Lawn

Answers to Your Questions: A Fertilizer That Burns Lawns

Question

Every year I fertilize my lawn according to the information on the packaging, and yet, during the summer fertilization, despite all my efforts to spread the fertilizer properly, the lawn burns. What can I do about it?

Photo: bgwalker

Answer

It makes no sense to apply a synthetic (chemical) fertilizer to your lawn in the middle of summer, no matter what it says on the label. If the soil is even the slightest bit dry, which is often the case in July, grasses are bound to burn, because fertilizers are highly concentrated and are harmful to plants unless diluted properly. I suggest you forget what the fertilizer label says about the frequency of lawn fertilizer applications (most recommend 3 or even 4 applications a year!).

A spring application is more than enough to maintain a beautiful lawn. I especially recommend slow-dissolving organic fertilizers for use on lawns, because even in spring, it’s easy to burn the lawn with synthetic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are less concentrated and therefore less likely to cause damage.

Remember, fertilizer manufacturers aren’t in the business of making beautiful lawns, they’re in the business of selling as much product as possible. You have to turn a deaf ear when they urge you to overuse their product. I suggest never applying more than a quarter of the recommended dose of any fertilizer.

Topdressing your lawn is often a better option than using fertilizers. Photo: Dorin_S 

Topdressing

Topdressing with compost is often more beneficial than using chemical fertilizers for your lawn. By enriching the soil with balanced nutrients and improving its structure, compost helps retain water and promote root growth. Unlike chemical fertilizers, compost won’t burn your lawn, even in summer. What’s more, it encourages beneficial microbial activity and is more respectful of the environment. By applying a thin layer of compost once a year (even that is a lot!), you can maintain a healthy lawn without too much effort. It’s simple, effective and environmentally friendly!


Larry Hodgson published thousands of articles and 65 books over the course of his career, in both French and English. His son, Mathieu, has made it his mission to make his father’s writings accessible to the public. This text was originally published in Le Soleil on July 31, 2005.

Garden writer and blogger, author of 65 gardening books, lecturer and communicator, the Laidback Gardener, Larry Hodgson, passed away in October 2022. Known for his great generosity, his thoroughness and his sense of humor, he reached several generations of amateur and professional gardeners over his 40-year career. Thanks to his son, Mathieu Hodgson, and a team of contributors, laidbackgardener.blog will continue its mission of demystifying gardening and making it more accessible to all.

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