Lawn Care Guide for Phillips County
Phillips County, Montana
Explore Phillips County across the ByCounty Network
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
13.7"
Growing Degree Days
2,097.143
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/16
First Fall Frost
09/23
Days Above 95F
24
Hardiness Zone
3b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 3B
Seasonal Lawn Care Checklist
Spring
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil reaches 55F
- Overseed bare spots once frost risk passes
- 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
- Core aerate compacted areas
- Apply fall fertilizer (highest N application for cool-season)
- Continue mowing until growth stops
- Rake or mulch leaves to prevent smothering
Winter
- Avoid walking on frozen turf
- Service mower and sharpen blades
- Plan spring soil amendments based on fall test
- Keep lawn clear of debris
Watering Deficit Calculator
Monthly Deficit
2.6"
inches of water
Monthly Water
7,957
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$63.66
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 14" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Phillips County
Drought Stress
With only 14 inches of annual rainfall, lawns in Phillips County face significant drought stress. Consider drought-tolerant grass species and deep, infrequent watering.
Persistent Drought Conditions
Phillips County experienced drought conditions for 41 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.