Question
Thanks for being part of this service, I really appreciate it.  My question is this; I live in northwest Iowa and in the spring I usually apply Scotts "Halt" pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass and lawn fertilizer.  However, this year it seems hard to come by for whatever reason.  An alternative is called Scenic Green pre-emergent and lawn fertilizer by Lesco. Is this as good as Scotts? It's taken me a long time to get my yard in shape and I don't wish to be set back.  Thank you again for your opinion.
                                Scott

Answer
Yes Lesco is a top quality brand similar to Scott's. Highly recommended.

If you have not had a problem with crabgrass last year (and neighbors etc have not had a great infestation that you could see either) then skip this application. Contrary to common belief, crabgrass don't "take over" a lawn from one season to the next, but can invade a lawn and IF - and only IF - you had a bad infestation the year before, is pre-emergent herbicides recommended.

Otherwise, I do not recommend that you fertilize this early in spring. When fertilized too early in spring, grass is using stored reserves in a wrong manner which deplete their natural build up carbohydrate reserves.

Instead, fertilize in late spring, early fall and late fall (memorial day, labor day and between thanksgiving and halloween). The last application should be right after the top growth stops, but before the roots go dormant. e.g. if you mow weekly in fall, then wait until you have not had to mow two weeks in a row (typically between halloween and thanksgiving) and then fertilize (when you are ready to put mower away anyway). This last application of the year help build up the carbohydrate reserves in the roots, crowns and rhizomes and will help the grass green up next spring. THis is all the nitrogen (Fertilizer) the lawn needs until late spring. Fertilized this way you will get a remarkably healthier lawn which becomes more draught,weed, and insect tolorant.

I do not recommend that you fertilize during hot summer months (contrary to common belief it actually hurts the lawn). Late spring, early fall and late fall is preferred.

Crabgrass is an annual plant which sprouts from seeds in early spring and grow until first frost when it is killed. Before it dies, it has set seeds which will germinate (sprout) next year. If you had a bad infestation last year, you can almost be assured you will have a bad infestation this year, and pre-emergents will be warranted in early spring. However, if you had little or no crabgrass last year, then skip this application and instead fertilize in late spring instead. Of course, if your neighbor grew more crabgrass than turfgrass, you may want to apply anwyay.

Good luck.