Does your lawn look more like a patchy, weedy mess than a lush green carpet? You’re not alone! Many homeowners wrestle with stubborn weeds and lackluster grass, dreaming of that perfect, vibrant green space for summer BBQs and playtime. Choosing the right Lawn Feed And Weed product can feel like navigating a minefield. Should you use a liquid or granular formula? Do you need one for broadleaf weeds or all types? These decisions can lead to wasted money and disappointing results.
Stop guessing and start growing! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what Lawn Feed And Weed does, how to match the product to your lawn’s specific needs, and the simple steps to apply it correctly for maximum impact. Get ready to transform your yard from drab to fab. Read on to unlock the secrets to a healthier, greener, and weed-free lawn this season.
Top Lawn Feed And Weed Recommendations
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 14.29 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 5,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control kills weeds and gives your lawn a quick boost of nitrogen to promote greening
- Liquid weed killer plus fertilizer controls dandelion, clover, ground ivy, henbit, chickweed, plantain, poison ivy, and other broadleaf weeds as listed
- Apply this ready-to-spray weed and feed when weeds are actively growing
- This lawn care product is for use on Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, Bahiagrass, Common Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- One 32 fl. oz. container of Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control provides coverage of 6,000 sq. ft. for warm season lawns and 4,000 sq. ft. for cool season lawns
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken grass and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 11.32 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 covers 4,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one formula that kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- Controls existing listed lawn weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, and english daisy
- Prevents crabgrass for 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); prevents other listed grassy weeds from invading your lawn
- For use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zosyiagrass
- Apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader, and then water in after 24 hours; apply in early spring when dandelions are actively growing; an 11.31 lb. bag treats 4,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 is a weed killer and lawn fertilizer that controls weeds and feeds grass in the fall for a better lawn next spring
- Fall weed and feed kills over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Apply weed control plus grass fertilizer to a moist lawn when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F
- This lawn care product is for use on Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- One 11.43 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 covers 4,000 sq. ft.
- Kills over 250 common lawn weeds - including dandelions, clover and plantain
- Ideal for smaller lawns providing continuous feeding for up to 8 weeks
- Restores nutrients to the soil and helps lawn retain water to protect against heat and drought
- Builds a deeper, stronger root system
- Promotes a faster spring green up
- SOUTHERN LAWNS: Specially formulated for Southern lawns like Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), and more, this grass fertilizer for lawn provides care and acts as a weed killer for lawns
- 6-MONTH PROTECTION: Delivers up to 6 months of weed prevention, stopping listed broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass
- WEED KILLER: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, dollarweed, and clover, serving as a reliable weed and feed for lawns to keep your lawn healthy and maintain its beauty
- LAWN FERTILIZER: This lawn fertilizer and weed control product feeds, greens, and strengthens your lawn, helping it remain lush throughout the season
- EASY APPLICATION: Use with a broadcast or drop spreader to apply this weed and feed lawn fertilizer, managing your lawn care routine with ease and maximum results
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Lawn Feed and Weed Killer
A beautiful, green lawn doesn’t just happen. You need the right tools, and a quality lawn feed and weed killer is essential. This guide helps you pick the perfect product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on what the product actually *does*. Different products offer different benefits.
1. Weed Control Spectrum
- Broadleaf Weed Killers: These are common. They target weeds like dandelions and clover. Most standard products focus here.
- Selective vs. Non-Selective: You want a selective killer. This means it kills the weeds but leaves your healthy grass unharmed. Non-selective killers wipe out everything.
2. Fertiliser NPK Ratio
Fertiliser strength is shown by three numbers (like 10-5-10). This is the NPK ratio: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Nitrogen (N): Makes grass green and thick. Look for a higher first number for fast greening.
- Phosphorus (P): Helps young roots grow. Important for new lawns.
- Potassium (K): Boosts overall plant health and stress resistance (like drought).
3. Application Type
- Granular: These look like tiny pellets. You spread them with a broadcast or drop spreader. They usually last longer.
- Liquid Concentrate: You mix these with water and spray them on. They often start working faster.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients determine how well the product works and how safe it is for your family and pets.
Active Weed Killers
These chemicals do the killing. Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP. Always check the label to ensure they target the weeds you see most often.
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release Feed
Quality products use slow-release nitrogen. This feeds your lawn slowly over several weeks, preventing sudden, weak growth and ‘burn.’ Cheaper feeds use quick-release nitrogen, which can burn your grass if you apply too much.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bag better than another?
Quality Boosters
- Added Surfactants: These help the liquid spray stick to the weed leaves, making the weed killer more effective.
- Iron Content: Some feeds add iron (Fe). This deepens the green colour quickly without forcing too much fast, weak growth.
- Rain Resistance: Look for products that state they are rain-fast within a few hours. This means a quick shower won’t wash your hard work away.
Quality Reducers
- Poor Spreader Consistency (Granular): If the granules are dusty or unevenly sized, they spread poorly, leading to patchy feeding and uneven weed control.
- High Salt Content: Feeds with too much salt can actually stress your grass roots, especially in dry weather.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your lawn’s current situation when you buy.
When to Apply
Most weed killers work best when the weeds are actively growing. This is usually in the spring or early fall. Applying when temperatures are too high (over 85°F) often reduces effectiveness and increases the risk of burning your grass.
Ease of Use
Liquid concentrates require measuring and mixing, which some find tricky. Granular products are easier to spread evenly if you own a spreader. Read reviews to see if the packaging is easy to open and reseal.
If you have a very small patch of weeds, a ready-to-use trigger spray bottle might be better than buying a large bag meant for a whole yard.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Feed and Weed
Q: How quickly should I see results after applying?
A: You should notice the weeds starting to curl or yellow within 7 to 14 days. The feeding effect (greening) usually starts within a few days.
Q: Can I use this product if it’s currently raining?
A: No. Most products need dry conditions to stick to the weeds. Check the label; usually, you need 24 hours of dry weather after application.
Q: When is the best time of year to apply feed and weed?
A: Spring is ideal because weeds are emerging and the grass is ready to grow. Early fall applications also help grass prepare for winter.
Q: Are these products safe for pets?
A: Most products are safe *once they have completely dried*. Always keep pets and children off the lawn until the product is fully absorbed or dry, usually a few hours.
Q: What if the weeds do not die after the first application?
A: Some tough perennial weeds need a second treatment. Wait at least three to four weeks before reapplying to allow the first application to fully work.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn after applying granular feed and weed?
A: Yes, usually. Watering helps move the nutrients down to the soil and helps activate the weed-killing chemicals.
Q: Can I mow my lawn immediately after application?
A: Wait at least three days after applying. Mowing too soon can remove the chemicals before they work, or it can stress the grass.
Q: What does “broadleaf” mean in weed control?
A: Broadleaf weeds have wide, flat leaves (like clover). Grass blades are long and thin. Selective killers target the broad leaves, ignoring the grass.
Q: How long does the feeding effect last?
A: Products with slow-release nitrogen can feed your lawn for 6 to 8 weeks. Always check the specific product packaging.
Q: My grass looks yellow after application. Did I burn it?
A: Yellowing can mean you applied too much product, or you applied it during very hot weather. This is often called “fertilizer burn.” Water the area lightly to try and dilute the feed.