Lawn Care Guide for Cleburne County
Cleburne County, Arkansas
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Cleburne County, Arkansas
Meeting the Cleburne County Challenge
Cleburne County holds a lawn difficulty score of 34.0, which is slightly more difficult than the Arkansas state average of 37.3. Homeowners in this Zone 7b region must navigate specific soil and drought hurdles to keep their lawns green.
Mild Summers with Moderate Rain
The county experiences 54 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the state average of 64. Annual precipitation of 53.4 inches provides plenty of water, though it is slightly above the national ideal range for turf.
Managing Sandy Loam and Acidity
Soil here is highly sandy at 57.6% and very acidic with a pH of 5.35, well below the preferred 6.0 minimum. These conditions require regular fertilization and lime amendments to keep nutrients available for your grass.
Facing Widespread Severe Drought
Currently, 100% of Cleburne County is in severe drought, part of a 29-week trend over the past year. Prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and help your grass survive these high-stress periods.
Planning Your Planting Schedule
Frost risks usually clear by March 31, providing a solid start for new grass in the spring. With 4,824 growing degree days, you have until the first frost on November 6 to mature your lawn.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
53.4"
Growing Degree Days
4,823.9
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
03/31
First Fall Frost
11/06
Days Above 95F
54
Hardiness Zone
7b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 7B
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 53" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Cleburne County
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.
Acidic Soil
Soil pH of 5.3 is below the ideal range for most grasses (6.0-7.0). Apply agricultural lime to raise pH gradually.
Persistent Drought Conditions
Cleburne County experienced drought conditions for 29 of the past 52 weeks. Prioritize water-efficient grasses and consider reducing lawn area.
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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