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If you want a single lawn treatment that reduces broadleaf weeds and suppresses crabgrass while feeding grass for quicker recovery, choosing the right weed and feed matters. The wrong product or timing can burn sensitive turf, fail to control summer annuals, or leave gaps where weeds re-establish. This guide focuses on Weed and Feed formulations specifically designed to target both common broadleaf weeds and crabgrass in lawns. Below are six shortlisted products chosen for typical lawn situations. We evaluate how well they cover turf, when to apply for best results, and practical safety and handling considerations so you can pick the approach that fits your yard and schedule.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | The Andersons Surge Weed & Feed 16-0-9 Granular Lawn Fertilizer (40 lb) |  |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | The Andersons Premium Weed and Feed 24-0-16 (18 lb) |  |
| Best Budget The cheapest option that still gets the job done reliably | Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2, 13.79 lb |  |
| Highest Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | Fertilome Weed-Out Pro Turf 25-0-4 Broadleaf + Crabgrass, 26 lb |  |
| Most Popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed and Feed Granules (9.6 lb) |  |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 Granular Lawn Fertilizer (33.95 lb) |  |
The Andersons Surge Weed & Feed 16-0-9 Granular Lawn Fertilizer (40 lb)
| Item Form | Granule |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 16000 square_feet |
| Unit Count | 640 Ounce |
| Active Ingredients | Herbicide |
The Andersons Surge Weed and Feed is a professional four‑way granular treatment that combines herbicide action with a 16-0-9 fertilizer to feed lawns while eliminating broadleaf weeds. It is applied with a broadcast spreader to established turf when broadleaf weeds are actively growing; best results come from mowing 1–2 days before application, applying to a damp lawn so granules adhere, and avoiding irrigation for at least 24 hours afterward. The product claims control of more than 250 common weeds and uses relatively small granules for wider coverage per square inch. In practice this means you can treat a large yard quickly and expect both greening and weed suppression over the season, including cooler spring and fall windows. Important limitations are that it is not suitable for certain turf types such as Floratam St. Augustine, dichondra, carpetgrass, creeping bentgrass, or lawns with desirable clovers, and you must follow timing and watering instructions to avoid reduced effectiveness or damage to new grass. For a homeowner focused on strong seasonal performance, this delivers broad control and fertilizer in one application.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize strong, season‑long weed control and want a professional‑grade product that also feeds established lawns and can treat a large area efficiently.
Less Ideal for: People with sensitive or excluded turf species, newly seeded/sodded lawns, or those who prefer spot treatments rather than whole‑lawn broadcast applications.
- Combines broadleaf weed control with fertilizer (16-0-9) for two functions in one application
- Covers up to 16,000 square feet, suitable for medium to large lawns
- Small granule size increases coverage per square inch for more uniform application
- Formulated to work through a wide part of the growing season, including cooler spring and fall conditions
- Not safe for specific turf types including Floratam St. Augustine, dichondra, carpetgrass, and creeping bentgrass
- Requires careful timing and withholding irrigation for at least 24 hours to be effective
- Not recommended for newly seeded or recently sodded lawns without reduced rates and waiting periods
Verdict: Choose this if you want a professional, large‑area weed‑and‑feed that delivers broadleaf control plus fertilizer in a single application.
The Andersons Premium Weed and Feed 24-0-16 (18 lb)
| Item Form | Granule |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 5,000 sq ft |
| Unit Count | 288 Ounce |
| Active Ingredients | Herbicide, Iron, Nitrogen, Sulfur |
The Andersons Premium Weed and Feed 24-0-16 is a granular lawn product designed to kill broadleaf weeds while feeding turf with a mix of quick- and slow-release nitrogen plus iron for deeper greening. You apply it with a rotary or drop spreader to a dry lawn, following the label spreader settings and the two-step application schedule for best control. It targets over 250 broadleaf weeds and lists compatibility with St. Augustine and other common warm- and cool-season grasses, making it useful for seasonal lawn program maintenance. Practical benefits include combined weed control and extended feeding in one pass and improved lawn color from added iron. Important limitations are geographic restrictions and the need to follow the two-application procedure and post-application watering to activate herbicide; it is also not suitable for dichondra or carpet grass. For performance-focused users, correct spreader calibration and adherence to timing will determine results more than the product alone.
Best for: Homeowners who prioritize visible lawn performance and want a combined weed-control plus feeding product for regular seasonal maintenance of St. Augustine and similar grasses.
Less Ideal for: People managing sensitive or restricted lawns such as dichondra or carpet grass or those located in states where this product is not approved.
- Combines herbicide and fertilizer so you kill weeds while feeding grass in one application
- Includes both quick- and slow-release nitrogen for immediate green-up and longer-lasting feeding
- Contains iron for deeper, faster greening of turf
- Covers up to 5,000 sq ft per bag, suitable for medium-sized yards
- Not approved for sale or use in some states which limits availability
- Requires specific spreader settings and a two-step application schedule for full effectiveness
Verdict: Choose this product if you want a single granular treatment that controls broadleaf weeds and delivers both quick and extended feeding for a noticeably greener St. Augustine lawn.
Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2, 13.79 lb
| Item Form | Granule |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 4000 square feet |
| Unit Count | 220.64 Ounce |
This Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 combines a broadleaf weed killer with a slow-release fertilizer made specifically for southern lawns. It is designed for spot-to-whole-lawn applications with a broadcast or drop spreader and must be applied to a dry, actively growing lawn and watered in immediately. Notable features include a formula that targets more than 25 southern weed species, including clover, and guidance for spreader settings to ensure even coverage. Practical benefits are twofold: it reduces existing broadleaf weeds while providing nutrients that encourage grass to fill in and compete with future weeds, helping create a denser turf. Important limitations are that it is labeled only for St. Augustine, Centipede, Zoysia, and Carpetgrass and should not be used during winter dormancy or on other grass types, and timing matters—apply after the third mowing when soil temperatures reach the recommended range. Coverage per 13.79 lb bag is 4,000 square feet, so larger yards will need multiple bags or a larger size option.
Best for: Homeowners with southern-style lawns who want a single product to control clover and other broadleaf weeds while feeding the turf, and who follow label timing and application guidance.
Less Ideal for: Those with cool-season lawns, mixed-grass yards, or users who prefer spot-treating weeds with herbicide-only products should look elsewhere.
- Kills a wide range of southern broadleaf weeds including clover
- Feeds grass while killing weeds to encourage thicker turf
- Formulated for common southern grasses so label directions are targeted
- Includes recommended spreader settings for even application
- Restricted to specific southern grass types and not safe for all lawns
- Must be applied when grass is actively growing and watered in immediately which requires correct timing
Verdict: Choose this if you have a southern grass lawn and want one granular product that kills clover and other broadleaf weeds while feeding the turf to promote a denser lawn.
Fertilome Weed-Out Pro Turf 25-0-4 Broadleaf + Crabgrass, 26 lb
| Net weight | 26 lb |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Analysis | 25-0-4 |
| Targets | Broadleaf weeds + crabgrass prevention |
Fertilome Weed-Out Pro Turf is a granular weed-and-feed formulated to control broadleaf weeds and suppress crabgrass while supplying nitrogen to the lawn. It is applied with a broadcast spreader across established lawns such as Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda, Bahia, and fescue; one 26 lb bag covers up to about 10,000 square feet. The 25-0-4 analysis means a strong nitrogen boost to green-up and recovery after weed control, and the product claims control of more than 250 broadleaf species including clover and dandelion. Because it is selective, it treats weeds without killing most turf grasses when used as directed. Important practical notes: you must follow label instructions for timing and water-in requirements to avoid turf scorch, and it is intended for maintenance rather than emergency eradication of extensive crabgrass infestations. Also it is a single-season granular product so repeat applications may be needed for season-long crabgrass prevention.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a dependable, combined weed control and feeding product for routine lawn maintenance and prefer predictable, label-driven results.
Less Ideal for: Not the best choice for spot-treating small patches or for users seeking an all-season, single-application crabgrass eradicator for heavily infested lawns.
- Controls a wide range of broadleaf weeds including clover and dandelion.
- Includes crabgrass prevention while delivering a substantial nitrogen feed.
- One 26 lb bag treats up to 10,000 square feet, suitable for medium lawns.
- Selective formula designed for common turfgrasses when applied per label.
- Needs precise application timing and spreader calibration to avoid uneven results.
- Single-season granule that may require follow-up applications for lasting crabgrass control.
Verdict: A reliable weed-and-feed that combines broadleaf weed control, crabgrass prevention, and a strong nitrogen feed for routine lawn maintenance.
BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed and Feed Granules (9.6 lb)
| Item Form | Granule |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 4000 square_feet |
| Active Ingredients | Dicamba, Quinclorac |
BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed and Feed is a granular lawn treatment that combines multiple herbicides with fertilizer so you can kill existing weeds and feed turf in a single application. You apply it with a broadcast or drop spreader to an established, dry lawn, then water in and avoid mowing for at least a day. The formula targets over 200 broadleaf weeds and large crabgrass and creates a soil barrier that helps prevent new listed weeds for up to six months while feeding and greening the lawn for about three months. Practical features include granular form for easy even coverage and instructions for follow-up watering and safety precautions. Important limitations are usual for combined herbicide-fertilizers: it is intended for established turf rather than newly seeded lawns, and precautions are needed around children, pets, and windy applications. It is not labeled for sale in all states and requires following label directions closely for best results.
Best for: Homeowners who want a low-effort, maintenance-friendly product to reduce separate purchases and applications and keep an established lawn greener while controlling common weeds.
Less Ideal for: People establishing a new lawn from seed, managing sensitive ornamentals near turf, or those who prefer non-chemical weed control methods.
- Combines weed control and fertilizer in one application for convenience
- Controls both broadleaf weeds and large crabgrass and helps prevent new weeds for up to six months
- Granular formula spreads evenly with a broadcast or drop spreader for uniform coverage
- Feeds and greens turf for up to three months after application
- Not suitable for newly seeded or delicate lawns where herbicides can inhibit germination
- Requires careful handling and exclusion of children and pets until treated areas are dry
Verdict: Use this product when you want one granular application to both kill common and crabgrass weeds and feed an established lawn for months of reduced maintenance.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 Granular Lawn Fertilizer (33.95 lb)
| Item Form | Granule |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 12000 square feet |
| Active Ingredients | 2.4‑D and Dicamba |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 is a combined granular weed killer and lawn fertilizer intended for use when broadleaf weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F. You apply it to a wet lawn with a broadcast, drop, or hand spreader (Scotts publishes spreader settings) and then avoid watering for 24 hours to let granules stick to weed leaves. The formula uses WeedGrip technology and active ingredients 2,4‑D and dicamba to target common lawn weeds such as clover and dandelion while the fertilizer portion delivers nitrogen and potassium to thicken turf. A single 33.95 lb. bag is sized to cover about 12,000 square feet, making it convenient for medium to large yards. Important limits: do not use on St. Augustine, bentgrass, dichondra, carpetgrass, or lippia and do not apply if rain is expected within 24 hours; the product can also require keeping people and pets off treated turf until dust settles. For homeowners seeking a combined weed control plus feeding step, this simplifies late‑spring applications, but those with excluded grass types or who need precise spot treatments should consider alternatives.
Best for: Homeowners with warm‑season Bahia and other listed grass types who want a single late‑spring application to control broadleaf weeds while feeding the lawn and prefer products with established brand usage guidance.
Less Ideal for: Anyone growing St. Augustine, bentgrass, dichondra, carpetgrass, or lippia or gardeners who need spot treatments, organic options, or year‑round fertilization plans.
- Kills a wide range of listed broadleaf lawn weeds including clover and dandelion using WeedGrip technology
- Feeds lawn while treating weeds so it both reduces weeds and promotes thicker turf
- Large 33.95 lb. bag covers up to 12,000 sq ft, suitable for medium to large lawns
- Published application guidance and spreader settings make it straightforward to apply evenly
- Not safe for use on several turf types including St. Augustine and bentgrass
- Requires dry window after application and restriction on people and pets until dust settles
- Contains synthetic herbicides that require careful handling and label compliance
Verdict: A convenient, proven weed‑and‑feed option for Bahia and other compatible lawns that combines broadleaf weed control with feeding in one late‑spring application.
Choosing the Right Weed and Feed That Kills Weeds and Crabgrass: Key Factors to Consider
Active Ingredients and Mode of Action
Knowing which active ingredients are included tells you what weeds and grasses the product will control and whether it acts as a preemergent, postemergent, or both. Some formulations rely on preemergent herbicides to prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating, while others include postemergent actives that kill young crabgrass and broadleaf species after emergence.
Understanding mode of action also helps you rotate chemistries across seasons to reduce the risk of resistance and to avoid applying incompatible products back-to-back. Read labels for ingredient names and labeled targets so you match the product to the toughest weeds in your lawn.
Timing and Seasonal Application Windows
Weed and feed products work best when applied at the correct growth stage for both weeds and turf. Preemergent control for crabgrass usually requires an application in early spring before soil temperatures trigger seed germination, while postemergent actives need young, actively growing weeds to be effective.
Timing also interacts with feeding: applying fertilizer when grass is dormant can cause burning or flushes of weak growth. Look for clear label guidance on ideal soil temperature, grass growth stage, and minimum intervals before mowing or watering to ensure effective control without harming turf.
Nutrient Ratio and Lawn Needs
Different weed and feed products pair herbicides with variable fertilizer blends. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and whether nitrogen is fast-release or slow-release influences how your lawn responds after application. A balanced nutrient mix helps turf recover from weed pressure and fills in treated areas.
Choose a nutrient profile that matches your soil test or common needs for your grass type. Over-fertilizing at the wrong time can encourage thatch or excessive top growth, while low-nitrogen mixes may not support recovery following weed control.
Coverage Rate and Spreader Calibration
Even distribution is critical for both weed control and consistent feeding. Granular weed and feed must be applied at the label-specified rate using a properly calibrated spreader to avoid streaks of damage or untreated gaps.
Calibration varies with spreader type and granule size. You should test spreader settings on a small area and measure coverage before treating the whole lawn. Accurate application reduces the need for spot-treating later and helps prevent uneven growth or over-application that can stress turf.
Turf Compatibility and Safety Precautions
Not all weed and feed products are safe for every grass species or newly sodded areas. Some herbicides can injure sensitive warm-season grasses or young turf, so check label restrictions carefully. Safety guidance also covers reentry times, watering after application, and whether the product is safe to use near flower beds or edible gardens.
Follow PPE recommendations on the label and keep children and pets off treated areas for the specified interval. Proper storage and disposal instructions reduce risk to people and the environment.
Residual Control and Follow-up Needs
Residual herbicide activity determines how long weeds are suppressed after treatment and whether repeat applications are necessary. Some products provide weeks of residual suppression for crabgrass, while others require follow-up treatments timed to weed life cycles.
Consider the length of residual control when planning your lawn calendar. If a product needs reapplication, factor in the label's minimum interval and how that fits with fertilizer timing and other cultural practices like aeration or overseeding.
When to Apply for Best Crabgrass Results
Soil temperature and weed growth stage matter more than calendar dates. For preemergent activity against crabgrass, aim to apply before soil temperatures consistently reach the germination threshold for your region. Many gardeners watch local phenological cues such as the bloom of forsythia or soil probes to time spring treatments.
For postemergent killing of young crabgrass, apply when the grass is actively growing and before plants become mature and seed-producing. If your lawn regularly floods or dries out, wait for a few days of stable moisture to improve herbicide uptake.
- Check soil temperature rather than relying solely on dates
- Apply preemergent before crabgrass seeds germinate
- Target young, actively growing crabgrass for postemergent control
Safe Use Around Flower Beds and Vegetable Gardens
Granular weed and feed can drift into adjacent planting areas if spreader settings are too high or wind speeds are elevated. Use lower spreader settings near borders and consider a handheld spreader for narrow strips to reduce overspray.
If your lawn borders vegetable plots, read the label for buffer guidance. Some herbicides have restrictions on use near edible crops or sensitive ornamentals and require careful handling or physical barriers to prevent contamination.
- Reduce spreader settings and walk slower at borders
- Avoid application on windy days
- Consider spot-treating weeds near beds instead of broadcasting
Preparing Your Lawn Before Application
Mow at a normal height and remove excessive clippings before treatment so granules contact the soil and thatch is minimized. Avoid mowing immediately after application unless the label allows it; some products need a delay to settle into grass and thatch.
Address compaction and drainage issues before relying on chemical control alone. A healthy lawn with good soil structure and proper watering will respond better to weed and feed products and recover faster from weed pressure.
- Mow and clear excess clippings prior to application
- Fix compacted areas with aeration where needed
- Ensure soil moisture is adequate but not saturated
Managing Expectations: What Weed and Feed Can and Cannot Do
Weed and feed products are a convenient combination of fertilizer and herbicide, but they are not a cure-all. Expect reliable control of many common broadleaf weeds and suppression of crabgrass when used correctly, but very mature weeds or heavy infestations may need targeted follow-up treatments.
Cultural practices remain essential. Proper mowing, watering, and occasional overseeding are often required alongside chemical control to maintain a dense, weed-resistant turf.
- Plan follow-up spot treatments for persistent weeds
- Combine chemical treatment with cultural lawn care
- Use realistic timelines for visible turf recovery
Environmental Considerations and Responsible Use
Consider runoff risk and avoid application before heavy rain to reduce leaching into storm drains and waterways. Use the minimum effective rate and follow label directions to limit environmental impact.
Select products and timings that minimize harm to pollinators and beneficial insects. Avoid flowering weeds during treatment windows and follow label guidance about keeping pets and people off treated lawns for the recommended interval.
- Do not apply before heavy rain or irrigation
- Follow buffer and reentry recommendations on the label
- Store and dispose of unused product responsibly
How We Chose the Best Weed and Feed That Kills Weeds and Crabgrass
We shortlisted options that balance weed control with turf nutrition and real-world application practicality. Our selection criteria emphasized measurable product attributes gardeners can verify on the label and in the bag. We looked for clear active-ingredient profiles and mechanism of action that target both broadleaf weeds and grassy annuals such as crabgrass. Application timing and recommended rates were reviewed to ensure the products can be used in common cool-season and warm-season lawns when crabgrass pressure is high. Coverage and spreader calibration were considered because uniform application is essential to avoid streaking, overapplication, or patchy control. We also prioritized formulas with guidance for safe use around ornamentals, children, and pets, including reentry intervals and watering instructions. Residual and follow-up requirements were a factor: products that offered multi-week control or clear reapplication windows ranked higher. Exclusions included granular feeds without a listed herbicidal claim against crabgrass and products without clear usage instructions. The resulting list reflects options that are practical, label-driven, and suitable for typical home lawn care routines.
FAQ
Can I use weed and feed on newly seeded or sodded lawns?
Usually you should avoid applying weed and feed to newly seeded or sodded lawns until the turf is well established. Labels typically specify a waiting period after seeding or sodding. Applying too early can injure young roots and prevent proper establishment.
Will a weed and feed product prevent crabgrass all season long?
It depends on the product's residual activity and whether it is a true preemergent. Some formulations provide several weeks of suppression, but single applications rarely give complete season-long control. Follow-up treatments or integrated cultural practices are often necessary for long-term prevention.
Is it safe to apply weed and feed if I have pets or children who use the yard?
Most labels include reentry intervals and safety precautions to minimize exposure. Keep children and pets off treated areas for the recommended time and follow washing and handling guidance. If safety is a primary concern, look for products with shorter reentry times and strict label directions.
Can I spread weed and feed with any broadcast spreader?
You can use most broadcast spreaders, but accurate calibration is essential. Granule size and spreader type affect application rate. Test on a small area first and adjust settings to achieve uniform coverage at the label-specified rate.
How soon will I see results after applying a weed and feed?
Results vary by herbicide type and weed stage. Postemergent activity on young weeds may show decline within a week or two, while preemergent products prevent new growth without visible changes. Turf response to the fertilizer portion can be seen within one to several weeks depending on nutrient release.
Can I apply weed and feed before aerating or overseeding?
It is usually better to aerate and overseed first and delay weed and feed according to label guidance. Herbicides can inhibit seed germination or damage young seedlings, so check the product label for recommended intervals before reseeding.
Final Verdict
Choose a weed and feed that aligns with your lawn type, the timing of crabgrass pressure, and your tolerance for follow-up work. Prioritize products with the correct active ingredients for both preemergent and postemergent needs if crabgrass is a main concern, and match the nutrient blend to your soil and grass species. Balance application accuracy, safety guidelines, and seasonal timing when making a decision. With proper timing, spreader calibration, and routine cultural care, a targeted weed and feed program can reduce weed competition and help your lawn recover more quickly.
