5 Common Causes of Burnt Grass After Fertilizing and How to Fix Them
If you've ever fertilized your lawn and ended up with brown, scorched patches of grass, you're not alone. Burnt grass is a common problem, but it's one that can be easily avoided.
There are several things that can cause burnt grass after fertilizing, including:
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Applying too much fertilizer. This is the most common cause of burnt grass. When you apply too much fertilizer, the salts in the fertilizer can build up in the soil and draw water out of the grass roots, causing them to dry out and die.
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Using the wrong type of fertilizer. Not all fertilizers are created equal. Some fertilizers are designed for use on lawns, while others are designed for use on other types of plants. Using the wrong type of fertilizer can damage your lawn.
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Applying fertilizer at the wrong time of year. Fertilizing your lawn at the wrong time of year can also cause burnt grass. The best time to fertilize your lawn is in the spring or fall when the grass is actively growing.
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Watering your lawn too soon after fertilizing. Watering your lawn too soon after fertilizing can wash away the fertilizer and prevent it from being absorbed by the grass roots. Wait at least 24 hours after fertilizing to water your lawn.
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Mowing your lawn too short after fertilizing. Mowing your lawn too short after fertilizing can damage the grass blades and make them more susceptible to burning. Wait at least a week after fertilizing to mow your lawn.
If you've burnt your grass after fertilizing, there are a few things you can do to fix it:
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Water your lawn deeply. Watering your lawn deeply will help to flush out the excess salts from the soil and rehydrate the grass roots.
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Apply a light application of nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer will help to green up the grass and promote new growth.
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Aerate your lawn. Aerating your lawn will help to improve drainage and allow the grass roots to breathe.
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Overseed your lawn. Overseeding your lawn will help to thicken the grass and fill in any bare spots.
Burnt grass is a common problem, but it's one that can be easily avoided. By following these tips, you can keep your lawn looking healthy and green all season long.
How to Prevent Burnt Grass After Fertilizing
The best way to prevent burnt grass after fertilizing is to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label carefully. The label will tell you how much fertilizer to apply, when to apply it, and how to water your lawn after fertilizing.
In addition to following the instructions on the fertilizer label, you can also take the following steps to prevent burnt grass:
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Use a slow-release fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers release their nutrients over a period of time, which helps to prevent the build-up of salts in the soil.
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Water your lawn deeply before fertilizing. Watering your lawn deeply before fertilizing will help to moisten the soil and make it easier for the fertilizer to be absorbed by the grass roots.
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Wait at least 24 hours after fertilizing to water your lawn. Watering your lawn too soon after fertilizing can wash away the fertilizer and prevent it from being absorbed by the grass roots.
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Mow your lawn at a height of 2-3 inches. Mowing your lawn at a height of 2-3 inches will help to protect the grass blades from burning.
By following these tips, you can keep your lawn looking healthy and green all season long.
Benefits of Fertilizing Your Lawn
Fertilizing your lawn has many benefits, including:
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Promotes healthy growth. Fertilizer provides the nutrients that grass needs to grow healthy and strong.
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Prevents weeds. A healthy lawn is less likely to be invaded by weeds.
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Improves drought tolerance. A well-fertilized lawn is better able to withstand drought conditions.
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Enhances color. Fertilizer can help to green up your lawn and make it look more vibrant.
Fertilizing your lawn is a simple and effective way to improve the health and appearance of your lawn. By following the tips in this article, you can avoid burnt grass and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn all season long.