Excessive application of nitrogen can lead to what lawn issue?

Excessive application of nitrogen can indeed lead to fertilizer burn, which occurs when a plant receives too much nitrogen, resulting in the tip burn of the grass blades. This happens because high concentrations of nitrogen can create an imbalance in the nutrient uptake, leading to high salt levels that cause dehydration in the plant tissues.

When nitrogen is applied in excess, while it can initially promote lush green growth, it can also increase the plant's susceptibility to environmental stressors. Grass may not only appear burnt or discolored, but the overall health of the lawn can decline due to the impaired ability of the plant to absorb water and nutrients effectively.

In terms of other lawn issues, while excessive nitrogen can contribute to poor root development and could make the lawn more susceptible to diseases or weeds, the most immediate and visually apparent issue caused by too much nitrogen is indeed fertilizer burn. This is why understanding the correct application rates of nitrogen is crucial for maintaining healthy lawn growth and avoiding damage.