Does the sight of bright yellow dandelions ruin your perfect green lawn? You spend hours mowing, watering, and caring for your grass, only to see those pesky weeds pop up everywhere. It feels like a constant battle, right? Choosing the best lawn weed and feed product to fight these stubborn invaders can be confusing. So many bags promise results, but which one actually tackles dandelions without harming your beautiful turf?
We understand the frustration. You want a simple solution that works effectively. That’s why we dug deep into the best weed and feed options specifically designed to conquer dandelions. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which products deliver powerful results, saving you time and giving you the lush, weed-free yard you deserve.
Let’s stop dreaming about a perfect lawn and start building one. Keep reading to discover our top picks for defeating those notorious yellow heads for good.
Top Lawn Weed And Feed For Dandelions 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
- 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
- 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.
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 kills weeds while feeding your lawn.
- KILLS MAJOR BROADLEAF WEEDS: Kills dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many other broadleaf weeds.
- FEEDS LAWN: Formulated with 20% nitrogen to feed your lawn.
- COVERAGE: One 32-oz bottle treats up to 7,500 square feet.
- CONVENIENT THREE PACK: Three pack features one nozzle and three bottles of product.
- Kills over 250 common lawn weeds - including dandelions, clover and plantain
- GreenSmart Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer provides 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
- 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 EZ Feed Plus Weed Control fertilizes lawns and kills broadleaf weeds all in one easy step
- Weeds begin to curl up within a few days of an application (some hard-to-control weeds may require a repeat application in 3-to-4 weeks)
- Controls carpetweed, clover, dandelion, goldenrod, ground ivy, poison ivy, ragweed, virginia creeper, wild onion, and other broadleaf weeds
- Use on bahia, common bermuda, centipede, zoysia, bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass lawns
- Easily apply by attaching the Scotts EZ Feed Plus Weed Control container to a garden hose and spray evenly across the lawn; provides coverage of 6,000 sq. ft. across warm season lawns and 4,000 sq. ft. across cool season lawns
Your Guide to Conquering Dandelions: Choosing the Best Lawn Weed and Feed
Dandelions can take over your beautiful lawn. They are tough weeds! A good weed and feed product helps you fight them while also feeding your grass. This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the product label carefully. These features matter most for beating dandelions.
- **Targeted Herbicide:** Make sure the product specifically lists “dandelion” on the label. Some weed killers only target broadleaf weeds, but you need one that names your enemy!
- **Slow-Release Fertilizer:** Good weed and feed releases nutrients slowly. This feeds your grass evenly over weeks, not just a few days. Look for terms like “slow-release nitrogen.”
- **Coverage Area:** Check how much lawn the bag covers. This helps you buy the right size and avoid waste.
- **Application Type:** Most are granular (spreadable pellets). Ensure you have a spreader that works well with the product’s granule size.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The effectiveness of weed and feed depends on its ingredients. You need two main parts: the weed killer and the fertilizer.
Weed Killer Ingredients (Herbicides)
Look for active ingredients that target dandelions well. Common effective ingredients include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP (Mecoprop). These chemicals tell the dandelion to grow too fast and die.
Fertilizer Ingredients (Nutrients)
Fertilizers use N-P-K numbers (Nitrogen-Phosphate-Potassium). Nitrogen (N) makes grass green and thick. A higher first number (like 24-0-10) means more feeding power. Since you are fighting weeds, a fertilizer that promotes strong grass growth is very helpful.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the product affects how fast you see results and how long the effects last.
What Improves Quality?
- **Rainfastness:** Better products stick to the weeds quickly, even if it rains a little soon after application. This means the weed killer won’t just wash away.
- **Temperature Range:** High-quality formulas work well across a wider range of spring temperatures. Cheap formulas might only work on very specific, warm days.
- **Granule Coating:** Premium products often have better coatings on the fertilizer, ensuring that slow release actually happens over time.
What Reduces Quality?
- **Low Active Ingredient:** Some budget brands use less of the powerful weed killer chemical. You might have to apply it multiple times.
- **Dusty Granules:** If the granules break down into powder easily, they can blow away before they reach the soil, reducing effectiveness.
- **Poor Mixing:** If the weed killer and fertilizer aren’t mixed evenly in the bag, you might feed the grass heavily in one spot and kill weeds poorly in another.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product changes your experience. Timing is everything when tackling dandelions.
Best Time to Apply
Apply weed and feed when dandelions are actively growing. This is usually early to mid-spring. The weed needs to be pulling nutrients down to its roots for the herbicide to work best. Do not apply if frost is expected soon.
Spreading Technique
Always use a calibrated spreader. Over-applying can burn your lawn. Under-applying means the dandelions survive. Read the bag directions for the exact spreader setting. Walk at a steady pace. This ensures an even coat.
After Application
Most products require watering the lawn lightly after spreading to activate the fertilizer and help the granules settle. Check the label for specific watering instructions. Avoid walking on the treated lawn until it dries completely.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dandelion Weed and Feed
Q: How soon after applying will the dandelions die?
A: Most visible results appear within seven to fourteen days. You should see the dandelion leaves start to curl and turn yellow.
Q: Can I use this product if my grass is dormant (not growing)?
A: No. Most weed and feed products require the dandelion to be actively growing to absorb the herbicide. They also require the grass to be actively growing to benefit from the fertilizer.
Q: Will this kill clover too?
A: Many popular dandelion formulas also control other common broadleaf weeds like clover. Always check the label to confirm clover is listed as a targeted weed.
Q: How long should I wait before mowing the lawn after applying?
A: Wait at least three to four days after application before mowing. This gives the weed killer time to move fully into the dandelion roots.
Q: Is it safe for my pets to walk on the lawn after I use this?
A: Wait until the treated area is completely dry before letting pets or children play on the lawn. This usually takes a few hours, but check the specific product instructions.
Q: Should I water my lawn before or after applying weed and feed?
A: Generally, you should apply it to a dry lawn. Then, you usually water lightly afterward to help the granules move down to the soil and grass roots.
Q: What is the best N-P-K ratio for fighting weeds and feeding grass?
A: Look for a higher first number (Nitrogen) for good grass color, like a 24-0-10 or similar. The middle number (Phosphate) is often zero because it is restricted in some areas.
Q: Why is my lawn turning yellow after applying?
A: If you applied too much product, or if the grass was stressed, the fertilizer might have burned the grass slightly. Always use the correct spreader setting.
Q: Does this product prevent new weeds from growing?
A: Some weed and feed products include a “pre-emergent” chemical to stop seeds from sprouting. If you only want to kill existing dandelions, you likely bought a “post-emergent” product, which does not prevent future weeds.
Q: How many times a year should I apply dandelion weed and feed?
A: For most lawns, one or two targeted applications in the spring are enough to handle the main dandelion bloom. Follow the label recommendations for seasonal use.