Lawn Care Guide for Clearfield County
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
Favorable Growth in Clearfield
Clearfield County earns a lawn difficulty score of 59.7, making it easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 and slightly above the state average. This Zone 6a region provides a steady environment for cool-season grasses to thrive with moderate effort.
Mild Summers Support Consistent Growth
The county receives 44.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably near the state average of 45.2 inches. With only 4 extreme heat days per year and 2,456 growing degree days, your grass avoids the heavy thermal stress common in southern counties.
Amending Acidic Mountain Soils
The local soil pH of 4.91 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy turf. You will need regular lime applications to manage the 10.9% clay and 22.5% sand mix found throughout the county.
Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells
Clearfield faced 15 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems that can survive these dry periods.
Planting for Success in Zone 6a
Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue perform best in this climate. Plan your seeding projects between the last spring frost on May 4 and the first fall frost on October 13 for optimal establishment.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
44.3"
Growing Degree Days
2,456.4
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/04
First Fall Frost
10/13
Days Above 95F
4
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
0.0"
inches of water
Monthly Water
28
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$0.22
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 44" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Clearfield County
Acidic Soil
Soil pH of 4.9 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.
Explore more data for Clearfield County