Question
Dear sir: I live in southwest Florida and have moved into a new house about 1 1/2 years ago. It was sodded with bahia grass which turned very lush in the summer rainy season with the exception of dollar leave and clover weeds. I used a standard weed & feed bought at home depot for that type of grass before the rainy season, usually around March or April. The weeds still grew like mad. I don't recall the numbers on the bag. I have tried weed-be-gone which worked to an extent but still have the problem. Could you recommend a weed and feed fertilizer that will actually take care of these weeds? P.S. From a distance the clover actually makes the lawn look super until you get up close. Your help is appreciated. Thanks

Answer
Hi Steve,

>>"...weeds still grew like mad...?"

I cannot recommend a specific commercial product.

Note that with a new home on a new lot, there will be decades of weed-SEEDS in the wild top-soil and it may require several seasons of weed-wars before you can get everything domesticated.  Even without the 'virgin-soil' syndrome, a lot-and-lawn in a rural area can be a constant source of weed problems as weed seeds are wind-dispersed.  In the more urban areas where everyone helps to keep weeds under control,.... this task will be much easier.

The best way to become generally weed-free is to use one of the 'Weed-and-Feed' products which contains a PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE CHEMICAL.  This type of chemical PREVENTS weed seeds from sprouting.  Use this type of product regularly, and over a period of time, you can get ahead of the weeds.  Eventually you may be able to use less-expensive fertilizers and will only have to 'spot-spray' for weeds as they pop-up.

A  "standard weed & feed"  product at the local store may or may not contain the more expensive and preventive pre-emergent formula; an honest and  knowledgeable store representative should know.  You can also log-on to the manufacturer's web-site for technical information.  The information should also be on the bag, but it can be a hassle to have to read all this info while in the store environment.
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With a good fertile-loamy well draining top-soil, best quality hybrid grass type(s), 1-3 inches of water per week, plenty of sun-light, ...almost anyone can have an excellent lawn with a minimum maintenance effort.
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I Hope this has answered your question(s)!

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