Did you know that nearly 70% of homeowners spend at least an hour every week maintaining their lawns? You’re likely one of them, and you’re probably aware that finding the right weed and feed product can make all the difference. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to weigh the pros and cons. From fertilizers to weed control, there are many factors in play. But don’t worry, we’re on the case. Let’s explore the top-rated weed and feeds that’ll give you the lush, green lawn you’ve always wanted – and we’ll help you narrow down the best fit for you.
Contents
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 Lawn Fertilizer
- BioAdvanced 5 In 1 Weed and Feed, Granules, 9.6LB
- Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer
- Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed and Crabgrass Preventer
- Espoma Organic Weed Preventer-25 lb. CGP25, 25 lb
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Weed and Feeds
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 Lawn Fertilizer
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 Lawn Fertilizer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable solution to tackle weeds and fertilize your lawn simultaneously, especially for those struggling with over 50 common lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, and plantain.
This product is designed to kill existing weeds while feeding your lawn to thicken it and crowd out future weeds.
With its ability to cover 5,000 square feet, you can rest assured that your lawn will receive the care it needs.
Simply apply the product to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F.
Be sure to follow the application instructions carefully to get the best results.
Best For: Homeowners struggling with common lawn weeds, such as clover, dandelion, and plantain, who want to kill existing weeds and fertilize their lawn simultaneously.
Pros:
- Effective in killing weeds and fertilizing the lawn
- Covers a large area of 5,000 square feet
- Easy to apply with a Scotts spreader
Cons:
- Not available in FL
- Can be harmful to certain types of grass, such as St. Augustinegrass, Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass
- Requires careful application to avoid damaging other plants
BioAdvanced 5 In 1 Weed and Feed, Granules, 9.6LB
For homeowners seeking a thorough solution to tackle tough weeds and nourish their lawn, BioAdvanced 5 In 1 Weed and Feed, Granules, 9.6LB is an excellent choice, offering a unique combination of weed control and fertilization.
You’ll appreciate that this product can kill tough weeds like dandelions, clovers, and black medic, while preventing new weeds from emerging for up to six months.
It also kills large crabgrass and prevents new crabgrass from emerging.
Additionally, the fertilizer formula feeds your lawn for quick greening, long-lasting feeding, and stronger turf.
With a coverage area of 4,000 square feet, you can treat a significant portion of your lawn with just one product.
Best For: Homeowners seeking a comprehensive solution to tackle tough weeds and nourish their lawn.
Pros:
- Kills tough weeds, including dandelions, clovers, and black medic, and prevents new weeds from emerging for up to six months
- Kills large crabgrass and prevents new crabgrass from emerging
- Fertilizer formula feeds the lawn for quick greening, long-lasting feeding, and stronger turf
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues with spreader performance
- Product effectiveness may vary depending on lawn conditions
- May require repeated applications for optimal results
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer
You’ll want to choose Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer if you have a Southern grass type, as this 3-in-1 formula is specifically designed to tackle weeds, fire ants, and fertilization needs all at once.
This product is perfect for St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Carpetgrass.
It controls a wide range of weeds, including dandelion, dollarweed, and clover, while also preventing and killing fire ants for up to 6 months.
Additionally, it fertilizes your lawn to strengthen it against heat and drought.
With a coverage area of 8,000 square feet, you’ll be able to tackle a decent-sized lawn with ease.
Just remember to apply it when weeds are actively growing and water it in immediately after application.
Best For: Southern grass types, specifically St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Carpetgrass, that require a 3-in-1 formula to tackle weeds, fire ants, and fertilization needs.
Pros:
- Effectively controls a wide range of weeds, including dandelion, dollarweed, and clover
- Prevents and kills fire ants for up to 6 months, while also preventing other pests like armyworms, fleas, mole crickets, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and ticks
- Fertilizes the lawn to strengthen it against heat and drought
Cons:
- Requires specific application instructions, including using a Scotts spreader and watering in immediately after application
- May not be suitable for lawns with non-Southern grass types
- No information is provided about the product’s environmental impact or eco-friendliness
Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed and Crabgrass Preventer
With its ability to perform three tasks simultaneously – crabgrass prevention, lawn fertilization, and broadleaf weed killing – this Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed and Crabgrass Preventer is the best choice for homeowners seeking an efficient and effective solution for their lawn care needs.
You’ll be impressed by its effectiveness on over 200 weeds, and its ability to prevent and destroy crabgrass up to 4 weeks after germination.
Plus, it provides continuous feeding for up to 12 weeks, giving your lawn the nutrients it needs to thrive.
This product is suitable for various grass types, including bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and Kentucky bluegrass.
With a satisfaction guarantee from Lebanon Seaboard Corporation, you can trust that you’re making a great investment for your lawn.
Best For: Homeowners seeking an efficient and effective solution for their lawn care needs, particularly those with established lawns looking to prevent crabgrass and weeds while fertilizing their grass.
Pros:
- Performs three tasks simultaneously: crabgrass prevention, lawn fertilization, and broadleaf weed killing
- Effective on over 200 weeds and prevents and destroys crabgrass up to 4 weeks after germination
- Provides continuous feeding for up to 12 weeks, giving your lawn the nutrients it needs to thrive
Cons:
- No specific information on the exact type of fertilizers used, which may be a concern for environmentally conscious users
- May not be suitable for newly seeded or sodded lawns
- No information on potential toxicity to pets or wildlife
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer-25 lb. CGP25, 25 lb
When you’re seeking an all-natural, non-toxic solution to prevent weeds and feed your lawn simultaneously, the Espoma Organic Weed Preventer-25 lb. CGP25 is the best choice for homeowners who want a safe and effective way to achieve a lush, green lawn.
This 25-pound granular product made from corn gluten meal covers an impressive 1,250 square feet, making it a great option for medium-sized lawns.
You’ll appreciate that it’s free from harsh chemicals, allowing your kids and pets to play safely on the lawn after application.
Simply apply it twice a year, in early spring and fall, and water heavily to facilitate the gluten dissolves.
With a 4.1-star rating from over 1,000 customers, you can trust that this product will deliver on its promise of a weed-free, vibrant lawn.
Best For: Homeowners with medium-sized lawns seeking an all-natural, non-toxic solution to prevent weeds and feed their lawn simultaneously.
Pros:
- Made from all-natural corn gluten meal, making it safe for children and pets to play on the lawn after application
- Prevents weeds by inhibiting root development in seedlings, ensuring a lush, green lawn
- Provides long-lasting greening that won’t burn, with a 4.1-star rating from over 1,000 customers
Cons:
- May require multiple bags for larger lawns
- Requires patience, as it takes time to see results
- Needs to be applied at the right time and in the right amount to achieve desired results
Factors to Consider When Choosing Weed and Feeds
When selecting the right weed and feed for your lawn, you’ll want to ponder a few key factors to guarantee you’re getting the best results.
You’ll need to think about the type of lawn you have, what kind of weed control you need, and what type of fertilizer will work best.
Lawn Type Matters
Your lawn’s specific needs dictate which weed and feed products will be most effective, so consider its type before making a purchase.
Different lawn types have unique requirements, and using the wrong product can do more harm than good. If you have a cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, you’ll want a product that promotes growth during the cooler months.
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass or zoysia grass, on the other hand, thrive in the heat and require products that cater to their summer growth spurts.
Consider the specific challenges your lawn type faces, such as drought tolerance or shade tolerance.
If you have a lawn with a lot of shade, you’ll want a product that’s specifically formulated to help your grass thrive in low-light conditions.
Additionally, think about the soil type and pH level of your lawn.
Acidic or alkaline soils require different nutrients, and using a product that’s not tailored to your soil type can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Weed Control Needs
To effectively tackle weeds in your lawn, you need to identify the type of weeds you’re dealing with, as different products target specific weeds, such as dandelions, clover, or crabgrass.
Once you’ve identified the type of weeds, consider the severity of the infestation. Are you dealing with a mild, moderate, or severe weed growth? This will help you choose a product that’s formulated to tackle your specific weed problem.
You should also think about the type of grass you have. Different products are designed for specific grass types, such as St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass, or Zoysiagrass.
Make sure you choose a product that’s compatible with your grass type. Additionally, consider how long you want the weed control to last. Do you want a product that provides short-term control or one that offers longer-lasting results, up to 6 months or more?
Fertilizer Type Counts
You’ll want to think carefully about the type of fertilizer that’s right for your lawn, as it plays a significant role in the effectiveness of your weed and feed product. The type of fertilizer you choose will affect the type of grass it suits, its effectiveness in killing weeds, and the duration of its fertilizing action.
Organic fertilizers, like corn gluten meal, are a popular choice for their environmentally friendly and pet-safe properties. However, they may require more frequent applications.
Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, provide quick greening and may be more cost-effective, but can be harsh on the environment and human health.
Slow-release fertilizers offer a balance between quick results and long-lasting action, making them suitable for lawns with moderate weed growth.
If you have a specific type of grass, look for fertilizer formulas designed specifically for it. For example, if you have Southern grasses or cool-season grasses, a formula tailored to those types can provide more targeted nutrition and better results.
Coverage Area Size
When selecting a weed and feed product, considering the size of your lawn is essential, as it determines the product’s effectiveness and overall cost.
You need to verify you choose a product that can adequately cover your entire lawn.
The coverage area size of a weed and feed product refers to the total square footage of lawn area it can effectively treat, ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet or more.
If you have a larger lawn, you may need multiple bags or applications to achieve complete coverage, which can impact the overall cost and convenience of the product.
Accurately measuring your lawn’s square footage is vital to make an informed decision.
Some products, like the Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3, are designed to cover larger areas, up to 5,000 square feet.
By considering the product’s coverage area, you can avoid under or over-treating your lawn.
Don’t underestimate the importance of coverage area size – it can make all the difference in achieving a healthy, weed-free lawn.
Take the time to measure your lawn and choose a product that’s right for you.
Application Timing
To maximize the effectiveness of your weed and feed product, ensuring it tackles those pesky weeds and nourishes your lawn simultaneously, timing is everything!
Apply your weed and feed product when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F for ideal results. If you’re targeting hard-to-kill weeds, consider applying in the spring or early summer, even if crabgrass and weeds have already sprouted.
However, avoid applying during extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or drought, as this can hinder effective weed control and fertilizer absorption.
For best results, apply when the lawn is wet from dew or sprinkling, and avoid watering the lawn for 24 hours after application or applying if rain is expected within the next 24 hours.
Pet and Kid Safety
Considering your family’s well-being is essential when selecting a weed and feed product, as some can pose a toxic threat to pets and kids, even after application. You need to verify the product you choose is safe for them. Always read the product label carefully and look for certifications like EPA Safer Choice, which indicates a safer product for people, pets, and the environment.
If you have pets or kids, opt for organic or natural weed and feed products that are specifically labeled as safe for them.
Even with safe products, it’s vital to keep pets and kids off the lawn until the product is fully absorbed or dried, as instructed on the label. Some products may require waiting 24 to 48 hours before allowing pets and kids to re-enter the treated area, so be sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully.
Budget Constraints
You’ll want to calculate the cost per square foot of coverage to verify you’re getting the best value for your money when choosing a weed and feed product. This is essential in ensuring you don’t overspend on a product that doesn’t provide the desired results.
Products with a higher coverage area may seem more expensive upfront, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run. Set a budget for your lawn care needs and prioritize products that meet your needs within that budget.
Be cautious of extremely cheap products, as they may not provide the desired results or contain low-quality ingredients. Instead, consider the cost of multiple applications versus a single application product.
The latter may be more cost-effective in the long run, even if the initial cost is higher. By calculating the cost per square foot and considering these factors, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Weed and Feed on Newly Seeded Lawns?
When you’ve just seeded your lawn, it’s best to wait – newly seeded lawns are too vulnerable for weed and feed products, which can harm young grass.
How Long Does It Take for Weed and Feed to Start Working?
You’ll start seeing results from weed and feed in about 7-14 days, depending on weather and soil conditions. It takes some time for the herbicide to break down and reach the weeds’ roots, but you’ll soon notice a significant reduction in unwanted growth.
Are Weed and Feed Products Safe for Pets and Children?
As you walk through your lush, emerald lawn, you wonder: are these beautiful blades hiding a toxic secret? Unfortunately, yes, many weed and feed products can be harmful to curious pets and children who ingest them, so keep them out of reach.
Can I Apply Weed and Feed in the Winter or Fall?
You can apply weed and feed in the fall, but not in the winter. Fall applications help prepare your lawn for the next growing season, but winter apps can harm dormant grass and delay spring growth.
Will Weed and Feed Harm My Flowers or Garden?
As you tenderly nurture your garden, you wonder if the weed and feed will suffocate your delicate flowers. Unfortunately, yes, it can harm them, so apply with caution, keeping it away from your prized blooms to preserve their beauty and liveliness.
Conclusion
With your perfect pick from these potent products, your patchy lawn will promptly perk up!
Remember, choosing the right weed and feed is essential for a lush, lively landscape.
Consider key criteria like coverage, control, and composition to cultivate a coveted carpet of green.
By carefully considering your specific needs, you’ll be flaunting a fabulous, fertilized, and flourishing lawn in no time – a true showcase to your tasteful turf transformation!
