Lawn Care Guide for Plymouth County
Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Average Difficulty in Historic Plymouth
Plymouth County earns a lawn difficulty score of 54.7, aligning closely with the Massachusetts state average of 56.8. It is slightly easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 6b region offers a balanced environment for traditional New England grass varieties.
High Precipitation and Moderate Heat
Plymouth receives a generous 51.4 inches of rain annually, surpassing the state average and the ideal 50-inch threshold. With only 10 extreme heat days per year, your lawn is less likely to scorch compared to inland counties. This plentiful water supply provides a strong foundation for a lush, green landscape.
Battling Extremely Acidic Soil
The soil pH in Plymouth is a remarkably low 1.96, indicating extreme acidity that can prevent most grasses from absorbing nutrients. The soil is also quite low in clay at 1.7%, which can lead to poor structure and nutrient holding capacity. Heavy applications of lime and organic matter are critical to making this ground hospitable for turf.
Strong Drought Resilience This Year
Plymouth County has experienced only nine weeks of drought in the last year, showing high resilience compared to the rest of the state. While the entire county is currently flagged as abnormally dry, the impact is minimal compared to the severe conditions found elsewhere. Routine watering during the driest summer weeks should maintain your lawn's health.
Kickstart Your Plymouth Lawn
Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are the best bets for the Plymouth climate. Plan your seeding after the last spring frost on April 23 to capitalize on the moist spring weather. Focus heavily on soil pH correction this season to ensure your new grass can actually grow.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
51.4"
Growing Degree Days
2,776.875
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/23
First Fall Frost
10/21
Days Above 95F
10
Hardiness Zone
6b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 6B
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
- Mow at recommended height weekly
- 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
- Keep lawn clear of debris
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 51" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Plymouth County
Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease
High annual rainfall (51 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Acidic Soil
Soil pH of 2.0 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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