Comments on: Fiesta Time – LawnSavers’ new weed killer http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/ Green and Healthy Lawn Care from the Experts in Organic Lawn Care Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:37:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.4 By: Kyle Tobin http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-671 Kyle Tobin Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:24:07 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-671 The # of resprays depend on the maturity and age of the weed, as well as the type of weed. Some die and never come back while others take 3-4 applications to fully die. Normally regrowth is of a smaller less vigorous weed. That is why it is critically important to fertilize properly and implement good maintenance (deep watering and frequent mowing). It is also important to make sure that when weeds are in seed, you want to bag the clippings instead of spreading the seeds around through mulching. The # of resprays depend on the maturity and age of the weed, as well as the type of weed. Some die and never come back while others take 3-4 applications to fully die.
Normally regrowth is of a smaller less vigorous weed. That is why it is critically important to fertilize properly and implement good maintenance (deep watering and frequent mowing). It is also important to make sure that when weeds are in seed, you want to bag the clippings instead of spreading the seeds around through mulching.

]]> By: John McOnie http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-670 John McOnie Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:37:35 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-670 Is there much regeneration of the weed and how many applications are needed each season. Is there much regeneration of the weed and how many applications are needed each season.

]]> By: mona sajid http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-668 mona sajid Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:35:23 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-668 where can i buy fiesta? we live in milton, ontario. where can i buy fiesta? we live in milton, ontario.

]]> By: Kyle Tobin http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-656 Kyle Tobin Wed, 05 Oct 2011 01:01:39 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-656 I think you have the right idea, but one important thing to note is that it needs to be used as part of an overall plant health care program. You still need to soil test and fertilize your fields appropriately, aerate, seed and topdress when necessary and increase mowing and irrigation. You still need to to do more regular applications of Fiesta to get the best control. Over time, your fields will be much better. As for cost, it is expensive in comparison to the products of the past, but you do get results. You can use tank mixes and hand canisters of Fiesta weed control depending on the target and level of infestation. I would not use it on hard surfaces as there is another alternative that is less expensive and kills weedy grasses also. I think you have the right idea, but one important thing to note is that it needs to be used as part of an overall plant health care program. You still need to soil test and fertilize your fields appropriately, aerate, seed and topdress when necessary and increase mowing and irrigation. You still need to to do more regular applications of Fiesta to get the best control. Over time, your fields will be much better.
As for cost, it is expensive in comparison to the products of the past, but you do get results. You can use tank mixes and hand canisters of Fiesta weed control depending on the target and level of infestation. I would not use it on hard surfaces as there is another alternative that is less expensive and kills weedy grasses also.

]]> By: Rick http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-652 Rick Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:19:19 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-652 Just heard about Fiesta and am extremely interested. We operate the Parks Deparment for the Municipality and weed control is a necessary evil in ball parks & soccer fields. It's hard for the kids to find the ball sometimes in the weeds. Would Fiesta be economically fiesable to apply to these situations where the acres are abundant? Can this product be applied with a broad tank srayer to cover acres of grass & weeds, as well as utilizing a hand srayer for controlled areas of smaller scale? Fence rows and interlocking brick paths are also unsightly when the grass and weeds take over. If this product is as good as you say, I would be getting a couple of employees "certified" for application. I would then have to secure prices for the product for next springs application. Rick Just heard about Fiesta and am extremely interested.
We operate the Parks Deparment for the Municipality and weed control is a necessary evil in ball parks & soccer fields. It’s hard for the kids to find the ball sometimes in the weeds.
Would Fiesta be economically fiesable to apply to these situations where the acres are abundant? Can this product be applied with a broad tank srayer to cover acres of grass & weeds, as well as utilizing a hand srayer for controlled areas of smaller scale?
Fence rows and interlocking brick paths are also unsightly when the grass and weeds take over.
If this product is as good as you say, I would be getting a couple of employees “certified” for application. I would then have to secure prices for the product for next springs application.

Rick

]]> By: Kyle Tobin http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-629 Kyle Tobin Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:51:08 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-629 Great question Penny, The best advice based on the details provided is to look more at renovation, rather than weed management. If the lawn has very little grass, you are trying to wage a war that you can't win. Instead try a Horticultural vinegar/Citric acid blend to kill off all the top vegetation, it works quickly! Fall is a great time for lawn renovation because the soil temperatures are very warm and the ambient air temperature is cooler. We also get some help from mother nature with rain. Here is LawnSavers Top Secret 11-step lawn renovation plan: 1. Make sure you have a regular mowing height of 3" and bag the clippings (not rake- use a a bag attachment for your mower) ( no sense in putting even more seeds out there to work against you). 2. Spray with Horticultural vinegar on the actively growing weeds; burn off of vegetation should occur within a couple days, (it does not kill the root right away) manually remove any crabgrass seed heads or other weeds in seed. 3. Wait 1-2 weeks, Spray vegetation killer on any re-growth. Wait 2-3 days Mow LOW to scalp the vegetation down.(bag clippings) 4. Amend soil with compost (finished compost that is weed-seed free) 5. Fertilize the lawn with a fertilizer that has a high amount of 'P' the 2nd # on the Fertilizer bag NPK (Phosphorus) 6. Double aerate your lawn 7. Broadcast spread your Grass Seed with a proper blend for your area with a slit/power seeder. (use a high amount of certified perennial ryegrass combined with other certified seed varieties like Kentucky bluegrass). Powerseeding ensures good seed to soil contact. Certified seed ensures the new grass you grow will be more drought resistant and have better wear tolerance, colour and even resist insect feeding. 8. Water regularly to keep seed moist (but do not soak). This can take 1-2 weeks for perennial ryegrass and 4-5 weeks before the bluegrass germinates. 9. Touch up seed as necessary for areas that are not growing in evenly. This is when you can start using Fiesta as a spot spray to manage the weeds that pop up. 10. Seed again in the Spring when soil temperatures rise. 11. Continue with a well balanced fertilizing and weed management program; as well as a maintenance program of deep watering and regular and frequent mowing. Have fun and get growing! Kyle Great question Penny, The best advice based on the details provided is to look more at renovation, rather than weed management. If the lawn has very little grass, you are trying to wage a war that you can’t win. Instead try a Horticultural vinegar/Citric acid blend to kill off all the top vegetation, it works quickly! Fall is a great time for lawn renovation because the soil temperatures are very warm and the ambient air temperature is cooler. We also get some help from mother nature with rain.
Here is LawnSavers Top Secret 11-step lawn renovation plan:
1. Make sure you have a regular mowing height of 3″ and bag the clippings (not rake- use a a bag attachment for your mower) ( no sense in putting even more seeds out there to work against you).
2. Spray with Horticultural vinegar on the actively growing weeds; burn off of vegetation should occur within a couple days, (it does not kill the root right away) manually remove any crabgrass seed heads or other weeds in seed.
3. Wait 1-2 weeks, Spray vegetation killer on any re-growth. Wait 2-3 days Mow LOW to scalp the vegetation down.(bag clippings)
4. Amend soil with compost (finished compost that is weed-seed free)
5. Fertilize the lawn with a fertilizer that has a high amount of ‘P’ the 2nd # on the Fertilizer bag NPK (Phosphorus)
6. Double aerate your lawn
7. Broadcast spread your Grass Seed with a proper blend for your area with a slit/power seeder. (use a high amount of certified perennial ryegrass combined with other certified seed varieties like Kentucky bluegrass). Powerseeding ensures good seed to soil contact. Certified seed ensures the new grass you grow will be more drought resistant and have better wear tolerance, colour and even resist insect feeding.
8. Water regularly to keep seed moist (but do not soak). This can take 1-2 weeks for perennial ryegrass and 4-5 weeks before the bluegrass germinates.
9. Touch up seed as necessary for areas that are not growing in evenly. This is when you can start using Fiesta as a spot spray to manage the weeds that pop up.
10. Seed again in the Spring when soil temperatures rise.
11. Continue with a well balanced fertilizing and weed management program; as well as a maintenance program of deep watering and regular and frequent mowing.

Have fun and get growing!
Kyle

]]> By: Penny O'Rielly http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-626 Penny O'Rielly Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:38:03 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-626 I bought a house at the end of June in south Ottawa with both the back and front lawn COVERED in weeds. I've never seen such a diverse collection of weeds in a residential lawn - plantain, chickweed, thistle, prickly lettuce, pineapple weed, ragweed yellow clover, some crabgrass and even yarrow. There is a lot of lovely white clover in the year yard which I don't mind the look and feel of plus it's good for the soil. In addition, there was a water ban until the end of June which has left most of the grass understandably dormant. Usually we are very good at lawn maintenance, doing spring core aeration, overseeding, regular fertilizing and less frequent but regular deep watering. We haven't had a chance to do anything to this lawn yet and are not even sure where to start. I started to look into Weed-b-Gone but realize this is a job too big to do myself. My plan was to core aerate, overseed, treat broadleaf weeds and fertilize sometime in August or September. Then in spring we would core aerate again (very compacted soil), possibly topdress, overseed again and do regular fertilization and water maintenance. My question is when would be the best time to have a lawncare company apply the Fiesta? Should I do this first or aerate first. Should I wait until mid-September when the grass starts to come out of dormancy? I want to get things started before the cold but don't want to waste money on applications that aren't needed. Thanks for all the information you have already provided. I bought a house at the end of June in south Ottawa with both the back and front lawn COVERED in weeds. I’ve never seen such a diverse collection of weeds in a residential lawn – plantain, chickweed, thistle, prickly lettuce, pineapple weed, ragweed yellow clover, some crabgrass and even yarrow. There is a lot of lovely white clover in the year yard which I don’t mind the look and feel of plus it’s good for the soil. In addition, there was a water ban until the end of June which has left most of the grass understandably dormant.

Usually we are very good at lawn maintenance, doing spring core aeration, overseeding, regular fertilizing and less frequent but regular deep watering. We haven’t had a chance to do anything to this lawn yet and are not even sure where to start. I started to look into Weed-b-Gone but realize this is a job too big to do myself.

My plan was to core aerate, overseed, treat broadleaf weeds and fertilize sometime in August or September. Then in spring we would core aerate again (very compacted soil), possibly topdress, overseed again and do regular fertilization and water maintenance.

My question is when would be the best time to have a lawncare company apply the Fiesta? Should I do this first or aerate first. Should I wait until mid-September when the grass starts to come out of dormancy? I want to get things started before the cold but don’t want to waste money on applications that aren’t needed.

Thanks for all the information you have already provided.

]]> By: Kyle Tobin http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-622 Kyle Tobin Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:42:26 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-622 Please see my earlier reply at 9:36 am on the 20th. The lawn will recover, it is best to limit Fiesta applications during times of high heat on non-irrigated or drought stressed turf. It certainly will kill bentgrass (which could be a good thing) but you will have to overseed those areas with a better specis of grass. Keep watering deeply, limit activity on the stressed lawn, and hope for a nice long rain and some more reasonable temperatures that are conducive to healthy turf growth. Please see my earlier reply at 9:36 am on the 20th. The lawn will recover, it is best to limit Fiesta applications during times of high heat on non-irrigated or drought stressed turf. It certainly will kill bentgrass (which could be a good thing) but you will have to overseed those areas with a better specis of grass. Keep watering deeply, limit activity on the stressed lawn, and hope for a nice long rain and some more reasonable temperatures that are conducive to healthy turf growth.

]]> By: Deb http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-621 Deb Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:47:16 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-621 Hi Our lawn care people put fiesta on our lawn 12 days ago. All over the lawn. We now have black spots all over. We are told to water and it will soon disappear. They said it was to get rid of bentgrass. our front lawn was good, had a little clover. Back lawn has vine growing through it. But they didn't touch that area. What can we do to get the lawn back to healthy looking? Hi
Our lawn care people put fiesta on our lawn 12 days ago. All over the lawn. We now have black spots all over. We are told to water and it will soon disappear. They said it was to get rid of bentgrass. our front lawn was good, had a little clover. Back lawn has vine growing through it. But they didn’t touch that area. What can we do to get the lawn back to healthy looking?

]]> By: Kyle Tobin http://lawnsavers.com/blog/fiesta-time-lawnsavers-new-weed-killer/comment-page-1/#comment-620 Kyle Tobin Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:42:08 +0000 http://lawnsavers.com/blog/?p=137#comment-620 Although Fiesta is considered a natural based and approved product under the provincial pesticide ban, it still does require a licence to purchase and spray. It is approved by Health Canada and regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Environment. A diluted version of the same active ingredient is found in some garden centres and big box stores but can be quite expensive to apply in quantity. In my biased but still informed opinion, you would be better off to hire a profesional. Although Fiesta is considered a natural based and approved product under the provincial pesticide ban, it still does require a licence to purchase and spray. It is approved by Health Canada and regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Environment.
A diluted version of the same active ingredient is found in some garden centres and big box stores but can be quite expensive to apply in quantity. In my biased but still informed opinion, you would be better off to hire a profesional.

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