Soil Testing, pH Management, and Fertilizing Fescue in Virginia

Stop Guessing—Test Your Soil

Applying lime without a soil test is risky. Virginia soils are often acidic, but over‑liming raises pH too high, locking up other nutrients. A $6–$10 test from the Virginia Cooperative Extension (or a private lab) provides exact lime and fertilizer recommendations. Sampling: take 6‑inch cores from 10–12 random spots, mix, dry, and submit a pint.

Fertilizer Timing and Rates for Cool‑Season Grass

Tall fescue and other cool‑season grasses in Virginia should be fertilized primarily August 15 – November. Spring nitrogen promotes weak, disease‑prone top growth at the expense of roots. A typical program:

• Early September: 1 lb N/1000 sq ft (e.g., 20‑5‑10 at 5 lbs/1000 sq ft)
• Late October: 1 lb N/1000 sq ft
• Optional late November: 0.5–1 lb N/1000 sq ft (after first frost)

Total: 2–3 lbs N/1000 sq ft per year. Shade areas need half that rate.

Calculating Fertilizer Amount

Example: 15‑5‑10 fertilizer, 7000 sq ft lawn, target 1 lb N/1000 sq ft.
1 ÷ 0.15 = 6.67 lbs fertilizer per 1000 sq ft.
6.67 × 7 = 46.7 lbs total.

Grub Control Timing

Apply preventive grub control (imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole) in late July to early August. Spring applications are ineffective against mature grubs.

pH Meter vs. Lab Test

Skip the $100 meter; lab tests measure buffer pH and nutrient levels, giving actionable data. Retest every 2–3 years.