Imagine planting tiny grass seeds, watering them just right, and watching them sprout into a beautiful, green carpet. Then, suddenly, unwanted visitors pop up! Those pesky weeds try to steal sunlight and nutrients from your brand-new lawn. Doesn’t that make you want to pull your hair out?
Starting a new lawn is exciting, but keeping it weed-free is tricky. You need weed killer, but you worry! Will the spray harm your delicate new grass? Which product works best without turning your dream lawn brown? Choosing the wrong chemical can undo all your hard work in just a few days.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in a weed killer safe for young turf. You will learn the best timing and application methods so your new grass grows strong and thick, not choked by invaders. Keep reading to discover the secrets to a weed-free, perfect new lawn!
Top Weed Killer For New Lawns Recommendations
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as crabgrass and yellow nutsedge – see product label for complete list of weed types
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: No mixing required
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Designed to be used when planting new grass, Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action Built For Seeding prevents dandelion and crabgrass for up to 6 weeks without harming new grass, jump starts grass development, and feeds to protect against heat and drought
- Weeds prevented are dandelions, crabgrass, clover, chickweed, ground ivy, henbit, and nutsedge
- Apply pre-emergent weed killer plus lawn fertilizer to a dry lawn when temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F
- For use on newly seeded, overseeded, or newly planted Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Centipedegrass, and Fine Fescues
- One 4.3 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action Built For Seeding covers 1,000 sq. ft.
- 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.
Choosing the Right Weed Killer for Your Brand New Lawn
Starting a new lawn is exciting! You want that lush, green carpet. But weeds can pop up fast and ruin your efforts. Using the wrong weed killer can harm your delicate new grass seedlings. This guide helps you pick the perfect product.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the label. You need a weed killer designed for new grass.
- **Selectivity:** This is vital. You want a *selective* herbicide. Selective means it targets broadleaf weeds (like dandelions) but leaves grass alone. Non-selective killers kill everything, including your new lawn.
- **Timing/Stage of Grass:** Check if the product works on “newly seeded” or “recently established” grass. Some products are safe only after the grass has been mowed a few times.
- **Application Method:** Do you prefer liquid spray or granular application? Liquids often work faster. Granules spread easily but need water to activate.
- **Weed Type Targeted:** Ensure the product kills the weeds you actually see. Most new lawns struggle with broadleaf weeds.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The active ingredients determine how the weed killer works. For new lawns, you usually want products that target weeds without harming young turf.
Read the label for active ingredients. Common safe options often include 2,4-D, MCPP, or Dicamba, but always check the label for “safe for new lawns” warnings.
Avoid: Products labeled for established lawns only, especially those containing high concentrations of harsh chemicals or residual soil sterilants. These can stunt or kill grass seedlings.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Product Quality
The quality of a weed killer often depends on how carefully you use it and what the weather is doing.
Factors That Improve Quality (Better Results):
- **Warm Weather Application:** Most broadleaf weed killers work best when weeds are actively growing. This usually means temperatures between 60°F and 85°F.
- **Proper Mowing Height:** Mow your new grass high (about 3 inches) before applying. Taller grass shades out some small weeds, making the chemical application more effective on the remaining ones.
- **Thorough Coverage:** Spray or spread the product evenly over the weeds. Missing spots means weeds survive.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Poor Results):
- **Rain Immediacy:** If rain falls shortly after application (check the label, usually within 24 hours), it washes the chemical away. This wastes product and time.
- **Cold Temperatures:** Applying when it is too cold stops weeds from absorbing the chemical effectively.
- **Over-Application:** Using too much product does not kill weeds faster. It only increases the risk of burning or damaging your new grass.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using weed killer on a new lawn requires patience. You generally wait until the grass is well-rooted before applying anything.
Use Case 1: Post-Seeding (Emerging Grass): If weeds appear before the grass is thick, you must be extremely gentle. Sometimes, hand-pulling the first few weeds is the safest bet if the grass blades are still very thin. Wait until the grass has been mowed at least twice.
Use Case 2: Established New Sod or Seedlings (Mowed Twice): This is the ideal time for selective liquid weed control. Most homeowners find liquid sprays provide the quickest visual results. Spray only the weeds, trying to avoid spraying the grass blades directly if possible, though selective products are designed to handle minor overlap.
A good user experience means seeing weeds wilt within a week, and your new grass staying vibrant green.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About New Lawn Weed Killers
Q: When is it safe to use weed killer on a new lawn?
A: Generally, wait until your new grass has been mowed at least two or three times. This shows the grass is established enough to handle the treatment.
Q: Can I use a “weed and feed” product on new grass?
A: Usually, no. Most “weed and feed” products contain fertilizers that are too strong for very young grass, and the herbicide might be too harsh.
Q: What happens if I use a regular weed killer?
A: Regular weed killers often kill everything they touch, including your new grass seedlings, leaving bare patches.
Q: Should I use liquid or granular weed killer for new grass?
A: Liquids often give more targeted control, but granules spread very evenly. Check the label to ensure the specific product is safe for your grass stage.
Q: Do I need to water after applying granular weed killer?
A: Yes. Granules need water to dissolve and move the active ingredients down to the weeds. Check the label for the exact waiting time.
Q: What if I see weeds immediately after seeding?
A: For very new seeds, hand-pulling small weeds is the safest method. Wait for the grass to grow stronger before applying chemicals.
Q: How long after application will the weeds die?
A: With ideal weather, you should see weeds starting to wilt within 3 to 7 days.
Q: Are there any weeds I should not try to kill right away?
A: Some stubborn perennial weeds might require a second application later in the season once your lawn is fully mature.
Q: Can I use a non-selective killer (like glyphosate) to spot treat?
A: You can, but you must be extremely careful. Only spray the weed itself. If the spray drifts onto the new grass, the grass will die in that spot.
Q: Does temperature affect how well the weed killer works?
A: Yes. Most herbicides work best when daytime temperatures are warm (60°F to 85°F) and the weeds are actively growing.