Fertilizer burn can usually be recognized by which symptom?

Fertilizer burn is primarily characterized by irregular brown spots on the turfgrass. This phenomenon occurs when high concentrations of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, overwhelm the grass and lead to cellular damage. The result is localized areas where the grass becomes discolored, often presenting as brown patches that blend into surrounding healthy turf.

The presence of these irregular brown spots signifies that the grass has experienced stress due to a large application of fertilizer, which can cause dehydration and damage to the plant tissues. Grass roots may not be able to take up enough water when fertilizer levels are excessively high, leading to these symptoms.

The other options do not align with the indicators of fertilizer burn. A uniform green color suggests that the grass is healthy and receiving suitable nutrients, while excessively moist soil indicates overwatering, not a nutrient imbalance. Healthy root development would show that the grass is thriving, which contradicts the presence of burn symptoms.