Does your beautiful green lawn suddenly sprout unwelcome visitors like dandelions or clover? It’s frustrating when those pesky weeds try to take over your hard work. You want a lush, healthy lawn, but picking the right Lawn Weed & Feed feels like a guessing game. There are so many bags on the shelf, each promising magic, and it’s tough to know which one actually works for your grass and your specific weed problems.
Choosing the wrong product can lead to wasted money, a lawn that doesn’t improve, or even damage to your grass. It’s confusing to figure out what “2,4-D” means or if you need a pre-emergent or post-emergent solution. Don’t worry; we are here to clear up the confusion!
In this guide, we will break down exactly what Lawn Weed & Feed is, how it works, and the simple steps to choose the perfect one for your yard. Get ready to say goodbye to guesswork and hello to the healthiest, greenest lawn on the block. Let’s dive into making your lawn the envy of the neighborhood.
Top Lawn Weed & Feed 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 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 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- One application and done for a season
- Contains natural beneficial microorganisms that revitalize soil
- Contains 5% iron for deep greening
- Contains polymer coated urea that slowly releases nitrogen up to 4 months
- Product not available in Hawaii and South Dakota
Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Lawn Weed & Feed
Keeping your lawn green and free of pesky weeds takes effort. Lawn Weed & Feed products are a fantastic shortcut. They combine weed killer with fertilizer in one easy application. This guide helps you pick the right bag or jug for your yard’s needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the label. Certain features make a product much better for your lawn.
1. Weed Control Type
- Selective Herbicides: These are best for homeowners. They target broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) but leave your desirable grass unharmed.
- Non-Selective Herbicides: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Use these only for spot treatments or clearing areas completely.
2. Fertilizer Analysis (N-P-K Ratio)
The three numbers on the bag (like 24-0-10) tell you the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen greens up the grass fast. Choose a ratio that matches your lawn’s current needs. Early spring often needs higher Nitrogen.
3. Application Timing
Some formulas work best in early spring, while others target fall feeding. Check the label to ensure you buy the right product for the current season.
Important Materials in Weed & Feed
The effectiveness of the product depends heavily on its ingredients.
Weed Killing Agents
Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP. These chemicals disrupt the weed’s growth process. Ensure the herbicide listed controls the specific weeds you see most often.
Nutrient Sources
The fertilizer component usually includes nitrogen from sources like urea or sulfur-coated urea. Look for slow-release nitrogen sources. These feed your lawn evenly over several weeks, preventing quick bursts of growth followed by yellowing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the chemicals; it is also about how the product releases its power.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Rainfastness: A high-quality product sticks to the weed leaves quickly after application. This means a light rain won’t wash the weed killer away before it starts working.
- Granule Uniformity (for granular products): Good products have evenly sized granules. This ensures the fertilizer and weed killer spread out uniformly across your lawn, preventing streaks of dark green grass next to weedy patches.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- High Salt Content: Some fertilizers can burn the lawn if applied incorrectly or if they contain too many salts, especially in hot weather.
- Poor Solubility (for liquid concentrates): If the liquid concentrate does not mix well with water, you will have an uneven application.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the product greatly affects your choice.
Granular vs. Liquid
Granular products require a spreader. They are easy to store and measure. They work best for large areas. Liquid concentrates you mix with water and spray. They often absorb faster but require more careful mixing and application.
Dealing with Specific Problems
If you have a severe dandelion infestation, look for a product labeled “Dandelion Killer” that has a high concentration of broadleaf weed control agents. If your grass looks pale after winter, prioritize a “Spring Green-Up” formula with high, fast-acting nitrogen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the best time of year to apply Weed & Feed?
A: Most experts suggest early spring when weeds start actively growing, and again in the fall. Always check the specific product label, as timing is crucial for weed control.
Q: How soon after applying can my kids or pets go on the lawn?
A: This depends entirely on the active ingredients. Generally, wait until the granules have dissolved or the spray has completely dried. This usually takes a few hours. Always read the safety warnings on the package.
Q: Will Weed & Feed kill clover in my lawn?
A: Yes, most standard Weed & Feed products are designed to control common broadleaf weeds, which includes clover. Look for products specifically listing clover control.
Q: What happens if I apply too much product?
A: Applying too much increases the risk of “burning” or damaging your grass, especially in hot weather. It also wastes product. Always use the recommended setting on your spreader.
Q: Can I use this product if I have newly seeded grass?
A: No. Weed killers harm new seedlings just as much as they harm weeds. Wait until your new grass has been mowed at least two or three times before applying Weed & Feed.
Q: Do I need to water the lawn after applying granular Weed & Feed?
A: Yes, usually. A light watering helps move the fertilizer down to the soil and activates the weed-killing ingredients. However, do not water so heavily that you wash the granules away before they stick.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: You should see the grass start greening up within a week. Weeds usually start wilting and dying within 7 to 14 days, depending on the temperature.
Q: Is there a difference between granular and liquid Weed & Feed?
A: Granular products use spreaders and work well for large areas. Liquids mix with water and spray on, often absorbing quickly. Choose based on what equipment you own and the size of your yard.
Q: Can I use this product near flower beds or vegetable gardens?
A: Be extremely careful. Drift from spraying or wind-blown granules can seriously harm desirable plants. Apply on calm days, keeping a safe distance from sensitive areas.
Q: My weeds look yellow but not dead. What should I do?
A: Give it time. If the weeds are actively wilting, the product is working. If they show no change after two weeks, the weather might be too cold, or you might need a second, targeted application according to the label instructions.