Frequently asked questions
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Application
Q. Where can I find the correct settings for my spreader?
There are a couple types of spreaders available on the market today: broadcast (rotary) spreaders and drop spreaders. The easiest and most economical method is to set the spreader at its lowest setting in order to check the product flow characteristics. Establish a given area that you will be covering (i.e., if the rate is 3 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft., you will be treating a 20' x 50' area with 3 lbs.) Apply granules to the entire yard, making adjustments as needed. Next, crisscross the area until you have dispensed the entire product.
Q. What's the best time of day to spray?
Early morning or late evening; avoid spraying in the middle of the day - it is often too hot and may stress your plants or lawn. If you have not watered your yard in the last 2-3 days, do so first.
Q. After I have applied granules, should I water them in?
Usually yes, a sprinkler, sprayer or hose will work sufficiently. For products meant to leave granules on leaves, Do NOT water in! An example of this type of product is Wipe-Out Tough Weed Killer for Lawns.
Q. How often do I need to use a product?
As often as directed on the label.
Q. What's the dilution rate for Fung-Away for controlling Brown Patch in my lawn?
For preventative: Mix 3 oz./gal. per 100 sq. ft. For curative: Mix 6 oz./gal. per 100 sq. ft.
Q. If I apply product at twice the recommended rate, will it work that much better?
No. Always follow the product label directions.
Q. Can I mix up a solution of spray to use at a later date?
This is not recommended - once a product has been mixed it will break down over time. Mix up only what you will need at time of application.
Q. My Rose Defense/Neem Concentrate is thick (seems almost frozen) and will not mix with water. Is it still an effective product?
Any product that appears solidified, cloudy or contains lumps of wax should not be used! Not only will it clog a sprayer, but also the spray that does emerge will contain non-emulsified surfactants that can burn the plants. Some users have tried to filter out the wax lumps and spray the remaining liquid - this can actually increase the chances of adverse effects on plants. This situation can be remedied by immersing the entire container in hot tap water (too hot to put your hand in) for at least 30 minutes to dissolve the wax, followed by thorough shaking to re-emulsify the contents. The product should then emerge from the bottle as a clear, brown liquid with the appearance of high quality motor oil. Solidified product that has been completely melted and re-emulsified is as safe for plants as fresh product.
Q. What is the proper way to control broadleaf weeds in my turf lawn?
First, mow the lawn and wait 4 to 5 days to allow the weeds to grow back with young, new growth, which allow for easier control. The day before you plan to spray, water the lawn. On the day you apply the broadleaf weed killer, spray in the early morning or late evening to avoid potential adverse effects from the hot sun. The weeds will start to die in 4 to 7 days. If you choose to control weeds with a granular product apply the granules early in the morning when dew is on the plants so the granules stick to the leaves of the weeds.
Q. Can I use ladybugs in conjunction with Rose Defense for additional control of aphids?
Yes, you can use ladybugs in conjunction with Rose Defense to control aphids. Try not to directly contact the ladybugs with the product as direct contact can kill any beneficial insect predator.
Diseases
Q. There is a dusty powder on the leaves of my euonymus plants and crape myrtles. What is it and is it a problem?
This is powdery mildew and will weaken the plant but is not life threatening. Use Green Light Neem Concentrate, Rose Defense or Fung-Away Fungicide to control the disease and keep it from spreading.
Q. Purple spots are all over the leaves of my redtip photinias and they seem to be killing the plant. What can I use to save them?
These spots are the evidence of fungal leaf spot. This disease will cause the plant to retard its growth and development and can kill the photini. Spray the entire plant with Green Light Neem II to stop the leaf spot. Several applications may be necessary if the disease is widespread.
Q. My St. Augustine grass has round yellow spots in several places in the lawn again this year. The grass grows back but not very strong. What is causing this?
It sounds like brown patch. Brown patch occurs when the soil is wet and evening temperatures are cool. This can be identified by pulling on the leaf blades and if they come loose from the runners easily, then it's likely brown patch. The blades of grass are brown and deteriorated where they attach to the runners. Apply Green Light Fung-Away Fungicide to prevent brown patch. An application in the spring and in the fall should prevent this lawn disease.
Q. When I pull my St. Augustine grass, it comes up easily, runners and all. I know it is dying but I haven't seen any insects. Could it be a disease?
Yes and most likely is "take-all-patch". This disease makes the lawn appear as if something has been eating the roots because they pull easily from the soil. Apply Green Light Fung-Away Fungicide to prevent take-all-patch. Early treatment is necessary to prevent this disease from killing the entire lawn.
Q. There are dark brown spots on my rose leaves, and they are turning yellow and falling off. What is the problem, and how can I fix it?
The problem is black spot and is very common with roses everywhere. This fungal leaf spot can cause many roses to lose all their leaves and cause others to die. It spreads easily in areas where there is high humidity or poor air circulation. Spray season long on a regular basis with Green Light Neem II or Rose Defense. Avoid spraying when temperatures are above 85 degrees or in full sun.
Q. The leaves of my crab apple tree have an orange or brownish powder on them. I have noticed that the leaves drop off early. What is the problem and what can I use to control it?
You most likely have a fungus called "rust". This is identified by the "rusty" colored mass of powder on the leaves. The fungi are active in damp weather. To stop the rust, spray with Green Light Rose Defense or Neem Concentrate.
Q. Is there a single product that will control both diseases and insects on my plants?
Fruit Tree Spray will control both insects and diseases that infest fruit when used on a regular schedule.
Insects
Q: I usually make multiple applications of insecticides to my lawn for different insect pests. Is there one product that can control most insects in one application?
Green Light Grub Control with Arena granules controls grubs and most other lawn insects. In addition to providing control for several months, it is taken up by plant roots to kill insects that chew on the grass and other ornamental plants.
Q: Are there organic options for pest control that really work?
Green Light has organic products to control insects that have been researched for several years.
- Lawn & Garden Insect Control with Spinosad2 is a natural insecticide that was identified and formulated to control lawn and garden pests.
- Neem Oil is available in several products, including Fruit Tree Spray. Neem oil has been used for years and when used regularly provides excellent control of insects, diseases and mites.
- BT Worm Killer and DiPel Dust are natural bacterial product that control insects when ingested.
Q. I want to kill the fire ants in my yard. It seems all I do is move them around. How can I get rid of them?
Fire ants are typically easy to control. The key is applying the product correctly. Apply Green Light Fire Ant Killer Granules directly to the mound. Do not disturb the mound and apply early in the morning, late in the evening or just after a rain. If you see new mounds appear, sprinkle the dust over the top. Fire Ant Killer Granules will control fire ants all season long and kill other pests as well. In conjunction with the application of Fire Ant Killer Granules to each mound, treat your entire yard with Fire Ant Control with Conserve.
Q: Emerald ash borer is killing trees in my area. Is there something I can do to protect the trees in my yard?
Green Light Tree and Shrub Insect Killer with Safari 2G or Emerald Ash Borer Killer will kill any insects, including emerald ash borer, that are presently boring in or eating on your tree. One application per year will provide excellent protection from this pest.
Q: Hemlock woolly adelgid is killing trees in my area. Is there something I can do to protect the trees in my yard?
Green Light Tree and Shrub Insect Killer with Safari 2G will kill any insects, including hemlock woolly adelgid, that are presently boring in or eating on your tree. One application per year will provide excellent protection from this pest.
Q. I have small, green worms on my cabbage and cauliflower and they are eating holes in all the leaves. What are they and what can I use to save my vegetables?
These worms are cabbage loopers. Apply Green Light BT Worm Killer or DiPel Dust. Both contain Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) that works very well on worms and caterpillars without harming beneficial insects. And these products can be used up to day of harvest.
Q. There are several large, green worms eating the leaves of my tomato plants. What kind of worm is this and how do I get rid of it?
This large caterpillar is a tomato hornworm. To control them, apply Green Light BT Worm Killer or DiPel Dust. Both contain Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) that works very well on worms and caterpillars without harming beneficial insects. And these products can be used up to day of harvest.
Q. I planted some bedding plants in my flower garden and several days later noticed they were cut off at the ground. What caused this?
Cutworms are the culprits here. They feed on young plants and will eat through the stems causing the plants to lie down like they have been cut. Apply DiPel Dust or Many Purpose Dust around the base of the plants to control these soil pests.
Q. My fescue lawn is dying and in the dead areas, the grass mat pulls easily from the soil. What is the problem and how can I solve it before I lose my entire lawn?
Chances are you have grub worms. To make sure, you need to dig into the soil along the edge of the affected area. These worms are white with a brown head and will be curled up in the shape of the letter C. If you find them, apply Green Light Grub Control with Arena. The adult stage of the grub worm is the June beetle or June bug. So if you see the June bugs out in the spring, chances are you will have grubs in your soil.
Q. We have a mosquito problem. Can I effectively control them around my property?
Since mosquitoes are flying insects, it is harder to control them. But with timely pesticide applications, you should be able control them all season long. Spray Conquest Insecticide Concentrate or Roach, Ant & Spider Control RTU in the early morning or late afternoon in and around shrubs, lawns and other outdoor areas where mosquitoes congregate. The spray should repel them for several hours after application. Also, look for areas that retain water and drain them, as this is where the mosquitoes breed. For those who desire an organic solution, keep unwanted insects away during outdoor gatherings by using YardSafe Insect Repellant.
General
Q. Can I buy products directly from Green Light?
You can buy Green Light products online or at select lawn and garden, hardware, and home centers. To find Green Light products at a store near you, visit our store locator.
Q. Does Green Light sell products outside of the U.S.?
Green Light products are sold within the 50 United States and Puerto Rico. Green Light products are not available for purchase or use outside of the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
Q. What is the shelf life of your products?
As long as the product remain sealed in its original package, the product will remain effective for up to six years. Exceptions are BT Worm Killer and DiPel Dust which will only remain effective for two years.
Q. I am afraid of using chemicals around my yard because I have kids and pets. Are there products that are safe for use around my family?
Care and caution should always be top priority when using any chemical products; however, new products often have low use rates putting less of the chemicals in the environment. They generally have much lower mammalian toxicity than older products that they replace. This provides a larger margin of safety to applicators, children and pets. The EPA evaluates each product and mandates what safety precautions need to be followed to provide safety to the environment, people and pets. A good example of very low use rate products is Wipe-Out Tough Weed Control for Lawns.
Q. On the bottles for Green Light Neem Concentrate and Green Light Rose Defense, it says that it is 70% Neem. What makes up the other 30%?
The other 30% in the product is a blend of natural oils that are by-products of the Neem oil extracted from the seed. We do not know exactly what they are as that information is deemed proprietary information from the supplier. The additional 30% of the product are other oils and inert ingredients that keep the oil in the active state and help it mix with water for application.
Q. I have misplaced my instruction booklet - how do I obtain a replacement?
You can download the product label here on the website. Go to the page of the product you are using and look for the download label link.