Does your dream of a lush, green Southern lawn keep getting ruined by stubborn weeds? You spend hours watering and mowing, but those pesky invaders just will not quit. It feels like a constant battle, right? Choosing the perfect Weed & Feed product for our hot, humid Southern climate adds another layer of confusion. Many bags promise magic, but what truly works against clover, crabgrass, and the unique challenges of our region?
The wrong product can scorch your beautiful St. Augustine or Bermuda grass, leaving you with patchy brown spots instead of a carpet of green. We understand the frustration of wasting money on treatments that fail under the Southern sun. That is why we dug deep into what makes a Weed & Feed formula successful specifically for yards in the Southeast.
Keep reading to discover the absolute best Weed & Feed solutions tailored for our Southern soil and climate. We will break down the ingredients you need, when to apply them for maximum effect, and how to finally achieve that championship-caliber yard you deserve without the guesswork.
Top Weed & Feed For Southern Lawns Recommendations
- SOUTHERN LAWNS: Specially formulated for Southern lawns like Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), and more, this grass fertilizer for lawn provides care and acts as a weed killer for lawns
- 6-MONTH PROTECTION: Delivers up to 6 months of weed prevention, stopping listed broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass
- WEED KILLER: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, dollarweed, and clover, serving as a reliable weed and feed for lawns to keep your lawn healthy and maintain its beauty
- LAWN FERTILIZER: This lawn fertilizer and weed control product feeds, greens, and strengthens your lawn, helping it remain lush throughout the season
- EASY APPLICATION: Use with a broadcast or drop spreader to apply this weed and feed lawn fertilizer, managing your lawn care routine with ease and maximum results
- SOUTHERN LAWNS: Specially formulated for Southern lawns like Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), and more, this grass fertilizer provides care and acts as a weed killer for lawns
- 6-MONTH PROTECTION: Delivers up to 6 months of weed prevention, stopping listed broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass
- WEED KILLER: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, dollarweed, and clover, serving as a reliable weed and feed for lawns to keep your lawn healthy and maintain its beauty
- LAWN FERTILIZER: This lawn fertilizer and weed control product feeds, greens, and strengthens your lawn, helping it remain lush throughout the season
- EASY APPLICATION: Use with a broadcast or drop spreader to apply this weed and feed lawn fertilizer, managing your lawn care routine with ease and maximum results
- WEED CONTROL: Southern weed and feed weed killer controls dollar weed, clover, dandelion, chickweed, oxalis, henbit, purslane, and more as listed
- DUAL ACTION: Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 weed killer plus Scotts fertilizer for grass kills existing weeds as listed, and feeds grass to crowd out future weeds and build strong, deep roots
- APPLICATION: Apply this lawn weed killer with fertilizer to a dry lawn when grass and weeds are actively growing; this lawn food must be watered in immediately after application
- GRASS TYPES: Lawn food for grass including St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Carpetgrass; do not apply to Bermudagrass
- COVERAGE: One 34.48 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 covers 10,000 sq. ft.
- 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
- KILLS & PREVENTS WEEDS* UP TO 6 MONTHS: Kills broadleaf weeds*, including Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed and Henbit with a proven blend of weed killers *Listed
- CRABGRASS PREVENTION: Prevents grassy and listed broadleaf weeds such as Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Common Dandelion, Goosegrass and Spurge for up to 6 months
- IDEAL FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Improve your lawn care with this broadleaf weed killer that treats up to 4,000 square feet of southern turf, including all varieties of St. Augustinegrass and Floratam
- READY FOR THE SEASON: With one application, this crabgrass preventer offers season-long weed control
- SIMPLE APPLICATION: Apply these weed killer granules with a rotary or drop spreader and water lightly 24 hours after applying
- 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
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Improve your lawn care with lawn weed and feed fertilizer, targeting hard-to-kill listed weeds
- 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
- 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.
Your Guide to Green: Choosing the Best Weed & Feed for Southern Lawns
Southern lawns face a tough battle. Hot summers and humid conditions mean weeds grow fast. A good weed and feed product helps your grass stay strong while fighting off invaders. This guide helps you pick the right one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for products that offer more than just basic fertilizer. The best weed and feeds have features that match the needs of warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine.
- Targeted Weed Control: Does it kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions) or grassy weeds (like crabgrass)? Make sure the label lists the weeds common in your area.
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: Southern heat can burn grass easily. Slow-release nitrogen feeds your lawn steadily over weeks, preventing fast, weak growth and burning.
- Pre-Emergent Action: This is crucial. Pre-emergents stop weed seeds from sprouting. Apply these early in the spring before temperatures get too high.
- Lawn Type Specificity: Some products harm St. Augustine grass. Always check the bag to ensure it is safe for your specific grass type.
Important Materials Inside the Bag
The quality of the ingredients directly affects how well your lawn looks and grows.
Fertilizer Components
Fertilizer uses the N-P-K ratio. Nitrogen (N) helps green-up the grass. Phosphorus (P) supports strong root development (often reduced in newer formulas). Potassium (K) boosts overall plant health and stress tolerance. For the South, look for a higher first number (Nitrogen).
Active Weed Killers
Weed killers come in two types:
- Post-Emergent: These kill weeds that are already growing. Common active ingredients include 2,4-D or Dicamba.
- Pre-Emergent: These stop seeds from sprouting. Look for ingredients like Prodiamine or Pendimethalin.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all weed and feeds work the same way. Timing and formulation matter greatly.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Correct Timing: Applying pre-emergent when soil temperatures are right (usually around 55°F) makes it highly effective.
- Micronutrients: Some high-quality mixes include iron or micronutrients, which help deepen the green color without over-fertilizing.
- Granule Size: Larger, uniform granules spread more evenly, leading to a more consistent look across your lawn.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Rain Timing: Heavy rain right after application washes the chemicals away before they can work.
- Over-Application: Using too much product, especially those high in nitrogen, can cause fertilizer burn, turning your grass yellow or brown.
- Old Stock: Weed control chemicals break down over time. Buying old bags from the back of the shelf reduces the product’s power.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product impacts your results. Most weed and feed products come in granular form, meaning you need a spreader.
Application Scenarios:
- Spring Preparation: This is the most important time. Use a product with a pre-emergent early in the season to stop summer weeds.
- Mid-Summer Feeding: Avoid heavy feeding during the hottest part of July and August. Use a light, slow-release formula only if your grass looks stressed.
- Fall Clean-Up: A late-season feed helps thicken the grass before winter dormancy, crowding out cool-season weeds.
Good user experience means the product spreads easily and doesn’t clump in the spreader hopper. Read reviews to see if users complained about dust or clumping.
Top 10 FAQs About Southern Weed & Feed
Q: When should I apply weed and feed in the South?
A: Apply pre-emergent herbicides when the forsythia bushes start blooming, usually late February or early March. Apply post-emergent weed killers when weeds are actively growing, typically mid-spring.
Q: Can I use the same product on Bermuda and St. Augustine grass?
A: No. Many products designed for Bermuda grass can severely damage or kill St. Augustine grass. Always check the bag for your specific grass type.
Q: What does the N-P-K ratio mean?
A: N-P-K stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. These are the three main nutrients your lawn needs for growth and health.
Q: How long after applying can I water my lawn?
A: For best results, let the granules sit on the grass blades for at least 24 hours before watering. This allows the chemicals time to stick and absorb.
Q: Will this kill all weeds?
A: No single product kills every weed. Pre-emergents stop seeds, and post-emergents target specific grown weeds. You might need a targeted spray for tough weeds later in the season.
Q: Is it safe to use if I have pets?
A: Most granular products are safe once they have been watered in and the lawn is completely dry. Keep pets off the lawn until the product has settled or dried according to the label instructions.
Q: What if it rains right after I spread it?
A: If it rains heavily within a few hours, the product might wash away. You may need to reapply the pre-emergent portion if the label allows for it.
Q: How often should I use weed and feed?
A: Most southern lawns benefit from 3 to 4 applications per year, spaced according to seasonal needs (early spring, late spring, late summer, fall).
Q: Can I spread this on a very hot day?
A: Avoid applying any fertilizer when temperatures are above 85°F. The high nitrogen content combined with intense heat greatly increases the risk of burning your grass.
Q: Why does my lawn look yellow after using it?
A: Yellowing usually means you applied too much fertilizer (burn), or the product lacked sufficient nitrogen, or the product contained too much iron that was not absorbed well.