Best Weed and Feed

A naturally green lawn is very attractive to any home. No matter the state of your house, the lawn can take it to the next level. However, it does not happen on its own and even natural nitrogen found in rain won’t be enough. The nitrogen might help your lawn grow, but the best weed and feed fertilizer can surely make a difference.

Buyer’s Guide

While the products we will review can be trusted, there are many more options on the market today. To select a product with confidence, we need to understand a bit more about the top weed and feed fertilizers. The following buyer’s guide will give you all the information you need to find the best weed and feed fertilizers:

Things To Consider When Looking For The Best Weed Control And Feed Fertilizer

A couple of important things need to be considered when you are looking for the best weed killers and feed fertilizers. The following things are the most important and will make it much easier for you to find the top products:

Type Of Weeds

It is rare to find a product that can kill all weed types. Therefore, you need to do some research of your own to understand the type of weeds on your lawn. One way to do this is to look at the area you live in and the most common weeds. There is no point in starting killing crabgrass if you have a big problem with dandelions on your lawn. It is better to be specific than to simply guess.

Type Of Grass

The feed fertilizer will be full of nutrients for the specific grass you have. However, you need to look at the type of grass you have on your lawn to ensure you have the right nutrients for the grass type. Unfortunately, the wrong products might have killing agents or ingredients that damage your lawns. Not all grass is the same, and some of them need more nutrients. It will depend on not just the type but the area you live in and the climate.

Application Method

The two most common forms of weed and feed products are either granulated form or liquid weed form. Both of these forms are very easy to apply. However, there are a few differences. You need to find the one that you feel the most comfortable with.     

• Liquid Weed Form: The liquid form is very easy to use. It simply needs to mix with water and you add it to a spray gun. However, the mixture might not be easy to apply to all grass types, as residue can land in your flower beds or move with rainwater.  
• Granulated Form: The granular weed relies on rain or water to help dissolve the product once it is applied. It is not always easy to get your timing right and you might get yourself contaminated. It is a form of weed and feed that tends to last longer than the liquid weed form and cover larger swathes of grass.

Nutrients And Lawn Fertilizer Numbers

The main feature in your weed and feed is the nutrients that will help your grass grow. The nutrients are broken into micro and macro-nutrients that vary from what you will consider important when on a diet. Potassium, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus are the most common nutrients grass use, and numbers are used to indicate the percentage of the nutrient in the product. The numbers are indicated in the following format as an example; “10-10-20”, referring to the top nutrients in the lawn fertilizer:    

• Potassium (K): Potassium helps to resist any diseases that could infiltrate the grass. It also helps to keep it green and healthy during the winter months.   
• Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is a common nutrient that grasses always use. It helps with the root system to ensure that the grass does not rip out from simple pressure.
• Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is a miracle substance, responsible for keeping the grass green and allowing it to grow. It is the most important substance by far.

Two Important Additional Features To Consider:

Aside from the features mentioned above, there are additional considerations to keep in mind. While the following two features might not be mandatory, they are important to the environment and your health:

Organic/ Eco-Friendly

There are many weeds and feed products with great numbers and nutrients. However, not all of them are organic. Some of them might damage the environment, while also poisoning the ground to get rid of the weeds. While your grass might grow, it could upend the root system or the fertility for the future grass seed to grow.

Toxicity

The product needs to be applied by someone, and since you are most probably the one to apply it, some of the weeding ingredients can be damning to your skin, lungs, and the environment. We recommend making sure that the product is safe for human contact or doing a bit of research on the ingredients. Having dogs or cats around it may be worth considering pet safe fertilizers.

Best Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns

Southern Lawns tend to have warm-season grass types like Bermuda and Centipede grass. Since your grass relies on warmer temperatures and they tend to die rapidly in the winter, you need a lawn fertilizer that will protect the grass. The Scotts Triple Action for Southern Lawns is highly recommended, use it on all Southern grass types. Buffalo grass is the only lawn it does not help.

Best Weed and Feed for Bermuda Grass

If you live far south in states like Texas, you might need to work with Bermuda grass. If the grass is looked after, it can result in the most beautiful lawns in the South. The BioAdvanced 3 in 1 Weed and Feed for Bermudagrass is the best-recommended product for these lawn types. It has the perfect nutrient set and combination for Bermuda grass.

Reviews Of The Best Weed Control And Feed Fertilizers

With all the important information now available to you, you might still be wondering which of these formulations are the best. Fortunately, we have done some digging to find ten of the top weed and feed fertilizers available. Here is the best fertilizer to use on your lawn today:

Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

The Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed is one of the most options on the market today. It covers 5,000 square feet of the surface and features new technology that grips the weeds to make removal easier. One of the top weeds it will get rid of is dandelions. However, it also works for clover and will feed most Southern grass types.

The product might be a bit expensive, but it covers a large area of your yard. It is granular weed, forcing you to use a spreader. However, it can also be spread by hand if you feel the need to do so. The product is very effective and will last a long time. If you have a lot of Southern Grass, the Scotts Weed and Feed Fertilizer is a top feeding and weed removal option.

GreenView 2129267 Fairway Formula

If you have trouble with grass growing or retaining thickness, the GreenView 2129267 Fairway Formula is one of the best options to ensure it can grow into lushes grass. It has a massive 24% nitrogen capacity with each bag. A standard 18-pound bag will cover 5,000 square feet of your lawn and only needs to be applied twice a year.

If you have trouble with crabgrass, the GreenView 2129267 Fairway Formula is by far one of the top products that you can consider to get the job done. It is also granulated, and with a spreader, we have noticed that it is easier to apply. The formula is not to be used on carpet or St Augustine grass in the state of Florida.

Scotts Snap Pac Southern Weed and Feed

Scotts are a leading brand when we look at the granulated versions of the feed products. The Scotts Snap Pac Southern Weed and Feedis a bag that can be applied to your spreader and simply used with the activation of the unit. It does not take any setup, and the manufacturer says you can care for your 4,000 square foot lawn in 10-minutes.

Dollarweed and clover are among the top weeds that the product is known to eradicate. However, the potassium can retain a lot of water, which benefits you when it comes to the dry seasons. It is a very expensive product, but the downside is that you cannot find it in other states that are not in the Southern part of the country.

Spectracide Weed & Feed

A pre-mixed product is not always recommended, as you don’t know what the core ingredients might be. However, the Spectracide Weed & Feed comes with a clean formulation, of which 20% is nitrogen. The large dosage of nitrogen will be your best friend, keeping the grass thick and green throughout the year.

One of the main reasons to use this product is the variety of weeds that it can kill. Instead of only one type, you can remove almost any weed you have. The spray gun is durable, closing up once you are done to not waste product. It is a very affordable product that can cover up to 7,500 square feet.

Miracle-Gro Available 3001910 Shake ‘N Feed

A spreader is an expensive accessory that many of these formulas require for you to apply it to your lawn. However, the Miracle-Gro Available 3001910 Shake ‘N Feed is not a formula that is tough to use as some of the others. It is a 4.5-pound bottle that simply needs to be shaken and opened before you apply it to your grass. It can be used with a spreader if you already have one.

The formula is completely eco-friendly, reducing the need for you to try to contain the environment. However, the drawback is that does not kill weeds. The large proportion of nitrogen is great for growing the grass and keeping it fed though. However, you might need to use it in conjunction with a weed killer.

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action

Not everyone has the time to apply a turf builder multiple times per year. Fortunately, the Scotts Turf Builder Triple Actionhas a sustained formula that will help last you for months. It will not only remove weeds but also prevent them. The feeding is very effective when used in an area of around 4,000 square feet.

Most weed types will be contained with the turf builder, but the real specialty is to cover almost all Southern grass. It is an affordable option that many people often overlook, but the years of experience from the brand will give you peace of mind. We recommend it for Southern states that have a lot of weeds to deal with.

Espoma CGP25 Organic Weed Preventer

If you don’t want to buy a new fertilizer continuously, the Espoma CGP25 Organic Weed Preventer is a 25-pound bag with organic compounds that will help prevent weeds and encourage your grass to grow. It has a large proportion of nitrogen that will allow it to spur on the growth of almost any type of grass you have.

Unfortunately, fertilizer is not recommended for weeds that have already been established. For these weeds, you might need to pull them out first. However, it is very effective at preventing new weeds from springing up. Unfortunately, it is one of the most expensive products on the market today, due to being organic.

Preen 2164126 Garden Weed Preventer And Plant Food

The Preen 2164126 Garden Weed Preventer And Plant Foodmight not be one of the most popular formulations on the market today. However, it is a very effective product when it comes to beds and shrubs of flowers. The standard 16-pound container will cover just over 2,750- square feet of surface area when applied thick.

No spreader is needed for the application process and you simply need to use your scoop after giving it a shake. The simple application method does not take long, and once it is applied, the product will last you a significant amount of time. It is an affordable option, tested to help with the weed growth of more than 200 flower types.

BioAdvanced All-in-One Weed & Feed

We all love to have a multifunctional product that does not require a lot of work or effort to apply. The BioAdvanced All-in-One Weed & Feed is exactly what the name implies, being multifunctional with preventative measures for new weeds and feeding features. The standard 12-pound bag might be small but still covers around 5,000 square feet.

Compared to some of the competitors, the product has been formulated to release the substances around 25% slower than the others. It might not work immediately, but over the long-term, it will weed out the bad grass. It can be used in your flowerbeds and lawn pots. However, you need to keep the dosage low.

Lesco Professional Siteone Landscape Supply Weed & Feed 

Last but certainly not least, you will need to consider a bigger quantity of products when you have a farm or ranch that needs to be kept under control. The Lesco Professional Siteone Landscape Supply Weed & Feed is an affordable product that you can find a 50-pound bag with an 18% split for the nitrogen production in the formula.

The product covers a massive 13,000 square feet and it offers versatility as to where you can use the product. If you need to weed out the stubborn weeds, the product tends the most effective if the weeds are still new. Keep in mind that you will need to have a fertilizer spreader for assistance due to the large size of the bag and the weight.

FAQ

When Should You Use Weed and Feed?

To get the best results with weed and feed, it should be applied in early spring before any weeds have germinated. Applying pre-emergent herbicide will help prevent any new weeds from growing while providing fertilizer to promote strong grass growth.

As summer progresses, post-emergent herbicides can be used to control existing weeds while continuing to nourish your lawn with important nutrients. Throughout the season it is important to routinely mow your lawn as this will ensure proper growth and reduce any chances of weed infestation.

What Should You Do After Applying Weed and Feed?

Firstly, it’s important not to mow right after applying weed and feed. This will allow the granules more time to settle into the soil. Additionally, try not to water too much either; it’s best if you wait until the next day or two before watering your lawn again.

Once it has been watered, rake up all of the leftover granules from your lawn; this will help ensure that they have been fully absorbed by the grass. Lastly, continue with regular maintenance like mowing, edging, and fertilizing as needed for a beautiful lawn!

What Happens if You Use too Much Weed and Feed?

Using too much weed and feed on your lawn can be an issue. Weed and feed is a half fertilizer and half herbicides.

It helps to nourish grass while killing weeds. In some cases, when too much weed and feed is used, it can cause the grassy weeds to become even more problematic.

Too much weed and feed can burn the turfgrass, thus leaving areas barren in which grassy weeds are then able to take over. Specifically, if too much nitrogen is added to soil with high levels of phosphorus or potassium already present, it can act as a fertilizer for those grassy weeds instead of the desired turfgrass. This will lead to an overabundance of these undesirable plants in your lawn that will need to be removed manually or chemically treated with additional products.

Wrap-Up

The guide we have designed should be effective when you are searching for the Best Weed and Feed products. All of these products have a proven reputation, but the Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action is an effective multipurpose product for an affordable price. Let us know what you think in the comment section below.