![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Virginia boasts several native species of milkweed, a humble herbaceous wildflower that attracts pollinators and acts as a vital food source for native pollinators and beloved endangered species, like bees and monarch butterflies. It’s a great idea to plant milkweed for any garden in the Old Dominion – but how can you choose which milkweed […]
\n","content":"\nVirginia boasts several native species of milkweed, a humble herbaceous wildflower that attracts pollinators and acts as a vital food source for native pollinators and beloved endangered species, like bees and monarch butterflies. It’s a great idea to plant milkweed for any garden in the Old Dominion – but how can you choose which milkweed to plant in your yard?
\n\n\n\n
Some milkweed varieties may not be available at your local garden center, while others just aren’t suited to Virginia’s tricky transition zone climate. Check out these eight milkweed species native to Virginia to make the perfect choice for your lawn.
In this article:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed is a classic choice for the garden with native regions across North America, including the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. This versatility makes it a great option for Virginia’s hot summers and cold winters. It’s the favorite host plant of the monarch butterfly, and produces pinkish-white flowers with an attractive vanilla scent.
\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed spreads rapidly through rhizomes, so make sure you’re ready for it to make itself at home in your garden. It can grow to about 5 feet tall, and in addition to monarchs it’ll attract bumblebees and other insects to its nectar-laden flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Jun-Aug
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, clay, well-drained loamy, and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is a common milkweed native to Virginia, where it thrives in wet soils such as the Washington, D.C. area and the Great Dismal Swamp. It’s moderately tolerant of salt spray, and produces clusters of dusty pink flowers that bloom from late summer to mid-fall, providing visual interest and an important source of food and shelter. Unlike other milkweeds, it can tolerate partially shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is another preferred choice for monarch butterflies, and it may also attract aphids. It thrives when planted near riverbanks, ponds, and streams in the home landscape. Swamp milkweed is a great option for a rain garden, or a wet yard with the red clay soil common in Virginia’s Piedmont region.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2 to 6
\n\n\n\nMature size: approx. 5 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Jun-Oct
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, wet, mucky clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrue to its name, butterfly weed is a major attraction for many different butterfly species, including monarchs, gray hairstreaks, and queen butterflies. The bright orange blooms of this compact milkweed make a lovely addition to Virginia lawns, and it’s commonly grown from seed for home use. Unlike other milkweeds, butterfly weed doesn’t produce the trademark milky sap.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is also known as pleurisy root for its historic medicinal uses, though be cautious, as it’s toxic if ingested in large quantities. Native from New England to Florida and westward to Arizona, it’s an exceedingly drought-tolerant milkweed choice, and will also attract hummingbirds, though you may face problems with aphids.
\n\n\n\n
Growth habit: Herb
USDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, well-drained sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"Poke](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Poke-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPoke milkweed, also known as tall milkweed, is a widely-distributed milkweed native to Virginia. Poke milkweed is naturally found on the edges of forests, where it thrives in rich organic soils. It’s been known to hybridize with common milkweed when the two are in proximity, as these plants closely resemble each other.
\n\n\n\n
Poke milkweed can grow up to six feet in height, and like swamp milkweed it will also tolerate shade and damp conditions, though it doesn’t require its soil to be waterlogged. When in bloom, poke milkweed has a striking cinnamon-vanilla fragrance.
Growth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 6 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich organic content and moderate moisture
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"Whorled](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Whorled-Milkweed-Asclepias-verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhorled milkweed is slightly rarer than other types of Virginia milkweed, but it still makes for a great native milkweed garden addition. Its name comes from the “whorled” or spiraling nature of its leaves, and it’s also known as horsetail milkweed for its distinctive flower stalks. Whorled milkweed is naturally found in woodland habitats, and it can tolerate drought, partial shade, and rocky or clay soils.
\n\n\n\nWhorled milkweed is one of the more toxic milkweed varieties to humans and animals, and it should not be ingested if grown in the garden. It creates greenish-white flowers and is of particular value to monarch butterflies and honey bee species.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Green-Comet-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith its thick vertical stem and yellow-green and pink blooms, green comet milkweed provides a unique appearance and a pollinator habitat in the garden. It’s particularly valuable to native bee species, as well as monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars feed on the leaves.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant milkweed is very adaptable to different soil and light conditions, and will produce longer, thinner leaves in dry weather and rounder ones in moist climates.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June-September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Beetle](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Redring-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Leon Young / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite milkweed is a rarer find in Virginia, but it’s still a native plant that makes a great addition to any butterfly garden or pollinator garden. Also known as redwing milkweed or redring milkweed, this is another native to woodland habitats, and it’s highly resistant to damage from grazing deer.
\n\n\n\nWhite milkweed produces white, popcorn-like flowers with purple centers. It looks particularly breathtaking when planted in clumps or masses, which will show off its appearance and maximize pollinator benefit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 4 ft
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy to rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-milkweed-Asclepias-purpurascens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple milkweed has very distinctive pinkish-purple flowers, which are excellent at attracting long-tongued bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s naturally found in several different habitats, including shrub thickets, shorelines, and woodlands, making it an adaptable and attractive garden addition.
\n\n\n\nPurple milkweed prefers a higher nutrient content than some other milkweed types in its soil. While it’s widely distributed across the US, its population is in decline in some areas, so planting is a good opportunity to aid in conservation efforts!
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 ft tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May-July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy soils, high nutrient content
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\nWith all the options available for native Virginia milkweeds, it can seem difficult to select the perfect fit for your lawn. To make sure you’re making the right choice, consider the climate around your Virginia home. Are you looking for a salt-tolerant milkweed that will bask in the beachy conditions of the Tidewater, or one that thrives in the loamy soils of the Blue Ridge Mountains?
\n\n\n\nThese factors can help you pick the perfect milkweed plants for you:
\n\n\n\nPlant milkweed seeds in your garden in the fall in Virginia, as they have adapted to overwinter and thrive in cool temperatures.
\n\n\n\nYes! Milkweed is hardy enough to take root if it’s simply scattered around your yard – that’s how it spreads naturally. But, if you have a specific planting scheme in mind or want better odds of germination, prep your soil first and press each seed into the ground by walking over them or using your hands – no need to bury them.
\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed behaves aggressively in the lawn and can take over a planting scheme. For a less boisterous alternative, try butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, or purple milkweed.
\n\n\n\nVirginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nBecause milkweed is so beneficial to pollinators, there are plenty of ways to find it. Native plant nurseries are likely to sell milkweed varieties, so check out this list of native plant nurseries in Virginia compiled by the Virginia Native Plants Society for options near you.
\n\n\n\n
Prefer to buy your plants online? The Virginia page on the blog Grow Milkweed Plants has online purchase options specifically for Virginia natives.
The great thing about native plants is they’re typically low-maintenance. You can further minimize your outdoor chores by hiring a lawn care pro near you to handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. Connect with trusted pros in Richmond, Alexandria, Falls Church, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: USFWSmidwest / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
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\n","content":"\nYou probably have a favorite time of day to cut the grass, but is that the best time to mow your lawn? Industry professionals agree that the best time of day to cut the lawn is midmorning between 8-10 a.m.
\n\n\n\nThe second-best time for lawn mowing is late afternoon between 4-6 p.m.
\n\n\n\nWhy are these the optimum times to mow your grass? Midmorning and late afternoon cuts allow the grass enough time to recover before the hot sun or evening dew, protecting it from too much evaporation at midday or exposure to fungus at night.
\n\n\n\n✓ The grass is dry.
✓ The grass has plenty of time to recover before the heat of the day or the dew at night.
✓ Equipment is less likely to overheat if used during cooler times of day.
✓ YOU are less likely to overheat.
✓ You won’t disturb the neighbors (unless they have different work/sleep schedules).
An added bonus of a midmorning mow: You’ll get to smell your freshly cut grass all day long.
\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_shutterstock_1119073862.jpg\")
The hottest time of the day is the worst time to mow your lawn, and that also is probably not your favorite time to be pushing a mower.
\n\n\n\nSo, when is the hottest time of the day? The middle of the day, before and after high noon, is generally the hottest. During this time, the grass experiences stress due to the hot temperatures. Since mowing also places stress on your lawn, avoid cutting your grass during these midday hours.
\n\n\n\nThe second worst time to mow is early morning before 8 a.m.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why: Mowing in the early morning, or at any time when you have wet grass or morning dew, will leave clumps of grass on the lawn and may even clog your mower. Mowing when the grass is wet can cause ruts in the lawn and may even pull the grass from the roots instead of shearing the blades of grass.
\n\n\n\nAnd when you’re all done mowing dewy or wet grass? You will have to clean those wet clumps of grass from your mower blade — not fun.
\n\n\n\n![\"As](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_1shutterstock_277566824.jpg\")
Besides time of day, the height of your grass also can determine when it’s the best time to mow. Mowing when your grass is too short could harm your lawn, and cutting too-long grass will take more of your time.
\n\n\n\nThese are general guidelines for when is the best time to mow your grass based on various common types of grass:
\n\n\n\n| WARM SEASON GRASS TYPES | INCHES |
| Bermuda | 1.5” – 3” |
| Centipede | 1” – 2” |
| St. Augustine | 2” – 4” |
| Zoysia | 1” – 2.5” |
| COOL SEASON GRASS TYPES | INCHES |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5” – 4” |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2” – 3.5” |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 2.5”- 3.5” |
| Tall Fescue | 2”- 4” |
There are many other factors that affect your mowing height:
\n\n\n\n✓ Sun or shade (Cut shaded areas higher by about half an inch)
✓ Periods of stress (Cut higher and less often during drought or extreme heat.)
✓ Time of year
✓ Grass use (lawn vs. athletic field vs. golf green)
✓ Climate
✓ Type of equipment (push mower vs. rotary mower)
To get local, professional advice, search for and contact your nearest Cooperative Extension Service office.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_shutterstock_197046728.jpg\")
The best day of the week to mow your lawn is probably one of your days off work. However, if you work the night shift and get off at 8 a.m. or go in early and get off at 4 or 5 p.m., you could get out the mower after work and cut your grass at an optimal time.
\n\n\n\nThere are great and not-so-great times to mow the lawn. In the end, the best time to mow (or do any lawn care, for that matter) is whenever you can get the job done.
\n\n\n\nIf that happens to be a morning from 8-10 a.m. or an afternoon from 4-6 p.m., know that your grass has been mowed at a time that is optimal for its health and recovery.
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather not worry about mowing your grass at the perfect time, you can contract that out to lawn care professionals. We can help you to find a lawn care mowing crew near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Shutterstock
\n","title":"When is the Best Time to Mow a Lawn?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1789c/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg","srcSet":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/107df/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 320w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/293e9/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 500w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/f2cbb/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 800w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1789c/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 960w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/c26c2/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1dd6e/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/67b76/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 320w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/8df11/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 500w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/98a65/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 800w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/1dd6e/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 960w,\n/static/efc111e308d8e22575f98b7d6381fd2c/3cc96/rsz_2shutterstock_726177064.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When is the Best Time to Mow a Lawn? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When is the best time to mow your lawn? Industry pros say 8 to 10 a.m. is the best time to cut your grass. Why? Grass is dry, and overheating risk is low."}}},{"node":{"id":"3163ae33-24fa-539d-a4ae-42162d441c6a","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-fort-worth","path":"/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/lawn-mowing-maintenance-fort-worth/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9ccd5174-167e-5379-890b-68ac830ec905","name":"Forth Worth","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Fort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore. And lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on […]
\n","content":"\nFort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore.
\n\n\n\nAnd lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on it, and more time enjoying the 13th-largest city in the United States.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth likes you to keep up the appearance of your lawn. In fact, it insists, in the form of a code compliance office that will issue you a notice if your grass is taller than 12 inches. Properties overgrown with high grass and weeds are not just unsightly, the city says, but “they pose a fire hazard, block visibility for driers, harbor rodents and snakes and contribute to pests like mosquitoes and chiggers.”
\n\n\n\nIgnore the notice for more than 10 days and the city will send out a crew to cut it for you. The cost: $250, payable within 30 days. Failure to pay can result in a lien being placed against the property.
\n\n\n\nIf your neighbor’s grass gets too high, the city makes it easy to file a complaint online.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the most common grasses for lawns in Fort Worth. Zoysia varieties are also making their mark.
\n\n\n\nIn the mood for something more exotic? Texas-bred native grasses based on buffalograss have great drought tolerance, though the appearance is scruffily untraditional. The Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth is one of many buildings experimenting with a buffalograss blend.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses such as the ones that thrive in Fort Worth have their heaviest growth in the summer, so you’ll want to keep to a regular mowing schedule then. If you’re doing the job yourself in the 90+ degree heat, keep your mower blades sharp to prevent shredding that could injure your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMowing heights for different grass varieties are as follows:
\n\n\n\nIn the past, the typical practice was to remove lawn clippings and have them hauled to the landfill. That’s no longer the case, as lawn clippings are now seen as an important source of fertilizer for the lawn. On a typical lawn, leaving the clippings in place to decompose and return nitrogen to the soil for a full season added enough nutrients for you to skip one round of fertilization.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth’s climate is on the hot side, with average highs in the mid-90s in July and August. Expect about 40 inches of rain, with May, June and October the wettest months. That leaves a lot of hot, dry days in the mid to late summer in between, when your lawn will want a deep drink of water. But you’ll need to follow the city’s watering restrictions, imposed year-round to conserve the resource. Lawn irrigation by sprinkler or irrigation system is banned from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Penalties are stiff for violation: up to $2,000 for each offense.
\n\n\n\nBe polite and don’t mow too early or too late. The city has a noise ordinance. While it does not mention lawn mowers or leaf blowers specifically, it does bar “unreasonable noise,” especially at night.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in Fort Worth? We got you covered! Go to our Fort Worth, TX lawn care page for more information.
One of the biggest hurdles for people who choose landscaping as their small business is the feast or famine aspect. Revenue peaks and valleys are a real issue. Not only for lawn mowing services but for any business that has ups and downs in cash flow during the year. As business owners, we can view […]
\n","content":"One of the biggest hurdles for people who choose landscaping as their small business is the feast or famine aspect. Revenue peaks and valleys are a real issue. Not only for lawn mowing services but for any business that has ups and downs in cash flow during the year.
\nAs business owners, we can view these issues as problems or challenges. A problem is something we complain about. A challenge is something we are more likely to take personally and overcome.
\nSo let’s look at some ways landscapers, in particular, can battle the slow months of the year when the grass is not growing.
\nTake time to talk to your customers, then listen. It’s easy to get in a hurry when you have 32 acres to mow before the days end. But you will leave money on the table if you fail to connect to the good people who pay you regularly. A five-minute conversation could turn into a request for a retaining wall estimate. Or they may mention that their neighbor is looking into a water pond.
\nTalking with customers naturally results in more work. Maybe not immediately, but it could materialize in the dead of winter when you need extra work.
\nServices like lawn care, house painting, and even garbage collection are going high-tech. We may never see a weed-whacking robot on every lawn, but as the owner of a service-based business, technology should be your friend.
\nThere are apps designed to connect service providers with customers. So it’s a no-brainer to get onboard with a company looking to find customers for you. For example, these tech companies know how to find customers who need interior painting in the cold of winter. That’s a big help to a painting crew wanting to stay busy… and warm!
\nOften the best solution to a problem is the simplest solution. If your lawn business is slow from December through February, you need to pay attention to what services people are using in those months.
\nBy watching how folks are spending their money in your slower season, you’ll find ways to offer those services as well. It’s not a guessing game as to what sells when you physically see the same services being performed over and over.
\nUsing social media to promote your small business is smart. And it’s easy to post projects in the busy season. After all, you have something to “talk” about and show off.
\nDon’t forget to be sociable during the slower season though. Facebook conversations can lead to similar results as chatting with your customers face to face.
\nHow climbing ladders is one of the top ways to get sent to the ER… then mention your new Christmas lights installation service.
\nPut up a post about how clogged gutters can rot parts of a house. November is the prime time people search for “gutter clean,” according to Google Trends.
\nUse news items that are trending on your Facebook feed. Connect your services and advice to a local or national news story.
\nDuring the slower months of the year, you may have to round up some new customers to add to your base. One easy way to do that is to offer a tiny service for a very reasonable price.
\nLandscapers can get their foot in the door with a simple task like testing homeowners’ soil. Or if you have a friend in the roofing business, you could offer free roof inspections. You’d be able to help your friend get more business and drop off your card as well.
\nI could point you to 50 different tools to budget your money in order to survive down months in your seasonal business. But here are my top picks:
\nClark Howard is a consumer advocate who can help you get your spending under control. He is a pro at finding deals on flights and he can spot a financial scam from 100 yards away.
\nFor a digital approach to budgeting, give YNAB (You Need A Budget) a try. This software will help you tell your money where to go before it slips away mysteriously each week.
\nI’ll admit that getting out and staying out of debt sounds impossible. But if you need a pep talk about “acting your wage,” take a listen to Dave Ramsey’s podcast.
\nIf you like to handle your money with a smartphone, there are several apps for that. Mint is still one of the best, with over 190,000 reviews on Apple’s App Store.
\nMaybe you want no part of an elaborate budgeting system, then it’s simple. Spend less than you make. It’s not easy, but it is a worthy, actionable habit to build. Especially for landscapers who have more revenue in the warm months.
\nYour business may never have as steady an income as you’d like all through the year. But if you are steady and consistent in pursuit of that goal, you will see a big improvement.
\nTry to implement these tips to see which work best for your specific seasonal business.
\n","title":"Tips on Managing a Seasonal Business, like the Landscaping Industry","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.777602523659306,"src":"/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/1789c/landscapers-planting-shrubs.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/107df/landscapers-planting-shrubs.jpg 320w,\n/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/293e9/landscapers-planting-shrubs.jpg 500w,\n/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/f2cbb/landscapers-planting-shrubs.jpg 800w,\n/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/1789c/landscapers-planting-shrubs.jpg 960w,\n/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/de518/landscapers-planting-shrubs.jpg 2254w","srcWebp":"/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/1dd6e/landscapers-planting-shrubs.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/67b76/landscapers-planting-shrubs.webp 320w,\n/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/8df11/landscapers-planting-shrubs.webp 500w,\n/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/98a65/landscapers-planting-shrubs.webp 800w,\n/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/1dd6e/landscapers-planting-shrubs.webp 960w,\n/static/0dde5457f4be3a9597c5f9eda4d79cf9/f462d/landscapers-planting-shrubs.webp 2254w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Tips on Managing a Seasonal Business, like the Landscaping Industry | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3b247f67-2bd1-541a-8473-53763be8f08a","slug":"best-native-plants-plano","path":"/lawn-care/tx/plano/best-native-plants-plano/","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":"eeca14ff-595b-559f-93ba-b53dc08466da","name":"Plano","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/plano/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"April 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Are you working on some landscape design but don’t know where to start? Get some native plants. They evolved in your area, making them well-equipped to handle the local climate. What are the advantages of using native plants in North Texas? There are several: When choosing new plants, remember that Plano, and the rest of […]
\n","content":"\nAre you working on some landscape design but don’t know where to start? Get some native plants. They evolved in your area, making them well-equipped to handle the local climate.
\n\n\n\nWhat are the advantages of using native plants in North Texas? There are several:
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing new plants, remember that Plano, and the rest of Collin County, sit in hardiness zone 8a, meaning its coldest temperatures range from 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Mexican](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mexican-plum-tree.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Robert Nunnally / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPlum lovers, the Mexican plum tree is for you! This tree sprouts white flowers in spring and plums in the fall. It grows up to 25 feet tall at maturity, making it a good choice for small gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe Mexican plum tree is a favorite with pollinators and, according to Texas A&M, is drought-tolerant. A fun fact is that this tree is usually the first to flower in March, marking the end of winter in Texas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adapts to sandy, loam, clay, or limestone. Prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 25 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rsz_1salvia_splendens_red_hot_sally_0zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, scarlet sage features a spiraling pattern of scarlet flowers. Hummingbirds love the nectar these flowers produce (this plant is also called hummingbird sage for this reason), as do butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nLike most types of sage, scarlet sage thrives in full sun but can tolerate shade and needs well-drained soil. It doesn’t do well in cold weather, so wait until the soil is warm before planting it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loam, clay loam, rocky, caliche type
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, but usually reseeds easily
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-3 feet tall, 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Turks-Cap.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Farr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTurk’s cap red is one of Texas’ most popular ornamentals. In the summer and fall, the petals of its bright red flowers fold into each other, forming a closed bloom. Hummingbirds and butterflies love them.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, Turk’s cap is drought-tolerant. Its red berry-like fruit is edible either raw or cooked, and it tastes like an apple. It’s considered a Texas Superstar plant because it grows exceptionally well in Texas’ harsh conditions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay, limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2-3 feet tall (up to 9 feet), 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/rsz_131643526215_71548d6920_h-1024x634.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Renee Grayson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blackfoot daisy is the perfect plant for edging beds or rocky outcroppings. It can handle extreme cold and extreme heat, and it’s said to be deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nBlackfoot daisies are covered in narrow leaves and white, daisy-like flowers from spring to fall. They also don’t need much water, but they need well-draining soil.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, rocky, calcareous
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and wide
\n\n\n\n![\"texas](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/5956822938_67616c59c4_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: time anchor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTexas sage is the official shrub of Texas. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can withstand heat and drought. However, it requires full sun to bloom and remain healthy, and it doesn’t like shade. It prefers alkaline, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nThough wide varieties of Texas sage exist, the most common ones have gray-green leaves with light lavender flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained alkaline soil or acidic soil with added dolomitic limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"cluster](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/rsz_4596500345_9f38e0a8fa_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: mikeumo / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPrairie verbena is a short-lived perennial prized for its purple flowers and a long blooming season from March to December. It attracts birds and butterflies and is deer resistant. Additionally, prairie verbena works well as either a groundcover or along walkways and paths.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, or sand, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pavonia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the rock rose, the pavonia is a popular plant in Texas. It has a long bloom period (from spring to fall), accepts full sun to half shade, and thrives in numerous soils and irrigation conditions. It grows pink hibiscus-like flowers that open in the morning and close as the temperatures rise.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nAfter planting, water your native plants once a week for six months. Skip watering each week it rains. When summer arrives, water any plants that show signs of heat stress. Otherwise, let Mother Nature do the rest.
It’s not recommended that you gather native plants from the wild, and in some states, it’s illegal. Because transporting native plants is a delicate process, buying them from a nursery is recommended.
The Center for Plant Conservation states that more than 850 species of native plants are endangered. You need a special permit to dig up endangered plants.
The more local, the better. Don’t freak out if you can’t find the perfect plants. Start with plants native to your county or state and go from there.
After finding the right plants, your lawn is next. Complement your yard with one of the best grass types for Plano. Then hire one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do the work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixnio
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Plano, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1789c/Native-plants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/107df/Native-plants.jpg 320w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/293e9/Native-plants.jpg 500w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/f2cbb/Native-plants.jpg 800w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1789c/Native-plants.jpg 960w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/c26c2/Native-plants.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1dd6e/Native-plants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/67b76/Native-plants.webp 320w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/8df11/Native-plants.webp 500w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/98a65/Native-plants.webp 800w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/1dd6e/Native-plants.webp 960w,\n/static/413df98d0ef7adeb7bd21a9968029632/3cc96/Native-plants.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Plano, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want landscaping that is both attractive and hardy? Check out these suggestions for native plants that thrive in Plano's hot, dry climate"}}},{"node":{"id":"c2d0da30-eb6c-568a-be5d-f5b2c637d1a1","slug":"spring-lawn-care-durham","path":"/lawn-care/nc/durham/spring-lawn-care-durham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"3c4f0f7e-d959-5ea1-9a84-f914bbb6828f","name":"Durham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/durham/"},{"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":"April 6th, 2023","excerpt":"When spring arrives in Durham, you may be thinking about visiting a park or going on a hike to explore the city’s breathtaking nature. But if you want your lawn to be breathtaking as well, you need to put in the time early and know what you’re doing. We’ve got you covered. Here are 11 […]
\n","content":"\nWhen spring arrives in Durham, you may be thinking about visiting a park or going on a hike to explore the city’s breathtaking nature. But if you want your lawn to be breathtaking as well, you need to put in the time early and know what you’re doing.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve got you covered. Here are 11 tips for caring for your Durham lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gasoline](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pouring-gasoline-in-lawn-mower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour lawn equipment needs to function well. Hopefully, you did a little maintenance before storing it for the winter. As spring emerges, you’ll want to take it out and make sure it’s still in good working order.
\n\n\n\nEach of your pieces of lawn equipment should come with a manual that outlines the specific jobs you need to do and how often to do them.
\n\n\n\nBut to give you a rough idea of the lawn mower maintenance that will be needed, we’ve put together lists of common lawn mower maintenance tasks.
\n\n\n\nHere are typical maintenance jobs for a gas lawn mower (these may not apply to your machine; check your manual for specific instructions):
\n\n\n\n| Gas Lawn Mower Maintenance Job | Estimated Job Frequency (varies based on type) |
| Engine oil change | Either every 20 to 50 hours or once per season, whichever is first; after roughly the first 5 hours for new lawn mowers |
| Fuel change | Fuel goes bad within 30 days unless you add stabilizer |
| Sharpening and balancing | Every 20 to 25 hours of use time |
| Spark plug replacement | Once a season or every 25 hours of use time, whichever is first |
| Cleaning air fillers | At least every 10 uses, possibly more depending on your environment |
| Changing air fillers | Every month to every year, depending on your environment and usage |
| Lubricating the wheels | Once a month to twice every season, depending on usage |
Here are typical maintenance jobs for a battery lawn mower (once again, these may not apply to your machine; check your manual for specific instructions):
\n\n\n\n| Battery Lawn Mower Maintenance Job | Estimated Job Frequency (varies based on type) |
| Battery change | Between 3 and 5 years |
| Sharpen lawn mower blades and balance them | Every 20 to 25 hours of use time or twice per season, whichever is first |
| Cleaning the vents | As needed, depending on usage |
| Lubricating the wheels | Once a month to twice per season, depending on usage |
As you can see, there are a number of tasks you may need to do as part of your seasonal maintenance, and these are just for your lawn mower. On top of these, you also need to maintain your edger, your leaf blower, and your hedge trimmer, if you have them.
\n\n\n\nIt may make things easier to get a professional tune-up to make sure all your equipment is functioning properly.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-debris.jpg\")
During the winter, it’s likely that leaves, branches, and other debris have accumulated on your lawn. It’s important to clean up this debris before you mow your lawn so that you can cut it evenly and prevent damage to your mower. You can follow these steps to clean up your yard:
\n\n\n\nTip: You don’t have to discard picked-up debris, like leaves. Instead, you may be able to turn it into a nutrient-rich compost. Moreover, some of the twigs you’ve picked up could be used for DIY projects.
\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWinter can take a toll on your soil, so when spring rolls around, your grass may need additional nutrients like phosphorus, lime, and magnesium. A test can help you find out if your soil is lacking in any essential nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAnother reason you should test your soil is to determine its pH level. Your soil’s pH level can tell you how well it can absorb nutrients. Each turf grass has different pH level needs, but most of them grow in soils with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.
\n\n\n\nAccording to North Carolina State University, you should do a soil test every two to three years. You can test your soil by using a home testing kit or by sending a sample to a lab. If you choose the latter, North Carolina State University accepts samples between April 1 and early November each year. At other times of the year, you’ll need to submit your soil samples to Raleigh.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to do a soil test before you fertilize your lawn so that you know which nutrients it lacks.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs spring approaches, temperature and humidity increase. That’s great for your lawn’s growth, but it also creates the perfect environment for lawn diseases to thrive.
\n\n\n\nHere are just a few of the common North Carolina lawn diseases:
\n\n\n\nThe best way to deal with lawn diseases is to prevent them. You can avoid many lawn diseases by:
\n\n\n\nYour lawn will be more susceptible to diseases if you’re dealing with any of the following:
\n\n\n\nAlways look for signs of disease and treat them right away.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spraying-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Praxis Eco Pest Control / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeeds can quickly take over a lawn and compete with grass for nutrients and water. A few common weeds include:
\n\n\n\nTo prevent weeds from sprouting, you can treat and prevent them with herbicides. There are different kinds of herbicides, so make sure you pick the right ones and apply them correctly.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides are applied before weeds emerge, which should be around March 15. It puts a chemical barrier on the surface of the soil to stop weeds from growing. It’s normally in effect for three to five months.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides are applied later in the spring, when the weeds have already emerged.
\n\n\n\nHerbicides are further categorized as either selective or non-selective. A selective herbicide targets specific weeds, whereas a non-selective herbicide is stronger and can kill any plant. Be careful if you use a non-selective herbicide because it may kill plants that you want to keep.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, you should never use any herbicide on newly seeded areas. It should also be applied at least three or four days before mowing or at least two to three days after. After application, wait 24 hours before you irrigate.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer the organic route, you can look into organic herbicides. Properly caring for your lawn by watering, mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and so forth can also make your lawn stronger and more weed-resistant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour soil may become compacted after a cold winter. To prevent your grass from suffering and even dying as a result, it’s important to aerate your lawn. This process involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeply into the roots of your grass.
\n\n\n\nBefore you aerate, consider your grass type. If you have a warm-season grass type, aerate it in late spring so that it can grow. The best time to aerate a cool-season grass type is in the fall. Following aeration, fertilization and seeding should come next (you can do either of them first). You can buy tools to aerate your lawn or contact a Durham professional.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
The right amount of fertilizer depends on the type of grass you have and the condition of your soil. As mentioned above, overfertilizing can make your lawn more susceptible to diseases. While this is especially the case for centipedegrass, it’s nevertheless important to follow the recommended guidelines for fertilizing and not exceed them.
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned above, your soil test will reveal what your soil is lacking.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers mainly consist of three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. If you buy a 24-6-6 fertilizer, it means that it’s made of 24% nitrogen, 6% phosphorus, and 6% potassium.
\n\n\n\nIdeal fertilization times depend on whether you have a warm-season or a cool-season grass type. You can learn about different Durham grass types to find out if you have a warm- or cool-season grass type. Either way, remember that you should fertilize your grass right after you aerate, if possible. You can overseed before or after you fertilize.
\n\n\n\nBut back to warm- and cool-season grasses’ fertilization needs. According to North Carolina State University, warm-season grasses don’t need fertilizer until about two weeks after they’ve started to green up. Cool-season grasses, on the other hand, should be fertilized in the fall. If you missed the recommended fertilization window, you should fertilize your cool-season grass early in the spring.
\n\n\n\nHere are the recommended fertilization times for typical Durham grass types:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Fertilization |
| Bermudagrass | Early April to May |
| Centipedegrass | June |
| Kentucky bluegrass mix | Mid September to November |
| Tall fescue | Mid September to November |
| Zoysiagrass | June to August |
![\"Bare](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Bare-Patch-Spot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf your lawn has bare patches, you need to overseed them to promote healthy growth. Overseeding should follow core aeration and can be done before or after fertilization. Just like other maintenance practices, the best time to overseed depends on your grass type.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a warm-season grass type, it’s best if you overseed it in late spring to early summer. Warm-season grasses’ optimal planting temperatures vary based on the type of grass. But broadly speaking, they begin to grow at temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and do best at 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a cool-season grass type, you should overseed it in late summer to early fall. Just like warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses’ optimal planting temperatures vary based on the type of grass. But generally, they begin to grow at temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit and do best at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nIf you leave overseeding too early or too late, you risk the new grass not establishing well. Check out the best grass types for Durham if you want to know more about warm-season and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nOnce you plant your new seed, don’t forget to fertilize it if you haven’t already. Additionally, water your new grass seed regularly to ensure that it gets enough moisture for proper growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA healthy, lush lawn requires proper mowing. Avoid mowing your grass too short, as it can damage it and affect its growth. Cut no more than one-third of the grass blade in one mow, and don’t mow wet grass. Also, don’t mow for 2 to 3 days before or 3 to 4 days after applying herbicide.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be sure not to let your grass grow too long because it can become susceptible to diseases and pests. How much you’ll need to do depends on your grass type.
\n\n\n\nHere are the recommended mowing heights for Durham grasses:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 1 to 2 inches (rotary mower) or 0.75 to 1 inch (reel mower) |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 to 2 inches, depending on conditions |
| Kentucky bluegrass mix | Depends on the mix; anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 to 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | Typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on cultivar and shade; heights below 1 inch need a reel mower (which is recommended anyway) |
Tip: Once you’ve mowed your grass, you can leave grass clippings behind as natural fertilizer. But make sure that the clippings are not too long or too thick, because this will create too much thatch.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-Armyworm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: uacescomm / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike weeds, insects can threaten the health and appearance of your lawn. Common Durham pests include:
\n\n\n\nTo prevent pests, make sure to keep your grass healthy by providing it with enough water and fertilizer. Moreover, mow, aerate, and dethatch as needed.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn becomes infested with pests, use selective pesticides that kill only a certain kind of insect pests. Otherwise, you risk killing beneficial insects that prey on pests. You can also consider using natural pest control methods or seeking professional help if necessary.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour lawn needs sufficient watering, but overwatering can damage it and lead to diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nThe amount of water your lawn needs depends on its type and weather conditions. Generally speaking, though, most grass types need around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. You should water your lawn to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips for watering your lawn:
\n\n\n\nPartly, the lawn care you have to do will depend on the type of grass you have in your lawn. For the best care throughout the year, it’s important to know what kind of grass you have and what it needs.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to add plants to your lawn, you can consider native plants. Natives need less care than non-natives and are beneficial to local ecosystems. Once again, make sure you choose plants that suit your specific needs and preferences.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care is just the beginning. If you’d rather enjoy the beauty of your lawn without the hassle of maintenance, you can also consider hiring a professional lawn care service to take care of it for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Greystone Mansion / Warren LeMay / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Durham Homeowners","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/1789c/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/107df/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 320w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/293e9/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 500w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/f2cbb/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 800w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/1789c/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 960w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/c26c2/Greystone-Durham-NC.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/1dd6e/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/67b76/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 320w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/8df11/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 500w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/98a65/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 800w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/1dd6e/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 960w,\n/static/5730b2bdad9ea07afaee142516e0bbbf/3cc96/Greystone-Durham-NC.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Durham Homeowners","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you want a great lawn this year, it pays to get a good jump on it in the spring. Here’s what you should do."}}},{"node":{"id":"f3b67bb5-6efc-5204-9fc2-8b87b2fb54f8","slug":"worst-lawn-weeds-dallas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/worst-lawn-weeds-dallas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 18th, 2019","excerpt":"Weeds are like stealthy ninjas, gaining control of your lawn and bringing it to the brink of destruction. Even when you think you are doing everything right, diligently applying your pre-emergent herbicide and swooping in immediately to pull weeds that pop up in your lush Dallas lawn, these pesky invaders multiply before your eyes. Luckily, […]
\n","content":"\nWeeds are like stealthy ninjas, gaining control of your lawn and bringing it to the brink of destruction. Even when you think you are doing everything right, diligently applying your pre-emergent herbicide and swooping in immediately to pull weeds that pop up in your lush Dallas lawn, these pesky invaders multiply before your eyes. Luckily, we compiled a list of the most common lawn weeds in Dallas, including tips on how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeed Control Chemical Treatments
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike a good con man, weeds love a weak spot. These lawn invaders signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health. They love low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Maintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and the weeds won’t stand a chance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some reasons why weed control is so important:
\n\n\n\nThere are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree, hand weeding is just as important as chemical removal methods. You should aim to weed your yard and garden weekly or bi-weekly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Annual-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass, also known as Poa annua, is an annual grass that reproduces with creeping stolons. It appears in late summer and lasts through fall. It has a dense, clumping growth pattern with serrated, boat-shaped leaves.
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass grows rapidly, easily out-competing existing turfgrass. It is important to note this annual weed is adaptable and responds well to mowing, and it is used as turfgrass in commercial settings like golf courses.
\n\n\n\nAnnual bluegrass is best controlled using a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall and responding to follow-up growth with a post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers disturbed, cultivated soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bull-Thistle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown as Texas thistle in Dallas, bull thistle is a broadleaf biennial, meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle when left undisturbed. It blooms dark-pink, prickly flowers, and puffy seed heads spread in the air for germination like dandelions.
\n\n\n\nSpray Texas thistle with post-emergent herbicide after it flowers, usually in early to late spring. Don’t worry if you have to come back and spray the pesky weed again. It can take several applications to get rid of the hardy biennial completely.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf biennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; prickly flowers, mildly toxic to humans and livestock
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Common-Chickweed.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon chickweed appears during North Texas winters. Star-shaped white flowers bloom in low-growing mats of leaves. The broadleaf annual stands up to mowing well, making it difficult to get rid of.
\n\n\n\nIt is an edible weed and is often fed to poultry. Chickweed thrives in moist, shaded areas. Removal methods include pulling the weed by hand, being sure you get the root system and spraying pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, shady lawns and gardens, especially near buildings
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; edible but large quantities cause stomach irritation in humans
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass thrives in the Dallas summer. This annual grassy weed prefers dry soil. Its blades and leaf sheaths are covered by dense hairs that irritate the skin, and the high stalks steal valuable nutrients from your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nIt reproduces quickly and grows faster than your lawn. Crabgrass loves the sun and overtakes thin lawns. Think twice before cutting your grass extremely short to lessen your mowing frequency, as the fast-growing weed will overtake it quickly.
\n\n\n\nThe best method to get rid of crabgrass is to use a pre-emergent herbicide and maintain a healthy and dense lawn with routine fertilization and a consistent watering schedule.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Sparse, disturbed habitats like thin lawns, gardens, vacant lots, roads, and grass paths
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide, and routine lawn maintenance
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Creeping-Charlie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCreeping Charlie, or ground ivy in Texas, is a broadleaf perennial herb. Its distinguishable scalloped leaves and clusters of purple flowers pop up in the spring and quickly spread, or creep, to form a dense green carpet.
\n\n\n\nThe minty-smelling weed loves unhealthy, patchy grass, low-fertility soils, and shady spots. The best way to unfriend this herb isn’t to ignore it. Instead, maintain your lawn’s pH levels by following a regular fertilization plan and use post-emergent broadleaf herbicide to eliminate the pest.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, shaded locations
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; toxic to horses in large quantities
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, regular fertilization schedule
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dallisgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDallisgrass is a warm-season perennial grass that loves to invade Texas turfgrass, especially bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass. It is aggressive and difficult to control thanks to multiple reproductive methods, including seeds, rhizomes, and stolons. Dallisgrass has a clumped, circular appearance with rough edges.
\n\n\n\nProper lawn maintenance is the best line of defense against this aggressive grassy weed. It also responds well to hand pulling and pre-emergent herbicides in the spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefers moist disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; non-toxic but susceptible to ergot fungus, which is toxic to livestock and horses
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Routine lawn maintenance, pre-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dandelion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDandelions seem like fun when you are a kid, but they turn into nightmares when you own your own lawn. These perennials behave like annuals and are a broadleaf weed. Dandelions pop up in the Dallas spring, beginning with their trademark bright yellow flowers before turning into light, puffy helicopter blade seeds that want nothing more than to be airborne.
\n\n\n\nDandelions have a taproot that grows vertically downward between 6 to 18 inches deep. Unfortunately, removing the entire dandelion by hand is next to impossible, and the best removal method is a broadleaf herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefer disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; edible but may cause irritation in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hairy-Bittercress.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHairy bittercress thrives in moist environments, popping up after early spring rains with blooms of tiny white flowers. The annual’s flowers turn into pods, dispersing seeds to propagate the plant. Post-emergent weed control is the best method to manage hairy bittercress before the seeds disperse.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Cultivated and open ground, rocks, and walls
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Henbit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miltos Gikas / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHenbit is a cool-season broadleaf annual with square branching stems. It is hairy with circular leaves and purple flowers. It spreads aggressively in the North Texas winters. Thankfully, it has shallow roots and responds well to hand pulling and pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefers disturbed lawns, pastures, gardens, nursery plots, and building edges
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purslane.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nPurslane is a low-growing succulent and broadleaf annual weed. It loves the rocky soil of North Texas, thriving in between cracks. It is adaptable and will easily encroach on turfgrass. Purslane is drought and heat-tolerant, surviving hot Dallas summers.
\n\n\n\nPurslane grows through spreading in a matted web. It has purple stems, alternating oval leaves, and yellow flowers. The best method to control purslane is hand pulling, ensuring you remove the whole root system.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Nutsedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNutsedge, “the world’s worst weed,” is a perennial sedge weed with a triangular stem. It is drought-tolerant but prefers moist, undrained Texas soil. It grows faster than turfgrass and thrives in warm weather before going dormant in cool weather, only to pop up again when it warms back up.
\n\n\n\nTreat nutsedge with post-emergent herbicide and ensure your lawn is thick and healthy, being sure to fix drainage issues. Left unattended, the sedge perennial will thrive in bare spots, coming back year after year.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Sedge perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, poorly drained soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Quackgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nQuackgrass sounds made up, but this perennial grass loves the Texas fall and winter seasons. It out-competes turfgrass and other weeds, spreading in large clumps with rhizomes. Quackgrass has coarse blades and resembles wheat.
\n\n\n\nPull quackgrass by hand, being sure to remove the roots. The perennial grass also responds well to spot treatment using post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Perennial grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: Noxious; quickly overtakes fields and crops
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Spotted-Spurge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nEven though spotted spurge is a broadleaf annual, it is a nuisance. Like dandelions, this resilient weed has a long taproot which seemingly brings this zombie weed back from the dead. Spurge grows fast, and its tangled web of leaves spreads low. It loves dry, Texas soil and sun.
\n\n\n\nPull spotted spurge by hand, but be sure to wear gloves. The zombie plant exudes a skin-irritating milky sap. This annual responds well to pre-emergent herbicide, or you can opt for a post-emergent herbicide if your spurge has already bloomed.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; prefer sunny, dry, disturbed habitats like lawns, pastures, paths, and sidewalks
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; irritating milky sap
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent, post-emergent, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-Clover.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhite clover is another broadleaf perennial like dandelions that loves Dallas yards. It thrives in sparse turfgrass, blooming white flowers in the summer. Clover typically signals low nitrogen levels in your soil.
\n\n\n\nTo remove the pesky good-luck charm, douse it with iron-based herbicides. You can also weed them by hand, taking care to remove their root systems.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Nitrogen-poor, grassy habitats
\n\n\n\nDanger: Toxic; damaged leaf tissues release cyanide
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent, iron-based herbicide and hand removal
\n\n\n\nSelective herbicides control specific weeds or weed families.
Non-selective herbicides are typically more potent than selective herbicides. They work on many weeds, including grassy and broadleaf. However, they also wipe out good vegetation and turfgrass. These heavy-duty herbicides are best left to the professionals.
Perennial weeds are the toughest to control thanks to their underground reproductive systems, including rhizomes and tubers. These weeds regrow season after season. Perennial weeds include clover, spotted spurge, dandelion, crabgrass, and chickweed. The best method to prevent perennial weeds from returning is hand weeding, ensuring you remove the entire root system.
Weeds are a nuisance, and no matter how diligent you are, they will pop up in your yard. The best defense against an invasion is a healthy lawn. There are many low-maintenance landscaping options available for Dallas, including weed-controlling mulch, and be sure to check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you need some help killing weeds before your next backyard barbecue, contact a Dallas lawn care pro today to keep your lawn healthy year-round.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"14 Worst Lawn Weeds in Dallas, TX (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1789c/Lawn-Weeds.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/107df/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 320w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/293e9/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 500w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/f2cbb/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 800w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1789c/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 960w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/c26c2/Lawn-Weeds.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1dd6e/Lawn-Weeds.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/67b76/Lawn-Weeds.webp 320w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/8df11/Lawn-Weeds.webp 500w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/98a65/Lawn-Weeds.webp 800w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/1dd6e/Lawn-Weeds.webp 960w,\n/static/a202eb421861797e466cba25e04ec42d/3cc96/Lawn-Weeds.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"14 Worst Lawn Weeds in Dallas, TX (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Weeds are common in Dallas thanks to the Texas sun and warm weather. Get rid of them with a few simple tips."}}},{"node":{"id":"9244667c-3d25-5ede-964a-92e92b3b3df8","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/worst-backyard-pests-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Ruma Akter","id":"b4adb332-066f-5309-a11a-ada9d71b73f7","path":"/author/opushaon10/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ebb2426fcf700731e458d89422adc475?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"July 19th, 2019","excerpt":"Jacksonville’s warm climate is something that backyard pests really appreciate, too. Here’s a list of the biggest pests, and what to do about them.
\n","content":"\nJacksonville’s warm climate and proximity to many bodies of water create the perfect environment for pests. These backyard pests can create many issues for homeowners. Here are some of the worst backyard pests in Jacksonville, and more importantly, how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nYay, Jax! In 2019 the city broke into the list of the top U.S. cities …for mosquitoes. Some people tend to get bitten only a few minutes after stepping outside while others aren’t mosquito magnets at all. Either way, it’s essential to keep the mosquito population down around your home. These bloodsuckers can spread disease and cause significant health problems for your family and pets. There’s no doubt they’re among the worst pests in Jacksonville and one of the deadliest in the world.
\n\n\n\nMake sure to rid your lawn and garden from any standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Buy a mosquito zapper and wear bug repellent while outdoors. Guard the family pooch against heartworms spread by infected mosquitoes as well. Use natural mosquito repellent plants around your home. Catmint, marigolds, and citronella have a scent that bugs mosquitoes.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/c2sdWdrobROzG-bFF6MjtV360OrNNqfe4j_m2OocW71AZDXYMWMG4PXszf8dxZlBEwGzc3c_Voz0VC964QSQGMnSNKLIefrBeSPgZL-D-qizb2tt14TstRkT0-0BlixNc54a4zIZ\")
While these flying lovers aren’t harmful to humans, their sheer numbers can wreak havoc in the Jacksonville area. They are also known as the honeymoon fly, but they’re nothing lovable about them. These bugs mate and then remain attached for several days afterward. Lovebugs are commonly found flooding sides of buildings and splattering across the front of cars.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TfsJW9tGCddH6YzJVE-Fjio2NpwLdYMxJeyVmndOt83zAGmeW_TADhv8cJoJIUTAqSykzVwg2dx5pOpIIj1beQ52nl-set_T3hjEifv3C7XeFZSEijk8rC9SXCFSCdJyM8TVDLdC\")
2019 was a particularly bad year (actually a good year for the bugs, bad for us,) thanks to a lack of rainfall that encouraged eggs production. There isn’t much you can do to prevent or rid your backyard of these swarms of lovebugs other than use screened-in outdoor areas. Cutting down on piles of plant debris in the yard could also help keep these amorous pests away. They especially like feeding on Brazilian pepper.
\n\n\n\nAny wood structures are targets for termites in the Jacksonville area. It doesn’t take long for these small wood eaters to do some costly damage to homes, garages, sheds, and backyard playgrounds. Walk around any wood structures on your property to look for mud tubes and droppings that look like sawdust. Ridding your property of any wood piles or dead trees is one way to prevent termites from entering your area. If you’ve got an infestation, it’s time to call a professional exterminator.
\n\n\n\nThese small gnats are also known as sand fleas in the Jacksonville area. They tend to hang out on the sandy beaches but can also fly around the city. No-see-ums are usually active in the mornings or late afternoons, and their sting is easy to feel. You’ll most likely feel a no-see-um before you lay eyes on it.
\n\n\n\nApplying insect repellent before going outside is one way to prevent these little critters from causing issues. Carbon dioxide traps are also popular to use in backyards.
\n\n\n\nWhile Florida may be a prime target for many bugs, you can prevent some of the worst pests in Jacksonville from making themselves at home in your home. Keep your grass mowed, and remove any yard debris. Most pests are looking for tall grass and woodpiles to breed and nest. You don’t have to use harmful chemicals to control the pest population, but it will take plenty of perseverance and patience.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care in Jacksonville? Make sure to check our Jacksonville, FL lawn care page.
One thing is for sure: Miami is known for its beautiful beaches. Packed with non-stop nightlife, diverse cultural arts, and luxury shopping malls, it’s no surprise this colorful city is a resident’s dream. But thanks to Miami’s tropical monsoon climate, residents enjoy their backyards and water sports year-round. Show off a thick green lawn you […]
\n","content":"\nOne thing is for sure: Miami is known for its beautiful beaches. Packed with non-stop nightlife, diverse cultural arts, and luxury shopping malls, it’s no surprise this colorful city is a resident’s dream. But thanks to Miami’s tropical monsoon climate, residents enjoy their backyards and water sports year-round. Show off a thick green lawn you are proud of with one of these five best grass types perfect for South Florida’s humid climate.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can always count on South Florida to be humid. The tropical climate is characterized by warm temperatures, frequent rain, and thunderstorms. With average winter temperatures in the mid-70s, Miami is best suited to warm-season grass varieties. These grass types grow best when temperatures hover between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for the southern United States.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nMiami’s tropical climate creates ideal conditions for weeds. Bermudagrass is a hardy, fine-textured variety with deep roots that make it resistant to heavy traffic, drought, and Florida weeds like goosegrass and buttonweed. The aggressive turfgrass recovers from damage quickly, making it an ideal choice for athletic fields, golf courses, and even home lawns.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is medium to dark green with a dense appearance. It establishes quickly, thrives in the sun, adapts to most soils, and is salt-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, sod webworms, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/saint-augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPalmetto, to Miami it’s a giant bug and a cultivar of St. Augustinegrass. This dense, blue-green grass is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass variety. It is easy to establish and quick-growing. Unfortunately, it does not stand up to heavy traffic and is susceptible to chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augstinegrass loves the warm, Florida weather and tolerates the salty air. It is coarse-textured but less dense than bermudagrass. Bitter Blue, a cultivar of St. Augustinegrass, is chinch bug resistant and popular in many areas.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, grubs, and nematodes
\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![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is recognizable for its dense appearance and dark green color. This hardy grass shares all of the popular characteristics of bermudagrass but is more shade-tolerant. Cultivars of zoysiagrass are superb choices for homes, athletic fields, and golf courses, standing up to heavy traffic, low mow heights, drought, cold, and shade.
\n\n\n\nThese grass varieties have low fertilization requirements and grow densely and slowly, blocking out weeds. Zoysiagrass is one of the lowest-maintenance South Florida grasses. It is salt-tolerant, disease-resistant, and not prone to insect infestation.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and lead spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMost South Floridians love the feel of sand between their toes, and the resilient variety Bahiagrass agrees. This grass loves sandy soil and is drought-resistant, thanks to deep roots. It grows slowly and requires less mowing than other varieties.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass has a coarse texture and light-green color. It requires little fertilization and most Miami homeowners do not need supplemental irrigation for this variety to thrive. Unfortunately, it does not stand up to salt spray, heavy traffic, or shade.
\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; dollar spot may occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; mole crickets may cause problems
\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
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a low-maintenance and slow-growing cultivar, requiring little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain green. The light-green grass loves the sandy, acidic soils of South Florida, but the smooth, flat blades do not handle heavy traffic, shade, cold, or herbicides well. Centipedegrass is prone to pests and disease when overwatered.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, lawn caterpillars, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow in temperatures as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Miami’s tropical weather allows for year-round growth most years.
You should plant your grass seed between April and July. This gives the seed a full growing season before the cold winter.
Chinch bugs love the sun. They are small and difficult to spot. Watch for yellow or brown patches in your lawn and contact a lawn care professional if you see signs of activity. In South Florida, chinch bugs love many grass types, including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass.
South Florida grass varieties thrive in warm weather, salty air, and sandy, acidic soil. Different varieties have different characteristics and needs, so choose a variety that works well for your space and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together with plants, flowers, and outdoor furniture to complete your home landscape. There are many hurricane-resistant landscaping options available for Miami, so you can spend less time worrying about your yard and more time enjoying the pristine beaches before hurricane season rolls around. For even more low-maintenance plants, check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in the tropical climate.
\n\n\n\nA tropical oasis is within reach so long as you provide the rum runner. Contact a Miami lawn care pro today to keep your lawn and landscaping green and chinch-bug-free.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Miami","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1789c/Miami-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/107df/Miami-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/293e9/Miami-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/f2cbb/Miami-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1789c/Miami-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/c26c2/Miami-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1dd6e/Miami-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/67b76/Miami-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/8df11/Miami-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/98a65/Miami-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/1dd6e/Miami-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/92497b31dc60c9c15d0d935bc5f8faba/3cc96/Miami-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Miami | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season, salt-tolerant grasses are the best choice for Miami, and these five species are great options."}}},{"node":{"id":"c5ef6238-ac97-57ac-96bd-feccea1e6ce6","slug":"fire-resistant-landscaping-montana","path":"/lawn-care/mt/fire-resistant-landscaping-montana/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"851f9dd2-d0b9-5a5b-a0a0-cf65224620d5","name":"Montana","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mt/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Montana is nicknamed “The Last Best Place” for its natural, rugged terrain. It is home to some of the last uninhabited areas in North America, and every year, residents expand further into its remote regions, increasing populations across the wild landscapes and the chances of wildfires. Wildfire activity continues to increase thanks to Montana’s semi-arid […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is nicknamed “The Last Best Place” for its natural, rugged terrain. It is home to some of the last uninhabited areas in North America, and every year, residents expand further into its remote regions, increasing populations across the wild landscapes and the chances of wildfires. Wildfire activity continues to increase thanks to Montana’s semi-arid climate. All residents, especially those living in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas in remote locations near undeveloped forests or grasslands, should implement these fire-resistant landscaping ideas to protect their homes, families, and landscapes.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nBenefits of Fire-Resistant Montana Landscaping
\n\n\n\n6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Montana
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant landscaping offers many benefits to Montanans, including:
\n\n\n\nWildfires are part of Montana’s past, present, and future. There is no such thing as a completely fireproof landscape. However, you can take steps to protect your home and yard through fire-smart landscaping practices.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dethatcher.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nMay is Wildfire Awareness Month in Montana. The primary goal of firewise landscaping is to keep a wildfire low, minimizing its intensity. Wildfire risk reduction is an ongoing process requiring regular attention to landscape maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMontana wildfire preparedness lawn maintenance activities include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Three](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blanketflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMontana’s mountainous western regions, with their continental climates, receive over 35 inches of annual rainfall. Unfortunately, the steppe climates in the central and eastern regions of the Treasure State only receive around 15 inches of rain or less, far below the national average rainfall of 30 inches, creating a fire-prone habitat.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that no plant is fireproof, and any plant will burn under the right conditions. However, some plants resist ignition and are better suited to withstanding extreme heat. Fire behavior, climate, moisture content, plant size, and flammable or inflammable compounds inside bark or leaves all affect a landscape’s ability to resist ignition.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some of the best fire-resistant plants for the Treasure State:
\n\n\n\nHerbaceous Perennials
\n\n\n\nLow-Growing Groundcover
\n\n\n\nMontana Turfgrass
\n\n\n\nTrees and Shrubs
\n\n\n\nSucculents
\n\n\n\nNot all landscape plants are created equal. In fact, most succulents, salt-tolerant plants, and deciduous trees and shrubs are naturally fire-resistant. Watch for the following characteristics when choosing non-native and native Montana plants:
\n\n\n\nConversely, avoid the following characteristics when choosing landscape plants:
\n\n\n\nFirewise construction comes together with your firescaping to create a complete, fire-resistant landscape. FIrewise structures must reduce fuel sources and exposure. Like plants, not all materials are created equal and many construction materials are combustible.
\n\n\n\nLook for the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nDefensible space, now known as survivable space, involves modifying landscape design, building materials, and inorganic and organic fuel sources to decrease the likelihood of home ignition caused by wildfire. Fire experts encourage all Montana homeowners to firescape and maintain their survivable space, 100 to 200 feet in all directions. This area is known as the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
\n\n\n\nYour home is more likely to survive a wildfire without fire suppression and intervention if grasses, plants, trees, and man-made structures are spaced regularly to reduce a fire’s intensity.
\n\n\n\nMontana recognizes three home zones:
\n\n\n\n| Zone | Distance from Structure | Things to Avoid | Recommendations |
| Zone 1 | 0-30 feet | • Woody, aromatic, or resinous plants • Closely spaced plants • Organic mulch • Woodpiles • Wooden decks, pergolas, or trellises | • Fire-resistant plants, shrubs, and trees • Short, green, well-maintained turfgrass • 100-foot garden hose attached to home • Gravel, flagstone, and non-flammable composite decking and hardscapes • Accessible driveway with visible address |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 feet | • Vegetation near wood piles, fuel tanks, or outbuildings • Dense, closely-spaced vegetation • Organic debris piles | • Location for storage shed or outbuilding • Recycle or compost instead of burning • Thin and prune coniferous trees • Store woodpiles and propane tanks |
| Zone 3 | 100-200+ feet | • Dense thickets of shrubs or trees • Overgrowth | • Prune and thin trees • Regularly monitor re-sprouting |
![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hardscaping.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative plants are adapted to the harsh and dry conditions of Big Sky Country. The unpredictable weather can make outdoor lawn maintenance a burden, while the semi-arid climate makes growing a dense, green yard difficult. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance and watering and reducing your landscape’s fire risk.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for your landscape. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Be sure to consider materials and location when choosing and installing your hardscapes. Keep wooden structures away from vegetation inside Zone 2 of your home’s survivable space. Stone hardscapes and garden paths make great additions to Zone 1.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nAccording to the National Park Service, humans cause almost 85% of all wildfires in the the U.S. Creating defensible space, maintaining your landscape, and planting fire-resistant species are small steps you can take to help increase the survivability of your property while using common sense and adopting fire-smart habits to decrease Montana’s chances of wildfires.
\n\n\n\nFire-smart habits include:
\n\n\n\nYes. Your roof comprises two-thirds of your home’s outer structure, and it is its most vulnerable component. It can easily catch fire from floating embers. Select a Class A roofing material for the best fire resistance and limit the length of eaves and overhangs.
Montana’s fire season runs from May through October, but wildfires can occur at any time under the right conditions.
In Montana, human negligence from debris burning, campfires, or landscaping and farm equipment cause 75% of all wildfires.
Fire-prone regions like Big Sky Country are arid, and drought-resistant landscaping performs best under these conditions. Switching to drought-resistant landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In steppe climates like Montana where average rainfall is less than 15 inches per year, water conservation is important. Consider integrating our drought-resistant landscaping tips into your fire-resistant landscape.
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant landscaping is only a small part of your fire preparedness plan. From designing evacuation routes to creating emergency supply kits and securing furry family members, there is a lot to consider.
Give yourself peace of mind and check one thing off your to-do list. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your fire-resistant landscape design.
Main Photo by: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1789c/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/107df/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 320w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/293e9/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 500w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/f2cbb/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 800w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1789c/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 960w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/c26c2/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1dd6e/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/67b76/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 320w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/8df11/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 500w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/98a65/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 800w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1dd6e/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 960w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/3cc96/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Keep your property safe from wildfire with these 6 fire-resistant landscaping ideas for Montana and enhance your outdoor space while staying protected."}}},{"node":{"id":"9b773e35-df5b-51f7-8c97-481acd7b2771","slug":"how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/how-to-design-a-rain-garden-in-austin-texas/","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":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"February 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Austin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek […]
\n","content":"\nAustin, Texas is definitely one of those cities that sticks with you no matter the length of time you spend there. From the eclectic collection of shops, amazing food down every main street and back ally, or the legendary Texas hospitality and charm, Austin really lives up to the hype of its tongue in cheek motto ‘Keep Austin Weird’ in more ways than are obvious to the casual observer. Being a center for creative design and out of the box thinking, Austinites have embraced the idea of getting innovative when it comes to the way they view landscaping and water management. One of these ways is with the healthy use of Rain Gardens. Although the use of rain gardens, bioswales, and other forms of using the landscape to manage rainwater have gained in popularity in the past years, it is good to know the basic fundamentals of what makes for a successful rain garden that can withstand the extremes of the Central Texas climate.
A Solid Foundation. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a rain garden. There are lots of terms and descriptors used to categorize these very similar landscape applications, but they all differ from each other in one way or another. A rain garden is perhaps the simplest of them all. A rain garden is purely an area of planting that you install in a low spot in your landscape. Rain gardens should be designed to hold water for only a brief period of time after a storm, with water quickly infiltrating back into the ground.
\n\n\n\nUnlike a pond or wetland, rain gardens should not generally be more than a foot deep at any given point and should not use any sort of liner. The actual depth and size of your rain garden will vary depending upon how much rainfall you need to collect from your roof or other impervious surfaces.
\n\n\n\nBelow are examples of a rain garden in a dry state versus a wet state.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IZtgwprugCTW6rZfud7Qw5dmJ2qoRXmqzN2xAmCUBS8XmBegxcU4sqHmdh7wvr437JxtdLLoqGjtLrWGp4_rbPHdII_qjLYnXuLQjnmB_8I7ZW3fkpV2anv8HpUFo9Uzm_m7TT_R1EVzVTfdrw\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_MSsZiTdiwZFgSLW5TcZA8NOJgtdX0HB7Y-xxrKmVxgUIx8PUk5_DBG3dOT6DPtDc3ml6HjVqiooQ65lOUtP4OjHj85P3HKmAPDAHT9CWS-eZPY3MKHvV-JjYwTifhsfWEfePS40DRs8GNGJ8Q\")
Small plantings packing a BIG punch. The benefits of rain gardens are multifold. Firstly, they help prevent pollution from runoff water. The water that falls off our roofs, down the street, or across a parking lot isn’t pure rainwater; it collects pollutants as it flows, especially excess nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers. These pollutants can harm rivers and ponds by causing algae blooms and fish kill. The deep roots of native plants readily absorb these nutrients, protecting groundwater quality. During heavy to moderate rain events, this storm surge can cause damaging erosion, sediment buildup, and bring a number of other harms to freshwater ecosystems, negatively impacting freshwater mussels and other aquatic life.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens can also play a part to protect Austin properties from floods. A mature stand of rain garden plants will take up excess water that might normally puddle in your yard, leading to water damage issues in your home. When you get rid of standing water, you also reduce mosquito breeding problems around your home.
\n\n\n\nRain gardens create habitats for wildlife. The traditional Austin front yard is turf grass, a monoculture that does little to nurture wildlife, but a mixed planting of native Texas flowers and grasses will draw butterflies, bees, beneficial insects, and birds. Rain gardens also help conserve water. Once established the native plants that thrive in the rain garden won’t need supplemental irrigation, as they are deep-rooted and have evolved to survive periods of drought between rains.
\n\n\n\nGetting s
If you’re planning to divert your roof gutters into your rain garden, you won’t want to install the feature too far away from your home, but you must place it at least ten feet away from your home. Underground utilities and tree roots may also influence the placement of the rain garden.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to check for these two things before you begin to dig.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2Esyi2eVKRoMKak2UnqoBo4JPdg5DkL4jJUDn8ivE8u9SaQkRaCMvZceYQm97QzCHvIKNEpkUXrPgEUx61iuKp4jt6i6Lkmf3basdfESz35HM-fhBzwH4IlS1mn7ys2BHpWVGxYxsh3ArH6npg\")
Choosing the Right Plants. In order to properly design a rain garden, only use perennial plants. This is because a rain garden functions as a water remediation (cleaning) feature and greatly depends on the deep roots of perennial plants. When considering plants, look at their soil moisture requirements and plan accordingly. While your rain garden should favor plants that can tolerate occasional flooding, this does not mean you are limited to only wetland species or that they are necessarily the best fit for a rain garden. In places like Austin, where rain may be seasonal or intermittent, drought tolerance should be a greater consideration than tolerance of flooding. Luckily, Austin native plants with deep roots that are useful for driving water back into the earth are often drought tolerant as well—making them an excellent choice for rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few good choices of plants for each zone of a rain garden that are well suited to Austin:
\n\n\n\nAdd Some Height. Although a rain garden is not the place to grow a large shade tree, you can add a small ornamental tree or shrub to act as a focal point in the landscape. A Texas redbud tree has beautiful pink-red flowers in the spring and will reach a mature height of 15-20 feet. A cypress or cedar elm specimen can work in a larger landscape, and will greatly increase the water absorption ability of your rain garden. Trees also lend much-needed shade along a street or sidewalk when rain gardens are used in those settings.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bw0nehWRO3FijgqiVY6ni0q7qzRHA_lBeGHvI23vzit05SDMbDt0LdSfjhV_KQ-XxLnxh4korfL2cBKGcH76X8SXDlP5pO4uuI6NK8wVogiMXQV8HTSG9Oh9kJyjnOdQRbun24Fm7FBxdObJJw\")
Create a long life for your g
Rain gardens need to be kept free of weeds, both for plant health and aesthetic value. The best time to weed is right after a strong Austin rain event when the soil becomes soft and weed roots release their hold more easily. Additionally, by adding a three-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil surface weed growth will be further suppressed. Use a fine hardwood mulch, as it’s less likely to float away after a heavy rain.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GAC1IlHN4g6UVu3tqj_NNysGh0QYYz_hfzfhXHhqicwfYyPkgEBP_auAm0HOQogjouBH3a-eLhAzAln7NJ85nc74CW0yNytgWgFTO0CPDvFnQcEQJ35mjPJ6mUQ3SrkPTvhVxaP_1i7kO5LA9A\")
Top Photo: Source
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care? Please visit our Austin, TX lawn care page by clicking here.
\n","title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6,"src":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg","srcSet":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/107df/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/293e9/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/f2cbb/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1789c/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/c26c2/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/67b76/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 320w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/8df11/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 500w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/98a65/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 800w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/1dd6e/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 960w,\n/static/34ff10423e0fac92880e54d6c9860aa7/3cc96/carlos-delgado-732806-unsplash-e1550710438919.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Design a Rain Garden in Austin, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"9f629a98-4af7-53e3-be48-1645e902e8a0","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 17th, 2023","excerpt":"With only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants. That doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you […]
\n","content":"\nWith only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you can cut down on your time, effort, and expense with plants that don’t require a lot of water to survive. Let’s take a look at some of the best drought-tolerant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll plants listed here are native to Utah. But what are native plants? They are called “native” because they have been growing in a particular region for years and are well-adapted to that region’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere are the advantages of native plants over non-natives.
![\"Apache](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apache-Plume.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApache plume looks distinctive with white, five-petaled flowers and fluffy pink seed heads. It blooms from late spring to mid-fall and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Water newly planted Apache plume at least once a week. Once established, you can water it once a month.
\n\n\n\nApache plume grows best in soil with good drainage. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 8 feet. It can also resist deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 6 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, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Rabbitbrush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rabbitbrush-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush looks attractive with its fine-textured, gray-green foliage. It blooms from late summer to mid-fall, producing showy golden yellow flowers. Bees and butterflies love them. Once established, rabbitbrush requires little to no watering.
\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. This shrub is toxic to humans and pets. So, if you have children and pets playing around in your yard, it’s best to avoid this shrub or plant it elsewhere, maybe on the exterior.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 7 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Sage-Salvia-apiana-California.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HLWolfe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite sage grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. It looks distinctive with clusters of white flowers. This shrub blooms from spring to summer and attracts carpenter bees. White sage has many medicinal benefits.
\n\n\n\nWhite sage features aromatic greenish silver leaves. This shrub grows up to 5 feet, but the floppy appearance of mature flower shoots makes it appear shorter than it actually is.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Greenish silver
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Turpentine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Turpentine-Bush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurpentine bush blooms from late summer to fall, producing bright yellow flowers. The sticky, needle-like leaves have a turpentine aroma. Turpentine bush grows best in full sun and can also handle partial shade.
\n\n\n\nThe turpentine bush prefers well-drained soil and requires weekly watering when it is first planted. Once it’s established, however, don’t water the shrub more than once a month, as overwatering can reduce blooming.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Globemallow-Sphaeralcea-Ambigua.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow looks beautiful with five-petaled, reddish-orange flowers. It blooms throughout spring and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Desert globemallow grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow features gray-green leaves that are broad and have three lobes. Be careful when touching this plant, as the hair on the leaves can cause eye irritation.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow looks beautiful with clusters of small white or yellow flowers. The leaves are aromatic and have a fine-textured, feathery appearance. Common yarrow blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Butterflies and bees love it.
\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow grows best in full sun. It prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. Common yarrow has many medicinal uses too.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fireweed\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fireweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Borealomas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFireweed can be a gorgeous addition to your Utah yard. It features pinkish-purple colors and requires little to no watering once established. Plant fireweed in a place with abundant sunlight, as it needs 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nFireweed prefers sandy soil with good drainage. One note of caution: This herb is toxic to both humans and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\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: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Goldenrod\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoldenrod grows best in full sun and can withstand partial shade. It grows in sandy, rocky, and clay soils with good drainage. The leaves are smooth with slightly jagged edges.
\n\n\n\nGoldenrod blooms from summer to fall, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers that bees and butterflies love. Remove the dried flowers to keep goldenrod in bloom for much longer. Once the blooming period ends, goldenrod will look like an ordinary plant with medium-green foliage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eastern-Cottonwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood is a large, fast-growing tree that produces beautiful flowers during early spring. It grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This tree can live up to 100 years.
\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood has weak wood and penetrating roots. If you live in a windy area, it’s best to avoid this large tree as it’s prone to uproot.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nUtah has a warm, desert climate. In fact, it’s one of the driest states in the country. All plants listed here are native to Utah and can easily withstand drought.
\n\n\n\nAnalyze your lawn’s soil condition and sun exposure and choose a plant that best suits your lifestyle. Also, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity levels, especially if you have kids and pets playing in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA lush, green, and healthy lawn requires proper maintenance. If you don’t want to spend your weekend doing lawn chores, Wikilawn Utah lawn care pros can help. We can assist you with everything related to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Red Butte Garden / Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscapes","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/107df/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/293e9/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/f2cbb/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/c26c2/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/67b76/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/8df11/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/98a65/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/3cc96/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscaping","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Drought-tolerant plants are a great way to add color and life to a drab yard, especially when you live somewhere as dry as Utah"}}},{"node":{"id":"71f6e831-21fb-5c9a-923c-44553c6f7346","slug":"worst-lawn-weeds-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/worst-lawn-weeds-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"Finding any weed in your Jacksonville lawn can be frustrating, but some are easy to control with common lawn sprays. But, there are a few weeds that require a bit more work.
\n","content":"\nPicture this: You’ve gone outside to enjoy a sunny Jacksonville day when you notice something odd on your lawn. It sure doesn’t look like the rest of your grass, and upon closer inspection, you may notice dying turf near it. You’ve stumbled upon a weed, but what should you do about it?
\n\n\n\nThe best way to deal with these leafy intruders is to identify them so you can create an appropriate game plan. Let’s learn about some of the worst Jacksonville weeds so you can grab the right tools and get your lawn back to normal.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWeeds compete for the water, nutrients, and sun your turfgrass needs. Left unaddressed, they can spread over your lawn, garden, and neighboring properties.
\n\n\n\nBesides the competition for resources, weeds are usually a sign of something wrong. Overwatering is one of the most common problems that encourage weed growth. However, it also may be that your turf isn’t getting the nutrients it needs or is mowed too low to reach a healthy density.
\n\n\n\nYou may feel torn about what weed control method to try first. When choosing between manual and chemical control, you’ll need to consider time, effectiveness, and environmental concerns.
\n\n\n\nRemoving weeds by hand is the most eco-friendly method. However, it can take a lot of time, especially if you have more than a few weeds. You must pull up all plant parts to effectively remove weeds by hand. Many weeds can grow back from roots or tubers left in the ground.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nHerbicides are specially-formulated products designed to eliminate weeds.
\n\n\n\nSelective herbicides target specific plants, such as grassy or broadleaf weeds. On the other hand, non-selective herbicides kill plants more indiscriminately.
\n\n\n\nAlways read herbicide labels carefully to avoid hurting you, your lawn, or your pets.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis weed can be tricky to spot, but you’ll see it everywhere once you recognize it. It resembles turfgrass but is often a lighter green with broader leaves. Crabgrass gravitates toward bare patches in your lawn. It germinates in spring and dies in fall, leaving brown patches and making your lawn’s color uneven.
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass can show up on any lawn. The best way to keep it at bay is to choose an appropriate grass type for Jacksonville. Keep your lawn thick and healthy with proper maintenance, so there are no bare spots for crabgrass to invade. If prevention doesn’t work, apply pre-emergent herbicides in early March before temperatures are consistently above 65 to 70 degrees to avoid harming your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers dry soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dollarweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ranjith-chemmad / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nA rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, but this weed is just as annoying whether it’s called dollarweed or pennywort. The coin-themed names come from the size and round shape of the leaves. Dollarweed is low to the ground and spreads with seeds, rhizomes, and the occasional tuber. Its small white flowers can bloom year-round.
\n\n\n\nDollarweed can thrive in many soil types, with or without sun, but prefers moist soil. To discourage this weed, avoid overwatering your lawn and improve drainage. Once you spot them, pull them out by hand or use selective or non-selective herbicides. Ensure you pull out all the white rhizomes, or it might make a comeback.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4A-10A
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates sandy, loam, or clay soils with acidic to neutral pH
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling, pre-emergent herbicides, or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"honeybee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dandelion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDandelions are some of the most iconic weeds. They’re easy to spot once they have their signature yellow flowers or fluffy white seedheads. Your inner child may want to blow those seeds away and make a wish, but resist the temptation — you’d only be spreading them around your yard and neighborhood. These plants are best dealt with before they produce seeds.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to prevent dandelions is to keep your turf dense and healthy, so there’s no room for them. Hand pulling isn’t a very effective removal method because it has deep roots, but it may be feasible in small yards.
\n\n\n\nApply pre-emergent herbicides before dandelions germinate when soil temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Spot treat with broadleaf herbicides but avoid triclopyr because it can harm the warm-season turfgrasses in Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; dandelions are edible unless you have a latex allergy
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called wiregrass or crowfootgrass, goosegrass gets its name from finger-like spikes that pop out from the same spot when it flowers. Before it reaches that point, it will be low-growing in matted, grass-like clumps with a white leaf sheath at the base. Because of its growth pattern, it survives low mowing remarkably well.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass grows so aggressively in thin lawns it might give you goosebumps. Its favorite soils are compact and wet, so aeration may help make your yard less welcoming. Need to break out the herbicides? You can use pre- or post-emergent herbicides with ingredients like dithiopyr, oryzalin, pendimethalin, or prodiamine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers compact, wet soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre- or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chamberbitter.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Prenn / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis invasive plant will leave you bitter if it takes over your Jacksonville lawn. Chamberbitter has small, round leaves on long stems with bursting pods that launch seeds everywhere. It looks similar to the powderpuff mimosa, a native groundcover in Florida. Two kinds are found in the Sunshine State – long-stalked chamberbitter (Phyllanthus tenellus) and the smaller gripeweed (Phyllanthus urinaria).
\n\n\n\nGripeweed loves moist, overwatered soils and can survive even when mowed 2 inches high. This weed germinates from early summer to early fall. You can pull out these weeds by hand, but don’t shake the roots before tossing them in the trash — you could accidentally spread their seeds.
\n\n\n\nYoung chamberbitter can be controlled by pre- or post-emergent herbicide, but older, woody specimens may need two or three applications to die back. Apply pre-emergent applications in April to get ahead of germination and seed spreading. Be cautious applying post-emergent herbicides to centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, since they also may be harmed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8A-10A
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers warm soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicides work best, but you also can use post-emergent or hand-pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sedges.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Tann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSedges may look like grass, but you can identify these weeds by the angular shape of their stems. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus escuelentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) can be identified by their small flowers when in bloom. Summer is the season they’re at their peak, but they can grow year-round in temperate Florida.
\n\n\n\nSedges attack lawns without well-established root systems. Avoid overwatering and excessive foot traffic to address the root problem, then try removal. Nutsedges spread with tubers on their roots, making them difficult to remove by hand. Check periodically to see if they grow back. You may need to repeatedly treat this weed with herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8A-10B for yellow nutsedge and 3A-10B for purple nutsedge
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most types, but prefers moist soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling and herbicides
\n\n\n\nDandelion weeders are a popular tool for weed removal in lawns and gardens. You also can use garden hoes.
While you can kill individual weeds, the war with weeds will never end. A gust of wind or an animal passing through could bring new weed seeds with them. However, preventative methods like pre-emergent herbicides and proper lawn maintenance give you the best chance of avoiding sprouted, visible weeds.
It depends on what your lawn goals are. If you want a picturesque lawn, no. Weeds will always compete with your grass and create an inconsistent appearance, if not patches and brown spots.
However, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. A weed is only a weed if it’s unwanted or threatens something desirable. Several weeds are beneficial to Florida’s ecosystem. Thus, some homeowners choose to have a wild, less manicured lawn to be eco-friendly.
If this is the route you want to go, research your options thoroughly. Simply letting your lawn grow unattended isn’t necessarily going to create a natural utopia. You will likely need to actively cultivate some native plants and eliminate any invasive species that try to return. Your yard will become lower-maintenance once fully established.
You’ll need a vigilant eye and a dedicated lawn care regime to keep your lawn weed-free. If you’d rather not give up your weekend outing to Riverside Park, consider hiring a Jacksonville lawn care professional to do the dirty work. A pro can identify weeds quickly and has the best products on the market to eliminate them for good.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixabay
\n","title":"6 Worst Lawn Weeds in Jacksonville (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1789c/Lawn-weed.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/107df/Lawn-weed.jpg 320w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/293e9/Lawn-weed.jpg 500w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/f2cbb/Lawn-weed.jpg 800w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1789c/Lawn-weed.jpg 960w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/c26c2/Lawn-weed.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1dd6e/Lawn-weed.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/67b76/Lawn-weed.webp 320w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/8df11/Lawn-weed.webp 500w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/98a65/Lawn-weed.webp 800w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1dd6e/Lawn-weed.webp 960w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/3cc96/Lawn-weed.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Worst Lawn Weeds in Jacksonville (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Your lawn shouldn’t have to compete with leafy intruders. Learn to identify and rid your turf of the worst weeds in Jacksonville."}}}],"postCity":{}}}}![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/j8U_eeepYJGj0iR0U4nIkjbzVuMDBuF1E-bBrVgGOLzW3p67GMlC_tMRc7G5y4UydMk7FNdyVULZ23bGu6RzZ1px5585WQpRs9fpWykZEBsyCOM2OGbmQnyPMzWpowlSg9BfgelN\")
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