Maintaining a lush, green lawn can be challenging, especially when weeds start to invade. The Scotts® 4-Step® Lawn Care Program offers a simple yet effective solution to achieve a beautiful, weed-free yard. Step 2 of this program, Weed Control Plus Lawn Food, is crucial for tackling unwanted weeds and nourishing your lawn during late spring. This guide will delve into the specifics of Scotts Step 2, ensuring you understand how to apply it correctly and maximize its benefits for a healthy, vibrant lawn.
Understanding Scotts Step 2 – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
Scotts Step 2, officially known as Weed Control Plus Lawn Food, is specifically designed to be applied in late spring. This is a critical time for lawn care as weeds are actively growing, and your lawn needs nutrients to thrive after the initial spring green-up from Step 1. Step 2 serves a dual purpose: it effectively targets and kills common broadleaf weeds while simultaneously feeding your lawn to promote thickness and greenness.
Why is Step 2 Important?
After applying Scotts Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food in early spring, Step 2 takes the lawn care regimen to the next level by addressing existing weeds. Here’s why it’s a vital component of the 4-Step program:
- Weed Control: Step 2 is formulated to kill many common broadleaf weeds, including dandelions, clover, and plantain, which can detract from the appearance and health of your lawn. By eliminating these weeds, you prevent them from competing with your grass for essential resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients.
- Lawn Nourishment: Beyond weed control, Step 2 provides essential nutrients to your lawn. This feeding helps to build strong, deep roots and promotes thick, green turf. A well-fed lawn is more resilient to stress from heat, drought, and foot traffic.
- Timing is Key: Late spring application of Step 2 aligns perfectly with the active growth period of many broadleaf weeds. It’s also when your lawn is actively growing and can best utilize the fertilizer to develop a dense, healthy stand of grass.
Key Features of Scotts Step 2
Scotts Weed Control Plus Lawn Food is formulated with specific ingredients to deliver effective results. Key features include:
- Broadleaf Weed Killer: It contains herbicides that are effective against a wide range of broadleaf weeds, ensuring comprehensive weed control across your lawn.
- Lawn Food: The fertilizer component provides a balanced blend of nutrients, typically including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to support healthy grass growth and vibrant green color.
- Granular Formula: The granular form allows for easy and even application using a lawn spreader, ensuring consistent coverage across your lawn.
How to Apply Scotts Step 2 for Best Results
Proper application is crucial to maximizing the effectiveness of Scotts Step 2. Follow these steps for optimal weed control and lawn feeding:
Timing Your Application
- Late Spring Application: Apply Step 2 in late spring, typically between April and June. A good guideline is to apply it around Memorial Day.
- Wait After Step 1: Ensure you wait 4 to 6 weeks after applying Scotts Step 1 before applying Step 2. This allows Step 1 to effectively prevent crabgrass germination before you address existing broadleaf weeds with Step 2.
Application Instructions
- Check the Weather: Apply Step 2 on a calm day to prevent granules from drifting onto unwanted areas like flower beds or driveways. Also, ensure that rain is not expected for at least 24 hours after application. This allows the weed control component to properly adhere to weed leaves and be absorbed.
- Damp Lawn: For best results in weed control, apply Step 2 to a damp lawn. Morning dew is often sufficient. If the lawn is dry, lightly water it before application. Dampness helps the weed control granules stick to weed leaves.
- Use a Spreader: Use a Scotts spreader to ensure even application. Refer to the product label for recommended spreader settings to avoid over or under-application. Proper spreader calibration is crucial for even distribution and to prevent lawn damage or ineffective weed control.
- Walk at a Steady Pace: Walk at a steady pace while applying the product, overlapping slightly with each pass to ensure uniform coverage. Avoid stopping and starting with the spreader in motion, as this can lead to uneven application.
- Clean Up Spills: Clean up any spilled granules on sidewalks or driveways to prevent staining and ensure the product stays on your lawn.
What to Expect After Application
- Weed Control Action: You should start to see weeds begin to wilt and die within a few days to a week after application. It’s important to note that weed control is a gradual process, and it may take a couple of weeks to see full results.
- Lawn Greening: As the lawn food component takes effect, you’ll notice your lawn becoming greener and thicker. This enhanced growth will help fill in bare spots left by dying weeds, contributing to a more uniform and attractive lawn.
Integrating Step 2 into the Complete Scotts 4-Step Program
Scotts Step 2 is most effective when used as part of the complete Scotts 4-Step Lawn Care Program. Here’s a quick overview of the program and how Step 2 fits in:
- Step 1 – Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food (Early Spring): Prevents crabgrass and greens up the lawn after winter.
- Step 2 – Weed Control Plus Lawn Food (Late Spring): Kills broadleaf weeds and feeds the lawn for thickness and greenness.
- Step 3 – Lawn Food with 2% Iron (Summer): Strengthens the lawn against heat and drought during the summer months, and provides a boost of iron for deep green color.
- Step 4 – Fall Lawn Food (Fall): Prepares the lawn for winter, promoting root growth and nutrient storage for a healthier lawn in the following spring.
By following all four steps of the Scotts program, you provide your lawn with season-long care, addressing specific needs at each time of year. Step 2 plays a critical role in this program by ensuring your lawn is weed-free and well-nourished as it enters the summer months.
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Conclusion
Scotts Step 2 Weed Control Plus Lawn Food is an essential step in achieving a beautiful, healthy, and weed-free lawn. By understanding its purpose, proper application timing, and techniques, you can effectively control broadleaf weeds and provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Make Scotts Step 2 a key part of your lawn care routine and enjoy a lush, green lawn all season long. For best results, consider using the complete Scotts 4-Step Lawn Care Program to provide comprehensive care throughout the year.
