Barbarat, I think we need more details because I can't determine what happened when or exactly how much watering you've been doing. So beginning with the condition of the grass before applying the fertilizer, tell us step by step what you did, when you did it, what you noticed, and when you noticed it. Detail everything you observed such as discolorations other than turning brown, spots on the leaf blades, circular areas of brown patches, or whether the lawn turned brown all over and all at once. Everything you can think to tell us. Also, how often do you water and for how long on each occasion.

Posting pictures might be a big help.

Here is a maintenance schedule to follow. You'll find it not far from the top outlined in red. Pay particular attention to the paragraphs on watering and mowing.

First of all I have a neighbor who doesn't care for their lawn unless out village demands he cuts his weeds. I have KBG sod that is 3 years old. April 1st I put down fertilizer with crab grass preventer. June 20th put down fertilizer/weed killer. Both times I used left over product from the previous year. In order to use it up I think I put on too much. I water 2x weekly leaving the sprinkler in one spot for 1 hour before I move it. We've also had several good rainfalls. I insisted my husband mow it high so as to conserve moisture but unknown to me he dropped the height 1 notch. After this last fertilizing and 2 big rains, I noticed a dry look to the lawn expecially in a path where the mailman crosses over it. In the past month it looks lousy all over. I don't notice any brown spots on the blades, just looks like a case of drought but I do water. I truly think its from my probably over doing it with the fertilizer and I wonder if there is a chance of recovery here. I'm sorry, but when it comes to posting pictures, I have much to learn. Thank you for any encouragement or help you can give.

It it was fertilizer burn the grass would be dead and shortly after you applied it. This is probably just summer dormancy due to warm dry weather.

As Quirky says, fertilizer burn would be immediate. I asked for details because I couldn't tell when it turned brown with respect to the fert application. I'm afraid I still can't tell, so you'll have to make the determination. You would have noticed affects the next day and more so as the days passed. It isn't likely just dormant since you have been watering and there has been rain, so I was also wondering if it might be due to too much water. One hour twice a week plus rain is a bit much and can kill the grass, too. There are a number of things that can cause stress, and cutting too low is one of them, especially if he mowed more than 1/3 off when he lowered the mower setting. The second link in my earlier post gives a good schedule and instructs how to measure watering and mowing. It might calm your nerves a little to know all these possibilities can be overcome and the grass will recover. It's going into the growing season now, so that is even more likely, but you have to irrigate and mow properly. I should say I can't promise there won't be other problems. Hopefully not though.

The first link in my earlier response shows how to post pictures. You just have to get the pics into your computer.

This sounds very similar to the problem the I posted in my "water now vs snow mould" thread. The areas that are flattened and hay-like on my KBG lawn are also those areas that I routinely fertilize (outside edges of the lawn always first) and I too fertilized on June 15. The areas of most wear and tear are the most affected... such as along the flowerbeds where I pick weeds, water, etc. Like in this thread I also am prudent with the watering... but have really tightened up on it this summer after all the problems I've been having.

In addition, the "scott's burned my lawn" thread pictures also seem to resemble my lawn as well. barbarat, what time of day do you water? Evening? And prior to the June application did you fertilize prior? Also do you have any pics you can share? Check out the pics in these two threads and let us know if this is what your lawn looks like...

Watering Now versus Snow Mould Later...
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/lawns/msg0712314924801.html?20

Scotts has turned my lawn to hay
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/lawns/msg0712585110427.html?26

I am no expert by any stretch... but I wonder if the heavy watering, foot traffic, and fertilizer has helped foster some kind of fungal disease (like pythium) in all these cases.

Thank you mrgrinch and all those who responded. I looked at the pictures of the lawn that looks like hay after being fertilized and that indeed is what mine looks like. The first application was Apr 1st, fertilizer/crab grass preventer. Then the second in mid-June with fertilizer/weed killer. After reading the thread you recommended my course of action will be to de-thatch and reseed soon. My watering is done both in the mornings and sometimes in the evenings when there is shade covering the lawn so as to preserve moisture as much as possible. Also going to be careful with fertilizer. The heavy rains are usually at night. Thanks again.