Does your lawn look more patchy than perfect? Are you tired of battling stubborn weeds while trying to grow lush, green grass? You are not alone! Many homeowners feel lost staring at the wall of “Weed and Feed” products at the garden center. Choosing the right one feels like a guessing game. You want that picture-perfect carpet of green, but you worry about accidentally harming your grass or missing the tough invaders.
This struggle is common because not all Weed and Feed formulas work the same way. Some might kill the dandelions but leave your St. Augustine grass weak. Others might feed your lawn well but ignore the creeping clover. Understanding the difference between these powerful products is key to success.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know. We will explain what ingredients matter most, when to apply these products for the best results, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to transform your yard from a battleground into a beautiful oasis. Let’s dive into making your Weed and Feed choice simple and effective!
Top Weed And Feed Lawn Fertilizer 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 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.
- 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
- 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 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
Your Guide to Picking the Best Weed and Feed Lawn Fertilizer
A healthy, green lawn needs the right food and a good defense against weeds. Weed and feed lawn fertilizers do both jobs at once! This guide helps you choose the perfect product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the product label. These features tell you how well the product will work.
- Weed Control Type: Does it kill existing weeds (post-emergent) or stop new ones from growing (pre-emergent)? Many good products use both.
- Fertilizer Ratio (N-P-K): This three-number code shows the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen makes grass green. Look for a ratio that fits your grass type and the time of year. Higher N is usually better for greening.
- Application Method: Most are granular (pellets you spread) or liquid (you mix with water). Granular is often easier for beginners.
- Grass Type Compatibility: Some formulas work only on cool-season grasses (like Fescue) while others are made for warm-season grasses (like Bermuda). Using the wrong one can hurt your lawn.
Important Materials Inside
The materials in your weed and feed determine its power.
The Fertilizer Part
The main goal is feeding the grass. Good fertilizers use quick-release nitrogen for fast color, but slow-release nitrogen keeps the grass fed longer without sudden growth spurts. Look for slow-release sources like sulfur-coated urea.
The Weed Killer Part
The active ingredients in the weed killer matter most. Common ones include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP. These chemicals target broadleaf weeds (like dandelions) without harming your grass blades.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all weed and feeds are created equal. Quality depends on the balance of ingredients and how you use them.
- Improved Quality: Products with a high percentage of slow-release nitrogen last longer. Also, formulas that include micronutrients, like iron, boost grass color.
- Reduced Quality: Cheap products might rely too heavily on fast-release nitrogen, causing rapid, weak growth that needs more mowing. If the weed killer component is weak or doesn’t match the weeds you have, you waste your money.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product greatly affects your success.
Timing is Everything: Most experts recommend applying weed and feed in the spring when weeds are actively growing. If you use a pre-emergent weed killer, you must apply it before weed seeds germinate (usually early spring or early fall).
Application Ease: Liquid formulas require careful mixing and spraying evenly. Granular products need a spreader. A good spreader ensures you don’t burn spots by applying too much product in one area.
Post-Application Care: Many liquids require watering soon after application to activate the chemicals. Always read the label about how long you must wait before mowing or letting pets back on the lawn.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed and Feed
Q: How often should I use weed and feed?
A: Most manufacturers suggest applying weed and feed two to four times per year, usually spaced about 6 to 8 weeks apart during the growing season. Never apply more than directed.
Q: Can I use weed and feed if my grass is dormant?
A: It is best to wait until your grass is actively growing. Pre-emergent weed killers work best when applied before weeds sprout in the spring or fall.
Q: Will weed and feed kill my established flowers or bushes?
A: Most standard weed and feed products are designed to target broadleaf weeds and generally will not harm established turf grass. However, they can damage or kill new grass seedlings, flowers, and ornamental shrubs if the spray or granules drift onto them.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control?
A: Pre-emergent stops seeds from sprouting. Post-emergent kills weeds that have already popped up above the soil.
Q: Do I need to water the lawn after applying granular weed and feed?
A: Yes, usually. Watering helps move the fertilizer granules down to the soil level and activates the weed killer chemicals. Check the specific product instructions.
Q: Why is my grass turning yellow after using weed and feed?
A: Yellowing often means you applied too much product (fertilizer burn) or you used a product that is not suitable for your grass type.
Q: Can I apply grass seed at the same time as weed and feed?
A: If the product contains pre-emergent weed killer, no. Pre-emergent stops grass seed from growing too! Wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after using a pre-emergent before seeding.
Q: Which N-P-K ratio is best for spring application?
A: Spring applications usually benefit from a higher Nitrogen (N) number to promote strong green growth.
Q: How long after application can I mow the lawn?
A: For granular products, wait until after a good rain or watering to allow the product to dissolve. For liquid products, wait until the spray has dried completely, usually a few hours.
Q: Is liquid or granular weed and feed more effective?
A: Both can be highly effective. Liquids often work faster because they contact the weeds directly, but granular products spread more evenly with a spreader and are often easier for homeowners to manage.