Lawn Care Guide for Humphreys County
Humphreys County, Tennessee
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Humphreys County, Tennessee
Rigorous Lawn Care Requirements
With a score of 41.9, Humphreys County is one of the more difficult places in the state to maintain a healthy lawn. This score falls significantly short of the 50.0 national average, requiring extra effort from local homeowners.
Long Seasons and Typical Heat
The area faces 36 extreme heat days per year, matching the Tennessee state average. While local precipitation data is currently limited, the 4,628 growing degree days indicate a robust season for warm-season growth.
Adapting to Acidic Soil Profiles
Soil here is quite acidic with a pH of 5.25, necessitating regular testing and corrective amendments. The texture is a balanced mix of clay and sand, though local drainage classes vary across the county.
Protecting Lawns During Dry Spells
Humphreys faced 22 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. Mulching and maintaining a higher mowing height can help your lawn retain precious soil moisture during these stretches.
Establishing Growth After Frost
Hardy grasses like Bermuda are well-suited for the long growing season that begins after the April 2 frost. Late spring is the optimal time for sodding to ensure the turf is mature before the first fall frost on November 4.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
N/A
Growing Degree Days
4,628.3
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/02
First Fall Frost
11/04
Days Above 95F
36
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
1.4"
inches of water
Monthly Water
4,500
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$36.00
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 30" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Humphreys County
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.
Persistent Drought Conditions
Humphreys County experienced drought conditions for 22 of the past 52 weeks. Prioritize water-efficient grasses and consider reducing lawn area.
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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