Lawn Care Guide for Burlington County
Burlington County, New Jersey
USDA SSURGO / PHZMData Story
About Lawn Care in Burlington County, New Jersey
Meeting the New Jersey Average
Burlington County earns a 47.0 lawn difficulty score, placing it nearly in line with the state average of 48.0. In Zone 7b, the conditions are typical for the region, requiring standard maintenance to overcome local soil and climate hurdles.
Managing the Summer Heat Peak
With 33 extreme heat days per year, Burlington is significantly hotter than the state average of 23 days. Annual precipitation of 47.5 inches helps offset this heat, but the 3,651 growing degree days ensure a vigorous growing season for most turf types.
Sandy Soil and Subaqueous Drainage
The soil is comprised of 68.4% sand and has an acidic pH of 4.86, which is common across Southern Jersey. Because the soil is sandy and the drainage is classified as subaqueous, managing moisture levels and pH balance is the primary challenge for homeowners.
Bracing for Abnormally Dry Spells
Current data shows 100% of the county is abnormally dry, following a year where residents saw 32 weeks of drought conditions. Efficient irrigation systems and mulch-mowing can help retain moisture in the sandy soil during these frequent dry stretches.
Optimizing Your Planting Schedule
Wait until after April 15 to begin spring projects to avoid late frosts that can damage tender new sprouts. With the first frost not arriving until October 28, you have a generous window to establish heat-tolerant grasses like turf-type tall fescue.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Top Grass Fit for Burlington County
Excellent match
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra
Jonathan Green
Top cultivar score: 86/100
Zone 7b vs Tall Fescue's 3–8 band.
Soil pH 4.86246140666844 vs Tall Fescue's 5.5–6.5 window.
Precipitation 47.48666666666667" + 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 Burlington County, USDA zone 7b, soil pH 4.9, Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra scores 86/100 — a strong zone match, adequate moisture, and a long enough establishment window.
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Best Grass Seed for Burlington County
Zone 7b • Cool- and warm-season grasses thrive here.
Find Seeds for Zone 7bClimate Snapshot
Annual Precip
47.5"
Growing Degree Days
3,650.567
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/15
First Fall Frost
10/28
Days Above 95F
33
Hardiness Zone
7b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 7B
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
0.0"
inches of water
Monthly Water
0
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$0.00
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 47" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Burlington County
Acidic Soil
Soil pH of 4.9 is below the ideal range for most grasses (6.0-7.0). Apply agricultural lime to raise pH gradually.
Persistent Drought Conditions
Burlington County experienced drought conditions for 32 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: Burlington County
Lawn Verdict
Burlington County falls in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a favorable range for both cool- and warm-season grasses. with winter lows reaching around 5.0°F. and 3,650.567 growing degree days, sufficient for most common turfgrasses. Moderate rainfall (47.5 inches) generally supports healthy lawns with minimal supplemental watering.
Seasonal Breakdown
Wait until after April 15 to seed or overseed; soil temperatures should consistently reach 50-55°F. Cool summers (July averages 76.5°F) reduce heat stress — maintain regular mowing and moderate watering. With 32.666666666666664 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 28; this is the best renovation window. Cool winters (January averages 33.3°F) mean slow or dormant growth; keep debris off the lawn.
Watering Guidance
With 47.5 inches of annual rainfall, established lawns typically need watering only during extended dry spells. 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
Burlington County is close to the New Jersey average temperature, USDA zone 7b 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 Burlington County in?
What is the best grass for Burlington County?
How much rainfall does Burlington County get?
What is the soil pH in Burlington 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 Burlington County