if you prefer to stay inside amidst the heat, then you can call a professional to help you out. Allergies can also make it difficult to brace pollen levels in your yard.
\nSome folks actually see riding a mower as their “zen time.” With a continuous motion, you can clear up some mindful headspace. This is a time when there are typically few to no distractions besides your focus on your lawn.
\nOn the other hand, if bouncing around on a roaring 15-horsepower machine is not soothing to you, that’s cool. Just be sure to have some native plants around such as the Cut-leaved Coneflower or some Blue Wild Indigo for added serenity. Being native to the Washington, DC area, these plants are easy to grow and maintain.
\nIt makes sense that pruning your own bushes, planting your own Flowering Dogwoods, and aerating your own turf will save you money. A penny saved is a penny earned right? Sorta.
\nWe need to be careful not to step over a fescue colored dollar bill to pick up a dime. The average price for lawn care in Washington, DC is $51.81, which you could think adds up over time. Yes, it does–but there are also recurring costs to doing your own lawn care that you might not realize also add up:
\nNot to mention the possibility of a lawn mower payment. High quality ride along lawn mowers can cost a few thousand dollars or so. But there are also basic models of an electric push mower for about $130, yet these can take a little more time and effort to utilize.
\nIf you are out in your yard weekly, cleaning up or pulling weeds, you notice more about your property.
\nYou’ll see fences in need of fresh paint. Maybe you’ll notice a dangerous old tree at your property line. Perhaps you will even learn more about your entire neighborhood by being outdoors regularly.
\nHaving a lawn care provider with excellent customer care should also be on the lookout for property problems for you. As it’s more potential work for lawn care crews or even a network of service providers. And it keeps you happy with his attention to detail and willingness to help beyond the green chores.
\nStill have questions about lawn care in Washington DC? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or visit our Washington DC lawn care page.
\n","title":"4 Pros and Cons of DIY Lawn Care in Washington, DC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/1789c/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg","srcSet":"/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/107df/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg 320w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/293e9/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg 500w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/f2cbb/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg 800w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/1789c/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg 960w","srcWebp":"/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/1dd6e/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/67b76/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp 320w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/8df11/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp 500w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/98a65/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp 800w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/1dd6e/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp 960w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Pros and Cons of DIY Lawn Care in Washington, DC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"8436bb98-3733-5c09-a8b9-5b91d51084c7","slug":"how-landscaping-affects-home-value-in-austin-tx","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-landscaping-affects-home-value-in-austin-tx/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 8th, 2018","excerpt":"Landscaping may seem like an afterthought, something that is nice but not a necessity. That may be true if you are at your house for the long haul, even though most homeowners find landscaping appealing. However, those on the hunt to sell their home or simply want to increase your property value, landscaping can increase […]
\n","content":"Landscaping may seem like an afterthought, something that is nice but not a necessity. That may be true if you are at your house for the long haul, even though most homeowners find landscaping appealing. However, those on the hunt to sell their home or simply want to increase your property value, landscaping can increase its value, particularly for homes in Austin, TX.
\nWhat’s the first thing you notice when you arrive at a home? You notice landscaping! It might be the tall bushes under the large window. It could the garden bed full of perennial flowers. Proper lawn care and landscaping make an impact where it’s needed – the first impression.
\nSo, when potential buyers arrive at your home, you want to make a serious first impression. They should remember the landscaping and how well your property is maintained. Many buyers will turn away if they think the landscaping is subpar! So, take the first steps and focus on landscaping.
\nMaking a good first impression is important in Austin’s variable market. You are more likely to set the expectation that the rest of the home is just as amazing as this one.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/add-trees-to-your-yard.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr // Huge Cool
\nDid you know that mature trees add beauty AND increase your home’s value if they are planted correctly? Mature trees can increase your property’s value by up to 10 percent! Homes in Austin are no exception; potential homebuyers love them! Trees offer vital shade to lawns with families and kids.
\nIt’s important that trees aren’t planted too close to the home because large tree roots can cause foundation issues. So, do your homework before planting to avoid pipes and wires, then you can enjoy the added home value years later.
\nOn the other side, dead and dying trees will hurt your resale value. That means if you plan to put your home on the market anytime soon, you should remove any dead trees and branches. After removing the dead branches, fertilizing, prune, and trim the healthy ones as well. This theory goes with anything on your project. Anything that is not taken care of or well-maintained will decrease your home value.
\nDon’t worry; you will get back your cost when you sell the home. Even if it costs you $1,000 to take care of the trees around your house, you can expect to make that money back after the house sells.
\nLandscaping can increase your home’s value by up to 12% – that’s impressive! Now, some landscaping CAN be expensive, so you have to find cheap and easy ways to make sure your yard is maintained.
\nHere are some helpful tips for keeping your lawn in tiptop shape:
\nLandscaping is more than just plants and flower beds; it’s also the porch or patio in your backyard. A well-planned landscape creates an outdoor living space that gives the homeowner more area to spend with friends and family.
\nAustin, TX residents are lucky; the climate is sub-tropical and warm more often than not. Residents want to take advantage of that and live outside. Your home’s landscape plans might include a covered space, like a pergola, with drapes and couches for relaxing. There could be an area to grill and serve drinks to friends. Don’t forget a firepit and a huge swing set.
\nLandscaping includes other things as well, such as:
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/landscaping-adds-money-in-your-pocket.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr // Red Jacket Resorts
\nA well-landscaped home can get 5.5 to 12.7 percent increase in the home’s original value. That means if your home is worth $200,000, you can earn an extra $10,000 to $25,400 when your home finally sells!
\nResearch shows that large landscape expenditures increase the home value and fetch a higher selling price than homes with minimal landscape. According to the responders in the study, most homeowners want to purchase a home with a sophisticated landscape. Plant size and the diversity of the plants also play a factor in how pleased home layers.
\nYou might wonder what is a sophisticated landscape includes. Home buyers want to see large deciduous trees, along with evergreen trees and colorful annual plants. The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests that homeowners invest 10 percent of the home’s value into landscaping.
\nHomebuyers want to see more than plants. Outdoor rooms, terraces, and decks are high-returning investments to make in your landscaping plans.
\nIf you’re trying to figure out how landscaping affects home value, you might want to consider calling in a professional. A landscape architect can create a detailed plan that a contractor will be able to follow. Best of all, the plan will be just for your home! These experts understand botany, engineering, and design, anything with horticulture.
\nUsing a professional also helps you avoid the most common mistake when it comes to landscaping – piecing things together. Your landscaping plan should flow together, and homeowners often start random projects without a plan as to how it all fits together. The result looks like a hodgepodge, which can turn off homebuyers.
\nAustin, TX has a competitive real estate market right now, and there is a lot of competition against your home. If you want to stand out against others AND get the most bang for your buck, hire a professional to create a landscaping plan. A well-designed landscape will make a lasting first impression, leading to a quick offer when you decide it’s time to sell your home.
\nStill have questions about lawn care or landscaping? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or visit our Austin lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"How Landscaping Affects Home Value in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.499531396438613,"src":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1789c/atx-skyline.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/107df/atx-skyline.jpg 320w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/293e9/atx-skyline.jpg 500w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/f2cbb/atx-skyline.jpg 800w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1789c/atx-skyline.jpg 960w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/9352a/atx-skyline.jpg 1600w","srcWebp":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1dd6e/atx-skyline.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/67b76/atx-skyline.webp 320w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/8df11/atx-skyline.webp 500w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/98a65/atx-skyline.webp 800w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1dd6e/atx-skyline.webp 960w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/72532/atx-skyline.webp 1600w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How Landscaping Affects Home Value in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}}],"postCity":{"node":{"name":"San Antonio","slug":"san-antonio","state":{"name":"Texas","slug":"tx"},"suburbs":[{"name":"Monte Vista","slug":"monte-vista"},{"name":"La Vernia","slug":"la-vernia"},{"name":"Boerne","slug":"boerne"},{"name":"Schertz","slug":"schertz"},{"name":"Bandera","slug":"bandera"},{"name":"Seguin","slug":"seguin"},{"name":"Universal City","slug":"universal-city"},{"name":"New Braunfels","slug":"new-braunfels"},{"name":"Pipe Creek","slug":"pipe-creek"},{"name":"Hondo","slug":"hondo"},{"name":"Devine","slug":"devine"},{"name":"Floresville","slug":"floresville"},{"name":"Spring Branch","slug":"spring-branch"},{"name":"Cibolo","slug":"cibolo"},{"name":"Poteet","slug":"poteet"},{"name":"Helotes","slug":"helotes"},{"name":"Canyon Lake","slug":"canyon-lake"},{"name":"Pleasanton","slug":"pleasanton"}],"parentCity":null}}}}}![Forest & Kim Starr](\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp..jpg\"){kind=link}