Lawn Care Guide for Fillmore County
Fillmore County, Minnesota
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Fillmore County, Minnesota
Abundant Water Makes Growing Easy
Fillmore County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 80.5, placing it well above the state average of 63.9. This Zone 4b county benefits from the highest annual precipitation in this group, making it much easier to keep lawns lush and green.
The Most Rain in the Region
A generous 36.9 inches of rain falls annually, providing an excellent natural water supply for your lawn. With 8 extreme heat days—exactly the state average—turfgrass here is less likely to go dormant compared to drier western counties.
A Healthy Foundation for Roots
Soil pH is excellent at 6.48, which is right in the middle of the 6.0-7.0 ideal window. The soil texture features 34.1% sand and 18.9% clay, creating a balanced medium that provides both drainage and nutrient-holding capacity.
Strong Resistance to Dryness
Despite six weeks of drought over the past year, the county currently has zero abnormally dry areas. This natural resilience means you can likely rely on rainfall alone for much of the season, saving on water bills and conservation effort.
Mind the Late Spring Frost
While the climate is great, a late spring frost on May 14 means you should wait longer than your neighbors to start sensitive projects. Plant cold-hardy varieties in the early fall to establish roots before the October 3 frost arrives.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
36.9"
Growing Degree Days
2,377.35
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/14
First Fall Frost
10/03
Days Above 95F
8
Hardiness Zone
4b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 4B
Seasonal Lawn Care Checklist
Spring
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil reaches 55F
- Overseed bare spots once frost risk passes
- 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
- Core aerate compacted areas
- Apply fall fertilizer (highest N application for cool-season)
- Continue mowing until growth stops
- Rake or mulch leaves to prevent smothering
Winter
- Avoid walking on frozen turf
- Service mower and sharpen blades
- Plan spring soil amendments based on fall test
- Keep lawn clear of debris
Watering Deficit Calculator
Monthly Deficit
0.6"
inches of water
Monthly Water
1,975
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$15.80
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 37" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
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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