Lawn Care Guide for Yakutat City and Borough
Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska
Rain-Drenched Challenges in Yakutat
Yakutat holds a lawn difficulty score of 53.8, placing it right near the national average but below the Alaska state average of 57.8. The primary challenge here isn't heat or drought, but rather managing extreme moisture and low growing heat.
Extreme Rainfall and Limited Heat
The borough receives a massive 140.4 inches of rain annually, nearly triple the ideal lawn threshold. With only 448 growing degree days, grass grows very slowly, and managing drainage is far more critical than watering.
Treating Soils for Surface Drainage
Specific soil metrics are unavailable, but the high precipitation likely creates very wet, potentially acidic soil conditions. To prevent moss from taking over your lawn, you may need to apply lime and improve surface drainage significantly.
Constant Moisture and Zero Drought
Yakutat experienced zero weeks of drought last year and maintains 0% drought coverage. In this rain-drenched environment, water conservation is not a priority for lawn maintenance, as precipitation far exceeds the state average of 53.5 inches.
Slow and Steady Growth Cycles
The best time to start your lawn is after the May 20 frost, though growth will be slow due to the cool July average of 55.4°F. Focus on moisture-tolerant grass types and aim to finish any major work before the September 23 frost date.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
140.4"
Growing Degree Days
447.8
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/20
First Fall Frost
09/23
Days Above 95F
0
Hardiness Zone
N/A
Seeding Calendar — Zone 7A
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
Monthly Deficit
0.0"
inches of water
Monthly Water
0
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$0.00
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 140" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Yakutat City and Borough
Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease
High annual rainfall (140 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.
Want detailed soil composition, drainage classes, and soil series data? View soil details on SoilByCounty.com
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.
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