Lawn Care Guide for Laclede County
Laclede County, Missouri
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Laclede County, Missouri
Managing Turf in Laclede
Laclede County has a lawn difficulty score of 57.1, which is lower than the Missouri average but still better than the national median. This 6b hardiness zone requires active management to maintain a lush appearance.
Ample Water for Hot Summers
Lawns receive a generous 45.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average. This extra water is vital during the 38 days of extreme heat the county typically experiences each year.
Correcting Acidity and Sandy Mixes
The soil pH is 5.90, which is slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and may require lime treatments. A sand content of 21.0% helps with texture, but the subaqueous drainage indicates local areas may struggle with water management.
Adapting to Abnormally Dry Conditions
After 28 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the county remains abnormally dry today. Using taller mowing heights can help shade the soil and preserve the moisture from the county's high annual rainfall.
Ready for Spring in Zone 6b
Tall Fescue and Zoysia are excellent choices for the variable 6b climate. Start your planting projects after the final spring frost on April 17th to give your grass time to establish before the summer heat.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
45.9"
Growing Degree Days
4,079.5
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/17
First Fall Frost
10/21
Days Above 95F
38
Hardiness Zone
6b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 6B
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
0.1"
inches of water
Monthly Water
347
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$2.77
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 46" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Laclede County
Persistent Drought Conditions
Laclede County experienced drought conditions for 28 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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