Lawn Care Guide for Monroe County
Monroe County, Arkansas
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Monroe County, Arkansas
Tough turf trials in Monroe County
A difficulty score of 34.8 means local lawns require more effort than the state average of 37.3. Zone 8a conditions here can be taxing, especially during the peak summer months.
Ample rain faces high summer heat
The county sees 53.1 inches of rain annually, which is slightly more than the state average. However, 60 extreme heat days can still stress your grass, requiring a balance of natural rain and supplemental irrigation.
Silt loam provides a solid base
The soil is a silt loam with moderate drainage, which is generally good for moisture retention. The pH of 5.72 is slightly acidic, so a light application of lime may help optimize your lawn's health.
Extreme drought alert for the county
Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought, and there have been 30 weeks of drought in the past year. Lawns here absolutely require supplemental water or a shift toward drought-resistant landscaping to survive.
Timing your Zone 8a planting
The best window for seeding starts after March 18 and runs through the long summer until the first frost on November 11. Focus on hardy, deep-rooted warm-season grasses that can withstand the current drought cycle.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Soil Summary
pH
5.7
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Recommended Grasses
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
53.1"
Growing Degree Days
5,197.8
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
03/18
First Fall Frost
11/11
Days Above 95F
60
Hardiness Zone
8a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 8A
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
- Raise mowing height to reduce heat stress
- 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
- Overseed with ryegrass for winter color
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 Monroe 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.
Persistent Drought Conditions
Monroe County experienced drought conditions for 30 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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