Lawn Care Guide for St. Francois County
St. Francois County, Missouri
Data Story
About Lawn Care in St. Francois County, Missouri
Managing Mid-Range Lawn Difficulty
With a score of 56.5, St. Francois County is more challenging for lawn care than the state average. This Zone 6b area requires proactive maintenance to stay healthy compared to the broader Missouri landscape.
Plenty of Rain for Thirsty Turf
The county receives 45.2 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than the state average of 43.7. This extra moisture helps offset the 32 extreme heat days, keeping grass greener for longer into the summer months.
Correcting Low Soil pH
The soil pH of 5.69 is quite acidic and typically requires lime amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. On the plus side, the silty clay loam is well-drained, which prevents water from pooling around the roots of your grass.
Targeted Watering for Dry Zones
While most of the county is abnormally dry, 0.4% is already facing severe drought conditions. Target these vulnerable spots with consistent irrigation to mitigate the effects of the 28 weeks of drought seen last year.
Spring Seeding for Best Results
Target the window after April 13 to begin seeding your lawn with cool-season grasses like Perennial Ryegrass. You have 4,114 growing degree days to work with before the first frost hits around October 21.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Soil Summary
pH
5.7
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
15.6%
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
45.2"
Growing Degree Days
4,114.3
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/13
First Fall Frost
10/21
Days Above 95F
32
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
0.2"
inches of water
Monthly Water
528
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$4.23
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 45" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in St. Francois County
Persistent Drought Conditions
St. Francois 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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