Many people are confused about which weed & feed products are best for their lawn. There are many types of weed killers on the market and some work better than others, some are more economical than others, and some are more environmentally responsible than others as well. When choosing the best weed & feed, keep these two considerations in mind:
Always ensure the product labels states your specific turf, including Kentucky bluegrass or Bermuda grass, and the targeted slow-release weeds you intend to kill. Most slow-release fertilizers have weed killers in them. Be sure that you select slow-release fertilizers with the best weed & feed qualities available. Most do not contain vitamins.
Choosing the best weed & feed for your turf will result in healthy turf with abundant green growth and thick, lush, vivid green leaves. If your turf has broad leafy weeds, a slow-release fertilizer may be your best choice. Choose slow-release fertilizers that work well for your turf. They should also be organic, non-toxic, and contain plant nutrients. Be sure that your fertilizers do not contain herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic materials.
When shopping for the best weed killer, look for products that work together to control both the weeds and the grass. A nitrogen-rich powder can be used to loosen the soil beneath the turf, then the fertilizer works its way through the soil to deeply penetrate the roots. A slow-release fertilizer allows the weed seeds to stay in the soil where they start growing instead of being released into the air. Nitrogen concentration is key features when choosing one of these fertilizers.
Choose weed & feed that do not require any herbicide or pesticide to control the growth of the weeds. Chemicals are unnecessary and are often harmful to the lawns. While some weed killers are herbicide and pesticide by-products, many are plant nutrients. Choose slow-release, natural fertilizers for healthy lawns that are effective without chemicals.
The best weed & feed for lawns are the ones that use natural ingredients and do not contain toxic chemicals. Look for one that has no herbicides or pesticides in it. Look for certified organic ingredients, as they are much safer for people and animals. A good fertilizer is a natural product that works together with you to control the growth of weeds and control pests.
A healthy lawn requires regular application of weed & feed fertilizers. If the feedings are too frequent, the soil could become too rich for the grass to benefit from. Frequent feedings also create an environment that is perfect for other soil dwelling organisms like nematodes. These organisms can help reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, which can cause problems like nitrogen deficiency. So if you are using organic grass feeds, make sure they are applied regularly.
There are several weed & feed products on the market today. Some are available at your local garden center and others can be purchased online. Before you buy a weed & feed product, be sure to read the label. Most will list the type of weed or insects it is effective against. Be sure to choose the product that is the best for your type of yard and one that will keep your family safe.
There are two types of weed & feed that are most common. They are systemic and non-systemic herbicides. Systemic herbicides work by penetrating the soil and working deep into the roots. Because it is more concentrated, it costs more than non-systemic herbicides. However, it is less toxic to birds and other animals that live in your yard.
To apply weed & feed, use a weed & feed sprayer. To avoid spraying too much, use it early in the morning before most weeds have formed. Follow directions on the package. Use a rotary spreader to evenly spray the fertilizer. You may need to spray several times but keep it near the surface. The best results come from consistent application.
When choosing a weed & feed product, choose one that contains natural ingredients like manure, green waste and other organic matter. These materials are readily available at your local feed mills or you can recycle by-products from other composting and agricultural activities. Also, avoid products that contain harsh chemicals like pesticides. Applying weed & feed to your lawn keeps harmful weeds from growing and promotes healthy turf.
