Lawn Care Guide for Montgomery County

Montgomery County, Tennessee

Data Story

About Lawn Care in Montgomery County, Tennessee

Montgomery County's Favorable Lawn Outlook

Montgomery County earns a lawn difficulty score of 49.2, making it the easiest county in this group to maintain and nearly matching the national median. This Zone 7b region is slightly more favorable for lawns than the Tennessee state average.

Ideal Rainfall and Summer Growth

Annual precipitation of 51.3 inches is very close to the ideal range of 30-50 inches for healthy turf. While there are 50 extreme heat days, the 4,550 growing degree days provide a consistent and manageable growing season.

Quality Silt Loam with Better Balance

The soil features a pH of 5.80, which is closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range than many neighboring counties. This moderately well-drained silt loam provides a solid foundation, though minor lime additions may still be beneficial.

Handling Abnormal Dryness with Ease

The county spent 19 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, all areas are considered abnormally dry. Because no part of the county is in severe drought, moderate irrigation should be enough to keep lawns green.

Seize the Growing Season Early

With a last spring frost of April 6, you can get an early start on your lawn projects this year. Plan to have your lawn established and healthy before the first frost of autumn arrives on October 30.

Lawn Difficulty Score

20/100
Easy
Rainfall13/100
Soil Quality0/100
Temperature25/100
Growing Season40/100
Drought37/100

Soil Summary

pH

5.8

Texture

Silt loam

Drainage

Moderately well drained

Organic Matter

2.2%

View full soil details

Recommended Grasses

Cool-SeasonTransition Zone

Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea

Drought: 4/5Shade: 3/5
Suitability70%
View Seeds
Warm-Season

Centipedegrass

Eremochloa ophiuroides

Drought: 3/5Shade: 3/5
Suitability70%
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

51.3"

Growing Degree Days

4,549.9

Base 50F

Last Spring Frost

04/06

First Fall Frost

10/30

Days Above 95F

50

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

Common Lawn Problems in Montgomery County

Excess Moisture & Fungal Disease

High annual rainfall (51 inches) increases risk of fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

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.