How to Maintain Southern Fescue

Fescue is a cool season grass that grows well in low, damp places. Although fescue is sometimes grown as a pasture grass, it can nurture a fungus that is toxic to grazing animals. As a lawn grass, fescue may be used in problem areas such as lawns with poor drainage, clay soil or cooler temperatures. The grass has good drought tolerance and will survive through droughts in a dormant state. A good maintenance program will keep fescue weed free and help avoid diseases.

Nitrogen fertilizer (10-10-10)
Broadcast spreader
Lawn mower
Garden hose
Hose end sprinkler
Core aerator

Instructions

- 1
  Fertilize fescue in spring with 3 lbs. of nitrogen fertilizer (10-10-10) per 1,000 square feet. Spread the fertilizer with a granulated broadcast spreader. Fescue will tolerate low fertility and only needs one application of fertilizer yearly.
- 2
  Mow fescue at a height of 2 inches in fall and spring. Raise the decking on your lawnmower to mow at a height of 3 inches during summer heat and drought.
- 3
  Avoid watering until fescue shows signs of drought, such as rolled grass blades or wilting. Apply enough supplemental water during drought conditions to soak the soil to a depth of 4 inches. If water runs off the soil, turn off sprinklers and allow it to soak in. Turn the sprinklers on again later.
- 4
  Aerate fescue in fall with a core aerator. A core aerator operates similarly to a lawnmower. Push the machine over your lawn four times, traveling in a different direction each time.
- 5
  Overseed your lawn with new fescue seed after you aerate to avoid a patchy appearance that can occur after summer droughts. To overseed, mow the lawn to a height of 1 inch. Rake up grass clippings. Pour seed into a broadcast spreader and spread it over the lawn at a rate of 2 to 3 lbs. of seed per 1,000 square feet. Keep the soil moist by watering with the equivalent of 1/4 inch of rainfall up to four times daily for three weeks.

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