Therefore it is not recommended for lawns north of Westchester and Orange Counties, except in areas close to Lakes Erie and Ontario. Also, tall fescue is not compatible with other grasses. Therefore, it should be seeded only as a monostand, that is, with no other grass species. A properly fertilized lawn will need fewer pesticides. Soil pH and fertility, especially nitrogen and potassium influences a lawn's ability to resist turfgrass pests.
Soil testing is the first step in determining fertilizer requirements of a lawn.
Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension - Suffolk County for information on having soil tested. The soil pH should be maintained in a range of 6.0-7.0. Plant nutrients are more available and beneficial microorganisms are more active within this range. Apply lime or sulfur according to soil test recommendations to modify the pH. Nitrogen and potassium are needed in moderate amounts for a pest-resistant lawn. Kentucky bluegrass lawns will require 2 to 3 pounds of actual nitrogen and 1 to 3 pounds of potash per 1,000 square feet per year, split into two or three applications.