LawnByCounty

Lawn Care Guide for Campbell County

Campbell County, Tennessee

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Data Story

About Lawn Care in Campbell County, Tennessee

Campbell's High Score for Lawn Ease

Campbell County is a gardener's friend with a lawn score of 56.0, indicating it is easier to maintain than 56% of the country. Its Zone 7a status and lower heat stress contribute to this very favorable rating.

Gentler Summers for Healthier Grass

With only 25 days of extreme heat and 54.6 inches of rain, the climate is naturally supportive of healthy turf. A shorter growing season of 3,831 degree days means you will spend less time mowing than neighbors to the south.

Managing Soil Acidity and Clay

Soil pH sits at 5.20, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 range but manageable with standard lime treatments. The 21.8% clay content is helpful for holding moisture during the warmest parts of the summer.

Consistently Low Drought Pressure

Drought is less of a concern here, with only 9 weeks of dry conditions recorded over the past year. Even though the area is currently 100% abnormally dry, the lack of severe drought history makes lawn recovery much faster.

Ideal Timing for Cool-Season Turf

The cooler Zone 7a climate is perfect for seeding cool-season grasses in the early spring. Aim to have your lawn established between the April 18th last frost and the October 24th first frost for the best results.

Lawn Difficulty Score

30/100
Easy
Rainfall19/100
Soil Quality20/100
Temperature12/100
Growing Season40/100
Drought17/100

Soil Summary

pH

5.2

Texture

N/A

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.8%

View full soil details

Top Grass Fit for Campbell County

92/ 100

Excellent match

Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra

Jonathan Green

Top cultivar score: 92/100

USDA Zone Match100

Zone 7a vs Tall Fescue's 3–8 band.

Soil pH Fit60

Soil pH 5.20458292150841 vs Tall Fescue's 5.5–6.5 window.

Moisture Fit100

Precipitation 54.56" + soil AWC vs Tall Fescue's 20–30" need.

Establishment Window100

Growing-degree-days + frost window vs a intermediate-difficulty establishment.

If you spend any time on lawn care forums, Reddit's r/lawncare, or YouTube lawn channels, one name comes up more than any other: Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra. It's practically a cult favorite, and the label, cultivar story, and long-running owner reports explain why. The secret is in the genetics.
From The Lawn Report editorial review • rated 4.7/5
Shop Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra

In Campbell County, USDA zone 7a, soil pH 5.2, Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra scores 92/100 — a strong zone match, adequate moisture, and a long enough establishment window.

Recommended Grasses

Cool-Season

Kentucky Bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Drought: 2/5Shade: 2/5
Suitability55%
View Seeds
Cool-SeasonTransition Zone

Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea

Drought: 4/5Shade: 3/5
Suitability55%
View Seeds
Cool-Season

Perennial Ryegrass

Lolium perenne

Drought: 2/5Shade: 2/5
Suitability55%
View Seeds
Warm-SeasonTransition Zone

Bermudagrass

Cynodon dactylon

Drought: 5/5Shade: 1/5
Suitability55%
View Seeds

Best Grass Seed for Campbell County

Zone 7aCool- and warm-season grasses thrive here.

Find Seeds for Zone 7a

Climate Snapshot

Annual Precip

54.6"

Growing Degree Days

3,831.4

Base 50F

Last Spring Frost

04/18

First Fall Frost

10/24

Days Above 95F

25

Hardiness Zone

7a

Seeding Calendar — Zone 7A

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Cool Seed (Best)
Cool Seed (OK)
Warm Seed (Best)
Warm Seed (OK)
Cool Seed (Best)
Cool Seed (OK)
Warm Seed (Best)
Warm Seed (OK)
Optimal (cool)
Acceptable (cool)
Optimal (warm)
Acceptable (warm)

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

50020,000 sq ft

Monthly Deficit

0.0"

inches of water

Monthly Water

0

gallons

Estimated Monthly Cost

$0.00

at $0.008/gallon average

Estimates based on 55" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.

Common Lawn Problems in Campbell County

Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease

High annual rainfall (55 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

Acidic Soil

Soil pH of 5.2 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.

Lawn Care Advisory: Campbell County

Lawn Verdict

Campbell County falls in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a favorable range for both cool- and warm-season grasses. with winter lows reaching around 0.0°F. and 3,831.4 growing degree days, sufficient for most common turfgrasses. High annual precipitation (54.6 inches) supports lush growth but increases disease pressure.

Seasonal Breakdown

Wait until after April 18 to seed or overseed; soil temperatures should consistently reach 50-55°F. Cool summers (July averages 75.3°F) reduce heat stress — maintain regular mowing and moderate watering. Aerate and overseed cool-season lawns by early fall, well before October 24; this is the best renovation window. Cool winters (January averages 35.6°F) mean slow or dormant growth; keep debris off the lawn.

Watering Guidance

Campbell County receives abundant rainfall (54.6 inches annually), so lawns rarely need supplemental irrigation. Currently, 94.7% of the county is in abnormally dry according to the US Drought Monitor. Standard warm-season watering of 1 inch per week is usually adequate during summer.

Regional Context

Campbell County is close to the Tennessee average temperature, USDA zone 7a helps guide grass selection compared to neighboring counties.

Want detailed soil composition, drainage classes, and soil series data? View soil details on SoilByCounty.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zone is Campbell County in?
Campbell County is located in USDA hardiness zone 7a, based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This zone helps determine which grass species are most likely to thrive in the county's climate.
What is the best grass for Campbell County?
Kentucky Bluegrass is the top recommendation for Campbell County, with a match score of 55/100. It grows best in zones 3a–7a and requires 30–40 inches of water annually.
How much rainfall does Campbell County get?
Campbell County receives an average of 54.6 inches of precipitation per year, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals. This abundant rainfall supports a wide range of grass species with minimal supplemental irrigation.
What is the soil pH in Campbell County?
The average soil pH in Campbell County is 5.2, based on USDA SSURGO data. This acidic soil may benefit from lime application to raise pH for optimal grass growth.

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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor