When to Fertilize Fescue in Georgia
Keeping your tall fescue lawn lush and green requires proper fertilization at the right times of year. Fescue is a cool-season grass that goes semi-dormant during Georgia's hot summers, so the fertilizer schedule focuses on fall, winter, and early spring when it is actively growing.
Fertilizer Schedule for Fescue Grass
Here is the best fertilizer schedule for fescue (tall fescue) grass in Georgia:
Late September
Apply 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft using a fertilizer with a 4-1-2 ratio like 16-4-8. This helps the fescue recover from summer stress and prepare for winter.
November
Apply another 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft using the same 4-1-2 ratio fescue fertilizer. This provides nutrients for the grass to store over winter.
February
Apply 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. This gives the fescue an early spring boost as it comes out of dormancy.
Late April (optional)
Apply a final 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft using a 4-1-2 fertilizer.
In total, your fescue lawn should receive 3-4 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft over the fall, winter and early spring when actively growing. Avoid fertilizing during summer when fescue is semi-dormant in Georgia's heat.
Testing Soil pH
It's also recommended to get a soil test every 2-3 years and adjust your best fescue fertilizer based on the results to account for any nutrient deficiencies. Maintaining proper soil pH between 5.5-6.5 is important for nutrient availability in fescue lawns.
Following this tall fescue fertilizer schedule and adjusting for your soil's specific needs will help ensure you have a thick, healthy, green fescue lawn year after year.
Call GOLawn for Professional Services!
If keeping up with this optimal tall fescue fertilizer schedule sounds like a hassle, let the professionals at GOLawn take care of it for you. Our team of experienced lawn technicians will ensure your fescue lawn gets the right fertilizer at the right times throughout the year. With our lawn fertilization services in Norcross and surrounding areas, you can sit back and enjoy a lush, vibrant, fescue lawn without lifting a finger. Contact us today for a free quote!