Best DIY fertilizer program for homeowner?

[ajo771]

What's the best program for a Homeowner in the Northeast (Buffalo, NY area)?

The Scotts seem popular at Home Depot and Lowes. But, I wasn't impressed with the results.

I use to be a licensed applicator in the 90's, but didn't want to get a new license for just my yard.

I have professional grade sprayers and spreaders.

What should I use?

[tyler_mott85]

Tractor Supply Company has a product line you might check them out. I have not used them personally but I know people who have used them with good results.

[fritowrdo]

What's the best program for a Homeowner in the Northeast (Buffalo, NY area)?

The Scotts seem popular at Home Depot and Lowes. But, I wasn't impressed with the results.

I use to be a licensed applicator in the 90's, but didn't want to get a new license for just my yard.

I have professional grade sprayers and spreaders.

What should I use?

Lesco or John Deere Landscapes.

They will tailor it to your own needs. Been real good plus I just show up and they know how much I need for each application since I have gone there a few years.

[Jason Rose]

You don't need a license to buy professional products. You just have to know where to get them... Scotts products are actually quite good, with their homogenous (sp?) particles but their choices of preemergents has always been poor. Also they often are way too high on the N for my taste.

I agree, run by your local Lesco/JDL and see if you can buy from them. I'm unsure if they have tightened their security at all since john deere took them over. Lesco would sell to anyone that walked in the door that had money to spend. JD was always very strict about the customer MUST be a contractor only. Not sure which way they went with this after the Lesco takeover.

[FRUSTRATED IN CHARLOTTE]

I'm a homeowner that has been going to John Deere since the switch from Lesco and they've been very helpful. I took my soil test results into them last week since I was confused on how to convert the recommended fertilization program and they selected the products, told me the correct settings for application and gave me a specific schedule to follow.

They're definitely much better than most of the consumer outlets, especially the big box stores, where most of their sales help have no clue about the products they sell.

[dwost]

Lesco or John Deere Landscapes.

They will tailor it to your own needs. Been real good plus I just show up and they know how much I need for each application since I have gone there a few years.

Ditto........they will provide you with a sheet for your area with recommended product and application times. I've had nothing but phenomenal results with their products and they are reasonably priced. One thing I noticed this season is Home Depot (carries Lesco) has literally doubled their prices for fert!! Their Dimension is $47/bag. You can get it direct from JD Landscapes for $27/bag. I'm not sure what cased the ridiculous price hike but it's totally off the charts. good luck!!

[bluridge]

since this topic was brought up, thought I'd ask somethng. I use Scotts products and follow their recommendation when using all of their products like ween and feed, summer guard winterizer and fungus/crabgrass control etc. my yard has always responded well with Scotts. I see some of you folks recommdneing Lecso and I see contractors use them all the time. I will have to see if a JD is local and check them out. My stuff bought from Lowes/HD so I know teir price but Southern States has Lesco and their price seem in line with Scotts stuff. Should I move over to Lesco if they are that much better than Scotts? Of course, if they are actually much cheaper it will be worthwhile. Don't like Vigoro stuff!

[dwost]

I've had OK results with Scotts but the homeowner stuff is overpriced and the particulate is way to small to get a an even distribution if it's the least bit windy. I think you will be very satisfied with Lesco's products.