How To Fix Fertilizer Burn on Your Lawn

A lush, green lawn is the pride of many homeowners, but maintaining a beautiful landscape can pose challenges. Among them is ensuring the grass has adequate nutrients to promote full, healthy growth. Fertilizer is the most effective way to provide those nutrients, but when applied incorrectly, it can lead to fertilizer burn, causing unsightly brown or yellow patches in the turf. This guide will explore what fertilizer burn is, how to identify it, and how to fix and prevent it. With the right knowledge and techniques, you can restore your lawn’s health and vibrancy.

What Is Fertilizer Burn?

Fertilizer burn happens when you apply too much fertilizer to a lawn, damaging the grass. The excess fertilizer creates a high concentration of salts in the soil, which draws moisture away from the grass roots. The grass becomes dehydrated and stressed, leading to discoloration and potential death. While there are ways to remedy dead patches of lawn, it’s best to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Identifying Fertilizer Burn

Fertilizer burn typically shows up as brown or yellow patches in the lawn. These discolored areas often appear in strips or patterns that match the path of the fertilizer spreader. The affected grass may look wilted, dried out, or crispy.

When symptoms appear can vary depending on the type of fertilizer used. Quick-release fertilizers will show signs of burn within a day or two. Slow-release fertilizers take longer—usually a few weeks. 

It can be difficult to distinguish fertilizer burn from other lawn problems that cause brown or yellow patches, such as fungal disease or pest damage. Fertilizer burn typically shows up shortly after fertilizer application and follows the distinct pattern of the fertilizer spreader.

4 Common Causes of Fertilizer Burn

Knowing the causes of fertilizer burn, as I’ll outline below, can help you prevent it.

Overapplication

Applying too much fertilizer is the most common cause of burn. Be sure to follow the recommended application rates for your fertilizer.

Uneven Distribution

Using a defective spreader or not walking at a consistent pace can result in some areas getting more fertilizer than others, leading to patchy burn. Overlapping areas where you apply fertilizer can also cause overapplication. 

Inadequate Watering

Failing to water the lawn sufficiently after fertilizer application can increase the risk of burn, especially in hot, dry conditions.

Applying at the Wrong Time

Applying fertilizer during the hottest part of the day or during drought conditions can increase the likelihood of burn.

How To Fix Fertilizer Burn (6 Steps)

If fertilizer burn happens, don’t panic. With proper care, most lawns can recover. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing fertilizer burn:

Assess the Damage

First, determine the extent of the burn. If only a small area is affected and the grass is just discolored, it may recover quickly. For more severe cases where the grass appears dead, it may take longer to recover or require reseeding.

Water Thoroughly

The most crucial step in treating fertilizer burn is to water the affected areas thoroughly. This dilutes the excess fertilizer and flushes it deeper into the soil, away from the grass roots. Water the lawn deeply for about an hour each day for a week, focusing on the burned areas.

Remove Excess Fertilizer

If visible fertilizer granules remain on the lawn, gently rake them up to prevent further damage. Be careful not to damage the already stressed grass.

Avoid Further Fertilization

Don’t apply additional fertilizer until the lawn has fully recovered. More fertilizer will only make the problem worse.

Monitor and Maintain

Keep a close eye on the affected areas. Continue to water regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as it can lead to other issues like fungal growth. Mow the lawn as usual, but avoid cutting it too short, which can stress the recovering grass.

Reseed if Necessary

For severely damaged areas where the grass has died, reseeding may be necessary. Prepare the soil, choose a grass seed that matches your existing lawn, and follow proper seeding techniques.

9 Tips for Preventing Fertilizer Burn

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to lawn care. Here are some tips to avoid fertilizer burn in the future:

Choose the Right Fertilizer

Opt for slow-release fertilizers, which are less likely to cause burn than quick-release varieties. They provide a steady supply of nutrients over time, reducing the risk of oversaturation.

Follow Application Instructions

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, paying special attention to recommended application rates and timing. If you need more information on how to apply fertilizer and best practices, check out our complete guide to lawn fertilizing. 

Use a Quality Spreader

Invest in a good-quality spreader and calibrate it correctly to ensure even distribution of fertilizer across the lawn.

Water Properly

Water the lawn thoroughly after applying fertilizer. This helps dissolve the fertilizer and move it into the soil, reducing the risk of burn.

Time It Right

Apply fertilizer during cooler parts of the day and avoid fertilizing during droughts or heat waves.

Consider Professional Help

If you’re unsure about how to fertilize properly, consider hiring a professional lawn care service. They have the expertise to apply fertilizer correctly and can tailor a fertilization plan to your lawn’s specific needs.

Use Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers, as opposed to chemical fertilizers, can play a crucial role in maintaining lawn health without the risk of burn. They’re typically based on natural sources such as compost, animal manure, or bone meal and release nutrients slowly. With these fertilizers, you’re less likely to overapply, lessening the risk of burn. However, it’s important to still follow recommended application rates and ensure even distribution.

Test the Soil

By understanding the current nutrient levels in your soil, you can customize your fertilization plan to avoid overapplication. Soil tests provide insights into soil pH, nutrient deficiencies, and organic matter content. Based on these findings, you can identify the right fertilizer, adjust application rates, and improve your lawn’s overall health.

Adopt Proper Lawn Care Practices

Mowing properly, aerating, and dethatching can also help prevent fertilizer burn. Mowing at the correct height ensures that grass blades have enough surface area to absorb sunlight and maintain strong roots. Aeration improves soil structure, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deeply. Dethatching removes the layer of dead grass that can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil. These practices, combined with mindful fertilization, create a resilient lawn less prone to burn.

You can go a step further in promoting your lawn’s health by learning about and adopting sustainable lawn care practices, including using native grasses suited to your local climate and soil conditions. Native grasses often need less fertilization and are more resistant to pests and diseases. In addition, using natural pest control methods can help your lawn maintain a more balanced ecosystem. Sustainable lawn care minimizes the need for synthetic fertilizers and chemical treatments, reducing the risk of fertilizer burn and promoting environmental health.

When To Seek Professional Help

While many cases of fertilizer burn can be addressed with DIY methods, you may need to call in professional help if you have extensive damage over a large portion of your lawn, if you’re not sure what’s causing your lawn discoloration or damage, or if DIY treatment doesn’t improve things.

Professional lawn care services have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and treat lawn issues effectively. They can also provide ongoing maintenance to prevent future problems.

Final Thoughts About Fixing Fertilizer Burn on Lawn

Fertilizer burn can be a frustrating setback for homeowners striving for a perfect lawn. However, with prompt action and proper care, most lawns can recover. By understanding the causes of fertilizer burn and implementing preventive measures, you can maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn year-round.

Remember, a little caution goes a long way in lawn care. By following proper fertilization techniques and staying attentive to your lawn’s needs, you can enjoy a lush, green yard without the worry of fertilizer burn. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult with lawn care professionals who can provide tailored advice and services to keep your lawn in top condition.