Lawn Care Guide for Stewart County
Stewart County, Tennessee
Data 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%
Recommended Grasses
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate 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.
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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