Early in my career as a forester I received a call from a homeowner as to why all the trees that had just leafed out were suddenly losing their leaves. During the conversation it was revealed that her husband had just applied 10 bags of weed and feed fertilizer to her 5,000 square foot lawn. According to the label, 2 bags would have been sufficient and that using 10 bags meant that 5 times the label rate was applied and had killed or damaged all her turf, and defoliated her trees. Additionally, she lived on a water body. It doesn’t take much to imagine how much nutrient runoff occurred from the overapplication.

All pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and even fertilizers are required to have a label. The label contains all the information needed to use the product safely. In addition to causing unintended plant damage, the mis-application of landscape products can mean harmful residues, or long-lasting injury. The purpose of the label is to legally describe how the product is to be used and not be used. Generally, the pesticide label contains:

Where the product can be used

This might include what plants, or locations the product is intended for. This is important for a couple of reasons. For instance, if the label prohibits use on edible plants, you will not want to use it on your vegetables.

What pests are controlled

Some labels will have general descriptions of pests while others will be more specific. An example of a general description might be “lawn pests”, whereas a specific example might include “chinch bugs”.

How to apply the product

This might include a backpack sprayer, or if it is a granular product, it might mention a spreader setting. Another thing that is often mentioned in this section includes temperatures, or days after rainfall. A common example goes back to herbicides we use to kill weeds in turf. Some products are not meant to be used when average temperatures are above 90°F and can kill or stress the turf when used during warm weather.

The rate of application

This includes instructions for mixing the product such as how much the product should be diluted, and what settings the sprayer, or spreader should be set on.

How often

the product should be applied as well as how much time should pass before you can harvest or enter the area.

What kind of protective equipment

you should be wearing while applying the product. For instance, a common statement includes wearing long sleeve shirts or closed toed shoes. The label also includes important first aid instructions.

How to store and dispose

of the product after you have applied it.

What about organic pesticides, aren’t they safer?

Typically, an organic product, whether it is a pesticide or a fertilizer is made from products found in nature such as remains or byproducts of a living or once-living organism, or naturally occurring minerals. It is important to note that just because a product is organic, or natural, it does not mean it is not dangerous. The same rules of following the label instructions apply. An example is the use of landscape vinegar as a non-selective weed killer. Even though it is a natural product, the label is clear that it is a corrosive acid and you should wear eye protection when applying the product.
While it may not be exciting to read the label before you mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, they contain very important instructions and details about the product. In addition, following the label directions will help you control the pest or weed you want to control, protect yourself, your family, and the environment while you are using the product. As I end this article I must include …..“Make sure you read and follow the label instructions when mixing and applying the product”. For more information on pesticide labels go to : https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PI141

Article written by: Larry Figart, Urban Forestry Agent, Program Coordinator June 2024

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