SafeLawn FAQ

What is SafeLawn?

SafeLawn is a pre-emergent herbicide made from Corn Gluten Meal (CGM). CGM is a by-product of the process of making cornstarch or corn syrup. CGM can be up to 60% protein and is widely used as a food ingredient for fish, poultry, horses, cattle and in pet food. Research done at Iowa State University has shown the product to be an effective, all natural and organic weed and feed product for lawns and gardens.

Is SafeLawn safe?

Yes, SafeLawn is ABSOLUTELY safe around people, pets, and the environment.

Where can I purchase SafeLawn in my area?

Our products are available exclusively at MegaGro.com and through select gardening catalogs. We offer free shipping on orders of $40 or more.

Will SafeLawn work on my lawn?

Yes, SafeLawn works on all grass types - Bahia, Bentgrass, Bermuda, Bluegrass, Buffalo, Carpet, Centipede, Fescue, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, Zoysia.

How do I use SafeLawn for my lawn?

Apply Safe Lawn twice a year, spring and fall (however, some customers report even better results applying once in July too). In the spring, apply before the forsythias begin to bloom and up to the time they bloom. In the fall, apply after the long hot period of summer has ended. The application rate for lawns is 50 pounds for 2500 square feet. For lawns, use a spreader setting at approx. 2/3 open.

How does SafeLawn work?

SafeLawn works to inhibit seed growth through a process we don't fully understand. SafeLawn stops root development of germinating seeds.

How much SafeLawn should I use on my grass?

The application rate for lawns is 50 pounds for 2500 square feet.

How much SafeLawn should I use in my garden?

The application rate for gardens is 50 pounds for 2500 square feet.

Can I apply more SafeLawn to work better?

Yes, the percentage of weed control can actually increase as you apply more, up to 40lbs/1000 square feet. And it won't harm your lawn or garden at those rates.

How long do I need to wait before using my lawn after I apply SafeLawn?

You can use your lawn RIGHT AWAY. Pets and children can play on your lawn right after you apply SafeLawn.

Can I apply SafeLawn when I seed my lawn ?

NO, DO NOT use on grass that has been recently sown as SafeLawn will also inhibit the growth of grass seed. You can apply SafeLawn anytime after the first mowing. Since SafeLawn is an effective herbicide on a wide range of seeds, it is important to allow desired plants to become established before applying.

When is the best time to apply SafeLawn to my yard?

The cool weather of spring and fall creates two prime germination periods for perennial, broadleaf and grassy weeds. Spring applications are best to control crabgrass and other spring germinating weeds. Crabgrass continues to germinate through July, and dandelions and other broadleaf weeds terminate throughout the growing season, so later applications of SafeLawn are recommend if you have a problem with those weeds.

Fall applications are good to prevent dandelions and other fall germinating weeds from establishing themselves. In most regions, application time will be from August 15th. to September 15th, or up until the first frost. Although rains usually provide adequate moisture, you may want to water in SafeLawn following application if dry weather is an issue. If you do water, water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil surface to dry. To be most effective, SafeLawn requires a drying period. The soil surface should not be continuously wet (as would be the case with automatic irrigation systems).

How should I use SafeLawn in my garden?

Best results are obtained by mixing SafeLawn into the soil (shallow tilling, not more than 3” deep). You should apply Apply at a rate of 20 to 30 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. SafeLawn contains approximately slow release nitrogen, so you should cut back on using your regular fertilizer..

When is the best time to apply SafeLawn to my yard?

Don't apply SafeLawn until your plants have become established. Since SafeLawn is an effective herbicide on a wide range of seeds, it is important to allow desired plants to become established before applying. Apply the first application of SafeLawn in early spring as soon as you can work your garden. The next application should be about 6-8 weeks after, with a third application in application in mid-August and a fourth in late September. Although rains usually provide adequate moisture, you may want to water in SafeLawn following application if dry weather is an issue. If you do water, water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil surface to dry. To be most effective, SafeLawn requires a drying period. The soil surface should not be continuously wet (as would be the case with automatic irrigation systems).

What is the Shelf-Life of SafeLawn?

If stored in a cool, dry place, SafeLawn will remain effective for several years. You should avoid storing in areas where it may be exposed to rodents.

If you have a question about SafeLawn or any of our other products that is not answered here, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

How to Use SafeLawn

Safe Lawn is granular, making it easy to spread. Apply Safe Lawn twice a year, spring and fall (however, some customers report even better results applying once in July too). In the spring, apply before the forsythias begin to bloom and up to the time they bloom. In the fall, apply after the long hot period of summer has ended. The application rate for lawns is 50 pounds for 2500 square feet. For lawns, use a spreader setting at approx. 2/3 open. Do not use on newly seed lawns or gardens. For gardens, work Safe Lawn into the top 2 to 3 inches of the soil. Safe Lawn should be deeply watered in after application and then allowed to dry.

SafeLawn is the pre-emergence weed killer. To kill existing crabgrass try our Crabgrass Killer.

If you have a question not covered in this FAQ, please contact us