Forever Green Weed and Feed Reviews: The Brutal Truth
You stare out at your lawn, and instead of a lush, uniform carpet of green, you see a battlefield. Dandelions stand tall like defiant soldiers, clover creeps across your turf, and patches of grass look weak and yellow. It’s a common frustration that can make you feel like you’re losing the war for a beautiful yard.
This struggle is precisely why “weed and feed” products exist, promising a simple, one-step solution to two of the biggest lawn care headaches. Among the many options, Forever Green Weed and Feed emerges as a popular choice, but does it truly deliver on its promise of a perpetually green, weed-free paradise? Or are there hidden risks and smarter alternatives?
You'll Learn About
What Exactly Is in a Weed and Feed Product?
Before diving into reviews, it’s crucial to understand what you’re putting on your lawn. Weed and feed products are a combination of two distinct components: a fertilizer to nourish the grass and an herbicide to kill unwanted weeds. This dual-action approach is designed to save time and effort.
The “feed” part is typically a mix of essential nutrients, primarily Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen is the star player, responsible for vigorous growth and that deep green color everyone covets. The “weed” component contains herbicides designed to target broadleaf weeds—like dandelions and clover—while leaving the grass unharmed, when applied correctly.
The Post-Emergent and Pre-Emergent Divide
Weed killers in these products generally fall into two categories. Post-emergent herbicides work on weeds that have already sprouted and are actively growing. This is the most common type found in general-purpose weed and feed bags.
Conversely, pre-emergent herbicides, often found in specialized spring formulas, prevent weed seeds from germinating in the first place. Understanding which type your lawn needs is the first step toward effective treatment and avoiding wasted effort.
A Deep Dive into Forever Green Weed and Feed
Forever Green, a brand often found at retailers like Menards, offers a granular formula designed to be applied with a spreader. It promises to control over 150 types of broadleaf weeds while providing a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for long-lasting greening. The convenience is undeniable, but the results can be a mixed bag according to user experiences.
Many users report positive results, noting a visible reduction in weeds and a significant improvement in their lawn’s color and thickness. However, a notable number of reviews tell a different story, one of frustration. Common complaints include the product burning the lawn, leaving brown or yellow patches, and failing to eliminate stubborn weeds. This disparity in results often boils down to one critical factor: application.
Why Application is Everything
The effectiveness and safety of any weed and feed product, including Forever Green, are intensely dependent on following the instructions to the letter. Most granular herbicides need to stick to the leaves of the weeds to work. This means applying them to a damp, but not saturated, lawn is critical. Applying in the early morning when there’s dew on the grass is often the ideal time.
Furthermore, the amount you apply is just as important. Using a properly calibrated spreader is non-negotiable. Applying too little will yield disappointing results, while applying too much is a recipe for disaster, leading to the dreaded chemical burns that can kill your grass.
The Ultimate Application Guide for Flawless Results
To avoid becoming a cautionary tale, you must approach applying weed and feed with precision. A healthy lawn is a beautiful extension of your home, not unlike a well-tended garden where you might be troubleshooting why you have small apricots; both require careful attention to detail.
Step-by-Step Application Process
First, prepare your lawn. Mow your grass to its normal height two to three days before you plan to apply the product. This ensures the weeds have enough leaf surface area to capture the granules.
Next, check the weather forecast. You need a period of at least 24-48 hours without rain after application. Rain can wash the herbicide off the weed leaves before it has a chance to be absorbed, rendering it ineffective.
On application day, lightly water your lawn or apply after a morning dew. Fill your spreader—over a driveway or tarp to avoid spills—and set it to the rate specified on the product bag. Walk at a steady pace, ensuring even coverage and slightly overlapping each pass to avoid stripes.
Timing is Everything: When to Apply for Maximum Impact
The best time of year to apply a post-emergent weed and feed is during periods of active weed growth, typically in the spring or fall. Air temperatures should consistently be between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Applying it during the intense heat of summer can stress the lawn and increase the risk of fertilizer burn.
Never apply weed and feed to a new lawn until it has been mowed at least three or four times. Young grass is tender and can be easily damaged by the chemicals. Similarly, if you plan to overseed, wait at least four weeks after applying weed and feed, as the herbicide can prevent new grass seeds from germinating.
Liquid vs. Granular: Which Is the True Champion?
The debate between liquid and granular weed and feed is ongoing, with valid points on both sides. Understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your lawn and skill level.
Professionals often prefer liquid herbicides for their fast action and uniform coverage. However, they require careful mixing and can drift on windy days, potentially harming nearby flowers or vegetable gardens. Granular options, like Forever Green, are generally easier and safer for homeowners to handle but depend heavily on proper moisture conditions for the herbicide to be effective.
| Feature | Liquid Weed and Feed | Granular Weed and Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Sprayer (hose-end or pump) | Spreader (broadcast or drop) |
| Effectiveness | Faster acting, better leaf coverage | Slower release, dependent on moisture |
| Ease of Use | Can require mixing, risk of drift | No mixing, easier to control application area |
| Best For | Quick results, heavy weed infestation | Standard maintenance, ease of use for homeowners |
Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Lawn
Even with the best intentions, simple errors can lead to a lawn catastrophe. The dream of a perfect lawn can quickly turn into a nightmare of dead grass and thriving weeds if you’re not careful.
The “More is Better” Myth
One of the most destructive mistakes is over-application. Thinking that a little extra will kill more weeds is a dangerous misconception. The chemicals in fertilizer are salts, and when concentrated, they draw moisture out of the grass blades, causing them to dry out, turn brown, and die. Always stick to the recommended spreader setting.
Wrong Time, Wrong Weather
Applying weed and feed to a stressed lawn—whether from drought, heat, or disease—is asking for trouble. A healthy, robust lawn can handle the chemical application, but a weakened lawn cannot. This principle applies to all parts of your garden; you wouldn’t try an aggressive treatment on a struggling shrub, just as you’d first investigate the specific reasons why a purple hopseed bush is dying before taking action.
What to Do If You’ve Burned Your Lawn
If the worst happens and you’re left with brown, scorched patches, don’t panic. The first step is to water the affected area deeply and frequently for about a week. This helps to flush the excess chemicals and salts out of the root zone.
After flushing the soil, gently rake the dead grass out of the patches. You can then reseed the bare spots. Cover the new seed with a thin layer of topsoil or compost and keep it consistently moist until the new grass is established.
Beyond Weed and Feed: A Holistic Approach to Lawn Health
While convenient, weed and feed products are not a silver bullet for long-term lawn health. True success comes from creating an environment where healthy grass thrives and naturally crowds out weeds. This approach focuses on building a strong foundation from the soil up.
The Unseen Power of Healthy Soil
A thick, healthy lawn starts with healthy soil. The secret weapon for robust turf is a strong root system, which is only possible in well-aerated soil that is rich in organic matter. An annual core aeration can relieve compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper. Topdressing with a thin layer of compost introduces beneficial microbes and improves soil structure over time.
This focus on foundational health is a universal gardening principle. Whether you are cultivating a perfect lawn or nurturing a vegetable patch with unique plants, the soil is paramount. Even for less common crops, understanding the plant’s needs is key, which is why a grower would consult a guide on parwal plant problems to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Smarter Mowing and Watering
How you mow and water has a massive impact on your lawn’s resilience. Mow high, setting your mower to one of its highest settings for your grass type. Taller grass develops deeper roots and shades the soil, which helps to suppress weed germination. Also, ensure your mower blades are sharp; a dull blade tears grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease.
Water deeply but infrequently. This encourages roots to grow downward in search of moisture, making the lawn more drought-tolerant. A light, daily sprinkling creates a shallow root system that is easily stressed. The goal is to provide about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
