Lawn Care Guide for Stone County
Stone County, Mississippi
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Stone County, Mississippi
Tough Conditions on the Coastal Plain
With a difficulty score of 17.8, Stone County is one of the most challenging places in the country to maintain a pristine lawn. The environment is significantly harsher than the state average of 30.9, largely due to the intense Zone 9a heat and sandy terrain.
Extreme Heat and Record Rainfall
The county endures 84 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 73 days. This heat is coupled with a massive 67.4 inches of annual precipitation, creating a tropical environment that demands heat-tolerant grass species and frequent fungal monitoring.
Sandy Ground and Acidic Baselines
The soil profile is 61.6% sand and only 10.5% clay, leading to very rapid drainage that can leave roots thirsty despite high rainfall. A low pH of 5.00 means heavy lime applications are essential to make soil nutrients available to your grass.
Extended Drought Despite Heavy Rains
Despite high total rainfall, the county spent 23 weeks in drought last year, and 100.0% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is vital here to help retain moisture in the porous, sandy soil.
Target the Long Growing Season
St. Augustine and Bahiagrass are the best performers for the high heat of Zone 9a and the local sandy soil. Your primary growing window opens after March 14 and extends until the first frost on November 18.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
67.4"
Growing Degree Days
6,228.4
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
03/14
First Fall Frost
11/18
Days Above 95F
84
Hardiness Zone
9a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 9A
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 67" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Stone County
Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease
High annual rainfall (67 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Acidic Soil
Soil pH of 5.0 is below the ideal range for most grasses (6.0-7.0). Apply agricultural lime to raise pH gradually.
Persistent Drought Conditions
Stone County experienced drought conditions for 23 of the past 52 weeks. Prioritize water-efficient grasses and consider reducing lawn area.
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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