BLOG
Earth-Friendly Pesticides
In our previous blog post, we looked at plants that act as natural repellents to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes aren’t the only pests you need to worry about, though. Many insects (including whiteflies, aphids, grasshoppers, and beetles, just to name a few) are potential threats to your home’s lawn and garden.
Taking care of these pests can be tricky business. Your local home and garden store may offer an overwhelming amount of pesticides to choose from. Sorting them by effectiveness alone can be difficult. It’s even more difficult—and even more important—to select a pesticide that is safe. Harsh chemicals can harm your health, the health of children and pets and other beneficial insects. First, let’s look at the potential dangers of these chemicals in lawn care products. Then, we’ll look at some safe and Earth-friendly pesticide alternatives.
Recent Trouble with Roundup®
While our focus here is pesticides, the popular herbicide Roundup has been making headlines recently, and it serves as a cautionary tale against the widespread use of lawn care products that contain harmful chemicals.
What makes Roundup potentially dangerous is the chemical glyphosate, which takes the majority of the chemical makeup for the Roundup product line. Glyphosate was developed by the company Monsanto in 1970, and it is now used commonly throughout the U.S. and around the world. The chemical is most often found in herbicides, but glyphosate acid and glyphosate salt compounds can also be found in pesticides. While Monsanto and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claim that glyphosate—and thereby Roundup—is safe for human use when following the label directions, there are others who disagree.
Edwin Hardeman, a 70-year-old resident of California, is one of thousands of people across the country who claim that Roundup dangers include cancer. Hardeman used Roundup on his 56-acre property for about 30 years and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma just three years after ending his use of the product. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” The country of France additionally banned one version of Roundup in January 2019 due to health concerns.
Think that concerns over glyphosate don’t affect you if you don’t use Roundup? Think again. In an effort to track the prevalence and spread of glyphosate in the environment, the U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) tested and found trace amounts of glyphosate in 19 out of 20 brands of beer and wine whose companies don’t even use glyphosate products. While the glyphosate amounts found in the alcoholic brands are far below being dangerous, the presence of the chemical alone is concerning.
If you or someone you know has experienced health problems that you believe may be related to the use of Roundup, Consumer Alert Services is offering a free Roundup lawsuit evaluation.
Safer Pesticide Alternatives
Whether glyphosate and other herbicide/pesticide chemicals definitively cause cancer or not, you can’t go wrong with natural alternatives for your lawn and garden. Safe and natural pesticides will help you, your family and your pets avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Natural products are just one step to pet-friendly landscaping. Using Earth-friendly pesticides when combined with the right plants can also attract beneficial pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.
All-natural and homemade products are very simple to make and easy to use as pesticides. TreeHugger shares instructions for making and applying eight of these home insecticide remedies.
We’ve also listed them briefly for you as follows:
- Oil spray made from vegetable oil, mild liquid soap, and water
- Soap spray made from mild liquid soap and water
- Neem oil spray made from neem oil, mild liquid soap and water
- Garlic spray made from two garlic bulbs, mild liquid soap, water and (optionally) vegetable oil
- Chile pepper spray made from fresh hot peppers or chile pepper powder, mild liquid soap and water
- All-in-one homemade spray made from a combination of garlic, onion, cayenne pepper powder, liquid soap and water
- Tomato leaf spray made from chopped fresh tomato leaves steeped in water, then straining out the plant material
- Diatomaceous earth
Scientists are also researching the potential power of the fungus Beauveria bassiana as a revolutionary and environmentally friendly pesticide.
Ready to take care of your lawn but not sure where to start on your own? Daniel’s Lawn Service & Pressure Washing provides experienced lawn and landscaping services to make sure the job’s done safe right.
Schedule an appointment and learn more about our services today!
Repellent Plants to Keep the Pests Away
As spring approaches and the weather warms back up, Central Floridians look forward to spending more time outdoors. However, with the springtime rainfall comes a rise in the mosquito population. Learn how to modify your landscape to prevent these pesky insects, with natural and beneficial alternatives to harsh chemicals.
Mosquito Season in Florida
Just as people flock to Florida for its year-round temperate weather, there is a pest that enjoys the warmth and mild moisture as much as we do. Mosquitos are present throughout the year, but they thrive during the spring and summer. Mosquitos rely and two main factors present in our ecosystem: temperatures consistently above 50 degrees, and a significant rainfall.
In the state of Florida, there are around 80 species of mosquitoes. Of these, 33 species are known to be a nuisance to humans and pets. Worse, 13 species can carry more serious, even fatal diseases, such as Zika or West Nile. Two of the most common mosquito species in Florida are the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the gallinipper (Psorophora ciliata). While both have the potential to carry a number of dangerous viruses or diseases, they can be deterred with insect repellents.
Mosquito Repellent Plants for Your Yard
It is common knowledge that many pest repellents present significant risks to our health, and the health of our pets. To avoid contact with chemicals altogether, there are several plants that can naturally repel vexing mosquitoes.
Utilizing these natural plants will also add to your landscape by making it more lush and fragrant.
1- Marigolds - A beautiful and vibrant orange flower, marigolds have a very distinct smell. They can be purchased as seeds, or a starter plant. They perform well around entry points such as doors or windows, as well as around patios and other areas for outdoor entertaining.
2- Citronella - You have likely heard of this plant in the context of the popular mosquito deterrent candle we all know and love. This perennial grass grows in tall clumps up to six feet tall, and has a strong scent. It performs best in large pots with adequate drainage and sunlight.
3- Catnip - We hope you enjoy some feline company! Catnip is an easy-to-grow herb that your cats will love and mosquitos will hate. You can even crush the leaves to release an added boost of the repellent scent.
4- Lavender - A scent you most likely enjoy in candles and soaps, lavender has a relaxing aroma. It can be placed in a variety of areas, from entryways to entertainment areas. The bright purple bloom is an appealing addition to most gardens.
5- Basil - While this plant repels mosquitoes, you can also enjoy it on a delicious pizza or pasta dish. It is one of the few plants you do not have to crush to enjoy the benefits of, so it can sit happily on your windowsill.
6- Lemon balm - Lemon balm is a vibrant leafy plant that attracts pollinators, and wards off pests. It is however fast-growing, so it should be contained in a pot rather than planted in an open garden.
To avoid attracting insect pests, particularly mosquitoes, be sure to turn unused plant pots upside down. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as well as other unwanted bugs. When you are outside, wear adequate clothing and use your choice of mosquito repellent. Any extra measures you take will decrease the likelihood that you are bitten.
Enjoying your yard should not be a territory battle! At Daniels Lawn Service & Pressure Washing, we can help design a landscape with plants that are ideal for repelling mosquitoes. And, with regular maintenance, the space will always be prepared for you to enjoy with friends and family. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to schedule an appointment!
How to Maintain Pet-Friendly Landscaping for 2019
For many, having a pet is like having a child. As with children, you are keen on providing a healthy environment for them to live, explore, play and relax. For pets, this means their very own yard. Keep reading to learn how you can create a pet-friendly yard that is not only safe, but comfortable and inviting.
Use Pet-friendly Chemicals
The maintenance of your yard means using a variety of chemical treatments, often throughout the entire year. No matter who is performing these tasks and the application, it is key that you reiterate that your yard is used by pets. If you are doing your own yard work, be diligent about reading the ingredients and instructions in yard care chemicals.
Some chemicals may restrict animals from being in the area until it is dry, or for a specific period of time. However, many are unsafe for animals altogether, and may need to be replaced with organic alternatives. If for any reason you fear your pet has been exposed to hazardous chemicals, seek out a veterinarian immediately.
Pet-safe Plants
Whether you are inviting a new pet into your home, or renovating the landscaping, it is important to consider your pet’s safety while in this outdoor area. We tend to look at the beauty and function of plants, and forget that many are less than healthy for unsuspecting animals.
Speak to your landscaper about what plants to avoid, and which they would recommend. If your yard is a DIY project, do the research yourself online.
Starting with grass, select a variety that can withstand the frequent activity of your pet. To protect your flowers or garden, place them in a raised flower bed or behind decorative stones. Plants frequently found in Central Florida yards and gardens that you should avoid include angel’s trumpet, azalea and oleander. For a complete list, read the Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. This list covers the entire United States, not just Central Florida.
Provide a Digging Area for Your Dogs
Old and young, dogs love to play, and will benefit from having an open area at home to indulge their instinct. While a spacious yard provides ample space to run, give them a place to cool down with a digging area. Choose an area away from patios or any other frequently used areas, as well as plants you want to keep. Block out a small space and border it with stones ‒ or create a temporary area with a kiddie pool. Inside, line the bottom with newspapers, and lay down a decent amount of soil or sand. The depth can vary based on the breed of your pet, and its energy level. 
Top off the area with leaves or mulch, but be cautious of the type of mulch. Some varieties, such as cocoa bean mulch, are toxic and can be fatal to dogs. To encourage your dog to dig or play in the space, have it watch you bury toys or treats to uncover. Repeat this often, and you are likely to create an incentive for your dog or dogs to be active. Be sure to cover it overnight to prevent cats from using the area.
Provide Fencing for a Boundary
While your pets need room to explore and play, they also need boundaries. A fence will create a limited, safe place for your pets to roam and get out any pent-up energy. Afraid it will be an eyesore? Unless your pet happens to be an escape artist, you do not have to have an eight-foot fence. You may choose to go with wood or iron at a height of about four feet, or even a beautiful white farm fence. Line it with pet-friendly plants and flowers to soften the appearance of the area. You can even include water features for pets to drink from, or an arbor under which everyone can enjoy some shade.
When you call Daniel’s Lawn Care and Pressure Washing, trust that we can create an environment comfortable and safe for you and your pets. With proper landscaping and maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful yard year ‘round. Contact us today to learn about our services or schedule an appointment.
Winter Landscaping Tips for Florida
Although Florida can still reach a warm 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, there are several ways you can keep your lawn or garden interesting and healthy. Read the following tips to learn how you can improve the appearance of your yard, even in the wintertime.
How to Protect Winter Plants
While Florida may not be graced with snowfall, temperatures can dip as low as 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. For many plants, this is low enough to do serious damage. Make sure that prior to the winter season, you have properly pruned any overgrown trees or plants. This will prevent breakage during potentially windy conditions or heavy rainfall.
You should apply a coarse mulch to keep roots warm, and reduce water needs. It will also prevent weeds from growing, reduce soil erosion, and act as insulation. It should be around 3- to 4-inches deep, but no more. You can rake it on occasion, to be sure the mulch does not accumulate following inclimate weather. If there isn’t an adequate amount of rainfall, continue watering on a regular basis.
If you know that low temperatures are likely, take caution by covering tender plants with old cloths, such as bed sheets or burlap. Never use plastic, as it will cause condensation on plant leaves, which can lead to burnt leaves from direct sunlight. Perform these steps with diligence, as there is less daylight in the winter. Otherwise, you may find yourself rushing to complete them in the dark.
The Best Plants for Winter in Florida
If you are planning on renovating your landscape for the season, or just adding a few plants, look for plants that are cold-tolerant. Some flowers and plants will grow in Florida year-round, while others may only be suitable for a short period of time.
Here is a Florida winter flower and plant guide to help you get started:
Flowers:
• Pansies
• Snapdragons
• Petunias
• Amaryllis
Vegetables
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Potato varieties
Brighten Up Your Landscaping
One easy way to add to your landscape – without overcrowding plants – is with hardscaping. This can consist of a trellis, arbor, walkway or wall. Any similar types of landscape architecture will contrast with the vegetation by addings new textures and colors. Neutral tones in particular contrast nicely with greenery. Structures such as benches or patios will add an extra entertainment element, perfect for bonfires on cool Florida nights.
With so many holidays to celebrate during the winter season, one way to light up a landscape is with decorations. String lights can be added to arbors, walkway handrails or even trees. If lights are not your taste, there are a variety of yard decorations to suit any style. You can also place embellishments in or around summer and spring plant containers. If you do use outdoor lighting, be sure to appropriately warn your lawn service, or mark power cords for visibility.
Does your landscaping need a little TLC for the winter? Call Daniel’s Lawn Service and Pressure Washing. We can get your lawn back in shape and looking lush for the winter months. Licensed and insured, we specialize in land clearing, landscaping design, lawn maintenance and much more. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Overseeding ‒ When and Why You Should Do It
As with any living plant, grass requires continuous care to maintain its appearance and health. Although being quite resilient, grass can die for a number of reasons, even age. Overseeding can combat this issue, as it slowly replaces outdated grass seeds with new ones. Learn why and when you should overseed your Central Florida yard to enjoy a bright and lush lawn for years to come.
What is Overseeding?
Overseeding is a method used to improve existing turf, without removing it or the soil. It is used to treat bare spots, enhance the density of the turf and boost its color. How can you tell if your lawn is a good candidate? If it appears ‘worn out,’ requires copious water and fertilizer to survive or has become susceptible to weeds and insects, it will likely benefit.
Although overseeding is extremely effective, you should first thoroughly inspect and address any other issues plaguing your lawn. Otherwise, you risk undoing all of the work you put into overseeding. If not corrected, a lawn can still deteriorate for any of the following reasons:
- Improper drainage or compact soil
- Lack of water or fertilizer
- Lack of breathability
- Poor sunlight
- Insect or weed infestation
- Improper maintenance
The Benefits of Overseeding
Overseeding primarily benefits your lawn by introducing new varieties of grass. Older lawns typically contain grass that was common at the time of seeding, and are of lesser quality that those available today. This means they often require more upkeep, and are prone to disease and insects, versus newer varieties of seed. By introducing new seed, you are also less likely to notice patches, when the old seed eventually dies. It will even have less trouble competing with weeds and other environmental factors. Overall, you can expect an easier to maintain lawn.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Overseed the Lawn
Once you have determined that your lawn will benefit from overseeding, when should you do it? The best time of year is during the fall, when weather is ideal for germination. The cool nights and short days allow the seeds ample time to retain moisture for optimal growth. In the summer, the extreme heat would scorch them, compromising a large portion of seeds. While many would assume that spring is the perfect time, other types of lawn care activities common during the season – such as herbicide application – are not conducive to overseeding.
When you do overseed, it should be completed following lawn aeration. Aeration is necessary, as it puts seeds in direct contact with soil. Be sure to use quality seeds that are appropriate for your climate, and drought-resistant. After sprinkling the seeds, you should water the lawn and apply a fall fertilizer. This will assure that they are washed into the soil, and any plugs from aeration are broken up. Make overseeding a part of your autumn lawn care, and plan to see new sprouts within a few weeks ‒ depending on the weather.
If you have trouble discerning problems with you lawn, and think overseeding could be a solution, call Daniel’s Lawn Service & Pressure Washing. Our team of experts can determine the problem, and help you achieve a lush and healthy lawn again. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Hurricane Season is Here! Is Your Yard Ready?
Welcome to another hurricane season in Florida! With the official season running June 1 through November 30, we have so far – at the time of this posting – been spared a direct hit by a named storm. But considering our 2017 encounter with Hurricane Irma, and the increasing frequency of hurricanes with Hurricane Michael this weekend reaching inland, becoming complacent can be risky. So while you’re stocking up on batteries, flashlights and bottled water, make sure your yard is ready by performing preemptive maintenance.
Experienced Florida homeowners know that there are two levels of hurricane preparation for yards: long-term and last-minute. The former requires strategy and labor, being performed (ideally) before the beginning of the season, while the latter is typically performed when a hurricane is eminent. Tending to both can help prevent damage to your trees, landscape plants and – most importantly – home.
Long-term hurricane preparations
Because hurricanes are most active in September, you still have time for heavy-duty prep to ensure a dead tree branch won’t crash through your sliding glass doors. Or even worse, an unhealthy old tree won’t crash through your roof. Also consider that it’s common for utility lines to be downed by falling branches/trees, causing loss of power and/or cable service that could last days or weeks.
The Home Depot’s Garden Center offers step-by-step instructions, including:
• Prune weak, rotting or dead tree branches and remove low-hanging ones near the house.
• Check tree roots for signs of rotting and remove any rotten or diseased trees or shrubs.
• Keep the tree canopy maintained and thinned to increase air circulation.
• Call a professional arborist to periodically maintain trees, or remove as necessary. University of Florida’s International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA) recommends hiring a certified arborist to prune trees larger than 15 feet tall of dead branches that can fall on houses, cars and people. Overly long branches should be shortened and branches with cracks removed or shortened.
According to UF/IFSA, a tree that’s more vulnerable during a hurricane is one with a high center of gravity, a dense canopy, a decayed trunk, two or more trunks, or shallow roots. Shallow roots result from shallow soil or a high water table.
In order to be really proactive, landscape with hurricane-tolerant trees and shrubs. The Home Depot notes that some species are more resistant to high winds and water-saturated soil than others. UF/IFSA lists the prevalent sand live oak as top tree for hurricane resiliency. Other good choices include the Southern magnolia, live oak, crape myrtle, bald cypress and sabal palm, as they are less likely to lose limbs or blow over during hurricanes.
Short-term hurricane preparations
Don’t leave loose or lightweight objects in your yard, as they can become projectiles and damage your property. Move potted plants, garden ornaments, tools and hanging baskets inside a garage or shed. Move containers too large to bring indoors to a protected area and cluster together, as well as large potted trees and plants; place trees/plants in the pot sideways.
The Home Depot also advises the following:
- Stake trees by driving 2x4s deep into the ground and strapping them around the first few feet of trunk. Keep ties loose so trunks can move with the wind.
- Tie down vines and climbers with rope or twine.
- Clean roof gutters of leaves, twigs and other debris.
Swimming pool preparations
If a hurricane is approaching, do not drain the pool. If you empty the pool, it can pop out of the ground due to the excessive groundwater pressure caused by heavy rains.
- Turn off the main circuit breakers at the electrical panel so there is no power supply.
- Remove loose or lightweight objects around the pool.
- Cover electric heaters, time clock, pump motor and light transformers with a thick waterproof plastic to protect against heavy rains and flooding.
- Do not cover the pool.
Post-hurricane clean-up and restoration
Wait until well after the hurricane, when you have received official word that it’s safe to go outside. Make sure there are no downed power lines or other dangerous conditions on your property. Remove downed or heavily damaged limbs and trees. It may be necessary to call a professional service. Our blog posts, “Emergency Tree Removal: Cleaning Up After the Storm,” and “Why Tree Removal Should Only be Left to Professionals,” provides advice on these important matters.
Other steps include:
- Pull wind-toppled trees and shrubs upright in their holes and cover the roots with soil. Do this as soon as possible so the roots don’t dry out. You may be able to save partially uprooted plants even after some days or weeks.
- If the soil is saturated, remove mulch from plants to help water evaporate. Unless it’s a hazard, wait a few months to replace a plant that appears dead. It may grow new leaves.
For expert, experienced yard maintenance pre- or post-hurricane, Daniel’s Lawn Service & Pressure Washing Inc. is ready to get your yard in shape. Contact us to get through another Florida hurricane season as safely and trouble-free as possible.
Why You Should Aerate Your Lawn
As you prepare your lawn for the fall, and all of the fun activities that will take place on it, you may decide it is in need of a spruce-up. Following the summer heat and months of irrigation, there are likely some dry or brown patches of grass due to gradual compaction. No one can enjoy a cool, fall night in Florida on a crunchy lawn! Learn why you should aerate your lawn for repairing, and maintaining, a lush and healthy yard throughout the year.
What is aeration?
As with any plant, grass needs air, water and nutrients to properly grow. The process of aeration relieves soil compaction to enhance growth by allowing these essentials to better reach the grass roots. Without them, grass is even more susceptible to extreme weather, and will eventually wither and die.
Compaction can occur naturally in areas with heavy clay soil, but is often due to regular use, such as heavy vehicles or entertaining. This is alleviated by penetrating the soil in regular intervals as to form a direct route for nutrients to travel. To help achieve this, there are a several different styles of aeration equipment.
- Spike aerators – A spike aerator is exactly what is sounds like; poking a spike into the ground. Whereas some equipment displaces soil, spikes push the soil down to create a hole. Be careful to avoid spike aeration equipment that compacts more soil in the process – such as machines that require excessive force to insert the spikes.
- Slicing aerators – Similar to a spike aerator, slicing aerators leave the soil in the ground, while creating slicing pathways for essential nutrients. This equipment usually consists of rotating blades capable of cutting past thick grass and thatch, and down into the soil.
- Core aerators – A core aerator is very similar in appearance to an apple core, and can vary in size depending on the equipment. This style of aeration displaces the soil, known as a plug, and deposits it on top of the grass for the natural elements to break it down.
When should you aerate your lawn?
Aerating your lawn is an annual task that varies depending on the season and the type of grass you are working with. The perfect time of year is when grass is undergoing the least stress, and will soon enter a period of high growth. If you have a cool-season grass, such as bluegrass, fescue or ryegrass, fall or spring is better. Turf grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia and St. Augustine should be aerated mid-spring to summer. To make it easier on yourself, plan to aerate a day after irrigation or rainfall. This will make the soil softer and easier to penetrate. With these new channels, it is also the perfect time to follow up with seeds and fertilizer. Timed correctly, and you can expect to see grass filling in rather quickly!
Noticeable signs that your grass could benefit from aeration is a stressed appearance, hard-to-the-touch soil, and pooling water. If you are unsure, the “screwdriver test” can help confirm your suspicion. Push the screwdriver straight down into the grass. If it slides straight in easily, aeration may not be necessary. However, if there is resistance, the lawn is likely compacted and you should purse aeration – whether by a professional lawn care service or yourself.
Why aerate your lawn?
Aeration, just like regular mowing, fertilizing and watering, is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy lawn. Maintaining a thicker lawn will prevent weeds from being able to meet and root in the soil beneath, keeping up a vibrant and uniform appearance. A few reasons to consider aerating your lawn include the following:
- Your home was recently built, which means the lawn was likely stripped. As with most construction, this also means the soil could be heavily compacted from large machinery.
- Heavy use from pets, children or entertaining, resulting in frequent compaction.
- Thatch buildup has resulted in a dry, spongy lawn. Thatch, located at the base of grass and consisting of living and dead plant matter, can accumulate and contribute to the suffocation of your lawn.
- Inconsistent soil layers. Finer texture soil, such as that which comes with sod, is often layered over coarser existing soil. When this happens, water may penetrate the finer soil, but never go any further.This can not only increase compaction but due to improper drainage, cause poor root conditions.
If you are looking to freshen up your lawn for the fall, look no further than Daniel’s Lawn Service & Pressure Washing. We offer a variety of landscaping maintenance and design services, and much more. With no effort on your part, we can get your lawn looking lively just in time to host for the holidays or to improve your curb appeal. Contact us today, or call to request an estimate at 321-282-9731.
How to Find the Right Kind of Grass for Your Central Florida Yard
A healthy green blanket of grass is the foundation of any beautiful Central Florida residential landscape design. Whether you’re a newcomer, semi-native or – that rarest of all breeds – native Floridian, you may be surprised to learn that there’s a lot to know about the state’s many varieties of turfgrass. Each has specific advantages for different exposures, soil types, conditions and uses. Other considerations include disease and pest resistance, as well as maintenance requirements. While by no means intended to be a comprehensive guide, we take a look at the main varieties of turfgrass and how to decide which is best to achieve the yard of your dreams.
But first, some basics to keep in mind:
- Be honest with yourself about how much time, effort and money you’re willing to spend on maintenance. Don’t be swayed by a turfgrass variety that looks lovely, but requires more attention and expense than is practical for you.
- Know the pH level of your soil – this information is valuable in selecting the optimum variety. Inexpensive testing kits are available at yard and garden centers. To test soil for free (or the cost of vinegar, if you don’t already have a bottle), The Spruce provides a simple soil DIY test.
- How do you use your yard? Is it an area for kids and dogs to romp on, or do you aspire to win your neighborhood’s Yard of the Month award?
Top turfgrass varieties for Florida yards:
St. Augustine
Known as a drought tolerant grass that works well in hot climates, St. Augustine is the most popular lawn grass in Florida.
It comes in several cultivars:
- Floratam – As described by Duda Sod, this blue-green cultivar is the most widely produced and purchased turfgrass in Florida, and is very popular throughout the Gulf region. First released by the University of Florida and Texas A&M in 1973, it performs best in full sun, has moderate cold tolerance and requires a fair to moderate amount of weed control.
- Seville – This is a fine-leaved, dwarf St. Augustine with a dark green color and low growth habit. It performs well in both shade and full sun, but is especially shade-tolerant. Lake Jem Farms notes its tolerance for wide pH ranges, from the acidic soils often found inland to the high pH soils of the coastal areas.
- Palmetto – This is a hardy, low maintenance turfgrass, with an outstanding emerald green color. It performs well in full sun, yet also thrives in shaded areas with three-to-four hours of direct daily sunlight. It succeeds in challenging soil types, such as sand, clay and muck. When properly maintained, Palmetto can deliver years of an aesthetically pleasing and functional lawn.
- Bitterblue – Originally engineered in the 1930s, bitterblue is sometimes confused with Floratam, but can tolerate much more shade and cold temperatures. However, it is prone to fungal diseases, as well as infestation from chinch bugs, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms and cutworms.
Bahia
If you value low maintenance over winning a beauty contest, check out Bahia. It performs well with limited waterings and fertilizer applications. Originally introduced as a pasture grass, Bahia forms a deep root system, making it a great choice for sandy, infertile soils. Very drought-tolerant, of course. Bahia also needs fewer nutrients than other turfgrasses and has fewer problems with insect pests and diseases. However, it doesn’t provide the same uniform cover that other grasses do, and some people find its tall seed heads unattractive.
Bermuda
The natural version of Bermuda grass is known for its grey-green colored blades with rough edges and stems that are slightly flattened and tinged purple in color. It provides dense mats of grass that thrive in direct sunlight and warm temperatures, as its optimal growth temperature is between 75 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The two most popular cultivars in Central Florida are Celebration and Tifway 419.
Zoysia
Finding increasing favor as a choice for Florida lawns, Zoysia is dark green, and generally shorter and finer textured than St. Augustine. It adapts easily to a variety of soils, and can have good tolerance to shade, salt and traffic. It provides a dense, attractive turf. Popular cultivars include Icon – which is emerald green and drought-tolerant – and Empire, which is soft to the touch, yet durable and drought resistant. This cultivar could be the choice if you’re looking for a lawn where the kids and dogs can play, but still look refined enough to be a Yard of the Month contender.
Need help deciding which turfgrass is best?
Still need help deciding which turfgrass variety is best for your property, lifestyle and budget? Daniels Lawn Service & Pressure Washing Inc. can help – as well as provide experienced landscaping design services. We serve Central Florida – including Orlando, Longwood and Sanford. Contact us and let our lawn care professionals transform your yard into your slice of Florida paradise!
Too Much Grass? Here’s How to Shrink Your Yard!
A sprawling lawn has long been a suburban status symbol. Offering space for shade trees and a place for the kids and dogs to play, the great American lawn holds a revered place in our heart. But when the labor of love in maintaining its lush green beauty seems more like just plain labor, reimagining the traditional lawn can give it new purpose with easier upkeep, a more environmentally friendly footprint and even lower water bills.
A Consumer Reports survey found that almost one third of homeowners who made some changes to their lawn reduced its size in some way. Most of the survey respondents replaced the grass with flower beds, patio space, ground cover or even artificial turf. Our July 2017 blog post offers eight landscaping ideas for small lawns, which you can use as a starting point for advice and inspiration. Another source – Eartheasy – provides detailed instructions on reducing a full lawn, from turfgrass removal to plant selection.
Advantages to reducing your lawn space include:
- Easier maintenance (providing you choose the right replacement for grass).
- Less water consumption – According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 30 to 60 percent of the water used in urban areas is used to water lawns. A sustainable mixed landscape requires two to three times less water than turf grass.
- Less yard waste – When you reduce your lawn space, your yard produces less waste to be composted or taken to the landfill. A 2,000 sq. ft. lawn on average produces 600 to 800 pounds of clippings every summer.
- Reduces air and noise pollution – Gas lawn mowers create air and noise pollution. Lawns in the U.S. cover about 20 million acres of residential land, with the average total amount of air pollution that lawnmowers cause at around 5 percent. The environment and your neighbors will thank you – especially if you’re fond of mowing on early weekend mornings.
Make way for ground cover plants
Plants in this category grow across the ground. Florida Landscaping Today provides an excellent list of the ground cover plants best suited for Central, North and South Florida. Good choices for Central Florida yards include blue daze, liriope, and periwinkle. The greatest advantage of ground cover plants is their low maintenance. They also choke out weeds, enrich the soil and add visual interest. However, they are not as durable as grass for high traffic areas and need an edge barrier to keep them in place, depending on where they’re planted.
Convert your lawn to xeriscape
What is xeriscape? Xeriscaping is yet another way of reducing the amount of grass and high-maintenance plants. Drought-tolerant landscaping is referred to as xeriscape. This form of landscaping was originally developed for arid and semi-arid areas with severe water restrictions, but is now becoming the norm across the country due to water conservation, hotter summers and the desire to reduce water bills. Xeriscape does not offer just one look to a yard – it includes all types of drought-tolerant plants and garden styles.
As notes gardening expert Julie Martens Forney in her article on xeriscaping for HGTV, using mulch is a key xeriscape idea. Mulch slows water evaporation from soil, moderates soil temperature, helps reduce weeds and gives planting areas a finished look.
Switch to native plants
Closely related to xeriscaping, landscaping with native plants provides the same advantages of less dependence on water and fertilizer, as they grow best in the local climate and soil conditions. Nurseries and home improvement centers offer a variety of native species, with recommendations on planting and care.
The Florida Native Plant Society provides information on native plant landscaping and its benefits for a healthy environment. This non-profit organization is an excellent resource if you’re interested in growing native plants and educating others in your community about their many advantages. Your county extension agent can also provide information on native plants suited to Central Florida.
Opt for an edible garden
Edible gardening is fast becoming a popular hobby for homeowners, thanks to the local food movement and the desire of people to know the source of their food. You can get a variety of packaged seeds or starter plants of vegetables and herbs in any home center in your area. Because the plants are intended for consumption, have your soil tested for contaminants before starting. After all, if there are toxins in your soil, there will be toxins in your food. Should this be the case, you can instead consider container gardening or vertical gardening.
Expand your outdoor entertainment space
Today’s homeowners value outdoor entertainment space. Expanding your patio to provide generous seating for gatherings, a fire pit, summer kitchen, kids’ play area or other amenity can – depending upon the improvement – increase your home’s value, as well as decrease the lawn area. Some of these improvements are of the DIY variety, such as kits for fire pits, benches, etc., making them even more economical.
Shift to a bee and butterfly garden
You can plant a pollinator-friendly garden with native plants that attract bees and butterflies. Our January 2018 blog post highlighted the advantages of cultivating a bee and butterfly garden, recommending such flowering plants as the monarch, pentas, and shrimp. Most of these Florida-friendly plants are heat, salt and drought resistant and are therefore low-maintenance. However, be sure to avoid using insecticides and herbicides.
Invest in gravel
A popular choice in desert areas, decorative gravel is available in a variety of colors and shapes that lend visual interest to the yard. Writing for Landscaping Network, author and horticulture expert Maureen Gilmer covers the basics of decorative gravel, with informative recommendations on aesthetics, durability, and cost.
If you’re interested in exploring landscaping options that minimize your property’s lawn area, Daniel’s Lawn Service & Pressure Washing Inc. can design a yard that provides low-maintenance beauty and enjoyment. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
