Does your beautiful green lawn secretly host an army of unwanted guests? Those pesky dandelions and stubborn crabgrass can ruin the look of your yard in no time. Spring is the perfect time to fight back, but choosing the right lawn weed killer can feel like a confusing puzzle.
You want a lush, healthy lawn, not a mix of grass and weeds. The sheer number of products—selective, non-selective, granular, liquid—can make your head spin. Which one works best for your type of grass? When should you actually apply it for maximum effect? Getting this wrong means wasted money and a continued weed problem.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know to select the most effective, safe, and easy-to-use weed killer for your spring lawn care routine. Get ready to reclaim your yard!
Top Lawn Weed Killer For Spring 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer prevents the germination of listed lawn weeds so you can enjoy your lawn
- Prevents the germination of crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, barnyardgrass, and more as listed in the early spring all season long, and moss (except in California), Poa annua, henbit, corn speedwell, and chickweed in the fall
- Apply this pre-emergent weed killer in the early spring to a dry lawn or in the fall; rain, snow, or freezing weather after application will not affect the performance of this product
- This lawn care product is for use on all grass types (with the exception of Dichondra or Bentgrass)
- One 20.12 lb. bag of Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer covers 10,000 sq. ft.
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as crabgrass and yellow nutsedge – see product label for complete list of weed types
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: No mixing required
- 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.
- Kill crabgrass, dandelion, clover, and other listed common weeds in your lawn with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate
- This fast-acting weed control kills listed weeds to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Use this lawn weed killer on grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- Dilute this weed killer concentrate per label directions and apply using an Ortho Dial N Spray or tank sprayer
- This 32 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
Choosing the Best Lawn Weed Killer for Spring
Spring is the time when weeds start popping up everywhere. Getting rid of them early helps your lawn look green and healthy all summer. Picking the right weed killer is important. This guide helps you choose the best product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a spring weed killer, look for products that do exactly what you need.
- **Selective vs. Non-Selective:** Most homeowners want a **selective** killer. This means it only kills the weeds, leaving your healthy grass unharmed. Non-selective killers kill everything they touch, including your lawn.
- **Broadleaf vs. Grassy Weeds:** Check the label. Broadleaf killers target weeds like dandelions and clover (which have wide leaves). Grassy weed killers target weeds that look like grass but aren’t (like crabgrass). Some products handle both.
- **Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent:** Pre-emergent products stop seeds from sprouting. Use these *before* weeds appear. Post-emergent products kill weeds that are already growing. For established spring weeds, you need a post-emergent killer.
- **Speed of Action:** Some products work in hours, while others take a week or two. Faster action means you see results sooner.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The chemicals in the weed killer matter a lot. They determine what the product kills and how safe it is for your lawn.
Common active ingredients for killing existing weeds include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP. These chemicals work by making the weed grow too fast until it dies. Always read the label to see which weeds these ingredients target. If you prefer natural options, look for products using ingredients like corn gluten meal, though these often work best as pre-emergents.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your weed killer affects how well it works and how long the results last.
Factors that improve quality:
- **Rainfastness:** This is how quickly the product sticks to the weed and dries. If it rains too soon after application, the product washes away, and you waste time and money. Look for products that are rainfast within one to two hours.
- **Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use:** Concentrates often offer better value for large lawns, but you must mix them exactly right. Ready-to-use sprays are easier for small patches.
Factors that reduce quality:
- **Temperature Dependence:** Many weed killers stop working well or can even damage your grass if you apply them when the temperature is too high (usually above 85°F). Always check the temperature guidelines.
- **Improper Application:** Applying too little means the weeds survive. Applying too much wastes product and might harm your grass.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy the product is to use greatly impacts your overall experience.
For simple spot treating small areas, a handheld sprayer is perfect. If you have a large yard, a hose-end sprayer attachment saves your back and time. Make sure the sprayer nozzle gives a consistent, even coating. Good packaging also helps; look for secure caps and easy-to-pour spouts.
Use Case Example: If you see dandelions popping up between your sidewalk cracks and in the middle of your St. Augustine grass, you need a selective, post-emergent broadleaf killer that is safe for St. Augustine. Check the label carefully to avoid killing your lawn.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Spring Lawn Weed Killers
Q: When is the best time in spring to apply weed killer?
A: The best time is usually when daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 80°F, and the weeds are actively growing. This is when the weeds absorb the chemical most effectively.
Q: Can I use weed killer if I have pets or kids?
A: Yes, but you must follow safety instructions. Most products require pets and children to stay off the lawn until the spray has completely dried. This usually takes a few hours.
Q: Will weed killer hurt my established grass?
A: If you use a **selective** product labeled for your grass type, it should not hurt the lawn. If you use a non-selective product, it will kill everything.
Q: How long after I spray will I see results?
A: Results vary by product, but many modern post-emergent killers start showing yellowing or wilting within 24 to 48 hours.
Q: Should I water my lawn before or after applying weed killer?
A: Generally, do not water right before application, as wet leaves dilute the spray. However, light watering a day *after* application (check product label) can sometimes help move the chemical down to the roots.
Q: What happens if it rains the day after I spray?
A: If the product is not rainfast yet (usually needs 1–2 hours dry time), the rain will wash the product away. You might need to reapply the product later.
Q: Can I use the same sprayer for fertilizer and weed killer?
A: It is strongly recommended that you do not mix them. Residue from the weed killer can harm your grass when you later use the sprayer for fertilizer. Use separate equipment.
Q: Do I need to mow before I spray?
A: Yes, it helps. Mowing a day or two before lets the weeds grow new leaves, which have more surface area for the spray to stick to.
Q: Are organic weed killers as strong as chemical ones?
A: Organic options are often gentler but might require more frequent applications or higher concentrations to kill tough weeds compared to synthetic chemicals.
Q: How long should I wait before seeding my lawn after using a post-emergent killer?
A: For most common broadleaf killers, you should wait about one to two weeks before seeding to ensure the chemicals don’t prevent the new grass seeds from sprouting.