Lawn Care Guide for Tulsa County
Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Tulsa County, Oklahoma
Tulsa County: Top-Tier Growing Conditions
Tulsa County offers one of the best environments for lawns in the state with a difficulty score of 48.4. This is notably higher than the Oklahoma average of 46.1 and approaches the national median of 50.0. For Zone 7b, these are among the most manageable conditions in the region.
Ideal Rainfall and Long Seasons
The county receives 41.5 inches of rain annually, which falls perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range. Local heat is manageable, with 74 days over 90°F, slightly lower than the state average of 76. The 5,226 growing degree days provide plenty of warmth for a thriving, lush lawn.
Correcting Acidity in Variable Soils
Tulsa's soil pH is quite low at 5.38, requiring lime treatments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The texture is described as variable, with 17.3% clay and 33.7% sand providing a moderate base for most grasses. Improving the soil's chemistry is the most important step for Tulsa homeowners to unlock the lawn's full potential.
Stable Conditions Amid Dry Spells
Tulsa is currently very resilient, with only 0.5% of the county in severe drought despite 100% being abnormally dry. The county saw 14 weeks of drought over the past year, which is lower than many western neighbors. Maintaining 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation will keep these lawns in peak shape.
Start Growing in Zone 7b
Warm-season grasses thrive here, with a growing window starting after the last frost on March 31. Your lawn will remain active through the summer heat and well into the fall, with the first frost not arriving until November 4. This long season is ideal for establishing Zoysia or Bermuda grass.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
41.5"
Growing Degree Days
5,225.933
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
03/31
First Fall Frost
11/04
Days Above 95F
74
Hardiness Zone
7b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 7B
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
0.6"
inches of water
Monthly Water
1,944
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$15.55
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 42" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Tulsa County
Acidic Soil
Soil pH of 5.4 is below the ideal range for most grasses (6.0-7.0). Apply agricultural lime to raise pH gradually.
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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