NJ Lawns Community

Hey everyone, I'm in Westwood and looking to get my pre-emergent down soon. I've got a roughly 6000 sq ft lawn that's a tall fescue/KBG mix, about 60/40 I'd guess. Been using Scotts Step 1 for the past two springs but a buddy who's a pro down in Englewood Cliffs told me I should be using Dimension instead for better crabgrass control. He said the Scotts stuff is basically just fertilizer with a little prodiamine in it. My main questions: Is there actually a meaningful difference in crabgrass prevention? Am I wasting money on the Scotts if Dimension works better? And timing-wise, when should I be putting this down in Bergen County - I know we're supposed to hit it around mid-April but with these crazy temperature swings lately I'm never sure. Thanks in advance for any tips!

Good question and I'll give you the straight answer as someone who runs lawn applications professionally in the county. Your friend is right - Dimension (or really any standalone prodiamine) is going to give you much better crabgrass control than Scotts Step 1. Here's why: Step 1 has a very low rate of prodiamine, meant more for "extended feeding" than actual weed prevention. It's basically marketing to homeowners who want one easy step. Dimension at the full label rate (1.5 oz per 1000 sq ft) will give you solid 8-10 week control. For your mix in Westwood, I'd go with Dimension. Tall fescue handles prodiamine fine. Timing in Bergen County - watch for soil temps to hit 50-55°F consistently, usually around the last week of March into first week of April. Since you've got mostly full sun, you'll want to get it down before those warm April snaps hit. Only downside is you'll need to fertilize separately, but honestly you're better off doing that anyway for KBG.

Adding my .02 as someone who's used both products extensively. Dimension definitely works better for crabgrass, no argument there. But here's my practical take - Scotts Step 1 isn't worthless. If you're already putting down Dimension, you're looking at maybe $35-40 for the herbicide plus another $30-40 for fertilizer. Step 1 does both in one pass. I'm actually running a split approach this year. Going down with Dimension now, then hitting with a separate slow-release around Memorial Day. For the money-conscious homeowner who doesn't want to buy two products, Step 1 isn't a bad option - it's just not OPTIMAL. Also, whatever you choose, don't skip the watering-in. I see way too many neighbors in Westwood just spread it and hope for rain. Light irrigation within 24 hours makes a huge difference.

I'll play contrarian here a bit lol. Both products are synthetic herbicides and there's a middle ground nobody's mentioning. For my money, I've had great luck with a corn gluten meal approach for prevention combined with proper overseeding in fall. Yes, it's not as bulletproof as chemicals but for suburban use it's worked fine on my smaller lot in Tenafly. That said, if you're set on chemicals - and I understand wanting a weed-free lawn for kids/pets - Dimension is definitely the way. Just please please don't overapply because I see that happening ALL the time in this area. More is NOT better with prodiamine, follow the label exactly. For what it's worth, I think the best thing most Westwood homeowners could do aerate and topdress with compost in fall FIRST, then worry about spring chemicals. Healthy turf outcompetes weeds naturally.

@CompostQueen - respect the organic approach but I'll push back gently. Corn gluten works IF you've got ideal conditions AND you're okay with 70-80% control rather than near 100%. For a homeowner who wants a clean uniform lawn, chemicals are just more reliable end of day. That's not wrong, that's just math. To your point about healthy turf though - spot on. Best weed control IS a thick healthy lawn. I tell all my customers that pre-emergent is the backup plan, proper mowing height (3.5" for tall fescue!), consistent watering, and annual aeration are the real foundation. For the original question though - dimension is your best bet. Buy the concentrate, not the expensive name brand. Most Pros use generic prodiamine anyway. Get a pump sprayer, mix it correct, and apply. You'll save significant money vs Scotts.

Thanks everyone - this is super helpful! I think I'm convinced on going with Dimension. A few follow-ups: 1. Where do you all pick up your prodiamine in Bergen County? I know Gertsen in Rutherford carries it but that's kind of a haul from Westwood. Anyone know of decent locally? 2. For the fertilizer piece - when you say apply separately, are we talking same day or wait a few weeks after the Dimension? 3. One more question - I've also heard about using Team Pro (benefin + trifluralin) vs Dimension. What's the real-world difference? My buddy says trifluralin doesn't work as well in our situation.

Re: your follow-ups: 1. I'll second Gertsen but also check Lyndhurst Garden Center - they've been stocking more professional stuff lately. Otherwise there's always SiteOne (used to be John Deere Landscapes) in Garfield or the Ewing location off 46. 2. Apply same day is fine. Actually that's what I do - tank mix the Dimension with a liquid balanced fert like 25-0-0 or similar. Just don't mix with ammonium sulfate because you'll get precipitation in the tank. Use separate applications if you're nervous but honestly same-day is totally fine. 3. Team Pro is older chemistry, works for annual grasses but weaker on crabgrass than prodiamine alone. The trifluralin component has some issues with UV degradation in our area - gets broken down faster than it should in direct sun. For Bergen County conditions, Dimension is definitely the better choice. Your buddy is right there.