GARDEN COLUMN FOR THE SALISBURY POST
Darrell Blackwelder
October 3, 2001

     September and October are the best months of the year to
fertilize fescue and other cool season lawns. Cool season turf
grows very little in the heat of summer, therefore the fall and
spring are the best times to provide food for the turf. Research
has proven that 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 application in the spring in February and March.
       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 31-3-9 are examples of turf
fertilizers.  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 18­24­12 or 11­22­6
contain extra phosphorus. Extra phosphorus is important in
development of new lawns or thin lawns because of its ability to
stimulate root growth. Some fertilizers contain iron which
provides a quick green-up of for lawns.
      Turf type or premium fertilizers come pre-packaged to
fertilize 5 to 15 thousand square foot areas of turf. Premium
turf fertilizers are ususually more costly per unit since these
contain slow release nutrients(coated nutrients). The advantage
of this type of fertilizer is the ease of application and slower
rate of growth.  One application in the fall and another in the
spring of turf grade fertilizer provides  the recommended
nutrients for cool season turf. Turf fertilizers can  also be
applied in split applications or in combination with 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 10­10­10 provide quick response
with excessive growth. These fertilizers are less expensive
providing nutrients over a short period of time. Grade
fertilizers leach during heavy rains. Twenty pounds of 10­10­10
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 10­10­10 per 1000 square feet) and 1 pound
of actual nitrogen again in October.  10­10­10 is a common
fertilizer used in fall lawn fertilization.  Other grade
fertilizer formulations such as 17­17­17 can also be used as lawn
fertilizer; but at a lesser rate(6 pounds per 1000 square feet).
This formulation has a higher analysis of nutrients,
reducing the amount needed to supply 1 pound of actual nitrogen.
     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.
     Soils in Rowan County are predominately acidic, requiring
lime to help sweeten the soil and 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 a soil amendment 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.
      Cool season turf needs to be fertilized correctly in the
fall and spring. Fertilizing fescue turf isn't rocket science.
You can use various combinations of both grade fertilizers and
slow release fertilizers on the market.
	I usually never follow the same fertilization scheme as in
previous years and the results are very similar.  I must tell you
the year I used organic fertilizers was the worst lawn for me;
others swear by it. The key to producing a beautiful lawn is
consistent fertilization in the fall and spring with recommended
rates.