Lawn Care Guide for Brown County
Brown County, Ohio
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Brown County, Ohio
Southern Ohio Ease of Growth
Brown County scores a 76.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, matching the state average almost exactly. It is significantly easier to maintain a yard here than in the rest of the country on average. As a 6b hardiness zone, it offers a slightly longer and warmer growing season than northern Ohio counties.
High Heat and High Rain
Brown County experiences 21 extreme heat days annually, which is much higher than the state average of 15. Fortunately, this is balanced by a generous 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, providing plenty of water to combat the heat. The 3,172 growing degree days ensure that grass grows quickly and recovers well from damage.
Navigating Poorly Drained Silt Loam
The silt loam soil here is considered somewhat poorly drained, which can lead to pooling water after heavy rains. The soil pH of 6.29 is within the ideal range, meaning nutrients are readily available for your turf. To manage the 23.1% clay content, avoid heavy foot traffic when the ground is saturated to prevent soil compaction.
Low Drought Vulnerability
Currently, zero percent of Brown County is experiencing drought or abnormal dryness. The county has only seen six weeks of drought over the past year, thanks in part to its high annual rainfall totals. To keep this resilience high, ensure your lawn has good surface drainage to handle the frequent heavy precipitation.
Heat-Ready Grass for Zone 6b
Tall fescue is highly recommended here due to its ability to withstand the 21 extreme heat days. Your fall seeding should be completed before the October 11 frost date, which comes earlier than some neighboring areas. For spring, wait for the ground to warm after the April 29 frost date before laying down new sod or seed.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Soil Summary
pH
6.3
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.0%
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
47.9"
Growing Degree Days
3,172
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/29
First Fall Frost
10/11
Days Above 95F
21
Hardiness Zone
6b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 6B
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 48" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
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.
Explore more data for Brown County