How to Plant Fall Fescue

Fescue is a cool-weather grass, which means that it does best in climates that fall along the northern half of the United States. It can be planted in either the early spring or early fall. The latter is best since this gives the grass two complete growing seasons before the heat of summer comes. Tall fescue is used wherever a dense, dark green grass is desired. When starting a lawn from bare soil, it is important to do preparation work before planting.

Instructions

- 1
  Test the soil to determine the pH balance and nutrient requirements. According to Aaron Patton, a turfgrass specialist with the University of Arkansas Extension, tall fescue does best in soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5.
- 2
  Add either lime to raise the pH balance, or sulfur to lower it, as necessary. However, do not add either if you are including a standard commercial lawn fertilizer. Wait several weeks and then add the lime or sulfur to the top of the soil.
- 3
  Add 2 to 3 inches of compost to the top of the soil.
- 4
  Rototill the area to a depth of 4 inches or more.
- 5
  Load a broadcast spreader with half the necessary seed and roll it over the area on horizontal sweeps. Reload the spreader with the remaining seed and roll it over the area again, this time with vertical sweeps. This ensures the area is evenly covered.
- 6
  Rake the seed lightly into the soil at no more than a quarter-inch depth.

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