When you spread fertilizer on your lawn, you usually hope to restore some of its lush, spring-green beauty. Putting down fertilizer only to realize that your yard is losing life in all the spots you spread it can be a disheartening experience. Will burnt grass from fertilizer grow back?
To answer that question, you should consider a few things. The short answer is maybe. It mainly relies on how badly the fertilizer burned the grass and the health of the remaining lawn.
What Is Fertilizer?
Like all plants, grass grows in soil. For grass to thrive, the ground needs to be rich in nutrients and get plenty of water. If the soil in your yard is losing nutrients, you might consider adding fertilizer to help replenish the earth.
There are several reasons why your lawn might lose nutrients. Pollution, acidity, and runoff, such as with strong storms or flooding, can all contribute to losing nutrients. Replacing them can help restore the vitality of the grass.
Why Does Fertilizer Burn Grass?
The fertilizer itself does not burn the grass. In certain fertilizers, the excess nitrogen can pull moisture away from the roots. This lack of water can cause a rapid deterioration in the plant’s health.
Is the Damage Permanent?
Determining whether or not the patches of grass will grow back depends on how quickly you address the problem. Unfortunately, fertilizer burns are difficult to catch in time since much of the damage begins at the roots. You might wake up one morning and see that half of your lawn has died, even though you fertilized it just a week ago.
So, Will Burnt Grass From Fertilizer Grow Back?
If you catch the problem early and start watering before the grass dies, you may be able to restore the moisture to the roots. Once the grass has perished, there is little chance of bringing those patches back to life.
In these cases, you will likely have to remove the grass and some of the soil in burnt areas. If you don’t remove the soil, any new grass growing there will suffer the same fate if it grows at all.
As soon as you notice any brown or yellow streaks on the grass, you should begin applying water and continue to do so every day until it is revived.
How To Avoid Fertilizer Burn
Rather than find yourself in this predicament, the best course of action is to avoid it altogether. Fortunately, keeping your lawn healthy is much easier than repairing it after the damage is done. Here are a few tips for preventing fertilizer burn.
Apply Evenly
Make sure you use only enough fertilizer for the square footage of your yard. You can always add more if necessary. It’s also helpful to avoid applying too much in one spot.
Try Slow Release Fertilizer
Some fertilizers come in a slow release form which will gradually leak nutrients into the soil over a long period. This gives you more time to water while the nitrogen makes its way into the ground.
Water Thoroughly After Fertilizing
After you fertilize your lawn, make sure you water the yard thoroughly. Taking these precautions is key to avoiding fertilizer burn.
The Takeaway
If you find yourself in the predicament of asking, “will burnt grass from fertilizer grow back?” don’t panic. It is possible to restore some growth. If the grass dies completely, you can also take heart in knowing that some new soil and seed are always an option.
Of course, it’s always best to prioritize the health of your body by keeping it watered, trimmed, and aerated. Use caution when fertilizing your lawn, and speak to a professional if you feel uncertain.