How to Prevent Lawn Burn in the Summer

It's safe to feed your lawn in the summer - just follow these do's and don'ts.

There's an old saying many lawn owners have lived by for years: Don't feed your lawn in the summer because you'll cause lawn burn. Lawn burn is a real problem that can leave you with a patchy, dead lawn, so the fear makes sense.

The good news is that thanks to modern slow-release technology and clear application instructions, fertilizer burn is a lawn problem you can easily avoid. Follow the tips in this guide (hint: read the product label!), and you'll be able to feed your lawn confidently, without worrying about burn.

What Is Fertilizer Burn?

Fertilizer burn appears as brown or yellow patches of dead grass. The patches might look like scorch marks, and the grass blades will feel crispy or crunchy to the touch. Sometimes you’ll even notice streaky patterns where spreader passes overlapped too much.

Years ago, many people would use agricultural-grade fertilizers with fast-release formulas on their lawns. These products often applied too much nitrogen at once. The microbes in the soil couldn't process it all, causing excess nitrogen to pull water out of the grass plants, drying them out and creating a burned look.

Today, Scotts® granular Lawn Foods are slow-release products. This means nutrients are released slowly and steadily over a 6–8 week period as microbes in the soil break them down. This process helps prevent lawn burn while giving your grass the nutrition it needs.

A lawn with bare, brown patches and some green grass

How to Prevent Lawn Burn

Even with better products, applying them correctly is key. When it comes to fertilizer, more is not better. Here’s how to avoid lawn burn.

Read the Directions. That product label isn't just for looks. Always review and follow the label directions, especially the spreader settings, to ensure you’re applying the right amount of fertilizer.

A person pointing to the instructions on a bag of fertilizer

Use the Right Product and a Quality Spreader

If your spreader is old or dumping fertilizer unevenly, it's time for an upgrade.
Choose the correct fertilizer product for your project and the season. If you recently seeded, use a fertilizer designed for new grass.
Pay attention to temperature restrictions. Most weed-and-feed products should not be used when temperatures are consistently over 85 °F because the weed control products are sensitive to heat.

Practice Proper Summer Lawn Care

Don't feed a dormant lawn. If summer heat and drought have already caused your cool-season grass to go dormant, wait to fertilize. Check out How to Care for Your Lawn in a Drought for more info.
Water before you feed. If your lawn is green and growing, make sure it has received adequate moisture the week before you apply lawn food. Always follow local watering restrictions.
Mow high. Set your mower to one of its highest positions. Taller grass grows deeper roots and is more resilient to stress. Also, make sure your mower blade is sharp; dull blades can cause grass to lose excess moisture.
Minimize traffic. When it's hot and dry, reduce additional stress on your lawn by minimizing foot traffic.

How to Fix Fertilizer Burn If It Happens

If you notice yellow or brown patches, first make sure the problem isn't something else. If you’re sure it’s fertilizer burn, here’s what to do:

Clean up any spills. If you spilled granular fertilizer, clean it up as best you can. A shop vacuum can be helpful for this. Remember to sweep any fertilizer off hard surfaces like driveways and patios so it doesn't wash away.
Water the area. A long, deep watering can help move the excess nitrogen through the soil. This works best if you catch the problem quickly.
Reseed if necessary. In cases of a light burn, your lawn may recover on its own. Unfortunately, sometimes the grass is dead. If that happens, you’ll need to reseed the area to grow new grass.

Fertilizer burn sounds scary, but it doesn't have to be something you're afraid of. Just remember to follow the directions on your fertilizer bag, and you'll be on your way to enjoying a green, beautiful lawn all summer long.