- 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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