Lawn Care Guide for Winnebago County

Winnebago County, Wisconsin

Lawn Difficulty Score

18/100
Easy
Rainfall28/100
Soil Quality0/100
Temperature3/100
Growing Season40/100
Drought25/100

Soil Summary

pH

5.9

Texture

Silt loam

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

7.1%

View full soil details

Recommended Grasses

Cool-SeasonTransition Zone

Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea

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

Fine Fescue

Festuca spp.

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

Bentgrass

Agrostis stolonifera

Drought: 1/5Shade: 2/5
Suitability70%
View Seeds
Cool-Season

Kentucky Bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Drought: 2/5Shade: 2/5
Suitability55%
View Seeds

Climate Snapshot

Annual Precip

31.9"

Growing Degree Days

2,629.75

Base 50F

Last Spring Frost

04/30

First Fall Frost

10/20

Days Above 95F

7

Hardiness Zone

5b

Seeding Calendar — Zone 5B

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Cool Seed (Best)
Cool Seed (OK)
Cool Seed (Best)
Cool Seed (OK)
Optimal (cool)
Acceptable (cool)
Optimal (warm)
Acceptable (warm)

Seasonal Lawn Care Checklist

Spring

  • Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil reaches 55F
  • Overseed bare spots once frost risk passes
  • 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

  • Core aerate compacted areas
  • Apply fall fertilizer (highest N application for cool-season)
  • Continue mowing until growth stops
  • Rake or mulch leaves to prevent smothering

Winter

  • Avoid walking on frozen turf
  • 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

1.1"

inches of water

Monthly Water

3,423

gallons

Estimated Monthly Cost

$27.39

at $0.008/gallon average

Estimates based on 32" 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.