Does your dream lawn look more like a patchy, dandelion-filled battlefield? You spend hours mowing and watering, only to see stubborn weeds fight back every spring. It’s frustrating! Many homeowners want that lush, green carpet without the hassle of separate steps for feeding the grass and battling invaders. Choosing the right all-in-one fertilizer with weed killer can feel like navigating a minefield. Should you use a pre-emergent or a post-emergent? Will it hurt your specific grass type?
We understand the confusion. You need a product that feeds your lawn effectively while smartly targeting the unwanted guests. Getting this balance wrong means wasted money or a damaged yard. This post cuts through the confusing labels and technical jargon. We will show you exactly how to pick the best lawn fertilizer paired with weed killer for your yard’s needs.
Keep reading to unlock the secrets to a beautiful, weed-free lawn this season. Let’s explore the best dual-action products available and how to apply them for maximum results.
Top Lawn Fertilizer With Weed Killer Recommendations
- WEED KILLER PLUS LAWN FOOD: Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer for grass kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- WEED CONTROL FOR LAWNS: These weed killer plus lawn fertilizer granules control 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 your wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; don't 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)
- DO NOT USE ON: Do not use this weed killer for lawns on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass 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 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
- 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
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Improve your lawn care with lawn weed and feed fertilizer, targeting hard-to-kill listed weeds with weed control for lawns
- PREVENTS NEW WEEDS: Control listed weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions, clovers, and black medic
- KILLS LARGE CRABGRASS: Control crabgrass, targeting them down to the root for visible results in just 3 days
- PREVENTS NEW CRABGRASS: Use to keep crabgrass, dandelions, clovers, black medic, and other listed weeds from starting, applying crabgrass preventer for lawns while keeping your grass unharmed
- GREENS UP TO 3 MONTHS: Fertilizer for grass offers stronger turf while acting as a lawn weed killer
Your Guide to Greener Grass: Buying Lawn Fertilizer with Weed Killer
Want a lawn that looks amazing? Combining fertilizer and weed killer in one bag saves time. This guide helps you pick the best product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the bag for these important features. They tell you what the product does best.
1. Weed Control Type
- Pre-emergent: This stops weed seeds from sprouting in the first place. It’s great for preventing dandelions early in the season.
- Post-emergent: This kills weeds that are already growing, like clover or chickweed. Make sure it lists the specific weeds you see.
2. Fertilizer N-P-K Ratio
Fertilizer bags show three numbers (like 20-0-10). This is the N-P-K ratio:
- N (Nitrogen): Makes the grass green and leafy. High numbers are good for fast growth.
- P (Phosphorus): Helps roots grow strong. (Sometimes zero in lawn products.)
- K (Potassium): Boosts overall plant health and disease resistance.
Look for a ratio that matches your lawn’s needs at the time of year you apply it.
3. Application Timing
Some formulas work best in spring, others in fall. Read the label carefully. Applying at the wrong time can hurt your grass.
Important Materials Inside
The ingredients determine how well the product works. You need both good nutrients and effective weed killers.
Active Weed Killing Ingredients
These chemicals do the heavy lifting against unwanted plants. Common examples include 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. Check if the product targets broadleaf weeds (dandelions) or grassy weeds (crabgrass).
Nutrient Sources
High-quality fertilizers use slow-release nitrogen. This means the nutrients feed your lawn slowly over several weeks. Quick-release nitrogen makes grass grow very fast, but you have to mow constantly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all combination products are created equal. Pay attention to these factors.
Quality Boosters:
- Slow-Release Coating: Better, more expensive formulas use coatings that release nutrients over 6–8 weeks. This prevents fertilizer burn.
- Micronutrients: Small amounts of iron or sulfur can make grass deeper green, even if the main nitrogen is low.
Quality Reducers:
- Too Much Quick-Release Nitrogen: This can easily burn your lawn if you accidentally overlap when spreading.
- Weed Killer Selection: If the product only kills one type of weed, and your lawn has five types, the quality of weed control will be low.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product matters just as much as what is in it.
Ease of Application
Most products come in granular form, which you spread with a broadcast or drop spreader. Check reviews to see if the granules spread evenly without clogging your machine.
Lawn Safety
Always check the label for grass type compatibility. A product safe for Kentucky Bluegrass might harm St. Augustine grass. **New grass (seedlings) should not be treated** until they have been mowed several times.
Best Use Cases:
- Spring Cleanup: Use a pre-emergent weed killer plus a balanced fertilizer to wake up the lawn.
- Summer Stress: Use a slow-release formula with potassium to help the grass handle heat.
- Fall Root Building: Use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to strengthen roots for winter.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use this product if I just seeded my lawn?
A: No. Wait until the new grass has been mowed at least two or three times. Weed killers, especially pre-emergents, stop all seeds from growing, including your new grass seed.
Q: How long until I see results?
A: You should see greener grass in about one to two weeks from the fertilizer. Weed killing results depend on the type: post-emergent weeds might look yellow in a week, while pre-emergents prevent weeds you never see.
Q: Do I need to water the lawn after applying?
A: Yes, usually. Most granules need light watering (about 1/4 inch) to activate the fertilizer and move the weed killer down to the soil level where it can work.
Q: Is it safe for pets to go on the lawn after use?
A: Wait until the lawn is completely dry after watering in the product. Once dry, most modern formulas are considered safe, but always check the specific product label for exact waiting times.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killer?
A: Pre-emergent stops seeds from sprouting. Post-emergent kills weeds that are already growing above ground.
Q: Why does my fertilizer have three different weed killers in it?
A: Different weed killers target different types of weeds. A product with three active ingredients offers broader control against more common lawn invaders like clover and plantain.
Q: Can I use this product when it is very hot outside (over 85°F)?
A: It is risky. High heat combined with fertilizer can stress or burn your grass. Most manufacturers advise against applying when temperatures are consistently high.
Q: How often should I fertilize my lawn during the growing season?
A: This changes based on your grass type and the product’s instructions. Usually, you apply these combination products two to four times per year, spaced several weeks apart.
Q: My grass turned yellow after applying. Did I burn it?
A: Yellowing can mean fertilizer burn, often caused by applying too much product or applying it when it is too hot. It could also mean the grass needed nitrogen badly.
Q: Should I use a spreader or just toss the product by hand?
A: Always use a spreader. Hand spreading leads to uneven patches of too much and too little product, resulting in stripes of dark green grass next to burnt or weedy areas.