December Fertilization in KY

[PhillipsBrosLawnCare]

Fertilizer Question:

I installed a new lawn at a home this fall and have a good stand now. I applied a starter fertilizer when it was sown but have not applied anything since. I plan to put down a fertilizer this week high in nitrogen to get a good green-up so the yard looks richer.

I am in west kentucky and I sowed ky 31 tall fescue. No precipitation within the next week looks like - lows in the mid 20s and highs in the mid 40s - so we have frost every night.

Also, I didn't do a soil test as we were pressed for time to complete the project. Basically my question is - Will applying this fertiziler now help the turf or am I spinning my wheels. (Also, an older company installed a yard right beside the one I did, so I need mine to look better. Ha. It's in an up and coming high end subdivision.) Thanks for all your help.

Jeremy

[superintendent]

Use a milorganite and you will be ok. Where are you located at in W. Kentucky

[PhillipsBrosLawnCare]

Calloway County

[Smallaxe]

When is the recommended time for a 'winterizer' in your climate?
My personal belief is that the winterizer is mostly wasted if put on too late. N gets lost thru evaporation and/or leaching even when the plants are actively growing, the way it is. Of course the roots are actively growing and storing nutrients, until the ground freezes.

[superintendent]

On golf courses we put down milorganite this time of yr because it will break down over the next several months. Believe me you put it down now you will tell a difference in your plant in several weeks.