Weed and feed products combine herbicide and fertilizer to address two common lawn issues simultaneously. The herbicide eliminates existing weeds or prevents new ones from emerging, while the fertilizer provides nutrients for the turfgrass. Applying this product is only the first step in creating a healthy, long-term lawn. Following the application, a homeowner must transition from weed control to sustained nutrient management and physical soil improvement.
Immediate Care Instructions Following Application
The immediate aftercare for a weed and feed application depends significantly on the type of herbicide used. Products containing a post-emergent herbicide, which targets existing weeds, require the active ingredients to remain on the leaves for absorption. For these products, delay watering for 24 to 48 hours to ensure the herbicide has sufficient contact time to be effective.
Conversely, a product with a pre-emergent herbicide must be watered into the soil soon after application. This herbicide forms a barrier in the top layer of the soil, preventing weed seeds from germinating. It requires approximately half an inch of water to activate and distribute the chemical properly.
Check the product label to determine the herbicide type. This prevents washing away the weed killer or preventing the pre-emergent barrier from forming.
Delaying mowing is also important to maximize the herbicide’s effectiveness. Avoid cutting the grass for two to three days after the application to allow the weeds to absorb the chemical fully. Mowing too quickly can remove the herbicide before it has been translocated throughout the weed’s system, reducing the kill rate.
Safety guidelines mandate restricting foot and pet traffic on the treated area. The product label will specify the required drying time, usually until the product has dried completely, often 24 to 48 hours. This precaution ensures that the chemicals are not tracked into the house or ingested by pets.
Establishing a Seasonal Fertilization Schedule
The initial weed and feed application, often performed in the spring, should be viewed as the first of several necessary nutrient inputs for the year. To maintain sustained growth and density, the lawn requires additional feedings roughly every six to eight weeks. Subsequent applications should consist of a straight fertilizer without any added herbicide.
Continuing to use weed and feed throughout the season is unnecessary and can expose the lawn to excessive chemicals. Instead, transition to a balanced fertilizer that provides the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium required for continued health.
Key Nutrient Roles
Nitrogen promotes green color and shoot growth. Phosphorus supports root development. Potassium aids in stress tolerance.
The exact timing and number of feedings depend on the grass type, categorized as cool-season or warm-season. Cool-season grasses benefit from applications in early spring, late spring, and fall. Warm-season grasses thrive with feedings throughout the late spring and summer months.
A late-season feeding in the fall is beneficial for all grass types. It promotes root growth and nutrient storage, preparing the lawn for winter dormancy.
Enhancing Turf Density and Soil Health
The next step involves addressing the underlying conditions that allowed weeds to take hold through structural improvements to the soil. Aeration mechanically removes small plugs of soil, relieving compaction caused by foot traffic and heavy equipment. This action creates channels that allow water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone, promoting stronger grass growth.
Aeration and Overseeding Timing
Aeration is typically performed in late summer or early fall for cool-season grasses, or in late spring to early summer for warm-season grasses. This timing coincides with the grass’s period of active growth and recovery.
Following aeration, overseeding introduces new grass seed into the existing turf. This is essential for filling in bare or thin patches left behind by dead weeds, which increases overall turf density.
A dense lawn is the best natural defense against future weed invasion, as it crowds out space and light that weed seeds need to germinate. Overseeding cannot be done immediately after a weed and feed application because the residual herbicide will prevent new grass seeds from sprouting. Wait several weeks, or until the next suitable season, before spreading seed to ensure successful germination.