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Keeping a lawn looking great means weeding frequently and fertilizing at the right times of the year. If the lawn looks a bit drab and weedy, bring it back to life with weed and feed fertilizers and herbicides. Designed to introduce essential nutrients into the ground that accelerate the grass’s growth, these products help any lawn grow thick and healthy with no weeds.
Take a look at our guide to choose the right type of lawn products that will work on any grass, and note our top picks for the best weed and feed options for purchase today.
- BEST OVERALL: Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
- RUNNER-UP: Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GreenView Broadleaf Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
- UPGRADE PICK: BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed
- BEST NATURAL: Concern Weed Prevention Plus
- BEST COOL SEASON: GreenView Fairway Formula Spring Weed & Feed
- BEST WARM SEASON: Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
- BEST FOR WEED PREVENTION: Preen One Lawncare
- BEST LIQUID: Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control
Before You Buy Weed and Feed
Maintaining a healthy lawn includes mowing, weeding, watering, and fertilizing. However, fertilizing isn’t always necessary. Overfertilizing a lawn will make the grass grow more vigorously, requiring users to mow more frequently or leading to runoff, which ends up in the local watershed.
Excessive fertilizing can also result in lawn burn, which is when the nitrogen and salt levels in the soil are too high and cause yellow to brown strips or patches of dead grass. As with any type of plant, a lawn only needs fertilizing if the soil lacks the vital nutrients to help it grow. In situations like these, fertilizing the soil is essential.
How We Chose the Best Weed and Feeds
These recommendations for the best weed and feed products include a variety of options to meet the weed-killing needs of typical users who want to maintain a beautiful residential landscape. We focused primarily on granular weed and feed, as it’s one of the most popular types on the market due to its versatility and effectiveness. However, we also found a great liquid weed and feed that ranked highly in terms of ease of use.
We evaluated these weed and feed products based on their compatibility with grass types and the presence of useful nutrients. Most are infused with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate, making them safe for most warm- or cool-season grass types. As for coverage area, many of our picks can treat 5,000 square feet or more and kill crabgrass and broadleaf weeds.
Most weed and feed products on the market contain 2,4-D, an herbicide linked to cancer, congenital disabilities, and developmental issues in children. Since there are only a few weed and feed options available that don’t contain 2,4-D or other potentially harmful herbicides, we’ve opted to include them among our recommendations in the absence of adequate alternatives. We will clearly identify which products contain toxic ingredients that could harm humans or the environment. If used according to the package instructions, even products containing these chemicals should carry relatively low risks.
A broad number of weed and feed products ranked on our list were chosen because they work quickly and have long-lasting effects. Some also have added pest control, resistance to heat and drought, or a particularly affordable price.
Our Top Picks
The following list takes into account the above considerations to narrow the field to some of the most effective weed and feeds on the market. This list includes both liquid and granular weed treatments for improving a lawn.
Best Overall
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
Espoma’s Organic Weed Preventer is a natural solution to prevent weeds without harming the environment. This product is made with 100 percent corn gluten meal, a byproduct of the corn-milling process that contains a high amount of nitrogen. When applied to your lawn, the nitrogen in the corn gluten meal provides a slow-release fertilizer to nourish the grass and make it more resistant to weeds. Additionally, the corn gluten meal acts as a natural pre-emergent herbicide that inhibits the growth of weed seeds by drying out their roots.
Unlike chemical-based weed preventers, Espoma’s Organic Weed Preventer is safe for pets, children, and the environment.
Product Specs
- Type: Natural
- Nutrients: Nitrogen
- Coverage area: 1,250 square feet
Pros
- Made with 100 percent corn gluten meal, a natural and safe ingredient
- Does not contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients
- Can be used in any season and is compatible with all lawn types
Cons
- Only covers 1,250 square feet of lawn, which is less than many other weed and feed products
Get the Espoma weed and feed at Ace Hardwareor Overstock.
Best Overall
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
Scotts is a well-known grass-care brand with an extensive range of lawn-care products, including fertilizers and weed and grass killers. This product combines the strongest weed and feed available from Scotts. It knocks out common broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover using WeedGrip technology while feeding the lawn for thicker grass.
Scotts Turf Builder is one of the most popular and economical fertilizer and weed control combination products available. Although it works on many common turf grasses such as fescue, centipede grass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, Bahia grass, zoysia grass, and Bermuda grass, it’s not recommended for some warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine grass, Dichondra grass, or carpet grass.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Nutrients: Nitrogen, potassium
- Coverage area: 5,000 square feet
Pros
- Strong formula provides quick, tangible results for thickening grass and preventing weeds
- Ample quantity is provided to cover most lawns; available in larger sizes for larger coverage area
- Compatible with fescue, centipede grass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, Bahia grass, zoysia grass, and Bermuda grass
Cons
- Not suitable for warm-season grasses; read the label carefully to determine lawn compatibility
- Contains 2,4-D, which has a potentially damaging effect on human health and the environment
Get the Scotts Turf Builder weed and feed at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
GreenView Broadleaf Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
Taking care of a lawn and reducing common weeds should not have to break the bank. The GreenView weed and feed mix is made with a slow-release nitrogen formula that absorbs water to thicken grass while removing 250 weed varieties, including dandelions, clover, plantain, dollar weed, and ground ivy. This granular formula is effective for over 8 weeks and is safe to use on warm- and cool-season grass types. Plus, it resists heat and drought in the warm summer months to avoid burning the grass or causing other lawn injuries.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Nutrients: Nitrogen, potassium
- Coverage area: 5,000 square feet
Pros
- Versatile product that’s suitable for all seasons and most grass types
- Capable of killing over 250 weed varieties, including dandelion, clover, thistle, and creeping Charlie
- Slow-release nitrogen formula feeds lawns for up to 8 weeks
Cons
- Should not be used on Floratam St. Augustine grass, dichondra, and carpet grass
- Contains 2,4-D, which has a potentially damaging effect on human health and the environment
Get the GreenView broadleaf weed and feed at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or GreenView.
UPGRADE PICK
BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed u0026 Feed
Taking care of grass while keeping away common weeds and crabgrass can be exhausting and time-consuming. But the BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed granular mix can solve all these problems with its long-lasting formula. This potent mix can act as a grass killer for crabgrass as well as broadleaf weeds like clover, dandelion, chickweed, and 200 other weed and grassy-weed varieties. It also strengthens established grass by fortifying roots with necessary nutrients.
With a coverage area of over 4,000 square feet, this weed and feed mix resists the effects of heat and drought and is safe to use on cool-season grass types.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Nutrients: Nitrogen, potassium
- Coverage area: 4,000 square feet
Pros
- Works on over 200 weed and grassy weed varieties
- Long-lasting formula feeds for up to 3 months and controls weeds and crabgrass for up to 6 months
- Provides nutrients as well as heat and drought resistance
Cons
- Not suitable for new grass and should only be applied to established lawns
- Contains 2,4-D, which has a potentially damaging effect on human health and the environment
Get the BioAdvanced weed and feed at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or BioAdvanced.
Best Natural
Concern Weed Prevention Plus
Concern’s Weed Prevention Plus is a natural weed preventer that provides a safe and effective solution to prevent weeds in your lawn or garden. It is made from corn gluten meal, a natural pre-emergent herbicide that inhibits weeds’ growth by preventing weed seeds’ germination. The product is safe for use in gardens with fruits and vegetables as well as around pets and people.
Concern Weed Prevention Plus is also easy to apply, with a suggested application rate of 5 pounds per 300 square feet of lawn or garden area. It can be applied in the spring and fall for maximum effectiveness, and repeated applications can help keep weeds at bay over time.
Product Specs
- Type: Natural
- Nutrients: Nitrogen
- Coverage area: 300 square feet
Pros
- Can be used in vegetable gardens and other areas where food is grown
- Safe for use around people and pets but still effective against broadleaf weeds
- Made from natural corn gluten meal and doesn’t include any synthetic chemicals
Cons
- Small 5-pound bag only covers 300 square feet of lawn
Get the Concern weed and feed at Amazon or Ace Hardware.
Best Cool Season
GreenView Fairway Formula Spring Weed u0026 Feed
GreenView Fairway Formula fertilizes lawns, kills over 200 species of lawn weeds, and prevents crabgrass from growing. It contains both slow-release and quick-release nutrients that feed a lawn for up to 12 weeks at a time. Due to the slow-releasing formula, GreenView Fairway Formula is best for use on established lawns with a healthy root system. Using it on new grass may result in burning and stunted growth. This product is safe for use on cool-season grasses only.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Nutrients: Nitrogen, potassium
- Coverage area: 10,000 square feet
Pros
- Kills over 200 varieties of weeds, including dandelions, plantain, clover, and other stubborn weeds
- Slow-release formula fertilizes for up to 12 weeks, encouraging thicker and healthier grass
- 36-pound bag treats up to 10,000 square feet of lawn, and smaller bags are available for smaller lawns
Cons
- Not suitable for new or warm-season grass; read the label carefully to ensure compatibility
- Contains 2,4-D, which has a potentially damaging effect on human health and the environment
Get the GreenView Fairway Formula weed and feed at The Home Depot, Ace Hardware (18 pounds), Tractor Supply Co., or GreenView.
Best Warm Season
Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
Warm-season grasses need a weed and feed that can withstand heat and drought conditions while building a thick green lawn. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action is a 3-in-1 formula made for southern lawns. It’s safe for use on St. Augustine grass, zoysia grass, centipede grass, and carpet grass, but it’s not recommended for use on Bermuda grass. This product also contains an insecticide that targets fire ants, mole crickets, sod webworms, fleas, armyworms, and more, and it keeps them away for up to 6 months.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Nutrients: Nitrogen, potassium
- Coverage area: 8,000 square feet
Pros
- Helps lawns withstand heat and drought while killing both weeds and insects
- 26.64-pound bag has a large coverage area of up to 8,000 square feet
- High-nitrogen formula works to feed lawns for 6 months without the need for reapplication
Cons
- Not safe for people and pets until fully watered in and dry
- Contains Atrazine, which has a potentially damaging effect on human health and the environment
Get the Scotts Turf Builder Southern weed and feed at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co.
Best for Weed Prevention
Preen One Lawncare
This weed and feed product works best on lawns where weeds are already growing and taking over the yard. This Preen weed killer is a post-emergent herbicide that can be applied to established turfgrass to control and eliminate over 250 weeds, including dandelions. It has a slow-release fertilizer that will feed a lawn for up to 8 weeks. This weed and feed is safe for most types of cool- and warm-season grasses, but it is not recommended for use on St. Augustine grass, dichondra grass, or carpet grass.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Nutrients: Nitrogen, potassium
- Coverage area: 5,000 square feet
Pros
- Slow-release formula feeds lawns for up to 8 weeks
- Works as a post-emergent herbicide that targets weeds after they are established
- Versatile enough to be suitable for most warm- and cool-season grass types
Cons
- Not suitable for St. Augustine, dichondra, or carpet grass
- Contains 2,4-D, which has a potentially damaging effect on human health and the environment
Get the Preen One weed and feed at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Liquid
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control
Easily fertilize a lawn while killing dandelions and clover. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder gives lawns a quick nitrogen boost while controlling weeds. It is easy to apply, too—simply attach the applicator to a garden hose and apply this liquid weed spray as needed.
Scotts weed and feed helps control buckhorn, chickweed, clover, dandelion, ground ivy, henbit, knotweed, and more. Scotts Turf Builderliquid weed control can be used with almost any grass type during any season. When used as directed, it won’t burn the lawn and only requires one or two treatments per year.
Product Specs
- Type: Chemical
- Nutrients: Nitrogen, potassium
- Coverage area: 6,000 square feet
Pros
- Suitable for fertilizing and weeding in any season on any grass type
- Easy to apply; simply attach the built-in applicator to a garden hose and spray
- Affordable; one 32-ounce bottle covers up to 6,000 square feet
Cons
- Contains 2,4-D, which has a potentially damaging effect on human health and the environment
Get the Scotts liquid weed and feed at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
Or, DIY Your Own Weed and Feed
While there are many effective weed and feed products on the market, using commercial weed and feed products can be expensive and harmful to the environment. A more natural solution is to make a DIY weed and feed using ingredients that are safe and effective.
Mix 1 pound of corn gluten meal, 1 cup of Epsom salt, and 1 cup of dried lawn clippings to make your own weed and feed. Corn gluten meal acts as a natural pre-emergent herbicide that prevents weed seeds from germinating, while Epsom salt provides magnesium and sulfur to nourish the grass. Dried lawn clippings are a slow-release fertilizer, providing nutrients for healthy lawn growth. By using this natural DIY weed and feed, users can maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn without harming the environment.
What to Consider When Choosing Weed and Feed
Types of Weed and Feed
Weed and feed comes in two forms: liquid and granular. Although the liquid forms are easier to apply and provide faster results, using the granular form is more economical. Weed killer spray or liquid weed and feed is designed for small yards. Granular weed and feed covers more area, often 5,000 square feet or more, and is available in 18-lb bags and larger. Granular versions offer a better value, but users do need to water their lawns after application for it to penetrate the grass.
Some weed and feed products feature slow-release formulas, so users don’t have to fertilize as often. However, to achieve good results, plan on treating the lawn at least once every 8 weeks from the start of spring.
Type of Turf Grass
The best weed and feed product for a lawn depends on the grass type. Grass species have different nutrient requirements, so not all products are safe for every species of grass. Using the wrong weed and feed can damage certain types of grass. In general, grass species are divided into two categories: warm season and cool season. The seasons do not refer to the time of year but the climate and average soil temperature range.
- Warm-season turfgrasses grow best with average soil temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm-season grasses thrive in the warmer climates of the southeastern and southwestern United States. They include Bahia grass, Bermuda grass, carpet grass, St. Augustine grass, and zoysia grass (Japanese lawn grass).
- Cool-season turfgrasses grow best with average soil temperatures between 60 and 75 Fahrenheit. Cool-season grasses thrive in the cooler climates of the midwest and northern regions of the United States. Some cool-season grasses are Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall and hard fescue.
Selecting a fertilizer and weed killer for lawns that’s compatible with the grass species will provide far better results.
Nutrients
To grow a lush lawn, the soil needs to have essential nutrients. Fertilizers temporarily add nutrients to the soil. Fertilizers typically list their nutrient ratios as an NPK formula. This denotation represents the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the product.
- Nitrogen helps the grass grow properly and develop a green color.
- Phosphorus helps develop strong root systems.
- Potassium protects plants from disease, drought, and cold.
There are at least 11 states that ban phosphorus fertilizer use or sale. Luckily, many lawn weed and feed products have adapted to this and removed phosphorus from the product. Don’t worry—the weed and feed will still green and thicken the grass without the additional phosphorus.
Fertilizers can also contain secondary elements and micronutrients needed for healthy growth, such as sulfur, calcium, magnesium, boron, iron, molybdenum, zinc, copper, chloride, nickel, and manganese. To find out exactly what nutrients the lawn needs, conduct a soil test. Either purchase a test for home use or take a soil sample to the local cooperative extension testing office.
Targeting Weeds
Many fertilizers also have built-in herbicides or weed preventatives. Some products are better at killing certain types of common weeds and pests than others. Most weed and feed products target common broadleaf weeds, including plantain, chickweed, creeping Charlie, dandelions, and clover.
Weed preventers, or pre-emergent weed killers, block weed seeds already in the soil, like crabgrass, poa annua, chickweed, and henbit, from germinating. Identify the type of weeds infesting the lawn, and choose a product that’s made to take care of it.
Formula Type
There are distinct differences between natural and synthetic weed and feeds.
Natural and organic products contain plant-based or mineral ingredients that are safe for the environment and human health. They work by nourishing the soil and plants to make them more resistant to weeds. On the other hand, chemical-based products contain synthetic herbicides that kill weeds but can also harm beneficial plants, insects, and wildlife.
Two of the most commonly used herbicides, 2,4-D and Atrazine, have been linked to numerous health and environmental problems. 2,4-D is a hormone-disrupting chemical that can cause cancer, birth defects, and developmental issues in children. Atrazine is a highly toxic herbicide that can contaminate drinking water, cause birth defects, and harm wildlife. Be aware of the potential dangers of chemical-based weed and feed products and opt for natural or organic alternatives that are safe and effective whenever possible.
FAQs
If you’re wondering if weed and feed is safe to use around pets and people or what type is best for killing stubborn weeds, read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions.
Q. How effective is weed and feed?
Weed and feed is effective for fortifying your grass and removing stubborn weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, clovers, and more. But long-term use could cause harmful effects on your grass. Use these products sparingly as needed, not as a long-term solution to weed problems. For that, look for a suitable weed killer.
Q. How fast does weed and feed work?
Depending upon the brand, it may take 5 days to up to 2 weeks to see the visible results of weed and feed.
Q. When is the best time to apply weed and feed?
As with most gardening or fertilizing tasks, it is best to apply weed and feed in the spring. This is when weeds are actively beginning to grow, which allows the weed and feed to kill the weeds as seedlings. However, some brands do not recommend the weed and feed to become wet after application, so apply the product at least 24 hours prior to any forecasts of rain.
Q. Is weed and feed safe for dogs?
If used properly, weed and feed is generally safe to use on lawns and spaces where dogs (and even children) are actively playing. However, always follow the package instructions because some herbicides can be moderately toxic to dogs.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.