Is your lawn a patchwork of green grass and stubborn weeds? Many homeowners dream of a lush, carpet-like yard, but battling dandelions and crabgrass feels like a never-ending chore. Trying to pick the perfect “Weed and Feed” product can feel overwhelming. Do you choose the one that kills the most weeds, or the one that feeds the grass best? These products promise an easy fix, but the wrong choice can either leave you with patchy grass or weeds that just laugh at your efforts.
Don’t let confusing labels and conflicting advice ruin your weekend. We are here to clear the confusion. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about choosing the best Weed and Feed for your specific lawn needs. You will learn how to spot the best ingredients, understand when to apply them, and finally achieve that envy-inducing green turf you have always wanted.
Ready to transform your yard from messy to magnificent? Keep reading as we dive deep into the secrets of successful lawn care using the right Weed and Feed.
Top Weed And Feed For Lawns 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 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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 Guide to Choosing the Best Weed and Feed for a Lush Lawn
Want a green, healthy lawn without battling pesky weeds? Weed and feed products are your secret weapon! These handy bags mix fertilizer to feed your grass and weed killer to stop unwanted invaders. This guide helps you pick the right one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
1. Weed Control Type
Weed and feed products usually target two types of weeds:
- Broadleaf Weeds: These are the flat, wide-leafed weeds like dandelions and clover. Most standard weed and feeds handle these well.
- Crabgrass Control: Crabgrass is a tough annual grass that pops up in the summer. If you battle this, look for a product with a pre-emergent herbicide. This stops the seeds from ever sprouting.
2. Fertilizer Analysis (The N-P-K Numbers)
Look at the three numbers on the bag (like 20-5-10). These tell you the percentage of the main nutrients:
- N (Nitrogen): This makes your grass green and helps it grow fast.
- P (Phosphate): Important for young grass roots.
- K (Potash): Helps grass handle stress, like heat or cold.
For general feeding, look for a higher first number (Nitrogen).
3. Application Timing
Some weed and feeds work best in the spring, while others are designed for fall application. Check the label! Using the wrong one at the wrong time wastes money and might not work well.
Important Materials in Weed and Feed
Herbicides (Weed Killers)
The active ingredients kill the weeds. Common examples include 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. These chemicals target the weed’s growth system, causing it to die. Always read the label to ensure it lists the weeds you actually have.
Fertilizer Components
The fertilizer part provides nutrients. It can be a synthetic chemical blend or an organic source like Milorganite. Synthetic fertilizers often release nutrients quickly for fast greening. Organic options feed the soil slowly over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Quality Better?
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: High-quality products often use slow-release nitrogen. This feeds your lawn steadily for weeks, preventing a sudden growth spurt followed by yellowing.
- Specific Weed Targeting: If a product specifically lists the hard-to-kill weeds in your yard, it generally offers better quality control.
What Reduces Quality?
- Rainfall: If it rains heavily right after you spread the product, the fertilizer washes away, and the weed killer might run off into unwanted areas.
- Improper Spreader Calibration: Using too little product means it won’t work. Using too much can burn your grass. Always follow the spreader settings listed on the bag.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most weed and feed products come in granular form. You spread these using a broadcast or drop spreader.
Best Use Cases
- Spring Clean-up: Applying a weed and feed with pre-emergent early in the spring stops crabgrass before it starts while giving the lawn a good feeding.
- Mid-Season Boost: A second application later in the spring helps keep the color deep and knocks out any remaining broadleaf weeds.
User experience is usually simple: measure your lawn, calibrate your spreader, walk in straight lines, and water lightly afterward (unless the label says not to). A good user experience means the granules spread evenly and do not clog the spreader mechanism.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed and Feed
Q: When is the best time to apply weed and feed?
A: Generally, the first application is best when temperatures are consistently between 50°F and 65°F in the spring. This is when weeds start growing but before crabgrass seeds germinate.
Q: Do I need to water after applying weed and feed?
A: Yes, usually. Most products require a light watering (about 1/4 inch) immediately after application to help the fertilizer move into the soil and activate the weed killer. Check the bag instructions!
Q: Can I use weed and feed on new grass seed?
A: No, never! Weed killers will stop the new grass seed from growing. Wait until the new lawn has been mowed at least three times before using a weed and feed product.
Q: How long should I wait before mowing after application?
A: Wait at least two days, or sometimes up to four days, after applying. This gives the weed killer enough time to absorb into the weeds.
Q: Will weed and feed kill my established clover?
A: Most standard weed and feeds are designed to kill broadleaf weeds like clover. Always confirm the label states it targets clover.
Q: What happens if my dog walks on the lawn after treatment?
A: Keep pets and children off the lawn until the granules dissolve or the area dries completely, usually a few hours. This prevents them from tracking chemicals inside.
Q: Is there a difference between granular and liquid weed and feed?
A: Granular is spread with a spreader and watered in. Liquid is usually sprayed on and works faster, but it requires careful spraying to avoid drift onto flowers or gardens.
Q: My lawn has bare spots. Will weed and feed fix this?
A: No. Weed and feed kills weeds and feeds existing grass. It does not fill in bare spots. You need to overseed those areas separately.
Q: How often can I use weed and feed?
A: Most lawns benefit from two or three applications per year, spaced several weeks apart, usually in early spring, late spring, and sometimes in the fall.
Q: Can I use this product near my flower beds?
A: Be very careful. Herbicide drift can seriously damage or kill desirable plants. Use a drop spreader near beds instead of a broadcast spreader, or cover nearby plants with plastic sheeting.