![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/iKRzbM9Pns266l1jxMd-tJSeXRu-i4m671meODt_rK3jGnrNhdf51Ocmg7RqnNHEUS5bV-jacP-MYPOS0vgi3G1fKtTLBTIAlnc1J5AJ1yzQAiwlNBKcZda_1wYM6-qolsrBsXRC\")
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":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"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.
A fenced-in backyard brings a lot of freedom to pet owners. Just open the door and let them out or install a small pet-door so they can come and go as they please. But with that freedom comes a dilemma. The pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer that provide you with a green lawn can make dogs […]
\n","content":"\nA fenced-in backyard brings a lot of freedom to pet owners. Just open the door and let them out or install a small pet-door so they can come and go as they please. But with that freedom comes a dilemma. The pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer that provide you with a green lawn can make dogs and cats sick, cause bladder cancer, or even kill them. So how do you keep your dog safe and maintain your lawn care?
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DMbAzeVjYSWRwsU6-8muZ9Akrs65C9QhhxuaKMcN6k4Vj0Kb4QadsdTaDWVnis4wJ09VuuL_Svu63hPLX7aLCROhoDn2lZno1PpZygGKJVO-6SmmEeiIIcwhgpkkgo2CL7k5sJ4B\")
Your yard is the first thing people see when they come to your home. An emerald-green, thick lawn makes your property stand out and — admit it — makes you proud. When your grass gets sick, you treat it. Sometimes with chemicals. If you have pets, those chemicals can be dangerous. Dogs don’t just walk in your lawn. They roll in it, eat plants and blades of grass, and put their muzzles in it, sniffing around. When they lick themselves, chemicals on the lawn go straight into their system. So anything that’s on your grass gets on, and in, your dog (cats, too). Some of the most common lawn treatments are some of the most dangerous for pets.
\n\n\n\nSome of these chemicals lawn care companies use are mixed with bone meal and blood, so dogs and cats love the taste. Metaldehyde comes in pellet form and looks like dog food. It’s also flavored with molasses to attract snails. Unfortunately, it also attracts your dog.
\n\n\n\nOrganophosphates are organic compounds found in insecticides. They can harm an animal’s brain and nervous system, and cause gastrointestinal irritation. Dogs are exposed when they eat a plant that’s been treated or inhale the chemicals. Warning signs include paralysis, weakness, trouble breathing, and excessive salivation.
\n\n\n\nAvoiding these items is best, but that’s not always possible. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center says if you must use them, there are steps you can take to keep your pets safe.
\n\n\n\nWhen it’s time to clean up, go to a designated area so excess pesticide and wash water don’t contaminate an animal’s drinking water. Pesticide education specialist Cecil Tharp of Montana State University Extention says, “Keep drainage from cleaning sprayers out of water supplies and streams and do not let animals into areas where sprayers are cleaned.” If a dog drinks from a contaminated puddle, it will get sick.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/960px-Armed_Forces_Veterinary_Carries_out_Dental_Work_on_a_Military_Working_Dog_MOD_45158956.jpg\")
If your pet is showing signs of poisoning, like vomiting, seizures, muscle tremors, excessive salvation, trouble walking, or trouble breathing, get them to the veterinarian ASAP! You can also call the ASPCA’s Animal Control Center. Don’t induce vomiting unless you have explicitly been told to do so. Some toxins can cause even more damage if the pet throws it up. And never give a home remedy without first speaking to the vet.
\n\n\n\nIf you know what toxin your pet was exposed to or you have a sample, take it with you to the vet. This will help the doctor better treat the animal.
\n","title":"Lawn Chemicals That Pose Dangers for Pets","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1789c/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/107df/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/293e9/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/f2cbb/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1789c/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/356ef/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1dd6e/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/67b76/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/8df11/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/98a65/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1dd6e/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/93f70/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Chemicals That Pose Dangers for Pets | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f3aaf17d-f9ca-5766-b16c-d930f6163e26","slug":"watering-restrictions-in-cincinnati","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/watering-restrictions-in-cincinnati/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.","name":"Tina Hill","id":"05b33636-8a93-5cbe-a32e-4d72278ff06f","path":"/author/tina-hill/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f78fd5fd50db11dcceecbeb20de206e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Watering restrictions are not a concern for Cincinnati, but it’s still a good idea to conserve.
\n","content":"\nDrought and local lawn watering restrictions are plaguing people across the country. Not so in Cincinnati. Cincy is fortunate: It draws 88 percent of its water from the large Ohio River. The other 12 percent comes from an underground aquifer. Watering restrictions in Cincinnati are rare since the river isn’t likely to run dry any time soon. In fact, in 2019 may be the third wettest year on record for the Queen City.
\n\n\n\nCincinnati is also humid, which helps keep things green. That said, some years our lawns and gardens often need more water than Mother Nature provides during the summer.
\n\n\n\nWatering smart involves knowing when and how much to water your lawn. The best time to give the grass a drink is in the morning, before 10 a.m. This allows the soil to absorb the water before it evaporates during the heat of the day and help your lawn thrive in hotter weather. It also gives the grass enough time to dry by nightfall. Too much water on your lawn overnight can lead to disease that can kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nEstablished lawns in Cincinnati need at least an inch of water weekly (the amount varies depending on your soil type). Instead of watering daily for shorter stretches of time, lawn experts recommend watering every few days for longer periods. This way, water soaks deeply into the soil, giving roots the moisture they need to survive. If Mother Nature is giving you a hand with rainfall, cut back on running those sprinklers.
\n\n\n\nProper mowing will help save water and keep your grass thick and healthy. Set your mower blade height to three inches or higher, and don’t mow too often. Taller grass will develop deeper roots which will hold up better during the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nWhile there aren’t any watering restrictions in Cincinnati right now, it’s still a good idea to keep water conservation in mind. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical garden gets kudos for installing underground tanks that reuse rainwater and save millions of gallons of water a year. Likewise, the University of Cincinnati received national recognition for its efforts to conserve water and to lessen the flow of stormwater into the city’s sewer system.
\n\n\n\nSo even though there’s an abundance of water right now, go with the flow and limit your watering. Our neighbors in the drought-stricken states will thank you.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Cincinnati? Visit our Cincinnati Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nTina Hill is a landscape designer who stages homes before they go on the market. She recently remodeled her own backyard to include covered hardscaped areas along with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.
From its charming forests to the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha is home to an abundance of natural wonders. If you want some of its beauty to thrive in your own backyard, you should consider planting some of the best native plants for the area. Here’s why native plants are better than non-natives: Native […]
\n","content":"\nFrom its charming forests to the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha is home to an abundance of natural wonders. If you want some of its beauty to thrive in your own backyard, you should consider planting some of the best native plants for the area.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why native plants are better than non-natives:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are not only easier to take care of but also contribute to a healthier environment. Additionally, it’s important to note that plants bloom at different times throughout the year. Therefore, it’s best to choose a wide variety of native plants that will bloom all year and provide food for birds and pollinators.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to start incorporating native plants into your garden or landscaping, read on about some of the best native plants for Kenosha.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe red and yellow-colored flowers of the red columbine bloom in mid-late spring and are commonly enjoyed by both bees and birds. Even though their flowers are short-lived, they can self-seed and spread throughout your garden or yard, creating a stunning display year after year.
\n\n\n\nThe red columbines are low to medium-maintenance and may need a little extra care in the summer, such as cutting back old seed heads and stems. This can keep them looking tidy.
\n\n\n\nThere are no known hazards to the red columbine, but it comes from the Ranunculaceae family, which has many toxic plants. Therefore, caution is still advised.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: up to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous (evergreen in warmer climates)
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Light to moderate shade or full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates various well-drained soils but prefers moist, sandy or rocky soils that are fertile and moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium (avoid overwatering)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: No known hazards, but it belongs to a family of toxic plants, so practice caution
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Geranium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe wild geranium, also called the cranesbill, is a beautiful perennial plant that blooms in spring and produces delicate pink or purple flowers. It attracts different kinds of pollinators and birds. Because it likes moist soil and some shade, it’s an excellent plant for woodland gardens or shady borders. Depending on the season and climate, the wild geranium may need frequent watering.
\n\n\n\nThere are no known toxic effects of Geranium maculatum, but there are many other plants in the Geraniaceae family that are highly toxic. Caution is advised.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist or slightly dry, rich and loamy soil with organic matter
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to high, depending on the season and climate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: No known hazards, but it belongs to a family of toxic plants, so practice caution
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe common milkweed has gorgeous pink and purple flowers that bloom in the summer. But its beauty is not all it has to offer.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to provide a safe haven for monarch butterflies in your garden, planting common milkweed is a great way to do it. This forb is the sole host plant for the threatened monarch butterfly caterpillars, providing crucial habitat for their reproduction and survival. Do keep in mind, though, that this plant is toxic to other animals and to humans.
\n\n\n\nThe common milkweed is generally a low-maintenance plant that needs just the right amount of water. Overwatering (as well as humid climates and plant diseases) can cause the growth of lethal fungi.
\n\n\n\nWe recommend combining common milkweed with other nectar plants to provide monarchs with plenty of food.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall (can grow up to 8 feet)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous with a few exceptions
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun is preferred; light shade is tolerable for some species like the A. purpurascens
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained soils; can tolerate poor or dry soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium (avoid overwatering)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic (except for monarchs)
\n\n\n\n![\"Culver's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Culvers-Root.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCulver’s root is a beautiful plant with spikes of flowers that range from white to pink. This tall, eye-catching plant can add an extra touch of elegance to your Kenosha garden or yard.
\n\n\n\nYou can expect your culver’s root to bloom in the summer and attract pollinators as well as birds. Deadheading can be done to prolong its bloom time. If you want to keep your plant looking gorgeous and healthy, it will need some maintenance. This includes regular watering and may also involve staking.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, take note that the plant’s fresh root is toxic.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or light shade (can’t grow in the shade)
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates most soils but prefers light or medium, well-drained, moist, rich soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic fresh root
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Bergamot-or-Bee-Balm-Monarda-Fistulosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe bee balm, also called wild bergamot, is a popular native plant choice. This is a flowering plant that blooms in the summer. It’s great at attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and hawk moths to your garden. Bee balm is relatively easy to grow, with some maintenance, such as deadheading, required.
\n\n\n\nAlthough bee balm is often viewed as safe to consume, there are some risks (see some of them below). Consult a medical professional if you’re unsure about the safety of consuming this plant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2–4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or light shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist; many kinds of soil are suitable, but flooding should ideally be avoided
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Consuming this plant poses some risks for pregnant women, nursing women, and children; excessive consumption is unsafe for pets; practice caution
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Northern-Maidenhair-Fern.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Schnobby / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Northern maidenhair fern has unique, bright green fronds and dark brown to black stems. This plant can easily flourish in the right conditions. It blooms in the summer and is the perfect addition to a shade garden with well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nThe northern maidenhair fern isn’t considered a high-maintenance plant but does require your care to thrive. You should especially make sure that its soil stays moist, as the plant can’t tolerate dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nBecause it’s a fern rather than a flower, it’s not the right plant to attract birds and pollinators. However, its lush green foliage can still add a refreshing touch to any outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nThe plant is slightly toxic, so practice caution.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Fern
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Light to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high (but don’t overwater; always keep soil moist but not wet)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Slightly toxic; the plant contains carcinogens; it may also contain thiaminase, which can be destroyed by heat or thorough drying
\n\n\n\n![\"Stiff](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Stiff-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Frank Mayfield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe lovely stiff goldenrod flowers bloom in the late summer to early fall and thrive in full sun to partial shade. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies in the summer and birds in the fall. These flowers are relatively easy to care for, resistant to drought, and can grow up to 5 feet tall.
\n\n\n\nBecause stiff goldenrods are self-seeding, they spread quickly and may require some maintenance to prevent them from taking over other areas of the garden. However, their vibrant color and ability to attract pollinators and birds make them a great addition to any Kenosha garden.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1–5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, poor, dry to medium moist, average soil (in rich moist soils, the plant may over
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Little](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Little-Bluestem.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Montrealais / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe blue-green leaves of the little bluestem turn a beautiful coppery orange in the fall, adding color to the landscape. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and requires minor maintenance.
\n\n\n\nYou should cut it back to the ground in late winter and early spring so that it can grow back fresh and look beautiful year after year. Moreover, take note that the little bluestem can be an invasive species if not properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nThe plant flowers in late summer and early fall. It’s also a great food source for birds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Grass
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2–4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average soil that’s dry to medium moist and well-drained, but tolerates various soil conditions, including light, heavy, rocky, and poor, and infertile soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Heart-Leaved](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Heart-Leaved-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alexis Godin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe heart-leaved aster, also called heart-leaved American-aster and blue wood aster, is a stunning blue-purple wildflower that blooms in late summer and early fall. It’s adaptable and resilient, so it’s not difficult to care for.
\n\n\n\nBirds love the heart-leaved aster for its seeds, and butterflies and bees are drawn to its nectar. If you’re looking to attract beneficial wildlife to your garden, this plant is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2–5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous with a few exceptions
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Light to full shade or full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Average, well-drained, dry to moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 CA
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe New England aster is a classic option for adding a pop of purple to your garden. It blooms from late summer to early fall and is a frequent nectar source for bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThe plant prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil and low to medium watering. But if you don’t remember to water it regularly, don’t worry, as it can live off rainwater. The New England aster can grow up to 6 feet, but you can cut back the stems of the flower in June and early July. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers in the late summer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: None known
\n\n\n\nThe right plants for your landscape depend on various factors, including the amount of sunlight, soil type, and water needs. When considering which plants to buy, consider your lawn’s unique characteristics and how much you’ll be willing to maintain them. Research how to take care of each plant thoroughly, including what they need in terms of mulch, fertilizer, and so on.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, make sure your plant is able to thrive in Kenosha’s hardiness zone before you buy it. Kenosha’s hardiness zone is 5b, indicating that its minimum average temperature is between -10 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to choose plants that can withstand these temperatures. Of course, all the plants mentioned in this article can thrive in Kenosha’s hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nAs we mentioned at the beginning of this article, we suggest getting plants that bloom at different times of the year so that pollinators and birds have a food source in your garden throughout the seasons.
\n\n\n\nYou might find some of these native plants in your yard already, but if you want to add more to your garden, you can get them ethically by purchasing from local native plant nurseries. It’s important to choose plants that are locally sourced and not taken from the wild, as this can harm natural ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few of Wisconsin’s local nurseries:
\n\n\n\nThere are various resources to help homeowners find the right southeastern Wisconsin native plants. You can view a full list of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources‘ recommended Wisconsin nurseries here. If you want to plant milkweed, you can use the recommended Milkweed Finder Tool. You can also view Kenosha nurseries on Yelp. If you’re adding new plants, there may be other areas of your garden that need attention. Just like plants, grass types also require specific conditions to thrive, so make sure that you get one of the best grass types for Kenosha. Moreover, consider hiring one of WikiLawn’s Kenosha, WI lawn care pros to keep your lawn green and healthy.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Dj53144 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Kenosha, Wisconsin","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/1789c/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/107df/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 320w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/293e9/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 500w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/f2cbb/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 800w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/1789c/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 960w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/c26c2/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/1dd6e/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/67b76/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 320w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/8df11/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 500w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/98a65/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 800w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/1dd6e/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 960w,\n/static/cf922353cde26b5191d5799f9ce36fd8/3cc96/Wolfenbuttel-Park-Kenosha-WI.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Kenosha, Wisconsin","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Kenosha is home to an abundance of natural wonders. If you want some of its beauty to thrive in your own backyard, read on."}}},{"node":{"id":"a7d4f1dc-205b-5939-88f1-10ed1b0aabd9","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-alabama","path":"/lawn-care/al/low-maintenance-landscaping-alabama/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 14th, 2023","excerpt":"After taking in the views at Cheaha State Park, returning to a home landscape that provides the same serenity and aesthetic pleasure is a welcoming thought. We’ve compiled eight low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Alabama homeowners to help you do just that. While you may not be able to duplicate the wonders of Cheaha in your […]
\n","content":"\nAfter taking in the views at Cheaha State Park, returning to a home landscape that provides the same serenity and aesthetic pleasure is a welcoming thought. We’ve compiled eight low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Alabama homeowners to help you do just that. While you may not be able to duplicate the wonders of Cheaha in your yard, you can create a breathtaking landscape that is just as appealing.
\n\n\n\nAnd let’s be honest, the breeze from the Gulf of Mexico is nice, but sometimes the summers get really hot. These ideas will help you stay out of the heat, or at least allow you more time to enjoy the beaches at Gulf State Park when you are outdoors, instead of spending a lot of your time doing yard work. A spectacular-looking yard does not have to mean a lot of sweat and labor.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/36415538275_740f5f1f45_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlanting perennials has many benefits. Annuals only last one season and must be replanted. Perennials, on the other hand, last many seasons after being planted only once. They require maintenance, but usually less than annuals. Most perennials require dividing for healthy growth and continued flowering.
\n\n\n\nMany perennials thrive as long as they receive sunshine and are planted in well-drained soil. The deep root systems of perennials help prevent erosion and promote healthy soil composition.
\n\n\n\nPerennials come in multiple colors, sizes, and textures, so you can have the same diversity as you would with annuals. Planting different perennial varieties means they’ll blossom at different times, giving you a colorful garden longer.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these Alabama hardy native perennials:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennials depends on the plant type and size, purchase location, and if you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional. It costs between $650 and $3,000 for professional flower bed installation, depending on plant type and size, and the number of plants. Expect to pay between $10 to $100 per plant if you’re DIY’ing it. A package of seeds typically costs less than $2.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFill your flower bed and other areas of your yard with a diverse collection of native plants. From shrubs to sedums to ornamental grasses, native plants add variety, color, and interest to any home.
\n\n\n\nNative plants can make your life a little easier and promote a healthier environment. Most native plants are low maintenance because they have adapted to the Alabama climate. They require less watering and fertilizing and are more tolerant of local diseases and pests. As a result, fewer chemicals are needed to maintain native plants, meaning fewer harmful chemicals run off into the water supply and contaminate the environment.
\n\n\n\nNative plants provide habitat and nourishment for local insects, butterflies, birds, and wildlife, sustaining biodiversity and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nHere are some attractive Alabama native plants:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices depend on plant type, size, and purchase location. Shrubs cost between $15 to $50. Expect to pay between $5 to $50 per vine. A tree averages between $200 to $1,500.
\n\n\n\n![\"Plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Plants-with-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch is a low-maintenance idea that saves time and money and benefits your soil and plants. Mulch protects the soil from direct sunlight, which reduces water evaporation and conserves water. It also prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, and protects the soil from extreme temperatures that can injure plant roots.
\n\n\n\nWeed suppression means less time and money spent on herbicides. When plant roots are protected from injury, like frost in the winter, you do not have to spend time repairing the damage or replacing plants. When you replace grass in difficult-to-mow areas with mulch, you reduce the time otherwise spent mowing the lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou have two choices for mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch can improve soil quality, aeration, and drainage. As it breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil. Both organic and inorganic mulch can add aesthetic value to your home.
\n\n\n\nMulch comes in different textures, colors, and styles. Here are some examples:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Organic mulch typically costs about $50 to $150 per cubic yard. Inorganic mulch costs about $20 to $400 per cubic yard. You can typically get mulch at $3 to $7 a bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fire-Pit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rochester Concrete Products / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are non-living, man-made features. Although they cost more upfront, after they are constructed, they provide years of low-maintenance visual appeal and functionality.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve installed a flagstone pathway and wrap-around porch as inviting entryways to your home, you’ve created a landscape design that does not need mowing, weeding, or fertilizing. The more hardscapes, the fewer lawn care and gardening tasks you’ll have to do.
\n\n\n\nYou might like some of these hardscape ideas:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: It costs an average of $4.50 to $17 per square foot for professional hardscaping, depending on the type of project, or between $3,300 to $13,200 per project. A walkway costs between $335 and $2,840. A retaining wall is one of the more expensive landscape designs, costing between $3,600 to $9,500.
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaping](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Xeriscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is another landscaping idea that saves water and time. This type of landscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and other low-maintenance features to replace grass. Succulents, native plants, and other plants that require little water, like liriopes, create an efficient and diverse display. Many xeriscaping features require no fertilization and little to no pruning.
\n\n\n\nLet’s look at some ways to xeriscape:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay between $5 to $20 per square foot for professional installation, depending on materials, type of feature, and the size of your yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lilyturf](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lilyturf-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsing groundcover instead of grass eliminates or reduces the need to mow. Choosing low-maintenance groundcover means less watering, fertilizing, and other activities necessary to maintain grass.
\n\n\n\nYou can replace your grass with plants that are low-maintenance and look like grass, with a touch of color. Liriopes are a category of grass-like plants that also flower. They spread to make an excellent groundcover.
\n\n\n\nLiriopes (Liriope muscari) are not native to Alabama, but some, like monkey grass, are popular amongst Alabama homeowners. Liriope is very low-maintenance. It is drought, heat, and high-traffic tolerant. It suppresses weeds and requires little, if any, fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nMixing different types of groundcover plants can give your yard a more interesting and colorful landscape than having a lawn made of only grass. Groundcover also prevents erosion.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for interesting groundcover to partially or completely replace your grass, you may like these plants that are either drought-tolerant, native to Alabama, or both :
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of groundcover plants depends on the plant type, size, how they’re sold, and purchase location. A container plant costs about $40. Plant trays cost about $10. The same plant may cost between $4 and $400 when sold as seeds, depending on the number of seeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtificial grass means no more mowing, watering, fertilizing, dethatching, or any of those maintenance chores associated with real grass. Although artificial grass is costly initially, you’ll only have to do occasional maintenance, like cleaning it and keeping it free of debris.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also contribute to a cleaner environment. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that would have been used to maintain your lawn will no longer be applied and run off into the water supply.
\n\n\n\nIf you choose artificial turfgrass, be aware that it reduces the nutrients the soil underneath it receives. So, the soil can be damaged.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay an average of $5.50 to $19.75 per square foot for artificial grass installation, depending on the material, property size, and yard shape.
\n\n\n\n![\"Showy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Showy-stonecrop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kroton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSucculents are great for low-maintenance landscapes and well-suited for the dry, hot Alabama climate. These plants store water in their stems, roots, and leaves, allowing them to thrive with little watering. They are drought-tolerant and usually require less pruning and fertilization than other plants.
\n\n\n\nSedums are a category of hardy succulents. Not all sedums are succulents, but most are, and they come in multiple colors, sizes, and styles. Their flowers usually blossom late in the growing season, so sedums help you keep some visual excitement in your flower bed a little longer.
\n\n\n\nHere are some sedums and other succulent plants for your Alabama garden bed:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Succulents cost an average of $10 to $75 per plant, depending on plant type and size.
\n\n\n\nPlants native to Alabama thrive best. You can choose non-native plants, but you want to identify options that will grow well in Alabama’s climate. One way to do this is by referring to the plant’s USDA hardiness zone.
Zones indicate the plants that will survive an area’s lowest winter temperatures. Zones differ by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Alabama’s zones are 7b to 8b. So choose plants within your zone for the best success.
Invasive plants can outcompete native plants, causing them to be greatly reduced or completely replaced. This means hummingbirds, insects, and wildlife can no longer depend on native plants for food and habitat. The ecosystem can become unbalanced and some insect and animal species can begin to decrease. Here are some ways to manage invasive plants:
• The best way to keep them from spreading is to remove the plant.
• If the seed has not formed yet, remove the flowers by deadheading.
• Pull up small plants or seedlings.
• Cut down large, woody varieties and treat the stump with an herbicide.
Drip irrigation systems allow homeowners to save water by watering more efficiently. They are excellent choices for xeriscape designs. Drip irrigation systems usually result in using less water than sprinkler irrigation. You can use a simple drip irrigation system under mulch, or a more elaborate system for larger areas.
With these eight ideas, you can create a beautiful landscaping design that reduces the time it takes to keep it healthy and visually appealing. Alabama has over 15 state parks. Why spend your time maintaining your yard when you can spend it enjoying walking trails, beaches, biking, and other recreational activities?
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to treat yourself to a well-kept lawn without all the effort, contact a local lawn care professional.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Bellingrath Gardens / Pixabay
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Alabama","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/1789c/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/107df/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 320w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/293e9/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 500w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/f2cbb/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 800w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/1789c/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 960w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/c26c2/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/1dd6e/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/67b76/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 320w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/8df11/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 500w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/98a65/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 800w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/1dd6e/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 960w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/3cc96/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Alabama","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reduce your yard work and increase your free time with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Alabama home."}}},{"node":{"id":"f4017392-1394-5b65-b76a-b45b37c6def4","slug":"best-native-plants-michigan","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/best-native-plants-michigan/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tatiana Barrie is a writer with a background in law and tech, passionate about environmental sustainability and animal welfare. When she’s not writing, Tatiana enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and traveling the world.","name":"Tatiana Barrie","id":"8c60c769-47b8-542b-b658-4947278b51c5","path":"/author/tatiana-barrie/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2efff47c9ef277fa369b6224bb184e40?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 14th, 2023","excerpt":"Tired of out-of-state friends boasting about their lush gardens while your plants struggle with Michigan’s unpredictable weather? Here’s the solution: native plants. Michigan is home to a wide variety of native species that thrive in its unique climate. In this article, we’ll show you the best native plants for Michigan yards, whether you’re looking for […]
\n","content":"\nTired of out-of-state friends boasting about their lush gardens while your plants struggle with Michigan’s unpredictable weather? Here’s the solution: native plants. Michigan is home to a wide variety of native species that thrive in its unique climate. In this article, we’ll show you the best native plants for Michigan yards, whether you’re looking for vibrant and hardy wildflowers, shrubs, or trees.
\n\n\n\nNot only do native plants make your backyard look like a slice of Pure Michigan paradise super easily, but they also offer many benefits:
\n\n\n\nHere’s what we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Buttonbush-Cephalanthus-occidentalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe common buttonbush is the perfect addition to any yard near one of Michigan’s lakes or rivers. If you’re nestled along the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, this shrub will have no trouble adapting to the cooler climate and thriving in the moist soil. If you live near the waters of Lake Michigan, such as in Grand Haven or Holland, this plant will also handle the region’s warmer temperatures with ease.
\n\n\n\nThe common buttonbush is a real showstopper with its unique, spherical white flowers that bloom from June to September. It’s also super versatile and easy to care for. It can grow up to 12 feet tall, so you can place it in the back of a garden bed or as a standalone shrub. However, it may require regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too large and unruly.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Dried flowers and leaves smell like freshly-mown grass
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 12 ft
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/29347368572_e80467e365_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its stunning violet-blue flowers, which bloom from late summer to early fall, the smooth blue aster can be grown anywhere in Michigan. From the rocky soils of the Upper Peninsula to the sandy and loamy soils of the Lower Peninsula, this hardy plant can thrive in a range of environments. It can also adapt to different pH levels, from acidic to slightly alkaline conditions.
\n\n\n\nFor the best flowering display, it’s recommended to provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so avoid planting it under, so avoid planting it under dense shade or in areas with limited sun exposure. It’s also essential to plant it in an area with good air circulation. This will help prevent the buildup of moisture around the leaves, which can lead to fungal growth.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"dark](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American_elderberry_Sambucus_canadensis1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rison Thumboor / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican Black Elderberry is a shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall, with clusters of white flowers that bloom in early summer, followed by dark purple-black berries in late summer or early fall. It’s not only an attractive plant, but also a highly adaptable option. It doesn’t matter if you’re up north in Marquette dealing with colder temperatures or down in Ann Arbor enjoying milder conditions; this plant can thrive in both the Upper Peninsula and the Southern Lower Peninsula.
\n\n\n\nPlus, it’s not picky about soil, so whether you’ve got sandy soil near the Great Lakes shoreline or clay-rich dirt in the heart of Detroit, this plant will feel right at home. Plus, its ability to withstand drought and resist pests means it won’t require a lot of maintenance, making it a great choice for those who want to spend more time enjoying their garden than tending to it.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 10b
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates a wide variety of wet to dry soils but prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time (or season of interest, if it doesn’t bloom): May to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw fruit is inedible to people
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Regular pruning to remove suckers from base of plant
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nThe New England aster is most commonly found in the northern Lower Peninsula and the southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. These regions’ well-drained sandy, loam, and clay-rich soils and moderate temperatures allow them to establish strong roots and produce abundant blooms.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a tall, upright plant that typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet. Its leaves are lance-shaped and toothed, while its flowers are daisy-like and range in color from pink to purple to blue.
\n\n\n\nGenerally, it’s a healthy, low-maintenance plant that’s not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it’s susceptible to Lygus bugs, so make sure to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation and use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other natural pesticides to control them.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer – early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/15326239332_0d1576a4f0_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nShowy goldenrod is a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of Michigan landscapes, but it’s particularly well-suited to the northern and southern regions of the Lower Peninsula. The area’s varied soil composition, ranging from the sandy dunes along the shoreline of Lake Michigan to the fertile loam in the inland areas is the perfect environment for this plant to grow.
\n\n\n\nShowy goldenrod is a low-maintenance plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall and is adorned with bright, golden-yellow flower clusters that bloom from late summer through fall. It’s also deer-resistant, which is a huge advantage if you live in cities with deer overpopulation problems, such as Ann Arbor or Lansing.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3a to 8b
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: July to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Medium flammability. Mildly poisonous to some herbivores.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to Medium; May have to divide it every 2 years for size management.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Boneset.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its clusters of tiny, white flowers, the common boneset is a great choice for gardens across the state. As long as the soil is moist enough and the plant receives enough sunlight (at least 4 hours), it can grow anywhere in Michigan.
\n\n\n\nThe common boneset is a hardy wildflower that can handle various soil types, from sandy to clay. Plus, it has an extensive root system that contributes to soil stability and erosion prevention. Now, keep in mind that it can spread aggressively if not kept in check. Therefore, it’s important to monitor its growth and trim it back regularly to prevent it from becoming invasive.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich moist to wet sandy or clay soils; though it can also tolerate dry soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All parts of the plant are poisonous
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Virgins-Bower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Melissa McMasters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a native plant to cover a fence or climb a pergola, the Virgin’s Bower is a great choice. This native perennial vine is a real showstopper with its clusters of white, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. And, as the seasons change, these flowers transform into fluffy seed heads, adding a unique texture to your garden even as the temperatures start to drop.
\n\n\n\nIt grows best in the Upper Peninsula’s sandy and loamy soils and cooler climate. Now, keep in mind that this plant isn’t a fan of heavy shade, nor does it enjoy basking in the full sun all day. Also, it can also spread quickly and take over other plants in the area. As such, it’s important to monitor the plant’s growth and take steps to control it if necessary, such as by pruning back the vines or removing any seedlings that sprout up in unwanted areas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich, well-drained loamy or silty soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 12 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is a perennial herb native to Michigan’s wetland areas, from the marshes and swamps scattered throughout the Upper Peninsula to the inland wetlands and lakeshores in the Lower Peninsula. This means that while this plant is best suited for the southern and central regions of Michigan, it can still grow in the northern areas.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is well-known for its vibrant pink flowers with heart-shaped leaves, which have scalloped edges and are covered in soft hairs. It’s a great option if you’re looking to add some wildlife to your backyard – this plant is a favorite among pollinators, particularly the Monarch butterfly. However, you’ll need to keep an eye out for any potential pests, such as aphids and milkweed bugs.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/35788220756_6c924b709e_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a great addition for yards in cities such as Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, or Detroit,. The southern Lower Peninsula‘s climate, with its milder winters and longer growing seasons, provides an ideal environment for this plant to thrive. It can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions: for example, while it prefers full sun exposure, it can tolerate partial shade. It can also grow in different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
\n\n\n\nOne of the primary reasons to include butterfly weed in your Michigan garden is its amazing benefit for pollinators. Like the swamp milkweed, this plant plays a critical role in the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. It provides both a nectar source for adult butterflies and a host plant for their larvae. However, it can be slow to establish itself, especially if it’s grown from seed. It may take a few years before the plant reaches its full height and produces an abundance of flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained dry to mid-range soil moist. Loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet vanilla fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: grassrootsgroundswell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susans are a common sight in Michigan’s meadows, fields, and along roadside ditches, with their bright yellow petals and dark chocolate centers. They will grow well statewide: they can thrive in a wide range of soil types, including clay-heavy soils found in areas like Oakland County. Plus, those living near Lake Michigan or Lake Huron will appreciate their ability to tolerate occasional salt spray from the lakes.
\n\n\n\nThe ideal growing conditions for black-eyed Susans include plenty of sunlight, but the good news is that they’re quite adaptable. While these hardy wildflowers prefer full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, they can also tolerate some partial shade. However, like common boneset, they can quickly become invasive. You’ll need to stay vigilant in removing unwanted seedlings and managing their growth.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun. Can tolerate some partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, moist, well drained soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual , Perennial, or Biennial depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall (Jun – Sept)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. During its first season, it should be irrigated with only one inch of water per week – once established, it’ll be drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right native plants for your Michigan yard can transform your outdoor space into a flourishing sanctuary that supports local wildlife and requires minimal maintenance. However, to achieve this, it’s essential to consider a few factors before making your selection.
\n\n\n\nHere are some key points to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of Detroit native plants. Some of the best options include:
\n\n\n\nMany of the plants we’ve mentioned on this list are also native to Detroit, such as:
\n\n\n\nThe Upper Peninsula of Michigan is home to various native plants, such as:
\n\n\n\nFor more information on specific native plant species in the Upper Peninsula, you can refer to Michigan’s University Cooperation Extension Upper Peninsula native plant list.
\n\n\n\nYou can find a wide range of plants native to the southwestern region of Michigan. Some examples include:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs native to Michigan include:
\n\n\n\nOne of the best ways to source these plants is by visiting local nurseries that specialize in native Michigan flora. If you’re not sure where to start, the Michigan Master Gardener Association provides a comprehensive list of native plant suppliers across the state.
\n\n\n\nHowever, incorporating native plants into your landscape is just one aspect of creating a beautiful and thriving outdoor space. Selecting the right Michigan grass type for your yard is also essential for a healthy, lush lawn that complements your native plants. Low-maintenance landscaping techniques, such as hardscaping and mulching, can also help encourage a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nNow, while you might be tempted to roll up your sleeves and do everything yourself, let’s face it; some things are better left to the pros. From regular mowing and trimming to fertilization, a lawn care pro near you can handle the job. We have trusted pros in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Virgin’s Bower / Under the same moon… / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Michigan","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2578616352201257,"src":"/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/1789c/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/107df/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/293e9/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/f2cbb/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/1789c/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/c26c2/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/1dd6e/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/67b76/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/8df11/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/98a65/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/1dd6e/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/6f4ff76a1cd0a4927938e600cd9dcfbd/3cc96/50206986947_2232c14d94_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Michigan | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Need to spruce up the backyard? Bring some of the Great Lake State’s local beauty to your own yard with these best native plants for Michigan."}}},{"node":{"id":"099558d4-8315-5592-b749-fecf0baa638d","slug":"best-grass-types-western-carolina","path":"/lawn-care/nc/best-grass-types-western-carolina/","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":"573ee4f0-70b8-506d-bed1-b789c040fa0f","name":"Asheville","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/asheville/"},{"id":"afc750c6-fc25-5d3b-8b8a-77aa8db4c3fb","name":"Charlotte","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/charlotte/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0946c7b5-fa0e-522f-b876-ff6b33c2d842","name":"North Carolina","count":17,"path":"/category/lawn-care/nc/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"It would be a shame to have a lawn that doesn’t match the beauty and extraordinary atmosphere of Western Carolina’s wildlife and waterfalls. But not every grass type is the same. If you’re in the market for a lush, green lawn, consider planting one of these 4 grasses that thrive here. In this article: 4 […]
\n","content":"\nIt would be a shame to have a lawn that doesn’t match the beauty and extraordinary atmosphere of Western Carolina’s wildlife and waterfalls. But not every grass type is the same. If you’re in the market for a lush, green lawn, consider planting one of these 4 grasses that thrive here.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two kinds of grasses:
\n\n\n\nGiven Western Carolina’s temperate climate, both work well, but cool-season grasses are a slightly better option. Let’s explore some popular cool-season grass options.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is popular thanks to its picturesque, blue-green turf. It’s a dense grass that can withstand foot traffic, especially during the colder months. While heat may pose some challenges for the grass, it can repair itself if it becomes damaged. It can also withstand drought for some time until it goes dormant.
\n\n\n\nHowever, heat isn’t the only problem your Kentucky bluegrass turf may face. Other conditions that can be problematic include shade, diseases, pests, and thatch. Thus, it’s often mixed with other, more resistant grass types to make it more durable.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High; but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5 to 7 days; fertilize 1 to 3 times a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
![\"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\nOur moderate summers and mild winters are the perfect conditions for perennial ryegrass, a bright green, tall grass that can be grown quickly from seed. Once it’s grown in, the grass can handle cold weather, stand up to foot traffic, and make less thatch than other types of grass.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is frequently mixed with other grasses to take advantage of its fast-growing, resistant qualities. But take note that you’ll need to mow it frequently. Additionally, this grass doesn’t self-repair and doesn’t stand up well to shade, excessive heat, drought, or fungal diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches, depending on species, weather, and intended use; you can cut even shorter, but very short heights need a reel mower
Potential for disease: High, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to say goodbye to your green lawn in the winter, look no further. Turf-type tall fescue can form a thick, medium-to-dark green turf that will last all year. It’s resistant to cold as well as shade, heat, drought, and foot traffic, all while being low-maintenance and relatively fast-growing. It’s also a great option for mixing with other grass types to give your lawn more resilience.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it’s resistant, turf-type tall fescue can’t self-repair, so be prepared to overseed any bare spots. It will also need frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed or your lawn will go dormant
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Festuca_arundinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a broad name given to a variety of fescue grasses that differ in maintenance needs, density, germination times, and so forth. However, they’re all distinguished by their fine, thin blades that form a versatile, blue-green turf. Unlike other grass types, fine fescue grows in partial shade as well as drought (although drought may cause dormancy).
\n\n\n\nBe careful, though. Too much fertilizer can cause high thatch levels. While a little thatch is good, too much can choke the lawn and keep the soil and roots from getting oxygen and moisture. Overfertilization carries other hazards as well, so if you need to fertilize, follow instructions and stick to the amount you need. Moreover, take note that fine fescue isn’t the best fit for foot traffic and is susceptible to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Depends on the variant; most variants grow in bunches, but creeping red fescue uses rhizomes
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High; may go dormant
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Mow every 2 to 3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2 to 4 times a year; aerate once a year
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable
Potential for disease: Moderate
If you want to enjoy time outside with family and friends, you may want a durable grass like Kentucky bluegrass. It’s mainly resistant to foot traffic during cooler months. If damaged, it can self-repair.
Your other options are turf-type tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, which can’t self-repair but can handle foot traffic all year.
The best time to overseed cool-season grasses is in early fall. You want to give your grass at least 45 days to grow before the first frost hits. The risk of frost in Western Carolina begins at the beginning of October, so it’s best to overseed before mid-August.
Although Western Carolina is generally a cool place, it does get warm in the summer. If you want to create a shady lawn oasis, make sure you plant fine-leaf fescue. You can get a fine-leaf fescue and turf-type tall fescue mix to get the best out of both grass types.
If you want to care for your lawn as little as possible, either tall fescue or fine-leaf fescue should be a good fit.
You chose the right grass type, but what’s next? Once you sow your grass, you want to make sure that you give your lawn the right care all year round. This includes cleaning, dethatching, aerating, overseeding, and fertilizing, among many other tasks that are a necessity for every backyard.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re the type who enjoys spending time on your lawn more than working on it, consider creating a low-maintenance landscape. Not only can this mean planting a low-maintenance type of grass, but it can also mean using xeriscaping, hardscaping, planting easy-care plants, and other low-maintenance tips and techniques.
\n\n\n\nStill feeling overwhelmed? Consider hiring a professional lawn care service to take care of your lawn for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Joe Wolf / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n","title":"4 Grasses That Thrive in Western Carolina","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.518987341772152,"src":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1789c/lawn-in-asheville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/107df/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 320w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/293e9/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 500w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/f2cbb/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 800w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1789c/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 960w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/c26c2/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1dd6e/lawn-in-asheville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/67b76/lawn-in-asheville.webp 320w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/8df11/lawn-in-asheville.webp 500w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/98a65/lawn-in-asheville.webp 800w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1dd6e/lawn-in-asheville.webp 960w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/3cc96/lawn-in-asheville.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Grasses That Thrive in Western Carolina | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Grass isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition For a lush, green lawn, consider starting with one of these 4 grasses that thrive in Western Carolina"}}},{"node":{"id":"9244667c-3d25-5ede-964a-92e92b3b3df8","slug":"worst-backyard-pests-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/worst-backyard-pests-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Ruma Akter","id":"b4adb332-066f-5309-a11a-ada9d71b73f7","path":"/author/opushaon10/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ebb2426fcf700731e458d89422adc475?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"July 19th, 2019","excerpt":"Jacksonville’s warm climate is something that backyard pests really appreciate, too. Here’s a list of the biggest pests, and what to do about them.
\n","content":"\nJacksonville’s warm climate and proximity to many bodies of water create the perfect environment for pests. These backyard pests can create many issues for homeowners. Here are some of the worst backyard pests in Jacksonville, and more importantly, how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nYay, Jax! In 2019 the city broke into the list of the top U.S. cities …for mosquitoes. Some people tend to get bitten only a few minutes after stepping outside while others aren’t mosquito magnets at all. Either way, it’s essential to keep the mosquito population down around your home. These bloodsuckers can spread disease and cause significant health problems for your family and pets. There’s no doubt they’re among the worst pests in Jacksonville and one of the deadliest in the world.
\n\n\n\nMake sure to rid your lawn and garden from any standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Buy a mosquito zapper and wear bug repellent while outdoors. Guard the family pooch against heartworms spread by infected mosquitoes as well. Use natural mosquito repellent plants around your home. Catmint, marigolds, and citronella have a scent that bugs mosquitoes.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/c2sdWdrobROzG-bFF6MjtV360OrNNqfe4j_m2OocW71AZDXYMWMG4PXszf8dxZlBEwGzc3c_Voz0VC964QSQGMnSNKLIefrBeSPgZL-D-qizb2tt14TstRkT0-0BlixNc54a4zIZ\")
While these flying lovers aren’t harmful to humans, their sheer numbers can wreak havoc in the Jacksonville area. They are also known as the honeymoon fly, but they’re nothing lovable about them. These bugs mate and then remain attached for several days afterward. Lovebugs are commonly found flooding sides of buildings and splattering across the front of cars.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TfsJW9tGCddH6YzJVE-Fjio2NpwLdYMxJeyVmndOt83zAGmeW_TADhv8cJoJIUTAqSykzVwg2dx5pOpIIj1beQ52nl-set_T3hjEifv3C7XeFZSEijk8rC9SXCFSCdJyM8TVDLdC\")
2019 was a particularly bad year (actually a good year for the bugs, bad for us,) thanks to a lack of rainfall that encouraged eggs production. There isn’t much you can do to prevent or rid your backyard of these swarms of lovebugs other than use screened-in outdoor areas. Cutting down on piles of plant debris in the yard could also help keep these amorous pests away. They especially like feeding on Brazilian pepper.
\n\n\n\nAny wood structures are targets for termites in the Jacksonville area. It doesn’t take long for these small wood eaters to do some costly damage to homes, garages, sheds, and backyard playgrounds. Walk around any wood structures on your property to look for mud tubes and droppings that look like sawdust. Ridding your property of any wood piles or dead trees is one way to prevent termites from entering your area. If you’ve got an infestation, it’s time to call a professional exterminator.
\n\n\n\nThese small gnats are also known as sand fleas in the Jacksonville area. They tend to hang out on the sandy beaches but can also fly around the city. No-see-ums are usually active in the mornings or late afternoons, and their sting is easy to feel. You’ll most likely feel a no-see-um before you lay eyes on it.
\n\n\n\nApplying insect repellent before going outside is one way to prevent these little critters from causing issues. Carbon dioxide traps are also popular to use in backyards.
\n\n\n\nWhile Florida may be a prime target for many bugs, you can prevent some of the worst pests in Jacksonville from making themselves at home in your home. Keep your grass mowed, and remove any yard debris. Most pests are looking for tall grass and woodpiles to breed and nest. You don’t have to use harmful chemicals to control the pest population, but it will take plenty of perseverance and patience.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care in Jacksonville? Make sure to check our Jacksonville, FL lawn care page.
Hiking, camping, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors of the Natural State are all more fun and interesting than maintaining your Arkansas lawn. Luckily, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your lawn care chores so you can get outside to soak up the sun. Switching to low-maintenance landscaping means less time, […]
\n","content":"\nHiking, camping, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors of the Natural State are all more fun and interesting than maintaining your Arkansas lawn. Luckily, there are low-maintenance landscaping ideas that will cut down on your lawn care chores so you can get outside to soak up the sun.
\n\n\n\nSwitching to low-maintenance landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In subtropical areas like Arkansas, where summer temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit and impenetrable rocky soils reign supreme in many regions, energy and water conservation is important.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Arkansas
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Arkansas
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Beautyberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative plants promote a healthy ecosystem and support conservation efforts. From preferring full sun to partial shade, they are the most low-maintenance plants you can include in your landscaping project and thrive in Arkansas’ unique climate.
\n\n\n\nNative plants thrive in the summer heat while remaining cold-hardy enough to survive a surprise winter snow in the northern half of the state. Best of all, native plants are hands off, water efficient, and resistant to local insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Arkansas native plants to choose from, including:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: grassrootsgroundswell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nInexpensive and eye-catching blooms line the shelves of local stores, catching our eyes and begging to be brought home. Don’t let these vibrant flowers fool you. They are beautiful, but just for now. These landscape plants are annuals and only last one growing season before dying in the late fall. However, if bright blooms are your thing, you can switch out your annuals for drought-tolerant or cold-resistant perennials.
\n\n\n\nPerennials bloom year after year, surviving the cold Arkansas winters. They have a shorter, more defined blooming season than annuals and are more expensive. However, they tolerate more extreme weather and come in many varieties, including shade-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance wildflowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, vines, and more.
\n\n\n\nIf you are ready for landscaping beauty that bounces back every year, check out some of the best perennials for the Natural State:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like native plants, the average cost of perennial plants varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Mulch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mulch-Your-Flower-Beds.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive DIY job that provides enormous benefits for your Arkansas landscape. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from cold and heat. It is a loose material typically made of inorganic or organic matter like compost, tree bark, wood chips, or rubber.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches are more durable and low-maintenance but do not offer additional nutrients. It is important to note you will need to replace organic mulches like wood chips annually with a fresh layer.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\nArkansas summers are hot, but you can beat the heat. The fewer plants in your landscape design, the less time you will spend maintaining your lawn and garden. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHard rock, regolith, gravel, and impenetrable soils make up a large portion of Arkansas soils, including the Arkansas River Valley, Ouachita Mountain, and the Ozark Plateau regions of central and northern Arkansas. The stiff and infertile soils found throughout these regions make creating a thriving landscape with a lush lawn, deep roots, and garden beds a difficult task. Fortunately, you don’t need a green thumb to add hardscaping to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features, including:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are a set-it-and-forget-it choice for your landscape. They don’t require watering, pruning, or mowing. In fact, they don’t require maintenance at all except for an annual cleaning. Be prepared. Hardscapes are an expensive upfront investment, but they increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"Conserve](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Conserve-Water-With-Xeriscaping11.jpg\")
Photo Credit: RawPixel
\n\n\n\nArkansas’ humid subtropical climate supplies ample water for industry, agriculture, recreation, and municipal systems. However, rainfall decreases in mid to late summer. When coupled with the hot summer temperatures, periods of drought can occur. However, typically the state is a low-risk drought state.
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping with additional emphasis on water conservation. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except natural rainfall.
\n\n\n\nArkansas native plants and turfgrasses are a great water-wise option for xeriscaping your yard. They are naturally drought resistant and adapted to harsh seasonal shifts. Besides native plants, some basic steps for xeriscaping your yard include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will save around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bigleaf-Vinca.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Cslucas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSlopes, shade, dense clay, and sedimentary rock all have one thing in common. They can make growing turfgrass incredibly difficult. Luckily, your lawn doesn’t need to be covered in traditional grass to have a thick, green appearance. Low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to grass. These plants grow a few inches tall and spread quickly to fill horizontal space.
\n\n\n\nGroundcover fills areas of your lawn to mimic “grass.” They are low-maintenance, which means less work for you. These plants still require water and the occasional fertilizer, but selecting a native Arkansas groundcover will ensure your new “grass” is hardy, drought tolerant, and low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular Arkansas groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes, groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\n365 days of perfectly manicured, lush, green lawn is possible if you channel your favorite 1970s sitcom family, the Brady Bunch. Artificial turf is eco-friendly, comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is essentially an outdoor carpet. And contrary to popular belief, it is really hard to tell fake grass from real grass in most cases.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is virtually maintenance-free. However, it is expensive to install and may render your soil unusable in the future. Luckily, this won’t matter if you live in one of Arkansas’ dense and rocky soil regions.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Crown-of-Thorns-Hybrid.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf you live in the southern half of Arkansas, consider planting drought-resistant succulents like cacti, agaves, or stonecrops. Succulents love arid climates and thrive in dense and rocky Arkansas soils thanks to their thick leaves and shallow root systems. They prefer to be left alone, so you can forget about watering your plants and let nature take over. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work great in back and front yards.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these popular succulents that are great for Arkansas landscapes:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price depends on the size and type of succulent and ranges from $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\nArkansas is home to many urbanized rural areas that share landscape space with local wildlife, including deer. The best method to deter deer is using landscape plants they prefer not to eat.
• Deer-resistant Arkansas plants include:
• Beebalm (Monarda)
• Bluestar (Amsonia)
• Butterfly-bush (Buddleia davidii)
• Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)
• Thyme (Thymus sp.)
• Wisteria (Wisteria sp.)
No. It is typically unnecessary to mow groundcover. They are a low-maintenance alternative to traditional turfgrass and only grow to heights of several inches.
There are many types of artificial turf, including pet-friendly turf, that are specially designed for your furry family members to be stain and odor resistant and easy to clean.
Low-maintenance landscaping is the first step to reclaiming your weekends. Unfortunately, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Consider your yard’s unique microclimate and hardiness zone when selecting native plants for your low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nArkansas sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 8a, with most of the Natural State falling within zones 7a and 7b. Select low-maintenance plants that are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in your hardiness zone.
\n\n\n\nStop wasting your time on lawn maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you live in urban Little Rock, suburban Bryant, or rural Wilson. Consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to the great outdoors.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pixabay
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Arkansas","featured_media":null,"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Arkansas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"From mulching to hardscaping, these 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Arkansas will leave you with more time to explore the great Natural State."}}},{"node":{"id":"aa4cac97-810f-556e-b3a4-bde096908644","slug":"native-plants-illinois","path":"/lawn-care/il/native-plants-illinois/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lydian Pine is a creative writer and studio artist whose work first debuted in a short story anthology. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2020 and enjoys video games, theatre, and swimming. Lately, she has started to study entomology as a hobby.","name":"Lydian Pine","id":"3478d9b1-e85b-5e4a-860b-443c62d1e29c","path":"/author/lydian-pine/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f31ce7919bd939bc1f102cee2f3304d2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"51e1f258-c2e9-5d28-83c3-bb7bc475352c","name":"Illinois","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/il/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Illinois has a diverse climate full of fluctuating temperatures, cold winters, and hot summers. The climate supports a variety of plants, including vibrant perennials and hardy evergreens. Illinoisians encounter native plants decorating farmlands, parks, yards, and more. Discover 15 native plants for Illinois landscapes and add some local, Land-of-Lincoln color to your yard. In this […]
\n","content":"\nIllinois has a diverse climate full of fluctuating temperatures, cold winters, and hot summers. The climate supports a variety of plants, including vibrant perennials and hardy evergreens. Illinoisians encounter native plants decorating farmlands, parks, yards, and more. Discover 15 native plants for Illinois landscapes and add some local, Land-of-Lincoln color to your yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Flag-Iris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlue flag iris thrives in wet environments throughout Illinois, making it a great addition to ponds, streams, or rain gardens. Its tall stems bloom large violet-blue flowers, and its dense clumps of bright green leaves rest on water or ground. They provide nectar for hummingbirds and groundcover for amphibians, snakes, and insects.
\n\n\n\nBlue flag iris prefers wet, acidic soil and tolerates flooding up to three inches. Specimens grow up to three feet tall and bloom from May to June. The perennial is resistant to most pests and diseases, including deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, poorly-drained clay or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Flood-tolerant; water frequently to keep soil moist
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous roots
\n\n\n\nBlue vervain is a popular choice for Illinois gardens. The perennial has spikes of small purple flowers that attract pollinators. Its dried winter seeds and shoots are a source of food for native wildlife. This tall, clump-forming wildflower has candelabra-shaped stems that grow up to five feet tall once established.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Vervain-Verbena-hastata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlue vervain prefers full sun but adapts to shady conditions. It blooms from July to September. Specimens are drought-tolerant and make a low-maintenance addition to borders, rain gardens, ponds, and containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-5 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade; shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained chalk, loam, or sand.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Blue-Violet.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon blue violet is recognized as Illinois’ state flower. Also known as the purple violet or wooly blue violet, this perennial thrives in areas with filtered sunlight like forest floors. Specimens are easily recognizable courtesy of their broad, heart-shaped leaves and purple blooms with white central petals.
\n\n\n\nCommon blue violet is deer-resistant and an excellent pollinator. It is edible, and the leaves and flowers are rich in vitamins.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 inches tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist, well-drained chalk, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water one in per week; allow to dry out between watering
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMilkweed is so widespread across Illinois that it was adopted as the state wildflower in 2017. It is an herbaceous perennial with domed clusters of pale pink and white flowers. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant. Common milkweed blooms in the summer and is an essential host plant for the endangered Monarch butterfly, the state butterfly of Illinois.
\n\n\n\nCommon milkweed is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and generally disease and pest-free. It is a great choice for butterfly or container gardens and flower beds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall and 12 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; well-drained chalk, sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water one inch per week during dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; mildly poisonous to humans and animals; irritating sap
\n\n\n\n![\"Cup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cup-Plant.jpg\" "\\"alexanders\\"")
Photo Credit: Aaron Volkening / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCup plant survives the extreme Midwestern winters thanks to dormant, cold-weather roots. The herbaceous flowering plant grows up to eight feet tall with toothed leaves and daisy-like blooms.
\n\n\n\nThanks to the shape of its flowers, water accumulates inside like a cup. Cup plant is an excellent backyard specimen that is deer-resistant and has no serious disease or pest issues.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet and 1-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Golden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Golden-Alexanders.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGolden Alexanders is a low-maintenance, low-growing plant that is highly adaptable. It thrives in lawns with moist soils and partial to full sun but tolerates a range of soils and conditions, including drought. Golden Alexanders blooms large clusters of tiny yellow flowers during mid to late spring. These flowers are a great source of nectar for beneficial insects.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist, well-drained clay, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Adaptable; water one inch per week during the growing season
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"Indian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Paintbrush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Superior National Forest / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndian paintbrush blooms red to orange flowers that resemble spikes that have been dipped in paint. The herbaceous perennial is a hemiparasite, meaning it parasitically relies on other plants for some of its nutrients. Indian paintbrush blooms from late spring to early summer and grows in sandy areas. It attracts many pollinators and controls competition in the garden, creating a balanced ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water one inch per week; allow the soil to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Nodding-Wild-Onion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLady’s leek, or nodding wild onion, belongs to the genus Allium, similar to onions and garlic. It has long, leafless stalks with clusters of capsule-like fruits and a distinct pink or purple bloom. It grows in open areas of North America.
\n\n\n\nLady’s leek has a strong scent. Specimens can be cooked or used raw to season food. It is an ideal plant for your home gardens and is long-lived and hardy.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Bulb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable, moist, well-drained chalk, clay, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible; little culinary value today
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 CA
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew England aster forms multi-stemmed clusters of lavender, pink, or purple flowers with a yellow center. This drought-tolerant and deer-resistant native thrives in all but the driest soils. New England aster prefers partial to full sun, and mature plants grow up to six feet tall. Specimens provide waterfowl coverage and attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 – 6 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained clay, loam, sand, or chalk
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once to twice weekly to maintain moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNamed for its broad, dark green leaves that resemble oak leaves, oakleaf hydrangea is a great shrub for small spaces or borders as an informal hedge. It grows between four to six feet tall and blooms clusters of tiny, white flowers.
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea blooms in early spring until midsummer. Cultivars have no serious insect or disease problems and thrive in moist soils. Be sure to prune the flowering shrub as soon as it is done flowering to promote new growth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet high and 6-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full shade to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers, fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; all plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Ohio](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ohio-Spiderwort.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOhio spiderwort is a quick-spreading, low-maintenance garden plant that also makes a great houseplant. Specimens often resemble long grass or lilies. The flowers are blue or purple with pale central petals. Ohio spiderwort is drought-tolerant and prefers dry soil. The perennial blooms from May to mid-October and grows two to three feet tall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained clay, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water every 2-3 days during dry spells; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is a perennial herb with purple petals surrounding a burnt orange head atop tall stems. Specimens grow throughout Illinois meadows and open woods. Purple coneflower is low-maintenance and suitable for beginning gardeners. The plant attracts several pollinators and birds, making it a great addition to a wildlife or butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-5 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-Prairie-Clover-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum from Henfield, England / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple prairie clover grows across Northern and Central Illinois and is recognized by its conical, thimble-shaped purple flowers. It blooms in summer and attracts butterflies, wasps, bees, and birds. It is a food source for various herbivores, such as the pronghorn, and is hay for livestock.
\n\n\n\nPurple prairie clover thrives in sunny locations with average to dry soils. It has large taproots, which can extend down to six feet below the soil. Specimens are crucial for revegetation, and its long taproot system prevents soil erosion.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained clay, loam, sand, or chalk
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible leaves
\n\n\n\n![\"Sweet](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sweet-Gum-Liquidambar-styraciflua.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSweet gum is a native shade tree with a narrow trunk and star-shaped leaves that change to shades of orange, yellow, red, and purple in the Fall. It thrives in full sun. After its flowering season, sweet gum produces spiky balls that drop to the ground. Be sure to plant specimens away from foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 30-50 feet tall and 25-40 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained clay, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: No watering needs outside of natural rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild bergamot, also known as bee balm, grows throughout Illinois, except in the southernmost regions. Its nectar attracts native pollinators and hummingbirds. The herbaceous flower grows up to five feet tall with three-inch, toothed leaves. Establish specimens from seed or cuttings.
\n\n\n\nWild bergamot prefers full sun to partial shade and can withstand drought thanks to its deep roots. Its roots make it a great choice for stabilizing slopes and erosion control. The perennial blooms pink or lavender flowers in summer that last until October. Wild bergamot is a member of the mint family and has a scent similar to oregano and mint.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; intolerant of flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once per week in the spring and fall and twice per week in the summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible with medicinal uses
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting plants for your yard, keep your hardiness zone in mind. Illinois is located in USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 6b, which means that Illinois experiences four distinct seasons. All Illinois native plants are hardy to the lowest annual temperatures, approximately -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nNative plants can look wild and untamed. They often attract unwelcome wildlife like field mice.
There are almost 2,300 native plant species in Illinois.
Only four prairie buttercup specimens have been spotted since 2007. The native wildflower grows in dry gravel and dolomite prairies in north-central Illinois.
Various organizations in Illinois preserve the original flora and educate people about the significance of native plants. Here are a few things you can do if you want to locate native plants for your landscape:
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have enough time, energy, or experience to care for your garden, let Wikilawn connect you with an Illinois lawn care pro. From Alton, Carol Stream, to Oak Park, Downers Grove, and more, the experts can mow, edge, weed, and help you pick the best native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Grant Park, Chicago / Alanscottwalker / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"15 Native Plants for Illinois Landscapes","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3377926421404682,"src":"/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/1789c/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/107df/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/293e9/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/f2cbb/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/1789c/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/c26c2/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/1dd6e/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/67b76/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/8df11/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/98a65/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/1dd6e/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/5c102d110fee7266156e43a632cfde3c/3cc96/Grant-Park-Chicago-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"15 Native Plants for Illinois Landscapes","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the top 15 native plants for Illinois landscapes, including vibrant blooms, resilient perennials, and ecological benefits."}}},{"node":{"id":"1317afa2-6990-56ff-b781-6b3693010f0c","slug":"drought-tolerant-landscaping-ideas-oklahoma","path":"/lawn-care/ok/drought-tolerant-landscaping-ideas-oklahoma/","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":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Several parts of Oklahoma are prone to tough periods of drought, especially in northwest counties, such as Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver. If you reside in similarly affected areas, it is vital you design a landscape that can tolerate drought conditions. If not, your yard could require plenty of maintenance and constant spending. So we’ve compiled […]
\n","content":"\nSeveral parts of Oklahoma are prone to tough periods of drought, especially in northwest counties, such as Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver. If you reside in similarly affected areas, it is vital you design a landscape that can tolerate drought conditions. If not, your yard could require plenty of maintenance and constant spending. So we’ve compiled a list of drought-tolerant landscaping ideas for Oklahoma, helping you spruce up your backyard in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nWhen a landscape is drought-tolerant, it can thrive with little to no supplemental water. It consists of boulders, hardscapes, native perennials, and other features that are considered low-maintenance. Essentially, they are features or plants that can withstand dry periods.
\n\n\n\nHowever, drought-tolerant does not mean zero water needs. Native plants that tolerate drought may still require some amount of water to grow or survive. They are not entirely resistant to drought, but their water needs are quite low compared to other high-maintenance plants. This is one of the key purposes of a drought-tolerant landscape— conserving water!
\n\n\n\nThe upcoming section will cover 8 ideas for a drought-tolerant landscape, including hardscapes and artificial turfgrass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bur](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-Quercus-Macrocarpa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative plants grow naturally in Oklahoma, comfortably able to thrive as they are accustomed to its climate and soil conditions. Going native can reduce the amount of time spent on maintenance, attract hummingbirds and beneficial pollinators, and boost the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nHowever, not all Oklahoma native plants are able to withstand dry periods. Some trees or wildflowers require plenty of water to grow, so they are obviously not a good fit for your low-maintenance landscape. Additionally, you need to consider your area’s plant hardiness zone to select the right drought-tolerant plants.
\n\n\n\nTo help your decision-making process, below are some suggestions for native drought-tolerant plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Depending on the plant’s size and type, 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![\"Rain](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rain-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA rain garden is a planted depression that collects rainwater runoff from the surrounding landscapes. For this type of garden, the soil and plants are uniquely selected to absorb the collected water. You can also add local rocks to the rain garden, to set garden borders or just to increase your yard’s visual appeal. In a way, a rain garden lets mother nature do all the watering for us.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to conserving water, here are some key benefits of a rain garden:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Installing a rain garden yourself will cost $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the materials and plants you use. If you decide to hire a professional, installation may cost between $10 and $15 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Artificial-turf-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sarah Stierch / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you wish a green lawn all year round, artificial grass is the way to go. You won’t have to worry about any damage from your kids running around playing lawn games. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, synthetic turf doesn’t require any water! Artificial grass can withstand harsh weather conditions, including periods of drought.
\n\n\n\nDespite its high upfront cost, it can be a worthwhile investment and a terrific option for a drought-tolerant landscape.
\n\n\n\nHere are some benefits of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Hiring a professional landscaper to install artificial grass will cost you between $5 and $20 per square foot on average.
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Garden-with-red-bark-mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U. J. Alexander / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimply put, mulch is an easy and cheap way to keep your garden bed hydrated. If you add some on top of deep-rooted plants with low water needs, you’ll get yourself a drought-tolerant yard. Mulch keeps your plant beds moist during the dry summer heat. You can add organic mulch that benefits the soil, or go for the aesthetically pleasing option with inorganic mulch.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: This depends on which type of mulch you choose. Wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2 cubic foot bag, while landscape gravel costs between $4 to $30 per 0.5 cubic foot bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"Drip](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Drip-Irrigation-Detail.jpg\")
Photo Credit: GrigoriosMoraitis / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDrip irrigation will prevent water being wasted by runoff or evaporated. This installation applies water at the plant root zone where it’s needed the most. Because of this, soil moisture levels are kept at an optimal level. You can apply drip irrigation in your vegetable or perennial garden, even to water shrubs or trees. Overall, it is an efficient and economical way to water your garden.
\n\n\n\nHere are some other benefits of drip irrigation:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most homeowners pay between $295 and $775 for a drip irrigation system.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rock](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rock-Garden-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: LookTarn / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for an alternative to turfgrasses, look no further than a rock garden. With low water and maintenance needs, a rock garden takes trimming, weeding, and mowing off your to-do list. It features carefully arranged rocks, boulders, or stones. Consider adding succulents or perennial flowers to create a beautiful, colorful, and inviting garden.
\n\n\n\nIf designing a rock garden seems like a back-breaking task, stick to smaller boulders or stones that can easily be moved around. This would allow you to reshape your garden whenever you feel like mixing things up a little.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Rock garden projects will cost you between $600 and $700 on average. To buy and install rocks or boulders yourself, the cost will range from $460 to $1,000, depending on the size and type of rock.
\n\n\n\n![\"Stack](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Stack-of-Brick-Pavers-for-Hardscape.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JPLDesigns / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are naturally low-maintenance features that are perfect for a drought-tolerant landscape. They are non-living elements that can improve your outdoor space functions. Unsurprisingly, they require no watering, pruning, or fertilizing. It’s great being able to relax with your family and friends around a fire pit, not worrying about countless hours of outdoor chores.
\n\n\n\nThese decorative and practical structures may still require some care, such as basic cleaning. Unless something goes majorly wrong, hardscaping does not require continuous maintenance for long periods of time.
\n\n\n\nHere are some examples of hardscaping for a drought-tolerant yard:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost will depend on the project size and type of feature you choose. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,500 for fencing, $370 and $2,235 for a fire pit, $5,055 and $17,275 for an outdoor kitchen.
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaped](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Xeriscaped-Front-Yard-with-Dry-Creek-Bed-and-Solar-Lighting.jpg\")
Photo Credit: remedypic / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe’re not following the “save the best for the last” format, but xeriscaping is certainly among the best ideas for a drought-tolerant landscape. Its essential purpose is to use as little water as possible, helping you obtain a low-water and low-maintenance garden. Xeriscaping can help you reduce water bills, cut back on energy consumption, and eliminate chores such as mowing and weeding.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, it can attract beneficial insects and promote biodiversity. For a drought-tolerant landscape, xeriscaping is highly recommended. It can help you create a beautiful and eco-friendly landscape with minimal water consumption.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping can include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: This depends on the size and type of project. For example, the cost of a groundcover ranges from $10 to $25. On average, homeowners spend between $5 and $20 per square foot on xeriscaping.
\n\n\n\nA drought-tolerant landscape does have financial benefits, but it also supports the local wildlife habitat. Native plants may serve as a valuable food source for many birds and insects, while a rain garden cleans the rainwater before it reaches lakes or rivers.
\n\n\n\nHere are more reasons why every Oklahoma homeowner should opt for a drought-tolerant landscape:
\n\n\n\nIn short, yes. A lot of homeowners think they’re the same concept, but their main difference can be spotted in each of the terms. Using plants as an example, drought-tolerant means they can withstand drought for a limited period only. If they go through months and months without any water, the plants could wither and die.
On the other hand, drought-resistant plants are ones that can go without water for long periods of time. Cacti are great examples of such plants, as we automatically picture them in dry, sunny areas.
Oklahoma lies in the South Central region of the United States, so it should come as no surprise that many parts of the state suffer from drought conditions. Areas northwest of Oklahoma City suffer more than the likes of Lincoln, Pittsburg, or McCurtain Counties.
To monitor the drought map and get weekly updates, you can check Oklahoma’s drought status here.
A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape will still require the occasional upkeep. Nothing major, but just enough to keep all your features in tip-top shape.
Here are simple ways to care for your drought-tolerant yard:
• Yearly mulching
• Water your new plants until they are established
• Aerate your soil yearly
• Trim, prune, and weed when needed
• Test your soil every 3 to 5 years (pH, condition..)
A drought-tolerant landscape has several advantages. It helps you save time, reduce maintenance costs, and keep your area’s climate healthy. Transforming your landscape will result in a more sustainable, cost-effective, and valuable property.
\n\n\n\nThere are many plant species that thrive in the local climate. Explore the best native plants for Oklahoma to freshen up your garden with long-lasting trees and beautiful wildflowers. If your turfgrass is beginning to look grim and patchy, check out the best grass types for Oklahoma and enjoy barbecues on a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nLooking to spend the weekend with your family at the Oklahoma City Zoo? Hire a local lawn care pro to trim the shrubs, mow the lawn, or plant drought-tolerant turfgrass such as Bermudagrass. We have trusted lawn care pros in Oklahoma City, Bixby, Okmulgee, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: MARELBU / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
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\n","content":"\nLiving in a lush city with mild winters feels like heaven… until the armies of pests begin to congregate in yards, on patios, and around pools, waiting for their chance to ruin your day. The creepy crawly, not to mention bitey and stingy contingent of this corner of the world can’t help it. They’re thirsty for water, blood, or just trying to defend their turf (even if it happens to be yours), and they need to go. Here’s a quick guide to the worst bugs in Austin and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nAnyone who’s ever wandered into fire ant territory in sandals can tell you they’re the worst pest in Texas. And that’s a tall order in a state crawling with venomous critters. Fire ants top this list because of their aggression and their uncanny ability to show up en mass where you don’t want them. Picnic? You can count on these invasive ants to be there. Veggie garden? Check! Kitchen counter courtesy of any gap in a window or door? You betcha!
\n\n\n\nGetting rid of fire ants is a process. So take a deep breath and start early in the spring, as soon as you see them building their mounds. The “two-step method” involves baiting the ant mounds between August and September. Next, after a few weeks have passed, the individual mounds are spot-treated. Baiting mounds isn’t a good idea for families with young children. In that case, a non-toxic method such as orange oil or boiling water applied to mounds may be preferable.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lLCUlMvzdzrz-l86U0KVD-wCIhPeDvLw5jKUfC8G_bTnPh_VA9K1tUTxIr39ew_m548d9xWQtqzzs2rjvw9yoZ3Gv_u3DWhdwK7ihiPWtnBOECQIeZSa2rFi1RNzL6QBaQ1KSW8G\")
Known as water roaches, tree roaches, or just terrifying monsters that need to get out of the house, palmetto bugs are harmless, but hated insects. These most unwelcome visitors are drawn by food, water, and places they can easily hide. If you have a palmetto bug issue, your first plan of action must be to determine where they’re’ coming from. If you have a compost pile close to your home, this is a likely source. Wood piles and mounds of leaves are likely hangout spots as well.
\n\n\n\nEliminating any cozy places where wood or leaves are decomposing will help give these guys the boot. If they’re coming into your house, identify and seal any gaps or cracks where they’re entering. Try sprinkling boric acid around sills where you suspect they’re lurking.
\n\n\n\nThese bloodsuckers are a stealthy menace, quietly biting us at dusk– when we’re the least likely to see them. Mosquitoes are both annoying and dangerous carriers for tropical diseases. We do have a number of methods for deterring them, beginning with preventing them from breeding in the first place.
\n\n\n\nMake sure there are no containers of standing water anywhere near your home (our friends in Florida know all about this tip). This includes changing the water in bird baths, fountains, and potted plant trays each week. Rain barrels should have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering and laying eggs. Place an agitator in all water features. Mosquitoes will only lay eggs in still water.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeep shrubs trimmed and tidy. Plant basil, marigolds, petunias and lavender to repel the pests. The scent of these flowers really bugs mosquitoes. Installing an outdoor fan can keep mosquitoes from crashing your parties as well. Wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding the outdoors during dawn and dusk are also good ways to avoid their bites.
\n\n\n\nThe mild climate around Austin and Round Rock is just as attractive to these nasty pests as it is to us. In addition to all of the tips above, maintaining a tidy lawn and landscape is one of the best ways to repel the worst bugs in Austin.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about pest control and prevention in your lawn? Visit our Austin, TX lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
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