![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-4.jpg\")
Forget the glass-half-full comparison. Virginia went from a drought-stricken, “glass completely empty” state to lush and green in a matter of months, and the rain keeps coming. Right now, there are no drought advisories in Richmond, or anywhere in Virginia. That means homeowners are free to water their lawns according to need, rather than a […]
\n","content":"\nForget the glass-half-full comparison. Virginia went from a drought-stricken, “glass completely empty” state to lush and green in a matter of months, and the rain keeps coming. Right now, there are no drought advisories in Richmond, or anywhere in Virginia. That means homeowners are free to water their lawns according to need, rather than a water conservation schedule.
\n\n\n\nIt’s helpful to know what kind of grass you have before you begin a watering schedule. Richmond is in a transition area. You’ll find both warm-season grasses, (St Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysiagrass,) and cool-season grasses, (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass), here.
During drought emergencies, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality bans the unrestricted irrigation of lawns. But that changes when there is no drought. Still, it’s important to follow some rules, not only to help save water but to keep your grass healthy. Watering early in the morning is best. The early hour prevents the water from evaporating before it ever hits the grass roots. As the sun rises, it also stops the water from creating a friendly environment for fungi that create brown patch and dollar spot for Richmond lawns.
\n\n\n\nAnother rule of thumb is water deeply and infrequently. If you can give your lawn the inch or so of water that it needs once every five to 10 days, it’s better for the grass. This not only can help prevent fungi from attacking your grass, but it prevents additional stress on your lawn as well.
You’ll also get more out of your watering schedule if you cut down heavy thatch in your lawn. Heavy thatch can prevent water from reaching the grass roots, leaving you with a wet lawn and dry soil … perfect conditions for brown patch, especially during the hot, muggy days of summer. Removing thatch also allows you to use less water to get the job done, and that’ll save you money when the water bill arrives.
\n\n\n\nVirginia can go into drought pretty quickly, so it’s important to keep up with your local TV news or newspaper during predicted dry spells. If the DEQ declares a drought emergency, watering restrictions will go into place, and that’s when it gets a little trickier, trying to balance the needs of the drought-stricken area versus the needs of your grass. Happy watering!
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about landscaping and maintenance? Visit our Richmond, VA lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
The American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much. But hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and […]
\n","content":"\nThe American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much.
\n\n\n\nBut hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and take care of your lawn properly. So while your neighbors might instead embrace drought-tolerant xeriscaping that needs little water, if you just can’t live without a lawn, we’ve got a list of the best grasses that grow best in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWhat do these grasses have in common? We’ll get into the particulars below, but in general, they handle the heat well and don’t require as much water as other species, which makes them well-suited to the searing, dry desert climate.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the fastest-growing of all the warm-season grasses, making it difficult to control, especially around flower beds or borders. But its fast growth rate means it stands up well to heavy foot traffic. Bermudagrass likes direct sun and needs soil with good drainage, making it ideal for this climate. And best of all, it’s equally well adapted to the low desert valleys of Phoenix and the higher elevations of northern Arizona, around Flagstaff.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Good; can go dormant during extended periods of drought, however
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\nNote: Bermudagrass goes dormant in the winter and stays dormant longer than other warm-season grasses like Zoysia.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palmetto-St.-Augustine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPalmetto St. Augustinegrass is akin to its East Coast cousin, St. Augustinegrass, but is darker and has a finer texture. It does well in all kinds of conditions — shade, cold, heat, and drought – making it an excellent choice for Arizona lawns. It also endures foot traffic reasonably well and doesn’t need a great deal of water – about an inch a week on average.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Midiron.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nThe most widely used turf grass in Arizona, Midiron is a tough, durable, medium-textured grass known for its beautiful blue-green color. Midiron is a hybrid Bermudagrass, so it tolerates drought, requires little maintenance, and can withstand a great deal of foot traffic. Although it goes dormant in the winter, it recovers quickly when overseeded, so you can transition back to a green yard as the weather warms up. It also can be planted in hard soils like sand or clay, which are found in abundance here in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nJust because all these grasses do well in Arizona, doesn’t mean they all work equally well for you. The type of grass you choose also has to do with your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and the amount of effort you are willing to commit to maintaining your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider:
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather spend more time enjoying life and less time dealing with your lawn, go with midiron.
If so, the only option is Palmetto St. Augustinegrass. All the other grasses struggle in shade.
If you need a lawn that can stand up to heavy foot traffic, choose midiron or Bermudagrass.
With the desert climate in Phoenix, warm-season grasses look beautiful through spring and summer but can leave your lawn brown and unattractive in winter.
\n\n\n\nYou can avoid this by overseeding with cool-season grasses like annual and perennial ryegrass and creeping bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Arizona recommends overseeding in October when the daytime temperatures are between 80 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nNeed help choosing the best grass for your Arizona yard? Contact a local lawn care professional to install and maintain your beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Mcmillin24 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Grasses That Grow Best in Your Arizona Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1789c/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/107df/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/293e9/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/f2cbb/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1789c/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/c26c2/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1dd6e/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/67b76/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/8df11/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/98a65/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1dd6e/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/3cc96/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Grasses That Grow Best in Your Arizona Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Yearning for a green lawn amid the arid Arizona scenery? It’s actually possible if you start with a grass that thrives in our climate"}}},{"node":{"id":"bc0a3265-1a4d-52db-8391-bb8c6c8c1942","slug":"best-desert-landscaping-plants-nevada","path":"/lawn-care/nv/best-desert-landscaping-plants-nevada/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"013fbac6-10a0-54dd-8196-03ea2813f6d0","name":"Nevada","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nv/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Nevada, known as the Silver State, is famous for its vibrant Las Vegas casinos, luxurious hotels, and bright lights. It’s also known for its desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. With its arid climate and scorching temperatures, it’s no surprise that many homeowners in Nevada are turning to desert gardening […]
\n","content":"\nNevada, known as the Silver State, is famous for its vibrant Las Vegas casinos, luxurious hotels, and bright lights. It’s also known for its desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. With its arid climate and scorching temperatures, it’s no surprise that many homeowners in Nevada are turning to desert gardening to transform their outdoor spaces. But finding the right plants for this harsh environment can be a challenge.
\n\n\n\nFortunately, these 19 best desert landscaping plants for Nevada can thrive in the state’s climate and add beauty and interest to any landscape. From the iconic Joshua tree to the stunning creosote bush, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking to create a lush oasis or a minimalist xeriscape, these plants are sure to inspire and bring a touch of desert magic to your own backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nThe following drought-resistant plants can tolerate Nevada’s unique climate while also beautifying and adding character to any garden:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Palo-Verde-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative to the Southwest, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Nevada, blue palo verde is a stunning desert tree highly recommended for homeowners in Southern Nevada. It also can grow in Northern Nevada, although it is less commonly planted in gardens in this region.
\n\n\n\nWith a smooth, green bark and tiny, wispy leaves that are almost invisible to the naked eye, this perennial tree blooms in the spring and produces striking yellow flowers that add color to any landscape. Its fruits are small, brown pods that split open to release seeds, which can be used to propagate new plants.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance plant requires little water once established, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a water-wise landscaping option. The best time to plant blue palo verde is in the fall or winter – when the plant is dormant, and the temperatures are cooler. Consider underplanting it with low-growing, drought-tolerant plants like agave or desert marigold.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-25 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers slightly alkaline, sandy, loam, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic – but its bark and twigs are covered in small thorns, which can cause injury if not handled carefully
\n\n\n\n![\"Brittlebush\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Brittlebush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Copyright by Curtis Clark, licensed as noted / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOften found growing in the high desert regions of Nevada, brittlebush has silver-gray leaves covered in fine hairs to reflect the sun’s heat. Its yellow daisy-like flowers bloom from February to May, making it an early spring bloomer that attracts various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nIt produces small, brown, triangular-shaped seeds that are dispersed by the wind and can be used to propagate new plants. The best time to plant brittlebush is in the fall or early spring, as it can be sensitive to frost.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases. And although it’s not poisonous to humans or animals, its leaves and stems are covered in small, sharp hairs that can irritate the skin, so you must wear gloves when handling it.
\n\n\n\nAlso, note that its leaves contain a water-soluble substance that inhibits the growth of certain winter annual plants, indicating its allelopathic nature. Moreover, it competes with buffalograss, which can affect the survival of both species in the same area.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen – but deciduous after extreme drought or frost
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Creosote](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Creosote-Bush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA hardy and resilient desert plant, creosote bush is well-suited for gardens in Nevada. This deer-resistant plant can be found growing throughout the state, especially in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
\n\n\n\nThis evergreen shrub features small, waxy leaves that give off a distinct aroma when crushed. Its yellow flowers bloom in the summer and spring, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of the arid desert landscape and attracting bees and other pollinators. These flowers give way to fluffy, white seed heads that can be propagated to create new plants.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant creosote bush is in the fall. Once established, this drought-tolerant plant has low water needs, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens. You also can underplant it with other desert-friendly plants, such as brittlebush, desert marigold, or firecracker penstemon.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil but can thrive even in dry and rocky soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to both humans and animals – plus, its leaves and branches are covered in a resinous coating that can cause skin irritation in some people.
\n\n\n\n![\"Date](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Date-Palm-Tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Balaram Mahalder / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile date palms are typically found in the warmer regions of Southern Nevada, they also can grow well in other regions throughout Nevada with proper care. These palm trees have been cultivated for their sweet, nutritious fruit for thousands of years. In Nevada, they are commonly planted in residential and commercial landscapes, especially in areas with a Mediterranean climate.
\n\n\n\nDate palms have long, slender fronds with a blue-green color that adds a tropical feel to any landscape. This evergreen tree typically blooms in late winter or early spring, producing small yellowish-white flowers that give way to clusters of edible, oval-shaped dates ranging in color from golden yellow to dark brown, depending on the ripeness.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Palm tree or cycad
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 50-80 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, loamy, clay, chalk, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Slightly toxic – its thorns are poisonous and may cause injuries
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Bluebells.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jarek Tuszyński / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative to the Southwest, desert bluebell thrives in arid conditions, making it a perfect fit for the dry climate of Nevada. It’s best suited for gardens in Southern Nevada, including the Las Vegas Valley and the Mojave Desert, but it also can grow well in other regions with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nWith finely textured and bright green foliage, this small, annual wildflower blooms from March to May and produces vibrant blue, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis evergreen shrub is generally low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and does not require much water once established. Plus, it is highly resistant to diseases and pests. Desert bluebells are excellent for rock gardens, mixed borders, patios, and containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-24 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in dry soil but prefers well-drained, chalk, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/49307867082_fdf6b629eb_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: A S / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA good candidate for xeriscaping in Nevada, desert holly is a beautiful and resilient desert plant that can tolerate various temperatures and soil types. It’s native to the Southwest and can be found in areas like the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin. You’ll find it commonly planted in cities like Las Vegas and Reno.
\n\n\n\nDesert holly has a unique appearance with spiky, silvery-green leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. This small, perennial plant is evergreen in warmer climates but may lose its leaves during colder winters. It blooms in the late spring and summer and produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.
\n\n\n\nWith its silvery foliage and spiky appearance that makes it stand out among other desert plants, this drought-tolerant plant doesn’t require much watering. It also can tolerate high alkalinity.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained, stony, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Marigold.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith its natural habitat being in the Mojave Desert, this short-lived perennial is best suited for gardens in Southern Nevada. It blooms from February to November, producing vibrant yellow flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Along with the plant’s fern-like leaves that have a soft texture and blue-green color, these daisy-like flowers can add a pop of color to any desert garden.
\n\n\n\nThis flowering plant is deer-resistant and can thrive even in dry soil. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant and requires low water, making it an ideal choice for desert landscaping. To make it more beautiful in your garden, deadhead the spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Additionally, pruning it back in the fall can help it maintain its shape and keep it looking healthy.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial or biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, moist, clay, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – once a month watering once established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic, especially to sheep and goats
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Walter Siegmund / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert sage is another desert landscaping plant well-suited to the arid climate of Nevada. This hardy perennial is native to the western United States and grows in the wild throughout Nevada’s desert regions. Due to its cold hardiness and ability to withstand winter temperatures, it’s particularly well-suited to gardens in Northern Nevada.
\n\n\n\nThis member of the mint family produces clusters of fragrant, pale purple flowers on spikes reaching up to 2 feet. The leaves are an attractive silvery-gray color with a woolly texture, and the shrub’s overall form is compact. Prune it back after the blooming season to encourage new growth and prevent woody stems from forming.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant desert sage is in the fall, allowing it to establish its roots before the hot summer months. This drought-tolerant perennial is relatively low-maintenance and requires little water once established – making it an ideal addition to gravel and rock gardens, xeriscapes, and other water-wise landscaping designs.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Thrives in well-drained, dry, chalk, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic, especially to cats
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2574684229_2588e9e3f9_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ken Bosma / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, desert willow is commonly found in areas with hot, dry summers and mild winters. It can be planted in both northern and southern regions of Nevada, as long as it’s given adequate water and care.
\n\n\n\nWith long, narrow, and willow-like leaves and a light gray bark with a smooth texture, desert willow is a low-maintenance plant that requires low water once established. This beautiful and hardy plant blooms in the late spring or early summer. It produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to purple to white. It is a larval host to several species of butterflies, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.
\n\n\n\nPrune it lightly in the winter to promote healthy growth, and water it deeply once a week during the summer months. You also can surround it with other native plants and wildflowers to create a vibrant and diverse landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall, 10-20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained soil but grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic – but its bark can be poisonous to animals, especially cats
\n\n\n\n![\"Firecracker](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Firecracker-penstemon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommonly found in the wild in various regions of Nevada, including the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and Sierra Nevada Mountains, firecracker penstemon can live for many years. Its natural habitat is rocky or sandy soils, often in dry washes, and it’s well-suited for hot, arid climates.
\n\n\n\nFirecracker penstemon produces striking red-orange flowers that resemble firecrackers, hence the name. Its blooms appear in late spring to early summer and are popular with bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant perennial plant has long, narrow leaves with a blue-green hue and a slightly hairy texture. Planting it in well-draining soil and full sun will promote optimal growth and flowering, but you’ll want to deadhead spent blooms regularly. Additionally, pruning the plant back by one-third in the fall will encourage a more compact and bushy habit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Forb to shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moderately well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – can be poisonous, and even fatal, to pets and children
\n\n\n\n![\"Golden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Golden-Barrel-Cactus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKnown for its striking appearance and easy maintenance, the golden barrel cactus is commonly planted in xeriscapes and rock gardens in Southern Nevada. This cactus is native to the hot, dry regions of central Mexico, but it is well-suited to the desert climates of Southern Nevada. It can provide shelter for small desert animals, such as lizards and rodents.
\n\n\n\nExtremely drought-tolerant, golden barrel cactus does not require much watering. In fact, overwatering this succulent can lead to root rot and other diseases. It’s also fairly low-maintenance and does not require much pruning or fertilization. Plus, it can thrive even in dry, rocky soil and produce small, yellow flowers in the summer. With its round, ball-shaped form and golden-yellow spines, it’s a striking addition to any desert landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Cactus or succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-12
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its sap can cause skin irritations and its spines are also harmful
\n\n\n\n![\"Honey](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Honey-Mesquite.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Don A.W. Carlson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative to the Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and Mojave deserts, honey mesquite is well adapted to the hot, dry conditions of Nevada. This hardy, drought-tolerant tree is a staple of the arid Southwest. It can be found in many regions throughout the state, including Southern Nevada, where it’s commonly planted in urban and residential areas.
\n\n\n\nThis deciduous tree blooms from late spring to early summer, producing small, yellowish-green flowers highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The tree’s leaves are feathery and light green, and its bark is rough and gray-brown. Its long, flat, and brown fruits contain sweet, edible pods that have been used for food by indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, this perennial plant requires minimal watering – making it a low-maintenance and water-efficient choice for desert landscaping. To make honey mesquite more beautiful in your garden, you can prune it to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-30 feet tall, 25-30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – doesn’t need supplemental watering once established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Can be toxic to animals if consumed in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Joshua_Trees_Yucca_brevifolia_in_Joshua_Tree_National_Park-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brocken Inaglory / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoshua tree is a unique and iconic plant that thrives in the Mojave Desert. This desert tree is commonly found in the southern region of Nevada, including areas like Las Vegas and the Mojave National Preserve. It’s best suited for landscaping in this region due to its specific habitat requirements.
\n\n\n\nIn the wild, this slow-growing tree can grow more than 30 feet tall and have a lifespan of hundreds of years. With its tall, spiky branches and green, sword-like leaves, the Joshua tree has a distinctive look that makes it seem like an extremely tall person from a distance. It blooms from late winter to early spring, producing large clusters of creamy white flowers that attract pollinators like the yucca moth.
\n\n\n\nWhile growing Joshua trees from seeds may be challenging, transplanting young trees can be successful. The best time to plant Joshua trees in a garden is during winter – when temperatures are cooler. It requires low maintenance and little water once established. But you can install low-level lighting to highlight the tree’s unique form and create a stunning nighttime display.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained, coarse soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – can be severely poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"Lipstick](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lipstick-Echeveria.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA popular and stunning succulent, lipstick echeveria is well-suited for desert gardening in both the northern and southern regions of Nevada, as it can tolerate a range of temperatures and soil conditions. This evergreen plant is native to Mexico and is often found growing in rocky areas, making it an ideal choice for gardens with gravel or rocky soil.
\n\n\n\nThis rosette-forming succulent blooms in late spring or early summer with small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. Its leaves are fleshy and triangular, with a distinct red tip resembling lipstick.
\n\n\n\nYou can propagate it easily from leaf or stem cuttings. But as with most succulents, you must be careful when handling the plant as its leaves can be sharp and may cause skin irritation. Lipstick Echeveria is drought-tolerant and requires little water. It’s relatively disease-free, but watch out for aphids, vine weevil, and mealybugs.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Cactus or succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-12
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows well in well-drained, rocky, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic – but it’s still not advisable to ingest any of its parts
\n\n\n\n![\"Prickly](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prickly-pears-on-Opuntia-ficus-indica-Naxos-Greece.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Burgess / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso known as Opuntia, prickly pear is one of the most versatile and adaptable succulents ideal for gardens throughout Nevada. This native plant grows wild in many areas across Nevada’s desert landscape, such as the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin Desert. It’s highly resistant to diseases but can be susceptible to mealybugs and cochineal scale.
\n\n\n\nIt has flat, paddle-shaped leaves with spines that grow from the edges. The pads can be green to blue-green, and some even have a purplish tint. In the spring, prickly pear produces beautiful yellow, orange, or red flowers that bloom for several weeks, attracting bees and other pollinators. It’s a larval host for the cactus moth and several species of butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial succulent can survive in harsh desert conditions with little water, rendering it low maintenance and ideal for homeowners who want a beautiful garden without too much upkeep. It is also drought-tolerant and can store water in its leaves, perfect for xeriscape gardens, hedges, screens, garden beds, and borders that focus on water conservation.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Cactus or succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-12
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil but grows well even in dry, rocky soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its fruit is edible but can be poisonous to children and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Rose](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRose sage is commonly found in the wild, growing on rocky slopes and dry hillsides throughout Nevada. With a natural habitat spanning from Northern Mexico to Southern Utah and California, this evergreen shrub is perfect for desert gardens in Southern Nevada – particularly in the Mojave Desert region, as it thrives in hot, arid conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant blooms in the summer and early fall, producing delicate, pink flowers that contrast beautifully against its silvery-green, fuzzy leaves. To grow rose sage, it’s best to plant it in the fall or early spring, allowing it time to establish its roots before the hot summer months. It’s a perfect addition to gravel and rock gardens, patios, containers, and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nRose sage requires well-draining soil and can be drought-tolerant once established. However, it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged periods of drought. As a desert plant, it does not require much fertilizer and can even thrive in poor, dry soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun – but can tolerate shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows well in well-drained, chalk, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic, especially to dogs
\n\n\n\n![\"Sticky](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sticky-Purple-Geranium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue to its preference for hot, dry climates, sticky purple geranium is well-suited for gardens in Southern Nevada. Commonly found in rocky, desert areas of the Southwest, this wildflower’s natural habitat is typically in well-drained soils with full sun exposure. It blooms from late spring through summer, producing gorgeous magenta-purple flowers.
\n\n\n\nThe plant’s leaves are deeply lobed and have a sticky texture, hence its name. They are bright green – a great contrast to the striking purple flowers. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant that’s also highly resistant to diseases and pests. To plant this lovely perennial, the best time is during mild weather in the early spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, dry-mesic to moist, sandy, clay, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic – geraniums can be poisonous to children and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Texas](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Texas-Olive.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso known as Anacahuita or wild olive, Texas olive is a fantastic choice for desert landscaping in Nevada. Although it’s native to South Texas and Mexico, it has adapted well to Nevada’s hot and dry climate. It has glossy, dark green leaves that give it a tropical appearance. It produces fragrant pink and white flowers in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nIn Nevada, Texas olive is commonly planted in residential landscapes and public spaces, including parks and street medians. It’s tolerant of various soil types and requires little water once established, making it a low-maintenance option for homeowners.
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to plant Texas olive in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. This way, the plant can establish its roots before the summer heat arrives. Also, prune it to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15-30 feet tall, 10-20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil but can thrive even in rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic – its raw fruits can be slightly poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"Utah](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Utah-Agave.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUtah agave is particularly well-suited to the dry and arid climate of Nevada, as it thrives in hot and sunny conditions. As such, it’s a great option for homeowners throughout the state who are looking to add low-maintenance greenery to their yards. Also known as Utah century plant, this succulent can tolerate a vast range of temperatures.
\n\n\n\nThe plant typically blooms in the late spring or early summer, producing a tall stalk of yellow flowers that can grow up to 20 feet tall. Its bluish-green leaves with spiky, symmetrical shape make it more appealing. This slow-growing plant can take several years to reach maturity, but it’s well worth the wait for its stunning appearance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Cactus or succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-24 inches tall and 1-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, well-drained, neutral to acidic, loamy, sandy, or rocky soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – rarely needs watering once established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its sap can be poisonous to both humans and pets, while its needle-sharp spines can be hazardous
\n\n\n\nSince the desert climate presents a huge challenge when it comes to landscaping, it’s crucial to choose the right plants to create a thriving, low-maintenance garden that can withstand harsh environmentals and limited water resources. Consider the following factors to discover if a plant is good for the desert:
\n\n\n\n✓ Native or desert-adapted: Select plants that are native to the region or have adapted to the arid conditions. These plants are already equipped with the ability to store water, resist drought, and handle high temperatures. They also provide important habitats and food sources for local wildlife.
\n\n\n\n✓ Low watering needs: Desert plants should be able to thrive with minimal watering once established, reducing the need for excessive irrigation. Look for plants with deep root systems that can access water from lower in the soil profile.
\n\n\n\n✓ Color: Plants with silver or gray foliage can reflect sunlight and reduce water loss through transpiration, while those with deep green foliage may require more water.
\n\n\n\n✓ Texture: Plants with spiky leaves or thorns can help deter animals from feeding on them, while softer, more succulent plants may be more vulnerable to damage.
\n\n\n\n✓ Beneficial: Look for plants that offer multiple benefits, such as providing shade, enhancing air quality, or attracting pollinators. Examples include trees like honey mesquite and blue palo verde, which provide shade while also fixing nitrogen in the soil, and native wildflowers like desert marigold and firecracker penstemon, which attract bees and butterflies while adding bursts of color to the landscape.
\n\n\n\nBy choosing the right desert landscaping plants, you can create a beautiful, sustainable garden that thrives in the unique conditions of your region. Depending on where you live in Nevada, the following information may serve as a guide. Note, though, that these data may still vary since they are just average numbers for each region.
\n\n\n\nNorthern Nevada:
\n\n\n\nSouthern Nevada:
\n\n\n\nCentral Nevada:
\n\n\n\nWestern Nevada:
\n\n\n\nWhile palm trees may not be the first that comes to mind when you think of Nevada’s desert climate, they can actually thrive in certain regions of the state. The best region for planting palm trees in the state is Southern Nevada, including the Las Vegas Valley area.
This area has a hot, arid climate, with mild winters and hot summers, making it suitable for planting palm trees. Still, you must choose palm tree varieties that are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Some popular varieties for Southern Nevada include Mexican fan palm, date palm, and Mediterranean fan palm.
Yes, there are watering restrictions in place in certain regions of Nevada, particularly in the southern part of the state, due to ongoing drought conditions. The restrictions are designed to help conserve water and ensure that there is enough for essential uses like drinking, sanitation, and firefighting.
In Las Vegas, for example, the Southern Nevada Water Authority has implemented a year-round watering schedule that limits the use of drip irrigation systems and outdoor watering to three assigned days per week based on the property’s address. Additionally, there are restrictions on the time of day when watering is allowed, with no watering permitted between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from May 1 to Aug. 31.
Other parts of southern Nevada, including Henderson and North Las Vegas, also have similar watering restrictions in place.
To ensure your Las Vegas landscape remains green and lush, your lawn must be able to withstand the city’s hot, arid climate. Bermudagrass is among the most popular grass types for this area, which is renowned for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun. This warm-season grass, once established, can survive the sweltering summer heat and cold winters with minimal maintenance.
However, note that certain areas of Nevada, including the Las Vegas Valley, have prohibited the use of non-functional grass through legislation. Homeowners and businesses must replace ornamental turf with water-efficient landscaping or hardscaping.
Non-functional grass is defined as turf that serves no practical purpose or functionality, like grass in medians or large lawns that are infrequently used. The goal of this legislation is to conserve water and encourage sustainable landscaping practices in the area.
When it comes to landscape designs for front yards and backyards in the Nevada desert, choosing the right plants is crucial. From drought-tolerant trees to vibrant succulents, there are numerous options to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nChoose plants that are already adapted to the local climate and soil, so you can save water, reduce maintenance, and enjoy a thriving landscape year-round. With so many desert landscaping plants available, there’s sure to be one that suits your style, budget, and preferences.
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re living in Las Vegas or another city in Nevada, you should start planning your desert landscape today. Reach out to a landscaping pro for help in creating a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
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\n","content":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced with a muddy mess come springtime.
\nSo grab your tools and put on your gardening boots. We at Wiki Lawn have prepared a few fall landscaping tips and maintenance ideas you can use to “fall-ify” your landscaping and get your property ready for winter.
\nApproximately 90% of Americans say they prefer to live in a home that’s surrounded by grass, trees, and other plants. But if you’re going to have plants, you’ll need to maintain them like the rest of your yard.
\nThat leads us into the first of these 12 fall maintenance tips.
\nIt’s important to spread mulch during the fall months because it helps to protect the roots of your trees and plants from frost. It also helps to retain moisture in the dry winter weather. You’ll want to spread between 2 and 3 inches of mulch around your trees and shrubs.
\nCheck out our tips for Eco-friendly Lawn Care.
\nFall might not be the time to prune your plants, but it’s definitely the time to remove the dead and dying plants from your yard. When you get rid of your dead landscaping during autumn, you won’t have to look at them during the winter months. Remove dead annuals and perennials. Prune (lightly) the dying branches from trees and shrubs.
\nYour shrubs can be damaged from high winds, ice, and heavy snow. Wrap your shrubs in burlap to protect them from winter weather conditions and surround your trees with shredded leaves. If you have smaller plants, use overturned plastic pots or bucks to hide them.
\nIt’s a good idea to mow your lawn so the grass doesn’t get too long before the first snowfall. According to gentlemanship guide Joel Flynn, grass that’s too long can not only shade the other blades of grass and affect growth but it can also get packed down under the snow and cause snow mold. You’ll want to keep your grass around 3 inches tall year-round to make sure it’s able to grow properly and receive enough sunlight.
\nLearn How to Grow Grass like a gardening expert.
\nIt’s essential to take care of your plants and lawn before winter hits, but it’s important to give your walkways and driveway some special attention, too. If you have cracks in your concrete or asphalt, water can penetrate these cracks and freeze during the winter months. When the water freezes in the cracks, it expands the cracks and causes even more damage to your walkways and driveway. That said, be sure to apply a sealant to keep water from getting into these cracks while it’s still warm enough to do so.
\nFallen leaves in the yard might look like an autumn postcard at first, but soon enough they turn into a problem. After a while, the leaves start to decay, they become slippery and might be a potential health hazard.
\nUse a leaf blower or a lawn sweeper to collect dead leaves and tidy your yard. Ensure that the house gutters are also free from fallen leaves. Clogged gutters can cause significant water damage if left unattended.
\nYellow, red, brown and all sort of hues formed from these colors are what makes fall such a lovely season. Implement these colors in the outdoor decoration of your property. Collect some of the fallen leaves in your yard and place them in baskets at your front porch.
\nAlso, plant seasonal flowers such as crocuses and goldenrod that bloom in October and November. This way you’ll have an incentive to continue watering your lawn and it will remain greener for longer.
\nWhen the trees in your yard lose their leaves, any hidden flaws of the exterior of your home will be exposed. According to manhood culture and lifestyle expert Joel Flynn, poor looks mean it’s time to make an inspection and dedicate some time for small repairs and improvements.
\nUse a pressure washer to clean the exterior of the house along with the driveway and walkway. Repaint and seal any chipped paint, wipe the windows and their frames. And we’ll say it again because it’s highly important – clean your gutters too.
\nWith summer gone, daylight is also scarce. For the convenience of your own family, inspect the outdoor lights to see if they work properly or need maintenance. Test if they provide enough illumination from the walkway to the entrance of your home.
\nInvest in energy-saving lightbulbs to reduce your electricity bills and also help the environment. If you’re a big fan of the upcoming holidays, get decorative lights and arrange them creatively.
\nRead also: How to Use Lighting To Transform Your Outdoor Space.
\nPumpkin, in all its forms and colors, is the queen of autumn. You can even use it for decorating the exterior of your home. Arrange several pumpkins on the front porch or window sills. Create a DIY wreath from mini pumpkins and seasonal flowers and proudly hang it on the front door.
\nFor more inspiration, check out our 9 Examples of Halloween Inspired Garden Designs.
\nWhatever decoration you choose, make sure it’s tasteful. Don’t overdo it.
\nDuring autumn, the weather is often gloomy. And with fewer colors in the yard, your house will lose its appeal. Use this opportunity to put an emphasis on the front door.
\nRepaint it in a bright color that will make it stand out from the neighborhood doors. Yellow, blue, and red are great options for highlighting the entrance.
\nAlso, check the insulation of the front door and prepare it for the cold months.
\nImprove the curb appeal of your property by installing a new mailbox or upgrading the old one. This can be a fun family project for a rainy afternoon. Customize your mailbox with bright colors, unusual design or whatever else comes to your mind.
\nUse Pinterest for mailbox makeover inspiration.
\nAlso, check if your house numbers need any polishing or replacement. Numbers made from aluminum or stainless steel won’t be affected by the weather changes that much.
\nAutumn is the time to prepare your yard for the cold winter months. Make sure your trees, plants, and walkways are as ready for the snow as you are. Upgrade the exterior of your home and make it vibrant even during the gloomy months.
\nStill, have questions about lawn care?
\nVisit our lawn care page for additional information
Watering restrictions are not a concern for Cincinnati, but it’s still a good idea to conserve.
\n","content":"\nDrought and local lawn watering restrictions are plaguing people across the country. Not so in Cincinnati. Cincy is fortunate: It draws 88 percent of its water from the large Ohio River. The other 12 percent comes from an underground aquifer. Watering restrictions in Cincinnati are rare since the river isn’t likely to run dry any time soon. In fact, in 2019 may be the third wettest year on record for the Queen City.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati is also humid, which helps keep things green. That said, some years our lawns and gardens often need more water than Mother Nature provides during the summer.
\n\n\n\nWatering smart involves knowing when and how much to water your lawn. The best time to give the grass a drink is in the morning, before 10 a.m. This allows the soil to absorb the water before it evaporates during the heat of the day and help your lawn thrive in hotter weather. It also gives the grass enough time to dry by nightfall. Too much water on your lawn overnight can lead to disease that can kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nEstablished lawns in Cincinnati need at least an inch of water weekly (the amount varies depending on your soil type). Instead of watering daily for shorter stretches of time, lawn experts recommend watering every few days for longer periods. This way, water soaks deeply into the soil, giving roots the moisture they need to survive. If Mother Nature is giving you a hand with rainfall, cut back on running those sprinklers.
\n\n\n\nProper mowing will help save water and keep your grass thick and healthy. Set your mower blade height to three inches or higher, and don’t mow too often. Taller grass will develop deeper roots which will hold up better during the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nWhile there aren’t any watering restrictions in Cincinnati right now, it’s still a good idea to keep water conservation in mind. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical garden gets kudos for installing underground tanks that reuse rainwater and save millions of gallons of water a year. Likewise, the University of Cincinnati received national recognition for its efforts to conserve water and to lessen the flow of stormwater into the city’s sewer system.
\n\n\n\nSo even though there’s an abundance of water right now, go with the flow and limit your watering. Our neighbors in the drought-stricken states will thank you.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Cincinnati? Visit our Cincinnati Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nTina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.
At one time or another, we all deal with grass pains. The distress signal from our lawn seems to get louder in heat, humidity, and rain. From crabgrass to brown spots, there’s a variety of lawn diseases that could be killing the grass. Some require a professional to diagnose them while others give off tell-tale […]
\n","content":"\nAt one time or another, we all deal with grass pains. The distress signal from our lawn seems to get louder in heat, humidity, and rain. From crabgrass to brown spots, there’s a variety of lawn diseases that could be killing the grass. Some require a professional to diagnose them while others give off tell-tale signs, making them easy to identify. Once you identify them, treating lawn diseases is easy.
\n\n\n\nSome lawn diseases can point to a more serious issue, such as poor drainage or pests on your property. The best defense against any fungal disease is a good offense with proper lawn care.
\n\n\n\nBy maintaining a healthy lawn, you give disease little chance to invade. Here are the most common lawn diseases to watch out for.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll know you have take-all root rot when you see yellow grass with irregular shaped thinning. This disease also shows darker grass blades due to poor air circulation and improper watering. The root rot usually appears in Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, or Zoysiagrass lawns. Take-All Root Rot can affect your lawn in every season and will spread to the rest of the yard if not treated immediately. Young-ki Jo, a plant pathology specialist with the Texas A&M extension office says take-all root rot shows up when turfgrass is under stress. “Areas that remain wet are prone to the disease. Improve the drainage, and avoid overwatering. It is better to water infrequently but deeply (6 to 8 inches deep) than to give the grass frequent, shallow watering.” He also suggests raking out the areas of dead grass and adding peat moss. The peat moss will alter the pH level of the soil, and the root rot should dissipate.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fcNBs9w0kiEvpbUOnR7r43z6tw-zF-lvfwWuGn0NbB0cdXKk4yoTO5EYjDlH8h_NLEoyQrWI8ytgzYLSNIs2zRHIzjKvRSdBvjfpXuvmEY-_AZwbx-MCI42S9JGHMprPbTVZgzqJ\")
Brown patch begins with dead rings of grass on the lawn. Also known as large patch, this lawn disease is easy to spot when you notice the donut shapes holes, with new grass growing in the center. St. Augustine lawns are the most prone to this blight which can spread up to 50 square feet from its origin. You can prevent the problem with yearly aeration and by not overwatering. While fertilizing is crucial, overdoing it can be deadly for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSmall brown patches in the lawn are your first sign of dollar spot. This fungus is well known in the recreational turf industry and is becoming a more significant problem for homeowners as well. Dollar Spot can target both cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses, but it tends to enjoy fescues, ryegrass, Bermuda, and zoysia grasses. This grass disease can show up anytime between late spring to late fall after a stretch of wet conditions. Dollar Spot loves high humidity making it a common problem in southern states. Applying a fungicide to the circular patches is your best bet. To prevent it from returning, make sure to adjust your mower to a higher cutting level and water your lawn deeply but less often.
\n\n\n\n![\"Image](\"https://live.staticflickr.com/1694/26266331395_484179cba7_b.jpg\")
This fuzzy gray substance looks like a science experiment gone wrong. Powdery mildew is the collective name fort a group of fungi that can attach to the grass and plants. You’ll first notice a few white or grey round spots that are easy to wipe away. However, the mildew will quickly take over which can cause significant stress to the grass plant.
\n\n\n\nPowdery mildew won’t kill a plant or lawn right away, but it will choke the plant over time. You’ll notice powdery mildew on the lawn during the heat of the summer when conditions are dry. Prune affected plants and create more airflow around the leaves. Spray the areas with water to wash away the mildew and use a fungicide if needed.
\n\n\n\nYou can thank humid weather and wet conditions in the summer for this disease, Perdue University Plant pathologist Richard Latin says. “Pythium blight outbreaks are especially damaging to creeping bentgrass, annual bluegrass, rough bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The Pythium fungus can infect Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, but the disease is limited and turf is rarely damaged.” It starts with circles of blackened grass blades and expands into wet areas on the lawn. It spreads quickly in shady areas and in compacted soil. Mowing while the grass is wet only makes the problem worse. To prevent Pythium blight, it’s best to apply a fungicide at the beginning of summer.
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases are not the end of the world, but it is important to understand what you’re dealing with, so you can prevent them from spreading. Understanding what the disease is and the associated treatment will help you understand if there are any hidden costs or if you need to hire a professional to help remedy the issue.
\n","title":"How to Treat 5 Common Lawn Diseases","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1789c/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/107df/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/293e9/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/f2cbb/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1789c/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/356ef/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1dd6e/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/67b76/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/8df11/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/98a65/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1dd6e/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/93f70/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Treat 5 Common Lawn Diseases | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3d3007d2-1af2-5aaa-a834-c097f71ede3e","slug":"best-grass-types-nashville","path":"/lawn-care/tn/nashville/best-grass-types-nashville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Beck Carter","id":"3b38b422-934a-5aae-81e6-7a8844634ab1","path":"/author/beck-carter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/faa5e8711d89766a0fe69560b04f52b1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"6022ebc8-f59a-5092-819f-17d84814cacf","name":"Nashville","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/nashville/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"April 11th, 2023","excerpt":"Home to the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Nashville Parthenon, there’s plenty to love about the capital city of the Volunteer State. Whether you live here for music, sports, or just the great lifestyle, you’ll want your turf to be as amazing as the rest of the city. But getting your […]
\n","content":"\nHome to the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Nashville Parthenon, there’s plenty to love about the capital city of the Volunteer State. Whether you live here for music, sports, or just the great lifestyle, you’ll want your turf to be as amazing as the rest of the city.
\n\n\n\nBut getting your lawn to hit all the right notes in the Music City starts with choosing a type of grass that harmonizes with the climate and your lifestyle. Below, we break down the six best types of grass for Nashville.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two general types of grass that work in the temperate Tennessee climate, where summers are hot and winters are chilly.
\n\n\n\nHere is a closer look at each.
\n\n\n\nSeveral fescue species can be found throughout Tennessee. Although tall fescue is originally from Europe it has adapted well to various climates and soil conditions. This makes it well suited for states in the transition zone of the United States such as Tennessee.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is popular with homeowners looking for durable low maintenance grass that helps them conserve water. This rapidly growing grass is great at resisting disease and insects. It possesses strong resistance to disease and insects. While this grass type does not tolerate high altitudes well, it does tolerate drought and foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: No higher than 3 inches
\n\n\n\nFine fescue encompasses several types of grass that do exceptionally well in shady locations. These grasses include chewings fescue, hard fescue, and red fescue. Fine fescue resists deer and tolerates foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue can tolerate a variety of climates. When allowed to grow out, this grass type has a meadow-like appearance. Fine fescue is known to attract pollinators such as butterflies.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, rhizomes (creeping red only)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nMost types of bluegrass grow in transitional climates making Kentucky bluegrass ideal for the Nashville area. Kentucky bluegrass tends to be much slower to establish than other types of cool-season grasses. However, this grass is widely used due to its ability to recover quickly from stressors.
\n\n\n\nAs one of the most popular turfgrasses, it is well known for its ability to tolerate foot traffic. Kentucky bluegrass is identifiable by its noteworthy boat-shaped leaves, This cool-season grass can be found in pastures across the United States where it withstands continuous grazing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a perennial turf grass that tolerates a variety of soil types and grows rapidly. Its fine texture, resistance to foot traffic, and rapid recovery time make it ideal for lawns, parks, athletic fields, and golf courses. While other turfgrasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are more popular in Tennessee, Bermudagrass is still widely used.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons, rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a coarse apple-green low-maintenance turfgrass. This grass type is slow growing and spreads using centipede-like stolons. While centipedegrass does not handle shade well, it does tolerate drought.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is prone to thatch buildup. Frequent mowing and fertilization aren’t necessary when it comes to this grass type and may actually increase the risks of thatch buildup or disease. Additionally, centipedegrass is known to be sensitive to commercially available herbicides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 ½ to 2 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is one of the first-ever grasses to be implemented as turf. Introduced to the United States from Asia, this grass type is a slow-growing and very dense grass. It requires less frequent mowing than other warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is difficult to seed and is usually planted using plugs or sod. It is drought-tolerant and resists disease well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons, rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: ½ to 1 inch
\n\n\n\nTall fescue requires the least maintenance and is the most durable cool-season grass on this list. Zoysiagrass is going to be your best bet when it comes to low-maintenance warm-season grasses.
Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and zoysiagrass all hold up well to frequent foot traffic.
Fine fescue grasses are great at tolerating heavy shade. If you prefer warm-season grass, zoysiagrass also performs well in the shade.
Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and fine fescues such as creeping red fescue all have high urine tolerance which is ideal for pet owners.
Each of these typical Nashville grasses has features that make it appropriate for specific lawn conditions. Nashville homeowners should choose the grass that best fits their own needs and aesthetic inclinations. Ensure that you are prepared for the level of maintenance your preferred grass requires.
\n\n\n\n
Another way to enhance your Music City lawn is to add native plants to your landscape. Check out our list of native plants to find a variety of options perfect for Tennessee’s transitional climate. For help with lawn maintenance in Nashville, contact your local professional.
Main Image Credit: Stephen Yeargin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Nashville","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3824884792626728,"src":"/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/1789c/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/107df/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/293e9/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/f2cbb/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/1789c/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/c26c2/Nashville-TN-lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/1dd6e/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/67b76/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/8df11/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/98a65/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/1dd6e/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/c5419a91627ab0ce1529b9f03bd399f6/3cc96/Nashville-TN-lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Nashville | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"These six types of grass are great options for building an attractive, sturdy lawn that withstands both Nashville's warm summers and cold winters"}}},{"node":{"id":"3d9b1b54-1afd-5b8f-b87f-5c9f0087f10a","slug":"pflugerville-tx-homeowners-how-to-identify-and-eradicate-these-6-common-weeds","path":"/lawn-care/tx/pflugerville/pflugerville-tx-homeowners-how-to-identify-and-eradicate-these-6-common-weeds/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0638df1c-d93c-5225-8843-460dd87eaa41","name":"Pflugerville","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/pflugerville/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"February 13th, 2019","excerpt":"Living in Pflugerville, Texas certainly has many benefits. Being a suburb of Austin offers Pflugerville residents big city amenities and attractions close to home while still enjoying the charm of a small Texas town. However, a problem that plagues both big city and small town alike are common landscape weeds. Homeowners often find that if […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in Pflugerville, Texas certainly has many benefits. Being a suburb of Austin offers Pflugerville residents big city amenities and attractions close to home while still enjoying the charm of a small Texas town. However, a problem that plagues both big city and small town alike are common landscape weeds. Homeowners often find that if a certain garden weed problem is not dealt with quickly and efficiently the once small issue becomes an all-out ordeal to correct.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common weeds that plague central Texas homeowners like those in Pflugerville and discuss ways to properly identify and eradicate the culprits before they cause more chaos to your home and landscape.
A Plant Out of Place.
Weeds are known by everyone but are not always easily recognized. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a garden weed. Simply put a weed is just any plant that is ‘out of place’. While this definition could include desirable plants that have overgrown their intended boundaries, most commonly it is used to cover any plant that…
What’s in a Name?
In Texas, there are two main types of weeds: broadleaf and grassy. Both of these can be difficult to treat as there are also subcategories: annual and perennial. The perennials are the most difficult to get rid of since they live the longest and keep returning year after year. Left unchecked, the annual varieties will continue to reproduce and spread across your property year after year as well. Additionally, there are often several common names for the same weed so photographic identification is most helpful.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dYH47_LhsxA6pRDosaZ0Yh8bfVmXsRRrqs77-meWU9H0NivpuN2ZywlPHIUd2ZzOhicYfnd-vt6Xh4VogxayJsZTJ3nQv3DyFjPlwqcupEGo6bn8ULJAMtAREkiYf3yLHETkjej1BuZTbWEA5g\")
It is in fact, a Texas wildflower, but grown in the wrong setting can be a troublesome weed. A winter annual that blooms in early spring, Henbit is very plentiful in Central Texas. Henbit’s leaves are rounded with notched edges. They grow every inch or so on a square stem. The stems are weak so the longer the weed grows, the less stable its foundation is. It has purple flowers that grow at the very top of the plant.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/odbWuyHSmDgLUwq4WpTvzVjhuOi-wM9SJuzIRXmesGIDacg1aLgUuTmXMJPcCgn-5OEBQMQBvhtKzRi5H9ESXPBeGDrPjS4UfgWdLobu5S4b_qIuOIBeZ9ujksNMjnfPxVlS3Lof5_VYp9vI1g\")
Iconic due to its seed-head, the dandelion is easily recognizable. Coming from the French name dent de lion (lion’s tooth), the flower has a unique look. Children and adults alike enjoy blowing the seeds, so they take root in a lot of lawns. The leaves grow close to the ground in a star-shaped pattern. In bloom, the flower is yellow. You will usually see them in spring to early summer. They are a biennial or perennial bloom.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MBZtuJSNYr3d7wBmKh00vsMnrZOJWhplZ46IHz2xQYFgOQ_0hhjwnwVjs0du1-1B-bnm1SL4VWve9QVkOSLWB0LVEOCseIMHJGLqalsuWXAWITem1kfuUXqDBITLcB3L9xQBYf4si-0BTtjnkQ\")
Thistle has a rapid growth rate and it can get very tall. If you don’t deal with it, it will grow several feet high and about a foot wide, taking up a bit of space in your lawn. When it’s young, it resembles a dandelion except that it’s purplish in color and the leaves have long spines on them. They also have hairy, jagged edges. Butterflies and other insects love this woolly biennial or perennial and will often eat from it.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BJgv1pl632m8SJD1h1HDcfwJ_YC5KOE36abJzx1DfemU3Toe6W2tZ2Qg_s5lUE4zQvtsOTJKFnQ5-HeDUHf8sse5lYtSdBgHgGNg4gSCk4nDK6B6Ro4J1x2vn3VtJ2pjrPG-hU5WYZM2lGZiSg\")
Chickweed is an annual broadleaf and it germinates in the fall. It grows during the winter, produces seed and dies by early summer. It’s actually an herb and is named as such because it is a favorite food of chickens. Chickweed grows to about 8 inches high and the plant can mat together to about 16 inches. The leaves have smooth edges and are no more than 1 inch long. They also always grow in pairs, directly opposite each other on the stem. The stem has hairs covering the entire length. The flowers are small, about 1/8 inch across, and white with five petals, giving them a star shape.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/DW_UJerhvBYNX83cmVS4LyZS9lIwwUl_mG8rlmy6q_dVNrsGrxozjWnGn70zXmVdkV3Jvf6eGItNHdh6JTyFNDPVzjNGInCQMxOxtaJiYcuI6jmhTo56GU3xYOQSc1LZW1q2_JkKe0HENTv6AA\")
Purslane tends to appear after the soil warms in late spring or early summer. It’s common in rich, fertile soil, often showing up in garden beds that have been freshly turned over. The succulent stems and leaves stay close to the ground. The tiny flowers at the stem tips quickly give way to seedpods. Purslane seeds can persist in soil for years, making them a perennial. It is heat and drought tolerant. The colors of round the stems are tinted red. The leaves are paddle-shaped, flat and alternately arranged.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wimV98YUYR9v7Nab3hVZkZAHlZqhI2h10VjL-z6aNwnZs0lNrvWIXNvWy_fKW3EXv23VgDBapYHQrbR7EC8h60QHjFZUz_V1ioqavC3oW0MOc1QjavZibCsurV6SQ9SvaqgHM7_6POmnNiCM4g\")
This grass will quickly take over in poor soils that have been left unattended too long. They have a branched base with stems usually displaying red coloration. The leaf blades are flat, and both leaves and sheaths are covered with soft hairs. Seedheads are open and drooping. It will grow rapidly from seed, maturing within 2 months to 2 ft. tall.
\n\n\n\nNow that we’ve identified a few of the most common weedy plants that grow in Pflugerville, Texas let’s talk about the wide option of eradication strategies available to homeowners.
There are many effective organic herbicides on the market and are widely available especially at the home improvement stores and nurseries around Pflugerville and Austin. Look for applications that allow you to control the distribution of the herbicide so that you do not unintentionally damage or kill your desirable plants that may be near the bunch of weeds.
\n\n\n\nFor stubborn weeds use a mixture of white vinegar and orange oil as an organic herbicide.
\n\n\n\n1. In a large bucket mix 1 gallon 10-20% white vinegar with 2 ounces of orange oil or cleanser containing d-limonene (available at garden centers and some large retailers) and 2 ounces of liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir well to combine.
2. Funnel the weed killer into a plastic spray bottle. Shake it well as you use it, as the orange oil will tend to separate. Drench all surfaces of the weed with the solution during the hottest part of a sunny day. The weed will show signs of distress or die completely within two to four days. Repeat after 2 days and reapply after rain.
3. For year-long protection, give perennial weeds, such as dandelions, a good shot of the mixture in the spring before they have the chance to set seeds. Pick seed heads off and destroy them as they appear throughout the growing season. Don’t add them to your compost heap. Spray perennials with the herbicide in the fall to fully utilize the weed’s life cycle and send the material to the stems and roots to aid in killing the plants.
4. Tightly stored in a glass jar, this weed killing mixture will last indefinitely.
\n\n\n\nAnother benefit of living in the suburb of a large city means that homeowners in Pflugerville have easy access to a wide selection of highly specialized and qualified lawn care specialists that can come to your site and directly assess the issues your lawn presents.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about lawn care? Visit our WikiLawn Lawn Care of Pflugerville, TX page.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Jamie Beveridge
\n","title":"Pflugerville, TX Homeowners: How to identify and eradicate these 6 common weeds","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5003663003663004,"src":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1789c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/107df/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 320w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/293e9/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 500w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/f2cbb/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 800w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1789c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 960w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/d2f4e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1dd6e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/67b76/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 320w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/8df11/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 500w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/98a65/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 800w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1dd6e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 960w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/8952c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pflugerville, TX Homeowners: How to identify and eradicate these 6 common weeds | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"90f2cfca-4a01-51d6-afdd-dc3bfd353626","slug":"best-native-plants-south-dakota","path":"/lawn-care/south-dakota/best-native-plants-south-dakota/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tatiana Barrie is a writer with a background in law and tech, passionate about environmental sustainability and animal welfare. When she’s not writing, Tatiana enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and traveling the world.","name":"Tatiana Barrie","id":"8c60c769-47b8-542b-b658-4947278b51c5","path":"/author/tatiana-barrie/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2efff47c9ef277fa369b6224bb184e40?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"eba14984-b582-5139-9a48-b2408169ef6a","name":"South Dakota","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/south-dakota/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"If you’ve ever tried to maintain a garden in the Mount Rushmore State, you know that South Dakota’s erratic weather can be both a blessing and a curse. While the hot and sunny summers encourage lush growth, the harsh winter blizzards and unpredictable storms can make it challenging to keep your yard thriving. The solution? […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve ever tried to maintain a garden in the Mount Rushmore State, you know that South Dakota’s erratic weather can be both a blessing and a curse. While the hot and sunny summers encourage lush growth, the harsh winter blizzards and unpredictable storms can make it challenging to keep your yard thriving. The solution? Incorporating native plants. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the best native plants for South Dakota’s unique landscape.
\n\n\n\nFrom the sweeping prairies of the Great Plains to the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills, South Dakota is home to an impressive array of native plants that have adapted to the state’s extreme weather patterns. Adding these species to your lawn has many benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51140942935_cf1d07ffea_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tatters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe boxelder is a fast-growing deciduous tree particularly suited for the western two-thirds of South Dakota. You’ll often find it thriving along the stream banks, and even tucked away in canyon bottoms throughout the Great Plains. It’s a real champ when it comes to adapting to various soil types, from the sandy soils near the Missouri River to the clay-rich earth found in the Black Hills. And once it’s established, it can even handle the state’s frequent droughts.
\n\n\n\nOne of the best things about the boxelder is the generous shade it provides, making it a top choice for creating a cool and comfy spot in your yard to relax during South Dakota’s scorching summer days. But keep in mind that it can soar up to 80 feet tall and spread just as wide, so you need to make sure you give it plenty of room to grow.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 2 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Just about any well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 30 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They are toxic to horses and some people get an allergic reaction from them.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Be careful not to overwater. It thrives best when the soil’s moisture varies.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jitaeri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow is easily recognizable by its feathery, fern-like leaves and clusters of tiny, white to pale pink flowers that form a flat-topped bloom. It can grow in most of South Dakota’s yards. However, you’ll find it naturally growing around the northern and southern edges of the Black Hills, like in Custer, Fall River, and Pennington County.
\n\n\n\nGrowing up to 3 feet tall, the common yarrow has a spreading growth habit, making it an excellent choice for ground cover or as a border plant. It prefers well-drained sandy and loamy soils, but can tolerate other soil types, such as clay.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a sun-lover, thriving in full sun exposure, but it’s also pretty adaptable and can handle a bit of light shade. Now, it might require some extra attention to keep it from taking over other plants in your garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well drained soil, Prefers sandy loams
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and horses when ingested in large quantities.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Regularly prune and deadhead.
\n\n\n\n![\"Canadian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Meneerke bloem / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhile its common name is Canadian anemone, this species is actually a fantastic native plant for South Dakota gardens, too. It grows well in the sandy and loamy soils of both the northern and southern regions of the state.
\n\n\n\nNow, it prefers moderately moist soils, so it’s perfect for planting near a pond. If you don’t have a water feature, that’s okay; it can also tolerate drier conditions, which is great news if you live somewhere with low precipitation levels, like Sioux Falls.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to planting Canadian anemone, it’s a good idea to give it some space, as it tends to spread and form colonies. This makes it an excellent ground cover option, especially in shady areas where other plants might struggle. Just remember to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become too invasive.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moderately moist, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium; water weekly or when topsoil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 30 inches tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets if eaten in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; keep the soil moist
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Narrowleaf-Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dy-e / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNarrowleaf purple coneflower is a true gem among South Dakota’s native plants. This perennial herb, with its striking purple flowers and distinctive central cone, is a pollinator magnet. So if you’re looking to attract wildlife to your garden, this might be the perfect addition. Plus, it can grow statewide, whether you’re in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or anywhere in between.
\n\n\n\nNot only is this plant visually appealing, but it’s also incredibly easy to care for. Once established, it can survive with little to no supplemental watering. Additionally, its deep taproot system allows it to thrive in a variety of soil types without the need for constant fertilization. However, one potential drawback of the narrowleaf purple coneflower is its tendency to self-seed and spread throughout your garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry; clay, loamy, and sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer – early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 28 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canada-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCanada goldenrod is another great choice. Known for its bright yellow flowers and tall, slender stems, this plant thrives in the eastern part of the state, and can also be found in the central region, near the north part of the Missouri River, where it benefits from the fertile sandy soil. While it might not grow well in Harding, Butte, Meade, or Jackson County, it adapts pretty well to the southwestern and northwestern regions of the Black Hills.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant it in borders or along fences to create a vibrant, eye-catching display. It has a moderate shade tolerance and can grow in areas with dappled sunlight, such as beneath trees or near larger shrubs and bushes that cast shade. Keep in mind though, that Canada goldenrod can be prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, particularly when grown in areas with high humidity or poor air circulation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry and moist soils; sandy, loam, and clay.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: August – November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to Medium.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNannyberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for creating natural privacy screens or borders. In the spring, it produces clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nIt thrives in various regions of South Dakota, with a particular affinity for the eastern part of the state, in countries like Marshall, Roberts, Brookings, and Union. It can also grow well in the Black Hills (Harding, Pennington, and Lawrence), where the cooler temperatures and higher elevations provide a suitable environment.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: N/A
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 – 20 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is a tall herb perennial that can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Its showy clusters of pink flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, and provide the essential food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. While it’s low maintenance, you’ll need to regularly deadhead the spent flowers to prevent self-seeding, and keep an eye on the plant’s growth to ensure it doesn’t encroach on neighboring plants.
\n\n\n\nIt grows best in the southwestern counties of South Dakota, such as Fall River, Bennett, and Tripp, where the soil is moist and fertile. It’s also well-suited to eastern areas near rivers, such as Brule, and other regions in the east part of the state (for example, Clark, Roberts, and McCook counties).
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a versatile plant that can grow well in various regions of South Dakota, particularly in the southwestern and northeastern edges of the state. It’s drought-tolerant and can even thrive in the more arid regions of Mount Rushmore State. However, it may not perform as well in areas with consistently wet or poorly-draining soil.
\n\n\n\nThis plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it’s also quite cold-hardy, which means it can survive South Dakota’s harsh winters without a problem. Now, black-eyed Susan is a short-lived species, meaning individual plants may only last for a few years. However, the plant’s self-seeding nature typically ensures a continuous presence in your garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun. Can tolerate some partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, moist, well drained soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual , Perennial, or Biennial depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall (Jun – Sept)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. During its first season, it should be irrigated with only one inch of water per week – once established, it’ll be drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting native plants for your lawn, it’s essential to keep in mind a few things:
\n\n\n\nFirst, think about your lawn. How much sunlight exposure does it have? What’s the predominant soil type? Some native plants will thrive in shaded yards, but others, like the black-eyed Susan, need full sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nSimilarly, certain plants are well-adapted to dry, sandy soils, while others require moist or well-draining soils. Knowing your yard’s quirks will help you pick native plants that’ll feel right at home.
\n\n\n\nNext, consider your location within South Dakota and its corresponding USDA hardiness zone. South Dakota spans zones 3 to 5, with colder temperatures in the northern regions and warmer conditions in the southern areas. Select native species that are well-suited to your zone to ensure they can withstand the local climate and temperature extremes.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance requirements are another crucial factor to consider. You need to choose plants that match your gardening style and commitment level, so you don’t end up in over your head.
\n\n\n\nFinally, while we’ve covered some of the best native plants for South Dakota here, there are many other options to also check out. For example:
\n\n\n\nSioux Falls is home to a wide variety of native plant species. Some popular options include:
● Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
● Swamp Verbena (Verbena hastata)
● Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
You’ll find a range of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in the Rapid City area. For example:
● Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)
● Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)
● Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Northeastern South Dakota is home to a variety of native plants that have adapted to the region’s climate and soil conditions. Some of the plants you’ll find in this area include:
● Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
● Narrowleaf Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
● Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Local nurseries are an invaluable resource for finding native plants that are well-suited to your garden’s specific needs. They can provide expert advice on which plants will thrive in your area and offer a wide selection of native species to choose from.
\n\n\n\nIncorporating native plants into your garden can truly transform your outdoor space, creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape that reflects the unique character of Mount Rushmore State. However, to keep your garden looking its best, it’s essential to maintain it properly —and that means pruning, edging, and mowing among many other things.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to keep your yard healthy and vibrant without the stress of constant upkeep, hire a lawn care expert near you today.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
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\n","content":"\nThe amount of lawn watering restrictions you face in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs depends on where you live. While Minneapolis and St. Paul don’t have any restrictions at the moment, many suburbs in the metro do.
\n\n\n\nThe city of South St. Paul established a “heat-of-the-day” sprinkling ban on Jan. 1, 2011. It prohibits lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. This ban exists because of a state requirement for cities to enact a water supply plan. For the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to approve the plan, cities have to adopt several conservation methods. You’ll find similar restrictions in other metro area municipalities.
\n\n\n\nThe suburb of Blaine has the same daytime sprinkling ban in effect from May 15 to Sept. 15. Blaine’s lawn watering restrictions go one step further. People with addresses ending in an odd number can only water on odd-numbered days. Those with addresses ending in an even number only get to water on even-numbered days. This restriction is in place year-round.
\n\n\n\nSo how can Minneapolis and St. Paul get away with no lawn watering restrictions? It’s because most of their water comes from the Mississippi River. The suburbs get their water from underground aquifers which could run dry. According to the Water Treatment and Distribution Services (WTDS), Minneapolis pumps 21 billion gallons of water from the river each year. To make it drinkable, WTDS filters soften and disinfect the water. Fun fact: Minneapolis has more than 1,000 miles of underground water mains. That’s enough to stretch from Minneapolis to Denver.
\n\n\n\nSt. Paul Regional Water Services provides 40 million gallons of water to more than 425,000 customers a day. The city uses similar procedures as Minneapolis to make the water safe for drinking.
\n\n\n\nBoth Minneapolis and St. Paul ask customers to conserve water, even though lawn watering restrictions aren’t in place. Both cities recommend that you water lawns in the morning or evening and not at all when it’s windy. Only water your lawn when it needs it instead of using a fixed schedule and adjust your sprinklers to avoid the sidewalks. Finally, aerate your lawn to allow more water to soak in, and let the grass grow taller during the hottest months.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to check with your city or county government for any lawn watering restrictions in your neighborhood. Penalties vary for violating the restrictions in suburban areas. If you live in the Twin Cities proper, join your suburban neighbors by watering smart this summer.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about pest control and prevention in your lawn? Visit our Minneapolis lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
If you’re looking for new grass on your capital city lawn, we have four choices for you to consider: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescues. Columbus, Ohio, lawns need cool-season grasses to endure the wide temperature swings throughout the year, but after that, the choice is yours. Here are some things to […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’re looking for new grass on your capital city lawn, we have four choices for you to consider: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescues.
\n\n\n\nColumbus, Ohio, lawns need cool-season grasses to endure the wide temperature swings throughout the year, but after that, the choice is yours.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider before grabbing the first bag of cool-season grass you see at the home supply store:
\n\n\n\nIf you like to host get-togethers or flag football games on your lawn, consider a grass with a high foot traffic tolerance. Shade is another big consideration for lawns. If you have partial shade in your lawn, you’ll likely need a mix with sun-shade tolerance.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a closer look at each of these four best grass types for Columbus, Ohio, lawns:
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a beautiful but high-maintenance lawn. It is often found in a mix with other grass species on this list. It requires full sun and needs regular watering to maintain a healthy, green look.
\n\n\n\nIf you have flower beds that border your lawn, put concrete or metal edging around them. Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes have a reputation for spreading and will tunnel underground to start growing new grass in your flower beds.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
Spreads by: Rhizomes
Shade Tolerance: Low
Drought tolerance: Moderate to High*
Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but will recuperate fast due to its network of rhizomes.
Maintenance Needs: High
Mowing Height: 2” – 2 1/2”
Potential for Disease: Moderate to high
Other Notes: Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to grubs and may be susceptible to thinning in early summer. Too much nitrogen or water leads to a high level of thatch, so annual aeration is sometimes necessary to keep this in check.
\n\n\n\n* This grass will go dormant if not watered regularly. However, it has an excellent ability to recover from drought. This is due to its network of rhizomes that help it stay alive during drought and recover quickly once watering resumes.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is often combined with Kentucky bluegrass and has excellent foot traffic tolerance. Like Kentucky bluegrass, it prefers full sun and has a moderate to high maintenance requirement.
\n\n\n\nSince it has no stolons or rhizomes, perennial ryegrass will not form thatch, which is helpful, especially if it is used in a mix with Kentucky bluegrass. It will develop a deep root system and therefore has a moderate drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
Spreads by: No stolons or rhizomes. Bare patches will need to be re-seeded.
Shade Tolerance: Low – requires sun
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance Needs: Moderate to high
Mowing Height: 2” – 3”
Potential for Disease: High
Other Notes: A sharp mower blade is required to cut through perennial ryegrass’s sturdy leaves. Endophyte-enhanced seed may help to reduce insect pressure.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass with a high foot traffic tolerance, turf-type tall fescue is worth considering. This cool-season grass forms deep roots and can withstand most Ohio droughts with little to no watering.
\n\n\n\nUse an improved variety of tall fescue for the best results. (Kentucky 31 is not recommended for home lawns.)
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
Spreads by: Depends on the variety. Most varieties are bunching. Some varieties have short rhizomes.
Shade Tolerance: Partial shade
Drought tolerance: High
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance Needs: Low
Mowing Height: 2.5” – 3.5”
Potential for Disease: Low to medium
Other Notes: Use a blend of two or three cultivars if you’re not mixing with another grass species. Excessive water or fertilization can lead to pest and disease issues, but endophyte-enhanced seed can help reduce insect pressure.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues grow well in acidic soil and have a low potential for thatch. Fine fescues also require little nitrogen, which furthers their reputation as a relatively low-maintenance grass. Fine fescues often come in grass mixes with other species, such as Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season
Spreads by: This is a bunching grass — no stolons or rhizomes. Creeping red fescue is an exception and has short rhizomes.
Shade Tolerance: Partial shade
Drought tolerance: High
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance Needs: Low to moderate
Mowing Height: 2” – 3”
Potential for Disease: Low to moderate
Other Notes: Consider endophyte-enhanced seed. Endophytes are a type of fungus that repels billbugs, sod webworms, and chinch bugs, reducing insect pressure in the lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhichever of the four grass types you choose, you should have a green lawn ready for outdoor cookouts, games of flag football, and able to weather the cooler winters common in Columbus, Ohio.
\n\n\n\nWant a second opinion on the best grass type for your Columbus lawn — or someone to mow your grass? Hire a lawn care pro who can help you choose and install the ideal grass seed for your lawn’s needs or who can keep your yard looking fit and trim.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Dan Keck | Flickr | CC0 1.0
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\n","content":"\nHome is where the heart is, not the weeds. But sometimes homeowners end up sharing their space with these annoying plants. Keep reading to find out how and when to apply post-emergent herbicides to give your yard the makeover it deserves. No matter what kind of weed is growing in your yard, there’s a post-emergent herbicide to help you get rid of it.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply post-emergent herbicides is when weeds are young and actively growing. This is when they are most vulnerable to the active ingredients.
\n\n\n\nTime of Year: Applying in the fall or late spring is best. It is easier to manage perennial weeds and several types of annual weeds during these times of year. Perennial weeds with deep root systems are best treated in the early spring. Homeowners should be aware that herbicides are most effective on weeds that are actively growing.
\n\n\n\nTemperature: Apply post-emergent weed control when the air temperature is less than 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the soil temperature is higher than 55 degrees. You can purchase a soil thermometer online or at your local garden supply store for less than $10 to check the soil temperature.
\n\n\n![\"woman](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Weed-killer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: karenfoleyphotography / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWhen Not to Apply Post-Emergent Herbicides:
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides before rain? Read the product label to determine how soon a treated area can be exposed to water. Some herbicides require water to be activated and kill the plant. On the contrary, rain or watering can render other herbicide products ineffective. Instead of activating ingredients, the water can wash them away.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRefrain from mowing the lawn about three days before and after using herbicides so weeds can grow enough to absorb the chemicals. Be sure to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. Wear the proper clothing and keep children and pets away from the treated area until it is dry.
\n\n\n\nProtective Apparel to Wear While Applying Herbicides:
\n\n\n\nThis method allows you to target weeds specifically, not your grass or surrounding plants. It’s a good option when there is not a large infestation and/or when you’re using non-selective herbicides that can kill plants other than weeds.
\n\n\n\nHow to Prepare the Herbicide: Read the label and combine the post-emergent herbicide with water (and a surfactant, if needed) as instructed. A surfactant increases the effectiveness of herbicides by helping the chemicals absorb into the weeds better. If the herbicide does not have a built-in surfactant, the label will inform you that you must add it.
\n\n\n\nHow to Apply Spot Treatments: With your mixture, spray each weed individually and thoroughly. Do your best not to get herbicide on the surrounding grass and plants, especially if you’re using a non-selective formula.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen you have many weeds that have taken over your yard, a blanket treatment will allow you to treat the area more efficiently than spot treatments.
\n\n\n\nHow to Prepare the Herbicide: You can use a liquid post-emergent or granular post-emergent herbicide. Mix the liquid product with water as per the label’s instructions. Use a sprayer to apply. For granules, apply using a granular spreader.
\n\n\n\nHow to Apply a Blanket Treatment: Go back and forth over the entire lawn with the sprayer or spreader, applying the herbicide evenly. For granules, it will take about half an inch of water for the herbicide to be activated, so be sure to water your lawn after application.
\n\n\n\nFor any post-emergent treatments, reapply as per the product’s label to maintain weed control.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Untitled-design-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: eleonimages / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides are used to treat weeds post-growth or after they are sprouting and growing.
\n\n\n\nIf you get to the weeds before they sprout, a pre-emergent herbicide can be used to prevent the weed seeds from germinating in the first place.
\n\n\n\nDithiopyr is a chemical that acts as both a pre and post-emergent herbicide, preventing weeds from germinating and killing them after they are actively growing.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike pre-emergent herbicides that target weed seeds, post-emergent herbicides attack plant parts, like stems, leaves, and the plant’s root system. Not all post-emergent weed killers work the same way. There are two types: contact-based and systemic.
\n\n\n\nContact-Based Post-Emergent Herbicides: This type of herbicide kills only the plant parts it comes into contact with. It may take several applications. Contact-based herbicide applications typically only target the parts of plants above ground, like the weed’s foliage. It can kill the targeted parts of the plant quickly.
\n\n\n\nSystemic Post-Emergent Herbicides: Systemic herbicides kill weeds completely, even if the herbicide only comes into contact with part of the plant. The chemicals are absorbed and travel throughout the entire plant, attacking its vascular system. This method allows the active ingredients to reach and kill different parts of the plant, like the stems, leaves, and root system, killing the pesky weed.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also important to know that not all herbicides work on all weeds. There are both selective and non-selective post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nSelective Post-Emergent Herbicides: This type of herbicide targets specific weeds without harming other plants. Selective products list on their labels whether they kill grassy weeds, like crabgrass and goosegrass, or broadleaf weeds, like chickweed and dandelions. You must accurately identify the weed in your yard to choose the right selective herbicide.
\n\n\n\nNon-selective Post-Emergent Herbicides: These herbicides kill all plants they touch, so a sprayer is usually used to apply non-selective herbicides to give weeds a targeted spot treatment that affects the weeds and not other plants.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMake sure you are correctly identifying the weeds in your yard. Certain weed killers are for specific weeds and may be ineffective on other types of weeds. The type of herbicide you choose should also be labeled for use on your turfgrass type. Otherwise, it may kill your grass along with the weeds.
\n\n\n\nHere are some common active ingredients in post-emergent herbicides, along with the weeds they kill and the grass types they’re safe for.
\n\n\n\nGlyphosate (Roundup):
\n\n\n\nImazaquin (Image):
\n\n\n\nForamsulfuron (Revolver):
\n\n\n\nSulfentrazone (Dismiss):
\n\n\n\nWeed and feed herbicides are pre-emergent and post-emergent products that also contain fertilizer. Several granular herbicides come with fertilizers. Make sure you are getting the weed and feed product that is best for your grass.
\n\n\n\nBut be aware of when it is best to apply the herbicide and when it is best to fertilize your grass. Because the two may not coincide, weed and feed products can be bad for your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo, they do not kill weeds that have already sprouted. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent seeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndaziflam provides pre-emergence control for goosegrass. Fenoxaprop is a post-emergence for goosegrass. The name-brand product Dismiss also inhibits the growth of goosegrass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProdiamine is a selective pre-emergence herbicide that can be used on most cool and warm-season grass types. Halosulfuron and sulfentrazone are post-emergent chemicals for use on most cool and warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are some DIY pet-safe weed killers. Some are non-toxic to humans and pets, like a salt solution or boiling water. A mixture of borax and water is considered a less harmful natural weed killer; borax is toxic in its concentrated form.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe best way to treat lawn weeds is to prevent them before they occur with appropriate lawn care. This includes treating your lawn for diseases, providing the correct amounts of water and fertilizer at the recommended intervals, and mowing the lawn at advised heights.
\n\n\n\nThe next step is to catch weeds before you see them by treating them with a pre-emergent herbicide. But if you don’t have that kind of foresight and end up with weeds in your lawn, you can use post-emergent herbicides to kill them.
\n\n\n\nFortunately, you can treat weeds yourself using products from your local home improvement store or Amazon. But it can be a lot of work, especially if you end up having to hand-pull a yard full of weeds. If you’d rather leave your lawn care needs to professionals, we can connect you with lawn care pros in your area who can help with weed control and other lawn maintenance, such as mowing and fertilization.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Mihajlo Maricic / Canva Pro / License
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\n","content":"\nYou may be hot, but you can get into hot water if you use too much water in Houston. With average summertime temperatures in the mid-90s, it’s an absolute must to stick with the city’s water conservation plan. Watering restrictions in and around Houston are in place because drought in Texas is common. Sticking to the watering rules will help you avoid any sticky situations, later on.
\n\n\n\nLocal lakes and rivers make up Houston’s water supply. Eighty-six percent comes from the Trinity River into Lake Livingston, and the San Jacinto River into lakes Houston and Conroe. The rest comes from deeply-drilled underground wells into the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers. With roughly 2.3 million people living and working in the city, and more on the outskirts, the need for water isn’t exaggerated. Houston’s Public Works Department estimates Harris County’s population will exceed 5.5 million people in the next 30 years.
\n\n\n\nIn the end, Mother Nature decides how much water lakes, rivers, and aqueducts will provide.
\n\n\n\nIn a “normal” summer, water customers can irrigate their lawns between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Homeowners whose addresses end in even numbers can water on Sundays and Thursdays. Addresses ending in odd numbers may water on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Businesses and the like can water the grass on Tuesdays and Fridays. These watering times differ in severe droughts and shortages.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/u86Wbq_OrfgflIQ4UwsGSsKkvs-_qUV7_7du0YbfZUuFs650k0FlFZeIFYPsOdNJOvQxrqJGjNxYDjPuIITACghhlesR5X7tgLubV0NWjFJjiBt8TRzQGrCo_6DDY7Nwf8fM0pPM\")
Violating Houston’s drought contingency plan rules during dry periods can cost you! Although there are exceptions for new lawns, violations of Stage Two restrictions can lead to fines ranging from $100 to $2,000. Stage Three violations can cost you $500 at the very least (up to $2,000). Blowing off the rules at Stage Four means a fine starting at a grand or higher – this in addition to surcharges tacked on to your next several water bills. AND … there is the possibility of having your Houston area water service disconnected. The expense, hassle, and inconvenience of wading through the paperwork far outweigh that of sticking to the city’s water conservation plan.
\n\n\n\nGiven the summer heat in the Houston area and the everlasting need to preserve nature’s precious resources, it’s always a good idea to have a basic maintenance plan for your yard.
\n\n\n\nThe standard of lawn watering is to provide an inch of water once a week, or half an inch twice a week. Rainfall is best, but when it’s not raining, you can set up your sprinkler to run during Houston’s schedule of watering hours. The best time to water is at 4 a.m. so the soil and roots of the grass can soak it all in before the heat of the day. Too much water and watering during the heat of the day is a waste, and it can lead to disease and grass damage.
\n\n\n\nYou can do your part to save water by:
\n\n\n\nThe city and county will put out the word if there are watering restrictions in and around Houston, but think of it this way: When in doubt, prepare for drought.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about how Houston’s local watering restrictions affect your lawn and landscape? Please visit our Houston, TX lawn care page for more information.
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