LawnByCounty

Lawn Care Guide for Haines Borough

Haines Borough, Alaska

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Data Story

About Lawn Care in Haines Borough, Alaska

Easy Growing in the Haines Panhandle

Haines Borough boasts a lawn difficulty score of 61.5, making it significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than in the average American county. This score also beats the Alaska state average of 57.8, thanks to a relatively mild coastal climate.

Ideal Rainfall for Coastal Turf

The borough receives 52.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is perfectly positioned near the ideal range of 30-50 inches. Your growing season is generous for Alaska, starting with the last frost on April 30 and extending through October 7.

Coastal Soil Preparation Needs

Specific soil texture data is unavailable, so localized testing is essential to check for the ideal pH range of 6.0-7.0. Given the 52.9 inches of rain, ensuring your lawn has a well-draining foundation is the most critical prep step.

Zero Drought Weeks This Year

Haines remains exceptionally resilient to drought, with zero weeks in drought conditions over the last year. With no abnormally dry areas currently reported, you can rely mostly on natural rainfall to keep your grass green.

Maximizing the Haines Growing Season

Take advantage of the April 30 frost date by seeding early with cool-season perennials like Perennial Ryegrass. The 761 growing degree days provide ample energy for a lush lawn before the first frost in early October.

Lawn Difficulty Score

12/100
Easy
Rainfall16/100
Soil Quality0/100
Temperature0/100
Growing Season40/100
Drought0/100

Soil Summary

pH

N/A

Texture

N/A

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

N/A

View full soil details

Top Grass Fit for Haines Borough

Cool-season grasses are the general fit here

County soil and zone data are incomplete, so we show a category recommendation rather than a precise cultivar score for Haines Borough.

Best Grass Seed for Haines Borough

Zone 7aCool- and warm-season grasses thrive here.

Find Seeds for Zone 7a

Climate Snapshot

Annual Precip

52.9"

Growing Degree Days

761.3

Base 50F

Last Spring Frost

04/30

First Fall Frost

10/07

Days Above 95F

0

Hardiness Zone

N/A

Seeding Calendar — Zone 7A

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Cool Seed (Best)
Cool Seed (OK)
Warm Seed (Best)
Warm Seed (OK)
Cool Seed (Best)
Cool Seed (OK)
Warm Seed (Best)
Warm Seed (OK)
Optimal (cool)
Acceptable (cool)
Optimal (warm)
Acceptable (warm)

Seasonal Lawn Care Checklist

Spring

  • Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil reaches 55F
  • Begin mowing when grass reaches 3 inches
  • Start irrigation if rainfall is below 1 inch/week
  • Soil test every 2-3 years — adjust lime or sulfur as needed

Summer

  • Mow at recommended height weekly
  • Water deeply 1-2 times per week (1 inch total)
  • Avoid fertilizing cool-season grasses in peak heat
  • Scout for grubs and treat if >10 per sq ft

Fall

  • Overseed warm-season lawns if thinning
  • Apply fall fertilizer (highest N application for cool-season)
  • Continue mowing until growth stops
  • Rake or mulch leaves to prevent smothering

Winter

  • Apply pre-emergent for winter weeds
  • Service mower and sharpen blades
  • Plan spring soil amendments based on fall test
  • Keep lawn clear of debris

Watering Deficit Calculator

50020,000 sq ft

Monthly Deficit

0.0"

inches of water

Monthly Water

0

gallons

Estimated Monthly Cost

$0.00

at $0.008/gallon average

Estimates based on 53" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.

Common Lawn Problems in Haines Borough

Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease

High annual rainfall (53 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

Learn more about regional lawn challenges at The Lawn Report.

Lawn Care Advisory: Haines Borough

Lawn Verdict

Lawn care guidance for Haines Borough is based on available climate data. with just 761.3 growing degree days, limiting options to very cold-hardy grasses. High annual precipitation (52.9 inches) supports lush growth but increases disease pressure.

Seasonal Breakdown

Wait until after April 30 to seed or overseed; soil temperatures should consistently reach 50-55°F. Cool summers (July averages 58.4°F) reduce heat stress — maintain regular mowing and moderate watering. Aerate and overseed cool-season lawns by early fall, well before October 7; this is the best renovation window. Cool winters (January averages 21.8°F) mean slow or dormant growth; keep debris off the lawn.

Watering Guidance

Haines Borough receives abundant rainfall (52.9 inches annually), so lawns rarely need supplemental irrigation. The county is currently free of drought conditions. Cool summers reduce water demand; overwatering is a bigger risk than drought stress.

Regional Context

Haines Borough is 4.2°F warmer than the Alaska average.

Want detailed soil composition, drainage classes, and soil series data? View soil details on SoilByCounty.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How much rainfall does Haines Borough get?
Haines Borough receives an average of 52.9 inches of precipitation per year, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals. This abundant rainfall supports a wide range of grass species with minimal supplemental irrigation.

Data sourced from USDA SSURGO, NOAA Climate Normals (1991-2020), USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and US Drought Monitor. Lawn difficulty scores and grass recommendations are estimates for informational purposes only.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor