LawnByCounty

Lawn Care Guide for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Data Story

About Lawn Care in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska

Managing a High-Rainfall Lawn

Prince of Wales-Hyder has a lawn difficulty score of 53.6, which is a few points below the Alaska state average. The primary challenge here is the sheer volume of water, which requires different tactics than the drier parts of the state.

Rainforest Conditions for Your Yard

With 104.9 inches of annual precipitation, this area is incredibly wet compared to the national ideal. The 760 growing degree days and mild January average of 34.4°F provide one of the more temperate climates in Alaska for grass growth.

Prioritizing Drainage in Wet Soil

Local soil metrics are not available, but the heavy rainfall typically results in acidic, saturated conditions. To succeed, incorporate plenty of sand and organic matter to improve drainage and prevent moss from overtaking your turf.

No Drought Concerns in Sight

The area currently has 0% drought coverage and has faced zero weeks of drought over the last year. Water conservation is rarely a priority here; instead, focus on preventing runoff and erosion during heavy downpours.

An Early Start for Southeast Alaska

A long growing season begins after the last frost on April 19 and lasts until October 31. Plant moisture-loving cool-season varieties in late April to take advantage of the 195-day window before the first fall frost.

Lawn Difficulty Score

23/100
Easy
Rainfall60/100
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 Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

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 Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area.

Best Grass Seed for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

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

Find Seeds for Zone 7a

Climate Snapshot

Annual Precip

104.9"

Growing Degree Days

760.1

Base 50F

Last Spring Frost

04/19

First Fall Frost

10/31

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 105" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.

Common Lawn Problems in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease

High annual rainfall (105 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: Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

Lawn Verdict

Lawn care guidance for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area is based on available climate data. with just 760.1 growing degree days, limiting options to very cold-hardy grasses. Mild year-round temperatures create a relatively low-stress environment for turf. High annual precipitation (104.9 inches) supports lush growth but increases disease pressure.

Seasonal Breakdown

Wait until after April 19 to seed or overseed; soil temperatures should consistently reach 50-55°F. Cool summers (July averages 57.3°F) reduce heat stress — maintain regular mowing and moderate watering. Aerate and overseed cool-season lawns by early fall, well before October 31; this is the best renovation window. Cool winters (January averages 34.4°F) mean slow or dormant growth; keep debris off the lawn.

Watering Guidance

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area receives abundant rainfall (104.9 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

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area is 9.3°F warmer than the Alaska average, it is significantly wetter than the state average (51.4 inches more).

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much rainfall does Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area get?
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area receives an average of 104.9 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