Does your lawn look more like a patchy battlefield than a lush green carpet? You are not alone. Many homeowners wrestle with stubborn weeds that steal the spotlight from healthy grass. Choosing the right “Weed and Feed” product can feel like navigating a maze. Should you pick one for broadleaf weeds? What about crabgrass? The sheer number of bags on the shelf often leaves people frustrated and unsure if they are wasting money on the wrong formula.
This confusion is exactly why we created this guide. We break down the mystery behind these popular lawn treatments. You will learn exactly what to look for, how to match the product to your lawn’s specific problems, and when the best time to apply it is for maximum results. Stop guessing and start growing a yard you are proud of. Keep reading to transform your patchy lawn into the envy of the neighborhood!
Top Weed And Feed For Lawn Recommendations
- 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 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 & 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 over 250 common lawn weeds - including dandelions, clover and plantain
- Ideal for smaller lawns providing 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
- One application and done for a season
- Contains natural beneficial microorganisms that revitalize soil
- Contains 5% iron for deep greening
- Contains polymer coated urea that slowly releases nitrogen up to 4 months
- Product not available in Hawaii and South Dakota
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Weed and Feed for Your Lawn
Want a lush, green lawn without pesky weeds taking over? Weed and feed products are your secret weapon. They combine fertilizer to nourish your grass and herbicide to kill unwanted invaders. Choosing the right one can seem tricky, but this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the product label. Not all weed and feeds are created equal. These features matter most:
- Weed Control Spectrum: Does it target broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) or also grassy weeds (like crabgrass)? Most standard formulas focus on broadleaf weeds. If you have tough grassy weeds, you need a specialized product.
- Fertilizer NPK Ratio: This stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen promotes green, leafy growth. A higher first number (N) means faster greening. Choose a ratio suitable for the time of year you apply it.
- Application Method: Are you buying granular (spreadable with a broadcast spreader) or liquid (mixable with water and sprayed)? Granular is easier for beginners, while liquid often offers faster results.
- Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release Nitrogen: Slow-release feeds your lawn over several weeks, providing steady growth. Quick-release feeds fast but can sometimes lead to burning if over-applied.
Important Materials Inside the Bag
The ingredients determine how well the product works. You are looking at two main components:
The Herbicide (Weed Killer)
Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. These chemicals work by disrupting the growth process of the weeds. Make sure the product lists the specific weeds you are trying to eliminate.
The Fertilizer (Plant Food)
Look for high-quality sources of nitrogen. Organic options, like milorganite, release nutrients slowly and are gentler on the soil. Synthetic fertilizers work faster but require more careful application to avoid burning the grass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bag better than another? It often comes down to formulation and timing.
Factors Improving Quality:
- Pre-Emergent Control: If you are applying in early spring, look for products containing a pre-emergent herbicide (like Prodiamine). This stops weed seeds from sprouting in the first place. This is a huge quality booster.
- Balanced Micro-Nutrients: High-quality feeds include secondary nutrients like iron or sulfur, which help deepen grass color without excessive growth.
- Uniform Granule Size (For Granular Products): Evenly sized granules spread smoothly, ensuring consistent feeding and killing across your entire lawn.
Factors Reducing Quality:
- Wrong Timing: Applying a weed killer when your weeds are dormant or when grass is stressed (like during extreme summer heat) reduces effectiveness.
- Poor Spreader Calibration: If you use too much product, you risk burning your lawn (fertilizer burn). If you use too little, the weeds survive.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product greatly affects your success. Most weed and feeds are designed for specific seasons.
Best Use Cases:
- Early Spring (The Wake-Up Call): Use a weed and feed with pre-emergent control. This stops crabgrass before it starts and gives your lawn its first big boost of food after winter.
- Late Spring/Early Summer (The Clean-Up): Use a product focused on post-emergent control. This kills dandelions and clover that are actively growing.
User Tip: Always read the label concerning watering. Some products require you to water the granules in immediately to activate the chemicals, while others require dry conditions for the granules to stick to the leaves of the weeds.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed and Feed
Q: When is the best time of year to apply weed and feed?
A: The best time is early spring, right before the weeds begin to sprout. Early spring application allows the pre-emergent to work effectively.
Q: Can I use weed and feed if I have new grass seed?
A: No. Most weed and feed products contain herbicides that will prevent your new grass seed from germinating. Wait until your new lawn is established (usually after 3-4 mowings) before using these products.
Q: How soon after applying can my kids or pets go on the lawn?
A: Follow the label instructions carefully. Generally, you should wait until the granules have dissolved or the liquid spray has completely dried. This usually takes a few hours.
Q: What happens if it rains right after I apply granular weed and feed?
A: A light rain is usually good because it helps move the fertilizer into the soil. However, a heavy downpour immediately after application can wash the granules away, reducing effectiveness.
Q: Do I need a special spreader for granular weed and feed?
A: Yes. You need a broadcast or rotary spreader to ensure the product is spread evenly across the lawn. Drop spreaders often leave streaks.
Q: Will weed and feed kill clover in my lawn?
A: Most standard weed and feed formulas are designed to kill broadleaf weeds, and clover is a broadleaf weed. Check the label to confirm clover is listed.
Q: Can I use weed and feed on my vegetable garden?
A: Absolutely not. The herbicides can drift or leach into your garden soil and severely damage or kill your vegetables. Keep these products far away from edible plants.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control?
A: Pre-emergent stops seeds from growing. Post-emergent kills weeds that have already sprouted and are visible above the ground.
Q: Why are some weed and feeds more expensive than others?
A: Higher quality products use premium, slow-release nitrogen sources and feature more powerful or specialized combinations of herbicides.
Q: How often should I apply weed and feed during the growing season?
A: Most manufacturers recommend applying 2 to 4 times per year, following the specific seasonal recommendations on the packaging for optimal results.