Lawn Care Guide for Chariton County
Chariton County, Missouri
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Chariton County, Missouri
Ideal conditions for Missouri lawn lovers
Chariton County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 79.8, making it one of the premier locations for growing grass in the state. This score is significantly higher than the national average of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 6a, the environment is naturally suited for lush, green landscapes.
Cooler summers lead to less turf stress
The county sees only 30 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average of 37. With 40.2 inches of annual precipitation, the weather provides a consistent water supply without excessive heat-related evaporation. This combination results in a healthy 3923 growing degree days for consistent development.
Perfectly balanced silt loam soil
The soil pH is an impressive 6.59, falling right in the middle of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. As a well-drained silt loam with 25.3% clay, it offers the perfect balance of moisture retention and air circulation. Most lawns here will thrive with only minimal fertilization and standard maintenance.
Strong resilience against current dry conditions
Only 12 weeks of drought occurred over the last year, and 0% of the county is in severe drought today. While 63.2% of the area is abnormally dry, the well-drained soil and moderate rainfall make the region highly resilient. Simple water conservation practices are usually enough to keep the turf vibrant.
Ready for growth between April and October
Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are a great fit for the local 6a climate. The last spring frost ends around April 12, and the first fall frost usually hits October 29. These dates offer a generous and predictable window for seeding or aeration projects.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
40.2"
Growing Degree Days
3,923.4
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/12
First Fall Frost
10/29
Days Above 95F
30
Hardiness Zone
6a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 6A
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
0.6"
inches of water
Monthly Water
1,797
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$14.38
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 40" 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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