Does your dream lawn look more like a battlefield against pesky dandelions and stubborn clover? You spend hours mowing, watering, and dreaming of that perfect, emerald carpet, only to have unwanted guests march right in. Choosing the right product to feed your grass *and* fight those weeds can feel like a confusing puzzle. Do you fertilize first? Do you use a separate weed killer? The choices overwhelm even the savviest homeowner.
The truth is, using a combination product—a fertilizer that also kills weeds—can save you time and effort. But picking the wrong one can scorch your beautiful grass or simply fail to stop the invaders. We know you want a simple solution that delivers results without turning your yard brown.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly how these dual-action products work, what ingredients to look for, and how to apply them safely for maximum impact. Get ready to trade your frustration for a lush, weed-free lawn that makes your neighbors jealous. Let’s dive into finding the perfect fertilizer to kill weeds in your lawn today.
Top Fertilizer To Kill Weeds In Lawn 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
- 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: With a simple hose-end application, kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with 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 weed treatment: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on bermudagrass, buffalograss, fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and zoysiagrass (do not use on St. Augustinegrass, bahiagrass, centipedegrass, bentgrass, or carpetgrass)
- 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 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 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
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- KILLS WEEDS: This lawn weed killer kills over 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- LAWN FRIENDLY: It contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won’t harm your grass (when used as directed)
- RESULTS YOU CAN SEE: Visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried
- EASY TO USE: To apply, connect your garden hose to the sprayer and set the nozzle to your desired setting
- 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.
Choosing the Right Weed Killer Fertilizer for a Lush Lawn
Want a green, weed-free lawn? You need a fertilizer that fights weeds too! These special products feed your grass while stopping unwanted plants. This guide helps you pick the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the bag or container. Good weed-and-feed products have important features.
1. Active Weed Killer Ingredients
- Selective Herbicides: These are the most important. They kill specific weeds (like dandelions or clover) but leave your grass unharmed. Look for ingredients like 2,4-D, MCPP, or Dicamba.
- Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent:
- Post-Emergent: Kills weeds that are already growing.
- Pre-Emergent: Stops weed seeds from sprouting in the first place (great for crabgrass prevention).
2. Fertilizer Numbers (N-P-K Ratio)
Fertilizers show three numbers, like 20-5-10. This tells you the amount of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Nitrogen (N): Makes your grass green and helps it grow fast. For a good feed, look for a higher first number.
- Phosphorus (P): Helps young roots grow strong.
- Potassium (K): Keeps the grass healthy and strong against stress.
3. Application Type
Most weed-and-feed products come in granular (small pellets) or liquid form. Granular is easier for beginners to spread evenly.
Important Materials and Safety
The quality of the materials matters a lot. You want ingredients that work well and are safe when used correctly.
- Coated Fertilizers: Some nitrogen is coated. This releases the food slowly over weeks, giving your lawn a steady meal instead of one big burst that might burn the grass.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Always check if the manufacturer provides safety information. Read the label carefully before mixing or spreading.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one product better than another?
Quality Boosters:
- Weed Spectrum: A product that targets the specific weeds common in your area works best.
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: This feeds your lawn longer, meaning fewer trips to spread fertilizer.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid):
- High Weed Killer Concentration (Without Fertilizer): If the main goal seems to be killing weeds, but the grass food (N-P-K) is very low, your lawn might suffer long-term.
- Improper Spreader Calibration: Even the best product works poorly if you dump it all in one spot. Even application is key.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and how you plan to use the product.
When to Apply:
Most weed killers work best when the weeds are actively growing. This is usually late spring or early fall. If you use a pre-emergent, you must apply it before the weed seeds germinate (often early spring).
Lawn Type Consideration:
Some weed killers are safe for Kentucky Bluegrass but might hurt certain types of fescue or St. Augustine grass. Check the label to make sure the product matches your lawn type.
Tip for Success: Water lightly after applying granular products. This helps the fertilizer move down to the roots and activates the chemicals.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed Killer Fertilizers
Q: Can I use weed killer fertilizer if it just rained?
A: No. If the ground is soaked, the product might just wash away into storm drains instead of sticking to the weeds and grass. Wait for a dry period.
Q: How long until I see the weeds die?
A: Post-emergent weed killers usually start working within a week or two. You should see yellowing or curling of the weeds.
Q: Is it safe to let my dog or kids play on the lawn after using this?
A: Not immediately. Always wait the required re-entry time listed on the product label, usually until the product has dried completely and washed off the grass blades.
Q: What is the difference between a weed killer and a pre-emergent?
A: A weed killer kills existing weeds. A pre-emergent creates a barrier in the soil that stops new weed seeds from sprouting.
Q: My grass looks yellow after applying. Did I use too much?
A: Yes, this is often called “fertilizer burn.” It usually happens because too much product was applied to one spot, or it was applied when the grass was very dry.
Q: Should I mow my lawn before or after applying the product?
A: It is best to mow a few days before applying. Do not mow for at least two days after application so the product can stay on the leaves or absorb into the soil.
Q: Does this product work on all types of weeds?
A: No. Most are selective. They kill broadleaf weeds (like clover) but usually do not kill grassy weeds (like crabgrass). You need a product specifically labeled for grassy weeds.
Q: What N-P-K ratio is best for spring feeding?
A: In the spring, you want high nitrogen for growth, so look for a higher first number (N) like 20-5-10 or 30-0-4.
Q: How often should I apply a weed and feed product?
A: Follow the bag instructions, but generally, you apply it once in the spring and once in the fall for best results.
Q: Can I use this on my vegetable garden?
A: Absolutely not. The herbicide chemicals in lawn weed killers can harm or kill your vegetables, even if you don’t see immediate damage.