Chartreuse Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue: Iron Deficiency or Nitrogen Need?

A Knoxville, TN homeowner with Kentucky 31 tall fescue sees chartreuse patches. They wonder about lime, nitrogen, or fertilizer excess.

Likely Chlorosis

Pale green-yellow, stunted growth suggests nitrogen deficiency and/or iron deficiency. Iron sulfate or chelated iron greens up turf in hours. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer with iron in late September.

Soil Test Is Essential

Only a soil test reveals exact pH and nutrient needs. Sample 3–6 inch cores from good and bad areas, mix, dry, send to lab (county extension or private). Request fertilizer recommendations. Test every 3–5 years.

Local Help

UT Extension Knoxville: 2621 Morgan Circle, 121 Morgan Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996, 865-974-7114.

Fall Fertilizer Plan

• Late Sept: slow-release fertilizer with iron.
• Late Nov/early Dec: winterizer fertilizer.