Does your lawn look patchy and sad as summer ends? Many homeowners want a green, healthy yard next spring, but they forget the secret weapon: fall lawn care. Choosing the right fertilizer and weed killer now is super important. It’s tough to know which products work best when the weather cools down. Do you need nitrogen? Which weed killer stops dandelions without harming your grass? These questions can feel confusing!
Don’t let the changing seasons trick you into neglecting your turf. The right fall treatment sets the stage for a vibrant, weed-free lawn when spring finally arrives. In this guide, we break down exactly what your grass needs this autumn. You will learn the simple steps to choose the perfect fertilizer and weed killer combo. Get ready to stop guessing and start growing the best lawn on the block!
Top Fall Lawn Fertilizer And Weed Killer Recommendations
- 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.
- Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed5 weed killer and lawn fertilizer controls listed 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, evening primrose, and purslane
- Apply weed control plus grass fertilizer to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F
- This lawn care product can be used on Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, or Zoysiagrass
- One 11.28 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed5 covers 4,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed5 weed killer and lawn fertilizer controls listed 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, evening primrose, and purslane
- Apply weed control plus grass fertilizer to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F
- This lawn care product can be used on Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, or Zoysiagrass
- One 33.84 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed5 covers 12,000 sq. ft.
- 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 34.3lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 covers 12,000 sq. ft.
- 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 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 a Green Lawn This Fall: Fertilizer and Weed Killer
Fall is a crucial time for your lawn. Applying the right fertilizer and weed killer now sets the stage for a thick, green carpet next spring. This guide helps you choose the best products for your yard care needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for fall lawn treatments, look for specific features that make a big difference. These features ensure your grass gets what it needs to survive winter and thrive later.
1. Nutrient Ratio (N-P-K)
Fertilizers have three numbers on the bag: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For fall, you want a higher Nitrogen number. Nitrogen helps the grass grow strong roots before it goes dormant. Potassium is also very important in the fall. It helps the grass handle cold weather and stress.
2. Weed Control Type
Decide if you need a “weed and feed” product or separate items. Weed killers come in two main types:
- Pre-emergent: This stops new weeds, like winter annuals, from sprouting. Apply this early in the fall.
- Post-emergent: This kills weeds that are already growing, like dandelions.
3. Application Style
Products come in granular (dry pellets) or liquid forms. Granular products often spread easier with a spreader. Liquid products mix with water and spray on, offering quick absorption.
Important Materials in Your Mix
The ingredients matter greatly for lawn health.
Fertilizer Components
Look for slow-release nitrogen sources. These feed your lawn steadily over several weeks. This prevents a sudden, weak growth spurt. Potassium sulfate is a great source of potassium for cold hardiness.
Weed Killer Active Ingredients
Common active ingredients for killing broadleaf weeds include 2,4-D or Dicamba. Always check the label to make sure the ingredients target the specific weeds you see in your yard.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your results depends on the product and how you use it.
Improving Quality
- Slow-Release Formula: High-quality fertilizers use coatings or chemical processes to release nutrients slowly. This ensures deep root feeding.
- Chelated Micronutrients: These are small nutrient packages that grass roots absorb easily, boosting overall plant health.
Reducing Quality
- Too Much Phosphorus (P): In many areas, too much phosphorus harms local waterways. Many modern formulas limit P unless a soil test shows you really need it.
- Improper Spreader Calibration: If you put down too much product, you can “burn” the grass, turning it yellow or brown.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product affects your experience.
Best Use Cases
- Repairing Summer Stress: Fall feeding helps grass recover from summer heat and drought damage.
- Preparing for Dormancy: A strong fall feeding ensures the grass stores enough energy to survive freezing temperatures.
Ease of Use
If you have a large yard, a granular product that works well with a broadcast spreader saves time. If you only have a few small spots of weeds, a spot-treatment liquid might be simpler than treating the whole lawn.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fall Lawn Care
Q: When exactly should I apply fall fertilizer?
A: Apply the first application about six to eight weeks before your area’s first expected hard frost. Apply a lighter “winterizer” dose about four weeks later.
Q: Can I use regular lawn food in the fall?
A: You can, but a specialized fall formula is better. Fall formulas have less phosphorus and more potassium to help with cold tolerance.
Q: Will this kill my grass if I apply it when it’s too warm?
A: Yes. If temperatures are consistently above 85°F, weed killers or high-nitrogen fertilizers can damage or burn your lawn. Always check the temperature guidelines on the bag.
Q: What is the difference between a “weed and feed” and using them separately?
A: “Weed and feed” combines both tasks. Using them separately lets you time the weed killer application perfectly for weed germination, which might be weeks before your main feeding.
Q: My lawn has brown spots. Will fall fertilizer fix this?
A: Fall fertilizer helps grass recover from summer stress, which might cause brown spots. However, persistent brown spots might need fungicide treatment, not just fertilizer.
Q: How soon after applying weed killer can I water my lawn?
A: Most post-emergent weed killers require the product to sit on the weed leaves for at least 24 hours without rain or heavy watering to work effectively.
Q: Should I bag the clippings after applying granular fertilizer?
A: No. Usually, you should leave the clippings. They break down and add nutrients back to the soil. If you used a very heavy application, however, you might rake lightly.
Q: Is it safe to rake or dethatch after applying fall fertilizer?
A: It is best to wait about two weeks after fertilizing before heavy raking. This gives the grass roots time to absorb the nutrients and strengthen up.
Q: What should I look for in a pre-emergent for fall?
A: Look for products designed to stop winter annuals like Poa annua (one type of grassy weed). Timing is everything with pre-emergents.
Q: Does fall fertilizer work better for cool-season or warm-season grasses?
A: Fall feeding is most critical for cool-season grasses (like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass) as they actively grow into the cooler months. Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda) need less feeding as they slow down earlier.