Lawn Care Guide for Cameron Parish
Cameron Parish, Louisiana
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Cameron Parish, Louisiana
Coastal Conditions in Cameron Parish
Cameron Parish stands out with a lawn difficulty score of 40.2, which is notably higher and easier than the Louisiana average of 33.8. This Zone 9b parish benefits from a unique coastal climate that offers a different set of challenges and opportunities than the interior. Despite being easier than its neighbors, it remains more difficult than the national average of 50.0.
Long Seasons and Moderate Heat
While it receives 61.0 inches of rain, Cameron Parish experiences only 71 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 84. The 7,289 growing degree days indicate an exceptionally long growing season with minimal winter dormancy. This extended warmth allows for nearly year-round maintenance and growth for coastal-adapted turf.
Working with Heavy Clay Soils
The soil here is heavy on clay at 35.4%, which can lead to drainage issues during the parish's frequent rains. However, the soil pH of 6.35 is excellent, falling perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for lawn health. You likely won't need the heavy lime applications required in other parts of Louisiana, but aeration is key to managing the clay.
High Resilience to Drought
Cameron Parish currently reports 0.0% of its area in severe drought, showing better resilience than many inland parishes. Even though it saw 16 weeks of drought over the last year, the local clay soil helps retain moisture longer than sandy alternatives. Keeping grass at a higher height during dry weeks will further shade the soil and protect the root zone.
Top Grasses for Zone 9b
Salt-tolerant and heat-loving grasses like Seashore Paspalum or St. Augustine are ideal for this coastal environment. Your growing season begins very early, with the last spring frost typically occurring on February 3rd. With a first fall frost not arriving until December 23rd, you have an expansive window to perfect your lawn.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
61.0"
Growing Degree Days
7,289.167
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
02/03
First Fall Frost
12/23
Days Above 95F
71
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 61" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Cameron Parish
Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease
High annual rainfall (61 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
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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