Lawn Care Guide for Andrews County
Andrews County, Texas
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Andrews County, Texas
Overcoming Significant High-Plains Lawn Hurdles
Andrews County faces a difficult lawn score of 13.8, which is less than half the state average of 31.7. Maintaining a traditional green lawn in Hardiness Zone 8a requires specialized care and highly drought-tolerant species.
Extreme Heat and Arid Conditions
With only 14.0 inches of annual precipitation, the county falls far short of the 30-50 inches needed for most standard turf. Gardeners must manage 116 days of extreme heat, which is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 105 days.
Alkaline Sands Require Careful Management
The soil pH of 7.62 is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can lead to iron chlorosis in certain grasses. The high sand content of 63.9% ensures quick drainage but necessitates more frequent watering during the peak growing season.
Battling Persistent Dry Spells
The county endured 36 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Using xeriscaping or native Buffalograss can help homeowners conserve water while maintaining ground cover in these harsh conditions.
Hardy Turf Choices for Andrews
Wait until after the March 18 spring frost to begin seeding, focusing on drought-resistant varieties like Buffalograss. Given the 6025 growing degree days, early preparation is vital to help turf survive the 116 extreme heat days ahead.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
14.0"
Growing Degree Days
6,025.1
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
03/18
First Fall Frost
11/14
Days Above 95F
116
Hardiness Zone
8a
Seeding Calendar — Zone 8A
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
- Raise mowing height to reduce heat stress
- 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
- Overseed with ryegrass for winter color
Watering Deficit Calculator
Monthly Deficit
2.9"
inches of water
Monthly Water
9,061
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$72.49
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 14" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Andrews County
Drought Stress
With only 14 inches of annual rainfall, lawns in Andrews County face significant drought stress. Consider drought-tolerant grass species and deep, infrequent watering.
Persistent Drought Conditions
Andrews County experienced drought conditions for 36 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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