Ever look at your beautiful green lawn, only to see annoying dandelions or stubborn clover popping up? It’s frustrating! You want a lush, perfect yard, but those pesky weeds fight back every spring. Choosing the right lawn fertilizer that also tackles weeds feels like a complicated puzzle. Do you pick the fast-acting weed killer or the slow-release green-up formula? Many products promise the world, but few actually deliver a weed-free, vibrant carpet of grass.
This confusion stops here. We cut through the confusing labels and chemical jargon. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which combination fertilizer is your lawn’s best friend. You will learn the secrets to banishing those unwanted guests forever while feeding your turf the nutrients it craves. Get ready to transform your yard from patchy and weedy to the envy of the neighborhood. Let’s dive into finding the ultimate lawn fertilizer to kill weeds!
Top Lawn Fertilizer To Kill Weeds Recommendations
- 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 & 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 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 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Lawn Fertilizer That Kills Weeds
Want a lush, green lawn without those pesky invaders? Choosing the right “weed and feed” product is key. This guide helps you pick the best fertilizer that also tackles unwanted weeds effectively.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at the product label. These features tell you how well the product works.
- Weed Killing Power (Active Ingredients): Check the chemical names. Common weed killers include 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. These ingredients actually destroy the weeds.
- Fertilizer Ratio (The N-P-K Numbers): These three numbers (like 20-5-10) show the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen makes grass green and grow. Choose a ratio that matches your lawn’s needs.
- Weed Type Targeting: Does the label say it kills broadleaf weeds (like dandelions) or grassy weeds (like crabgrass)? Make sure it targets the weeds you see most often.
- Application Timing: Some formulas work best in spring, while others are designed for fall application. Check the season recommendation.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
The best products balance feeding your grass and fighting weeds.
Fertilizer Components
- Nitrogen Source: Quick-release nitrogen works fast but fades sooner. Slow-release nitrogen feeds your lawn over several weeks, giving you longer results and reducing the risk of burning the grass.
- Weed Control Type: Most common products use selective herbicides. These kill the weeds but leave your desirable grass unharmed.
Safety and Handling
- Always check the safety warnings. Wear gloves and long pants when applying these chemicals.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all weed and feed products perform the same way. Quality depends on several things.
Factors Improving Quality
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: This creates steady growth and less stress on your lawn. It’s a sign of a higher-quality fertilizer.
- Weather Appropriateness: Applying the product when the weather matches the label instructions maximizes effectiveness. Rain helps move the fertilizer into the soil, but too much rain right after application can wash it away.
- Proper Calibration: Using a spreader correctly ensures you apply the right amount.
Factors Reducing Quality
- Applying During Stress: If your lawn is already dry or extremely hot, applying these chemicals can harm the grass, even if the weeds die.
- Using Old Product: Chemicals degrade over time. Always check the expiration date.
- Inconsistent Spreading: Over-applying in one spot burns the grass; under-applying leaves weeds untouched.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product greatly affects your success.
Best Use Cases
- Preventative Crabgrass Control: Look for “pre-emergent” weed killers. You apply these early in the spring before the crabgrass seeds actually sprout.
- Active Weed Cleanup: Use “post-emergent” formulas when you see dandelions or clover actively growing.
- Seasonal Tune-Up: Many homeowners use a weed and feed product once in the spring and once in the early fall for comprehensive care.
Users generally enjoy the convenience of feeding and weeding in one step. However, results often depend on watering correctly after application. A slow, steady watering schedule helps the fertilizer work without washing the weed killer away.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Fertilizer to Kill Weeds
Q: How long does it take for the weeds to die after I apply the product?
A: Most post-emergent weed killers start working within a few days. You should see visible yellowing or curling of the weeds within one to two weeks.
Q: Can I use this product if I have new grass seed?
A: Usually, no. Most weed and feed products contain herbicides that stop all seed germination, which means your new grass seed will not grow. Wait until your new lawn is established before using these products.
Q: What is the best time of year to apply a weed and feed product?
A: Early spring is often best for pre-emergent weed control. For killing existing broadleaf weeds, apply when temperatures are mild (between 60°F and 80°F) and the weeds are actively growing.
Q: Will this kill my flowers or vegetable garden?
A: Yes, if the spray drifts onto them. These products are “selective,” meaning they target broadleaf plants. Keep the product away from desirable flowers, shrubs, and vegetable patches.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn after spreading the granules?
A: Yes, this is very important. Water lightly after application to help the fertilizer dissolve and move the active ingredients down to the soil level where the roots are.
Q: What should I do if it rains right after I apply it?
A: If the label says to wait 24 hours before rain, and it rains sooner, the product might wash away. You may need to reapply the treatment after the recommended waiting period has passed.
Q: Is there a difference between granular and liquid weed and feed?
A: Granular products are spread with a spreader and rely on watering to activate. Liquid products mix with water and are sprayed on. Liquids often provide faster results but may require more careful application.
Q: Can I mow my lawn immediately after applying the product?
A: No. Wait at least two days after application before mowing. This gives the weed killer enough time to be absorbed by the weed leaves.
Q: What are those N-P-K numbers on the bag?
A: They show the percentage of the main nutrients: Nitrogen (N) for green growth, Phosphorus (P) for root development, and Potassium (K) for overall plant health.
Q: How do I store leftover weed and feed?
A: Store any unused product in its original, tightly sealed bag or container in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Do not store it where temperatures get too hot.