Imagine stepping onto your lawn, a vibrant green carpet ready for bare feet and summer fun. But wait! Up pops a stubborn dandelion, ruining the perfect picture. Does that sound familiar? Many homeowners fight this battle every spring. Choosing the right Lawn Weed & Feed can feel like a complicated science project. You see bags promising thick grass and weed-free perfection, but which one truly works for your yard? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the different numbers and chemical names on the bags.
Don’t worry! We are here to clear up the confusion. This guide breaks down exactly what Lawn Weed & Feed is. We will explain how to read the labels so you pick the best product for your soil and your weeds. By the end of this post, you will know how to treat your lawn like a pro, saving you time and money. Get ready to transform that patchy, weedy area into the envy of the neighborhood!
Top Lawn Weed & Feed 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
- 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.
- 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
- Kills over 250 common lawn weeds - including dandelions, clover and plantain
- Ideal for smaller lawns providing continuous feeding for up to 8 weeks
- Restores nutrients to the soil and helps lawn retain water to protect against heat and drought
- Builds a deeper, stronger root system
- Promotes a faster spring green up
- 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
- 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 Lawn Weed & Feed
Keeping your lawn green and weed-free takes work. A good Lawn Weed & Feed product helps you do this easily. This guide will help you pick the right one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at what the bag promises. Different products do different jobs.
1. Weed Control Type
- Selective Herbicides: These are the best for lawns. They kill broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover but leave your grass safe.
- Non-Selective Herbicides: These kill everything they touch, including your good grass. Only use these for bare spots or driveways.
2. Fertilizer Analysis (NPK Ratio)
You will see three numbers on the bag, like 24-0-10. This is the NPK ratio:
- N (Nitrogen): Makes the grass green and leafy. High numbers mean fast growth.
- P (Phosphorus): Helps roots grow strong. Many newer formulas reduce this.
- K (Potassium): Helps the grass handle stress like heat or cold.
3. Application Timing
Some products work best in spring, others in fall. Check the label to make sure you are applying it at the right time for your climate and the weeds you see.
Important Materials Inside
The quality of the ingredients matters a lot for how well the product works and how long it lasts.
Active Ingredients for Weed Killing
Look for common active ingredients like 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. These are powerful chemicals that target weeds. Ensure the product lists the weeds it specifically controls.
Fertilizer Sources
- Quick-Release Nitrogen: This feeds the lawn fast, giving quick green-up.
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: This feeds the lawn over several weeks. This prevents sudden growth spurts and “burning” the grass. Slow-release is usually better for a steady, healthy lawn.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bag better than another? It often comes down to formulation and timing.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Rain Includer: Some formulas stick better to weed leaves, even if a light rain falls soon after application.
- Combined Action: Products that offer both pre-emergent (stops seeds from sprouting) and post-emergent (kills existing weeds) control are highly valuable.
- Chelated Micronutrients: These added small amounts of iron or sulfur help boost the green color without over-fertilizing.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Too Much Fast-Release Nitrogen: This can cause rapid growth that makes the grass weak and prone to disease.
- Old Product: If the bag has been sitting in the sun or is several years old, the chemicals might not work as well. Always check the expiration date.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product affects your final results. Most Weed & Feed products come in granular form.
Application Method
You will need a broadcast or drop spreader. Accuracy is key. Overlapping too much wastes product and might harm your grass. Not spreading enough leaves streaks of weeds and green patches.
Safety First
Always read the safety instructions. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection. Keep pets and children off the lawn until the product dries completely, which is usually a few hours.
Ideal Use Cases
- Spring Clean-Up: Use a formula with pre-emergent weed control early in spring to stop crabgrass.
- Mid-Season Boost: Use a high-nitrogen feed in late spring to maintain color during heavy mowing season.
- Fall Preparation: Use a balanced feed in the fall to help grass roots store energy for winter.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weed & Feed
Q: How soon after applying can I water my lawn?
A: Check the label! Most products need at least 24 hours without heavy rain or watering for the weed killer to stick to the leaves properly.
Q: Can I use Weed & Feed on new grass seed?
A: Generally, no. Wait until your new lawn has been mowed at least three times before using a weed and feed product. Weed killers harm young grass.
Q: Will this product kill clover in my lawn?
A: Most standard Weed & Feed products are designed to kill broadleaf weeds, which includes clover. Always confirm the label says “controls clover.”
Q: What is the best time of day to apply this?
A: Apply when the grass is dry and when temperatures are mild (usually between 50°F and 85°F). Applying in the morning dew is often recommended so the granules stick to the weeds.
Q: Why is my lawn turning yellow after application?
A: This usually means you applied the product too heavily, or the temperature was too high. Too much fertilizer can “burn” the grass blades.
Q: Can I use this if I have St. Augustine grass?
A: Be very careful. Some active ingredients can damage warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Zoysia. Always buy a formula specifically labeled safe for your grass type.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: You should see the grass start to green up within a week. Weeds may start wilting within 7 to 14 days, depending on the chemical used.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent?
A: Pre-emergent stops seeds from sprouting. Post-emergent kills weeds that are already visible above the soil.
Q: Do I need to rake up the granules after spreading?
A: No. Once applied, you usually water lightly to wash the fertilizer into the soil, leaving the weed killer on top of the weeds.
Q: How often should I use Lawn Weed & Feed?
A: Most lawn care schedules suggest using it two to four times a year, tied to specific seasons (early spring, late spring, and fall).