Overfertilized lawn: 7 common signs & advice

A beautiful green lawn in the garden is the figurehead for every hobby gardener. Mineral fertilizers are quickly used to help a little. But beware, race sometimes damage if it is over-fertilized.

Signs of over-fertilization

The use of mineral lawn fertilizer can sometimes lead to over-fertilization. The motto: “A lot helps a lot!” Is completely out of place here. The consequences can then be very serious for the lawn. Too many nutrients are not good for healthy growth; serious damage occurs. The signs may differ depending on the degree of overfertilization:

• excessive growth
• brittle, soft, swollen stalks
• when over-fertilized with nitrogen, dark green color
• initially yellowing of the tips of the stems
• later browning
• in the end Discoloration of the entire plant
• extensive death of the grass plants

The discoloration of the plants is also known as "burning". The existing damage pattern in the lawn provides information about the degree of over-fertilization.

Note: In the case of over-fertilization, the soil contains a relatively high concentration of fertilizer salts. This has a negative effect on the roots of the lawn grasses. The plants become more susceptible to frost and fungal diseases.

Creation of burns

Burns in the lawn are caused by exosmosis, practically a reversal of osmosis. Normally, the concentration of minerals in the plant cells is higher than in the soil. This makes it possible for the plants to take up water from the soil, as this always moves in the direction of the higher mineral concentration. In other words, the roots literally attract the water. This process is known as osmosis. If the lawn is now over-fertilized, the following happens:

• Increased mineral concentration in the soil
• Water leaves the plant cells
• flows back into the ground
• no water absorption of the roots possible
• Grasses turn yellow and dry up
• yellow-brown, bald spots visible on the surface

These spots look like they have been burned. The overfertilization has corroded the grass.

Note: If the lawn is over-fertilized, lawn weeds such as lawn weeds due to the high concentration of different nutrients Sorrel and dandelion if the nitrogen concentration is too high or if the iron content is too high, moss can walk unhindered grasp. If there is an excess of lime, however, the grass is pale yellow. It suffers from chlorosis because iron cannot be absorbed.

Causes of overfertilization

The reasons why a lawn is overfertilized can be different. Over-fertilization usually occurs when a spreader is used to spread the fertilizer. Often areas are fertilized twice, so some of the plants receive an excessive concentration of nutrients. The typical yellow stripes then appear in the lawn. It is important to:

• to pay attention to the lanes
• to keep some distance between them
• Lanes not to overlap
• Dose a little less fertilizer
• to lift car in curves
• not specified spread level to be selected
• better to set a lower one
• Put fertilizer sacks on a paved surface
• also spreader when filling
• The recommended dose on the packaging must never be exceeded
• prefer to use a little less

Another possibility is that when the cart is filled, fertilizer accidentally lands on the lawn or the sack simply tips over. Incorrect setting of the spreader can also over-fertilize the green. in these cases the fertilizer should be removed from the area as much as possible. Either by hand, but don't forget to wear gloves, or carefully rake off the sward with a rake.

Note: In the long term, the use of mineral fertilizers can lead to over-fertilization with nitrogen and phosphate. At the same time, the plants may be insufficiently supplied with potassium.

Soil analysis provides information

Sometimes it can also be because the lawn is simply over-fertilized because the composition of the soil and the nutrients it contains are not known. When the first signs appear, stopping the fertilization is no longer of any use. The lawn plants can then suffer from an excess of certain nutrients, as well as from a deficiency in another. Another application of fertilizer would aggravate any over-fertilization that is already there. therefore a soil analysis should be carried out. Correct action can only be taken once the exact concentration of nutrients in the soil is known. In addition

• Take samples in several places
• have these analyzed in the laboratory

In addition to the soil composition and the nutrient content, the soil analysis also gives a recommendation for further fertilization measures.

Tip: The lawn should be mulched regularly. To do this, the shredded lawn clippings are simply left on the surface. This contains important nutrients that are added to the soil.

Long-term measures in case of over-fertilization

After applying too much fertilizer, immediate help is necessary to prevent major damage to the lawn and to save it. Measures are:

• extensive, penetrating watering
• turn on sprinklers for a few hours
• Apply at least 15 liters of water per m² over the entire surface
• mow brown and yellow areas deep into the ground
• mow the entire area in the event of acute over-fertilization
• Mowing depth 4 cm
• Remove grass clippings
• then scarify
• This makes the soil more permeable
• then water as described
• Improvement should occur after 14 days
• otherwise the application of new topsoil
• Height 5 cm
• then new sowing
• Roll on well or step on it
• then water well

Tip: Mowing the entire area in the event of acute over-fertilization is recommended, as a high concentration of nutrients is bound in the plant matter. When they rot, these are released again and end up in the ground.

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