August Lawn Maintenance: Tall Fescue Survival Guide

Intro

Tall fescue is one of my favorite cool-season grasses—it’s hardy, adaptable, and known for its deep roots. But even this tough turf struggles in August. The combination of heat stress, inconsistent rainfall, and summer pests can leave tall fescue looking dull and tired.

Over the years, I’ve learned that August is about maintenance, not perfection. The goal is to help tall fescue survive the stress of summer and prepare it for strong growth in September. This Tall Fescue Survival Guide helps you walkthrough, how I take care of my tall fescue lawn this time of year.

Key Points to Manage Tall Fescue Summer Stress

Tall Fescue Survival Guide

1. Provide 2 Inches of Water Weekly (Mornings Only)

Tall fescue can handle heat better than some other cool-season grasses, but it still needs consistent watering in August. I aim for 2 inches of water per week, applied in two to three deep sessions. This encourages roots to reach deeper into the soil, making the grass more resilient.

I always water early in the morning (before 9 a.m.). Watering at night leaves the grass damp for too long, increasing the risk of fungal disease. Midday watering wastes water due to evaporation.

Pro tip: Use a rain gauge or tuna can to measure water depth and adjust your irrigation schedule if you get natural rainfall.

2. Watch for and Prevent Fall Armyworm Damage

One of the biggest threats to tall fescue in August is the fall armyworm. These pests can devour a healthy lawn seemingly overnight. I check my lawn weekly by looking for brown patches and inspecting the blades for chewing damage.

If I notice signs of armyworms, I act fast with an appropriate insect control product. Preventative treatments are also available if your area has had outbreaks in past years.

Tip: Birds feeding aggressively on your lawn can be an early warning sign of armyworms.

3. Fertilize with Low-Nitrogen, Potassium & Phosphorus Rich Formulas

In August, I never apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers to tall fescue. The heat is stressful enough, and nitrogen only forces weak top growth that struggles in summer conditions.

Instead, I use a low-nitrogen fertilizer—something like a 5-10-30 mix. The phosphorus supports root development, and the potassium helps the grass tolerate heat, drought, and disease pressure. This gentle feeding keeps the lawn stable without overloading it.

4. Delay High-Nitrogen Fertilizers Until Temperatures Drop

The real “feeding season” for tall fescue starts in early fall (September–October). That’s when I switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer to push vigorous growth and recovery from summer stress.

By waiting until cooler temperatures arrive, I ensure the lawn is ready to thicken up and repair any bare spots left by heat or pests.

5. Adjust Mowing Height for Summer Survival

In August, I always mow my tall fescue a little higher—around 3.5 to 4 inches. The taller blades shade the soil, conserve moisture, and reduce stress on the grass. I never remove more than one-third of the blade height at a time.

I also leave the clippings on the lawn (grasscycling), which recycles nutrients back into the soil.

6. Monitor for Soil Compaction and Plan Ahead

August is a great time to assess whether your soil is compacted. If I can’t easily push a screwdriver 4–6 inches into the soil, I know aeration will be needed in September. Planning ahead ensures I’m ready to overseed and aerate once the weather cools.

7. Be Patient—August is About Survival

The key with tall fescue in August is to keep it alive and stable, not perfect. Brown tips, slower growth, and even some dormancy are normal. By watering properly, feeding lightly, mowing smart, and keeping pests in check, I set my lawn up for a strong recovery in the fall.

Conclusion

Tall fescue might be tough, but August is still a survival month. With 2 inches of morning watering, pest vigilance, low-nitrogen fertilizer, and smart mowing practices, I keep my lawn steady through the heat. Once September arrives, tall fescue naturally bounces back, ready to green up and grow thick again.

If you care for tall fescue in USDA Zones 5–7, following these tips will keep your grass healthy in summer and thriving in fall.