If you’re looking to achieve a lush, picture-perfect lawn on your property in Georgia, regular fertilization is paramount. However, you need to be mindful not to overfertilize your lawn as this can lead to several negative effects. One of these is fertilizer burn, where excessive nutrients scorch the grass, causing unsightly brown patches and stunted growth. Additionally, overfertilization can contribute to nutrient pollution, as the excess nutrients may leach into groundwater or run off into water bodies, posing harm to the environment. Not only does overfertilization cause potential harm, but it also becomes a wasteful expense since you’re paying for fertilizer that is not providing any benefit. To avoid these issues, entrusting the task of fertilizing your lawn to a professional lawn care company is the best choice. Their expertise ensures the right amount of fertilizer is applied, maximizing benefits for a healthy and vibrant lawn without harming the environment or your budget.

Too much fertilizer can lead to fertilizer burn.

Over-fertilizing your lawn can result in a condition known as fertilizer burn. This occurs when an excessive amount of fertilizer is applied to the grass, causing an imbalance of nutrients and harmful salts to accumulate in the soil. The high concentration of salts draws water away from the grass, leading to dehydration and scorching of the turf.

Fertilizer burn can be harmful to your lawn, causing brown or yellow patches, stunted growth, and even death of the grass in severe cases. The damaged areas may take a significant amount of time to recover, leaving your lawn looking unsightly and weak.

Robert Efford at TurfXpert

Grass that has been weakened by fertilizer burn is more susceptible to diseases and pests, which can further compromise its health.

Excess fertilizer can wash away, causing nutrient pollution.

Over-fertilizing can also contribute to nutrient pollution in water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and streams. When too much fertilizer is applied, rain or irrigation water can wash away the excess nutrients into storm drains and nearby water sources. These nutrients—primarily nitrogen and phosphorus—can cause harmful algal blooms in the water, depleting oxygen levels and negatively impacting aquatic life.

Nutrient pollution can also affect human health. Harmful algal blooms can produce toxins that contaminate drinking water sources and pose risks to recreational activities like swimming and fishing. By over-fertilizing, you inadvertently contribute to this environmental problem and its far-reaching consequences.

Applying too much fertilizer is a waste of money.

Over-fertilizing your lawn can be a waste of money, as you're spending on excess fertilizer that doesn't provide any additional benefit to your lawn. The surplus nutrients that your grass cannot absorb get washed away, resulting in the loss of expensive fertilizer and providing no return on your investment. What’s more, over-fertilizing can harm your grass, leading to additional expenses when trying to revive damaged areas of your lawn.

Hire a lawn care professional to ensure the right amount of fertilizer is applied.

To avoid the negative effects of over-fertilizing and ensure optimal lawn health, consider hiring a professional lawn care company. Lawn care experts have the knowledge and experience to determine precisely what your lawn needs. They can create a customized fertilization plan to meet your lawn's specific requirements.

By entrusting your lawn care to professionals, you can be confident that the right amount of fertilizer is used, preventing fertilizer burn and nutrient pollution. Lawn care companies know the appropriate type of fertilizer for your grass and the correct application timing to ensure the best results. With the expertise of professionals on your side, you can have a lush and healthy lawn without the risks associated with over-fertilizing.

Call us today to sign up for our comprehensive lawn fertilization program.

At TurfXpert, we offer our lawn fertilization program to commercial and residential property owners, as well as HOAs, in Woodstock, GA, and surrounding communities such as Roswell and Alpharetta. Our program includes seven meticulously tailored treatments, scheduled from spring to late fall, to provide the precise blend of nutrients your lawn needs to thrive throughout the year! Enroll in our fertilization program by calling us at (833) 444-8873 today.