Does your Texas lawn look more like a patchy, weed-ridden battlefield than a lush green paradise? You are not alone! Keeping a beautiful lawn in the Lone Star State presents unique challenges. The intense summer heat and unpredictable spring rains make finding the perfect “Weed and Feed” product a real headache. Many homeowners buy the wrong mix, wasting money and still battling stubborn dandelions and crabgrass.
Choosing the wrong product can damage your grass or simply fail to stop those pesky invaders. It’s frustrating when you put in the effort but don’t see the results you want. We understand the struggle of navigating confusing labels and harsh Texas weather. That’s why we created this guide to cut through the noise.
Keep reading to discover the best Weed and Feed options specifically formulated for Texas soils and climates. We will break down what ingredients matter most, when to apply them, and how to finally achieve that deep, healthy green lawn you deserve. Get ready to transform your yard!
Top Weed And Feed For Texas Lawns 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
- 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 42.87 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 15,000 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 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: 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.
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- KILLS WEEDS: This lawn weed killer kills over 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- LAWN FRIENDLY: It contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won’t harm your grass (when used as directed)
- RESULTS YOU CAN SEE: Visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried
- EASY TO USE: To apply, connect your garden hose to the sprayer and set the nozzle to your desired setting
- WON’T HARM LAWNS: Won’t harm lawns when used as directed – kills more than 200 types of weeds as listed.
- PRE-EMERGENT CRABGRASS KILLER: Prevents crabgrass and other undesirable annual grasses.
- UP TO 5 MONTHS CONTROL: Apply with a spreader at the rates directed on the product label.
- APPLY SPRING THROUGH FALL: Apply when weeds are actively growing.
- COVERAGE: This 10.8 pound bag covers up to 3,000 square feet of lawn.
Choosing the Best Weed and Feed for Your Texas Lawn: A Buyer’s Guide
Texas lawns face tough challenges. Intense heat, unpredictable rain, and stubborn weeds demand a special approach. Weed and feed products offer a simple solution: feeding your grass while stopping pesky weeds. This guide helps you pick the right one for your Texas turf.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the label. Not all weed and feeds work the same way, especially in the Lone Star State.
1. Weed Control Type
- Pre-emergent: This is crucial for Texas. It stops weeds like crabgrass *before* they sprout. Apply it in early spring (February/March) before soil temperatures rise.
- Post-emergent: This kills weeds that are already growing, like dandelions or clover. Make sure the product targets the specific weeds common in your area.
2. Fertilizer Analysis (N-P-K Ratio)
You will see three numbers on the bag, like 24-0-10. These numbers tell you the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potash (K).
- Nitrogen (N): This makes your grass green and encourages fast growth. Texas lawns need plenty of nitrogen during their growing seasons (spring and fall).
- Phosphorus (P): This helps with root development. Many newer formulas reduce phosphorus because it can harm local waterways.
- Potash (K): This helps the grass handle stress, like heat or drought—very important for Texas summers!
3. Application Timing
Some weed and feeds are designed for spring use, while others are best for fall. Using the wrong one at the wrong time can hurt your grass. Always check the recommended application window.
Important Materials Inside the Bag
The quality of the ingredients determines how well the product works.
Active Ingredients (Weed Killers)
For pre-emergents, common active ingredients are Prodiamine or Dithiopyr. For post-emergents, look for herbicides like 2,4-D or Dicamba. These chemicals break down the weed’s structure.
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release Nitrogen
High-quality products use slow-release nitrogen. This feeds your lawn steadily over several weeks. Quick-release nitrogen causes fast, weak growth that burns easily in the Texas sun.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bag better than another?
Improving Quality: Slow Release and Added Micronutrients
Products containing a high percentage of slow-release nitrogen last longer and feed better. Good formulas also include iron or sulfur. Iron helps turn pale green grass deep green without forcing excessive growth.
Reducing Quality: Wrong Timing and High Burn Potential
If a product has too much quick-release nitrogen, it can “burn” your lawn, especially if temperatures are high. Also, avoid products designed for cool-season grasses (like those used up north) if you have warm-season grass like Bermuda or St. Augustine.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product matters as much as what you buy.
Ease of Application
Most weed and feeds come in granular form. You spread them using a standard lawn spreader. Look for evenly sized granules; very fine dust clogs spreaders easily.
Watering Requirements
Most products require light watering after application to move the chemicals into the soil. However, be careful! If you apply a pre-emergent and then water too heavily, you might wash the chemical away before it can form its protective barrier against weeds.
Best Use Cases for Texas
- Early Spring (Feb/Mar): Apply a pre-emergent formula before soil temps hit 55°F to stop summer annual weeds.
- Late Spring/Early Fall: Apply a fertilizer-heavy formula to promote strong growth before or after the intense summer heat.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Texas Weed and Feed
Q: When should I apply weed and feed on my Texas lawn?
A: Timing is everything. Apply pre-emergent in late winter/early spring (February or March) before weeds sprout. Apply fertilizer blends in the spring and fall when your grass is actively growing.
Q: Can I use the same product year-round?
A: No. You need different formulas for different seasons. A spring formula focuses on pre-emergent weed control, while a fall formula focuses more on root building and winter hardiness.
Q: Is it safe for my St. Augustine grass?
A: You must check the label! Some herbicides harm St. Augustine or Centipede grass. Only use products specifically labeled as safe for your grass type.
Q: How soon after applying can my dog go outside?
A: Wait until the granules have dissolved completely and the lawn is dry. This usually takes several hours, but always follow the specific waiting time listed on the product bag.
Q: What does the N-P-K ratio mean?
A: It shows the percentage of Nitrogen (for green growth), Phosphate (for roots), and Potash (for stress resistance).
Q: Will this kill weeds that are already tall?
A: Only if it contains a post-emergent killer. Pre-emergents only stop seeds from starting. Look for a product that lists both options if you have existing tall weeds.
Q: My lawn looks pale. Should I use more?
A: Do not apply more than the bag suggests. Too much fertilizer burns the grass. Instead, check if the product has added iron for a quick green-up without over-fertilizing.
Q: What happens if I apply weed and feed right before a big rainstorm?
A: If it’s a pre-emergent, a light rain is needed to activate it. However, heavy rain too soon can wash the product away, making it ineffective.
Q: Can I use this near my flower beds?
A: Be very careful. Herbicides can drift or run off into flower beds and harm sensitive plants. Read the label for buffer zone instructions.
Q: What is the main weed I need to stop in Texas summers?
A: Crabgrass is the number one summer annual weed. Stopping it requires a good pre-emergent application in the early spring.