Does your lawn look more like a patchy battlefield than a lush green carpet? You see those pesky weeds popping up, and you dream of a vibrant, healthy yard. But then you walk down the garden aisle, and your head starts to spin. So many bottles, so many promises! Which product will actually feed your grass *and* zap those unwanted invaders without harming your prize-winning petunias?
Choosing the perfect Lawn Feed and Weed Killer feels overwhelming. You worry about using the wrong stuff and accidentally burning your beautiful turf or, worse, attracting more problems. It’s frustrating when you spend time and money only to see disappointing results. You need a clear plan, not more confusion.
This guide cuts through the clutter. We will break down exactly what you need to know about the best Feed and Weed solutions available. You will learn the simple secrets to choosing a product that works for *your* specific lawn type. Get ready to transform your yard from a chore into a source of pride!
Top Lawn Feed And Weed Killer 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.
- 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 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 & 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
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one formula that kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- Controls existing listed lawn weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, and english daisy
- Prevents crabgrass for 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); prevents other listed grassy weeds from invading your lawn
- For use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zosyiagrass
- Apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader, and then water in after 24 hours; apply in early spring when dandelions are actively growing; an 11.31 lb. bag treats 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.
- People and pets may enter treated areas after spray has dried
- This fast-acting weed control product absorbs on contact to produce results in just 15 minutes, and is rainproof in 2 hours (upon drying)
- This weed and grass killer controls weeds in, on and around walkways and driveways, under trees, and in landscape beds; not for use on lawns or grasses you like
- Apply when weeds are small, actively growing and not wet from rain, dew or irrigation
- This 1 gal. container of Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer includes a Comfort Wand applicator to accurately target weeds you want to kill
Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Lawn Feed and Weed Killer
A lush, green lawn is the envy of the neighborhood. To achieve this, you often need a little help from a product that both feeds your grass and fights off pesky weeds. Choosing the right Lawn Feed and Weed Killer can seem tricky, but this guide breaks down what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on what the product promises to deliver. These features make a big difference in your lawn’s health.
1. Dual Action vs. Separate Products
- Dual Action: Most popular products combine feeding and weed killing in one bag or bottle. This saves time and effort.
- Targeted Action: Some specialized products focus only on tough weeds or provide a specific nutrient boost. Decide if you need both actions at once.
2. Weed Control Spectrum
Check the label to see *which* weeds the product kills. Good products target common lawn invaders like dandelions, clover, and plantain. If you have specific, tough weeds, ensure the label lists them.
3. Feeding Speed and Duration
Fertilizers release nutrients at different rates. Look for:
- Quick Release: Your lawn greens up fast, but you might need to reapply sooner.
- Slow Release: Nutrients feed the grass steadily over several weeks or months, giving you longer-lasting results.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The quality of the ingredients determines how well the product works and how safe it is for your lawn.
1. Fertilizer Components (The NPK Ratio)
Fertilizers use three main numbers (like 20-5-10). These are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Nitrogen (N): This is the most important for green, leafy growth. High N means a greener lawn quickly.
- Phosphorus (P): This helps with root development, especially for new grass.
- Potassium (K): This helps the grass stay strong and resist stress like drought or disease.
2. Weed Killing Agents (Herbicides)
These chemicals kill the weeds. Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, Dicamba, or Mecoprop. These are usually selective, meaning they attack broad-leaf weeds but leave your narrow-bladed grass unharmed.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all formulas are created equal. Pay attention to these quality indicators.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Micronutrients: Formulas including magnesium or iron provide extra color and health benefits beyond basic NPK.
- Rainfastness: If the product claims to be “rainfast” quickly (e.g., within an hour), it means rain won’t wash the chemicals away before they work.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Spreading: If you buy granular (dry) feed, poor quality often means the granules clump together or don’t spread evenly, leading to patchy results.
- Low Concentration: Very cheap products sometimes use fewer active weed killers, forcing you to apply more product or apply it multiple times to see results.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the product to use? When should you apply it? Good user experience matters.
Application Types
- Granular (Dry): You spread this with a spreader. It is generally safer for beginners because it is harder to over-apply.
- Liquid Concentrate: You mix this with water in a sprayer. It often coats the leaves better, leading to faster weed absorption, but careful mixing is crucial.
Best Time to Apply
Most experts suggest applying feed and weed killer when the grass is actively growing and the weeds are young and tender. Spring and early fall are usually the best times. Always check the temperature guidelines on the bag—applying when it’s too hot can burn your lawn.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Feed and Weed Killer
Q: How soon after applying can I let my pets or children back on the lawn?
A: This depends entirely on the product. Always check the label for specific re-entry times. Usually, granular products are safe once the granules have settled or dissolved, often a few hours later. Liquid products might require waiting until the spray has completely dried.
Q: Will this product kill clover?
A: Most quality weed and feed products are designed to kill broadleaf weeds, and clover is a common target. Double-check the label to confirm clover is listed among the weeds it controls.
Q: Can I use this product if I just seeded my lawn?
A: No. Do not use weed and feed on new grass seedlings. The herbicide will kill the new grass along with the weeds. Wait until the new grass has been mowed at least two or three times before applying.
Q: What is the difference between “weed and feed” and “moss killer”?
A: Weed and feed targets growing weeds and feeds the grass. Moss killer is specifically formulated to kill moss, which is a dense, non-vascular plant that often thrives in shady, damp areas where grass struggles.
Q: How often should I apply this product during the year?
A: This varies by the fertilizer’s release speed. Generally, you might apply a spring application and an early fall application. Avoid heavy applications in the peak heat of summer.
Q: Why are some products more expensive than others?
A: Higher prices usually reflect better quality ingredients, such as a higher percentage of slow-release nitrogen for long-lasting feeding, or more effective, newer herbicide combinations.
Q: What if it rains right after I apply the granules?
A: A light rain is often helpful because it washes the fertilizer down to the roots. However, if a heavy storm hits before the product has dissolved or become “rainfast,” much of the product might wash away, reducing effectiveness.
Q: Can I use this product on St. Augustine grass?
A: Different grass types react differently to herbicides. St. Augustine grass is sensitive to certain weed killers. Always verify that the product is explicitly labeled as safe for your specific type of turf.
Q: Should I mow my lawn before or after applying feed and weed?
A: It is best practice to mow at least one day before application. When you apply the product, you want the granules or spray to land directly on the soil and weed leaves, not on freshly cut, stressed grass blades.
Q: How do I store unused product safely?
A: Store unused product in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets. Ensure the storage area is secure and protected from moisture.