Lawn Care Guide for Washakie County
Washakie County, Wyoming
USDA SSURGO / PHZMData 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%
Top Grass Fit for Washakie County
Strong match
Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade
Pennington
Top cultivar score: 69/100
Estimated — county soil data incomplete.
Zone 4b vs Tall Fescue's 3–8 band.
Soil pH 7.58139003479813 vs Tall Fescue's 5.5–6.5 window.
Precipitation 10.997499999999999" + soil AWC vs Tall Fescue's 20–30" need.
Growing-degree-days + frost window vs a beginner-difficulty establishment.
Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade is the best value in the cool-season grass seed market. Period. You get a quality fescue/KBG blend with genuine drought tolerance coating at a price point significantly below premium options like BBU or Barenbrug RTF.
In Washakie County, USDA zone 4b, soil pH 7.6, fine sandy loam, Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade scores 69/100 — a strong zone match, moisture-limited conditions, and a long enough establishment window.
Why we ruled these out
- Pennington Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed & Mulch — USDA zone 4b is below Pennington Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed & Mulch's effective range (5–10); not recommended for this county.
- Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass — USDA zone 4b is below Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass's effective range (6–11); not recommended for this county.
See our fit-score methodology for how survivability is determined.
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.
Lawn Care Advisory: Washakie County
Lawn Verdict
Washakie County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, one of the coldest zones in the country. with winter lows reaching around -25.0°F. though only 2,306.4 growing degree days favor cool-season varieties like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue. Low rainfall (11.0 inches) means supplemental irrigation is essential during summer months.
Seasonal Breakdown
Wait until after May 13 to seed or overseed; soil temperatures should consistently reach 50-55°F. Cool summers (July averages 72.0°F) reduce heat stress — maintain regular mowing and moderate watering. With 39.625 days above 90°F annually, warm-season grasses recover faster from summer stress than cool-season types. Aerate and overseed cool-season lawns by early fall, well before October 1; this is the best renovation window. Winters are harsh (January averages 19.3°F); avoid foot traffic on frozen turf and plan snow mold prevention.
Watering Guidance
Low annual precipitation (11.0 inches) makes irrigation essential for maintaining green turf through summer. Currently, 100.0% of the county is in moderate drought according to the US Drought Monitor. Consider reducing irrigation frequency and allowing cool-season lawns to go semi-dormant during peak heat. Cool summers reduce water demand; overwatering is a bigger risk than drought stress.
Regional Context
Washakie County is close to the Wyoming average temperature, USDA zone 4b helps guide grass selection compared to neighboring counties.
Want detailed soil composition, drainage classes, and soil series data? View soil details on SoilByCounty.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What USDA hardiness zone is Washakie County in?
What is the best grass for Washakie County?
How much rainfall does Washakie County get?
What is the soil pH in Washakie County?
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