52 weeks of Mow, Water and Feed for San Angelo homeowners
This guide is for established tall fescue lawns in San Angelo and Central West Texas. Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that is hard to keep in our summer heat; it needs more water than Bermuda and often needs fall reseeding. Planting a new fescue lawn? Early fall is the time. Call BES-TEX at 325.653.1300 for a seeding plan.
Basics
Every week includes Mow, Water and Feed, so you never need last week’s card. Watch notes are optional; use them only if that condition is present.
Tall fescue is a cool-season grass. It grows in fall and spring, stays green through most winters and struggles in summer heat. Its calendar runs almost opposite to Bermuda’s: feed and seed in fall, go easy in spring, and protect it through summer.
Be realistic in San Angelo. Texas A&M limits tall fescue mainly to North Texas and the Panhandle and says it needs more summer water than warm-season grasses. The Texas Water Development Board suggests planting fescue only where rain averages more than 35 in a year; San Angelo averages about 21 in. A fescue lawn here depends on irrigation, and some summer thinning is normal.
Mow at about 3 in most of the year (Texas A&M lists 2½–4 in for tall fescue lawns). Raise to about 3½–4 in for summer heat, drought and shade. Use a sharp blade. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf at once. Bagging is optional.
Fescue tolerates moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun. It is a bunch grass that does not spread to fill bare spots, so thin areas are fixed by reseeding — best in early fall.
BES-TEX counter rule: we feed green, actively growing grass. For fescue the main feeding is in fall (mid- to late September), with a second in mid- to late November. Spring feedings are light: late winter and late April to early May. Do not feed in summer.
Most weeks need no fertilizer. Check the date of your last application and the product label interval; do not feed every week. When you do feed, choose a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn. A soil test is helpful for phosphorus and potassium, not required.
Brown patch is fescue’s main disease in warm, humid weather. Water early in the morning, keep the height up, avoid summer nitrogen, and identify it before treating.
Read the current product label. Most preemergents also stop fescue seed; do not use one where you plan to seed. Follow local watering rules. Scout before treating weeds, insects or disease.
JanuaryWeeks 1–5 · 5 weeks
Week 1Jan 1–7Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. The next feeding is a light late-winter one, once the fescue is actively growing again.
Watch
Rake leaves and debris; a leaf layer smothers fescue that stays green all winter. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 2Jan 8–14Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. The next feeding is a light late-winter one, once the fescue is actively growing again.
Watch
Plan the year: mower service, spring preemergent, and whether thin areas need fall reseeding. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 3Jan 15–21Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. The next feeding is a light late-winter one, once the fescue is actively growing again.
Watch
Good time for a soil test if you want one. Add lime or sulfur only if the test recommends it. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 4Jan 22–28Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. The next feeding is a light late-winter one, once the fescue is actively growing again.
Watch
Winter broadleaf weeds such as henbit and chickweed can be spot-treated with a product labeled for tall fescue. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 5Jan 29–Feb 4Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. The next feeding is a light late-winter one, once the fescue is actively growing again.
Watch
Plan a spring preemergent for crabgrass; time it by the label and weed history, not the week number. Most preemergents also stop fescue seed. Use one or seed the same area, not both; check the label's reseeding interval. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
FebruaryWeeks 6–9 · 4 weeks
Week 6Feb 5–11Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. The next feeding is a light late-winter one, once the fescue is actively growing again.
Watch
Inspect for fire ants; treat only if present, with a product labeled for the site. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 7Feb 12–18Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. The next feeding is a light late-winter one, once the fescue is actively growing again.
Watch
Sharpen the blade before spring growth; a dull blade frays fescue leaves and invites disease. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 8Feb 19–25Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. The next feeding is a light late-winter one, once the fescue is actively growing again.
Watch
The spring preemergent window is late winter into early spring. Apply and water in per the label. Most preemergents also stop fescue seed. Use one or seed the same area, not both; check the label's reseeding interval. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 9Feb 26–Mar 4Late winter: growth resumes
M
Mow. Growth picks up. Mow at about 3 in as needed; weekly mowing is coming. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. This can be a light feeding week if the fescue is green and actively growing again (you are mowing it regularly). If it is not growing yet, wait. Keep spring feedings light; heavy spring feeding pushes top growth at the expense of roots before summer. Use a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn. A soil test is helpful, not required.
Watch
Spring seeding is a second choice: seedlings get little time to root before summer and many are lost. If you must, seed early and skip preemergent there. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
MarchWeeks 10–13 · 4 weeks
Week 10Mar 5–11Late winter: growth resumes
M
Mow. Growth picks up. Mow at about 3 in as needed; weekly mowing is coming. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait if you already made your late-winter feeding. If not, and the fescue is green and actively growing, a light feeding is still fine now. Use a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn.
Watch
Spot-treat broadleaf weeds only where present, with a product labeled for tall fescue. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 11Mar 12–18Late winter: growth resumes
M
Mow. Growth picks up. Mow at about 3 in as needed; weekly mowing is coming. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. Do not feed every week.
Watch
Spring and fall are fescue's best seasons. Use spring to build roots, not to push top growth. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 12Mar 19–25Late winter: growth resumes
M
Mow. Growth picks up. Mow at about 3 in as needed; weekly mowing is coming. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. Do not feed every week.
Watch
Check for early pests such as fire ants; treat only what you find. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 13Mar 26–Apr 1Late winter: growth resumes
M
Mow. Growth picks up. Mow at about 3 in as needed; weekly mowing is coming. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. Do not feed every week.
Watch
Keep heavy traffic off soft, wet soil; fescue does not recover quickly from wear. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
AprilWeeks 14–18 · 5 weeks
Week 14Apr 2–8Spring growth
M
Mow. Peak growth: mow at about 3 in, often every 5–7 days. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. Do not feed every week.
Watch
Spot-treat weeds only where present, with a labeled product. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 15Apr 9–15Spring growth
M
Mow. Peak growth: mow at about 3 in, often every 5–7 days. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. Do not feed every week.
Watch
Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 16Apr 16–22Spring growth
M
Mow. Peak growth: mow at about 3 in, often every 5–7 days. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. Do not feed every week.
Watch
If a spot lifts like carpet, check roots for white grubs. Preventive grub products are only for lawns with a grub history. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 17Apr 23–29Spring growth
M
Mow. Peak growth: mow at about 3 in, often every 5–7 days. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. This can be your light late-spring feeding week if the lawn is green, actively growing and not stressed, and the label interval since your last feeding has passed. If you already fed this spring, wait. Use a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn. It is the last feeding before summer.
Watch
Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 18Apr 30–May 6Spring growth
M
Mow. Peak growth: mow at about 3 in, often every 5–7 days. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait if you already fed this spring. If not, a light feeding now is the last one before summer; after early May, wait for fall. Use a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn.
Watch
Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
MayWeeks 19–22 · 4 weeks
Week 19May 7–13Spring growth
M
Mow. Peak growth: mow at about 3 in, often every 5–7 days. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue heading into summer. Late-spring and summer nitrogen adds to heat and drought stress and can make brown patch worse.
Watch
Brown patch season is coming. Water early morning only, keep the height up and don't push nitrogen. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 20May 14–20Spring growth
M
Mow. Peak growth: mow at about 3 in, often every 5–7 days. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Water when the lawn shows need: blue-gray color, curled leaves or footprints that stay. Water deeply, less often. If it runs off, pause and let it soak in. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue heading into summer. Late-spring and summer nitrogen adds to heat and drought stress and can make brown patch worse.
Watch
Brown patch watch: warm, humid spells and wet leaves bring tan, irregular patches, sometimes with a darker edge. Identify before treating; fix watering first. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 21May 21–27Late spring: get ready for heat
M
Mow. Raise the mower gradually toward about 3½–4 in ahead of summer heat. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Build deep roots before summer: water deeply and infrequently, not a little every day. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue heading into summer. Late-spring and summer nitrogen adds to heat and drought stress and can make brown patch worse.
Watch
Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 22May 28–Jun 3Late spring: get ready for heat
M
Mow. Raise the mower gradually toward about 3½–4 in ahead of summer heat. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Build deep roots before summer: water deeply and infrequently, not a little every day. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue heading into summer. Late-spring and summer nitrogen adds to heat and drought stress and can make brown patch worse.
Watch
Scout for armyworms and grubs; treat only after you find them, with a labeled product. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
JuneWeeks 23–26 · 4 weeks
Week 23Jun 4–10Late spring: get ready for heat
M
Mow. Raise the mower gradually toward about 3½–4 in ahead of summer heat. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Build deep roots before summer: water deeply and infrequently, not a little every day. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue heading into summer. Late-spring and summer nitrogen adds to heat and drought stress and can make brown patch worse.
Watch
Brown patch watch: warm, humid spells and wet leaves bring tan, irregular patches, sometimes with a darker edge. Identify before treating; fix watering first. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 24Jun 11–17Late spring: get ready for heat
M
Mow. Raise the mower gradually toward about 3½–4 in ahead of summer heat. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Build deep roots before summer: water deeply and infrequently, not a little every day. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue heading into summer. Late-spring and summer nitrogen adds to heat and drought stress and can make brown patch worse.
Watch
Fescue in full afternoon sun takes the most heat. Light afternoon shade from trees helps it through summer. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 25Jun 18–24Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Brown patch is fescue's main summer disease. Fungicide only after you identify it, labeled for tall fescue. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 26Jun 25–Jul 1Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Avoid herbicides on heat-stressed fescue in summer. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
JulyWeeks 27–31 · 5 weeks
Week 27Jul 2–8Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Mow only when dry. Bag clippings from diseased spots so you don't spread the disease. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 28Jul 9–15Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. If water is short, fescue can go dormant (brown) in drought. Dormant fescue still needs an occasional deep watering to keep crowns alive; long hot droughts can kill it. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Plan to reseed thin or dead spots this fall. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 29Jul 16–22Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Brown patch watch: warm, humid spells and wet leaves bring tan, irregular patches, sometimes with a darker edge. Identify before treating; fix watering first. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 30Jul 23–29Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Mark thin and bare spots now; they are your fall reseeding list. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 31Jul 30–Aug 5Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Check hot, wet spots for disease; identify first. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
AugustWeeks 32–35 · 4 weeks
Week 32Aug 6–12Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Plan fall seeding: buy turf-type tall fescue seed (a blend of improved varieties) with a test date within the last year. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 33Aug 13–19Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
If you find grubs in damaged areas, late summer is when curative products work. Treat only if found. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 34Aug 20–26Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Fall preemergent or fall seeding? Most preemergents also stop fescue seed. Use one or seed the same area, not both; check the label's reseeding interval. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 35Aug 27–Sep 2Summer survival
M
Mow. Keep it at about 3½–4 in all summer, never lower. Mow only when the grass is dry. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue needs more water than Bermuda in our heat. Water deeply at the first blue-gray color or lasting footprints. Evening watering keeps leaves wet and favors brown patch. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. Do not fertilize fescue in summer heat. It adds stress and can make brown patch worse. Save it for fall.
Watch
Core aerating in fall helps compacted or clay soils and pairs well with overseeding. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
SeptemberWeeks 36–39 · 4 weeks
Week 36Sep 3–9Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. As the heat breaks, lower gradually back toward about 3 in, a notch at a time. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. New seed: keep the surface moist with light watering a few times a day, finishing before evening, until seedlings are up; then water deeper, less often. Established areas: water deeply when dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait until the heat breaks and the fescue is green and actively growing again. The main feeding comes in mid- to late September.
Watch
The seeding window opens as the heat breaks. Early fall is best; Texas A&M lists September through November for seeding tall fescue. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 37Sep 10–16Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. As the heat breaks, lower gradually back toward about 3 in, a notch at a time. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. New seed: keep the surface moist with light watering a few times a day, finishing before evening, until seedlings are up; then water deeper, less often. Established areas: water deeply when dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait until the heat breaks and the fescue is green and actively growing again. The main feeding comes in mid- to late September.
Watch
To overseed: loosen or core-aerate thin areas, spread seed at the label rate, rake lightly for good seed-to-soil contact and keep it moist. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 38Sep 17–23Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. Fall growth: mow at about 3 in as often as needed. Start mowing new seedlings once they outgrow your height by one-third. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. New seed: keep the surface moist with light watering a few times a day, finishing before evening, until seedlings are up; then water deeper, less often. Established areas: water deeply when dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. This can be your main fall feeding week if the heat has broken and the fescue is green and actively growing. Fall is the most important time to feed fescue. If it is still hot or the lawn is stressed, wait a week or two. Use a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn. Seeding? A soil test shows whether the seedbed needs phosphorus.
Watch
Still a good seeding week. No preemergent where you seed; hold broadleaf herbicides off new seedlings until the label allows. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 39Sep 24–30Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. Fall growth: mow at about 3 in as often as needed. Start mowing new seedlings once they outgrow your height by one-third. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. New seed: keep the surface moist with light watering a few times a day, finishing before evening, until seedlings are up; then water deeper, less often. Established areas: water deeply when dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait if you already made your main fall feeding. If not, and the fescue is green and actively growing, feed now. Use a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn.
Watch
Keep new seedlings moist; never let them dry out. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
OctoberWeeks 40–44 · 5 weeks
Week 40Oct 1–7Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. Fall growth: mow at about 3 in as often as needed. Start mowing new seedlings once they outgrow your height by one-third. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. New seed: keep the surface moist with light watering a few times a day, finishing before evening, until seedlings are up; then water deeper, less often. Established areas: water deeply when dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. The next feeding is the late-fall one in mid- to late November.
Watch
Later seedings have less time to root before cold weather; expect more loss. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 41Oct 8–14Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. Fall growth: mow at about 3 in as often as needed. Start mowing new seedlings once they outgrow your height by one-third. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. As weather cools, water less often but still deeply when soil is dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. The next feeding is the late-fall one in mid- to late November.
Watch
Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 42Oct 15–21Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. Fall growth: mow at about 3 in as often as needed. Start mowing new seedlings once they outgrow your height by one-third. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. As weather cools, water less often but still deeply when soil is dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. The next feeding is the late-fall one in mid- to late November.
Watch
Rake or mulch-mow fallen leaves often; a leaf layer smothers fescue. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 43Oct 22–28Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. Fall growth: mow at about 3 in as often as needed. Start mowing new seedlings once they outgrow your height by one-third. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. As weather cools, water less often but still deeply when soil is dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. The next feeding is the late-fall one in mid- to late November.
Watch
Fall is a good time to spot-treat broadleaf weeds, once new seedlings are mature enough per the label. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 44Oct 29–Nov 4Fall: best season to feed and seed
M
Mow. Fall growth: mow at about 3 in as often as needed. Start mowing new seedlings once they outgrow your height by one-third. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. As weather cools, water less often but still deeply when soil is dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. The next feeding is the late-fall one in mid- to late November.
Watch
Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
NovemberWeeks 45–48 · 4 weeks
Week 45Nov 5–11Late fall
M
Mow. Growth slows. Mow at about 3 in as needed, and mulch or rake fallen leaves so they don't smother the grass. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. As weather cools, water less often but still deeply when soil is dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No new feeding this week. Check the date of your last application and the label interval. The next feeding is the late-fall one in mid- to late November.
Watch
Keep leaves off the lawn. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 46Nov 12–18Late fall
M
Mow. Growth slows. Mow at about 3 in as needed, and mulch or rake fallen leaves so they don't smother the grass. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. As weather cools, water less often but still deeply when soil is dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. This can be your late-fall feeding week if the fescue is still green and growing and the label interval since the September feeding has passed. If you already fed, wait. Use a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn.
Watch
Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 47Nov 19–25Late fall
M
Mow. Growth slows. Mow at about 3 in as needed, and mulch or rake fallen leaves so they don't smother the grass. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. As weather cools, water less often but still deeply when soil is dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait if you already made your late-fall feeding. If not, and the fescue is still green and growing, feed this week. Use a fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium, such as 16-8-8 (a 2:1:1 ratio), at the label rate for a tall fescue lawn.
Watch
Keep heavy traffic off new seedlings. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 48Nov 26–Dec 2Late fall
M
Mow. Growth slows. Mow at about 3 in as needed, and mulch or rake fallen leaves so they don't smother the grass. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. As weather cools, water less often but still deeply when soil is dry. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. If you made your late-fall feeding, you're done until late winter. Feed only green, actively growing grass.
Watch
Fescue keeps some green all winter; slow growth and some off-color are normal. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
DecemberWeeks 49–52 · 4 weeks
Week 49Dec 3–9Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. If you made your late-fall feeding, you're done until late winter. Feed only green, actively growing grass.
Watch
Clean the mower and keep the blade sharp; fescue still needs an occasional winter mowing. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
Week 50Dec 10–16Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. If you made your late-fall feeding, you're done until late winter. Feed only green, actively growing grass.
Watch
After rain, look for standing water. Constantly wet spots thin fescue and invite disease. Fescue is hard to keep in San Angelo heat: it needs more water than Bermuda and may thin by late summer.
Week 51Dec 17–23Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. If you made your late-fall feeding, you're done until late winter. Feed only green, actively growing grass.
Watch
Watch for odd winter patches; most winter color change is normal. Fescue is a bunch grass. It does not spread to fill bare spots; thin areas are fixed by fall reseeding.
Week 52Dec 24–31Winter: slow growth
M
Mow. Fescue grows slowly in winter. Mow only when needed, at about 3 in, and not when wet. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf. Sharp blade. Bagging optional for looks; leaving clippings is fine.
W
Water. Fescue stays green in winter. In a dry spell, water deeply when soil is dry and not frozen. Early morning is better than evening. Measure output (catch cans or runtime) and subtract rain. Follow local rules.
F
Feed. Wait. No feeding this week. Winter is a good time for a soil test if you want one; it shows whether phosphorus or potassium are needed. A test is helpful, not required.
Watch
Plan next year: soil test, preemergent windows and which areas need fall reseeding. Fescue handles moderate shade better than Bermuda, but it still needs some direct sun; deep shade stays thin.
About week numbers
These are evergreen month-and-day labels, not a schedule locked to one calendar year. Week 1 is always January 1–7. Weeks 1–51 are seven days each. Week 52 is December 24–31 (eight days) so a non-leap year is covered from January 1 through December 31.
Months do not always contain four weeks. A week that starts in one month and ends in the next stays with the month it starts in.
In a leap year, February 29 falls in Week 9 (February 26–March 4), the same week that includes February 28. Later weeks keep the same month-and-day labels and do not shift.
