Lawn Care Guide for Rock Island County
Rock Island County, Illinois
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Rock Island County, Illinois
Rock Island Boasts Top-Tier Growing Conditions
With a lawn difficulty score of 82.2, Rock Island County is significantly easier to manage than the state average of 69.8. This USDA Hardiness Zone 5b region provides a very stable environment for traditional turf compared to the national median score of 50.0.
Moderate Temperatures Sustain Consistent Growth
The county receives 37.8 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal range of 30 to 50 inches for lawns. Only 20 extreme heat days per year mean your grass avoids the heavy summer stress common in southern Illinois.
Near-Perfect Soil Acidity for Nutrient Uptake
Local soil features a pH of 6.53, sitting right in the middle of the 6.0 to 7.0 ideal window. A balanced mix of 22.2% clay and 20.2% sand provides a solid foundation that retains moisture without becoming overly compacted.
Abnormally Dry Conditions Require Mindful Watering
While 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, severe drought levels remain at 0%. Homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering to strengthen roots after facing 16 weeks of drought over the past year.
Start Your Lawn After the April Frost
Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive here, especially when seeded near the last spring frost on April 19. Aim to establish new growth well before the first fall frost arrives around October 22.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
37.8"
Growing Degree Days
3,350.5
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/19
First Fall Frost
10/22
Days Above 95F
20
Hardiness Zone
5b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 5B
Seasonal Lawn Care Checklist
Spring
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil reaches 55F
- Overseed bare spots once frost risk passes
- 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
- Core aerate compacted areas
- Apply fall fertilizer (highest N application for cool-season)
- Continue mowing until growth stops
- Rake or mulch leaves to prevent smothering
Winter
- Avoid walking on frozen turf
- Service mower and sharpen blades
- Plan spring soil amendments based on fall test
- Keep lawn clear of debris
Watering Deficit Calculator
Monthly Deficit
0.7"
inches of water
Monthly Water
2,177
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$17.42
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 38" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
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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