Lawn Care Guide for Burleigh County
Burleigh County, North Dakota
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Burleigh County, North Dakota
Above Average Growth in Burleigh County
Burleigh County offers a relatively friendly environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 55.2. This score is higher than the national median and the North Dakota state average of 54.0.
High Growing Degrees for Rapid Growth
With 2,340 growing degree days, grass in Burleigh County develops faster than in much of the state. The 19.7 inches of annual rainfall closely matches the state average, though 17 extreme heat days require attentive summer watering.
Standard North Dakota Soil Profile
A soil pH of 7.10 provides an ideal baseline for most grass species. The 40.8% sand and 19.7% clay mix is common for the region, though specific drainage and texture classes are not available for this county.
Ten Weeks of Drought Resilience
Burleigh County endured 10 weeks of drought in the past year, which is moderate for the region. To conserve water during these times, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day and keep your blades sharp.
Take Advantage of a Long Season
The frost-free window begins on May 11th and extends until September 29th, providing ample time for seeding. Zone 4a grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are the local standard for durability and color.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
19.7"
Growing Degree Days
2,339.933
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/11
First Fall Frost
09/29
Days Above 95F
17
Hardiness Zone
4a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 4A
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
2.1"
inches of water
Monthly Water
6,522
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$52.18
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 20" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Burleigh County
Drought Stress
With only 20 inches of annual rainfall, lawns in Burleigh County face significant drought stress. Consider drought-tolerant grass species and deep, infrequent watering.
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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