Homeowners have a Host of Options in Controlling Weeds

Homeowners have a Host of Options in Controlling Weeds
Avoid a "one size fits all" approach; Use the proper tool for the job 


MARYSVILLE, Ohio, June 2  /PRNewswire/ -- Weekend warriors fighting the war on
weeds should look at the job like any other household task -- you need the
right tool to succeed.  Controlling weeds sometimes calls for treating the
entire lawn, other times it means treating the weeds one at a time, or perhaps
even pulling them by hand.

One thing is for certain, however, a weedy lawn is more than just an eyesore.
The environmental benefits of healthy turf are diminished if weeds take over
the lawn. Weeds steal precious water and other nutrients from the grass, which
could cause lawns to become thin and lead to run-off and erosion that could
pollute waterways.

"Healthy turf is a natural filter for the environment and also traps and breaks
down pollutants," said Bruce Augustin, PhD., an agronomist with The Scotts
Company.  "However, few people realize that controlling weeds is about more
than aesthetics. Controlling weeds is also about maximizing the environmental
benefit of the lawn ecosystem."

While controlling weeds is important, doing so with the right tool is
essential. Consumers should not take a "one size fits all" approach to weed
control. Rather, they should determine the extent of the problem and act
accordingly.

In lawns that are overrun by weeds, using a product like Scotts Turf Builder(R)
with Plus 2(R) is the best solution. The active ingredient in the product will
eliminate weeds throughout the entire lawn. When using a broadcast application
like Turf Builder with Plus 2, homeowners should make sure they are using the
correct setting on their spreader and sweep granules off hard surfaces and back
onto the lawn.

If a lawn has only a few weeds, then a spot treatment makes more sense. In that
case, a product such as Ortho Weed B Gon Ready-to-Use(R) offers consumers with
the best solution. In most cases, a ready-to-use product is the best choice so
that consumers won't mix more product than they actually need.

Sometimes, pulling weeds by hands may be the fastest and easiest solution -
especially in flower beds or gardens where there are few weeds and the ground
is soft. For this method to be effective, however, it is essential that the
entire root system be removed. Dandelions and other weeds can return quickly if
the root is left in place.

Whichever product is best suited for the job, homeowners should use them in a
responsible way and follow label instructions. For example, fertilizers should
always be swept off of hard surfaces and back onto the lawn and control
products should be used in the proper dosages. Homeowners also should dispose
of excess products responsibly, not by pouring it into the street or dumping it
into storm sewers.

"Taking care of the environment is everybody's business and using lawn and
garden products in a responsible way is something that should be important to
every homeowner," said Chris Schmenk, director of Environmental Stewardship at
Scotts. "Some homeowners take a 'more is better' approach when using a control
product, but that is actually the wrong approach. Treating your entire lawn for
weeds when you only have a few weeds doesn't make sense. Using control products
or fertilizers are a lot like ingredients in a recipe - use the amount that is
suggested, not more."

Of course, one of the most effective weed control methods is to prevent them
from occurring at all. Creating a thick, lush lawn that is well maintained will
crowd out the weeds and make yard work a lot easier.

"Lawns are like any other living organism, they need to be fed on a regular
basis to grow and prosper," Augustin said. "That's why feeding your lawn
several times a year makes sense. If homeowners create a thick, lush lawn weed
problems often take care of themselves."

Dedicated to a Beautiful World

The Scotts Company is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products
for lawn and garden care, with a full range of products for professional
horticulture as well.  The Company owns the industry's most recognized brands. 
In the U.S., the Company's Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R) and Ortho(R) brands are
market leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup(R) brand which
is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned
by Monsanto.  In Europe, Scotts' brands include Weedol(R), Pathclear(R),
Evergreen(R), Levington(R), Miracle-Gro(R), KB(R), Fertiligene(R) and
Substral(R). 

DATASOURCE: The Scotts Company



CONTACT:  Jim King of The Scotts Company, [phone], or

 



Web site:  http://www.scotts.com/ 

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