Last Updated on June 15, 2023 by Grow with Bovees
If you desire a beautiful, lush lawn, you will have to put in effort and, most importantly, time into the myriad lawn care tasks. You will also need to figure out which weed and feed products are best for your particular situation.
Controlling weeds is a major part of lawn maintenance and upholding green lawns. Apart from mowing your grass regularly to maintain its appeal, you need to set a great foundation for protection from stubborn weeds that can threaten your lawn’s very existence.
Getting rid of major broadleaf weeds from your lawn grass is a daunting task to say the least, but one that must be done, either by you or a lawn care service provider to improve your lawn’s ability to absorb water and essential nutrients. This is where weed and feed products come into play.
Weed and feed comprises two components — weed meaning herbicides and feed for fertilizer, and is available in several options, geared towards varying lawn types and different types of weed including white clover and dollar weeds.
The Best Weed And Feed Products At A Glance;
Since weed and feed is a single product that serves two different purposes, applying it to your lawn saves you both time and money.
However, it is important to fortify your lawn with the right weed and feed, or else it may do more harm than good. For example, ending up with burning and stunted growth rather than a beautiful and healthy lawn.
To help you get that dark green grass that many people desire, here’s a list of 10 top-rated weed and feed options, with amazing customer reviews, you can use to nourish a wide variety of turf as well as killing different weed types.
10 Best Products That Feed & Kill Weeds
1. Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed Fertilizer — Best Weed and Feed for Lawns
Scotts Turf Builder is billed as the best lawn fertilizer and killer of weeds for several reasons. For starters, it can be used for numerous grass types, including Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, bahiagrass, centipede, Bermuda, zoysia, and to kill many types of weeds such as clover, dollarweed, dandelions, ground ivy and much more.
Some tough to kill weeds, like nutgrass and dandelions, may require the use of a dandelion removal tool due to their strong root systems.
It is a great choice to thicken lawns, and to get rid of pesky weeds, and can be applied during any season.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed can cover up to 14,000 square feet (13.01 a), and when applied properly protects your lawn from heat, drought, and other stresses such as an invasive weed.
Scotts fertilizer should be applied to a wet lawn. This moisture may come from dew or sprinkling using a lawn sprinkler, after application, refrain from watering your lawn for at least 24 hours, because doing so will wash the product off the broadleaf weed leaves before it can do its job of eradicating the common weed.
Scotts weed and feed should be applied twice per year, and at least 30 days between applications, in order to maintain healthy grass. Even though it works well for most grasses, it should not be used on Bentgrass, Carpet grass, and St. Augustine grass lawns.
Pros:
- Can be used for several different types of grass
- Coverage up to 14,000 square feet
- One of the best weed killers — kills many weeds including clover
- Can be applied during any season
- Protects your lawn from heat, drought, and other stresses
Cons:
- Does not come with a drop, broadcast, or rotary spreader
Not effective on Bentgrass, Carpetgrass, and St. Augustine grass lawns
2. GreenView Fairway Formula Weed & Feed – Best Weed and Feed for Bermuda Grass
However, the Scotts Southern Triple Action is not to be used for Bermuda grass on your southern lawn. If you have a Bermuda grass lawn, the GreenView Fairway Formula fertilizer is an ideal way to nourish your lawn. The greenview weed and feed also helps to get rid of over 200 tough lawn weeds.
It features a 60 percent nitrogen slow-release formula and covers up to 15,0000 square feet (1.39 ha). After application, the GreenView weed and feed feeding formula works for up to 12 weeks, so your grass absorbs a steady stream of nutrients. This should be applied in the early spring, and with a drop or broadcast feeder.
Pros:
- Provides nutrients for 12 weeks
- Kills almost any type of weed — over 200 varieties
- Coverage up to 15,000 square feet
- Can be used on certain cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses — Southern & Northern grass
Cons:
- Not recommended for Saint Augustine grass in Florida
3. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action – Best Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns
Warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine grass, centipede grass, zoysia, tall fescue, and buffalo grass are a primary choice for southern lawns.
The Scotts Triple Action weed and feed is designed to keep southern lawns healthy and beautiful, and also works well to prevent lawn pests such as mole crickets and ticks.
It can be ordered in a choice of two different sizes — for 4000 square feet (3.72 a) and 8000 square feet (7.43 a) and is guaranteed to work, or you get your money back under their money-back guarantee.
To use the Scotts Southern Triple Action weed and feed, you first need to calculate the size of your lawn, to find out how much product you need for each acre of lawn.
This can easily be done with the Scotts My Lawn app.
Pros:
- Unique triple action formula
- For use on St. Augustine grass (including Floratam), Carpet grass, Centipede, and Zoysia grass
- 2 coverage sizes available
Cons:
- Cannot be used for Bermuda grass
4. Pennington 100536600 UltraGreen Weed & Feed Lawn Fertilizer For All Grass Types
Here’s a product that is formulated to treat a wide range of grasses, with the exception of floral St Augustines.
More than 250 broadleaf weeds are killed with this product, including dandelion, henbit, and chickweed, to name just a few.
Quick Tips
- Make sure to put it down when the weeds are starting to appear.
- Mow to your regular height a couple of days before you intend to use it.
- Make sure the grass is moist before applying.
- Do not water your lawn for 2 days after application, after which you need to give it a thorough watering.
5. Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 — Best Liquid Weed and Feed Spray Product
For a liquid spray for weeds that’s ready to use right out of the bottle, with no complicated mixing to be carried out, the Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 is a great choice.
It is formulated to kill chickweed, dandelion, clover, plantain, and many other weeds, and works up to 75,000 square feet (0.7 ha) of lawn real estate.
The Spectracide Weed and Feed 20-0-0 features a dual-action formula, so it kills broadleaf weeds, as well as fertilizes your lawn with up to 20 percent nitrogen, guaranteed to keep healthy grass. It can be ordered in a choice of two different size options and can be used any time during the growing season when active weeds are growing.
The fast-acting Spectracide formula is easy to use by first shaking the container, then connecting the garden hose reel to the garden hose sprayer nozzle, turning on the water from the faucet or hose bib, and spraying evenly across the affected area.
Pros:
- Easy to use, no mixing required, simply attach the spray bottle to garden hose
- Kills many weeds including English Daisy and ground ivy
- Fertilizes your lawn with 20% nitrogen
- Works up to 7500 square feet
- Comes with a spray nozzle
Cons:
- Repeat/frequent application may be needed for certain tough weeds
6. BioAdvanced Lawn Fertilizer and Weed Killer – Best Weed and Feed Granules
The BioAdvanced Lawn Fertilizers and Weed Killers are a multifaceted weed and feed formula in that it kills a wide range of broadleaf weeds including crabgrass, and feeds your lawn with essential nutrients, keeping the grass green.
It can be had in two different sizes and can be applied anytime in the spring or early fall.
The 12 lbs bag of BioAdvanced Lawn Fertilizer and Weed Killer treats up to 5,000 square feet and the 24 lbs bag for up to 10,000 square feet. Apart from controlling weeds, the BioAdvanced weed and feed fertilizers increase resistance to heat and drought, and considerably improves nutrient absorption during and between feedings.
Another noteworthy feature of the BioAdvanced weed and feed treatment is proprietary micro-feed action, which unlocks essential nutrients already in the soil, resulting in a more enriched root zone.
The BioAdvanced weed and feed granules can be applied using a rotary or drop spreader evenly across your lawn. It should be used in the appropriate quantity i.e. 2.4 lbs per 1000 square feet, and only on northern varieties of grass (Fescue, Zoysia grass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, etc.).
Pros:
- Able to kill crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds
- Micro-feed action
- 2 sizes available
- Feeds and strengthens your lawn
Cons:
- Not formulated for southern lawns
7. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder – Best Post Emergent Weed and Feed
For the best weed and feed liquid for your lawn, the Scotts Liquid treatment is hard to beat. It is designed to give your lawn a quick boost of nitrogen while controlling several types of weeds, including dandelions, clover, and other major lawn weeds.
It is a ready to go liquid weed and feeding solution, where all you have to do is attach the hose and spray the solution. A single bottle of Scotts Liquid Turf Builder covers up to 6,000 sq ft, and should be applied every three to six months depending on the condition of your grass.
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder can be used on all types of grass and can be applied in any season. It is not to be used on flowers, ornamentals, and leaf mulch, or on or around edibles.
It is backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, so you can rest assured it will make your lawn bloom with joy.
Pros:
- Covers up 6,000 sq ft
- Can be used on all types of grass
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Kills clover and other lawn weeds
- Quickly enriches your lawn with nitrogen
Cons:
- May take two to three applications to kill certain weeds
8. Preen One LawnCare Weed & Feed – Post Emergent Weed and Feed
Preen One LawnCare is one of the best post-emergent weed and feed fertilizers, and knocks out three birds with one stone, i.e. it has the ability to injure carpet grass and stop it from growing, kills 250 other tough weeds right down to their roots, and fertilizes your lawn with slow-release nitrogen for up to eight weeks.
It can be used on several types of grasses including fescue and Buffalo grass and is available in three different sizes — 9 lbs for 2500 square feet, 18 lbs for 5,000 square feet, and 36 lbs for 10,000 square feet.
Preen One LawnCare weed and feed should be applied to lawns wet from rain, dew or sprinkling, and should be left undisturbed for at least 24 hours.
Further, Preen weed and feed should be applied using a drop or rotary spreader, and not on desired plants and shrubs.
Pros:
- Controls, kills over 250 different weeds and fertilizes your lawn
- Kills weeds down to their roots
- Three different sizes available
- Slow release nitrogen works for up to 8 weeks
Cons:
- Not a one-shot solution for Creeping Charlie
9. The Andersons 18-0-4 Barricade Fertilizer With Pre Emergent Weed Control
This weed controlling product from The Andersons comes in a granular form in 18 or 40 pound bags, and it is — in our opinion — considered one of the best professional-grade pre-emergent granular weed control products on the market.
It being a barricade together with fertilizer, means that it not only has the ability to control and prevent weed invasions, but it also feeds your grass lawn at the same time. Note, that it is not effective when used on weeds that have already developed.
The ingredient prodiamine, which is an active ingredient and makes up about 0.462% of this barricade fertilizer, promises to prevent the growth and invasion of more than 30 different grasses and broadleaf weeds, and the DG formulation — Dispersible Granular Technology — of this pre-emergent weed control product allows a larger amount of particles for every square inch of chemical to disperse as it comes into contact with water, making it more effective in preventing the germination of grassy weeds than other pre-emergent products.
The Andersons 18-0-4 Barricade Fertilizer is a product trusted by some of the top turf care professionals to hinder the growth of harmful weeds without causing damage to their desirable plants.
Use this pre-emergent weed killer on already established lawns and landscape beds in order to prevent pesky broadleaf weeds such as henbit, poa annua, foxtail, crabgrass, lambsquarter, goosegrass and several others.
Be aware that the timing of application is very important and can affect its performance if applied at the wrong time. This product should only be applied to your lawn during early spring and fall.
When dealing with having to control weeds in both northern and southern lawn types, apply Barricade to your turf in early spring, before the temperature of the soil reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit at a soil depth of four inches. This would be the perfect time to hinder any present weed seeds from germinating, thus ensuring a weed free lawn.
If you are living in the southern zone, dealing with warm season grass, it is recommended to apply a second layer of treatment with Barricade in the fall. This way, you can stop annual winter weeds such as annual bluegrass from invading your precious lawn.
Keep in mind that in order to kick-start the herbicide prevention, Barricade has to receive some sort of moisture, whether it be self irrigation or light rain fall. The moisture should reach at least 0.05 inches of the grass soil.
Quick Application Steps To Prevent Broadleaf Weeds
- Mow your lawn before application
- Set the spreader and apply the product to your turf
- Blow or sweep off spilled granules from paved areas
- Water in the product thoroughly
Caution
Much like this product’s ability to prevent weed seeds from germinating, it can have the same effect on your turf, inhibiting your grass seeds from germinating and herewith preventing proper grass growth.
Once you plant seed, sod and grass plugs to grow your grass lawn, give it some time before you apply this herbicide. It is recommended to wait up to 60 days, or after you have mowed the lawn twice — depending on which one comes later — before you treat your lawn with Barricade.
Seeding or reseeding your lawn after applying this herbicide is also recommended to be done at specific intervals. These are intervals that are dependent on the climate that surrounds your turf.
Pros
- Kills a fairly large range of weeds
- Advanced granular dispersion due to patented DG technology
- Kills weeds while feeding lawn
- Does not harm desirable plants
Cons
- Should strictly be applied during early spring and fall
- Can inhibit grass seeds from germinating
- Does not kill already established weed growth
10. Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food
This lovely product by Scotts is yet another one of lovely weed and feed products we would like to add to our list of recommendations.
The bag you purchase it in is light, weighing in at a pound only. Using this product on your lawn, will get it off to a great start, providing the grass with lovely food during early spring all the while preventing the invasion of crabgrass weeds.
Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Weed is targeted to prevent and kill crabgrass weeds in particular — along with other listed weeds, including chickweed, poa annua and other common lawn weeds — and, once applied in early spring, it has the ability to prevent the germination of weed seeds as well as protect your lawn throughout the entire season.
Its amazing weed and feed formula does not lose its performance during extreme weather conditions such as snow, freezing or rainy weather.
Feed your lawn with this Scotts product to achieve a faster green-up after the cold season of winter.
Apply the weed and feed before the 3rd or 4th mowing during early spring while the lawn is dry and before outside temperature reaches a regular 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you will stop the weeds at their early stages of growth.
If you want to get the most out of this weed and feed product, make sure that the lawn receives at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water after it is applied.
The water may come from rainwater or self irrigation, as long as the turf gets water within two to three days after applying the product.
Scotts Builder Halts with Lawn Food can be used on Kentucky bluegrass, fescue grasses, ryegrass, centipede grass, bahiagrass, bermuda as well as zoysia grass.
Be aware that this type of lawn feed and weed killer should not be used on bentgrass or dichondra lawns.
Pros
- Does not lose performance in extreme weather
- Promises a faster green-up after winter
Cons
- Only works in listed weeds
- Can’t be used on all lawn types
Weed and Feed Buying Guide
First things first, weed and feed is not to be confused with fertilizers, because the latter does not kill the weeds. Weed and feed is generally available in granular form, but there are some liquid options that you can use to get rid of weeds and fertilize your lawn.
Adding to this, they should be spread across your lawn evenly to help proactively as a weed preventer.
Fertilizers only feed your lawn with nutrients and are not a solution to controlling weeds. Therefore, you should ideally use both, a fertilizer and herbicide, to grow a lush lawn.
But if your lawn is plagued with weeds, using a single weed and feed solution makes sense, as just one application usually works for weeks, and all through the summer.
Does Your Lawn Need Weed and Feed?
You should refrain from applying any lawn care products if it doesn’t need them. If you have only a small number of weeds in your lawn, then a manual weed removal tool like this one may be useful for you. So, if your lawn is exceptionally unhealthy, and you’ve got a weed problem, then a weed and feed treatment is right for you.
However, if there’s a specific area of your lawn that is indeed exceptionally healthy, another area that’s flourished with weeds, then you may want to reconsider using weed and feed, as it is meant to be applied to all parts of your lawn.
Liquid Weed and Feed vs. Granular
Both liquid and granular products are readily available, but there are a few differences between the two, which can make one better than the other depending on your needs. For starters, a liquid product is just that — a fertilizer and herbicide in liquid form that is applied by simply spraying it over the affected area.
Granular weed and feed looks similar to granular fertilizers, and are basically small size pellets coated with weed-killing herbicides. Granular formulas can be applied using either a handheld spreader or a push spreader, and are designed to eliminate actively growing weeds.
Results from both liquid and granular can be very effective, but the latter takes a bit longer to stick to the leaf of the weed in order to be absorbed and travel down its root system. So, if you don’t mind waiting a bit longer yet want a highly effective fertilizing and weed combo solution, a granular product is a good option.
What to Look for in the Best Weed and Feed?
Both dry and wet options contain herbicides and fertilizers, which collectively kill weeds while simultaneously providing essential nutrients to your lawn. There are a few factors to consider when selecting the product that’s right for your lawn. Sta Green fertilizer is also a popular brand, and can be found at Lowes.
Nitrogen formula – grass needs nitrogen to grow lush and green, but extremely high nitrogen content, such as over 90 percent, could actually burn your lawn. Along with nitrogen content, it is a good idea to buy weed and feed that contains small amounts of potassium and phosphorus, which work well to dilute the concentration of nitrogen.
Weeds it kills – while most of the best products are formulated to kill several major types of weeds, some don’t, so buy one that can help you control the weed you’re dealing with.
Grass compatibility – just like weeds, some weed and feeds can be used on both northern and southern lawns and certain types of grasses, whereas others are all-rounders, and can be used on most grass types. You could also consider products like Milorganite or Ironite.
When is The Best Time to Apply Weed and Feed?
The ideal conditions to apply weed and feed is when you have a minimum of two inches of new growth, and when the weather is clear, with no rain forecast for at least a couple of days.
Windy and rainy conditions can cause the product to become less absorbent to the weeds, and in worse cases drift away, and be absorbed by favorable plants. The herbicides will be highly ineffective if it rains in the next 48 hours after application, where even a light shower can put an end to your efforts.
How to Apply Weed and Feed?
As mentioned earlier, weed and feed should be applied across all of your lawn, and not just to certain areas. Apply liquid types using a sprayer, and granular types using a broadcast spreader.
Avoid using weed and feed more than twice on the same area, and only to the surface of the soil, because the herbicides must be absorbed by the leaves of the weeds in order to kill them.
Spraying directly on the soil is a waste of the product, and may even harm healthy and ornamental plants. Do not mow your lawn before application, as doing so will get rid of the leaves of the weeds the herbicide is supposed to stick to.
What to Do After Applying Weed and Feed?
Now that you’ve applied weed and feed, and the weeds you’ve targeted are dead, you’ve got some cleaning up to do!
First, you should not mow your lawn for at least a week or even a bit longer, as this extra time will allow the weeds to absorb the herbicides better.
Once this waiting period has lapsed, do not apply more weed and feed, but rather put on a pair of gardening gloves, and pull any weeds that lived through the weed and feed application right down from their roots.
After you’ve removed all the weeds, including the dead weeds, you can now mow your lawn to prevent the spreading of their seeds.
When to Water After Application
Don’t rush into watering your lawn after a weed and feed application. Watering it right after the weed and feed treatment will wash it away, making it ineffective.
Since not all weed and feed products are the same, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on the use of the product. Wait at least a week or so before watering your lawn after applying weed and feed.
Do Seasons Affect the Use of Lawn Fertilizers?
Even though most weed and feed products mentioned on this list can be applied at any time of year, spring is typically the best time for application. You can generally find the best time to apply weed and feed according to your growth zone right on the manufacturer’s label.
How to Use a Fertilizer Spreader
Applying liquid weed and feed is a no-brainer by simply spraying the liquid evenly across the weeds and your lawn. But applying dry weed and feed can be a little bit tricky, as first, you need to decide on the type of spreader to use — broadcast spreaders or drop spreaders.
Both drop and broadcast feeders are push powered machines that share many similarities. Drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders are fitted with a hopper in the middle complete with adjustable holes at the bottom.
The handlebar of both spreaders is equipped with a gauge, which allows you to adjust the size of the holes.
Drop spreaders are generally a good choice for small lawns, as they lay a trail of weed and feed the size of their hopper. Broadcast spreaders are a choice of professionals and are best for lawns over 4,000 square feet. Further, they can also spread the material over a wider area, which makes them a great choice for weed and feed treatments.
Final Thoughts
For the best weed and feed, the options on this list score high in their segment. Most of them are compatible with all grass species, whereas some products are meant only for certain types of grasses and weeds.
Applying a granular product requires a bit more attention than a liquid product because you need to prevent the granules from drifting away into the storm drains. If you’re using liquid weed and feed in a backpack sprayer, make sure you spray in a precise pattern and evenly so that you cover the entire lawn.
After application, you will have to keep children and pets away from the lawn for a week or two or until the residual product has washed away.
Always be careful when applying weed and feed products, as you do not want them to reach your precious flower beds, desirable plants and vegetable gardens. And as a reminder, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to use the product the right way, and without causing harm to your lawn and others.
