NJ Lawns Community

Hey everyone, I'm in Hackensack and need some advice. I applied Milorganite to my backyard about 8 days ago (followed the instructions on the bag - used the spreader setting they recommend for established lawns) and the smell is still really strong. My lawn is mostly tall fescue and it looks fine greening up nicely, but the ammonia/rotten egg smell is just not fading at all. It's been warm this week (upper 70s/low 80s) and I've been watering regularly. I bought the bags from the Home Depot on Route 46 in Paramus. Has anyone else in the area had this happen? Starting to think I got a bad batch or something went wrong. Should I be worried?

Not a bad batch - that's actually pretty normal, especially when you apply in warmer weather. Milorganite is biosolids, so it's always going to have that distinct smell. The thing is, once it breaks down it feeds the soil microbes and your lawn will love it long term. That said, a few things might be extending the smell: did you water it in heavily right after spreading? If you laid it down during that warm spell we had last weekend without watering it in within 24 hours, it can kind of 'cure' on the surface and the aroma just hangs around. I'd recommend watering deeply now to push those nutrients into the soil profile. Give it another week - if temps cool down at night it'll help. Your tall fescue will thank you come fall. That nitrogen release is slow and steady.

SoilScientist makes a good point about watering it in - that's big. But honestly? I'd be cautious with Milorganite on fescue specifically. Tall fescue likes cooler soils and doesn't need as much nitrogen as KBG anyway. I've switched to strictly compost topdressing on my fescue and couldn't be happier - zero smell issues. Have you tried aerating first? InHackensack clay (and we all know the compaction here by the mall) the pellets can just sit on the surface instead of breaking down. Might explain why you're still smelling it - it's just sitting there not decomposing properly. Not trying to steer you away from Milorganite, but for tall fescue in our soil conditions I'd look into a more gentle approach honestly.

WeedWarrior - interesting perspective. I'm not a fan of synthetic fertilizers so that's why I went with Milorganite in the first place. What's your topdressing routine? Do you just put down a quarter inch of finished compost? I did water it twice the day I applied and then daily since. Maybe the issue is I didn't aerate first - my yard does get pretty compacted especially near the patio where the dogs run.

@WeedWarrior - fair point about aeration but let's not scare OP off completely. Milorganite works great on fescue in this county IF done right. I've got several clients in Maywood and Englewood with pure fescue and they've had success - we just time it in early spring or late fall when soil temps are cooler. OP - don't panic yet. The smell won't hurt anything, it's just annoying. Keep watering but maybe back off to every other day now so the soil can breathe. Also, try not to mow for another 5-7 days - cutting wet Milorganite particles just spreads the smell everywhere and clogs your mower. Patience is key here.

SoilScientist - agree on the timing! That's probably where I went wrong originally too - I pushed mine too late into May thinking more growth would be better. Big mistake, smelled like a sewer for weeks. @GreenThumb - yes, quarter inch screened crow's compost from Lalor landscape supply in Tenafly. They deliver to Hackensack area. Couple passes with a rake to work it in, then straight to watering. Takes a bit more effort but honestly my fescue has never looked better and no weird smells ever. Worth trying next round.

Thanks both! Feeling better - guess I'll just wait it out and keep watering. Appreciate the tips about not mowing too - would've made that mistake tomorrow morning lol Quick update though - walked outside 20 min ago and the smell seemed way weaker in the back corner near the fence. Maybe it's finally breaking down! Will update in a few days. Good luck to everyone Else dealing with this weird May weather - can't decide if it's spring or summer anymore 😅