Chemical Safety

Before You Apply Anything

• 1 Read the entire label. Not just the directions — also read the precautions, first aid, environmental hazards, and re-entry interval sections. Every. Single. Time.
• 2 Check the registration. The product must be registered for use in your state and for the specific site (turf, lawn, garden, etc.) where you plan to apply it.
• 3 Check the weather. Avoid applying before rain (runoff), in high wind (>10 mph), or in extreme heat. Herbicides and fungicides often require several hours of dry conditions to absorb properly.
• 4 Identify your target. Confirm you are treating the right pest, weed, or disease. Misidentification is one of the most common causes of ineffective or illegal applications.
• 5 Protect yourself. Wear the PPE listed on the label — at minimum, this is typically gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection. Some products require a respirator or chemical-resistant suit.
• 6 Protect others. Keep children and pets off treated areas until the re-entry interval has passed. If neighbors, pedestrians, or workers may be exposed, plan accordingly.

Safe Application Practices

Mixing and Measuring

• Never exceed the label rate. More is not better — over-application can harm your lawn, damage nearby plants, and contaminate groundwater.
• Use dedicated, labeled measuring tools. Do not use kitchen utensils or food containers for pesticide mixing.
• Mix only what you need. Dispose of excess mix according to label instructions — never pour it down a drain or on bare ground.
• Triple-rinse spray equipment after each use. Add rinse water to the spray tank and apply to a labeled site.

During Application

• Stay upwind to avoid inhaling spray mist or dust.
• Avoid applying near storm drains, ditches, water features, or vegetable gardens unless the label specifically allows it.
• Do not spray when wind speeds exceed the label limit (commonly 10 mph). Drift is a legal liability.
• Keep application records — the date, product, rate, area treated, and weather conditions. Home Greenskeeper stores this for you.

After Application

• Respect the re-entry interval (REI) printed on the label before letting people or pets back onto treated areas.
• Wash your hands and exposed skin with soap and water before eating, drinking, or touching your face.
• Remove and launder contaminated clothing separately from household laundry.
• Store unused product in its original, tightly sealed container in a locked cabinet away from children and pets.

Fertilizer Safety

• Apply at the rate recommended on the bag or your soil test report — not more.
• Water granular fertilizers in promptly to prevent burn and reduce runoff.
• Keep fertilizer away from paved surfaces, driveways, and storm drains. Sweep up any granules that land off-target.
• Some states and municipalities restrict fertilizer application near waterways or during certain seasons. Check local regulations.
• Get a soil test before fertilizing. Over-fertilizing wastes money and harms your lawn.

Emergency Information

EPA & Government Resources

The following official resources provide label databases, safety data sheets, and regulatory guidance.

A Note About Home Greenskeeper

Home Greenskeeper helps you log and track chemical applications for your personal records. The app does not provide application recommendations, dosage advice, or product guidance.

Questions about chemical safety or this app? Contact us at info@homegreenskeeper.com.