What Happens if You Spill Concentrated Chlorine on Your Lawn?

If you’ve spilled concentrated chlorine on your lawn, you might notice the grass turning brown or yellow. Chlorine is a strong chemical that can damage plants and soil. But don’t worry! Fixit Right have a simple guide to help you understand what happens and how to fix it.

How Chlorine Affects Your Lawn

Damage to Grass:

When chlorine gets on grass, it can burn the blades. This leaves patches of dead, brown, or yellow grass. Chlorine is so strong that it harms the tiny cells in the grass, making them die.

Harm to the Soil:

Chlorine doesn’t just stop at the grass. It seeps into the soil and kills helpful microbes that plants need to grow. It can also make the soil unhealthy by changing its pH balance, which means plants won’t grow as well.

Damage Can Spread:

If the chlorine isn’t cleaned up, it can move into other areas of your yard or even wash into water sources when it rains. This can hurt nearby plants and even animals in local streams.

What to Do if Chlorine Spills on Your Lawn

Step 1: Water the Area Right Away

Use a garden hose to soak the spill with lots of water. This helps to dilute the chlorine so it’s less harmful.

Step 2: Neutralize the Chlorine

If there’s a big spill, you can use a chemical called sodium thiosulfate to cancel out the chlorine. You can find it at pool stores. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Step 3: Fix the Soil

After cleaning up, poke small holes in the soil to help it “breathe.” Add compost or other natural materials to bring back the nutrients and helpful microbes.

Step 4: Replant Grass

If the grass doesn’t grow back, you’ll need to replant it. Add new seeds or fresh sod to the damaged areas to make your lawn green again.

How to Avoid Chlorine Spills

• Store Safely: Keep chlorine in a secure container away from your yard.
• Handle with Care: Use tools like measuring cups when handling chlorine to prevent spills.
• Work on a Hard Surface: Always mix chlorine on a driveway or concrete surface, not near grass.

When to Ask for Help

If the spill is very large or your lawn isn’t recovering, call a lawn care expert. They can test the soil and suggest the best way to repair your yard.

By following these steps, you can reduce the damage from a chlorine spill and keep your lawn looking great!