Does your lawn look more like a patchy, dandelion-filled field than a lush green carpet? You are not alone! Many homeowners fight a constant battle against stubborn weeds trying to take over their beautiful grass. Choosing the right “Weed and Feed” spray can feel like navigating a confusing maze. Should you pick one for broadleaf weeds? How about one that works best in the spring? The wrong product can waste your money or, worse, harm your healthy lawn.
But imagine a simple solution! We have cut through the confusing labels and complicated instructions. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about Weed and Feed sprays. You will learn which ingredients matter most, when the best time to spray is, and how to get that picture-perfect yard you dream about. Get ready to stop guessing and start growing the best lawn on the block!
Top Weed And Feed Spray For Lawns Recommendations
- 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 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
- 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.
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Care for your lawn with Scotts Liquid Turf Builder 2 Step Lawn Care
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control kills, dandelions, clover, and other weeds as listed (see label for complete list)
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Food feeds grass while watering
- To use these products, simply attach hose to sprayer and begin spraying
- This bundle contains one 32 oz. container each of Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control and Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Food
- 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.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Weed and Feed Spray for Your Lawn
A beautiful, green lawn needs more than just water. Weed and feed sprays are popular tools. They help your grass grow strong while stopping pesky weeds. This guide helps you pick the right product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a weed and feed spray, look closely at what the bottle promises. Not all products do the same job.
1. Weed Control Type
- Selective vs. Non-Selective: Most lawn sprays are *selective*. This means they kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) but leave your grass unharmed. Non-selective sprays kill everything they touch, including your lawn. Stick to selective for general lawn care.
- Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent: Pre-emergent herbicides stop seeds from sprouting (good for crabgrass prevention). Post-emergent herbicides kill weeds that are already growing. Many good products contain both types for year-round control.
2. Fertilizer Analysis (The N-P-K Ratio)
The three numbers on the bag or bottle (like 20-0-10) tell you the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potash (K). Nitrogen fuels green growth. Look for a higher first number if you want fast green-up.
3. Application Method
Sprays are easy to use. Check if the container connects directly to your garden hose (ready-to-spray) or if you need a separate sprayer tank. Ready-to-spray is usually faster for small to medium lawns.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The effectiveness of the spray depends on its chemistry.
Herbicides
Common active ingredients for killing weeds include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP. These chemicals disrupt the weed’s growth process. Check the label to ensure it lists the weeds you actually have in your yard.
Fertilizer Components
Look for quick-release nitrogen for immediate results or slow-release nitrogen for feeding that lasts several weeks. Slow-release nutrients prevent the sudden, intense growth spurts that can stress grass.
Factors Affecting Product Quality
Good quality means better results and less hassle.
Conditions for Success
- Temperature Matters: Most weed killers work best when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F. Applying when it is too hot or too cold reduces the spray’s effectiveness significantly.
- Rain Forecast: Always check the forecast. Most products need a few hours of dry time after application to soak into the weeds before rain washes them away.
What Reduces Quality
Using the wrong amount is a major quality reducer. Too little spray means the weeds survive. Too much spray can burn or damage your lawn, even with selective formulas.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product affects your experience.
Ease of Use
Ready-to-use hose-end sprayers are user-friendly for beginners. They mix the water and product automatically. If you use a concentrate, you must measure carefully, which takes more attention.
When to Apply
Use weed and feed in the spring to prepare for summer growth and stop spring weeds. A second application in the early fall helps repair summer stress and prepares the lawn for winter dormancy. Avoid applying heavily during peak summer heat.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed and Feed Spray
Q: How soon after spraying can my pets or kids play on the lawn?
A: Always read the product label first. Usually, you must wait until the lawn is completely dry. This often takes a few hours. Dry time ensures the chemicals stick to the weeds and do not stay on the grass blades where feet might touch them.
Q: Will this kill my St. Augustine or Zoysia grass?
A: Most standard weed and feed sprays are safe for common turfgrasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue. However, some warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or St. Augustine) are sensitive. Always confirm the label states it is safe for your specific grass type.
Q: Why are my weeds turning brown slowly?
A: Post-emergent herbicides do not work instantly. It can take 7 to 14 days to see complete weed death. The weeds might look twisted or yellow first, which shows the product is working.
Q: Can I use this if I just seeded my lawn?
A: No. If you use a product containing *pre-emergent* herbicide, it will stop your new grass seeds from growing too. Wait until the new grass has been mowed at least twice before applying any weed control.
Q: What is the best time of day to spray?
A: Early morning is best. The air is usually calm, meaning less drift onto desirable plants. Also, the dew helps the spray stick to the weeds before the sun gets too hot.
Q: Does this kill clover?
A: Most high-quality weed and feed sprays are specifically designed to target common broadleaf weeds, which include clover. Check the label for confirmation.
Q: How long does the fertilizer last?
A: This depends on the fertilizer ratio. Products with slow-release nitrogen might feed the lawn for 6 to 8 weeks, while fast-release fertilizers might only last 3 to 4 weeks.
Q: What should I do if it rains an hour after I spray?
A: If it rains heavily within the first 24 hours, you likely need to reapply. The rain washed the active ingredients off the weeds before they could absorb them.
Q: Should I water my lawn before applying the spray?
A: It is usually best not to water right before application. You want the weeds to be actively growing, but not soaking wet. A slightly moist soil is okay, but dry leaves are preferred for maximum chemical absorption.
Q: Can I use the same sprayer for insecticide?
A: It is safer to use separate sprayers or thoroughly clean your equipment between uses. Residue from weed killer can harm beneficial insects or plants if you switch products.