Does your beautiful Southern lawn secretly host an army of stubborn weeds? It’s a familiar fight for homeowners in the South. Our warm, humid climate loves to grow grass, but it also gives unwelcome invaders like crabgrass and clover the perfect chance to take over. Choosing the right “Weed & Feed” product feels like guesswork. You worry about burning your St. Augustine grass or applying something that won’t even touch the dandelions popping up everywhere.
The wrong product can waste your money and leave your lawn looking patchy. We know you want that deep green carpet look without the hassle. This guide cuts through the confusing labels and confusing instructions. We will show you exactly what ingredients matter most for your specific Southern grass type.
Keep reading to discover the top-rated Weed & Feed solutions that actually work in the intense Southern heat. We break down the best times to apply and how to get a lush, weed-free yard this season.
Top Weed & Feed For Southern Lawns Recommendations
- 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
- 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
- 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 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; a 33.94 lb. bag treats 12,000 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
- 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
- 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.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Weed & Feed for Southern Lawns
Southern lawns face unique challenges. Hot summers, heavy rain, and specific weeds demand the right care. A good weed and feed product offers both nutrition for your grass and powerful weed control. This guide helps you pick the perfect bag for a lush, green yard.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind:
- Targeted Weed Control: Does the label list the weeds common in your area? Look for control over broadleaf weeds (like dollarweed or clover) and grassy weeds (like crabgrass).
- Fertilizer Analysis (NPK Ratio): This three-number code (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) tells you what the food offers. Southern lawns often need higher Nitrogen for fast greening. Look for ratios suited for spring or summer application.
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: This feature feeds your lawn slowly over many weeks. It prevents sudden growth spurts and “burning” the grass during hot weather.
- Pre-Emergent or Post-Emergent: Pre-emergents stop seeds from sprouting (great for crabgrass in early spring). Post-emergents kill weeds already growing. Many top products offer both.
Important Materials Inside
The ingredients make the difference between a healthy lawn and a struggling one.
Fertilizer Components: Most products use urea or sulfur-coated urea for nitrogen. Potassium helps the grass handle stress, like drought. Phosphorus helps young grass grow roots, though many established southern lawns need less of this.
Active Weed Killers: Read the active ingredients list. Common herbicides include 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP for broadleaf weeds. For grassy weeds, look for products containing Pendimethalin (a pre-emergent).
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a weed and feed product depends on how well it matches your lawn’s needs and the weather.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Using the product right before the expected weed germination time (for pre-emergents).
- Applying when temperatures are in the correct range (usually 50°F to 85°F, depending on the formula).
- Ensuring good soil moisture before and after application helps the fertilizer dissolve and the herbicide activate.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Applying when heavy rain is expected soon. The product might wash away before it works.
- Using it during extreme heat (above 90°F). This greatly increases the risk of burning your St. Augustine or Bermuda grass, even with slow-release formulas.
- Applying over wet grass when the product is designed for dry application, or vice versa. Always read the directions carefully.
User Experience and Use Cases
Good user experience means simple application and clear results.
Ease of Use: Look for granular products that spread easily with a standard lawn spreader. If the granules are too dusty or clump easily, spreading becomes frustrating.
Speed of Results: If you use a post-emergent weed killer, you should see weeds start to wilt within a week. The grass should start showing greening within two weeks if the nitrogen level is sufficient.
Best Use Cases:
- Early Spring (The Crabgrass Guard): Use a product heavy on pre-emergent herbicides when soil temperatures consistently hit 55°F.
- Late Spring/Early Summer (The Growth Boost): Use a balanced formula to feed the grass while controlling summer-starting broadleaf weeds.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Southern Weed & Feed
Q: When is the best time of year to apply weed and feed in the South?
A: The best time usually starts in early spring (March/April) to stop crabgrass, and then again in late spring or early summer before the intense heat sets in.
Q: Can I use this if I have St. Augustine grass?
A: You must check the label! Some chemicals harm sensitive grasses like St. Augustine. Always confirm the product is labeled safe for your specific Southern turf type (Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine).
Q: How soon after applying can my dog go on the lawn?
A: Wait until the granules have dissolved or the lawn is completely dry. This usually takes several hours, but check the specific product instructions for the safest waiting period.
Q: What if I miss applying the pre-emergent on time?
A: If you see crabgrass already growing, switch to a post-emergent weed killer instead. Pre-emergents stop seeds; they don’t kill established plants.
Q: Why is my lawn turning yellow after application?
A: This often means the product was applied too heavily, or the weather was too hot. This is called fertilizer burn. Water the lawn deeply to try and wash some fertilizer into the soil.
Q: Do I need to water the lawn after spreading?
A: Yes, usually. A light watering is often needed to activate the fertilizer and the herbicide. However, do not water if the label specifically says to apply to dry soil and wait for rain.
Q: Does “Weed & Feed” work on all types of weeds?
A: No. Most products target common broadleaf weeds. They often struggle with tough, established perennial weeds or grassy weeds unless specifically formulated for them.
Q: Can I apply this product if it is currently raining?
A: Never apply when it is actively raining. The rain will wash the product away before it has time to stick to the weeds or soil.
Q: How often should I use a weed and feed product?
A: For most Southern lawns, applying 2 to 4 times per year, timed with the growing seasons, provides the best results.
Q: Are there organic weed and feed options available?
A: Yes. Some brands use natural weed suppressants and organic fertilizers, though they often require more frequent application than synthetic chemical products.