Does your lawn look more like a patchy battlefield than a lush green carpet? You see those pesky weeds popping up everywhere, stealing the goodness from your beautiful grass. It’s frustrating! Many homeowners feel lost when staring at the aisle filled with bags labeled “Weed and Feed.” Which one actually works? Will it kill my flowers? These products promise a perfect lawn, but choosing the wrong one can leave you with bare spots or, worse, more weeds later on.
Understanding Weed and Feed is the secret weapon for a healthy yard. We know you want easy solutions that deliver real results without damaging your prized turf. This guide cuts through the confusing labels and jargon. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what ingredients to look for, how to apply the product safely, and how to finally achieve that envy-inducing green lawn you’ve always wanted.
Top Weed And Feed For Your Lawn 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
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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
Weed and Feed for Your Lawn: Your Essential Buying Guide
Keeping your lawn green, thick, and weed-free feels great. Weed and feed products are popular shortcuts. They combine fertilizer to nourish the grass and herbicide to kill unwanted weeds. Choosing the right one takes a little homework. This guide helps you pick the best product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
Not all weed and feed products work the same way. Look closely at what the bag promises.
- Weed Control Type: Do you need to kill existing weeds, or prevent new ones from sprouting?
- Post-Emergent: Kills weeds already growing (like dandelions).
- Pre-Emergent: Stops seeds from germinating (great for crabgrass prevention).
- Fertilizer Ratio (N-P-K): This three-number code tells you the percentage of Nitrogen (N, for green growth), Phosphorus (P, for root health), and Potassium (K, for overall hardiness). A high first number (N) is usually best for a quick green-up.
- Application Timing: Some formulas work best in spring, others in fall. Check the bag to ensure it matches your local weather and the weeds you are fighting.
- Application Method: Most are granular (spread with a spreader), but some liquid concentrates require mixing with water.
Important Materials Inside the Bag
The quality of the ingredients really matters for lawn health.
The Fertilizer Base
Look for slow-release nitrogen sources. These feed your lawn steadily over weeks, preventing sudden, weak growth spurts. Quick-release fertilizers make your grass green fast, but it often fades quickly.
The Active Herbicide Ingredients
The killing ingredients are crucial. Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. These chemicals target broadleaf weeds. If you have a specific tough weed, check if the label lists it as a target.
Safety and Additives
Some products include added micronutrients like iron, which can help green up grass without over-fertilizing. Always check if the product is safe for your specific type of grass (e.g., St. Augustine, Fescue, or Bermuda).
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bag better than another? It often comes down to precision and timing.
Quality Boosters:
- Targeted Formulas: Products designed for specific weed problems (like only crabgrass control) usually perform better than general “all-in-one” mixes.
- Good Spreader Calibration: Even the best product won’t work if you apply too much or too little. High-quality granular products spread evenly.
Quality Reducers:
- Applying at the Wrong Time: Applying a pre-emergent when seeds have already sprouted will waste your money. Timing is everything!
- Rainfall Soon After Application: If heavy rain washes the herbicide away before it can soak into the weed roots or soil, the product becomes ineffective.
- Old Product: Herbicides break down over time. Always check the manufacturing date on the bag.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the product to use, and when should you use it?
Granular weed and feed products require a broadcast or drop spreader. Using a spreader ensures even coverage, which prevents burned patches (too much fertilizer) or missed spots (weeds survive). Most users find spreading granular products straightforward, but cleanup is necessary.
Common Scenarios:
- Spring Clean-Up: Use a pre-emergent formula early in the spring before soil temperatures rise. This stops the annual weeds before they start.
- Mid-Season Boost: Use a post-emergent formula when you see established dandelions or clover actively growing. This feeds the grass while eliminating the visible problems.
- Fall Preparation: Many experts recommend a final feeding in the fall that focuses more on root building (higher P and K) to prepare the lawn for winter stress.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed and Feed
Q: How soon after applying weed and feed can my kids or pets go on the lawn?
A: This depends entirely on the product. Always read the label. Most manufacturers suggest waiting until the granules have dissolved or until the lawn is completely dry, usually a few hours. Some require a longer wait time.
Q: Can I use weed and feed on new grass seed?
A: Generally, no. Most weed and feed products contain herbicides that will kill new grass seedlings. Wait until your new grass has been mowed at least two or three times before applying.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent?
A: Pre-emergent stops seeds from growing into weeds. Post-emergent kills weeds that are already visible and actively growing.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn after applying granular weed and feed?
A: Yes, usually. Watering helps the fertilizer start dissolving so the nutrients reach the grass roots. It also helps the herbicide move down to the weed roots or activate the pre-emergent barrier in the soil.
Q: Will weed and feed kill my flowers or vegetable garden?
A: Yes, if the product drifts or washes into garden beds. Herbicides are powerful. Be extremely careful when applying near desirable plants, as drift can seriously damage or kill them.
Q: What happens if I apply too much weed and feed?
A: Applying too much fertilizer can “burn” your grass, leaving yellow or brown patches. Too much herbicide can also damage your turf.
Q: Should I mow my lawn before or after applying weed and feed?
A: It is best to mow a day or two before application. Mowing short exposes the soil and weeds better to the treatment. Do not mow immediately after applying, as you risk scattering the product unevenly.
Q: What is the best time of year to start using weed and feed?
A: Early spring is the best time to start with a pre-emergent to stop crabgrass. Then, you can follow up with a fertilizer/post-emergent blend as the season warms up.
Q: Can I use weed and feed if my lawn is stressed (like during a drought)?
A: It is usually not recommended. If the grass is already stressed or dormant, the herbicide can cause more harm than good, and the fertilizer won’t be absorbed efficiently.
Q: How long does it take to see results after application?
A: For fertilizer, you might see greener grass in a week. For post-emergent weed killers, it can take 10 to 14 days for the weeds to fully die and turn brown.