How to Promote Fescue Growth

Begin mowing the fescue grass when it reaches the height of 3 inches. Set the lawn mower to 2 inches for the cutting height. Only remove one-third of the grass height at one time to prevent damage to the grass blade. Do not cut the fescue grass shorter than 1 1/2 inches.

Feed the fescue grass 1 lb. of 10-10-10 complete fertilizer for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. Broadcast the fertilizer in September and then again in May. Water the lawn after applying the fertilizer.

Spread 1 lb. of nitrogen for every 1,000 square foot of fescue grass. Apply the nitrogen in February while the fescue is actively growing. Spread 1/2 lb. of nitrogen during the summer on fescue grass growing in direct sunlight. This improves the lawn color of the fescue. Only use the summer application of nitrogen if there is water available for the entire summer. Nitrogen without water just increases drought stress on the fescue.

Water the fescue lawn deeply so the top 3 to 4 inches of soil is moistened. Plenty of water during the summer allows fescue to remain green and active. If the water begins to run off, then stop watering and allow the moisture to soak into the soil. Once the surface water is drained away, continue watering until the desired depth is reached.

Overseed the fescue lawn in the fall to prevent the thinning and clumping of the grass. Mow the lawn down to the height of 1 1/2 inches and remove the lawn cuttings. Spread fescue seeds at the rate of 2 to 3 lbs. per every 1,000 square feet of lawn. Moisten the soil after seeding the lawn.