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
- 3-IN-1 FORMULA: Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one lawn fertilizer and weed control formula that kills listed lawn weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- WHERE TO USE: This grass fertilizer, crabgrass preventer, and clover and dandelion killer for lawns is for use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zoysiagrass
- LAWN WEED CONTROL: This lawn care product is a weed killer for lawns that controls dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, English daisy, and other listed lawn weeds
- CRABGRASS PREVENTER: This pre-emergent weed killer also prevents crabgrass for 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); stops other listed grassy weeds from invading your lawn
- HOW TO USE: Apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader, then water in after 24 hours; apply in early spring when dandelions are actively growing
- 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
- FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Specially formulated for Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass including Floratam, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass to kill Dandelion, Dollarweed, Clover, and other listed broadleaf weeds.
- PREVENTS WEEDS UP TO 6 MONTHS: One application creates a barrier against listed broadleaf, grassy weeds, and crabgrass for up to 6 months; apply between 50–90°F (not above 85°F on Bermudagrass) when weeds are actively growing
- FEEDS AND GREENS YOUR LAWN: Slow-release fertilizer feeds and greens established Southern turf for up to 3 months, promoting thicker, stronger grass, apply evenly with a broadcast or drop spreader
- KILLS LISTED LAWN INSECTS: Insect killer targets Fire Ants*, Armyworms, Army Cutworms, Mole Crickets, Chinch Bugs, and other listed pests in one application. *Kills fire ants upon initial application only
- GET MORE FROM THE BLUE BAG: BioAdvanced science-based solutions let you control listed weeds and feed your lawn without harming it when used as directed, everything your Southern lawn needs in one bag
- 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.
- 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
- Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing weeds as listed, feeds grass to crowd out future weeds, and builds strong, deep roots to withstand Southern stressors
- Southern weed and feed controls dollarweed, clover, dandelion, chickweed, oxalis, henbit, purslane, and more as listed
- Apply to a dry lawn when grass and weeds are actively growing; product must be watered in immediately after application
- This lawn care product is for use only on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Carpetgrass
- One 27.59 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 covers 8,000 sq. ft.
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.