Does your Southern lawn look more like a patchy green carpet dotted with unwelcome invaders? You know the ones—those stubborn weeds that pop up no matter how much you pull them. Achieving that lush, deep green turf we all dream about in the South feels like a constant battle, especially when the heat and humidity hit. It’s tough finding a single product that both feeds your grass and wipes out the crabgrass and clover that thrive in our climate.
Choosing the wrong “Weed and Feed” can lead to wasted money, burned grass, or worse—a lawn that’s still weedy! The humidity and specific grass types in the South mean that what works up north often fails right here. You need a product designed for our unique challenges.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in a Weed and Feed product tailored for Southern lawns. By the end, you will know the best way to stop weeds and nourish your turf for a picture-perfect yard all season long. Let’s dive into creating the envy of the neighborhood!
Top Weed And 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
- 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
- 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 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 42.87 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 15,000 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
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns
Southern lawns face tough challenges. Hot summers, heavy rains, and unique weeds demand a special solution. Weed and feed products combine fertilizer to green up your grass and herbicides to kill unwanted weeds. Choosing the right one saves time and keeps your lawn healthy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for specific features that match the Southern environment.
- Targeted Weed Control: Southern lawns often deal with different weeds than Northern lawns. Look for products that list common Southern invaders like dollarweed, crabgrass, or clover.
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: Nitrogen makes grass grow fast and green. Slow-release nitrogen feeds the lawn steadily, preventing the “feast or famine” growth that can stress grass in the heat.
- Temperature Suitability: Most Southern grasses (like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine) prefer to be treated when soil temperatures are right. Check if the product is best for pre-emergent (before weeds sprout) or post-emergent (after weeds sprout) use.
- Rain Includer: Since the South gets heavy rain, choose a formula that sticks well to the grass blades or is designed to resist washing away quickly.
Important Materials Inside
The ingredients matter most. A good weed and feed has two main parts: the fertilizer and the weed killer.
Fertilizer Components
The N-P-K ratio on the bag tells you the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potash (K). For Southern lawns, a higher first number (Nitrogen) is usually good for color, but make sure it includes slow-release sources like Sulfur-Coated Urea (SCU) or polymer-coated materials.
Herbicide Types
Weed killers fall into two groups:
- Pre-Emergent: These stop seeds from sprouting. Common active ingredients are Prodiamine or Pendimethalin. Use these early in spring before crabgrass appears.
- Post-Emergent: These kill weeds that are already growing. Look for 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP, which target broadleaf weeds effectively.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the product depends on how well it works with your specific grass type and local weather.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Grass-Specific Formulas: Some products are safe for St. Augustine grass but will damage sensitive varieties. Always check the label for your grass type.
- Granule Size: Medium, uniform granules spread evenly. Even spreading means consistent feeding and weed control across your whole yard.
- Micronutrients: Added iron or other micronutrients boost deep green color without causing excessive growth.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Improper Timing: Applying a pre-emergent when it’s already 90 degrees outside is wasteful. Weeds will already be growing.
- Rainfall Too Soon: If you apply the product and heavy rain washes it away before the herbicide has time to absorb, the product will not work well.
- Using on Stressed Grass: Do not apply weed killer to grass that is already wilted or suffering from extreme drought. The chemicals can burn the already stressed blades.
User Experience and Use Cases
Users generally prefer easy application. Granular products are the most common because they spread easily with a standard spreader.
Best Use Case: Spring Preparation. The most common time to use weed and feed is early spring. You apply a pre-emergent to stop summer weeds, while the fertilizer wakes up the dormant grass.
User Tip: Always calibrate your spreader according to the bag instructions. Over-applying fertilizer causes chemical burn, leaving ugly yellow or brown patches in your lawn.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Southern Weed and Feed
Q: When is the best time to apply weed and feed in the South?
A: For pre-emergents, apply when soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F. For post-emergents, apply when weeds are actively growing, usually late spring or early fall.
Q: Can I use the same product on Bermuda and St. Augustine grass?
A: No, not always. St. Augustine grass is very sensitive. Always check the label to ensure the herbicide ingredient will not harm your specific grass type.
Q: How soon after applying can I water my lawn?
A: Most products require at least 24 hours without rain or irrigation after application so the chemicals can settle and absorb properly.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control?
A: Pre-emergent stops seeds from growing roots. Post-emergent kills weeds that have already sprouted and are visible.
Q: Will this product kill my flowers or garden vegetables?
A: Yes, most weed killers are non-selective for broadleaf weeds. Keep the granules away from garden beds, trees, and ornamental shrubs.
Q: My lawn has clover. Which type of weed killer works best?
A: Clover is a broadleaf weed. You need a product containing post-emergent ingredients like 2,4-D to effectively kill established clover patches.
Q: How often should I apply weed and feed during the growing season?
A: Typically, you apply 2 to 4 times per year, following the schedule recommended on the bag for your region and grass type.
Q: What should I do if I see brown spots after applying?
A: Brown spots often mean the product was applied too heavily. Water the area deeply and gently to try and wash the excess fertilizer through the soil.
Q: Does the fertilizer help with drought resistance?
A: A balanced fertilizer helps grass develop strong roots, which helps it handle mild drought better, but it won’t stop damage during severe, prolonged dry spells.
Q: Can I use this product if I have pets?
A: Yes, but you must keep pets and children off the lawn until the product has completely dried and settled into the soil, usually several hours.