GARDEN COLUMN FOR THE SALISBURY POST
Darrell Blackwelder
September 7, 2001

     Now is the time to take advantage of the cooler fall days
and fertilize your lawn. Cool season lawns such as fescue and
the various blends grow best in the cooler fall and winter
temperatures. Homeowners with consitant fertilization programs
have strong, healthy turf going into the summer. A strong root
system is important for summer survival.
     September and October are the best months of the year to
fertilize fescue and other cool season lawns. Fescue turf
requires 3 pounds of actual nitrogen (N) per 1000 square feet
during its growing season.  Two pounds of actual nitrogen should
be applied in the fall followed by a one pound actual nitrogen
application in the spring.
      A complete fertilizer with a ratio of 4-1-2  or 4-1-3
should  be applied in the absence of a soil test. Turf
fertilizers such as 16-4-8 or 27-3-8 are examples of custom
blended turf fertilizers. There are other custom blends specially
developed for fall fescue fertilization.
	 The first number represents nitrogen (N), the second number
represents phosphorus (P) and the third number represents
potassium (K). Fertilizers with these ratios are usually found in
premium turf type fertilizers. Other turf fertilizer blends such
as 18-24-6 or 11-22-6 contain extra phosphorus. Extra phosphorus
is important when seeding new lawns or thin areas because of its
ability to stimulate root growth.
      Turf type fertilizer packages are usually pre-measured  to
fertilize 5 or 10 thousand square foot areas of turf.  Premium
turf fertilizers are more costly per unit since these contain
slow release nitrogen, but this type of fertilizer is easy to
apply.  One application in the fall and another in the spring of
turf grade fertilizer provide recommended rates for turf. Turf
fertilizer can be applied in split applications or in addition to
other fertilizers.
Coated or prilled turf fertilizer resists constant leaching by
rainfall, slowly feeding turf during the fall and winter months.
Slow release fertilizers promote slow, sustained turf growth,
reducing erratic and uneven growth spurts.
     Grade fertilizers such as 10-10-10 provide quick response
for seeding. These fertilizers are less expensive providing
nutrients over a short period of time. Grade fertilizers leach
during heavy rains. Twenty pounds of 10-10-10 grade fertilizer is
needed to supply 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet
of turf. Those that elect to fertilize with a grade fertilizer
should fertilize in split applications in September and October.
For example 1 pound of actual nitrogen in September(10 pounds of
10-10-10) and 1 pound of actual nitrogen again in October.  10-
10-10 is a common fertilizer used in fall lawn fertilization.
Other grade fertilizer formulations such as 17-17-17 can also be
used as lawn fertilizer; but a rate of 6 pounds in September and
6 pounds of 17-17-17 in October.  This formulation has a higher
analysis of nutrients, reducing the amount needed to supply 1
pound of N.
     Unfortunately, many homeowners fertilize too heavy in the
spring.  Over fertilization with nitrogen in the spring promotes
rapid, succulent growth,  subjecting turf to fungal diseases such
as brown patch and dollar spot. Only one pound of actual nitrogen
should be applied in the spring.  Never fertilize cool season
turf after May 1.
     Our soils are predominately acidic, requiring lime to help
raise the pH.  The soil pH for turf type or tall fescue should be
between 6.0 and 6.5.   "As a rule of thumb", lime should be
applied every three years, with 50 to 75 pounds of lime per 1000
square feet. Soil testing is the only accurate method of
determining the lime requirements for cool season turf.
     Dolomitic lime is sold as pelleted lime or as a fine powder
that will pass through a 100 mesh screen.   Dolomitic lime is
often labeled, "Agricultural Lime", because it contains the minor
elements, calcium and magnesium.       Lime can be applied at any
 time during the year; however,
fall and winter is the best time since there is less traffic.
Gentle rains minimize runoff; and alternate freezing and thawing
help incorporate lime into the soil.
      Core aerating is an excellent method of incorporating lime
and fertilizer in to the turf root zone. The air space left by
the plug also provides needed oxygen for the root system.
     The key to producing a beautiful lawn is consistent
fertilization.  Cool season turf needs to be fertilized correctly
in the fall and spring. Soil testing eliminates guesswork giving
homeowners the advantage of knowing exactly what is needed for
their turf.