Does your lawn look more like a patchy battlefield than a lush green carpet? You are not alone. Many homeowners battle stubborn weeds that steal nutrients from their beautiful grass. Choosing the right “Weed and Feed” product can feel like navigating a confusing maze. Should you pick the one with crabgrass killer? Does it work for broadleaf weeds? These questions often leave people frustrated and their lawns still looking less than perfect.
Picking the wrong product wastes money and time. You might apply something that harms your grass or simply fails to stop those persistent invaders. We understand that pain. This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what Weed and Feed does, how to pick the best one for your specific yard problems, and when to apply it for maximum results.
Keep reading to become a lawn care pro. You will learn the secrets to a thick, weed-free expanse. Let’s dive into making your neighbors green with envy!
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 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 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.
- 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
- 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
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Weed and Feed for a Lush Lawn
Want a green, healthy lawn without all the pesky weeds? Weed and feed products are your secret weapon. These handy products put fertilizer (food for your grass) and herbicide (weed killer) into one bag or container. This guide helps you pick the right one for your yard’s needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the label. Not all weed and feeds work the same way.
1. Weed Control Type
- Pre-emergent: This stops weeds *before* they sprout. Think of it as a shield. You apply this early in the spring.
- Post-emergent: This kills weeds that are already growing. This is good for spot treating dandelions or clover.
2. Fertilizer Ratio (N-P-K)
You will see three numbers on the bag, like 24-0-10. These stand for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Nitrogen (N): Makes your grass green and helps it grow tall. High N is usually best for active growing seasons.
- Phosphorus (P): Helps roots grow strong. Many new formulas limit P because it can harm water sources.
- Potassium (K): Helps the grass handle stress like heat or cold.
3. Application Method
Some products are granular (small pellets) that you spread with a spreader. Others are liquid concentrates you mix with water and spray.
Important Materials in Weed and Feed
The effectiveness of the product depends on what active ingredients it contains.
Weed Killers (Herbicides)
Common active ingredients target broadleaf weeds (like clover and plantain) but leave grass alone. Look for names like 2,4-D, MCPP, or Dicamba. These are usually post-emergent.
Lawn Food (Fertilizer)
The nitrogen source matters. Slow-release nitrogen feeds your lawn slowly over weeks, giving steady growth. Quick-release nitrogen gives a fast green-up but might require more applications.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your result depends on timing and the product’s formulation.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Temperature Matching: Pre-emergent weed killers work best when the soil temperature is just right (usually 50-55°F). Check local guides for timing.
- Proper Spreading: Use a calibrated spreader. Over-applying fertilizer burns your grass; under-applying wastes your money.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Rainfall: Heavy rain right after applying granular products can wash the chemicals away before they work.
- Wrong Grass Type: Some weed killers harm certain types of grass (like St. Augustine grass). Always check that the product is safe for your specific lawn type.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most homeowners find weed and feed products very convenient. They save time by combining two essential tasks.
Best Use Cases
- Spring Start-Up: Applying a pre-emergent formula early in spring prevents the worst summer weeds.
- Mid-Season Boost: Using a balanced formula mid-season feeds the grass while knocking out active, stubborn weeds.
For the best experience, read the directions carefully. Most require you to water the lawn lightly after application to activate the fertilizer, but not so much that you wash the herbicide away.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed and Feed
Q: When is the best time to apply weed and feed?
A: The best time depends on what you want to stop. Apply pre-emergent early in spring before weeds sprout. Apply post-emergent when weeds are actively growing, usually late spring or early fall.
Q: Can I use weed and feed if my grass is dormant (brown)?
A: Generally, no. Fertilizers work best when the grass is actively growing. Applying fertilizer to dormant grass often feeds weeds instead.
Q: How soon after applying can my kids and pets go on the lawn?
A: This changes based on the product. Most granular products need a light rain or watering to work in, and then the area is safe once dry. Always check the label for the specific re-entry time.
Q: Will weed and feed kill clover?
A: Yes, most standard weed and feed products are designed to kill broadleaf weeds like clover, dandelions, and plantain.
Q: What happens if I use too much product?
A: Using too much fertilizer can burn your grass, turning it yellow or brown. Over-applying herbicide can also damage your lawn.
Q: Do I need to water the lawn after applying granular weed and feed?
A: Yes, usually. Watering lightly activates the fertilizer and helps the chemicals move down to the soil level where they work best.
Q: Can I use weed and feed on a newly seeded lawn?
A: Be very careful. Most weed killers harm new grass seedlings. Wait until the new grass has been mowed at least two or three times before using a weed and feed product.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: You should see the grass green up in about one to two weeks. Weeds might start wilting within a few days to two weeks, depending on the chemical used.
Q: Is there a difference between weed and feed for cool-season vs. warm-season grasses?
A: Yes. The fertilizer ratios and the safety of the herbicides change depending on whether you have Kentucky Bluegrass (cool-season) or Bermuda grass (warm-season).
Q: Can I use liquid weed and feed instead of granular?
A: Yes. Liquid sprays often provide quicker results because the chemicals are immediately available, but they might not last as long as slow-release granular formulas.