Lawn Care Guide for Fillmore County
Fillmore County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMData Story
About Lawn Care in Fillmore County, Nebraska
Reliable Growth in Fillmore County
Fillmore County earns a solid 60.4 lawn difficulty score, outperforming both the state and national averages. The hardiness zone 6a climate provides a relatively friendly environment for established lawns.
Consistent Precipitation and Average Heat
The county sees 27.7 inches of rain annually, which is just below the national ideal but higher than the state average of 25.9 inches. Heat stress is moderate, with 33 extreme heat days per year.
Acidity Management May Be Needed
With a soil pH of 5.98, the ground is slightly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Adding lime may help balance the soil and improve the health of lawns that seem to be struggling.
Monitoring Seasonal Dryness
Fillmore experienced 24 weeks of drought in the past year, though no severe drought is currently recorded. Aerating your lawn can help improve water penetration during the drier summer months.
Ideal Timing for Southern Nebraska
Tall Fescue is a great choice for this 6a zone due to its deeper root system and drought tolerance. The growing season kicks off after April 25, which is the typical date for the last spring frost.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Top Grass Fit for Fillmore County
Excellent match
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra
Jonathan Green
Top cultivar score: 100/100
Zone 6a vs Tall Fescue's 3–8 band.
Soil pH 5.98150117908205 vs Tall Fescue's 5.5–6.5 window.
Precipitation 27.72" + soil AWC vs Tall Fescue's 20–30" need.
Growing-degree-days + frost window vs a intermediate-difficulty establishment.
If you spend any time on lawn care forums, Reddit's r/lawncare, or YouTube lawn channels, one name comes up more than any other: Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra. It's practically a cult favorite, and the label, cultivar story, and long-running owner reports explain why. The secret is in the genetics.
In Fillmore County, USDA zone 6a, soil pH 6.0, Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra scores 100/100 — a strong zone match, adequate moisture, and a long enough establishment window.
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Best Grass Seed for Fillmore County
Zone 6a • Cool- and warm-season grasses thrive here.
Find Seeds for Zone 6aClimate Snapshot
Annual Precip
27.7"
Growing Degree Days
3,464.65
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/25
First Fall Frost
10/18
Days Above 95F
33
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
1.6"
inches of water
Monthly Water
4,883
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$39.06
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 28" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Fillmore County
Persistent Drought Conditions
Fillmore County experienced drought conditions for 24 of the past 52 weeks. Prioritize water-efficient grasses and consider reducing lawn area.
Learn more about regional lawn challenges at The Lawn Report.
Lawn Care Advisory: Fillmore County
Lawn Verdict
Fillmore County sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a transitional zone where cool-season grasses dominate but some warm-season varieties can survive. with winter lows reaching around -10.0°F. and 3,464.65 growing degree days, sufficient for most common turfgrasses. Moderate rainfall (27.7 inches) generally supports healthy lawns with minimal supplemental watering.
Seasonal Breakdown
Wait until after April 25 to seed or overseed; soil temperatures should consistently reach 50-55°F. Cool summers (July averages 75.8°F) reduce heat stress — maintain regular mowing and moderate watering. With 33.150000000000006 days above 90°F annually, warm-season grasses recover faster from summer stress than cool-season types. Aerate and overseed cool-season lawns by early fall, well before October 18; this is the best renovation window. Cool winters (January averages 25.3°F) mean slow or dormant growth; keep debris off the lawn.
Watering Guidance
Moderate rainfall (27.7 inches) means lawns benefit from weekly deep watering during summer stress. Currently, 100.0% of the county is in abnormally dry according to the US Drought Monitor. Standard warm-season watering of 1 inch per week is usually adequate during summer.
Regional Context
Fillmore County is close to the Nebraska average temperature, USDA zone 6a helps guide grass selection compared to neighboring counties.
Want detailed soil composition, drainage classes, and soil series data? View soil details on SoilByCounty.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What USDA hardiness zone is Fillmore County in?
What is the best grass for Fillmore County?
How much rainfall does Fillmore County get?
What is the soil pH in Fillmore County?
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.
Explore more data for Fillmore County