Fertilizer Burn Treatment and Prevention

Fertilizer Burns

Fertilizer burn, patches or streaks of yellow to brown grass appear 1 day to a couple of weeks (if you use a slow-release fertilizer) after over-fertilization of the lawn. The cause is excess nitrogen salts, which pull water out of the roots via osmosis, resulting in reduced water uptake. In addition to discoloration and root damage, the burned out lawn might exhibit tell-tale white, yellow or brown stripes where the spreader rows overlap (double dose fertilization). The amount of lawn damage will depend on the amount and type of fertilizer applied, the amount of available water, and the amount of salt concentrations in the soil. If treated promptly, yellow grass will probably recover; however, dry brown grass probably won't. Fertilizer burn should be corrected as soon as it appears. Follow these four steps to remedy the symptoms:

1. Remove any visible fertilizer with a broom, wet/dry vac, or any other implement that can scoop up the granules.
2. Use sprinklers to water the discolored areas. On day one apply as much water as will sink into the soil. Avoid toxic runoff, by watering at rate that will permit the moisture to sink into the earth.
3. Apply one inch of water for each of the next seven days.
4. Wait to see if the grass recovers. If not, reseed the discolored areas during the next growing season (spring for warm weather grass and fall for cold weather grass.

Take the following steps to prevent fertilizer burn:

1. Fertilize your grass with organic well composted fertilizer. Apply a 1-2 inch layer of composted fertilizer twice a year.
2. If you're using chemical fertilizer, select the appropriate mix based on your soil analysis and apply only as directed.
3. To be safe, applying only dilute or controlled-release fertilizer products.
4. Avoid lawn stress by fertilizing lightly. Never fertilize lawns that are showing signs of stress, disease, or water deprivation.
5. Do not apply fertilizer to wet lawns or allow the chemical mix to contact wet leaves.
6. After adding granular fertilizer, be sure to apply enough water to rinse fertilizer off grass blades and assure an even application of chemicals down to the roots. 

For excellent fertilizer burn treatment in the Westchester County and Putnum County areas contact the Turf Barbers at (914) 302-246-2929; Quinlan Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598; http://www.theturfbarbers.com; Email- Info@theturfbarbers.com