Soil Temperature in District of Columbia
Browse soil temperature data for 3 cities across District of Columbia. Each page includes current soil readings from the nearest USDA monitoring station, historical averages, USDA hardiness zone, and planting window recommendations.
Cities in District of Columbia (3)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel Return Service | 56901 | 79°F |
| Washington | 20001 | 79°F |
| Washington Navy Yard | 20374 | 79°F |
Lawn Care Timing Guides for District of Columbia
- Summer Lawn Dormancy: Keep Cool-Season Grass Alive in Heat
Cool-season grass slows once 2-inch soil sustains 75°F and goes dormant near 85°F.
- When to Apply Grub Control: The 65-70°F Soil Window
Apply preventive grub control (chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid) before eggs hatch, when 2-4 inch soil holds 65-70°F: late June through July in most regions.
- Lawn Fungus by Temperature: Brown Patch, Dollar Spot & More
Brown patch and Pythium strike when humid nights hold above 68°F on lush, over-fertilized turf; dollar spot, red thread, and rust hit slow-growing lawns at 60-85°F.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for District of Columbia
What is the current soil temperature in District of Columbia?
Soil temperatures vary across District of Columbia depending on location, elevation, and recent weather. Enter your ZIP code on any city page for the reading from your nearest USDA monitoring station.
When should I apply pre-emergent in District of Columbia?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across District of Columbia, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in District of Columbia?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.