Best Weed and Feed Products for Lawns - Plant Care Guide

The best weed and feed products for lawns effectively combine herbicides to control weeds with fertilizers to nourish turf, promoting a lush, healthy lawn while tackling unwanted growth. Top choices often vary by grass type and regional weed issues, but popular brands like Scotts and Spectracide offer highly effective formulations for diverse lawn care needs.

What is "Weed and Feed" and How Does It Work?

Weed and feed is a popular lawn care product that combines two essential tasks into one application: weed control and fertilization. It's designed to simplify lawn maintenance, saving you time and effort.

• Weed Control: The herbicide component targets common broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and plantain. Some products also include crabgrass preventers.
• Fertilization: The fertilizer component provides essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) to help your grass grow thicker, greener, and stronger, making it more resistant to future weed invasions.

This dual action helps create a dense, healthy lawn that naturally crowds out weeds.

Why Use a Weed and Feed Product?

Using a weed and feed product offers several advantages for homeowners looking to improve their lawn's appearance and health.

• Convenience: It's a two-in-one solution, reducing the number of separate applications you need to make.
• Time-Saving: Less time spent on lawn care means more time for other activities.
• Cost-Effective: Often more economical than buying separate fertilizer and weed killer products.
• Promotes Healthy Turf: By providing nutrients and eliminating competition, it encourages a dense, vibrant lawn.
• Reduces Weed Pressure: A strong, thick lawn naturally suppresses weeds, making your lawn easier to maintain in the long run.

What Are the Best Weed and Feed Products on the Market?

Choosing the best weed and feed products for lawns depends on your specific grass type, climate, and the types of weeds you're battling. Here are some of the most highly-rated and widely available options.

Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed 3

This is one of the most popular and trusted weed and feed options for a reason.

• Key Features: Kills over 50 types of common broadleaf weeds, including dandelions and clover, and feeds your lawn for a thicker, greener appearance.
• N-P-K Ratio: Typically around 28-0-6 (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium), promoting strong top growth and root development.
• Application: Granular, applied with a spreader. Requires a wet lawn for best weed control.
• Best For: Northern and Southern lawns, except St. Augustinegrass, Floratam, Dichondra, or Carpetgrass. Always check the label.
• Availability: Widely available at garden centers and online. You can find Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed 3 easily.

Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer

This product offers comprehensive weed control, including stubborn crabgrass.

• Key Features: Kills over 250 types of broadleaf weeds and crabgrass. Also provides a fertilizer boost.
• Application: Granular. Can be applied to a dry lawn, but best results when weeds are actively growing.
• Best For: Cool-season and warm-season grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine). Always verify compatibility with your specific grass type on the label.
• Crabgrass Control: Effective both as a pre-emergent (before germination) and post-emergent (after germination) on some types.
• Availability: A reliable option for comprehensive weed removal. Look for Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer.

BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Weed & Feed for Lawns

This product often includes insect control in addition to weed killing and feeding.

• Key Features: Kills over 200 types of broadleaf weeds, controls crabgrass, and kills common lawn insects like grubs and ants.
• Application: Granular. Typically applied when the lawn is dry.
• Best For: Most common lawn types, but always check the label for specific exclusions.
• Benefits: Offers a holistic approach to lawn health by addressing weeds, nutrients, and pests in one go.
• Availability: Another strong contender for combined lawn care. You can find BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Weed & Feed for Lawns at most retailers.

Milorganite (Organic Option - for Feeding Only)

While not a traditional weed and feed, Milorganite is a fantastic organic fertilizer that improves soil health and helps the lawn grow so thick it naturally crowds out weeds. You would need a separate weed killer.

• Key Features: Slow-release, non-burning, contains iron for deep greening. Excellent for improving soil structure over time.
• N-P-K Ratio: Typically 6-4-0.
• Application: Granular. Easy to spread and doesn't need to be watered in immediately.
• Best For: All grass types, excellent for eco-conscious lawn owners. Safe for pets and children once applied.
• Availability: A popular choice for sustainable lawn care. Purchase Milorganite Fertilizer.

PBI Gordon SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer (Liquid Spot Treatment/Broad Application)

This is a powerful liquid option for quick results, often used for spot treating or broad application (when mixed with water) if you prefer separate weed control and feeding.

• Key Features: Fast-acting, visible results in hours, effective on over 100 tough broadleaf weeds.
• Application: Liquid concentrate, mixed with water and applied with a sprayer. Great for targeting specific weed patches.
• Best For: Quick kill of existing weeds, can be used on a wide variety of turfgrasses.
• Caution: Read instructions carefully for mixing ratios and safe application.
• Availability: A highly effective solution for challenging weeds. Find PBI Gordon SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer.

How to Choose the Right Weed and Feed Product for Your Lawn

Selecting the best weed and feed for your lawn involves considering several key factors to ensure effectiveness and safety.

1. Identify Your Grass Type

This is the most crucial step. Using the wrong weed and feed can damage or kill your lawn.

• Cool-Season Grasses: Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue (Tall, Fine), Perennial Ryegrass.
• Warm-Season Grasses: Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, Centipede, Bahia.
• Check the Label: Every weed and feed product specifies which grass types it's safe for and which to avoid. Always read the product label carefully. For instance, many products are not safe for St. Augustinegrass, especially Floratam.

2. Know Your Weeds

Different herbicides target different weeds.

• Broadleaf Weeds: Dandelions, clover, plantain, chickweed, thistle. Most weed and feed products target these.
• Grassy Weeds: Crabgrass, nimblewill, foxtail. You'll need a product specifically designed to control these, often labeled "plus crabgrass killer."
• Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent:
  • Pre-emergent: Prevents weed seeds from germinating (e.g., for crabgrass). Applied in early spring.
  • Post-emergent: Kills weeds that have already sprouted. Applied when weeds are actively growing.

3. Consider the N-P-K Ratio

The numbers on the bag (e.g., 28-0-6) represent the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes green, leafy growth. High N is good for lush lawns.
• Phosphorus (P): Important for root development. Less critical for established lawns, often regulated in some areas.
• Potassium (K): Helps with overall plant health, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.
• Seasonal Needs: Different N-P-K ratios are best for different times of year. Spring applications often have higher nitrogen.

4. Application Type (Granular vs. Liquid)

• Granular: Applied with a spreader. Easy to apply evenly over large areas. Often requires wet grass for weed control to stick to leaves.
• Liquid: Applied with a sprayer (either hose-end or pump sprayer). Good for spot treating or quick absorption. Can provide faster visible results.

5. Review Coverage Area

Match the bag size to your lawn's square footage to ensure you buy enough. Using too little or too much can be ineffective or harmful.

6. Environmental and Safety Concerns

• Pet and Child Safety: Check labels for re-entry times after application.
• Runoff: Be mindful of applying near water bodies or storm drains.
• Organic Options: If you prefer an organic approach, you'll likely need separate organic fertilizers and organic weed control methods, as combined organic weed and feed is rare.

When Is the Best Time to Apply Weed and Feed?

Timing is crucial for the effectiveness of weed and feed products. Applying at the wrong time can be ineffective or even damage your lawn.

Spring Application (Most Common)

• When: Mid to late spring (when soil temperatures are consistently above 50-55°F / 10-13°C and weeds are actively growing).
• Target Weeds: Dandelions, clover, chickweed, and other broadleaf weeds that emerge in spring. If a product contains a crabgrass preventer, apply it earlier in spring, before crabgrass seeds germinate (usually when dogwood trees bloom or forsythia flowers drop).
• Conditions: For granular products, the lawn should be moist (e.g., early morning dew or after a light rain) so the granules stick to weed leaves. Avoid applying right before a heavy rain, which can wash the product away.

Fall Application

• When: Early to mid-fall (September-October in many regions), when temperatures are cooler but weeds are still actively growing.
• Target Weeds: Winter annuals and perennial weeds that sprout in fall and overwinter. This application helps weaken perennial weeds before winter and prevents early spring weeds.
• Benefits: Fall is often considered the best time for weed control, as weeds are actively storing energy in their roots, making them more susceptible to herbicides. It also gives the grass a boost before winter dormancy.

Avoid Applying During Hot Weather

• Risk: Applying weed and feed when temperatures are consistently above 85°F (29°C) can stress and burn your lawn, especially for cool-season grasses.
• Reason: Herbicides can become more volatile or potent in high heat, and turfgrass is already stressed.

Do Not Apply to New Sod or Seedlings

• Risk: Herbicides can harm young, developing grass.
• Rule of Thumb: Wait until new grass has been mowed at least 2-3 times before applying any weed control product. For new sod, wait a few months until it's well-established.

How to Apply Weed and Feed Safely and Effectively

Proper application techniques maximize effectiveness and minimize risks.

Before Application

1. Read the Label: This cannot be stressed enough. Understand your product's specific instructions, including safety precautions, application rates, and compatible grass types.
2. Mow Your Lawn: Mow 2-3 days before application. This ensures weeds are actively growing and have enough leaf surface to absorb the herbicide, but not so long that they shield the lawn.
3. Check Weather Forecast: Ensure no heavy rain is expected for 24-48 hours after application for granular products, but some products (especially for crabgrass prevention) need to be watered in. Follow product-specific instructions.
4. Protect Nearby Plants: Cover desirable flowers, shrubs, and trees near the lawn to prevent accidental spray or granule drift.

During Application (Granular)

1. Use a Spreader: A broadcast spreader (for large lawns) or a drop spreader (for precise application near beds) is essential for even distribution. Calibrate your spreader according to the product label's instructions.
2. Apply Evenly: Walk at a consistent pace to avoid over or under-application, which can lead to burnt spots or missed weeds. Overlapping slightly helps ensure full coverage.
3. Wet Lawn (for some products): For many granular weed and feed products, applying to a dew-covered or lightly watered lawn helps the herbicide granules stick to the broadleaf weed leaves for better absorption.
4. Avoid Walk-Off: Do not apply on sidewalks, driveways, or other non-lawn areas. Sweep up any granules that land there.

During Application (Liquid)

1. Mix According to Directions: Dilute the concentrate precisely as instructed on the label.
2. Use a Sprayer: A pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer is necessary.
3. Target Weeds: Spray weed leaves thoroughly but avoid over-saturating.
4. Avoid Drift: Be mindful of wind to prevent spray from drifting onto desirable plants.

After Application

1. Wait to Water: For most weed and feed products, avoid watering or rain for 24-48 hours after application. This allows the herbicide to be absorbed by the weeds. Products with crabgrass preventers are often exceptions and need to be watered in immediately. Always check the label!
2. Wait to Mow: Do not mow for 2-3 days after application. This gives the herbicide time to work and avoids removing the product from weed leaves.
3. Restrict Access: Keep pets and children off the treated lawn until it's completely dry or as instructed on the label.
4. Clean Equipment: Thoroughly clean your spreader or sprayer after use to prevent corrosion and accidental contamination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Weed and Feed

Even with the best weed and feed products, improper use can lead to disappointing results or damage to your lawn.

• Applying to the Wrong Grass Type: This is the quickest way to kill your lawn. Always verify compatibility.
• Applying During Hot Weather: As mentioned, high temperatures can cause turf burn.
• Not Reading the Label: Ignoring instructions on application rates, watering, or re-entry times can lead to poor results or safety hazards.
• Applying to New Seed or Sod: The herbicides will prevent or kill young grass.
• Applying Too Much: Over-application leads to chemical burns, causing yellow or brown patches in your lawn. Use a properly calibrated spreader.
• Applying Right Before Rain: For granular products needing to stick to leaves, rain washes them away before they can work. For pre-emergents, too much rain can dilute them.
• Not Mowing Before Application: If grass is too long, the product might not reach the weeds effectively. If too short, you might remove too much of the weed's surface area.
• Incorrect Timing: Applying a pre-emergent too late (after weeds germinate) or a post-emergent when weeds are not actively growing will be ineffective.
• Ignoring Weeds When Not Applying: While weed and feed works great seasonally, continued spot treatment or pulling can maintain a weed-free lawn between applications.

Beyond Weed and Feed: A Holistic Approach to Lawn Health

While weed and feed products are excellent tools, a truly healthy, weed-resistant lawn requires a more comprehensive approach.

Proper Mowing

• Height: Mow at the highest recommended height for your grass type (usually 2.5-3.5 inches). Taller grass shades out weed seeds, promotes deeper roots, and tolerates drought better.
• Frequency: Mow often enough so you're only removing 1/3 of the blade's height at a time.
• Sharp Blade: A dull mower blade tears grass, leaving it susceptible to disease. A Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener can help.

Strategic Watering

• Deep and Infrequent: Water deeply (to encourage deep roots) but infrequently (to allow the soil to dry out between waterings), typically 1 inch per week.
• Timing: Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and allow grass to dry before night, minimizing fungal diseases. A Hose-End Sprinkler can help deliver water evenly.

Aeration

• Reduces Compaction: Aerating creates small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily. This reduces compaction, which is a common cause of poor turf health and weed proliferation.
• When: Best done in early fall for cool-season grasses and late spring/early summer for warm-season grasses. Consider renting a Lawn Aerator.

Dethatching

• Removes Thatch: Thatch is a layer of dead and living grass stems, roots, and debris that accumulates between the soil surface and the green grass blades. Too much thatch (over 1/2 inch) can prevent water and nutrients from reaching roots.
• When: Similar to aeration timing. A Dethatcher Rake can be used for small areas.

Overseeding

• Fills in Thin Spots: Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over your existing lawn. This helps fill in bare or thin spots, increasing turf density and making it harder for weeds to establish.
• When: Best done in fall for cool-season grasses and late spring/early summer for warm-season grasses.

By combining the targeted action of the best weed and feed products for lawns with good cultural practices, you'll be well on your way to achieving a lush, vibrant, and virtually weed-free lawn that enhances your home's curb appeal.