![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ZuMWnkixqAKLvGOkgbYI2Rt7P6CCkyiTk44gJ-CyzUBr4c5pKFechYryp0IJSDCiQfHNLtL8xByG3hUXrmzzXkq_gdOwOCcqqWG9wrs2tLmwrF_VCZC-sSf_eGa78PTxYa5Ru6YO\")
One of the most famous lawns in the USA is getting a facelift. Workers are laying new sod at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., the home of every president since John Adams in 1800. The decision to spend nearly $80,000 to replace the lawn comes after President Trump held events on the White House […]
\n","content":"\nOne of the most famous lawns in the USA is getting a facelift. Workers are laying new sod at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., the home of every president since John Adams in 1800.
\n\n\n\nThe decision to spend nearly $80,000 to replace the lawn comes after President Trump held events on the White House South Lawn and in the Rose Garden during the Republican National Convention (RNC).
\n\n\n\nLarge crowds and heavy equipment during that last week of August did quite a number on the existing grass. The White House hasn’t disclosed the type of sod currently in place, but in the past, tall fescue has been the choice because it stands up to heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nBoth the White House and the National Park Service Capital Region confirm tax dollars will not pay for the renovations. Instead, they’ll be paid for with campaign donations to the president’s re-election campaign.
\n\n\n\nBut what about your yard? What about the sod you have now and how does it weather a lot of traffic?
\n\n\n\nWhile your own lawn isn’t under the watchful eyes of the nation, your neighborhood probably keeps tabs on it. If lawn parties or children playing cause heavy foot traffic in your yard, tall fescue is a great choice, just as it is at the White House. Its dense root system and strong blades make it resistant to wear and tear.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a course-textured turfgrass that stands up to a lot of use and offers a dense covering of grass. It’s a cool-season grass that generally does best in the northern half of the country, but adapts to a variety of climates.
\n\n\n\nIn moderate temperatures, this heat- and drought-tolerant turfgrass stays green year-round. Tall fescue also does well in partially shaded areas. New turf varieties of tall fescue form thick lawns with even more tolerance to heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nThere aren’t many drawbacks to tall fescue but it is vulnerable to brown patch disease in hot, humid climates. Its growth pattern also makes it tough for this species to self-repair if damaged by heavy lawn use.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Zozg4N3zikkKkqhbfQ9t6kx2NUcRDom7OkHJeR_AvIieTahw7b-nT4dsp_s9vpHg01Z1CW5rDadWJ7wN8zthjL2v4Uu2Fr2Tp7IjMfTn6AObNZ_6lLkH77XtYWLJm8aTSGT92z1A\")
If you’re looking for a warm-season grass (which thrives in the southern half of the country) that does well in heavy foot traffic, as well as heat and direct sunlight, Zoysia is your best bet. This slow grower eventually creates a dense carpet of grass. That thickness helps it tolerate heavy use. It heals itself and will fill in if damaged.
\n\n\n\nZoysia thrives in full sun and also tolerates moderate shade. Its density helps choke out weeds. Zoysia does well in drought conditions. Like tall fescue, it has a deep root system.
\n\n\n\nZoysia may turn brown and straw-like in dry weather but usually turns green again when watered. As an added benefit, it’s slow growth means less mowing!
\n\n\n\nThere are few disadvantages to Zoysia. It can go from green to brown at the first sign of cooler weather and it’s susceptible to thatch problems.
\n\n\n\nDepending on where you live, tall fescue or Zoysia will give you the lush, beautiful lawn you want if your yard sees a lot of use.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind: Even the sturdiest turf has a tough time standing up to 1,500 campaign supporters, dozens of reporters and heavy duty spotlights.
\n\n\n\nLooking for someone to mow your Washington, D.C.-area lawn or someone to lay new sod in your yard? Find a pro to take care of your lawn on our Washington, D.C., lawn care page.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: White House South Lawn / Mark Skrobola (MCS@flickr) / CC BY
\n","title":"Trump Resods White House Lawn after Hosting RNC Events","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/1789c/white-house-south-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/107df/white-house-south-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/293e9/white-house-south-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/f2cbb/white-house-south-lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/1789c/white-house-south-lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/356ef/white-house-south-lawn.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/1dd6e/white-house-south-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/67b76/white-house-south-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/8df11/white-house-south-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/98a65/white-house-south-lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/1dd6e/white-house-south-lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/bf35e4733d3217a86d8bf28defdd7c76/93f70/white-house-south-lawn.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Trump Resods White House Lawn after Hosting RNC Events | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"President Trump is resodding the White House lawn following wear and tear after the Republican National Convention."}}},{"node":{"id":"903e13c5-05b0-586e-9537-b430b6b16abb","slug":"best-native-plants-washington-dc","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/best-native-plants-washington-dc/","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":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 18th, 2023","excerpt":"So, you just installed a new lawn. What next? How about choosing plants to finish off your landscaping? But not all plants are ideal for DC’s climate, which ranges from cold and snowy in the winter to steamy in the summer. Consider going with native these nine plants that look great and are well-adapted to […]
\n","content":"\nSo, you just installed a new lawn. What next? How about choosing plants to finish off your landscaping? But not all plants are ideal for DC’s climate, which ranges from cold and snowy in the winter to steamy in the summer. Consider going with native these nine plants that look great and are well-adapted to our four seasons in Washington.
\n\n\n\nThe top candidates are:
\n\n\n\nNative plants have adapted to the our climate, meaning they don’t need as much maintenance as non-native plants. They also come with the following benefits:
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFound in gardens and yards throughout the DC area, the flowering dogwood is a popular and well-recognized small tree. White, showy, fragrant flowers bloom in the spring (which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies), giving way to red berries in the fall.
\n\n\n\nWhile stressed, flowering dogwoods are susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew, although none are life-threatening.
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Grows best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoil: organically rich, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching 40 feet.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Eastern-Redbud-Cercis-canadensis-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWith its beautiful pink and purple spring flowers and heart-shaped leaves, the eastern redbud is a DC favorite. It’s used as a garden accent under larger trees. Wildlife love the pods that release seeds in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe eastern redbud’s stems can come down with canker (a fungus), but pruning them eliminates the infection.
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, full shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry or moist soil
\n\n\n\nSoil: Any moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall, with a 25- to 35-foot spread.
\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\nIf you need a small tree for your garden, consider the serviceberry. This early flowering tree has edible fruits (similar to blueberries) and, in the fall, brilliant orange-red foliage. Its flowers provide pollen and nectar to beneficial insects and birds.
\n\n\n\nServiceberries are vulnerable to diseases, which can make their fruit inedible to people (but not wildlife). Disease severity varies from year to year, partially due to weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Acidic, moist, and well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 25 feet tall, with a 15- to 25-foot spread.
\n\n\n\n![\"File:Viburnum](\"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Viburnum_dentatum_3zz.jpg/800px-Viburnum_dentatum_3zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNo matter the season, the arrowwood viburnum offers something of interest. White flowers bloom in late spring, followed by blue and black drupes (fruits) in the summer and fall, which birds and small animals love. In the fall, arrowwood viburnum turns yellow, orange, or red.
\n\n\n\nArrowwood viburnum prefers dry, moist, or wet soils and full to partial sun. It grows in an irregular, rounded shape.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry, moist, or wet soil
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam or sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 10 feet tall
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Winterberry-Ilex-Verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a shrub that provides beauty in the winter months, the winterberry holly is a good choice. In the fall, it loses its leaves and grows bright red berries that birds and moths love.
\n\n\n\nWinterberry holly is dioecious, meaning there are male and female flowers on separate plants. The females produce berries, while the males provide the pollen the females need.
\n\n\n\nSome winterberry hollies bloom earlier than others. The more overlap between male and female blooms, the better the pollination and berry production.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moist or wet soil
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained, acidic (doesn’t like neutral or basic soils)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 12 feet tall
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nYou would expect a plant with “beauty” in its name to be beautiful, and the American beautyberry delivers on that front. Lavender flower clusters appear in the summer, giving way to magenta fruit in the fall.
\n\n\n\nIf you want the best fruit, plant the American beautyberry in full sun and dry, acidic soils. However, this shrub manages just fine in partial shade.
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low (one inch per week)
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Partridge-Berry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAnother favorite of winter gardens, partridge berry has deep, dark-green leaves and scarlet berries. In late spring, pairs of white flowers bloom. Both flowers in each pair need pollination before a single berry appears.
\n\n\n\nPartridge berries prefer shade but accept the morning sun. When planted in the garden, they’ll form a thick ground cover and only demand you keep garden debris away from them.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to deep shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Acidic, good drainage, moist, occasionally dry
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moist or wet soil
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWant pollinators? Plant swamp milkweed. This plant attracts numerous beneficial insects, hummingbirds, and native bees. It grows flat clusters of pink and white flowers, and exudes a milky juice when broken.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweeds thrive in any type of garden soil as long as it doesn’t completely dry out, especially in the spring. Because of this, it’s a great addition to a native plant garden.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay or loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moist or wet soil
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nContinuing with pollinator favorites, we have the red columbine. Its nodding, red, bell-like flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It generally lives 3 to 5 years and doesn’t need to be divided. However, it needs sun to partial shade and dry and moist soil.
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Weekly or whenever the soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nYou can plant perennials as early as February. If you have any annuals, plant them in April.
Invasive plants are non-native plants that can cause economic, environmental, and health harm. They don’t have natural predators, produce many seeds, and grow aggressively.
It isn’t recommended, as poaching seeds and plants from wild areas will deplete these areas of the seeds they need to be self-sustaining. Nurseries will raise these native plants or ensure they weren’t stolen from the wild.
Take a look at your backyard. You might have some of these plants growing there. If you don’t, or if you want to buy more, the nation’s capital has plenty of nurseries to buy them, such as:
\n\n\n\nOnce you buy your fill of native plants, your lawn is next. Outfit it with some of the best grass types in Washington, DC, to ensure the healthiest lawn possible. However, you don’t need to lift a finger, unless it’s to pick up your cell phone and call one of Wikilawn’s local pros to do the work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: cultivar413 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Native Plants for Your Washington DC Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/1789c/winterberry.jpg","srcSet":"/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/107df/winterberry.jpg 320w,\n/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/293e9/winterberry.jpg 500w,\n/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/f2cbb/winterberry.jpg 800w,\n/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/1789c/winterberry.jpg 960w,\n/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/c26c2/winterberry.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/1dd6e/winterberry.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/67b76/winterberry.webp 320w,\n/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/8df11/winterberry.webp 500w,\n/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/98a65/winterberry.webp 800w,\n/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/1dd6e/winterberry.webp 960w,\n/static/47f0c76b36a6c1043b1cf747c5768906/3cc96/winterberry.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Native Plants for Your Washington DC Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Turn your DC garden into something extraordinary with these native plants that look great and are well-suited to all four seasons"}}},{"node":{"id":"ef12bbf7-8add-507c-b7f4-9da25b763abe","slug":"what-is-it-like-to-live-in-washington-d-c-in-30-pictures","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/what-is-it-like-to-live-in-washington-d-c-in-30-pictures/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 26th, 2019","excerpt":"Moving to our nation’s capital is a big decision. You might have heard that it’s expensive and too busy to be your home, but don’t let those negative thoughts get to you. Living in Washington D.C. has some huge perks, plus a developing culture that is vibrant and alive. Here are some pictures that show […]
\n","content":"\nMoving to our nation’s capital is a big decision. You might have heard that it’s expensive and too busy to be your home, but don’t let those negative thoughts get to you. Living in Washington D.C. has some huge perks, plus a developing culture that is vibrant and alive.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/veOduYvfdkA5YREMMFIGOkHT0PEO5ghLbPYeY_I-6ZLbaU0K7ZjRi8tsaqPKWaKtFOnles91Mx7hWUoDK_7ENkTydzOW1dQHfj7xIqt7yIrR364nHYv2VjuGUIPgWw1zltAWLLFb\")
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![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ptGvafbC-6iagBbPjL3D2uEqTPbovw1nxY0PLDbWVJhoAj6mHzo231V3lnrqUl7IwWFprM991PO6ZgYSXRjgralGtpnJWusb55hBYc0qWO3OxgHGEDEMXQGG-NmPtrF4yPmLQudi\")
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![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Ks4-GrnDj_YbfXPkV7x-QRzcH-l1ji7-1E-hiHR9J5JG3VCfZJ7hTL4V6xSnOg9NpQTQFfRudR--TccF8fuPErnZbikr9pPJEEMYU8HUnaKocdXs7yCQyPScuhmFsCgG_Eo7xMPA\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/757CzjSzPNWjyNFWEUVKhD9Xq2wijetDQH97BD83v-cYqz5YiNtH-LkFI_wZd7LRqyWlsw26BECW8JsJQ1OslilVzM11Hs8fkl49XUEZGTUZW2ArMchrnKW8WmhFBZHMFTexUomd\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fGklk3z_pGtr9jjXjIZkoYBt_1dXHpw5badxlcxENSp8U-OrF3gMFGCpQCAPFYc4zyB_nHBysI5bMfptv7wrZ1yJQzpOPeMrEg-eWcB4_AxAX4SgutFPiv7TNMBZ8UqJFB-NT2aJ\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HUFUh954Ky0XNrlvlmU8FJvkk8rpOsuy83MxlyAhXd55ydScP0VWhRis9pwmyu-WkQjR4gEyKLdTShjpJ-fQQi6fot3wfmaI_qGqBNYCRahaod1Bp-ThDmHvoka7ldh5oZ-aaADQ\")
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Looking for lawn care services in Washington DC? Or maybe you’re looking for lawn care advice because you’re a DIY kind of person? Visit our Washington DC lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"What is it like to live in Washington D.C.? (in 30 Pictures)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/f2cbb/washington-dc-skyline.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/107df/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 320w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/293e9/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/f2cbb/washington-dc-skyline.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/98a65/washington-dc-skyline.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/67b76/washington-dc-skyline.webp 320w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/8df11/washington-dc-skyline.webp 500w,\n/static/f3b198f37a4cfc27cef588eaede05aa9/98a65/washington-dc-skyline.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What is it like to live in Washington D.C.? (in 30 Pictures) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f24bf207-e3ce-505a-b817-18a718ef0f62","slug":"summer-lawn-care-2","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/summer-lawn-care-2/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"June 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"When it comes to taking care of your lawn, not all seasons will require the same exact strategy. Various factors like the weather and temperature will greatly impact how you approach lawncare in Washington DC. Summer lawn care in Washington DC, for instance, will be a lot different than winter lawn care. In case you’re […]
\n","content":"\nWhen it comes to taking care of your lawn, not all seasons will require the same exact strategy. Various factors like the weather and temperature will greatly impact how you approach lawncare in Washington DC. Summer lawn care in Washington DC, for instance, will be a lot different than winter lawn care.
\n\n\n\nIn case you’re in need of some summer lawn care tips for the upcoming season, let’s go through a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know when it comes to perfecting your summer lawn care schedule in the great city of Washington DC.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/va.jpg\")
Because Washington DC is located in something known as the transition zone, you have a few different options here. The transition zone is a zone within the United States where both temperate and subtropical climates meet. This means that while both warm-season and cool-season grass can survive here, neither will thrive year-round.
\n\n\n\nFor this reason, it’s best to use a mix of both types. Monoculture lawns (lawns with only one type of grass) tend to be more susceptible to weeds and lawn diseases, so using a mix is a great choice for the Washington DC area.
\n\n\n\nTry combining a mix of cool season grass like Tall Fescues or Kentucky Bluegrass with warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass or Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nIn early summer, watering and mowing your lawn should be your main priority. It’s best to mow during a cooler time of the day like early morning or late afternoon, to avoid putting undue stress on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll want to mow in between 2 and 4 times per month, never cutting more than 1/3 the height of your lawn off at once. Cutting your lawn too short can make it vulnerable to drying out faster.
\n\n\n\nDifferent grasses thrive at similar, but sometimes varying heights. Because you’ll be using a mix, you’ll want to keep your lawn anywhere from a ½ inch to 2 inches tall. Raising your mower blades up an inch during times of extreme heat is a good idea as well.
\n\n\n\nTry not to walk the same path every time you mow, as this can cause ruts to develop in your yard. Also, by leaving the clippings on your lawn after you’re done mowing, you can provide your lawn with natural fertilizer which will help it thrive.
\n\n\n\nWatering your lawn can be done by hand, or with an irrigation system like drip irrigation or sprinklers. You should aim for an inch of water per week, adjusting upward or downward depending on how much rain you’re getting and how intense the heat is.
\n\n\n\nWatering deeply and infrequently is the best way to help your lawn develop deep roots that will help it stay green all summer long. 10 inches deep is a good depth to aim for, and you can test the depth of your water trickle by inserting a screwdriver or similar object into the ground when you’re done with lawn watering.
\n\n\n\nThere are no watering restrictions in Washington DC at the moment that you have to worry about.
\n\n\n\nRead more: The Washington DC Guide to Watering your Lawn
\n\n\n\nFor Washington DC lawn care in summer during the middle part of the season, maintenance is key. Keep doing what you’re doing and your lawn will be just fine. You may want to watch out for common lawn weeds like white clover, plantain, chickweed, and dandelions.
\n\n\n\nIf you notice an infestation of these creeping in, you may want to consider using some type of herbicide or pesticide. Calling in a professional to get the job done is not out of the question in this scenario.
\n\n\n\nEnd of summer lawn care in Washington DC will involve aeration and fertilization. Aeration can be done with a machine that has either hollow metal tines or tubes which are used to remove soil plugs caused by foot traffic. Be careful not to use a machine that will just punch holes in your lawn. After the plugs have been removed your lawn will be able to breathe much easier. Use a rake or shovel to break them up and then re-fertilize your lawn to aid in its recovery.
\n\n\n\nFertilization is best done in mid to late spring, but late summer is a good time as well. Use 1 to 2lbs of actual nitrogen per every 1,000 square feet of your lawn. Remember never to fertilize your lawn during peak summer, as high temps can burn your lawn and create tender new growth that may struggle to survive in the heat.
\n\n\n\nAnother thing to keep in mind when planning lawn care for summer in Washington DC is lawn mower maintenance. Buy a sharpening kit for your mower at a local hardware store and use it to sharpen and balance your blades. Clean the underside of the mower by removing any clumped up grass and debris, and change the oil before you store it away.
\n\n\n\nBy storing your mower in a place where it won’t suffer from rust buildup or other types of damage, it will be ready to right out of the gate when the next mowing season comes around.
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about lawn care? Visit our Washington DC lawn care page for more information.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Visual Hunt
\n","title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Washington DC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/3bc9074a7748c83184c8b06ce469830b/f2cbb/green-grass-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3bc9074a7748c83184c8b06ce469830b/107df/green-grass-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/3bc9074a7748c83184c8b06ce469830b/293e9/green-grass-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/3bc9074a7748c83184c8b06ce469830b/f2cbb/green-grass-lawn.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/3bc9074a7748c83184c8b06ce469830b/98a65/green-grass-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3bc9074a7748c83184c8b06ce469830b/67b76/green-grass-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/3bc9074a7748c83184c8b06ce469830b/8df11/green-grass-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/3bc9074a7748c83184c8b06ce469830b/98a65/green-grass-lawn.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Washington DC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"ecb92e1a-57d0-5745-a174-28d6c5b59345","slug":"best-grass-types-washington-dc","path":"/lawn-care/best-grass-types-washington-dc/","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":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 24th, 2023","excerpt":"Living in the nation’s capital, you know that having a beautiful lawn isn’t a right but a choice. As such, it behooves you to get to know the candidates for your lawn turf so you can pick the grass that gives your yard the best chance at prospering long into the future. Here are the […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in the nation’s capital, you know that having a beautiful lawn isn’t a right but a choice. As such, it behooves you to get to know the candidates for your lawn turf so you can pick the grass that gives your yard the best chance at prospering long into the future.
\n\n\n\nHere are the leading candidates:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe grass of choice for the White House, tall fescue is an excellent grass choice for your DC lawn. Its extensive root system gives it a high drought tolerance, it resists disease, it doesn’t require much water, and it can handle heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Most are bunching-type grasses; some have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: At least 2 inches in summer
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.5 – 7.0
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/nature-grass-plant-field-lawn-meadow-743848-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, fine fescue is a fine choice. However, it can adapt to full and partial sun conditions and is very persistent in dry conditions and somewhat poor soils.
\n\n\n\nAre you planning on having your kids and pets run wild in the yard? Pick another grass, as fine fescue doesn’t handle foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Most are bunching-type grasses; some have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: At least 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.5 – 7.5
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5552536384_1bc90958b3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ferran Pestaña / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith its dark green color and fine to medium leaf blades, Kentucky bluegrass provides some of the prettiest lawns in the DC area. It grows well in both sun and shade and comes in numerous varieties.
\n\n\n\nHowever, growing such a pretty lawn requires a lot of maintenance. For example, Kentucky bluegrass requires a lot of water, as it’ll go dormant otherwise. If you want a low-maintenance lawn, this isn’t it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 3-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA medium-textured bunching grass with deep green blades, perennial ryegrass is the most interesting grass here. Because of disease susceptibility, the University of Maryland recommends avoiding a pure perennial ryegrass lawn.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is usually used in seed mixtures because it germinates quickly, and even then, it never takes up more than 5 to 15 percent of the mixture, as it doesn’t last long due to its vulnerability to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunching-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is the best grass for a shady lawn, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass tolerate moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass needs full sun, so avoid it.
Fine fescue is the best grass for a shady lawn, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass tolerate moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass needs full sun, so avoid it.
Kentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance grass, so avoid it. Tall fescues, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass are low-maintenance grasses, making them good choices for lawns that don’t need much TLC.
Perennial ryegrass has a low drought tolerance, so it isn’t recommended for drought-heavy areas. Tall fescues, fine fescues, and Kentucky bluegrass have moderate to high drought tolerance, so they’ll manage just fine in such areas.
Now that you know what grasses to pick, where do you go from here?
\n\n\n\nStart by adding some native plants to your yard. They’ll help the ecosystem and look good in your yard while not needing much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nYou can eliminate doing any maintenance altogether by contacting one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros. They’ll do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: APK /Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Grass Types That Thrive in Washington DC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1789c/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/107df/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 320w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/293e9/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 500w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/f2cbb/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 800w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1789c/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 960w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/c26c2/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1dd6e/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/67b76/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 320w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/8df11/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 500w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/98a65/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 800w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1dd6e/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 960w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/3cc96/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Types That Thrive in Washington DC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Make your lawn worthy of being in the nation’s capital with these grasses. Learn how they handle this challenging transition zone."}}},{"node":{"id":"6cdf929c-6ad5-577b-95e6-d5fde1b1fb29","slug":"washington-dc-guide-to-watering-the-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/washington-dc-guide-to-watering-the-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Washington DC is a great place to be during springtime and summer with its moderately but not overly hot temperatures. This area is not a stranger to drought, however it usually gets the brunt of its rainfall in the peak of summer (which is great for lawn care). Conserving water has turned into a nationwide […]
\n","content":"\nWashington DC is a great place to be during springtime and summer with its moderately but not overly hot temperatures. This area is not a stranger to drought, however it usually gets the brunt of its rainfall in the peak of summer (which is great for lawn care). Conserving water has turned into a nationwide initiative, so we made an article that outlines tips on how to conserve water while maintaining the beautiful lush lawn that we all strive for.
\n\n\n\nIrrigation can offer a very efficient way in watering the lawn as well as a method for water conservation: if used correctly. Here are some tips in achieving the best irrigation practices.
\n\n\n\nCertain areas of the yard will not need as much water as other parts of the yard. Consider areas of the lawn that need no water at all, including driveways and sidewalks. Avoiding these areas will ensure there is no runoff water from your irrigation system. Heavily shaded areas do not need as much water as highly exposed areas however they will need a moderate amount. Obviously, the most exposed areas of the lawn need the most water. An irrigation system needs to work with these areas and they should be mapped out prior.
\n\n\n\nDrip Irrigation does very well in conserving water. It uses a drip technique that slowly releases water throughout the day, minimizing water lost by evaporation and runoff. These systems do well with smaller lawns or gardens and are not recommended for large lawns.
Automatic sprinkler systems are the most popular form of irrigation system for homeowners. They cover a wide area of land and have timer settings which leaves little to worry about. Homeowners should take into consideration that adjustments will need to be made throughout the year depending on the weather. If used correctly these systems can conserve water, however making sure there is no run off and that the sprinkler doesn’t hit any driveways or sidewalks is very important.
Hand watering can be therapeutic for some people. If hand watering is something you like to do, make sure the lawn is getting enough water and not too much. The soil should be able to give way with the length of a screwdriver an hour after watering. This method works for any lawn, but may take some time with a larger lawn.
For more information on irrigation and a detailed look on irrigation throughout the year click here.
\n\n\n\nIn any region, it is best practice to use native plants and trees of the area. These varieties work well with the climate of the region and do not need much additional water. The sprinkler systems should be geared more towards hydrating the grass and only slightly watering additional plants. Using these types of plants will conserve water and make your irrigation system not work as hard.
\n\n\n\nKeeping the grass at a medium height, at around 1.5- 2 inches, will shade the roots from sun exposure: meaning less water. If the lawn is cut shorter than this it will encourage grass roots to become short and shallow. This is not energy efficient and will require that the grass needs much more water to stay green.
\n\n\n\nEvery household should have a small water collector that measures the amount of rainfall each week. All too often there will be sprinklers running while it is raining. Try not to be this person. Your lawn only needs about an inch of water each week in total.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: You should also keep track of your own water usage around the home. You can do so in Washington DC by clicking here.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to water a lawn is in the morning between the hours of 6 and 10 a.m. You can also water in the evening, however this can lead to over watering of the lawn. The morning is optimal because there is a low evaporation rate and it allows the water to soak into the roots. Any leftover water will quickly be evaporated when the sun rises.
There are currently no water restrictions in Washington D.C. however there is an application that tracks how much water usage you have and alerts you when it is higher than normal.
\n\n\n\nRead more: The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority’s Landscaping & Watering Guide
\n\n\n\nStill looking for lawn care advice? Visit our Washington DC lawn care page, it’s the #1 lawn care resource for DC residents on the web!
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Zuzka Grujbárová
\n","title":"The 2019 Washington DC Guide to Watering your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5015015015015014,"src":"/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/293e9/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.jpg","srcSet":"/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/107df/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.jpg 320w,\n/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/293e9/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.jpg 500w","srcWebp":"/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/8df11/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/67b76/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.webp 320w,\n/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/8df11/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.webp 500w","sizes":"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 2019 Washington DC Guide to Watering your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"3212e9a6-d283-54df-afa2-0e32551b8d69","slug":"4-pros-and-cons-of-diy-lawn-care-in-washington-dc","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/4-pros-and-cons-of-diy-lawn-care-in-washington-dc/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"September 8th, 2018","excerpt":"Living in Washington, DC provides bushels of options when it comes to lawn care. You can choose from hundreds of professional landscapers or you can go the do-it-yourself route. Depending on your schedule, property size, and the shade of your green thumb there are several pros and cons. Keep in mind. Lawn care shouldn’t stress […]
\n","content":"Living in Washington, DC provides bushels of options when it comes to lawn care. You can choose from hundreds of professional landscapers or you can go the do-it-yourself route. Depending on your schedule, property size, and the shade of your green thumb there are several pros and cons.
\nKeep in mind. Lawn care shouldn’t stress you out as a homeowner. Your yard should enhance your life and make for peaceful days hanging around the homestead.
\nIf you need help deciding, here are a few pros and cons of do-it-yourself lawn care in Washington, DC:
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/pushing-a-lawnmower.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr / East Cobber
\nYou may not think of a lawn mower on the same level as a treadmill, but yardwork can still work up a sweat. Walking behind a mower for 30 minutes can burn as many calories as walking around the block for half an hour. More actually, if you go old-school by using a mower that is not self-propelled.
\nThe average high temperature for Washington, DC in July is 88 degrees. So you’re sure to sweat some extra calories during the hottest months.
\nOf course, if you prefer to stay inside amidst the heat, then you can call a professional to help you out. Allergies can also make it difficult to brace pollen levels in your yard.
\nSome folks actually see riding a mower as their “zen time.” With a continuous motion, you can clear up some mindful headspace. This is a time when there are typically few to no distractions besides your focus on your lawn.
\nOn the other hand, if bouncing around on a roaring 15-horsepower machine is not soothing to you, that’s cool. Just be sure to have some native plants around such as the Cut-leaved Coneflower or some Blue Wild Indigo for added serenity. Being native to the Washington, DC area, these plants are easy to grow and maintain.
\nIt makes sense that pruning your own bushes, planting your own Flowering Dogwoods, and aerating your own turf will save you money. A penny saved is a penny earned right? Sorta.
\nWe need to be careful not to step over a fescue colored dollar bill to pick up a dime. The average price for lawn care in Washington, DC is $51.81, which you could think adds up over time. Yes, it does–but there are also recurring costs to doing your own lawn care that you might not realize also add up:
\nNot to mention the possibility of a lawn mower payment. High quality ride along lawn mowers can cost a few thousand dollars or so. But there are also basic models of an electric push mower for about $130, yet these can take a little more time and effort to utilize.
\nIf you are out in your yard weekly, cleaning up or pulling weeds, you notice more about your property.
\nYou’ll see fences in need of fresh paint. Maybe you’ll notice a dangerous old tree at your property line. Perhaps you will even learn more about your entire neighborhood by being outdoors regularly.
\nHaving a lawn care provider with excellent customer care should also be on the lookout for property problems for you. As it’s more potential work for lawn care crews or even a network of service providers. And it keeps you happy with his attention to detail and willingness to help beyond the green chores.
\nStill have questions about lawn care in Washington DC? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or visit our Washington DC lawn care page.
\n","title":"4 Pros and Cons of DIY Lawn Care in Washington, DC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/1789c/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg","srcSet":"/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/107df/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg 320w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/293e9/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg 500w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/f2cbb/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg 800w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/1789c/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.jpg 960w","srcWebp":"/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/1dd6e/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/67b76/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp 320w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/8df11/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp 500w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/98a65/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp 800w,\n/static/90d217d13bb45eb0952e68267c15f4f4/1dd6e/pros-and-cons-dc-lawn-care.webp 960w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Pros and Cons of DIY Lawn Care in Washington, DC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"9b9b0600-f6ca-5c89-a8dc-d9bd8647a75c","slug":"bringing-plants-indoors-washington-dc-winter","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/bringing-plants-indoors-washington-dc-winter/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"December 12th, 2018","excerpt":"Whether us Washingtonians want it to or not, winter comes, bringing frosty temperatures and a slow death to many beloved outdoor plants and grasses. Though you may be grateful to store the lawnmower for the season, watching your favorite rose bush or hydrangea wither is depressing. Most gardeners understand that frost death is natural […]
\n","content":"\nWhether us Washingtonians want it to or not, winter comes, bringing frosty temperatures and a slow death to many beloved outdoor plants and grasses. Though you may be grateful to store the lawnmower for the season, watching your favorite rose bush or hydrangea wither is depressing.
Most gardeners understand that frost death is natural for some outdoor plants, but indoor plants are a different story. During the summer, garden enthusiasts bring warm-weather potted varieties outside to enjoy the sun on a deck or porch. As autumn approaches, houseplants need to be brought back indoors to survive.
However, failing to follow the proper steps when bringing plants inside can actually hurt your blooms’ health. A rapid transition and improper care can kill your plants almost as quickly as sub-zero temperatures.
Use this step-by-step guide to properly acclimate your plants to their indoor environment. With a little effort, you can protect your favorite greenery through the chillier months and have a green head start next spring!
\n\n\n\n1 – Prep the Plants
\n\n\n\nTake time to prune and purge your inventory before moving your potted plants indoors. The first frost in the Washington DC area can be as early as October 21st, and will most certainly happen by November 8. So monitor the weather and plan accordingly.
\n\n\n\nIf a plant was struggling to survive in the summer, it will likely do even worse indoors. Cut your losses and compost plants that aren’t healthy.
Furthermore, don’t bring in plants with pests or disease since these problems can spread quickly to other growths in an indoor environment. The DC area is particularly prone to lawn and plant disease due to our hot, humid summers. You may be able to treat infested leaves with neem oil, but to be safe, consider leaving infected plants outdoors. Finally, prune back overgrowth or wilted leaves before bringing plants inside to ensure optimum health for the big move.
\n\n\n\n2 – Choose Wisely
\n\n\n\nObviously, houseplants should come back inside for the winter, but some outdoor plants can be brought in as well. Some species, like geraniums, begonias, and fuchsia do fairly well in an indoor environment. Even vegetables like tomatoes and peppers can produce fruit all winter in the right circumstances.
When choosing which plants to rehome, remember that not all species are meant to come inside. More tender perennials prefer to lie dormant in a mild winter, like lavender and rosemary. Do plant-specific research before deciding to move outdoor plants indoors.
1 – Transition Gradually
\n\n\n\nThough it may be tempting to spend a single afternoon moving plants from your porch or garden to an indoor space, resist the urge to make a quick transition. Instead, let plants adapt gradually and naturally.
Once the outdoor temperature reaches 50 degrees – typically mid-October in the mid-Atlantic regions – or colder at night, start bringing potted houseplants in the house after dark. Most houseplants will die in temperatures below 45 degrees, so this strategy will protect them from wilting and leaf loss. Bring these plants back outside in the morning, and spend about a week switching the plants twice a day. Gradually increase the amount of time plants spend indoors so that they can adapt to the warmer, dryer, and less sunny indoor environment before living inside full-time.
2 – Choose A Good Location
\n\n\n\nDifferent plants have different needs, but all species still need some amount of sunshine to survive. Even shade-loving plants still need ambient sunlight. Ideally, plants should be kept near an uncovered, south-facing window. You can rotate the plants every now and then to make sure each is receiving enough light.
However, mind the air temperature near the window panes; poorly insulated sills let in deadly drafts that might damage your blooms. Sometimes, radiators and heaters are located near windows, which can also overheat or dry out your plants. During the first few weeks, check the plants’ environment every day to make sure that the location is not harming your greenery.
1 – Adjust Your Caretaking Routine
\n\n\n\nPlants have different needs in a sheltered environment, and you’ll have to adapt your caretaking schedule accordingly. Outside, sunlight causes water to evaporate more quickly, so plants need frequent and thorough waterings. Indoors, there’s less sun, and plants grow more slowly, so you’ll need to water them less often. As a general rule of thumb, only water plants when the top two or three inches of soil becomes dry. Since indoor environments tend to be less humid, try spritzing leaves with water twice a day to prevent the tips of the leaves from drying out.
2 – Prepare for the Spring
\n\n\n\nOnce outdoor temperatures remain over 60 degrees Fahrenheit day and night, you can begin transitioning plants back to an outdoor environment. Remember to slowly increase time spent outdoors to avoid shocking the plant and damaging its health.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith so many steps involved, bringing plants inside can seem like a lot of work. However, this late-autumn chore can actually benefit your health! Studies have found that common indoor-outdoor plants like rosemary, sage, garlic, and parsley can boost your immune system and help you fight the flu when used in teas, steams, and more. Studies find that indoor plants improve mood, reduce stress, and even improve indoor air quality.
Help your own health and your plant’s health, and bring your garden indoors! Follow the steps above to ensure your plants survive and thrive in your home this winter. After all, science shows that plants make good company.
\n\n\n\nWashington DC residents – what tips do you have for bringing plants indoors? Sound off in the comments below.
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