Question
Hello Mr.McMahon,I want to thank you for the great information you gave me on my "New Lawn" dated(May 19,2005).I filled out the Questinear Yesterday and had added another Question to You but I don't know if you got it,so I am writting it again...Question:What is the best Products to use for weeding and feeding my lawn..Liquid or Granual..also most groof-proof.. I have a scott's rotory spreader and if needed I thinking of buying a "solo" 4 gal back pack spayer. We have a Lawn service in Buffalo(14223) that uses liquid chemicals but I don't know what's available in (liquid)form to do the treatment myself...Please Advise..(Many Thanks).Pat  

Answer
Good morning Pat:
I am glad you submitted your question in this manner. I would not have been able to contact you if you would have asked your question in the comments box.

Although there is nothing wrong with liquid applications I personally prefer the rotary spreader. I use it for fertilizer and weed control applications.
I set my spreader at the lowest opening and make multiple passes at right angles across my lawn. If I need enough fertilizer to cover 10000 square feet I measure it so that it will spread one pound of fertilizer per 1000 square feet. See the calculator below.

Calculator for your fertilizer needs:
http://aggie-turf.tamu.edu/aggieturf2/calculators/fertsheet.html

Remember to use slow release fertilizer. Also the higher the first number on the fertilizer bag the less weight the bag will need to be to cover the same area.
If I remember correctly, you had a lawn 125 x 100 or approximately 12500 Square feet.
Using the calculator if you purchased a 15-5-5 you would need 83 pounds of fertilizer.
If you purchased a 29-5-5 you would need 43 pounds of fertilizer.
So let's suppose you chose 29-5-5. You should use 43 pounds of fertilizer with your rotary spreader set at the lowest setting. Go across the lawn in two directions approximately five feet apart at each pass until the 43 pounds of fertilizer is used up.

If you experience broad leaf weeds (Dandelions, plantains etc.)in your lawn consider spot treating them with a spray bottle instead of covering the entire lawn area. It will be better environmentally and also much cheaper. Use a product made especially for broad leaf weeds such as 2-4 D Weed-B Gone. Follow the label directions.
For annual weeds such as crabgrass, use a preemergence over the entire lawn next spring. Consult with your local county extension office for proper timing in your area.

If you have further questions let me know.
Have a good lawn!
Floyd McMahon