Weed and feed is a popular lawn care product that combines an herbicide and fertilizer in one. Many homeowners find this to be an easy way to eliminate unwanted weeds while encouraging healthy grass growth.
Though weed and feed products aren’t for everyone, it’s essential to understand how they work. Read on to discover all that you should know about weed and feed, including whether or not you should use it in your yard.
What is it?
Weed and feed is a widely used lawn care product that combines broadleaf herbicide to eliminate weeds with fertilizer for healthy grass growth. It comes in both granular and liquid form for convenience.
Weed & feed is often employed by green-thumb DIYers and professional lawn care experts to create lush, stunning yards. However, there are several concerns regarding its application that you should take into account before applying it to your yard.
One major concern is the potential harm weed and feed can do to our environment. These products can easily travel through storm drains and seep into lakes and streams, contaminating aquatic life.
Studies have confirmed that certain chemicals, including weed and feed granules, can be highly toxic to birds. Studies have linked them to mass bird deaths due to these exposures.
How do I use it?
Weed and feed is a widely-used lawn care product that comes in the form of dry granules or liquid solutions that can be mixed with water and sprayed onto your lawn using a sprayer. There are various weed and feed products available, but which one you select will depend on your individual needs and budget.
To get the best results from weed and feed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Depending on the brand, you may need to apply it at certain times of year for optimal effectiveness. A general guideline is to apply a small amount at a time in order to avoid overspray. Furthermore, read all labels carefully and pay special attention to any instructions that require more involvement.
When it comes to lawn care, spring is the ideal time for using weed and feed products. Not only will this give your grass a nutritional boost as it begins its growing season, but it’s an ideal opportunity to control weeds before they take root. Just be careful not to overdose as that could damage both grass and soil.
How long does it take to work?
After applying a single application of fertilizer and herbicide to your grass, it should start to grow thicker and greener within two to three weeks. This is because the chemical fertilizer and herbicide in the product work together to produce an effect similar to slower-release fertilizers.
However, it takes some time for weeds to be completely destroyed. This depends on the strength of your herbicide and feed you are using; on average it takes around one week for them to make an impact on your lawn.
To determine how long weed and feed will work for you, read the label. This can tell you how much product is necessary to achieve desired outcomes and how often to apply it.
Is it safe?
Weed and feed is a popular product among those looking to control weeds while fertilizing their lawn. But before using it on your yard, be sure to understand what it does and whether or not it’s safe for your green space.
Many weed and feed products contain pre-emergent herbicides that prevent seeds from germinating. These should be applied early in the year, usually in early spring.
Some weed and feed products contain postemergent herbicides that attack weeds that have already sprouted. These should be applied later in the year, usually during summer.
If you have pets, keep them away from your yard after applying weed and feed until the product has been fully absorbed into the grass and all residue has been washed away.
Depending on your region, most weed and feed products should be applied during the spring when plants are growing rapidly (March through May). But finding the balance between fertilizers that provide your lawn with essential nutrients while also eliminating unwanted weeds can be challenging.
