Does your perfect green lawn keep getting invaded by pesky, unwanted visitors? Those stubborn dandelions and creeping clover can turn your dream yard into a frustrating mess. It feels like you just finished mowing, and already the weeds are back, mocking your hard work.
Choosing the right Lawn Weed Killer and Feed can feel like navigating a jungle of confusing labels and conflicting advice. Should you use a pre-emergent or a post-emergent? Will the “feed” burn your grass? These products promise a beautiful lawn, but picking the wrong one can waste money or even damage the very grass you want to protect. It is a common headache for every homeowner.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what these powerful products do, how to choose the best formula for your specific lawn problems, and the simple steps to apply them correctly. Get ready to stop fighting weeds and start enjoying a thick, healthy carpet of green.
Top Lawn Weed Killer And 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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 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 Greener Grass: Choosing the Best Lawn Weed Killer and Feed
Want a lush, green lawn without pesky weeds? A combination weed killer and fertilizer product is a fantastic shortcut. These products tackle existing weeds while feeding your grass for a healthy boost. But how do you pick the right one? This guide breaks down what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important features to ensure you get the best results for your lawn:
- Weed Control Spectrum: Does it kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) or also grassy weeds (like crabgrass)? Choose a product that targets the specific weeds you see most often.
- Fertilizer NPK Ratio: This stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen promotes green, leafy growth. A higher first number (N) usually means a better feeding boost.
- Application Type: Do you need a liquid concentrate that you mix with water, or dry granules you spread with a spreader? Granules are often easier for beginners.
- Rainfastness: How soon after application can it rain? Look for products that are “rainfast” within a few hours so a sudden shower doesn’t wash your hard work away.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The active ingredients determine how the product works. You generally find two main types of weed killers:
Selective Herbicides
These are the good guys for your lawn. They kill the targeted weeds but leave your desirable grass unharmed. Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP. Always check the label to ensure it is safe for your specific grass type (like fescue or Bermuda).
Fertilizer Components
The feed part usually contains slow-release nitrogen sources. These ingredients feed your lawn steadily over several weeks, preventing that sudden, short burst of growth followed by yellowing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one product better than another? It often comes down to formulation and timing.
Quality Boosters:
- Slow-Release Formulas: These feed your lawn evenly for 6 to 8 weeks, meaning fewer applications.
- Broad-Spectrum Control: Products effective against many types of weeds usually offer better overall value.
- Temperature Suitability: High-quality products clearly state the ideal temperature range for application. Applying when it’s too hot can damage your grass.
Quality Reducers:
- Rapid Burn Risk: If the fertilizer has too much fast-acting nitrogen and you apply too heavily, your grass might burn (turn brown).
- Poor Weed Targeting: If the product doesn’t list the weeds you have, it is a waste of money.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product greatly affects your experience. These products are usually best used in the spring or early fall when weeds are actively growing.
For Quick Fixes: If you have a small patch of dandelions, a liquid spray might be faster for spot treatment, even if you buy a granular combination product for the whole yard.
For Large Lawns: A granular spreader application is much easier and ensures even coverage. Read the spreader settings carefully; too much product in one spot causes spotting.
Safety First: Always wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection when mixing or applying chemicals. Keep pets and children off the lawn until the product has dried or settled according to the instructions.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weed Killer and Feed
Q: When is the best time of year to use this product?
A: Spring is excellent for killing young weeds. Early fall is also great because the weeds draw nutrients down to their roots, making the weed killer more effective.
Q: Can I use this product if I just seeded my lawn?
A: No. Most weed killers will harm new grass seedlings. Wait until your new grass has been mowed at least two or three times before applying.
Q: How long until I see the weeds die?
A: Depending on the chemical, you should see visible curling or yellowing of the weeds within 7 to 14 days.
Q: Will this product kill clover?
A: Most good combination products list clover as a target broadleaf weed. Always double-check the product label.
Q: What happens if it rains an hour after I apply the granules?
A: If the product requires 2-4 hours to become rainfast, a quick rain might wash some of the fertilizer away, reducing the feeding benefit. The weed killer might also be less effective.
Q: Can I use a broadcast spreader or do I need a drop spreader?
A: Drop spreaders offer better precision, ensuring the product lands exactly where you aim it. Broadcast spreaders cover more ground faster but can sometimes spray onto sidewalks or flower beds.
Q: Is it safe to mow the lawn right after application?
A: Wait at least one full day, or preferably until after the next scheduled watering or rain, before mowing. Mowing too soon can remove the product before it works.
Q: Why do I see brown patches after using the product?
A: Brown patches usually happen because the product was applied too heavily, or the temperature was too high, causing the grass to burn.
Q: Does this product control crabgrass?
A: Some do, but many standard weed-and-feed products only kill broadleaf weeds. Look specifically for products labeled as “Crabgrass Control” if that is your main concern.
Q: How long should I wait before applying fertilizer again?
A: Since this product includes fertilizer, wait the recommended time listed on the bag—usually 6 to 8 weeks—before applying a separate, plain fertilizer.