Lawn Care Guide for Assumption Parish
Assumption Parish, Louisiana
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Assumption Parish, Louisiana
Managing Lawns in the Bayou Region
Assumption Parish has a lawn difficulty score of 40.6, which is better than the state average of 33.8. Located in hardiness zone 9b, this area allows for a very long growing season, though the unique soil profile presents specific challenges.
Warm Winters and Wet Summers
Annual precipitation of 63.4 inches exceeds the ideal range, often leading to saturated lawns during the 80 extreme heat days each year. The high count of 6,896 growing degree days ensures that warm-season grasses will grow vigorously from late February through early December.
The Challenge of Heavy Clay Soils
Soil in Assumption Parish is dominated by clay at 60.7%, with very little sand at 3.8%. While the pH is nearly perfect at 6.45, the high clay content means drainage is often poor, requiring careful water management to avoid root rot.
Staying Green Through Severe Dry Spells
The parish is currently 100% abnormally dry, with 27.8% of the land facing severe drought. Over the last year, there were 12 weeks of drought conditions, making it vital to use mulch or soil conditioners to keep the heavy clay from cracking and drying out.
Planting for the 9b Climate
Warm-season varieties like St. Augustine thrive here after the last spring frost on February 21. Your lawn has a long window to establish before the first fall frost, which typically doesn't arrive until December 5.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
63.4"
Growing Degree Days
6,896.3
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
02/21
First Fall Frost
12/05
Days Above 95F
80
Hardiness Zone
9b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 9B
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 63" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Assumption Parish
Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease
High annual rainfall (63 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Heavy Clay Soil
Clay content of 61% leads to poor drainage and soil compaction. Core aeration 1-2 times yearly and topdressing with compost can improve root growth.
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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