Best Ways to Kill Weeds and Fertilize Your Grass
Looking to eliminate weeds while boosting lawn health? This guide highlights five top garden products designed to kill common lawn weeds and feed grass, helping you choose the right option for your turf. It covers liquid hose-end formulas, granular weed and feed blends, and post-emergent options, so you can decide what’s best for your grass type and weed situation. Ideal buyers include homeowners needing quick, weekend-friendly lawn care, and those seeking long-lasting weed control with fertilizer in one step.
| Product | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control | Quick weed control + nitrogen boost | Hose-end application; broadleaf weed targets |
| Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action | All-in-one weed control and fertilizer | Killer for several weeds; crabgrass prevention |
| BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed and Feed Granules | Heavy weed load with long-lasting barrier | Granular, up to 4,000 sq ft |
| Liquid Harvest Mesotrione | Pre- and post-emergent weed control | Targeted broadleaf and grasses |
| Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control | Fast-acting dual-action weed and feed | 2,000 sq ft coverage in 10 minutes |
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder With Plus 2 Weed Control
Features: Quick nitrogen boost paired with broadleaf weed killer. Hose-end applicator simplifies lawn spraying; use when weeds are actively growing for best results. Targets buckhorn, chickweed, ground ivy, henbit, knotweed, lambsquarters, oxalis, pigweed, plantain, poison ivy, ragweed, and spurge.
Best for: Homeowners seeking a fast, spray-on solution that both feeds the lawn and suppresses a broad range of common weeds.
Why chosen: Combines fertilizer and weed control in one bottle for convenient, on-the-go application.
Limitations: Must be applied with a hose-end sprayer; performance depends on active weed growth and weather. Avoid over-application on stressed lawns.
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action
Features: A 3-in-1 formula that kills listed lawn weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass for thicker, greener lawns. Suitable for various cool- and warm-season grasses and broad range of weed types.
Best for: Those needing an all-in-one solution that simultaneously reduces weeds, prevents crabgrass, and nourishes turf.
Why chosen: Clear, integrated approach for broadweed prevention and lawn fertilization in one product.
Limitation: Performance depends on proper timing for crabgrass prevention and weed types; may require reselection if your lawn has unusual turf varieties.
BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed And Feed Granules
Features: Targets over 200 listed weeds with a 5-in-1 formulation that includes weed control, fertilization, and a growth boost. Forms a soil barrier that helps prevent new weeds for up to six months; effective for spring and early summer use. Includes four weed killers to control crabgrass and other grasses; shows early signs with weed color changes as it works.
Best for: Lawns with heavy weed pressure that benefit from long-lasting control and a robust feeding schedule.
Why chosen: Long-lasting weed suppression combined with turf feeding makes it suitable for busy seasons.
Limitation: Granular application requires even spreading and watering-following for activation; over-application can stress some grasses.
Liquid Harvest Mesotrione
Features: Mesotrione concentrate designed for pre- and post-emergent weed control. Targets 46 broadleaf species and various grasses; compatible with multiple turf types (sod forms may vary). Activation requires water for effectiveness, and results can take 2–3 weeks for full weed death.
Best for: Gardeners needing a versatile weed killer that targets both broadleaf weeds and certain grasses with flexible timing.
Why chosen: Provides a non-chemical alternative when other weed killers aren’t sufficient; useful for mixed weed challenges.
Limitation: Longer onset of visible results; may require rainfall or irrigation to activate effectively.
Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control
Features: Delivers 2,000 sq. ft. of weed control in about 10 minutes when connected to a hose. A 2-in-1 formula that feeds the lawn while controlling stubborn weeds like dandelions and clover. Reusable applicator is designed to reduce plastic waste when used with refill bottles of fertilizer and weed killer.
Best for: Quick, space-saving lawn care with fast results and a focus on reducing plastic waste through a reusable applicator.
Why chosen: Fast coverage and immediate weed suppression combined with fertilization in one spray.
Limitation: Requires compatible refill products for ongoing use; performance depends on water pressure and timing with weed growth.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Killing Weeds and Fertilizing Grass
- Target weeds: Identify the most common weeds in your yard (dandelions, clover, crabgrass, etc.) and choose a product labeled to control them.
- Grass type compatibility: Ensure the product is appropriate for your grass variety (Bermuda, fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, centipede, etc.).
- Mode of application: Liquid hose-end formulas offer quick results; granular weed and feed blends provide longer-lasting control but require even spreading and watering.
- Timing: Apply when weeds are actively growing or during recommended seasons for crabgrass prevention; pre-emergent vs. post-emergent guidance matters.
- Coverage and maintenance: Check square footage coverage and plan for reapplication intervals to maintain weed suppression.
- Environmental safety: Follow label directions to minimize runoff and protect nearby plants, pets, and water sources.
FAQ
- Q: Do these products kill weeds and feed the lawn at the same time?
- A: Yes, several products in this list combine weed control with fertilization for convenient lawn care.
- Q: Can I use these products on all grass types?
- A: Most are labeled for common lawn varieties; always check your grass type on the label to ensure compatibility.
- Q: How soon will I see results?
- A: Liquid formulations can show rapid weed suppression, while some granules or organics may take longer to show visible results.
- Q: Are there precautions for pets and children?
- A: Follow label directions regarding restricted areas and re-entry times after application.
- Q: Should I water after application?
- A: Many products require watering to activate weed killers or to help fertilizer reach the roots.