Lawn Care Guide for Daviess County
Daviess County, Missouri
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Daviess County, Missouri
Superior Lawn Growth in Daviess County
Daviess County is a top performer with a lawn difficulty score of 83.9, one of the easiest regions for turf in Missouri. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 63.7 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 6a climate here provides a very hospitable environment for home gardeners.
Cooler Summers and Moderate Rainfall
With only 29 extreme heat days and 39.6 inches of rain, the climate is much milder than southern Missouri counties. The 3,461 growing degree days represent a shorter, more concentrated growing season that is easy to manage. This balance reduces the risk of heat-related dormancy and common summer turf diseases.
Stable Soil with Excellent pH
The soil pH of 6.36 is nearly ideal for a vibrant, green lawn without the need for heavy chemical adjustments. While the soil is subaqueous and contains 27.3% clay, its high nutrient capacity supports vigorous growth when drainage is managed. The 15.2% sand content provides just enough structure to prevent total soil compaction.
Minimal Drought Stress and High Resilience
Daviess County saw only 9 weeks of drought in the past year, and currently, only 37.7% of the area is abnormally dry. This makes it one of the most drought-resilient areas in the state, requiring less supplemental irrigation than its neighbors. Standard watering practices during the hottest weeks are usually sufficient to maintain health.
Lush Zone 6a Lawns are Within Reach
Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in these cooler conditions and the rich soil of Daviess County. With the last spring frost on April 19 and the first fall frost on October 21, you have a reliable window for lawn projects. Fall is the best time for overseeding to keep your lawn dense and weed-resistant for the following year.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
39.6"
Growing Degree Days
3,461.1
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/19
First Fall Frost
10/21
Days Above 95F
29
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
1,794
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$14.35
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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