Does your Southern lawn look more like a patchy jungle than a green carpet? You are not alone! Keeping a beautiful yard in the sticky heat and humidity of the South is a real challenge. Weeds seem to pop up overnight, stealing the spotlight from your grass. Choosing the right “Weed and Feed” product can feel like a guessing game. Do you pick the one with the strong weed killer, or the one that promises the deepest green color? Many products work great up north but fail miserably when faced with stubborn Southern invaders like dollarweed or crabgrass.
Don’t waste your money on bags of fertilizer that just feed the weeds! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what ingredients to look for to tackle common Southern lawn problems effectively. You will learn how to match the right product to your grass type—whether you have warm-season Bermuda or St. Augustine grass. By the time you finish reading, you will have the knowledge to select a Weed and Feed that delivers a thick, healthy, weed-free lawn all season long. Let’s dive into finding the perfect solution for your green space!
Top Weed And Feed For Southern Lawns Recommendations
- FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: 3-In-1 Weed and Feed is specially formulated to target types of weeds found in Southern lawns, like Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass and more
- PREVENTS NEW WEEDS UP TO 6 MONTHS: One application prevents listed weeds for up to 6 months; Apply when temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees and weeds are actively growing
- KILLS SOUTHERN WEEDS: Kills Dandelion, Dollarweed, Clover, and other listed broadleaf weeds
- FEEDS & GREENS: Fertilizer feeds and greens your lawn for up to 3 months to promote thicker, healthier turf; Apply granules with a broadcast or drop spreader for smooth, even coverage across established lawns
- GET MORE FROM THE BLUE BOTTLE: From simple spot treatments to season-long protection, BioAdvanced science-based solutions make it simple to control unsightly weeds, feed your lawn, and protect against damaging diseases without harming the lawn, when used as directed
- Up to 2X more powerful dandelion and clover control (vs. previous formula)
- Clears out dandelions and clover—satisfaction guaranteed
- Weedgrip Technology grips the weeds you see—and the ones you don't
- Scotts most powerful weed and feed
- Feeds to thicken lawns and crowd out weeds
- FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: 3-In-1 Weed and Feed is specially formulated for use on Southern lawns, including Bermudagrass (except Ormond variety) and St. Augustinegrass, to control listed weeds; Refer to the label for a complete list of weeds and turf types
- PREVENTS NEW WEEDS UP TO 6 MONTHS: One application prevents listed weeds for up to 6 months; Apply when temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees and weeds are small and actively growing
- KILLS SOUTHERN WEEDS: Kills Dandelion, Dollarweed, Clover, and other listed broadleaf weeds
- FEEDS & GREENS: Fertilizer feeds and greens your lawn to promote thicker, healthier turf; Apply granules with a broadcast or drop spreader for smooth, even coverage across established lawns
- GET MORE FROM THE BLUE BOTTLE: From simple spot treatments to season-long protection, BioAdvanced science-based solutions make it simple to control unsightly weeds, feed your lawn, and protect against damaging diseases without harming the lawn, when used as directed
- KILLS LISTED BROADLEAF WEEDS: Season Long Lawn Weed Killer + Preventer for Southern Lawns kills listed broadleaf weeds, including Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed, Dollarweed, and Henbit for up to 6 months
- PREVENTS WEEDS & CRABGRASS UP TO 6 MONTHS: Prevents listed grassy and broadleaf weeds, including Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Common Dandelion, Goosegrass, and Spurge, for up to 6 months
- FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Treats up to 4,000 sq. ft. of southern turf, including all varieties of St. Augustinegrass, including Floratam; Also use on Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysia, and more, as listed on the label
- SEASON-LONG WEED CONTROL: One application provides season-long control of over 50 listed lawn weeds; Apply these weed killer granules with a rotary or drop spreader and water lightly 24 hours after applying
- GET MORE FROM THE BLUE BOTTLE: From simple spot treatments to season-long protection, BioAdvanced science-based solutions make it simple to control unsightly weeds and protect against damaging diseases without harming the lawn, when used as directed
- SOUTHERN LAWNS: Formulated to work on major southern lawn types – Bermudagrass, St Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Centipedegrass and Zoysiagrass
- 6-MONTH PROTECTION: Prevents broadleaf, grassy weeds, and crabgrass for up to 6 months
- WEED KILLER: Kills weeds including Dandelion, Dollarweed, and Clover
- LAWN FERTILIZER: Feeds, greens, and strengthens your lawn
- INSECT KILLER: Kills Fire Ants*, Armyworms, Cutworms, Mole Crickets, Chinch Bugs and more *Kills fire ants upon initial application only
- SOUTHERN GRASS FERTILIZER: Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food is a pesticide-free lawn fertilizer specially formulated for Southern lawns
- WHEN TO APPLY: Apply this fertilizer for grass during the growing season in spring, summer, or fall; for fast results, lightly water in after application
- WHERE TO USE: This lawn care product is formulated for Southern grass types; people and pets can re-enter the lawn after application
- BUILDS STRONG ROOTS: The included Scotts All-in-One Particles in this lawn food for grass build strong, deep grass roots to protect against heat and drought
- COVERAGE: One 14.06 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- 10 MINUTE LAWN CARE: A 32 fl. oz. bottle of Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control connects to your hose and provides 2,000 sq. ft. of weed control for lawns in 10 minutes
- LESS PLASTIC WASTE: The reusable applicator is designed to be used with our refill bottles of fertilizer plus lawn weed killer (sold separately)
- 2-IN-1 FORMULA: Our dual-action weed and feed for lawns controls stubborn weeds like dandelions and clover while feeding your grass to build a thicker, greener lawn that crowds out future weeds
- EASY TO USE: The translucent lawn food plus weed killer spray bottle lets you see exactly how much product you’re using as you spray, eliminating guesswork
- USE ON MOST LAWNS: This fertilizer plus weed killer for lawns is labeled for use on most common lawns, including bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, bahiagrass, bermudagrass (common and hybrid), centipedegrass, and zoysiagrass when weeds are actively growing
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Apply our revolutionary 5-in-1 Weed and Feed formula to actively growing turf to target over 200 listed types of weeds, including hard-to-kill weeds like dandelions, clovers, and black medic
- PREVENTS NEW WEEDS UP TO 6 MONTHS: Forms a protective soil barrier that prevents listed weeds from emerging for up to 6 months; Apply in spring or early summer, even if Crabgrass and weeds have already sprouted
- KILLS LARGE CRABGRASS: Contains four proven weed killers to control crabgrass, killing to the root; Crabgrass starts to turn purple in 3 days, that's the sign it's working; Creates a long-lasting barrier that helps stop crabgrass from returning for up to 6 months
- FEEDS & GREENS: Fertilizer feeds and greens your lawn for up to 3 months to promote thicker, healthier turf; Apply granules with a broadcast or drop spreader for smooth, even coverage across established lawns
- GET MORE FROM THE BLUE BOTTLE: From simple spot treatments to season-long protection, BioAdvanced's science-based solutions make it simple to control unsightly weeds, feed your lawn, and protect against damaging diseases without harming the lawn
Weed & Feed for Southern Lawns: Your Complete Buying Guide
Keeping a lush, green lawn in the South means battling heat, humidity, and a whole host of stubborn weeds. Weed and feed products are your secret weapon. They put down fertilizer to make your grass grow strong and herbicides to kill the weeds—all in one easy step. Choosing the right one makes all the difference for your Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine grass.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for weed and feed, you need to check the label carefully. Different products work best at different times of the year.
1. Active Herbicide Type
- Pre-Emergent: This stops weeds before they sprout. It’s crucial for preventing summer weeds like crabgrass in the spring. Look for ingredients like Pendimethalin.
- Post-Emergent: This kills weeds that are already growing. This is good for dandelions or clover that pop up later. Look for 2,4-D or Dicamba.
2. Fertilizer Ratio (N-P-K)
The three numbers on the bag (like 24-0-12) tell you the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potash (K). For Southern lawns:
- High Nitrogen (N): This fuels that deep green color and fast growth needed to outcompete weeds.
- Low or Zero Phosphate (P): Many Southern soils already have enough phosphorus, and too much can hurt the environment.
3. Application Timing
Some formulas are made for early spring applications (pre-emergent heavy), while others are designed for summer feeding. Match the product to the season you are treating.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The materials inside the bag determine how well the product works and how safe it is for your specific grass type.
Grass Specificity
This is non-negotiable. Southern grasses like St. Augustine are very sensitive. Always ensure the bag clearly states it is safe for warm-season grasses. Using a product meant for cool-season grass (like Fescue) can severely burn or kill your lawn.
Slow-Release Nitrogen
High-quality products use slow-release nitrogen sources. This means your grass gets a steady meal over several weeks, preventing rapid, weak growth (and burning) that happens with fast-release fertilizers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bag better than another?
Quality Boosters
- Micronutrients: Added iron or sulfur helps deepen the green color and improves stress tolerance against the Southern sun.
- Granule Size: Uniform, medium-sized granules spread more evenly, leading to fewer missed spots or burned patches.
Quality Reducers
- Too Much Fast-Release Nitrogen: This causes quick, weak growth, making the grass an easy target for pests and disease, and it often leads to fertilizer burn if watered incorrectly.
- Incorrect Application Rate: Applying too much, even of a good product, reduces quality by burning the grass. Always calibrate your spreader!
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product impacts your final result.
Application Ease
Most weed and feed comes in granular form. Look for bags with clear instructions on spreader settings. For the best user experience, choose a product that mixes well and doesn’t clog your spreader.
When to Use It
- Case 1: Spring Wake-Up. Use a pre-emergent weed and feed when soil temperatures consistently hit 55°F. This stops crabgrass before it starts.
- Case 2: Mid-Summer Boost. Use a nitrogen-heavy formula when the grass is actively growing and needs color, making sure the herbicide component is safe for summer heat.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Southern Weed & Feed
Q: When is the best time to apply weed and feed in the South?
A: Apply pre-emergent weed and feed in early spring, usually around March or when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply post-emergent treatments when weeds are actively growing.
Q: Can I use weed and feed on St. Augustine grass?
A: Only if the label specifically says it is safe for St. Augustine. St. Augustine is very sensitive, and many common herbicides will damage or kill it.
Q: What does the N-P-K ratio mean on the bag?
A: N-P-K stands for Nitrogen (for green color), Phosphate (for root growth), and Potash (for overall health). Southern lawns usually need high N and low P.
Q: Should I water the lawn before or after applying granular weed and feed?
A: Read the label, but generally, you should water lightly *before* application if the soil is very dry. Then, water lightly *after* application to move the granules down to the soil level where they can work.
Q: How soon can I mow my lawn after using weed and feed?
A: Wait at least two days after application before mowing. This gives the herbicide time to absorb into the weed leaves properly.
Q: Will this kill clover and dandelions already in my yard?
A: Only if the product contains a post-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergents only stop seeds from sprouting; they do not kill existing plants.
Q: Can I use weed and feed if I plan to overseed my lawn?
A: No. Most weed and feed products contain herbicides that stop all seed germination, including your new grass seed. Wait until the new grass is established before using weed and feed.
Q: What is the difference between a granular and a liquid weed and feed?
A: Granular products spread dry and are activated by watering. Liquid products mix with water and spray on, offering faster absorption but sometimes less residual weed control.
Q: Is it safe to let my dog or pets on the lawn after application?
A: Wait until the treated area is completely dry, usually a few hours. Once dry, the product is generally safe, but always check the specific safety warnings on the packaging.
Q: How long does the weed-killing effect last?
A: Pre-emergent weed control typically lasts 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the rain and heat. You need to reapply before the protection wears off.