Lawn Care Guide for Terrebonne Parish
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
Terrebonne's coastal lawn struggle
Terrebonne Parish scores a 29.3 on the difficulty scale, making it tougher than the state average. This Zone 9b region faces unique coastal challenges that require a specialized approach to turf management.
High humidity and steady rain
The parish receives 65.4 inches of rain annually, which can saturate the soil and stress root systems. However, with 76 extreme heat days, it stays slightly cooler than the 84-day state average.
Heavy clay and acidic baseline
A high clay content of 40.7% can lead to significant drainage issues and soil compaction. The pH of 5.44 is below the ideal range, so testing for lime requirements is a critical first step for any new lawn.
Total parish under severe drought
Currently, 100% of Terrebonne is in severe drought, a critical situation for local landscapes. Efficient irrigation is a must, as the parish saw 12 weeks of drought over the past year.
Plant early in the year
Zone 9b allows for an early start, with the last frost usually occurring by February 5. St. Augustine grass is highly recommended here for its salt tolerance and ability to handle heavy clay.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
65.4"
Growing Degree Days
7,350
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
02/05
First Fall Frost
12/17
Days Above 95F
76
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 65" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Terrebonne Parish
Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease
High annual rainfall (65 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Heavy Clay Soil
Clay content of 41% leads to poor drainage and soil compaction. Core aeration 1-2 times yearly and topdressing with compost can improve root growth.
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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