Can I Apply Fertilizer to a Newly Planted Fescue Lawn?

Considerations

• Fescue is classified as either broad-leaved fescue or fine-leaved fescue. These two types of fescue have differing fertilizer requirements. Tall fescue is a broad-leaved fescue, while sheep, hard, Chewings, and creeping red are fine-leaved fescue.

Types

• Both broad-leaved and fine-leaved fescue grasses need a complete, balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10. Follow the fertilizer manufacturer's recommendations for application rate.

Time Frame

• The difference in germination times of the two types of fescue is the determining factor for when to apply fertilizer. The Texas Cooperative Extension advises waiting one month after planting broad-leaved fescue grass before applying a balanced fertilizer. Broad-leaved fescue can be slow to germinate, and this ensures that most of the seed will have germinated and can utilize the fertilizer. Because fine-leaved fescue germinates quickly, you can apply a balanced fertilizer immediately after planting.