Does your beautiful green lawn look more like a patchy, weed-infested battlefield lately? You spend hours mowing, watering, and admiring your turf, only to see stubborn dandelions and clover staging a hostile takeover. It’s frustrating, right? You want that lush, perfect carpet of grass, but dealing with weeds feels like a never-ending battle.
Choosing the right product can feel like navigating a maze. Should you use a weed-and-feed combo? Will that fertilizer actually kill the bad guys without hurting your good grass? Many homeowners feel overwhelmed by confusing labels and worry about accidentally damaging their lawn. Getting the balance wrong means wasting money and still having a weedy yard.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will clearly explain exactly how fertilizers work to eliminate unwanted invaders while boosting your healthy grass. By the end, you will know which products to look for and how to apply them correctly for a truly weed-free result. Let’s dive in and reclaim your lawn!
Top Fertilizer To Kill Weeds In Lawn 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 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.
- 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 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 Smart Shopper’s Guide to Fertilizer That Kills Weeds
Want a lush, green lawn without those pesky weeds taking over? Choosing the right “weed and feed” product is key. This guide helps you pick the best fertilizer that also tackles unwanted plants. Think of it as a two-in-one superhero for your yard!
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at the product label. These features tell you how well the product will work.
- Weed Control Type: Does it kill existing weeds (post-emergent) or prevent new ones from sprouting (pre-emergent)? Many good products do both!
- Fertilizer N-P-K Ratio: This is the three-number code (like 20-5-10). The first number (Nitrogen, N) helps grass grow green and thick. A higher number usually means better feeding.
- Targeted Weeds: Check if the label lists the specific weeds you see, like dandelions, clover, or crabgrass. Not all products kill all weeds.
- Application Timing: Some formulas work best in spring, others in fall. Follow the directions for the best results.
Important Materials in Weed and Feed Products
The ingredients matter. You are buying two things: food (fertilizer) and weed killer (herbicide).
Fertilizer Components:
- Nitrogen (N): Makes grass blades green and strong.
- Phosphorus (P): Helps with root growth. (Some areas limit this.)
- Potassium (K): Supports overall plant health and stress resistance.
Weed Killer Components (Active Ingredients):
These are the chemicals that eliminate the weeds. Common ones include 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. Always check the active ingredients to ensure they are safe for your type of grass (like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass).
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your results depends on what’s inside and how you use it.
What Improves Quality?
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: High-quality fertilizers often use slow-release nitrogen. This feeds your lawn evenly over several weeks, preventing sudden growth spurts and “burning.”
- Broad-Spectrum Control: A product that controls a wide range of common weeds offers better value.
- Rainfall Tolerance: Some products stick to weed leaves better, meaning a light rain won’t wash away all the weed killer before it works.
What Reduces Quality?
- Using the Wrong Type for Your Grass: Applying a product made for tough grass on delicate grass will damage your lawn. Read the label carefully!
- Improper Application: Spreading too much product in one spot causes fertilizer burn (yellow or brown patches).
- Ignoring Weather: Applying weed killer when it is too hot or too windy reduces its effectiveness and increases the chance of drift onto desirable plants.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the product to use? A great product should fit your lifestyle.
Common Use Cases:
- Spring Cleanup: Use a pre-emergent formula early in the spring to stop crabgrass before it starts.
- Mid-Season Boost: Use a balanced fertilizer with post-emergent weed control when you see dandelions popping up.
- Fall Preparation: Some formulas help grass prepare for winter dormancy, making it greener next year.
Users generally prefer granular products because they spread evenly with a standard spreader. Liquid formulas mix quickly but require a sprayer and careful measuring. Always wear gloves and follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed and Feed
Q: Can I use this product if I have pets or kids playing outside?
A: Yes, but only after the product dries completely. Most labels require a waiting period (usually 24 to 72 hours) before letting children or pets walk on the treated lawn. Always check the safety section.
Q: How soon after applying will I see the weeds die?
A: For post-emergent killers, you might see yellowing in 7 to 14 days. Granular fertilizers take longer to show results, usually several weeks for full greening.
Q: Can I mow my lawn right after using the product?
A: No. Wait at least two days after applying fertilizer or weed killer before mowing. This gives the product time to absorb into the weeds and grass roots.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control?
A: Pre-emergent stops seeds from growing into weeds. Post-emergent kills weeds that are already visible above the soil line.
Q: Will this kill clover in my lawn?
A: Many popular weed and feed products target broadleaf weeds like clover, but you must confirm the label says so. Some clovers are tougher to kill.
Q: What should I do if it rains heavily right after I apply the product?
A: If the label says it is “rain-fast,” you are probably fine. If it doesn’t, heavy rain might wash the weed killer away, meaning you may need to reapply later.
Q: Is it better to use granular or liquid weed and feed?
A: Granular is easier for beginners to spread evenly. Liquid offers quicker absorption but requires more precise mixing and application equipment.
Q: Why are some weed and feed products more expensive?
A: Higher quality often means slow-release fertilizer components, which feed the lawn longer, or more effective, specialized weed-killing ingredients.
Q: Can I use this near my flower beds or vegetable garden?
A: Absolutely not. The weed killer chemicals can drift or run off and severely damage or kill your desirable plants, flowers, and vegetables. Keep a safe distance.
Q: How many times a year should I use a weed and feed product?
A: This depends on your climate and grass type. Most lawns benefit from two to four applications per year, often spaced out according to the season (spring, late spring, early fall).