Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division, Ph: 651-201-6121, Fx: 651-201-6117
FACT SHEET
Application Guide for Lawn and Garden Products
This guide was developed to assist homeowners and gardeners to safely mix and apply horticultural chemicals. Proper
measurement and mixing of lawn and garden products (pesticides and fertilizers) will help ensure that they are used
effectively while minimizing adverse effects to you and the environment.
ABBREVIATIONS
EQUIVALENT LIQUID U.S. MEASURES FOR LAWN & GARDEN USE
Tablespoons
Cups
1/4
1/2
1
3
6
1
2
12
4
1/4
24
48
8
16
1/2
1
2
4
16
Pints
Quarts
1/24
1/12
1/6
1/2
1
1/4
1/2
1
2
8
1
4
1
16
32
128
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL!
WHAT’S IN A BAG OF FERTILIZER?
The following formula can be used to determine
fertilizer use at a rate of 1 lb. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.:
Weight of bag times X of nitrogen in fertilizer (fractional basis)
1,000 = sq. ft. of lawn that the bag of fertilizer will cover
For example, using a 25 lb. bag of the fertilizer shown:
25
(weight of bag)
X (% N as0.20
X
a fraction)
1,000
(1,000)
X
5,000 ft.
(sq. ft. to cover)
NITROGEN FERTILIZER APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn
Time of Application
May - June
Late-August
Mid-October
ANNUAL TOTAL
Cup = c
Gallon = gal
Ounce = oz
Pint = pt
Pound = lb
Quart = qt
Tablespoon = tbs; T
Teaspoon = tsp
Gallons Ounces
Low Maintenance
Leave the Grass Clippings*
High Maintenace
Leave the Grass Clippings*
1.00
1.00
2.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
3.00
*Grass clippings are organic fertilizers containing 3-4% nitrogen when dry.
Too much fertilizer, not
enough fertilizer, or fertilizer
applied at the wrong time can
weaken your lawn and allow
weeds to enter. Your objective
is to apply the right amount of
fertilizer at the right time.
FIGURING SQUARE FEET
Square feet is used to calculate
treatment surface area
Square feet = Length (L) X Width (W)
For example:
LENGTH (L)
WIDTH (W)
Teaspoons
30’
20’
30’ (L) X 20’ (W) = 600 SQ FEET
For help with fertilizer needs or identifying weeds/insects, contact the U of M Extension, www.extension.umn.edu
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, an alternative form of communication is available upon request.
TTY: 1-800-627-3529. MDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
pestapp applic guide lawn.indd
July 2006
DRY HERBICIDE APPLICATION
Example:
We have determined the need to spread crabgrass weed killer over a 30-ft. by 40-ft. section of lawn. Read the product
label to determine the weight of the package and the total sq. ft. the package’s contents will cover. We purchased a 25-lb.
bag of crabgrass weed killer. The label on this particular brand and formulation indicates that a 25-lb. bag of this product
will cover 5,000 sq. ft.
25 lbs.
(Weight of bag)
Q:
÷
5,000 sq. ft.
(Total sq. ft. as noted on bag)
=
.005 lb. of crabgrass weed killer per sq. ft.
How many pounds of crabgrass weed killer should be spread on this 30 ft. x 40 ft. area?
30 feet X 40 feet = 1,200 square feet
1,200 sq. ft. X .005 lbs. = 6 lbs. of crabgrass weed killer for 1,200 sq. ft.
Therefore, 6 lbs. of crabgrass weed killer is needed to adequately cover a space 30 ft. X 40 ft.
LIQUID HERBICIDE TANK SPRAYER APPLICATION
Example:
We have determined the need to spray broadleaf weed killer on a
section of lawn. Read the label. The label requires the following
application calculations. (Illustrative example only.)
Area
200 sq. ft.
1,200 sq. ft.
Sample Label
Water
1 gal.
6 gal.
Weed Killer
4 tsp.
8 tbs. (4 oz.)
How much water per sq. ft. = 1 gal. ÷ 200 sq. ft. = .005 gal./sq. ft.
How much weed killer per sq. ft. = 4 tsps. ÷ 200 sq. ft. = .02 tsps./sq. ft.
Q:
How much water and broadleaf herbicide is needed to spray over a 20 ft. X 20 ft. area of lawn?
Square feet = 20 ft. x 20 ft. = 400 sq. ft.
Fall is the best time to control perennial broadleaf
Water needed = 400 sq. ft. x .005 gal./sq. ft. = 2 gals.
weeds: mid-September to mid-October
Weed killer needed = 400 sq. ft. x .02 tsps./sq. ft. = 8 tsps.
Therefore, 8 tsps. of weed killer should be mixed in 2 gallons of water and applied to this 400 sq. ft. area.
TIPS FOR SAFE & ACCURATE DRY APPLICATION
Broadcast or drop spreaders may be used.
Adjust spreader to recommended settings (see the product’s label and the spreader’s
instruction manual).
Accurately weigh out the product for each section of the lawn (front, side, back, etc.).
Bathroom scale and a plastic bucket can be used. (Be sure to label the bucket for
Fertilize in two directions
for the best coverage.
chemical use.)
Spread in two directions, in a crossing pattern.
IF SPREADING IN TWO DIRECTIONS, APPLY AT 1/2 RATE.
Do not spread chemicals on driveways or walks. If chemicals inadvertently spill onto
these areas, immediately sweep up excess chemical. Doing so will prevent chemicals
from washing off of such areas into storm sewers.
STORAGE
DISPOSAL
INCIDENT RESPONSE
All chemicals need to be stored
according to label directions. Store in
a safe, dry place where children and
pets will not come in contact with the
chemicals.
Read the label. Empty, properly rinsed
lawn and garden pesticide packages
or containers should be disposed
of through regular garbage pick up
program. (Landfill)
Report all pesticide and/or fertilizer
spills to the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture by dialing the Minnesota
Duty Officer:
NOTE: Some chemical products
cannot be allowed to freeze. Therefore,
these products must be stored in a
place where the temperature stays
above 32° Fahrenheit.
Unopened, unused or partially opened
waste pesticides need to be collected
through a municipal or county house
hold hazardous waste collection. Do
not discard unwanted or unuseable
pesticides in the garbage or through
curbside recycling.
1-(800) 422-0798 (Greater Minnesota)
(651) 649-5451 (Metro and Outside
Minnesota)
A duty officer is available 24 hours a
day to take your call.