Will Fertilizer Kill New Grass?

July 16, 2024

If you're pondering the question, "will fertilizer kill new grass?", you've come to the right place. As lawn care enthusiasts, we often get asked this very question. The answer, however, is not straightforward.

While fertilizer is essential for promoting healthy grass growth, improper use can indeed harm new grass.

In this article, we'll dive deeper into various topics such as using too much fertilizer, how to apply fertilizer for new grass, and other important aspects of new grass care.

So, if you're ready to learn how to keep your lawn lush and thriving, continue reading. Let's explore the best practices to ensure your new grass gets the nutrients it needs without the risk of damage.

What this article covers:

How Can Fertilizer Kill Grass?
Does New Grass Need Fertilizer?
How to Apply Fertilizer For New Grass

How Can Fertilizer Kill Grass?

Fertilizer can kill grass if applied improperly, especially when dealing with new lawns. Let's look at a few instances where fertilizer can kill grass:

Using Too Much Fertilizer

From our experience, using too much fertilizer can be detrimental to your lawn. Over-fertilization can lead to a phenomenon known as "fertilizer burn," where the grass blades dry out and turn brown due to the high salt content in the fertilizer. This can also happen if fertilizer is spilled onto the lawn.

This is particularly harmful to tender new grass that hasn't yet established a strong root system. The excessive nutrients can overwhelm young grass, causing more harm than good. Do not exceed 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sqft. and also make sure that it contains slow-release.

Monitoring the quantity and frequency of fertilizer application is essential to prevent this issue.

Applying Weed and Feed

Weed and feed or grass seed first? Well, in this case, applying weed and feed products on new grass can also be harmful.

These products contain herbicides that are designed to kill weeds but can be too harsh for newly germinated grass seedlings.

Our findings show that it's best to wait until the grass is well-established before using any weed and feed products. We also suggest that fertilizer and weed killer are applied separately. Granular weed killer is only 30-40% effective compared to applying weed killer with a sprayer.

Newly planted grass can be sensitive to the chemicals in these products, which can inhibit their growth or even kill them. Waiting a few weeks after germination allowing the grass to mature ensures that your grass is strong enough to withstand the herbicides.

Applying Fertilizer On Dry Soil

Applying fertilizer on dry soil can lead to fertilizer burn as well. Without sufficient moisture, the fertilizer can concentrate in one area and damage the grass roots.

Based on our observations, it's crucial to water your lawn before and after fertilizing to ensure even distribution and absorption.

Moist soil helps dissolve the fertilizer and spread it more evenly, allowing the grass to absorb the nutrients effectively.

If you are in a drought situation, give your lawn a soak a day earlier and then apply fertilizer the following day. Water your lawn again to begin activation.

Ensuring that your soil is adequately hydrated can prevent the harmful effects of concentrated fertilizers.

Does New Grass Need Fertilizer?

Yes, new grass does need fertilizer, but it must be applied correctly. Fertilizer provides essential nutrients that aid in the germination of grass seed and the development of a healthy root system.

However, the type and amount of lawn fertilizer used should be appropriate for new grass. Using our Starter Fertilizer 15-20-10 Plus Iron, this fertilizer is specifically designed for new lawns and can help supply the right balance of nutrients without overwhelming the young grass. Apply starter fertilizer at the time of seeding. Our starter fertilizer contains slow-release nitrogen which will provide a consistent feeding encouraging the new growth to mature much faster.

Applying the correct type and knowing how much fertilizer for lawn you really need ensures that your new grass gets the necessary nutrients to establish a strong and healthy growth foundation.

How to Apply Fertilizer for New Grass

Let's look at how to apply fertilizer for new grass. Proper application is crucial to ensure that your new grass receives the nutrients it needs for optimal growth and development.

Follow these steps to make sure your lawn thrives.

Prepare the Soil

Prepare the soil by ensuring it's moist and well-aerated. This helps the roots absorb the nutrients more effectively. Well-prepared soil is the foundation for a healthy lawn.

Moistening the soil before applying fertilizer ensures that the nutrients can be absorbed more efficiently by the grass roots. As long as it is not bone dry you can fertilize.

Determine the Amount of Fertilizer to Spread

Determine the amount of fertilizer to spread based on the recommendations for your specific grass type. As per our expertise, using a balanced starter fertilizer, such as our very own, is ideal for new lawns.

It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-application, which can lead to fertilizer burn. Apply at 4-5 lbs. per 1,000 sqft. for best results.

Apply The Starter Fertilizer

Apply the starter fertilizer evenly across the lawn. Use a broadcast spreader to ensure a uniform application and avoid over-fertilizing any one area.

An even distribution of fertilizer ensures that all parts of the lawn receive the necessary nutrients. This prevents patchy growth and promotes a uniform, lush appearance. Starter fertilizer will make a big difference when installing new seed.

Blow off any excess fertilizer on hard surfaces such as driveways, patios, etc. Make sure not to get any into a pool as it can cause staining.

Plant The Grass

Plant the grass seeds after applying the fertilizer. Lightly rake the soil to mix the fertilizer and seeds, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.

Proper seed-to-soil contact is essential for the germination of grass seed. Lightly raking the soil helps to cover the seeds and integrate the fertilizer into the top layer of the soil.

Irrigate The Lawn

Irrigate the lawn immediately after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage the germination of grass seed and support early growth.

Regular watering ensures that the soil remains moist, which is crucial for seed germination and the establishment of new grass.

Consistent moisture helps the grass seeds sprout and develop a strong root system.

Conclusion

If you're striving for a vibrant, healthy lawn, understanding how to use fertilizer correctly is crucial. While fertilizer will not kill new grass if used properly, improper application can indeed cause damage.

Too much fertilizer can lead to "fertilizer burn," especially harmful to new grass that hasn't yet established strong roots.

Always follow recommended practices for grass care and be mindful of the specific needs of new grass. By doing so, you can foster a lush, healthy lawn that thrives.

At Lawn Synergy, we are committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve your dream lawn. For more expert advice and high-quality lawn care products, visit our website today and let us help you create the perfect green space.

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