10,000-Acre Burned Lawn: A Tragedy Avoidable

Brown unsightly lawn caused by over-fertilization is unfortunately not uncommon. This issue is costly and disheartening; some homeowners report spending hundreds of dollars for repairs. The bigger the lawn, the bigger the expense required to fix the problem.

The Science Behind Fertilizer Burn

Plants need nutrients to grow, and fertilizers provide these nutrients in concentrated doses. If too much fertilizer is applied, the concentration of nutrients in the soil can become too high, causing the phenomenon known as fertilizer burn. This phenomenon occurs when the concentration of salts in the soil becomes too high that it draws water out of the plant roots through the process called osmosis. As a result, the plant wilts, turns brown, and eventually dies.

Symptoms of Fertilizer Burn

Fertilizer damage can appear within hours or days after application and can affect the entire lawn or just a localized area. Symptoms include:

• Brown or yellow patches on the lawn
• Wilted or crispy grass blades
• Stunted growth
• Dead spots

Prevention

• Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label carefully. Each type of fertilizer has different application rates, and it is important to follow the directions to avoid over-application.
• Avoid fertilizing during hot or dry weather. When the weather is hot and dry, the water in the soil evaporates more quickly, which can increase the concentration of nutrients in the soil and lead to fertilizer burn.
• Water the lawn deeply after fertilizing. Watering helps to dilute the fertilizer and move it down into the soil, where it can be absorbed by the plant roots.
• Use a slow-release fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers release nutrients over a period of time, which can help to prevent fertilizer burn.

Treatment

If your lawn has been damaged by fertilizer burn, the first step is to stop fertilizing. You should also water the lawn deeply to help dilute the fertilizer and move it down into the soil. If the damage is severe, you may need to reseed the lawn.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Fertilizer Burn?

The cost to fix fertilizer burn depends on the size of the lawn and the severity of the damage. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of the lawn repair is between $20 and $300. However, if the lawn is severely damaged, the cost could be even higher.

Conclusion

Fertilizer burn is a common problem that can be easily avoided. By following the tips above, and calculated application rate, you can keep your lawn looking healthy and green.

Tips for Avoiding Fertilizer Burn in Your Lawn

• Use a slow-release fertilizer.
• Apply fertilizer at the correct time of year.
• Water the lawn deeply before and after fertilizing.
• Avoid fertilizing during hot or dry weather.
• Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label carefully.

The Cost of Fertilizer Burn

• The average cost of lawn repair is between $20 and $300.
• However, if the lawn is severely damaged, the cost could be even higher.

How to Repair Fertilizer Burn

• Stop fertilizing.
• Water the lawn deeply.
• If the damage is severe, you may need to reseed the lawn.

Conclusion

Fertilizer burn is a common problem, but it can be easily avoided. By following the tips above, you can keep your lawn looking healthy and green.