![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
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\nPhoto 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"}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"8cff5cf2-5a80-5ebf-8a91-9f1bc539adb6","slug":"best-grass-seeds-spokane","path":"/lawn-care/wa/spokane/best-grass-seeds-spokane/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9a1d6289-f5f9-5fd2-aa9f-f9fe36bdb658","name":"Spokane","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/spokane/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"May 3rd, 2023","excerpt":"One of the great things about Spokane is its natural diversity and distinct seasons. But all that diversity has a price: Not all grasses thrive in conditions that swing from hot to cold and snowy. So if a beautiful lawn is a must-have, it pays to know what kinds of grasses do well in our […]
\n","content":"\nOne of the great things about Spokane is its natural diversity and distinct seasons. But all that diversity has a price: Not all grasses thrive in conditions that swing from hot to cold and snowy.
\n\n\n\nSo if a beautiful lawn is a must-have, it pays to know what kinds of grasses do well in our unique climate. Here are the four best grasses for your Spokane lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two primary types of grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are your go-to choice for Spokane’s warm summers and cool snowy winters.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Red fescue, a type of fine fescue
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a highly versatile grass that does well in shade but also tolerates full sun. The leaves appear medium green with thin grass blades and a soft texture. Fine fescue is a low-maintenance grass but is susceptible to red thread. You can minimize the damage with proper nutrients and fungicides.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue can survive with minimal watering. However, if you plan on hosting many events in your yard, we don’t recommend this grass as it doesn’t tolerate high foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a popular grass type across Washington. However, we recommend you mix it with other cool-season grasses, as fine fescue takes a long time to recover from damage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a coarse-textured grass that’s medium to dark green in color. It tolerates shade really well and needs just four hours of dappled sun a day to survive. Tall fescue has a deep root system, making it drought-tolerant, too.
\n\n\n\nWhile tall fescue can endure kids and pets playing, it doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic because it doesn’t contain stolons or rhizomes to repair itself. So, you have to overseed your tall fescue lawn to fill the damaged spots.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue requires little maintenance and can grow in almost all types of soils, but it prefers fertile, well-drained soil. It also resists diseases and insects.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass (KBG) is one of the most popular grass types in the United States. It looks beautiful with its dense and medium- to dark-green appearance. KBG is smooth-textured but can tolerate high foot traffic and recovers quickly from damages.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass prefers full sun and requires regular watering. It’s a high-maintenance grass that requires frequent mowing and fertilization.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass can be a good option for your Spokane lawn only if you mix it with other cool-season grasses. You can use a grass blend of 75% KBG and 25% fine fescue or another cool-season grass.
\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 among the fastest-growing grass types, requiring only about 10 days or less for the seeds to sprout. It’s a fine-textured grass that looks beautiful with its dark green leaves.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is soft on bare feet and tolerates high traffic. In fact, it’s so durable that it’s popular for golf courses in many parts of the country. On the downside, perennial ryegrass doesn’t quickly recover from damage.
Perennial ryegrass grows best in full sun and requires regular watering. It’s susceptible to red thread. But you can avoid it with proper maintenance.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue and turf-type tall fescue are the best options for a low-maintenance lawn.
In Spokane, the best option for a shady lawn is perennial ryegrass.
Fine fescue and turf-type tall fescue have low watering needs.
Any of these cool-season grasses will thrive in your Spokane lawn, so choose one that best suits your needs.
\n\n\n\nBut if you want to enjoy your free time with your family instead of doing lawn chores, Wikilawn Spokane lawn care pros are here to help. We can also transform your ordinary lawn into a beautiful garden to create a better living environment for your family.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Manito Park / Roman Eugeniusz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for Spokane, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.593625498007968,"src":"/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/1789c/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/107df/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 320w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/293e9/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 500w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/f2cbb/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 800w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/1789c/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 960w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/c26c2/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/1dd6e/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/67b76/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 320w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/8df11/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 500w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/98a65/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 800w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/1dd6e/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 960w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/3cc96/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for Spokane, WA","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a great lawn with minimal effort? It starts with choosing a cool-season grass that thrives in Spokane’s warm summers and snowy winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"669a157f-11d9-5a5b-922c-7e43291b39cc","slug":"great-perennials-for-north-carolina","path":"/lawn-care/nc/great-perennials-for-north-carolina/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Want a garden that is both beautiful and low-maintenance? Try these 10 great perennials for your North Carolina landscape, which are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive in our temperate climate and its four distinct seasons. In this article: 1. American Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) Photo Credit: Kevin Kenny / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 […]
\n","content":"\nWant a garden that is both beautiful and low-maintenance? Try these 10 great perennials for your North Carolina landscape, which are both beautiful and hardy enough to thrive in our temperate climate and its four distinct seasons.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Boneset.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kevin Kenny / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican boneset distinguishes itself by the small white flowers it sprouts between late summer and early fall. These flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Once pollinated, they sprout seeds that attract songbirds.
\n\n\n\nAnother cool fact: The American Boneset, which was awarded the 2003 NC Wildflower of the Year, was historically used as a medicine for the flu, fevers, and colds.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, high organic matter
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pleasant floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Frequent standing water
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe bright yellow black-eyed Susan is popular due to its long bloom time, giving a garden bed a long-lasting splash of color. Bees and butterflies use it as a source of both nectar and pollen, and songbirds eat their seeds when they’re ripe.
\n\n\n\nThe black-eyed Susan reseeds readily, but other plants keep it in check. It adapts to numerous soils, making it easy to plant in North Carolina.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring, summer, early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. It has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Can self-seed freely. Black-eyed Susan can become aggressive if given too perfect an environment and insufficient competition.
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCardinal flower sets itself apart with its brilliant red flowers, a nod to the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. Cardinal flowers are generally low-maintenance. However, they require frequent watering to maintain the moist soil they prefer. Some afternoon shade will shield them from the heat and prevent them from drying out.
\n\n\n\nWhile historically used for medicine, all parts of the plant are poisonous, so it’s not the best choice for parents or pet owners. The cardinal flower was selected as the 1982, 1983, and 2001 NC Wildflower of the Year.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low.
\n\n\n\n![\"Foamflower\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Foamflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Evan M. Raskin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFoamflower can get up to a foot tall, making it a good ground cover. In spring, spiked flowers bloom, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These flowers range from cream-colored to light pink.
\n\n\n\nIn early summer, black fruits bloom, which can be dried. Foamflower was named the 1986 NC Wildflower of the Year.
\n\n\n\nSun: Part to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, hummus-rich, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Keith Pomakis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGarden phlox is a perennial growing in woodlands, thickets, gardens, prairies, and forests. In summer, dome-shaped pink, purple, or white flowers sprout, and the entire plant blooms in the fall. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
\n\n\n\nHowever, garden phlox has disease and pest problems. It’s vulnerable to powdery mildew and root rot and attracts spider mites in hot and dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, high organic matter, good drainage, moist
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid-summer to mid-fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water in dry summers. Avoid overhead watering.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Indian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Pink.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Levisay / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClassified as a NC threatened species, Indian Pink stands out with its red and yellow flowers that bloom in spring. These tubular flowers see hummingbirds as their main visitor. Its fruits develop after the flowers, which provide a food source for songbirds.
\n\n\n\nIndian Pink is poisonous to humans, deer, and rabbits. It usually grows in moist woods and along wooded stream banks.
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late Spring to Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 CA
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe fabulously showy New England aster grows in moist meadows, prairies, low valleys, and stream banks. It sprouts large, purple flowers with yellow centers in late summer and early fall. These flowers attract wildlife like bees and butterflies while also making great cut flowers for arrangements.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, high organic matter, good drainage, moist, occasionally dry
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late Summer and Fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water weekly or when the topmost layer of soil dries out
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple coneflowers are popular pollinator plants. They bloom pink-purple flowers with spiky cone-shaped centers. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies visit them in the growing season, and songbirds eat the seeds after they sprout in the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflowers are favorites at the garden center. Native Americans use their roots to treat coughs and fevers, and its ingredients are still used in teas and medicines today.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, clay, rocky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, swamp milkweed likes wet, moist, and swampy areas. It grows clusters of pink or white flowers in mid to late summer. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while being deer resistant.
\n\n\n\nIn 2005, the swamp milkweed was named the North Carolina Wildflower of the Year. It’s a critical host for monarch butterflies, which have declined due to habitat loss.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, moist, wet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid to late summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Virginia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Virginia-Bluebells.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells bloom in spring and go dormant by late summer. Due to the sap in their petals changing pH over time, their trumped-shaped flowers change from pink to blue. Long-tongued pollinators like mason bees, digger bees, and butterflies pollinate them. Deer and rabbits avoid Virginia bluebells.
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells work best surrounded by later-blooming flowers, which will take over after they die. They are self-seeders, meaning they drop seeds for other Virginia bluebells to grow.
\n\n\n\nSun: Part shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average. It does its best when moisture is abundant and will decline when the soil is too dry.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. This plant self-seeds but is challenging to propagate. It should be cut back after flowering.
\n\n\n\nAn annual lives for only one growing season before dying, while a perennial regrows every spring.
The best planting time is in the spring or fall, but perennials can be planted any time the ground can be worked and when there’s no danger of frost.
The biggest dangers to perennials are:
• Lack of, or too much, sunlight
• Not enough, or too much, water
• Too much or not enough fertilizer
• Weed killers
• Freeze damage
• Transplant shock
Need help with finding and planting the right perennials? Contact a Wikilawn lawn care professional, and we’ll get your plants growing beautifully in no time.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: brillianthues / Flickr / Public Domain Mark 1.0
\n","title":"10 Great Perennials for Your North Carolina Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1789c/Perennials.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/107df/Perennials.jpg 320w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/293e9/Perennials.jpg 500w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/f2cbb/Perennials.jpg 800w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1789c/Perennials.jpg 960w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/c26c2/Perennials.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1dd6e/Perennials.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/67b76/Perennials.webp 320w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/8df11/Perennials.webp 500w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/98a65/Perennials.webp 800w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/1dd6e/Perennials.webp 960w,\n/static/d7a37cd2f82af9716ec763c7e2051b9c/3cc96/Perennials.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Great Perennials for Your North Carolina Landscape","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Perennials can be great additions to your landscape because they are native to North Carolina and come back year after year"}}},{"node":{"id":"9081ac16-de24-5f71-b6f0-0ab4f9c0232c","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-in-virginia-beach","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/worst-backyard-pests-in-virginia-beach/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"},{"id":"9107cea5-e99b-514c-a5cb-295305a7d651","name":"Virginia Beach","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"Ah, summer. But the livin’ isn’t so easy when pesky little critters show up. Slap! Smack! The following are the worst backyard pests in Virginia Beach.
\n","content":"\nAfter Virginia Beach’s cold and windy winters and constant rainfall, you want to enjoy your backyard barbeque or outside get-together when the weather is finally nice. Nothing can ruin your outdoor activities faster than an infestation of pesky bugs. This article explores seven of the worst backyard pests in Virginia Beach and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mosquito-gbae23e6e4_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nWe’re all familiar with these annoying insects that sting and leave us itching. Mosquitoes are more than annoying, they can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika virus. They can also cause skin irritation and allergies. These problems alone are enough to encourage efforts for mosquito control.
\n\n\n\nSome common symptoms that you’ve been stung by a mosquito include red, itchy bumps that may swell. As you may already know, they turn to sores if you scratch them. If you or visitors end up with bites after hanging outside your home, it’s an indication that you have mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes breed in standing water. Any sources you have in your yard that can collect water, like birdbaths, flowerpots, or uncovered trash bins, could attract mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes like to be outside during the lovely, warmer days of the year, just like humans. In Virginia Beach, mosquitoes are most active from late spring through early fall.
\n\n\n\nThere are some things you can do for mosquito control:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Ants_1214176165.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Cho / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe Virginia area first experienced a fire ant infestation in 1989. Most of the fire ants came from infested plant products, or they traveled from infested areas that were close by.
\n\n\n\nFire ants are another nuisance that not only disrupt your peaceful get-togethers with their mere presence, but fire ants can sting, too. Unlike mosquitoes, whose stings leave you itchy, fire ant stings are usually painful. These reddish-brown pests are known for their large, visible mounds in the soil, which can reach up to 18 inches tall. They attack anything that disturbs their nests. Some people can have an allergic reaction to fire ant stings, which can be life-threatening.
\n\n\n\nFire ants build their mounds anywhere, but they gravitate towards sunny and open areas. Look out for small dirt hills or mountains. Like mosquitoes, they prefer moisture, so their homes are often found next to water sources and trees.
\n\n\n\nFire ants like to build multiple mounds in an area. Sometimes there are hundreds of mounds across an acre of land. If you see several mounds throughout your yard, you probably have fire ants. They also build mounds in the cracks of sidewalks, around shrubs, and in landscape beds.
\n\n\n\nIf you or visitors have redness and itchiness, you may have been stung by fire ants. Swelling at the stinging site can also occur. Unlike mosquito bites, fire ant stings usually turn into blisters a couple of days later, regardless of if you scratch.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things that can attract fire ants:
\n\n\n\nSince fire ants prefer warm, sunny weather, they are most active during the summer. When the weather is cooler in the fall and winter, fire ants are less of a pest problem.
\n\n\n\nOne thing you can do if you see a mound is to leave it alone and call a professional exterminator. According to Virginia Tech, eliminating fire ants takes training and equipment that most homeowners do not have. Treating these terrors with the wrong pest control method can lead to an increased infestation.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, mounds are not the only indicator of an infestation, which makes fire ants hard to kill. This is another reason to call a pest control company. They can give you a thorough inspection. But if you insist on doing it yourself, here are some things you can do:
\n\n\n\nThese two methods are considered to be the most effective when applied together:
\n\n\n\nYou can reduce your chances of getting fire ants by:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Erturac / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIt’s hard to see fleas, but if you’ve ever been bitten by one, you know it doesn’t take seeing to be a believer. The most common flea in Virginia is the cat flea. Cat fleas do not discriminate, they bite dogs and humans, too. Fleas have flattened bodies and no wings.
\n\n\n\nSome tell-tale signs that you have fleas are itching or scratching. Flea bites can cause small red bumps. Since fleas are usually carried by pets, here are some signs you may notice on your pets.
\n\n\n\nFleas get into your yard by jumping onto mammals and wildlife that then carry the fleas to your property. Fleas love to breed in thatch. They also like to make a habitat out of piles of wood and leaves and hide in tall grass.
\n\n\n\nFleas love to make an appearance in the warmer months, during the spring and summer. But they can survive indoors during the colder winter months.
\n\n\n\nThe best treatment is prevention. Since fleas are often transported to homes by way of wildlife, reduce the chances you’ll attract wildlife by:
\n\n\n\nBecause fleas travel on pets, if you have pets:
\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6980305991_3209cd81a6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sid Mosdell / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWe’re used to seeing a bee or wasp every now and then. But when you have a wasp’s nest or other signs of a wasp infestation, it’s time to do something about it. Wasps are typically more aggressive than bees, and wasps look different.
\n\n\n\nThere are several wasp species, and they differ in physical characteristics and where they build their nests. Wasps include hornets and yellow jackets, which have brown bodies and yellow stripes. Some wasps have a shiny look, like mud daubers, or dark wings, like red wasps. For those allergic to wasp stings, this pest problem could lead to death if the allergic person is stung.
\n\n\n\nIf you have several wasps flying around a specific area, you may have an infestation. Another obvious clue is seeing a wasp’s nest. Different species build their nests in different locations. You may find wasp nests in sheds, porch ceilings, garages, vegetation, doorways, trees, or barns.
\n\n\n\nWasps like loud clothing, good-smelling people, and potlucks. In other words, wasps are attracted to bright colors, strong smells, and food, especially sugary items. Open garbage cans may attract wasps, as can open compost bins.
\n\n\n\nWasps like to show up in the spring and fall.
\n\n\n\nRemoving a wasp’s nest can be dangerous. No one will blame you if you seek professional pest control services.
\n\n\n\nUsing professional services can give you the peace of mind of knowing the problem has been eradicated. Professionals can also inspect the outside and inside of your home and find things you cannot. If you have nests hiding underground, inside of walls, or in the attic, professionals can locate and exterminate the wasps.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things you can do on your own if the pest problem seems like it can be handled with a little DIY magic.
\n\n\n\nYou can be proactive and reduce your chances of attracting wasps by keeping garbage and food sealed. You can also keep vegetation around your home trimmed.
\n\n\n\n![\"alot](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/termites-g5c89ceef5_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDid you know that every year homeowners fork out over two billion dollars to treat termites? Termites have caused significant damage to homes by chewing through wooden support beams, flooring, and other materials.
\n\n\n\nVirginia Beach is victim to many different species of termites, including the most common type, subterranean termites. These little insects resemble ants. They’re usually brown, black, or yellow. They live in colonies, but you usually won’t ever see them. You will, unfortunately, eventually see the damage they cause.
\n\n\n\nHollow-sounding wood or buckling floors or walls are some signs of termites. Mud tubes are also an indication. Termites travel through mud tubes or mud tunnels to access food and water. You may find mud tunnels in your home’s foundation and concrete walls. Another symptom of termites is seeing wings around entry points like doors and windows.
\n\n\n\nTermites are attracted to moisture. They are also attracted to situations where wood has come into contact with the soil, so they love wood that is decaying or damaged by water. Termites will invade wooden decks or porches in these conditions. These pests are also attracted to decks or porches that were built with poorly treated or untreated wood.
\n\n\n\nTermites also chew their way into homes when they perceive there is an availability of food.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, termites are active year-round. They are most active in the warmer spring and summer months.
\n\n\n\nA recurring theme of this article is prevention. Here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of a termite pest problem:
\n\n\n\nIn many cases, termiticides, which are what the pesticides for termites are called, can only be administered by a professional. Some EPA-approved treatments are termite baits, wood treatments, and termiticides applied to the soil. If you’ve purchased a pesticide, only use it if the label specifically says it can be used on termites. An active infestation is best handled by professionals.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Periplaneta_americana_-_D8-10-2861Crop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eran Finkle / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat purpose cockroaches have in the ecosystem is probably a mystery to many people. Regardless of any usefulness cockroaches may have, when you see one, you want to make sure you never see another one. They carry several diseases, like cholera and Typhoid fever.
\n\n\n\nIf you see one roach, move quickly to get rid of them. Seeing one means there are probably many more hiding.
\n\n\n\nTwo of the types of cockroaches that terrorize Virginia Beach residents are German cockroaches and American cockroaches. German cockroaches are small and light brown. They’re usually located in bathrooms, kitchens, and other indoor areas where food and water are accessible.
\n\n\n\nAmerican cockroaches are reddish-brown and larger than German cockroaches. American cockroaches enjoy the outdoors more and are typically located in yards and gardens and other outdoor areas. They actually have wings. When they get tired of being outside, they hide in dark, moist places. They invade bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
\n\n\n\nIf you see these critters in your backyard, you want to act quickly to get rid of them. You may already have them in your home. Seeing one roach in your yard or anywhere in your home is an indication that you probably have many more hiding somewhere. You may see cockroach droppings around compost bins, pet food dishes, or garbage cans. Droppings are dark and small and look like pepper.
\n\n\n\nYou may find cockroach egg cases, which are typically brown and cylindrical shaped, in dark places in your yard. The cases may be in crevices and cracks or under leaves.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches shed their skins as they grow. You may see their translucent shells under leaf piles or in crevices in the yard.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, cockroach season is nearly every month of the year. The season is between March and December. That’s 10 months!
\n\n\n\nRoaches are hard to get rid of since they’re so good at hiding. Insecticides contain harmful chemicals. Some treatments, like aerosol sprays, will kill the roaches sprayed but not get rid of the infestation. It is recommended that you call a professional exterminator for the best results.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things homeowners can do to minimize the pest problem:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/47748266872_a0ca5cccea_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nStink bugs are typically found in gardens. They’re not known to be dangerous to humans, but they can ruin your plants. They feed on a variety of plants, and they cause the most damage to fruit, tomatoes, okra, and pecans. They pierce the plant’s surface and suck out its fluids. They alter the plant’s appearance and can weaken the plant. In severe cases, stink bugs can cause the plant to die.
\n\n\n\nStink bugs get their name because they emit a foul smell when threatened. They’re very small insects and are usually brown-colored. They have a shield-shaped or oval-shaped body, six legs, and antennae.
\n\n\n\nIf you see that your plants are damaged, you could have stink bugs. Since the bugs emit a foul odor when threatened, you may smell a strong and unpleasant odor. You may see them on walls, plants, or other areas in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nThey like the warmth, so if you have warm places in your yard, like piles of debris, they may be attracted to them. They also may gravitate to plants they feed on, like pepper and tomatoes. Stink bugs are attracted to cracks and gaps in your home that give them a way into the warmth during the winter weather.
\n\n\n\nThis pest problem usually occurs in the spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an interesting fact that parasitic wasps, like the samurai wasp, naturally attack stink bug eggs. If you have both stink bugs and wasps, maybe the wasps can kill the stink bug eggs before you exterminate the wasps.
\n\n\n\nThese are a few suggestions for controlling stink bugs:
\n\n\n\nIf the bugs have invaded your home:
\n\n\n\n
The most commonly found stinging insects in Virginia Beach are:
Overseeding your lawn is a way to repair it. When you overseed you add new grass to your lawn. This stronger grass covers bare spots created by pests. Overseeding has other benefits, including:
Prevention is always best. However, even the most diligent efforts do not guarantee that you will not incur some unwanted critters and insects. Here are some things you can do to be proactive:
As long as there is an outdoors, there will be insects and critters. Our job is to do what we can to make sure these pests stay in their lane to protect ourselves and our loved ones and ensure these pests do not interrupt our quality of life.
\n\n\n\nWhile there may not be anything that is 100 percent guaranteed to avoid some of these pests, you can at least reduce your chances of an infestation. Now that you know what to look for, you can take measures to proactively guard against these pest problems.
\n\n\n\nA well-maintained lawn can deter pest invasion. For help maintaining your lawn so that you can spend more time strolling along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and less time worrying about pests, call a professional lawn care service.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Stink Bug / Pxfuel
\n","title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Virginia Beach, VA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7804154302670623,"src":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1789c/pxfuel.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/107df/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/293e9/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/f2cbb/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1789c/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/c26c2/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/67b76/pxfuel.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/8df11/pxfuel.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/98a65/pxfuel.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/3cc96/pxfuel.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Virginia Beach, VA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read to find out the worst backyard pests plaguing Virginia Beach homeowners, indicators that you have them, causes, and how to eliminate them."}}},{"node":{"id":"ca3eaa6b-b4ce-5743-b3de-bc4b5e30d8a8","slug":"florida-homeowners-how-to-rid-your-lawn-of-mosquitos","path":"/lawn-care/fl/florida-homeowners-how-to-rid-your-lawn-of-mosquitos/","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":"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/"}],"date":"July 5th, 2018","excerpt":"If you live in Florida, odds are you’ve heard at least one news story this summer that warned about the viruses linked to mosquitos. While these warnings may be redundant, the fact is that mosquitoes made a home in the humid, rainy state of Florida a very long time ago. Adding a copious amount of […]
\n","content":"If you live in Florida, odds are you’ve heard at least one news story this summer that warned about the viruses linked to mosquitos. While these warnings may be redundant, the fact is that mosquitoes made a home in the humid, rainy state of Florida a very long time ago.
\nAdding a copious amount of bug spray may help, but the best thing you can do is get proactive and make your lawn a nightmare for these pesky creatures. Mosquitos tend to only travel about half a mile from where they hatch, so if you can get them out of your lawn you can get them out of your life. At least your home life!
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/flooded-backyard-florida-1024x768.jpg\")
Photo: irrigationtech.com
\nA cheap and effective way to ward off mosquitoes is getting rid of their breeding grounds: that is standing water. Do not underestimate where these nuances can lay their eggs, they are not anything if not resourceful.
\nItems around the yard to be aware of:
\nIf you own a pool, which is understandably a must for some Floridian homeowners, keeping mosquitoes out of the pool comes down to pool maintenance. As long as the pool is up to date in its treatments, mosquitoes will not lay their eggs there. During extended times when the pool will not be in use, a pool cover will need to be secured tightly around the edges.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/lemongrass-florida-1024x731.jpg\")
Photo: extension.msstate.edu
\nA great way to keep your garden free of mosquitos is putting in plants that naturally repel mosquitos. One of the best ways to maximize these plants natural repelling oils is by cutting off some of the leaves and snipping pieces around your yard.
\nThe most effective plant repellent is lemongrass and any close relatives. Research is still underway for other plant repellents, but lemongrass is a proven strategy.
\nFemale mosquitoes are the sole gender to feed on blood. Male mosquitoes feed on nectar from flowers. Placing mosquito repellent plants around the garden can keep the mosquitoes from feeding on any of the plants.
\nAlong with sitting water, clogged gutters and cluttered flower pots are prime real estate for mosquito hatchlings. These areas tend to become very moist when not properly cleaned and eventually encapsulate sitting water. It is recommended that homeowners clean their gutters at least twice a year: once during late spring and once in late summer or early fall. If there are an abundance of trees on the property, that recommendation climbs to every three months.
\nRaking regularly during the fall season to the summer season is very important in getting rid of excess debris. Flower pots should also be tidied up, along with emptying the saucer underneath if there is one.
\nOverwatering plants or grass will lead to excess water alluring to mosquitoes. Experts recommend only watering a lawn twice a week at an overall inch during summer and spring in order to keep grass flourishing. Any plant that requires little water can also be a great addition to the yards disassociation of mosquitoes and its overall aesthetic.
\nIt is slightly un-American to not yearn after a perfect lush green lawn, but that can be troublesome in the fight against mosquitoes. However, a surefire way to get that extra moisture to a minimum is watering the lawn in the morning. Watering in the morning allows for the lawn to soak in the water before the sun is in full fledge, but it also allows time for the sun to evaporate excess water before sundown. Watering the lawn at night will cause an excess of moisture leading to mosquitoes and can even cause fungus or disease in your yard.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/lawn-mower-florida.jpg\")
Photo: pixabay.com
\nMosquitoes love the heat, but interestingly they are prone to overheating. They take cover in overgrown grass during the day and come out at night to hunt. Lawn experts recommend mowing the lawn once a week during the summer for overall lawn health as well as diverging critters from extended stays.
\nHave questions about lawn care? Visit our Florida lawn care page or share your thoughts in the comments below.
\nTop photo: nytimes.com
\n","title":"Florida Homeowners: How to Rid Your Lawn of Mosquitos","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4883720930232558,"src":"/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/1789c/mosquitos.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/107df/mosquitos.jpg 320w,\n/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/293e9/mosquitos.jpg 500w,\n/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/f2cbb/mosquitos.jpg 800w,\n/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/1789c/mosquitos.jpg 960w,\n/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/d2f4e/mosquitos.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/1dd6e/mosquitos.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/67b76/mosquitos.webp 320w,\n/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/8df11/mosquitos.webp 500w,\n/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/98a65/mosquitos.webp 800w,\n/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/1dd6e/mosquitos.webp 960w,\n/static/b827110ba10ceb7f56fc899bfdd2c9aa/8952c/mosquitos.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Florida Homeowners: How to Rid Your Lawn of Mosquitos | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"65aabcca-7a82-595c-b66f-c536fd8db4d6","slug":"how-to-lay-sod","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-lay-sod/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2021","excerpt":"Homeowners frequently turn to sod for a quick lawn makeover, but is this a project you can DIY? Absolutely. This article will detail how you can transform your lawn into a lush, green carpet in five easy steps. 1. Prep for Your Sod Project Get a soil test A few weeks before you plan to […]
\n","content":"\nHomeowners frequently turn to sod for a quick lawn makeover, but is this a project you can DIY? Absolutely. This article will detail how you can transform your lawn into a lush, green carpet in five easy steps.
\n\n\n\nA few weeks before you plan to lay the sod, get a soil test. You can get an at-home soil test kit or take a sample to your local Cooperative Extension office. Allow a few weeks for processing if you use your Extension service.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why soil testing is a must before installing sod: Your sod needs a good soil structure for drainage and root development in addition to a balance of nutrients. A good soil test will determine your soil’s pH as well.
\n\n\n\n![\"Measuring](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_messradsuricata.jpg\")
Use a measuring tape, measuring wheel, or count your paces to determine how many square feet you’ll need to sod.
\n\n\n\nThere is no industry standard for how many square feet of grass fit on a pallet. It varies from about 400 to 700 square feet, depending on the cut. Sod comes in rectangles (16” x 24”), mini rolls (40” x 18”), or large rolls (60” x 24” or 80” x 18”).
\n\n\n\nContact a local supplier or garden center to work out the details of your sod shipment. Experts recommend laying new sod within 24-48 hours after it has been dug up from the sod farm. Some experts recommend laying it within 24 hours or less. Ask your supplier company what they recommend.
\n\n\n\nGot shade? Ask your sod company for advice before you buy. Sod is generally grown in full sun and does not always perform well in partial shade.
\n\n\n\nDIY enthusiasts should allow two weekends for the sod job — one to do the site work and another to put down the sod. If you have a few friends, the job may take less time.
\n\n\n\nIn any case, choose a schedule that works for you, and be sure to gather your equipment ahead of time. Tools, equipment, and supplies you may need include:
\n\n\n\n✓ Sod cutter
✓ Rototiller
✓ Garden rake (bow rake)
✓ Garden hose or sprinkler
✓ Compost, sand, lime, and starter fertilizer, depending on your lawn’s needs
✓ Retractable utility knife (razor knife, or any sharp knife)
✓ Personal protective equipment:
If you need to rent a sod cutter or rototiller, reserve one ahead of time from your local tool rental or home improvement store.
\n\n\n\nFinally, don’t forget to check the weather forecast. You’ll want nice weather while you work.
\n\n\n\nBeg, borrow, or rent a sod cutter to remove your existing grass. If you have a small area to re-sod, you can use a shovel or hand-held sod cutter. (This is where those friends come in handy.)
\n\n\n\nAfter you have removed the existing lawn, use a rototiller to till down 6 to 8 inches. This will give your sod a nice, loose soil so it can easily put down deep roots.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the results of your soil test, add 1 to 2 inches of organic matter as a soil amendment. Compost helps the soil structure and adds nutrients, and sand is used to help with drainage if the soil is too dense.
\n\n\n\nSpread this organic matter throughout the lawn. Rototill in the new organic matter, then level it out with a lawn rake, correcting high and low spots.
\n\n\n\nAlso, make sure your grade is always sloping away from buildings.
\n\n\n\nAdd lime, if needed, and put down starter fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nFinally, lightly water the soil so it is damp.
\n\n\n\nThe day has arrived! Choose the longest straight edge in the yard as your starting point. From there, you’ll lay the sod like you mop a floor: Start at the farthest edge and work your way out. This ensures you don’t walk on the sod as you are working.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: If you are working on a slope, lay the grass across the slope in a horizontal manner instead of down the slope vertically. Use sod staples or biodegradable sod stakes to hold everything in place.
\n\n\n\nFirst Row: Lay down each roll, making sure you are abutting the grass tightly against the fence, wall, boundary line, etc. Make sure you press down the grass with your hands to ensure good contact with the soil (don’t walk on it). This will reduce the chance of air pockets between sod and soil.
\n\n\n![\"Fresh](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3471068661_c3bc73ede6_w.jpg\")
Second Row: Cut the first roll of sod in half. This will ensure your joints are staggered. Think of laying the rows as if you were laying bricks — you want to stagger the seams.
\n\n\n\nAs you lay down each strip of sod, make sure to press the side seams together with your hands (don’t overlap). This will help the grass to look seamless and will prevent the sod from drying out.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: When you need to cut a piece of sod, cut from the underside — not the grass side. This allows for an easier, cleaner cut.
\n\n\n\nContinue until the yard is complete.
\n\n\n\nUse topsoil to fill in any gaps in the seams, and roll the sod with a lawn roller. (Ask your sod supplier what they recommend. Some roll the lawn; some don’t.)
\n\n\n\nWatering recommendations for new sod can vary. Ask your sod supplier or a local pro what they recommend for your grass type and the time of year.
\n\n\n\nCommon advice looks something like this:
\n\n\n\nSome pros recommend watering to a depth of 3 to 4 inches while others recommend a depth of 6 to 8 inches, at least to begin with. (Use a soil probe.) Ask your sod company to determine what is best for your sod. Program your irrigation system to water at the recommended rate. Make sure your sprinkler heads are set to cover all areas of the new lawn.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn with more starter fertilizer about one month after you have put down the turf. Continue on a regular fertilizing schedule going forward.
\n\n\n\nWait at least three weeks to mow. You can ask the sod company how long your particular variety of sod takes to reach mowing height.
\n\n\n\nIn general, use a walk-behind mower (sharp blade, please!) for the first mow. Don’t cut off more than one-third of the grass, and bag the clippings just this once.
\n\n\n\nYou can compost it. Yes, put it in the compost pile with other yard and food waste to create new soil for your lawn or ornamental beds.
\n\n\n\nSod experts recommend staying off the grass for three to four weeks, which is around the time of the first mowing. Ask your sod company how long they recommend to keep off your new grass.
\n\n\n\nSome say to put a garden hose around the curve and cut it with a utility knife. Others find it easier to put the straight edges of the sod against the straight edges of the flower bed and cut a seam along the curve, removing the excess.
\n\n\n\nLaying sod is a year-round business. Having said that, there are great and not-so-great times depending on your climate and grass type.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are best sodded in the fall, while warm-season grasses are best sodded in early summer. If these times of the year don’t work for you, contact your local sod supplier or Cooperative Extension agent for advice.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re interested in new sod, you’re looking for a fast solution to your lawn woes. Laying new sod isn’t rocket science; in fact, it’s a perfect job for a novice DIYer. However, the devil is in the details. Do your homework, and follow these five easy steps to ensure your thick, green carpet lasts for years to come.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you would rather a pro install your sod, we can help you to find a lawn care or landscaping pro near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: george kiwi / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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\n","content":"\nIs your Louisville lawn in need of a makeover to impress guests during summer get-togethers or Kentucky Derby watch parties? Selecting the best grass type is crucial for cultivating an attractive, resilient lawn that endures high foot traffic and Kentucky’s distinct climate. In this article, discover the best grass types for Louisville yards to elevate your outdoor space.
Derby City’s temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters, falls within the transition zone, making it suitable for both cool-season and warm-season grasses. We’ll examine five exceptional choices: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass.
When it comes to selecting the best grass types for your Louisville lawn, understanding the difference between warm-season and cool-season grasses is crucial. Warm-season grasses thrive in hot temperatures and are dormant during cooler months. Cool-season grasses flourish in milder temperatures and enter dormancy during summer and extremely cold winters.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners in Louisville should consider their region’s climate and the specific needs of their lawn before choosing a grass type. For a lush and healthy lawn, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are popular choices, as they are well-adapted to the local climate and can handle the seasonal temperature fluctuations experienced in the area.
\n\n\n\nLouisville offers a unique opportunity for both cool-season and warm-season grasses to flourish. Cool-season varieties thrive in early spring and fall, while warm-season grasses excel in the warmer months. This versatility allows homeowners to find the perfect balance for their lawn in Derby City, ensuring a lush and healthy appearance even during occasional frost and cold snaps.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a top choice for homeowners in Louisville who appreciate its durability. Perfect for backyard gatherings during the Kentucky Derby season or for families with children who enjoy outdoor play, this grass type is well-regarded for its moderate resistance to wear and tear. The strong, dense turf formed by Kentucky bluegrass helps it recover quickly from damage and maintain its integrity despite heavy foot traffic.
Boasting a vibrant, deep green color, Kentucky bluegrass thrives in full sun exposure. It is less suitable for landscapes with significant shade. As a cool-season grass, it flourishes during the mild temperatures of spring and fall, going dormant in hotter periods.
Keep in mind that this grass will demand considerable attention as temperatures rise. To keep Kentucky bluegrass at its best, it requires a high level of maintenance, including regular mowing, watering, and fertilizer.
Classification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High; requires regular mowing, fertilization, and irrigation
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to leaf spot, dollar spot, and summer patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to sod webworms, aphids, thrips, and leafhoppers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, fertile soils
Other notes: Kentucky bluegrass is great for homeowners seeking a high-maintenance yet attractive lawn. For optimal results, it is recommended to mix Kentucky bluegrass with other cool-season grasses.
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass, with its fine leaf texture and dark green color, is a fantastic option for Louisville homeowners seeking a lawn that is both attractive and low-maintenance. Its rapid germination (five to seven days) and excellent seedling vigor make it an ideal choice for those looking to establish a new lawn quickly or fill in bare spots with minimal soil preparation, just in time for the next Derby season or backyard barbecue.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type boasts high traffic tolerance and can even outcompete some weed species, making it well-suited for Louisville yards with frequent foot traffic or active children. However, it is essential to note that perennial ryegrass requires a sharp mower for easy mowing and needs summer irrigation to withstand the region’s hot, humid climate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunching
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; regular mowing and fertilization are necessary
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High; prone to gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ants, sod webworm, thrips, and white grubs
\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: Perennial ryegrass is known for its ability to tolerate low mowing, making it a suitable choice for homeowners who prefer a shorter, well-manicured lawn. Despite its many positive qualities, this grass type does have some drawbacks; it has limited heat tolerance, which can pose challenges during Louisville’s hot summers.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is an excellent grass type for Louisville homeowners seeking a versatile and low-maintenance lawn. It’s also the most heat tolerant cool-season grass, perfect for Jefferson County lawns. Adaptable to various soil types, from heavy clay to sandy soils, and thriving in both full sun and medium shade, tall fescue is well-suited to the diverse landscapes of Kentucky.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners will appreciate tall fescue’s good traffic tolerance and minimal irrigation requirements, making it perfect for busy outdoor spaces and conserving water during drier periods. While it may need more frequent mowing to maintain its best appearance, its natural resistance to insects, competitiveness against weeds, and minimal thatch buildup make it a practical choice for a beautiful, hassle-free lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; requires frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to armyworms, white grubs, and cutworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers clay soils with good drainage
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Tall fescue exhibits limited lateral spread, meaning it has a slower recovery rate from damage compared to other grass types. Overseeding can help improve the lawn’s density and overall appearance if needed.
\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 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass, recognized for its fine to medium leaf texture and dense growth, presents a fantastic alternative for Louisville residents who desire an eye-catching and hardy lawn. Its relatively low water and nutrient requirements make it a practical choice for those looking to conserve resources while maintaining a lush, green turf that’s perfect for Kentucky’s warm summer months or outdoor gatherings.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety boasts remarkable heat and drought tolerance, which serves Louisville lawns well during sweltering conditions. Additionally, Zoysiagrass is well-equipped to withstand high foot traffic, making it an excellent option for homes with active families or pets. However, it is vital to remember that Zoysiagrass grows more slowly than other grass types and requires patience when establishing a new lawn or filling in bare spots.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; grubs can cause serious damage
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adaptable to various soil types, prefers well-draining soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Zoysiagrass establishes slowly, so patience is required when starting a new lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass, with its fine to medium blades and quick growth, is a great pick for Louisville homeowners wanting a resilient and attractive lawn. This grass loves the warm, sunny weather that Kentucky enjoys in the summer, and its fast growth means a thick, green lawn perfect for outdoor fun and relaxation.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners will appreciate that bermudagrass can handle the heat and dry spells of Louisville summers. Plus, it’s tough enough to stand up to kids and pets playing in the yard. However, remember that bermudagrass needs frequent mowing and care to keep it looking lush and green.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in 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: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermudagrass doesn’t need mowing from October to April, offering homeowners a maintenance break. Be mindful, though, as it can spread into nearby areas and turns brown during dormancy, contrasting with cool-season grasses. It may also be susceptible to winterkill.
\n\n\n\nYes, mixing different grass types can provide a range of benefits, such as increased disease resistance, improved tolerance to various environmental conditions, and a more uniform appearance. Common mixtures include Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.
Water your lawn about 1 inch per week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between watering sessions to encourage deep root growth.
The best time to seed cool-season grasses in Louisville is during early fall when temperatures are cooler, and there is more moisture in the soil. You can also seed in early spring, but fall seeding typically produces better results.
The best time to seed warm-season grasses in Louisville is during late spring or early summer.
For most cool-season grasses, it’s best to fertilize in the fall to avoid promoting fast growth that could be harmed by summer heat. Remember to be cautious with the amount of fertilizer you use, as excessive amounts can lead to excessive growth at the expense of the delicate roots.
The best time to fertilize warm-season grasses is in summer.
When planning your landscape, consider incorporating native plants and other low-maintenance landscaping options. Native plants typically require less maintenance, are more resistant to pests and diseases, and provide essential habitat for local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nBefore choosing a grass type, consider these factors:
\n\n\n\nBy carefully selecting plant and grass varieties suited to the Louisville climate and your specific landscape conditions, you can create a thriving, low-maintenance, and ecologically friendly outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nContact a Louisville lawn care pro today to help improve your yard, making it a comfortable space for your family and friends.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: KamRaMan64 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Louisville","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4201183431952662,"src":"/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/1789c/Lawn-in-Louisville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/107df/Lawn-in-Louisville.jpg 320w,\n/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/293e9/Lawn-in-Louisville.jpg 500w,\n/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Louisville.jpg 800w,\n/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/1789c/Lawn-in-Louisville.jpg 960w,\n/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/c26c2/Lawn-in-Louisville.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Louisville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/67b76/Lawn-in-Louisville.webp 320w,\n/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/8df11/Lawn-in-Louisville.webp 500w,\n/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/98a65/Lawn-in-Louisville.webp 800w,\n/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Louisville.webp 960w,\n/static/81dc0da4547c43927770cd36e44f90dd/3cc96/Lawn-in-Louisville.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Louisville | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Need to spruce up the lawn? This guide covers the five best grass types for Louisville, KY, including warm-season and cool-season grasses."}}},{"node":{"id":"dea735f1-8417-59bb-8b16-08da260113d3","slug":"tips-winter-lawn-care","path":"/lawn-care/tips-winter-lawn-care/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 25th, 2019","excerpt":"Winter may seem like the off-season for lawn care, but that’s not entirely true. There are a few things you can do as colder weather approaches to help your lawn thrive when it gets warm. Winter Lawn Prep Fertilize (cool-season grass). Aerate. Overseed. Mow. Clear the lawn of debris. Minimize foot traffic. When to Fertilize […]
\n","content":"\nWinter may seem like the off-season for lawn care, but that’s not entirely true. There are a few things you can do as colder weather approaches to help your lawn thrive when it gets warm.
\n\n\n\nWhen to fertilize before winter and which fertilizer to use, depends on what type of grass you have. Fall is the best time to fertilize cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass. Cool-season grasses grow best in regions with cold winters and hot summers. They’re very common in the upper two-thirds of the United States. Their active growth seasons are spring and fall. Because of this, fall is a great time to fertilize. Some lawn experts recommend two fertilizations in the fall: one in early fall to take advantage of the growing season, then another in late fall, heading into winter An option for the late fall application is a winterizing fertilizer or winterizer. These blends are higher in potassium, which helps make plants more tolerant of the cold. They also contain quick-release nitrogen so the grass can absorb more of it. Apply winterizer in late October or early November, or when the grass has stopped growing but is still green. The fertilizer will stay in the soil and nourish the roots during the winter months.
\n\n\n\nIf you have warm-season grass (Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysiagrass), don’t use winterizing lawn fertilizer. These grasses are more common in the lower third of the United States, where it doesn’t get as cold. You don’t want to encourage growth with a fertilizer right before your grass goes dormant for the winter. Warm-season grasses grow most actively in the summer, so fertilize them in the spring or summer instead.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to aerate is right before your area’s first frost. Aerating allows your lawn to breathe before its long winter’s nap. It’ll also help break up any compacted soil that developed during spring and summer. Once you loosen the compacted soil, air, water, and nutrients can better reach the roots. You can rent an aerator or get a lawn service to do it.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding the dead spots and thinning patches after you aerate allows new grass seed to germinate during the winter months. The type of grass seed you use depends on your existing lawn. You want to be careful not to use too much and to spread the seed evenly. You won’t get a thicker lawn by using too much. This will only cause the seed to struggle and compete for nutrients in the soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GFPgxzRE6hetqS0ORPqNbAiFsiXEMrIJk7ZEk1_lXQTKs0j-nOsTTOb_EVJucY8f4vlIBN0JvJOx-FWZLd4NBHueQ6CEOJyksF58BHOt8oDw_Iujgr1JTAeixg4jfn9iKyuxgKw8\")
Starting in late summer or early fall, lower the blade height on your mower each time you mow. This allows you to gradually cut your grass shorter ahead of winter. Cutting it off all at once can weaken or kill your grass, so only cut the top third of the blade during each mowing session.
\n\n\n\nA shorter lawn will fare better over the winter. It’ll be harder for animals like field mice to burrow in your lawn for warmth. It’ll also help prevent snow mold in areas that get a lot of snow. The Utah State University Extension Department defines snow mold as “fungi that are classified as psychrophilic, or cold-loving, and will attack plants under a layer of snow.” Lawn experts recommend a low-nitrogen lawn fertilizer in late fall to help prevent snow mold.
\n\n\n\nClear your lawn of debris, toys, lawn furniture, and other items before winter begins. Anything you leave on the lawn could damage or kill the grass. This could leave thinner grass or noticeable brown spots in the spring. It’s also a good idea to rake. Dead leaves will become a soggy mess after the first snowfall, leaving you with snow mold in the spring. Mulch your leaves by running your lawn mower over them. This will shred them into smaller pieces, allowing them to decompose into the soil without matting and smothering your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/gI9CNa8Wip91PvMiJ7x2TKX2nuSx8ZjF8lDvUiHa83y6WE5irccQ_dTWqb8kw6y4h5tJFvqLDJo90Xaalt1MSrpbiLCsN_Vf20rcZbU6MceWG4QNps6GeLzhZbHycwZBvfu2MT2L\")
While you don’t need to stay off your lawn entirely during the winter, do what you can to avoid creating worn paths through the grass. Keep driveways, walkways, and sidewalks clear of ice and snow so people won’t have to cut through your yard.
\n\n\n\nA good winter lawn care strategy is to maintain a healthy lawn throughout the year. A healthy lawn is better able to brave the colder temperatures, so stay on top of lawn maintenance year-round. Once you’ve completed these winter lawn care duties, you can ease up during the cold weather. Next spring, you’ll be more likely to have a thick, green lawn thanks to your pre-winter efforts.
\n","title":"Tips for Winter Lawn Care","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/1789c/grass-549064_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/107df/grass-549064_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/293e9/grass-549064_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/f2cbb/grass-549064_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/1789c/grass-549064_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/356ef/grass-549064_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/1dd6e/grass-549064_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/67b76/grass-549064_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/8df11/grass-549064_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/98a65/grass-549064_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/1dd6e/grass-549064_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/3aae970a7b1aeb8dc999022217e5ffb3/93f70/grass-549064_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Tips for Winter Lawn Care | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0f4bfeef-815e-5ec8-9129-4623023e7ddd","slug":"watering-restrictions-charlotte","path":"/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/watering-restrictions-charlotte/","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":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"There are only a handful of strict watering restrictions in Charlotte, N.C., but there are some common-sense measures you can take at any time to reduce the amount of water you use.
\n","content":"\nNorth Carolina is blessed with short, mild winters offset by long months of heat and humidity. That hot weather comes with a price. Summers with low levels of rainfall can put the state and county at a bit of a deficit, and remind us of the importance of conservation. There are only a handful of strict watering restrictions in Charlotte, N.C., but there are some common-sense measures you can take to reduce the amount of water you use.
\n\n\n\nThe City of Charlotte lists watering tips to help lighten the irrigation load in the city. These include only watering 1 inch per week, (that’s really all your lawn needs!) and controlling water-hogging weeds. The city also recommends using drip irrigation to apply water to the roots of your trees and using a rain sensor to avoid unnecessary watering. You can also save water by mulching planting beds, and only watering in the pre-dawn hours.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it’s not enforced, spray irrigation should always occur between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and should follow an odd/even pattern. That means odd addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and even addresses water on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Handheld watering with a container or hose is OK anytime, as is car washing and filling swimming pools.
\n\n\n\nDuring this first level of drought conservation, the same odd/even schedule seen in normal conditions becomes mandatory for spray irrigation. But, irrigating by hand, car-washing and pool filling is still allowed at any time.
\n\n\n\nUnder moderate drought conditions, spray irrigation becomes restricted to two days per week. Odd addresses may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Even addresses are limited to Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Handheld watering, car washing, and pool filling are still allowed at any time.
\n\n\n\nDuring a severe drought, spray irrigation is still allowed on two days of the week, on an odd/even basis, but the hours become restricted. Odd addresses may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., and even addresses may water on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Watering with a hand-held tool is OK between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Car-washing is allowed only on specific days: odd addresses on Saturdays and even addresses on Sundays. The city prohibits the filling of swimming pools, but you can top them off to a maximum of 12 inches per week.
\n\n\n\nUnder extreme drought conditions, the city restricts spray irrigation to one day per week. Odd addresses may water Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and even addresses Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Hand-held watering is still allowed from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on any day. Car washing is only allowed on weekends, odd addresses on Saturday and even addresses on Sunday. Filling and topping off of pools under these levels is a no-no.
\n\n\n\nThis level of drought is extremely rare in North Carolina. When the water supply is this low, spray irrigation is no longer permitted. Neither is car washing or filling or topping off swimming pools. It’s still OK to water by hand any day from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
\n\n\n\nIt’s always a good idea to practice water conservation, but if you’re not sure of the current restriction, you can always check the North Carolina Drought Monitor. Remember, the watering restrictions in Charlotte are not a punishment, but rather an individual action we all take to contribute to the greater good of our neighbors across the state. Responsible water use benefits the community at large. Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our Charlotte Lawn Care page.
Knoxville’s moderate climate and ample rainfall supports a variety of beautiful native plants that can add color and texture to your garden. These native plants offer advantages over non-native species, some of which may not thrive in Eastern Tennessee’s unique climate. Here is a look at 12 gorgeous native plants for your Knoxville landscape. In […]
\n","content":"\nKnoxville’s moderate climate and ample rainfall supports a variety of beautiful native plants that can add color and texture to your garden. These native plants offer advantages over non-native species, some of which may not thrive in Eastern Tennessee’s unique climate.
\n\n\n\nHere is a look at 12 gorgeous native plants for your Knoxville landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAs you can see, native plants are easier to maintain and better for the environment. Let’s take a look at the best native plants for Knoxville lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Virginia-Bluebell-Mertensia-Virginica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells can enhance the appearance of any garden because they feature colors that aren’t normally seen in the area. They bloom in the spring and disappear for the rest of the year. Virginia bluebells look especially beautiful when they are in full bloom.
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells can grow about one or two feet in height and require little maintenance. Bluebell blossoms are bell-shaped, and each flower has approximately five petals.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High; can’t survive in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Winterberry-Ilex-Verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree that produces red berries in winter that birds love to eat. The leaves of the tree are long and elliptical. The axils of winterberry leaves contain delicate and radially symmetrical white flowers arranged in small clusters.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet tall and 49 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed, also known as butterfly milkweed, consist of large clusters of orange flowers. Thanks to their bright color, they attract many pollinators, especially monarch butterflies.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed blooms throughout the summer and grows well in full sun. They burst open in the fall to reveal their white, soft, and fluffy seeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, high drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Geranium-Geranium-Maculatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild geraniums are a great choice for Knoxville lawns. They are highly versatile and attractive, with flowers in beautiful shades of pink and lavender. Wild geraniums bloom from late spring to early summer, and the flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWild geraniums grow well in full sun or partial shade and perform best in moist soils.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs high watering during the growth period. Once matured, it requires watering only in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to children. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bee-Balm-Monarda-Didyma.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nBee balm features beautiful bright red, tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is a summer bloomer, and its seed heads are a food source for songbirds during fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves and stems of bee balms have a minty fragrance as they are part of the mint family. They perform best under full sun and moist soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"River](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/River-Oats-Chasmanthium-Latifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nRiver oats are low-maintenance, native cool-season perennial ornamental grass that can increase the appearance of your lawn. They have showy seed heads that can add diversity to your yard.
\n\n\n\nRiver oats bloom from late summer to early fall, and the seed heads turn light brown as the season progresses. The seed heads only appear during summer and stay for about three months. River oats tolerate drought well once they establish a healthy root system.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/woodland-phlox-phlox-divaricata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWoodland phlox is a beautiful shade-tolerant flower that blooms in spring for about a month and produces dainty petals in various pastel colors, including white, lavender, pink, or blue. Woodland phlox appears as a leafy green mound for the rest of the year.
\n\n\n\nWoodland phlox grows up to 1.5 feet tall but spreads slowly. It attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 1.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderates. Tolerates medium-dry and medium-wet soils.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/White-Wakerobin-Trillium-Grandiflorum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWhite wakerobin are also known as sweet white trillium. As the name suggests, they emit a sweet odor. They bloom between late spring and early summer and are showy, especially in full bloom. The petals start white and turn slightly pink as they age.
\n\n\n\nWhite wakerobin have dark purplish ovaries in the center. They attract bees, moths, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and a foot spread
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Requires frequent watering when newly planted. Once grown, you don’t need to water them frequently.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic to humans when eaten. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Elderberry-Sambucus-Nigra.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nElderberries are edible, fast-growing plants that can grow in partly shady areas. They sprout white flowers during late spring and produce dark purple or black edible berries in late summer or sometimes early fall. Elderberries look beautiful and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Edible plant
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Bright lemon- to lime-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full shade; can tolerate partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans when consumed raw. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bottlebrush-Buckeye-Aesculus-Parviflora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendy Cutler / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBottlebrush buckeye is an attractive deciduous shrub that blooms in summer. When it blooms, it displays white flower clusters that are long and fluffy. Unlike other buckeyes, bottlebrush retains its foliage well into fall.
\n\n\n\nBottlebrush buckeyes require low maintenance and are more resistant to diseases and insects. They have a slow growth rate. But once grown, their flowers can attract varieties of butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prairie-Aster-Machaeranthera-Tanacetifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Net
\n\n\n\nPrairie aster is an attractive wildflower that requires low maintenance. They grow best under full sun and in loamy, well-drained soil. They bloom from late summer to mid-fall. During their bloom period, the petals appear violet with yellowish centers.
\n\n\n\nThe bright colors of prairie asters attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The center portion of the flower turns purple once it is pollinated.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Pale blue-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Solomons-Seal-Polygonatum-Biflorum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Charles T. Bryson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nSolomon’s seal is a herbaceous perennial plant species. It blooms from late spring to early summer in attractive flowers of pink, white, and green. These flowers later turn into blackish berries that birds love.
\n\n\n\nAs Solomon’s seal grows, it slowly spreads, making it an excellent ground cover. The plant’s foliage looks unique and adds diversity to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High during summer and low during winter.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nThe right plant for your Knoxville lawn depends on various factors, such as sunlight, soil, and water needs. Not just that.
\n\n\n\nYou should know your location’s hardiness zone before purchasing a plant. Knoxville’s hardiness zone is 7a, meaning the average annual least temperature is between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the plants listed here are native to Tennessee, they can thrive in cool weather.
\n\n\n\nSumming up, research thoroughly and choose a plant that you can maintain and that suits the characteristics of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou can buy these plants from local nurseries. But wait! Before you visit your local garden center, make sure to take a look around your yard, as some of these native plants might be already growing there.
\n\n\n\nIf there’s no native plant in your yard, you can visit these Knoxville nurseries.
\n\n\n\nBuilding a healthy and appealing landscape doesn’t just stop by choosing the best native plant. You should also select the best grass type for your Knoxville lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you wish to keep your yard lush and healthy, consider hiring Wikilawn’s lawn care experts.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: PxFuel
\n","title":"12 Best Native Plants for Knoxville, TN","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1789c/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/107df/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 320w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/293e9/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 500w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/f2cbb/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 800w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1789c/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 960w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/c26c2/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1dd6e/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/67b76/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 320w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/8df11/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 500w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/98a65/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 800w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1dd6e/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 960w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/3cc96/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Best Native Plants for Knoxville, TN | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Knoxville is replete with natural beauty, so it makes sense to bring native plants into your yard that blend with the surrounding flora."}}},{"node":{"id":"f357346f-b84e-57b9-a6cb-77fde3327632","slug":"best-grass-types-orlando","path":"/lawn-care/fl/orlando/best-grass-types-orlando/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Amy Adams is a freelance writer and former newspaper journalist. She grew up in Kansas but has been living in Florida for the past 15 years and has no intentions of ever moving back!","name":"Amy Adams","id":"eb80c67d-0627-5815-9dd0-304031dbe1be","path":"/author/amy-adams/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8e73c6ada90c41863cce7b93d142c7d?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":"March 5th, 2019","excerpt":"Orlando has so much to see and do for tourists and residents alike. But it’s not just the popular sites like Disney World that make The City Beautiful stand out – it’s also the tropical landscape. As homeowners, we do our part to hold up our nickname by maintaining our yards. Knowing the six best […]
\n","content":"\nOrlando has so much to see and do for tourists and residents alike. But it’s not just the popular sites like Disney World that make The City Beautiful stand out – it’s also the tropical landscape. As homeowners, we do our part to hold up our nickname by maintaining our yards. Knowing the six best grass types in Orlando is a start to keeping our city’s scenery lush and beautiful.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWarm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses for Orlando
\n\n\n\n6 Warm-Season Grasses for Orlando
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Grass Types for Orlando
\n\n\n\nChoose Plant and Grass Varieties for Your Orlando Landscape
\n\n\n\nLiving in Florida it should come as no surprise that you would want to choose a warm-season grass for your lawn. But you may still wonder, why does it even matter which grass I plant?
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: The southern states are where you will mostly find these types of grasses. They originated in the subtropics and like cool winters and hot summers. Warm-season grasses will be at their greenest with temperatures 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit making them the ideal choice for Orlando homeowners.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses prefer cold winters and warm summers along with regular intervals of rain. They grow the most when temperatures are 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nWith their affinity for hot weather, warm-season grass types are the obvious choice for Central Floridians. Here is some information to help you decide which of the six types of warm-season grasses is best for your Orlando yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Bahiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Bahiagrass may have its roots as a pasture grass, but it has made itself at home in Orlando landscapes. This fast-growing grass is tolerant of most soils but does best in acidic soil. Its resistance to most insects and diseases makes it easy to see why it’s a popular choice.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is good for large spaces due to its aggressive growing rate. Because bahiagrass develops a deep root system and spreads through rhizomes (underground, stemlike roots) it easily spreads to other lawns or flower beds, so it’s best to ask a professional for advice if you live close to your neighbors.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass blades are typically tall and thin with a light green shade, but it also tolerates nitrogen if you desire a darker green grass. Expect to mow every seven to 10 days during the growing season.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; insect tolerance is moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
This grass with its high traffic tolerance is great if you have pets and children. It spreads through both stolons and rhizomes to help it grow into a beautiful green carpet, making it an ideal place for the kiddos to run and play. However, you will need to add metal or concrete borders at least 2 inches into the ground to prevent rhizomes from tunneling and invading nearby ornamental beds.
\n\n\n\nIts heat tolerance is perfect for our relentless hot summers and its drought tolerance is ideal for our dry springs. Bermudagrass also loves lots of sun making it the perfect Sunshine State grass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a fine-textured grass with blades that fan out horizontally creating a soft, dense turf. It’s often used on golf courses and athletic fields. It’s a higher-maintenance grass because it requires frequent mowing and fertilizing.
\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![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Starr-070906-8535-Stenotaphrum_secundatum-habit-Kula_Ace_Hardware_and_Nursery-Maui_24264673843.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credits: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This high-maintenance grass needs lots of moisture and is the least cold-resistant of the warm-season grasses, making it another great option for Central Florida homeowners. Its blue-green blades are quick and easy to establish for a dense turf grass in your yard.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass’s high salt tolerance is another reason why it is a popular choice among Florida homeowners. However, it’s also known for being susceptible to disease so you do need to keep an eye out for any signs of distress.
\n\n\n\nIt has a coarse and spongy texture with broad-rounded tips and doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic. While not a requirement, this grass performs best when fertilizer is applied regularly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Zoysiagrass-2.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: David-Pierre Mangiapan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
This thick grass may be slow to establish but is well worth it once your yard is a full carpet of green turf. Its natural thickness helps to prevent weeds from peeking through and ruining the lawn you’ve spent so much time cultivating.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is native to Asia but has been in the U.S. since at least 1895. Its love of warm weather makes it a favorite among southern gardeners. It also grows deep roots helping it to weather a short drought. It will become dormant if there is an extended drought, but will quickly spring back to life once watered.
\n\n\n\nKeep up with proper lawn maintenance practices to keep pest problems away and your Zoysiagrass looking its best. The University of Florida details how homeowners can use best management practices, like proper fertilization, irrigation and mowing, when maintaining their Zoysia lawn.
\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![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Centipedegrass
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
This is a slow-growing grass with origins in Southeast Asia. It does well in acidic soils, is fairly drought tolerant, and even tolerates shade.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is naturally a lighter green than many other grasses but homeowners are discouraged from overfertilization with nitrogen to get a darker green. You risk increasing long-term maintenance and it also reduces the grass’s ability to tolerate cold spells.
\n\n\n\nThe fact that it’s a low-maintenance grass has made it a popular choice for Orlando homwoners. Centipedegrass requires less mowing than other types of grasses and is easy to edge around garden beds and sidewalks.
\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![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Buffalograss.jpeg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Pixnio / CC0
Spread by stolons, buffalograss derives its name from its use as a grass to feed bison and buffalo across the Great Plains in the 19th century.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss loves what and sun, making it a great option for Central Florida homeowners. Known for its blue-green color and curling leaves, it grows well in all soil types but does not like high traffic.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance, low-growing grass is drought-tolerant and should only be watered as needed. Overwatering can leave your buffalograss weak and susceptible to weeds. Overwatering can also leave room for diseases to creep into your lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWhile you can plant grass seed year-round in Central Florida, it’s generally best to plant new seed between April and July. This will allow time for a full growing season before cold snaps begin in the late fall.
St. Augustinegrass tends to be the easiest to grow and the most popular grass in Florida due to its heat tolerance.
Yes. However, there are numerous things to consider when mixing grasses. For instance, you don’t want to choose a grass that will outgrow the other, ultimately taking over your yard. It is best to seek professional advice on the best mixes and how to care for them once planted.
Naturally with Orlando falling into the USDA zone 9b, you will always want to choose a warm-grass type for your Orlando landscape. But which grass you choose will largely depend on your personal preferences and needs:
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn: St. Augustinegrass is an excellent option for anyone with a shady yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a sunny lawn: Bermudagrass’s love of the sun makes this a go-to for homeowners with little to no shade in their yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you have kids, pets, and guests walking on your grass frequently: You can’t go wrong with Bermudagrass when it comes to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nThe grass with the least amount of work: Centipedegrass or Zoysiagrass are the easiest to maintain.
\n\n\n\nSo whether you live on the outskirts of town or in the heart of the city near Lake Eola, if you are seeking the ideal Central Florida lawn reach out to an Orlando lawn care professional to get that perfectly lush lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Orlando FL Lake / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Orlando, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1789c/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/107df/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 320w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/293e9/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 500w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/f2cbb/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 800w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1789c/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 960w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/c26c2/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1dd6e/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/67b76/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 320w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/8df11/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 500w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/98a65/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 800w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1dd6e/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 960w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/3cc96/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Orlando, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you’re looking for grass for your Orlando yard, there are 6 warm-season grasses that are perfect for the hot, humid Central Florida conditions."}}},{"node":{"id":"a4e75d9b-f16b-507e-bfdc-4cc2b8c2df04","slug":"best-grass-types-rochester","path":"/lawn-care/mn/rochester/best-grass-types-rochester/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"559d4c6e-5b85-5b4a-86c3-1f1a5351df4b","name":"Minnesota","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/"},{"id":"81c547d6-a94b-5762-9dfb-75324fbdf17a","name":"Rochester","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/rochester/"}],"date":"April 11th, 2023","excerpt":"In Rochester, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. Yet some homeowners here struggle with grim, dull, or worn-out lawns. It might be your grass itself. It’s essential to choose a grass type for Rochester that can thrive in our tough climate and tolerate all types of soil […]
\n","content":"\nIn Rochester, we get to enjoy all four seasons to the fullest. So do our plants. Yet some homeowners here struggle with grim, dull, or worn-out lawns. It might be your grass itself. It’s essential to choose a grass type for Rochester that can thrive in our tough climate and tolerate all types of soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nSo if you’re changing your lawn, building one from scratch, or repairing tired sections, these grasses will primp it up.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nGrass comes in an array of colors and textures, and each has different properties that allow it to thrive in certain conditions. It’s important to know the differences and then apply that knowledge to build a great, enduring lawn because your grass has a major impact on the overall appearance and health of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAll grasses come in two categories – warm-season and cool-season grasses. Each of these has unique characteristics.
\n\n\n\nIn stands to reasons that cool-season grasses will hold up better in Minnesota’s bitter cold. Here are the best.
\n\n\n\nThis cool-season grass species is best adapted to cool-weather conditions. Kentucky bluegrass is winter-hardy and grows in a variety of soil conditions. It thrives in the moist, cool weather of Rochester, but gets a tad bit slower during hot and dry summers. This grass is excellent for Minnesota’s lakeshore regions since it loves sandy soils.
\n\n\n\nTypically, it is mixed with perennial ryegrass to encourage germination speed – taking the average 1 to 3-month germination and establishment period for Kentucky bluegrass to only a few weeks.
\n\n\n\nWith Kentucky bluegrass in your yard, you get a beautiful dark-green color that won’t fade with damage or extra foot traffic. It’s quick to recover from injury, resilient to traffic, and spreads rapidly.
\n\n\n\nThe only downside to planting Kentucky bluegrass in your lawn is its poor tolerance of drought and shade. Plus, the year-round maintenance required to keep it sharp might not be every Rochester resident’s cup of tea.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, prefers sunlight
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Vulnerable to catching diseases such as dollar spot, leaf spot, and necrotic ring spot
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 2 – 7
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnother hardy option for Minnesota’s cold winters, tall fescue isn’t bothered by drought or heat, owing to deep roots. that allow it to survive harsh weather and heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue turf is dark green and has a rougher look than bluegrass and ryegrass because of its wide blades. These tough grass blades handle stress well, which is why tall fescue is commonly used in playgrounds. The tall fescue grass type is also resistant to pest problems and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe best thing about tall fescue is that it’s a great natural weed controller because of its competitive growth rate. It’s super low-maintenance and recommended for beginners and people with pets and children who love to use the lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches, sometimes rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High; it grows back quickly after suffering damage
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith strong defenses and a rapid growth rate, perennial ryegrass is popular with homeowners who prefer low-maintenance lawns. This grass type has a very fast germination rate but spreads somewhat slower than other grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass prefers medium fertility levels and well-draining soil. If you’re considering ryegrass for your lawn, make sure you know the difference between common and improved varieties of this grass species. Common perennial varieties don’t tolerate cold too well, so it’s not an ideal pick for a Rochester lawn. Improved perennial ryegrass is more winter-hardy and offers rapid coverage and erosion protection.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunches
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, susceptible to red thread, brown patch, and rust
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3881264882_501698f330_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nVery similar to perennial ryegrass, annual ryegrass germinates, grows, and establishes fast. It is also known as wintergrass or Italian ryegrass in some parts of the U.S. It’s a less commonly used solution for controlling erosion in lawns and for adding quick color to a dull yard. This makes it a great choice for thinning lawns.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is an ideal pick for winter overseeding of warm-season lawns because of its qualities. Annual ryegrass is very hardy, resists disease, and withstands foot traffic. It has shallow roots, which means annual ryegrass won’t do great in drought-like conditions. You can spot this grass type from its lime-green, shiny, and coarse grass blades. It thrives in sunny conditions and will die in late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 5 to 6
\n\n\n\n![\"Blades](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3820997510_5ae18bbfb3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAn excellent choice for golf courses, creeping bentgrass is a commercial-grade turfgrass with fine-textured, bright green leaves. The leaves are narrow, flat, and rolled in the bud. Creeping bentgrass stays a low-growing grass even after complete development. It has a shallow root system that makes it less tolerable to drought.
\n\n\n\nCreeping bentgrass is a very high-maintenance grass type because it needs frequent mowing, watering, aeration, lots of fertilizer, and dethatching.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very high
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 0.125 to 0.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones: 3 to 6
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a great option for homeowners looking for a low-mowing, low-maintenance turfgrass. Fine-leaf fescue can grow in acidic, infertile soils and maintains a dense appearance, especially in varieties such as chewing fescue. Creeping red fescue grows more finely in comparison, but all varieties are easy to grow.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue thrives in full sunlight but can grow in shady areas too. It tolerates drought and diseases but doesn’t do well with poorly drained soils.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons, depending on the variant
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches and higher
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones:
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are quite low-maintenance grasses and are easy to grow, even for beginners.
Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are quite low-maintenance grasses and are easy to grow, even for beginners.
Early fall is a good time to plant grass seeds because consistent rainfall and warm soil temperatures at that time of the year encourage fast seed germination and better root development.
Now that you know the appropriate grass types your Rochester garden can grow, you have the knowledge to make the right choice. Make sure you choose the grass type according to your lifestyle and the level of maintenance you’re willing to put in.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re putting together a garden, make sure you consider planting the best native plants for Rochester that will cope with the climate conditions here and grow well with little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nSelecting the perfect grass type is just the first step. Build and maintain a healthy lawn with the help of Wikilawn’s pros, who are just a few clicks away.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: House, Rochester, Minnestoa / Bobak Ha’Eri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Rochester, Minnesota","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/1789c/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/107df/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/293e9/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/f2cbb/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/1789c/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/c26c2/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/1dd6e/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/67b76/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 320w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/8df11/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 500w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/98a65/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 800w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/1dd6e/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 960w,\n/static/b67a77e68738ae5b1c44d03c390627f2/3cc96/2010-1014-PillHillRHD-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Rochester, Minnesota | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Trying to fix your sad little Rochester lawn? Your grass might not be hardy enough to withstand Minnesota's weather extremes. Try these"}}},{"node":{"id":"c5da6dd7-c54c-5ce7-8e9d-a3ca7921f293","slug":"worst-weeds-minneapolis","path":"/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/worst-weeds-minneapolis/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9badf8d4-14ba-5471-aa78-425360d9330e","name":"Minneapolis","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/"},{"id":"559d4c6e-5b85-5b4a-86c3-1f1a5351df4b","name":"Minnesota","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/"}],"date":"August 2nd, 2019","excerpt":"Knowledge is power and the sooner you know your enemy, the sooner you can kill those weeds. Here are some of the worst weeds in Minneapolis — and how to get rid of them.
\n","content":"\nLawn work is hard work, and the last thing you want is weeds to come and mess up your hard work. But knowledge is power and the sooner you know your enemy, the sooner you can kill those weeds. Here are some of the worst weeds in Minneapolis — and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the wild violet’s charming name fool you! The wild violet (pictured above) grows quickly and aggressively and is resistant to a lot of weedkillers. You’ll usually find it in the shade, and it likes moist soil. It is a pretty plant, with waxy, heart-shaped leaves and small lavender-blue blossoms, but if you find it in your yard, you’ll probably get over its looks pretty quickly as it spreads. It is a perennial broadleaf weed with a long taproot, so you’ll want a weedkiller that targets broadleaf weeds, killing them but leaving your grass unharmed.
\n\n\n\nThe black medic is an annual clover and grows well in compacted soil. You’ll be able to tell black medic from other clovers because its pom-pom flowers are yellow. This weed often sprouts up next to sidewalks or other areas that are compacted by traffic. Getting rid of it may be as simple as aerating your lawn. It’s also easy to hand-weed, because black medic is a central-growing plant, making it easier to get at the root than other weeds. Chemical weed killers also do a good job of eradicating this plant.
\n\n\n\nCreeping charlie, aka ground ivy, is unmistakable. This weed has round, coin-shaped leaves with frilly edges. Minneapolis is not alone in the fight against creeping charlie; this is an invasive species that has made itself at home throughout much of the continental United States. If you catch it early, in the spring, you can pull it by hand — but make sure you get all of it because this is a fast and easy grower. If you catch it later, you might be better off putting down a fall herbicide in your lawn to completely eradicate creeping charlie.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dandelion-flickr-1-1024x768.jpg\")
The dandelion has some uses — its leaves can be added to your salad and its central root can be dried and made into a tea. But for most people, the dandelion and its cheery yellow blossoms are a common weed, and one that can be hard to eliminate. If any part of the dandelion, especially that thick central taproot, is left behind, the plant can grow back and proliferate. Experts recommend pulling what you can, and feeding your lawn to make it thick enough to crowd out dandelions and other broadleaf weeds. Applying a pre-emergent weed killer in the spring will help keep dandelions to a minimum as well.
\n\n\n\nThere are dozens of weeds that will try to take advantage of Minneapolis’ sweet but all-too-short summer. This lists off some of the worst of them, so you can eradicate them quickly — and spend more time in your yard relaxing, instead of working.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care information and tips? Be sure to check our Minneapolis lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Liz West, Flickr
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