Lawn Care Guide for Jefferson Davis Parish
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana
Challenging Conditions in Jeff Davis
Jefferson Davis Parish presents a difficult environment for lawns with a score of 26.5, trailing both the national median and the state average. This zone 9a region requires specialized care to manage its unique combination of heat and heavy rainfall. Maintaining a lush green space here takes more effort than in most parts of the country.
High Heat and Heavy Rainfall
The parish sees 73 extreme heat days per year and a massive 63.5 inches of annual rain. With 6,804 growing degree days, the mowing season is exceptionally long, spanning from the last frost in late February to early December. This tropical climate necessitates high-moisture tolerant grass varieties and consistent disease monitoring.
Soil pH and Composition Challenges
Local soil is moderately acidic with a pH of 5.39, requiring lime to move toward the ideal 6.0 range. The soil contains 21.0% clay and 26.5% sand, creating a balanced but heavy texture that can become compacted during wet months. Aeration is a key maintenance task here to keep oxygen reaching the roots in this humid environment.
Monitoring Moisture Levels
The parish experienced 18 weeks of drought over the past year, and 91.7% of the area remains abnormally dry. Fortunately, none of the parish is currently in severe drought, though the high annual rainfall of 63.5 inches can mask short-term moisture deficits. Smart irrigation during dry spells helps prevent the grass from going dormant prematurely.
Best Grasses for the Coast
St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are excellent choices for the 9a climate and the long growing season. Plant after the last spring frost on February 19th but well before the first fall frost arrives on December 4th. These varieties recover quickly from the 73 heat days common in this part of Louisiana.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
63.5"
Growing Degree Days
6,803.5
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
02/19
First Fall Frost
12/04
Days Above 95F
73
Hardiness Zone
9a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 9A
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 64" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Jefferson Davis Parish
Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease
High annual rainfall (64 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Acidic Soil
Soil pH of 5.4 is below the ideal range for most grasses (6.0-7.0). Apply agricultural lime to raise pH gradually.
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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