Why Your Lawn Has Dark Green Streaks After Fertilizing

Diagnosing Fertilizer Streaks

Dark green streaks in the lawn are almost always caused by uneven fertilizer application. A corroded or misadjusted spreader deposits excess nitrogen in lines, creating visible bands of lush growth.

Test Your Spreader

Run dry sand through the spreader on a driveway. If the pattern shows heavy lines, the spreader is the culprit. Clean or replace it before the next application.

Fixing Broadleaf Weed Pressure

Crabgrass preventers don't stop broadleaf weeds like clover and dandelion. Switch to a pre-emergent containing active ingredients such as Dimension, Gallery, Pendulum, or Surflan. Apply in late fall, mid-winter, and early spring to block cool-season weed germination.

Long-Term Weed Management

Prevent weeds from going to seed. Combine timely pre-emergents with spot-spraying of post-emergents for a cleaner lawn with less effort.