Signs Your Lawn Has Been Over-Fertilized (And the Best Ways to Fix It)

Fertilization is one of the best things that you can do for your Memphis lawn. It’s a key contributor to a thick, green, and healthy turf. But (as with most things in life), there can be “too much of a good thing.”

Overfertilizing a lawn can lead to damage.

Unfortunately, this is a common mistake in DIY lawn care. Most of the time, a lawn care professional who is adequately trained on the proper rates of application won’t cause fertilizer burn, but that’s not to say that a low-cost provider who doesn’t have well-trained pros won’t make this error.

Jump to Section

• What does an over-fertilized lawn look like?
• Will grass recover from over-fertilizing?
• How long does it take for a lawn to recover from fertilizer burn?
• How to avoid lawn fertilizer damage?
• Choosing lawn care in Memphis

What we often find is that many homeowners mistakenly attribute other lawn care problems to lawn fertilizer damage. Other issues, such as pest or disease damage or even mowing mistakes, can lead homeowners to believe their lawn care provider has damaged their lawn.

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the signs of an overfertilized lawn so that you can have a better sense of what is (and what isn’t) related to fertilizer errors.

What does an over-fertilized lawn look like?

An over-fertilized lawn typically turns yellow, and the grass tips might turn brown. This is because the excess of nutrients (usually nitrogen) causes the grass to lose some of its moisture content and “burn.” The brown tips can be a telltale sign since grass will dry out most at the tips.

One way to distinguish fertilizer burn from other lawn care problems is by the timing of its occurrence. Fertilizer damage typically appears relatively quickly after an application. The burn pattern will also typically appear in a pattern related to the application.

As we’ve mentioned, a lawn can also turn yellow from other causes. Both drought stress and overwatering can lead to yellowing. Disease and pest problems can also cause a lawn to turn yellow or brown.

Mowing a lawn too short can also commonly lead to yellowing. Homeowners often mistakenly assume that mowing can’t harm their lawn. But if you cut too much of the grass blade off, you disrupt the photosynthesis process. This can lead to yellowing that is sometimes mistaken for being an over-fertilized lawn.

Will grass recover from over-fertilizing?

Yes, grass can recover from overfertilization if the damage is not too severe. Of course, it can take some time.

If you have some fertilizer burn that appears as yellow or brown streaks, it will likely bounce back with a little TLC. That includes ample watering. You want to flush out the salt that is causing the burn.

The best time to water the lawn is in the morning. But keep in mind that watering can exacerbate specific problems, particularly lawn disease. If it turns out that your lawn has a fungus, watering can exacerbate the problem. This is why it’s essential to make sure that you have a proper diagnosis.

While grass will often bounce back from lawn fertilizer damage, if your lawn has become brown and crunchy, it might be dead.

If that’s the case, then you may need to consider a re-sodding service in areas that have been severely damaged.

How long does it take for a lawn to recover from fertilizer burn?

The exact timing of fertilizer burn recovery will depend on the extent and severity of the damage. It can take anywhere from a matter of weeks for a relatively minor case to several months for a more complex situation.

As we mentioned, if the lawn has turned brown and crunchy, it’s probably dead. If this is the case, it may require re-sodding. One way to determine if the lawn is dead is to inspect the roots. If an area pulls up easily (or you gently dig it up) and the roots are brown, black or mushy, they are probably dead.

Healthy roots are white, firm, and anchored into the ground.

How to avoid lawn fertilizer damage

Most of the time, fertilizer burn is the result of a DIY lawn care mistake. A homeowner may mistakenly apply too much fertilizer (we understand that application rates can be confusing) or experience an accident, such as a spill.

Applying the wrong type of fertilizer or applying at the wrong time can also lead to lawn care damage. The right amount at the right time is more efficient than just pouring tons of fertilizer into the lawn. This is not a scenario where “less is more.”

Keep in mind that quick-release fertilizers are more likely to lead to fertilizer burn. At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we use extended-release fertilizers. Because of this, only two applications per year are sufficient for Memphis, TN, lawns.

The optimal timing for fertilizer applications in Memphis, TN, is between May and September.

This is when soil temperatures are optimal for application. This is also the time when grass begins to grow actively.

This is especially important for fertilizers with high nitrogen content, which should be applied in May and July.

Choosing lawn care in Memphis to avoid lawn damage

While a lawn care company can make mistakes, at the end of the day, when you choose a reputable company, you can feel confident that your lawn is in good hands.

After all, this is precisely what they are trained to do.

The key is to conduct thorough research and select a lawn care company that prioritizes training and expertise.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we’re here to help. We know that lawn care problems can be a significant source of frustration. Whether you are currently working with a lawn care company and suspect you may have experienced lawn care damage, or you have made a mistake with lawn care yourself, we can help you remedy the issue and get things back on track.

When you make a wise, well-researched choice, you build a long-term relationship with a lawn care provider in North Mississippi and finally get the lawn and relaxation you deserve.

Want to improve your lawn’s health and create a thicker, greener lawn? Lawn & Pest Solutions can help you with lawn care in North Mississippi. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we’ll customize a plan that gives you the most attractive lawn on the block.