For the two years I have had my house in Ohio, I have used the Scotts cycle of fertilizing my lawn, with modest results. I have had a professional calling me trying to sell me his fertilizer cycle (6 times/yr, $40/ea application). He claims that his "professional grade" fertilizer is much better than the Scotts because he calls it a dry fertilizer, or one that doesn't need immediate rain to release into the soil. His claim is that I will have a much greener and fuller lawn with less weeds.
Do you think he is pulling my chain, or do you think this could be legit? Your thoughts on the differences?
2007-03-26 06:13:52 · 8 answers · asked by bridler1 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
BS...pure BS......
If it similar to CHEMLAWN where they spray, it is a total waste of money and will do more long term harm than good. Scotts or Lesco brands slow release ferts work great if applied at right time, and according to directions on bag and if lawn is in good shape. If you have lots of weeds, get rid of them first. Use Scotts without the weed killer in it and spot spray weeds with Ortho Weed B Gone. Most Fert needs to be applied in Fall not spring.....
1 ap in late Spring (May 15-30)
2-3 aps in Fall
2007-03-26 06:24:40 · answer #1 · answered by Dick Richards 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question. As a landscape professional I believe that the fertilizer should always be granular. The pest control agents, if any, should also be granular. The weed controls should always be liquid!!
The granular formulation allows for slower release of the agents. The liquid is, within drying and a few hours, not only effective but safer for you and your family.
Contact your local County Extension Agent to review the problems you have with your turf. He/she will make an examination and explain your options. The service is free in most states.
The Scotts program is good, however, I have a real problem with the cost and the fact that each program is a combination of chemicals/purpose. As a turfgrass manager I prefer to address a specific issue, at minimum cost, minimum exposure, and maximum result. The extension agent can help you choose the right fertilizer only, the right pest control only, and the right weed controls. You can contact me at gjgjobs@yahoo.com with any other questions.
2007-03-26 07:22:15 · answer #2 · answered by jerry g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those are quick release fertilizers that they spray on and are a joke. Most those "pros" come out and quick spray it and leave in 10-15 min. Its a total joke. To add what others have said...DO NOT SCALP LAWN.....leave at highest setting on your mower....more people scalp their lawns and wonder why they are full of weeds or they burn up in the Summer.....Also do not apply fertilizer during Summer months......Scotts works if you read the directions .
2007-03-26 06:39:28 · answer #3 · answered by TNT 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer from fellow Ohioian
Used Scotts and "others" had good results BUT we started with basic 4 applications and then it turned into 5 and then 6 times a year-lots of $$$$$$$$$
Finally said enough and I do it myself with the Scotts system (from DIY)
If you follow their schedule-which means you should be applying the turfbuilder right now-your lawn will look great-my neighbors hate me for my healthy lawn-its great
try it for a year-if you don't like it try the "pros" next year.
I also found that I did a better job (uniformity) of applying than the pros did
2007-03-26 06:32:07 · answer #4 · answered by Allen L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't. Yes he is pulling your chain.
If you haven't been getting the results you want with granular slow acting fertilizers, try Miracle Grow for lawns I have gotten excellent results. You do need to do it several times a year but it is so easy I don't mind. It is impossible to burn your lawn and gives quick results. It is water soluble and you pretty much just water your lawn with the hose.
2007-03-26 06:32:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have used both. For my money, I prefer to apply my own. In South Texas specifically, there are special fertilizers for St. Augustine grass that work adequately. I do treat individual outbreaks of weeds with one of the weed products without Atrazine as it does wash off into the storm water system and causes issues for birds. (Thinning of egg shells).
2007-03-26 06:23:15 · answer #6 · answered by AuntLala 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is 50/50. I haven't used professional you could try it a year and see. Otherwise do the work yourself. Wait for the experts on this
2007-03-26 06:18:52 · answer #7 · answered by todd s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you aren't getting the results that you desire, you aren't using the right fertilizer, or not applying it properly. Call your local county extension office and get recommendations from the extension agent there. (Dept. Of Agriculture)
2007-03-26 06:25:16 · answer #8 · answered by Ben H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋