Lawn Care Guide for Sullivan County
Sullivan County, Indiana
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Sullivan County, Indiana
Steady Maintenance in Sullivan County
With a lawn difficulty score of 66.0, maintenance is more challenging than the state average but remains better than the national median. This Hardiness Zone 6b region offers a transition zone climate that can support both cool and some warm-season grasses.
High Heat and Generous Rain
The county experiences 23 extreme heat days, which is above the state average of 20, putting stress on cool-season turf. Fortunately, 45.6 inches of annual rainfall helps compensate for the high thermal demand and 3,878 growing degree days.
Strong Foundation with Sandy Loam
Sullivan features a well-drained fine sandy loam with a healthy pH of 6.24, which is near-perfect for grass growth. The 16.4% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without the drainage issues found in heavier soils.
Battling Prolonged Dry Conditions
All 100% of the county is abnormally dry, following 28 weeks of drought over the last year. During these periods, allow your lawn to enter a natural dormancy rather than applying excessive fertilizer, which can burn stressed turf.
Optimizing the Sullivan Season
Tall fescue is the most resilient choice for this climate, handling the heat days and the 6b winter lows with ease. The growing window is generous, stretching from the last frost on April 14th to the first frost on October 27th.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
45.6"
Growing Degree Days
3,877.75
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/14
First Fall Frost
10/27
Days Above 95F
23
Hardiness Zone
6b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 6B
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
0.1"
inches of water
Monthly Water
290
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$2.32
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 46" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Sullivan County
Persistent Drought Conditions
Sullivan County experienced drought conditions for 28 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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