Fescue Fertilization: Fall-Focused Schedule for Cool-Season Lawns

Fescue is a cool-season grass with productive growth from September through June. Fertilizer applications should concentrate in fall, winter, and early spring.

Base rates on a soil test (details here). Without a test, use these rule-of-thumb guidelines:

Lime

If not limed in the last year, soil is likely acidic. Apply 20 lbs lime per 1,000 sq ft in fall and another 20 lbs in spring (40 lbs/year total). A test may recommend more, but this moderate amount is better than nothing.

Fertilizer Timing

Apply 3–4 times between September and May: typically late September, November, February, and possibly late April.

Many brands available; all have high first numbers (nitrogen) for foliage growth. Follow label directions.

Application Tips

• Lime and fertilizer can be applied together if turf is dry.
• Do not fertilize fescue in summer. Hot-weather fertilization robs root reserves, increasing drought and disease susceptibility.
• If fescue yellows in July, apply water-soluble iron (Ironite, etc.).
• Use cyclone or drop spreaders, calibrated properly. Apply half in one direction, half at right angles for even coverage.

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