Released April 10, 2008
LOGAN, Utah -— Each spring, newspaper, magazine and television advertisements tout the incredible, almost miraculous benefits of horticultural products. Many claim that their product is guaranteed to revive even the sickliest plant.
“As with most advertisements, the thing to remember is they are selling something, and sometimes it is not quite what they say it is,” said Jerry Goodspeed, Utah State University Extension horticulturist. “It is important to be aware of misleading advertising, false claims or even myths within the horticulture industry.”
One such myth is the more fertilizer applied, the greener the lawn will be, he said. Pouring excessive amounts of fertilizer on the lawn in early spring will not accomplish this. Research shows that a lawn benefits more from a late-fall fertilization than from fertilizer applied early in the spring.
“Keep in mind that it only takes about one-half pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to keep lawns looking their best,” Goodspeed said. “Most excess nitrogen applied in the spring is wasted as it leaches into our water systems and streams, which is not ideal. And, researchers have recently discovered that over-fertilizing in the spring increases the lawn’s vulnerability to summer-time stress.”
Another misleading advertisement is that soil can be aerated with a liquid application of a product, he said. Recent advertisements for a liquid aerator suggest that merely mixing up the product and pouring it on the lawn eliminates the need for core-aerating. It claims to improve soil drainage, root growth and water penetration.
“After examining the ingredients, I discovered it contained the same active ingredient as my shampoo,” Goodspeed said. “What this means is they are packaging a surfactant and selling it to unsuspecting lawn owners who have a few extra bucks. It is true that shampoo, detergents and other household products help water penetrate even clay soils, but such products provide a very short-lived, expensive treatment. They do not fix the problem; they are just one-time wonders.”
A surfactant reduces the tension of water and other surfaces, he said. This allows other products, such as soap, to adhere, cover or move through. In other words, if gardeners added shampoo every time they watered the lawn, the water would probably penetrate the soil a little better than without the shampoo.
Other misleading advertising tells gardeners that Zoysia grass is perfect for Northern Utah lawns. The ads suggest that Zoysia grass will fill in quickly, that it reduces mowing to once-a-month and requires very little fertilization and water.
“Zoysia, and other warm-season grasses grow in Northern Utah, and may even look good at times,” said Goodspeed. “But, let me assure you, they are not a miracle solution to a greener landscape. Remember, the company is selling grass. These are not just-for-your-information advertisements. Zoysia is a wiry, stiff grass that spreads by both rhizomes and stolons. It can be invasive and turns brown after the first frost.”
It is important to research and ask a trusted source before buying new horticulture products, Goodspeed concluded. Be wary of claims that seem too good to be true.
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http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=3443
Contact: Julene Reese, (435) 797-0810 Jerry Goodspeed, (801) 399-8200
