Getting a lush, green lawn doesn’t require a professional service. With the right approach, a do-it-yourself lawn care program can deliver fantastic results. One of the most crucial steps in achieving a healthy lawn is the spring weed and feed application. This step, typically carried out in April or May, after your lawn has been mowed a couple of times in the new season, is essential for setting the stage for vigorous growth and weed control throughout the year.
Before diving in, ensure your grass is actively growing and has fully emerged from its dormant winter phase. Mowing those early spring weeds doesn’t count as your regular mowing! This step ensures the fertilizer you’re about to apply will be effectively absorbed and utilized by your grass, giving it the nutrients it needs to thrive. Proper watering, both before and after application, is also key. Always consult the product directions for specific “watering in” instructions to maximize effectiveness.
Tailoring Your Weed & Feed to Your Grass Type
The type of grass you have significantly impacts the products and methods you should use. Here’s a breakdown for common lawn types:
For St. Augustine Lawns
If you’re nurturing a St. Augustine lawn, ferti-lome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 is an excellent choice. Prior to application, if your soil is dry, give your lawn a thorough watering the day before. Immediately after applying the weed & feed, water your lawn again to wash the fertilizer particles off the grass blades and into the soil. This product is formulated to tackle common broadleaf weeds while simultaneously providing your St. Augustine grass with a balanced nutritional boost. For enhanced weed control, consider a follow-up spray with ferti-lome Weed-Free Zone approximately 10 to 14 days later.
Alt text: Healthy St. Augustine grass lawn, vibrant green after do-it-yourself weed and feed program application.
To proactively manage chamberbitter weed, apply ferti-lome Broadleaf Weed Control with Gallery between mid-April and May 1st. This preemptive application will prevent chamberbitter weed seeds from germinating, saving you headaches later in the season.
Optimal St. Augustine Lawn Care:
- Mowing Height: 3-3.5 inches
- Watering: 1 inch per week
- Ideal Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
For Centipede & Zoysia Lawns
For Centipede and Zoysia lawns, ferti-lome Centipede Weed & Feed 15-0-15 is specifically formulated to meet their needs. Unlike St. Augustine, you should slightly dampen your Centipede or Zoysia lawn before applying this product. Wait for 48 hours post-application, and then water thoroughly. This weed & feed combination will effectively control most common broadleaf weeds while delivering a balanced dose of nutrients to your lawn. For more comprehensive weed control, a follow-up treatment with ferti-lome Weed-Free Zone 10-14 days after the initial application is recommended.
Alt text: Do-it-yourself lawn care program, applying granular weed and feed fertilizer to Zoysia grass with rotary spreader.
To prevent chamberbitter weed, apply ferti-lome Broadleaf Weed Control with Gallery from mid-April to May 1st to target weed seed germination before it starts.
Optimal Care for Centipede & Zoysia Lawns:
- Centipede Grass:
- Mowing Height: 2-3 inches
- Watering: 1 inch per week
- Ideal Soil pH: 5.0-6.5
- Zoysia Grass:
- Mowing Height: 1.5-2 inches
- Watering: 1 inch per week
- Ideal Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
For Bermuda Lawns
If you have a Bermuda lawn, ferti-lome Weed-Out Plus Lawn Fertilizer 25-0-4 is the recommended product for your spring weed and feed application. Similar to Centipede and Zoysia, you should wet your Bermuda lawn before applying this fertilizer. Allow 24 hours after application before watering thoroughly. This product is designed to control common broadleaf weeds while providing a robust fertilizer blend for your Bermuda grass. For enhanced weed control, consider using ferti-lome Weed-Free Zone 10 to 14 days following the initial application.
Alt text: Healthy and dense Bermuda grass lawn, result of a spring do-it-yourself weed and feed program for home lawn care.
For chamberbitter weed prevention, apply ferti-lome Broadleaf Weed Control with Gallery between mid-April and May 1st to stop weed seed germination in its tracks.
Optimal Bermuda Lawn Care:
- Bermuda Grass:
- Mowing Height: 1-2 inches
- Watering: 1 inch per week
- Ideal Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
- Hybrid Bermuda Grass:
- Mowing Height: 0.5-1.5 inches
- Watering: 1 inch per week
- Ideal Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
By following these guidelines for your specific grass type, you can confidently implement a do-it-yourself lawn care program and achieve a healthy, weed-free lawn this spring. Remember to click below to determine the precise amount of product needed for your yard size for efficient and cost-effective application.
