Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
February 26, 2004
    It seems like this spring homeowners are dodging snow and bad weather in an attempt to fertilize their cool season lawns. The fact that ample rainfall has greatly improved our lawns does not reduce the need for continued maintenance. Fescue lawns must be consistently fertilized in the fall and spring for maximum growth and root development.
    Poor fertility is a major cause of declining lawns. Too much shade, soil compaction due to foot traffic and excessive weed growth also contribute to thinning or poor turf stands.
    Maximum root establishment is essential for the and development of thick, healthy fescue lawns. Reduces or poor root growth is often a result of improper levels of phosphorous. This is a typical problem for new construction where grading has removed topsoil containing valuable phosphorus.
    Those considering replanting with a total makeover should wait until fall if possible. Cool season fescue lawns are typically easier to establish in the cool weather of the fall. However, many cannot wait and need to seed now. Lawn establishment in the spring and summer is difficult, but is possible if the weather cooperates.
    Normally, core aeration is done only in the fall, however if the lawns are extremely weak or non-existent it is often the best method of getting fertilizer into the root zone. Coring allows fertilizer and seed to penetrate without plowing.
Soil sampling is the best method to determine soil fertility. Unfortunately, it normally takes about 4-6 weeks to receive a sample back from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture-too late for some, but still relevant endeavor for those wanting to improve their lawn.
    Fertilization in the spring can be somewhat tricky. Many tend to over fertilize in the spring. Only one pound of actual nitrogen should be used in the spring. Slow release, premium fertilizers, is generally recommended because they slowly release fertilizer over a long period of time. Slowly releasing nitrogen during the spring allows cool season fescue lawns to green quickly but grow slowly, eliminating excessive growth.
    Another problem associated with spring fertilization is over liming. Continual liming every year may cause actually decrease nutrient availability of some key nutrients. In most instances, liming should only be done every two to three years. For more complete information on lawn fertilization contact Cooperative Extension at 704-633-0571 and ask for "Caring for Your Lawn and the Environment" publication AG-597.