![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/iKRzbM9Pns266l1jxMd-tJSeXRu-i4m671meODt_rK3jGnrNhdf51Ocmg7RqnNHEUS5bV-jacP-MYPOS0vgi3G1fKtTLBTIAlnc1J5AJ1yzQAiwlNBKcZda_1wYM6-qolsrBsXRC\")
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":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"c50bda81-b945-531e-b073-f439f50a5e26","slug":"watering-restrictions-baton-rouge-la","path":"/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/watering-restrictions-baton-rouge-la/","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":"d1d6935d-c1c2-53e6-93e2-8203b0f7327d","name":"Baton Rouge","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"July 17th, 2019","excerpt":"While neighboring states wilt under high summer temps and crippling water restrictions, Baton Rouge has the pleasure of unfettered watering privileges. But just because you can use unlimited amounts of water, doesn’t mean you should. In fact, preserving this natural resource is a priority in our area, even if we aren’t seeing a shortage. Read […]
\n","content":"\nWhile neighboring states wilt under high summer temps and crippling water restrictions, Baton Rouge has the pleasure of unfettered watering privileges. But just because you can use unlimited amounts of water, doesn’t mean you should. In fact, preserving this natural resource is a priority in our area, even if we aren’t seeing a shortage. Read on to learn about water conservation in Baton Rouge.
\n\n\n\nUsing the right grass species can help reduce your watering needs. There are five types of grass considered appropriate in the Baton Rouge area. These are carpetgrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, and Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nEach of these has an optimal length they should be mowed at, to encourage healthy root development and efficient water use.
\n\n\n\nBermjda (common): 1¼ to 1½ inch
Zoysia: ¾ to 1 inch
St. Augustine: 3 to 4 inches
Centipede: 1 to 2 inches
Carpet: 1 ½ to 2 inches
Thanks to high levels of humidity and rainfall, it’s not necessary to water heavily in our area. Most lawns do well with a deep watering of an inch or so each week or so. It’s easy to tell when your lawn is thirsty. Footsteps will leave prints for several minutes after the grass has is walked on, and the individual blades will curl. Water when you see these signs to prevent any long-term damage and keep the lawn happy.
\n\n\n\nWatering in early morning is always the best policy. It allows the maximum amount of water to seep into the soil.
\n\n\n\nSince many of our household appliances are integrated, it makes sense for irrigation to join the trend. Water conservation is effortless if you use smart irrigation technology. There are a number of systems available with more coming online all the time.
\n\n\n\nSmart irrigation takes a traditional irrigation controller to the next level. Rather than operating solely on a timer, these systems also incorporate water-saving features. Sensors adjust the optimal run time on sprinklers based on current local weather conditions. That means there’s no need to turn the controller off after a hard rain or to adjust the timing on a watering session to compensate for a hot, dry week. This technology takes guesswork and manual resets out of watering and makes sure that your lawn receives the amount of water it needs when it needs it.
\n\n\n\nThe drive to conserve water is a community effort. Here in Baton Rouge, citizens recently had an opportunity to be a part of a citywide challenge to conserve water and enter to win some prizes from the Wyland Foundation. The challenge lasted through April and was spearheaded by Mayor Sharon Weston Broome. While the 2019 challenge has passed, keep an ear to the ground next spring, or check online to see if Baton Rouge joins in again.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Baton Rouge? Visit our Baton Rouge Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nFrank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.
Google Adwords can be a powerful way to grow a business. With 1.2 trillion searches each year it’s certainly tempting to go after a share of those searches with paid search. You can start getting web traffic instantly, the clicks are people who are in the buying cycle, and you can track your ROI very […]
\n","content":"\nGoogle Adwords can be a powerful way to grow a business.
\n\n\n\nWith 1.2 trillion searches each year it’s certainly tempting to go after a share of those searches with paid search. You can start getting web traffic instantly, the clicks are people who are in the buying cycle, and you can track your ROI very accurately.
\n\n\n\nI’ve even written about how landscapers can use Google Adwords to grow their business.
\n\n\n\nHowever, I must say, that some 95% of lawn care and landscaping businesses should stay off of Google Adwords.
\n\n\n\nNo matter what Google’s marketing message says, Google Adwords is an extremely complex system. Just setting an account up properly takes a fairly large amount of knowledge, and most businesses–large and small–get it wrong.
\n\n\n\nAt WikiLawn, we partner with lawn care businesses to help them grow. Many of them use Adwords as well, and I’ve offered to take a look at their accounts since digital marketing is what I live and breathe.
\n\n\n\nEvery time I’ve looked at these accounts, I’m disappointed. None have been set up particularly well, and most are missing even the basics. What’s even more saddening is about half were blatantly losing money.
\n\n\n\nI can also use competitive tools combined with our proprietary knowledge of industry margins to estimate what other companies are making and losing on Adwords. Most are not making money.
\n\n\n\nFor starters, even if you know the ins and outs of Google Adwords, the platform requires continuous maintenance. Landscapers are among the busiest small business owners there are. Do you really think you have an extra 30 hours per week to spend?
\n\n\n\nAlso, the nature of the landscaping industry makes setting up Google Adwords complicated. The conversion funnel typically goes as follows:
\n\n\n\nHere’s how this process makes bidding on Adwords extremely complex:
\n\n\n\nAdwords is complex enough on its own, but add in the complexities of the landscaping industry and it’s no wonder so many lawn and landscape businesses lose money on Adwords.
\n\n\n\nHere’s the kicker. The higher you bid on Adwords, the more clicks you get. But with so many businesses that don’t realize how much money they’re losing, it becomes very difficult to get any clicks at a reasonable price whatsoever.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, hiring a marketing agency is no silver bullet. Many of the bank-account-draining accounts I’ve looked at were run by local agencies.
\n\n\n\nThe fact of the matter is that most local lawn care businesses can’t afford a top-tier agency. Competent agencies start at $5,000 / month, and that doesn’t include your ad spend. Running an Adwords campaign is a lot of work, so an agency charging a fraction of that is likely cutting corners.
\n\n\n\nSimple agency economics don’t work out for small businesses. It’s very hard for an agency to make money if they’re charging less than $1,000 / month. I’m sure there are exceptions to the rule, but be very wary of retaining agencies. They tend to be better at selling new clients than they are at delivering on their promises.
\n\n\n\nSo Adwords may not be the right option for you, but there are still plenty of options to grow your business.
\n\n\n\nFor starters, you can always upsell your existing customers. This has no cost but your time. You can write a carefully crafted email campaign advertising specials, call your customers to see what they’re interested in, or spend a couple of minutes extra at each property on your route making a list of projects that they could use.
\n\n\n\nUpsells drive revenue and customers want them.
\n\n\n\nGetting reviews is currently one of the most powerful ways you can grow your business locally. First focus on the sites that provide organic (free) traffic, namely Google Local and Yelp.
\n\n\n\nSimply politely ask your customers to leave a review, complete your profile, and respond to every review good or bad.
\n\n\n\nThere are many platforms that partner with local lawn care businesses to send recurring lawn maintenance jobs at no upfront cost. We handle all of the customer acquisition and customer support, so all you have to do is complete the work.
\n\n\n\nLarger, regional landscaping businesses can afford to hire a competent marketing agency to run their AdWords, and also front the setup cost for all the tracking associated with it.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the bulk of the lawn care industry is from small local businesses. If you’re one of these businesses, I can only condone that you start doing AdWords if the following criteria are met:
\n\n\n\nStill have questions about lawn care? Please visit our lawn care page for information.
\n","title":"Why (Most) Lawn Care Companies Shouldn’t Be Using Google Adwords","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5058823529411764,"src":"/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/1789c/adwords-793034_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/107df/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/293e9/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/f2cbb/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/1789c/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/356ef/adwords-793034_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/1dd6e/adwords-793034_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/67b76/adwords-793034_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/8df11/adwords-793034_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/98a65/adwords-793034_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/1dd6e/adwords-793034_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/2de3914448f9d6e935fdb9a599f8f562/93f70/adwords-793034_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Why (Most) Lawn Care Companies Shouldn't Be Using Google Adwords | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0afb2be5-3cfc-5cf0-bc48-0292d43130b9","slug":"native-plants-baton-rouge-la","path":"/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/native-plants-baton-rouge-la/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d1d6935d-c1c2-53e6-93e2-8203b0f7327d","name":"Baton Rouge","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"July 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Living in a subtropical planting zone has its advantages. One of the most noteworthy is the wide range of beautiful native plants we can use for landscaping. Natives are an optimal choice for yards and gardens because they’re already adapted to all the conditions the Gulf Coast environment can throw at them. They provide habitat […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in a subtropical planting zone has its advantages. One of the most noteworthy is the wide range of beautiful native plants we can use for landscaping. Natives are an optimal choice for yards and gardens because they’re already adapted to all the conditions the Gulf Coast environment can throw at them. They provide habitat for native wildlife and help to preserve our native flora. Read on for a list of native plants for Baton Rouge, LA.
\n\n\n\nThis class of plants is a gardener’s best friend. Perennials come in many shapes and sizes, and most importantly, they bounce back from even the harshest winters. These plants give a great deal while asking little in return.
\n\n\n\nThis part of the garden helps create privacy and visually connects the ground to the trees. Shrubs can provide a windbreak or direct traffic along walkways, or even add to the feeling of separate “rooms” in a landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/26fREMHnfu5h3HRiQz8vQt9oi_hZA_2c0YPPdExgig8AiDnC0PBqSmzJN4gMn8cXSfaMkO4udEyM8TdEEsM_FY3tYcCWBgF5mwpIWPIPjUbOcNq2xM_fftoPVWZcJqFSKxnZwigJ\")
There are many options for native plants in your Baton Rouge landscape. The beauty they offer is matched only by their low-maintenance needs. They also provide food for local wildlife and help repel invasive insects. Once you go native, it’s hard to look back.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Baton Rouge? Visit our Baton Rouge Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\n
Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.
Mother Nature can be devastating. And that’s especially true when you live in wildfire-prone areas like Texas. With hot, dry weather, Texas is, unfortunately, the second most dangerous state for wildfires. You can’t prevent wildfires from erupting, but you can minimize the damage. Here are five landscaping ideas to protect your Texas home from wildfire. […]
\n","content":"\nMother Nature can be devastating. And that’s especially true when you live in wildfire-prone areas like Texas. With hot, dry weather, Texas is, unfortunately, the second most dangerous state for wildfires.
\n\n\n\nYou can’t prevent wildfires from erupting, but you can minimize the damage. Here are five landscaping ideas to protect your Texas home from wildfire.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nDefensible space is the barrier between your property and the vegetation around it. It slows down or prevents fire from igniting your home. Not just that, but defensible space makes it easy for firefighters to put out the fire without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nThe Texas A&M Forest Service recommends dividing a property’s defensible space into three zones:
\n\n\n\nZone 1 (Immediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 1 includes your home (structure) and extends to 5 feet from the furthest exterior point. Since the intermediate zone is the closest to your structure, you should ensure there are no fire hazards.
\n\n\n\nHere are some guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 2 (Intermediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 2 extends from 6 feet up to 30 feet. Here are some guidelines to prepare this zone for fire.
\n\n\n\nZone 3 (Extended Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 3 extends from 31 feet to 200 feet from your home. This zone obstructs the fire’s path and keeps the flames on the ground.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips for this zone.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch helps plants conserve water and reduce weed growth. But choosing the wrong mulch is like adding fuel to the fire.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, pebbles, and river rocks have great fire resistance. These mulches also look good and require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer organic mulches, we recommend wood chips as they are the least flammable. In fact, a study by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension indicates that composted wood chips are the least flammable mulches.
\n\n\n\nAvoid these mulches, as they can quickly catch fire.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/eastern-red-cedar-juniperus-virginiana-joshua-mayer-ccsa20.jpg\")
Eastern red cedar
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC by SA 2.0.
This term is a bit of a misnomer. No plants are fire-resistant. That is, they all burn and die when exposed to flames. But some plants won’t help spread flames.
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant plants:
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the most fire-resistant plants:
\n\n\n\nBut before you start growing these plants, be sure to plant them correctly.
\n\n\n\nFire travels faster uphill, so if you live on a hill, increase the distance between the plants.
\n\n\n\n| Slope Size | Shrub Distance | Tree Distance |
| Flat to mild slope (less than 20%) | 2 times the shrub’s height | 10 feet |
| Mild to moderate slope (20% to 40%) | 4 times the shrub’s height | 20 feet |
| Moderate to steep slope (greater than 40%) | 6 times the shrub’s height | 30 feet |
Wood fences, pergolas, and gazebos look great, but they quickly catch fire and spread. Metal is a fire-resistant alternative to wood.
\n\n\n\nMetal structures don’t look as classy and elegant as wood, but they are cheaper, more durable, and require less maintenance. Just wash metal structures regularly, and they will last for years without you having to worry about decay, rot, and insects.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-pathway-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are non-living materials added to a landscape design. They can be both decorative and practical. Hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned before, don’t use materials like wood for your hardscape. Instead, use concrete, bricks, and metal to minimize fire spread.
\n\n\n\nInstalling retaining walls around plant beds can prevent flames from reaching the plants. Constructing walkways in between your garden can also slow fire spread.
\n\n\n\nLarger hardscapes like patios, pergolas, and gazebos can create a fire-resistant zone around your home. They also help firefighters battle the fire without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nTexas is the second most wildfire-prone state in the country. So, it’s essential to prepare your home for wildfire.
\n\n\n\nWhen wildfire attacks your home, you can’t prevent the damage altogether. But with fire-resistant landscaping, you can minimize the damage.
\n\n\n\nCreating defensible space, growing fire-resistant plants, applying mulch, building hardscapes, and constructing metal structures can help minimize fire damage. Installing artificial grass can also help slow down fire spread.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re busy with your work schedule but want a fire-resistant lawn, Wikilawn Texas lawn care experts are just a click away.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: DigiStu / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"Firewise Landscaping in Texas: 5 Effective Ideas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/1789c/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/107df/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 320w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/293e9/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 500w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/f2cbb/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 800w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/1789c/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 960w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/c26c2/Firewise-Landscaping.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/1dd6e/Firewise-Landscaping.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/67b76/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 320w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/8df11/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 500w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/98a65/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 800w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/1dd6e/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 960w,\n/static/c68799c0b6b843051dd5b0a8a7f506c9/3cc96/Firewise-Landscaping.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Firewise Landscaping in Texas: 5 Effective Ideas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Texas is the second most wildfire-prone state, but you can minimize the risk to your property with these landscaping strategies."}}},{"node":{"id":"746c30b8-e342-5f0a-b785-e9b2256cb471","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-michigan","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-michigan/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"With large seasonal changes in temperature, you don’t want to spend hours taking care of your lawn’s maintenance needs. Michigan’s humid summer months and harsh winters can make it difficult to get things done. With low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Michigan, you will worry less about yard maintenance and more about the Wolverines beating the Ohio […]
\n","content":"\nWith large seasonal changes in temperature, you don’t want to spend hours taking care of your lawn’s maintenance needs. Michigan’s humid summer months and harsh winters can make it difficult to get things done. With low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Michigan, you will worry less about yard maintenance and more about the Wolverines beating the Ohio State Buckeyes.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4608457413_921dff2b0e_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdding mulch to your flower or garden beds is a simple way to start your low-maintenance landscaping project. Mulch is used to retain moisture in the soil, keep it cool, and suppress weeds. Overall, it can make your garden bed look more attractive.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of mulch for you to choose from, depending on your landscape preferences.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The amount you spend on mulch depends on which type you choose. For example, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2 cubic foot bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/48860292107_f132194844_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Garry Knight / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you add native plants to your garden, you can sit back and watch them thrive with nothing to worry about. They are adapted to Michigan’s climate and need very little care to survive. They help preserve the local ecosystem and serve as a valuable food source for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other small mammals. Despite minimal watering and fertilizing needs, Michigan’s native plants may still require the occasional pruning.
\n\n\n\nBelow are some low-maintenance plants to consider:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on the plant’s type and size, expect to pay between $600 and $3,000 per flower bed, $25 and $50 per shrub, $150 and $3,000 per tree.
\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\n\n\n\n\nTired of buying new plants every year? That is the problem with annuals, so consider replacing them with perennial plants. They thrive in Michigan’s climate, can live for several years, and require little maintenance once established. Some native perennials will grow to provide lots of shade, so you may sip on those afternoon cocktails and enjoy your outdoor living space.
\n\n\n\nHere are some suggestions:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennials depends on the plant’s size and type. On average, a perennial plant will cost you between $10 and $100.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Geranium_maculatum_11zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGroundcovers native to Michigan can be a valuable addition to your low-maintenance landscape. These low-growing plants add color and fragrance to your lawn, with no mowing required. By replacing grassy areas, groundcovers will help you spend less time on watering and other maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nExamples of groundcovers suitable for Michigan include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on which type you choose, a groundcover will typically cost you between $4 and $40.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to native plants, hardscapes are naturally low-maintenance landscaping features. It can be any type of decorative or practical structure in your front or back yard. Hardscape features will not require any watering, pruning, or fertilizing.
\n\n\n\nHowever, some installations may still require the occasional upkeep. If you lack experience, consulting or hiring a pro will help you choose the right features for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nExamples of hardscaping include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost depends on the project size and the type of feature you choose. Expect to pay between $1,140 and $3,690 for a water feature, $2,600 and $7,300 for a patio, $2,000 and $4,500 for fencing.
\n\n\n\n![\"Native](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Xeriscape.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is a cost-effective idea that helps you obtain a low-water and low-maintenance garden. It aims to use very little water while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly landscape. Xeriscaping is also wildlife-friendly, attracting beneficial insects, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of low-maintenance xeriscaping include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, the cost of xeriscaping ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Artificial-Turf.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor a year-round green lawn, replacing your traditional turf with artificial grass is the way to go. Over the years, it has become a very popular low-maintenance landscaping option. It has a very life-like appearance, withstands heavy foot traffic, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of hiring a pro to install artificial grass ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot on average.
\n\n\n\nGiven Michigan’s climate, it is no surprise that cool-season grasses dominate the list for the area’s best turfgrasses. You will still need to consider your soil type and maintenance preferences before choosing the right grass for your Michigan yard.
Kentucky bluegrass is perfect for high-traffic lawns due to its quick recovery from wear and tear. On the other hand, chewing fescue is a fine fescue cultivar that is ideal for shady lawns. Tall fescue is another cool-season grass that can tolerate heat better than others.
To learn more about the grasses that thrive in your region, check out our guide on the best grass types for Michigan.
Ornamental grasses add a natural feel to your landscape. They can be used in groups or specimens, and most types are happy without supplemental water. They only need to be cut back once a year, ideally in spring.
Here are some examples of ornamental grasses for your Michigan landscape:
• Feather reed grass
• Tufted hair grass
• Blue oats grass
• Japanese silver grass
Succulents that are suitable to grow in Michigan will generally survive during the winter. However, below freezing temperatures for long periods can harm the succulents. These plants store water in their stems and leaves, meaning they could die as the water freezes inside them.
Even the best low-maintenance landscape requires the occasional upkeep. For minimal yard work, you can hire a landscaping company to mow your lawn and maintain your garden beds. Experienced pros also know how to maintain hardscape, irrigation systems, and other features in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a lawn care pro near you to handle the lawn’s mowing, trimming, and edging, we have trusted professionals in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Spring Lake, and many more cities across Michigan.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Gateway Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens / Dwight Burdette / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"7 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Michigan","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/1789c/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/107df/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.jpg 320w,\n/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/293e9/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.jpg 500w,\n/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/f2cbb/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.jpg 800w,\n/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/1789c/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.jpg 960w,\n/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/c26c2/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/1dd6e/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/67b76/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.webp 320w,\n/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/8df11/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.webp 500w,\n/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/98a65/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.webp 800w,\n/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/1dd6e/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.webp 960w,\n/static/fc52c6d591fdc03fffd1c31bbe57d1bb/3cc96/Gateway-Garden-Matthaei-Botanical-Gardens-1800-Dixboro-Road-Superior-Township-Michigan.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Michigan","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With 7 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Michigan, reduce the amount of yard work and enjoy family trips to Tahquamenon Falls."}}},{"node":{"id":"0636b7c9-4161-5503-8091-e0c7443180df","slug":"best-grass-types-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/best-grass-types-virginia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"April 30th, 2023","excerpt":"Virginia is known for its hot summers and moderately cold winters, so you may often choose to stay home and relax in your own backyard. Whether it’s playing lawn games or having a family barbecue, it won’t be as memorable on a brown, grim-looking turfgrass. By examining the best grass types for Virginia, the only […]
\n","content":"\nVirginia is known for its hot summers and moderately cold winters, so you may often choose to stay home and relax in your own backyard. Whether it’s playing lawn games or having a family barbecue, it won’t be as memorable on a brown, grim-looking turfgrass. By examining the best grass types for Virginia, the only words to describe your lawn will be healthy and luscious green.
\n\n\n\nAlong with having several plant hardiness zones, Virginia is divided into 5 regions that include Piedmont and Tidewater. It also lies in the transition zone, so there’s never one definitive answer to which grass seed will thrive in your area. Northern parts of the state are more suitable for cool-season grasses, while cities in the Coastal Plain area are better suited for warm-season grasses. The upcoming section will highlight the best types of grasses for every major part of your beloved state.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith a wide variety of grass types to choose from, it is important to distinguish between warm- and cool-season grass. Here are some of their main differences:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, warm-season grasses will turn brown and become dormant. They have low frost-tolerance, enjoy high temperatures, and require less water than cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses include Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and St Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are able to tolerate frost, lower light, and lower temperatures than warm-season grasses. They can stay green throughout the winter, especially in transition zones like Virginia. Cool-season turfgrasses include tall fescue, creeping red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a bunch-type grass known for its adaptability to a wide range of climates. It is suitable for northern and southern transition zones. This grass type germinates quicker than other cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass. Additionally, tall fescue has a deep root system, giving it a superior heat and drought tolerance. One downside to this grass is that it grows in clumps, limiting its capacity to self-repair when damage occurs.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue grass can thrive in almost every region across the state, such as Piedmont, Northern Virginia, Coastal Plain, and Southwestern Virginia.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nOf all the warm-season grasses, zoysiagrass is one of the best in tolerating cold temperatures. With several species and cultivars available, it is a suitable turfgrass for transition zones. It may establish slower than some other warm-season grasses, but will eventually form a dense carpet of grass beneath your feet. You can overseed zoysia lawns with cool-season ryegrass for a green winter color. Overall, this grass type is perfect for families who enjoy lawn games and plenty of backyard activities.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant this grass seed anywhere in Virginia except for the Valley and Ridge region and Blue Ridge Mountains.
\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, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\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\nKentucky bluegrass is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass that is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to walk on barefoot. With an aggressive growth habit, it has an excellent capacity for self-repair. This makes Kentucky bluegrass an excellent choice for lawns that need to endure heavy foot traffic. This cool-season grass is not a good fit for shady lawns, so you might want to consider another shade-tolerant grass such as fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a great choice for homeowners in Northern Virginia, Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
\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
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass has the fastest growing rate of all warm-season grasses. This helps it recover quickly from damage. Bermudagrass is more sensitive to cold than zoysiagrass, and flourishes in sites with full sun and good drainage. Overall, this turfgrass has excellent wear, drought, and salt tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to mention that bermudagrass is not a good fit for shady lawns. If you need a shade-tolerant grass that tolerates foot traffic, zoysiagrass might be the better choice.
\n\n\n\nYou can successfully grow this grass seed if you live in Piedmont, Northern Virginia, Tidewater, and Southwestern Virginia.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in 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\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is best adapted to regions with moderate temperatures throughout the year. It has the highest wear-tolerance of any cool-season grass, with the ability to tolerate heavy foot traffic. This grass species has a rapid germination rate, which makes it ideal for overseeding warm-season grasses. When winter creeps in, overseeding will help extend your lawn’s green period.
\n\n\n\nIf your family occasionally enjoys a few rounds of BucketBall, perennial ryegrass is a great option for your lawn. The Piedmont and Tidewater regions are the only parts of Virginia where this grass seed cannot thrive.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/St-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nBeing the least cold-tolerant of all the warm-season grasses, St Augustinegrass grows best in areas that are not exposed to long periods of cold temperatures. It has an aggressive growth habit, but can easily be controlled around borders and flower beds. If you have a shady backyard, this species is the most shade-tolerant of all the warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nSt Augustinegrass has a fair tolerance to salt, making it suitable for the Coastal Plain area. It cannot thrive in any other part of Virginia, particularly the north, as it is very susceptible to winter injury.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate. It is the most shade tolerant warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 3.5 and 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\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; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is commonly known as “lazy man’s grass”, mainly because it requires less mowing and maintenance than other warm-season grasses. This grass species is not very wear-resistant and cannot withstand heavy foot traffic. Unlike other warm-season grasses, centipedegrass is unable to compete with other species, so overseeding with ryegrass is not recommended.
\n\n\n\nSimilar to St Augustinegrass, you can grow this grass seed only if you reside in the Tidewater region.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is one of the most fine-textured turfgrasses available. It has lower maintenance requirements than Kentucky bluegrass. If you decide to leave this grass unmowed, it will help create an attractive, dune-like appearance. It comes in a variety of species, including creeping red and chewings fescue. Taking the lead as the most shade-tolerant cool-season grass, fine fescue is a great choice if you have sycamore trees shading the lawn.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is often mixed with tall fescue to enhance performance in shady areas. If you live in the Valley and Ridge or Piedmont regions, fine-leaf grass seeds will be a suitable option for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as Chewings, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Central Virginia include:
\n\n\n\nThe best grass type for Northern Virginia include:
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a great choice of turfgrass for your backyard in Tidewater. It is a warm-season grass with the ability to tolerate shade, drought, and heavy foot traffic. It performs well during the colder months and resists weed growth, with the only downside being that it recovers slowly from damage.
Tall fescue is an incredibly versatile grass that can grow in nearly every part of Virginia. Being a cool-season grass, it is a perfect fit for Shenandoah Valley. Even if temperatures rise higher than usual, tall fescue has deep root systems that make it drought- and heat-tolerant.
One of the good things about cool-season grasses is that they can be planted in mixtures. Given Northern Virginia’s climate, this approach is preferable than choosing one specific type of grass. For a great mixture of grass seeds that can tolerate cold temperatures, shade, and heavy foot traffic, the following types are recommended:
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Perennial ryegrass
• Fescue such as creeping red
We each want something different out of our backyard. Some homeowners wish to limit outdoor chores with a low-maintenance lawn, while more active families tend to enjoy plenty of lawn games and barbecues. Depending on your personal preferences, you should choose the right type of grass or seed mix that will meet your needs.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to turfgrass, there are more ways to spruce up your backyard and create the ultimate outdoor space. Consider low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your lawn, including Virginia’s native plants and hardscaping features.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of how low-maintenance your lawn is, it may still require the occasional mowing, pruning, or aerating. Looking for a Virginia lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Chesapeake, Arlington, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesterfield, and many more cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: PxHere
\n","title":"8 Best Grass Types for Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/1789c/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/107df/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.jpg 320w,\n/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/293e9/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.jpg 500w,\n/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/f2cbb/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.jpg 800w,\n/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/1789c/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.jpg 960w,\n/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/c26c2/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/1dd6e/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/67b76/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.webp 320w,\n/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/8df11/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.webp 500w,\n/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/98a65/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.webp 800w,\n/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/1dd6e/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.webp 960w,\n/static/70eab4f5dc1afa3569fb7145117651d5/3cc96/Best-grass-type-for-virginia.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Grass Types for Virginia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With various species to choose from, let’s explore the best grass types for Virginia, and how to maintain a healthy turfgrass in the transition zone."}}},{"node":{"id":"4f4b8aaa-1587-5eed-a6b6-34f017b9275b","slug":"best-grass-for-missouri","path":"/lawn-care/mo/best-grass-for-missouri/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"In the Midwestern transition zone, your Missouri lawn endures both sweltering summers and freezing winters. This makes a perfect recipe for a dull, grim lawn if your yard doesn’t have the right grass seeds to pull through the temperamental climate. In this article, we look at warm- and cool-season grass varieties that work well in […]
\n","content":"\nIn the Midwestern transition zone, your Missouri lawn endures both sweltering summers and freezing winters. This makes a perfect recipe for a dull, grim lawn if your yard doesn’t have the right grass seeds to pull through the temperamental climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we look at warm- and cool-season grass varieties that work well in Missouri, along with their pros and cons to help you pick the best grass for your Missouri lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the list, here’s a quick rundown of what cool-season grasses are like:
\n\n\n\nLet’s dig into these three best cool-season grasses for your Missouri lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue is excellent for a Missouri landscape. It’s developed by seed or sod and grows coarse-to-medium-textured, tall turfgrass. This grass tolerates high temperatures, heat, drought, and shade. Given proper care, tall fescue lawns can even stay green all around the year. Plus, it’s a pretty low-maintenance grass.
\n\n\n\nTall Fescue may struggle a little in hotter parts of Missouri during the summer months but survives better in the heat than all other cool-season grasses. It can grow in poor soil conditions and with little fertilization, too. Generally, tall fescue is also highly resistant to pests and diseases and grows best during the fall and spring months.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high – may need irrigation during dry summers
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 – 4 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 6.5
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis dark green, fine-bladed grass type will give your Missouri lawn a temporary pop of color for the winter. Perennial ryegrass is fast germinating and suppresses weeds naturally by establishing quickly.
\n\n\n\nOf all cool-season grasses, ryegrass has the highest wear tolerance, which is why it is popular for parks and golf courses. However, it is less tolerant of heat and drought compared to other species.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass develops tapered, fine-textured, shiny blades that require regular maintenance to keep a uniform look. It is considered a nurse grass, meaning it’s often mixed with other grasses to provide shade and protection to less hardy grass types, such as Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, extends with tillers
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, look out for red thread, brown patch, and rust
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Kentucky](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass establishes a dense turf and is a popular choice for northern areas due to its winter hardiness. It has a bluish-green color and has a medium texture – not too hard, not too soft – to make a great “barefoot grass”.
\n\n\n\nBut Kentucky bluegrass is high-maintenance. It needs more water and fertilizer than any other cool-season grass type. It prefers areas with partial shade and spreads quickly by rhizomes. It is often mixed with other grass species, typically perennial ryegrass, to create a disease-resistant, tough turf that maintains a nice green appearance year-round.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, prefers sunlight
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nA quick overview of warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nHere are two warm-season grasses that do well in Missouri lawns:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most widely used grass in Southern Missouri. It’s well suited for your Missouri lawn because it is hardy, low-maintenance, and develops dense turf. Bermudagrass spreads vigorously with stolons and rhizomes and has excellent resistance to foot traffic and wear due to these woven roots.
\n\n\n\nThe dense Bermudagrass turf also naturally crowds out weeds. This grass type is fast-growing and resistant to salinity, heat, and a wide range of soil pHs. However, the rapid growth rate can become a nuisance if the grass invades gardens or flower beds.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass needs full, bright sun to thrive and regular dethatching to stay disease free. It goes brown and dormant in the winter and greens back up around early April.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zoysiagrass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a cold-tolerant and thick warm-season grass that will keep your Missouri lawn green for the most part of the year. It’s a popular choice for homeowners with kids and pets because of its hardiness and impeccable foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass thrives in direct sunlight and develops a dark green color turf. This lush green color slowly fades as the temperature drops but won’t turn brown or tan. Since it develops into a dense lawn by stolons and rhizomes, Zoysia lawns are often vulnerable to thatch.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass needs frequent watering during the summer but is super easy to maintain otherwise. It tackles a good amount of foot traffic too.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nThe most commonly used grass in Missouri is turf-type tall fescue. It is drought, heat, disease, and insect resistant and does fine with moderately shaded environments too.
The optimal time to plant grass in Missouri is late August to mid-October, September being ideal. At this time, the soil is still warm but the chilly breezes help grass seeds germinate faster.
Tall fescue can maintain a deep green color all year if you care for it properly. It’s well-known for its ability to thrive in transition zones with minimal maintenance.
If you’re confused about what grass type suits your lawn, when and how to plant it, or you don’t have the time to set a lawn up by yourself, call in one of our lawn care pros to help. Our pros come equipped with all the knowledge, equipment, and expertise that you need to choose the right grass type for your Missouri lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Hippopx
\n","title":"Best Grasses for Your Missouri Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1789c/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/107df/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/293e9/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/f2cbb/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1789c/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/c26c2/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1dd6e/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/67b76/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/8df11/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/98a65/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/1dd6e/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/e8d5f20dbd7eb3d842f37a0bb26e0249/3cc96/Grasses-for-Your-Missouri-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grasses for Your Missouri Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Trying to find a grass that will survive the temperamental climate of Missouri? Here are five best grasses to liven up your Missouri lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"a37b0e0f-0e6a-5633-a387-df6c669ab256","slug":"lawn-mower-oil-how-pick-right-type","path":"/lawn-care/lawn-mower-oil-how-pick-right-type/","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":"2157bb2b-3c30-51d8-a48c-83df1b898b6c","name":"DIY","count":2,"path":"/category/diy/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 14th, 2019","excerpt":"When you take the lawn mower out of the garage after its winter break, does it seem like it’s not running as smoothly as last year? If you can’t remember when you last changed the oil, it’s probably overdue. But what type of oil does your lawn mower take? That depends on the lawn mower […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you take the lawn mower out of the garage after its winter break, does it seem like it’s not running as smoothly as last year? If you can’t remember when you last changed the oil, it’s probably overdue. But what type of oil does your lawn mower take? That depends on the lawn mower engine, the size of the mower, and the mower type. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
\n\n\n\nNew mowers may need an oil change after the first 10 hours of use. Check your operator’s manual to make sure. Generally, lawn mowers need an oil change every 25 to 50 hours of lawn care. Always check the oil level with the dipstick in the middle of summer, to see where the oil level is and whether your lawn mower could use a top-off.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of oil for lawn mowers: motor oil and small engine oil. Briggs & Stratton, the largest producer of engines for outdoor equipment, found 48 percent of people surveyed believe automotive oil and small engine oil are the same. They are not. There are some major differences between the two, and you shouldn’t use them interchangeably. “Air-cooled engines run hotter than automotive engines,” says Kevin Wenger Sr., owner of Wenger Equipment in Athens, Wisc. He adds, “The oil temperature in a small engine can reach 280-300 degrees Fahrenheit … nearly 100 degrees hotter than the oil in a typical car.” Small engine oil is designed for high-temperature environments and protects the engine from overheating.
\n\n\n\nMotor oil is designed for larger motors typical of automobiles, riding mowers, and deluxe push mowers. You can buy this type of oil at gas stations, hardware stores, and auto parts stores. While some mower owners believe regular engine oil is acceptable for lawn mowers, they could be damaging the engine.
\n\n\n\nMotor oil meant for automobiles and tractors has a high viscosity. The thick fluid may clog up your push mower, causing irreversible damage. A good mower is an investment, and the last thing you want to do is ruin it doing some routine maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMotor oil meant for automobiles and tractors has a high viscosity. The thick fluid may clog up your push mower, causing irreversible damage. A good mower is an investment, and the last thing you want to do is ruin it doing some routine maintenance.
\n\n\n\nTwo-stroke engines– common in outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws, weed trimmers, snowblowers, and push mowers– need small engine oil. The reason is simple: a two-cycle engine doesn’t have separate compartments for oil and gasoline. The result is a louder, smokier machine that doesn’t stall under various types of engine load. It also means that owners have to mix the fuel and oil before adding it to the tank.
\n\n\n\nThe gas and oil are mixed at a ratio of 32:1 or 50:1, depending on the machine. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you have the right ratio. Small engine oil, also known as two-stroke oil, is lightweight to ensure even-mixing and smooth engine operation. You’ll find it at any auto parts store or in the garden section of a hardware store.
\n\n\n\nAll engine oil is rated by viscosity. You’ll find that number on the label. Find the number and follow these steps for finding the right oil type.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right oil for your lawn mower will help you to avoid engine problems and can contribute to many years of hassle-free mowing. When you treat your mower well, it will respond by treating your lawn well. A smooth-running mower lets you get the job done and spend more time enjoying your lawn than taking care of it.
\n","title":"Lawn Mower Oil: How to Pick the Right Type","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/1789c/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/107df/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/293e9/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/f2cbb/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/1789c/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/356ef/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/1dd6e/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/67b76/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/8df11/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/98a65/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/1dd6e/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/93f70/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Mower Oil: How to Pick the Right Type | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"9ad816e8-7548-5607-883f-27f5e0bf10e5","slug":"best-grass-seeds-new-hampshire","path":"/lawn-care/nh/best-grass-seeds-new-hampshire/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ce61d165-8da6-58e6-9252-345a1299e95e","name":"New Hampshire","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nh/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"New Hampshire is among the snowiest states in the nation. Though the climate can be harsh in winter, it’s not impossible to have a great lawn in New Hampshire if you know the four grass seeds that thrive in this challenging climate. Good grass is the key to a lush, green, and healthy lawn. Let’s […]
\n","content":"\nNew Hampshire is among the snowiest states in the nation. Though the climate can be harsh in winter, it’s not impossible to have a great lawn in New Hampshire if you know the four grass seeds that thrive in this challenging climate.
\n\n\n\nGood grass is the key to a lush, green, and healthy lawn. Let’s take a look at the grass types that do well here.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are primarily two types of grasses:
\n\n\n\nIt probably comes as no surprise that cool-season grasses are best suited to New Hampshire’s harsh winter.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a closer look at each grass type:
\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\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass looks beautiful with its fine-textured, dark-green grass blades, which is why it’s so popular across wide swaths of the North and Midwest. It’s also soft on bare feet.
\n\n\n\nBut if you’re considering Kentucky bluegrass, you should know that it holds up under heavy use only moderately well. It withstands kids and pets but maybe not a neighborhood soccer match. On the plus side, it recovers quickly from damage.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass isn’t a good option for people who want low-maintenance lawns as it requires regular mowing and fertilization. It’s also prone to some diseases.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Red Fescue – a species of fine fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Fine fescue is a highly adaptable grass that grows well in full sun and shade. It forms a lush lawn with green, fine-textured grass blades. Fine fescue is a low-maintenance grass that requires minimal watering and moderate mowing.
\n\n\n\nOn the down side, while fine fescue can handle normal outdoor usage, it doesn’t tolerate a great deal of foot traffic, and it takes time to recover from damage.
\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\n\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue features dark green, coarse-textured grass blades. This grass doesn’t look great when used alone, but you can combine it with other grasses for a better appearance. Tall fescue grows best in full sun and resists disease pretty well.
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue can handle occasional backyard parties, but it can’t quickly recover from damage. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance turf, this is not it: Tall fescue requires frequent mowing and fertilization.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass germinates in less than a week, making it one of the fastest-growing grasses. It looks beautiful with fine-textured, dark green grass blades. Perennial ryegrass grows best under constant direct sunlight.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass can tolerate high foot traffic, but it takes time to recover from damages. This grass is prone to red thread and gray leaf spot. But with proper maintenance, you can minimize the damage or prevent the disease altogether.
\n\n\n\nBest Grasses at a Glance
\n\n\n\n| Grass | Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Maintenance Needs | Disease Resistance |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fine fescue | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate |
| Turf-type tall fescue | Moderate | Low | High | Low |
| Perennial ryegrass | Low | Moderate | Moderate | High |
Fine fescue and turf-type tall fescue can handle shade.
Fine fescue can survive with minimal watering.
Fine fescue is the best option for a low-maintenance lawn.
All grasses listed here survive well in New Hampshire’s cool climate. So the next thing to consider is which grass best suits your lifestyle. Some require more maintenance than others, some handle drought better, and some stand up to the pounding of backyard barbecues and other get-togethers.
\n\n\n\nYou should also consider the rest of your landscape. If you want to add some color to your yard we recommend you invest in native plants that grow naturally in New Hampshire’s climate and can survive with little to no maintenance.
\n\n\n\nProper maintenance is critical for a lawn. If you want to enjoy a beautiful garden without breaking a sweat, Wikilawn New Hamshire lawn pros can help.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Congreve Hall / Kylejtod at en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for New Hampshire","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/1789c/Congreve-Hall.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/107df/Congreve-Hall.jpg 320w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/293e9/Congreve-Hall.jpg 500w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/f2cbb/Congreve-Hall.jpg 800w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/1789c/Congreve-Hall.jpg 960w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/c26c2/Congreve-Hall.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/1dd6e/Congreve-Hall.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/67b76/Congreve-Hall.webp 320w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/8df11/Congreve-Hall.webp 500w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/98a65/Congreve-Hall.webp 800w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/1dd6e/Congreve-Hall.webp 960w,\n/static/3563138be36d1deca4e76ff133aa7cd0/3cc96/Congreve-Hall.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for New Hampshire","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"New Hampshire gets bitterly cold, but that doesn't mean you can't have a beautiful lawn. Here are four cool-season grass types that do well here."}}},{"node":{"id":"dc1fef3a-0eb8-553a-a6b0-d9ccedeb1b29","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-kenosha","path":"/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/spring-lawn-care-tips-kenosha/","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":"eca3f421-04d7-5366-a65f-04bb24060354","name":"Kenosha","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"When you see birds returning, snow melting, and the first green shoots emerging, it’s time to begin your spring lawn care. Springtime is a great opportunity to give your Kenosha lawn a fresh start after the winter season. Follow these 10 tips, and your Kenosha lawn will be lush and strong throughout the year. In […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you see birds returning, snow melting, and the first green shoots emerging, it’s time to begin your spring lawn care. Springtime is a great opportunity to give your Kenosha lawn a fresh start after the winter season. Follow these 10 tips, and your Kenosha lawn will be lush and strong throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gasoline](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pouring-gasoline-in-lawn-mower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou need quality lawn equipment for your lawn to be healthy and look its best. Hopefully you’ve done your fall maintenance and cleaning tasks before you put your equipment away for the winter. Nevertheless, before you begin your early spring lawn care, you should make sure that your equipment is in mint condition. That includes checking off spring maintenance tasks for your lawn mower and any other equipment you use. Depending on whether you have a gas or a battery lawn mower, you’ll have different jobs to do. Battery-powered lawn mowers are typically low-maintenance compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
\n\n\n\nBefore you get started, make sure you read through your manuals and understand all the steps to complete your maintenance tasks successfully. Your manuals will tell you exactly what jobs to do and how often to do them.
\n\n\n\nExamples of gas lawn mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\nAgain, it’s crucial you check your manual; it will tell you all the jobs you need to do and how often to do them. To get a general idea, here’s how often you may need to do some of your gas lawn mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\n| Gas Lawn Mower Maintenance Job | Estimated Job Frequency (varies based on type) |
| Engine oil change | Either every 20 to 50 hours or once per season, whichever is first; after roughly the first 5 hours for new lawn mowers |
| Fuel change | Fuel goes bad within 30 days unless you add stabilizer |
| Sharpening and balancing | Every 20 to 25 hours of use time |
| Spark plug replacement | Once a season or every 25 hours of use time, whichever is first |
| Cleaning air fillers | At least every 10 uses, may be more depending on your environment |
| Changing air fillers | Every month to every year, depending on your environment and usage |
| Lubricating the wheels | Once a month to twice every season, depending on usage |
Examples of battery lawn mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\nOnce again, it’s essential that you check your manual to know which jobs to do and how often to do them. But here’s a table to give you a rough idea of how often you may need to do some of your battery lawn mower maintenance jobs:
\n\n\n\n| Battery Lawn Mower Maintenance Job | Estimated Job Frequency (varies based on type) |
| Battery change | Between 3 and 5 years |
| Sharpen lawn mower blades and balance them | Every 20 to 25 hours of use time or twice per season, whichever is first |
| Cleaning the vents | As needed, depending on usage |
| Lubricating the wheels | Once a month to twice per season, depending on usage |
When cleaning your lawn mower, always avoid introducing water into the engine, the battery, or the internal wiring. Ensure the lawn mower is fully dry before you use it. Never pressure wash them.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your lawn equipment intact is no simple task, and the above is not an exhaustive list. To help you get everything in good working order, consider scheduling an equipment tune-up with a factory-certified repair technician.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are that your lawn has accumulated leaves and twigs during the winter and fall. Cleaning it up keeps debris from choking your grass and discourages pests from making their home in your lawn and garden. Removing debris can also help promote healthy growth for your plants.
\n\n\n\nStart the cleanup in March or April, or as soon as all the snow has melted. Make sure the ground is dry to avoid damaging your lawn.
\n\n\n\nTip: You can turn debris like fallen leaves into compost to make nutrient-rich soil for your plants. You may even be able to use some of the twigs you’ve picked up for DIY projects.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMowing your lawn promotes healthy growth and prevents weeds from taking over. It’s best to mow when your grass reaches about three inches in height, which could be by April. Don’t mow your lawn two to three days before you apply herbicide or three to four days after. In May, you can also use light grass clippings as a natural fertilizer by leaving them on your lawn after mowing. They help improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few rules to follow before you start mowing:
\n\n\n\nYour ideal grass height will vary based on your grass type. Here are the best grass types for Kenosha with their recommended heights:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2.5–3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 1.5–2.5 inches |
| Fine fescue | 1.5–3 inches |
| Turf-type tall fescue | 2–4 inches |
![\"Crabgrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Large-crabgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a healthy lawn, dealing with weeds is unavoidable. Some of the most common weed types include:
\n\n\n\nBefore you apply herbicide, you should learn about the different types:
\n\n\n\nThere’s more. Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides come in two varieties:
\n\n\n\nBefore you apply a pre-emergent herbicide, make sure that the soil has been between 50 and 55 degrees for several days. Mid-to-late April should be a good time to use a pre-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nThe best temperature for applying a post-emergent herbicide is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But it may not always be possible to apply your herbicide at these temperatures. You can apply burndown herbicides at temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but your weed control will be slower.
\n\n\n\nTo measure your soil temperature, stick a thermometer two inches below the soil.
\n\n\n\nNote: Don’t use herbicides on newly seeded areas because they can stop the growth of desired plants. Before you apply your herbicide, wait two to three days after mowing. If you haven’t mowed yet, wait three to four days after you apply your herbicide. Don’t irrigate your lawn 24 hours after your herbicide application.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, if you prefer to avoid chemicals, you can remove your weeds manually or look into organic alternatives. Again, though, keep in mind that non-selective alternative herbicides will kill all plants, not just the weeds.
\n\n\n\nRemember to maintain a healthy lawn with proper watering and mowing, which can also help prevent the growth of weeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-19.jpg\")
After winter, your soil may not have enough nutrients and need amendments like phosphorus, lime, and magnesium to make it better. Spring is the perfect time to find out how healthy your soil is and what nutrients it needs to support healthy lawn growth.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to know if your soil is missing any important nutrients, you can test it. This will help you choose the right type of fertilizer and ensure that your lawn or garden is getting the nutrients it needs to thrive. You can buy a testing kit to conduct a DIY soil test yourself or buy a detailed report from the University of Wisconsin Soil and Forage Laboratory.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDon’t underestimate the value of aeration; it can save your grass. During the winter, snow and cold weather can compact the soil together. Compacted soil can cause your grass to suffer or even die. So in the spring, it’s time to aerate your lawn to allow air and water to reach the roots of your grass so that it can grow.
\n\n\n\nAeration is done by poking hundreds of holes into your soil. You can buy tools to do it yourself or contact a Kenosha professional. Fertilization and seeding should come right after aeration, if possible. The best spring month to aerate your lawn in Kenosha is late May. You should also aerate in the early fall, between September and early October.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can fertilize your lawn around the end of May to help it thrive throughout the summer. It’s best to fertilize your lawn after you aerate. Use the label rate of fertilizer for grass that’s growing in the sun, and half the label rate for grass growing in the shade.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers come in two different formulations: controlled-release formulation and low-release formulation. Slow-release fertilizers are recommended because they keep you from using too much or too little fertilizer. Excessive application incurs extra costs. It can also cause nutrient runoff and diseases that are bad for the environment.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to avoid using chemicals on your lawn where possible, there are alternative options, too.
\n\n\n\n![\"Overseeding](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou may want to plant grass seeds for a new lawn or overseed an existing one to help it grow thicker and healthier. Fall is the ideal time to plant grass seeds in Kenosha because you’ll be planting cool-season grasses. But planting seeds in the spring can work too, and it might even be necessary after a harsh winter. Just don’t wait until it’s too late to make sure that your grass has enough time to germinate before the weather becomes too warm.
\n\n\n\nNormally, it’s best to seed and fertilize your lawn after you aerate so that the seeds can easily reach the soil, establish roots, and grow. As mentioned above, the right time to aerate your Kenosha lawn in the spring is late May. In Kenosha, June temperatures are usually below 79 degrees Fahrenheit, so there should be enough time for most grass types to germinate. But some grasses take longer to germinate than others.
\n\n\n\nHere are the best temperatures for seed germination of typical Kenosha grasses, along with typical germination times (under favorable conditions):
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Ideal Germination Temperature | Typical Germination Time |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86 degrees Fahrenheit | 10–21 days |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86 degrees Fahrenheit | 5–14 days |
| Fine fescue | 59–77 degrees Fahrenheit | 5–12 days |
| Turf-type tall fescue | 68–86 degrees Fahrenheit | 7–21 days |
The alternative option is to plant your seeds in April when the weather is milder. Other than that, you can also plant your seeds in the fall.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, if you want to plant new plants this season or turn your lawn into a garden, there are also a few things to consider. Make sure to prepare the soil and choose the right plants for your climate conditions and personal preferences. You’ll also want to research your plants’ needs to take care of them properly.
\n\n\n\nConsider getting native plants, as they tend to be more resilient and need less maintenance. They also draw in beneficial wildlife.
\n\n\n\n![\"Ants'](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ants-Nest.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kelly Hunter / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven if you take great care of your lawn and garden, it’s important to regularly check for diseases and insect pests that can damage them. Early detection and treatment can prevent further damage and help your yard thrive.
\n\n\n\nThere are different lawn diseases and insect pests out there. Become familiar with their symptoms. If you spot any, make sure you deal with them as soon as possible.
\n\n\n\nCommon spring insect pests include, but aren’t limited to:
\n\n\n\nCommon turfgrass fungal diseases include, but aren’t limited to:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMake sure that you water your lawn appropriately based on its needs and your weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases and insect pests and can suffocate your grass and plants. On the other hand, an under-watered lawn can also struggle and die.
\n\n\n\nIn spring, the night frost will subside and your grass will begin to dry out. The amount of water your lawn needs depends on your soil and grass types. Generally, though, grass needs around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Take note of how much rainwater your lawn receives each week and water it accordingly.
\n\n\n\nThe tips in this article should help you get started on your spring lawn care. But keep in mind that different grass types have various care and maintenance needs. Learn about the best grass types for Kenosha and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. If you want to add plants to your lawn, consider adding native plants because they need less maintenance and are better for the environment.
Spring maintenance is not the only work your lawn needs. You should take care for your Kenosha lawn all year round. Of course, you might not be able to spend all this time making sure that your lawn stays beautiful and healthy. If that sounds like you, consider hiring a professional lawn care service to take care of your grass for you.
Main Photo Credit: Urban J. Lewis House in Kenosha / Teemu08 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Kenosha, Wisconsin","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.518987341772152,"src":"/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/1789c/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/107df/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/293e9/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/f2cbb/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/1789c/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/c26c2/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/1dd6e/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/67b76/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 320w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/8df11/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 500w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/98a65/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 800w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/1dd6e/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 960w,\n/static/a568a5734f5ef50f8b1cfa174043afe4/3cc96/Urban-J.-Lewis-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Kenosha, Wisconsin","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Springtime is the perfect opportunity to give your Kenosha lawn a fresh start. Here are 10 tips for getting a jump on a lush, healthy lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"87d3348f-0de8-5a75-8c39-3d89a6894e1d","slug":"how-to-make-spring-lawn-care-miserable-what-not-to-do-this-spring","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-make-spring-lawn-care-miserable-what-not-to-do-this-spring/","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/"}],"date":"September 8th, 2018","excerpt":"Ever wondered how your perfect neighbor down the street has a top-notch lawn at the beginning of every spring? Maybe the guy is a former landscaper at Augusta National Golf Club. Or maybe he sold his soul in exchange for the best lawn in your whole county, annually. I’m sure you’d like to believe one […]
\n","content":"Ever wondered how your perfect neighbor down the street has a top-notch lawn at the beginning of every spring? Maybe the guy is a former landscaper at Augusta National Golf Club. Or maybe he sold his soul in exchange for the best lawn in your whole county, annually.
\nI’m sure you’d like to believe one of those possibilities. But most likely, the man simply stays on top of his yard work during the winter time. He is prepared. His reward is not struggling during March and April in order to get his Bermuda lawn back under control.
\nWhile you are missing your kid’s ball games and skipping lake trips to fight off all manner of weeds, “Mr. Yard of the Month” has plenty of time to relax and enjoy his property.
\nSo let’s continue your streak of terrible yard experiences each and every year. Use these tips to make your spring lawn care as miserable as possible, or avoid the satire and follow these laughable statements as what to easily not do.
\nYou know deep down that your Toro mower is not designed to be a wood chipper. But you just can’t help yourself. So keep leaving those fallen tree limbs and branches all over the yard.
\nEven if you don’t want to destroy your mower deck and blades, surely you enjoy picking up limbs on the first sunny day in April, right? It sure beats a trip to your favorite hiking trail.
\nPro tip: It would be a good idea to prune any weak looking limbs during the winter so they don’t add to the fallen branches. Also, protect your eyeballs and prevent concussions. Go ahead and trim those limbs you’ve banged your head on for the past decade.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wheelbarrow-full-of-garden-equipment-300x200.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr / Paul Johnson
\nFor me, there is nothing better than saving money with low effort. I don’t like handing hard-earned cash over to the mower repair shop.
\nBut since you want to cause yourself plenty of stress when the flowers bloom, don’t dare winterize your lawn equipment.
\nPro tip: A couple of repair guys told me that ethanol resulted in about 80 percent of their work.
\nNobody has time for fun in the sun come May. Keep yourself busy with nonsense like cleaning out those gutters full of November leaves. Sure, you could have cleaned them out easier when they were 100 percent leaf material. Now they are wet and resemble potting soil as they decomposed over the winter. Have fun with the rubber gloves.
\nAnd most lawn procrastinators will toss the gutter debris right on the grass. That’s a great way to kill off spots of turf as the debris weighs down the young blades of grass.
\nSince you like testing yourself, let those lawn pests build up for a fight. No need battling a few ants when you can let them form an army over the winter.
\nPro tip: Fire ants may be coming to your area soon. They are found in 17 U.S. states currently and only cause $1.2 billion in damage each year.
\nDon’t bother using these tricks to get a jump on lawn pests:
\nYour neighbor with the lush lawn likes pre-emergent herbicides to keep weeds away. But you wouldn’t want to bother with that in the winter. You have better things to do, like watch 23 meaningless college football bowl games.
\nPre-emergents work gradually so they are used by homeowners with patience. Guys who don’t use them end up using post-emergents all spring and summer. It’s a giant time-suck!
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/flower-bed-spring-lawn-care-300x221.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr / danielle_hp
\nLeaves in the flower beds may look festive in the fall, but not in December. It’s a miserable chore to get those soggy leaves out of mulch beds in March. Dry leaves can be blown easily with a blower in the fall. But be prepared to get your hands dirty and blistered with a rake once they have been in the beds for three long months.
\nA proper lawn guy would wait no later than mid-November to clean those flower beds up. You want to have a neat yard when the family visits on Thanksgiving anyway.
\nIt can cost you a pile of money to buy yard tools that you only use once per year. Do you really need a 10-foot extendable gas-powered chainsaw very often? It would be a good plan to get together with five of your buddies from the neighborhood and create a tool co-op. This setup allows you all to use each other’s tools. Most homeowners don’t need ten different lawn tools. Share and save money.
\nBy the way, this is another way to stay connected to your neighbors. Flying solo is unhealthy mentally. Be the lone wolf and enjoy the misery. Or join the pack so you can break your tool addiction.
\nWinter time is a good opportunity to adapt to “The Great Outdoors” of your backyard. If you can come up with ways to enjoy the patio when it’s really cold, then you can enjoy the days in April – September with less than perfect weather. Storms and cold fronts also come in the warmer seasons.
\nBut if you love misery, just stay piled up on the couch all winter. Don’t give any thought to the ways you can heat the patio with a chiminea, natural gas heater, or a simple DIY fireplace. Your pasty skin will be your reward.
\nSince you treat your mower like a tank when in use, you can do the same while it sits idle before spring. It would be a waste of time for you to inspect the tires, right? You never ran over any debris last year I’m sure.
\nPro tip: Even with tough “no-flat” type tires, you may have wheel bearings that get dirty and need greasing.
\nAnd mower belts last forever, don’t they? They must be in great shape even after chips of limbs flew around the belts with your patented wood-chipping style! And since you’re not a mower repair expert, belt replacement will eat up half of your Saturday in early spring.
\nTo make your mowing take longer and damage your grass, don’t even think of sharpening the blades after your last cut in the fall. Just do your usual… buy new blades once you see chunks of metal missing (unsafe… do not do!).
\nThose tips should make your life pretty tough when spring pops up. Maybe you learned this vicious cycle from your dad. You must think it’s a rite of passage to struggle in the springtime with mowing, lawn pests, and running to Home Depot every day.
\nIt is not!
\nJust take a look at “Mr. Yard of the Month” as you drive by this spring. He’s laying up in his hammock, sipping a cold one, and teaching his dog to fetch. He’s also found time to coach his daughter’s softball team to a 5-0 record. And I bet he walks around barefoot on that awesome lawn for the heck of it.
\nThere’s still time for that to be you. All it takes is some attention to your yard when the weather is not so perfect. For additional reading on how to actually take care of your lawn and prepare it for the spring, here a couple resources:
\nTexas is one of the most bug-diverse locations in the U.S. and home to almost 30,000 species of insects. Thanks to “Big D’s’ subtropical climate, 40 inches of annual rain, and average daily temperatures around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the Metroplex is a bug’s paradise. We compiled a list of the 11 worst bugs in Dallas, […]
\n","content":"\nTexas is one of the most bug-diverse locations in the U.S. and home to almost 30,000 species of insects. Thanks to “Big D’s’ subtropical climate, 40 inches of annual rain, and average daily temperatures around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the Metroplex is a bug’s paradise. We compiled a list of the 11 worst bugs in Dallas, including tips on how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nInsects are vital to the well-being of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, that does not mean we want them in our homes or infesting our garden plants. While many insects are beneficial or neutral, some species are destructive and should be controlled.
\n\n\n\nHere are some reasons why pest control is important:
\n\n\n\nThere are two ways to control pests in your lawn and around your home: chemical treatments and organic methods. Organic methods are the safest treatment options, but these methods aren’t always the best and many are ineffective. Be sure to identify the type of pest you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nIt is always advisable to hire a professional pest control company to perform quarterly treatments inside and outside of your home. These methods are the safest and most effective for your family and pets.
\n\n\n\nExperts agree home pest control is necessary, and many Dallas-Fort Worth critters can be prevented. Organic pest control has come a long way and is safer than chemical treatment options for your pets and children. However, it is also typically less effective.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some available organic pest control options:
\n\n\n\nChemical pest control treatments are more effective than organic techniques. They control rodents and insects, stopping the spread of dangerous bacteria and diseases.
\n\n\n\nSome popular chemical treatments include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Crematogaster_ashmeadi_casent0103762_profile_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: April Nobile / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, acrobat ants stray far from the circus into your Dallas yard. These reddish-brown and black ants grow to ⅛ inch and have distinctive, heart-shaped abdomens. They emit an odor when threatened and raise their abdomen over their head in a feat of acrobatics. Omnivorous colonies of a few thousand members eat honeydew from aphids, dead or living insects, and mealybugs.
\n\n\n\nAcrobat ants rarely nest in the open or enter homes. They love moisture and live under rocks, logs, trees, and wood piles. The most obvious sign of an infestation is an ant trail. These foragers travel up to 100 feet from their nest in search of resources.
\n\n\n\nThe easiest way to prevent these moisture-loving pests is to eliminate sources of standing water, keep your yard clear of fallen branches and logs, and store firewood at least 5 inches from the ground.
\n\n\n\nIf you are unlucky and find these predatory ants around your home, opt for a foam insecticide sprayed directly on the nest indoors or a non-repellent pesticide outdoors.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Crematogaster
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist areas under rocks, logs, trees, or wood piles
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; emit an odor when threatened, occasionally bites when disturbed
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/adult-bed-bug-cimex-lectularius-ee47a5-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Picryl
\n\n\n\nFew bugs make your skin crawl by mere mention like bed bugs. These indoor vampiric pests are small and brownish-red with flat, oval-shaped bodies and six legs. They grow to ¼ inch and feed on blood, preferably human blood.
\n\n\n\nThese pests are hitchhikers and have no environmental preferences aside from the presence of humans. Bed bugs enter your home through clothes, belongings, and luggage. They are nocturnal and most active from April to November, hiding in mattresses, box springs, baseboards, and outlets.
\n\n\n\nPrevent bed bugs by keeping your luggage and personal belongings off the ground while traveling. Do not purchase used furniture or mattresses and wash used clothing immediately.
\n\n\n\nIf you suspect bed bugs have infested your home, contact a local exterminator. Professional removal is the best way to eradicate a bed bug infestation, and many experts rely on organic heat treatments.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Cimicidae
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Anywhere where humans live
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; but can cause red rashes that can lead to secondary infections in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Professional pest control services, including heat treatments
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Camponotus_sideview_2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Richard Bartz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nThere are 14 species of carpenter ants in Texas, and the largest species is the black carpenter ant. Thankfully, these pests prefer wooded outdoor areas, including old stumps, decaying logs, and firewood. Carpenter ants are brown-red with black abdomens and reach up to 1⁄2 inch long.
\n\n\n\nThese ants can cause structural damage to homes, though it is rare. You may find them between wood shingles, siding, or fascia boards. Identify carpenter ant tunnels and nests by looking for sawdust near openings. Like acrobat ants, these omnivores forage for decaying fruits, honeydew from aphids, and live or dead insects.
\n\n\n\nPrevent carpenter ants by eliminating moisture problems and sealing cracks or openings near your foundation. Remove dead branches and trim trees away from structures.
\n\n\n\nCarpenter ants have chewing mouthparts and stingers. They can bite but do not sting. Remove them from your home by using a propellant foam insecticide. Similarly, use a pyrethroid insecticide outdoors to eliminate the nest and trails.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Camponotus
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Dead or decaying wood, stumps, logs, or weakened building materials
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; bites when disturbed, causes structural damage to wood
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hairy_Chinch_Bug_-_Blissus_leucopteru_50594763067-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Christina Butler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChinch bugs are 3/16 inch long with black bodies and white wings. They feed on the sap of grasses, commonly occurring in bunch grasses and Dallas turfgrasses, including bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass.
\n\n\n\nWatch for round, localized yellow or brown spots in your yard, typically from July to August.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, chinch bugs are drawn to heat, sun, and warm-season grasses. Your best defense against these nuisance pests is proper lawn maintenance, including watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
\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. Additionally, use a granular insecticide for lawn pests.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Blissus leucopterus
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Bunch grasses and turfgrasses, including bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; medically harmless but capable of injuring plants and turfgrass
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Granular lawn pesticide or coffee can method
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Periplaneta_americana_-_D8-10-2861Crop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eran Finkle / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nYou can find cockroaches all over the world, and Dallas is no exception. Home to the American cockroach, German cockroach, and oriental cockroach, these pests have a thick shell of armor covering their oval bodies, six legs, and two long antennae. Both the American and German cockroach species have fully developed wings for flying.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches love moisture, including drains, flower beds, and mulch. They seek shelter indoors during bad weather, hiding in laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. These nuisance pests spread disease, contaminate food, emit odors, worsen allergies, and even trigger asthma attacks.
\n\n\n\nPrevent cockroaches around your home and yard by creating a barrier between your home and mulched beds, locking your outdoor trash can lids, sealing foundation gaps, and eliminating standing water. Keep living areas clean and vacuumed and use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels.
\n\n\n\nGlue traps, bait stations, and repellent pesticides are the best indoor removal methods while you can use non-repellent pesticides outdoors around your lawn.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Periplaneta
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist areas; drains, flower beds, mulch, laundry rooms, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; carry diseases, contaminate food, emit odors, and trigger allergies and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Glue traps, bait stations, and repellent and non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/14878801786_985ed3d160_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Animal Diversity Web / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFire ants are as menacing as they sound. These reddish-brown insects are only ⅜ inch long with powerful jaws that deliver painful bites and stringers full of venom. Fire ants are aggressive and a year-round problem in the DFW area. Like carpenter and acrobat ants, they are omnivorous, eating fruit, meat, insects, earthworms, compost, outdoor pet food, and trash.
\n\n\n\nFire ants thrive in sunny areas and open spaces. Thankfully, their nests are easy to spot on your lawn as these insects create distinct granular mounds up to 4 feet in size.
\n\n\n\nPrevent fire ants by covering trash cans and treating at the first signs of infestation. It is important to maintain a proper watering schedule, ensuring you do not overwater your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThere is no best control method for fire ants. You can use non-repellent pesticides or granular treatments.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Solenopsis
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Sunny, open areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; deliver painful bites but rarely sting
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Non-repellent pesticides and granular treatments
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Flea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Erturac / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFleas are extremely common in Dallas, usually living on your furry animal friend. These tiny, wingless insects are dark brown and the size of a speck of dirt. There are more than 300 species of fleas, and each flea can produce around 500 offspring in its lifetime.
\n\n\n\nFleas enter your yard on the coats of wild animals and quickly jump from pet to human before making their way into your home. They also can find their way into your home through used furniture and clothing, but thankfully, fleas are mainly outdoor pests. These insects love tall grass, debris piles, and bushes.
\n\n\n\nPrevent fleas by grooming your pets, using year-round veterinary flea control, and keeping your lawn maintained. Trim bushes and shrubs and keep bird feeders away from your property.
\n\n\n\nThe best removal method for fleas is propellant insecticide. Alternatively, topical and oral prescriptions, flea shampoo, and pet-safe sprays are available for pet infestations.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Siphonaptera
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, shady areas
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; bites transmit diseases such as murine typhus, tularemia, and tungiasis
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Propellant pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mosquito_Culicidae_Cradley_Herefordshire_UK.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gailhampshire / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes love Dallas’ subtropical climate. These biting insects have oval-shaped bodies, long legs, and wings. They are brownish black and females feed on human and animal blood, but the mosquito’s primary food source is plant nectar.
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes cause itchy red bumps and spread diseases like Zika virus, encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
\n\n\n\nPrevent these pests by eliminating standing water and food sources. They thrive in moist areas with a lot of flowering vegetation, including ponds, wooded areas, and near swimming pools. Limit flowering plants near your home and maintain proper yard drainage to eliminate standing water.
\n\n\n\nPerform routine yard maintenance, cutting back overgrown vegetation. Professional pest control plans often offer add-on outdoor mosquito control. Additionally, use non-repellent insecticides to help maintain a mosquito-free yard.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Culicidae
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist, high-vegetation areas such as forests, ponds, and tall grasses
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; female bites transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, encephalitis, and Zika virus
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fauna-invertebrate-close-up-spider-arachnid-india-443985-pxhere.com_.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nSpiders catch a bad rap for being scary. These beneficial arachnids are vital to the ecosystem. They have eight legs and two distinct body regions. The most common species found in the Metroplex are black widows, brown recluses, and wolf spiders.
\n\n\n\nMost spider species are not a direct threat to humans. However, the brown recluse and black widow spiders are venomous. Their bites can cause serious reactions in some people.
\n\n\n\nIf you notice webs and have a spider infestation in your yard, it is a signal you have a larger underlying infestation. Spiders move into an area where large populations of insects live and love secluded areas to hide, like garden sheds, tall grasses, covered porches, basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
\n\n\n\nPrevent spiders by eliminating hiding places, maintaining your lawn, and reducing the number of smaller pests in your yard.
\n\n\n\nKnock out an indoor infestation with a repellent pesticide or use a non-repellent pesticide outdoors.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Araneae
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; seek shelters and areas to hide
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; venomous spiders can cause allergic reactions in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent and non-repellent pesticides
\n\n\n\n![\"5-6](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3049109271_68829f87c4_c-1-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jean and Fred Hort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTermites are beneficial insects in nature. However, once these wood-chomping social insects wander indoors or near homes, they pose a serious problem. Termites live in large colonies. They are cream, yellow, or brown with elongated bodies and enormous jaws.
\n\n\n\nTermites can cause severe structural damage if left untreated, and unfortunately, most homeowners’ insurance does not cover termite damage. These insects love moist areas such as leaking pipes, basements, foundations, and beneath decks.
\n\n\n\nThe best termite prevention and control is to hire a pest control expert. A routine termite inspection and prevention plan offers peace of mind. If your termite infestation is isolated and contained to the outdoors, you can opt for a DIY solution using a termiticide, a pesticide designed specifically for termites.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Isoptera
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Dark, moist areas with minimal air exposure
\n\n\n\nDanger: Moderate; cause structural damage
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Professional pest control and termiticide
\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6980305991_3209cd81a6_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sid Mosdell / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWasps help control insect populations and help pollination. The most common wasp in the Dallas Fort Worth area is paper wasps, recognizable for their pinched waists and long legs. They are black or brown with bright yellow markings and gray wings.
\n\n\n\nPaper wasps are aggressive if their nests are threatened. They are venomous, and some people develop allergic reactions to their stings. These insects are adaptable, forming nests in shrubs, trees, windows, door frames, and overhangs.
\n\n\n\nPrevent wasps by properly sealing garbage cans and eliminating food sources around your entrances.
\n\n\n\nUse a repellent insecticide to treat infestations. When you are certain all residents are dead, scrape and remove the nest left behind.
\n\n\n\nInsect type: Vespidae
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Adaptable; form nests in shrubs, trees, door and window frames, and overhangs
\n\n\n\nDanger: High; deliver painful and venomous stings that can cause allergic reactions in some people
\n\n\n\nRemoval: Repellent pesticide
\n\n\n\nThe mild year-round weather is one of the most attractive things about Texas. Unfortunately, bugs love the subtropical climate as much as humans. Experts recommend quarterly pest control treatments for preventative maintenance.
No, bed bugs are extremely hard to exterminate completely once they have made their way into your home. Treatment requires specialized equipment and training. Your best hope of complete eradication starts by calling a professional in your area for a free quote.
Typically, pest control companies offer separate rodent services. Some companies offer a specialized rodent control and prevention program.
Pests are creepy, crawly nuisances that will inevitably pop up in your home or yard. The best defense against an invasion is routine lawn maintenance and a pest control prevention plan. There are many low-maintenance landscaping options available for Dallas, and be sure to check out our list of the best native plants that will thrive in your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you need some help to control a pest invasion, contact a Dallas exterminator today to keep your family and lawn healthy year-round.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Wasp sitting on green leaf / Pexels
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