NJ Lawns Community

Hey everyone, first time using Milorganite on my tall fescue lawn in Paramus and the smell is absolutely killing my wife. I put it down yesterday evening and today it smells like straight up sewage every time I walk outside. Did I make a mistake applying it during the heat? Should I rinse it down with the hose or just wait it out? She's threatening to ban me from using it again and I just want to know how long I'm going to be in the doghouse (pun intended). Any Bergen county folks dealt with this? This is my first year trying to go organic and I'm regretting it already.

Oh man, I've been there! That smell is rough the first few times. Honestly I think you applied at the worst possible time - evening in summer heat plus humidity = smelly situation. The bacteria get active and that's what creates that distinct aroma. I'd say 48-72 hours is typical for the worst of it to dissipate, especially if you water it in lightly. But don't go crazy with the hose, you don't want to wash away the nutrients into the storm drains. I usually do mine first thing in the morning now, never in the evening. Hit up Ken's园艺 in Hackensack, they usually have good advice too since they deal with this stuff all year.

You're not going to like this but the smell can actually linger up to a week depending on conditions. Humidity is your enemy here in Bergen County summers. High heat + high humidity = extended odor event. Here's what the pros do: apply WAY less than you'd think, like half the recommended rate, and do it FIRST THING in the morning when temps are below 70. Then lightly water it in within an hour. Rinse-down approach can work but you're risking runoff into the street which is actually illegal in NJ (phosphorus laws). You're better off waiting it out honestly. Your Tall Fescue will thank you by September. Pro tip: there's a low-odor version available now, might be worth the extra few bucks if your wife is really against it.

+1 on the early morning application thing. I've been doing my KBG lawn in Ridgewood for 12 years and learned that lesson the hard way after my neighbors almost kicked me out of the neighborhood. One thing nobody mentioned: the smell is actually WORSE if you apply too thick. Go lighter next time, you want maybe 1/4 inch visible granules max. Also once it breaks down it's basically odorless so if you can hold out for like 5-7 days you're golden. I'd suggest getting your wife's buy-in by promising her it'll be the greenest lawn on the block by Labor Day. That worked for me at least lol. Fairview Nursery on Route 46 carries the Milorganite if anyone needs more, they're pretty reasonable.

Appreciate all the advice fellas. Yeah I definitely put too much down, probably double what the bag said because I was worried about bare spots in the back yard. Now I know - thanks for the reality check on the watering law too, had no idea about that. Think I'll just wait it out and keep the windows closed for a few days. Will definitely try the morning application next time and cut it in half. Hopefully she'll forgive me by next weekend. On the bright side, my fescue does look slightly greener already? Could be wishful thinking though. Thanks for the local store tips too, will check them out.

Not wishful thinking at all! Give it another 10-14 days and you'll see a noticeable difference. The slow release nitrogen kicks in over time, that's the beauty of Milorganite versus synthetics. By mid-August your lawn will be looking solid. Just remember - patience is key with organic fertilizers. Happy to help a fellow Bergen County homeowner avoid my mistakes lol. We're all learning out here.