The way we fertilize here is to stack the deck for robust fall and spring growth to survive the brutal summers. That means feeding when fescue actually wants to grow (cooler months), not when it’s stressed or dormant (June–August).
Start with a soil test (seriously)
- You’re aiming for pH ~6.2–6.5. If you’re low, apply lime per the lab’s rate before you worry about fertilizer.
- Skip phosphorus (P) unless a soil test or brand-new seeding calls for it. Potassium (K) helps stress tolerance, but only add what the test says you need.