Included in at least 2 of those “steps” will be what are known as “Weed-n-feed” products, as well as some type of crab grass preventative, also termed “halts.” Some 4-step deals have also begun to include insecticides to prevent or kill grub worms.The most widely used home 4-step granular system is the Scott’s Company program that also includes Grub-X grubworm insecticide.

The Scott’s 4-step product achieves excellent results when the directions are followed. Their synthetic fertilizer is top-notch and contains micro-nutrients such as iron to give bluegrass lawns a deep-blue/green color. Their weed control is also decently effective considering its granular nature, and their grub control is professional grade. So where’s the problem?

Here is why using a 4-step DIY program is bad for the environment

It assumes that ALL lawns are created equal, and therefore all need the same thing. As a homeowner, do you think that your lawn in Dayton, Springboro, Centerville, Middletown or Miamisburg has the same composition as a lawn in Geargia or Florida? (I’m mainly referring to the composition of the soil in this analogy.)

While buying a “one size fits all” fertilizer program is easy and will get you results, it may not always be best for the environment in its composition.
Yearly bagged programs contain an overabundance of nitrogen. Impatient customers expect a super green lawn, super fast, and synthetic, high nitrogen fertilizers bring those results, but at the cost of ruining the soil and causing accelerated top growth of grass plants.

The bag that is labeled “weed-n-feed” means that you are spreading weed-killer (herbicide) over your entire lawn whether weeds are present or not. This is the worst one folks! Why would you throw weed killing products in a place where there are no weeds? But with granular, bagged products, you have no control.

Finally, there’s the “fudge factor” in applying these products. This one mainly falls on the homeowner, but also on the manufacturer as well. When you look at the bags you buy, they will normally read something like, “covers lawns up to 5,000 square feet,” and then they will also give you some approximate settings to use depending on the spreader you have in your garage. This labeling assumes the homeowner knows the size of his lawn, and then, can calibrate his spreader to exactly cover the desired areas. In addition, most homeowners will use the “eyeball” method of spreading fertilizer and put it down as heavy as they “think” it needs to be applied. That ain’t good!

On the flip side, if you hire a professional Dayton area lawn spraying or fertilizing company, they will only put down what is needed within state and federal guidelines, thus ensuring a more environmentally responsible application.

Finally, many local lawn care companies offer natural and organic choices in their lawn spraying and fertilizing programs that are also better for the environment.