Lawn Care Guide for Stutsman County
Stutsman County, North Dakota
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Stutsman County, North Dakota
Reliable Results in Stutsman County
Stutsman County features a lawn difficulty score of 56.1, placing it above both state and national averages for ease of maintenance. This Zone 4a county offers a standard climate for northern grasses to flourish with moderate effort.
Moderate Climate Keeps Lawns Healthy
The county receives 20.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is just above the state average of 19.5 inches. With only 10 extreme heat days, lawns stay cooler and retain moisture better than those in many other parts of the Dakotas.
Balanced Soil for Durable Turf
The soil texture is 42.9% sand and 20.7% clay, providing a good balance of drainage and water retention. While the pH of 7.25 is slightly alkaline, most cool-season grasses will adapt well if provided with consistent organic top-dressing.
Strong Recovery from Dry Periods
Stutsman County experienced 7 weeks of drought over the past year but currently enjoys 0.0% abnormally dry area. This resilience suggests that your lawn can withstand short dry spells if you maintain a consistent, deep-watering schedule.
Start Strong After the May 11th Frost
Hardiness Zone 4a is perfect for hardy cool-season blends that can survive the cold ND winters. Aim to seed your lawn after May 11th and ensure it is fully mature before the fall frost arrives on September 29th.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
20.2"
Growing Degree Days
2,180.85
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/11
First Fall Frost
09/29
Days Above 95F
10
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
2.0"
inches of water
Monthly Water
6,274
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$50.19
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 Stutsman County
Drought Stress
With only 20 inches of annual rainfall, lawns in Stutsman 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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