Knowledgebase
Chemical Fertilizer Burn #833919
Asked June 05, 2023, 4:07 PM EDT
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good Morning Tyler,
Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.
I cannot comment on your lawn service, their application or methods. You would need to discuss this with them. There could be several other issues than chemical burn.
I suggest you roll back some of the sod in the browned areas and see what is going on with the roots.
You might look for grubs in the soil. From your photos, it appears that the browned spots go along the lines of the sod. Did you fill the lines with soil when you put the sod down? Did you add any additional soil or amendments, like compost prior to placing the sod. The area around the flower box is mostly dead. Wondering if you had good soil preparation prior to placing the sod. The sod would need good soil to root into.
Please click on this link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about seeding and sodding home lawns: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/seeding-and-sodding-home-lawns
Here is another link about sod webworms: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/sod-webworms
You indicated you pointed out the spots to the lawn technician prior to his application of the chemicals, so the spots were there before he applied the chemicals?
Here is another link about grubs in lawn: https://extension.umn.edu/news/white-grub-control-lawns
Good Luck!
Thank you for the response and I understand there are several possible factors. To clarify, the grass was absolutely perfect this spring after fall setting (I had attached a photo but have it here again below) including around the planter etc. I just had made the technician aware that we had indeed laid new sod in specific areas.
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 8:24 AM
To: Tyler Johnson <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Chemical Fertilizer Burn (#0103845)
Good Morning Tyler,
Please click on this link to the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about lawn care: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar
I am assuming your sod was mostly Kentucky bluegrass. Please review the above information about cool season grasses.
Under seasonal plant growth cycle, it states:
In early spring, roots are long and full of nutrients stored from the fall. Shoots, the part of grass visible above ground, use this stored energy for growth.
In warm summer temperatures, leaf and root growth slow down. Plants rest during times of heat and drought. Roots can be damaged when soil temperatures are above 85°F.
With our recent heat wave weather, your bluegrass will take a beating. Again, I suggest you pull up the sod where it is brown and examine the roots.
Good Luck!