Lawn Care Guide for Stewart County
Stewart County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMData Story
About Lawn Care in Stewart County, Tennessee
Managing the Lawn in Stewart County
Stewart County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.1, making it slightly more challenging to maintain than the national average of 50.0. This Zone 7b region requires specific care to keep turf healthy throughout the year. You face slightly more hurdles here than the typical Tennessee homeowner, who enjoys a state average score of 48.0.
Abundant Rain and Moderate Summer Heat
Your lawn receives 54.8 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the ideal range of 30 to 50 inches. With 34 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F, grass requires careful monitoring during peak summer months. Mowing typically begins after the last spring frost on April 4 and continues through the 4553 growing degree days.
Tackling Acidic Silt Loam Soil
The soil pH of 5.54 is significantly below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, necessitating lime applications to balance acidity. This silt loam texture consists of roughly 19.0% clay and 20.6% sand. Because the land is moderately well drained, you must ensure your watering schedule doesn't lead to saturation.
Protecting Grass During Dry Spells
The county spent 19 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and 100% of the area currently experiences abnormal dryness. To build resilience, you should water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day when the grass is already under moisture stress.
Best Turf Choices for Stewart County
Tall fescue and Bermuda grass thrive in this transition zone and handle the local climate well. For the best results, aim to seed or sod between the last frost on April 4 and the first frost on October 31. Start your soil amendments now to prepare for a lush, green season.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Soil Summary
pH
5.5
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
2.4%
Top Grass Fit for Stewart County
Excellent match
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra
Jonathan Green
Top cultivar score: 100/100
Zone 7b vs Tall Fescue's 3–8 band.
Soil pH 5.54387403318937 vs Tall Fescue's 5.5–6.5 window.
Precipitation 54.8" + soil AWC vs Tall Fescue's 20–30" need.
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.
In Stewart County, USDA zone 7b, soil pH 5.5, silt loam, Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra scores 100/100 — a strong zone match, adequate moisture, and a long enough establishment window.
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Best Grass Seed for Stewart County
Zone 7b • Cool- and warm-season grasses thrive here.
Find Seeds for Zone 7bClimate Snapshot
Annual Precip
54.8"
Growing Degree Days
4,553.3
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
04/04
First Fall Frost
10/31
Days Above 95F
34
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
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 Stewart 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.
Learn more about regional lawn challenges at The Lawn Report.
Lawn Care Advisory: Stewart County
Lawn Verdict
Stewart County falls in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a favorable range for both cool- and warm-season grasses. with winter lows reaching around 5.0°F. and 4,553.3 growing degree days annually, supporting vigorous warm-season lawns. High annual precipitation (54.8 inches) supports lush growth but increases disease pressure.
Seasonal Breakdown
Wait until after April 4 to seed or overseed; soil temperatures should consistently reach 50-55°F. Cool summers (July averages 78.4°F) reduce heat stress — maintain regular mowing and moderate watering. With 33.6 days above 90°F annually, warm-season grasses recover faster from summer stress than cool-season types. Aerate and overseed cool-season lawns by early fall, well before October 31; this is the best renovation window. Cool winters (January averages 36.7°F) mean slow or dormant growth; keep debris off the lawn.
Watering Guidance
Stewart County receives abundant rainfall (54.8 inches annually), so lawns rarely need supplemental irrigation. Currently, 100.0% of the county is in moderate drought according to the US Drought Monitor. Consider reducing irrigation frequency and allowing cool-season lawns to go semi-dormant during peak heat. Standard warm-season watering of 1 inch per week is usually adequate during summer.
Regional Context
Stewart County is close to the Tennessee average temperature, USDA zone 7b 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 Stewart County in?
What is the best grass for Stewart County?
How much rainfall does Stewart County get?
What is the soil pH in Stewart County?
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 Stewart County