Weed and feeds are an all-in-one solution to feed lawns with fertilizer and treat weeds with herbicide at the same time. We researched Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart products to find the best available weed and feeds. This article includes detailed reviews of the top products so you can choose the best weed and feed for your grass type.
Top picks
Top 8 weed and feeds – Reviews
1. BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed – Best overall
Our overall favorite weed and feed is BioAdvanced 5-in-1. It contains a slow-release formula fertilizer and both pre- and post-emergent herbicides. As a result, it greens up your lawn for up to 3 months and prevents weeds for up to 6 months. You can apply it in the spring, early summer, or fall; for best results, use it when the air temperature is 50 – 90°F.
Specifications
- Active ingredients: 2, 4-D, Quinclorac, Dicamba, Dithiopyr, Corn Gluten Meal
- Coverage: 10,000 sq. ft.
- Herbicides: Pre- and post-emergent, contact and systemic
- NPK: 22-0-4
- Size: 24 lbs.
- Type: Granular
Recommended grass types
It’s recommended for established lawns with the following types of grass:
- Bermuda (when above 85 degrees)
- Buffalograss
- Fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Ryegrass
- Seashore paspalum
- Zoysia
Weeds treated
It controls over 200 broadleaf and grassy weeds, including:
- Chickweed
- Clover
- Crabgrass
- Dandelion
- Goosegrass
- Sprangletop
- Wild onion
Pros and cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Great for northern lawns ✓ Can use in spring, summer, or fall ✓ Long effective period ✓ A little bit goes a long way | ✗ Not good for bentgrass ✗ Not good for most warm-season grasses |
Where to buy
2. Preen One LawnCare Weed & Feed – Overall runner-up
Our second favorite weed and feed is Preen One LawnCare. It contains slow-release nitrogen, crabgrass preventer, and broadleaf weed killer. Its essential nutrients feed your lawn for up to 2 months, and the herbicides block crabgrass up to 4 weeks after it sprouts. For best results, apply in the spring when the soil is moist and the temperature is 50 – 80°F.
Specifications
- Active ingredients: 2, 4-D, 2-ethylhexyl ester; mecoprop-p; dicamba; dithiopyr
- Coverage: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Herbicides: Pre- and post-emergent, contact and systemic
- NPK: 24-0-6
- Size: 18 lb.
- Type: Granular
Recommended grass types
It’s recommended for established lawns with the following types of grass:
- Bahiagrass
- Bermuda
- Buffalograss
- Centipede
- Fine fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
- Tall fescue
- Zoysia
Weeds treated
It controls over 250 common weeds, including:
- Chickweed
- Clover
- Crabgrass
- Dandelion
- Dollarweed
Pros and cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Treats many types of weeds ✓ Long-lasting crabgrass control ✓ Controls most weeds with one application | ✗ Not good for St. Augustine, bentgrass, dichondra, or carpetgrass ✗ Needs multiple applications to control clover |
Where to buy
3. The Andersons Professional Surge – Best professional-grade weed & feed
Homeowners looking for pro-grade weed and feed should consider The Andersons Professional Surge. It contains both slow- and quick-release fertilizers, so your lawn greens up fast and continues receiving nutrients for up to 8 weeks. Its post-emergent herbicides kill over 250 weeds, and it’s safe for all grass types.
Specifications
- Active ingredients: 2,4-D, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Mecoprop-p acid, Dicamba acid, Sulfentrazone
- Coverage: 10,000 sq. ft.
- Herbicides: Post-emergent, contact and systemic
- NPK: 16-0-9
- Size: 40 lb.
- Type: Granular
Recommended grass types
It’s recommended for established lawns, newly seeded cool-season grasses (after 3rd mowing), and newly-established warm-season grasses (3-4 weeks after sodding).
Recommended grass types include:
- Bentgrass
- Bermuda
- Centipede
- Fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
- St. Augustine
- Zoysia
Weeds treated
It contains post-emergent herbicides that kill over 250 weeds, including:
- Chickweed
- Clover
- Dandelions
- Plantain
Pros and cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Safe for most grass types ✓ Kills many types of weeds ✓ Fast green up ✓ Strengthens grass’s immunity | ✗ Doesn’t treat crabgrass |
Where to buy
4. Purely Organic Weed and Feed – Best organic
Our favorite organic option is Purely Organic Weed and Feed. Its natural ingredients are safe for long-term use on just about any grass type. It works for up to 45 days, feeding the lawn and killing unwanted weeds without burning the grass. It’s also an excellent option for parents and pet owners because it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
Specifications
- Active ingredients: Clove oil, Eugenol, Corn gluten meal, Urea, Potassium acetate
- Coverage: 3,000 sq. ft.
- Herbicides: Post-emergent, contact and systemic
- NPK: 10-0-2
- Size: 15 lb.
- Type: Granular
Recommended grass types
It’s recommended for cool-season and warm-season grasses, including:
- Bentgrass
- Bluegrass
- Carpetgrass
- Centipede
- Fescues
- Ryegrass
- St. Augustine
- Zoysia
Weeds treated
Its natural post-emergent ingredients kill many broadleaf weeds, including:
- Clover
- Dandelion
- Dollarweed
- Henbit
- Purslane
- Spotted spurge
- Ragweed
Pros and cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Good for the soil ✓ Safe for children and pets ✓ Safe for all grass types ✓ Won’t burn grass | ✗ Expensive ✗ Doesn’t work as quickly as chemical products |
Where to buy
5. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control Fertilizer – Best liquid
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder is great for homeowners looking for a liquid weed and feed that’s easy to apply. Simply connect the bottle to a garden hose and spray—no additional equipment is needed. In one easy step, your lawn gets a quick burst of nutrients, and common lawn weeds are eradicated. Scotts even offers a “no-quibble” money-back guarantee.
Specifications
- Active ingredients: 2,4-D; Mecoprop-P; Dichlorprop-p
- Coverage: 6,000 sq. ft.
- Herbicides: Post-emergent
- NPK: 25-0-2
- Size: 32 oz.
- Type: Liquid
Recommended grass types
It’s recommended for established lawns with the following grass types:
- Bahiagrass
- Bermuda
- Centipede
- Fescues
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Ryegrass
- Zoysia
Weeds treated
It controls common lawn weeds, including:
- Buckhorn
- Clover
- Chickweed
- Dandelion
- Ground ivy
- Henbit
- Plantain
- Poison ivy
- Oxalis
- Ragweed
- Spurge
Pros and cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Easy to apply ✓ Treats many weeds ✓ Fast green-up | ✗ Not safe for St. Augustinegrass, buffalograss, or dichondra ✗ Overuse can cause fertilizer burn |
Where to buy
6. Scotts Turf Builder Triple-Action Built for Seeding – Best for new grass
Scotts Turf Builder Triple-Action Built for Seeding is a feed fertilizer and weed preventer made for newly seeded, overseeded, or planted grass. For up to 6 weeks, it prevents common weeds while encouraging dense green growth and strong, healthy roots. Apply it using a spreader when the ground is dry and temperatures are 60 – 90°F.
Specifications
- Active ingredients: Mesotrione
- Coverage: 4,000 sq. ft.
- Herbicides: Pre-emergent
- NPK: 21-22-4
- Size: 17.2 lb.
- Type: Granular
Recommended grass types
It’s recommended for newly seeded, overseeded, and freshly planted lawns with the following grass types:
- Centipede
- Fine Fescue (Creeping Red, Chewings, Hard)
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Tall Fescue
Weeds treated
It prevents broadleaf and grassy weeds, including:
- Chickweed
- Clover
- Crabgrass
- Dandelion
- Ground ivy
- Henbit
- Nutsedge
Pros and cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Encourages healthy root development ✓ Encourages dense green growth ✓ Prevents weeds from outcompeting new grass | ✗ Not safe for St. Augustine, bentgrass, Bermuda, Zoysia, dichondra, kikuyugrass, Bahia, or lippia (lawn alternative) ✗ Some states ban phosphorus fertilizers |
Where to buy
7. Ferti-Lome Centipede Weed and Feed 15-0-15 – Best for centipedegrass
If you have a centipedegrass lawn, Ferti-Lome Centipede Weed and Feed provides your grass with balanced nutrition while killing invasive weeds. It contains slow-release nitrogen, iron, and post-emergent herbicide to keep your lawn thick, green, and weed-free. It also has the potassium that centipedegrass needs to resist pests, weather, and diseases.
If you want to fertilize your lawn but don’t want to use weed killer, try one of the best fertilizers for centipedegrass.
Specifications
- Active ingredients: Trimec
- Coverage: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Herbicides: Post-emergent, systemic
- NPK: 15-0-15
- Size: 20 lb.
- Type: Granular
Recommended grass types
It’s the best weed and feed for centipedegrass, and it’s safe for several other warm- and cool-season grass types, including:
- Bahia
- Bentgrass
- Bermuda
- Bluegrass
- Centipede
- Fescue
- Perennial Ryegrass
- St. Augustine
- Zoysia
Weeds treated
It kills over 200 broadleaf weeds, including:
- Chickweed
- Dollarweed
- Henbit
- Knotweed
- Plantain
- Spurge
Pros and cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Prevents over 200 weeds ✓ Promotes dense green growth ✓ Improves grass’s immunity ✓ Well-balanced nutrition | ✗ Doesn’t treat crabgrass ✗ Not good for new lawns |
Where to buy
8. Hi-Yield Weed and Feed 15-0-10 – Best for Zoysiagrass
The best weed and feed for Zoysiagrass is Hi-Yield Weed and Feed 15-0-10. It provides the nutrients Zoysia needs for dense growth, vibrant green blades, and a strong immune system. Additionally, it kills over 200 broadleaf weeds and works best when applied to moist soil. Avoid watering the lawn for 24 hours after use.
If you don’t want an all-in-one solution, the best fertilizers for Zoysiagrass promote healthy green lawns and robust immune systems without the herbicides in weed and feed products.
Specifications
- Active ingredients: Trimec
- Coverage: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Herbicides: Post-emergent
- NPK: 15-0-10
- Size: 18 lb.
- Type: Granular
Recommended grass types
It’s the best weed and feed for Zoysia and is safe for the following warm- and cool-season grasses:
- Bahia
- Bentgrass
- Bermuda
- Bluegrass
- Centipede
- Fescue
- Perennial Ryegrass
Weeds treated
Controls over 200 broadleaf weeds, including:
- Chickweed
- Dandelion
- Henbit
- Knotweed
- Plantain
- Poison Ivy
Pros and cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Encourages dense, green growth ✓ Boosts immune system ✓ Kills over 200 broadleaf weeds | ✗ Not good for new grass ✗ Discolors St. Augustinegrass |
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide to weed and feed
Weed and feeds fertilize the lawn and control weeds with one lawn care product. To choose the best weed and feed for your grass, consider the following:
Fertilizers
It’s important to know what to look for in a fertilizer. Some things to consider include:
- Soil test: A soil test will tell you what nutrients your lawn lacks, so you can correct deficiencies with the right fertilizer.
- NPK: The primary nutrients in fertilizer are NPK— Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (whose chemical symbol is K). Nitrogen helps grass grow dense and green. Phosphorus helps develop extensive roots and is particularly important for starter fertilizer. Potassium increases grass’s tolerance to pests, weather, and diseases.
- Micronutrients: In addition to NPK, lawns need small amounts of micronutrients, including iron, magnesium, and sulfur.
- Slow-release vs. quick-release: Slow-release fertilizers slowly break down into the soil. They take longer to work but are effective for a more extended period. In contrast, quick-release fertilizers release a quick burst of nourishment for fast green-up but have a higher risk of fertilizer burn.
- Organic vs. synthetic: Although organic fertilizers take longer to work than most synthetic products, they’re better for long-term soil health.
Herbicides
There are different types of weed killers, including:
- Pre-emergent vs. post-emergent: Pre-emergent herbicides kill weeds before germination, and post-emergent products kill weeds after they sprout.
- Selective vs. non-selective: Weed and feeds contain selective herbicides because non-selective herbicides kill all vegetation, including grass.
- Systemic vs. contact: Post-emergent herbicides may kill weeds on contact, or they may take a systemic approach. Systemic herbicides take longer to work but are more thorough, killing weeds all the way to the roots.
- Chemical vs. organic: Chemical herbicides negatively impact the environment, but organic weed killers tend to be more expensive and less effective.
The table below contains info on common selective post-emergent herbicides.
Herbicide | Description |
2,4-D amine salts | It kills broadleaf weeds in 1 – 2 weeks. |
Dicamba | It kills broadleaf weeds and woody plants in 2 – 3 weeks. |
MSMA | It kills grassy and broadleaf weeds in 2 – 4 days and is regulated by the EPA to prevent water contamination. |
Triclopyr | It kills broadleaf weeds and woody plants in 2 – 3 weeks. |
The next table describes common selective pre-emergent herbicides.
Herbicide | Description |
Corn gluten meal | It’s an organic herbicide that prevents weeds from sprouting for up to 6 weeks. It works great on crabgrass and dandelion. |
Dithiopyr | It prevents 45 grassy and broadleaf weeds, including crabgrass, chickweed, and annual bluegrass. It’s not great for spurge and doesn’t affect nutsedge. |
Isoxaben | It prevents broadleaf weeds, including chickweed, spurge, and oxalis, but doesn’t prevent sedges, annual grasses, and most perennial weeds. |
Prodiamine | A well-known crabgrass preventer that treats broadleaf weeds and annual grasses. It’s effective for up to 3 months. |
Note: Read the label to ensure the herbicide is safe for your grass type. Some herbicides, especially those that treat grassy weeds, are harmful to coarse warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine.
Type
Weed and feeds are either granular or liquid. Granules are applied using a spreader, and liquids are applied with a sprayer. Although liquid products tend to work quickly, granules work for a more extended period.
Cost
The average weed and feed product costs about $50 and covers about 7,500 square feet.
Average cost | $50 |
Average cost / square foot | $0.01 |
Typical price range | $15 – $85 |
Typical cost / square foot | $0.01 – $0.04 |
FAQ about weed and feed
1. Is weed and feed bad for my lawn?
If appropriately used, weed and feeds aren’t bad for your lawn, but there are some caveats:
- Timing: Sometimes, the right time to fertilize isn’t the right time to treat lawn weeds.
- Soil health: Most weed and feeds contain chemicals that degrade the soil over time.
- Safety: Chemical weed and feeds may not be safe for children or pets.
2. Does corn gluten work on weeds?
Corn gluten meal works on many weeds. It kills grassy and broadleaf weeds, including:
- Crabgrass
- Dandelion
- Redroot pigweed
- Creeping bentgrass
- Common Bermudagrass
It’s about 50% effective after just one application, but after using it for 2 to 3 years, it can be over 90% effective.
3. What is the best time to apply weed and feed?
Weed and feeds work best in the spring after the second mow of the year. Products containing pre-emergent herbicides will only get rid of weeds that haven’t sprouted, but products containing post-emergent herbicides kill weeds after they germinate. You can also apply some weed and feeds in the fall. Learn more in our article on how and when to apply weed and feed.
4. What are the best herbicides for my lawn?
The best pre-emergent herbicides include Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG and Dimension 2EW. The best post-emergent herbicides include Ortho Weed B Gon Plus Crabgrass Control and Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine. Keep in mind that these products only prevent weeds; they do not contain fertilizer.
5. What are the best lawn fertilizers?
The best lawn fertilizers include Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer and Scotts Natural Lawn Food. These products are exclusively for fertilizing the lawn and will not prevent or kill weeds.
When you need a lawn care pro for weeding and feeding
Weed and feed products are a simple DIY solution for homeowners who want to fertilize and treat weeds in one step. However, they are less effective than professional lawn care services. If you want a healthy green lawn free from weeds, your best bet is to hire a weed control pro or lawn fertilization service.
Lawn Love connects you with local pros who are qualified and insured. In addition to treating your weeds, our pros can take care of routine lawn maintenance, trim your bushes, and even help with special landscaping projects. Affordable lawn care is just a click or tap away!
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