Lawn Care Guide for Henderson County
Henderson County, Texas
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Henderson County, Texas
Henderson's High Potential for Greenery
Henderson County is a Texas outlier with a relatively high lawn difficulty score of 47.5, approaching the national average of 50.0. This Zone 8b region offers some of the most favorable conditions in the state for maintaining a lush green space.
Abundant Rain Supports Turf Growth
The county receives a generous 44.8 inches of rain annually, which is nearly 13 inches more than the Texas average. Despite 92 days of heat above 90°F, the moisture levels help maintain a steady mowing schedule between March and November.
Acidic and Sandy Foundation
The soil is acidic at 5.90 pH, sitting just below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turf. With a high sand content of 54.1%, you should focus on adding organic matter to improve water retention.
Brief Droughts and Severe Spells
Water conservation remains important as 47.0% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought. Henderson has spent 10 weeks in drought over the last year, suggesting that temporary dry spells can still stress your lawn.
Optimal Timing for East Texas
St. Augustine and Centipede grass are excellent choices for these acidic, sandy soils and moist conditions. Aim to seed or sod in late March once the threat of the last frost on March 18 has passed.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Recommended Grasses
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
44.8"
Growing Degree Days
6,256.9
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
03/18
First Fall Frost
11/12
Days Above 95F
92
Hardiness Zone
8b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 8B
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
0.4"
inches of water
Monthly Water
1,143
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$9.15
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 45" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
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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