Lawn Care Guide for Crawford County
Crawford County, Ohio
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Crawford County, Ohio
Crawford County's High-Performing Lawns
With a lawn difficulty score of 81.2, Crawford is significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 and exceeds the state average of 76.0. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, providing a stable environment for traditional cool-season grasses.
Reliable Rainfall and Moderate Heat
The county receives 40.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly perfect for the 3,239 growing degree days recorded each year. While there are 16 extreme heat days annually, the climate generally supports a consistent mowing schedule from late April to October.
Silt Loam Soil Essentials
The local soil has a pH of 5.99, which is just slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient absorption. This moderately well-drained silt loam contains 20.8% clay, meaning homeowners should watch for compaction during heavy spring rains.
Exceptional Resistance to Drought
Crawford County experienced only 7 weeks of drought over the past year and currently remains 99.1% drought-free. To maintain this resilience, use deep, infrequent watering to encourage the strong root systems required for zone 6a.
Growing Success in Zone 6a
Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the recommended choices for this climate and soil profile. Aim to start your seeding projects after the last spring frost on April 26 to take full advantage of the upcoming growing season.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Soil Summary
pH
6.0
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
5.3%
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
40.8"
Growing Degree Days
3,238.8
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/26
First Fall Frost
10/27
Days Above 95F
16
Hardiness Zone
6a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 6A
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
0.4"
inches of water
Monthly Water
1,287
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$10.30
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 41" 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.
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