Lawn Care Guide for Bent County
Bent County, Colorado
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Bent County, Colorado
Managing Turf in the Bent Basin
Bent County has a lawn difficulty score of 39.9, which is slightly above the state average but more difficult than the national median. Homeowners in this Zone 6a region must contend with some of the most extreme summer heat in Colorado.
Eighty-Three Days of Extreme Heat
Lawns face a massive 83 extreme heat days annually, coupled with a high 3,912 growing degree days. The low 13.4 inches of precipitation means that survival depends almost entirely on supplemental watering during the peak growing months.
Tackling Heavier Alkaline Soils
The soil pH is 7.68, meaning it is more alkaline than the ideal range and may lock out certain nutrients. The texture contains 23.3% clay, the highest in this group, which can lead to compaction if not aerated regularly.
Favorable Recent Drought Trends
While the county only saw 14 weeks of drought last year and is currently 98% drought-free, the high heat still demands water efficiency. Using smart controllers to water in the early morning can prevent evaporation during those frequent 90°F days.
Optimizing the Long Growing Season
Buffalo grass is a fantastic low-water alternative for this area's heat and soil. With a generous window between April 29th and October 15th, you have a long season to establish deep roots that can withstand the summer sun.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
13.4"
Growing Degree Days
3,912
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/29
First Fall Frost
10/15
Days Above 95F
83
Hardiness Zone
6a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 6A
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
2.9"
inches of water
Monthly Water
8,904
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$71.23
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 13" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Bent County
Drought Stress
With only 13 inches of annual rainfall, lawns in Bent County face significant drought stress. Consider drought-tolerant grass species and deep, infrequent watering.
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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