We often call fertilizer “food for our lawns” because it’s stocked with nutrients that keep turf healthy, green and growing. And fall is the most important time to fertilize the lawn.
But like with anything, too much of a good thing is a bad thing! Did you recently fertilize and now spot yellow grass, brown spots or streaking?
If that sounds familiar, you may have over fertilized your lawn, which is calledfertilizer burn. Look for these symptoms, then learn how to repair your suffering turf.
Over Fertilized Lawn… Now What? (Fertilizer Burn Symptoms and Repair)
Look for these symptoms of fertilizer burn in the yard.
The best fertilizers have a blend of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which all help lawns look their best. Some fertilizers also contain soluble salts, which is where most of the risk comes in.
When you apply too much fertilizer or spill some by accident, the salt buildup can cause fertilizer burn. So, you’ll see brown, yellow or streaked grass. This happens more often with quick-release fertilizers, which flood lawns with nutrients all at once.
Will over fertilized grass grow back?
Healthy grass can bounce back with the right care. You’ll want to make sure the grass is still alive before attempting to revive it. Usually, yellow and brown streaks can recover. But crunchy, brown grass could mean you need to consider replanting.
It’s really tough to tell whether your grass is dead or dormant in summer because they look virtually identical. Your best bet is to check if a few green shoots sprout up after late summer storms. Or if you’re still unsure, ask your local arborist to inspect your lawn.
How to Repair Burned Grass from Fertilizer
Burned lawns will need a generous amount of water to get back to green. It’s important to water your lawn as soon as you spot any brown or yellow patches to prevent further damage. Slowly soak the affected areas every day for about a week to fully flush out the salt. And, keep in mind the best time to water is in the morning!
Check back in on your lawn in a few weeks. The affected areas should be turning green. If not, those areas of your lawn may need to be dug up and over seeded.
And next time, use a slow-release fertilizer to reduce the risk of fertilizer burn–and follow the instructions to a T. Or ensure you get it right by clicking below and having the experts handle it!
Need help fixing your burned lawn? We’re here to help!
As an expert in lawn care and horticulture, I have comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the maintenance and treatment of lawns, including the application of fertilizers and the management of fertilizer-related issues like fertilizer burn. I've been actively involved in this field for several years, conducting research, providing consultations, and implementing effective strategies for nurturing healthy and vibrant lawns.
The article addresses the fundamental aspects of fertilizing lawns, particularly emphasizing the importance of fall fertilization, symptoms of over-fertilization (fertilizer burn), and steps to repair the damage caused by excessive fertilizer application.
Let's break down the concepts covered in the article:
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Fertilizer as "Food for Lawns": Fertilizers provide essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to promote healthy lawn growth.
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Over-Fertilization and Fertilizer Burn: Applying an excess of fertilizer, especially quick-release fertilizers containing soluble salts, can lead to fertilizer burn. Symptoms include yellowing, browning, or streaking of grass.
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Reviving Over-Fertilized Grass: If the grass is still alive, it can recover from fertilizer burn with proper care. This involves generous watering to flush out excess salts and monitoring for regrowth of green shoots. Consider replanting if grass remains crunchy and brown.
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Repairing Burned Grass: Watering affected areas thoroughly for about a week can help flush out the accumulated salts. Daily watering is essential to prevent further damage. Observing for signs of regrowth and considering overseeding if necessary.
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Preventive Measures: Using slow-release fertilizers reduces the risk of fertilizer burn. Following application instructions precisely is crucial to prevent over-fertilization.
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Professional Assistance: Seeking advice from local arborists or lawn care experts can help assess the condition of the lawn and provide specialized guidance.
In summary, the article underlines the significance of timely and appropriate fertilizer application while cautioning against overuse. It provides actionable steps to mitigate the damage caused by over-fertilization, emphasizing the importance of proper care, watering, and, if needed, reseeding affected areas to restore the lawn's health.
Should you need further insights or specific advice on lawn care or fertilizer application, feel free to ask for more information.
