Does your lawn look more like a patchy, uneven battlefield than a lush green paradise? You spend hours watering and mowing, but stubborn weeds keep popping up, stealing the vibrant color from your grass. It is frustrating when your hard work doesn’t show the beautiful results you want. Choosing the right yard fertilizer and weed killer feels like navigating a confusing maze of numbers, chemicals, and promises.
Many homeowners worry about using harsh chemicals near pets or children, or they fear accidentally feeding the weeds instead of the grass! Finding the perfect balance between powerful weed control and healthy, strong turf is the key to a great yard. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what those numbers on the bags mean and which products actually work for common lawn problems.
Keep reading to discover simple steps for creating a feeding and weed-fighting schedule that gives you the envy-inducing lawn you deserve. Let’s transform that struggling patch into a green masterpiece!
Top Yard Fertilizer And Weed Killer Recommendations
- 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 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 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.
- 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
- 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: 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 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
- 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
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Yard Fertilizer and Weed Killer
Keeping your lawn green and weed-free takes the right tools. A good yard fertilizer and weed killer combo can make a huge difference. This guide will help you pick the perfect product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label for these important features:
1. All-in-One vs. Separate Products
- Combination Products: These offer both feeding and weed killing in one bag or jug. They save time.
- Separate Products: Some people prefer to fertilize and kill weeds at different times. This gives you more control.
2. Weed Control Type
- Pre-Emergent: This stops weed seeds from sprouting in the first place. Apply this before weeds appear, usually in early spring.
- Post-Emergent: This kills weeds that are already growing. Look for products that target common lawn weeds like dandelions or clover.
3. Fertilizer Numbers (NPK Ratio)
Fertilizers have three numbers on the bag, like 20-5-10. These numbers show the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Nitrogen (N): Makes the grass grow green and thick. Most lawn foods need high Nitrogen.
- Phosphorus (P): Helps with strong root development. New lawns need more P.
- Potassium (K): Boosts the grass’s overall health and disease resistance.
Important Materials Inside the Mix
The ingredients determine how well the product works and how safe it is for your lawn.
Active Ingredients in Weed Killers
These chemicals do the hard work of killing unwanted plants. Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. Always check if these chemicals harm your specific type of grass (like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass).
Nutrient Sources in Fertilizers
- Quick Release: These nutrients feed the lawn fast, giving you quick green-up. They often need more frequent application.
- Slow Release: These materials feed the grass over several weeks or months. They provide steady, long-lasting growth and reduce burn risk. Look for sulfur-coated urea or polymer-coated products.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Product quality depends on formulation and timing.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Rainfastness: A good product sticks to the weeds and grass quickly, often within a few hours after watering or rain. This means the rain won’t wash it away before it works.
- Compatibility: Higher quality products mix well if you are using a liquid sprayer or spread evenly if you use a granular spreader.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Watch Outs)
- Grass Type Mismatch: Using a weed killer designed for tough grass on delicate grass will often kill your lawn. Always confirm compatibility.
- Improper Application: Applying too much fertilizer can burn your grass, turning it brown. Too little will show no results.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product greatly affects your success.
Ease of Use
Granular products require a spreader. Liquid products need mixing with water and spraying. Choose the format that fits your yard size and comfort level. Large yards often benefit from large bags of granular feed.
Timing is Everything
Most weed and feed products work best when the weeds are actively growing. This is usually spring or early fall. Applying pre-emergents too late means the seeds have already sprouted, wasting your money.
Safety Considerations
Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling these chemicals. Keep pets and children off the lawn until the product has dried or washed into the soil, as directed on the label.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Yard Fertilizer and Weed Killer
Q: How soon after applying can I water my lawn?
A: Check the label, but most products need at least 24 hours without heavy rain or watering to allow the weed killer to stick properly. Some liquids require only a few hours.
Q: Can I use weed and feed if my grass is dormant (not actively growing)?
A: Generally, no. Weed killers are most effective when the target weeds are actively growing. Fertilizing dormant grass does little good.
Q: Will this product kill my flowers or vegetable garden?
A: Yes, most broadleaf weed killers will harm or kill most non-grass plants, including flowers and vegetables. Be extremely careful when spraying near desirable plants.
Q: What is the main difference between granular and liquid fertilizer and weed killer?
A: Granular products are dry pellets spread over the lawn. Liquids are mixed with water and sprayed, covering the surface evenly.
Q: How often should I apply a weed and feed product?
A: This depends on the specific product. Many are applied twice a year—once in spring and once in the fall—but always follow the manufacturer’s suggested schedule.
Q: My grass looks yellow after using the product. Did I burn it?
A: Yellowing can mean you applied too much fertilizer (nutrient burn) or you used a weed killer that is too strong for your grass type. Reduce future applications.
Q: Do I need a special spreader for granular weed and feed?
A: Yes, you need a broadcast or drop spreader to ensure the product is spread evenly across the lawn. Hand spreading leads to striping and burning.
Q: When is the best time of day to apply?
A: Apply in the early morning when dew is present, or after watering. The moisture helps the granules stick or the liquid adhere to the weeds.
Q: Does this product work on moss?
A: Standard weed and feed usually targets broadleaf weeds. Moss requires specific moss-killing products, often containing iron, to be fully eliminated.
Q: How long before I can let my dog back on the lawn?
A: Wait until the treated areas are completely dry to the touch. This usually takes a few hours, but check the safety section on your product’s label for the exact waiting period.