Lawn Care Guide for Hickman County

Hickman County, Tennessee

Data Story

About Lawn Care in Hickman County, Tennessee

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Hickman

Hickman’s lawn difficulty score of 51.2 suggests slightly easier conditions than the national average of 50.0. This Zone 7b county also outperforms the Tennessee state average of 48.0, making it a relatively friendly spot for turfgrass.

High Rainfall and Moderate Heat

With 53.3 inches of annual rain, lawns here receive slightly more water than the ideal 50-inch threshold. Homeowners manage 26 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly lower than the state average of 36 days.

Managing Acidic Soil Challenges

The local soil pH of 5.48 is notably acidic compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grass types. A balanced mix of 20.6% clay and 20.5% sand requires careful nutrient management to support deep, healthy root systems.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

Hickman spent 17 weeks in drought over the past year, and the entire county currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilience against these recurrent dry periods.

Spring Seeding in Zone 7b

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia thrive here after the last spring frost on April 11. Plan seeding or sodding efforts for late spring to ensure the lawn is fully established before the first fall frost arrives on October 27.

Lawn Difficulty Score

23/100
Easy
Rainfall17/100
Soil Quality20/100
Temperature13/100
Growing Season40/100
Drought33/100

Soil Summary

pH

5.5

Texture

N/A

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.8%

View full soil details

Recommended Grasses

Warm-Season

Centipedegrass

Eremochloa ophiuroides

Drought: 3/5Shade: 3/5
Suitability70%
View Seeds
Cool-SeasonTransition Zone

Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea

Drought: 4/5Shade: 3/5
Suitability55%
View Seeds
Warm-SeasonTransition Zone

Bermudagrass

Cynodon dactylon

Drought: 5/5Shade: 1/5
Suitability55%
View Seeds
Warm-SeasonTransition Zone

Zoysiagrass

Zoysia japonica

Drought: 4/5Shade: 3/5
Suitability55%
View Seeds

Climate Snapshot

Annual Precip

53.3"

Growing Degree Days

4,392.3

Base 50F

Last Spring Frost

04/11

First Fall Frost

10/27

Days Above 95F

26

Hardiness Zone

7b

Seeding Calendar — Zone 7B

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 53" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.

Common Lawn Problems in Hickman County

Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease

High annual rainfall (53 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

Acidic Soil

Soil pH of 5.5 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.