Scotts Bonus S is a weed killer and lawn feeder for southern lawns. It is a very effective slow-release formula that will leave your lawn looking all green after killing weeds and feeding the grass.
So, can you put Scotts bonus S on Wet Grass?
Scotts Bonus S should be put on a dry lawn and watered immediately after application with ½ inch water. Scotts Bonus S contains atrazine as the active ingredient and should not be used on atrazine-sensitive grass.
Can you put Scotts Bonus S on Wet Grass?
Scotts Bonus S is a granular fertilizer. Granular fertilizers, especially the quick-release formula, are known to burn grass if applied on wet blades. In fact, when the fertilizer is left on the blades for more than an hour, the grass starts turning yellow.
Although Scotts Bonus S is a slow-release formula, we cannot rule out the possibility of it burning the lawn when applied on wet blades. Basically, it should be applied on dry grass, followed by watering the lawn with ½ of the water.
The water helps in activating the active ingredient to kill the weed and feed the lawn.
To minimize the risk of a lawn fertilizer burn, it is better to wait for the grass to dry, especially after heavy rainfall. However, you don’t have to wait for the soil to dry, as damp soil will help the formula penetrate better.
When should I use Scotts Bonus S?
Scotts Bonus S is a southern weed killer and lawn feeder, meaning it should be applied to southern grasses only. According to manufacturers’ instructions on the packet, it should only be applied to St Augustine grass (including Floratam), Centipedegrass, Zoysia, and Carpetgrass lawn.
Therefore, it should not be applied on lawns with northern grasses or a lawn with mixed grasses. When Scotts Bonus S is applied on a lawn with bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, bluegrass, ryegrass, bentgrass, or tall fescue grass, it will burn and most likely kill them.
Scotts Bonus S should be applied in late winter, early spring, or fall. This is because, during this time, the weeds are actively growing. The weed killer will target the weed by burning and killing them before they grow further.
The fertilizer, on the other hand, will feed and strengthen the lawn against heat and drought. The roots will grow into a dense turf that will choke any weed left behind.
According to the manufacturer, Scott Bonus S should be applied when the temperature is around 60°F but not above 90°F. Do not apply it on a newly seeded or sodded lawn. Wait until you have mowed the lawn thrice.
The best time to apply Scotts Bonus S should is early in the morning before 8 am or in the evening to allow it to sink in before the sun shines. Check, How long it takes Granular Fertilizer to Work
How to Apply Scotts Bonus S on your Lawn
During application, it is important to follow all manufacturers’ instructions. Scotts Bonus S will feed your lawn and also kill weeds such as dandelions, dollar weeds, clover, and several others, but for that to happen, you must apply it in the right way.
First, ensure Scotts Bonus S can be applied to the grass on your lawn. For example, Bermuda, tall fescue, and bluegrass lawns should not be fed with Scotts Bonus S.
Also, check the weather forecast because applying Scotts Bonus S before heavy rainfall is useless as the rain will wash it away. Also, a windy day is not ideal. Once set, apply as follows:
- Set the spreader gauge as indicated on the package.
- Fill the hopper with fertilizer while on the driveway or sidewalk. Doing it on the lawn might cause over-fertilizing if it spills.
- Apply the fertilizer. Do not overlap or stop in one spot while the lever is open, as you might apply more fertilizer than needed.
- After application, clean the spreader and wash your hands thoroughly.
If the grass is too long, you can mow it before application, so it does not touch the spreader. You may also check When to Apply Scotts Turf Builder on your Lawn
Scotts Bonus Killed my Grass; Why?
Scotts Bonus S is meant to kill weeds and feed the lawn and not kill lawn grass. The nitrogen in the fertilizer is supposed to feed the blades and give them a green color.
Before application, you must read the package label for dos and don’ts and any other relevant information. However, even with the instructions, a few people sometimes get it wrong and later complain that Scott Bonus S burnt their lawn.
Scott Bonus S is a reputable weed and feed formula, and in most cases, the problem lies with the customer. Below are some mistakes that might cause Scott Bonus S to burn and kill your grass.
- Using Scotts Bonus S on the wrong grass – According to the manufacturer (clearly indicated on the package), Scotts Bonus S should only be used on southern grasses. They have indicated that it can only be used on St Augustine (including floratam), centipede, zoysia, and carpet lawns. Therefore if you apply it on any other type of lawn such as Bermuda, fine fescue, bentgrass, or bluegrass, you can expect burning or killing off your grass.
- Applying too much fertilizer – As the saying goes, “too much of anything is poisonous.” You might have thought a little more won’t hurt because your lawn is malnourished or has too many weeds. The right amount of Scotts Bonus S to be used against the lawn size is indicated on the package. Putting excess fertilizer will kill the grass.
- Applying more than the recommended times – Scotts Bonus S has a maximum application rate of two times a year, and each application must be eight weeks apart. Applying more than the recommended times will result in killing your lawn.
Recap
Scotts Bonus S is a reputable weed and feed. It should be applied on dry grass, and then water the lawn with ½ inch of water. It should be applied during late winter, early spring, or fall, either in the morning or evening. For best results, follow all manufacturers’ instructions.