Tropical Style

What sort of Weed & Feed for Sod?

Sod is an ideal solution for many homeowners looking to establish a new yard. As with other procedures of yard establishment, sod requires special care regimens, particularly during its initial season. Fertilizing and weed control are important when establishing lawns, and several weed-and-feed products line the shelves of hardware stores and garden centres. Timing is the most important aspect of applying weed-and-feed; improper timing could be ineffective or, worse, destructive.

Pre-emergent Products

Although a lot of products are labeled “weed-and-feed,” not all are all the same. Some products contain fertilizer and a pre-emergent bud preventive. Pre-emergents function by preventing weed seeds from germinating, which means you need to apply them before the target weeds start to grow. You must be aware of that types of weeds you have in your yard before applying a pre-emergent. These goods will not work if you wait till the weeds emerge from the soil. In warm areas, you should apply pre-emergent herbicides at the middle of winter. In cooler areas, early spring programs are greatest.

Postemergent Products

Other products contain fertilizer and a postemergent fertilizer. Postemergents work on youthful, sprouted weeds. Most work best before established weeds start to flower and particularly before they go to seed. This can make control tricky, particularly in the event that you have weeds that appear at various times of the season. These fertilizers are often marked with phrases like “kills emerging weeds” or “controls existing weeds.” Several of the active herbicides from the goods may also damage particular species of turf.

Feeding Damage

One of the biggest problems with weed-and-feed goods apart from timing problems is that you’re feeding the weeds that you aren’t controlling. For instance, if you miss the mark so far as timing goes, then you’re supplying a hefty dose of nitrogen not only to your sod but also to the weeds trying to establish themselves. And, although an important mineral, nitrogen provides a major boost of green growth to the blades of your sod but has the potential to hurt the roots.

Bottom Line

When used within the narrow time frame, weed-and-feed goods can be successful. Regrettably, however, these products offer enticing claims to homeowners looking to save time and money with just two products in one. The best weed-and-feed merchandise for your sod is going to be based on the forms of turf you’ve got and also the time frame you have to use the product. In more cases than not, however, it’s best to do separate fertilizer and herbicide treatments only when required.

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