What Fertilizer Do You Put on Fescue Grass in the Winter?

Fescue Grasses

• Fescue grasses are cool-season plants, which means they grow most vigorously in the cooler months of the year, going dormant when the higher temperatures of summer arrive. Fescue grasses, however, are somewhat more heat tolerant than other varieties and can be planted in climate zones unfavorable to many other cool-season grasses. Fescue grasses have somewhat wide leaves, with deep root systems that enable them to survive periods of stress. They are considered easy to maintain, although they do best with regular fertilization, especially in the growing season.

Fertilizer Type

• Selecting a turfgrass fertilizer can be problematic, because of the wide variety of different formulations and blends available from different manufacturers. Fescue grasses require fertilizers high in nitrogen, since it is unavailable in most soils at the amount necessary for vigorous lawn growth. They also benefit from blends with phosphorous and potassium, and to a lesser degree, iron. Most other micronutrients occur naturally in healthy soils at levels sufficient for healthy growth. Slow-release fertilizers are preferable, ideally in a blend of 16-4-8 or 12-4-8. Any chemical or organic fertilizer high in nitrogen will be beneficial to fescue lawns.

When to Fertilize

• Most fescue lawns grow best with three annual applications of fertilizer, although this varies depending on local conditions. Fertilize fescue lawns in winter, ideally in November, and again in May and September. Providing the lawn with nutrients during the period of most active growth helps avoid nutrient deficiencies and ensures plants have the proper energy reserves for vigorous growth. Because the exact date depends upon climate zone and other variables, consult your local agricultural extension before beginning any lawn fertilization program.

Method of Application

• Most lawns require a nitrogen application rate of 1 lb. per 1,000 square feet, and the amount necessary to achieve this rate can be determined easily with some simple calculations. To determine the weight of product necessary to supply 1 lb. of nitrogen, divide the percentage of nitrogen listed on the fertilizer label by 100. The resulting figure is the amount of fertilizer necessary to supply 1 lb. of actual nitrogen. This figure can be doubled for slow-release formulations.