Monthly Schedule
September 1
This is the best time of year to establish a fescue or shady-area lawn. Proper soil preparation is essential. Till to a depth of 3 to 4 inches and incorporate organic matter into the soil, such as compost or soil conditioner, along with a non-burning starter fertilizer. We also recommend using Natural Guard HuMic, granulated humic acid, when seeding. This product has long been called “fescue’s best friend” because it supplies important humates and greatly enhances turf quality.
Sow a turf-type fescue seed at 10 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. The re-seed rate is 5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. We recommend 5 Star Fescue, or 5 Star Extreme for heavily shaded areas. 5 Star is a blend of the top-rated turf-type fescues chosen for disease resistance and their shade, drought, and traffic tolerance.
Fescue seeds germinate in 7 to 10 days. It is imperative that the soil and seeds stay moist during that time. Allowing the soil to dry out could cause seeds to fail to germinate properly.
Check your pH. Fescue prefers a pH of 6.5, so apply lime if needed. A 40 lb. bag of pelletized lime should be applied per 1,000 sq. ft. to raise the pH approximately half to one point. Re-check your pH 60 days after applying to see if additional lime is needed. Bring us the equivalent of a 16 oz. cup or more and we will be happy to test your soil pH at no charge.
October 15
Apply a slow-release lawn fertilizer to new or existing fescue. We recommend Ferti-lome Classic Slow Release. Keep leaves off fescue by mulching with the mower, bagging, or raking.
March 1
Overseed new fescue lawns, or thin established lawns, at 5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
If reseeding is not needed, apply a pre-emergent herbicide such as DIMENSION to prevent summer-germinating wild grasses and weeds. Apply Ferti-lome Classic Slow Release fertilizer.
March 15
Spot treat broadleaf weeds with a broadleaf herbicide containing CARFENTRAZONE, like Ferti-Lome Weed Free Zone. Fescue is very tolerant of these herbicides, but caution must be used in the root zone of trees. Do not apply these products to newly seeded areas, or apply seed into areas recently treated.
April 15
Apply Ferti-lome Classic Slow Release Fertilizer or Ferti-lome Lawn Food Plus Iron.
Summer
Fescue growth slows when soil temperatures rise into the 70s. Mow as infrequently as possible to avoid stimulating growth. Mow as high as possible with a sharp blade to leave the majority of the leaf blade for light absorption, without allowing the grass to lay over on itself.
Do not fertilize with synthetic fertilizers during the summer months on fescue. You can re-apply Natural Guard HuMic, granulated humic acid, to improve color. An application of Milorganite appears to enhance photosynthetic activity and helps fescue tolerate more shade.
Water twice a week during periods of heat or drought stress. Fescue should have the equivalent of 2 inches of rain per week.
Helpful Hints for a Beautiful Fescue Lawn
Lime. Liming is one of the most important things you can do for your lawn. Try to keep your pH at 6.5 to produce quality turf. Check your pH yearly and if needed add a 40 lb. bag of pelletized lime per 1,000 sq. ft. That will raise your pH by approximately half to one point. After 60 days, check your pH again to see if additional lime is needed.
Watering. Water thoroughly when you water. Deep watering encourages deep root growth and helps protect the grass during periods of drought.
Pre-emergent herbicides. This is the most effective weed control. After completing a year-long program, you will only have to eliminate the perennial weeds. Remember that pre-emergent herbicides prevent seed from germinating, so you cannot sow new lawn seed until after the waiting period listed on the label.
Broadleaf weed killers work best on actively growing weeds. You can enhance your results by mowing your weeds, letting them re-sprout for 3 days, and then spraying the tender new growth.
Always read and follow all instructions on herbicides. Many have temperature or time-of-year restrictions that need to be followed to prevent damage to your lawn or surrounding plants. Use particular caution in and around the root zone of trees and other desirable plants. Spot applications are safer than broadcast applications around trees.
Fertilizer. Avoid agricultural grade fertilizers such as 6-12-12, 13-13-13, or ammonium nitrate. These products stimulate excessive growth that you then cut off when you mow, removing too much green tissue, exposing stems, and allowing the sun to dry the surface. Use controlled release fertilizers for a healthier lawn.
Seeding. September is the best time to seed. You are entering its growing season and have 6 months to establish the grass before the stress of summer. Temperatures are right to overseed in March, but there is not much time before growth slows due to the heat.
Turf-type fescues like 5 Star have proven to be the most successful cool-season grass for our area. You may see other types such as Kentucky bluegrass, Creeping Red Fescue, or Perennial Ryegrass, but these have not proven to be dependably hardy in home lawns here.
Organic options. Corn gluten as a pre-emergent, and Milorganite in place of Ferti-lome Classic Slow Release.