Does your beautiful green lawn secretly hide unwelcome green invaders? You spend hours mowing, watering, and admiring your yard, only to see stubborn dandelions and crabgrass popping up. It’s frustrating! Many homeowners face the confusing task of choosing the perfect “weed and feed” product. Should you pick a granular mix or a liquid spray? How do you ensure you feed your grass without accidentally harming it while killing the weeds? The wrong choice can lead to patchy grass or weeds that laugh right back at your efforts.
This challenge stops here. We are diving deep into the world of lawn fertilizers that actively fight weeds. You will learn exactly what ingredients to look for and how to apply them correctly for maximum impact. Forget the guesswork. By the end of this guide, you will confidently select the best product to achieve the lush, weed-free carpet you’ve always wanted. Let’s uncover the secrets to a truly perfect lawn, starting now.
Top Lawn Fertilizer To Kill Weeds Recommendations
- 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 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 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
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- KILLS WEEDS: This lawn weed killer kills over 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- LAWN FRIENDLY: It contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won’t harm your grass (when used as directed)
- RESULTS YOU CAN SEE: Visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried
- EASY TO USE: To apply, connect your garden hose to the sprayer and set the nozzle to your desired setting
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
The Essential Buying Guide for Lawn Fertilizer That Kills Weeds
Getting a lush, green lawn free of pesky weeds takes the right tools. Lawn fertilizers that also kill weeds—often called “weed and feed” products—are a popular choice. This guide helps you pick the best one for your yard.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the product label. These features matter most for success:
- Weed Killing Power: Check the active ingredients. Good products target common lawn weeds like dandelions and clover without harming your grass (if used correctly).
- Fertilizer Analysis (NPK Ratio): This three-number code (e.g., 24-0-10) tells you the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen feeds the green growth. Choose a ratio suited to your grass type and the time of year.
- Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release: Slow-release nitrogen feeds your lawn evenly over many weeks. Quick-release gives a fast green-up but wears off sooner.
- Application Type: Most are granular (spread with a spreader). Some liquids are available, too. Granular is often easier for beginners.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your weed and feed depends on what’s inside and how you use it.
Improving Quality:
- Broadleaf Control: High-quality products use effective herbicides that specifically target broadleaf weeds (weeds with wide leaves) common in turfgrass.
- Micronutrients: Look for added iron or micronutrients. These boost grass health and color.
- Weather Matching: Applying when temperatures are right for both the grass and the weed ensures the product works best.
Reducing Quality:
- Wrong Timing: Applying when temperatures are too hot stresses the grass, sometimes causing burn, even if the product is high quality.
- Improper Calibration: If you put down too much product, you risk burning your lawn. If you use too little, the weeds will survive.
- Herbicide Resistance: Some tough weeds develop resistance to older chemicals. Newer formulas often work better against these.
2. Important Materials (The Ingredients)
You need to understand the two main components:
Fertilizer Materials:
The NPK ratio is crucial. Most lawn grasses need high nitrogen for deep green color. Avoid high phosphorus (the middle number) if you live in an area with strict rules about runoff, as many established lawns do not need much P.
Weed Killing Materials (Herbicides):
These are the active ingredients that kill the weeds. Common examples include 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. These usually target broadleaf weeds. Always check the label to ensure it lists the specific weeds you want to eliminate.
3. User Experience and Use Cases
How you apply and when you apply greatly affects your experience.
Best Use Cases:
- Spring Clean-Up: This is the most common time. You feed the grass coming out of dormancy and tackle spring-sprouting weeds.
- Late Summer/Early Fall: A second application helps thicken the turf before winter, crowding out next year’s weeds.
User Experience Tips:
Read the instructions carefully! Most weed and feed products require the lawn to be slightly damp (dew on the grass) for the granules to stick to the weed leaves, but the soil should not be soaking wet. Always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling these chemicals. Wait the recommended time before watering heavily or letting pets back onto the treated area.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Fertilizer That Kills Weeds
Q: When is the best time of year to apply weed and feed?
A: Spring, once the weeds start actively growing, is usually the best time. Avoid applying when temperatures exceed 85°F.
Q: Will this product kill my grass if I use too much?
A: Yes. Over-application is the main cause of fertilizer burn, which turns your grass yellow or brown. Always use a spreader and follow the exact rate listed on the bag.
Q: How long until I see the weeds die?
A: Most products show visible results on the weeds within one to three weeks. The grass will green up faster.
Q: Can I use this product if I have St. Augustine or Zoysia grass?
A: Be very careful. Many standard weed and feed products are safe only for hardy grasses like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass. Always confirm the product is safe for your specific grass type.
Q: How soon can my dog walk on the lawn after application?
A: Wait until the granules have dissolved and the lawn is completely dry, which is usually 24 hours. Check the product label for specific safety warnings.
Q: What does the NPK ratio mean?
A: NPK stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium—the three main nutrients your grass needs to grow.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn right after applying granular weed and feed?
A: Yes, a light watering is usually required to activate the fertilizer and move the herbicide to the weed leaves. Do not water heavily right away.
Q: What should I do if it rains heavily right after I apply it?
A: If heavy rain washes the product away before it has time to work (usually within 24-48 hours), the effectiveness is reduced. You may need to reapply later, following the recommended waiting period between applications.
Q: Will this kill clover in my lawn?
A: Most quality weed and feed products are formulated to kill common broadleaf weeds, which includes clover. Check the label to be sure clover is listed.
Q: Is it better to use a liquid or granular weed and feed?
A: Granular is generally easier for even coverage and lasts longer. Liquid works faster but requires careful spraying to avoid missing spots or over-spraying.