Using lawn fertiliser is a great way to keep your grass looking healthy and robust, but moderation is key - after all, it is possible to have too much of a good thing!
Overdoing the fertiliser can give your lawn a scorched appearance, like this:
Photo by Sten Porse (source: Wikimedia Commons)
What causes fertiliser burn?
Fertiliser burn occurs when you over-fertilise your grass. It can also happen if you apply certain types of fertiliser to a wet lawn. Fertiliser burn is caused by the nitrogen salts found in lawn feed products.
A little bit of salt is useful for keeping your grass nice and healthy. However, if you apply too much fertiliser in one go, the excess salt may give your lawn a withered, discoloured appearance.
How can I prevent scorching when I fertilise my lawn?
Here are some tips to help you avoid fertiliser burn when you're feeding your lawn:
- Stick to the recommended amount of lawn feed - a lot of people assume that adding more fertiliser will result in an even more verdant lawn, but you'll probably just end up with a lot of unsightly brown grass instead!
- Try to avoid applying fertiliser when your lawn is damp.
- Consider switching to a slow-release fertiliser that releases nutrients into the soil gradually.
- Beware of feeding your lawn during prolonged periods of dry weather. The lack of moisture will make the fertiliser more highly concentrated and increase your risk of fertiliser burn - wait until the drought is over!
If your lawn is scorched where you've applied too much fertiliser, Lawn & Weed Expert can help! Give us a call on 0800 111 4958 to arrange a FREE lawn survey.
Contact Lawn & Weed Expert
