Lawn Care Guide for Ward County
Ward County, North Dakota
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Ward County, North Dakota
Meeting the National Average in Ward
Ward County posts a lawn difficulty score of 49.9, placing it right at the national median for maintenance ease. This score is slightly lower than the North Dakota state average of 54.0, indicating a need for more attentive care.
Dryer Conditions and Cooler Seasons
Annual precipitation of 18.1 inches is lower than the state average, requiring supplemental irrigation to keep grass lush. The county records 2157 growing degree days and 12 extreme heat days, typical for its 4a hardiness rating.
Sandy Soil and Higher pH
With 40.8% sand, the soil here likely loses moisture faster than more clay-heavy neighbors. The pH of 7.22 is manageable, but you may need sulfur amendments to bring it closer to the turf-ideal 6.5.
Rising to the Drought Challenge
The county endured 15 weeks in drought over the last year, more than double some neighboring areas. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a vital strategy here to keep moisture in the sandy ground.
Focusing on Drought-Tolerant Varieties
Select drought-tolerant Fine Fescues to handle the 18.1-inch annual rainfall. Seed your lawn after May 13 to avoid late frosts and ensure a strong start before the early September 29 fall freeze.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
18.1"
Growing Degree Days
2,156.725
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/13
First Fall Frost
09/29
Days Above 95F
12
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
2.2"
inches of water
Monthly Water
6,785
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$54.28
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 18" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Ward County
Drought Stress
With only 18 inches of annual rainfall, lawns in Ward 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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