![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
After walking across the grass at Lake Park or enjoying the Oak Leaf Trail, you may want to take some of that natural green beauty home with you. We’ve made it easy for you to invite Milwaukee’s organic greenery into your personal space. We highlight the 4 best grass types for Milwaukee’s multiple months of […]
\n","content":"\nAfter walking across the grass at Lake Park or enjoying the Oak Leaf Trail, you may want to take some of that natural green beauty home with you. We’ve made it easy for you to invite Milwaukee’s organic greenery into your personal space. We highlight the 4 best grass types for Milwaukee’s multiple months of shady skies, cool temperatures, and freezing winters.
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re starting a new lawn or improving an existing one, you have two categories of grass to choose from: warm-season and cool-season. Cool-season grasses are the best selection for the Milwaukee area.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses green up and grow when the weather is warm, which is between late spring and early summer. Cool-season grasses green up sooner in spring than warm-season grasses and retain their green color longer in Milwaukee. Cool-season grasses thrive best when air temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees. Warm-season grasses go brown and dormant in the winter, while cool-season grasses go dormant later in the winter than warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses were built for the Milwaukee climate, where temperatures are usually between 18 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The grass survives Milwaukee’s below 40-degree winter cold. Since cool-season grass goes dormant when the weather is consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it may retain its colors through part of the Milwaukee winter.
\n\n\n\nHere are the four best types of cool-season grass for your Milwaukee home:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the most commonly used grass in Wisconsin lawns. It’s great for lawns with dead spots because it expands and develops new grass to cover up unsightly bald patches. Although it goes brown faster than most other grass varieties during a drought, Kentucky bluegrass can stay alive for up to 60 days in this condition.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass has a strong dark green color and lives for the moist, cool weather of Milwaukee. It requires a lot of maintenance, but it helps prevent erosion. If you don’t mind the high fertilizer needs, and enjoy the exercise from mowing, Kentucky bluegrass will work well for your home.
\n\n\n\nThe long months of cloudy Milwaukee skies are probably more than enough shade for this grass, as it has moderate shade tolerance. This variety grows best on properties that get a lot of sun. With its moderate foot traffic tolerance and soft texture, Kentucky bluegrass is a good option for outdoor events.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is more tolerant of the snow mold that is sometimes found on Wisconsin lawns than tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, but not as resistant as fine fescue.
\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\nOther notes: Used in most pastures in the northeastern part of the country because it tolerates heavy grazing. Varieties developed for lawn use need more watering, dethatching, and fertilization than varieties used for animal feeding.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a great choice to stand up against the Milwaukee snow. Fine fescue is more resistant to snow mold than Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. For the most tolerant variety, use hard fescue. Sheep fescue and red fescue are moderately tolerant, while chewings fescue will leave your lawn vulnerable to the gray and pink snow mold that have historically damaged Milwaukee lawns.
\n\n\n\nSince it’s the most shade-tolerant cool-season grass, it will grow better on properties with a lot of trees or buildings blocking the sunlight than most other cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is often found blended with other grasses and is a good choice for lawns with areas that need reseeding. But your yard may appear a little multicolored, as fine fescue can have a green color lighter than other grasses, and even has a blueish-greenish look.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue has a soft texture, but low to moderate traffic tolerance. It’s not the best grass for regular badminton games even though it provides a soft cushion for falls. The tradeoff is that it’s low maintenance. If you need a lawn that looks well-kept and manicured without a lot of work, and you don’t have a lot of activity in your yard, fine fescue grass is well-suited for your Milwaukee home.
\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 chewing, 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 4.0 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\nOther notes: Fine fescue is prone to thatch. It may require dethatching every few years. Chewings is the most shade-tolerant fine fescue species but the most susceptible to snow mold.
\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\nHomeowners love to mix this grass because it germinates quickly and produces a full, green canvas. This quick growth is ideal for the short Milwaukee summers.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has a low tolerance to heat, cold, and drought, but works well with other grasses that are adapted to the cold, like Kentucky bluegrass. It’s recommended that perennial ryegrass is combined with other grasses and not used predominantly.
\n\n\n\nAlthough perennial ryegrass prefers soil with good drainage, it tolerates some poor drainage, making it a good choice for the Milwaukee area. Milwaukee soil ranges from being poorly drained to well-drained.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has moderate maintenance needs. It requires less mowing than tall fescue and is more tolerant to traffic than any of the other three types of grass. It’s perfect for homeowners who love to throw weekly lawn parties or host outdoor play dates regularly. This is the grass for back-to-back hide-and-seek games. It doesn’t tolerate the shade well, so if your yard is usually a host to the sun’s rays, perennial ryegrass is a good selection.
\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\nOther notes: Mix with Kentucky bluegrass for a more disease-resistant and traffic-resistant lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe wide leaves of tall fescue grass may lead many to mistake it for weeds. It’s cold and shade-tolerant, and the most heat tolerant of all the cool-season grasses. It grows slower than perennial ryegrass, so if you’re looking to establish a lawn more quickly, a blend of perennial ryegrass and one of the other grasses would be better.
\n\n\n\nWhen other grasses are losing their color in winter, tall fescue remains green for longer. This makes it an ideal choice for Milwaukans that like a little green peaking out beneath frosted grass and snow. It’s also a good choice if you need a reason to work in the yard regularly, as it requires frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nWith its coarse texture, moderate foot traffic tolerance, and tendency to slowly recover from damage, tall fescue is not the best choice for yards full of children playing.
\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 the 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\nOther notes: Remains green during the winter, depending on the variety. Grows slower than perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant grass seed is between mid-August to mid-September. The warm soil and cooler air temperatures during this time of year help with seed growth. This gives the seed several months to germinate before the cold winter temperatures.
Cool-season grasses go dormant when the soil temperature stays below 45 degrees Fahrenheit consistently. They also go dormant during the summer if it is dry too long or gets too hot. Watering the grass in the summer helps prevent it from going into dormancy and, fortunately, Milwaukee doesn’t get extremely hot.
Fine fescue grasses are low-maintenance. This drought-resistant grass has less mowing, fertilization, and watering needs than other cool-season grasses.
Each type of grass has its own tolerances and conditions for the best growth. Look for a grass type that fits your yard’s properties and your lifestyle. If your lawn has a lot of trees or buildings casting a lot of shade, you’ll want grass that tolerates the shade, such as fine fescue. If you’re prone to experiencing snow mold on your lawn, which can be severely damaging, choose a fine fescue variety like hard fescue.
\n\n\n\nYour soil type, foot traffic, and how much time you want to spend taking care of your lawn all factor into the decision of which type of grass to select. If you’re the house in the neighborhood where children are routinely playing a game of tag, perennial ryegrass is your best choice.
\n\n\n\nPick a grass type that allows you to enjoy the theaters and art galleries in the Historic Third Ward for as long as you desire. That may mean picking a low-maintenance grass and staying away from one that requires frequent mowing and high fertilization, like Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nCall a Milwaukee lawn care professional to get help maintaining a green and thriving lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Hilda and Gustav Pabst House / Lightburst / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Milwaukee","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4962593516209477,"src":"/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/1789c/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/107df/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/293e9/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/f2cbb/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/1789c/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/c26c2/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/1dd6e/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/67b76/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.webp 320w,\n/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/8df11/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.webp 500w,\n/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/98a65/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.webp 800w,\n/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/1dd6e/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.webp 960w,\n/static/29d9193214edfa55e3734fac34f8a3ff/3cc96/Hilda-and-Gustav-Pabst-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Milwaukee","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a lush, green lawn? This guide covers the four best grass types for Milwaukee, including fine fescue and perennial ryegrass."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"c00f4ae4-8c13-5db5-ad78-8f4571f36ebf","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/fall-lawn-care-checklist-columbus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Don’t wait until the last minute to start your outdoor winter prepping. Fall weekends can get awfully busy, but there’s no doubt certain outdoor activities shouldn’t be put on the back burner. Make it a priority to check these tasks off your fall lawn care checklist for Columbus and you will have a healthier and […]
\n","content":"\nDon’t wait until the last minute to start your outdoor winter prepping. Fall weekends can get awfully busy, but there’s no doubt certain outdoor activities shouldn’t be put on the back burner. Make it a priority to check these tasks off your fall lawn care checklist for Columbus and you will have a healthier and more beautiful lawn come spring.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll go over:
\n\n\n\nThe cool autumn weather is a great opportunity to fertilize your lawn, control weeds, and improve the overall health and appearance of your Columbus yard. With some effort on your part now, you’ll have a green, healthy carpet by the time spring rolls around.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEver notice how getting leaves off your lawn immediately boosts your home’s curb appeal? But there’s more to raking leaves than aesthetics.
\n\n\n\nYou can mulch them in your yard to provide some organic nutrients for your soil, but don’t build a thick layer as it can interfere with lawn care treatments and block sunlight. Alternatively, you can gather them up and add them to your compost.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nColumbus residents generally plant cool-season grasses that grow most vigorously in spring and fall. Careful watering in the fall will lead to healthy growth, strong roots, and a good fighting chance for your grass in winter.
\n\n\n\nWater your lawn until the first freeze approaches, around October. Cool-season grass needs around 1 inch of water per week, which includes rainfall. Let your lawn guide you and watch for signs of overwatering, such as:
\n\n\n\nUnderwatering is bad for your lawn as well. A lack of regular watering will result in:
\n\n\n\nAs a rule of thumb, try to follow these watering guidelines:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab, Inc. / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDethatching is the removal of excess thatch (grass clippings, leaves, dead grass, and other organic matter) from your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDethatching is recommended for lawns that are dry, less dense, and unhealthy. It allows nutrients, air, and water to better reach the soil. Not to mention that it keeps pests at bay, which is always a plus.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to dethatch cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue is late August or early September. With proper lawn maintenance, dethatching only needs to be done once every few years.
\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you need to dethatch:
\n\n\n\nHow to dethatch your lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Aeration-Tool.jpg\")
Photo Credit: allispossible.org.uk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you dream of a lush lawn, you can’t overlook aeration. When you aerate, you reduce soil compaction and allow fertilizer, air, and water to penetrate your lawn’s root system. It’s best to aerate your cool-season grasses in fall.
\n\n\n\nOften, dethatching and aeration go hand in hand. When you dethatch, you remove the dead layer of matter preventing your soil from getting the proper nutrients. Then, you come in with aeration to help your lawn breathe.
\n\n\n\nAs a homeowner, there are three different types of aeration you should know about.
\n\n\n\nWhen to aerate: August through November are ideal for fall aeration in Columbus. Also, if possible, try to aerate around the time you fertilize to enhance root growth.
\n\n\n\nHow often to aerate: Most lawns benefit from annual aeration, but heavily used lawns may require aeration twice a year.
\n\n\n\nWhat to expect after aeration: Immediately after aeration, your lawn will be covered with the small plugs pulled from the soil, but worry not, as they’ll disappear into the lawn within a week or two.
\n\n\n\nAbout seven to 10 days after aeration, white active root growth will fill the holes – a sign that the grass is getting the necessary nutrients from the soil. With repeated aeration, your lawn will be able to go longer between waterings without wilting and its drought and heat tolerance will improve significantly.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lab](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Soil-Fertility-Analysis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alandmanson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoil tests are an excellent investment for lawns, gardens, and landscapes. They’re an inexpensive way to maintain soil health and provide an accurate diagnostic. You can get a complete picture of nutrient levels, also known as N-P-K levels (which stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Though these nutrients are always present in your soil, their levels may not be optimal for grass growth.
\n\n\n\nBy having a soil sample tested, you’ll find out:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to have your soil tested, we explain the process below.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to give this process a shot, you can take advantage of the services provided by Ohio State University Extension in Licking County. The university will help you fill out the submission form and send the samples to an accredited lab. Depending on the soil test results, you’ll know what your lawn needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"Overseeding](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2img_3650.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen you look out into your yard, the last thing you want to see is brown patches, spots, and weeds. Luckily, overseeding can prevent all of that. It involves adding seed to your existing grass without tearing up the lawn or soil. Simply put, it’s an easy way to fill in bare spots, improve the density of turf, introduce new grass varieties to your lawn, and enhance color.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to overseed in Columbus is mid to late September, prior to the first frost. If you’ve aerated (which is strongly recommended), overseeding should be done within 48 hours to avoid issues such as decomposition of the aeration plugs or debris getting into the holes.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding can:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawns do a lot more for us than provide a green carpet for our toes to glide through. They improve air quality, reduce heat, and generate oxygen, so keeping them in top shape is important. One of the best ways to do that is to fertilize them.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right fertilizer means knowing what your soil’s exact needs are. If you’re unsure, consider taking some soil samples and sending them out to a lab for testing (Ohio State University offers submission support and helpful information). The diagnostic will provide insight into your soil’s current condition and the correct nutrients it needs to flourish.
\n\n\n\nFor maximum winter hardiness, disease resistance, and root growth, select a fertilizer that has high concentrations of the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (also known as N-P-K ratio).
\n\n\n\nNitrogen is vital for lawn growth and that lovely green grass color. The percentage of nitrogen is always the first number on a fertilizer bag, followed by phosphorus and potassium. It will always be higher than the others because soils generally contain enough phosphorus and potassium.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: When it comes to new lawns, you should pick a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium, to get the lawn established. A typical N-P-K ratio in this case is 12-16-8 or 8-18-12.
\n\n\n\nThe second number represents the percentage of phosphorus. This nutrient is critical in developing and strengthening a healthy root system. Strong grass roots will keep your lawn healthy and sturdy even through the changing stresses of the seasons. It’s important to introduce phosphorus when first establishing turfgrass and continue application as the grass grows.
\n\n\n\nThe last macronutrient vitally important to lawn health is potassium. It supports water absorption, respiration, and protein production. In essence, potassium helps lawns withstand drought, stress, and disease.
\n\n\n\nFertilizers can be slow-release or quick-release.
\n\n\n\nSlow-release fertilizers are much better for your lawn, as they promote steady, uniform growth. As an added bonus, you won’t have to fertilize regularly.
\n\n\n\nQuick-release fertilizers are absorbed at a much faster pace, but there’s a high risk of burning your lawn. Plus, they don’t last as long, so you’ll need to re-apply.
\n\n\n\nWhen to fertilize: Plan for two fertilizer applications between late August and November. Summer heat is stressful on our lawns, so fall’s cooler temperatures provide the perfect opportunity for Columbus lawns to regain strength.
\n\n\n\nFall is the best time to fertilize because:
\n\n\n\nThe best time of day to apply fertilizer is in the morning or early evening. You’ll avoid the warm daytime temperatures that work against the process.
\n\n\n\nHow to fertilize:
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-Clover.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lawn Weeds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrass grows best in fall, but did you know that weeds do, as well? There are many types of weeds lurking in our yards just waiting for a chance to sow seed. They’re a pain and can cause issues such as allergic reactions.
\n\n\n\nIn Columbus, you’ll likely encounter nuisances such as:
\n\n\n\nThankfully, there are a few good ways to combat these annoying plants. While fertilizer generally keeps weeds at bay, it may not be enough. Applying pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides is a great way to nip the problem in the bud.
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent herbicide acts by creating a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil and coating the seeds to prevent them from growing roots. Make sure it becomes incorporated into the soil via rainfall or irrigation, as it must be present whenever weed seeds are germinating.
\n\n\n\nHow it works: It inhibits plant root growth, seed cell division, and specific enzymes critical to the growth of certain plants like weeds.
\n\n\n\nWhen to apply pre-emergent herbicide: Timing is everything. Try to stick to an early to mid-September application and select the right herbicide for your yard.
\n\n\n\nSome weeds will slip past pre-emergent herbicides. In that case, post-emergent herbicide becomes your best friend. It controls weeds that have already germinated and are actively growing.
\n\n\n\nHow it works: It targets specific plant parts, such as leaves and stems. The mixture of chemicals kills the weed and prevents it from growing back.
\n\n\n\nWhen to apply post-emergent herbicide: For Columbus cool-season grasses, post-emergents are best applied in early fall when temperatures are at or slightly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nA non-selective herbicide kills pretty much everything it touches. In contrast, selective herbicide targets specific weed types and leaves other plants alone.
\n\n\n\nWeed control products are generally available in both granular and liquid forms and application varies. Granular herbicide is poured into a spreader and distributed evenly across the area of the lawn. Liquid herbicide is poured into a sprayer and sprayed all over the target area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA good sign that you need to stop mowing is when your grass stops growing. It’s important that your lawn is cut to the right height before winter.
\n\n\n\nMow too high and your grass can develop snow mold during wintertime. Grass that’s cut too short may wither and die in the cold temperatures of Columbus.
\n\n\n\nOnce frost has arrived, stop mowing. Frost freezes the moisture inside the grass blades, so any activity on your turf can break the blade and significantly damage your grass.
\n\n\n\nThe table below highlights the mowing height appropriate for Columbus cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Suggested Fall Mowing Height |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Fine fescue | 2 – 2.5 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 3 inches |
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Valve.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnless you properly winterize your irrigation system before winter, you’ll likely end up with cracked pipes and broken sprinkler heads come springtime.
\n\n\n\nColumbus homeowners are advised to winterize their sprinklers in October or early November, before the first freeze.
\n\n\n\nThe winterization process involves:
\n\n\n\nIt depends on how loose your soil is. Grass seeds should be placed on loose, prepared soil. If you simply throw it down, there may be some sprouting, but generally speaking the germination rate won’t be very successful. Taking the time to get your soil ready will ensure optimal results.
Good lawn care leads to a lush, great-looking lawn. Avoid making the following mistakes:
• Mowing too short. This causes your lawn to thin out and provides space for weeds to push through.
• Bagging your clippings. Contrary to popular belief, clippings don’t increase thatch. They provide around 25% of the fertilizer your lawn needs, so don’t deprive your grass of readily available free nutrients.
• Cutting your grass with dull mower blades. Don’t use dull mower blades to mow your lawn as the mower tears the grass blades rather than cutting them. The damage can leave your lawn susceptible to lawn disease.
Chemical fertilizers are generally a ‘quick fix’ solution. They provide the nutrients grass needs, but pollute our water, soil, and the environment within the soil itself. In contrast, organic fertilizers are made from natural ingredients that produce long-lasting feeding for your lawn, making them a much better alternative.
Fall in Columbus is a beautiful sight – the leaves are bright and colorful, the weather is perfect for your favorite sweater, and there are tons of activities to enjoy all week long.
\n\n\n\nBut before you go apple picking and pumpkin patch visiting, get your lawn ready for the long winter ahead. Start planning early to avoid being caught unprepared.
\n\n\n\nStill, if you’d rather go bike riding in one of the city’s metro parks or explore the Columbus zoo and aquarium, a Columbus lawn care pro can get your lawn ready for the cold season so you can continue doing all the things you love.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Ohio State University / Dan Keck / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Columbus, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1789c/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/107df/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 320w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/293e9/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 500w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/f2cbb/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 800w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1789c/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 960w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/c26c2/The-Ohio-State-University.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1dd6e/The-Ohio-State-University.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/67b76/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 320w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/8df11/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 500w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/98a65/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 800w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/1dd6e/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 960w,\n/static/0ffe7518ad4c362dffd468595cf002f5/3cc96/The-Ohio-State-University.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Columbus, OH","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With Columbus’ snowy winters and frigid temperatures, it’s important to get your lawn ready for the cold ahead by doing some fall maintenance."}}},{"node":{"id":"aa8ee0f4-23af-5953-a8cc-8df00f9797bd","slug":"best-native-plants-missouri","path":"/lawn-care/mo/best-native-plants-missouri/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.","name":"Farah Nauman","id":"26059a96-5dc7-50a2-8fe4-f35b865ab4a8","path":"/author/farah-nauman/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6ec8e652d318d98583d29f520928b219?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"08e64923-2067-5321-ba20-42c35858c2cd","name":"Missouri","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mo/"}],"date":"May 24th, 2023","excerpt":"Gardening can be a drag when you struggle to keep your plants alive and vibrant, but you can enjoy a fantastic garden with one simple trick: Go with native plants that are adapted to our warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Here are 16 native plants that will transform your Missouri yard. […]
\n","content":"\nGardening can be a drag when you struggle to keep your plants alive and vibrant, but you can enjoy a fantastic garden with one simple trick: Go with native plants that are adapted to our warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Here are 16 native plants that will transform your Missouri yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are indigenous to an area, so they have adapted to a certain set of environmental conditions, including a region’s climate, soil, temperature, and light conditions. This happens over the course of hundreds or thousands of years.
\n\n\n\nMissouri native plants grow naturally in our climate and geology and amid our wildlife. In fact, many wildlife species depend on native plants for habitat and survival. They essentially become a part of the region’s ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nPlanting natives isn’t just easy, it’s also beneficial to your environment. Take a look at a few advantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nHere is a collection of Missouri’s best natives that will give you a low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe showy black-eyed Susan plant is known for its yellow to orange-yellow rays and dark brown centers that attract butterflies. It is typically found in fields, prairies, open woods, waste areas, and roadsides throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nThe black-eyed Susan is a hairy, coarse, and somewhat weedy plant. And that might bother you, but the freshness of daisy-like flowers and chocolate brown disks atop a stiff, upright, leafy stem will make up for it. Black-eyed Susans are tough, too. They resist deer, insects, and diseases. They also self-seed and are perfect for mass plantings, cottage gardens, annual beds, wild gardens, and meadows.
\n\n\n\nThis native plant naturally attracts butterflies and bees, prefers dry soil, and is easy to maintain as well. It does well both in the ground and in containers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual (can be perennial or biennial)
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis native plant produces large, distinctive, bright red petals and has a spiky, upright appearance that makes it stand out in a landscape. The cardinal flower, which takes its name from the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals, can grow as tall as 6 feet and grows naturally along stream banks, and in swamps and moist places.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you have to live in a swamp to enjoy it. The cardinal flower grows well in average soil conditions and does well in both full sun and partial shade. The upright stems and bright flowers attract lots of winged visitors and are a popular source of nectar for hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThis is one of the most low-maintenance native plants you can get because it wards off pests and disease really well. In ideal growing conditions, it may self-seed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower, herbaceous
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam, sand, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Vervain-Verbena-hastata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVerbena hastata is also known as swamp verbena or American vervain and is found all over the U.S. Blue vervain features a hairy, stiff, straight stem that grows as tall as 5 feet and features flowering spikes of violet, deep purple, or (rarely) white blooms. Trust this plant to add texture and structure to your Missouri landscape with its upright stems and groups of bluish-purple flowers blooming from early summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nIts densely packed flowers are used by herbalists and may also be incorporated into bath and body products such as foot creams and soaks. Blue vervain attracts butterflies, bumblebees, and birds of all sorts. It prefers well-drained soils and performs best when paired with full, bright sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist or wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Beardtongue-Penstemon-digitalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as foxglove beardtongue or talus slope penstemon, this Missouri native occurs naturally in open woods, fields, meadows, and prairies, or any place that has sandy and moist soils. A perennial, the white beardtongue forms tubular clusters of showy white flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nOne of the many advantages of inviting white beardtongue into your yard is that it won’t have any serious diseases or pest issues. This plant prefers well-drained soil but is super easy to grow and maintain otherwise.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, loamy
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pawpaw-Asimina-Triloba.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAsimina Triloba is a small tree, though it looks more like a shrub due to its short-heightened trunk, that grows 10 to 40 feet tall. It features large, tropical-like leaves that turn from green to a beautiful yellow-green in fall and sprout purple flowers. When it has matured, pawpaw grows cylindric, yellow, or dark-green edible fruit.
\n\n\n\nThe deciduous pawpaw fruit has a banana-like taste and is typically consumed raw or used in pies and ice creams. It attracts wildlife but does not attract serious insect or disease problems.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Medium to wet, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wild-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-arborescens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis widely branched deciduous flowering shrub is native to rocky wooded slopes, moist stream banks, and ravines. Wild hydrangea features broad egg-like round, dark green leaves with pale undersides, and sharp teeth all around. These leaves turn fully yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nIt bursts with clusters of tiny white flowers, but a few large sterile flowers may appear around the cluster margins. Hydrangea can grow in almost any type of soil but prefer to stay moderately moist at all times. It can be a good choice for a rain garden in Missouri owing to its high tolerance for wet soils.
\n\n\n\nOn the down side, wild hydrangea is susceptible to several insect and disease problems such as bacterial wilt, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and aphids.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, shallow, rocky
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis is a popular tree found throughout the Eastern United States. It produces beautiful white blooms around April and May and develops bright red fruits in the late summer. Flowering dogwood’s green tree leaves turn into rust and then go through multiple hues of red in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe good part is, this dogwood tree is not a high-maintenance native. In fact, it prefers partial shade to grow. However, you might want to take care of diseases because flowering dogwood can develop diseases like powdery mildew, dogwood anthracnose, root rot, and more when it’s stressed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to June
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade, prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic, and average soil with lots of organic matter
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blazing-Star-Liatris-spicata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPrairie blazing star is a low-maintenance flower that provides a nice pop of color in your garden. It produces tall, leafy stalks that develop spikes of rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads. Blazing star grows best in well-drained soils with a full sun but does fine in poor soils as well. It is highly tolerant of humidity and summer heat and is a generally low-maintenance plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, average soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, prefers dry or moderately moist soil
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spicebush-Lindera-benzoin.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis deciduous shrub can grow as tall as 15 feet and have a unique aroma to it. Spicebush shrub develops a brown or gray-brown bark with light-colored lenticels speckled around. It produces clusters of small, yellow flowers in early spring and smooth-margined leaves. These leaves are crushed to extract the spicy odor they produce.
\n\n\n\nSpicebush is tolerant of deer and heavy shade. The lightly scented flora will also attract colorful birds and butterflies to your Missouri lawn. But this plant is sensitive to drought and heat. Male varieties of these plants develop relatively larger greenish-yellow flowers whereas the female spicebush may also produce a small red fruit with a male pollinator.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February to March
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loam or sandy soils, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs:
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-purpurea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nEchinacea purpurea is a herbaceous perennial from the Asteraceae family and is one of the toughest Missouri native plants. It’s super easy to grow and maintain. Purple coneflower can power through several challenging environments, be it drought, humidity, heat, or poor soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nApart from its impressive adaptability, this plant may also make a popular spot for hummingbirds and insects. It typically grows up to 5 feet tall and produces daisy-like, showy flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. It also bears coarse, dark green foliage around a stiff stem that remains erect well into the winter.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade, but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Lobelia-Lobelia-siphilitica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agnieszka Kwiecień / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlue lobelia resembles cardinal flowers and is commonly known as a blue cardinal flower as well. It makes a great choice for rain gardens and is good if you wish to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your yards. This herbaceous perennial gives blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer all through early fall. These blue flowers have striped tubes and are accompanied by leaves with toothed margins.
\n\n\n\nIt’s extremely hardy, pest-free, and fairly a low-care plant. You can count on blue lobelia to not become invasive despite being a self-seeding plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: September to October
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High to medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis moisture-loving perennial grows up to 5 feet tall in sunny openings of swamps, bogs, marshes, fens, and along stream banks. It has an erect stem with narrow, lance-shaped, and sharp-tipped leaves. Swamp milkweed develops fragrant clusters of flowers in pink, mauve, or reddish-violet color.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies from all around. It’s also an important source of food for monarch caterpillars. However, it also invites a variety of insects, that aren’t a problem unless the plant shows signs of sickness.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs:
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis is another low-maintenance native plant that will fill your Missouri garden with a lovely color from early to mid-summer. It’s a tuberous rooted plant that occurs mostly in dry or rocky open woods, prairies, glades, roadsides, and fields. Butterfly milkweed develops clusters of yellow-orange or bright-orange flowers that sit atop hairy stems. The stems are clad with narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
\n\n\n\nThese flowers serve as a source of nectar for butterflies and its leaves are a popular food source for monarch butterfly larvae. Butterfly milkweed is also drought tolerant and well-performing in dry or poor soils.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pink-Turtlehead-Chelone-lyonii.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis tall Missouri wildflower is also known as “Rose Turtlehead.” It blooms between late summer and early fall. It produces bright pink hooded flowers that rest on top of stiff, square stems. Pink turtlehead flowers look like the heads of open-mouthed turtles and get their name from this very resemblance.
\n\n\n\nIt best grows in medium to wet soils with full sun to part shade, but can also do okay in part shade areas. Although resistant to disease and insects, pink turtlehead shows some susceptibility to mildew, especially if the soil is dry or has poor air circulation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1.5 to 6.5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late July to September
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, rich, clay, loamy, sandy
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Buckeye-Aesculus-pavia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris M Morris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed buckeye is a clump-forming deciduous shrub that creates an irregular crown and bears erect, showy panicles of orange-red to red, tubular flowers. These flowers bloom in spring and begin to decline late in the season along with its dark green, shiny leaves.
\n\n\n\nThis plant also produces light-brown, globular seed capsules that encase 1 to 3 shiny but poisonous seeds. These seeds ripen in the fall and are avoided by wildlife. Red buckeye flowers, however, attract hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to May
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Prairie-Dropseed-Sporobolus-heterolepis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nSporobolus hereolepis is favored by many homeowners and landscapers for its decorative appearance. It is a fine-textured ornamental grass with long, arching leaves that form beautiful round tufts. From rich green hues in summer to shades of golden and orange, this Missouri native grass stays pretty late into the fall.
\n\n\n\nPrairie dropseed has resilient foliage that powers through snow and extremely low temperatures. It’s a slow-growing grass but isn’t fussy about soil type and growing conditions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Grass
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rocky, sandy, clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nPicking native plants does not always turn out to be a win-win situation. The key is to select the right natives that will naturally perform well with the light, soil, and wind exposure in your locality.
\n\n\n\nTo do that, make sure you take into account the plant’s USDA Hardiness Zone range. This range essentially helps in determining the most suitable native plants for your Missouri yard. Missouri Hardiness Zone is 5b through 7a.
\n\n\n\nAnd when your new native plants have made their way to your home, it’s time to create a final look with some landscaping around the other parts of your garden. You can take a few ideas from Wikilawn’s page to pick the best grass types and low-maintenance plants for your Missouri landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you feel like it’s a little too much to manage, call in one of our pros to handle all the planning, planting, and maintenance work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"16 Native Plants That Will Transform Your Missouri Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/1789c/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/107df/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 320w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/293e9/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 500w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/f2cbb/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 800w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/1789c/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 960w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/c26c2/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/1dd6e/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/67b76/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 320w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/8df11/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 500w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/98a65/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 800w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/1dd6e/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 960w,\n/static/3629755cd576db32532f8d2dbadacd03/3cc96/Native-Plants-That-Will-Transform-Your-Missouri-Yard.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"16 Native Plants That Will Transform Your Missouri Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Are you struggling with fussy plants? You can have a stunning yard without a lot of effort if you go with these 16 native plants."}}},{"node":{"id":"332d06cd-bc5c-5e25-a9ad-b7b1b43cdaf8","slug":"controlling-worst-weeds-columbus","path":"/lawn-care/oh/columbus/controlling-worst-weeds-columbus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5eab8b19-684d-573f-929d-53dda702846c","name":"Columbus","count":9,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/columbus/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Homowners can’t be blamed for getting frustrated if, after putting many hours of hard work into a creating a beautiful lawn, they find weeds cropping up. The weather in Columbus, Ohio, contributes to the weed population with hot and humid summers and periods of heavy rainfall. Being proactive and controlling the worst weeds in Columbus […]
\n","content":"\nHomowners can’t be blamed for getting frustrated if, after putting many hours of hard work into a creating a beautiful lawn, they find weeds cropping up. The weather in Columbus, Ohio, contributes to the weed population with hot and humid summers and periods of heavy rainfall. Being proactive and controlling the worst weeds in Columbus is possible.
\n\n\n\n![\"Poison](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/08/31/20/20/poison-ivy-1634562_960_720.jpg\")
The State of Ohio has defined 31 weeds as noxious and deserving eradication anywhere they’re found on public right-of-ways. They’re a good starting point for homeowners looking to create their own “most unwanted” list, too. The weeds may be grassy or broadleaf. Some even have striking blooms and florets. Of about 700 nonnative plants found in Columbus and the rest of the Buckeye State, fewer than 100 of them are problems in natural areas. But all Ohio weeds can damage grass and gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe City of Columbus Code Enforcement division considers grass to be too high when it exceeds 12 inches. Noxious weeds that can cause unhealthy or unsafe conditions, such as poison ivy, oak or sumac, must be removed promptly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/AMvCybT5Ft9BTQK9NW6ebzgJySy7nhjSjE-DUTGtS-tnZNtfGtnBERndagGOhIwsO1Y3cTb57Z7vwMKXkr11OxHs59KAboIv8JoMsPFvkBNygbDW8jrXt0gavU9doL73dJrRMdXT\")
Bittercress is that winter weed with long stems and tiny white blooms that crops up every year. Pulling it up by hand with a weeding tool is recommended, but not always practical. Treating bittercress with chemical herbicide poses a risk to people, pets, and the environment. A pre-emergent herbicide product applied in late summer or early fall will prevent the seeds from germinating. The problem? Pre-emergents also stop grass seed from growing. Products containing MCPP or dicamba may be effective.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3IunA4uMZLgePLApFvlo3DFe2aWhKaMl18-wWGVsHhpZLRaW00zoe1iJEUqtPlTVlzWFh8X2L2TKXUSHPPjlCY6G7KkaccrZpGPSEDpm1i4n18n1bFg7cwoQX3ofk99lH72dnX2Y\")
This invasive plant is rather attractive for a weed, with tiny white florets on a pinecone-like spike. Post-emergent weed killers are helpful but may need several applications.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed,](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VbcGgnm2p0lsuJZ_Cj4JUwOyzkVgU_GIrypVa4VDrqcsfWkLxthEm6JJ5TaOqzbkRvvUddoDodrYL6ggppV7oh2jEK8H0zauvCnE2wYKSs9c9KT88oWP-pqfDQBrAQpS6FgfVUDg\")
One of the most common grassy flower weeds, chickweed is a favorite of honeybees and other pollinating insects. The thin green stems with white flower buds are difficult to control without killing off the surrounding vegetation. The best way to remove shallow chickweed roots is to pull them out by hand and then aerate the soil. Watch out for bees!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P0lWBEYObh6ResFkaZLQkJJE26ZbyKodgHSdw7SKSBCiVVp8Kkcbl-K89OTvgjBVf77n_UqcK4MDjxVqxdDXwt6-oCFDhG8tg1uQOJJaY91vrBXHgW9lL1YRyOSTp3o_vvVy82iY\")
Springtime is the beginning of this season-long weed, as it thrives in full sunlight. Leggy stems grow and spread out over the lawn. It can be hard to spot, but crabgrass color is a lighter shade of green. Pre-emergent herbicide is effective on young crabgrass plants – where only two or three leaves are present. Post-emergent weed killers work if there aren’t many weeds embedded in the lawn. But large areas of aged crabgrass that have swallowed up the turf will leave dead, brown stems if you treat it. Crabgrass dies with the first hard frost; in Columbus, that is usually in late October. Reseed in early autumn and apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most persistent weeds, with their yellow petals that turn into white puffy seed balls. Broadleaf post-emergent weed killers are effective. But keep in mind the seeds are windborne, and it’s quite a chore to kill them before they germinate.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/VyYog62CrJoqXeotey7m0uKd4tlYKhGpAxWmPLHLVZzbmTv7ssF1GVnOq5ad3RVKv5Tf8LMXrkSkHOslZwaoC9U2z8rKClAUhih0P13j2-lTUvVyokAhQjlEcE2NjN3PFtS8wNAw\")
If left untreated, nutsedge can choke out healthy plants in its path. This weed starts out looking like grass blades — only taller and with an invasive root system. The perennial weed is resilient and comes back year after year. Post-emergent herbicides are your best bet, but their effectiveness is hit or miss.
\n\n\n\nThistle seed is a draw for songbirds in Columbus, but the spiky, prickly plants can be rough on bare feet! Weedkiller helps, but it’s better to don a pair of heavy gardening gloves and remove them by hand at the base of the plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wZmdBQ6xEUuiV_ov-CP381Icoco1bEfVlgs2bDSaBCPBWDRYcHBcJ2wNhJu-ZZJSfjKkoBGLcWmx0K-R7ieJi9xBsI2QItT_TQ6GnSt_WxrfXMw43KSoZOAAXKCdaW16xJkDgPCl\")
Yes, those bright purple blooms are pretty, but wild violets are perennial weeds with heart-shaped foliage. Autumn is the best time to treat wild violets since the post-emergent chemical absorbs into the root system before winter’s freeze.
\n\n\n\nWhether you fight the weeds yourself or hire a lawn service, establishing a diligent plan will help you keep one step, and one weed ahead of the game.
\n\n\n\nNeed more information about lawn care in Columbus and Central Ohio? Check out our Columbus, OH Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nJill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.
\n","title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.501466275659824,"src":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1789c/spraying.-dandilions.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/107df/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 320w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/293e9/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 500w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/f2cbb/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1789c/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 960w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/a2a79/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1dd6e/spraying.-dandilions.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/67b76/spraying.-dandilions.webp 320w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/8df11/spraying.-dandilions.webp 500w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/98a65/spraying.-dandilions.webp 800w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1dd6e/spraying.-dandilions.webp 960w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/7aa54/spraying.-dandilions.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Nothing can ruin a lush, green lawn faster than invasive weeds. Identifying them makes controlling the worst weeds in Columbus a breeze."}}},{"node":{"id":"d3b8cd53-0983-5731-b5ef-469203c097e7","slug":"summer-lawn-care-guide","path":"/lawn-care/tx/dallas/summer-lawn-care-guide/","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":"f27be613-d60f-50d6-bb69-080e785141e0","name":"Dallas","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/dallas/"},{"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":"June 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Dallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to […]
\n","content":"\nDallas averages 234 sunny days every year. Its subtropical climate and notoriously hot summers come with their own rulebook for lawn care. Nutrient-less and hard clay soils plague the Metroplex, making lawn preparations important if your plants are going to survive the North Texas sun. Follow this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas to give your lawn a fighting chance against the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDallas is rainier than most Texas cities, averaging 40 inches annually. However, temps soar to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the summer. These high temperatures and sunny days place a lot of stress on your Texas landscape.
\n\n\n\nMay is the wettest month of the year, and spring months are ideal for your plants and grass to establish healthy roots to help them survive the tough summer.
\n\n\n\nSummer is the most demanding and damaging time for your lawn. The excessive heat, potential drought conditions, and Dallas water restrictions can lead to a brown and stressed lawn, making proper lawn maintenance from June to September vital.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nHow you water and how often you water are equally important to your Texas landscape. Your Dallas native plants and turfgrass are adapted to withstand Dallas’ USDA hardiness zone 8, including heat and potential drought.
\n\n\n\nFollow Dallas’ ordinances and these watering tips to keep your landscape in the best shape throughout the summer:
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to note that an irrigation system with directed sprinkler heads removes the guesswork from determining how much water your lawn needs. You can program your system to apply the right amount of water for your grass type, saving you time and money while increasing the health of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives in the dense clay North Texas soils. This popular turfgrass stands up to frequent foot traffic and loves full sun. Bermudagrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your bermudagrass twice per week early in the morning before 9 a.m. Aim for 15 minutes of watering per zone for automatic pop-up head sprinklers and 35-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass appears to be the exact opposite of aggressive bermudagrass, but these warm-season grasses thrive in Dallas. St. Augustinegrass does not tolerate foot traffic and prefers partial sun or shade. The fast-growing grass requires only 1 inch of water per week, making it an economical choice for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWater St. Augustinegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. Water each zone for 15 minutes for pop-up head sprinklers, and 30 minutes for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass handles anything you throw at it: drought, traffic, shade, and even low temperatures. The dark green turfgrass requires little fertilization, and its dense blades block out weeds. Like St. Augustinegrass, it only requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your Zoysiagrass lawn twice per week before 9 a.m. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss grows well in the nutrientless clay soils, requiring little fertilization. However, the low-fuss grass does not stand up to heavy foot traffic or weeds. Like Zoysia and St. Augustine, this cultivar requires 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nWater your buffalograss before 9 a.m., twice per week. Aim for 15-minute sessions if you are using pop-up head sprinklers, and 30-minute sessions for rotary heads.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass does not handle traffic or herbicides. However, it is incredibly low-maintenance with low mowing and watering requirements. This smooth, flat-bladed turfgrass requires one to 1.25 inches of water per week to remain green.
\n\n\n\nWater centipedegrass twice per week before 9 a.m. If you are using pop-up head sprinklers, aim for 15-minute sessions. However, if you are using rotary heads, be sure to extend your sessions to 35 minutes.
\n\n\n\nWe all want to be in the pool or inside in the air conditioning, and it is really tempting to mow our lawns short to make less work for ourselves. However, cutting your grass short leaves it vulnerable to weeds, scorching, and dormancy.
\n\n\n\nYour grass should never change from green to brown after mowing. Brown grass signals a stressed lawn, meaning you have removed too much at one time. Be sure to raise your mower height after your lawn has recovered before your next mow.
\n\n\n\nTaller grass blades develop deeper roots and provide shade, cooling the soil underneath and minimizing evaporation, which makes your morning watering sessions more efficient. Your lawn will be lusher and stay greener, increasing your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer mowing tips for your warm-season grass:
\n\n\n\nThe recommended mowing height for bermudagrass is 1-2 inches using a traditional mower. During active growing seasons in the spring and early summer, plan to mow your lawn weekly, never cutting more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass prefers higher heights in the summer to help water retention. You should mow your St. Augustine lawn every seven to 10 days, aiming for a mowing height of 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass actively grows in the summer, requiring regular mowing every five to seven days. Like bermudagrass, never cut more than ⅓ of your grass’ total length and aim to keep your lawn between one to two inches high.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss prefers higher heights like St. Augustinegrass. You should aim for a height between two to three inches, requiring a mowing session every seven to ten days.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is another turfgrass, preferring taller heights. Mow weekly with a traditional lawn mower, keeping your grass between 1.5 to two inches high.
\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nFertilizer promotes healthy growth, but be careful, too much of a good thing can harm your landscape. Unseasonably hot and dry Texas summers can lead to dormant grass. It is tempting to over-fertilize your lawn. Unfortunately, this will have the opposite effect and harm your turfgrass by burning it.
\n\n\n\nHere are some summer fertilizing tips for your Dallas lawn:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass thrives with regular fertilizer applications. During the summer, this turfgrass requires 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every month. You should aim to apply 2 to 6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually to keep your lawn healthy.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass has higher fertilization requirements, like bermudagrass. Apply 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually, or 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet monthly during the summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has the similar requirements to bermudagrass. During the summer growing season, apply 0.5 to one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn monthly for a total of 1 to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss has incredibly low fertilization requirements. In fact, some homeowners skip applications completely. Typically, buffalograss up to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn annually. Aim to apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during two months of the active summer growing season.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance centipede grass requires little fertilization. Aim for 1 pound of nitrogen-based fertilizer per 1,000 square feet applied twice, once in June and again in September.
\n\n\n\nTexas is one of the few places in the U.S. with clay soil. Unlike the loose, sandy soils of the Southeast, impacted and dense clay soils require biannual lawn aeration. Liquid aeration helps your lawn handle the intense heat and dry conditions of summer by opening pathways for air, sunshine, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, resulting in deeper, more drought-resistant roots.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass, require liquid aeration applications in late spring before summer and early fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"an](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spraying-pesticide.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nPlenty of pests hide from the heat of the Texas sun, seeking shaded areas under decks and logs. Unfortunately, white grubs, chinch bugs, and fire ants are notoriously sun-loving Dallas pests that can wreak havoc on your warm-season turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nKeep these pest control tips in mind this summer:
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the most popular turfgrass choice for Texas lawns. Unfortunately, it has a low resistance to unfriendly visitors. It is prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms.
\n\n\n\nRegular lawn maintenance and irrigation help combat pest infestations. Additionally, spray a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide over infected areas to combat pests.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is fast-growing and shade-loving. It also attracts many pests, including chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs.
\n\n\n\nCombat pests ruining your lush lawn by using a non-repellent broad-spectrum insecticide. Be sure to look for one containing carbaryl, trichlorfon, or pyrethroid if you are dealing with chinch bugs or grubs.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass stands up to most pests thanks to its thick leaf blades and dense structure. Occasionally, mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, or sod webworms will move in and set up residence in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAlways wait until your grass has greened in the spring or early summer to apply insecticides. Use spot treatments of broad-spectrum pesticides as needed to combat insect infestations.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss resists most pests. However, mealybugs, buffalograss webworms, mites, short-tailed crickets, and chinch bugs can cause the occasional headache.
\n\n\n\nSpot treat affected areas with broad-spectrum repellent-free pesticide.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is low-maintenance and prefers to be left alone. It is moderately prone to pests, including ground pearl insects, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars.
\n\n\n\nIrrigate and mow your lawn 24 hours before insecticide applications. Treat affected areas with a broad-spectrum non-repellent insecticide containing carbaryl or pyrethroid. Aim to apply preventative treatments in May before the heat of summer sets in and follow-up with another application in June.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass diseases and weeds love a weak lawn and signify an underlying problem with your lawn’s health. They love low-nitrogen soils, imbalanced pH, and thinning turf. Weeds steal vital nutrients, water, and sunlight from your turfgrass and plants while simultaneously spreading pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nMaintain a healthy lawn with routine maintenance, watering, and fertilization schedules, and weeds and diseases won’t stand a chance. There are two ways to control weeds in your lawn: chemical treatments and hand pulling. Pulling weeds by hand is the safest removal method, but it isn’t always the best method. Be sure to identify the type of weed you are dealing with before selecting your removal method.
\n\n\n\nFollow these summer weeding tips to maintain a healthy lawn:
\n\n\n\nOne of the star attributes that makes bermudagrass so popular in North Texas is its disease-resistance. If you are unlucky enough to experience a disease infestation with your bermudagrass, chances are good it is spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, or sheath spot.
\n\n\n\nCombat bermudagrass weeds and diseases using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice brown patches with regular and smooth outlines caused by fungal diseases, treat your entire lawn with a fungicide designed for bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nFor all its strengths, St. Augustinegrass falls short in the disease-resistance category. It is moderately to highly prone to diseases such as gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot.
\n\n\n\nCombat fungal diseases in your St. Augustine lawn with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant designed for plants.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is incredibly resistant to most diseases. However, large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur.
\n\n\n\nLike St. Augustinegrass, fungal diseases are the most common. Treat your lawn with a preventative fungicide program. Apply fungicide in the spring to decrease your chances of developing diseases like large patch. If you notice dead spots in your lawn and have ruled out insect activity, treat the affected area with an indoor-outdoor fungicide and disinfectant for plants.
\n\n\n\nThanks to its adaptability, buffalograss has high disease-resistance. Treat the most common problem, bipolaris leaf spot, with preventative fungicide at the first sign of brown patches.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is moderately disease-tolerant. It is prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis. Combat these lawn diseases with proper lawn maintenance and apply 2 ounces of iron sulfate per 1,000 square feet if you notice yellowing.
\n\n\n\nSucculents thrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Typically, water your succulent plants once per week when it has not rained.
Organic mulch provides moisture retention and nutrients for your plants. Experts recommend laying new mulch on top of your existing mulch annually in the spring after the last frost.
Dallas adopted lawn and landscape irrigation ordinances in 2012 to defer the costs of expanding the city’s water supply infrastructure. Drip irrigation, hand watering, and soaker hoses are allowed at any time and on any day.
However, Dallas homeowners can only water with hose-end sprinklers or automatic sprinkler systems twice per week from April 1 to Oct. 31. No watering may take place between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays.
Summer is the perfect time for lazy days. The days are sunny and long, and backyard barbecues and pool parties are in full swing. Reclaim your weekends and sanity by installing low-maintenance landscaping and following our summer lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nInstead of breaking a sweat in the heat, consider letting Wikilawn hook you up with a local landscaping company that can handle all of your lawn care needs so you can get back to your Longhorns or Aggies.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Dallas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1789c/Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/107df/Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/293e9/Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/f2cbb/Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1789c/Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/c26c2/Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1dd6e/Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/67b76/Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/8df11/Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/98a65/Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/1dd6e/Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/ca471e4c16d278ed4e886780f05cc01f/3cc96/Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"A Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Dallas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Prep your lawn for the summer heat with this guide to summer lawn care in Dallas, TX."}}},{"node":{"id":"8fe5ce68-cd86-5230-a2be-dd3bdb2f3a73","slug":"5-fall-landscaping-tips-to-maintain-your-curb-appeal","path":"/lawn-care/5-fall-landscaping-tips-to-maintain-your-curb-appeal/","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":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 22nd, 2018","excerpt":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced […]
\n","content":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced with a muddy mess come springtime.
\nSo grab your tools and put on your gardening boots. We at Wiki Lawn have prepared a few fall landscaping tips and maintenance ideas you can use to “fall-ify” your landscaping and get your property ready for winter.
\nApproximately 90% of Americans say they prefer to live in a home that’s surrounded by grass, trees, and other plants. But if you’re going to have plants, you’ll need to maintain them like the rest of your yard.
\nThat leads us into the first of these 12 fall maintenance tips.
\nIt’s important to spread mulch during the fall months because it helps to protect the roots of your trees and plants from frost. It also helps to retain moisture in the dry winter weather. You’ll want to spread between 2 and 3 inches of mulch around your trees and shrubs.
\nCheck out our tips for Eco-friendly Lawn Care.
\nFall might not be the time to prune your plants, but it’s definitely the time to remove the dead and dying plants from your yard. When you get rid of your dead landscaping during autumn, you won’t have to look at them during the winter months. Remove dead annuals and perennials. Prune (lightly) the dying branches from trees and shrubs.
\nYour shrubs can be damaged from high winds, ice, and heavy snow. Wrap your shrubs in burlap to protect them from winter weather conditions and surround your trees with shredded leaves. If you have smaller plants, use overturned plastic pots or bucks to hide them.
\nIt’s a good idea to mow your lawn so the grass doesn’t get too long before the first snowfall. According to gentlemanship guide Joel Flynn, grass that’s too long can not only shade the other blades of grass and affect growth but it can also get packed down under the snow and cause snow mold. You’ll want to keep your grass around 3 inches tall year-round to make sure it’s able to grow properly and receive enough sunlight.
\nLearn How to Grow Grass like a gardening expert.
\nIt’s essential to take care of your plants and lawn before winter hits, but it’s important to give your walkways and driveway some special attention, too. If you have cracks in your concrete or asphalt, water can penetrate these cracks and freeze during the winter months. When the water freezes in the cracks, it expands the cracks and causes even more damage to your walkways and driveway. That said, be sure to apply a sealant to keep water from getting into these cracks while it’s still warm enough to do so.
\nFallen leaves in the yard might look like an autumn postcard at first, but soon enough they turn into a problem. After a while, the leaves start to decay, they become slippery and might be a potential health hazard.
\nUse a leaf blower or a lawn sweeper to collect dead leaves and tidy your yard. Ensure that the house gutters are also free from fallen leaves. Clogged gutters can cause significant water damage if left unattended.
\nYellow, red, brown and all sort of hues formed from these colors are what makes fall such a lovely season. Implement these colors in the outdoor decoration of your property. Collect some of the fallen leaves in your yard and place them in baskets at your front porch.
\nAlso, plant seasonal flowers such as crocuses and goldenrod that bloom in October and November. This way you’ll have an incentive to continue watering your lawn and it will remain greener for longer.
\nWhen the trees in your yard lose their leaves, any hidden flaws of the exterior of your home will be exposed. According to manhood culture and lifestyle expert Joel Flynn, poor looks mean it’s time to make an inspection and dedicate some time for small repairs and improvements.
\nUse a pressure washer to clean the exterior of the house along with the driveway and walkway. Repaint and seal any chipped paint, wipe the windows and their frames. And we’ll say it again because it’s highly important – clean your gutters too.
\nWith summer gone, daylight is also scarce. For the convenience of your own family, inspect the outdoor lights to see if they work properly or need maintenance. Test if they provide enough illumination from the walkway to the entrance of your home.
\nInvest in energy-saving lightbulbs to reduce your electricity bills and also help the environment. If you’re a big fan of the upcoming holidays, get decorative lights and arrange them creatively.
\nRead also: How to Use Lighting To Transform Your Outdoor Space.
\nPumpkin, in all its forms and colors, is the queen of autumn. You can even use it for decorating the exterior of your home. Arrange several pumpkins on the front porch or window sills. Create a DIY wreath from mini pumpkins and seasonal flowers and proudly hang it on the front door.
\nFor more inspiration, check out our 9 Examples of Halloween Inspired Garden Designs.
\nWhatever decoration you choose, make sure it’s tasteful. Don’t overdo it.
\nDuring autumn, the weather is often gloomy. And with fewer colors in the yard, your house will lose its appeal. Use this opportunity to put an emphasis on the front door.
\nRepaint it in a bright color that will make it stand out from the neighborhood doors. Yellow, blue, and red are great options for highlighting the entrance.
\nAlso, check the insulation of the front door and prepare it for the cold months.
\nImprove the curb appeal of your property by installing a new mailbox or upgrading the old one. This can be a fun family project for a rainy afternoon. Customize your mailbox with bright colors, unusual design or whatever else comes to your mind.
\nUse Pinterest for mailbox makeover inspiration.
\nAlso, check if your house numbers need any polishing or replacement. Numbers made from aluminum or stainless steel won’t be affected by the weather changes that much.
\nAutumn is the time to prepare your yard for the cold winter months. Make sure your trees, plants, and walkways are as ready for the snow as you are. Upgrade the exterior of your home and make it vibrant even during the gloomy months.
\nStill, have questions about lawn care?
\nVisit our lawn care page for additional information
As a homeowner, you’re searching for low-maintenance landscaping ideas for the Pacific Northwest that suit your busy lifestyle. In a region filled with captivating cities like Seattle and Portland and the breathtaking Idaho landscapes, there’s always something to do, from hiking to skiing. So, who has time for endless yard work? The Pacific Northwest has […]
\n","content":"\nAs a homeowner, you’re searching for low-maintenance landscaping ideas for the Pacific Northwest that suit your busy lifestyle. In a region filled with captivating cities like Seattle and Portland and the breathtaking Idaho landscapes, there’s always something to do, from hiking to skiing. So, who has time for endless yard work?
\n\n\n\nThe Pacific Northwest has an incredibly diverse climate, ranging from the mild, rainy coastlines to the colder, drier mountains. As a local, it’s crucial to find landscaping ideas that can thrive in these conditions. If you’re curious about how you can transform your garden into a low-maintenance outdoor oasis, check out the tips below.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll explore:
\n\n\n\nAdding perennials to your garden is one way to create a visually stunning and easy-to-maintain landscape. The good thing is the Pacific Northwest is home to a wide variety of native perennials that can flourish in the region’s unique climate.
\n\n\n\nBy introducing native perennials into your landscape, you can sit back and enjoy their beauty without spending endless hours on watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Moreover, perennials have a significant advantage over annuals as they don’t need to be planted each year, helping you save time, money, and effort.
\n\n\n\nSome popular low-maintenance perennials for Seattle, Portland, and other PNW gardens include:
\n\n\n\nBenefits of low-maintenance perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The estimated cost for incorporating these plants into your landscape ranges from $10 to $100 per plant, depending on size, location, and variety.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Evergreen Huckleberry
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Native plants are low-maintenance options that require less water, fertilizers, and care than non-native species. They also provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife and pollinators, such as butterflies and hummingbirds, contributing to a healthy and biodiverse ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nThese plants are well-adapted to the unique climates and soil conditions found across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. By using native plants, homeowners can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nSome Pacific Northwest native plants include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Similar to perennials, native plant prices in the Pacific Northwest can vary significantly based on factors such as type, size, and location of purchase. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree when incorporating native plants into your landscape.
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers make a fantastic addition to Pacific Northwest gardens for numerous reasons. Not only do they help prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth, but they also add visual interest to your landscape. Their ability to quickly spread across the ground can create a lush carpet, providing an attractive alternative to traditional grass lawns.
\n\n\n\nIn the Pacific Northwest, where rainfall is plentiful, groundcovers can also help with water conservation by reducing evaporation and improving water absorption in the soil. This makes them a practical and eco-friendly choice for homeowners who want to create a low-maintenance and sustainable garden. They come in a variety of colors, textures, and growth habits, allowing you to create a unique and personalized landscape design.
\n\n\n\nSome popular low-maintenance groundcovers include:
\n\n\n\nBenefits of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: You can expect to spend between $5 and $50 per plant. Keep in mind that purchasing plants in larger quantities or from local nurseries may help reduce the overall cost.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nUsing mulch is an excellent way to create a low-maintenance garden. It offers plenty of benefits, such as retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature. It also acts as a barrier against pesky weeds, saving you time and money on weed control.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulches, such as wood chips and bark, are great choices for many gardens in the area. Not only do they provide the benefits mentioned above, they also add nutrients to the soil. This helps boost overall soil health and support the growth of your plants. Thus, making organic mulch a must-buy for Pacific Northwest gardeners.
Types of mulch:
Advantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag of wood chips or bark mulch. For larger landscaping projects, it’s often more cost-effective to purchase mulch in bulk, which can range from $20 to $50 per cubic yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jit Lim / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nPavers offer a practical and eco-friendly solution for designing walkways, patio, and other hardscaping elements in your Pacific Northwest landscape. By adding pavers in your outdoor living area, you can make your space more appealing and low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nThere are various types of pavers you can incorporate around your home, ensuring you can find a design that can fit your style and complement your garden. With the proper installation, pavers also allow for efficient water drainage, making them an environmentally friendly choice for the often rainy Pacific Northwest climate.
\n\n\n\n
Types of pavers:
Advantages of pavers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The estimated cost of using pavers in your landscape design varies depending on factors such as the type of pavers selected, the size of the project, and labor costs in your area. Generally, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere between $10 and $25 per square foot for paver installation.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rain](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rain-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTraditional lawns can be a hassle to maintain, but alternative landscaping ideas offer eye-catching, low-maintenance solutions for busy Pacific Northwest homeowners. Rock gardens and wildflower meadows, for example, create stunning focal points while requiring minimal care and attracting pollinators.
\n\n\n\nSmall garden designs featuring native groundcovers and shade-loving perennials provide a welcoming outdoor haven with little upkeep. By opting for these alternatives, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, eco-friendly landscape without the time-consuming maintenance tasks.
\n\n\n\n
Alternative front yard ideas:
Advantages of alternative front yard ideas:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The estimated cost of establishing a rock garden can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the size and materials used. For wildflower meadows or small garden designs, the cost varies based on plant selections, with an average range of $10 to $50 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Shade](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/48007433781_5fbe2531fe_k.jpg\")
Photo credit: Mark Levisay / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen designing your Pacific Northwest garden, it’s crucial to consider the amount of sunlight each area in your outdoor space receives. This will guide you in creating thriving, personalized spaces, from cozy shade gardens with lounge areas to full sun spaces filled with drought-tolerant plants.
\n\n\n\nFor your shaded retreats, consider weaving in plants like hostas, ferns, and conifers that can happily grow without much sunlight. Meanwhile, in your sun-kissed areas, go for drought-tolerant plants like coneflowers, yarrow, and ornamental grasses. By doing so, you’ll cultivate a garden design that’s not only visually captivating but also delightfully low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of shade gardens and full sun spaces:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Shade-loving plants can cost anywhere from $5 to $40 each plant, while drought-tolerant plants can cost anywhere from $8 to $50 per plant. The total cost will be determined by various factors, such as plant size and variety, as well as the number of plants required to complete your garden design.
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image-93.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIncorporating a water feature, such as a pond or fountain, into your landscape design can create a visually appealing focal point that enhances the overall atmosphere of your outdoor living space. The soothing sounds of flowing water can provide a calming ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a long day or enjoying a weekend with family and friends.
\n\n\n\nTypes of water features:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of water features:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: A water feature in your garden can cost anywhere from $200 for a tiny DIY fountain to over $5,000 for a professionally placed pond.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/24704432229_e1b1bb0579_b-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to install an efficient irrigation system to ensure the health and beauty of your low-maintenance garden in the Pacific Northwest. A well-designed system not only helps maintain your garden beds but also contributes to water conservation efforts. By using drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or smart sprinklers, you can provide the right amount of water to your plants while reducing water waste.
\n\n\n\nTypes of irrigation systems:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of irrigation systems:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: You may anticipate paying between $1,500 and $5,000 on an efficient irrigation system, depending on the size of your garden and the intricacy of the system.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulches such as shredded bark, wood chips, or compost are ideal for low-maintenance landscaping in the Pacific Northwest region. As they decompose, these materials help to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil quality.
To create a low-maintenance rain garden, choose a location that collects runoff from roofs, driveways, or other impervious surfaces. Use native plants that are well-adapted to the region’s climate and can tolerate both wet and dry conditions.
Low-maintenance hardscaping ideas for the Pacific Northwest include using permeable pavers for walkways and patios, creating rock gardens with native stones and plants, and installing attractive, durable, and weather-resistant outdoor furniture to create inviting outdoor living spaces. These elements require minimal upkeep and can withstand the region’s climate conditions.
Embracing low-maintenance landscaping is the key to enjoying your weekends in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. However, it’s important to remember that low maintenance doesn’t mean zero maintenance, and some outdoor tasks will still need your attention.
\n\n\n\nInstead of spending your valuable time on outdoor upkeep, consider connecting with a local lawn care pro that can handle ayour lawn care needs. This way, you can spend more time exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho or simply relaxing in your own outdoor oasis.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Wonderlane / Flickr / Public Domain
\n","title":"9 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for the Pacific Northwest","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/1789c/lawn-in-seattle.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/107df/lawn-in-seattle.jpg 320w,\n/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/293e9/lawn-in-seattle.jpg 500w,\n/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/f2cbb/lawn-in-seattle.jpg 800w,\n/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/1789c/lawn-in-seattle.jpg 960w,\n/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/c26c2/lawn-in-seattle.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/1dd6e/lawn-in-seattle.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/67b76/lawn-in-seattle.webp 320w,\n/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/8df11/lawn-in-seattle.webp 500w,\n/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/98a65/lawn-in-seattle.webp 800w,\n/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/1dd6e/lawn-in-seattle.webp 960w,\n/static/ffe574233be026ada3009a8a947126b1/3cc96/lawn-in-seattle.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for the Pacific Northwest | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spend more time hiking nature trails with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for the Pacific Northwest, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"82597543-5d06-50e7-a40f-27585bae72c6","slug":"fire-resistant-landscaping-sacramento","path":"/lawn-care/ca/sacramento/fire-resistant-landscaping-sacramento/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc0d7559-6ab0-5a1c-9b69-ba5afc1fb61f","name":"Sacramento","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/sacramento/"}],"date":"May 9th, 2023","excerpt":"The 2020 Grant Fire east of the city was too close for comfort for many Sacramento homeowners. Though the city historically hasn’t been as affected by wildfires as neighboring areas, Sacramento may be more at risk in the future. Homes are also at risk from nearby house fires. Planning ahead is vital so that if […]
\n","content":"\nThe 2020 Grant Fire east of the city was too close for comfort for many Sacramento homeowners. Though the city historically hasn’t been as affected by wildfires as neighboring areas, Sacramento may be more at risk in the future. Homes are also at risk from nearby house fires. Planning ahead is vital so that if the worst comes to pass, you can increase fire safety.
\n\n\n\nFirewise landscaping or firescaping is one step to protecting your property. These landscape designs minimize combustible materials, create defensible spaces, and allow easier evacuation and fire department access. And no, you don’t need to turn your yard into barren dirt and rocks (unless you want to). These eight fire-resistant landscaping ideas for Sacramento will keep you safe and allow creativity.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nBefore we dive into design ideas, let’s unpack what works for fire safety and why. Defensible space is a crucial landscaping principle for fire protection. The idea is to reduce the chance of flames or embers jumping from one part of your landscaping to another toward your home.
\n\n\n\nFire safety experts break defensible space into three zones (0, 1, and 2), each with different recommendations. The zones cover between 0 feet and over 100 feet surrounding your home. Prioritize the innermost zone first, then work outward as far as possible. Here is a brief breakdown of each part of a defensible zone and their dos and don’ts:
\n\n\n\n| Zone | Distance Surrounding the Home | Things to Avoid | Recommended Landscaping Features |
| 0 | 0-5 feet | ● Woody plants ● Organic mulch ● Woodpiles ● Combustible trellises ● Stored items | ● Walkways ● Hardscapes ● Rocks and gravel |
| 1 | 5-30 feet | ● Closely bunched trees | ● Well-irrigated and maintained vegetation islands separated by hardscaping, mowed grass, or groundcovers ● Shrubs and trees with lower branches removed |
| 2 | 31-100+ feet or to the property line | ● Dense shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants | ● Well-pruned, spaced-out shrubs and trees |
Landscape density is one of the most significant fire hazards in yards. If a fire is nearby and something on your property catches fire, it can jump from object to object toward your home. This danger is why the defensible space strategy advises against closely bunched vegetation. You can fill the area between plantings with turfgrass or hardscaping.
\n\n\n\nThe recommended distance between shrubs or trees depends on the slope. The steeper the slope, the more space is needed between the plants.
\n\n\n\n| Angle of the Slope | Space Between Shrubs | Space Between Trees |
| Less than 20% | 2 times the shrub’s height | 10 feet |
| 20-40% | 4 times the shrub’s height | 20 feet |
| Greater than 40% | 6 times the shrub’s height | 30 feet |
If you have a large property, consider incorporating fuel breaks. Fuel breaks are areas with a reduced fuel load to stop a fire in its tracks or slow it down. For example, a fuel break could be a strip of dirt cleared of vegetation or a paved path or roadway.
\n\n\n\nMost homeowners enjoy some greenery to spruce up their yards. However, it’s best to avoid some plantings altogether, either because they are inherently too close to each other or your home. Here are some examples of plant types that could inadvertently spread fire:
\n\n\n\n*Well-maintained hedges at the edge of your property can sometimes block embers from reaching your garden or home. However, if they do ignite, they could lead the fire toward your home.
\n\n\n\nNo plants are entirely fire-proof — they all can burn if the fire is hot enough. However, some plants are less likely to go up in flames than others. Fire-resistant plants have:
\n\n\n\nHydrated, well-cared-for plants will do better in a fire regardless of species. The additional dead plant material from dried-out, stressed vegetation fuels fires.
\n\n\n\nBut what about drought? Sacramento’s water restrictions may limit your watering schedule, and any missed days could make your plants drought-stressed and vulnerable to fire. Reduce your water needs with water-wise landscaping. Succulents are a popular low-maintenance option for water conservation. If you need extra water to care for your plants, consider rainwater harvesting to stretch resources further.
\n\n\n\nMany drought-tolerant plants are fire-resistant, as well. California native plants are most likely to check both boxes because they are well-adapted to the hot, dry summer weather when fire risk is highest. They also are more likely to be pollinator-friendly.
\n\n\n\nHere are some fire-resistant plants native to Sacramento:
\n\n\n\nOvergrown, dense plants provide more fuel for fires. Regular trimming will:
\n\n\n\nThough well-irrigated lawns have some fire resistance, overgrown grass with excess thatch may be a fire hazard. Keep grass mowed at 4 inches or less to reduce risk.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fall-leaves-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nPlant debris is a natural part of any garden. Though fallen leaves and pine cones may provide a forest-like appearance to your yard, they can increase fire risk and provide a fuel trail for the spread of fire. Regularly cleaning plant litter decreases fire risk and makes your yard look neater. Here are some types of plant litter to watch out for:
\n\n\n\nPlant debris also may be on your porch, deck, roof, or gutter. A stray ember could ignite this debris and spread fire to your home. Clean your roof and gutter once or twice a year, though they may need more frequent attention if your plants shed excessively. Gutter guards can reduce debris buildup. Remove plant litter from porches and decks as it accumulates.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gravel-mulch-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sten Porse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is any material spread over the soil’s surface to provide nutrients, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. It’s usually applied around the base of trees and shrubs, flower beds, or paths.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch like wood chips, leaves, needles, bark, and straw may look nice, but they can catch fire and spread the flames further. Even some inorganic mulches, like shredded rubber, are susceptible to combustion. Use gravel or rocks instead, especially near the home and between vegetation islands.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most fire-resistant landscaping options is hardscaping. Hardscaping uses concrete, cement, pavers, gravel, bricks, and stones to create patios, paths, and other landscape features. This landscape design creates an ideal area for backyard hosting. You can have a completely hardscaped yard or combine it with greenery.
\n\n\n\nUsing non-flammable materials, you can create a defensible perimeter around your home, separating the house from potentially flammable garden plants. You also can use it between vegetation islands to make it more difficult for flames to travel.
\n\n\n\nIf you decide to install a fire pit or outdoor heater as part of your hardscape, ensure it is at least 10 feet away from anything that could catch fire. Always follow Sacramento’s recreational burning guidelines and double-check that the fire has been put out before you leave the area.
\n\n\n\nYour wicker furniture and wooden pergola could be kindling in the making. Wooden, reed, or bamboo fences also may create a dangerous fire path, especially if the fence connects to your home. These outdoor structures and furniture are most hazardous in the 5-foot perimeter around your home. Consider replacing them with metal or vinyl alternatives.
\n\n\n\nYou also should be mindful of cushions, umbrellas, and tablecloths — put them away when not in use or don’t use them at all.
\n\n\n\nThe pathways surrounding your home can create defensible space, but only if they’re well-maintained. Overgrown plants, firewood, wooden tools, and flammable toys left on walkways could allow flames to spread and make emergency access more difficult.
\n\n\n\nClear walkways to minimize the chance of fire jumping across. This maintenance also will allow for easier evacuation and firefighter access in an emergency. Remove stray items and trim plants lining paths to minimize fire hazards. Firewood is best kept on the outer edge of your yard rather than next to the home. It’s also a good idea to keep driveways clear for easier evacuation.
\n\n\n\nIf you live on a large property, you should clear roadways by thinning and pruning trees, mowing the grass, and cutting back shrubs. These actions will allow easier emergency access and evacuation.
\n\n\n\nThe fire season in Northern California generally peaks in summer and fall. However, extreme drought may extend the fire season into winter and spring. You can check the current fire hazard severity on CAL FIRE’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone map.
Fire can spread in several ways, including:
● Direct contact: Actively burning fire directly touches a flammable object.
● Embers: Small embers can float through the air or be blown by the wind. If they come into contact with something, they may or may not light it on fire, depending on its flammability.
● Fuel paths: A continuous line of flammable objects or plants can lead a fire toward a home. For example, plants on the other side of a wooden fence can ignite the fence, which may lead the fire directly to the home.
● Fuel ladders: Living or dead vegetation can create a path upward for fire to spread. For example, a shrub on fire may light the tree above it if there isn’t sufficient room between the flames and the branches.
● Radiant heat: If temperatures are hot enough, flammable objects may combust without direct contact with fire or embers.
Roofs are part of the home most vulnerable to fire. This risk is why trimming trees and clearing debris from the gutters and rooftops are essential. While wooden and shingle roofs are most at risk, materials like metal, clay, and tile reduce risk.
Other vulnerable areas include:
● Vents
● Chimneys
● Eaves
● Soffits
● Windows
● Wooden siding
● Wooden decks and porches
● Patio covers
Fire preparedness is already overwhelming. You need to check evacuation routes, pack an emergency supply kit, and create plans to transport your pets.
While you may need to complete those tasks yourself, you can offload landscaping to a professional. They will assess your landscape’s safety, provide advice, and execute any necessary changes so you can feel peace of mind.
Main Image Credit: Wildroof / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Sacramento, CA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/1789c/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/107df/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/293e9/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/f2cbb/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/1789c/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/c26c2/fire-resistant-lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/1dd6e/fire-resistant-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/67b76/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/8df11/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/98a65/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/1dd6e/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/d4bc5429d8042207b11807fed87c2c97/3cc96/fire-resistant-lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Fire-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Sacramento, CA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Are you worried about your property’s fire safety? These fire-resistant landscaping ideas for Sacramento will help protect your house."}}},{"node":{"id":"896ca5d7-6c87-54a3-bffa-b671568858c2","slug":"fall-lawn-care-checklist-for-maryland","path":"/lawn-care/md/fall-lawn-care-checklist-for-maryland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Amy Adams is a freelance writer and former newspaper journalist. She grew up in Kansas but has been living in Florida for the past 15 years and has no intentions of ever moving back!","name":"Amy Adams","id":"eb80c67d-0627-5815-9dd0-304031dbe1be","path":"/author/amy-adams/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8e73c6ada90c41863cce7b93d142c7d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2a5e33f9-ad47-575e-b414-2fa0c9049fd1","name":"Maryland","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, and colorful autumn foliage make fall really fun in Maryland. But the fabulous fall colors on the leaves also remind us that just because summer may be coming to a close doesn’t mean we can ignore our yard. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. As the landscape transforms into a breathtaking […]
\n","content":"\nPumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, and colorful autumn foliage make fall really fun in Maryland. But the fabulous fall colors on the leaves also remind us that just because summer may be coming to a close doesn’t mean we can ignore our yard. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
\n\n\n\nAs the landscape transforms into a breathtaking palette of fall colors, you must get ready to give your lawn TLC. With this fall lawn care checklist for Maryland, you can better prepare your yard for the changing seasons – harmonizing nature’s beauty with a vibrant and well-nurtured canvas.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nNeglecting your lawn during this season risks dire consequences for your yard come spring. Contrary to popular belief, lawn care extends beyond the summer months. With cooler temperatures, fall provides the ideal environment for these essential practices:
\n\n\n\nUnleash the transformative power of fall lawn care – preserving the beauty of your yard and setting the stage for a breathtaking spring.
\n\n\n\nAs the season winds down, don’t hang up your lawn care hat just yet. Fall is the best time for basic lawn maintenance that can help promote root development and good soil conditions. With the help of these fall lawn care tips, you can ensure your lawn will come back better than ever next spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3768077054_1a9fc5e9a5_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Mol / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNow that summer has passed, you may be tempted to put away your sprinkler for the year, but it’s best to keep it out just a bit longer. Properly watering your lawn is essential for it to continue coming back each spring.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your lawn watered is especially important for late-season nitrogen applications to work properly. Otherwise, the fertilizer is less likely to enhance root growth if your grass is dry, rendering the fertilizer application useless.
\n\n\n\nAn underwatered lawn will become brown and crunchy, and the dirt will become dusty as the grass stops growing. Nevertheless, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause weeds and fungal diseases. An overwatered lawn will quickly become luscious and green, then become limp and spongy before fading to brown and moss.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue, the most common type of grass in Maryland, needs approximately 1 inch of water per week.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay / License
\n\n\n\nRaking leaves can be one of the most exhausting and back-breaking fall chores, yet it’s necessary. And chances are, you may not be raking your leaves as often as you should.
\n\n\n\nRake early, and rake often. Don’t wait until your trees are mostly or completely bare before you clear the leaves from your yard. You should rid your lawn of leaves as soon as possible. A rule of thumb is to rake your leaves one to two times a week once they start falling. If you do put it off, make sure your yard is clear of leaves before the first frost of the season.
\n\n\n\nWaiting to remove leaves from your lawn can cause them to suffocate the grass. Over time leaves will become wet from rain and morning dew – causing them to stick together and form a barrier.
\n\n\n\nThis barrier filters out essential sunlight and water, preventing vital nutrients from reaching the roots. It also creates the perfect environment for weeds, rodents, insects, and diseases.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to save yourself from the back pain of raking, especially if you have lots of trees or a large yard, you can use a lawnmower with a collection bag or vacuum system to clear the leaves.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nIt’s a common misconception that it’s best to fertilize in the spring when it’s actually better to fertilize your lawn in the fall. During this season, grass recovers from the summer heat and drought while preparing for the upcoming winter months. But if you don’t fertilize in the fall, you should do it in the spring.
\n\n\n\nFall fertilization advantages:
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to apply fertilizer twice in the fall. The first round should be applied just after Labor Day, and the second should be when you mow the last time for the year.
\n\n\n\nEarly fall fertilization increases turf density without promoting excess growth. On the other hand, late fall fertilization increases root growth and carbohydrate storage to help the grass survive winter and prepare for the spring’s new growth.
\n\n\n\nIf you only fertilize once, then aim to fertilize in September. According to Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, fertilizer cannot be applied between Nov. 15 through March 1, so plan accordingly.
\n\n\n\nTypes of fertilizer:
\n\n\n\n![\"Hands](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sergii Petruk / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWeeds. They seem to be an ever-present annoyance. Whether you are currently fighting a weed infestation or are looking to prevent weeds, fall is the time to treat them.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of treatment:
\n\n\n\nWeeds can invade even the healthiest and luscious of lawns. If left untreated, weeds will consume the valuable nutrients intended for your grass – causing your lawn to look dull and drab. These results happen because your grass will be robbed of essential water, clean air, and direct sunlight. Your grass will become weak and susceptible to disease and insect infestations.
\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/aerate-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeffoto / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAs you prepare your grass for the upcoming winter weather, it’s also the best time to aerate your lawn. It will help:
\n\n\n\nAeration also energizes your lawn’s root system to expand before winter, which will help it survive the harsh winter months and return healthy and vibrant in the spring.
\n\n\n\nTypes of aeration:
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: It’s usually best to hire a professional to aerate your lawn. This takes time and the proper equipment to do it right.
\n\n\n\n![\"grass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/overseed-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Elena Photo / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAs the seasons transition, you can seize the opportunity to overseed your lawn. Amidst the autumnal landscape, when weeds retreat, dispersing grass seeds over your established lawn will yield better results. Doing this helps fill in bare areas and thicken up the lawn to provide a more dense and fluffy appearance.
\n\n\n\nBut don’t forget to water – it’s an essential part of the seeding process. A newly seeded lawn needs to be watered lightly every day. You don’t want your seeds to dry out, or they won’t germinate.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to overseed between mid-August to mid-September. Be sure to plant at least 45 days before the first frost, and don’t seed past Oct. 15. This will give your seed time to get established after the heat of the summer but before it goes dormant for the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_4353671803_e0e987132b_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: sean hobson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nJust because the calendar hit September doesn’t mean it’s time to store the lawn mower for the season. You want to continue mowing your lawn throughout the fall. It’s best to slowly taper your grass down rather than mowing it short once.
\n\n\n\nAlso, maintain proper grass heights. Cutting grass too short may cause its root system to freeze. On the other hand, letting your grass grow too long can cause it to become matted and diseased. For example, tall fescue should be kept about 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nWhen in doubt, follow the one-third rule: Cut one-third of your grass’s length. You never want to cut more because it can make it susceptible to weeds, pests, and disease.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height |
| Fine fescue | 3 – 4 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 inches |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 inches |
![\"draining](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hose-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SLRadcliffe / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOne last task before you can call it quits for the season is winterizing your sprinkler system. Any water remaining in your pipes over the winter can lead to frozen pipes, broken sprinkler heads, and cracked plastic. So, completely drain all water from your irrigation system. Come springtime, and you’ll be glad you did.
\n\n\n\nSince Maryland is in a transition zone, both cool and warm-season grasses can grow here. But with its hot summers and cold winters, you need to select grass species that can withstand both extremes. Moreover, different regions in the Old Line State have varying soil compositions, such as clay-heavy or sandy soil, which can impact drainage and root growth.
Plus, irregular rain patterns require careful water management to avoid drought stress or excessive moisture. The state’s diverse ecosystem contributes to pest and disease pressure, necessitating proactive lawn maintenance and pest management strategies. Additionally, coastal areas may face higher humidity levels and salt spray challenges.
Yes, absolutely. There are numerous ways to create a low-maintenance landscape, and one of the best ways is to replace all or just a part of your lawn with a grass alternative. Planting grass alternatives will help eliminate the need for regular mowing, cutting down the time needed for landscape maintenance.
Grass alternatives:
● Garden beds or borders
● Groundcovers
● Moss
● Mulches
● No-mow/natural areas
● Ornamental grasses
● Trees
Yes. Knowing your soil’s pH is the best way to know what amendments might be needed to your soil and what kind of fertilizer to use on your lawn.
Test your soil with a DIY kit. You can buy these kits from your local garden center or home improvement store. Or contact your local extension office for professional testing. Test sooner rather than later to prevent problems down the road.
Maryland soil sometimes lacks proper amounts of boron, zinc, and manganese. The results of your soil test will show whether you need to add a few elements to balance your soil’s pH for optimal growth.
Since Maryland is in a transition zone, both cool and warm-season grasses can grow here. But with its hot summers and cold winters, you need to select grass species that can withstand both extremes. Moreover, different regions in the Old Line State have varying soil compositions, such as clay-heavy or sandy soil, which can impact drainage and root growth.
\n\n\n\nPlus, irregular rain patterns require careful water management to avoid drought stress or excessive moisture. The state’s diverse ecosystem contributes to pest and disease pressure, necessitating proactive lawn maintenance and pest management strategies. Additionally, coastal areas may face higher humidity levels and salt spray challenges.
\n\n\n\nYes, absolutely. There are numerous ways to create a low-maintenance landscape, and one of the best ways is to replace all or just a part of your lawn with a grass alternative. Planting grass alternatives will help eliminate the need for regular mowing, cutting down the time needed for landscape maintenance.
\n\n\n\nGrass alternatives:
\n\n\n\nYes. Knowing your soil’s pH is the best way to know what amendments might be needed to your soil and what kind of fertilizer to use on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nTest your soil with a DIY kit. You can buy these kits from your local garden center or home improvement store. Or contact your local extension office for professional testing. Test sooner rather than later to prevent problems down the road.
\n\n\n\nMaryland soil sometimes lacks proper amounts of boron, zinc, and manganese. The results of your soil test will show whether you need to add a few elements to balance your soil’s pH for optimal growth.
\n\n\n\nElevate your yard’s potential by preparing it for the coming winter, ensuring a triumphant return next spring — vibrant, robust, and more breathtaking than ever.
\n\n\n\nWhether you live in Baltimore, Frederick, Ocean City, Annapolis, or any of Maryland’s amazing towns, let us help you find a lawn care pro near you to help transform your lawn into a masterpiece that will leave your neighbors in awe.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: DenisTangneyJr / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n","title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Maryland","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1789c/Untitled-design.jpg","srcSet":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/107df/Untitled-design.jpg 320w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/293e9/Untitled-design.jpg 500w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/f2cbb/Untitled-design.jpg 800w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1789c/Untitled-design.jpg 960w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/c26c2/Untitled-design.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1dd6e/Untitled-design.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/67b76/Untitled-design.webp 320w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/8df11/Untitled-design.webp 500w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/98a65/Untitled-design.webp 800w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/1dd6e/Untitled-design.webp 960w,\n/static/22998ec92b0ae0359d6925d32f9d5f49/3cc96/Untitled-design.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Fall Lawn Care Checklist for Maryland | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Prepare your lawn for the winter chill with this comprehensive fall lawn care checklist for Maryland."}}},{"node":{"id":"cf09f31a-c77d-5f01-ab0d-260ebb7a1881","slug":"best-native-plants-baton-rouge","path":"/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/best-native-plants-baton-rouge/","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":"d1d6935d-c1c2-53e6-93e2-8203b0f7327d","name":"Baton Rouge","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/baton-rouge/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Baton Rouge is a natural wonderland brimming with scenic parks, serene lakes, and bucolic countryside. If you want to replicate that beauty outside your front door, consider incorporating some of the native plants that make Baton Rouge so irresistible in the first place. Read on to discover the best native plants for Baton Rouge and […]
\n","content":"\nBaton Rouge is a natural wonderland brimming with scenic parks, serene lakes, and bucolic countryside. If you want to replicate that beauty outside your front door, consider incorporating some of the native plants that make Baton Rouge so irresistible in the first place.
\n\n\n\nRead on to discover the best native plants for Baton Rouge and the benefits they can provide.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nIf you want a great landscape but don’t want to spend endless days caring for it, natives are the obvious choice. They offer a number of benefits:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hibiscus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Quartl / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nHibiscus may remind you of a tropical vacation, but it’s actually a Louisiana native, and there are many varieties to choose from. This fabulous shrub or tree comes in various colors and can turn any garden into a vibrant butterfly oasis.
\n\n\n\nHibiscus can grow up to 10 feet. If you want to contain it, make sure you prune it in the spring. It grows in medium-to-wet average soil and hot and humid weather. If you want it to thrive, let it get exposed to full sun; just be careful not to let it dry out.
\n\n\n\nSome types of hibiscus, such as the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), are toxic if consumed, so exercise caution with children and pets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nSoil: Average, clay, moist, well-draining
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 7 to 10 feet; Dwarf varieties grow to an average of 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some types, such as Hibiscus syriacus, are toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Louisiana-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe Louisiana phlox, also known as woodland phlox, blue phlox, and wild sweet William, is a delicate wildflower that likes the shade and is commonly found growing between forest trees. It produces petals in a variety of colors that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. You can plant Louisiana phlox under a tree in your yard if you want to add some color to a shady area.
\n\n\n\nRabbits like to munch on the plant’s roots, but this can happen with nearly any plant. You can use repellents to keep them away, although they may not always be effective. If you want to go an extra step to protect your phlox from rabbits, you can use fine-mesh fencing or plant it in a raised flower bed. Additionally, make sure you cut back the plant’s stems after it flowers to protect it from powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nPhlox plants are typically not toxic, but little is known specifically about the effects of the Louisiana phlox. As such, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
Sun: Partial shade to full shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Rich, moist, sandy loam, clay loam, slightly acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 6 to 12 inches
Potential hazards: Lack of data, so be cautious
![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a stunning, delicate wildflower. Its bright yellow petals not only look great, but they also attract butterflies.
\n\n\n\nAlthough you’ll need to wait around a year to see the first flowers, the wait will be well worth it; once black-eyed Susan blooms, its blossoms last for months. Moreover, the plant is low-maintenance and adaptable; it tolerates heat, drought, and cold. It can also thrive in various planting zones.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is toxic to animals, so keep them a safe distance away. There isn’t much data regarding its toxicity to humans, but it can cause allergic reactions and asthma when touched and consumed, so enjoy it with your eyes only. Gloves and suitable clothing are advisable for handling the plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Wildflower
Hardiness zones: 3 to 7
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Average, well-draining, acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taxodium_Distichum_Bald_Cypress_28894599385.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe bald cypress is the official state tree of Louisiana and can live up to 600 years. It’s also known for its unusual habit of growing “knees” from its roots. Their purpose is unknown, but they’re believed to help the tree breathe in swampy areas. Furthermore, the bald cypress is flood-tolerant. It does best in moist, sandy, and slightly acidic soil, although it can also live in average soil. But if the soil is too alkaline, there’s a risk of chlorosis.
\n\n\n\nBeing yellow-green in summer and orange-brown in the fall, this tree adds nice color to your garden. As a bonus, its seeds provide food for animals like birds and squirrels.
\n\n\n\nHowever, there isn’t much known about the bald cypress’s toxicity, and it may be harmful to your pets. As a safety measure, make sure neither you nor your pets consume the plant or its cones.
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil: Average, well-draining
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet; up to 9 feet with flower stalk
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Lack of data regarding toxicity; likely toxic for animals; avoid consuming any part of the plant and keep your animals from consuming it
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hawthorn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Hisgett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHawthorn is a small, charming tree that begins to blossom and bear fruit in the spring. It’s perfect for creating a shady spot in your yard as well as providing food for pollinators and songbirds. It’s also a fantastic option for a low-maintenance lawn. While hawthorn will thrive in well-drained loam and full sun, it can also grow in a range of soils and in both full sun and partial shade.
\n\n\n\nAs the name suggests, hawthorn has sharp thorns that grow along its branches. There is also a thornless variety, called the Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn, which is native to Northern America.
\n\n\n\nThere isn’t enough data about hawthorn toxicity, but it may be harmful to vulnerable people, including children, pregnant and nursing women, and those with medical conditions. It’s also harmful to vulnerable animals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
Hardiness zones: 5 to 9
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Low
Soil: Well-draining, loam, clay
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 25 to 30 feet
Potential hazards: Harmful for some people and animals; speak to a professional before consuming
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Louisiana-Iris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nThe vibrant purple petals of the Louisiana iris used to grow in abundance throughout the state. Sadly, its population has dwindled in recent years because of herbicides, development, and saltwater. But this lovely plant can still make its home in your yard.
\n\n\n\nLouisiana iris naturally grows in swamps and bogs, so it’s perfect for water features. Although you don’t need to keep the plant constantly soaked in water, you also don’t need to worry about overwatering it. You should lay a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to protect your Louisiana iris, because its rhizomes lie close to the soil surface.
\n\n\n\nLouisiana iris is poisonous and should not be eaten, so exercise caution.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
Hardiness zones: 4 to 9
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: High
Soil: Rich, slightly acidic
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 24 to 36 inches
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Gulf-Coast-Yucca.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nGulf Coast yucca is an evergreen shrub with a bunch of beautiful, summer-blooming flowers surrounded by long leaves. It’s happy in various soil types and either full sun or partial shade. Although the Gulf Coast yucca needs to be watered, it should never sit in water.
\n\n\n\nSometimes, yucca plants become infested with yucca plant bugs. These are small, red and black bugs that feed on its juices. Products like neem will make short work of them, though.
\n\n\n\nGulf Coast yucca is toxic, and its leaves are sharp, so be cautious. Wear gloves and suitable clothing to protect yourself when you handle the plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
Hardiness zones: 7 to 11
Sun: Full sun to partial sun
Water needs: Low to moderate
Soil: Average, well-draining
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2 to 3 feet; up to 9 feet with flower stalk
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Crossvine-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCrossvine, also known as the trumpet flower, is an evergreen vine with lovely, yellow-orange blossoms produced in clusters of two to five. It’s also a favorite of the ruby-throated hummingbird.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the plant is tolerant to a variety of soil types, it grows best in soil that’s rich in organic matter. Six hours of daily sunlight can help to ensure that your crossvine will thrive. A little shade is fine, but expect to see fewer flowers. Moreover, crossvine has a tendency to spread too much, so be sure to contain it.
\n\n\n\nTake note that crossvine is a toxic plant, so you’ll need to practice caution.
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial sun
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil: Average, well-draining
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet; up to 9 feet with flower stalk
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"azalea](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pxfuel.com-3-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nAzalea is a vibrant flowering plant that can make a great addition to your Baton Rouge lawn. Its gorgeous blossoms come in a range of colors that last from February to May. They also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThe plant needs regular watering in warm weather, but too much moisture or sun is unsuitable for it. You can improve your soil drainage by topdressing with compost and sand. A filtered canopy from your garden trees can work well to protect your azalea plants.
\n\n\n\nBut be sure to practice caution, because azalea is toxic.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-draining, acidic (4.5-6.0 pH)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\nThis is just a small sample of the plants that are native to Baton Rouge. When you look for the right plants for your landscape, make sure you consider everything from their appearance to their maintenance needs and potential hazards.
\n\n\n\nAs you’ve read above, some plants carry more hazards than others. But take note that just because a plant doesn’t have known hazards doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. If you have pets, you shouldn’t let them consume any of the plants in your yard unless you’re sure they’re pet-safe (or, specifically, dog-safe, if you’re a dog owner). You should consult a medical professional if you’re unsure about the effects of a plant or its fruit.
\n\n\n\nOne more thing to consider is Baton Rouge’s hardiness zone. Baton Rouge has a hardiness zone of 8b and 9a, meaning that its lowest temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the area. We’ve included the hardiness zone of each plant in the descriptions above, so you can check your area’s hardiness zone and make sure it’s a match for the plant you want.
\n\n\n\nYou might see beautiful native plant species in the wild. But if you do, make sure you only appreciate them with your eyes; don’t try to dig them up or take them home with you. Taking native plants directly from the wild can be harmful to ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nInstead, you can find native plants for sale at local nurseries, such as:
\n\n\n\nThere’s a lot that goes into picking the right native plants for your lawn, but it doesn’t end there. You should also learn about the best grass types for Baton Rouge and how to best care for your lawn each season.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to make things easier for yourself, there are various techniques that will take some of the time and effort out of maintaining your yard. Some examples of those are xeriscaping, adding hardscapes, or including potted plants. Does it still sound like a lot of work? Don’t worry. There are many professional lawn care services available that can help you achieve a picturesque yard.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Melissa McMasters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Your Baton Rouge Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/1789c/crossvine.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/107df/crossvine.jpg 320w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/293e9/crossvine.jpg 500w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/f2cbb/crossvine.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/1789c/crossvine.jpg 960w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/c26c2/crossvine.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/1dd6e/crossvine.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/67b76/crossvine.webp 320w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/8df11/crossvine.webp 500w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/98a65/crossvine.webp 800w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/1dd6e/crossvine.webp 960w,\n/static/3ee757efd1cc8b20e7bc5435d1e57426/3cc96/crossvine.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Your Baton Rouge Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you want a stunning yard but don’t know where to start, consider using native plants that look great and thrive in Baton Rouge’s unique climate"}}},{"node":{"id":"64429b1f-2f8a-53b3-a1e0-32ebab2dd29c","slug":"lawn-watering-restrictions-minneapolis-st-paul-area","path":"/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/lawn-watering-restrictions-minneapolis-st-paul-area/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9badf8d4-14ba-5471-aa78-425360d9330e","name":"Minneapolis","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/minneapolis/"},{"id":"559d4c6e-5b85-5b4a-86c3-1f1a5351df4b","name":"Minnesota","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/mn/"}],"date":"June 28th, 2019","excerpt":"The amount of lawn watering restrictions you face in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs depends on where you live. While Minneapolis and St. Paul don’t have any restrictions at the moment, many suburbs in the metro do. The city of South St. Paul established a “heat-of-the-day” sprinkling ban on Jan. 1, 2011. It prohibits […]
\n","content":"\nThe amount of lawn watering restrictions you face in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs depends on where you live. While Minneapolis and St. Paul don’t have any restrictions at the moment, many suburbs in the metro do.
\n\n\n\nThe city of South St. Paul established a “heat-of-the-day” sprinkling ban on Jan. 1, 2011. It prohibits lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. This ban exists because of a state requirement for cities to enact a water supply plan. For the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to approve the plan, cities have to adopt several conservation methods. You’ll find similar restrictions in other metro area municipalities.
\n\n\n\nThe suburb of Blaine has the same daytime sprinkling ban in effect from May 15 to Sept. 15. Blaine’s lawn watering restrictions go one step further. People with addresses ending in an odd number can only water on odd-numbered days. Those with addresses ending in an even number only get to water on even-numbered days. This restriction is in place year-round.
\n\n\n\nSo how can Minneapolis and St. Paul get away with no lawn watering restrictions? It’s because most of their water comes from the Mississippi River. The suburbs get their water from underground aquifers which could run dry. According to the Water Treatment and Distribution Services (WTDS), Minneapolis pumps 21 billion gallons of water from the river each year. To make it drinkable, WTDS filters soften and disinfect the water. Fun fact: Minneapolis has more than 1,000 miles of underground water mains. That’s enough to stretch from Minneapolis to Denver.
\n\n\n\nSt. Paul Regional Water Services provides 40 million gallons of water to more than 425,000 customers a day. The city uses similar procedures as Minneapolis to make the water safe for drinking.
\n\n\n\nBoth Minneapolis and St. Paul ask customers to conserve water, even though lawn watering restrictions aren’t in place. Both cities recommend that you water lawns in the morning or evening and not at all when it’s windy. Only water your lawn when it needs it instead of using a fixed schedule and adjust your sprinklers to avoid the sidewalks. Finally, aerate your lawn to allow more water to soak in, and let the grass grow taller during the hottest months.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to check with your city or county government for any lawn watering restrictions in your neighborhood. Penalties vary for violating the restrictions in suburban areas. If you live in the Twin Cities proper, join your suburban neighbors by watering smart this summer.
\n\n\n\nHave more questions about pest control and prevention in your lawn? Visit our Minneapolis lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
For a cold-weather city like Flint, cool-season grasses are ideal. However, not all grass varieties can tolerate the region’s chilly weather. Here are the best grasses for seeding and growing lawns in Flint. In this article: 4 Great Grasses for Flint In Michigan, where each season is distinct and vibrant and winters are frosty, cool-season […]
\n","content":"\nFor a cold-weather city like Flint, cool-season grasses are ideal. However, not all grass varieties can tolerate the region’s chilly weather. Here are the best grasses for seeding and growing lawns in Flint.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn Michigan, where each season is distinct and vibrant and winters are frosty, cool-season grasses thrive. They actively grow in early spring and fall and stay green late into the fall before going dormant.
\n\n\n\nHere is a closer look at each.
\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 is a top choice for Michigan homes because it tolerates cold and thrives in well-drained soils. In addition, its fast-growing, sod-forming properties allow for quick recovery of bare spots. It’s most easily recognized by its boat-shaped leaf tip and narrow grass blades. Its fine texture is highlighted by a lush emerald blue-green hue that makes it both visually appealing and comfortable under bare feet.
\n\n\n\nTo look its best and last as long as possible, this grass needs a fair amount of maintenance. Kentucky bluegrass needs regular fertilization per season and a lot of water during hot, dry spells to produce high-quality, weed-free turf grass.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fine-leaf-Fescue.jpg\")
Fine-leaf Fescue
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Fine fescue is another grass that performs well in cool or cold climates like Flint and maintains its fresh appearance year-round. In terms of drought and shade tolerance (partial or complete), this grass outperforms Kentucky bluegrass. Thanks to its deep roots, the finely textured, dark green blades germinate amazingly fast, even in poor or challenging soils.
\n\n\n\nThe only thing to worry about with fine fescue is the amount of water. Excessive fertilizer and water use will eventually harm this hardy grass species and cause thinning.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Tall fescue is an improved version of fine-textured fescue with a good covering time, excellent turf quality, minimal maintenance requirements, and higher tolerance to heat and drought. Its excellent performance on sandy and dry soils makes it ideal for dry regions in Michigan’s warmer climate.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners with pets, lots of kids, or who have had insect problems in the past may want to try tall fescue. The downside is that its rapid growth requires more frequent lawn mowing.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is renowned for growing extremely fast. Given the right conditions, it can begin growing in as little as five days. It’s hardy and drought-resistant, similar to fescue. Because of its rapid growth, perennial ryegrass acts as temporary shade for bluegrass to establish itself, as well as for varieties that cannot tolerate direct sunlight.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass grows in clumps and cannot spread because it has no rhizomes or stolons. This makes it less tolerant of heavy use.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nPlant between August and October for best results. If you miss that, try mid to late spring, but no later than mid-June.
Kentucky bluegrass. Its high cold hardiness makes it the most commonly grown grass in Michigan.
Tall fescue is tough enough to withstand Michigan’s cold winters, as well as heat and drought. Its deep, hard roots help it survive harsh conditions, even when heavily walked on.
It depends on the grass species and climate. On average, grass seed in Michigan takes 7 to 14 days to germinate.
As you can see, the best grass seed for a lawn in Michigan depends on where you live and the time of year. It’s, therefore, important to know the grass species to plant and maintain the lawn in the right place.
\n\n\n\nEstablishing and maintaining a great lawn is tough. If you need a little help, reach out to our lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Peakpx
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Flint, MI","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/1789c/Green-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/107df/Green-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/293e9/Green-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/f2cbb/Green-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/1789c/Green-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/c26c2/Green-grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/1dd6e/Green-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/67b76/Green-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/8df11/Green-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/98a65/Green-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/1dd6e/Green-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/329c281cc42c7fc822a7b5cdeb0d880b/3cc96/Green-grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Flint, MI | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Here are our four top picks for the best cool-season grasses for Flint homeowners."}}},{"node":{"id":"dca03c19-33c7-5ac8-8b1e-c876b1ebcd1e","slug":"spring-lawn-care-tips-cleveland","path":"/lawn-care/spring-lawn-care-tips-cleveland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7ba0d0fa-46fc-5a18-a83f-513673ed896c","name":"Cleveland","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cleveland/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"March 31st, 2023","excerpt":"Spring doesn’t always feel like spring in Cleveland, where temperatures can vary wildly and you might have to deal with the fluffy white stuff as late as April. But if you want a great lawn this summer and deep into the fall, this is the time to put the work in. Here are our 13 […]
\n","content":"\nSpring doesn’t always feel like spring in Cleveland, where temperatures can vary wildly and you might have to deal with the fluffy white stuff as late as April.
\n\n\n\nBut if you want a great lawn this summer and deep into the fall, this is the time to put the work in. Here are our 13 tips to turn your Cleveland lawn into a mini heaven.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nRake debris, remove dead plants, and clear fallen branches to help your lawn breathe more effectively. Removing debris also removes the barriers that block your grass from getting the nutrients it needs. Raking can split your grass blades, promoting straight grass growth.
\n\n\n\nAnd let’s face it, a yard without debris looks better any day. It also gives you a blank canvas for mowing, fertilizing, and performing other lawn activities.
\n\n\n\nNote: It’s nearly impossible to avoid thatch altogether as it keeps building up. Thatch less than an inch in thickness isn’t an issue and can actually be beneficial to your lawn as it provides nutrients for grass growth, protects the grass from damage, and helps preserve moisture in the soil.
\n\n\n\nIf there’s too much thatch on your lawn and raking doesn’t seem to help, dethatching is the solution.
\n\n\n\nAlright, but what’s thatch? Thatch is the grass clippings and leaves that accumulate in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned above, thatch less an inch in thickness can be good for your lawn. But anything more than that can be too much because excessive thatch can attract pests, cause diseases, and deprive your grass of nutrients.
\n\n\n\nDethatching your lawn is necessary before aerating it. But even if your yard doesn’t need aerating, we recommend you dethatch it at least once a year.
\n\n\n\nWhat’s the best time to dethatch lawns
\n\n\n\nYou should dethatch your lawn when the grass is actively growing. The best time to dethatch cool-season grass is from late summer to early fall. If you have warm-season grass, you can dethatch it between late spring and early summer.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners in Cleveland struggle with diseased lawns. Fungus loves Cleveland’s humid climate, which is why the city ranks No. 3 among the worst U.S. cities for weeds and lawn diseases.
\n\n\n\nThe beginning of spring is the best time for fungi to attack your lawn, so, take these precautionary steps to eliminate fungi at their source.
\n\n\n\nHere are the common Cleveland lawn diseases you should be aware of.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for
\n\n\n\nPythium blight appears as small circular patches about a foot in diameter. The infected grasses show up as cottony white material. They appear clearly when the grass is wet.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat pythium blight
\n\n\n\nDethatch your lawn, then treat it with a fungicide that includes mefenoxam or propamocarb.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for
\n\n\n\nBrown patch appears as circular brownish-yellow patches between a few inches and several feet in diameter. Tall fescue grasses are more susceptible to brown patch than other grasses.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch
\n\n\n\nYou can use a fungicide that includes PCNB, propiconazole, triadimefon, myclobutanil, or thiophanate-methyl as one of its active ingredients.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for
\n\n\n\nRed thread appears as pinkish-red patches that can be anywhere between two inches and two feet in diameter. They won’t usually kill your grass but can increase the susceptibility of your lawn to other diseases.
\n\n\n\nHow to treat red thread
\n\n\n\nApply nitrogen fertilizer, water the grass, and mow your lawn. You may also apply fungicides, but they won’t be effective if you don’t maintain your yard correctly, as the disease will most likely return.
\n\n\n\nWell, you have treated lawn diseases and removed debris from your lawn. That’s great! But, if your grass still looks thin and has unattractive patches, you may have to overseed your yard.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding is the process of spreading grass seeds over your existing lawn to improve grass density and fill in the patches. You should overseed your yard after aerating or dethatching it as it increases the access to soil.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners in Cleveland prefer cool-season grasses because of the climate, and early fall is the best time to plant cool-season grass seeds.
\n\n\n\nWhen you plant grass seeds in early fall, they get about three months to grow before winter starts. When spring kicks in, the soil temperature increases, thus accelerating the growth of grass. Before summer, the grass will have strongly established its roots to handle the stress.
\n\n\n\nLast but not least, ensure the newly planted grass seeds get sufficient water and fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: If only a few bare patches are in your yard, it may be because of a pest. So, before you overseed, ensure that a lawn pest isn’t causing the issue.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Test-your-Soil.jpg\")
You should test your soil to know whether it contains the essential nutrients for your grass. You may test the soil yourself using a DIY kit or send it to the local soil testing laboratories.
\n\n\n\nMany Cleveland homeowners tend to test their soil before fertilizing their lawns. It’s a good practice to test your soil at least once a year.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the soil test result, add amendments such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, or phosphorus to your soil. Also, if you plan to fertilize, wait for at least four to five weeks so the fertilizer and amendments won’t negatively interact with each other.
\n\n\n\nFertilize your lawn as your grass turns green and starts growing. This is typically in early spring (between March and April). You should avoid fertilizing too early, especially if you have cool-season grass, as it can promote rapid growth, which is bad for your yard.
\n\n\n\nYour soil test will tell you what kind of slow-release fertilizer to purchase. Generally, most fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in different percentages, as they are essential nutrients for plant growth.
\n\n\n\nFast-release fertilizers can make your grass grow quicker, but they can damage it. Sometimes, they can even burn it. Also, don’t spread fertilizers by hand. Instead, use a spreader to apply them evenly.
\n\n\n\nThe general recommendation is to fertilize your yard four times a year with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Here’s how to calculate how many pounds of fertilizer your lawn needs.
\n\n\n\nThis formula may sound complex, but it’s easy when you apply it practically. Make sure not to overfertilize your lawn, as it can damage the grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Equipment.jpg\")
Winter has come to an end. Spring has begun. Now it’s time to get your lawn mower and other equipment ready to bring your yard back into shape.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a checklist to bring your lawn mower back to form.
\n\n\n\nFollow these steps to sharpen your lawn mower blade.
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to check if your hedge trimmer blades are sharp enough and weed eater has enough line.
\n\n\n\nTurn on your lawn mower and start mowing your lawn as soon as you notice your grass has hit 2 inches of height.
\n\n\n\nThe mowing height depends on your grass type. Here’s the recommended mowing height for common grasses in Cleveland.
\n\n\n\n| Grass type | Recommended height |
| Fine fescue | 2 ½ – 3 ½ inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 ½ – 3 ½ inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 1 ½ – 2 ½ inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 ½ – 3 inches |
Follow these tips for a perfect mow.
\n\n\n\nToo much or too little water can both harm your lawn. Overwatering can make your yard susceptible to pests and disease. It can also cause shallow root growth and excessive thatch buildup.
\n\n\n\nUnderwatering will cause your lawn to lose its color. If your grass is turning gray and footprints linger because the grass doesn’t bounce back quickly, you should water.
\n\n\n\nCleveland lawns generally require about two inches of water each week. However, the exact amount depends on the type of grass. Don’t forget to consider the rainfall for that week when watering.
\n\n\n\nFor the best efficiency, water your lawn in the morning before 9 a.m. If you water your yard at night, the extra water will remain in the soil, making your grass more susceptible to disease.
\n\n\n\nWe recommend you set up an automated irrigation system to make sure your lawn gets the right amount of water at the correct time.
\n\n\n\nSpring is the season when weeds start growing. It’s essential that you get rid of them to keep your lawn in good shape.
\n\n\n\nRemember the good old days when you have to pull the weeds with your hands? It’s a fun experience, but it can be a pain when there are too many weeds. Now, you don’t have to worry about removing the weeds yourself, thanks to pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\nApply a pre-emergent herbicide to kill the weeds before they germinate. Early spring (around April) is the best time to apply pre-emergents to your Cleveland lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to overseed your lawn after applying pre-emergents, wait for at least four months, as they prevent seeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nIf you have already started to notice weeds on your lawn, it may be too late to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. In this case, go for post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pests-in-Lawn-1.jpg\")
Prevention is better than cure. You can keep pests away from your lawn by correctly watering the grass, fertilizing, and dethatching.
\n\n\n\nBut! It’s practically impossible to avoid pests altogether. These pesky pests will somehow make their way into your yard. Spring is usually the time when lawn pests reproduce. Eliminate them before they get time to lay and fertilize their eggs.
\n\n\n\nHere are the pests common to Cleveland lawns.
\n\n\n\nSome of these pests only damage your lawn. But some can attack humans too. So, if you spot these pesky creatures in your yard, take immediate action.
\n\n\n\nUse pesticides that target the specific pest in your yard. Avoid catch-all pesticides as they are less effective and can harm beneficial insects and plants.
\n\n\n\nIt’s usually better to seek the help of a professional to get rid of pests, as some can be very aggressive and harmful to humans.
\n\n\n\nAeration is the process of perforating your soil with holes to allow air, water, and other nutrients to reach the roots easily. Generally, we recommend you aerate your lawn once a year.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to aerate the grass is when it grows. As most homeowners in Cleveland have cool-season grass, early spring can be the best time to aerate your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: Aerate your lawn a day after you water your grass. It’s easier to aerate when the soil is moist.
\n\n\n\nA lawn without clean gutters isn’t perfect. So, don’t neglect cleaning your gutters. Here’s why:
\n\n\n\nSpring is the time of the year when your lawn needs your care again. Get your yard back to shape to enjoy the weekends with your family in your home.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re on a busy work schedule and don’t want to spend your weekends doing lawn chores, don’t worry. Wikilawn Cleveland lawn care experts can help you with everything needed to make your lawn lush and beautiful.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pxfuel
\n","title":"13 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Cleveland, OH","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5056461731493098,"src":"/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/1789c/Lawn-Care.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/107df/Lawn-Care.jpg 320w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/293e9/Lawn-Care.jpg 500w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/f2cbb/Lawn-Care.jpg 800w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/1789c/Lawn-Care.jpg 960w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/c26c2/Lawn-Care.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/1dd6e/Lawn-Care.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/67b76/Lawn-Care.webp 320w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/8df11/Lawn-Care.webp 500w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/98a65/Lawn-Care.webp 800w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/1dd6e/Lawn-Care.webp 960w,\n/static/bada0a601e8603d898d206aa66f90f05/3cc96/Lawn-Care.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"13 Spring Lawn Care Tips for Cleveland, OH | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When spring starts, your lawn needs your help again. Follow these tips to make your yard the place you desire the most."}}}],"postCity":{"node":{"name":"Milwaukee","slug":"milwaukee","state":{"name":"Wisconsin","slug":"wi"},"suburbs":[{"name":"Pewaukee","slug":"pewaukee"},{"name":"Menomonee Falls","slug":"menomonee-falls"},{"name":"West Bend","slug":"west-bend"},{"name":"Franklin","slug":"franklin"},{"name":"Oak Creek","slug":"oak-creek"},{"name":"Waukesha","slug":"waukesha"},{"name":"Oconomowoc","slug":"oconomowoc"},{"name":"Brookfield","slug":"brookfield"},{"name":"New Berlin","slug":"new-berlin"},{"name":"Mequon","slug":"mequon"},{"name":"Cedarburg","slug":"cedarburg"}],"parentCity":null}}}}}![\"Bown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Diseases.jpg\")