Plant damage caused by excessive fertilizer salts in the soil, resulting in dehydration, leaf scorch, wilting, or root injury.
Plants absorb water through their roots, but excessive fertilizer can create a high concentration of salts around the root zone. When this happens, water becomes harder for roots to absorb, even when the soil appears moist.
The first signs often appear on leaves. Tips and edges may turn brown, yellow, or dry out, giving the appearance that the plant has been scorched. Severe fertilizer burn can slow growth, damage roots, or even kill plants.
Container-grown plants are especially vulnerable because fertilizer salts can accumulate in a limited amount of soil.
Fertilizer burn is one of the most common problems caused by improper fertilization. Understanding the symptoms helps gardeners distinguish fertilizer damage from watering issues, disease, or nutrient deficiency, allowing corrective action before serious damage occurs.