![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mosquito-gbae23e6e4_1920-1.jpg\")
Ah, summer. But the livin’ isn’t so easy when pesky little critters show up. Slap! Smack! The following are the worst backyard pests in Virginia Beach.
\n","content":"\nAfter Virginia Beach’s cold and windy winters and constant rainfall, you want to enjoy your backyard barbeque or outside get-together when the weather is finally nice. Nothing can ruin your outdoor activities faster than an infestation of pesky bugs. This article explores seven of the worst backyard pests in Virginia Beach and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nWe’re all familiar with these annoying insects that sting and leave us itching. Mosquitoes are more than annoying, they can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika virus. They can also cause skin irritation and allergies. These problems alone are enough to encourage efforts for mosquito control.
\n\n\n\nSome common symptoms that you’ve been stung by a mosquito include red, itchy bumps that may swell. As you may already know, they turn to sores if you scratch them. If you or visitors end up with bites after hanging outside your home, it’s an indication that you have mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes breed in standing water. Any sources you have in your yard that can collect water, like birdbaths, flowerpots, or uncovered trash bins, could attract mosquitoes.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes like to be outside during the lovely, warmer days of the year, just like humans. In Virginia Beach, mosquitoes are most active from late spring through early fall.
\n\n\n\nThere are some things you can do for mosquito control:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Ants_1214176165.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William Cho / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe Virginia area first experienced a fire ant infestation in 1989. Most of the fire ants came from infested plant products, or they traveled from infested areas that were close by.
\n\n\n\nFire ants are another nuisance that not only disrupt your peaceful get-togethers with their mere presence, but fire ants can sting, too. Unlike mosquitoes, whose stings leave you itchy, fire ant stings are usually painful. These reddish-brown pests are known for their large, visible mounds in the soil, which can reach up to 18 inches tall. They attack anything that disturbs their nests. Some people can have an allergic reaction to fire ant stings, which can be life-threatening.
\n\n\n\nFire ants build their mounds anywhere, but they gravitate towards sunny and open areas. Look out for small dirt hills or mountains. Like mosquitoes, they prefer moisture, so their homes are often found next to water sources and trees.
\n\n\n\nFire ants like to build multiple mounds in an area. Sometimes there are hundreds of mounds across an acre of land. If you see several mounds throughout your yard, you probably have fire ants. They also build mounds in the cracks of sidewalks, around shrubs, and in landscape beds.
\n\n\n\nIf you or visitors have redness and itchiness, you may have been stung by fire ants. Swelling at the stinging site can also occur. Unlike mosquito bites, fire ant stings usually turn into blisters a couple of days later, regardless of if you scratch.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things that can attract fire ants:
\n\n\n\nSince fire ants prefer warm, sunny weather, they are most active during the summer. When the weather is cooler in the fall and winter, fire ants are less of a pest problem.
\n\n\n\nOne thing you can do if you see a mound is to leave it alone and call a professional exterminator. According to Virginia Tech, eliminating fire ants takes training and equipment that most homeowners do not have. Treating these terrors with the wrong pest control method can lead to an increased infestation.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, mounds are not the only indicator of an infestation, which makes fire ants hard to kill. This is another reason to call a pest control company. They can give you a thorough inspection. But if you insist on doing it yourself, here are some things you can do:
\n\n\n\nThese two methods are considered to be the most effective when applied together:
\n\n\n\nYou can reduce your chances of getting fire ants by:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Erturac / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIt’s hard to see fleas, but if you’ve ever been bitten by one, you know it doesn’t take seeing to be a believer. The most common flea in Virginia is the cat flea. Cat fleas do not discriminate, they bite dogs and humans, too. Fleas have flattened bodies and no wings.
\n\n\n\nSome tell-tale signs that you have fleas are itching or scratching. Flea bites can cause small red bumps. Since fleas are usually carried by pets, here are some signs you may notice on your pets.
\n\n\n\nFleas get into your yard by jumping onto mammals and wildlife that then carry the fleas to your property. Fleas love to breed in thatch. They also like to make a habitat out of piles of wood and leaves and hide in tall grass.
\n\n\n\nFleas love to make an appearance in the warmer months, during the spring and summer. But they can survive indoors during the colder winter months.
\n\n\n\nThe best treatment is prevention. Since fleas are often transported to homes by way of wildlife, reduce the chances you’ll attract wildlife by:
\n\n\n\nBecause fleas travel on pets, if you have pets:
\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6980305991_3209cd81a6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sid Mosdell / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWe’re used to seeing a bee or wasp every now and then. But when you have a wasp’s nest or other signs of a wasp infestation, it’s time to do something about it. Wasps are typically more aggressive than bees, and wasps look different.
\n\n\n\nThere are several wasp species, and they differ in physical characteristics and where they build their nests. Wasps include hornets and yellow jackets, which have brown bodies and yellow stripes. Some wasps have a shiny look, like mud daubers, or dark wings, like red wasps. For those allergic to wasp stings, this pest problem could lead to death if the allergic person is stung.
\n\n\n\nIf you have several wasps flying around a specific area, you may have an infestation. Another obvious clue is seeing a wasp’s nest. Different species build their nests in different locations. You may find wasp nests in sheds, porch ceilings, garages, vegetation, doorways, trees, or barns.
\n\n\n\nWasps like loud clothing, good-smelling people, and potlucks. In other words, wasps are attracted to bright colors, strong smells, and food, especially sugary items. Open garbage cans may attract wasps, as can open compost bins.
\n\n\n\nWasps like to show up in the spring and fall.
\n\n\n\nRemoving a wasp’s nest can be dangerous. No one will blame you if you seek professional pest control services.
\n\n\n\nUsing professional services can give you the peace of mind of knowing the problem has been eradicated. Professionals can also inspect the outside and inside of your home and find things you cannot. If you have nests hiding underground, inside of walls, or in the attic, professionals can locate and exterminate the wasps.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things you can do on your own if the pest problem seems like it can be handled with a little DIY magic.
\n\n\n\nYou can be proactive and reduce your chances of attracting wasps by keeping garbage and food sealed. You can also keep vegetation around your home trimmed.
\n\n\n\n![\"alot](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/termites-g5c89ceef5_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDid you know that every year homeowners fork out over two billion dollars to treat termites? Termites have caused significant damage to homes by chewing through wooden support beams, flooring, and other materials.
\n\n\n\nVirginia Beach is victim to many different species of termites, including the most common type, subterranean termites. These little insects resemble ants. They’re usually brown, black, or yellow. They live in colonies, but you usually won’t ever see them. You will, unfortunately, eventually see the damage they cause.
\n\n\n\nHollow-sounding wood or buckling floors or walls are some signs of termites. Mud tubes are also an indication. Termites travel through mud tubes or mud tunnels to access food and water. You may find mud tunnels in your home’s foundation and concrete walls. Another symptom of termites is seeing wings around entry points like doors and windows.
\n\n\n\nTermites are attracted to moisture. They are also attracted to situations where wood has come into contact with the soil, so they love wood that is decaying or damaged by water. Termites will invade wooden decks or porches in these conditions. These pests are also attracted to decks or porches that were built with poorly treated or untreated wood.
\n\n\n\nTermites also chew their way into homes when they perceive there is an availability of food.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, termites are active year-round. They are most active in the warmer spring and summer months.
\n\n\n\nA recurring theme of this article is prevention. Here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of a termite pest problem:
\n\n\n\nIn many cases, termiticides, which are what the pesticides for termites are called, can only be administered by a professional. Some EPA-approved treatments are termite baits, wood treatments, and termiticides applied to the soil. If you’ve purchased a pesticide, only use it if the label specifically says it can be used on termites. An active infestation is best handled by professionals.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Periplaneta_americana_-_D8-10-2861Crop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eran Finkle / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat purpose cockroaches have in the ecosystem is probably a mystery to many people. Regardless of any usefulness cockroaches may have, when you see one, you want to make sure you never see another one. They carry several diseases, like cholera and Typhoid fever.
\n\n\n\nIf you see one roach, move quickly to get rid of them. Seeing one means there are probably many more hiding.
\n\n\n\nTwo of the types of cockroaches that terrorize Virginia Beach residents are German cockroaches and American cockroaches. German cockroaches are small and light brown. They’re usually located in bathrooms, kitchens, and other indoor areas where food and water are accessible.
\n\n\n\nAmerican cockroaches are reddish-brown and larger than German cockroaches. American cockroaches enjoy the outdoors more and are typically located in yards and gardens and other outdoor areas. They actually have wings. When they get tired of being outside, they hide in dark, moist places. They invade bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
\n\n\n\nIf you see these critters in your backyard, you want to act quickly to get rid of them. You may already have them in your home. Seeing one roach in your yard or anywhere in your home is an indication that you probably have many more hiding somewhere. You may see cockroach droppings around compost bins, pet food dishes, or garbage cans. Droppings are dark and small and look like pepper.
\n\n\n\nYou may find cockroach egg cases, which are typically brown and cylindrical shaped, in dark places in your yard. The cases may be in crevices and cracks or under leaves.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches shed their skins as they grow. You may see their translucent shells under leaf piles or in crevices in the yard.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, cockroach season is nearly every month of the year. The season is between March and December. That’s 10 months!
\n\n\n\nRoaches are hard to get rid of since they’re so good at hiding. Insecticides contain harmful chemicals. Some treatments, like aerosol sprays, will kill the roaches sprayed but not get rid of the infestation. It is recommended that you call a professional exterminator for the best results.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things homeowners can do to minimize the pest problem:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/47748266872_a0ca5cccea_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nStink bugs are typically found in gardens. They’re not known to be dangerous to humans, but they can ruin your plants. They feed on a variety of plants, and they cause the most damage to fruit, tomatoes, okra, and pecans. They pierce the plant’s surface and suck out its fluids. They alter the plant’s appearance and can weaken the plant. In severe cases, stink bugs can cause the plant to die.
\n\n\n\nStink bugs get their name because they emit a foul smell when threatened. They’re very small insects and are usually brown-colored. They have a shield-shaped or oval-shaped body, six legs, and antennae.
\n\n\n\nIf you see that your plants are damaged, you could have stink bugs. Since the bugs emit a foul odor when threatened, you may smell a strong and unpleasant odor. You may see them on walls, plants, or other areas in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nThey like the warmth, so if you have warm places in your yard, like piles of debris, they may be attracted to them. They also may gravitate to plants they feed on, like pepper and tomatoes. Stink bugs are attracted to cracks and gaps in your home that give them a way into the warmth during the winter weather.
\n\n\n\nThis pest problem usually occurs in the spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an interesting fact that parasitic wasps, like the samurai wasp, naturally attack stink bug eggs. If you have both stink bugs and wasps, maybe the wasps can kill the stink bug eggs before you exterminate the wasps.
\n\n\n\nThese are a few suggestions for controlling stink bugs:
\n\n\n\nIf the bugs have invaded your home:
\n\n\n\n
The most commonly found stinging insects in Virginia Beach are:
Overseeding your lawn is a way to repair it. When you overseed you add new grass to your lawn. This stronger grass covers bare spots created by pests. Overseeding has other benefits, including:
Prevention is always best. However, even the most diligent efforts do not guarantee that you will not incur some unwanted critters and insects. Here are some things you can do to be proactive:
As long as there is an outdoors, there will be insects and critters. Our job is to do what we can to make sure these pests stay in their lane to protect ourselves and our loved ones and ensure these pests do not interrupt our quality of life.
\n\n\n\nWhile there may not be anything that is 100 percent guaranteed to avoid some of these pests, you can at least reduce your chances of an infestation. Now that you know what to look for, you can take measures to proactively guard against these pest problems.
\n\n\n\nA well-maintained lawn can deter pest invasion. For help maintaining your lawn so that you can spend more time strolling along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and less time worrying about pests, call a professional lawn care service.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Stink Bug / Pxfuel
\n","title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Virginia Beach, VA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7804154302670623,"src":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1789c/pxfuel.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/107df/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/293e9/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/f2cbb/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1789c/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/c26c2/pxfuel.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/67b76/pxfuel.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/8df11/pxfuel.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/98a65/pxfuel.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/05e5c011f2b9e97c0f554959d043f845/3cc96/pxfuel.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Worst Backyard Pests in Virginia Beach, VA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read to find out the worst backyard pests plaguing Virginia Beach homeowners, indicators that you have them, causes, and how to eliminate them."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"7ae7cbeb-9983-5aef-a412-86ed8f13ca72","slug":"common-lawn-weeds-ohio","path":"/lawn-care/oh/common-lawn-weeds-ohio/","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":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Weeds are a nuisance that can wreck the lawn you’ve spent so much time cultivating. Identifying the weeds is half the battle; knowing how to deal with them is the other half. This guide on common lawn weeds in Ohio helps you accomplish both. In this article: How Weeds Harm Your Ohio Lawn? Weeds steal […]
\n","content":"\nWeeds are a nuisance that can wreck the lawn you’ve spent so much time cultivating. Identifying the weeds is half the battle; knowing how to deal with them is the other half. This guide on common lawn weeds in Ohio helps you accomplish both.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWeeds steal water, air, and nutrients from your grass and desirable plants. If there are weeds on your lawn when you fertilize them, they will quickly soak the nutrients, leaving your grass weak and prone to diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nWeeds spread quicker than you’d imagine. So, take immediate action when you spot them. Weeds love low-nitrogen soils and thinning grass. With routine lawn maintenance, you can keep weeds under check.
\n\n\n\nYou can kill weeds with the good old hand-pulling technique and herbicides.
\n\n\n\nIf you have only a few weeds, it’s best to get rid of them by hand weeding. When pulling a weed, make sure to remove it entirely with the roots. Also, don’t forget to wear gloves, as many weeds cause skin irritation.
\n\n\n\nWeeds like dandelions have a taproot system, which can be hard to remove. You can use a dandelion fork or screwdriver to pry them loose.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\nIf you want to control weeds before they germinate, using pre-emergent herbicides is the only way. They kill the infant root system, preventing the weeds from growing. Early spring is the best time to apply pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides are available in both granular and liquid forms.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\nIf the weeds have already started to show up and there are too many of them to pluck by hand, use post-emergent herbicides. The weeds absorb the herbicide and die as the chemical travels down the root system. Post-emergent herbicides come in granular and liquid forms.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply post-emergents is when the weed is actively growing, usually during the spring.
\n\n\n\nNote: Avoid spraying herbicides on a windy day to prevent harming other ornamental plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dandelion-Taraxacum-Officinale.jpg\")
Photo Credit: AnemoneProjectors / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDandelions look good and actually have many medicinal benefits. But they’re invasive and can take over your lawn in no time. Dandelions usually start growing during spring, producing bright yellow ray flowers. These flowers mature into fluffy, white seeds that disperse by the wind.
\n\n\n\nYou can apply pre-emergent herbicides during early spring to prevent dandelions from germinating. This weed has a strong taproot, penetrating the soil up to 18 inches. Removing it by hand is very difficult, so we recommend using post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicide (prodiamine), post-emergent herbicide (triclopyr)
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spotted-Spurge-Trifolium-Repens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nSpotted spurge is a low-growing, short-lived annual broadleaf plant with a mat-like growth habit. The stems of this plant choke desirable grasses. So, it’s not something you want to have on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSpotted spurge has a long taproot, making it difficult to remove manually. So, using herbicides is a more practical option. Spurge usually affects thinning grass. With proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing, you can prevent this weed altogether.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun; dry, compacted soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent (pendimethalin), post-emergent (triclopyr), hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellowe](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-Medic-Medicago-Lupulina.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlack medic is a low-growing, short-lived perennial that produces small yellow flowers in clover-like clusters. It’s hairy, particularly the stems. The oval-shaped leaves grow in groups of three. Hand weeding works well for removing black medic as it grows from a central location.
\n\n\n\nBlack medic only affects compacted soil, so if you spot this weed in your lawn, it indicates that your grass needs aeration.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Annual, short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained fertile soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Knotweed-Reynoutria-Japonica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: W.carter / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nJapanese knotweed spreads quickly and grows fast. It reaches up to 15 feet in height, suppressing the growth of your turf grass and other plants. Removing Japanese knotweed by hand is next to impossible. In fact, even with herbicides, it takes about three years to eliminate Japanese knotweed.
\n\n\n\nJapanese knotweed starts growing during summer. Applying pre-emergent herbicides in early spring can prevent it from germinating.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 10
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent (prodiamine), post-emergent (glyphosate), hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yellow-Woodsorrel-Oxalis-Stricta.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommon yellow woodsorrel has clover-shaped leaves that remain open during the day and fold at night. It blooms from mid-spring to fall, producing small, five-petaled yellow flowers. Common yellow woodsorrel grows best in partial shade and moist soil but is highly adaptable and can withstand various conditions.
\n\n\n\nCommon yellow woodsorrel can be removed manually or using post-emergent herbicides that contain triclopyr. Late spring is the best time to use these herbicides as the weed will still be small.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 11
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun, partial shade, full shade; moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent (dacthal), post-emergent (triclopyr), hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Buckhorn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buckhorn-Plantain-Plantago-Lanceolata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBuckhorn plantain is easy to identify from its narrow, lance-like leaves and tall flower stalks. It usually grows in compacted soil and poorly irrigated lawns. Aerating your lawn and correctly watering it can help prevent this weed from growing.
\n\n\n\nLike some of the other weeds on this list, buckhorn plantain has a taproot system, making it difficult to remove with your hands. However, many herbicides effectively work against this weed.
\n\n\n\nFun fact: Buckhorn plantain can reduce the pain of insect stings because it contains antiseptic alkaloids.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun to partial shade; sandy, dry, low fertility soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide (glyphosate)
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Clover-Trifolium-Repens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nWhite clover is an attractive broadleaf perennial that blooms from mid-spring to late summer, producing small, white flowers that bees love. It also has many benefits. However, white clover is invasive and can quickly take over your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhite clover usually grows in areas with partial shade, but you can also find it in sunny spots. You can use post-emergent herbicides to get rid of this weed or remove it manually.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent (isoxaben), post-emergent (2,4-D), hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Puple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ground-Ivy-Glechoma-Hederacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nGround-ivy, otherwise known as creeping Charlie, spreads vigorously, choking your grass and ornamental plants. It has aromatic, fan-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. It also features funnel-shaped, purplish flowers near the tip.
\n\n\n\nIf ground-ivy is affecting only part of your lawn, it’s best to remove it manually. You can use post-emergent herbicides if there are too many of them. Also, don’t forget to apply pre-emergent herbicides in the upcoming spring to prevent this pesky invader from coming back.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Partial to full shade; damp, clay soil with good fertility
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent (dacthal), post-emergent (triclopyr), hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chickweed-Stellaria-Media.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChickweed is a low-growing perennial that produces star-shaped, white flowers during spring. This weed affects compacted soil, so, aerating your lawn at the correct intervals can prevent chickweed from sprouting.
\n\n\n\nChickweed is hard to get rid of completely. You can remove it manually along with the roots and apply pre-emergent herbicides in spring to prevent it from returning.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Annual, short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 11
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun, partial shade, full shade; rich, moist, compacted soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent (glyphosate), hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Crabgrass-Digitaria-Sanguinalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rasbak / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass is among the most common weeds in Ohio. Many homeowners mistake it for their grass, especially fescues, but it is thicker and a darker green.
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass only spreads by seeds and not rhizomes. So using pre-emergent herbicides prevents the seeds from germinating. If crabgrass is already growing, remove it by hand or use post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Bull](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bull-Thistle-Cirsium-Vulgare.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ron Clausen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nBull thistle is a fast-growing perennial weed that thrives in moderately moist soil. It flowers from early summer to fall, producing bright pink flowers. The leaves have long, sharp spines, so be cautious when removing this weed manually.
\n\n\n\nYou can use post-emergent herbicides after bull thistle flowers to eradicate it. Also, it’s easy to prevent this weed from spreading as it doesn’t have rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Biennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2 to 9
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun; moderately moist, nitrogen-rich soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent (glyphosate)
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Slender-Speedwell-Veronica-Filiformis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simon / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSlender speedwell is a low-growing plant with a mat-like growth habit. You can identify it with its small, kidney-shaped leaves and lilac blue four-petal flowers that appear during spring. Slender speedwell may look beautiful, but it spreads very fast. You can remove it manually or use herbicides.
\n\n\n\nSlender speedwell usually attacks weak turf. So, with proper fertilization, aeration, and mowing, you can prevent this pesky invader from returning. Don’t forget to use pre-emergents during early spring.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent (dithiopyr), post-emergent (2,4-D), hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Different](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Purslane-Portulaca-Oleracea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mokkie / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommon purslane is a low-growing plant with red multi-branched stems and succulent leaves. It has a mat-like growth habit and produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers with five petals.
\n\n\n\nCommon purslane has a long taproot system, so hand-weeding can be difficult yet effective. You can also use post-emergent herbicides with dicamba to eliminate common purslane. To prevent this weed from coming back, apply pre-emergent herbicides with dithiopyr.
\n\n\n\nLife cycle: Annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nGrowing condition: Full sun; well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nPossible hazards: Low
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent (dithiopyr), post-emergent (dicamba), hand removal
\n\n\n\nIt’s nearly impossible to achieve a weed-free lawn. But, with proper maintenance and by applying pre-emergent herbicides, you can prevent weeds from germinating to a great extent.
Preventing weeds altogether is next to impossible as they are inevitable. But here are some tips to achieve an almost weed-free lawn.
• Test your soil and fertilize your lawn with the nutrients it needs.
• Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around your flower bed. Mulch deprives weeds of light, preventing these pesky invaders from germinating.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring.
• Weeds love the sun, so grow ornamental plants close together to crowd out weeds.
• If you notice a weed, pull it out from its root to prevent it from spreading.
Selective herbicides work against a particular weed. Non-selective herbicides work against many weeds. But they can also harm beneficial plants. So, use them with caution.
No one likes weeds. If you want to prevent these pesky invaders from growing on your lawn, routine lawn maintenance is a must. Also, when you spot a weed, remove it immediately to stop spreading.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help eliminating the weeds taking over your beautiful lawn, call Wikilawn Ohio lawn care pros. We can also help you with your routine lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"13 Most Common Lawn Weeds in Ohio (And How To Control Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/1789c/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.jpg","srcSet":"/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/107df/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.jpg 320w,\n/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/293e9/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.jpg 500w,\n/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/f2cbb/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.jpg 800w,\n/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/1789c/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.jpg 960w,\n/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/c26c2/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/1dd6e/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/67b76/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.webp 320w,\n/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/8df11/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.webp 500w,\n/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/98a65/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.webp 800w,\n/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/1dd6e/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.webp 960w,\n/static/561e3319e17dfd3257bef60eaa600155/3cc96/Common-Lawn-Weeds-in-Ohio.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"13 Most Common Lawn Weeds in Ohio (And How To Control Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Weeds can take over your lawn quicker than you'd imagine. Here are some common lawn weeds in Ohio and measures to control them."}}},{"node":{"id":"42eb9988-76ad-5bf5-92e0-e7cfe74f9499","slug":"how-to-avoid-fertilizer-burn-on-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-avoid-fertilizer-burn-on-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 18th, 2019","excerpt":"Feeling the burn might good during a workout, but you don’t want to feel — or see — the burn after fertilizing your lawn. Have you noticed yellow or brown patches several days after applying fertilizer to your otherwise healthy lawn? If so, you may have fertilizer burn. Read on to learn how to avoid […]
\n","content":"\nFeeling the burn might good during a workout, but you don’t want to feel — or see — the burn after fertilizing your lawn. Have you noticed yellow or brown patches several days after applying fertilizer to your otherwise healthy lawn? If so, you may have fertilizer burn. Read on to learn how to avoid this grass-killing phenomenon. If it’s too late for that, we’ve also got some pointers on how to repair the damage.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/oHEDSbogc2NxXqQCp02OD91iiXr9qnXOT_nkGSptjZyfagnlD5K-H5YTzSMtj0ug1L0K-RTtYqrz9tvO6AiGzcne9kefyMx02Ns1NhORzjDWU6-0iRx28mCzqEQsqVx5bQJGud8z\")
So what exactly is fertilizer burn? It’s what can happen to your lawn or garden when you over-fertilize. It can also occur when you apply fertilizer to wet grass or plants. Your previously green foliage will look scorched: It will turn yellow, then brown. This can happen within a day or two, or it can take several weeks with a slow-release fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nThe Michigan State University Extension office offers this advice: “Look for turf fertilizers that have at least a portion, 25 percent or more, of their nitrogen in the form of slow-release N [nitrogen].” Organic lawn fertilizer is another good choice. It doesn’t contain synthetic chemicals, so it’s less likely to burn your lawn.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer burn happens because fertilizers contain salts that can draw moisture away from grass and plants, causing them to dry out and turn brown. This damage can show up in stripes from overlapping spreader rows, or in larger patches on your lawn. Oregon State University’s Extension department suggests that you “water long enough to wash granules off foliage or until granules completely dissolve.”
\n\n\n\nUse our guide on When and How to Fertilize Your Lawn correctly to learn how to apply the right fertilizer in the right amount at the right time. Done correctly, fertilization will help your grass, not burn it.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/L5pKl8tml0A1jNeo5nzQHySSkvpYUGTNbtiAl6TsfdTmqYH--DRuaEakgjCZY7TP0w_ompKBihxNtPmUJ60jGlMxYD33PrvOa7HNZtNbzZ4z4NIa-zel5MvxxTFfI_ItxMcI2eRe\")
Your lawn can recover from fertilizer burn. If the damage is limited to the leaves or blades, but the roots are OK, you can fix it easily. If the roots are damaged, it’ll take more effort.
\n\n\n\nYour first step is to check the roots as soon as you notice any yellow or brown spots. Check the roots in more than one spot. If the roots are healthy and not dried out, you’ll need only to water the grass to dilute and remove excess fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how much damage you have, you’ll need to water, water, and water the affected areas. When you’re done with that, you’ll need to water some more. Water helps carry the fertilizer salts into the soil and dilutes their concentration. Give the damaged areas at least an inch of water a day for a week or more. Remember to water in the morning so the water has time to evaporate off the grass blades. This will prevent the additional problem of fungal disease. Using sprinklers will help you evenly distribute the water. Watering unaffected areas will help the fertilizer salts leach through the soil throughout the yard, rather than keeping them concentrated in one area.
\n\n\n\nYou should start to see new growth by the end of the first week, or a few days after that. If not, you’ve probably got root damage. Check the roots in the affected areas again. If the roots are shriveled and brown after a week of watering, they’re past the point of saving. You’ll need to reseed or re-sod those areas. Don’t start this process before you’ve watered, because you need to flush the minerals out of the soil. Otherwise, you’ll have the same problem with your replanting.
\n\n\n\nAfter correcting the burn, preventing it from happening again is a matter of basic lawn care. Following these tips can help keep your lawn looking green and healthy without unsightly signs of fertilizer burn. Applying fertilizer correctly will let it do its job of nourishing your lawn, rather than damaging it.
\n\n\n\nImmediate-release fertilizers, liquid fertilizers, and synthetic fertilizers are most likely to burn your grass. To reduce the risk of fertilizer burn, choose a slow-release, granular, organic lawn fertilizer. Learn more in our article How to Choose Lawn Fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYes, applying fertilizer at the wrong time of year can cause fertilizer burn. Never fertilize when your grass is dormant or when it’s under stress from drought, extreme heat, lawn disease, or pests. To find out the best time to fertilize your lawn depending on your grass type, check out our recommended lawn fertilizer schedule.
\n\n\n\nSince fertilizer burn is caused by too much nitrogen in the soil, grass types with low nitrogen needs are the easiest to burn. Fine fescues, centipedegrass, and Bahiagrass can get by with very little nitrogen and therefore are easy to overfertilize. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, on the other hand, need much more nitrogen than other grass types and may be harder to burn.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Sten Porse, CC by-SA 3.0
\n","title":"How to Avoid Fertilizer Burn on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/1789c/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/107df/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/293e9/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/f2cbb/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/1789c/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/c26c2/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/1dd6e/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/67b76/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/8df11/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/98a65/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/1dd6e/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/1ac2f31de0eb2d640a92452642a60e61/3cc96/Scorching-by-fertilizer-wikimedia.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Avoid Fertilizer Burn on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3a6fc71f-68c0-56c6-9d11-5c5233a372c7","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist","path":"/lawn-care/ar/little-rock/fall-lawn-care-checklist/","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":"31b8d887-3e55-503a-9ba9-8fac7d950ccf","name":"Arkansas","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ar/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"3f184524-ced0-581e-a7ce-1d315593ccbf","name":"Little Rock","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ar/little-rock/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2023","excerpt":"The weather is milder, you’ve dug your sweater out of the closet just in case, and you’re ready to watch your beloved Razorbacks on TV, but your yard needs TLC. It is easy to mow your lawn and call it a day. However, successful spring lawn care begins in the fall, and September is the […]
\n","content":"\nThe weather is milder, you’ve dug your sweater out of the closet just in case, and you’re ready to watch your beloved Razorbacks on TV, but your yard needs TLC. It is easy to mow your lawn and call it a day. However, successful spring lawn care begins in the fall, and September is the most important month for fertilizer. Follow our fall lawn care checklist to maintain your lawn and prepare it for the winter playoff season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nProper fall lawn care from September through November sets the foundation for your landscape during the winter months and spring green-up. Proper maintenance during these cool transition months helps your lawn grow deeper, stronger roots.
\n\n\n\nFall lawn care in Little Rock is more than simple mowing. As your yard prepares for the short, cold Arkansas winter, you need to set it up for success with fertilizer, weed control, and consistent mowing. With the proper fall maintenance plan, your yard will be ready to withstand the cold.
\n\n\n\nFall lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDense and nutrientless clay soils dominate in Central Arkansas, and the dry, hot summers lead to compaction. Aeration is a common lawn method to introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns and reduce compaction.
\n\n\n\nBoth high summer temperatures and aeration stress your turfgrass, so the milder temperatures in September make the beginning of fall the perfect time to perform aeration on your Little Rock lawn. The process allows water and fertilizer to penetrate the soil more easily, increasing the strength and depth of your lawn’s root system. There are two types of common aeration: core aeration and spike aeration.
\n\n\n\nA core aerator punches into the ground, removing plugs of soil to create small holes so the soil can breathe. Unfortunately, this method leaves leftover soil plugs on the surface of your lawn. While these plugs are an eyesore, it’s important to leave them on the surface to break down naturally. They contain beneficial nutrients and microorganisms to help reduce thatch.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for clay soils. These aerators do a better job of breaking through compacted soil to improve nutrient access.
\n\n\n\nSpike aeration is less effective on severely compacted soils. Spike aerators punch small holes in the ground. This method does not remove material from the soil, so there is no loss of aesthetic appeal.
\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\nEarly fall is one of the best times to test your soil to ensure it has all the nutrients it needs to thrive. Little Rock soils are notoriously nutrient deficient, so it is important to understand exactly what nutrients your grass is lacking. Arkansas homeowners can send in a soil sample for free soil testing.
\n\n\n\nSimply send in a core sample to receive your results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applications and lime for soil pH imbalances.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA fall fertilizer application promotes deep roots and sets your grass up for success during its future spring green-up. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape, so it is important to start with a soil test first.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply fertilizer is in September, while the Arkansas weather is still mild. The best type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your variety of turfgrass and your unique soil sample test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 5-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn with 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn in September, six weeks before expected frost. Pay attention to the potassium needs on your soil test results and select a low-nitrogen, high-potassium blend if needed.
\n\n\n\nNever apply nitrogen to St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, or Zoysiagrass in the fall. High nitrogen rates increase winter weeds and new growth, which fights against the naturally slowing growth of these turfgrasses as they prepare for winter dormancy. Apply potassium if your soil test recommends it.
\n\n\n\nLime is a fall soil amendment like fertilizer composed of limestone rock ground into powder. It contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. The addition of lime to your turfgrass increases nutrients and soil alkalinity, spreading beneficial bacteria. The ideal pH for your soil depends on the type of turfgrass in your landscape.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Ideal pH Range |
| Bermudagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Centipedegrass | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Apply lime in September, October, or November if your soil test recommends it.
\n\n\n\nApply lime during the fall months only if your soil test shows a pH of less than 5.0.
\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\n\n\n\n\nLittle Rock’s subtropical climate and four distinct seasons make for interesting weather, especially in the fall. The city’s autumns are mild with a 45% chance of cloud cover and give way to short, wet, and cold winters. Your grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, it is tempting to mow your lawn short and make less work for yourself, but most grass types grow best at higher heights in Arkansas. Cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to injury, weeds, and drought stress. Taller grass blades develop deeper roots, setting your lawn up for winter success and a better spring green-up.
\n\n\n\nUnless your lawn is drought-stressed, continue mowing your lawn until October. To avoid injuring your lawn, never mow low or scalp your lawn in the fall, and never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade.
\n\n\n\nYou should mow every five to seven days within the recommended range for your grass type. Do not collect clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn. Always aim to cut less, more often.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 0.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.75 – 2.5 inches |
![\"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\n\n\n\n\nNo matter what variety of turfgrass your lawn has, Little Rock lawns seldom need irrigating in the fall unless it is brand new. September, October, and November have an average of seven to nine rainy days each in Arkansas, eliminating the need for most supplemental irrigation.
\n\n\n\nIf hot, dry, or windy conditions occur for an extended period, continue a watering regimen until October, aiming for 1 inch of water per week for all varieties. Your lawn needs water if you notice a dark blue-gray color, foot-printing, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves.
\n\n\n\n![\"Summer](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_lawn-spots-1170x750-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour best defense against lawn disease is routine maintenance, including watering, fertilization, and proper mowing heights. Arkansas’ mild fall temperatures and subtropical climate create the perfect environment for lawn diseases and fungi, including large patch and spring dead spot.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus that appears as brown, circular patches several feet in diameter. This disease affects St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass. It does not respond well to fungicides. The most effective control and prevention method is proper lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMonitor patches and improve drainage and air movement. Limit fertilization in affected areas and avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nSpring dead spot is not just a spring problem. It is another soil-dwelling fungus affecting bermudagrass in the Southeast. In spring, it appears as circular patches of dead grass ranging in diameter from 6 inches to several feet, and the easiest way to spot it is to monitor your lawn during its active green-up phase as affected areas will not go through the green-up process.
\n\n\n\nIn the fall, spring dead spot is invisible but still active, especially if your lawn has a history of the fungus. Treat suspected spring dead spot in the fall with a preventative application of fungicide in September, October, or November.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chickweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeeds love Little Rock’s subtropical climate. These pests signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health, including low-nitrogen levels, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds siphon vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and spread pests and diseases. Two common methods of weed control include post-emergent and pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other warm-season grasses, Zoysiagrass benefits from a fall application of pre-emergent herbicide designed to kill seeds before germination. While this herbicide will not control existing perennial weeds, it will help control the emergence of new winter annual and perennial broadleaf weeds.
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides disrupt the growth of winter broadleaf weeds that become a nuisance during Little Rock falls. Always apply the herbicide directly to the active weed. Wait 30 days between applications, and never apply more than two applications per year.
\n\n\n\nCommon winter broadleaf weeds in Little Rock:
\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Raking-Leaves-on-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bigmouth1 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocations with four seasons like Little Rock attract many homeowners with promises of warm summers, changing fall foliage, and a white Christmas. Watching leaves change from green to autumn gold, bronze, and red is something to look forward to as you sip your pumpkin spice latte and gear up for Friday night football. Unfortunately, the colorful leaves drop to the ground, creating a fluffy and crunchy layer over your lawn.
\n\n\n\nLeaves block out sun, trap moisture, reduce airflow, and lead to dead spots of turfgrass. They increase pest problems and spread disease, so be sure to remove them as soon as possible. Wait until the leaves are dry to rake and prepare to rake your lawn before the first frost or snow of late autumn. The important thing is removing the leaves and layer of thatch left behind. It does not matter if you rake as your leaves fall or wait until all of the leaves in your yard have fallen.
\n\n\n\nMost homeowners can stop mowing their Little Rock lawns in October after the first frost.
Your warm-season turfgrass will go dormant during the end of fall and the beginning of winter. It will dry out and turn brown. The best way to determine if your grass is dormant is by pulling on it. If the grass comes out of the ground easily, it is likely dead. However, if there is resistance from deep roots when you pull on your grass, it is dormant.
No. 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.
Mild fall weather creates a prime environment for routine yard work that will set your lawn up to take on the harsh Arkansas winter and prepare it for a better green-up in the spring. Be sure to check out our spring lawn care tips to get a jump start on what you can expect from your long-term maintenance plan.
If you are short on time and would rather watch football or decorate for Halloween, contact a Little Rock lawn care pro to help your lawn establish deep roots so it can survive the winter.
Main Photo Credit: Jeffries House, North Little Rock, AR / Valis55 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Little Rock, AR","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/1789c/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/107df/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.jpg 320w,\n/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/293e9/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.jpg 500w,\n/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/f2cbb/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.jpg 800w,\n/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/1789c/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.jpg 960w,\n/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/c26c2/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/1dd6e/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/67b76/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.webp 320w,\n/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/8df11/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.webp 500w,\n/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/98a65/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.webp 800w,\n/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/1dd6e/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.webp 960w,\n/static/ff0103893cb21953208e0fa6a8e80717/3cc96/Jeffries-House-North-Little-Rock.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Little Rock, AR","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 8 valuable tips for maintaining a fall lawn in Little Rock and prepare your grass for the cold Arkansas winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"3d9b1b54-1afd-5b8f-b87f-5c9f0087f10a","slug":"pflugerville-tx-homeowners-how-to-identify-and-eradicate-these-6-common-weeds","path":"/lawn-care/tx/pflugerville/pflugerville-tx-homeowners-how-to-identify-and-eradicate-these-6-common-weeds/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0638df1c-d93c-5225-8843-460dd87eaa41","name":"Pflugerville","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/pflugerville/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"February 13th, 2019","excerpt":"Living in Pflugerville, Texas certainly has many benefits. Being a suburb of Austin offers Pflugerville residents big city amenities and attractions close to home while still enjoying the charm of a small Texas town. However, a problem that plagues both big city and small town alike are common landscape weeds. Homeowners often find that if […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in Pflugerville, Texas certainly has many benefits. Being a suburb of Austin offers Pflugerville residents big city amenities and attractions close to home while still enjoying the charm of a small Texas town. However, a problem that plagues both big city and small town alike are common landscape weeds. Homeowners often find that if a certain garden weed problem is not dealt with quickly and efficiently the once small issue becomes an all-out ordeal to correct.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common weeds that plague central Texas homeowners like those in Pflugerville and discuss ways to properly identify and eradicate the culprits before they cause more chaos to your home and landscape.
A Plant Out of Place.
Weeds are known by everyone but are not always easily recognized. Let’s start by defining what exactly is a garden weed. Simply put a weed is just any plant that is ‘out of place’. While this definition could include desirable plants that have overgrown their intended boundaries, most commonly it is used to cover any plant that…
What’s in a Name?
In Texas, there are two main types of weeds: broadleaf and grassy. Both of these can be difficult to treat as there are also subcategories: annual and perennial. The perennials are the most difficult to get rid of since they live the longest and keep returning year after year. Left unchecked, the annual varieties will continue to reproduce and spread across your property year after year as well. Additionally, there are often several common names for the same weed so photographic identification is most helpful.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dYH47_LhsxA6pRDosaZ0Yh8bfVmXsRRrqs77-meWU9H0NivpuN2ZywlPHIUd2ZzOhicYfnd-vt6Xh4VogxayJsZTJ3nQv3DyFjPlwqcupEGo6bn8ULJAMtAREkiYf3yLHETkjej1BuZTbWEA5g\")
It is in fact, a Texas wildflower, but grown in the wrong setting can be a troublesome weed. A winter annual that blooms in early spring, Henbit is very plentiful in Central Texas. Henbit’s leaves are rounded with notched edges. They grow every inch or so on a square stem. The stems are weak so the longer the weed grows, the less stable its foundation is. It has purple flowers that grow at the very top of the plant.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/odbWuyHSmDgLUwq4WpTvzVjhuOi-wM9SJuzIRXmesGIDacg1aLgUuTmXMJPcCgn-5OEBQMQBvhtKzRi5H9ESXPBeGDrPjS4UfgWdLobu5S4b_qIuOIBeZ9ujksNMjnfPxVlS3Lof5_VYp9vI1g\")
Iconic due to its seed-head, the dandelion is easily recognizable. Coming from the French name dent de lion (lion’s tooth), the flower has a unique look. Children and adults alike enjoy blowing the seeds, so they take root in a lot of lawns. The leaves grow close to the ground in a star-shaped pattern. In bloom, the flower is yellow. You will usually see them in spring to early summer. They are a biennial or perennial bloom.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MBZtuJSNYr3d7wBmKh00vsMnrZOJWhplZ46IHz2xQYFgOQ_0hhjwnwVjs0du1-1B-bnm1SL4VWve9QVkOSLWB0LVEOCseIMHJGLqalsuWXAWITem1kfuUXqDBITLcB3L9xQBYf4si-0BTtjnkQ\")
Thistle has a rapid growth rate and it can get very tall. If you don’t deal with it, it will grow several feet high and about a foot wide, taking up a bit of space in your lawn. When it’s young, it resembles a dandelion except that it’s purplish in color and the leaves have long spines on them. They also have hairy, jagged edges. Butterflies and other insects love this woolly biennial or perennial and will often eat from it.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BJgv1pl632m8SJD1h1HDcfwJ_YC5KOE36abJzx1DfemU3Toe6W2tZ2Qg_s5lUE4zQvtsOTJKFnQ5-HeDUHf8sse5lYtSdBgHgGNg4gSCk4nDK6B6Ro4J1x2vn3VtJ2pjrPG-hU5WYZM2lGZiSg\")
Chickweed is an annual broadleaf and it germinates in the fall. It grows during the winter, produces seed and dies by early summer. It’s actually an herb and is named as such because it is a favorite food of chickens. Chickweed grows to about 8 inches high and the plant can mat together to about 16 inches. The leaves have smooth edges and are no more than 1 inch long. They also always grow in pairs, directly opposite each other on the stem. The stem has hairs covering the entire length. The flowers are small, about 1/8 inch across, and white with five petals, giving them a star shape.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/DW_UJerhvBYNX83cmVS4LyZS9lIwwUl_mG8rlmy6q_dVNrsGrxozjWnGn70zXmVdkV3Jvf6eGItNHdh6JTyFNDPVzjNGInCQMxOxtaJiYcuI6jmhTo56GU3xYOQSc1LZW1q2_JkKe0HENTv6AA\")
Purslane tends to appear after the soil warms in late spring or early summer. It’s common in rich, fertile soil, often showing up in garden beds that have been freshly turned over. The succulent stems and leaves stay close to the ground. The tiny flowers at the stem tips quickly give way to seedpods. Purslane seeds can persist in soil for years, making them a perennial. It is heat and drought tolerant. The colors of round the stems are tinted red. The leaves are paddle-shaped, flat and alternately arranged.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wimV98YUYR9v7Nab3hVZkZAHlZqhI2h10VjL-z6aNwnZs0lNrvWIXNvWy_fKW3EXv23VgDBapYHQrbR7EC8h60QHjFZUz_V1ioqavC3oW0MOc1QjavZibCsurV6SQ9SvaqgHM7_6POmnNiCM4g\")
This grass will quickly take over in poor soils that have been left unattended too long. They have a branched base with stems usually displaying red coloration. The leaf blades are flat, and both leaves and sheaths are covered with soft hairs. Seedheads are open and drooping. It will grow rapidly from seed, maturing within 2 months to 2 ft. tall.
\n\n\n\nNow that we’ve identified a few of the most common weedy plants that grow in Pflugerville, Texas let’s talk about the wide option of eradication strategies available to homeowners.
There are many effective organic herbicides on the market and are widely available especially at the home improvement stores and nurseries around Pflugerville and Austin. Look for applications that allow you to control the distribution of the herbicide so that you do not unintentionally damage or kill your desirable plants that may be near the bunch of weeds.
\n\n\n\nFor stubborn weeds use a mixture of white vinegar and orange oil as an organic herbicide.
\n\n\n\n1. In a large bucket mix 1 gallon 10-20% white vinegar with 2 ounces of orange oil or cleanser containing d-limonene (available at garden centers and some large retailers) and 2 ounces of liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir well to combine.
2. Funnel the weed killer into a plastic spray bottle. Shake it well as you use it, as the orange oil will tend to separate. Drench all surfaces of the weed with the solution during the hottest part of a sunny day. The weed will show signs of distress or die completely within two to four days. Repeat after 2 days and reapply after rain.
3. For year-long protection, give perennial weeds, such as dandelions, a good shot of the mixture in the spring before they have the chance to set seeds. Pick seed heads off and destroy them as they appear throughout the growing season. Don’t add them to your compost heap. Spray perennials with the herbicide in the fall to fully utilize the weed’s life cycle and send the material to the stems and roots to aid in killing the plants.
4. Tightly stored in a glass jar, this weed killing mixture will last indefinitely.
\n\n\n\nAnother benefit of living in the suburb of a large city means that homeowners in Pflugerville have easy access to a wide selection of highly specialized and qualified lawn care specialists that can come to your site and directly assess the issues your lawn presents.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about lawn care? Visit our WikiLawn Lawn Care of Pflugerville, TX page.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Jamie Beveridge
\n","title":"Pflugerville, TX Homeowners: How to identify and eradicate these 6 common weeds","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5003663003663004,"src":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1789c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/107df/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 320w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/293e9/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 500w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/f2cbb/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 800w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1789c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 960w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/d2f4e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1dd6e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/67b76/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 320w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/8df11/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 500w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/98a65/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 800w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/1dd6e/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 960w,\n/static/35a371036c5c76f0028bfdfc361936c2/8952c/lawn-weeds-pflugerville.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pflugerville, TX Homeowners: How to identify and eradicate these 6 common weeds | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b597dfca-8184-5210-a8e6-a966639e1a48","slug":"lawn-chemicals-danger-pets","path":"/lawn-care/lawn-chemicals-danger-pets/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 24th, 2019","excerpt":"A fenced-in backyard brings a lot of freedom to pet owners. Just open the door and let them out or install a small pet-door so they can come and go as they please. But with that freedom comes a dilemma. The pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer that provide you with a green lawn can make dogs […]
\n","content":"\nA fenced-in backyard brings a lot of freedom to pet owners. Just open the door and let them out or install a small pet-door so they can come and go as they please. But with that freedom comes a dilemma. The pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer that provide you with a green lawn can make dogs and cats sick, cause bladder cancer, or even kill them. So how do you keep your dog safe and maintain your lawn care?
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DMbAzeVjYSWRwsU6-8muZ9Akrs65C9QhhxuaKMcN6k4Vj0Kb4QadsdTaDWVnis4wJ09VuuL_Svu63hPLX7aLCROhoDn2lZno1PpZygGKJVO-6SmmEeiIIcwhgpkkgo2CL7k5sJ4B\")
Your yard is the first thing people see when they come to your home. An emerald-green, thick lawn makes your property stand out and — admit it — makes you proud. When your grass gets sick, you treat it. Sometimes with chemicals. If you have pets, those chemicals can be dangerous. Dogs don’t just walk in your lawn. They roll in it, eat plants and blades of grass, and put their muzzles in it, sniffing around. When they lick themselves, chemicals on the lawn go straight into their system. So anything that’s on your grass gets on, and in, your dog (cats, too). Some of the most common lawn treatments are some of the most dangerous for pets.
\n\n\n\nSome of these chemicals lawn care companies use are mixed with bone meal and blood, so dogs and cats love the taste. Metaldehyde comes in pellet form and looks like dog food. It’s also flavored with molasses to attract snails. Unfortunately, it also attracts your dog.
\n\n\n\nOrganophosphates are organic compounds found in insecticides. They can harm an animal’s brain and nervous system, and cause gastrointestinal irritation. Dogs are exposed when they eat a plant that’s been treated or inhale the chemicals. Warning signs include paralysis, weakness, trouble breathing, and excessive salivation.
\n\n\n\nAvoiding these items is best, but that’s not always possible. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center says if you must use them, there are steps you can take to keep your pets safe.
\n\n\n\nWhen it’s time to clean up, go to a designated area so excess pesticide and wash water don’t contaminate an animal’s drinking water. Pesticide education specialist Cecil Tharp of Montana State University Extention says, “Keep drainage from cleaning sprayers out of water supplies and streams and do not let animals into areas where sprayers are cleaned.” If a dog drinks from a contaminated puddle, it will get sick.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/960px-Armed_Forces_Veterinary_Carries_out_Dental_Work_on_a_Military_Working_Dog_MOD_45158956.jpg\")
If your pet is showing signs of poisoning, like vomiting, seizures, muscle tremors, excessive salvation, trouble walking, or trouble breathing, get them to the veterinarian ASAP! You can also call the ASPCA’s Animal Control Center. Don’t induce vomiting unless you have explicitly been told to do so. Some toxins can cause even more damage if the pet throws it up. And never give a home remedy without first speaking to the vet.
\n\n\n\nIf you know what toxin your pet was exposed to or you have a sample, take it with you to the vet. This will help the doctor better treat the animal.
\n","title":"Lawn Chemicals That Pose Dangers for Pets","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1789c/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/107df/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/293e9/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/f2cbb/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1789c/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/356ef/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1dd6e/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/67b76/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/8df11/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/98a65/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1dd6e/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/93f70/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Chemicals That Pose Dangers for Pets | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"76df3949-d47d-57c8-a5b8-f5505736480b","slug":"best-landscaping-plants-houston","path":"/lawn-care/tx/houston/best-landscaping-plants-houston/","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":"656604f4-56e7-55ed-8540-cc48be40652a","name":"Houston","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/houston/"},{"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":"May 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"Houston is hot, dry, and sunny, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful yard. Texas native plants can adapt to Houston’s climate and soil conditions as they have been growing here for years. Let’s take a look at the best native plants for Houston that can add charm to your yard. In this […]
\n","content":"\nHouston is hot, dry, and sunny, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful yard. Texas native plants can adapt to Houston’s climate and soil conditions as they have been growing here for years.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at the best native plants for Houston that can add charm to your yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are well-adapted to a region’s soil conditions and climate, giving them a distinct advantage over non-native plants.
\n\n\n\nHere are the advantages of native plants over non-natives.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan looks distinctive, with bright yellow petals and a brownish-black head in the center. It grows best in full sun and prefers moist soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a low-maintenance plant that blooms from summer to fall, attracting butterflies, birds, and bees. You can remove the faded and dried flowers to keep black-eyed Susan in bloom longer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern purple coneflower is popular in Texas for its appealing pinkish-purple flowers and a dome-shaped brownish-orange head. Eastern purple coneflower blooms from spring to summer. Butterflies and bees love them.
\n\n\n\nEastern purple coneflower grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers moist loam soil with good drainage. However, it can quickly adapt to various soil types.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Giant](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Giant-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiant coneflower is an attractive tall herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers and a large, dark brown center. It’s a super-sized black-eyed Susan. Giant coneflower grows best in full sun and prefers moist soil with good drainage. It tolerates partial shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nGiant coneflower blooms from mid-summer to early fall. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Lantana-Lantana-urticoides-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTexas lantana blooms throughout the summer, producing tiny bright flowers arranged in thick clusters. The flowers may appear orange, red, white, purple, or pink. These flowers create a bicolored effect as they are mixed within the same cluster.
\n\n\n\nTexas lantana grows best in full sun and prefers soil with good drainage. If you have children and pets playing on your lawn, we recommend avoiding this shrub as it’s toxic. Texas lantana leaves have a wrinkled appearance with a pungent citrusy smell. The strong aroma prevents deer from entering your yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, well-drained soil. Grows in almost all soil types.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to children and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American_Beautyberry_6172956232.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Virginia State Parks staff / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry blooms from late spring to early summer, producing clusters of tiny pink flowers. These flowers mature into berries during fall. Birds love them. We can eat them, too, but they don’t taste good.
\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry grows best in full sun and can tolerate shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can grow up to 6 feet, but keep it trimmed for a better appearance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Light green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Autumn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Autumn-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Consultaplantas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAutumn sage is a fast-growing shrub that blooms for a lengthy period, from late spring to mid-fall. The beautiful red flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Autumn sage grows best in full sun and prefers dry, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nAutumn sage requires regular watering after planting. Once grown, it can survive with an inch of watering each week. Avoid overwatering as it can damage the shrub. Autumn sage leaves are small and have a minty aroma.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Passionflower\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Passionflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPassionflower looks beautiful with purple or white flowers. It features complex purple threadlike coronal filaments that stand out. Passionflower grows tall, reaching up to 30 feet. It grows best in full sun and prefers rich, moist soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nPassionflower blooms in summer and attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It’s toxic to pets but doesn’t affect humans much.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle is a showy vine that can add charm to your lawn. It features clusters of pinkish-red tubular flowers. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love these flowers. Coral honeysuckle usually blooms throughout the summer. During fall, these flowers mature into berries that songbirds love.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle grows best in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade but will flower slowly. It grows in any soil type with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 25 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Carolina](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Jessamine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina jessamine looks beautiful with its trumpet-shaped bright yellow flowers. It blooms from late winter to early spring, making it one of the earliest bloomers. Carolina jessamine prefers moist, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant Carolina jessamine near your fence or arbor as it acts like a privacy screen. It also does well as a ground cover. Carolina jessamine grows best in full sun and can tolerate partial shade.
\n\n\n\nCarolina jessamine is extremely toxic and can even cause death to humans and pets when consumed. So, if you have kids and pets, we strongly recommend you avoid this vine.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Eastern-White-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite oak has many benefits. Its bark is used to make medicines, furniture, and even boats. It grows extremely slowly at a rate of 2 feet per year but can comfortably last 500 to 600 years. White oak grows best in full sun and prefers deep, moist, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nWhite oak can grow up to 100 feet in height, and the canopy can spread to 80 feet. So, if you want to plant this tree, ensure there’s sufficient space in your lawn. White oak is susceptible to many diseases and pests.
\n\n\n\nDeers love the acorns that white oak produces. But don’t worry yet. Most white oak trees don’t produce acorns until they reach 20 years of age.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100 feet tall and 80 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green in summer and brown to orange-red in fall
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Shumard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Shumard-Red-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: F. D. Richards / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a fast-growing oak tree, go for Shumard red oak. It grows about 3 feet per year. The growth rate isn’t too fast, but definitely better than white oak. On the downside, Shumard red oak lasts up to 480 years, significantly lesser than white oak.
\n\n\n\nShumard red oak grows best in full sun and prefers moist loam soil with good drainage. It can grow up to 120 feet. Shumard red oak turns reddish-orange during fall. Similar to white oak, this tree’s bark also has many benefits.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 120 feet tall and 90 wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loamy, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nHouston’s hardiness zone is 9a, meaning the weather is hot, dry, and sunny for most of the year. All these plants are native to Texas and can survive Houston’s climate. We recommend you analyze your lawn’s condition and choose a plant that best suits your lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nAlso, don’t forget to consider a plant’s size when purchasing it. If there isn’t much space in your lawn, it’s best to avoid planting large trees.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to know more about these plants and want to make your lawn the envy of your neighbors, get in touch with Wikilawn’s Houston lawn care experts.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Brian Reading / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"11 Best Plants for Houston Landscaping","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/1789c/Market-Square-Park.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/107df/Market-Square-Park.jpg 320w,\n/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/293e9/Market-Square-Park.jpg 500w,\n/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/f2cbb/Market-Square-Park.jpg 800w,\n/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/1789c/Market-Square-Park.jpg 960w,\n/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/c26c2/Market-Square-Park.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/1dd6e/Market-Square-Park.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/67b76/Market-Square-Park.webp 320w,\n/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/8df11/Market-Square-Park.webp 500w,\n/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/98a65/Market-Square-Park.webp 800w,\n/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/1dd6e/Market-Square-Park.webp 960w,\n/static/8ffeb9201006cbc0d44f442cd91d8126/3cc96/Market-Square-Park.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Plants for Houston Landscaping","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Plants add charm to your yard. Here is an introduction to native plants that will turn your ordinary garden amazing right here in Houston"}}},{"node":{"id":"09c89445-c15e-5103-ad18-d679e6869553","slug":"best-native-plants-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/best-native-plants-virginia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"After seeing the plethora of Virginia native plants displayed at the Virginia Living Museum, you may want a colorful and diverse exhibit of your own to show off. You can maintain your enjoyment and connection to nature by filling your garden with Virginia native plants. Here’s a list of the best native plants for Virginia […]
\n","content":"\nAfter seeing the plethora of Virginia native plants displayed at the Virginia Living Museum, you may want a colorful and diverse exhibit of your own to show off. You can maintain your enjoyment and connection to nature by filling your garden with Virginia native plants. Here’s a list of the best native plants for Virginia and its five regions.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is common throughout Virginia. Since the wildflower’s hardiness zones include 5a to 8a, it should survive the coldest temperatures in every region of the state.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan looks like a daisy. Susan has long, bright yellow petals emerging from a dark brown center. She attracts birds, butterflies, and pollinators. The young plants are hardy enough to tolerate frost, making black-eyed Susan well-suited for the cold Virginia winters, especially the freezing winter temperatures in Northern Virginia, the Southwestern Mountain Region, Piedmont Region, and Western Mountain areas.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan has moderate drought tolerance once established and is very easy to grow. She tolerates a variety of soil types. If your home gets a lot of sunlight and some shade, it will provide a great place for this flower to thrive. Black-eyed-Susan works well in borders, beds, or as an accent plant.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be perennial, biennial, or annual depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring to early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Medium. Has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Cutleaf](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cutleaf-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCutleaf coneflower is native to all five regions of Virginia. This brightly colored yellow flower has multiple petals stacked on top of each other. Like black-eyed Susan, cutleaf grows along the roadside, except cutleaf is generally found in roadside ditches. The leaves at the stem’s base remain in the winter, making this coneflower an excellent year-round groundcover.
\n\n\n\nCutleaf is easy to grow. It thrives in full sun, full shade, or partial shade. Cutleaf’s nectar attracts butterflies. In the fall, songbirds flock to the coneflower’s seeds. If deer are prone to stop by your home, you’ll be happy to know that deer tend to ignore this plant. Cutleaf looks great in borders, beds, and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, slightly acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 10 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Somewhat toxic to livestock
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: May need staking in some garden situations
\n\n\n\n![\"Whorled](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Whorled-Tickseed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: I, Chrumps / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to see why whorled tickseed is part of the daisy family. Like black-eyed Susan and cutleaf coneflower, tickseed is another bright yellow flower. Tickseed flowers are simpler than cutleaf’s, with tickseed having only one layer of petals.
\n\n\n\nWhorled tickseed has her own uniqueness. Some varieties are exquisitely two-toned. Tickseed requires well-drained soil and will grow well on a property with full sun and some shade.
\n\n\n\nThis herb attracts butterflies, bees, and wasps. Tickseed looks great in containers or borders. Whorled tickseed is not picky about soil type, but soil that is too moist or rich can make the plant stems fragile, causing the plant to flop.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Valley and Ridge
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, moist soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 ft
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None, has medicinal properties
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Eared](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eared-Coreopsis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo far, this list is full of brightly colored yellow vegetation. This perennial is no different. Unlike black-eyed Susan, the center of the eared coreopsis is also yellow. The petals have a deeper yellow hue and are contrasted by deeply-green colored leaves. If you want a colorful garden without a lot of work, you’ll be glad to know this flower is low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis is humidity tolerant. It’s also heat tolerant, making it ideal for the hotter summers in the Tidewater Region. This plant requires well-drained soil and tolerates dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nAlthough coreopsis is listed as a perennial, it may die out after two to three seasons. It can also spread quickly and be invasive. Butterflies love this flower.
\n\n\n\nEared coreopsis is best when planted in groups. Use this flower to add flavor to border fronts, beds, and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Valley and Ridge
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Anise-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring – early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso called ace of hearts, the eastern redbud is a strikingly beautiful tree. It has stunning reddish-purplish flowers and leaves the shape of hearts. Don’t blink, because the cluster of colorful petals is only around for two to three weeks.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is pH adaptable, so it is well-suited for your home if you’re unaware of your soil’s pH level. It requires regular fertilization and watering, and its flowers bloom best in full sun. When it gets hot, however, ace of hearts calls for some shade.
\n\n\n\nIt attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Eastern redbud can grow up to 30 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Allow it to cast shade in a small garden or serve as shrub borders. It works well as a lawn tree, but it is sensitive to chemicals used for lawns, like herbicides.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Any moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Keep the soil moist to a depth of 2 to 3 inches; watering schedule depends on your soil type, but you should water about once per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall with a 25 to 35-foot spread
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Since this tree is not meant to transplant, it should be planted when young and left undisturbed. It needs little pruning.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is considered a tree or a large shrub. It has pink and white flowers that curve slightly upward. The red berries feed songbirds from fall through winter. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers that bloom in the spring.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is susceptible to a fungal disease that has killed at least 50 percent of dogwood trees. Although this plant prefers partial shade, planting it in full sun lessens the chances of an infection.
\n\n\n\nWhen flowering dogwood is developing, it requires irrigation. It may also need weekly watering in the absence of rain. Put mulch around the base of the trunk to keep mowing from damaging it. Be careful not to pile on too much mulch, as it will cause the bark to remain wet, encouraging the growth of disease and insect infestation.
\n\n\n\nThis tree looks stunning as a shade border, shade tree, or next to a patio.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers partial shade but also grows in full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, acidic sandy or loam soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: May need to water once per week when there’s no rain
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20 to 40 feet tall and up to 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contact with tree may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Baptisia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Baptisia-australis-Blue-False-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll parts of blue false indigo are poisonous. It causes low toxicity when ingested. You may want to keep this plant in an area not easily accessible to young children.
\n\n\n\nFalse indigo has lovely blue flowers that stand three to four feet tall. The petals appear for about three weeks. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies make themselves at home during this short time span. The leaves pick up the slack and remain once the flowers have left.
\n\n\n\nA sunny yard will provide a good home for this perennial. Blue false indigo is also drought-tolerant and adapts to poor soil. It’s deer and rabbit resistant. This plant makes a nice addition to borders and beds and also works well on slopes.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, and Valley and Ridge
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed, commonly called butterfly weed, has showy clusters of orange flowers with yellow highlights. It’s native to all regions of Virginia and most of the United States.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial herb likes a sunny yard and grows well in dry, poor soil. The monarch butterfly depends on butterfly milkweed and other milkweeds for its survival.
\n\n\n\nPlant this low-maintenance herb in borders, beds, or butterfly gardens. Let butterfly weed rest after planting. It does not do well if transplanted once it’s established. Be mindful that this plant is poisonous if ingested.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and people
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a flower that makes your garden stand out, the cardinal flower is the right plant for you. It has rich, deep, red flowers that blossom from midsummer to early fall, making it a great choice for late summer planting and a burst of fall color.
\n\n\n\nCardinal flower is low maintenance and non-invasive. It mostly thrives in the sun but also needs shade in the afternoon. This wildflower will thrive in your yard if your soil is damp and does not drain well. It even tolerates a little flooding.
\n\n\n\nCardinal draws in butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant it alongside a pond or in a wild garden. It’s a welcome blast of color in a rain garden or conservation landscaping. Cardinal flower is toxic if large amounts are ingested, so keep this stunning flower out of the reach of small children.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Fall and Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if large amounts are ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed boasts clusters of small, hot pink flowers. These showy petals attract hummingbirds and butterflies. But be mindful that this milkweed is poisonous if eaten. You may want to take precautions if you have small children or pets.
\n\n\n\nThis flower thrives in medium to wet soils and is usually found in wetlands, so it will be right at home in a rain garden. Add spectacular fall color to your neighborhood by using swamp milkweed in butterfly gardens or near a pond.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fall-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kor!An (Корзун Андрей) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFall Phlox, also called blue paradise, is naturally found in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This herb blooms lavender flowers atop vines with large, dark green leaves.
\n\n\n\nFall phlox is more difficult to grow than many other plants on this list. It is highly vulnerable to many pests and diseases. To manage its susceptibility to powdery mildew, it needs to be planted so that it has adequate airflow. And it should not be watered from the top.
\n\n\n\nFall phlox should be removed from the garden in the winter to reduce the chances it will be infected with powdery mildew the next season. This herb attracts birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 ft
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoutheast Virginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nNorthern Virginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nNative plants for Virginia’s Capital Region include:
\n\n\n\nChoose plants that are in your USDA hardiness zone. These plants will survive in the lowest temperatures your area experiences.
\n\n\n\nAlso, be mindful that the five Virginia regions comprise multiple counties. Some plants may not be listed as native to all counties within a region. Your local nursery should have information to help you make the best choice.
\n\n\n\nConsider the characteristics of your property and select plants that thrive well in those conditions. Knowing your soil’s pH balance can help you choose plants that will grow best, unless you opt for vegetation that is pH adaptable.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to choose plants that accommodate your availability to care for them and your family’s composition. If you have small children or pets, you may want to take special precautions if you choose plants that have potential hazards.
\n\n\n\nUsing native plants instead of non-native or invasive plants has many advantages for you and the environment. Here are some examples:
\n\n\n\nYes, you can. But plants that are not in your zone may take extra work to maintain and keep alive. And, they may not survive your area’s winter temperatures. It’s best to use plants in your zone.
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones tell you which plants are most likely to survive the area’s lowest temperatures. If you do choose plants outside of your zone, use plants in a lower zone. Plants in higher zones may not survive the lowest winter temperatures in your zone. So, if you live in zone 7a, use plants from zones 1 through 7.
\n\n\n\nMilkweeds native to Virginia include:
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve been to Green Spring Gardens, you’ve seen many attractive Virginia native plants. You may also find native plants in your neighborhood the next time you’re out for a walk. If you’d like even more ideas for native plants and where to purchase them, the Virginia Native Plant Society is a great resource for garden centers, native plant guides, and other information.
\n\n\n\nNow that you’ve worked hard to make your home landscape a natural habitat for local insects and wildlife, treat yourself to the ease that comes when experts care for your lawn. The sooner you call a local lawn care professional to ensure your lawn compliments your native flora, the sooner you can enjoy the beautiful water and Virginia’s native scenery.
\n\n\n\nConnect with trusted pros in Norfolk, Alexandria, Arlington, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/1789c/Eastern-Redbud.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/107df/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 320w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/293e9/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 500w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/f2cbb/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 800w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/1789c/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 960w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/c26c2/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/1dd6e/Eastern-Redbud.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/67b76/Eastern-Redbud.webp 320w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/8df11/Eastern-Redbud.webp 500w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/98a65/Eastern-Redbud.webp 800w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/1dd6e/Eastern-Redbud.webp 960w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/3cc96/Eastern-Redbud.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Virginia","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Give back to the ecosystem with the best native plants for Virginia and create a diverse and stunning landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"bd447872-64e4-5c61-a511-b73684e4f99b","slug":"best-grass-types-florida","path":"/lawn-care/fl/best-grass-types-florida/","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/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"The Sunshine State is well-known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and unique wildlife. But when it comes to landscaping, choosing the right type of grass is key to maintaining a lush and healthy lawn in Florida’s subtropical climate. You should look for grass types with good heat tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, […]
\n","content":"\nThe Sunshine State is well-known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and unique wildlife. But when it comes to landscaping, choosing the right type of grass is key to maintaining a lush and healthy lawn in Florida’s subtropical climate.
\n\n\n\nYou should look for grass types with good heat tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, as they are necessary to survive this region’s hot and humid summers and mild winters. Fortunately, several grass types thrive in this tropical state. Let’s explore the 7 best grass types for Florida, so you can keep your lawn looking green and healthy year-round.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding each grass variety’s distinct growth patterns and requirements is essential in determining the best fit for your lawn. Categorizing grass types into two general groups based on their temperature preferences simplifies the selection process and makes it easier to make an informed decision.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: Growing actively when the temperatures are between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, these grasses thrive during summer. Some examples of warm-season grasses that can tolerate drought and high temperatures include bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. For the best results, you should plant these grasses in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, thrive in colder temperatures that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, they are best suited for spring and fall when temperatures are milder. But since they prefer winter weather, these grass types may struggle during the hot summer months.
\n\n\n\nSelecting the ideal grass type based on your lawn’s unique qualities and the prevailing weather conditions is crucial in ensuring a healthy and attractive lawn year-round. In the subtropical climate of Florida, where summers are hot and humid, warm-season grasses are the best choice.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the perfect grass variety is the first step in turning your backyard into a verdant paradise. In Florida, where warm-season grasses thrive, you have plenty of options to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA great option for lawns in Central and South Florida, bahiagrass thrives in the warmer temperatures of these regions. It also can be planted in North Florida, but it may not be as cold-tolerant as some other grass varieties, and homeowners in this region may need to take extra precautions during colder months.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant grass requires little water, making it an ideal choice for areas with limited rainfall. Its ability to establish deep roots helps it tolerate drought conditions and stay green during periods of low rainfall. Note, though, that extended periods of dry spells may cause it to become dormant.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – it needs full sun to grow well
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – mow every week or two to control its seed heads (you may have to mow more often during summer)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low resistance – can be susceptible to ergot diseases and dollar spot (especially the Pensacola cultivar)
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – mostly prone to mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers sandy loam but grows in most types of soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Growing grass from seeds typically takes more time and effort to establish compared to using sod. While other methods, such as sprigging and plugging, may be viable alternatives, they may potentially increase the risk of weed infestation.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its high wear tolerance, bermudagrass is a popular choice for sports fields, golf courses, and parks throughout the state. It is best suited for South and Central Florida, as well as the coastal areas of Northern Florida, where the warm and humid weather conditions are ideal for its growth.
\n\n\n\nSince this warm-season grass is drought-tolerant, it’s perfect for homeowners that experience frequent water restrictions. And with its rapid growth rate, bermudagrass can help you achieve a quick establishment of your lawn. You can plant it using sod, seed, or sprigs, and it will tolerate a wide range of soil types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – some cultivars need more direct sun exposure than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – extended periods of drought may cause it to turn brown and enter dormancy
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – it requires mowing, watering, and fertilization more often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches – during periods of extreme heat or drought, you’ll have to raise the mowing height to retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – may be prone to dollar spot, brown patch, spring dead spot, and leaf spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be susceptible to mole crickets, armyworms, hunting billbugs, and white grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers loam soil but can grow in most types of soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For optimal results, reseed bermudagrass during the late spring or early summer, when temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Consistent watering is key to promoting germination, which usually takes 10 to 14 days. Keep the newly seeded area moist but not overly saturated to prevent the seeds from washing away or developing mold.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Carpet_Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called Louisianagrass, this warm-season turfgrass is well-suited to the humid conditions of the Sunshine State. Native to the Gulf Coast region, carpetgrass is best suited for use in the central and southern parts of Florida, where temperatures are warmer and rainfall is abundant. It’s not the best choice for North Florida lawns, as temperatures can drop below its preferred range during winter.
\n\n\n\nWith its impressive tolerance to waterlogging, carpetgrass is an ideal option for Florida lawns that experience high rainfall and flooding. But since it requires consistent moisture, you must water it regularly, especially during drought.
\n\n\n\nEven with its shallow root system, carpetgrass is still more drought-tolerant than other grass types. It’s typically used in areas that receive light to moderate foot traffic, such as residential lawns and golf courses. This shade-tolerant grass can grow in areas with partial shade, making it ideal for areas with trees or other obstructions that block sunlight.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – although it’s not as shade-tolerant as St. Augustinegrass
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate – its shallow roots will hinder its survival during extreme droughts
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – you’ll need to mow its tall seed heads every week
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low resistance – can be prone to large patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – mostly susceptible to white grubs and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, moist (but not muddy), infertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: For the seeds to germinate, reseed this warm-season grass in late spring to early summer. Before spreading the seeds, loosen the soil in the area to at least six inches deep.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nAnother warm-season grass that thrives in Florida’s climate, centipedegrass is best suited for lawns in South and Central Florida, where the temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year. It has a natural green color and a fine, soft texture, giving it a lush appearance.
\n\n\n\nThis slow-growing grass requires minimal mowing, watering, and fertilization. And since it’s tolerant of drought and shade, centipedegrass can withstand Florida’s unpredictable weather. While it may not be as tolerant of traffic as other grass types, it’s still a popular choice for residential lawns and ornamental gardens due to its low-maintenance requirements.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – prefers full sun but can still grow in partial shade with just six hours of sun exposure
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate – prolonged periods of dry spells can cause it to go dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches – for lawns in shaded areas, increase the mower height by half an inch
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – mostly susceptible to iron chlorosis and centipedegrass decline
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be prone to spittlebugs, sod webworms, mole crickets, ground pearl insects, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: With its relatively low maintenance requirements and slow growth rate, this grass variety doesn’t need reseeding as often as the other grass types. But you’ll know it’s time to reseed when you see bare and thinning spots on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Seashore-Paspalum-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass is known for its salt tolerance and ability to thrive in coastal areas. Commonly used in South Florida, seashore paspalum also can be grown in other parts of the state. It’s ideal for areas that experience frequent saltwater intrusions, such as coastal golf courses and beachfront properties.
\n\n\n\nIts unique blue-green color and fine texture make it a popular choice for high-end landscapes. In fact, it can maintain its color and texture even in harsh conditions. It grows best in temperatures between 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and requires regular watering to keep it looking its best. While seashore paspalum can tolerate saltwater, it still requires well-draining soil and proper irrigation.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Very low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent mowing, watering, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High resistance – but it can be susceptible to pythium blight, take-all root rot, and Helminthosporium disease
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High resistance – but may be affected by mole crickets, sod webworms, and fall armyworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-8
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers well-drained soil but can still thrive in most types of soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This delicate grass type doesn’t tolerate cold weather very well. Applying too much fertilizer can cause thatch buildup, which can prevent it from getting enough water and nutrients. Also, avoid using herbicides that are not specifically labeled for seashore paspalum.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palmetto-St.-Augustine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnother popular warm-season grass, St. Augustinegrass thrives in the subtropical climate of Florida. Due to its tolerance to salt and high humidity levels, this grass is well-suited for the coastal areas of Central and South Florida. It also performs well in the environmental conditions of North Florida.
\n\n\n\nWith a medium to dark green color and a coarse texture, St. Augustinegrass has a dense growth pattern that can help prevent weed growth. Its shade tolerance is another desirable trait, making it ideal for areas with partial shade.
\n\n\n\nIn terms of care, this grass type requires regular watering and fertilization. It’s also prone to thatch buildup, which can be managed through consistent mowing and aeration. Note that St. Augustinegrass is not tolerant of cold weather and can be damaged by frost.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – some cultivars can tolerate shade more than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – it needs to be mowed often and requires moderate watering and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow tall in shade, 3-4 inches for standard cultivars, and 2.5-3 inches for dwarf cultivars)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – common diseases include gray leaf spot, take-all root rot, and large patch
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be prone to grubs, grass loopers, mole crickets, armyworms, webworms, chinch bugs, and cutworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers fertile, moist (not muddy) soil but can still grow in most types of soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Not being able to produce viable seeds, St. Augustinegrass usually reproduces through other methods. This grass type is commonly propagated by transplanting sods, sprigs, or plugs to establish a new lawn or fill in bare spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/solar-panels-working-2-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: menikwidyowatis’s Images / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nKnown for its fine blades, dense growth pattern, and beautiful emerald-green color, Zoysiagrass is perfect for lawns, parks, and golf courses. While it can be found in all regions of Florida, it is most commonly used in South and Central Florida due to its tolerance to the hotter and drier conditions found in these areas.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety’s ability to withstand drought and salty conditions makes it an excellent option for coastal areas, where saltwater intrusion can damage other types of grass. Plus, its strong root system allows it to absorb water and nutrients efficiently, helping it survive periods of low rainfall.
\n\n\n\nWhile Zoysiagrass requires less fertilizer and water than other grass types, its slow growth rate can make it difficult to establish a new lawn. It’s best to plant this grass in the spring or early summer to promote growth. And with its moderate resistance to pests and diseases, you’ll have a lesser need for chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – it requires more direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – but you’ll have to give it supplemental watering during extended periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to spring dead spot, fairy wings, rust, curvularia, dollar spot, root decline, brown patch, leaf spot, and powdery mildew
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – common pests include chinch bugs, sod webworms, hunting billbugs, armyworms, mole crickets, grubs, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil but can still grow in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Despite its deep root system and ability to tolerate compacted soil, Zoysiagrass may not thrive as much in these conditions as it would in well-aerated soil.
\n\n\n\nWith cooler winters and fewer hurricanes, North Florida has a more temperate climate than the rest of Florida. Bordered by Alabama and Georgia, the northernmost region of Florida is known for its natural beauty, including the Gulf Coast beaches in the Florida Panhandle, the Apalachicola National Forest, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
\n\n\n\nBeing surrounded by beautiful scenery, you’ll want to make your lawn look just as lovely. And to choose the best grass that will thrive in the unique climate and soil of your region, you need to consider numerous factors, including:
\n\n\n\nGrasses with good cold tolerance are necessary to survive occasional winter freezes, but you’ll also want them to withstand the heat and humidity of the summer months. Some of the best grass types for North Florida include:
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant grass in this region is during the warm and wet season, typically between April and June. This allows the grass to establish roots and grow before the cooler and drier winter season arrives.
\n\n\n\nCentral Florida is popular for its theme parks, including Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort, as well as its numerous lakes and natural springs. This region, where major cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Lakeland are located, has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the best grass for your Central Florida lawn shouldn’t be difficult as long as you know which grass types thrive in this region. The following factors can help you choose the best turfgrass for your yard:
\n\n\n\nYou should look for grass types with good heat tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, as they are necessary to survive this region’s hot and humid conditions. The following grasses can withstand the heat and humidity of the summer months and survive mild winters:
\n\n\n\nWhile these grass types can tolerate the wet and dry conditions of Central Florida, it’s best to plant them between May and September to give them enough time to grow and establish roots before the cold sets in.
\n\n\n\nThe most heavily populated and culturally diverse region in the state, South Florida encompasses major cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach. It’s also home to the Everglades, a vast subtropical wetland ecosystem, and the Florida Keys off the southern coast of Florida. The climate here is hot and humid year-round, with occasional hurricanes during summer and fall.
\n\n\n\nTo choose the best grass for your South Florida lawn, you need to consider the environmental conditions of this tropical region, including:
\n\n\n\nThe following drought-tolerant grasses can thrive in the heat and humidity of South Florida summers:
\n\n\n\nRemember to plant grasses between May and September when the weather is warm. Additionally, proper lawn care practices like regular fertilization, mowing, and irrigation can help keep your South Florida lawn healthy and beautiful.
\n\n\n\nIf your Florida property is prone to flooding, choosing the right grass type can make a significant difference in maintaining a beautiful lawn. St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass may not be the best options since they are not tolerant of standing water.
Instead, consider a grass variety that can tolerate and survive standing water for a short period. One option is carpetgrass, which has a deep root system that makes it resilient even in wet soils. It can endure even the most challenging water conditions, making it perfect for Florida lawns that face seasonal hurricanes and flooding. Centipedegrass is also a suitable option for its tolerance to flooding and adaptability to various soil types.
The amount of water your turfgrass needs depends on various factors, such as the grass type, soil type, weather conditions, and time of year. As a general rule, most Florida lawns require around 1 inch of water per week. During the hot summer months, your lawn may need more frequent watering, while during the cooler months, it may require less.
Water your lawn for longer periods but less frequently. Watering for short periods every day can lead to shallow root growth, and the grass will not be as resilient during dry spells.
Watering at the right time can help conserve water, reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and ensure your grass receives the water it needs to stay healthy.
The best time to water your lawn in Florida is early in the morning, preferably before 10 a.m. This time is ideal because the temperature is cooler, the wind is usually calmer, and the grass has plenty of time to dry before the hotter part of the day. Watering later in the day can lead to excessive water loss due to evaporation, which means your grass won’t be receiving the full benefits of the water.
You should avoid watering your lawn in the afternoon or evening, as this can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Watering during these times can also lead to prolonged periods of wet grass, which can attract pests and cause damage to your lawn.
By integrating native plants into your garden, you can take a step toward conserving natural resources while also creating an eye-catching landscape. Utilizing these plants eliminates the need for excess watering, fertilization, and pest control measures since they have already adapted to Florida’s climate and soil conditions and require little to no maintenance.
Some of the best native plants for Florida include the American beautyberry, coontie, and goldenrod. These plants not only add beauty to your garden, but they also serve as a natural habitat for local wildlife, such as butterflies and birds. Plus, they can help promote biodiversity in the area by attracting a range of beneficial insects and pollinators.
Florida’s unique climate and environmental conditions make it essential to select the right grass type for a healthy and vibrant lawn year-round. From bahiagrass to Zoysiagrass, these seven grass types offer unique features and benefits, making them the best options for Florida homeowners.
\n\n\n\nWith their adaptability to Florida’s warm temperatures and humidity, these grass types can thrive even in challenging conditions, such as drought, flooding, and soil compaction, while contributing to the beauty and biodiversity of the Sunshine State’s unique ecosystem.
Whether you need help in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Pensacola, or another city in the Sunshine State, our lawn care professionals can help you achieve a lush and resilient lawn.
Main Image Credit: Boca Grande, Florida / Trish Hartmann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Florida","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5286624203821657,"src":"/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/1789c/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/107df/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/293e9/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/f2cbb/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/1789c/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/c26c2/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/1dd6e/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/67b76/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/8df11/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/98a65/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/1dd6e/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/7ce1ce1d8bd10b3ecf3672a0b36a6380/3cc96/11370743003_05739dd27c_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Florida | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking for the perfect grass for your yard? Discover the 7 best grass types for Florida's humid subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"b27cda1d-9e47-5825-b5ad-d7efdd9dc615","slug":"the-worst-pests-in-san-antonio-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them","path":"/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/the-worst-pests-in-san-antonio-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"be366c94-0b46-5716-9ac2-ed152902f864","name":"San Antonio","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"June 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Photo credit: Thompson Rivers on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA Those summertime pests are back. Is there anything that bugs you more? They get under our skin, our clothing and gardens. Here’s a list of the pests that bug us in San Antonio and some tips on getting rid of them before they make your […]
\n","content":"\nPhoto credit: Thompson Rivers on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
\n\n\n\nThose summertime pests are back. Is there anything that bugs you more? They get under our skin, our clothing and gardens. Here’s a list of the pests that bug us in San Antonio and some tips on getting rid of them before they make your home their permanent home.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/fire-ant-usda-free.jpg\")
These tiny creatures are easy to miss, especially if you’re not watching where you’re walking. Take a step in one of their piles, and you’ll be wishing you paid more attention. They bite and follow up with a sting. They feed on plants and seeds but sometimes attack small animals. They can also climb inside machinery, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Making matters worse, they’re extremely resilient and can survive cold weather and even floods. (Millions survive hurricane Harvey by clumping together!) Leave enough food lying around, and they’ll make their way inside your home.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easier to prevent a fire ant infestation that to kill them once they’ve made themselves at home. Spread fire ant bait in your backyard in the spring, before the ants form new colonies. You’ll need to do it again in the fall. During the summer, sprinkle the bait three to four feet around each ant mound.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/A9EIztBiu9CDdXAYjzqwm_R3bwQpukvB_BUariKqtFv8lDbt3rC1qVL3fXdnJ-XKsNI-5efuUTDsSeokHQ3sRyJoR43xi4muM8VtCg5ywnqwBEbpY5tIxCYeXswH04BGKbr7H1lV\")
There are plenty of spiders in Texas, but few are as scary as the Black Widow. The females are the most dangerous and easy to spot. They’re black, about an inch and a half long and have a distinctive hourglass, red mark on their backs. Their venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s, according to National Geographic. Fatal bites are rare, but you’ll need to get medical help immediately to avoid extreme discomfort if you’re bitten.
\n\n\n\nSince black widows are nocturnal, it’s best to hunt for their webs during the day. They usually build their webs in dark corners or wood piles where they’re hard to spot. Spray the webs with a liquid insecticide, and it will kill the spiders on contact and prevent new spiders . from moving in. If you have a wood pile, the best thing you can do is constantly rotate the logs. Black widows search for undisturbed places to nest.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/j-XNVCL0zt-BDj8CzJzdbkmUtfe2ygdnFL8HM8kVDNwpIjfWN83Wxda1PYe06UpeI0zIR0BzF3IQCr_y9JR-LUs3beyIJSAGVzyga9WqvCHDo8S6dw4bLtzzQzUWTPJRDkks7PB8\")
Texas is home to 18 species of scorpions. The most common in San Antonio and New Braunfels is the striped bark scorpion. These yellowish-tan creatures with two dark stripes down their back are easy to spot. Like us, scorpions are looking for a cool place to spend the summer. You’ll find them hiding under rocks, logs, landscaping materials, and in dark corners of your home during the day. Like the black widow, they come out at night searching for food. Their stings are rarely deadly, but they are painful and can cause muscle spasms and burning sensations.
\n\n\n\nThe best ways to control them is to keep firewood away from your house and prune trees or shrubs that hang over your house. Keep your grass closely mowed, so they have no place to hide. Spray an insecticide containing permethrin around the perimeter and foundation of your home. Make sure you hit the gutters and any cracks where the critters can hide. And finally, fill all weep holes with steel wool.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/aWiS2v5mD3la9YhLoy6kou_HsLoM0_8llL75EWgQplGWluZXM0D_uJ7cmXeD1Q7697UHdRMMyyckKgtEZG8XP9gMIaIsxCrUj5r4hDCd_NnDU9oKBRAdmQwiXZyDELX2PSbR-rXr\")
The name speaks for itself. Get bitten by one of these critters, and you’ll be dealing with a blister or several. Not only can they be harmful to your skin, but their toxin can be fatal to animals and small children when swallowed. More than 100 species exist in Texas, chewing their way through our vegetable and flower gardens. Though their color varies, the most-common ones found in Texas are black and orangish-yellow with three black stripes.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s tough to completely rid your garden of blister beetles, it’s possible to limit the damage to your plants. Wearing gloves (always!) brush the beetles off your plants into a bucket of soapy water. Shake the plant and watch the beetles fall in the dirt and play dead. Then pick them up and drop them in the bucket. You can spread oyster shell lime around the edge of your garden. It will repel them, but it won’t kill them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1858/42427615240_2b10b8b18d_b.jpg\")
Like the black widow, a brown recluse’s venomous bite can be harmful. And it could take several hours to notice the symptoms. Good news: you’re unlikely to run into them because, like their name, they are shy and try to avoid humans at all costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wa9BQNNN97lupuxdZMENNRHJsQTIGqmk2yacbOY7p7RhuAIVzAlP7zLEIo83ucVG-OAkUfoE2RilkJoK9mN9dR_yrwMGW45InfMC8OD1LmtbslLnaZV2xZo7XOU2sY8jA7t2nhwb\")
Photo credit: Dis da fi we
\n\n\n\nA bite from one of these tiny insects can make you extremely ill. The average size of an adult is slightly larger than a penny but beware of its bite. Some may be infected with a parasite that carries Chagas disease and can leave you with fever-like symptoms, rashes, and a loss of appetite.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZCq76MM2IYpXamdSEAkQtuY0wkC9U5BjWnPV8txzuwetlGtsVCpu5640XNgLUKL7dZo9pdJFigQne5v6dwyLqRxfSbLwyRN49uaaciuAZkZxzgSeaOmruEeiSuqUuOngQAcjRpsa\")
Aedes aegypti mosquito
\n\n\n\nThese bloodsuckers are more than just a nuisance. They’re actually the deadliest creature on the planet, blamed for malaria, zika, dengue fever, encephalitis, and other fatal illnesses. Whether it’s the high-pitched buzz or their sneaky bites, these bugs really bug us and can have you itching for days and sometimes even weeks. There’s plenty to love about Texas, but this just isn’t one of them.
\n\n\n\nOne study published in 2017 named one mosquito species, the Aedes aegypti, as the most common in San Antonio and Bexar County, found in 35% of the traps the scientists laid. But there were a total of 35 different varieties.
\n\n\n\nConsider spraying your home and yard for bugs every three months. You want to kill the bugs and the eggs they leave behind. If you prefer to go organic, you can make your own insecticide with soap, neem oil or vinegar. These potions will kill the bugs without killing the earth.
\n\n\n\nIf you decide to go with a professional, most exterminators will offer organic options. Keep in mind an exterminator isn’t a one-time option. You should have a treatment every three months.
\n\n\n\nYou can also plant pest repelling flowers such as lavender, marigolds, petunias, and citronella. Their scent really bugs the bugs.
\n\n\n\nWe may not be able to get rid of all the bugs. Let’s face it, most of them would probably survive a nuclear war! But you can make it tough on them to make themselves at home at your home. Remember puddles and standing water are an open invitation to mosquitoes and many other critters looking to breed. We want our yards to be bird and bee friendly … but we want to get rid of the pests that are out for blood.
\n","title":"The Worst Pests in San Antonio and How to Get Rid of Them","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.4752475247524752,"src":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1789c/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/107df/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 320w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/293e9/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 500w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/f2cbb/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 800w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1789c/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 960w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/f605f/fire-ant-creative-commons.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1dd6e/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/67b76/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 320w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/8df11/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 500w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/98a65/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 800w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/1dd6e/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 960w,\n/static/9b3e74c0baa39aaf1c02a6724dd9202a/23e94/fire-ant-creative-commons.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Worst Pests in San Antonio and How to Get Rid of Them | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"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":"717f3222-5545-5589-bbfc-7a4cdaac71f4","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-murfreesboro","path":"/lawn-care/tn/murfreesboro/spring-lawn-care-tips-murfreesboro/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"27e940f6-30a2-50ad-939d-b73973245b23","name":"Murfreesboro","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/murfreesboro/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"The `Boro shares its parks and restaurants with 25,000 Middle Tennessee State University students for most of the year. Situated 35 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, Murfreesboro’s warmer spring temperatures, ranging from 57 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, bring students and residents outdoors. Execute our 10 spring lawn care tips and take advantage of the pleasant […]
\n","content":"\nThe `Boro shares its parks and restaurants with 25,000 Middle Tennessee State University students for most of the year. Situated 35 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, Murfreesboro’s warmer spring temperatures, ranging from 57 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, bring students and residents outdoors. Execute our 10 spring lawn care tips and take advantage of the pleasant weather to prepare your yard for the humid summer just around the corner.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTennessee is in the transition zone, and both cool and warm-season grass varieties grow well in its soils. Spring in Murfreesboro hits the sweet spot between not too hot and not too cold. Average March temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit gradually increase to 80 degrees by May, setting off the active growing season for many Tennessee native plants and grasses.
\n\n\n\nTennesseeans care for their warm or cool-season grasses from March to May, hoping to encourage fresh growth before the heat and humidity take over in June. Spring lawn care is more than mowing your lawn and setting the timer on your irrigation system. As your yard goes through its most active growing season, you need to be on the lookout for diseases, pests, and bare spots. With the proper spring maintenance plan, your lawn will be ready to take on the Tennessee summer.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatch-Your-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rawpixel
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro winters are short, cold, and very wet, causing warm-season grass cultivars and even some cool-season cultivars to go dormant and develop thatch. Thatch is the tight layer of dead grass intertwined with living grass blades and roots that accumulates just above your soil level and below eye line visibility. A thin layer of thatch insulates grass roots and makes your turfgrass more resilient, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
\n\n\n\nDense thatch causes:
\n\n\n\nWatch for thatch that is a half inch or more thick, spongy turf, footprints, increased pest activity, and active diseases. Aim to dethatch your lawn during its active growing season using a dethatcher, also known as a lawn scarifier. Dethatchers work like a complex rake to remove thatch, bringing it to the surface of your lawn for collection. Always remove the loose layer of thatch immediately.
\n\n\n\nTennessee warm-season grass cultivars like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass actively grow in late spring and summer. Cool-season varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass hit their green-up phases in early spring and again in the fall. It is important to understand your grass variety. Dethatch your warm-season lawn in mid-spring to early summer and save your cool-season cultivar dethatching session for fall.
\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\nMurfreesboro receives around 54 inches of rain per year, well over the national average of 38 inches. Springtime is notoriously wet in the `Boro with precipitation occurring in 30% of the days. Aeration is a common method to introduce oxygen back into struggling lawns with restricted root growth, allowing for water and nutrients to permeate more easily.
\n\n\n\nOxygen allows your turfgrass to establish deep roots and a dense appearance. There are two types of common aeration: spike aeration and core aeration. Aim to aerate your Murfreesboro lawn to stimulate root growth following your dethatching schedule: mid-spring to early summer for warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass, and early fall for cool-season varieties like fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nSpike aerators create small holes in the ground with a rotating punch. This method does not remove material from the soil, so there is no chance of natural de-thatching.
\n\n\n\nCore aerators remove plugs of soil to create small holes so the soil can breathe. This method leaves leftover plugs of soil on the surface of your lawn, adding beneficial nutrients and microorganisms to decrease thatch naturally.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration is the best method for the middle Tennessee region with its well-drained loam, limestone, or clay-based soils. These alkaline soils retain less moisture, heat more quickly, and have an abundance of phosphorus. Core aerators do a better job of breaking up sand or rock particles, creating airflow, and improving water and nutrient access.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CSIRO_ScienceImage_1739_Testing_soil_pH.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nPlants and turfgrasses growing in loam soil require regular fertilization and irrigation. Spring soil preparation is crucial to the success of your Murfreesboro landscape. Proper preparation provides nutrients for your grass to thrive, even in the deficient soils of middle Tennessee. Residents should send in a soil sample for testing in March or September.
\n\n\n\nMail in a one-cup sample, collected and combined from different areas of your lawn, to receive your unique results detailing amendments you can make to improve your soil. Common amendments include lime for soil pH imbalances and nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus applications.
\n\n\n\nHealthy lawns resist insects, weeds, and diseases, and taller grass blades develop deeper roots and a dense appearance. Mowing is necessary for maintenance, but it stresses your turfgrass, leaving it more susceptible to pests, drought, and sunscald. Murfreesboro’s warm, wet springs kick-start the active growing season for most plants and warm-season turfgrasses in March.
\n\n\n\nYour grass variety determines your unique mowing schedule and lawn height. To avoid injuring your lawn, never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade regardless of your cultivar. and always cut less, more often. You should mow weekly during the active growing season and aim to mow every two weeks during your turfgrass’ off-season.
\n\n\n\nAlways mow within the recommended range for your grass type and leave clippings unless you see large clumps on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Bermudagrass | 0.75 – 1.5 inches |
| Centipedegrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.75 – 1.5 inches |
Bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass are all low-maintenance, warm-season cultivars that go dormant during Murfreesboro’s cold winter months. Growth peaks in summer, but the active growing season begins in late spring. Aim to mow every seven to 10 days to maintain the recommended mowing height for your cultivar and encourage deeper roots and a more dense and resilient turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nCool-season Tennessee turfgrasses include fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Unlike their warm-season counterparts, these cultivars remain green through most winter months but can go dormant during hot, dry months in the summer.
\n\n\n\nActive growth for cool-season varieties peaks in the early spring and fall. Mow cool-season grasses to their recommended heights every seven days during early spring. Aim to decrease mowing frequency to every 14 days in mid to late spring when growth has slowed.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nUnless your lawn is brand new, all grass varieties respond well to the typical conditions of a Murfreesboro spring. The best watering method for Tennessee turfgrasses is as needed early in the morning, starting in May. It is true what they say about April showers bringing May flowers. April in the `Boro is wet, typically providing more than enough precipitation for your plants and turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nYou will know it is time to water your turfgrass when you notice a dark blue-gray color, footprinting, or wilted, folded, or curled leaves. Water all varieties twice per week, aiming for one-half inch of water per session to moisten the top 4 to 6 inches of soil and encourage deeper roots.
\n\n\n\n![\"Weed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Contorl-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMurfreesboro’s subtropical climate and wet spring weather create the optimal habitat for plant growth, including weeds. Weeds signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health and maintenance plan. They thrive in low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning damaged turf.
\n\n\n\nWeeds steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from your grass and spread pests and diseases. The best control and prevention method is routine maintenance, coupled with supplemental chemical methods like post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicides minimize the number of weeds in your yard by killing seeds before germination. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in mid-March when soil temperatures reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit to control grassy weeds.
\n\n\n\nLook for solutions containing prodiamine, dithiopyr, benefin, or pendimethalin. Wait 60 days and apply a second application of pre-emergent herbicide in mid to late May.
\n\n\n\nCommon grassy weeds in Murfreesboro include:
\n\n\n\nPost-emergent herbicides target annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, disrupting their growth. Use these herbicides year-round to target weeds you can see.
\n\n\n\nDo not use post-emergent herbicides if temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or if your lawn is moisture stressed. Additionally, be sure to wait a few days after a fresh mow before applying chemical treatments.
\n\n\n\nCommon perennial and annual broadleaf weeds include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-1351445035-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Istock
\n\n\n\nDifferent insects invade particular grass cultivars at different times. The most common Murfreesboro springtime pests include chinch bugs, billbugs, and sod webworms.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs affect most Tennessee turfgrasses. Watch for yellow spots in sunny locations, signifying chinch bug activity. These foliage-seeking insects suck vital plant juices from your turfgrass until fall with peak activity occurring in March or April.
\n\n\n\nDIY collect chinch bugs using a coffee can with both ends removed to create a hollow pipe. Insert the can into the soil inside the affected area. Fill the can with water and leave it for a few days. Chinch bugs will float to the top of the can for removal. If you notice more than 15 chinch bugs per square foot, it is time to call a professional.
\n\n\n\nThere are several species of billbugs affecting Tennessee turfgrasses. Hunting billbugs are a problem for homeowners with Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass, while bluegrass billbugs wreak havoc on Kentucky bluegrass. Watch for irregular-shaped patches of dead turf. Like chinch bugs, billbugs feed on the roots of turfgrasses, sucking vital nutrients from the plant.
\n\n\n\nInfestations are often misdiagnosed as dormancy in middle Tennessee, but billbug activity peaks in the late spring and lasts through summer. Treat billbugs with an insecticide application containing bifenthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, or imidacloprid.
\n\n\n\nSod webworms are the nocturnal larvae of lawn moths. These pests feed on grass blades and create tunnels just below your lawn’s surface. Sod webworms attack most grass cultivars, preferring fescues and bluegrass. Watch for small brown spots of dead turfgrass that rapidly increase in size during dry spells. Treat sod webworms with an insecticide application containing bifenthrin.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Diseases.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kris Lord / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases and fungi love Tennessee’s subtropical climate. The best defense against these lawn invaders is routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization for a healthy and dense lawn. Some of the most common diseases affecting Murfreesboro turfgrasses are large patch, dollar spot, helminthosporium diseases, and rust.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus affecting many Tennessee turfgrasses, including ryegrass, tall fescue, and bermudagrass. The fungus typically occurs in April or May and lasts through the end of summer in cool-season cultivars. Watch for brown, circular patches several feet in diameter.
\n\n\n\nMost large patch infestations do not respond to fungicide applications. The most effective control and prevention method is proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage and air movement. Monitor patches and limit fertilization in affected areas. Avoid over-watering.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot affects bluegrass, ryegrass, bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass. It is caused by a fungus living in Tennessee soils. Watch for circular brown or yellow spots that look like dollar coins in spring through fall.
\n\n\n\nLike most fungi, treat dollar spot with proper lawn maintenance. Maintain nitrogen levels by applying a nitrogen-based fertilizer and minimize moisture stress by ensuring proper drainage. Always water deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce foliage wetness.
\n\n\n\nHelminthosporium diseases affect all turfgrass species. Numerous fungi species cause these leafspot diseases, affecting grass blades, crowns, or roots. Watch for dark, circular lesions that expand to light-brown dead turf. Most diseases affect roots and crowns, causing turf thinning and fading, especially during dry periods, but occur year-round in Murfreesboro.
\n\n\n\nCombat infections with proper lawn maintenance. Improve air circulation by removing thatch. Avoid fertilization and post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active. Monitor and fix drainage issues and avoid over-watering to prevent active and future infestations. Apply a fungicide at the first signs of infection.
\n\n\n\nNematodes affect all Tennessee turfgrasses. The best prevention method is proper lawn maintenance to develop dense roots. Nematodes are unsegmented roundworms. Watch for yellowing and thinning turf, especially during dry periods.
\n\n\n\nNematode populations peak in fall but remain a problem for some homeowners in the spring, and nematodes need moisture to survive. Apply nematicides like Indemnify to affected areas alongside routine lawn maintenance and proper yard drainage.
\n\n\n\nPowdery mildew affects Kentucky bluegrass in the cool, wet months of early spring. This fungus produces a white or gray powdery growth on grass blades. Watch for yellow areas of dying turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nTreat powdery mildew with proper lawn maintenance and fungicide applications. Remove thatch, avoid fertilization and post-emergent weed killers while the disease is active, and monitor and fix drainage issues. Avoid over-watering to prevent active and future infestations.
\n\n\n\nRust is a tissue-dwelling fungus active in spring through fall. Be on the lookout for yellow flecks and raised areas on grass blades and thinning, wilting turf. Rust affects bluegrass, ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nTreat this turfgrass disease using a fungicide, and prevent the fungus with proper lawn maintenance. Improve drainage, reduce thatch buildup, and increase the time between irrigation sessions.
\n\n\n\nSoil-dwelling fungus, spring dead spot affects Murfreesboro bermudagrass. Keep an eye out for circular patches of dead grass ranging in diameter from 6 inches to several feet. The easiest way to spot spring dead spot is to monitor your lawn during its active growth phase in May. Areas affected by spring dead spot will not go through the growth process.
\n\n\n\nTreat spring dead spot by removing thatch and aggressively aerating affected areas to relieve soil compaction and increase airflow.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the best time to seed your warm-season lawn in Murfreesboro, while fall is the best time to seed cool-season cultivars. The active growing season encourages fresh growth, filling in thin and patchy areas.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turfgrass to fill thin areas. Bermudagrass and centipedegrass are low-maintenance, warm-season cultivars that respond well to spring overseeding.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your Tennessee lawn in May. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet for bermudagrass and 4 ounces per 1,000 square feet for centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass does not respond to overseeding. Instead, plan to replant large bare areas using sod plugs in May. Space plugs 6 to 12 inches apart and water well daily. Keep crabgrass at bay by applying a root-safe pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply fertilizer to your Murfreesboro turfgrass is March or April, depending on your grass type. Fertilizer promotes healthy growth. The type of fertilizer for your lawn depends on your turfgrass cultivar and your unique soil sample analysis results.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer comprises three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Labels have three numbers, such as 15-10-5, which means the fertilizer contains 15% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. Select a fertilizer ratio to satisfy your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that Tennessee’s soil can be high in phosphorus and potassium. It is often unnecessary to apply fertilizer containing one or both of these chemicals. Instead, apply straight nitrogen depending on your soil test results.
\n\n\n\nWarm season grasses such as bermudagrass, centipedegrass and Zoysiagrass only need one spring fertilizer application. Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet around April 15, but keep in mind that shaded grass requires less fertilizer than grass growing in full sun.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass need two spring fertilizer applications to prepare the turfgrasses for the hot summer temperatures. Aim to apply 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet around March 15. Apply a second round of fertilizer around April 15.
\n\n\n\nMature centipedegrass has low nitrogen requirements. Always follow the amendment recommendations from your soil sample test results. Centipedegrass does not respond well to overfertilization, and nitrogen applications are not typically necessary. High nitrogen levels lead to centipedegrass decline, increased insect activity, and thatch accumulation.
\n\n\n\nUse sprinklers or an automatic irrigation system to apply water in 10- to 20-minute segments, once per day, until the seeds have germinated. The germination process typically takes 10 to 14 days in Tennessee. Be sure to skip watering sessions if it rains.
You should stop fertilizing your lawn at least one month before overseeding to give the new seeds a chance to germinate and grow without struggling against actively growing grass.
Additionally, you can apply fertilizer after overseeding, which is the preferred method. Apply a slow-release fertilizer immediately after overseeding or wait two to three weeks and apply a fast-release fertilizer to your newly seeded lawn.
Overwatering your turfgrass stresses your lawn, leading to increased pests and diseases. Watch for these signs you are overwatering your turfgrass:
• Thick layer of thatch over ¾ inch thick
• Fungus growth including mushrooms
• Increased weed growth, including crabgrass and nutsedge
• Signs of pest activity
• Spongy grass and footprint indents
• Pooling water and increased runoff
Murfreesboro homeowners love three things: hitting the trails outdoors, the MTSU Raiders, and donuts. With the proper spring lawn care schedule and our fall lawn care checklist, you can get your lawn ready for summer or winter and save yourself time so you can get up early to grab your donut before spending the day outdoors.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help identifying a pest or lawn disease, contact a Murfreesboro lawn care pro to help your landscape recover and establish deep southern roots.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Benjamine House-Murfreesboro / rossograph / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Murfreesboro, TN","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.675977653631285,"src":"/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/1789c/lawn-in-murfreesboro.jpg","srcSet":"/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/107df/lawn-in-murfreesboro.jpg 320w,\n/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/293e9/lawn-in-murfreesboro.jpg 500w,\n/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/f2cbb/lawn-in-murfreesboro.jpg 800w,\n/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/1789c/lawn-in-murfreesboro.jpg 960w,\n/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/c26c2/lawn-in-murfreesboro.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/1dd6e/lawn-in-murfreesboro.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/67b76/lawn-in-murfreesboro.webp 320w,\n/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/8df11/lawn-in-murfreesboro.webp 500w,\n/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/98a65/lawn-in-murfreesboro.webp 800w,\n/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/1dd6e/lawn-in-murfreesboro.webp 960w,\n/static/63bf730511326e62892703ad5e97d33e/3cc96/lawn-in-murfreesboro.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Murfreesboro, TN | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 10 valuable tips for maintaining a green spring lawn in Murfreesboro and prepare your grass for the humid Tennessee summers."}}},{"node":{"id":"6eb8b89d-24d7-5d63-aeac-870487ac9062","slug":"best-native-plants-nashville","path":"/lawn-care/tn/nashville/best-native-plants-nashville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Beck Carter","id":"3b38b422-934a-5aae-81e6-7a8844634ab1","path":"/author/beck-carter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/faa5e8711d89766a0fe69560b04f52b1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"6022ebc8-f59a-5092-819f-17d84814cacf","name":"Nashville","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/nashville/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"April 4th, 2023","excerpt":"In Music City, homeowners need a lawn that both stands out and blends with the local ecosystem. Native plants can be perfect for giving lawns a meadow-like appearance and attracting beautiful butterflies. Below, we break down the Nashville native plants that will make you the talk of the town. In this article: Why Go Native? […]
\n","content":"\nIn Music City, homeowners need a lawn that both stands out and blends with the local ecosystem. Native plants can be perfect for giving lawns a meadow-like appearance and attracting beautiful butterflies. Below, we break down the Nashville native plants that will make you the talk of the town.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nOne of the ways gardeners ensure that plants work well for their region is by referencing the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This is especially important when selecting non-native plants for your yard. However, by selecting native plants, homeowners can ensure that their lawns will thrive.
\n\n\n\nAnother good resource for those looking to learn more about native plants is the Tennessee Native Plant Society. They advise homeowners who want native plants to familiarize themselves with their HOA or city ordinances that may classify some native plants as weeds. To avoid this, you can also place a sign on your lawn indicating that your plants are native and helping local pollinators.
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Northern-Maidenhair-Fern.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Schnobby / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNorthern maidenhair ferns are perfect for gardens with shade. This slow-growing native plant is typically considered low maintenance. Northern maidenhair is a dainty plant that grows naturally in wooded areas around Tennessee. Typically, this fern sprouts fiddleheads that are reddish purple or pink.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Fern
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moist soil
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers humus-rich well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 2 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is part of the milkweed family. This colorful long-lasting wildflower attracts butterflies and bees due to its abundant nectar. A large taproot allows this plant to survive harsh, dry conditions. But be careful. Butterfly weed tolerates drought but can struggle is overwatered.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to dry
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers sandy loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blue-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sten Porse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlue star is a feathery plant that features blue, star-shaped flowers and turns a lovely golden color in the fall. A low-maintenance plant, it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Blue stars can survive in a variety of soil types including clay and sand. It is a long-lasting plant that resists pests such as deer and rabbits.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet to moderately wet soil
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers humus-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 3 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Dogwood](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA small low-maintenance tree, the dogwood works well as a screen or border accent. Dogwoods bloom white flowers in early spring and produce blue or red fruit in the fall. This native tree grows well in swampy or wetland areas. The dogwood attracts wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and bees.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet to medium moisture
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers loam, tolerates sandy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Maximillian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Maximillian-Sunflowers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition to Maximilian’s sunflower, several other varieties of sunflowers are native to middle Tennessee. Sunflowers are best suited for gardens with plenty of space because they can grow up to 7 feet tall. These bright, showy yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Maximilian’s sunflower spreads aggressively and is easy to grow.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately wet to moderately dry
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerant of a variety of soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 7 feet
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild blue indigo sprouts blue flowers and becomes a robust bush-like plant when fully grown. This plant turns a silvery-gray color during the fall. Wild blue indigo can be difficult to transplant due to its extensive root system. Butterflies and bees enjoy the flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, tolerates some shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerant of a variety of soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Wisteria.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican wisteria is a climbing vine with shiny dark green leaves. Its fragrant bluish-purple flowers are large and form in drooping clusters. American wisteria is frequently used as an ornamental plant. Additionally, this plant is important for butterfly larvae who use it as a food source. American wisteria can be susceptible to fungal diseases and chewing insects.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moderately fertile loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Buttonbush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe buttonbush is a shrub that has distinctive white flowers that grow in spherical clusters. These clusters of flowers resemble pincushions and give the plant a somewhat tropical appearance. The buttonbush grows brown ornamental fruit.
\n\n\n\nBecause buttonbush naturally grows around ponds and in swamps, it requires a particularly moist environment when grown in a garden. A honey plant, the buttonbush attracts bees, butterflies, and water birds such as ducks.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet to moderately wet soil
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerant of a variety of soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 12 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Scarlet-Bee-Balm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScarlet bee balm has beautiful red flowers in mid to late summer. Because this herbaceous perennial is in the mint family, it will give off a minty scent when its leaves are crushed. Scarlet bee balm attracts wildlife such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Its flowers are also edible.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet to moderately wet soil
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers rich humus soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Woodland](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Woodland-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWoodland phlox is a herbaceous perennial often used as an ornamental plant due to its lovely blue flowers. While it has attractive fragrant flowers, it is a fairly nondescript plant when not in bloom. Woodland phlox attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Unfortunately, it also draws deer and rabbits so it may need additional care and protection.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nSun: Part to full shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet to moderately wet soil
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers rocky or sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPlants native to your area are more likely to establish quickly and thrive. These native plants create a natural habitat for local wildlife such as butterflies and birds in your backyard. Together, this means that native plants are usually lower maintenance and better for the environment.
It is typically best to plant your garden a few weeks before the last frost date, which, in Nashville, is April 15.
Blue star, wild blue indigo, American wisteria, and buttonbush can be toxic if ingested.
Alternatively, Maximilian’s sunflower and scarlet bee balm are edible plants.
These common Tennessee native plants each have features that make them perfect for your Nashville lawn. Homeowners in Nashville should choose the native plants that fit their preferred maintenance level and aesthetic needs. Ensure that you select native plants that bring desirable wildlife to your home and confirm the toxicity level of your plants if you have children or pets.
\n\n\n\nStill, looking for ways to enhance your Music City lawn? Check out our list of the best grasses for Nashville lawns to find a variety of options that are ideal for Tennessee’s transitional climate. For help with lawn maintenance in Nashville, contact your local professional.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Oak Hill Garden Club in Nashville / Carol Norquist, NGC Chairman / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Nashville, TN","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/1789c/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/107df/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.jpg 320w,\n/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/293e9/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.jpg 500w,\n/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/f2cbb/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.jpg 800w,\n/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/1789c/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.jpg 960w,\n/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/c26c2/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/1dd6e/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/67b76/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.webp 320w,\n/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/8df11/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.webp 500w,\n/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/98a65/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.webp 800w,\n/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/1dd6e/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.webp 960w,\n/static/8240c61da8dbd61d17597595d699defc/3cc96/Oak-Hill-GC-Nashville-Tennessee.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Nashville, TN","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"These 10 native plants will thrive in Nashville’s transitional climate and attract beneficial wildlife to your lawn."}}}],"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/jSSUSRhOs618qD0ONbRuO8NXRC3Uh-uDyv57MognLQMo8gNg1IHN19JavEqvASIUHCAjNtpUcDs1v1wzQF3vApw70DexLxObeWznP0PItiXkBWgqLoEGa7Lia1IN0XAsyXZct-DB\")