Symptoms of Fertilizer Burn

• The yellow patches in your lawn that appear after you fertilize are known as fertilizer burn. These patches can also appear as tan or even dark brown spots and may also take on the shape of streaks or lines. You are most likely to find these burn marks on your lawn where the grass comes in contact with trees, shrubs or flower gardens. You are more likely to apply excess fertilizer in these areas because of the extra plants.
  
  

Causes of Fertilizer Burn

• Applying too much fertilizer to the lawn can cause fertilizer burn. Fertilizer burn can be caused inadvertently. For instance, applying the proper, large amount of fertilizer for a tree will promote the tree's growth, but if fertilizer spreads to the grass, it can cause these burn marks. Fertilizer can also burn the lawn if it is applied when the grass itself is wet, or if fertilizer is not watered in or washed away from the blades of grass immediately after application.
  
  

Proper Fertilizing Technique

• Apply fertilizer only to a dry lawn, so that the granules do not stick to the grass blades, but instead penetrate to the roots where they can be absorbed properly. Water the fertilizer in after application to wash away any granules that accidentally stick to the blades. The watering will also help the fertilizer to dissolve to better penetrate the soil. Finally, make sure you only apply the recommended amount of fertilizer and only at the correct times of year. These details vary by the type of grass, climate and type of fertilizer you use, so follow specific product instructions and consult a professional or a lawn care center, nursery or extension service for help if necessary.
  
  

Burn Solutions

• Immediately water the burned area to try to wash away any remaining fertilizer. If necessary, you can reseed the damaged area four to six weeks after fertilizer application. Consider using a liquid fertilizer to cut back on the number of granules that stick to the grass blades. Liquid fertilizer lowers the danger of fertilizing a wet lawn and eliminates the need for watering in. These fertilizers often come in slow-release formulas, which reduce the number of fertilizer applications you need each year. You can also fertilize the lawn with organic soil amendments, such as grass clippings, aged manure or compost.