When Should I Lime Fescue?

Fescue's pH Range

• Not all fescue types prefer the same pH range. For example, hard fescue prefers to grow in a range between 5.0 to 6.5, tall fescue prefers 5.5 to 7.5, creeping red fescue grows between 5.5 to 6.5 and chewings fescue needs a pH between 5.0 to 6.5, according to Rutgers University. To know how much lime to use or if you need to lime at all, test your soil pH range.

Soil Testing

• Test your soil after the ground has warmed up in the early spring. Lime cannot be applied to frozen soil. To test your soil, dig 1- to 3-inch holes in several places in the lawn, suggests Cornell University. Collect 1 cup of soil from the bottom of each hole, and mix up all samples in a bucket. Remove any debris or vegetation from the bucket. Pour 1 cup of soil into a container and send off to your local cooperative extension office. Wait a few weeks for the results.

Lime

• The amount of lime you need to apply depends on your existing pH range. Soil that has a pH of 4.9 and below needs 50 lbs. of limestone per 1,000 square feet spread four time a year, according to Cornell University. Avoid spreading more than 50 lbs. of limestone at one time. Applying excessive amounts of lime will burn grass. Distribute limestone evenly over the soil to prevent causing damage or uneven grass blade growth.

Applying Limestone

• Pour half of the amount of limestone you intend on using in a drop spreader. Apply the limestone horizontally over the yard. Spread the rest of the limestone vertically to achieve even coverage. Water the lawn after applying the limestone to reduce the risk of burning the grass. Avoid applying limestone with your fertilizer. Limestone combined with fertilizer has a high risk of burning the lawn. Retest your lawn's pH range in three months.