Weed & Feed
Weed and feed is a product that is often misused and misunderstood. Local research has shown that over half of people do not realize that weed and feed contains pesticides. Also, many people use weed and feed incorrectly to prevent weeds - there are actually safer and more effective ways to prevent weeds.
What is weed and feed?
- Weed and feed is a product that contains both a fertilizer and an herbicide
- Weed and feed product labels often indicate it contains a 'broadleaf control' (a pesticide).
- It may be granular (applied by a spreader) or a liquid (applied with a hose)
- Is often mistakenly used to prevent weeds
What you should know:
- Weed and feed contains pesticides. It contains some of the same pesticides that are found in the sprays used by some lawn care companies
- Is not effective at preventing weeds. A better preventative methods is to add fertilizer and grass seed in the spring and fall
- Weed and feed applications spread chemicals unnecessarily on your entire lawn, whether needed or not
- It is a restricted product under the new Pesticides By-Law
What are the alternatives?
- The best way to prevent insect and weed problems is to follow the Healthy Lawn Care found on this website. A few simple steps like fertilizing and mowing and watering properly can go a long way to preventing problems.
- Instead of using weed and feed, use 'seed and feed' - just add good quality grass seed and slow release fertilizer in the spring and fall.
Research shows that applying weed and feed causes more than 180 times more pesticides to be used than what is required for spot-spraying weeds.
