Imagine a lawn so green and lush it looks like a carpet of emeralds. Do you dream of a yard free from those pesky, unwanted invaders like dandelions and clover? Many homeowners struggle to achieve this perfect picture. Choosing the right “Weed and Feed” product can feel like a confusing puzzle. Should you pick the liquid kind or the granular one? Does one work better in the spring than the fall? These decisions greatly affect how healthy your grass grows and how effectively those weeds disappear.
It is frustrating when you spend time and money on a product only to see weeds popping up again next week! We understand that pain. This guide cuts through the confusing labels and technical jargon. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what ingredients to look for. You will learn when to apply your chosen product for maximum impact. Get ready to transform your patchy, weedy space into the envy of the neighborhood. Let’s dive into mastering the art of Weed and Feed!
Top Weed And Feed For Lawns 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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 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
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Kills major broadleaf weeds while feeding your lawn.
- FEEDS LAWN: Fertilizes with 20 percent nitrogen formulation.
- KILLS WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many broadleaf weeds as listed.
- QUICKFLIP SPRAYER: Just connect to your hose and spray – just grip, flip and go.
- COVERAGE: 32 ounces treats up to 7,500 square feet of lawn.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Weed and Feed for a Lush Lawn
Want a green, thick lawn without pesky weeds? Weed and feed products are your answer. These handy products combine fertilizer to boost grass growth and weed killer to stop unwanted plants. Choosing the right one can make a big difference. This guide will help you pick the best bag or container for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for weed and feed, look closely at what the product promises to do. These features tell you how effective the product will be.
1. Weed Control Type
- Selective Herbicides: These are great because they target broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) but leave your grass unharmed. This is what most homeowners need.
- Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent: Pre-emergent stops seeds from sprouting (great for spring planning). Post-emergent kills weeds already growing. Some products offer both!
2. Fertilizer NPK Ratio
The NPK numbers (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) show the strength of the fertilizer. Nitrogen (N) makes grass green and leafy. Look for a higher first number for good color.
3. Application Method
- Granular: You spread this with a spreader. It’s easy to control how much you use.
- Liquid Concentrate: You mix this with water and spray it on. It covers uneven areas well.
Important Materials Inside
The ingredients determine if the product works well and safely for your lawn.
Active Ingredients in Weed Killers
Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP. These chemicals attack the structure of the weeds. Always check if the label lists the weeds you actually have in your yard.
Nutrient Sources
Good fertilizers use slow-release nitrogen. This means the nutrients feed your lawn steadily over several weeks, preventing sudden, weak growth spurts. Look for ingredients like urea or sulfur-coated urea.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all weed and feeds perform the same way. Pay attention to these details.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Temperature Ratings: High-quality pre-emergents work best when applied within a specific soil temperature range.
- Rain In, Rain Out Time: This tells you how long you must wait after applying before rain won’t wash it away. Shorter times mean better coverage.
- Lawn Type Specificity: Products made specifically for cool-season grasses (like fescue) or warm-season grasses (like Bermuda) work much better.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Be Cautious Of)
Using the wrong product for your grass type can severely damage or kill your lawn. Also, products that are very old might have lost some of their effectiveness.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product matters just as much as what you buy.
Best Use Cases
- Spring Cleanup: Use a product with pre-emergent herbicide right before the soil warms up to stop crabgrass.
- Mid-Summer Boost: Use a standard fertilizer blend when the grass is actively growing, usually without weed killer if weeds are already controlled.
- Fall Feeding: A final feed in the fall helps the grass store energy for winter survival.
Ease of Use
Granular products often require a spreader, which adds a step. However, they provide very even coverage. Liquid sprays are faster for small patches but require careful mixing and spraying to avoid skips or overlaps.
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 before weed seeds germinate. A second application often works well in late spring or early summer.
Q: Can I use weed and feed if I have new grass seed?
A: No. Most weed and feed products contain herbicides that stop all seeds from growing, including grass seed. Wait until the new grass is established before using them.
Q: How soon after applying can my pets or kids go on the lawn?
A: Always read the product label. Generally, you must wait until the product has completely dried and washed off the grass blades, usually 24 to 48 hours.
Q: What happens if it rains right after I spread the product?
A: If the product needs time to absorb (check the ‘rain-fast’ time), heavy rain might wash the fertilizer away before the grass can use it.
Q: Will weed and feed kill dandelions?
A: Yes, most standard weed and feed formulas are designed to kill common broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover.
Q: Is granular or liquid application better?
A: Granular is easier for beginners to spread evenly over large areas using a spreader. Liquid provides better coverage on uneven spots but demands more careful mixing.
Q: How often should I use weed and feed in one season?
A: Most lawns benefit from two to four applications per year, depending on the product’s instructions and your lawn’s needs.
Q: Does weed and feed help with bare spots in my lawn?
A: The fertilizer part helps existing grass grow thicker, which crowds out future weeds. However, it does not plant new grass seed in bare spots.
Q: Can I use weed and feed on my flower beds?
A: Absolutely not. The herbicides are designed to kill broadleaf plants, which includes most flowers and shrubs. Keep the product only on the grass.
Q: What if I see weeds still growing a week later?
A: If you used a post-emergent product, some tough weeds take longer to die. If they are still green after two weeks, you might need a spot treatment or a second application, following the label directions carefully.