Does your lawn look patchy and dull after a long winter? You want that vibrant, green carpet for summer barbecues, but the thought of picking the perfect spring fertilizer and weed killer feels like a complicated science project. It’s frustrating! You see bags promising miracles, but which one actually works for your specific lawn needs?
Choosing the right product is tough. Do you need a weed-and-feed combo, or should you tackle weeds first? Getting the timing wrong can lead to more problems than it solves, leaving you with stubborn weeds and weak grass. We understand that confusion.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what your lawn needs right now to bounce back strong. You will learn the simple steps to feed your grass deeply and stop those pesky early spring weeds in their tracks. Get ready to transform your yard from drab to dazzling this season!
Top Spring Lawn Fertilizer And Weed Control 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 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 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
- 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
- Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food feeds and strengthens grass to help protect against future problems
- Fertilizer builds strong, deep roots and improves the lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients (vs. unfed lawn)
- Apply lawn care product to a wet or dry lawn
- Grass fertilizer works on any grass type
- One 12.5 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts prevents crabgrass all season long
- This pre-emergent grassy weed killer stops crabgrass before it starts
- Apply in early spring for season-long prevention of crabgrass, or apply in fall to prevent winter weeds such as Poa annua, henbit, and chickweed
- Do not apply this lawn care product to Dichondra and Bentgrass
- One 10.06 lb. bag of Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts covers 5,000 sq. ft.
Your Guide to a Greener Spring Lawn: Fertilizer and Weed Control
Spring is the perfect time to wake up your lawn. A healthy lawn needs food (fertilizer) and protection from unwanted guests (weeds). Choosing the right product helps you achieve that lush, green look. This guide will help you pick the best spring lawn fertilizer and weed control combo.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the bag or bottle. Certain features make a product better for your specific lawn needs.
- **N-P-K Ratio:** This is the most important thing. It shows the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For spring, you usually want a higher first number (Nitrogen) to encourage green growth.
- **Weed Control Type:** Does it kill existing weeds (post-emergent) or stop them from sprouting (pre-emergent)? Spring applications often benefit from pre-emergent to stop crabgrass early.
- **Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release:** Slow-release nutrients feed your grass over several weeks, preventing a sudden, short burst of growth followed by fading. Quick-release works fast but needs more frequent application.
- **Lawn Safety:** Ensure the product clearly states it is safe for your type of grass (e.g., cool-season grasses like Fescue or warm-season grasses like Bermuda).
Important Materials Inside
The ingredients matter for both feeding the grass and fighting weeds.
Fertilizers contain essential nutrients. Nitrogen is the superstar for green color. Phosphorus helps roots grow strong, though many established lawns do not need much of it. Potassium boosts overall plant health and stress resistance. Look for organic options like Milorganite if you prefer natural ingredients over synthetic chemicals.
Weed control ingredients vary. Common pre-emergents include Prodiamine or Pendimethalin. Post-emergents often use 2,4-D or Dicamba to target broadleaf weeds. Always check the active ingredients list to ensure it targets the weeds you see most often.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the product directly impacts your lawn’s health.
Quality Boosters: Products containing micronutrients like Iron or Magnesium improve grass color without excessive growth. Slow-release coatings ensure even feeding. High-quality granules dissolve evenly when watered, preventing burning.
Quality Reducers: Cheap fertilizers often rely only on quick-release nitrogen, leading to rapid growth that stresses the grass. Poorly manufactured granules can clump, causing dark green spots where the grass burns. Weed control products that are not formulated for your specific climate might wash away too quickly or damage sensitive turf.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product affects the results.
Ease of Application: Granular products require a spreader. Look for fine granules that spread easily without clogging the machine. Liquid concentrates mix well and cover large areas quickly if you have a sprayer.
Timing is Everything: The best use case for spring application is applying pre-emergent weed control before soil temperatures reach 55°F (this stops crabgrass). Fertilizing should happen after the lawn has started actively growing, usually when the first mowing occurs.
Safety First: Always read the label regarding pet and child safety after application. Most products require watering in and a waiting period before turf use.
10 FAQs About Spring Lawn Fertilizer and Weed Control
Q: When exactly should I apply spring weed control?
A: Apply pre-emergent weed control when the forsythia bushes start blooming or when soil temperatures consistently hit 55°F. This stops seeds from sprouting.
Q: Can I use fertilizer and weed killer in the same bag?
A: Yes, many products combine these. These are called “Weed & Feed.” They offer convenience for a single application.
Q: My lawn already has dandelions. Should I use pre-emergent or post-emergent?
A: If weeds are already visible, use a post-emergent product that targets existing broadleaf weeds. Pre-emergent stops new weeds.
Q: What does the N-P-K ratio of 24-0-10 mean?
A: It means 24% Nitrogen, 0% Phosphorus, and 10% Potassium by weight. This is a good ratio for spring feeding because it emphasizes green growth (N).
Q: How much water should I put on the lawn after applying granular fertilizer?
A: You must water the granules in thoroughly right after application unless the product specifically says not to. Watering moves the nutrients to the soil and prevents the grass blades from burning.
Q: Will this product harm my established flower beds?
A: Many weed controls can drift or run off. Always check the label to ensure the product is not harmful to nearby ornamental plants or trees.
Q: Should I fertilize before or after I mow for the first time?
A: It is best to fertilize shortly after the first mowing, once the grass blades have started growing actively. This gives the nutrients something to feed.
Q: Are organic fertilizers slower to work than synthetic ones?
A: Generally, yes. Organic fertilizers feed the soil microbes, which then release the nutrients slowly. Synthetic fertilizers release nutrients much faster.
Q: How long must I wait before letting my dog back on the lawn?
A: This varies widely. Always follow the label instructions, but usually, you must wait until the product is completely dry, which can take 24 to 72 hours.
Q: What if it rains right after I apply my weed killer?
A: If you used a granular product that needs watering in, rain is helpful. If you used a product that needs time to dry on the leaf surface, heavy rain soon after application might wash the chemical away, reducing effectiveness.