Lawn Care Guide for Redwood County
Redwood County, Minnesota
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Redwood County, Minnesota
Average Effort for Redwood Lawns
Redwood County’s lawn difficulty score of 63.6 sits right at the state average. Located in Zone 5a, this region offers a longer growing season but faces more intense summer heat than its northern neighbors.
High Heat Hits the Prairie
The county endures 15 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 8. This heat, combined with 2,664 growing degree days, means lawns will go dormant without significant irrigation during July and August.
Sturdy Clay-Based Soils
With 23.7% clay, the soil in Redwood County holds moisture and nutrients better than sandier counties. The pH of 7.10 is slightly alkaline but still very close to the ideal range for a healthy lawn.
Persistent Dryness in the South
Every acre of Redwood County is currently abnormally dry, following 12 weeks of drought over the past year. Maintaining a tall mowing height of 3 to 4 inches will help shade the soil and reduce water loss during heatwaves.
Late April Start for Growth
The growing season typically starts April 30 and lasts until October 4, providing ample time for seeding. Turf-type Tall Fescues are recommended here because they handle the 15 days of 90-degree heat better than other cool-season grasses.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
29.3"
Growing Degree Days
2,664.333
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/30
First Fall Frost
10/04
Days Above 95F
15
Hardiness Zone
5a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 5A
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
1.3"
inches of water
Monthly Water
4,120
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$32.96
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 29" 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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