Lawn Care Guide for Pope County
Pope County, Minnesota
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Pope County, Minnesota
Optimal Lawn Care in Pope County
Pope County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 71.9, making it one of the easier places in Minnesota to grow grass. This Zone 4b region outperforms the national median significantly, providing a friendly climate for home landscaping.
Balanced Heat and Growing Days
The county sees 9 extreme heat days, staying close to the state average of 8. While annual precipitation of 26.4 inches is below the state average, the 2,387 growing degree days provide plenty of warmth for turf to flourish.
Rich Soil and Healthy pH
The soil pH is a near-perfect 6.50, sitting right in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake. With 21.7% clay and 36.3% sand, the soil provides a robust structure that holds moisture better than the state's sandier regions.
High Resilience and Low Drought
Pope County is currently enjoying 0% drought coverage, making it a standout for resilience in the state. With only 4 weeks of drought recorded over the past year, lawns here are under much less stress than neighboring areas.
A Longer Season for Success
Take advantage of the May 11 to September 27 growing season by seeding Kentucky Bluegrass or Turf-type Tall Fescue. The favorable soil pH and low drought risk make this an ideal time to start a new lawn project.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
26.4"
Growing Degree Days
2,387.2
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/11
First Fall Frost
09/27
Days Above 95F
9
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
1.5"
inches of water
Monthly Water
4,724
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$37.80
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 26" 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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