Most of us have done it, but usually only once. The “it” I’m talking about is burning a lawn with fertilizer.
There are several “oops” ways this happens. One is to spill fertilizer while filling the spreader when it’s parked on the lawn. Another is to tip the spreader over while pushing it back and forth. A third can result from clearing a clogged spreader opening while the spreader is on the lawn and having a mass of fertilizer fall out. Then, of course, there’s the case of just putting too much on one or more spots, which can happen if you don’t close the spreader bucket as you make a turn on the lawn or if you have the spreader open too far.
Fertilizing too often can also burn grass. Finally, burning can result when a lawn is fed during hot weather or if the fertilizer isn’t watered in thoroughly. Sometimes burning isn’t your fault, but instead is due to the soil not draining properly, which allows salts to accumulate in the root area.
Fertilizers are mineral salts. When too much salt stays on grass, it dries it out, turning it yellow to brown. The discoloration generally shows up a day or two after the fertilizer is applied.
Sometimes this is fatal to the grass, but usually heavy irrigation will help wash the salts through the soil. This should allow the grass to grow back within seven to 14 days. If the lawn dies, it will need to be removed, the soil dug up, and seed planted or sod installed.
If you have an oops moment with fertilizer on your lawn, act immediately. Sweep up as much as you can. Then, water the burned area until the soil below is saturated. Apply an inch of water per day for the next seven days. Water will dilute the salts and leach them away from the roots.
Fertilizer application rates and guidelines are on the package for a reason and should be followed. More is not better. It is also important to know your spreader and how much is applied through the openings at the bottom of the hopper. Perhaps switch to slow-release or organic fertilizers, which are highly unlikely to burn. Do not fertilize a drought-stressed lawn. Weak grass is more likely to burn.
Since it is already mid-June and the temperatures are climbing, it is not the time to fertilizer with a traditional lawn fertilizer. If, like me, you forgot to fertilize earlier in the season, use only an organic or a slow-release fertilizer now. As with all chemicals, read and follow the label directions.
JoAnne Skelly is Associate Professor & Extension Educator Emerita, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Email skellyj@unr.edu.
