Lawn Care Guide for Washakie County
Washakie County, Wyoming
Data Story
About Lawn Care in Washakie County, Wyoming
Tackling the Heat in Washakie
Washakie County’s lawn difficulty score of 30.5 reflects a challenging environment for Zone 4b growers. Intense summer heat and low precipitation make this one of the more demanding regions for traditional turf.
Forty Days of Extreme Heat
The county faces 40 extreme heat days (≥90°F) annually, nearly double the state average. Combined with only 11.0 inches of rain, these 2,306 growing degree days can quickly turn a lawn dormant without heavy irrigation.
Understanding Fine Sandy Loam
Soil here is a fine sandy loam with a pH of 7.58, categorized as somewhat poorly drained. While the 46.4% sand content aids drainage, the 'somewhat poor' drainage class means you must watch for water pooling during heavy irrigation.
Guarding Against Severe Dryness
With 66.8% of the county in severe drought and 32 weeks of drought this past year, water management is vital. During heat spikes, water in the early morning to minimize evaporation and keep grass cool.
Choosing Heat-Resistant Grasses
Tall Fescue is a strong candidate to handle Washakie's 40 days of extreme heat. Aim to seed after the 05/13 frost to give the grass a full season of 2,306 growing degree days to establish deep roots.
Lawn Difficulty Score
Soil Summary
pH
7.6
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Recommended Grasses
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides
Climate Snapshot
Annual Precip
11.0"
Growing Degree Days
2,306.4
Base 50F
Last Spring Frost
05/13
First Fall Frost
10/01
Days Above 95F
40
Hardiness Zone
4b
Seeding Calendar — Zone 4B
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
Monthly Deficit
2.9"
inches of water
Monthly Water
8,878
gallons
Estimated Monthly Cost
$71.03
at $0.008/gallon average
Estimates based on 11" annual precipitation and estimated evapotranspiration. Actual costs vary by local water rates.
Common Lawn Problems in Washakie County
Drought Stress
With only 11 inches of annual rainfall, lawns in Washakie County face significant drought stress. Consider drought-tolerant grass species and deep, infrequent watering.
Persistent Drought Conditions
Washakie County experienced drought conditions for 32 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.
Explore more data for Washakie County