![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Nature lovers have plenty of reasons to cherish life in Wisconsin. After hiking to Big Manitou Falls or exploring the Cave of the Mounds, you might feel like staying home and relaxing in your own backyard. For this reason, we’ll cover the best grass seed for Wisconsin to help transform those bare spots into a […]
\n","content":"\nNature lovers have plenty of reasons to cherish life in Wisconsin. After hiking to Big Manitou Falls or exploring the Cave of the Mounds, you might feel like staying home and relaxing in your own backyard. For this reason, we’ll cover the best grass seed for Wisconsin to help transform those bare spots into a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWith several grass varieties to choose from, it is important to distinguish between warm- and cool-season grass. Since Wisconsin has cool temperatures throughout most of the year, you’ll have the most success with cool-season grass types. Here are the main differences between the two:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They actively grow in late spring and summer, entering dormancy as temperatures drop in winter. Warm-season grasses enjoy high temperatures, and require less water than cool-season grasses. They include Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass,St. Augustinegrass, and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, cool-season grasses thrive when temperatures range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They tolerate frost and lower temperatures, actively growing in spring and fall. Cool-season turfgrasses include tall fescue, creeping red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular types of grass in Wisconsin. This blue-green, cool-season turfgrass establishes a thick sod that can withstand foot traffic. It is drought-resistant and can survive several months without significant rainfall.
\n\n\n\nFor best performance, plant Kentucky bluegrass in an area with plenty of sunlight. To improve its shade-tolerance, mix it with other grass seed types, such as fine fescue.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is arguably the best at withstanding below-freezing temperatures that many Wisconsin homeowners endure. Overall, this cool-season grass is great if you enjoy lawn parties or have little ones running around playing hide-n-seek.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a very hardy and durable cool-season grass that spreads via vertical tillers. It becomes dormant during the hot summer months. It cannot withstand dry conditions as well as other turfgrasses, and should be planted in well-drained soils. Perennial ryegrass pairs superbly well with several grass seed types, including Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nMixing ryegrass with other grass types enables faster germination, and boosts the lawn’s high-traffic tolerance. It is the best-adapted cool-season grass that is often used on athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue grass includes several species, including creeping red and sheep fescue. Fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant cool-season, but goes dormant in extreme heat. The needle-like leaves are quite distinctive, and make for a barefoot-friendly lawn grass. Fine fescue can tolerate dry, acidic, and other soil conditions. It is a good option for average use, but cannot tolerate heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as Chewings, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a perennial, bunch-type grass that can adapt to a wide variety of soils. It can withstand heat, drought, and moderate wear better than most cool-season grasses. This is mainly due to its deep root system. Tall fescue can grow in partial shade, but prefers sunny areas.
\n\n\n\nWith the proper care, it will remain green well into the summer. To maintain a dense lawn, you can mix fescue seeds with either Kentucky bluegrass or ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nZoysia is a warm-season grass that is not suitable for Wisconsin lawns. It is best suited for areas south of the Ohio River, including the transition zone. In areas where zoysia thrives, you can mix it with perennial ryegrass for a winter green color.
Turfgrasses in Wisconsin lawns typically rejuvenate in autumn, making it the best time to seed or establish new lawns. This is mainly because the moderate temperatures in September promote the speedy growth of lawn grasses.
Make sure you select the right grass seed mix based on your site’s exposure levels. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, you should use a 50% to 100% Kentucky bluegrass mix for sunny areas, and a fine-leaf fescue seed mixture for shaded sites.
With these native plants, you can transform your Wisconsin yard into a year-round feeding station for plenty of native birds. Adding these bird-friendly natives will give them food and shelter required to raise a family.
Here are some examples:
• White oak (Quercus alba)
• Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• White pine (Pinus strobus)
• Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Native plants are a great addition to your newly established turfgrass. They are low-maintenance, help make your lawn more attractive, and are able to attract beneficial pollinators. But there are a few key points to consider when choosing native Wisconsin plants: the soil type, sun exposure levels, hardiness zone, and maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nIf you still need some inspiration, you can visit the UW Arboretum, Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum, or Pollinator Friendly Nursery.
\n\n\n\nNeed to hire a Wisconsin lawn care pro near you to maintain the new turf? We have trusted lawn care pros in Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, and many more cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Steve Jurvetson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Best Grass Seed for Wisconsin","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/1789c/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/107df/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/293e9/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/f2cbb/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/1789c/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/c26c2/Wisconsin-Grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/1dd6e/Wisconsin-Grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/67b76/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 320w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/8df11/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 500w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/98a65/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 800w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/1dd6e/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 960w,\n/static/8fda86e4e63e8a636943d1a37ac1556c/3cc96/Wisconsin-Grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Seed for Wisconsin","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"For a healthy turfgrass that fits your home and lifestyle, explore the best grass seed for Wisconsin to establish a beautiful, green lawn."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"88363ff6-453b-50cf-a17a-315dae0586a8","slug":"grass-vs-turf-what-do-the-nfls-best-teams-play-on","path":"/lawn-care/grass-vs-turf-what-do-the-nfls-best-teams-play-on/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"September 8th, 2018","excerpt":"In a 2017 Washington Redskins season filled with the team’s typical humiliations — being swept by their rival Dallas Cowboys, blowing a 15-point lead to New Orleans with less than three minutes left in the game — one of the NFL’s most moribund franchises added a new point of disgrace: players blasting the condition of […]
\n","content":"In a 2017 Washington Redskins season filled with the team’s typical humiliations — being swept by their rival Dallas Cowboys, blowing a 15-point lead to New Orleans with less than three minutes left in the game — one of the NFL’s most moribund franchises added a new point of disgrace: players blasting the condition of their home stadium’s grass.
\n“It probably doesn’t look like a professional NFL field should,” said Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins after he spent a Thanksgiving game slipping all over FedEx Field shoddy-looking Latitude 36 Bermuda Grass.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/redskins-field.jpg\")
FedEx Field during the Thanksgiving game (courtesy of 247 Sports)
With the resignation of a World War 1 soldier going over the top, Cousins indicated the problem would only get worse as the season went on.
\n“If you think the field is rough now on Thanksgiving, we’ve got two more home games in mid-to-late December, and that’s probably gonna be a bigger challenge,” he warned on 106.7 The Fan’s “Grant and Danny” program.
\nFormer Redskins players echoed Cousins’ comments on social media, calling for a switch to artificial turf.
\nFor long-suffering Redskins fans, “TurfGate” became yet another reason why the team has floundered under owner, Dan Snyder. Changing the playing surface, some argued, might help restore the franchise to its former glory.
\nAn hour up I-95, the Baltimore Ravens have a very different perspective. In 2016, the team ditched the synthetic turf it had used for 13 years in favor of natural Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass – and the players couldn’t be happier.
\n“That grass was phenomenal,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk told baltimoreravens.com. “I’m very pro-grass. My knees feel better after practice, and there was good traction all night.”
\n“I love the field,” running back Terrance West agreed. “It makes the cuts easier and I like it.”
\nField conditions across the NFL will always vary due to climate and human logistics, so it’s natural that players may have different perspectives on what surface type best sets them up for success. But what does the data say?
\nWe calculated the winning percentage from each team over the last 10 seasons, including the current one, and divided them into two categories based on their home stadium: natural grass and artificial turf.
\nHybrid systems like GrassMaster that use real grass reinforced with artificial fibres are included in the natural grass category. An example of this type of playing surface can be found at the Green Bay Packers’ famed Lambeau Field.
\nFor teams like the Ravens that switched playing surfaces during the 10-year period, we counted each playing surface as a separate team. And ties are considered losses because this is football, dang it, not soccer.
\nWhich surface reigns supreme in recent history? With a winning percentage of .525, teams that play their home games on artificial turf handily beat their natural grass counterparts, who have a combined winning percentage of .474.
\nTop Five Teams (Natural Grass)
\n1. Steelers (.662 winning percentage)
\n2. Packers (.625)
\n3. Broncos (.575)
\n4. Eagles (.556)
\n5. Panthers/Cardinals (.537)
Top Five Teams (Artificial Turf)
\n1. Patriots (.768)
\n2. Ravens, 2008-2015 (.601)
\n3. Saints/Falcons (.593)
\n4. Colts (.568)
\n5. Seahawks/Cowboys (.550)
It’s no surprise that the Patriots stand head and shoulders above the rest, even after they had to replace their synthetic turf this season after player complaints. Their absurd .768 winning percentage single handedly raised the combined turf teams’ combined average up nearly two points.
\nOn the flip side, the Browns’ debacle of a decade not only earned them last place with a truly wretched .237 winning percentage, but dragged the entire winning percentage of the natural grass teams down two points.
\nRemoving those two outliers and you have a more even matchup: .507 for teams with natural grass home fields versus .491 for teams playing on artificial turf.
\nWorst Five Teams (Natural Grass)
\nBrowns (.237 winning percentage)
\nJaguars (.325)
\nBuccaneers (.368)
\nRaiders (.387)
\nRedskins (.400)
Worst Five Teams (Artificial Turf)
\n1. Rams, 2008-2015 (.304)
\n2. Lions (.406)
\n3. Bills (.425)
\n4. Jets (.468)
\n5. Texans (.487)
The data also doesn’t always tell the full story. For examples, the Steelers have often succeeded in spite of their frequently criticized field, most infamous for the “mud punt.”
\n\nAnd players come down strongly in favor of natural grass. An NFL Players Association poll taken in 2010 showed that 89.7% said artificial turf is more likely to shorten their career, 89.1% said they are more sore after playing on that synthetic surface, and 82.4% said fake grass is more likely to contribute to an injury. However, players also voted the frequently muddy grass in Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field the worst in the NFL.
\nOf the four teams remaining in this year’s NFL playoffs, the Eagles and Jaguars play on natural grass (GrassMaster hybrid surface and Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass, respectively) while the Patriots and Vikings use turf to maintain playing conditions throughout their cold winters (FieldTurf and UBU Speed Series S5-M).
\nHome Field of the Last 10 Super Bowl Winners
\n2017: ?
\n2016: Turf (Patriots)
\n2015: Grass (Broncos)
\n2014: Turf (Patriots)
\n2013: Turf (Seahawks)
\n2012: Turf (Ravens)
\n2011: Turf (Giants)
\n2010: Grass (Packers)
\n2009: Turf (Saints)
\n2008: Grass (Steelers)
It’s been a rough decade for teams that use natural grass, and it’s not certain to get better soon – this year’s betting line is predictably skewed toward the turf duo, with Tom Brady the odds-on favorite to bring a sixth ring back to New England.
\n\n\n\nUpdated #SBLII futures:
\nPatriots +120
\n
\nVikings +175
\nEagles +700
\nJaguars +800Via BetOnline @DaveMasonBOL
\n— OddsShark (@OddsShark) January 15, 2018
But after a Divisional Playoff weekend that saw the Minneapolis Miracle and Blake Bortles outshining Ben Roethlisberger, it’s clear that anything can happen.
\nData Sources:
\nhttps://www.pro-football-reference.com
\nhttps://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/sports-turf/nfl-stadiums-turf-or-grass/
\nhttps://www.si.com/nfl/2015/10/01/nfl-stadium-turf-grass-rankings
\nhttps://turfprossolution.com/which-nfl-stadiums-have-artificial-turf/
\nhttp://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-ask-farmer-20171111-story.html
You want a beautiful yard, but must it be so much work? Planting, fertilizing, mowing, weeding, watering — all those tasks add up. If you want to spend less of your free time caring for your yard and more time enjoying it, reconsider your landscape design. These low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Sacramento could save you […]
\n","content":"\nYou want a beautiful yard, but must it be so much work? Planting, fertilizing, mowing, weeding, watering — all those tasks add up. If you want to spend less of your free time caring for your yard and more time enjoying it, reconsider your landscape design. These low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Sacramento could save you time and money in the long run.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"xeriscaped](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/51186129094_248886539e_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: cultivar413 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is a landscape design requiring little to no water or maintenance. It’s best for arid climates, so it fits Sacramento’s hot summers well. Here are some standard features of a xeriscape:
\n\n\n\nNot only is xeriscaping popular in the area, but the City of Sacramento offers rebates of up to $3,000 for replacing your lawn with drought-tolerant landscaping.
\n\n\n\nNot ready to completely redo your yard? Consider taking smaller steps by following a few of our other low-maintenance landscaping suggestions.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Xeriscape installation costs between $5 and $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/blossom-plant-white-flower-bloom-botany-1121375-pxhere.com_-646x485.jpg\")
Common yarrow
Photo Credit: Pxhere
If your garden plants aren’t native to the area, they’ll take much more work to care for. Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. After all, these plants have thrived in the valley for years without human intervention. Since native plants are usually drought-tolerant, you can use them to create a more eco-friendly landscape.
\n\n\n\nRemember that not all California native plants will do well in Northern California. Here are some plants that are native to the Sacramento area specifically:
\n\n\n\nWant to preview some plants before you buy any? Visit the UC Davis Arboretum or the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center to view plants in person.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Depending on the species, individual plants can cost between $3 and $125. Trees and shrubs tend to cost more than groundcovers, grasses, and flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled-design-13-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Colicmachon / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIt’s no fun to plant a beautiful flower only for it to disappear in a year. Save yourself this annoyance by choosing perennials instead of annuals.
\n\n\n\nAnnuals tend to have a long blooming season but only live for one growing season before dying. Some annuals reseed themselves, but it isn’t a guarantee. On the other hand, perennials live for multiple years, with some lasting decades. Plant perennials if you don’t want to redo your garden yearly. Some perennials that do well in Sacramento include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Perennials can cost between $0.95 and $45 per plant, depending on the species.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Groundcover_6695.jpg\")
Photo credit: I.Sáček, senior / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThough many grass types are well-adapted to Sacramento’s climate, they require frequent maintenance. That’s where groundcovers come in.
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers are any plants that can cover large areas of soil. They typically require less water than turfgrass, and you can trade in weekly mowing for the occasional trim. Not only do these plants make great replacements for your lawn, but they also protect from erosion and drought.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting a groundcover, consider how much you plan to walk on it. Some are traffic-tolerant, but others are best for curb appeal only.
\n\n\n\nHere are some groundcovers you could use to replace your Sacramento lawn:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Groundcovers cost between $3 and $30.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rsz_14983768881_7e5ef5e914_c-646x431.jpg\")
Artificial turf
Photo credit: Perfect Grass / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
If you’re too attached to lawns to switch to groundcovers, consider artificial turf instead. Artificial turf is made of synthetic fibers. You may have seen it on local school sports fields or in the UC Davis Health Stadium.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf requires no mowing, watering, or fertilizing — the only maintenance it needs is the occasional rinsing to get rid of debris and brushing to get rid of matted sections. Once installed, it can last between 10 and 20 years. You can replace any damaged portions as needed, and you won’t need to spike your water bill to establish it like natural grass.
\n\n\n\nHowever, studies have found that artificial turf gets hotter than grass. This turf also isn’t eligible for the City of Sacramento’s grass conversion rebate.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Artificial turf costs between $4 and $15 per square foot. You may be able to purchase used artificial turf at a lower price.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Add-Mulch.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Dvortygirl / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is a practical tool for low-maintenance landscapes. It comes in many organic and inorganic forms, including:
\n\n\n\nBesides adding aesthetic appeal, mulch has many practical uses. It suppresses weeds, regulates temperature, and reduces water evaporation. Organic mulches also provide nutrients to your plants as they break down over time. However, they will need replacement every year or two, so use inorganic mulch if you want even less yard work.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Depending on the type of mulch, expect to pay between $37 and $131 per cubic yard. You can save money by applying it yourself. Bags cost around $2 to $7 each.
\n\n\n\n![\"Drip](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Drip-Irrigation.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Temmuzcan / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWatering can be a chore, especially when you need to follow the city’s watering schedule. What if you forget and miss your scheduled window?
\n\n\n\nAutomated sprinklers are an obvious solution, but even they have their problems. For example, you must turn them off when it’s raining so they don’t waste water. A sprinkler with a rain sensor can automatically turn off when it detects precipitation, so you won’t need to worry about checking the weather and adjusting your settings.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re bothered by wasted water, consider drip irrigation or soaker hoses. They ensure water goes precisely where needed rather than nurturing weeds or evaporating on your patio. You can attach a timer to either system, so you won’t need to think about turning it off.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: A sprinkler system costs between $575 and $6,100. Rain sensors add $30 to $500 depending on whether you install them yourself or hire a pro. Drip irrigation costs between $1.20 and $3.85 per square foot. You can buy a soaker hose kit for $8 to $60.
\n\n\n\n![\"landscaping](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Backyard-Hardscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: YinYang / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nTo make your yard lower maintenance, convert some or all of it to hardscaping. A hardscape design utilizes walkways, patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens. Not only is hardscaping low-maintenance, but it also creates an excellent space for outdoor hosting. You can use a variety of materials, including:
\n\n\n\nThe more hardscaping you have, the less yard work you’ll need to do. You only need to clean it off occasionally and replace broken parts. Hardscapes also can improve your home’s fire safety, especially if they cover the 5-foot perimeter around your home.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Simple hardscaping projects can cost as little as $300, while complex projects can cost up to $100,000.
\n\n\n\nA xeriscape landscape design minimizes water use but still uses plants. A zeroscape uses no plants. For example, it may use dirt, gravel, and stones to create visual interest and prevent plants from growing.
It’s much more daunting to deal with a large space. While all landscaping requires some maintenance, the best way to reduce maintenance needs for a large property is to:
● Use plenty of hardscaping. A large patio with space for a dining table, seating, and a fire pit will give you plenty to do outdoors and reduce space for weeds and high-maintenance plants to spread.
● Plant native, drought-tolerant vegetation. Groundcovers will go a long way toward covering large areas.
● Automate what you can. Watering large areas with a hose can be tedious and inefficient, so opt for sprinklers, drip irrigation, or soaker hoses.
Gravel is one of the cheapest ways to transform your yard into its lower-maintenance self. It’s easy to find in stores and spread yourself. The only downside is that it’s heavy. Gravel costs around $20 to $190 per cubic yard.
Of course, anything you can do yourself will save you money. Want to have a low-maintenance garden? Go to the nursery yourself, dig up your old plants, and plant your new ones in their place. Irrigation systems and artificial turf are relatively easy to install yourself and will cost much less when DIYed than hiring a pro.
You may want a low-maintenance landscape to free up more time. However, transforming your yard by yourself could take several weekends. Hire local pros to tackle this landscaping project for you. They can listen to your needs and give design suggestions to bring your ideas to life.
\n\n\n\nDo you want to keep certain high-maintenance landscaping features? A professional can help with that, too. They can mow your lawn, fertilize your plants, and replant your favorite annuals. The greater Sacramento area is home to all kinds of landscaping pros who can meet any needs you may have.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Sacramento, CA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4780952380952381,"src":"/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/1789c/low-maintenance-landscaping.jpg","srcSet":"/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/107df/low-maintenance-landscaping.jpg 320w,\n/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/293e9/low-maintenance-landscaping.jpg 500w,\n/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/f2cbb/low-maintenance-landscaping.jpg 800w,\n/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/1789c/low-maintenance-landscaping.jpg 960w,\n/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/bd661/low-maintenance-landscaping.jpg 1552w","srcWebp":"/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/1dd6e/low-maintenance-landscaping.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/67b76/low-maintenance-landscaping.webp 320w,\n/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/8df11/low-maintenance-landscaping.webp 500w,\n/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/98a65/low-maintenance-landscaping.webp 800w,\n/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/1dd6e/low-maintenance-landscaping.webp 960w,\n/static/000590209b0067c5ce0e05c5d5565fad/3a63a/low-maintenance-landscaping.webp 1552w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Sacramento, CA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of sweating in the Sactown sun? These low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Sacramento will cut down your yard work."}}},{"node":{"id":"3fd329d4-09a2-537a-9b0e-e3e0f10a832a","slug":"a-monthly-lawn-care-guide-for-kansas-city-mo-residents","path":"/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/a-monthly-lawn-care-guide-for-kansas-city-mo-residents/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"05d0f445-881a-5277-b62a-ce38f7c7af9f","name":"Kansas City","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/kansas-city/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"July 6th, 2018","excerpt":"If you have a green thumb or are just one for enjoying time spent caring for your yard, you will want to take a look at this month-by-month checklist for Kansas City, MO residents. It can be challenging when gardening and caring for your lawn during the sweltering heat of the summer months since Kansas […]
\n","content":"If you have a green thumb or are just one for enjoying time spent caring for your yard, you will want to take a look at this month-by-month checklist for Kansas City, MO residents. It can be challenging when gardening and caring for your lawn during the sweltering heat of the summer months since Kansas City is not exempt from the powerful rays of the sun. Hopefully, this garden and lawn care calendar can make it easier on you this summer.
\nThe month of May is an important one when it comes to gardening and landscaping in the Kansas City area. You should begin the month by applying fertilizer to the lawn. This only needs to be done if you water regularly throughout the summer. If you let the lawn die during the summer you don’t have to put down any fertilizer.
\nThere are quite a few weeds that sprout during the summer. That’s why you need to apply a broadleaf herbicide for your lawn. Make sure there’s no rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours as water will remove the herbicide. This means you must refrain from watering the lawn for that timeframe as well.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/watering-the-lawn-missouri-1024x682.jpg\")
Photo: lawndoctor.com
\nJune is when the temperatures really begin to climb in Kansas City, which means you will need to start watering. You can get away with an infrequent schedule at this point in the summer. Just make sure you don’t overwater the lawn or you will begin to see fungal growth.
\nIf the grass is thin you will want to increase your mowing height to one inch. The more rapid your lawn grows, the more often you need to cut it. Don’t let it grow too tall or you can risk the development of webworm. Consider mowing at heights of 2.5 to 3 inches in order to avoid scalping the turf.
\nYou need to keep up with mowing the lawn regularly into July. Just try to avoid stressful times of the day, especially when in the middle of a heat wave. You also don’t want to mow too often when in a drought.
\nIf weather conditions continue to be hot and humid you need to adjust how much water you give the lawn and when you give it. Water between the morning hours of 6-10 to avoid the occurrence of disease.
\nYou also need to only provide about one inch of water per week. Divide this into watering two to three time per week instead of daily.
\nIf you come across brown areas of grass you need to search for grubs. If you have anywhere from five to 10 grubs in a small space you can use an insecticide specifically for grubs towards the end of July.
\nAugust is the month in which you need to begin preparing your lawn for the fall season. Even though it will still be oppressively hot and humid this is an important prep period.
\nContinue your mowing, weeding, and insect control into August. If you are considering the complete renovation of your lawn you need to kill the vegetation present using a glyphosate spray in the middle of August.
\nShould you not be too sure about the fertility level of the lawn you can have it tested. If the lawn has been dormant for the summer you can begin watering it during the final week of August so that growth in the fall can begin.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/dethatching-1024x768.jpg\")
Photo: lawncaresg.com
\nSeptember is the best time of year when it comes to fertilizing your lawn. Apply only 1 to 1.5 pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\nIf you are putting new sod down now is the time and you should do it as early in September as possible all while keeping the soil moist. It’s not required that you aerate the new sod but it can be done if needed.
\nTowards the end of the month, you can begin raking, dethatching, and killing any weed patches you find on the new sod.
\nThe end of the month is the best time for you to apply broadleaf herbicides to the lawn.
\nAs you can see, caring for your lawn and garden takes a lot of time and effort. For the best results, follow this monthly calendar in Kansas City, MO each year.
\nStill have questions about lawn care? Visit our lawn care page to read more articles like this one.
\nTop photo: trulia.com
\n","title":"A Monthly Lawn Care Guide for Kansas City, Mo Residents","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4803392444101773,"src":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1789c/kansas-city-house.jpg","srcSet":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/107df/kansas-city-house.jpg 320w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/293e9/kansas-city-house.jpg 500w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/f2cbb/kansas-city-house.jpg 800w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1789c/kansas-city-house.jpg 960w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/4fb49/kansas-city-house.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1dd6e/kansas-city-house.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/67b76/kansas-city-house.webp 320w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/8df11/kansas-city-house.webp 500w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/98a65/kansas-city-house.webp 800w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/1dd6e/kansas-city-house.webp 960w,\n/static/93fcc15794bd97ffc41421981893e8f6/62477/kansas-city-house.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Monthly Lawn Care Guide for Kansas City, Mo Residents | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"6cdf929c-6ad5-577b-95e6-d5fde1b1fb29","slug":"washington-dc-guide-to-watering-the-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/washington-dc/washington-dc-guide-to-watering-the-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Washington DC is a great place to be during springtime and summer with its moderately but not overly hot temperatures. This area is not a stranger to drought, however it usually gets the brunt of its rainfall in the peak of summer (which is great for lawn care). Conserving water has turned into a nationwide […]
\n","content":"\nWashington DC is a great place to be during springtime and summer with its moderately but not overly hot temperatures. This area is not a stranger to drought, however it usually gets the brunt of its rainfall in the peak of summer (which is great for lawn care). Conserving water has turned into a nationwide initiative, so we made an article that outlines tips on how to conserve water while maintaining the beautiful lush lawn that we all strive for.
\n\n\n\nIrrigation can offer a very efficient way in watering the lawn as well as a method for water conservation: if used correctly. Here are some tips in achieving the best irrigation practices.
\n\n\n\nCertain areas of the yard will not need as much water as other parts of the yard. Consider areas of the lawn that need no water at all, including driveways and sidewalks. Avoiding these areas will ensure there is no runoff water from your irrigation system. Heavily shaded areas do not need as much water as highly exposed areas however they will need a moderate amount. Obviously, the most exposed areas of the lawn need the most water. An irrigation system needs to work with these areas and they should be mapped out prior.
\n\n\n\nDrip Irrigation does very well in conserving water. It uses a drip technique that slowly releases water throughout the day, minimizing water lost by evaporation and runoff. These systems do well with smaller lawns or gardens and are not recommended for large lawns.
Automatic sprinkler systems are the most popular form of irrigation system for homeowners. They cover a wide area of land and have timer settings which leaves little to worry about. Homeowners should take into consideration that adjustments will need to be made throughout the year depending on the weather. If used correctly these systems can conserve water, however making sure there is no run off and that the sprinkler doesn’t hit any driveways or sidewalks is very important.
Hand watering can be therapeutic for some people. If hand watering is something you like to do, make sure the lawn is getting enough water and not too much. The soil should be able to give way with the length of a screwdriver an hour after watering. This method works for any lawn, but may take some time with a larger lawn.
For more information on irrigation and a detailed look on irrigation throughout the year click here.
\n\n\n\nIn any region, it is best practice to use native plants and trees of the area. These varieties work well with the climate of the region and do not need much additional water. The sprinkler systems should be geared more towards hydrating the grass and only slightly watering additional plants. Using these types of plants will conserve water and make your irrigation system not work as hard.
\n\n\n\nKeeping the grass at a medium height, at around 1.5- 2 inches, will shade the roots from sun exposure: meaning less water. If the lawn is cut shorter than this it will encourage grass roots to become short and shallow. This is not energy efficient and will require that the grass needs much more water to stay green.
\n\n\n\nEvery household should have a small water collector that measures the amount of rainfall each week. All too often there will be sprinklers running while it is raining. Try not to be this person. Your lawn only needs about an inch of water each week in total.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: You should also keep track of your own water usage around the home. You can do so in Washington DC by clicking here.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to water a lawn is in the morning between the hours of 6 and 10 a.m. You can also water in the evening, however this can lead to over watering of the lawn. The morning is optimal because there is a low evaporation rate and it allows the water to soak into the roots. Any leftover water will quickly be evaporated when the sun rises.
There are currently no water restrictions in Washington D.C. however there is an application that tracks how much water usage you have and alerts you when it is higher than normal.
\n\n\n\nRead more: The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority’s Landscaping & Watering Guide
\n\n\n\nStill looking for lawn care advice? Visit our Washington DC lawn care page, it’s the #1 lawn care resource for DC residents on the web!
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Zuzka Grujbárová
\n","title":"The 2019 Washington DC Guide to Watering your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5015015015015014,"src":"/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/293e9/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.jpg","srcSet":"/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/107df/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.jpg 320w,\n/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/293e9/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.jpg 500w","srcWebp":"/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/8df11/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/67b76/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.webp 320w,\n/static/74df005d34cb8a86a9e24b9871610f38/8df11/lawn-watering-washingon-dc.webp 500w","sizes":"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 2019 Washington DC Guide to Watering your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"db950d5b-13f5-5b45-8e60-5768484a69c8","slug":"best-grass-types-kenosha","path":"/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/best-grass-types-kenosha/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"eca3f421-04d7-5366-a65f-04bb24060354","name":"Kenosha","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/kenosha/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"Kenosha is known for its beautiful public parks and gardens, so if you live in this stunning city, you might want to capture some of that beauty in your own front yard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you can start by using one of the best turf types for Kenosha, Wisconsin. In […]
\n","content":"\nKenosha is known for its beautiful public parks and gardens, so if you live in this stunning city, you might want to capture some of that beauty in your own front yard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you can start by using one of the best turf types for Kenosha, Wisconsin.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two categories of grass:
\n\n\n\nKenosha’s weather ranges widely, from warm to cold and snowy with cloudy skies. Having the right grass can help ensure that your Kenosha lawn stays healthy throughout the year. Cold-season grasses tend to do better in this climate.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your lawn to flourish, choose one of these grasses below.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass appears throughout the United States, but it really thrives in Northern areas. This grass is known for its dense texture and blue-green color. It thrives in full sun and boasts excellent ability to self-repair.
\n\n\n\nNevertheless, Kentucky bluegrass can have problems with too much heat, bad soil, and drought. This grass type is also susceptible to disease, thatch, and insects. You can improve its year-round durability by mixing it with perennial ryegrass. It grows more slowly than some other grasses and doesn’t tolerate partial shade as well as other grass types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Underground stems (known as rhizomes).
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Partial shade to full sun.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5-7 days; fertilize 1-3 times a year.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a soft grass that greens up pretty quickly after the snow melts. Its color usually ranges from medium to dark green. It’s low-maintenance, tolerates cold, andresists wear once established as a mature turf. Because of its protective properties, perennial ryegrass is often mixed with other grass types.
\n\n\n\nHowever, unlike other grass types, perennial ryegrass can’t self-repair. Moreover, this grass can be difficult to manage because it grows fast. It can sometimes struggle against drought and heat and doesn’t resist fungal diseases well. It also doesn’t tolerate partial shade as well as some other types of grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Producing neither rhizomes nor stolons, you’ll need to seed or lay sod on the entire lawn to grow this grass.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate, depending on the variety.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5–2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a popular and versatile type of grass that does relatively well in both full sun and partial shade. Its heat tolerance is actually the highest among cool-season grass types. Moreover, tall fescue is a champ at withstanding drought. Additionally, this moderate to coarse-textured grass resists diseases and weeds. It has a medium to dark-green hue.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue, however, struggles to repair itself. Although it’s relatively low-maintenance, it grows quickly and may require frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Grows in clumps and spreads through tillers (vertical shoots that grow from the base of the plant).
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Very high.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed unless you want your lawn to go dormant.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3.5-4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a medium to blue-green grass that can keep its color year-round. There’s a high variety of fine fescue grasses to choose from. They can also be mixed with other grass types. Fine fescue is a versatile, low-maintenance option that tolerates full sun and partial shade relatively well. Although it may go dormant during droughts, its drought resistance is still fairly high.
\n\n\n\nHowever, fine fescue isn’t suitable for high-traffic and may easily catch diseases. Furthermore, be careful with fertilizers, as they can cause high thatch levels.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (modified stems that run underground).
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to low, not best for heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow every 2-3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2-4 times a year; aerate once a year.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3 to 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is the best grass type for a low-maintenance lawn in Kenosha. However, it will still require regular mowing. The best height for mowing fine fescue is 2.5 to 4 inches, and it should always be above 2 inches.
Perennial ryegrass and tall fescue both tolerate foot traffic well. But keep in mind that these grass types aren’t as good at repairing themselves. On the other hand, Kentucky bluegrass has a fantastic ability to repair itself and is more resilient during the colder months.
Tall fescue and fine fescue both tolerate partial shade, so you can pick whichever one is better suited for your lawn.
Kentucky bluegrass is great for pet owners. It can heal its damaged spots and holds up well to foot traffic. It also has a soft texture that’s pleasant to walk on.
When you look for the right grass types for your Kenosha landscape, you’ll want to consider your specific needs and requirements. Some grass types may be better suited for high-traffic areas, while others may require less maintenance. So make sure that you pick the grass type that’s most suitable.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to picking your new grass, you can make additional improvements to your landscape. For example, consider adding native Kenosha plants to enhance its appearance. You should also consider winterizing your lawn and garden so that they can endure Kenosha’s cold winter temperatures.
\n\n\n\nSelecting the perfect grass type is only the beginning. Keep your new lawn green and healthy with services from WikiLawn’s Kenosha lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Teemu08 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Kenosha","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.9448946515397083,"src":"/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/1789c/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/107df/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.jpg 320w,\n/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/293e9/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.jpg 500w,\n/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/f2cbb/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.jpg 800w,\n/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/1789c/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.jpg 960w,\n/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/c26c2/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/1dd6e/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/67b76/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.webp 320w,\n/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/8df11/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.webp 500w,\n/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/98a65/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.webp 800w,\n/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/1dd6e/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.webp 960w,\n/static/6480c1de2e836ffb7d80b505826e4a83/3cc96/1280px-Manor_House_Kenosha.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Types for Kenosha, Wisconsin","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Kenosha is known for its beautiful public parks. Are you looking to bring that beauty to your own lawn? Read on to find out about the best Kenosha grass types."}}},{"node":{"id":"f3360803-2375-5191-8b4e-26527ee85e87","slug":"best-native-plants-saint-augustine","path":"/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/best-native-plants-saint-augustine/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9b5a7cc0-52e4-5870-a456-94b94f3508cb","name":"Saint Augustine","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Homeowners know that finding the perfect plants for landscaping can be tough. But did you know that some of the best options may be right outside your home? St. Augustine’s moderate climate and coastal location make it the ideal habitat for various native plants that thrive in the region. Choosing native plants for your landscaping […]
\n","content":"\nHomeowners know that finding the perfect plants for landscaping can be tough. But did you know that some of the best options may be right outside your home? St. Augustine’s moderate climate and coastal location make it the ideal habitat for various native plants that thrive in the region.
\n\n\n\nChoosing native plants for your landscaping not only celebrates the natural beauty of this coastal town but also offers several advantages over non-native species:
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re looking to enhance your yard’s aesthetic appeal or create a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape, incorporating the best native plants for St. Augustine is a great way to achieve your goals.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nHere are 15 of the best native plants for St. Augustine, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers.
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTypically found growing in the understory of wooded areas or along the edges of forests, this deciduous shrub produces small, pinkish-purple flowers in the spring and summer, eventually giving way to clusters of bright, magenta-colored berries in the fall. These berries are a food source for birds, including northern bobwhites and bluebirds.
\n\n\n\nTo make American beautyberry even more beautiful in your garden, consider planting it in groups or mass plantings to showcase its vibrant color. You also can mix it with other native plants, such as Florida anise, swamp milkweed, or goldenrod, to create a diverse and colorful landscape that attracts a variety of pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWhile American beautyberry is generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant, it may benefit from regular pruning to encourage a fuller and more attractive shape. If you want to keep the plant looking its best, trim back any dead or diseased branches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – needs at least four hours of direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows well in most soil conditions but prefers fertile, organic loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch of water per week, but it needs deep, slow watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but its berries may cause discomfort like vomiting if ingested.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Beach-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA beautiful and hardy native plant that thrives in the sandy soils and salty air of St. Augustine’s beaches, this low-growing perennial is a favorite among gardeners in the area for its bright flowers and ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe beach sunflower, which is a member of the aster family, blooms throughout the year, with the peak season occurring in the late summer and fall. During this time, the plant produces a profusion of yellow flowers resembling little suns.
\n\n\n\nAn excellent groundcover, beach sunflower can pair well with other native plants like sea oats and coontie, creating a natural beachy look in your landscape. Deadheading or trimming the flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms when the flowers start to fade. But avoid overwatering it if you don’t want it to succumb to sunflower rust.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8b-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic to alkaline, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nA showy, resilient wildflower native to much of North America, black-eyed Susan blooms from early summer to fall, producing bright yellow to orange flowers with dark centers. As they are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of St. Augustine, you’ll often see them planted in parks, public gardens, and along roadsides throughout the city.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its visual appeal, black-eyed Susan is a valuable food source for pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It also provides a habitat for ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests like aphids and spider mites.
\n\n\n\nDeadheading the spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers, and dividing the clumps every few years can help keep it healthy and vigorous. To make the most of black-eyed Susan in your garden, consider planting it alongside other native perennials, like coneflowers and bee balm.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial, annual, or biennial (depending on growing conditions)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it needs at least six hours of sun exposure each day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and pets, but may cause allergic skin reactions and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blanketflower_-_Gaillardia_aristata_IMG_6098-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Macdon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAnother member of the Aster family, blanketflower is popular in pollinator and butterfly gardens, attracting various species with their nectar-rich flowers. You can see them growing in gardens and natural areas, including Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach, and the nearby Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.
\n\n\n\nNative to the prairies of the southern United States, this perennial wildflower thrives in Florida’s sandy soils and warm, humid climate. It typically blooms from late spring through early fall, producing abundant flowers on bushy, compact plants. With its bright red and yellow petals, it can add a splash of color to garden beds, containers, and borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 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, dry, acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlooming from late spring through summer with striking orange flowers, butterfly milkweed stands out in any garden. These flowers not only add a splash of color to any landscape, but they also serve as an important food source for monarch butterflies.
\n\n\n\nA hardy and beautiful perennial native to Florida, butterfly milkweed grows wild in meadows, fields, and prairies throughout the state. It’s a must-have plant for any homeowner looking to attract pollinators to their garden.
\n\n\n\nOne way to make your butterfly milkweed even more beautiful in the garden is to pair it with other native plants, such as black-eyed Susans, coreopsis, or blanketflowers. To promote healthy growth, water regularly and avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to weak stems and fewer flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\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
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of the plant is toxic and can be fatal if ingested in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coontie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Florida arrowroot, coontie is a slow-growing evergreen indigenous to Florida. It’s well-suited to the area’s warm, humid climate and has a lifespan of over 50 years. It blooms in the spring and produces small, yellowish flowers that are not particularly showy. But its pretty, fern-like foliage and unique texture more than compensate for its inconspicuous blooms.
\n\n\n\nCoontie is drought-tolerant once established and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners. You can incorporate it into a mixed border with other native species and prune it to keep it in a more compact shape or let it grow naturally to its full size.
\n\n\n\nThe only native cycad in the United States, this ‘living fossil’ has been around for over 200 million years. It’s also the only plant that serves as the larval host for the Atala butterfly – an endangered species native to Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade (two to six hours of sun per day)
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-honeysuckle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida and other southeastern states, coral honeysuckle produces bright, coral-red flowers that bloom from spring to fall. Its nectar-rich blooms attract a wide range of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any Florida garden.
\n\n\n\nThis versatile perennial can be planted in various settings, from borders and rock gardens to trellises and fences. It also makes an excellent groundcover, spreading quickly and providing a lush, green carpet of foliage. But remember that it has an extreme flammability rating, so you shouldn’t plant it too close to your house.
\n\n\n\nTo keep your coral honeysuckle looking its best, provide it with plenty of support, such as a trellis or fence. This will encourage it to climb and help prevent it from becoming too leggy or sprawling. To promote new growth and keep it from getting unruly, you also can prune it back in late winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet (depending on its supporting structure)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Grows well in partial shade but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, rich, slightly acidic soil but tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are toxic to humans and pets but favored by birds
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coreopsis_auriculata_Nana_3zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found growing in the wild in dry, sandy soils in pine forests, sandhills, and open woodlands, ear-leaved tickseed is ideal for planting in large groups, along borders or pathways, or as a groundcover. This plant is a great addition to wildflower gardens or meadow landscapes.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant ear-leaved tickseed in large masses to create a stunning display of yellow blooms. Note that they need regular watering during the first growing season to establish their roots. But once established, they require very little watering, making them ideal for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from spring to summer. It’s a larval host to several butterfly species, including the Florida state butterfly – the zebra longwing. It also attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and other butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\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 to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Florida-Anise-Illicium-floridanum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ted Bodner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, this evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves grows naturally in moist, shaded areas throughout the state. It’s known for its large, star-shaped fruits that ripen in the fall and are a food source for many bird species.
\n\n\n\nA larval host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly, Florida anise blooms in the spring, producing clusters of small, maroon flowers that have a sweet, spicy scent.
\n\n\n\nRemove dead or damaged branches and prune the shrub regularly to maintain its shape. Also, apply mulch around its base to retain moisture during the hot summer months. You also can grow it in containers or use it as a unique accent plant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, fertile, clay, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – while it’s drought-tolerant, you will need to water it weekly during long periods of dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its large, showy flowers, oakleaf hydrangea blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers are typically white but can take on pink or red tones in certain soil conditions. As its name suggests, the foliage of this Florida-friendly plant resembles that of an oak tree – with large, lobed leaves that turn a beautiful shade of burgundy in the fall.
\n\n\n\nSince it’s native to the Southeast U.S., oakleaf hydrangea is already well adapted to the hot and humid climate of St. Augustine. But regular pruning can help keep the plant healthy and encourage more blooms. Also, deadheading spent flowers can help promote new growth and extend the plant’s blooming period.
\n\n\n\nThe oakleaf hydrangea is a great plant for attracting wildlife to your garden. Its large flowers are a favorite of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the plant’s foliage provides shelter for birds and other small creatures.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fertile, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of this plant is poisonous and must not be ingested by humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pink-Pinxter-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: EoRdE6 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, pink pinxter azalea grows naturally in wetlands, woodlands, along stream banks, gardens, parks, and natural areas throughout St. Augustine and Jacksonville. It blooms with bright pink flowers in the early spring, serving as an important food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s also a larval host plant for the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly.
\n\n\n\nConsider planting pink pinxter azalea in a shady area with well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The plant requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Pruning after flowering can help shape the plant and promote healthy growth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic to both humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sabal-Palm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAn iconic symbol of Florida, Sabal palm is the most common palm you’ll see throughout the state. Like saw palmetto, this slow-growing palm also thrives in sandy soils in wetlands, hammocks, and coastal plains. This hardy plant can withstand droughts, saltwater spray, and hurricanes, making it an ideal choice for landscaping in St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nSabal palm blooms in late spring, producing small yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its fruit, which is dark blue or black when ripe, is a favorite food source for birds such as woodpeckers and bluejays.
\n\n\n\nRemember to trim the lower leaves of the palm to showcase its unique trunk, which is covered in a brown fibrous material. You also can add mulch around its base to help retain moisture and control weeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-30 feet tall, though it can grow up to 90 feet in the woods
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – but for the first six months, water it often until established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets – can cause paralysis or even death
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nAlso known as red salvia or scarlet salvia, scarlet sage is a stunning herbaceous perennial plant popularly grown in St. Augustine. This bright red-flowered plant is a showstopper in any garden or landscape, adding beautiful color and texture to any outdoor space. It’s a native of tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, including Florida, and thrives in the warm, humid climate of St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nWith pungent foliage that makes it deer-resistant, scarlet sage blooms from late spring to early fall, producing vibrant red or pink flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This evergreen is also a host plant for the white peacock butterfly, providing a source of food and habitat for its larvae.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage reseeds easily but needs regular watering and fertilizing to help it thrive. Also, removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms. You also should prune the plant back after its blooming season to help it grow bushier and produce more flowers the following year.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial – annual in regions with below-freezing winters
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, clay, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its flowers can cause gastric distress
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Southern-Live-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nWith their wide-spreading canopies and distinctive twisting branches, Southern live oaks are iconic features of the Florida landscape. You can find them throughout the city’s historic districts, public parks, and private gardens. Since the natural habitat of Southern live oaks is in coastal regions, they are well adapted to the sandy soils, salt spray, and high winds of these environments.
\n\n\n\nTypically blooming in the spring, these trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are pollinated by the wind. These evergreen trees are important host plants for a variety of butterfly and moth species, including the giant swallowtail butterfly and the io moth.
\n\n\n\nRegular watering and fertilization can help promote healthy growth and ensure the tree remains strong and disease-resistant. Additionally, pruning should be done carefully to maintain the tree’s natural shape and to prevent any damage to the branches or trunk. Also, consider incorporating other native plant species around the base of the tree to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape design.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 feet tall, 30-100 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – avoid ingesting the acorns and leaves as they can be poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/walters-viburnum-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWalter’s viburnum, also known as sweet viburnum, is a popular shrub for hedges or screens. It produces fragrant, creamy-white flowers in the spring while its glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round appeal. Its flowers are a favorite among pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds while the plant provides cover and nesting sites for birds.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its ornamental value, Walter’s viburnum also serves as a larval host for the viburnum sphinx moth. This shrub responds well to pruning, and shaping it into a hedge or topiary can create a stunning focal point in any landscape. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub to small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-25 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in regions with mild winters
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, but water it often until established (six to 12 months after planting)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine is home to a diverse range of native plant species, from stunning wildflowers to lush shrubs and trees. With an average low temperature of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit, the city falls primarily into USDA hardiness zone 9a. This zone provides the perfect conditions for many native plants to thrive, but you must choose plants well-suited to your specific yard.
\n\n\n\nNot only do native plants enhance the beauty of your yard, but they also support the local ecosystem and help maintain the area’s natural balance. But while the region’s well-draining, sandy soil is ideal for many native plants, some may require additional nutrients or amendments to thrive.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, many native plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, humid summers, but you must consider water usage and conservation. Using mulch and compost can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting plants, test your soil first. You can get help from your local cooperative extension or soil testing lab to determine your soil’s pH level, texture, and nutrient and salinity levels. This way, you can choose the plants best suited to your soil type.
\n\n\n\nWhile St. Augustine is known for its lush greenery and subtropical climate, creating a backyard buffer can be an essential step in preserving the natural beauty of the area and protecting your home from hurricanes. Native plants are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they are well-suited to the local climate and can provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
Some of the best native plants for a backyard buffer in St. Augustine include coontie, firebush, muhly grass, red cedar, and wax myrtle.
Apart from beach sunflowers, other plants that bloom year-round in Florida include the Egyptian star cluster, plumbago, and porterweed. But remember that some perennial plants that show flowers all year in South Florida, like firespike, only bloom in certain months in North Florida.
The type of soil found in Northeast Florida can vary depending on location. But since St. Augustine is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, barrier islands, and coastal forests, the city has mostly sandy soil with low fertility.
The sandy soil here is well-drained and doesn’t retain moisture well, making it challenging for plants to establish deep roots and absorb the nutrients they need to thrive. Adding organic matter, like compost, to sandy soil can help improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient content. Still, it’s better to choose native plants well-suited to the local soil conditions as they don’t require excessive watering or fertilization.
Even though St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for many homeowners in the area, it may not be the best fit for a garden that features a variety of native plants. This is because St. Augustine grass is known to be aggressive and can outcompete other plants for resources.
A better option would be Zoysiagrass. This warm-season grass can thrive in the heat and humidity of St. Augustine and has a slower growth rate than St. Augustinegrass. This means it’s less likely to compete with native plants for resources, allowing them to grow and flourish.
Another option to consider is a ground cover, such as coontie, beach sunflower, creeping phlox, dwarf mondo grass, or creeping thyme. These low-growing plants can provide a green carpet-like appearance without the aggressive growth of St. Augustinegrass. They’re also great for edging walkways or filling in gaps between stepping stones – providing a visual contrast and adding texture to your garden.
St. Augustine is blessed with a rich diversity of native plant species, including flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees that thrive in the area’s unique climate and soil. If you’re looking to add some indigenous flora to your garden, there are several local nurseries and plant resources to check out.
\n\n\n\nStart your search with the Florida Native Plant Society, a statewide organization that promotes using native plants in landscaping and conservation. Their website provides much information on local plant species, their growing conditions, and where to find them.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting native plants for your garden, consider the environmental conditions of your site, including soil type, water availability, and exposure to sun and shade. Also, purchase plants from reputable sources and avoid transplanting them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nAdding native plants to your landscape can help create a sustainable and low-maintenance garden that supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for native wildlife.
But if you’re short on time or unsure where to start, consider hiring a St. Augustine landscaping pro to help design and maintain your beautiful, eco-friendly garden.
Main Image Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"15 Best Native Plants for St. Augustine, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/1789c/Blanketflower-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/107df/Blanketflower-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/293e9/Blanketflower-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/f2cbb/Blanketflower-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/1789c/Blanketflower-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/c26c2/Blanketflower-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/1dd6e/Blanketflower-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/67b76/Blanketflower-1.webp 320w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/8df11/Blanketflower-1.webp 500w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/98a65/Blanketflower-1.webp 800w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/1dd6e/Blanketflower-1.webp 960w,\n/static/0962d13e62ce6fe2f7a87f164ef85a30/3cc96/Blanketflower-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"15 Best Native Plants for St. Augustine, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the best native plants for St. Augustine and how to choose these landscape plants that thrive in humid subtropical climates."}}},{"node":{"id":"69b19624-e6c4-52ad-abd5-9e9e97e0a1a0","slug":"best-grass-types-atlanta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/best-grass-types-atlanta/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 20th, 2023","excerpt":"With a climate that boasts hot summers, mild winters, and stunning spring and fall days, Atlanta is the perfect place for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to flourish. But with so many options, choosing the right grass for your lawn can be as challenging as finding the perfect peach cobbler recipe. Don’t worry. From the […]
\n","content":"\nWith a climate that boasts hot summers, mild winters, and stunning spring and fall days, Atlanta is the perfect place for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to flourish. But with so many options, choosing the right grass for your lawn can be as challenging as finding the perfect peach cobbler recipe.
\n\n\n\nDon’t worry. From the more common Bermudagrass to the perennial Zoysia, these seven best grass types for Atlanta will make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. So, whether you want a lawn that can handle the heat or one that can brave the winter chill, you’ll find the perfect match here.
\n\n\n\nThere are notable distinctions between warm-season and cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses exhibit rapid growth and are more tolerant to drought conditions. On the other hand, the key characteristic of cool-season grasses is their resilience and luxuriant growth.
\n\n\n\nHowever, these dissimilarities are just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some additional traits that can help you differentiate between these two types of grasses:
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season and cool-season grass types are perfectly suited for the climatic and soil conditions of Atlanta:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA warm-season grass commonly found in the southern regions of the United States, bermudagrass is known for its fine texture, drought tolerance, and ability to grow in a wide range of soil types.
\n\n\n\nThis fast-growing grass can quickly inhabit a new area. It has a high tolerance for heat and heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for areas that receive a lot of sun and activity. That’s why it’s a popular choice not just for residential lawns but also for golf courses and sports fields across Atlanta.
\n\n\n\nCommon bermudagrass may be a suitable choice for those looking for a grass type that has a coarser texture and requires less maintenance. However, for those who prefer a more refined and fine-textured grass, hybrid cultivars may be a better fit, although they require greater care and attention to maintain their appearance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – some varieties need more sun than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – may become dormant in long periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – requires frequent watering, fertilization, and mowing to maintain its appearance and health
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches – raise the mower height during periods of drought or extreme heat
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate – common diseases include dollar spot, large patch, leaf spot, and spring dead spot; can be prone to armyworms, bermudagrass mites, and nematodes
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: This grass species has the impressive ability to rapidly propagate itself. But this aggressive spreading also can be a double-edged sword, as it may result in the grass taking over and invading nearby flower beds or other cultivated areas.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nWith its low-growing, dense, and carpet-like appearance, centipedegrass is another popular choice for lawns across the southern United States. This low-maintenance, warm-season grass requires less water and fertilizer than other turfgrasses, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners who want a lawn that doesn’t require constant upkeep.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. While it may not have the same deep green color as other grass varieties, centipedegrass does produce attractive seed heads that turn brown as they mature.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – grows best in direct sunlight but can survive with as little as six hours of sun exposure a day
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate – may become dormant during extended periods of drought
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low – thrives even with minimal watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches – increase the mowing height by ½ inch if the area is shaded
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate – mostly prone to iron chlorosis, centipedegrass decline, nematodes, ground pearl insects, spittlebugs, grubs, and lawn catterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, and well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Avoid overfertilization and high nitrogen rates to lessen the risk of diseases and pest infestations.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its thick, lush, and coarse texture, St. Augustinegrass is another warm-season turfgrass that’s popular among homeowners in Atlanta. This grass variety thrives in hot and humid climates and is well-suited for coastal areas due to its tolerance for salt spray. It requires regular watering, fertilization, and mowing.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass prefers well-drained soils and sunny areas but also can tolerate partial shade. While it may not be as cold-tolerant as some other grass varieties, it can recover quickly from damage and has resistance to many common lawn diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – can handle partial shade
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf cultivars from 2.5-3 inches, standard cultivars from 3-4 inches, mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – resistant to weeds and other common lawn diseases, but can be susceptible to nematodes, take-all root rot, chinch bugs, grass loopers, and cutworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Unlike other grass types, it doesn’t do well in compacted, clay soils
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA warm-season turfgrass, Zoysiagrass is perfect for areas with low rainfall and humid summers like Atlanta. Known for its fine texture and dense, carpet-like appearance, this light green grass variety requires low to moderate maintenance – infrequent watering, fertilization, and mowing. It prefers being exposed to direct sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is also known for its ability to spread rapidly through stolons and rhizomes, creating a thick and resilient turf. It’s not as cold-tolerant as other grass types, but it can quickly recover from damage.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – although it needs supplemental watering during dry periods
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate – common diseases include fairy rings, dollar spot, brown patch, powdery mildew, pythium blight, rust, large patch, spring dead spot, leaf spot, root decline, chinch bugs, zoysiagrass mites, and mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Homeowners who love hosting BBQ parties in their yards prefer this grass variety for its resilience to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA cool-season grass, Kentucky bluegrass is known for its fine texture and rich bluish-green color. It flourishes exceptionally well in the cooler northern regions of Georgia, making it an ideal choice for residential properties, parks, sports fields, and golf courses in Atlanta.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety requires moderate maintenance, including regular watering, fertilization, and mowing. Kentucky bluegrass is also known for its ability to spread through underground rhizomes, creating a dense and resilient turf.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches – mow taller during summer
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high – can be prone to snow molds, summer patch, leaf spot, fairy rings, dollar spot, necrotic ring spot, chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs, grubs, and greenbugs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It’s most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns. Due to its limited root depth, regular watering is necessary. Poor soil conditions and lack of water can cause diseases, but newer cultivars are generally hardier and more resistant to disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-ryegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA cool-season grass, perennial ryegrass, grows best in the northern United States. This grass type has a fine texture, bright green color, and quick germination. It’s often used in overseeding practices for winter color in warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass can establish quickly and produce a dense turf, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas like sports fields. While it may not be as drought-tolerant as bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass is a versatile option for those looking for a lawn with a lush and vibrant appearance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – needs at least four to five hours under the sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High – but recuperates poorly
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High – susceptible to flag rust, stem rust, leaf spot, downy mildew, brown patch, red thread, chinch bugs, and greenbug aphids
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Should you choose to overseed your warm-season grass with perennial ryegrass, maintain a proper balance of sunlight, moisture, and nutrients to lessen the risk of damage to your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1024px-Festuca_arundinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its deep green color and coarse texture, tall fescue is a popular choice for lawns in the central and eastern regions of the United States. This cool-season grass can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including drought, heat, and shade.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue needs moderate upkeep, which entails regular watering, fertilizing, and mowing. This grass variety has a deep and extensive root system, which enables it to endure dry spells and periods of drought.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate – can be susceptible to brown patch, leaf spot, seedling disease, cutworms, armyworms, grubs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize it only once in September and November. To restore the lushness of your lawn and address thinning and patchy areas, it is recommended to sow new grass seeds every few years.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your lawn to be more pet-friendly, a grass variety that can withstand wear and tear, pet waste, and frequent paw traffic is essential. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are both popular options for pet-friendly lawns, as they are tough and can withstand the rigors of pet use.
A cool-season grass like tall fescue is typically the best choice for a shady lawn in Atlanta. This grass variety is well-suited for areas with limited sunlight and can tolerate shade better than warm-season grasses like bermudagrass or zoysiagrass.
If your lawn constantly gets heavy foot traffic, bermudagrass and tall fescue are good options, as they both have a deep root system that helps them withstand heavy use.
Centipedegrass and zoysiagrass are your best options for a low-maintenance lawn. Both are warm-season grasses that are well-adapted to the hot and humid climate of Atlanta, and they require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.
While there are several grass types that grow well in Atlanta’s humid subtropical climate, each variety has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Consider factors like sunlight, soil type, and maintenance requirements when selecting the right type of grass for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, the best grass for your landscape will depend on your specific needs, landscape plants, and preferences. Whether you opt for bermudagrass for its drought tolerance and rapid growth or St. Augustine for its lush, green appearance, the key is to give it proper care and attention. Enhance your home’s appeal and value with a healthy and vibrant lawn. Reach out to an Atlanta lawn care pro today.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Peakpx
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Atlanta","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3574660633484164,"src":"/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/107df/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/293e9/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/f2cbb/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/1789c/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/c26c2/Grassy-Lawn-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/67b76/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 320w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/8df11/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 500w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/98a65/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 800w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/1dd6e/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 960w,\n/static/eec238f235fbd28d190bdb30f136ba64/3cc96/Grassy-Lawn-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Atlanta | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the seven best grass types for Atlanta's climate. From bermudagrass to Zoysiagrass, find your perfect match for a lush lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"4ee1f51e-80fa-5d99-bef5-c69d1fdd836c","slug":"best-grass-for-north-georgia","path":"/lawn-care/ga/best-grass-for-north-georgia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"North Georgia enjoys all four seasons to the fullest. This diversity is super, but it can also disrupt a lawn’s appearance and health as the weather changes. The secret to a problem-free and attractive lawn is to choose a grass that is adapted to your area. Luckily, both warm-season and cool-season grasses do well in […]
\n","content":"\nNorth Georgia enjoys all four seasons to the fullest. This diversity is super, but it can also disrupt a lawn’s appearance and health as the weather changes.
\n\n\n\nThe secret to a problem-free and attractive lawn is to choose a grass that is adapted to your area. Luckily, both warm-season and cool-season grasses do well in mountainous North Georgia. But these seven grasses really thrive in North Georgia and can provide the luscious, evergreen yard you want
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the details, here’s a quick overview of warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nHere are four warm-season grasses best suited for your Georgia yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass is popular in Georgia because of its hardiness. It develops a dense, low-maintenance turf that won’t need much watering during the hot summer months. The density comes from its underground woven rhizome and stolons and translates into excellent foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nTightly packed Bermudagrass blades also naturally crowd out weeds. Bermudagrass is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and resists salinity and heat. It also does well in a wide range of soil pHs. Rapid growth rate also helps this grass type to recover quickly from wear and traffic damage.
\n\n\n\nThe only downside of Bermudagrass is that it needs a full, bright sun to thrive. Plus, the dense turf needs regular dethatching to stay disease free. It goes brown and dormant in the winter and greens up around early April in North Georgia. The growing season may vary at different elevations.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 to 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a resilient, cold-tolerant, and dense warm-season turf that will give your lawn all hues of green around the year. It is popular among homeowners with pets and kids due to its sturdiness and impressive foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass blades establish a dark green color that slowly fades as the temperature drops. It thrives in direct sunlight but won’t mind some shade too. Its improved cold tolerance is quite fitting for North Georgia.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it’s a dense grass, it won’t need as much mowing as other warm-season grasses. But you need to detach regularly.
\n\n\n\nDespite being a drought-tolerant perennial species, Zoysiagrass needs frequent watering during the summer. It tackles a good amount of foot traffic and is also super easy to maintain.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 to 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is great if you want dense, cushioning turf in your yard. St. Augustinegrass develops broad-leafed, coarse-textured grass blades that are hardy enough to tolerate shade and salty soil.
\n\n\n\nThis is the least cold-tolerant warm-season grass and is the slowest to gain its green lusciousness back in spring. St. Augustinegrass can tolerate extreme heat and has the capacity to thrive in all soil types, but only if the soil is well-drained.
\n\n\n\nThe only minus of a St. Augustine lawn is that it won’t do great with lots of foot traffic. If your household is outdoorsy or you have pets and kids who like to hang around the yard, you might prefer Bermudagrass or Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for low-maintenance grass, Centipedegrass is your pick. It’s a highly drought-tolerant grass that does pretty well with little to no fertilization.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass spreads by stolons and is one of the slow-growing grass types; it might even take a few years to fully establish if grown from seed. Typically, it creates a yellow-green lawn, that will turn a darker green when nitrogen fertilizer is applied. But resists the urge. Over-fertilization only increases maintenance needs and makes the grass sensitive to cold, thatch, and disease.
\n\n\n\nGenerally, centipedegrass lawns don’t respond well to overseeding and cold weather. But this grass type is fairly tolerant of shade and drought-like conditions, and repels weeds.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.0 to 6.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nA few details about cool-season grasses you should know about:
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at these three cool-season grasses for your North Georgia yard:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/7370356864_c9e8d6081f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis type of grass makes a great winter cover or a temporary yard for your Georgia landscape. You can plant perennial ryegrass as a protective cover over your warm-season grass to help it survive North Georgia’s cold winter with the nicest pop of green.
\n\n\n\nYou can also mix it with Kentucky bluegrass to improve its traffic and disease resistance. Perennial ryegrass naturally germinates quickly, suppresses weeds, and maintains a lovely green color through the winter.
\n\n\n\nIt develops tapered, fine-textured, and shiny blades that need regular maintenance to look uniform and good.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, extends with tillers
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis is your go-to cool-season grass for a lawn in North Georgia. It’s shade-tolerant, drought-resistant, and highly adaptable to changing weather conditions. This grass type will also stay green throughout the year if you give it proper care. Plus, it’s pretty low-maintenance and is easy for beginners.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue survives in poor soil conditions and with low fertilization. Generally, tall fescue is also highly resistant to pests and diseases. Its coarse, wide blades proliferate fast and help the grass recover quickly from foot traffic or other damage.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.8 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\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\nThis grass type creates a beautiful bluish-green lawn and grows best in Georgia’s cooler, northern areas.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is high maintenance. It needs more fertilizer, water, and herbicide than any other cool-season grass type. It prefers areas with partial shade, but will also handle full sunlight if watered generously. Kentucky bluegrass makes a soft, “walkable” lawn, but won’t adjust well to excessive foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass requires little maintenance. This fine-textured grass resists disease and drought and thrives in a variety of growing conditions.
Bermudagrass is popular across Georgia because of its incredible drought tolerance, dense appearance, low maintenance needs, and overall sturdiness.
Tall fescue can stay green year-round, provided you appropriately care for it. This grass type thrives in yards that have both shady and sunny areas and makes do with minimal maintenance in colder months.
Building and keeping a healthy lawn in cities with temperamental weather can get tough, but the best way to do it is to choose the appropriate grass type for our climate.
\n\n\n\nFor lawns in North Georgia, the best-suited cool-season grass is tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass for warm-season lawns.
If you aren’t sure which turfgrass would be good on your lawn, or you don’t wish to expend so much energy into researching, planning, and planting, call in one of our lawn care pros to help.
Main Image Credit: ZachJBeavers / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Grasses That Thrive in North Georgia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.6666666666666667,"src":"/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/1789c/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/107df/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/293e9/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/f2cbb/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/1789c/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/c26c2/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/1dd6e/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/67b76/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 320w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/8df11/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 500w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/98a65/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 800w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/1dd6e/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 960w,\n/static/0068233cc91b68b1f9695557844d19b3/3cc96/lawn-in-north-georgia-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Grasses That Thrive in North Georgia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tired of your lawn struggling every time the weather changes? Here are seven grass types that thrive in North Georgia."}}},{"node":{"id":"4e0d8cb2-9348-5c34-9621-9affb156fa88","slug":"best-ground-covers-yard","path":"/blog/landscaping/best-ground-covers-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Ground covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy. The mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, […]
\n","content":"\nGround covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy.
\n\n\n\nThe mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, is a huge fan of ground covers as a lawn replacement. “If you have children or pets who are likely to play in your yard, you can do a blended yard,” he says, adding, “Be mindful of both your average high temps and your low temps, and pick plants that can handle both.”
\n\n\n\nNow that you’re convinced, take a look at some of the best ground covers for sun or shade in all climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_SDqGc7dP9YS9F6Y3RkvK_8iO3lTYkZZZ5VNlOL6sedxdWXBAJa5RPVA6ZBfP4rVwgY6DGapir_ww-ob8xo6Y-QscKHAKscDBJmkf0xXfYAs_afx7MnbKteF8mUu2610okjWik-R\")
Bugleweed comes in dozens of varieties ranging from green to bronze, purple, and sometimes even variegated. This ornamental ground cover stands up to heavy foot traffic and is hardy to minus 40 degrees. It can thrive in full sun to part shade and presents blue-purple flowers from late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nThis fast-growing ground cover spends months producing white flowers and is hardy all the way down to -30 degrees. Candytuft is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s the perfect choice for sunny slopes and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial ground cover with chartreuse leaves is a favorite for its hardiness and attractive foliage. Creeping Jenny enjoys full sun but can tolerate part shade as long as the soil is moist. With a fountain-like growth pattern, she’s a favorite for raised flower beds and planters.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F60x8NcemcIl4tDxNhj0lfnrrohZY4EQxU2lPGir5Hb_PCrBjwPrOZw2HiuRcIgXVeOaLPzXSRaIFgAGjWeRHbVZd2I8gdtbWvHwnDXUd77Q_NEqsmUBPtUiBGpUhKG8um3oS6Xt\")
Deer resistant and cold hardy to minus 40 degrees, creeping phlox bursts into glorious bloom in spring. Best with full sun to part shade, this 6-inch-tall superstar performs well on slopes and retaining walls.
\n\n\n\nAdding stunning beauty to shaded areas, deadnettle has silvery, variegated leaves, and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. This deciduous plant offers cheerful pink flowers in late spring but dies back in winter. The only precaution to take when planting deadnettle is to make sure you’re not in an area where it’s considered invasive.
\n\n\n\nThe thyme family offers dozens of varieties of this hardy ground cover, most of which can handle temps down to minus 20 degrees. Only 3 inches tall, most varieties don’t attract deer or rabbits. Plant in full sun and enjoy a show of pink flowers in summer. and an herb for cooking all year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Uru5bSHYQ_Bl5BvRgE0FWNnd9AMwMkHYn0XKgx7l2u1wWpnJOdVJozdHyp6T2SnGnU0uzKdbxq3Nl6v9YfumhAAW6fQTy6uVa5KxuTvF1uE7gaJMbzVY0_l-N9BnstfGoPg-BENA\")
This succulent, evergreen thrives in warm climates and can’t tolerate foot traffic or temperatures below minus 10 degrees. But on sunny, well-drained slopes, it provides beautiful texture and neon-bright, flowers from mid-summer to early fall. For high-visibility blooms and solid erosion control, ice plants are hard to beat.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant evergreen prefers part to full shade and is hardy to minus 30 degrees. The glossy, dark green leaves create a 12-inch tall mat of foliage that produces spiky white blossoms in late spring.
\n\n\n\nThis grasslike ground cover, also known as lilyturf, thrives in sun and shade (but needs moist soil) and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. Both clumping and creeping varieties erupt into spikes of purple, white, or blue flowers in late summer. Liriope makes an attractive garden edging and is good for erosion control or under trees as a substitute for grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8vDsC_PoUx3TzLUQu3IfExcvkoDqrJ2fWxATHrfZ9J-lI7Ot8wzZLSGGw61FF8y-VwV4xgmwMme31AaupVrYyatVrhKgQUpp7RYDNltF1M9vPDKVdsdKK62C55AkEkDUd4dkF2Kz\")
One of the most popular evergreen ground covers, periwinkle, prefers moist soil in partly shaded areas. Hardy to minus 20 degrees, periwinkle is a vigorous, vining plant that may need to be cut back every so often to keep it under control.
\n\n\n\nWhether your goal is to cover the bare spots beneath trees or to fill the negative space in your flower beds, there’s a ground cover out there for the job. Choose wisely, and your groundcover will reward you for years to come.
\n\n\n\nTop image credit: “Ajuga reptans Chocolate Chip,” David J. Stang, CC by-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/107df/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/293e9/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f2cbb/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1789c/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/f605f/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/67b76/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 320w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/8df11/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 500w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/98a65/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 800w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/1dd6e/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 960w,\n/static/7b8928cb37101f2a439ec84a76a9602c/23e94/Ajuga_reptans_Chocolate_Chip_0zz-wikimedia-david-j-stang-ccsa40.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Ground Covers for Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"d16e2d6b-56c8-59e2-83f4-27ffd9dd8cd8","slug":"benefits-composting-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/","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":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Looking for a cost-efficient way to a beautiful lawn with healthier grass? Composting may be the answer. You may associate compost with gardens and flower beds, but there are several benefits to adding the beautiful rot to your grass, too. What Is Compost? Compost is organic material, made up of decomposing living matter. Food scraps […]
\n","content":"\nLooking for a cost-efficient way to a beautiful lawn with healthier grass? Composting may be the answer.
\n\n\n\nYou may associate compost with gardens and flower beds, but there are several benefits to adding the beautiful rot to your grass, too.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7siWPz9hIYZNaFizVvrLv1ilgO2v5ZEN6q_jZTkH9LyzmiTKBQ-wplgwMSshwyJel0FpzwSEjtWWWzWiVQY7qEuHWGV0kuQrn-qt3FS5grSQfBs4xY62AB-ltZieVNlrBe1SUz3h\")
Compost is organic material, made up of decomposing living matter. Food scraps and yard waste (grass clippings, raked leaves, and remnants of garden plants) make up most compost. Compost also happens on its own in nature with fallen leaves, twigs, and branches. By adding fruit and vegetable scraps, you put back into the soil the ingredients it needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\nFood products that don’t compost well include tea bags (the tea residue works well but only if you remove the bag) and highly acidic citrus fruits and tomatoes (they may kill the good bacteria that break down the compost). Peelings from other fruits and vegetables are also excellent for the compost bin (remove the small paper stickers on them).
\n\n\n\nWhat you don’t want in your compost? Weeds. The weed seeds will spread and regrow in your yard.
\n\n\n\nLawns are dormant in winter, but it’s still a good time for maintenance. Composting supports the root system during dormancy. The organic matter helps the soil retain water, making it more available to the grass roots. Nutrients that would otherwise wash away, (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), make their way down to the roots. The healthier your lawn’s roots are, the deeper they grow and spread under your yard. This holds the soil together and helps it resist wind and water.
\n\n\n\nWith healthier roots created by composting comes healthier soil. The primary nutrients are joined by micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper, and manganese. The fertilizer you buy doesn’t always have these components. But compost breaks down slowly, so it acts as a slow-release fertilizer. The more diverse the ingredients in the compost, the more different types of nutrients sink into the soil. The decomposed compost (also called humus), will also neutralize both acidic and alkaline soils, creating pH levels that enable your grass to absorb the nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn helps break up compacted soil. But compost creates clusters of particles, called aggregates, for a stronger soil structure. These bundles have air channels and tiny holes that keep in water, nutrients, and air. There are basically three types of soil, and organic matter affects each one in different ways.
\n\n\n\nThis dense, heavy soil can be tough to work with. But when maintained, it’s one of the best soils for lawns and gardens. Adding organic matter like pine bark and finely ground leaves creates better soil structure. It also gets rid of drainage problems and compacted soil. Start with 3 to 6 inches of compost on your topsoil and work it down into the ground about ten inches over time. As the matter decomposes, it improves the quality of clay soil.
\n\n\n\nSandy soil is dry with large, coarse particles and a lot of air pockets, so it doesn’t need aeration. It’s also not ideal for growing things because all that space lets water drain before it can provide moisture to plant roots. Fertilizer is ineffective because it washes away before doing any good. Horticulture Agent Charlotte Glen of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension says, “Because they naturally lack nutrients and cannot store nutrients provided by fertilizers, plants growing in sandy sites often show nutrient deficiency symptoms like stunting, yellow leaves, and sparse flowering or poor fruit production.”
\n\n\n\nThe good news is that sand is lightweight and porous and easy to work with. This type of soil needs 3 to 4 inches of compost as topsoil. Till it deep into the ground. Then, in the future, let grass clippings fall onto the yard when mowing. The clippings add to the compost.
\n\n\n\nThis is the best type of soil for growing plants and grass. It’s a mix of equal parts clay, sand, and silt (sediment deposited by running water). While loamy soil already provides excellent growing conditions, you can improve any soil with compost. Do this once a year to lower its pH to a level that works well with grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fXTp3fOUPxxEJfrU4ABu64j_Zld8HZGr_VZc6ZpQOmTIkGU2ukwTl22wTLSETZwBt11kHl7TGBemnJ5-skvzmyBYzYT8xgSiYPixheaoIRMEWt_nrohyBSv7zGXMzLbyIKHk1BcF\")
Healthy turf is about 50% air, held in pockets and spaces in the soil. When that soil is compacted, moisture and nutrients don’t filter down to the plant’s roots as well as they should. Compost creates more accommodating surroundings by loosening the soil, creating natural energy.
\n\n\n\nSo how do you know if your soil is compacted?
\n\n\n\nWorking organic matter into the ground is the best way to fight compaction. For extreme cases, you may need to use up to 50% compost. This will also help decompose thatch buildup in the fall. Too much thatch causes the root system under your lawn to choke itself.
\n\n\n\nPerhaps the best perk from composting is how it benefits the environment. By putting your vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, and other kitchen scraps in a compost pile, you’re keeping it out of landfills. You also eliminate the need for fertilizing. Make sure the organic matter stays damp, and it will keep insects away, negating the need for insecticide. And the air pockets created in the soil will hold more water, meaning you won’t need to water as often.
\n\n\n\nComposting is a win-win in many ways, but poor quality soil with too much clay or sand needs a little more work. After spreading more than an inch of compost over the yard, spray the grass blades with liquid nitrogen to speed up decomposition. Healthy lawns take some work but in the long run, are worth it!
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: normanack, CC 2.0
\n","title":"Benefits of Composting for Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.336116910229645,"src":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1789c/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/107df/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/293e9/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/f2cbb/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1789c/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/356ef/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1dd6e/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/67b76/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/8df11/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/98a65/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1dd6e/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/93f70/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of Composting for Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c5ef6238-ac97-57ac-96bd-feccea1e6ce6","slug":"fire-resistant-landscaping-montana","path":"/lawn-care/mt/fire-resistant-landscaping-montana/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"851f9dd2-d0b9-5a5b-a0a0-cf65224620d5","name":"Montana","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mt/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Montana is nicknamed “The Last Best Place” for its natural, rugged terrain. It is home to some of the last uninhabited areas in North America, and every year, residents expand further into its remote regions, increasing populations across the wild landscapes and the chances of wildfires. Wildfire activity continues to increase thanks to Montana’s semi-arid […]
\n","content":"\nMontana is nicknamed “The Last Best Place” for its natural, rugged terrain. It is home to some of the last uninhabited areas in North America, and every year, residents expand further into its remote regions, increasing populations across the wild landscapes and the chances of wildfires. Wildfire activity continues to increase thanks to Montana’s semi-arid climate. All residents, especially those living in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas in remote locations near undeveloped forests or grasslands, should implement these fire-resistant landscaping ideas to protect their homes, families, and landscapes.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nBenefits of Fire-Resistant Montana Landscaping
\n\n\n\n6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Montana
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant landscaping offers many benefits to Montanans, including:
\n\n\n\nWildfires are part of Montana’s past, present, and future. There is no such thing as a completely fireproof landscape. However, you can take steps to protect your home and yard through fire-smart landscaping practices.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dethatcher.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nMay is Wildfire Awareness Month in Montana. The primary goal of firewise landscaping is to keep a wildfire low, minimizing its intensity. Wildfire risk reduction is an ongoing process requiring regular attention to landscape maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMontana wildfire preparedness lawn maintenance activities include:
\n\n\n\n![\"Three](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blanketflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMontana’s mountainous western regions, with their continental climates, receive over 35 inches of annual rainfall. Unfortunately, the steppe climates in the central and eastern regions of the Treasure State only receive around 15 inches of rain or less, far below the national average rainfall of 30 inches, creating a fire-prone habitat.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that no plant is fireproof, and any plant will burn under the right conditions. However, some plants resist ignition and are better suited to withstanding extreme heat. Fire behavior, climate, moisture content, plant size, and flammable or inflammable compounds inside bark or leaves all affect a landscape’s ability to resist ignition.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some of the best fire-resistant plants for the Treasure State:
\n\n\n\nHerbaceous Perennials
\n\n\n\nLow-Growing Groundcover
\n\n\n\nMontana Turfgrass
\n\n\n\nTrees and Shrubs
\n\n\n\nSucculents
\n\n\n\nNot all landscape plants are created equal. In fact, most succulents, salt-tolerant plants, and deciduous trees and shrubs are naturally fire-resistant. Watch for the following characteristics when choosing non-native and native Montana plants:
\n\n\n\nConversely, avoid the following characteristics when choosing landscape plants:
\n\n\n\nFirewise construction comes together with your firescaping to create a complete, fire-resistant landscape. FIrewise structures must reduce fuel sources and exposure. Like plants, not all materials are created equal and many construction materials are combustible.
\n\n\n\nLook for the following characteristics:
\n\n\n\nDefensible space, now known as survivable space, involves modifying landscape design, building materials, and inorganic and organic fuel sources to decrease the likelihood of home ignition caused by wildfire. Fire experts encourage all Montana homeowners to firescape and maintain their survivable space, 100 to 200 feet in all directions. This area is known as the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
\n\n\n\nYour home is more likely to survive a wildfire without fire suppression and intervention if grasses, plants, trees, and man-made structures are spaced regularly to reduce a fire’s intensity.
\n\n\n\nMontana recognizes three home zones:
\n\n\n\n| Zone | Distance from Structure | Things to Avoid | Recommendations |
| Zone 1 | 0-30 feet | • Woody, aromatic, or resinous plants • Closely spaced plants • Organic mulch • Woodpiles • Wooden decks, pergolas, or trellises | • Fire-resistant plants, shrubs, and trees • Short, green, well-maintained turfgrass • 100-foot garden hose attached to home • Gravel, flagstone, and non-flammable composite decking and hardscapes • Accessible driveway with visible address |
| Zone 2 | 30-100 feet | • Vegetation near wood piles, fuel tanks, or outbuildings • Dense, closely-spaced vegetation • Organic debris piles | • Location for storage shed or outbuilding • Recycle or compost instead of burning • Thin and prune coniferous trees • Store woodpiles and propane tanks |
| Zone 3 | 100-200+ feet | • Dense thickets of shrubs or trees • Overgrowth | • Prune and thin trees • Regularly monitor re-sprouting |
![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hardscaping.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative plants are adapted to the harsh and dry conditions of Big Sky Country. The unpredictable weather can make outdoor lawn maintenance a burden, while the semi-arid climate makes growing a dense, green yard difficult. Consider hardscaping your backyard to add sustainable visual interest while eliminating the need for weekly maintenance and watering and reducing your landscape’s fire risk.
\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 sure to consider materials and location when choosing and installing your hardscapes. Keep wooden structures away from vegetation inside Zone 2 of your home’s survivable space. Stone hardscapes and garden paths make great additions to Zone 1.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nAccording to the National Park Service, humans cause almost 85% of all wildfires in the the U.S. Creating defensible space, maintaining your landscape, and planting fire-resistant species are small steps you can take to help increase the survivability of your property while using common sense and adopting fire-smart habits to decrease Montana’s chances of wildfires.
\n\n\n\nFire-smart habits include:
\n\n\n\nYes. Your roof comprises two-thirds of your home’s outer structure, and it is its most vulnerable component. It can easily catch fire from floating embers. Select a Class A roofing material for the best fire resistance and limit the length of eaves and overhangs.
Montana’s fire season runs from May through October, but wildfires can occur at any time under the right conditions.
In Montana, human negligence from debris burning, campfires, or landscaping and farm equipment cause 75% of all wildfires.
Fire-prone regions like Big Sky Country are arid, and drought-resistant landscaping performs best under these conditions. Switching to drought-resistant landscaping means less time, effort, water, weeding, mowing, and pests. In steppe climates like Montana where average rainfall is less than 15 inches per year, water conservation is important. Consider integrating our drought-resistant landscaping tips into your fire-resistant landscape.
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant landscaping is only a small part of your fire preparedness plan. From designing evacuation routes to creating emergency supply kits and securing furry family members, there is a lot to consider.
Give yourself peace of mind and check one thing off your to-do list. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your fire-resistant landscape design.
Main Photo by: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1789c/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/107df/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 320w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/293e9/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 500w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/f2cbb/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 800w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1789c/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 960w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/c26c2/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1dd6e/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/67b76/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 320w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/8df11/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 500w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/98a65/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 800w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/1dd6e/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 960w,\n/static/b8762ae6facb6fa9bbbfd0777b6b5c8f/3cc96/rsz_fire_resistant_landscaping_ideas.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Montana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Keep your property safe from wildfire with these 6 fire-resistant landscaping ideas for Montana and enhance your outdoor space while staying protected."}}},{"node":{"id":"9010f63b-7433-53e3-bda2-483497f54345","slug":"best-native-plants-central-texas","path":"/lawn-care/tx/best-native-plants-central-texas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Try as you might, you can’t get every plant to thrive in Central Texas’ humid subtropical climate. Why not give your garden a better chance with Texas native plants? The best native plants for Central Texas are much more likely to be: Remember, Texas is a big state with several different climates. A plant that […]
\n","content":"\nTry as you might, you can’t get every plant to thrive in Central Texas’ humid subtropical climate. Why not give your garden a better chance with Texas native plants? The best native plants for Central Texas are much more likely to be:
\n\n\n\nRemember, Texas is a big state with several different climates. A plant that does well in the Panhandle or East Texas may not do well in Central Texas. Look for plants native to your region for the best results.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a look at some of the best natives for Central Texas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ashe-Juniper-Juniperus-ashei.jpg\")
Photo Credit: katsrcool / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCentral Texas has been home to the Ashe juniper for tens of thousands of years, so it certainly qualifies as a native. Its trunk may be twisted or grooved and is covered with shaggy bark, which golden-cheeked warblers use for nests. The branches start low on the trunk, sometimes very close to the ground. Ashe juniper can serve as a shade tree.
\n\n\n\nFemale trees have blue seed cones that look like berries. Small mammals and birds snack on the seed cones, and butterflies visit its small flowers. When leaves drop off this small tree, they create rich, well-drained soil that benefits many local plants. Ashe junipers have a pleasant smell, but you may not enjoy breathing in its plentiful pollen. Anyone with cedar allergies may want to avoid this tree. It also may cause minor illness if ingested.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained soils made up of limestone, sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Minor toxicity if eaten
\n\n\n\n![\"Flower](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-Eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-var.-pulcherrima.jpg\")
Photo Credit: grassrootsgroundswell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDo you dream of your own personal meadow? Black-eyed Susans will add a lovely pop of color to your Texas landscape with their daisy-like yellow flowers and brown centers. They are native to 48 U.S. states and can bloom from spring to fall. Black-eyed Susans attract monarch butterflies and host silvery checkerspot larvae.
\n\n\n\nThough black-eyes Susans can survive in many conditions, they do best in full sun with dry, sandy soils. These flowering plants are safe for humans and pets, though they may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions if eaten.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Can grow in most soil types but prefers dry and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Not poisonous to humans, but can be a skin irritant or cause allergic reactions if consumed; could be poisonous to grazing animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blackfoot-Daisy-Melampodium-leucanthum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zbigniew Niepokój / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as plains blackfoot, this flower is native to prairies and meadows. These low, bushy plants produce 8 to 13 flowerheads per plant in spring and summer. Blackfoot daisies are white with a yellow center and smell like honey. Their nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and insects, while the seeds appeal to birds.
\n\n\n\nBlackfoot daisy is relatively heat, drought, and deer-resistant. You can encourage more flowers with rich soil and abundant water, but this will likely result in a shorter lifespan. This flower is popular for rock gardens since it prefers rocky and sandy soils. It’s also a good choice for dog owners since it’s safe for pets and humans.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 to 12 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers acidic, dry, rocky, gravelly, and sandy soils that are well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nLike the bird it shares a name with, these flowers are brilliant red. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Cardinal flowers die back in winter, but the shiny leaves resist cold. This plant is a good candidate for container gardens or border plantings. Watch out for snails and slugs which may wish to make a meal of the foliage.
\n\n\n\nCardinal flowers are generally low-maintenance. However, they will require frequent watering to maintain the moist soil they prefer. Some afternoon shade will shield them from the heat and prevent them from drying out. While historically used for medicine, all parts of the plant are poisonous. It’s not the best choice for parents or pet owners.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3a to 9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Can be toxic if large quantities are eaten
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flame-Acanthus-Anisacanthus-quadrifidus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Earl McGehee / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Mexican flame or hummingbird bush, this deciduous shrub is native to Central and South Texas. Its red-orange tubular flowers bloom from summer to fall and are especially prolific when it rains. Flame acanthus attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, hosting janais patch and Texan crescentspot larvae. Its bark is exfoliating, and its light-green leaves have a spearhead shape.
\n\n\n\nFlame acanthus is native to areas with rocky, calcareous soils but can adapt to heavier soils. Since it is drought and heat tolerant, it does well in xeriscapes. You can use it in landscapes, pots, and dense, low hedges.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand, clay, loam, caliche, or limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Halberd-Leaved-Rose-Mallow-Hibiscus-laevis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrew C / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhether you call it a rose-mallow or hibiscus, this flowering plant adds a tropical charm to your garden. Though it resembles various imported hibiscus, the halberd-leaved rose-mallow is native to marshes in North Central Texas. The pink or white flowers bloom between May and November, opening in the daytime and closing at night.
\n\n\n\nHalberd-leaved rose-mallows are low-maintenance with few insect and disease problems. They are excellent border plants for rain, butterfly, or pollinator gardens. They also do well on properties near ponds and streams. If you want to plant more, you can collect seeds in the summer from your existing plants. This type of hibiscus is safe for humans, dogs, and cats.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates wet, acidic, sand, loam, or clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lemon-Beebalm-Monarda-citriodora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Hayes / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLemon mint or beebalm gets its name from its citrusy smell. White, lavender, or pink flowers encircle the stem, blooming in spring, summer, and sometimes fall. Bees love this plant, but so do hummingbirds and butterflies. It’s also edible for humans — use the leaves in salad, tea, or other culinary creations.
\n\n\n\nSince it’s an annual, lemon beebalm will die off each year, though it can reseed itself. However, its aggressive growth can be a double-edged sword if you want to keep it contained. It’s a good choice for backyard meadows and edible gardens. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy, loamy, rocky, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pink-Evening-Primrose-Oenothera-speciosa.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: ZooFari / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis plant produces fragrant pink or white cup-shaped flowers. Though the name suggests pink evening primroses flower in the evening, they usually open in the morning in the American South. They also tend to be darker pink than northern populations. Pink evening primrose can bloom whenever temperatures are above freezing, but each flower only lasts a day. The flowers attract bees and birds, especially finches.
\n\n\n\nThis species is hardy and drought-resistant, but flowers will be smaller during dry spells. It may also go dormant if soils dry up entirely in summer — water sparingly to prevent this. Pink evening primroses are an excellent dense ground cover for xeriscapes, though they may aggressively spread if you aren’t careful. They will only bloom if in full sunlight. Though this plant is generally low-maintenance, you can fertilize it in spring to encourage flowering.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained soils that are dry, moist, fertile, poor, loamy, clay, sandy, or gravely
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThese flowers look like purple daisies, each with its own stem. The flowers bloom from June to October and attract butterflies and bees. Though many species share a common name, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia are the best fits for Texas.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower’s low-maintenance, drought tolerance, and summer flowers make it a welcome addition to Texas gardens in groupings or borders. They also look lovely when cut for a vase or bouquet. Though purple coneflowers have few disease and pest problems, Japanese beetles may eat their leaves and flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3a to 8b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: May cause allergic reactions if consumed
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rock-Rose-Pavonia-lasiopetala.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nWhile it may not be a traditional rose, this ornamental shrub still rocks. The rock rose blooms from spring until the first frost. The pink flowers attract various pollinators. When not in bloom, you can enjoy its dark green leaves with a frosted appearance. Use in flower beds, border plantings, rock gardens, or xeriscapes.
\n\n\n\nThough it’s native to the Hill Country, Texas A&M AgriLife Research has designated this shrub a Texas Superstar due to its versatility throughout the state. Rock roses can handle several types and tolerate sun, heat, and drought. It’s also easy to propagate, accessible, and affordable. Though this evergreen shrub tolerates shady areas, it will bloom less and be more susceptible to powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 13
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to light shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained soils of various fertility and pH levels
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Standing-Cypress-Ipomopsis-rubra.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThese plants live up to their name — they stand up straight and tall, showing off tubular red, orange, or yellow flowers on stiff stems. They can grow up to 6 feet tall but are usually shorter. The opening of the standing cypress flower resembles a star. These flowers are great for ornamental or hummingbird gardens.
\n\n\n\nStanding cypress is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Since this plant is biennial, you must replant it to enjoy it for more than two years. It will develop in the first year and flower in the second, so plant them yearly if you want flowers every season. You can prune stalks that are done blooming to encourage new growth and flowering.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained sand, loam, or limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Lantana-Lantana-urticoides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: sonnia hill / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDo you need a drought-resistant ground cover with few pest and disease problems? Texas lantana produces round clusters of yellow, orange, and red flowers. Your local butterfly and hummingbird population will feed on its nectar, and birds will snack on its black seeds. Texas lantana blooms from spring until the first frost, then dies back. You can protect this plant from the cold with mulch.
\n\n\n\nYou can occasionally prune Texas lantanas during the growing season to encourage new flower growth, but be warned — this plant’s leaves release an unpleasant odor when pruned or crinkled. Its toxicity makes it deer-resistant, but you must also be careful around it if you have pets or children. Consuming any part of these native shrubs could be fatal.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates many soil types but prefers well-drained sandy and gravelly soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All parts are poisonous if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Prickly-Pear-Opuntia-engelmannii-var.-lindheimeri.jpg\")
Photo Credit: William L. Farr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe Texas prickly pear is common in Central and South Texas. This succulent has a good heat tolerance and does better the more south you go. It can grow tall or form spread-out thickets up to 8 feet across. Bowl-shaded red, yellow, or orange flowers bloom in June. From July to September, those flowers will produce red to purple fruits called tuna.
\n\n\n\nThe prickly pear fruit and pads are edible for humans and animals, but the older pads may cause oxalic acid poisoning. You should also watch out for the spines and barbed bristles. They are difficult to remove from your skin, so this plant may not be suitable for curious children and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Succulent or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 9 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry soils with acidic or neutral pH
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Painful spines and bards; oxalic acid poisoning from consuming old prickly pear pads
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Texas-Sage-Salvia-texana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gideon Pisanty / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nBring the prairie to your home with Texas sage. This plant is native to the well-drained limestone soils in Texas and Mexico. The delicate, purple-blue blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while releasing a fragrant scent. The flowers bloom from March through May.
\n\n\n\nTexas sage can survive many challenges nature sends its way. It’s resistant to cold, heat, drought, and deer. It does well when used as a ground cover or in xeriscapes. Pair Texas sage with other purple flowers and short prairie grasses.
\n\n\n\nNote: Another Texas native, Leucophyllum frutescens, shares the name Texas sage but is also called Texas barometer bush or cenizo.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6a to 9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 24 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained and alkaline soils that are sandy or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Sundrops-Calylophus-serrulatus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Patrick Standish / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSometimes called yellow evening primrose or plains evening primrose, this plant will bring sunshine into your life with its cheery four-petaled flowers. Sundrops bloom from April until July, though the loveliest flowers appear at the beginning of the season. The rest of the plant is bushy with thin leaves.
\n\n\n\nSince its native habitat is plains and prairies, this plant does well in hot, dry weather. It tolerates many conditions and fits xeriscapes or rock gardens well. For the best growth, cut back in the spring and apply mulch in winter for cold protection.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8 to 30 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry and well-drained; tolerates clay, loam, and sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nThe easiest way to gauge a plant’s suitability for your area is to check its USDA Hardiness Zone. The USDA Hardiness Zone measures the annual minimum temperature in an area. Central Texas falls in zones 7b to 8b, which experiences temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. If a plant falls within these zones, it can likely tolerate the temperatures in the area.
\n\n\n\nTemperature and hardiness zone aren’t everything. Soil conditions also affect a plant’s growth ability. Though general soil maps can provide some information, a soil test will give you the best idea of your garden bed’s texture and nutrient content. Other microclimate factors affecting plant growth include moisture, salinity, and sun or shade levels.
\n\n\n\nThe last but most important consideration is your personal preferences. Do you want flowering, edible, or pet-safe plants? How much time do you have for maintenance? Though most native plants are low-maintenance, some may require additional pruning, irrigation, and fertilization to get the results you want.
\n\n\n\nThe following drought-tolerant plants need less water than most:
• Blackfoot daisy
• Flame acanthus
• Lemon beebalm
• Rock rose
• Texas lantana
• Texas prickly pear
• Texas sage
If you want a native groundcover, consider the following from our plant list:
• Pink evening primrose
• Texas lantana
• Texas sage
The best turfgrasses for Central Texas are:
• Bermudagrass
• Buffalograss
• St. Augustinegrass
• Texas bluegrass
• Buffalograss
Do you need help jumpstarting your native plant landscape design? Whether you live in Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, or any other Texas city, our landscaping professionals can do the heavy lifting and provide expert advice.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: Pixabay
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