![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Even though there aren’t any watering restrictions for Virginia Beach, the city asks you to be smart about the way you use your water outdoors.
\n","content":"\nVirginia Beach is one of the lucky metropolitan areas when it comes to lawn watering. Watering restrictions in Virginia Beach are pretty much nonexistent. A representative of the public utility says Virginia Beach has plenty of water. But the truth isn’t quite as simple as that, and the city asks people to follow a list of water conservation recommendations. Here’s a little bit of the history behind this, along with the city’s conservation recommendations.
\n\n\n\nThe biggest drought of the last century took place in 1930. The United States Geological Survey says that was one of the most severe droughts recorded in the state. Things dried up again in 1938-1942, and 1962-1971 and other years, like in the 1980s More recently, a milder drought hit Virginia in 2002.
\n\n\n\nToday, Virginia Beach pumps in millions of gallons a day from Lake Gaston. That abundant water supply allows the city to skirt water restrictions. But this didn’t come without a court challenge from the state of North Carolina, where part of the lake is located. Virginia Beach prevailed, but the water supply is a hard-fought resource, and the city promotes conservation.
\n\n\n\nThe city of Virginia Beach has a list of recommendations for outdoor and indoor water use on its website. Those recommendations include watering your lawn in the early morning. Morning watering is also best for the grass since it allows the roots time to soak up the water before the heat of the day. Watering during the day wastes water and watering at night leaves the lawn vulnerable to disease and fungus. The city also recommends replacing some of your grass with mulched garden beds and choosing native plants, which are adapted to the climate of Virginia Beach. Other common-sense tips include aiming your sprinklers away from driveways and streets and towards your grass.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line is that you can water as much as you want and when you want, and the city of Virginia Beach is not going to come after you. Even though there aren’t any watering restrictions for Virginia Beach, the city asks you to be smart about the way you use your water outdoors. Save the water for a rainy day … or rather several dry days when we really need it!
\n\n\n\nWant more information about lawn care and landscaping in Virginia Beach? Visit our Virginia Beach lawn care page.
Nestled on the Illinois river, Peoria is located about two hours outside Chicago, in the central part of the state. Even though both cities are located in the same state and sit on the water, Peoria has marked differences from the Windy City. We get it, though. You’re looking for lawn care information geared towards […]
\n","content":"\nNestled on the Illinois river, Peoria is located about two hours outside Chicago, in the central part of the state. Even though both cities are located in the same state and sit on the water, Peoria has marked differences from the Windy City.
\n\n\n\nWe get it, though. You’re looking for lawn care information geared towards your specific area instead of reading up on Chicago-based recommendations. Especially when it comes to important decisions such as reseeding bare spots in their lawn or landscaping new construction.
\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, we’ve put together this guide on the best turfgrass for Peoria.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Ethan2039 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nOne of the most popular turfgrasses for Central Illinois – and much of the Midwest – is Kentucky bluegrass (KBG). This thick, dense grass is the most winter-hardy cool-season grass and is the first choice of many commercial sod growers.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It spreads by underground stems known as rhizomes that help it recover from foot traffic well but lead to a shorter root system, making KBG only moderately drought tolerant.
\n\n\n\nThe rhizomes also allow the grass to fill in damaged or bare spots quickly without needing to be overseeded. This is beneficial as Ketucky bluegrass seed is slower than other cool-season grasses to germinate and establish.
\n\n\n\nHowever, keeping your lawn a beautiful shade of deep, dark green requires more maintenance and patience than other cool-season grasses. You can’t forget to fertilize, water, and mow it!
\n\n\n\nNote: For more information on Kentucky bluegrass, check out LawnLove’s guide.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Tall fescue stands out from other cool-season grasses because of its growth habit. It is known as a bunchgrass, growing upright in clumps that spread primarily through vertical shoots known as tillers that branch off from the base of the plant. The grass blades are wide, coarse, and medium to dark green.
\n\n\n\nIt is an ideal low-maintenance grass for Peoria, suited for non-irrigated lawns in full sun or partial shade. Tall fescue grass seed germinates more quickly than Kentucky bluegrass, and with roots growing 2-3’ deep in the soil, it has superior heat and drought tolerance. This tough turf is mostly disease-resistant and is great for high-traffic play areas.
\n\n\n\nSince it does spread by tillers, it may require reseeding when bare spots develop.
\n\n\n\nNote: For more information on tall fescue, check out LawnLove’s guide.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Fine-leaf Fescue
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Another choice for Peoria is fine fescue, a group of five turf grasses with similar looking narrow leaves: chewings fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and strong creeping red fescue. Homeowners love their soft fine texture, shade tolerance, ability to withstand moderate foot traffic, and low maintenance requirements.
\n\n\n\nThese grasses tolerate low soil fertility; even on poor soils, they don’t need much fertilizer. You may see a decline if you apply fertilizer too often. They do, however, prefer well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nStrong creeping red, hard, and chewings fescues are popular across Illinois. Creeping red is the only type that spreads by rhizomes; the others are bunchgrasses. Because of this, the bunch types will need reseeding when bare spots arise.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues do well when mixed with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, especially in yards with partial shade. It can stand alone in partial shade areas, but a cool-season grass blend is more popular for the entire lawn.
\n\n\n\nNote: For more information on fine fescue, check out LawnLove’s guide.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
No one wants to wait for their grass seed to establish, which is why perennial ryegrass is so popular for temporary and permanent lawns. Seeds germinate in less than a week, providing a beautiful, medium to dark green lawn.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has excellent wear tolerance, making it great for homes with children and pets even though, as a bunchgrass, it can’t self-repair. It prefers full sun but will tolerate areas of partial shade. A waxy coating on the blades makes lawn stripes stand out sharply.
\n\n\n\nWhile perennial ryegrass can be grown as a monostand, many people mix it with other grass species, such as Kentucky bluegrass (for improved cold tolerance) and fine fescue (for improved shade tolerance). It is the least cold-tolerant of all the cool-season grasses and may thin over time with prolonged exposure to temperatures below 30°F.
\n\n\n\nOne drawback of perennial ryegrass is that it requires a good bit of maintenance. If you dislike mowing or watering your lawn, perennial ryegrass may not be a good choice. On a positive note, this grass tolerates foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nNote: For more information on perennial ryegrass, check out LawnLove’s guide.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrasses are classified as either cool-season or warm-season grasses, and it’s essential to understand the difference between them and ensure you’re planting the right type for your climate.
\n\n\n\nIn the Northern United States, most lawns are cool-season grasses. These grass types have adapted to colder temperatures. They start growing when temperatures are just above freezing (40 to 42°F) in early to mid-spring and stay green well into October or November, when they go dormant to survive being buried under snow.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow the most, producing the most biomass in the spring and late fall when soil and air temperatures are 65 to 75°F. Since they have adapted to survive below-zero climates, they aren’t as keen about hot summers. They do well when temperatures are milder but need more water when it’s hot to stay green.
\n\n\n\nConversely, warm-season grasses are better adapted to Southern climates and the summer heat. They are more drought-tolerant and grow best when temperatures soar but don’t grow as well in cooler conditions. Because of this, they have a shorter period when they are actively growing and don’t stay green as long.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to deciding between the different types, you have to consider factors that are specific to your yard.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing a grass type for your Peoria yard, picking one that thrives in the space is essential.
\n\n\n\nIs your yard free of big trees and isn’t shaded by neighboring buildings, so it gets more than 6-8 hours of sun daily? If so, you need grass that grows in full sun.
\n\n\n\nIs your yard shaded by houses, fences, or large, mature trees? Does it get less than four hours of sun each day? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, you need grass that grows in full shade.
\n\n\n\nOr maybe your yard is a mix of both, and you need grass that thrives in all conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrass types for full sun:
\n\n\n\nGrass types for a combination of both sun and shade:
\n\n\n\nGrass types for shade:
\n\n\n\nDo children or pets play in the yard often? Do you love to throw backyard barbecues with friends and family? Then you’d be better off choosing a turf that tolerates high foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard doesn’t see much traffic, you can choose grass with lower tolerance.
\n\n\n\nBest grass types for high-traffic areas:
\n\n\n\nBest grasses for low to moderate traffic:
\n\n\n\nYou also need to consider grass maintenance needs when choosing turf for your Peoria lawn. High-maintenance species are great if you like to putter in your yard and enjoy the work. But if you don’t like mowing, watering, and regularly fertilizing your grass, look for a low-maintenance type instead.
\n\n\n\nHigh-maintenance grass:
\n\n\n\nGrasses with a low or moderate maintenance level:
\n\n\n\nAcross much of Illinois, and the midwest in general, many homeowners prefer to grow a mixed lawn with two or more species planted together. This genetic diversity provides greater disease resistance, and turf is more adapted to growing in varied conditions such as part-sun or part-shade.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of the mixture you choose, having the dominant species fit your conditions is best.
\n\n\n\nThe goal with seeding—whether overseeding an existing lawn or starting one from scratch—is to get seed down just before your grass type goes into its active growth period. As mentioned, cool-season grasses grow the most in spring and late fall. So it’s best to plant grass seed between August 15 and October 1, giving your grass about six weeks to grow before the first fall frost.
\n\n\n\nThis timing ensures the conditions are suitable for germination: cool temperatures, warm soils, and frequent rainfall. Your new grass will sprout quickly and proliferate, giving the lawn a great start before temperatures drop. The more robust your grass is going into winter dormancy, the better it will fare.
\n\n\n\nYou may be scratching your head because you thought grass was best planted in spring. To help explain further, it is okay to plant cool-season grass in the spring just as your lawn goes into its spring growth flurry. But it isn’t the best time.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are better adapted to handle colder temperatures versus the heat. Therefore, it’s better to plant in the fall as the grass is going dormant for the winter versus in the spring with the stress of summer heat bearing down.
\n\n\n\nWhen you plant grass seed depends on your climate and the grass you’re growing. In northern regions, it’s best to plant cool-season grasses in the fall once hot summer temperatures have subsided. In the south, the optimal time to plant warm-season grasses is in the late spring as it is warming up.
The big difference between the two grass types is the climate they are best suited for. Warm-season grasses like hot summer temperatures and mild winters without snow; they grow mainly in the southern United States. Cool-season grasses like more temperate summers and can survive harsh winters; they grow primarily in the northern United States.
Fall seeding aims to get the grass seed down at least six weeks before your first fall hard freeze. This gives your grass time to establish before going dormant for the winter. You can plant later, but keep in mind you won’t see any growth when temperatures drop below 40 or 42°F. If you sow after this six-week window, you will still see germination, but the results may be lackluster.
Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass type grown mainly in the southern United States. It prefers hot summers and mild winters, which doesn’t match Illinois’ climate except in some of the southernmost counties of the state that are considered the transition zone. It’s also recommended to avoid growing it because it tends to invade row crops.
Even when you have a lot of information, choosing the right grass for your lawn can still be a big challenge. That’s where WikiLawn comes in to help! We want you to have the best, most beautiful lawn possible and provide assistance to help that happen.
If you need more support, contact our experts.
Main Image Credit: Pixabay
\n","title":"Best Grass Types for Peoria, Illinois","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/1789c/Meadow-grass-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/107df/Meadow-grass-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/293e9/Meadow-grass-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/f2cbb/Meadow-grass-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/1789c/Meadow-grass-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/c26c2/Meadow-grass-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/1dd6e/Meadow-grass-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/67b76/Meadow-grass-1.webp 320w,\n/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/8df11/Meadow-grass-1.webp 500w,\n/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/98a65/Meadow-grass-1.webp 800w,\n/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/1dd6e/Meadow-grass-1.webp 960w,\n/static/54af3f243913d1db65cddacd0c54dbd1/3cc96/Meadow-grass-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Types for Peoria, Illinois | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reseeding some bare patches in your grass or putting in a new lawn? Consider using these grass types, which are well adapted for the Peoria climate and soil"}}},{"node":{"id":"1547c1c6-04a3-55e2-8c5a-b4f8eb47a627","slug":"best-native-plants-washington","path":"/lawn-care/wa/best-native-plants-washington/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"After seeing the beautiful native trees and other native Washington plants at the Washington Park Arboretum or North Cascades National Park, you may wish to recreate the organic landscape in your own yard. This list of the best native plants for Washington will help you accomplish that goal. Why grow native plants? Native plants can […]
\n","content":"\nAfter seeing the beautiful native trees and other native Washington plants at the Washington Park Arboretum or North Cascades National Park, you may wish to recreate the organic landscape in your own yard. This list of the best native plants for Washington will help you accomplish that goal.
\n\n\n\nWhy grow native plants? Native plants can reduce the time you spend growing and maintaining your vegetation. These plants are also beneficial to the environment. Here are some examples:
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEach of the five regions within Eastern and Western Washington has multiple counties. Some plants may be listed as native in a region and not listed as native in every county of the region.
\n\n\n\nHowever, counties within a region have the same general climate. The following plants are native to all regions of Washington, but may not be documented as native to all counties within the region. Your local nursery should have more detailed information on these native plants and your specific county.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/52704209231_8c892efc77_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Knight / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed flowering currant, also known as blood currant, boasts red flowers that sprout in the spring. It’s native to Washington and surrounding areas like Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia. This shrub produces edible berries that have been used to make pies and juice. Red flowering currant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis plant grows best in rocky, well-drained soil, but tolerates poor soil. Once it’s established, it’s drought tolerant. But it needs plenty of water in its first one to two seasons.
\n\n\n\nBlood currant’s drought tolerance makes it ideal for rain gardens or xeriscape designs. This shrub is also a good idea for hedges. Prune it after flowers bloom to ensure the blossoms continue to sprout.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Western Washington, and parts of the Rocky Mountain, East Cascade, and Plateau Region
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers well-drained, rocky soil but tolerates poor soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet sage-rosemary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water the first two summers of establishment
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-marek-kupiec-10178701-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nPacific bleeding heart is great for Washington homeowners who want to start a garden quickly. This flower grows fast. It has heart-shaped white flowers and leaves that resemble ferns, which explains why it’s also known as fern-leaf bleeding heart.
\n\n\n\nPacific bleeding heart prefers full sun to partial shade. If your property has a lot of trees or buildings blocking the sun, bleeding heart will still grow, but it won’t blossom as many flowers.
\n\n\n\nButterflies and hummingbirds flock to this plant. Pacific bleeding heart adds a delicate look to shade gardens and borders. This flower is also great for cottage gardens and slopes. Bleeding heart is toxic and can cause stomach and skin irritation, so be careful when handling it.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington and parts of Rocky Mountain and the Eastern Cascades
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade. Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full shade, but fewer flowers will bloom.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/30284962355_651a2441c9_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou’ll see common camas growing on the eastern and western sides of the Cascades. Lovely light blue flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. The petals grow at the top of long blades that resemble grass.
\n\n\n\nCommon camas is highly disease and pest tolerant. It needs full sun and requires constant moisture while growing, but adapts to drier conditions after the flowers sprout.
\n\n\n\nThis wildflower is best when planted in groups. If you plan on planting in the fall, common camas is for you. It yields the best results when planted in the autumn. It compliments cottage gardens and shrubs or roses as an underplanting. Bumblebees and beetles can’t get enough of the grass-like wildflower.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington and Rocky Mountain Region; native to most of the Plateau Region and Eastern Cascade.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, very little shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: High organic matter with good drainage; tolerates seasonally moist soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy; Smells like molasses when boiled
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average /(Natively found in moist, spring meadows that dry by late spring)
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is best described as a small red twig. It’s a Washington favorite because it adds color late in the season when it turns red in the fall and winter. Butterflies and pollinators enjoy the flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Birds partake of the berries that follow.
\n\n\n\nRed-osier adds a wonderful splash of color to shrub borders and alongside ponds. It’s also great for rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nA benefit of this shrub is that it’s adaptable to many soil types. A drawback is that it’s vulnerable to many diseases, like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. However, it has no known pest problems in the Northwest region, making it a good choice for Washington homeowners. Another benefit is that its roots help reduce erosion.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western and Eastern Washington; native to most of the Puget Sound Lowlands
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand, moist, adaptable to a wide range of soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. Use a spade to root prune if you want to stop it from vigorously spreading. Prune in early spring to encourage new stem growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Meggar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTall Oregon grape is low maintenance, making it a great choice for homeowners without a lot of time. It thrives in shade or full sun and a variety of soil conditions. Oregon grape is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicinal properties.
\n\n\n\nIt has bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and edible, bitter-blue berries that appear in the summer. This shrub attracts birds, wildlife, and pollinators. Tall Oregon grape makes a delicious hedge or addition to shade gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Most of Western Washington and Eastern Washington, except for some parts of the Plateau Region
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVine maple grows well in open areas and is natively found with the Pacific dogwood and the Douglas-fir. Vine maple is said to be one of the best native trees for residential yards.
\n\n\n\nIt has purple and white flowers. Mammals and songbirds enjoy the red berries that appear after the flowers bloom in the spring.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is best for yards with full sun to partial shade. It grows well in multiple soil types. Vine maple grows up to 30 feet tall and is classified as a shrub or tree. It’s low-maintenance and deer-resistant, but it may be affected by honey fungus and aphids.
\n\n\n\nVine maple provides a great visual appeal in cottage gardens. If you’re looking for a larger addition to a rain garden, give vine maple a try.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington and parts of Eastern Cascade and the Plateau Region closest to Western Washington
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree, shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, clay, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet tall, 15 to 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/48267568732_29cdb6a664_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mount Rainier National Park / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSalal is another native plant, like tall Oregon grape, that is known for its medical value. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cramping properties. The blue berries that appear in late summer have been used as a sweetener and in baked goods.
\n\n\n\nSalal spreads and eventually makes an appealing ground cover, making it well-suited for a low-maintenance landscaping scheme where you’re replacing some or most of your grass. Salal is also great for shade gardens and on slopes. For best results, prune after the flowers bloom. If your property gets a lot of shade, salal is an ideal choice. It thrives in full to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington, and limited counties in Eastern Cascade and the Rocky Mountains
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Smells like wintergreen
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Grows up to 5 feet in shade and up to 3 feet in full sun.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry has a magnificent display of white flowers and reddish leaves that appear in the spring. Wildlife and birds are attracted to the berries that arrive in the summer. These berries are edible and have been used in syrups and pies.
\n\n\n\nHuckleberry requires high maintenance, but it will grow well on your property whether your yard is shady or sunny. It makes a tasty hedge or shrub border. If you’re looking to add some edible character to a rain garden or xeriscape design, this evergreen is an optimal choice.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Parts of Western Washington; No parts of Eastern Washington
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Needled Evergreen
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun or shade; prefers partial or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates sand, clay, and soils low in organic content; requires acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Musky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Feb – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Medium to wet
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 10 feet tall; grows taller in shade
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Serviceberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nServiceberry, also known by its common name, Juneberry, adds spectacular fall color as its leaves turn red-orange. Pollinators are attracted to the white flowers that sprout in the middle of spring. Birds enjoy the edible berries that taste like blueberries. The berries have been used to make jellies and jams.
\n\n\n\nServiceberry grows in shady yards, but the berries grow best when the plant receives full sunlight. If the root suckers the plant develops are permitted to grow, serviceberry will grow as a shrub. Otherwise, you’ll have a taller, fruit-bearing tree in your landscape.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is great for an edible garden, pollinator garden, or planted on a lawn or near patios.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or tree
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam (silt), clay, well-drained and moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 25 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Plum-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Wsiegmund / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIndian plum has clustered white flowers that hang downward and appear in late winter through early spring. It’s natively found in moist and dry areas like stream banks, hillsides, and along roads.
\n\n\n\nThe berries start out orange and turn a bluish-black when they ripen in the summer. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators are attracted to the flower’s nectar. The berries attract bears, small mammals, and birds.
\n\n\n\nA yard that gets full sun and some shade is best for this shrub. It tolerates dryish soil but does not adapt to wet soil.
\n\n\n\nIndian plum looks great in shrub borders, city gardens, and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington and limited areas of the Plateau Region
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or tree
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 6 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Acidic, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Almond
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nEastern Washington’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nWestern Washington’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nChoosing plants in your region’s USDA hardiness zone is the best way to pick native plants that will thrive with the least amount of effort. There will still be some work involved, but you’ll have fewer watering, fertilizing, and other maintenance tasks because the plants have adapted to your area.
\n\n\n\nYour yard’s characteristics are also important. You don’t want to choose plants that thrive in specific soils if your property is not of that type. On the other hand, some plants adapt to multiple soil conditions and pH levels. If you’re not sure about your soil, it may be best to choose more adaptable plants.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also want to consider your lifestyle. If you’re constantly pulling children away from the garden and shrubs, you may want to make sure you only plant non-toxic plant varieties.
\n\n\n\nDo your research to make sure your plant selection fits in well with your home’s conditions, maintenance preferences, and family composition.
\n\n\n\nSeattle’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nTacoma’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIt can be difficult to distinguish which plants are native. Some non-native plants have parts of their name that are the same as native plants. Here are a few examples of non-native plants:
\n\n\n\nFollowing are some native Washington plants with common or scientific names similar to the non-native plants listed earlier:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are everywhere. They’re in your neighborhood, at parks, and even in commercial landscapes at malls and business parks. To find native plants you can take home with you, the Washington Native Plant Society is a great resource. You can learn about gardening events, native plant programs, and local nurseries.
\n\n\n\nThe sooner you’re done planting your attractive array of native perennials, dogwoods, and hemlocks, the sooner you can make it to the Washington State Fair. Let a lawn care pro near you do the mowing and edging. We have trusted lawn care pros in Spokane, Seattle, Tacoma, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Washington","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/1789c/Salal.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/107df/Salal.jpg 320w,\n/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/293e9/Salal.jpg 500w,\n/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/f2cbb/Salal.jpg 800w,\n/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/1789c/Salal.jpg 960w,\n/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/c26c2/Salal.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/1dd6e/Salal.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/67b76/Salal.webp 320w,\n/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/8df11/Salal.webp 500w,\n/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/98a65/Salal.webp 800w,\n/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/1dd6e/Salal.webp 960w,\n/static/bb57de0a003a4ad60406c45a63b3d4cb/3cc96/Salal.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Washington | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Find out the best native plants for Washington to support a diverse and stable local ecosystem."}}},{"node":{"id":"f3360803-2375-5191-8b4e-26527ee85e87","slug":"best-native-plants-saint-augustine","path":"/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/best-native-plants-saint-augustine/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9b5a7cc0-52e4-5870-a456-94b94f3508cb","name":"Saint Augustine","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Homeowners know that finding the perfect plants for landscaping can be tough. But did you know that some of the best options may be right outside your home? St. Augustine’s moderate climate and coastal location make it the ideal habitat for various native plants that thrive in the region. Choosing native plants for your landscaping […]
\n","content":"\nHomeowners know that finding the perfect plants for landscaping can be tough. But did you know that some of the best options may be right outside your home? St. Augustine’s moderate climate and coastal location make it the ideal habitat for various native plants that thrive in the region.
\n\n\n\nChoosing native plants for your landscaping not only celebrates the natural beauty of this coastal town but also offers several advantages over non-native species:
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re looking to enhance your yard’s aesthetic appeal or create a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape, incorporating the best native plants for St. Augustine is a great way to achieve your goals.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nHere are 15 of the best native plants for St. Augustine, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers.
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTypically found growing in the understory of wooded areas or along the edges of forests, this deciduous shrub produces small, pinkish-purple flowers in the spring and summer, eventually giving way to clusters of bright, magenta-colored berries in the fall. These berries are a food source for birds, including northern bobwhites and bluebirds.
\n\n\n\nTo make American beautyberry even more beautiful in your garden, consider planting it in groups or mass plantings to showcase its vibrant color. You also can mix it with other native plants, such as Florida anise, swamp milkweed, or goldenrod, to create a diverse and colorful landscape that attracts a variety of pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWhile American beautyberry is generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant, it may benefit from regular pruning to encourage a fuller and more attractive shape. If you want to keep the plant looking its best, trim back any dead or diseased branches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – needs at least four hours of direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows well in most soil conditions but prefers fertile, organic loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch of water per week, but it needs deep, slow watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but its berries may cause discomfort like vomiting if ingested.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Beach-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA beautiful and hardy native plant that thrives in the sandy soils and salty air of St. Augustine’s beaches, this low-growing perennial is a favorite among gardeners in the area for its bright flowers and ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe beach sunflower, which is a member of the aster family, blooms throughout the year, with the peak season occurring in the late summer and fall. During this time, the plant produces a profusion of yellow flowers resembling little suns.
\n\n\n\nAn excellent groundcover, beach sunflower can pair well with other native plants like sea oats and coontie, creating a natural beachy look in your landscape. Deadheading or trimming the flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms when the flowers start to fade. But avoid overwatering it if you don’t want it to succumb to sunflower rust.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8b-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic to alkaline, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nA showy, resilient wildflower native to much of North America, black-eyed Susan blooms from early summer to fall, producing bright yellow to orange flowers with dark centers. As they are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of St. Augustine, you’ll often see them planted in parks, public gardens, and along roadsides throughout the city.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its visual appeal, black-eyed Susan is a valuable food source for pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It also provides a habitat for ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests like aphids and spider mites.
\n\n\n\nDeadheading the spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers, and dividing the clumps every few years can help keep it healthy and vigorous. To make the most of black-eyed Susan in your garden, consider planting it alongside other native perennials, like coneflowers and bee balm.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial, annual, or biennial (depending on growing conditions)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it needs at least six hours of sun exposure each day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and pets, but may cause allergic skin reactions and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blanketflower_-_Gaillardia_aristata_IMG_6098-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Macdon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAnother member of the Aster family, blanketflower is popular in pollinator and butterfly gardens, attracting various species with their nectar-rich flowers. You can see them growing in gardens and natural areas, including Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach, and the nearby Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.
\n\n\n\nNative to the prairies of the southern United States, this perennial wildflower thrives in Florida’s sandy soils and warm, humid climate. It typically blooms from late spring through early fall, producing abundant flowers on bushy, compact plants. With its bright red and yellow petals, it can add a splash of color to garden beds, containers, and borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
\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
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, dry, acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlooming from late spring through summer with striking orange flowers, butterfly milkweed stands out in any garden. These flowers not only add a splash of color to any landscape, but they also serve as an important food source for monarch butterflies.
\n\n\n\nA hardy and beautiful perennial native to Florida, butterfly milkweed grows wild in meadows, fields, and prairies throughout the state. It’s a must-have plant for any homeowner looking to attract pollinators to their garden.
\n\n\n\nOne way to make your butterfly milkweed even more beautiful in the garden is to pair it with other native plants, such as black-eyed Susans, coreopsis, or blanketflowers. To promote healthy growth, water regularly and avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to weak stems and fewer flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of the plant is toxic and can be fatal if ingested in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coontie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Florida arrowroot, coontie is a slow-growing evergreen indigenous to Florida. It’s well-suited to the area’s warm, humid climate and has a lifespan of over 50 years. It blooms in the spring and produces small, yellowish flowers that are not particularly showy. But its pretty, fern-like foliage and unique texture more than compensate for its inconspicuous blooms.
\n\n\n\nCoontie is drought-tolerant once established and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners. You can incorporate it into a mixed border with other native species and prune it to keep it in a more compact shape or let it grow naturally to its full size.
\n\n\n\nThe only native cycad in the United States, this ‘living fossil’ has been around for over 200 million years. It’s also the only plant that serves as the larval host for the Atala butterfly – an endangered species native to Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade (two to six hours of sun per day)
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-honeysuckle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida and other southeastern states, coral honeysuckle produces bright, coral-red flowers that bloom from spring to fall. Its nectar-rich blooms attract a wide range of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any Florida garden.
\n\n\n\nThis versatile perennial can be planted in various settings, from borders and rock gardens to trellises and fences. It also makes an excellent groundcover, spreading quickly and providing a lush, green carpet of foliage. But remember that it has an extreme flammability rating, so you shouldn’t plant it too close to your house.
\n\n\n\nTo keep your coral honeysuckle looking its best, provide it with plenty of support, such as a trellis or fence. This will encourage it to climb and help prevent it from becoming too leggy or sprawling. To promote new growth and keep it from getting unruly, you also can prune it back in late winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet (depending on its supporting structure)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Grows well in partial shade but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, rich, slightly acidic soil but tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are toxic to humans and pets but favored by birds
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coreopsis_auriculata_Nana_3zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found growing in the wild in dry, sandy soils in pine forests, sandhills, and open woodlands, ear-leaved tickseed is ideal for planting in large groups, along borders or pathways, or as a groundcover. This plant is a great addition to wildflower gardens or meadow landscapes.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant ear-leaved tickseed in large masses to create a stunning display of yellow blooms. Note that they need regular watering during the first growing season to establish their roots. But once established, they require very little watering, making them ideal for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from spring to summer. It’s a larval host to several butterfly species, including the Florida state butterfly – the zebra longwing. It also attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and other butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 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: Dry, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Florida-Anise-Illicium-floridanum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ted Bodner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, this evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves grows naturally in moist, shaded areas throughout the state. It’s known for its large, star-shaped fruits that ripen in the fall and are a food source for many bird species.
\n\n\n\nA larval host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly, Florida anise blooms in the spring, producing clusters of small, maroon flowers that have a sweet, spicy scent.
\n\n\n\nRemove dead or damaged branches and prune the shrub regularly to maintain its shape. Also, apply mulch around its base to retain moisture during the hot summer months. You also can grow it in containers or use it as a unique accent plant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet 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: Moist, well-drained, fertile, clay, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – while it’s drought-tolerant, you will need to water it weekly during long periods of dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its large, showy flowers, oakleaf hydrangea blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers are typically white but can take on pink or red tones in certain soil conditions. As its name suggests, the foliage of this Florida-friendly plant resembles that of an oak tree – with large, lobed leaves that turn a beautiful shade of burgundy in the fall.
\n\n\n\nSince it’s native to the Southeast U.S., oakleaf hydrangea is already well adapted to the hot and humid climate of St. Augustine. But regular pruning can help keep the plant healthy and encourage more blooms. Also, deadheading spent flowers can help promote new growth and extend the plant’s blooming period.
\n\n\n\nThe oakleaf hydrangea is a great plant for attracting wildlife to your garden. Its large flowers are a favorite of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the plant’s foliage provides shelter for birds and other small creatures.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 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: Fertile, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of this plant is poisonous and must not be ingested by humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pink-Pinxter-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: EoRdE6 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, pink pinxter azalea grows naturally in wetlands, woodlands, along stream banks, gardens, parks, and natural areas throughout St. Augustine and Jacksonville. It blooms with bright pink flowers in the early spring, serving as an important food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s also a larval host plant for the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly.
\n\n\n\nConsider planting pink pinxter azalea in a shady area with well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The plant requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Pruning after flowering can help shape the plant and promote healthy growth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic to both humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sabal-Palm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAn iconic symbol of Florida, Sabal palm is the most common palm you’ll see throughout the state. Like saw palmetto, this slow-growing palm also thrives in sandy soils in wetlands, hammocks, and coastal plains. This hardy plant can withstand droughts, saltwater spray, and hurricanes, making it an ideal choice for landscaping in St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nSabal palm blooms in late spring, producing small yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its fruit, which is dark blue or black when ripe, is a favorite food source for birds such as woodpeckers and bluejays.
\n\n\n\nRemember to trim the lower leaves of the palm to showcase its unique trunk, which is covered in a brown fibrous material. You also can add mulch around its base to help retain moisture and control weeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-30 feet tall, though it can grow up to 90 feet in the woods
\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: Moist, well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – but for the first six months, water it often until established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets – can cause paralysis or even death
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nAlso known as red salvia or scarlet salvia, scarlet sage is a stunning herbaceous perennial plant popularly grown in St. Augustine. This bright red-flowered plant is a showstopper in any garden or landscape, adding beautiful color and texture to any outdoor space. It’s a native of tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, including Florida, and thrives in the warm, humid climate of St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nWith pungent foliage that makes it deer-resistant, scarlet sage blooms from late spring to early fall, producing vibrant red or pink flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This evergreen is also a host plant for the white peacock butterfly, providing a source of food and habitat for its larvae.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage reseeds easily but needs regular watering and fertilizing to help it thrive. Also, removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms. You also should prune the plant back after its blooming season to help it grow bushier and produce more flowers the following year.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial – annual in regions with below-freezing winters
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, clay, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its flowers can cause gastric distress
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Southern-Live-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nWith their wide-spreading canopies and distinctive twisting branches, Southern live oaks are iconic features of the Florida landscape. You can find them throughout the city’s historic districts, public parks, and private gardens. Since the natural habitat of Southern live oaks is in coastal regions, they are well adapted to the sandy soils, salt spray, and high winds of these environments.
\n\n\n\nTypically blooming in the spring, these trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are pollinated by the wind. These evergreen trees are important host plants for a variety of butterfly and moth species, including the giant swallowtail butterfly and the io moth.
\n\n\n\nRegular watering and fertilization can help promote healthy growth and ensure the tree remains strong and disease-resistant. Additionally, pruning should be done carefully to maintain the tree’s natural shape and to prevent any damage to the branches or trunk. Also, consider incorporating other native plant species around the base of the tree to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape design.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 feet tall, 30-100 feet 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: Moist, well-drained, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – avoid ingesting the acorns and leaves as they can be poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/walters-viburnum-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWalter’s viburnum, also known as sweet viburnum, is a popular shrub for hedges or screens. It produces fragrant, creamy-white flowers in the spring while its glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round appeal. Its flowers are a favorite among pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds while the plant provides cover and nesting sites for birds.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its ornamental value, Walter’s viburnum also serves as a larval host for the viburnum sphinx moth. This shrub responds well to pruning, and shaping it into a hedge or topiary can create a stunning focal point in any landscape. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub to small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-25 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in regions with mild winters
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, but water it often until established (six to 12 months after planting)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine is home to a diverse range of native plant species, from stunning wildflowers to lush shrubs and trees. With an average low temperature of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit, the city falls primarily into USDA hardiness zone 9a. This zone provides the perfect conditions for many native plants to thrive, but you must choose plants well-suited to your specific yard.
\n\n\n\nNot only do native plants enhance the beauty of your yard, but they also support the local ecosystem and help maintain the area’s natural balance. But while the region’s well-draining, sandy soil is ideal for many native plants, some may require additional nutrients or amendments to thrive.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, many native plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, humid summers, but you must consider water usage and conservation. Using mulch and compost can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting plants, test your soil first. You can get help from your local cooperative extension or soil testing lab to determine your soil’s pH level, texture, and nutrient and salinity levels. This way, you can choose the plants best suited to your soil type.
\n\n\n\nWhile St. Augustine is known for its lush greenery and subtropical climate, creating a backyard buffer can be an essential step in preserving the natural beauty of the area and protecting your home from hurricanes. Native plants are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they are well-suited to the local climate and can provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
Some of the best native plants for a backyard buffer in St. Augustine include coontie, firebush, muhly grass, red cedar, and wax myrtle.
Apart from beach sunflowers, other plants that bloom year-round in Florida include the Egyptian star cluster, plumbago, and porterweed. But remember that some perennial plants that show flowers all year in South Florida, like firespike, only bloom in certain months in North Florida.
The type of soil found in Northeast Florida can vary depending on location. But since St. Augustine is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, barrier islands, and coastal forests, the city has mostly sandy soil with low fertility.
The sandy soil here is well-drained and doesn’t retain moisture well, making it challenging for plants to establish deep roots and absorb the nutrients they need to thrive. Adding organic matter, like compost, to sandy soil can help improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient content. Still, it’s better to choose native plants well-suited to the local soil conditions as they don’t require excessive watering or fertilization.
Even though St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for many homeowners in the area, it may not be the best fit for a garden that features a variety of native plants. This is because St. Augustine grass is known to be aggressive and can outcompete other plants for resources.
A better option would be Zoysiagrass. This warm-season grass can thrive in the heat and humidity of St. Augustine and has a slower growth rate than St. Augustinegrass. This means it’s less likely to compete with native plants for resources, allowing them to grow and flourish.
Another option to consider is a ground cover, such as coontie, beach sunflower, creeping phlox, dwarf mondo grass, or creeping thyme. These low-growing plants can provide a green carpet-like appearance without the aggressive growth of St. Augustinegrass. They’re also great for edging walkways or filling in gaps between stepping stones – providing a visual contrast and adding texture to your garden.
St. Augustine is blessed with a rich diversity of native plant species, including flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees that thrive in the area’s unique climate and soil. If you’re looking to add some indigenous flora to your garden, there are several local nurseries and plant resources to check out.
\n\n\n\nStart your search with the Florida Native Plant Society, a statewide organization that promotes using native plants in landscaping and conservation. Their website provides much information on local plant species, their growing conditions, and where to find them.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting native plants for your garden, consider the environmental conditions of your site, including soil type, water availability, and exposure to sun and shade. Also, purchase plants from reputable sources and avoid transplanting them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nAdding native plants to your landscape can help create a sustainable and low-maintenance garden that supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for native wildlife.
But if you’re short on time or unsure where to start, consider hiring a St. Augustine landscaping pro to help design and maintain your beautiful, eco-friendly garden.
Main Image Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"15 Best Native Plants for St. Augustine, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/1789c/Blanketflower-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/107df/Blanketflower-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/293e9/Blanketflower-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/f2cbb/Blanketflower-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/1789c/Blanketflower-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/c26c2/Blanketflower-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/1dd6e/Blanketflower-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/67b76/Blanketflower-1.webp 320w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/8df11/Blanketflower-1.webp 500w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/98a65/Blanketflower-1.webp 800w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/1dd6e/Blanketflower-1.webp 960w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/3cc96/Blanketflower-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"15 Best Native Plants for St. Augustine, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the best native plants for St. Augustine and how to choose these landscape plants that thrive in humid subtropical climates."}}},{"node":{"id":"e585f1a9-b617-5ab8-b623-2bd495721823","slug":"drought-resistant-landscaping-ideas-new-mexico","path":"/lawn-care/nm/drought-resistant-landscaping-ideas-new-mexico/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"a5a0b892-6574-5ca0-bb3e-544a1453bec5","name":"New Mexico","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nm/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"The only thing not enchanting about the Land of Enchantment is the relentless heat. New Mexico’s arid climate makes it difficult for certain plants to thrive in your yard. If you’re tired of your water-guzzling yard still left wilted in the summertime, try these drought-resistant landscaping ideas to keep your yard in good shape even […]
\n","content":"\nThe only thing not enchanting about the Land of Enchantment is the relentless heat. New Mexico’s arid climate makes it difficult for certain plants to thrive in your yard. If you’re tired of your water-guzzling yard still left wilted in the summertime, try these drought-resistant landscaping ideas to keep your yard in good shape even during dry weather.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nA drought-resistant landscape is a type of low-maintenance landscape design designed to retain moisture for as long as possible. Plants survive on the minimum amount of water so the landscape can withstand even long dry spells.
\n\n\n\nIn the Southwest, desert-like conditions put a heavy toll on plants. New Mexico is known for droughts and its hot summer temperatures that soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. With an abundance of sunshine and low humidity, New Mexico has dry weather that not just any plant can withstand.
\n\n\n\nNot only do drought-resistant plants and landscapes save you time, work, and money, they are eco-friendly and beneficial to the environment, as they help conserve valuable water resources.
\n\n\n\n![\"Native](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Xeriscape.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDespite its unusual name, xeriscaping is a trendy new method for landscaping your property in a way that minimizes water usage as much as possible. There are many ways to xeriscape:
\n\n\n\nDon’t worry about xeriscaping making your lawn look boring and bland. No one ever said that a yard can’t be both beautiful and practical. Combining a mixture of colorful drought-tolerant plants, vibrant mulches, and striking rock beds can make the colors of your xeriscape pop.
\n\n\n\nNot only does xeriscaping hold up in the blistering New Mexico heat, but it is also low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Sedum_lineare_variegatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ghislain118 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSome plants are water guzzlers, whereas other plants can go for extended periods without rain or water. Plants that thrive in environments with low moisture and full sun are known as xeric plants.
\n\n\n\nLuckily, there are many types of drought-tolerant plants to choose from:
\n\n\n\nHere are some specific drought-tolerant plants to help you get started:
\n\n\n\nEven if a drought-tolerant plant withers during a drought, the roots will remain so the plant can grow back next year.
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to also think about installing drought-tolerant grass in your yard. Lawn grasses consume a lot of water during the hot season, so it’s a good idea to find a turfgrass that will last in the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nHere are some types of drought-tolerant grasses that perform well in New Mexico:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of drought-tolerant plants:
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nFor as dry and hot as New Mexico’s climate is, it will take hardy plants to survive in the desert-like state. Since they grow in the wild without outside help, native plants are drought-tolerant and capable of growing in your yard without much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPlant some flowering plants to add a splash of color to your yard and attract pollinators, such as hummingbirds and butterflies, at the same time. Choosing deciduous plants will ensure your plants last longer than annuals, and evergreens are a good choice if you want to keep your yard filled with green foliage year-round.
\n\n\n\nBefore you start adding native plants to your yard, you should determine your soil’s USDA hardiness zone:
\n\n\n\nOnce you know the hardiness zone for your area, you can research plants that will grow well in the local soil and climate.
\n\n\n\nSome native plants to choose from include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of growing native plants:
\n\n\n\nTired of all the work and stress it takes to maintain your lawn every day, and you just want a break? An alternative is to switch to an artificial grass yard instead. Using artificial turf means having a lawn you don’t have to mow and maintain and stays green year-round.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf is designed to mimic grass. It looks so realistic that your neighbors won’t be able to notice a difference between your artificial lawn and live grass. Artificial turf comes in different types and textures, so you can customize your lawn by picking the grass that best matches your home.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rock-garden-wall.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nWhen you hear the word garden, most likely you envision images of crisp green leaves, the scent of freshly turned earth, aromatic wildflowers, and colorful butterflies.
\n\n\n\nBut there is another type of garden: a rock garden. While a garden made of rocks may sound drab and bland, it can be quite beautiful and colorful. And if you want more interest and variety, you can add drought-resistant plants like cacti, sedums, and succulents to your rock garden.
\n\n\n\nAfter they are installed, rock gardens require virtually no maintenance. They are weed-resistant and save homeowners the trouble of lawn maintenance. You can enjoy the picturesque beauty of a rock garden without putting in all the effort a traditional garden requires.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rock gardens:
\n\n\n\nIt may surprise homeowners to learn that sprinkler systems and garden hoses waste a lot of water. Sometimes water spray lands where it’s not supposed to or evaporates before the plants even have a chance to absorb the water.
\n\n\n\nForgo using traditional sprinklers and use drip irrigation instead. Drip irrigation waters your plants slowly over time by delivering moisture right to the roots of the plant, drip by drip.
\n\n\n\nIf a drip irrigation system isn’t in your budget right now, you can purchase a soaker hose attachment instead. Position the soaker hose around a tree so it can slowly provide water to the plant’s root system.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of drip irrigation:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-3-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAdding mulch to your landscape is one of the easiest ways to improve your yard while also increasing its drought resistance. Simply purchase a bag of the desired mulch and spread a layer of it over your plant bed.
\n\n\n\nMulch traps moisture in the soil and shades plant roots, preventing the soil from drying out. It also prevents weed growth.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulches break down as they age and feed nutrients back to the soil. Made from organic materials, they are a good choice since they provide nutrients to the soil:
\n\n\n\nThe downside of organic mulches is that since they break down over time, they have to be replaced frequently.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to replace your mulch often, consider using an inorganic mulch instead. Here are some examples of commonly used inorganic mulches:
\n\n\n\nHowever, you should avoid using rocks for mulch. While they look nice, rocks dry the soil out and don’t retain water as well as organic mulches do.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chairs](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hardscape.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rochester Concrete / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOverwhelmed by the massive amount of lawn care that your grass requires? Try downsizing the green space in your yard by adding hardscapes to your property. Not only will they increase your home value and improve curb appeal, but they also require little maintenance aside from the occasional cleaning. And most hardscapes even serve recreational purposes.
\n\n\n\nHere are some hardscapes you might consider adding to your yard:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of Hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nAnother way to cut back on excessive water usage is to trade your traditional flower bed for a container garden. Keeping your plants in containers and pots makes them easier to water and take care of.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of container gardens:
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting containers for your potted garden, keep in mind that bigger pots store more moisture. And since these containers are mobile, you can carry them indoors during extreme temperatures. Storing them inside during the worst parts of a drought can prevent them from getting scorched by the sun.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8571254617_0fdeb0acc3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jennifer C. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRain barrels help reduce water waste by repurposing rainfall. Install a rain barrel as a part of your gutter system so you can harvest rainwater and save it for when you need to water your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rain barrels:
\n\n\n\nFor every 1 square foot of your roof, 1 inch of rainfall fills your rain barrel with an average of 0.6 gallons of water. And if you don’t want the rain barrel to be an eyesore in your yard, you can do the following to hide or disguise it:
\n\n\n\nHydrozoning is the art of arranging your landscape plants in a way that they’re grouped together depending on their water requirements. This way, plants with the same water needs can be easily watered, helping save time and reducing water loss.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hydrozoning:
\n\n\n\nConserving water becomes even more crucial during a drought. Generally, you should water your lawn less often but deeply to encourage roots to grow deeper. You can choose any of these options:
• Let your lawn go dormant. A dormant lawn requires 0.5 inches of water every two weeks. It’s enough to help your grass survive the drought but will not keep it green.
• Keep your lawn green. If you choose to keep your lawn green throughout the drought, it will take a lot of water. Most turfgrasses need 1 inch of water every week.
Additionally, you can consider using drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing water loss through evaporation.
Water in the early morning before 10 a.m., preferably between 4 and 6 a.m. Never water in the afternoon or during the hottest times of the day.
If watering in the morning isn’t an option, water your lawn in the evening between 6 and 8 p.m. Don’t wait until it’s too late at night. You don’t want water to sit in your yard overnight since a damp lawn can attract lawn diseases and pests.
Don’t fertilize your lawn during a drought. Fertilizers should never be applied when the grass is dormant.
If New Mexico is experiencing a drought, cut your grass longer and mow less frequently – but don’t stop mowing altogether. During this time, never cut more than ⅓ of the grass’s height. Otherwise, it can damage your grass.
There are many ways to turn your yard into a drought-resistant landscape. It can be as simple as adding a layer of mulch to your flower bed or as extensive as installing a rock garden in your backyard. No matter how small, any step taken to reduce your yard’s water consumption makes it more capable of taking care of itself and less likely to succumb to droughts.
Looking for a New Mexico lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Albuquerque and many more cities across the Land of Enchantment.
Main Image Credit: Coralles, New Mexico / ivanastar / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"11 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for New Mexico","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.263157894736842,"src":"/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/1789c/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/107df/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/293e9/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/f2cbb/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/1789c/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/c26c2/solar-panels-working-9-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/1dd6e/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/67b76/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 320w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/8df11/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 500w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/98a65/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 800w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/1dd6e/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 960w,\n/static/45cfe87dc2ced05233f899ba6f4c6479/3cc96/solar-panels-working-9-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for New Mexico | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 11 drought-resistant landscaping ideas for New Mexico that can help your lawn and landscape thrive even during dry weather."}}},{"node":{"id":"912cfb8b-e575-5c65-9ef4-8b7a145de0cf","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-new-york","path":"/lawn-care/ny/spring-lawn-care-tips-new-york/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"d385702e-0566-5651-8f72-f93cc1c9db6b","name":"New York","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ny/"}],"date":"May 4th, 2023","excerpt":"Spring is great in New York. In fact, late spring is the best time to visit the state and certainly one of the best times to live here. But spring is also the time of the year when your yard needs your attention again, and doing it right will give your lawn the foundation it […]
\n","content":"\nSpring is great in New York. In fact, late spring is the best time to visit the state and certainly one of the best times to live here. But spring is also the time of the year when your yard needs your attention again, and doing it right will give your lawn the foundation it needs to thrive all year long.
\n\n\n\nLocation matters, so the approach will be slightly different if you live in the cooler upstate area than along the Atlantic coast. But, in general, these 11 spring lawn care tips for New York will set you up well for the warm-weather months ahead.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs soon as spring starts, grab your rake and remove dead leaves, twigs and loose grass to help the lawn breathe. If the soil is moist, it’s best to wait for it to dry, as raking when wet can pull up healthy grass.
\n\n\n\nRaking promotes straight grass growth by splitting grass blades. After your first rake, you can let thatch build up to an inch. Thatch less than an inch thick protects the grass from damage and provides nutrients for growth as it decomposes. Any more than that, however, and it can smother your lawn, creating a barrier that keeps oxygen and moisture from getting to the roots.
\n\n\n\nWe’ll get into dethatching more below.
\n\n\n\nIt’s good to test your soil at least once a year. New York sometimes experiences heavy precipitation, which can wash away essential nutrients. A soil test will reveal what nutrients are missing from your soil and whether it’s too acidic or alkaline.
\n\n\n\nYou can then add amendments like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, or calcium. If you plan to fertilize your soil after adding amendments, we recommend you wait for at least four weeks to prevent negative interactions between them.
\n\n\n\nYou can purchase a DIY soil test kit from a plant nursery and test the soil yourself. Or, if you want a complete soil analysis, send the sample to local testing laboratories. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension to find soil testing laboratories in your area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Treat](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Treat-Diseases.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nFungi can attack your lawn at any time during the spring. The chances increase during the summer because fungi love warm, humid climates. These precautionary steps can help eliminate fungi at their source.
\n\n\n\nHere are some common lawn diseases in New York.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat red thread:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat fairy ring:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat snow mold:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat leaf spot:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe best time to fertilize cool-season grasses is during fall. But, if you haven’t fertilized the previous fall, you can do so in spring.
\n\n\n\nNitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) are the primary nutrients in fertilizer as they are the most needed for soil growth. Your soil test result will tell you what mixture of nutrients to use.
\n\n\n\nAlways choose slow-release fertilizers over fast-release ones. Fast-release fertilizers make your grass grow quicker but can damage it. In fact, they can burn it.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: Use a spreader or sprayer to apply fertilizer evenly.
\n\n\n\nIf you have pets and children playing on your lawn, we recommend you avoid using chemical fertilizers. You can instead go for organic fertilizers like:
\n\n\n\nWeeds start growing in spring and can take over your beautiful turf quicker than you’d imagine. Prevention is better than cure! So, apply pre-emergent herbicides during early spring to prevent weeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nIf weeds have already started to show up, it may be too late to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. In this case, you can use post-emergent herbicides. If there are only a few weeds, you can remove them manually.
\n\n\n\nHere are some weeds that are common to New York.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hairy_Chinch_Bug_-_Blissus_leucopteru_50594763067-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Christina Butler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMost lawn pests reproduce during spring. Use pesticides to eliminate these pesky creatures before they have time to lay and fertilize eggs.
\n\n\n\nSome people use catch-all pesticides, but they are less effective and can harm beneficial insects, pets, and even your children. It’s best to identify the exact pest in your yard and use a pesticide that targets it specifically.
\n\n\n\nHere are some lawn pests common to New York lawns.
\n\n\n\nBesides these lawn pests, you may also find spiders, wasps, centipedes, and mosquitoes in your yard. It’s best to seek professional help to eliminate them, as they can harm humans.
\n\n\n\nProper fertilization, irrigation, and dethatching can reduce your lawn’s susceptibility to pests. However, it’s impossible to prevent them altogether.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn equipment probably sat idle in your garage throughout the winter. Now it’s spring and time to get it duty-ready.
\n\n\n\nFollow these steps to check your lawn equipment and get them ready.
\n\n\n\nIn most cases, you can remove thatch with a rake. However, you may have to dethatch your lawn with a dethatcher if the accumulation is too great.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to dethatch your lawn when it’s actively growing. This time is usually in early spring for cool-season grasses. Also, ensure the soil is moist before running the dethatcher.
\n\n\n\nOnce you finish dethatching, overseed to fill any new bare spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAeration is the process of punching small holes in the lawn to allow water, air, and other nutrients to reach the roots. You can aerate your yard during spring or fall.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn should be aerated if you notice excessive thatch accumulation and soil compaction. Aeration can also help improve the health of your grass. It’s best to aerate your yard every year or every other year.
\n\n\n\nIf you have planned to dethatch your lawn, it’s best to dethatch first and then aerate. It’s easier to aerate when there’s no thatch. Also, water your grass before running the lawn aerator, as it’s easier to aerate when the soil is moist.
\n\n\n\n![\"orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nYou should mow your lawn as soon as the grass starts growing. Here’s the recommended mowing height for popular grasses in New York.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Height |
| Fine fescue | 1.5 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
If you want a lush, green, healthy lawn, water is a must. A lawn typically requires 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week. However, the amount of water can vary depending on the grass and climate.
\n\n\n\nOverwatering and underwatering can both harm your lawn. Overwatering can breed fungi, pests, and weeds. Underwatering will make the grass lose its color.
\n\n\n\nA simple technique for determining whether your lawn needs water is to insert a screwdriver about 3 to 4 inches into the ground. Remove the screwdriver. If there’s moisture, you don’t need to water your yard.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to irrigate is early morning (before 10 a.m.). If you water during the evening or night, the excess water will remain in the soil, attracting diseases.
\n\n\n\nNew York sees a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The weather is beautiful during spring, especially in May. And it’s the best time to have fun on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nRemove debris, treat diseases, eliminate weeds, get rid of pests, and fertilize to make your lawn look great during spring and stay strong in the coming months.
\n\n\n\nLastly, don’t forget to clean your clogged gutters to give your lawn a perfect look and protect your home from water damage.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re new to lawn care and don’t have the time to spend on your yard, Wikilawn New York lawn care pros are always here to assist.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Brooklyn bridge, New York / Pxfuel
\n","title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for New York","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/1789c/pxfuel.com-2-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/107df/pxfuel.com-2-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/293e9/pxfuel.com-2-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/f2cbb/pxfuel.com-2-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/1789c/pxfuel.com-2-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/c26c2/pxfuel.com-2-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-2-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/67b76/pxfuel.com-2-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/8df11/pxfuel.com-2-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/98a65/pxfuel.com-2-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-2-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4266cffe64c64f739757c36702725255/3cc96/pxfuel.com-2-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Spring Lawn Care Tips for New York | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Feeding, mowing, weeding and otherwise pampering your lawn in the spring will give it a rock-solid foundation that will help it thrive all year"}}},{"node":{"id":"0869a067-0370-5ec4-b970-18b29fe5e68d","slug":"best-grasses-salt-lake-city","path":"/lawn-care/ut/salt-lake-city/best-grasses-salt-lake-city/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"c92da4a1-0f36-58d7-8ad9-b2adfd91a872","name":"Salt Lake City","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/salt-lake-city/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"The climate of Salt Lake City is a wild roller coaster ride, with weather ranging from scorching summers to freezing winters. That means that if you want your lawn to match the state’s stunning nature, you need to get the right grass type. Let’s go through the five best types of grass seed for your […]
\n","content":"\n
The climate of Salt Lake City is a wild roller coaster ride, with weather ranging from scorching summers to freezing winters. That means that if you want your lawn to match the state’s stunning nature, you need to get the right grass type. Let’s go through the five best types of grass seed for your Utah lawn.
In this article:
\n\n\n\nSalt Lake City climate is arid with high elevations, extreme heat, and extreme cold. Let’s go through grass recommendations for Utah from the local University to help you decide which one is most suitable for your Salt Lake City lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue is a versatile grass that stays green all year and endures heat and drought and tolerates shade. If you’re looking for an easy-care option that fits Salt Lake City’s unpredictable weather, turf-type tall fescue is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nThis grass can handle foot traffic, and variants with rhizomes even self-repair if damaged. It also resists weeds, diseases, and pests, and doesn’t produce much thatch. Although it used to be coarse grass, most tall fescue varieties are now soft.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Low to moderate
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDo you have lots of shade on your lawn? While most grasses don’t like shade, it works just fine for fine fescue. There are different types of fine fescue grasses, such as hard, sheep, Chewings, and creeping red. They handle Salt Lake City’s dry summer conditions, are easy to care for, and are perfect for a yard with lots of trees or hardscapes.
\n\n\n\nHowever, fine fescues don’t do so well on lawns that get too hot or busy. Moreover, they’re susceptible to diseases and are likely to produce thatch frequently.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Depends on the variant; most variants grow in bunches, but creeping red fescue uses rhizomes
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High; may go dormant
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Low
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable
Potential for disease: Moderate
![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the grass of choice for many homeowners because of its dense, lush appearance. This soft grass withstands foot traffic (especially before the weather gets too warm) and also repairs itself when damaged.
\n\n\n\nHowever, there are some issues with this grass, too; it often struggles with diseases, pests, and thatch buildup. Salt Lake City’s hot summers may also put a strain on the grass, and it’s not a grass that does well in the shade either. For that reason, Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with it to create a more resilient lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High; but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: High
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is another showy grass that needs some extra care to thrive. However, it’s quick to grow and spread and is great at withstanding stressors like foot traffic, diseases, and insects. It’s happiest in full sun, but a little shade is just fine for this grass, too.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass may struggle during summer when the weather gets hot and dry, but it’s often mixed with other grass types to combine both grasses’ strong qualities. Also, take note that the grass is susceptible to fungal diseases and thatch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: High
Mowing height: Moderate to high
Potential for disease: High, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_pixnio-4149-2560x1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nUnlike the grasses mentioned above, buffalograss is a warm-season grass that stays green even during Salt Lake City’s scorching summer temperatures. It’s easy to maintain the grass’s soft, attractive appearance, and it doesn’t need to be watered as much as cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s important to note that because buffalograss is a warm-season grass, it goes dormant when temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons
Shade tolerance: Low
Drought tolerance: High, but will turn brown during summer if not watered; needs only about a half inch of water per week
Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate
Maintenance needs: Low
Mowing height: Up to you; naturally grows up to 4 to 6 inches tall; never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade per mow
Potential for disease: Low
You can find one more grass type on the University of Utah website, and that is wheatgrass. We’d recommend that you consider one of the above grass types instead, though.
\n\n\n\nWhy? Wheatgrass is a good fit for wildflower meadows and prairies, but it’s not ideal for homeowners. It forms a thin stand, grows too tall to plant around pathways, can’t really be mowed, and goes dormant in summer. With such a relatively high variety of other grasses available in the region, you should choose one that is more practical for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss stands up well to high temperatures and handles Salt Lake City’s summers with no issues.
If you want an easy-care grass that looks great, you can choose between fine fescue, tall fescue, or a mix. If you prefer a warm-season grass, buffalograss stays lovely with relatively little maintenance, too.
If you want a year-round green lawn, turf-type tall fescue is most likely to meet your expectations.
Turf-type tall fescue and perennial ryegrass both handle a lot of foot traffic. If damage occurs turf-type tall fescue will even repair itself if you get a variety of rhizomes.
Alternately, you can also get Kentucky bluegrass; this grass repairs itself as well, but take note that it’s more susceptible to damage in warm weather.
Picking the right grass type is essential for a healthy lawn in Salt Lake City, but that’s not all. You should also water your lawn deeply and infrequently, mow it regularly to the appropriate height, and make sure that you complete regular maintenance jobs.
\n\n\n\nSo much work can be overwhelming, so if you need a hand, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of WikiLawn’s lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Doug Kerr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass Seed for Salt Lake City","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1789c/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg","srcSet":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/107df/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 320w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/293e9/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 500w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/f2cbb/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 800w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1789c/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 960w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/c26c2/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1dd6e/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/67b76/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 320w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/8df11/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 500w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/98a65/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 800w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1dd6e/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 960w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/3cc96/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Seed for Salt Lake City | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Growing a beautiful lawn in one of the driest states in the nation isn’t impossible if you start with the right grass and then give it the care it needs"}}},{"node":{"id":"d30dfd89-7cdd-5d62-a619-9b342ae0cbed","slug":"helpful-tips-for-pet-proofing-your-austin-tx-landscape","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/helpful-tips-for-pet-proofing-your-austin-tx-landscape/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"January 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them! Pets, most often […]
\n","content":"\nDogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them!
Pets, most often dogs, like to go outside for playtime or to lay in the sun. Your landscaping practices may pose several threats to your pets as they try to enjoy their time. Things such as fertilizers, pesticides, mulch, and compost could be toxic if your animal tries to eat or lick it. Which is highly likely if you have a puppy because puppies are adventurous and will get into anything!
So, if you need to pet-proof your Austin, TX landscape, here are some tips!
\n\n\n\nYou might spend hours on your seasonal flower bed only for your dog to dig it up and eat the flowers. These things happen! Many common flowers can be poisonous to dogs. If you’re unsure, call your vet to confirm that your flower selections are dog safe.
A few common backyard flowers that are dangerous for dogs include:
\n\n\n\nPet owners have to worry about more than just flowers. Hundreds of common houseplants and garden plants are toxic for your animal. Here are the 10 most common toxic plants in Austin, TX.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a swimming pool or a pond as part of your landscape, you need to take some extra precautions. Yes, dogs can typically swim, but falling into a pond or a pool can be deadly for your pet.
Pet owners should teach their pets how to get out of their pools from the time they’re little in case they ever fall in accidentally. It could save their lives!
\n\n\n\nDo you have your trash can sitting on the side of your house awaiting trash pick-up day? Most of us do, but that can be hazardous to your dog. Make sure the trash cans are secured with appropriately fitting and locking lids.
Dogs are curious, and the smell of old food is appealing. He will happily take a bite of that old burger without realizing its soaked in old cleaning supplies.
\n\n\n\nInsecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may perform an important job for you, but they can be toxic for your pet. If you do decide to use them, keep your pet away from the lawn when it’s recently been treated. Dogs and cats should never walk on freshly sprayed lawns. Put your animal in another area for a few days.
Ideally, you wouldn’t treat the areas that your pet will spend his time. That prevents your pets from accidentally ingesting any of the chemicals. Dogs do sometimes decide to eat grass.
Most importantly, be sure all of these chemicals are locked up out of your pet’s reach. Put them in your shed or garage. A dog would happily take a drink of some chemicals spilled all over the floor.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is fenced, that’s a huge bonus! Fences keep your pets safe and prevent them from running away. Puppies and dogs need plenty of exercise. A dog or little puppy can easily find a small gap or hole in your fence that you may not notice. So, it’s important for you to regularly check your fence to make sure it’s secure for your animals.
\n\n\n\nTall grass can be a haven for ticks and snakes to hide. While most snakes aren’t venomous, a few poisonous snakes do call Austin, TX home like the Western diamondback rattlesnake.
Make sure you mow your grass regularly and remove any branches that are laying around. Clear out debris often. Ticks can be harmful to your dogs! Plus, fleas love tall grass. Unlike other parts of the nation, Austin doesn’t have a specific flea season. Austin doesn’t have multiple days of below-freezing temperatures or extended dry conditions, so fleas can survive year-round. That means you need to pay attention to your pets to be sure they’re flea-free and cut your grass regularly.
\n\n\n\nIt would be nice if Fido understood walking in your new garden bed is a bad idea, but they have no concept of that. Owners have the responsibility of deciding what areas are off-limits by creating physical reminders.
You can do this by making walls, fences, or pieces of wood to create a makeshift fence around the areas you want your pet to stay away from. Another idea is planting tall, native grasses or bushes. Make sure the plants that you pick aren’t poisonous.
\n\n\n\nGrass will turn brown and die in the area that your dog uses the bathroom. Rather than having random spots throughout your entire lawn, pick a spot where you want your dog to do his business.
\n\n\n\nKeep the grass in that area well watered and longer than the other parts of your yard because it helps dilute the urine and hide the brown spots. Some smart pet owners create a bathroom area hidden behind a fence or a wall so guests don’t notice.
You could also hardscape the area where your dog does his business. Hardscaping would make it easier for you to scoop up feces and spray urine away with a hose!
\n\n\n\nPet owners have the responsibility of keeping their animals safe and sound in their environments. Dogs and some cats are adventurous outside, so you have to pay special attention to how you’ll handle your landscape and yard.
The most important thing is to avoid anything that could be toxic to your animal. That means be sure that your flowers and plants aren’t toxic to animals. If you aren’t sure, talk to your vet. Keep all of the chemicals out of their reach, stored inside a shed or garage ideally.
Last, always watch for dangers. That could be a loose fence board or a pond that you think is beautiful. Landscaping and pets can mix harmoniously with a little planning on your end.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care tips? Visit our Austin lawn care page for more information about everything lawn-related.
\n","title":"Helpful Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Austin, TX Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5003663003663004,"src":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1789c/dog-in-the-yard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/107df/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/293e9/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/f2cbb/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1789c/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/d2f4e/dog-in-the-yard.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1dd6e/dog-in-the-yard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/67b76/dog-in-the-yard.webp 320w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/8df11/dog-in-the-yard.webp 500w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/98a65/dog-in-the-yard.webp 800w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/1dd6e/dog-in-the-yard.webp 960w,\n/static/3ba146970169d2ad070517f44877b5ad/8952c/dog-in-the-yard.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Helpful Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Austin, TX Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b59ceabd-6819-56c4-8449-410e617385fa","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-zoysia-grass","path":"/lawn-care/everything-you-need-to-know-about-zoysia-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 23rd, 2019","excerpt":"Zoysia Grass At A Glance warm-season grass with improved cold tolerance prefers sun, tolerates some light shade suitable for southern and ‘transition climate zones’ heat- and drought-tolerant low water and maintenance requirements dense, traffic-tolerant growth An Overview – Key things to know about Zoysia Grass Zoysia grass (Zosyia spp.), is native to Asia, but it […]
\n","content":"\nZoysia grass (Zosyia spp.), is native to Asia, but it has been in the United States since at least 1895,(1) around the time turf grass lawns first captured the interest of American homeowners. It is what’s known as a ‘warm-season grass’, meaning its active growth starts in the warmth of late spring and peaks during hot summer weather. It’s well-suited to lawns across the southern United States, from the hot, humid Southeast, Texas, and even to parts of California. Zoysia is a perennial grass, so it comes back year after year when grown in appropriate climates.
\n\n\n\nFor homeowners in the the midsection of the United States, known in the turf industry as the ‘transition climate zone’, Zoysia can be an ideal turf lawn solution. This area, stretching from the Atlantic into the Midwest, is where lawn grass zones meet their limits for successful growth. It is too hot and humid for cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, and is too cold for warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass. However, the heat and cold tolerance characteristic of Zoysia grass allow it to flourish in this region where many of the other warm season grasses tend to fail.
\n\n\n\nOne thing to note is that Zoysia grass establishes more slowly than some other warm season lawn grasses, but as it slowly grows it forms a very dense carpet of grass beneath that feels lush under foot. In fact, the grass grows so dense, few lawn weeds are able to penetrate a healthy mass of established Zoysia lawn. The grass spreads by above-ground stems called ‘stolons’ and underground stems called ‘rhizomes’. This combination of above and below ground stems allows for the thick, dense growth and earns it favor from warm-climate sod producers and families that use their lawns heavily for lawn games and entertaining.
\n\n\n\nDuring its active growing season, Zoysia typically stays light to medium green. It turns brown when winter dormancy sets in, but it stays green much longer than Bermudagrass and other warm-season grasses. Some homeowners choose to overseed Zoysia lawns in fall with cool-season ryegrass for green winter color, but others appreciate its straw-like natural hue. Come spring, Zoysia lawns are among the first to green up again.
\n\n\n\nZoysia naturally develops a deep root system, and it’s very efficient at conserving moisture and resisting drought. During short drought episodes, the grass remains green. If drought and heat persist, Zoysia will go dormant, but it greens up quickly when watered again. Zoysia prefers full sun, but it tolerates light shade — unlike Bermudagrass and other sun-loving, warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince Zoysia grass has been propagated for the past 100 years, several strains or varieties have evolved(1). The following are just a few available varieties and their primary characteristics:
\n\n\n\nMany factors can result in dead or thin spots in a warm-season lawn. Resist the first reaction many gardeners have of wanting to spray for disease. Before you make this mistake, consider the many other causes (2). Following are the most common causes (3).
\n\n\n\nWith warm-season grasses, month-by-month lawn care occurs on a different timetable than cool-season northern grasses that peak during fall. Zoysia grass is best planted in spring, after the final frost, as warm-season grasses come out of dormancy and enter prime growth. Overseeding existing turf lawns with additional Zoysia seed can also be done at this time. Before you begin following the lawn maintenance calendar, obtain a soil test. A soil test provides key information including soil pH, potassium and phosphorus levels. Soil testing is usually available through county Cooperative Extension Service offices. Proper soil pH is necessary to produce a healthy, highquality, attractive lawn. Zoysiagrass prefers soil with a pH from 5.8 to 6.5 but will tolerate a range of soil pH (3).
\n\n\n\nStill unsure of how to best care for your Zoysia lawn? Check out your state’s agricultural extension office for helpful tips and soil testing kits that will help you determine your best lawn care plan.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in the southern or warm coastal United States and your lawn needs call for a durable and wear-resistant warm-season lawn that can withstand both heat and drought, Zoysia grass may be the perfect solution providing you seasons of turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nSources:
1. Duble, Richard L., “Zoysiagrass,” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
2. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
3. https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/lawns/FSA-6122%20zoysiagrass.pdf
Still looking for more information about lawn care? Please visit our lawn care page for more information.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: www.thegrasspatch.com
\n","title":"Everything You Need to Know About Zoysia Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/1789c/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/107df/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/293e9/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/f2cbb/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/1789c/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/4fb49/palisades-zoysia-grass.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/1dd6e/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/67b76/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/8df11/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/98a65/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/1dd6e/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/561fd763b2ea91327a1d05e9a08d007a/62477/palisades-zoysia-grass.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Everything You Need to Know About Zoysia Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"8d4fc8e1-df88-5d3f-b3d3-7fe18bec1c5e","slug":"controlling-the-worst-weeds-in-austin","path":"/lawn-care/tx/austin/controlling-the-worst-weeds-in-austin/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c823f674-c750-5882-9059-d8c27fbe7e1d","name":"Austin","count":19,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/austin/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"Texans fight an uphill battle against the climate to maintain lush, green lawns. While we get wrapped up in mortal combat against scorching heat and epic droughts, another foe wages a battle against us: weeds. Unlike our turf, weeds couldn’t care less when it comes to drought, heat, and neglect. In fact, the conditions that […]
\n","content":"\nTexans fight an uphill battle against the climate to maintain lush, green lawns. While we get wrapped up in mortal combat against scorching heat and epic droughts, another foe wages a battle against us: weeds. Unlike our turf, weeds couldn’t care less when it comes to drought, heat, and neglect. In fact, the conditions that kill the landscapes we love only make them stronger. Once we let down our guard, they sprout and spread. Once these invaders have made landfall, our only hope is to stop them from advancing. Here are some tips for controlling the worst weeds in Austin.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3xloc5YBo1YwFQ690cX2SCF_KZof84QQvmWZAM91v7RDI1GPttiFZrU2rf1rDaPwe08GSA-k4rEUW3w9f3zKKOP5tEmqgP-sYANnTTb907K-HcjNhZgmMCAGsfIkLgBYkD1Vy9UD\")
The best defense against weeds is a vigorous lawn, since that makes it challenging for weeds to gain traction. Your yard is only as safe as its weakest patch of grass. Weeds are opportunists looking for a bare spot where they can put down roots and establish themselves. A number of weeds are waiting for their chance to pounce, but they tend to leave mowed, fertilized, healthy turf alone. Most weeds won’t withstand regular mowing. Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and Saint Augustinegrass all enjoy Austin’s hot, humid summers and with proper care will form a dense mat that resists the enemy.
\n\n\n\nWhen you see weeds invading your lawn, don’t look the other way. Once you allow a weed to go to seed, your front line is compromised, and you’ll have to spend a season working offense. To avoid this, when you spot a weed poking up through the turf, immediately remove it from the roots. String trimmers, aka “weed whackers” are only a temporary fix because when roots remain in the ground, the weed can pop right back up to fight another day.
\n\n\n\nDrop your weeds in the trash to make sure they don’t make a comeback – some weeds can regenerate if you just cast them aside on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDeveloping a strong knowledge of the weeds you’re fighting will help you defeat them. The main categories of noxious weeds in Austin are broadleaf weeds and grass-like weeds. Each requires different techniques to defeat.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IsgL9UTVcXYiG-Mh6w7Kc1qCFfvk5PrGkBaWPso3caR8nai1A70zBNtdaTQeYgvqL-rNnn_6t7AP4pHzVcxBI26_lXxaucrFhflVv2smJkk3nS92--Zaph_tgRlfIDSMQcKfj0Qm\")
Dandelions can be either biennial or perennial but usually burst into full bloom in late spring or early summer. The dandelion’s distinctive appearance makes it easy to identify. There are multiple effective ways to win the war against dandelions. The easiest is to mow often before the flowers have gone to seed. Next, pull them up by the roots. Finally, apply a selective weed killer directly to the plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"Thistle,](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/qHn9KZc9lDtiEA5267GRUtB-oIoQlpfG2Dv6FHv4nF75V7VCMpsrrKzLuQFjg8ZZZ5MYG16qOc-2fTlA_58kcF5FZTyNhc7J8kVM50XYpUzTQvJNBeqlqiMZGnjVbSvmcTtnrpzw\")
Thistles are weeds that can also be either biennial or perennial and can be very tough to fight once established. They can reach a height of several feet and can take up the whole lawn if you let them. Though stubborn, this is one weed that’s easy to control: cut to the ground with a hoe or pull up from the roots. Just remember to bag up the thistle you cut, as they will go to seed wherever they land.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/pyatElKLY5M6EkIRFnfo51BPhVGY4H2Dh69MwmyArT2GulzmGokAtyuHsvYJ5Y7LBtzIarQz9FOp1G9YsbIDdFJ9JEy6KABlmJJDawfXDDaIzJ-vgwmwc8mOyQNqsxZj0hi-2uvU\")
The bane of all homeowners and turf managers, crabgrass is a vigorous weed that thrives under the conditions that kill everything else. It grows flat along the ground, and this low profile allows it to stealthily spread right under the cutting line of mowers. The best way to fight this weed is to apply a pre-emergent weed control treatment at the end of winter before the ground warms.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/iTLOWhTYZYDd_wE23vvq10Pf75B1R4E_1dT7uvhiHpQWB49xqd5jXscCs76jbih_Rv63KujmMW34RzrejlczNuOAexyP44G18srUtvVCJXeViOR1S9pdSUXw4hvpNMeC-YtW3Ozd\")
This warm-season annual grass is tough as nails – mature blades are difficult to cut with a mower if the blades are not razor sharp. Although the first frost of the winter will kill the plants, each plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds. The best method for limiting their expansion is to apply a pre-emergent in the weeks before it sprouts.
\n\n\n\nThe war against weeds is the longest-running battle in human history. Even the most vigilant homeowner finds weeds in their turf from time to time. So keep your eyes peeled and your battle gear handy, because you never know when the weeds will find you.
\n\n\n\nInterested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX lawn care page.
Austin temperatures climb as spring turns into summer and rainfall becomes scarce. Add inconsistent soil and constant city construction, and maintaining a healthy lawn isn’t easy. It takes hard work and vigilance. However, if you follow our guide to summer lawn care in Austin, you can rest easy knowing you’re giving your lawn a fighting […]
\n","content":"\nAustin temperatures climb as spring turns into summer and rainfall becomes scarce. Add inconsistent soil and constant city construction, and maintaining a healthy lawn isn’t easy. It takes hard work and vigilance. However, if you follow our guide to summer lawn care in Austin, you can rest easy knowing you’re giving your lawn a fighting chance.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith an average temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit and only three days of rain in July and August, it’s safe to say Austin’s summers are hot and dry. Both heat and low rain stress your lawn, making it vulnerable. Proper summer lawn maintenance–like watering, mowing, dealing with pest or disease problems, and more–is vital to a healthy, vibrant, backyard party-worthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe best lawn care maintenance plan starts with understanding your soil and choosing the best type for your lawn. From there, fertilize when needed, aerate, dethatch, and maintain your grass with good watering and mowing practices. Fall all this up by protecting your lawn from ugly, Austin lawn problems, like pests, diseases, and weeds.
\n\n\n\nWith the high temperatures and low rainfall, warm-season grass types thrive in Austin lawns. However, warm-season grasses go dormant in the fall and winter, so mixing in cool-season grass cultivars allows Austinites to have a gorgeous, green lawn year-round. Here are some of the best grass types for Austin lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in regions with hot summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures stress warm-season grasses, and when temperatures drop, these cultivars go dormant and turn brown.
\n\n\n\nLight-green and fine-textured bermudagrass is a popular choice. This fast-growing grass is used in home lawns, sports fields, and parks.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass grows quickly, creating a thick, coarsely textured, dark green lawn. Its nickname is “carpet grass” thanks to its dense appearance.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is soft, fine-textured, and gray-green or blue-green. Although slow-growing, it won’t invade flower beds like many fast-growing grass types.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is light to medium emerald green with medium to fine leaf texture. It grows quickly and stays green longer than most warm-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nLike bermudagrass, seashore paspalum is light to medium green with a fine leaf texture. It has a dense root system and grows quickly.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nWhile cool-season grasses grow in the North, preferring cold winters and mild summers, they also thrive in the mild Southern winters. Heat is the major hurdle for cool-season grasses, so they need more energy to stay green when temperatures rise. Eventually, they’ll go dormant in the summer.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lolium_perenne_L._Perennial_Ryegrass_-_cultivated_3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Arthur Chapman / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a fine-textured, medium-green grass. Along with lawns and golf courses, it’s popular for construction areas. It is often used to prevent erosion because of its fast germination rate.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nA hybrid between Kentucky bluegrass and Texas native grass, Texas bluegrass remains green in the summer. Its dark green color lasts longer than most cool-season grasses. This turfgrass is fine-textured and densely growing.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pxfuel.com-7-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nEveryone knows Austin likes to “keep it weird,” but you may not know that three ecoregions converge in the city. The Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairies, and the Post Oak Savannah Floodplains have different soil types.
\n\n\n\nThe Edwards Plateau covers most of West Austin, with 1st Street being the approximate dividing line. It has the following properties:
\n\n\n\nThe Blackland Prairie covers Northeast Austin near I-290 and Southeast Austin in the Onion Creek area. You can expect to find the following properties:
\n\n\n\nThe Post Oak Savannah Floodplain covers East Austin, downtown through Del Valle. Expect to find:
\n\n\n\nSoil type is only one factor affecting soil quality. Other factors include:
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your soil is in tip-top shape, get your soil tested every one to three years. Once you receive your results, you’ll better understand what your lawn needs, including fertilization.
\n\n\n\nMost lawns will need some fertilization, but too much is harmful. Here are a few fertilizing tips to help you feed your lawn and minimize damage:
\n\n\n\nThe average grass cultivar needs about 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn, but each grass type has different needs.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYour watering practices have a significant effect on your lawn’s health. While your grass and native plants are adapted to Austin’s USDA hardiness Zone, 8, they still face high temperatures, drought, and water restrictions.
\n\n\n\nHere are some helpful tips to get the most out of your watering practices:
\n\n\n\nTake a look at the recommended watering amounts for popular grass types in Austin:
\n\n\n\n| Warm-Season Grass Type | Weekly Watering Needs in Inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1.25 |
| Buffalograss | 1 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 1 |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 |
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTo make a significant impact on the health of your lawn, mow like a pro. It is important to know what time to mow, how often to mow, and how high you should mow.
\n\n\n\nHere are some pro mowing tips to keep your lawn looking its best:
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding when to mow is also critical to keeping your lawn green.
\n\n\n\nMowing frequency changes with the seasons. Here’s an optimal mowing schedule for each season:
\n\n\n\n| Season | Mowing Frequency |
| Spring | Once per week |
| Summer | 1-2 times per week |
| Fall | Once every 7-10 days |
| Winter | Rarely, as needed |
The largest factor affecting your mowing frequency is your lawn’s turfgrass cultivar. Here are the recommended summer mowing heights and frequencies for popular Austin grass types.
\n\n\n\n![\"tool](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3409167404_35aeb9659b_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBecause Austin sits on the convergence of three different ecoregions, there are three distinctly different soil types. Two of the three soils are compacted, requiring regular aeration and turfgrass dethatching.
\n\n\n\nAeration involves poking small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients into the lawn. Doing this allows the roots to grow deeply, creating a stronger, more robust lawn.
\n\n\n\nAeration relieves soil compaction. Compacted soils prevent proper absorption of air, water, and nutrients within the soil. Excess organic debris, like leaves and thatch, starve the roots of essential nutrients.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a mixture of dead and living roots, and build-up occurs when turf produces waste faster than the environment can break it down. A little thatch is good as it helps insulate the soil and maintains moisture levels. However, thatch over ½ inch hinders water and nutrient absorption, starving your grass.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, many Austin lawns are prone to thatch build-up, because:
\n\n\n\nSome creeping grass types that are prone to thatch include:
\n\n\n\nIf you need to dethatch, you have a few options. Liquid dethatching increases enzymes and thatch-eating organisms. If thatch build-up is just forming, try a dethatching rake. But if you moderate build-up or more, use a power-driven dethatcher, like a vertical mower.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Ants_1214176165.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Cho / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBugs are the worst, and since Austin is in the South, we get our fair share of them. Some Austin bugs are nuisances, some carry diseases, and some will destroy your carefully crafted lawn and garden.
\n\n\n\nHere are some annoying, sometimes harmful pests you’ll encounter in your Austin backyard:
\n\n\n\nWhile these common pests are a nuisance and sometimes dangerous to your family and pets, they don’t affect your lawn. However, some lawn pests lay devastation, and you’ll need to intervene quickly.
\n\n\n\nWhile most ants cause damage to your lawn by boring through the dirt, fire ants are awful, creating mounds and messing up your soil and turf. If you step on a mound, you’re in trouble. This invasive species latches on with its barbed mandibles and stabs you repeatedly with its venomous stinger, leaving itchy pus-filled bites that take days to heal.
\n\n\n\nKeep an eye out for dirt mounds in your lawn. If you spot one, apply fire ant bait, following the manufacturer’s directions. Unfortunately, some colonies abandon mounds and create new ones a few yards away. Consider hiring a professional to eliminate the pesky invaders.
\n\n\n\nGrubs are small, fat, white, c-shaped, caterpillar-like insects you often find while gardening or digging. They’re actually beetle larvae, and they feed on your grass’ roots, causing brown spots and dead turf. If you’re unsure if your turfgrass problem is caused by grubs or a disease, tug on the grass blades. If they come out easily, you may have a grub infestation.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of grubs, use a grub-specific pesticide. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully, or you could harm your lawn. Additionally, apply nematodes or milky spores if you want a natural method. Dethatching and aeration help by giving the grubs less to eat.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs are tiny black insects with white wings. While they may be small, they cause colossal problems. They suck the sap from the base and stolons of grass blades and inject a toxic substance that prevents the plant from transporting water. Soon, patches of your lawn will turn yellow, then brown, before dying. The damage will spread until you handle the infestation.
\n\n\n\nBecause the damage often resembles drought stress or disease, you may not realize the problem immediately. Good lawn maintenance–dethatching, aeration, and not overwatering– help control chinch bugs. Applying preventative pesticides in the spring and targeted insecticides in the summer and fall will eliminate the pests.
\n\n\n\nArmyworms are not actually worms. They’re dark brown caterpillars with white, orange, or yellow stripes, and they can wreck your lawn in a few days by gobbling up grass blades. Armyworms are only two inches long but travel in large groups. They typically go unnoticed until the damage is severe.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to prevent armyworms is applying preventative, commercial-grade pesticides and maintaining your lawn. Armyworms prefer a dense, over-thatched, moist lawn, so a well-maintained lawn eliminates their preferred habitat.
\n\n\n\nSome grasses are more susceptible to pests than others. Here’s what you can expect from common Austin grasses:
\n\n\n\nIrrigate and mow your lawn twenty-four hours before insecticide applications. Use a broad-spectrum, non-repellent insecticide containing carbaryl or pyrethroid to treat affected areas. Apply preventative treatments in May before the heat of summer sets in and then another in June.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown_Patch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases are not fun to deal with, and if you’re an Austin homeowner, you may know this from personal experience. They’ll turn a stunning lawn into a brown, patchy mess.
\n\n\n\nLawns catch a disease when a trio of factors occur:
\n\n\n\nLet’s look at each of these a little closer:
\n\n\n\nMost diseases need daytime temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures above 55 degrees. They also need moisture from dew, irrigation, or rainfall to infect the blades. Lastly, stressed grass is easier to infect and a strong, healthy lawn is more resistant to attack.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, we can’t control the weather, but we can take steps to reduce stress and encourage growth. Here are some key tips to encourage a strong lawn:
\n\n\n\nBecause most lawn diseases are fungal, use a fungicide to eliminate problems. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Too much fungicide will burn your grass, and too little won’t be effective.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather treat the fungus naturally, there are several solutions:
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_stellaria_media_common_chickweed_ჟუნჟრუკი.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLike diseases, weeds love an unhealthy lawn. If you see weeds, some underlying problems include low-nitrogen, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds suck up vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass while simultaneously creating an ideal environment for pests and diseases. To control weeds, maintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance.
\n\n\n\nThere are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer weeding tips:
\n\n\n\nBefore you blink, weeds take over and ruin your gorgeous green grass. Here are five common Austin weeds:
\n\n\n\nCheck out our guide covering the 12 worst weeds in Austin to learn more.
\n\n\n\nSome grass types are more resistant to weeds than others. Check out the most common Austin grass types:
\n\n\n\nLawn maintenance can be overwhelming, but there are some steps you can take to create a low-maintenance Austin lawn that will save time and money.
• Xeriscape: low-maintenance landscaping emphasizing water conservation
• Rock Garden: little to no maintenance hardscaping
• Native plants: adapted to Austin’s climate, requiring little care
• Hardscapes: reduce green vegetation with functional hardscapes like a fire pit, patio, or pergola
• Automatic Irrigation: set-it-and-forget-it smart irrigation saves times and money and conserves water
• Mulch: reduces weeds
Organic mulch needs to be replaced yearly. Inorganic mulch, like gravel or rubber, needs to be replaced every 5-10 years.
In Austin, plant grass seed in March or April. Spring planting helps avoid late-season frost and gives the seed time to germinate before the summer heat sets in.
Summer is the perfect time for lounging on Lady Bird Lake, tubing the Comal River, backyard barbecuing, and pool partying. It’s also the time for rapid plant growth and lawn maintenance. Instead of sweating in the Austin heat, let Wikilawn match you with a local lawn care professional who will take care of your lawn so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Texas, Austin / dszc / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.263157894736842,"src":"/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/1789c/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/107df/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/293e9/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/f2cbb/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/1789c/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/c26c2/solar-panels-working-10-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/1dd6e/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/67b76/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 320w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/8df11/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 500w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/98a65/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 800w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/1dd6e/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 960w,\n/static/2c41b1c20aca19ce39f486cf427d945c/3cc96/solar-panels-working-10-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With this comprehensive guide to summer lawn care in Austin, you can overcome the heat and drought to have the green lawn of your dreams."}}},{"node":{"id":"240ef13d-10c0-55ef-a3ea-abcbbb9a9bc7","slug":"lawn-fertilizer-schedule","path":"/blog/lawn-fertilizer-schedule/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Taha Javed is a freelance writer and business student in Lahore, Pakistan. She loves swimming, reading, and playing with her dog.","name":"Taha Javed","id":"0531d17c-e9c8-5153-a6fb-6e2994f71716","path":"/author/taha-javed/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/877749883781783414fae4d0b98beb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"July 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Fertilizer is like the fuel that your grass requires to thrive, providing it with essential nutrients to keep it alive and healthy. But fertilizer is only effective if you apply it at the right time of year when your grass is able to absorb those nutrients. Follow this ideal lawn fertilizer schedule to maximize the […]
\n","content":"\nFertilizer is like the fuel that your grass requires to thrive, providing it with essential nutrients to keep it alive and healthy. But fertilizer is only effective if you apply it at the right time of year when your grass is able to absorb those nutrients. Follow this ideal lawn fertilizer schedule to maximize the benefits of fertilization and enhance your grass’s growth.
\n\n\n\nIn this guide, we’ll walk you through developing the best fertilization schedule for your grass type’s specific needs. Let’s get started!
\n\n\n\nLearn about:
\n\n\n\n![\"cool-season](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\")
Illustration by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDifferent grass species have different development patterns, so you must customize your fertilization schedule accordingly. Always apply fertilizer during your grass’s active growth period and never when it’s dormant. Dormant grass cannot absorb nutrients, so any fertilizer you apply during dormancy goes straight to the weeds lurking in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses and warm-season grasses grow at different times of the year, so they require different fertilization schedules, which you will find below.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, do best in regions with cold winters and mild summers. They typically grow in the northern third of the US and somewhat in the central portion of the country, known as the transition zone.
\n\n\n\nThese grasses benefit from a fertilization schedule that includes the following applications:
\n\n\n\nEarly Spring: Early spring, around late March and early April, is an ideal time to apply the first round of fertilizer as cool-season grasses emerge from winter dormancy. Choose a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen for speedy green-up and healthy root development. Aim for a balanced nitrogen-to-potassium ratio to assist overall growth and stress tolerance.
\n\n\n\nSummer: Cool-season grasses can experience obstacles such as heat stress and restricted water supply during the hot summer months. To combat drought stress, adjust your watering plan and avoid fertilizing during periods of excessive heat. Consider using a light application of a slow-release or organic-based fertilizer with low nitrogen content in late summer, as the growth period might kick start. If your grass goes dormant and turns brown in summer, do not apply fertilizer until it greens up again.
\n\n\n\nEarly Fall: As temperatures decrease in the early fall, cool-season grasses enter the period of their most vigorous growth. It is an ideal time for a proper round of fertilization. Use a higher potassium content fertilizer to boost root growth and improve winter hardiness and disease resistance. A balanced nitrogen-to-potassium ratio is still necessary to promote healthy growth during the growing season and prepare the grass for winter.
\n\n\n\nLate Fall: Apply a winterizing fertilizer developed specifically for cool-season grasses in late fall, at least six weeks before the first expected frost in your area, around late October or early November. These fertilizers contain a higher potassium content, which helps to strengthen the grass’s cell walls and increase its resistance to harsh winter conditions. Winterizing fertilizers also aid in the early spring green-up of grass when it emerges from dormancy.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass prefer warmer temperatures and grow most actively in spring and summer. They begin to slow their growth in fall when the temperatures drop, and they enter winter dormancy earlier than cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nBecause they prefer hot summers, warm-season grasses grow mostly in the South. They can also grow in the transition zone, but they typically struggle in any place with severe winters.
\n\n\n\nThe best times to apply lawn fertilizer for warm-season grasses are the following:
\n\n\n\nEarly Spring: Early spring is an excellent time for the first round of fertilization since warm-season grasses emerge from dormancy and begin their active growth phase. To stimulate vigorous growth, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen content. Look for a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer that consistently supplies nutrients over time, assuring the grass’s continuous nourishment.
\n\n\n\nLate Spring/Early Summer: Warm-season grasses grow steadily throughout the summer and may require ample fertilizing to remain lush. However, it is important to be cautious when fertilizing during this time. High temperatures and drought can stress the grass, leaving it more vulnerable to fertilizer burn. To reduce the chance of damage throughout the hot summer, use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer around the end of May or the beginning of June when the heat isn’t too extreme yet.
\n\n\n\nEarly Fall: As summer gives way to fall, warm-season grasses slow their growth. A round of fertilizer application is best done in the early fall, at least 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost in your area. Use a fertilizer with a slightly greater potassium content to increase root growth and improve the grass’s winter hardiness. This application will aid in the recovery of the grass from any summer pressures and prepare it for the cooler months ahead.
\n\n\n\nDo not fertilize warm-season grass in late fall, as it is either preparing to enter winter dormancy or has already gone dormant.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about the best lawn fertilizer practices for cool-season and warm-season grass types in our guide: When and How to Fertilize Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe amount of fertilizer your grass needs can affect how many times you fertilize throughout the year. Each grass type has its own nutrient requirements, so it’s important to identify your grass type before trying to make a fertilization schedule.
\n\n\n\nFind the proper amount of nitrogen fertilizer recommended for your grass type in the table below.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Application Rate Per Year |
| Bermudagrass | 2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft |
| Zoysiagrass | 2-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft |
| Centipedegrass | 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft |
| Tall fescue | 2-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft |
| Fine fescue | 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft |
| Ryegrass | 2-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft |
You should never apply more than 1 pound of nitrogen to your lawn at one time. So, if your grass type requires 2 pounds of nitrogen every year, you should spread the fertilizer across at least two applications and possibly more applications of less than 1 pound. If your grass type requires 4 pounds of nitrogen annually, you will need to spread it out across four applications of 1 pound each. Don’t fertilize your lawn more than four times a year.
\n\n\n\nBase the timing of these applications on the cool-season and warm-season lawn fertilization schedules above.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Galeanu Mihai / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoil testing is a valuable tool for optimizing your fertilizer schedule. When it comes to lawn fertilization, more than a one-size-fits-all strategy is needed. Soil testing enables you to identify nutrient deficits or excesses in your soil. It identifies the nutrients your lawn requires for its best growth, allowing you to fine-tune fertilizer selection and application.
\n\n\n\nTo perform a soil test, buy a DIY soil testing kit or send a soil sample to your local Cooperative Extension office for a more in-depth test.
\n\n\n\nThe soil test results provide essential information regarding your soil’s nutrient level. You’ll get a detailed report outlining the levels of primary nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, as well as secondary and micronutrients. The report also contains the pH level of your soil (ideally between 6.0 and 6.5), which is critical for nutrient availability at the grassroots.
\n\n\n\nBased on your soil test results, you can choose the right fertilizer for your grass, which will make your fertilization schedule even more effective.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Close-up-of-Female-Gardeners-Hand-with-Iron-Bucket-of-Granular-Fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Valerii Honcharuk / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelecting the right fertilizer for your lawn can significantly impact its overall health and look. There are a few crucial aspects to consider while choosing the right fertilizer, including:
\n\n\n\nTo learn more about these factors and how they affect your lawn, see our guide to choosing lawn fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThe type of fertilizer you select can impact your fertilization schedule. For instance, immediate-release fertilizers only remain in the soil for 4-6 weeks, so they will need to be applied more often for sustained results, while granular fertilizers remain in the soil for 6-8 weeks and will require fewer applications throughout the year.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is generally recommended that you water your lawn lightly after fertilizing. Watering aids in dissolving fertilizer granules, allowing nutrients to infiltrate the soil and reach the grassroots. However, be careful not to overwater, which might wash out nutrients or lead to runoff. Plan to fertilize when the weather forecast is clear of heavy rainfall for a few days.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFertilizing during the dormant season, when the grass is not actively growing, is generally discouraged. Fertilizing during this time may result in nutrient runoff and waste. It can also encourage weeds to take over your yard while your grass is not growing. Not to mention, it’s a waste of your time, energy, and money.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganic fertilizers have longer-lasting effects on your soil by far. For one, they take longer to break down into the soil, which means nutrients are released gradually over time instead of all at once. The organic content in these fertilizers also improves the soil’s texture and overall health, whereas synthetic fertilizers can actually damage the soil and kill important microorganisms.
\n\n\n\nThe tradeoff is that organic fertilizers take longer to show visible results in your grass, while synthetic fertilizers can offer a quick green-up and boost of growth. So, you have to decide if you’re more concerned about the long-term or the short-term benefits.
\n\n\n\nSee our guide to organic lawn fertilizers to learn more.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCaring for your lawn means providing the appropriate nutrients at the right time. A well-planned fertilization schedule ensures your grass receives the nutrients it requires all year, supporting healthy growth and vivid greenery.
\n\n\n\nAre you tired of doing all this on your own? Don’t worry; we are here to help. Connect with a local lawn care pro through WikiLawn to help you establish a healthy, bright lawn that will make your neighbors envious.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: welcomia / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"The Ideal Lawn Fertilizer Schedule","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5463917525773196,"src":"/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/1789c/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/107df/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/293e9/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/f2cbb/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/1789c/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/c26c2/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/1dd6e/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/67b76/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/8df11/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/98a65/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/1dd6e/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/f57bf0a461823f2fd0483caa825dc1ff/3cc96/Gardener-with-Push-Spreader-Fertilizing-Residential-Grass-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Ideal Lawn Fertilizer Schedule | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"What is the right time to fertilize your lawn? Learn all you need to know from our lawn fertilizer schedule, including when and how much to fertilize."}}},{"node":{"id":"3a90a996-508b-5f21-8b19-5828e6d4f436","slug":"best-grass-types-connecticut","path":"/lawn-care/ct/best-grass-types-connecticut/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e5749cce-e649-530f-ab65-97c08883af12","name":"Connecticut","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ct/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Connecticut is rich in natural resources and home to 110 state parks and 32 state forests. The climate is classified as humid continental, with its coastal region serving as a broad transition zone between the temperate, subtropical climates of the south and the colder, continental climates of the north. Continental climates have cold winters and […]
\n","content":"\nConnecticut is rich in natural resources and home to 110 state parks and 32 state forests. The climate is classified as humid continental, with its coastal region serving as a broad transition zone between the temperate, subtropical climates of the south and the colder, continental climates of the north. Continental climates have cold winters and warm summers and experience all four seasons.
\n\n\n\nThe Nutmeg State experiences higher-than-average precipitation with 50 inches of rain and 37 inches of snow per year. High temperatures average 73 degrees Fahrenheit in July and dip down to an average low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit in January. The five best grass types for Connecticut thrive in the wet environment and withstand the long, cold winters. Read on to discover suitable varieties for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nConnecticut sits in the transition zone, a region ranging from coastal eastern states like Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina all the way west to Missouri, Kansas, Eastern Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This zone has incredibly unique weather, and neither warm nor cool-season turfgrasses completely adapt to the region.
\n\n\n\nIn the transition zone, summers are too hot for cool-season grass varieties and winters are too cold for warm-season grasses, making it incredibly difficult to maintain your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAll types of grass are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nConnecticut is one of the six New England states in the northeastern corner of the U.S., directly east of New York. Zoysiagrass is the only warm-season cultivar suitable for Connecticut’s unique climate, while cool-season varieties grow well throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nThe following grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Connecticut:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance, cool-season cultivar that grows well throughout Connecticut, especially during rainy seasons. It has low drought tolerance but withstands cold and winter conditions well, forming a thick sod. It is prone to disease and insects but recovers quickly from damage thanks to rhizomes and its spreading growth habit.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is recognizable for its famed blue-green color, fine texture, and dense appearance. It is wear-tolerant but slow to green up in the spring. To combat the turfgrass’ high-maintenance needs and slow green-up, many homeowners seed their lawns with a mixture of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nThe most common pre-mixed ratio for Connecticut landscapes is 90% tall fescue seed and 10% hybrid bluegrass seed. This ratio ensures a more dense appearance that is low-growing, quick to green-up, and cold-hardy for Connecticut winters.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches – mow taller during summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – can be prone to snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, necrotic ring spot, chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs, grubs, and greenbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns. Due to its limited root depth, regular watering is necessary. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are generally hardier and more resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nTall fescue grows well throughout Connecticut, surviving most drought conditions. It is shade and cold-tolerant and grows best in spring and fall. Cultivars are quick to green up and produce little thatch. Tall fescue has a clumping growth habit with deep roots and a sparse appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe turfgrass has an attractive medium to dark green color and coarse texture. It requires regular watering, fertilization, and mowing. Tall fescue stands up to heavy foot traffic and grows well in a range of soils, including clay and sand. Cultivars are not the most attractive choices for home lawns. However, homeowners appreciate their climatic adaptability, especially in the tough transition zone.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – can be prone to leaf spot, seedling disease, and brown patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low to moderate resistance – can be susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For optimal results, apply fertilizer once during September and November. Also, plant fresh grass seeds every couple of years if you wish to maintain a lush lawn and tackle any sparse or thinning spots.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a bunching grass that mimics the appearance of Kentucky bluegrass but does not provide most of the popular cultivar’s better qualities. Perennial ryegrass is disease and insect-prone and intolerant to drought, freezing temperatures, flooding, and wind. However, cultivars are less prone to thatch buildup and often more salt and heat-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass thrives in full sun. Cultivars have a dark green color and fine texture that is easy to mow. The turfgrass establishes quickly and is often used for winter overseeding of warm-season turfgrasses like Zoysiagrass or mixed with hybrid Kentucky bluegrass to create a more low-maintenance variety.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – needs at least four to five hours under the sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High – but recuperates poorly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High – susceptible to flag rust, stem rust, leaf spot, downy mildew, brown patch, red thread, chinch bugs, and greenbug aphids
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Should you choose to overseed your warm-season grass with perennial ryegrass, maintain a proper balance of sunlight, moisture, and nutrients to lessen the risk of damage to your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James K. Lindsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nFine fescue encompasses several varieties, including Chewing, Red, Sheep, and Hard fescues. Cultivars are bunching type cool-season grasses with good shade tolerance. They adapt to a range of soils, including the acidic, sandy soils of the Connecticut coast.
\n\n\n\nFine fescues are low-maintenance but more expensive than most seeded cultivars. They are drought and cold-tolerant but have moderately low wear tolerance. Cultivars have a soft texture and narrow, deep green leaf blades. Like tall fescue, many homeowners mix fine fescue cultivars with Kentucky bluegrass to create a resilient and lush home lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues possess rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, powdery mildew, and downy mildew can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; most common pests are chinch bugs, sod webworms, grubs, billbugs, winter mites, and crane flies
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining; tolerate infertile and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is the only warm-season cultivar suitable for the northeastern transition state thanks to its salt and drought tolerance. It has thick, stiff leaf blades and grows dense, blocking out weeds. The low-maintenance turfgrass requires little fertilization and tolerates shade, heavy traffic, low mow heights, and low temperatures.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass grows best in full sun and yards with proper drainage. It does not tolerate flooding or overly moist landscapes. Connecticut is home to one of many hybrid varieties of Zoysia japonica, Meyer Zoysiagrass. This attractive turfgrass is recognizable for its dense appearance, medium-thick leaf blades, and dark green color. Meyer Zoysiagrass is not prone to disease or insect infestation but grows slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\nNo. While some homeowners overseed their warm-season grass with perennial ryegrass to maintain a year-round green lawn, it is not recommended for healthy warm-season turfgrass. The ryegrass slows spring green-up, competing with your warm-season turfgrass and stealing vital nutrients.
It is best to allow your warm-season grass to enter natural dormancy during the cold winter months. Zoysiagrass is the only warm-season Connecticut turfgrass.
If you are seeding your lawn with Zoysiagrass, sow your warm-season cultivar in May or June. This gives the seed plenty of time to germinate before the hot summer. For cool-season varieties, sow cultivars between Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 to complement the natural fall growth cycle.
Water your Connecticut lawn and garden according to seasonal shifts.
● Spring: Supplement natural rainfall during sustained periods of little to no rain. Typically, Mother Nature does the heavy lifting in the springtime for your Connecticut landscape.
● Summer: Combat the high temperatures and fluctuating humidity levels by watering your Connecticut landscape three times per week, aiming for one inch of water weekly.
On average, it takes 30 minutes to lie down a half-inch of water from standard sprinklers. Aim for three 20-minute sessions weekly.
● Fall: Rainfall typically increases in the fall following Labor day. Return to your spring watering scheduling, supplementing with irrigation when Mother Nature falls short.
Connecticut grass cultivars are suited to your unique USDA hardiness zone. Connecticut’s zones include 5b to 7a, with most of the state falling between 6a to 6b. All turfgrasses have their own characteristics and needs. Choose a variety that works well for your space and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nYour grass comes together to help form your complete landscape. There are numerous landscaping options for the Nutmeg State, and you can take advantage of the state’s four unique seasons. Be sure to check out our list of the best Connecticut native plants to help you plan your landscape.
\n\n\n\nFrom coastal cities like Westport to northern destinations like Granby, no matter which part of the state you live in, conquer Connecticut’s humidity fluctuations and continental climate. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro today to help you maintain a green and healthy lawn, so you have more free time to explore Connecticut’s rich natural resources.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pxfuel
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Connecticut","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3498312710911136,"src":"/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/1789c/lawn-in-conneticut-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/107df/lawn-in-conneticut-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/293e9/lawn-in-conneticut-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/f2cbb/lawn-in-conneticut-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/1789c/lawn-in-conneticut-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/c26c2/lawn-in-conneticut-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/1dd6e/lawn-in-conneticut-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/67b76/lawn-in-conneticut-1.webp 320w,\n/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/8df11/lawn-in-conneticut-1.webp 500w,\n/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/98a65/lawn-in-conneticut-1.webp 800w,\n/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/1dd6e/lawn-in-conneticut-1.webp 960w,\n/static/6a1fdcf9abb85ca4c690a314511f7e46/3cc96/lawn-in-conneticut-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Connecticut | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass types for Connecticut are both warm-season and cool-season varieties suitable for the unique climate of this transition state."}}}],"postCity":{"node":{"name":"Virginia Beach","slug":"virginia-beach","state":{"name":"Virginia","slug":"va"},"suburbs":[{"name":"Chesapeake","slug":"chesapeake"},{"name":"Williamsburg","slug":"williamsburg"},{"name":"Hampton","slug":"hampton"},{"name":"Hayes","slug":"hayes"},{"name":"Newport News","slug":"newport-news"},{"name":"Yorktown","slug":"yorktown"},{"name":"Norfolk","slug":"norfolk"},{"name":"Suffolk","slug":"suffolk"},{"name":"Gloucester","slug":"gloucester"},{"name":"Portsmouth","slug":"portsmouth"},{"name":"Smithfield","slug":"smithfield"}],"parentCity":null}}}}}![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Lzo3KC9jfHKZoLj_6AMIXElzPg0tWUXyIfto8rJb1buCFRzUprMVREGrgWED-r-OWKlAY8TLutpTf7hy2w6_dmDCImjnlNfgyQ7NJDZAO-t-YDFVPcnmym9jOBwa5-keV2XZLpOEdLm7sDk9Mg\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/H-eD55CUagNJXB0ltfb11py5ap6weMQ00JDTmDGpKSVQJCdxAkH3qCP4sb8ppwwo9WS82NQGwoijQX6kRdr57xe3II_nxMtYMgtcv-mk1nwcYx9jEiWQuDWNYcMOtj18m9qXYXhLU0DFzKVNtQ\")
![Source](\"https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTcxWDEwMjQ=/z/WpEAAOSwOdpXzuCP/%24_86.JPG\"){kind=link}
![Source](\"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Harig_vingergras_plant_%28Digitaria_sanguinalis%29.jpg/1280px-Harig_vingergras_plant_%28Digitaria_sanguinalis%29.jpg\"){kind=link}