Does your beautiful green lawn sprout unwelcome yellow invaders every spring? Those cheerful-looking dandelions might seem harmless, but they quickly take over, stealing nutrients and ruining your yard’s perfect look. You want a lush, weed-free space, but staring at shelves packed with different “Weed and Feed” products can feel overwhelming. Which one actually targets those tough dandelions without harming your grass?
Choosing the wrong product means wasting money and, worse, ending up with a lawn still full of weeds. It is frustrating to put in the effort only to see those stubborn yellow heads pop right back up. You need clear advice to cut through the marketing hype and find a solution that truly works.
This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about the best Weed and Feed products specifically designed to stop dandelions in their tracks. We will explain what ingredients matter most and how to apply them for maximum effect. Keep reading, and get ready to reclaim your lawn from the toughest weeds!
Top Lawn Weed And Feed For Dandelions 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
- 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
- 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 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
- 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 TOUGH WEEDS: Improve your lawn care with lawn weed and feed fertilizer, targeting hard-to-kill listed weeds with weed control for lawns
- 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
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 kills weeds while feeding your lawn.
- KILLS MAJOR BROADLEAF WEEDS: Kills dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many other broadleaf weeds.
- FEEDS LAWN: Formulated with 20% nitrogen to feed your lawn.
- COVERAGE: One 32-oz bottle treats up to 7,500 square feet.
- CONVENIENT THREE PACK: Three pack features one nozzle and three bottles of product.
- 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 Conquering Dandelions: Choosing the Best Lawn Weed and Feed
Dandelions can turn a beautiful green lawn into a yellow-spotted mess. A good Lawn Weed and Feed product helps you fight these tough weeds while also making your grass greener. This guide helps you pick the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the product label. These features matter most for dandelion control.
- **Selective Herbicide:** This is the most important part. A selective herbicide kills broadleaf weeds like dandelions but leaves your grass unharmed. Make sure the label specifically mentions dandelions.
- **Fertilizer N-P-K Ratio:** This shows the amount of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potash (K). Nitrogen helps grass grow green. Look for a ratio that supports good lawn growth in your region (e.g., higher first number for spring green-up).
- **Application Type:** Do you want a granular (pellet) form or a liquid concentrate? Granular is often easier for beginners to spread evenly.
- **Weed Control Duration:** Some products offer quick results, while others provide longer-lasting protection against new weeds sprouting.
Important Materials Inside
The effectiveness of the product depends on what chemicals it uses to kill the weeds.
The active ingredients in the herbicide are crucial. Common, effective chemicals against dandelions include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP. These chemicals are designed to grow the weed too fast until it dies. Always check that the amounts listed are effective for your lawn size. The fertilizer portion usually contains slow-release nitrogen, which feeds your grass steadily over several weeks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Product Quality
Not all Weed and Feed products work the same way. Several factors influence how well they perform.
What Improves Quality: Higher concentrations of proven herbicides usually mean better weed kill. Fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen feed the lawn for a longer time, leading to more consistent greening. Products designed for your specific grass type (like a blend for St. Augustine vs. Fescue) work better.
What Reduces Quality: Using the product when the weather is too hot or too cold greatly reduces its effectiveness. If the herbicide is not absorbed properly (perhaps it rained too soon after application), the dandelions survive. Low-quality fillers in the fertilizer can lead to weak, short-lived greening.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy the product is to use affects whether you finish the job correctly.
Granular products require a spreader. A good spreader setting prevents you from accidentally applying too much product in one spot, which could burn the grass. Liquid products require careful mixing with water. Most people use Weed and Feed in the spring when dandelions first appear, or in the fall to prepare the lawn for winter. Always read the safety instructions. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling these chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dandelion Weed and Feed
Q: When is the best time of year to apply this product for dandelions?
A: The best time is typically early to mid-spring when the dandelions are actively growing but before they flower and drop seeds. Fall application also works well to weaken perennial weeds for the next year.
Q: Will this product harm my dog or cats?
A: Most products require you to keep pets off the lawn until the treated area is completely dry. Check the specific label instructions, but usually, once dry, it is safe.
Q: How long until I see the dandelions dying?
A: You should start noticing wilting within a few days to a week, depending on the chemical and the weather. Full kill might take two weeks.
Q: Can I use this if my grass seed is new?
A: No. Most weed killers will also kill new grass seedlings. Wait until your new grass is well established (usually mowed 2-3 times) before applying Weed and Feed.
Q: What if it rains right after I apply the granular product?
A: A light rain is usually needed to help the fertilizer dissolve and move the herbicide down to the weed roots. Heavy rain, however, can wash the product away, reducing effectiveness.
Q: Does this kill clover too?
A: Many modern dandelion weed killers are broadleaf herbicides, meaning they often control clover as well. Check the product label to confirm clover is listed as a target weed.
Q: Can I use this near my flower beds?
A: Be very careful. Drift from spraying or blowing granules can seriously damage or kill desirable plants in flower beds. Use a shield or avoid applying near sensitive ornamentals.
Q: Why are my dandelions turning purple or red instead of yellow?
A: That color change is a sign the selective herbicide is working correctly. The weed is growing too fast and unable to sustain itself, leading to death.
Q: Is there a difference between “Weed and Feed” and “Weed Control”?
A: Yes. Weed Control only kills the weeds. Weed and Feed includes fertilizer to boost your grass growth at the same time.
Q: How often should I apply this product each year?
A: Most manufacturers recommend applying 2 to 4 times per year, targeting spring and fall. Always wait the recommended time between applications to avoid over-fertilizing or damaging your lawn.