Does your lawn look more like a patchy, weed-filled battlefield than a lush green carpet? You’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle to keep their grass looking its best. Getting the timing right for applying weed and feed is one of the biggest headaches. Apply too early, and you might waste product or even hurt your lawn. Wait too long, and those pesky weeds take over before the fertilizer even kicks in! It’s a tricky balance that can leave your weekend feeling frustrating.
Figuring out the perfect moment—that sweet spot when the soil temperature and weather cooperate—is the secret sauce for a healthy yard. If you are tired of guessing games and want a simple plan for a vibrant lawn, you’ve come to the right place. By the end of this post, you will know exactly when to pull out the spreader. We will break down the science into easy steps so you can stop worrying and start enjoying a beautiful yard this season.
Top Time To Apply Weed And Feed Recommendations
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Kills major broadleaf weeds while feeding your lawn.
- FEEDS LAWN: Fertilizes with 20 percent nitrogen formulation.
- KILLS WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many broadleaf weeds as listed.
- QUICKFLIP SPRAYER: Just connect to your hose and spray – just grip, flip and go.
- COVERAGE: 32 ounces treats up to 7,500 square feet of lawn.
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 kills weeds while feeding your lawn.
- KILLS MAJOR BROADLEAF WEEDS: Kills dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many other broadleaf weeds.
- FEEDS LAWN: Formulated with 20% nitrogen to feed your lawn.
- COVERAGE: One 32-oz bottle treats up to 7,500 square feet.
- CONVENIENT THREE PACK: Three pack features one nozzle and three bottles of product.
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- KILLS WEEDS: This lawn weed killer kills over 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- LAWN FRIENDLY: It contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won’t harm your grass (when used as directed)
- RESULTS YOU CAN SEE: Visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried
- EASY TO USE: To apply, connect your garden hose to the sprayer and set the nozzle to your desired setting
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Improve your lawn care with lawn weed and feed fertilizer, targeting hard-to-kill listed weeds with weed control for lawns
- PREVENTS NEW WEEDS: Control listed weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions, clovers, and black medic
- KILLS LARGE CRABGRASS: Control crabgrass, targeting them down to the root for visible results in just 3 days
- PREVENTS NEW CRABGRASS: Use to keep crabgrass, dandelions, clovers, black medic, and other listed weeds from starting, applying crabgrass preventer for lawns while keeping your grass unharmed
- GREENS UP TO 3 MONTHS: Fertilizer for grass offers stronger turf while acting as a lawn weed killer
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Kills major broadleaf weeds while feeding your lawn.
- FEEDS LAWN: Fertilizes with 20 percent nitrogen formulation.
- KILLS WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many broadleaf weeds as listed.
- QUICKFLIP SPRAYER: Just connect to your hose and spray – just grip, flip and go.
- COVERAGE: 32 ounces treats up to 7,500 square feet of lawn.
- FEEDS LAWNS FOR UP TO 3 MONTHS - The lawn fertilizer has an analysis of 21-0-3 and is designed to promote lush green growth. It provides gradual, consistent nutrient release for up to 3 months. Cannot be used at the same time as seeding a new lawn.
- CONTROLS OVER 250 WEEDS - Green-Up Weed & Feed kills weeds down to the root. Our weed killer controls over 250 broadleaf weeds including dandelions, chickweed, clover, wild onions, thistle, poison ivy, and more.
- FINE PARTICLE SIZE - The fine particle size of Green-Up Weed & Feed is perfect for weed control and feeding action. It feeds desirable grass longer while weeds gradually disappear from the lawn.
- EASY TO APPLY - Green-Up Weed & Feed should be applied using a rotary, drop, or hand-held spreader. Best results are obtained by applying when weeds are actively growing.
- COMPLETE COVERAGE - This 15 lb bag covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. The best time to apply is late spring or early fall.
- Kills over 250 common lawn weeds - including dandelions, clover and plantain
- GreenSmart Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer provides continuous feeding for up to 8 weeks
- Restores nutrients to the soil and helps lawn retain water to protect against heat and drought
- Builds a deeper, stronger root system
- Promotes a faster spring green up
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Time to Apply Weed and Feed
Getting a thick, green lawn is a goal for many homeowners. Weed and feed products help you achieve this by tackling weeds and giving your grass the food it needs. But not all products are the same. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the product label carefully. These features make a big difference in how well the product works.
1. Weed Control Type
- Pre-emergent: This stops weed seeds from sprouting in the first place. It’s great for preventing problems like crabgrass.
- Post-emergent: This kills weeds that have already sprouted and are visible in your lawn. Look for products that list common lawn weeds like clover or dandelions.
2. Fertilizer Analysis (N-P-K Ratio)
You will see three numbers on the bag, like 24-0-10. These are the percentages of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Nitrogen (N): This is the most important part for green, fast growth. Higher numbers usually mean better color.
- Phosphorus (P): Helps with root development. Many areas limit this ingredient now.
- Potassium (K): Boosts overall plant health and stress resistance.
3. Application Method
Some products are granules you spread with a spreader. Others are liquids you mix with water and spray on. Granules are often easier for beginners.
Important Materials in Weed and Feed
The ingredients determine the product’s power.
Active Ingredients for Weed Killing
Manufacturers use different chemicals to kill weeds. Make sure the active ingredients match the weeds you see. For example, common active ingredients for broadleaf weeds include 2,4-D or Dicamba. Always check if the product is safe for your specific type of grass (like Bermuda, Fescue, or Zoysia).
Nutrient Sources
The fertilizer part uses different sources of nitrogen.
- Quick-release: These feed the lawn fast, giving quick green-up.
- Slow-release (or coated): These release nutrients slowly over several weeks. This means fewer applications are needed and it reduces the chance of burning your grass. Slow-release is often higher quality.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your result depends on the formula and how you use it.
Improving Quality
- Temperature Matching: High-quality pre-emergent products work best when applied right before soil temperatures hit the right mark for weed germination (usually around 55°F).
- Proper Spreader Calibration: Using the correct setting on your spreader ensures you apply the right amount. Too much product can burn your lawn.
Reducing Quality
- Rainfall After Application: If you apply a granular product and it does not rain or you do not water it in soon after, the fertilizer might not dissolve, and the weed killer won’t activate properly.
- Applying to Dormant Grass: Applying heavy fertilizer when your grass is naturally slowing down (like during extreme summer heat) wastes the product and can cause stress.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider how much work you want to do.
Ease of Use
Granular products require a broadcast or drop spreader. Liquid concentrates require mixing and a sprayer. Beginners often prefer setting their spreader to the recommended setting and walking the yard evenly.
Best Times for Application
The “Time to Apply” is crucial. Most experts recommend two main applications:
- Early Spring: Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures warm up to stop crabgrass and other annual weeds before they sprout.
- Late Spring/Early Summer: Apply a fertilizer-heavy mix when the grass is actively growing to promote thick, healthy turf that chokes out future weeds.
If you have a severe weed problem, you might need a third application in the fall, focusing more on weed prevention over winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed and Feed
Q: When is the absolute best time to apply weed and feed?
A: The best time depends on what you are treating. For preventing weeds, apply pre-emergent when soil temperatures are around 55°F. For feeding the lawn, apply when your grass is actively greening up in the spring.
Q: Can I use weed and feed if I just seeded my lawn?
A: No. Most weed and feed products contain herbicides that kill new grass seedlings. Wait until the new grass is established and has been mowed 2-3 times before using a general weed and feed product.
Q: How soon after applying should it rain?
A: For granular products, you want rain or watering within 24 to 48 hours so the granules dissolve and the chemicals move into the soil. Check the bag instructions, as some new formulas handle dry conditions better.
Q: Will weed and feed hurt my pets?
A: Yes, until the product dries completely. Keep pets and children off the lawn during application and until the granules have been watered in and the surface is dry. This usually takes a few hours.
Q: What if I see weeds after I used a pre-emergent product?
A: If you see weeds, it usually means one of two things: either the timing was slightly off, or the weeds are a type the herbicide does not target. You can spot-treat those existing weeds with a liquid post-emergent spray.
Q: How often should I apply weed and feed during the growing season?
A: Most standard formulas are designed to be applied 2 to 4 times per year, depending on the product’s slow-release capabilities and your local climate. Always follow the reapplication interval listed on the bag.
Q: Does the temperature affect the fertilizer part?
A: Yes. Applying heavy nitrogen fertilizer when temperatures are consistently above 85°F can stress your grass, causing it to turn yellow or brown (fertilizer burn).
Q: What is the difference between a drop spreader and a broadcast spreader?
A: A drop spreader drops fertilizer straight down through holes onto the lawn path beneath it. A broadcast spreader throws the material out in a wide arc. Broadcast spreaders cover ground faster but require more care to avoid overlapping and burning the lawn.
Q: Should I mow before or after applying weed and feed?
A: Generally, it is best to mow a day or two before application. This ensures the product lands directly on the soil surface or the weed leaves, not on the grass clippings.
Q: Can I use weed and feed on my vegetable garden?
A: Absolutely not. Herbicides used in lawn products can drift or leach and severely damage or kill vegetable plants. Never use lawn products near edible plants.