3/24/2025

Combining POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer with a preemergence herbicide is a time, labor, and cost-efficient way to make sure that your herbicide is being applied at the optimal time, and your fertilizer is ready to release its nutrients as turf wakes up. GrassRoots Turf and Tree Care has been utilizing sparged fertilizers for their customers and have seen some impressive results, to say the least.

We recently had the opportunity to interview Founder and CEO of GrassRoots, Josh Wise, and GrassRoots Franchise Field Coach, Chris McCrory about their company, how they’ve grown into a multi-state franchise, and how their relationship with POLYON® fertilizer has grown over the years (which you can listen to the full interview here). Here, we talk about their experience applying POLYON® fertilizer sparged with Barricade® as a preemergence herbicide and the difference that this one change to your fertilizer application can make.

GrassRoots’ Applications and Timing

In late February – early March, GrassRoots applied to warm-season turf, front-loaded with 1lb of nitrogen using 22-0-5 100% POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer, with some applications being straight fertilizer and some being sparged with Barricade®. This type of application gives users the freedom to apply the herbicide at the appropriate time for the season with the confidence that their fertilizer will begin releasing nutrients when the temperature is just right, and plants are ready to be fed after a long winter.

Here are four images from early May, showing the results that just 3 months can make:

GrassRoots and POLYON®

Since they began in 2002, GrassRoots has worked hard to build their brand through top-of-the-line services and passion for their craft. They currently have locations throughout the Southeastern United States and include a Weed Free® guarantee in their lawn fertilization and weed control programs.

GrassRoots uses POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer as a part of their fertilizer programs to deliver controlled nutrient release with a nutrient package tailored to their residence. POLYON® fertilizer reduces labor intensity by lasting longer, drastically reducing the need for manual applications, and freeing up their team to focus on other essential tasks. On top of all that, POLYON® fertilizer also reduces environmental losses by minimizing leaching, which benefits both the environmental cost and the financial cost of maintaining healthy turf.

Connect with GrassRoots and Your Harrell’s Rep

If you want to connect to GrassRoots or see if they are in your area, check out their website to learn more about their service. If you want to learn more about POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer and the products and services we offer, connect with your Harrell’s Rep.