![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/52704209231_8c892efc77_c-1.jpg\")
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\nPhoto 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."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"aa7fca9f-2b92-51c4-b437-040f156b73e8","slug":"when-to-fertilize-ohio-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/oh/when-to-fertilize-ohio-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"A lush, green lawn takes work. But as they say, work smarter, not harder. One of the keys to achieving a beautiful lawn is knowing how and when to fertilize your lawn in Ohio. Grass in the wild survives on nutrients from decomposing organic material. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s not enough. A lawn often […]
\n","content":"\nA lush, green lawn takes work. But as they say, work smarter, not harder. One of the keys to achieving a beautiful lawn is knowing how and when to fertilize your lawn in Ohio.
\n\n\n\nGrass in the wild survives on nutrients from decomposing organic material. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s not enough. A lawn often requires some TLC to become and stay strong and consistently thick, and that means adding nutrients that your grass craves.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nYou may wonder what fertilizer does for your lawn. In nature, grasses draw nutrients from decomposing organic matter. In a managed lawn, however, the grass may not receive enough of these nutrients. Malnourished grass may become thin, weak, and susceptible to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nIf you build your lawn in healthy, rich soil and leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing, that may be enough for a green and healthy lawn. But if your soil test shows nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, fertilizers can provide the necessary nutrients to help your grass grow healthy and green.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to use fertilizers properly and in moderation to avoid over-fertilization. You need to know what your soil is lacking, which fertilizer to use, and how much (be sure to always follow instructions).
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/man-was-pictured-dispensing-fertilizer-granules-across-his-front-lawn-850x565-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nDoes your soil really need fertilizer, or will grass clippings suffice? Fertilizers mainly consist of three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. In different regions, grasses need various amounts of nutrients to grow best. Here’s what each of them does:
\n\n\n\n| Nutrient | Key Benefits |
| Nitrogen | • Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis • Increases leaf development for dense lawns |
| Phosphorus | • Helps early root growth • Promotes plant maturity and seed development |
| Potassium | • Increases drought and disease resistance |
Because of Ohio’s cool climate, you probably have a cool-season grass type such as:
\n\n\n\nOhio State University recommends a fertilizer ratio of 3:1:2 (nitrogen:phosphorous:potassium), 4:1:2, or 5:1:2 for lawns in the Buckeye State. Many organic fertilizers can’t precisely meet the recommended ratio. In that case, you should use the nitrogen value (the first number) as the deciding factor. You then need to calculate precisely how much of the product you should use for your lawn; using too much fertilizer is hazardous.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s useful to have your soil tested before selecting a fertilizer. Soil tests identify the specific nutrient needs of your lawn and determine whether you need to fertilize at all. The Department of Agriculture recommends testing your soil at least every two to three years, but if you want to make informed decisions about fertilizing your soil, you can do so even more often.
\n\n\n\nA soil test involves analyzing the composition of your soil to find out its:
\n\n\n\nYou can either do a simple DIY test or send a soil sample to a local laboratory to get a detailed report. Once you’ve received the results of your soil test, you can take steps to address any issues and improve the health of your lawn. To know more about testing your soil in Ohio, you can check out this fact sheet from Ohio State University.
\n\n\n\nChemical fertilizers aren’t the only option for improving soil health. Organic fertilizers are also effective, plus they’re environmentally friendly. So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your soil, consider doing so organically.
\n\n\n\nYour first option is to use grass clippings. If you have soil rich in microbes and nutrients and regularly leave grass clippings on your lawn, you may not need to use fertilizer. You can use a mulching mower to chop your grass clippings into fine pieces that easily break down and feed your soil. This is the easiest and most environmentally friendly way to keep your grass healthy.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if that’s not enough for your soil, you can use a slow-release fertilizer made out of organic materials. That could be manure, alfalfa, compost, and so forth. There’s even the option of making your own fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nNote that organic fertilizers aren’t necessarily safer for pets. The materials that make up organic fertilizers may be dangerous to ingest (such as some plants, etc.). Moreover, store-bought organic fertilizers are often mixed with extremely toxic ingredients. Be careful, and don’t forget that animals tend to find the smell of organic ingredients more appealing.
\n\n\n\nNo matter which fertilizer you use, you should always follow instructions. Don’t let any animals access your lawn for as long as advised or before the product settles (or dries, if it’s in liquid form), whichever happens last. Also, never use more fertilizer than needed. This is damaging to your lawn and dangerous to the environment and local animals.
\n\n\n\n![\"Granular](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1pixnio-47943-2391x3600_11zon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThere are various options for store-bought fertilizer. Most fertilizers are either dry or liquid, and they have their own pros and cons:
\n\n\n\nThe difference between slow-release and quick-release fertilizers is as follows:
\n\n\n\nAll things considered, slow-release fertilizers are usually the better option. They’re more suitable for feeding your grass, and they’re much less harmful to the environment.
\n\n\n\nHow often should you fit fertilization into your schedule? If you have healthy, rich soil and want to use grass clippings, you can leave them on your lawn after each mow. However, be sure that your clippings aren’t too thick or stuck together so that your grass gets sufficient airflow.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to use fertilizer, Ohio State University recommends doing so four times a year to provide your soil with sufficient nitrogen. That’s because nitrogen moves through soil over time. However, you can apply it only once in the spring if you applied fertilizer late in the fall of the previous year. If you only want to fertilize once a year, do so in the fall to store nutrients for the spring.
\n\n\n\nHere are the best months for fertilization in Ohio:
\n\n\n\nNote that fertilizing your lawn too often or with too much product can damage your lawn and harm the environment. Stick to the recommended guidelines and read your product instructions carefully.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/man-applying-fertilizer.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nAre you establishing a new lawn? Don’t use regular fertilizer. Instead, if necessary, you can use a starter fertilizer specifically designed for new lawns. This will provide the necessary nutrients for seedlings and promote healthy root growth. It helps your grass seedlings and sod roods establish quicker than regular fertilizer, giving them a boost to thrive in their early stages.
\n\n\n\nMost starter fertilizers will contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but some may contain two parts nitrogen and one part phosphorus and potassium. As with regular fertilizer, you can choose between different starter fertilizer types. Remember to always be careful when applying any fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve discussed the best times to fertilize your lawn, but when should you definitely not do so? There are a number of scenarios where fertilizing your lawn would be a bad idea. For example:
\n\n\n\nFertilizers are hazardous substances, and it’s important to follow guidelines and stay safe at all times. Here are a few heads-ups to keep in mind before you fertilize your lawn:
\n\n\n\nMaking sure that you have healthy soil rich in nutrients is necessary for your grass to grow strong and healthy. However, it’s equally critical to follow other maintenance practices, such as mowing, watering, and overseeding, to see the best results.
\n\n\n\nNeed a hand maintaining your lawn? Be sure to get in touch with one of WikiLawn’s Ohio lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"What to Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn in Ohio","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1789c/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/107df/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/293e9/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/f2cbb/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1789c/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/c26c2/Fertilize-your-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1dd6e/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/67b76/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/8df11/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/98a65/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/1dd6e/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/2f236ca7aef44372e101ca8d0f53aeda/3cc96/Fertilize-your-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What to Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn in Ohio | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Fertilizer can be the difference between a drab lawn and a fab lawn. Here’s what you should know about fertilizing a lawn in Ohio"}}},{"node":{"id":"60c160bf-8d10-5df4-a619-3b4222fe001e","slug":"most-affordable-exterior-upgrades-for-orlando-fl-residents","path":"/lawn-care/fl/orlando/most-affordable-exterior-upgrades-for-orlando-fl-residents/","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":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"a47ebc3c-cc0b-5c7a-9e60-90ac2de0ec2d","name":"Orlando","count":10,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/orlando/"}],"date":"January 7th, 2019","excerpt":"Our homes and businesses are often our most important investments. So naturally, it is just as important to keep their exteriors looking fresh and current. Often when we think of ‘exterior upgrades’ we assume large-scale projects that eat up both time and money. However, with a few small updates, our exterior upgrades can have both […]
\n","content":"\nOur homes and businesses are often our most important investments. So naturally, it is just as important to keep their exteriors looking fresh and current. Often when we think of ‘exterior upgrades’ we assume large-scale projects that eat up both time and money. However, with a few small updates, our exterior upgrades can have both a positive impact on our curb appeal as well as our pocketbooks.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/mailbox-for-dallas-affodable-house-upgrades.jpg\")
It may sound simple, but replacing an old mailbox can add style and personality to your front exterior. To create a cohesive look it should match the design style of the exterior of your house. Not quite ready to say goodbye to your mailbox? Simply add new colorful plantings around your existing mailbox’s post. Try for a mix of flashy blooms and some evergreen shrubs, such as a backdrop of Golden Shrimp Plant and Indian Hawthorn.
\n\n\n\nJust as your mailbox is a primary focal point for visitors, your house numbers are just as important. Update your basic numbers by going with the same design style as your home’s exterior (and new mailbox). Orlando is blessed with a wide range of architectural styles, so if you have a craftsman bungalow look for house numbers that you feel highlight the asymmetrical architecture and tapered columns of your home. Art Deco is definitely in right now and there are lots of ornate options that would tie into your unique style. So whether you live in a modern contemporary building or a one of a kind historic pueblo design, finding a set of house numbers to match your style is a must.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/landscape-lighting-for-dallas-post.jpg\")
Hitting refresh on your exterior lighting fixtures can do wonders for changing the look of your home’s exterior without doing a major renovation. There are thousands of different options for exterior lighting in every possible design style imaginable. Wall mounted sconces, hanging lights under a porch, ground lights that illuminate your entryway are all chances to express your personal style while adding an upgrade to your exterior.
\n\n\n\nPainting an entire house can be an overwhelming task both in time and cost. However, thinking smaller and focusing on another key focal point of your home’s exterior will give you just as much satisfaction. Giving your front door a new coat of paint will offer a chance to change up your color scheme or refresh what was already in place. Either way, you’ll be adding new life to an existing feature.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/accent-pots-dallas.jpg\")
If you find yourself short on time or out of space to pursue a new landscaping feature look to adding accent planters around your exterior. Your local home improvement or garden center will have a wide selection of outdoor planting pots to choose from. When selecting a location for your new additions think about how the shape and color of both the pot and the plants you choose can be used to accent your home’s exterior features.
\n\n\n\nDressing your existing planting beds with a fresh layer of mulch is not only good for the continued health of your plants but it also makes your beds look new and well cared for instead of washed out weather worn.
\n\n\n\nMaintain your hard work out in the garden by keeping your plants happy. Be sure to take the time to keep your beds weed free so they thrive where they are planted and your green thumb is not hidden by undesirable scraggly weeds. Deadhead spent flowers or seed pods after the seeds have fallen or been eaten by the birds. And be sure to thin out any planting groups if they seem to get a little too crowded in the space you’ve planted them.
\n\n\n\nLiving in the hot humid climate of Orlando, we understand how quickly vegetation can grow. While we love that it means our grass is green and there is almost always fresh flowers, it can also mean a never-ending battle with moss, mildew, and mold on all of our surfaces. Consider renting a power washer to tackle the green buildup on siding, patios, and pavers. Instantly get a clean and fresh feeling with an afternoons worth of work.
\n\n\n\nLooking for lawn care tips? Visit our Orlando lawn care page for all sorts of tips, tricks, and general information.
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"Most Affordable Exterior Upgrades for Orlando, FL Residents","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/1789c/orlando-landsape-design.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/107df/orlando-landsape-design.jpg 320w,\n/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/293e9/orlando-landsape-design.jpg 500w,\n/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/f2cbb/orlando-landsape-design.jpg 800w,\n/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/1789c/orlando-landsape-design.jpg 960w,\n/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/e0d73/orlando-landsape-design.jpg 990w","srcWebp":"/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/1dd6e/orlando-landsape-design.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/67b76/orlando-landsape-design.webp 320w,\n/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/8df11/orlando-landsape-design.webp 500w,\n/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/98a65/orlando-landsape-design.webp 800w,\n/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/1dd6e/orlando-landsape-design.webp 960w,\n/static/ca2776c46f2a8cbf190a11de5b23d0f4/ffa97/orlando-landsape-design.webp 990w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Most Affordable Exterior Upgrades for Orlando, FL Residents | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0f4bfeef-815e-5ec8-9129-4623023e7ddd","slug":"watering-restrictions-charlotte","path":"/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/watering-restrictions-charlotte/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"July 30th, 2019","excerpt":"There are only a handful of strict watering restrictions in Charlotte, N.C., but there are some common-sense measures you can take at any time to reduce the amount of water you use.
\n","content":"\nNorth Carolina is blessed with short, mild winters offset by long months of heat and humidity. That hot weather comes with a price. Summers with low levels of rainfall can put the state and county at a bit of a deficit, and remind us of the importance of conservation. There are only a handful of strict watering restrictions in Charlotte, N.C., but there are some common-sense measures you can take to reduce the amount of water you use.
\n\n\n\nThe City of Charlotte lists watering tips to help lighten the irrigation load in the city. These include only watering 1 inch per week, (that’s really all your lawn needs!) and controlling water-hogging weeds. The city also recommends using drip irrigation to apply water to the roots of your trees and using a rain sensor to avoid unnecessary watering. You can also save water by mulching planting beds, and only watering in the pre-dawn hours.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it’s not enforced, spray irrigation should always occur between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and should follow an odd/even pattern. That means odd addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and even addresses water on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Handheld watering with a container or hose is OK anytime, as is car washing and filling swimming pools.
\n\n\n\nDuring this first level of drought conservation, the same odd/even schedule seen in normal conditions becomes mandatory for spray irrigation. But, irrigating by hand, car-washing and pool filling is still allowed at any time.
\n\n\n\nUnder moderate drought conditions, spray irrigation becomes restricted to two days per week. Odd addresses may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Even addresses are limited to Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Handheld watering, car washing, and pool filling are still allowed at any time.
\n\n\n\nDuring a severe drought, spray irrigation is still allowed on two days of the week, on an odd/even basis, but the hours become restricted. Odd addresses may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., and even addresses may water on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Watering with a hand-held tool is OK between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Car-washing is allowed only on specific days: odd addresses on Saturdays and even addresses on Sundays. The city prohibits the filling of swimming pools, but you can top them off to a maximum of 12 inches per week.
\n\n\n\nUnder extreme drought conditions, the city restricts spray irrigation to one day per week. Odd addresses may water Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and even addresses Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Hand-held watering is still allowed from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on any day. Car washing is only allowed on weekends, odd addresses on Saturday and even addresses on Sunday. Filling and topping off of pools under these levels is a no-no.
\n\n\n\nThis level of drought is extremely rare in North Carolina. When the water supply is this low, spray irrigation is no longer permitted. Neither is car washing or filling or topping off swimming pools. It’s still OK to water by hand any day from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
\n\n\n\nIt’s always a good idea to practice water conservation, but if you’re not sure of the current restriction, you can always check the North Carolina Drought Monitor. Remember, the watering restrictions in Charlotte are not a punishment, but rather an individual action we all take to contribute to the greater good of our neighbors across the state. Responsible water use benefits the community at large. Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our Charlotte Lawn Care page.
The praying mantis is the state insect of Connecticut. While not native to North America, this predatory relative of the cockroach is a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and its commitment to protecting its environment. Situated east of New York, Connecticut’s spring temperatures, ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, bring praying mantises and […]
\n","content":"\nThe praying mantis is the state insect of Connecticut. While not native to North America, this predatory relative of the cockroach is a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and its commitment to protecting its environment. Situated east of New York, Connecticut’s spring temperatures, ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, bring praying mantises and residents outdoors. Execute our 10 spring lawn care tips and take advantage of the pleasant weather to prepare your yard for the dry summer just around the corner.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConnecticut sits on the northernmost border of the transition zone. While cool-season grasses are best suited to the New England climate, warm-season Zoysiagrass varieties also grow well in their soils. Spring weather in Connecticut is unpredictable. There is usually snow or frost in March, and temperatures average 43 degrees Fahrenheit, gradually increasing to 75 by late May and setting off the active growing season for many Connecticut native plants.
\n\n\n\nConnecticuters care for their warm or cool-season grasses from March to May, hoping to encourage fresh growth before the dry heat takes over in the summer. Spring lawn care is more than mowing your lawn and setting the timer on your irrigation system. As your yard goes through its 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 Connecticut summer.
\n\n\n\nSpring lawn care benefits include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/800px-Dethatcher2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab, Inc. / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWith an average snowfall of 37 inches, Connecticut winters are freezing and 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 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\nConnecticut warm-season grass cultivar, Zoysiagrass, grows 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\nConnecticut receives around 45 inches of rain per year, well over the national average of 38 inches. Springtime is notoriously wet and unpredictable in the Nutmeg State with precipitation occurring in 31% 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 New England lawn to stimulate root growth following your dethatching schedule: mid-spring to early summer for Zoysiagrass and early fall for cool-season varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass.
\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 Connecticut’s soil varieties, including loose stones and gravel, rich saturated soils, alluvial sediments, disturbed loams, and gravelly sands. These acidic soils decrease nutrients, plant production, and water use and make soils more vulnerable to decline and erosion. Core aerators do a better job of breaking up sand or rock particles, creating airflow, and improving water and nutrient access.
\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\n![\"Soil](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Check-Your-Soil.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nPlants and turfgrasses growing in moist, acidic soil require regular fertilization. Spring soil preparation is crucial to the success of your Connecticut landscape. Proper preparation provides nutrients for your grass to thrive, even in the deficient soils of New England. 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\nTall grass blades develop deeper roots and a dense appearance. Healthy lawns resist insects, weeds, and diseases. Mowing is necessary for maintenance, but it stresses your turfgrass, leaving it more susceptible to pests, drought, and sunscald. Connecticut’s unpredictable, wet springs kick-start the active growing season for most plants and turfgrasses in mid to late 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 |
| 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 |
Zoysiagrass is a low-maintenance, warm-season cultivar that goes dormant during Connecticut’s 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 a mowing height between 0.75 to 1.5 inches and encourage deeper roots and a more dense and resilient turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nCool-season Connecticut turfgrasses include fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Unlike Zoysiagrass, 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\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Man-watering.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nUnless your lawn is brand new, all grass varieties respond well to the typical conditions of a Connecticut spring. The best watering method for 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 Nutmeg State 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\nConnecticut’s humid continental climate wouldn’t be complete without wet spring weather, creating the optimal habitat for plant growth, including weeds. Weeds signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health and maintenance plan. They thrive in acidic, 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 April before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit to control grassy weeds.
\n\n\n\nA common method used by savvy Connecticuters is to watch for your neighborhood’s Forsythia to bloom. These shrubs are the first to bloom, signaling the arrival of spring and microbial activity in the soil. When you see the bright yellow blooms, it is time to put down your pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nLook for solutions containing prodiamine, dithiopyr, benefin, or pendimethalin. Wait 30 to 60 days and apply a second application of pre-emergent herbicide in mid to late May or June.
\n\n\n\nCommon grassy weeds in Connecticut 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\nDifferent insects invade particular grass cultivars at different times. The most common Connecticut springtime pests include white grubs, sod webworms, armyworms, cutworms, and chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nArmyworms and cutworms include the larvae and pupae of several species of nocturnal lawn-damaging moths. These insects cause significant spring damage. Watch for brown or yellow areas of dead grass that have been chewed to the ground. Patches appear and spread quickly, increasing the bird population in your yard.
\n\n\n\nTreat armyworms and cutworms with chemical insecticides containing pyrethroids or carbaryl. Prevent these devastating insects by avoiding overfertilization and maintaining your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs affect any dense Connecticut turfgrass. 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 beginning in May.
\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\nLike armyworms, sod 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 Kentucky 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\nWhite grubs are the larval form of several species of beetles, including Japanese and Scarab beetles. These small white pests feed on turfgrass roots. Keep an eye out for wilting, brown grass blades and an increased bird population.
\n\n\n\nControl white grubs with proper lawn maintenance, irrigation, and aeration. Treat the larval pests with chemical applications. For lawns with a history of white grub activity, apply chlorantraniliprole for prevention in May. For active infestations, use an insecticide designed for white grubs, but keep in mind these chemicals also harm beneficial insects like pollinators.
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollar](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dollar-spot-bentgrass-800-646x443.jpg\")
Dollar spot symptoms on creeping bentgrass
Photo credit: Glenobear | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain
Lawn diseases and fungi love Connecticut’s humid continental 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 the Constitution State’s turfgrasses are large patch, powdery mildew, dollar spot, rust, and snow mold.
\n\n\n\nLarge patch is a fungus affecting many Connecticut turfgrasses, including ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. The fungus typically occurs in 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 Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass. It is caused by a fungus living in Connecticut 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\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 most Connecticut turfgrasses, including 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\nPink and gray snow molds are winter-dwelling fungi that attack Connecticut turfgrasses. They thrive under snow and during cold winter rains. Watch for irregular patches of dead, matted grass ranging from three to 12 inches in diameter in March after the frost and snow melt. Grass will take on a pink-to-white or gray-to-white color depending on the species of snow mold.
\n\n\n\nTreat snow mold by raking affected areas to remove matted grass and organic debris. Overseed the area to fill bare spots and stimulate growth. Prevent the disease by paying attention to the timing of your fall fertilizer application for your cool-season turfgrass. Always aim to fertilize earlier in the fall to avoid a late-season growth spurt which increases your lawn’s chance of developing snow mold.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the best time to seed your warm-season lawn in Connecticut, 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. Zoysiagrass is a low-maintenance, warm-season cultivar that responds well to spring overseeding in bare areas.
\n\n\n\nPrepare to seed your Connecticut lawn in May by tilling patchy areas. Spread 0.5 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass also responds well to sod plugs. 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![\"Tree](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rsz_pixnio-46833-800x550-1.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nThe best time to apply fertilizer to your Connecticut turfgrass is April or May, 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\nKeep in mind that Connecticut soils are acidic, typically ranging from a pH of 4.8 to 5.5. These conditions make vital nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium less available to plants, making fertilizer applications important in New England states.
\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\nZoysiagrass only needs 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 April 15. Apply a second round of fertilizer around May 15.
\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 three weeks in Connecticut. Be sure to skip watering sessions if it rains.
Fertilize after overseeding your warm-season grass. 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.
Spring weather in the Nutmeg State is unpredictable. It is typically wet, but even droughts have occurred. Generally, there is no need to supplement Mother Nature during Connecticut springs.
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
Connecticut is a nature lover’s dream with its green hills, lush gardens, moist forests, cherry blossoms, and pristine beaches. With the proper spring lawn care schedule, you can get your lawn ready for summer and save yourself time so you can spend more of it outdoors.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help identifying a pest or lawn disease, contact a Connecticut lawn care pro to help your landscape recover and establish deep roots.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sphilbrick / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Connecticut","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1789c/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/107df/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/293e9/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/f2cbb/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1789c/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/c26c2/lawn-in-CT-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1dd6e/lawn-in-CT-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/67b76/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 320w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/8df11/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 500w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/98a65/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 800w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/1dd6e/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 960w,\n/static/fb2f564697d45c85cb58f615fc9f9cbf/3cc96/lawn-in-CT-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Connecticut | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 10 valuable tips for maintaining a green spring lawn in Connecticut and prepare your grass for the dry summer."}}},{"node":{"id":"8b5a0725-b845-5cfa-a74c-1b0c38201a5f","slug":"best-native-plants-rhode-island","path":"/lawn-care/rhodeisland/best-native-plants-rhode-island/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"f8e22c75-f94e-5cf6-974d-09fca25a63ec","name":"Rhode Island","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/rhodeisland/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Rhode Island, with its vibrant cities like Providence and Newport, is a state that prides itself on its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. And what better way to celebrate this unique blend of city charm and natural splendor than by adorning your surroundings with the 8 best native plants for Rhode Island? These extraordinary […]
\n","content":"\nRhode Island, with its vibrant cities like Providence and Newport, is a state that prides itself on its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. And what better way to celebrate this unique blend of city charm and natural splendor than by adorning your surroundings with the 8 best native plants for Rhode Island?
\n\n\n\nThese extraordinary plants infuse your outdoor space with captivating aesthetics and play a crucial role in preserving the local ecosystem. Let’s take a closer look at the hidden treasures that await in Rhode Island’s diverse landscapes.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer the following benefits:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Angelica-Angelica-atropurpurea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican angelica adds a touch of elegance to Rhode Island’s landscapes. With its cream-colored, greenish tiny flowers delicately adorning its tall stems, this native marvel is a beauty. As the seasons unfold, the flowers gracefully transition into dry seed-like fruits. Standing tall and proud, it gives any landscape a sense of height and structure.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, clay, loam. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: It has a floral sweet scent.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Fall and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to wet.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 – 10 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Under optimal growing conditions, the American angelica can be cultivated from seed and even self-seed if the spent flower umbels are left undisturbed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed columbine is a native plant that adds vibrant colors to your landscape. As the early spring unfolds, a spectacle takes center stage as this plant’s red and yellow flowers burst into full bloom. Like nature’s trumpet call, these tubular blossoms beckon hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees to partake in their nectar-filled delights.
\n\n\n\nWhen the flowers have completed their performance, the red columbine transforms, becoming a ground cover that blankets the earth with its foliage. Like a vibrant tapestry woven by nature’s hand, it adds a touch of beauty to any landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 10 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Columbine has a self-seeding ability, allowing it to spread and establish new plants effortlessly. In the second year, these seedlings burst into bloom, gracing your garden with another round of flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-milkweed-Asclepias-purpurascens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple milkweed is the secret ingredient that adds a touch of beauty to Rhode Island’s backyards. Picture a magnificent fashion show of colors, with flowers ranging from regal deep purple to delicate rose-pink, showcasing nature’s most exquisite shades on its botanical runway.
\n\n\n\nBut there’s more to this beautiful plant than meets the eye. Purple milkweed hosts the monarch butterfly larvae, creating a bustling butterfly hotspot in your garden. With purple milkweed, your Rhode Island yard transforms into a showstopper, turning your outdoor space into a captivating spectacle.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: It has a lilting honey fragrance
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring to summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. The purple milkweed is a plant that can be pretty invasive. It spreads aggressively through seeds and rhizomes, making it unsuitable for small gardens.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Wild-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYellow wild indigo is a smooth, upright perennial that stands tall and proud, commanding attention with its striking appearance. Picture clusters of small, bright yellow to cream-colored flowers resembling delicate peas adorning the stems above a lush foliage mound.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves, reminiscent of clover, are trifoliate and sport a delightful gray-green hue. The yellow wild indigo invites you to turn your garden into a captivating tapestry of yellow shades.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand. Acid. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. It is advisable not to relocate this plant once it has established itself. Attempting to grow it from seed may pose a challenge.
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Blue-Flag-Iris-Versicolor.jpg\")
Photo Credit: D. Gordon E. Robertson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrepare to be captivated by the northern blue flag. Its sword-shaped blue-green leaves, clumped together, create a striking visual display. It possesses a mass of enchanting blue, lavender, and white blossoms, each with three upright inner standards and distinctively marked sepals.
\n\n\n\nWhile the fruit forms as a capsule, this blue Iris thrives best by dividing its rhizomes after the blooms fade. Invite the blue flag into your Rhode Island yard, and let its presence transport you to a world of floral splendor.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam. Acid, neutral. Moist, poorly drained soil.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous Perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Slightly fragrance.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. After the first frost, trim back the leaves above the crown. This helps the plants prepare for winter and encourages healthy growth in the spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Violet](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Violet-Wood-Sorrel-Oxalis-violacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ilona Loser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrepare to be enchanted by the delicate beauty of the violet wood-sorrel. This native plant weaves a tapestry of color and charm into Rhode Island’s landscapes. It has long-stemmed leaves emerging gracefully from the base, surpassing the flowering stem in length. And then, at the end of each stem, behold a delightful cluster of 4 to 19 flowers, like a miniature bouquet, showcasing shades of lavender and pinkish-purple.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 10 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested in large amounts.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. It has to be planted during fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bloodroot\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bloodroot-Sanguinaria-canadensis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBloodroot is a native plant that adds a touch of magic to any landscape. Imagine a single leaf and flower rising on separate stems. Watch as the leaf gently wraps around the flower bud like a protective embrace. On a smooth stalk, a solitary white flower takes center stage.
\n\n\n\nFlowers open during the day and close their petals when night falls. The fleeting performance leaves you in awe of nature’s beauty. Get ready to welcome bloodroot into your garden, and be prepared for a botanical spectacle.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Part shade to full shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light floral fragrance.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 10 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. It is propagated by division during autumn or by seed. Its germination can be erratic over the following 2 years.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/A-White-Ash-tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElevate your Rhode Island backyard to new heights of beauty by introducing beautiful white ash trees. These magnificent specimens thrive in the local climate and offer a long-lasting display throughout the seasons.
\n\n\n\nPicture the distinctive bark, boasting a stunning palette ranging from yellow-brown to light gray, adorned with corky textures and deep furrows that accentuate the tree’s character. In the spring, delicate clusters of small, pale green to purple flowers emerge, forming graceful panicles that sway in the gentle breeze. As summer transitions into fall, prepare to be spellbound by the sight of matured, one-winged samaras.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring, summer, and autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 60 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. Best sited in locations protected from strong winds. Generally tolerant of urban conditions, particularly if well-sited in the landscape.
\n\n\n\nEnhance the beauty of your garden by incorporating native plants, but remember to choose wisely to ensure their success. When selecting plants for your Rhode Island yard, it’s crucial to consider factors such as sunlight, soil quality, and irrigation.
\n\n\n\nSince Rhode Island falls within USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7, opting for plants that thrive in these conditions is essential. By making informed choices and selecting well-suited plants for your region, you’ll create a garden that flourishes with vibrant life, bringing you year-round joy and beauty.
\n\n\n\nRhode Island boasts a wide variety of native trees, including hickory, ash, elm, red maple, cherry, beech, birch, poplar, pine, and cedar. These magnificent trees add beauty to the landscape and play a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem.
Here are some additional native plant species for Rhode Island:
• Wamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)
• Alnus serrulata (Smooth Alder)
• Maryland golden aster (Chrysopsis mariana)
If you find yourself unsure about selecting the perfect plant for your native garden, don’t worry! There are resources available to guide you on your quest. The University of Rhode Island offers a helpful guide specifically designed to assist you in choosing the ideal native plants for your landscape.
When landscaping your backyard in Rhode Island, turn to local nurseries for sourcing native plants. Choosing native plants from local nurseries ensures that they are well-adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, making them more resilient and easier to maintain in the long run.
\n\n\n\nTo find native plants for your garden, explore native nurseries, the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society, and community plant and nature conservation groups. These valuable sources can provide you with a wealth of information and connect you with like-minded individuals who share a passion for native plant conservation and gardening.
\n\n\n\nHowever, selecting the right plants is just the first step. To ensure your yard’s continued health and vitality, ongoing care and maintenance are essential. Properly caring for your lawn will contribute to its long-term success and keep your landscape looking its best.
\n\n\n\nNeed help from a pro? Hire a lawn care pro near you to handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. We can connect you with trusted pros in Coventry, Providence, Cumberland, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: liz west / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Rhode Island","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7045454545454546,"src":"/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/1789c/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/107df/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.jpg 320w,\n/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/293e9/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.jpg 500w,\n/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/f2cbb/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.jpg 800w,\n/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/1789c/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.jpg 960w,\n/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/c26c2/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/1dd6e/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/67b76/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.webp 320w,\n/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/8df11/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.webp 500w,\n/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/98a65/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.webp 800w,\n/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/1dd6e/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.webp 960w,\n/static/ccb599fea1fe205d2a4dcf56f40016c3/3cc96/Blithwold-Mansion-Gardens-and-Arboretum.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Rhode Island","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the top 8 native plants for Rhode Island, boosting aesthetics and supporting local ecosystem preservation."}}},{"node":{"id":"0adae769-d709-59ab-9544-7dbb5a7e0059","slug":"best-grass-types-southern-california","path":"/lawn-care/ca/best-grass-types-southern-california/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 10th, 2023","excerpt":"There’s nothing like relaxing on a fresh green lawn on a sunny day. But what kind of grass do you need to create your dream lawn? Any SoCal turf has to handle the heat. You’ll also need to consider if your lawn is decorative or practical. You’ll need a grass type with good traffic tolerance […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s nothing like relaxing on a fresh green lawn on a sunny day. But what kind of grass do you need to create your dream lawn?
\n\n\n\nAny SoCal turf has to handle the heat. You’ll also need to consider if your lawn is decorative or practical. You’ll need a grass type with good traffic tolerance if you have pets, kids, or frequent backyard parties. If you live near the beach, you’ll need something with salinity tolerance. Let’s review the best grass types for Southern California so you can find a good fit for your yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWith dozens of turfgrass species in the U.S., how do homeowners narrow down their choices? The primary method is by what climate the grass thrives in. Warm-season grasses thrive in the Southern U.S., while cool-season grasses thrive in the Northern U.S.
\n\n\n\nHowever, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow any cool-season grasses in SoCal. Cool-season grass can survive throughout California, except in the desert regions in the Southeast. Homeowners in that area must choose warm-season grass. If you live anywhere else in California, you must weigh the pros and cons of warm and cool-season grasses to see which suits you better.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nWith such a tropical name, it’s no wonder bermudagrass does well in warm climates. This dark to blue-green grass is water-efficient, though it may turn brown during extended drought. It also doesn’t grow well in the shade. It has no significant pest problems and tolerates salinity and foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass can be high or low-maintenance, depending on the variety. While most types have a moderate nitrogen requirement, hybrid varieties require more fertilizer. Most varieties require frequent mowing due to their rapid growth, which provides good resilience during the growing season. However, it could invade garden beds or neighboring yards because of this aggressive growth.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases like spring dead spot are common; low resistance to insects like bermudagrass mites, dichondra flea beetles, and fiery skippers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kikuyugrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose, Macleay Grass Man / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhile some consider this grass a weed, others have adopted it as a turfgrass. Kikuyugrass is light green and coarse-textured with a similar appearance to St. Augustinegrass. It is mainly found within 50 miles of the coast in Southern and Central California but also can survive inland. It has a high temperature, drought, and salinity tolerance. While it tolerates shade, it is susceptible to cold weather.
\n\n\n\nKikuyugrass’ quick-spreading growth pattern is a double-edged sword — it recovers from damage well, but it’s also susceptible to thatch and spreads where it’s not wanted. Though the excess thatch makes mowing challenging, that shouldn’t deter you from a regular schedule. If you let it grow too long and cut too much off at once, this turf is likely to suffer for it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-1.5; it’s vulnerable to scalping damage if it isn’t mowed frequently
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, moderately drained soils with a light to medium texture; can tolerate low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass type is native to East Africa and was imported to California to help with erosion. Its aggressive growth makes it more resilient but makes many consider it a weed. It develops thatch easily.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bubble-on-St.-Augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis medium green grass creates dense lawns with a high drought and heat tolerance. It does well on the Southern California coast and the coastal valleys. Though St. Augustinegrass has a high shade tolerance for warm-season grass, it prefers full sun. It may go dormant in winter because of its low cold tolerance, but it depends on what part of Southern California you live in.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass requires moderate to high maintenance. Though it has few weed problems, it needs lots of fertilization. You also must dethatch regularly to improve grass health and make mowing easier. This grass isn’t the best choice for backyard sports enthusiasts, but it holds up well enough for general lawns. St. Augustinegrass seeds are not commercially available, so you need to establish the grass with sod or stolons.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; watch out for iron deficiency, fiery skippers, and Southern chinch bugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a dark green grass type that forms thick, prickly turf. It is well adapted to warm climates and has a good drought, heat, and traffic tolerance. This grass does best in full sun but tolerates shade. It can turn brown and dormant in winter if temperatures are cool enough, but fall fertilization can improve its winter color.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is generally low-maintenance, with few pest problems and low fertilizer needs. Overfertilization could lead to excessive thatch buildup and difficulty mowing. The biggest downside of Zoysiagrass is its slow establishment. Some varieties like “Emerald”and “DeAnza” establish quicker, but most homeowners install sod or sprigs instead to speed things up.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall; watch out for nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining; some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if the grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nDespite the name, this grass type is more dark green than blue. It creates dense turf that repairs itself when damaged. Despite this quick recovery time, it isn’t very traffic tolerant. This moderate to high-maintenance grass prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass will grow in Southern California in fall, winter, and spring in Southern California. However, it’s not a good choice if you want a summer superstar. It won’t grow in the heat and will likely go dormant in droughts. When stressed by heat, lack of water, or poor soil quality, it will be much more susceptible to diseases and weeds. Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with 15% perennial ryegrass, so it performs better.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nThe mild California winters are just right for this cool-season grass. While it does best in fall through spring, it will tolerate warm temperatures and heat stress. Its extensive root system gives it good drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Tall fescue is low maintenance, with little mowing required. It also has good weed and disease resistance.
\n\n\n\nThis medium to dark green grass is prevalent throughout the state but won’t do well in high-altitude areas. Though tall fescue has moderate traffic tolerance, it may struggle to recover from damage. Reseed any patchy areas since they won’t fill in naturally.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Fast rate of growth, so plan to mow often
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side); do not mow less than 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate under proper management conditions
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wider range of soil conditions
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.
\n\n\n\nSouthern California’s most drought-resistant grass types are bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and Zoysiagrass. If you would prefer cool-season grass, choose tall fescue.
Bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and Zoysiagrass are the best grass types for dog owners. They can handle the extra foot traffic and recover from damage. Keep in mind that no grass is completely dog-resistant.
Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue are available in seed form. They are all suitable for seeding new or existing lawns.
While Zoysiagrass seeds exist, their slow establishment rate makes sod more practical. St. Augustinegrass and kikuyugrass are not commercially available in seed form.
Yes. Kentucky bluegrass is frequently combined with ryegrass or tall fescue to improve performance. Some blends are specially formulated for the SoCal climate. For example, Marathon grass is a mixture of different tall fescue varieties.
You fight a losing battle when you ignore Mother Nature. If you embrace the California climate, your lawn and garden will thrive. Complement your new lawn and reduce your fire risk with drought-resistant landscaping and plants native to Southern California.
\n\n\n\nLawn care and landscaping are sweaty work, especially in sunny SoCal. If you need a hand, Wikilawn’s pros are here to help. We can connect you with landscapers and lawn care companies in Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, and many more Southern California cities.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Josh Lee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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\n","content":"\nDallas spring weather is sometimes all over the place. Unpredictably there will be excessive heat sprinkled with freezing temperatures and sometimes even a tornado will pass by. Luckily the grasses that are most popular in Dallas can put up with these different types of weather. Arguably, the most important part of lawn care is watering. It can be mundane, but it is important to have proper watering techniques. Here we have made a guide to watering specific to the Dallas area.
\n\n\n\nWatering a lawn, while it may sound easy, can be daunting when the results of the lawn are not up to par with expectations. The recommended amount of water per week in north texas is about an inch. Take into consideration the amount of sunlight your lawn receives. If the lawn is fully exposed to the sun and has no shade, these lawns will need more water to survive.
Under watering grass is probably the most prevalent prognosis in Texas, however in Dallas there are quick outbursts of rain that can add to over watering, especially if your lawn has not had proper watering techniques. Here are some signs that you are overwatering or underwatering.
\n\n\n\nThatch b
Fungus and disease can arise when a lawn has been over watered. If there is any stagnant water in a lawn there is an opportunity for a
Weeds of certain strains can thrive over thatch build up. Making sure that the lawn stays dense and free of additional water will promote healthy lawn growth and less weeds.
\n\n\n\nStress is a factor in any lawn, however, when stress begins to affect the lawn in a noticeable way, this is an indicator the grass is under
Discoloration will turn the lawn from green to brown or yellow. This can be an indicator that the grass has caught a disease as well. Watching the color of the grass closely will ensure the lawn doesn’t get to this point. Remember, overly exposed patches of grass may need a little more water than shaded sections.
Clump growth will indicate the lawn is struggling to survive. There will be several patches of dead grass with small sections of green. This stage is still salvageable, but may need an additional reseed and fertilizer to completely fix the problem.
\n\n\n\nTo avoid overwatering and to ensure the conservation of our water supply, the time of day matters. The optimum time to water is in the morning between the hours of 7 am to 10 am. During daylight savings, the watering schedule should be mended to around the time the sun rises.
\n\n\n\nWatering when the yard is fully exposed to the sun is a waste of water. The water will quickly evaporate during these times and not allow the grass to soak it all up. If only some water get through to the roots the roots will most likely become shallow and you will eventually have to water more to keep the grass green.
On the opposite spectrum watering in the evening can lead to over watering the lawn. The morning sun has the ability to evaporate excess water on the lawn ensuring the perfect amount of water gets soaked up by the grass. In the evening the water has nowhere to go but to sit on the lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe best technique to use when watering the yard is deep infrequent watering. This type of schedule aligns with the Dallas Watering Restrictions as well. Frequent watering with less water will cause the grass to have shallow roots. Infrequent watering will also allow the yard to be more durable against drought, below freezing temperatures, and other weather.
\n\n\n\nThere is a maximum two day a week watering restriction. If your house address ends in an even number you can water on Sundays and Thursdays. If your house ends in an odd number you are allotted Saturdays and Wednesdays. If there is no address number where you reside you can water on Sundays and Thursdays.
\n\n\n\nStill looking for more lawn care information? Visit our Dallas, TX lawn care page for more tips n’ tricks.
\n\n\n\nTop photo: Flickr // jean-louis plamondon
\n","title":"The #1 Dallas Lawn Watering Guide for Spring/Summer 2019","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/f2cbb/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/107df/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.jpg 320w,\n/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/293e9/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.jpg 500w,\n/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/f2cbb/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/98a65/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/67b76/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.webp 320w,\n/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/8df11/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.webp 500w,\n/static/cf8e2cc4354db8c692966a611cccbc94/98a65/lawn-watering-tips-for-dallas-tx.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The #1 Dallas Lawn Watering Guide for Spring/Summer 2019 | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3163ae33-24fa-539d-a4ae-42162d441c6a","slug":"lawn-mowing-maintenance-fort-worth","path":"/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/lawn-mowing-maintenance-fort-worth/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9ccd5174-167e-5379-890b-68ac830ec905","name":"Forth Worth","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Fort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore. And lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on […]
\n","content":"\nFort Worth has something to make everyone smile – plentiful sunshine, a square-jawed Western heritage, taco and barbecue joints everywhere and museums and universities galore.
\n\n\n\nAnd lawns. Lots of lawns that need mowing watering and trimming. Here’s a guide to how to keep your Fort Worth lawn happy so you can spend more time on it, and more time enjoying the 13th-largest city in the United States.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth likes you to keep up the appearance of your lawn. In fact, it insists, in the form of a code compliance office that will issue you a notice if your grass is taller than 12 inches. Properties overgrown with high grass and weeds are not just unsightly, the city says, but “they pose a fire hazard, block visibility for driers, harbor rodents and snakes and contribute to pests like mosquitoes and chiggers.”
\n\n\n\nIgnore the notice for more than 10 days and the city will send out a crew to cut it for you. The cost: $250, payable within 30 days. Failure to pay can result in a lien being placed against the property.
\n\n\n\nIf your neighbor’s grass gets too high, the city makes it easy to file a complaint online.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the most common grasses for lawns in Fort Worth. Zoysia varieties are also making their mark.
\n\n\n\nIn the mood for something more exotic? Texas-bred native grasses based on buffalograss have great drought tolerance, though the appearance is scruffily untraditional. The Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth is one of many buildings experimenting with a buffalograss blend.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses such as the ones that thrive in Fort Worth have their heaviest growth in the summer, so you’ll want to keep to a regular mowing schedule then. If you’re doing the job yourself in the 90+ degree heat, keep your mower blades sharp to prevent shredding that could injure your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMowing heights for different grass varieties are as follows:
\n\n\n\nIn the past, the typical practice was to remove lawn clippings and have them hauled to the landfill. That’s no longer the case, as lawn clippings are now seen as an important source of fertilizer for the lawn. On a typical lawn, leaving the clippings in place to decompose and return nitrogen to the soil for a full season added enough nutrients for you to skip one round of fertilization.
\n\n\n\nFort Worth’s climate is on the hot side, with average highs in the mid-90s in July and August. Expect about 40 inches of rain, with May, June and October the wettest months. That leaves a lot of hot, dry days in the mid to late summer in between, when your lawn will want a deep drink of water. But you’ll need to follow the city’s watering restrictions, imposed year-round to conserve the resource. Lawn irrigation by sprinkler or irrigation system is banned from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Penalties are stiff for violation: up to $2,000 for each offense.
\n\n\n\nBe polite and don’t mow too early or too late. The city has a noise ordinance. While it does not mention lawn mowers or leaf blowers specifically, it does bar “unreasonable noise,” especially at night.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in Fort Worth? We got you covered! Go to our Fort Worth, TX lawn care page for more information.
People in the Austin area enjoy mild winters in a city that offers endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation. But the mellow winters come at a price: extreme summer temperatures that come saddled with water restrictions. These regulations can leave homeowners feeling like they have to choose between a healthy lawn and hefty fines. Read […]
\n","content":"\nPeople in the Austin area enjoy mild winters in a city that offers endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation. But the mellow winters come at a price: extreme summer temperatures that come saddled with water restrictions. These regulations can leave homeowners feeling like they have to choose between a healthy lawn and hefty fines. Read on for a guide to water restrictions in Austin/Round Rock.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how much rain Central Texas receives, water restrictions are typically imposed in summer, when the water levels in lakes Travis and Buchanan — the area’s sources of potable water — fall under a specified level.
\n\n\n\nThe restrictions are based on a few variables, including property type, watering method, and property address. Here’s a breakdown of the water restriction stages:
\n\n\n\nAt this point, water use is severely restricted. Your plants are on their own, as all outdoor irrigation is prohibited.
\n\n\n\nAlso banned at this stage are all car washing, patio misting equipment and power washers. You can’t refill your pool. Ornamental fountains have to be turned off, too, unless doing so would kill aquatic life.
\n\n\n\nWater restrictions are no joke, and enforcement is fairly common. In Stage 2, residential violations get slapped with a $75 fine the first time around. Fines go up to $500 for the fourth violation in a year.
\n\n\n\nThe higher the stage, the higher the fine. In Stage 4, the fourth violation will cost as much as $2,000.
\n\n\n\nWhile water restrictions are nothing to scoff at, the reality is that most yards don’t need more than a deep watering every five days. Landscapes can be drought-proofed by using xeriscaping and installing native landscape plants. You may also consider a rain barrel to harvest rainwater as well as reducing your garden watering in lean times.
\n\n\n\nYes, the schedules can be daunting. The good news is that after a season of generous rain, it’s unlikely the area will go past conservation level restrictions this year. Remember: water conservation is not a punishment, but rather an agreement we all make to preserve our most vital natural resource.
If you’re not sure about whether there are currently water restrictions in your area, check the Austin or Round Rock websites.
Interested in learning more about gardening and lawn care in Austin? Visit our Austin TX lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Lower Colorado River Authority.
\n","title":"Water Restrictions in Austin, Round Rock, Texas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4912280701754386,"src":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/73f1e/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg","srcSet":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/107df/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 320w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/293e9/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 500w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/f2cbb/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 800w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/73f1e/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.jpg 850w","srcWebp":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/05ed0/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/67b76/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 320w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/8df11/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 500w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/98a65/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 800w,\n/static/15fd760d99b449fc88b8229fa678b0b2/05ed0/Drought_Lake-Travis_05162011_0090.webp 850w","sizes":"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Water Restrictions in Austin, Round Rock, Texas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"1397b9f5-c435-5c83-b65f-3d4e05d62eca","slug":"best-grass-types-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-grass-types-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"We Texans like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around a minute” because it changes so rapidly. These wild fluctuations – cold to hot, rainy to scorching, windy to still – and the varied climates of this massive state, can wreak havoc on grass and plants. So before you invest in expensive […]
\n","content":"\nWe Texans like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around a minute” because it changes so rapidly. These wild fluctuations – cold to hot, rainy to scorching, windy to still – and the varied climates of this massive state, can wreak havoc on grass and plants. So before you invest in expensive landscaping, it’s critical to know which grasses grow best in Texas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTexas is so big that its climate varies from place to place. For example, West Texas and North Texas are drier and cooler than South Texas and the coastal areas. As you might expect, then, certain grass types grow better in some regions than others. For instance, buffalograss grows best in areas that get 25 inches of rainfall or less (annually), while centipedegrass loves East Texas’ intense humidity.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can’t grow buffalograss in coastal Texas and centipedegrass in West Texas, but you will probably have to work harder at it. So keep those differences in mind as we make our way through the strengths and weaknesses of each type of grass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you plan on using your lawn for recreation and entertaining, give some thought to Zoysiagrass because it tolerates foot traffic well. Be aware, though, that if it gets damaged, it can take a while to recover because it grows slowly.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass tolerates drought extremely well, and it bounces back rapidly from drought with some irrigation or rainfall.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow about once a week
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKnown as “carpet grass” for the carpet-like feeling beneath your feet, St. Augustinegrass is most commonly seen in Southeast Texas (although it’s grown in most of the state). It’s the most shade-tolerant of the warm-season grasses, but while it handles drought well, it isn’t as drought-tolerant as Bermudagrass or Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass doesn’t like heavy foot traffic so don’t let the kids or pets run wild in the yard.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass’ strongest traits are its high traffic tolerance and quick recovery. This makes it popular for golf courses, lawns, and athletic fields. It’s also quite drought-tolerant and loves full sunlight.
\n\n\n\nThere are many seeded varieties of Bermudagrass, some of which have finer textures and create a denser turf than standard Bermudagrass. Bermudagrass also comes in hybrid varieties (a mix of common and African varieties), which are more aggressive than regular Bermudagrass varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar JamesBecwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is best adapted to East Texas’ acidic soils. It’s best known for its low-maintenance requirements: It doesn’t need a lot of irrigation, fertilization, or mowing. It grows well in moderate shade but thrives in full sunlight, but it doesn’t like heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is used primarily for parks, golf courses, lawns, and other turf areas, but not athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocated in Central and West Texas, buffalograss likes heavy clay soils in areas with little rainfall. (In other areas, it has to contend with weeds and other invasive grasses). It thrives in full sun but doesn’t like heavy shade or foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss works well in many areas, such as school grounds, golf courses, parks, and roadsides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizome
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2 – 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass are your best choices for a lawn that doesn’t require much maintenance.
St. Augustinegrass is the way to go if your lawn gets a lot of shade.
Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass are the preferred choices if you plan on having people in the yard frequently.
There isn’t a single type of grass that fits every Texas lawn. Choosing the right grass depends on where you live.
\n\n\n\nOnce you get your grass picked out, complement it with low-maintenance landscaping that makes your yard come alive but without a bunch of effort and money.
\n\n\n\nWhere do you start? Contact one of Wikilawn’s lawn care professionals, and they’ll give you all the help you need.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Texas Discovery Gardens / Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Grasses for a Great Texas Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1789c/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg","srcSet":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/107df/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 320w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/293e9/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 500w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/f2cbb/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 800w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1789c/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 960w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/c26c2/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1dd6e/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/67b76/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 320w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/8df11/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 500w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/98a65/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 800w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/1dd6e/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 960w,\n/static/be031144a6edd0e5dd399b3ae8783dd7/3cc96/Texas-Discovery-Gardens.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass For a Great Texas Lawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Texas is such a big state that some grasses thrive in areas that others don’t. Learn more about the best grasses for your Texas lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"4117cfd1-d2b9-5ebc-934a-8c3d719d4601","slug":"native-trees-washington","path":"/lawn-care/wa/native-trees-washington/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?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 29th, 2023","excerpt":"Within the picturesque landscapes of Washington State, a realm of natural treasures awaits. Here, native trees proudly stand as guardians of the land, their roots firmly grounded in this diverse region. These majestic trees native to Washington State offer many advantages, providing a food source for wildlife and a source of inspiration for the vibrant […]
\n","content":"\nWithin the picturesque landscapes of Washington State, a realm of natural treasures awaits. Here, native trees proudly stand as guardians of the land, their roots firmly grounded in this diverse region. These majestic trees native to Washington State offer many advantages, providing a food source for wildlife and a source of inspiration for the vibrant culture that thrives throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nFrom the towering forests of Olympic National Park to the urban arboreal havens of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington’s native trees add a distinct flavor to each cityscape, infusing the air with a crisp freshness that invigorates both body and spirit.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"Douglas](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Douglas-Fir.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the magnificent forests of Washington, the douglas fir reigns supreme as a true giant among trees. Standing tall and proud, it boasts an impressive stature, earning its reputation as one of the largest trees on our planet. This majestic conifer is one of the most important timber species in the United States.
\n\n\n\nAs a young evergreen tree, douglas fir has a narrow and spired pyramidal shape. Its lower branches gracefully droop while the upper ones ascend with determination. When mature, it undergoes a stunning metamorphosis. The once conical form gives way to a cylindrical silhouette, shedding its lower branches until only the top third of the tree remains adorned with verdant foliage.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, clay, loam. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: A delightfully sweet scent fills the air when the Douglas fir needles are gently crushed.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: All year.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Keep it well watered since it is intolerant to drought. It is easy to transplant when it is small.
\n\n\n\n![\"Western](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Red-Cedar.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeep within the lush forests of Washington, the western red cedar stands as a living testament to the passage of time. With a lifespan that stretches across centuries, some of its elder brethren boast an astounding age exceeding a millennium, proudly bearing the weight of history upon their sturdy branches.
\n\n\n\nThe Western Red Cedar showcases a silhouette that ranges from narrow to broad, resembling a pyramidal shape. This resilient giant may develop a buttressed base. Trees in compact spaces find an elegance in their narrower shape, while those gifted with abundant room embrace a broader form.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: When crushed it emits a distinctive, sweet pineapple or pear drop-like smell.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. It does not tolerate drought.
\n\n\n\n![\"Sitka](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sitka-Spruce.jpg\")
Photo Credit: born1945 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the beautiful woodlands of Washington, the Sitka spruce stands tall. This noble native tree is a sight to behold, with an open crown that reaches towards the sky, adorned with branches that sway and dance. Its vibrant foliage showcases stiff, four-sided needles in a mesmerizing blue-green hue.
\n\n\n\nThe Sitka spruce’s ever-transforming bark changes from smooth and silvery gray in its youth to purplish-brown hues when mature.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sitka spruce essential oil’s piney, earthy, woodsy scent can offer relief and relaxation during the cold season.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: All year
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 250 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe mighty ponderosa pine is a true icon of the Western United States. This magnificent pine stands tall and proud and is known for its dominance and value as a timber resource. Its dark yellowish-green needles, arranged in bundles of three, create a lush and vibrant canopy that captivates the eye.
\n\n\n\nAs we venture closer, we can admire the tree’s fascinating transformation. Young trees boast a striking dark brown to black bark. Yet, as the ponderosa pine matures, its bark evolves into a warm orangish-brown hue adorned with intricate furrows and large scaly plates. Truly a spectacle to behold, this tree embodies strength and resilience.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: The bark, stems, and needles emit a resinous or turpentine scent when broken or crushed.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 60 to 125 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Induces abortion in cattle.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. No tolerance for shade. Established trees tolerate some dry soil conditions.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis deciduous tree exudes grace and elegance in the forests of Washington. Standing tall with a straight trunk and crowned with pointed or rounded branches, the red alder is a sight to behold. Its bark, adorned in a mottled pattern of light gray to whitish hues, is remarkably smooth to the touch.
\n\n\n\nBut what truly sets this tree apart is its ability to nurture its surroundings. Beneath the surface, they develop intriguing swellings or root nodules housing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, nature’s very own soil enrichers. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into valuable chemicals that act as natural fertilizers, nourishing the surrounding plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, chalk, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist, but well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous Perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: The bark has a strong aromatic smell similar to cottonwood.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 66 to 98 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. The growth rate of this tree is quite rapid, and it spreads through the dispersal of its seeds. It favors the combination of cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers for optimal growth and development.
\n\n\n\n![\"Paper](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Paper-Birch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis tree tells a story with its ever-evolving shape and captivating features. When young, the paper birch takes on a loosely pyramidal form. As it matures, its silhouette transforms into a charming irregular oval to a rounded shape, often retaining low branches.
\n\n\n\nThe paper birch can be trained to grow with multiple trunks, creating a picturesque display. But what steals the show is its exquisite bark. Cloaked in a pristine white coat, it exfoliates gracefully, unveiling strips of papery wonder that reveal a beautiful orange-brown inner bark. Over time, as the tree matures, black markings emerge, painting a stunning contrast on its snowy canvas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance:It has a sweet woody sappy green fragrance.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate.It is better to prune during its dormant season. It is important to avoid pruning during winter or spring when the sap is actively flowing, as it may result in bleeding.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pacific](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Madrone.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Pacific madrone is a tree that dazzles the senses with its splendid display of springtime elegance. As the season blooms, this tree adorns itself with white bell-shaped flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle. But the magic doesn’t end there, for these blossoms give way to round fruits that mature into a striking shade of red, adding a vibrant burst of color to the forest landscape.
\n\n\n\nThe bark sheds its old skin to reveal its true beauty. From its stunning flowers to its fiery fruits and the captivating spectacle of its peeling bark, the Pacific madrone invites us to celebrate the ever-changing nature and find joy in the vibrant tapestry of life.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to part shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: It exudes a strong honey smell that attracts bees and fruit-eating birds like waxwings and robins.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 80 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. They are difficult to transplant and can be slow to establish.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pacific](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Paul Schultz from Kenmore, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Pacific dogwood tree presents itself with a dense, conical, or rounded crown. Its branches, arranged in a graceful, horizontal-tiered fashion, create a picturesque display that evokes a sense of serenity and harmony. The Pacific dogwood has delicate, white flowers.
\n\n\n\nAs the seasons shift, the Pacific dogwood continues to delight. It adorns itself with orange to red fruits, adding a touch of autumnal splendor to the landscape. And when the foliage begins its transition, the tree’s leaves transform into a captivating shade of yellow-orange, painting the surroundings with a vibrant burst of color.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: It has a strong but pleasant floral scent similar to sweet honeysuckle.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. Established plants have some drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIn the vast landscapes of Washington, the western red cedars claim the title of the state’s towering giants. These majestic evergreen conifers dominate the coastal regions, reaching impressive heights of 100 to 200 feet and boasting 9 feet or more diameters.
Here’s a list of other native tree species in Washington:
• Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)
• Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
• Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia)
When embarking on a backyard landscaping project in Washington, tapping into the expertise of local nurseries becomes crucial. Opting for native trees and plants from these nurseries ensures they are well-suited to the region’s climate and soil conditions, enhancing their resilience and long-term maintenance.
\n\n\n\nRemember that Washington State predominantly falls under USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, selecting suitable plants or trees is the first step in creating a thriving landscape. Ongoing care and maintenance are vital for its sustained health and vitality.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure the best results for your yard, consider hiring a lawn care pro near you to handle the mowing, trimming, and edging. We can connect you with trusted pros in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and many other cities throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Washington State Capitol Building / Pastajosh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"8 Trees Native to Washington State","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1789c/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/107df/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 320w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/293e9/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 500w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/f2cbb/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 800w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1789c/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 960w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/c26c2/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1dd6e/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/67b76/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 320w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/8df11/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 500w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/98a65/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 800w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1dd6e/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 960w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/3cc96/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Trees Native to Washington State","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 8 trees native to Washington State, boosting aesthetics and supporting local ecosystem preservation."}}},{"node":{"id":"f1af7a6b-7d06-5dfc-bbba-ebd2818cc999","slug":"best-grass-types-plano","path":"/lawn-care/tx/plano/best-grass-types-plano/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"eeca14ff-595b-559f-93ba-b53dc08466da","name":"Plano","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/plano/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"You don’t want your Plano lawn to be plain-o. OK, bad puns aside, if you’ have a home built or want a new, ‘re trying to establish a beautiful, green lawn to replace your old, withered one, try out these grass types that are ideal for Plano. In this article: Bermudagrass BermudagrassPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr […]
\n","content":"\nYou don’t want your Plano lawn to be plain-o. OK, bad puns aside, if you’ have a home built or want a new, ‘re trying to establish a beautiful, green lawn to replace your old, withered one, try out these grass types that are ideal for Plano.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Bermudagrass is the most common grass in Plano (and all of North Texas). Plano has two types of Bermudagrass: common and hybrid. Common is a light-green grass with a coarse leaf texture, making it better for lawns. Hybrid is darker, finer, and more aggressive, making it better for golf courses and sports fields.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is incredibly drought-resistant (valuable in Texas’ hot summers), tolerates heavy foot traffic, and grows well in most soil types, even the coarse, sandy variety found in many places in the Southwest. It’s also a versatile grass, as it’s usable in many settings like golf courses, lawns, and athletic fields. However, Bermudagrass doesn’t tolerate shade well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Both stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St.-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
If you live in an urban area, you’ve probably seen St. Augustinegrass. That’s because it’s more shade-tolerant than other grasses. It also handles being mowed at a higher height than other warm-season grasses, so it’s popular in lawns.
\n\n\n\nWhat it doesn’t tolerate is cold, so it doesn’t thrive in winter. It also struggles under heavy foot traffic, drought, and diseases. However, a well-maintained St. Augustinegrass lawn feels like a carpet (hence its other name, “carpet grass”), making the extra steps worth it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2.5 – 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Buffalograss.jpeg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Pixnio / CC0
Buffalograss is an excellent choice for drought-prone regions. It thrives in areas that don’t get much rain and can tolerate cold better than other warm-season grasses. It’s also a low-maintenance grass that doesn’t require a lot of mowing.
\n\n\n\nHowever, buffalograss doesn’t do well in the shade. It also doesn’t thrive with too much water; overwatering causes weeds and other grasses to invade it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizome
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Centipedegrass
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
Centipedegrass is a slow-growing and coarse-leafed grass that requires little maintenance. It doesn’t need much fertilizer or mowing.
\n\n\n\nIts most prominent issues are that it needs a lot of sun and doesn’t tolerate traffic or prolonged drought. It’s also susceptible to herbicides.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolon
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, St. Augustinegrass is your best bet.
Bermudagrass is the way to go if multiple legs stampede around your yard.
All lawns require some work to keep them healthy, but if you want a lawn that requires little maintenance, go for either centipedegrass or bermudagrass.
Each of these grass types excels in different conditions, but there’s no right or wrong. It depends on your living conditions and which one works best for you.
\n\n\n\nOnce you find the right grass types, your next step will be to spruce up your yard with some of the best native plants in Plano, as they’ll grow well with little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you are unsure what to do or need a helping hand, contact one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, and we’ll be happy to help.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sears house Plano / A. McMurray / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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