Lawn Care Guide for St. Mary Parish
St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
Data Story
About Lawn Care in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
St. Mary leads in lawn ease
With a difficulty score of 35.8, St. Mary Parish is actually easier to maintain than the Louisiana state average of 33.8. Its Zone 9b classification offers a warm environment where tropical turfgrasses flourish.
Milder heat than most neighbors
St. Mary experiences only 51 extreme heat days annually, far fewer than the state average of 84 days. This reduced heat stress, combined with 61.9 inches of rain, creates a more stable environment for grass growth.
Rich clay requires careful drainage
The soil features a high clay content of 35.9% and a pH of 5.95, which is very close to the ideal range. Proper grading is essential here to prevent the 61.9 inches of annual rain from pooling on the clay surface.
Severe drought impacts half the parish
Despite 17 weeks of drought over the last year, 48.8% of the parish currently faces severe drought conditions. Implementing a smart irrigation controller can help manage water use during these intense dry stretches.
Late winter is planting time
The very early last frost on February 2 allows for an exceptionally long growing season. Bermuda and Seashore Paspalum are great choices for this coastal parish's climate and soil.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
61.9"
Growing Degree Days
7,338.7
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
02/02
First Fall Frost
12/08
Days Above 95F
51
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 62" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in St. Mary Parish
Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease
High annual rainfall (62 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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