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Chemical Fertilizer Burn #833919

Asked June 05, 2023, 4:07 PM EDT

Hello - Last fall I worked very hard to plant new sod adjacent to my driveway as my neighbors weeks had taken over (and a few other places in the yard). I watered it regularly and was rewarded with a very nice looking new portion of the lawn this spring (street to flower box section). This was a ton of work to rip up solo (without special rented equipment) and lay new. This spring my yard service did their first application for fertilizer. About a week later I noticed spots. First I thought maybe from sun exposure, and since then have been very thorough about watering consistently despite the hot temperatures, but now I am almost convinced it was a chemical burn that killed off the grass. It is very patchy and could in my mind be burned in the areas directly hit by their chemical. Attached are three photos. Can you offer your expertise? I specifically pointed these areas out in person to the lawn technician before he began the application. Should I be expecting my lawn service to make this right as it appears to be as a result of their spraying methods. Thank you for your time and thoughts. -Tyler 701.388.8623

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! 

Maureen Graber Replied June 06, 2023, 9:24 AM EDT

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. 

 

 

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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)

 

The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2023, 9:47 AM EDT

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! 

Maureen Graber Replied June 06, 2023, 9:58 AM EDT

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