The Grass Doctor

What should I do if lawn fertilizer was applied with a spreader set at twice the suggested level for half lawn

Public Comments

1. dont worry bout it...
2. I wouldn't worry about it to much. Just water your lawn as usual. It shouldn't harm the grass.
3. Most brand name fertilizers will not burn the grass. However if it has not rained I would use my mower to "vacuum" up as much as possible.
4. If I were you I'd go to garden center and ask what to do. I would think you need to give it lots of water so it won't burn. My logic tells me this. I may be wrong but it wouldn't hurt to find out.
5. You should water.. as long as there is water, the salts from the fertilizer won't dessicate your plants.. in this case.. grass. Look at the package and see if the fertilizer is controlled release.. if so, that's good. not as much goes to the roots all at once. Since you're overfed, prepare to do a lot of cutting... You'll probably have the best grass you've ever had in a weeks time.
6. It happens! Since it is early spring I would not sweat it too much. With rainfall and irrigation make sure the turf has at least One Inch of Rain/Water per week for the next three weeks. Do not topseed until at least three weeks pass! Follow the directions on the back of the bag of chemical or seed you are using! Do not use the manufacturer's suggestions! The contents of each company is different thus the Manufact. can not calibrate appropriately. I personally always preferred the Cyclone Spreader over a Scotts Drop type spreader. The Cyclone always lasted longer with proper cleaning and maintenance. I had such spreaders for years of usage at a University for the spread of seed and De-Icing materials (multi-years and multi-purpose). Regardless of the spreader check the spread rate by running it over a paved surface to check the spread pattern and width of coverage. For example, a Cylcone spreader you shut down about two foot from the edge and the walk three paces before opening the bin again. You should check the Cyclone or drop spreaders ability on a paved surface before you begin on a lawn. Let the mistake go and learn from it. In the future, not to make it sound simple - but true, read the directions.