A weed and feed product does two jobs at once — it kills the broadleaf weeds already growing in your lawn while feeding your grass the nutrients it needs to grow thick and crowd out future weeds. When timed correctly, one application can eliminate dandelions, clover, chickweed, and dozens of other broadleaf weeds while delivering a full season of fertilizer to your turf.
This guide covers the 5 best weed and feed products for lawns, when to apply them for maximum results, and the key mistakes that cause most applications to fail.
📋 In This Guide
When to Apply Weed and Feed
The timing of your weed and feed application determines whether it works or gets wasted. The herbicide component requires weeds to be actively growing and leaves to be slightly moist so the product sticks and absorbs. The fertilizer component needs to be watered in to reach the root zone. These two requirements together make spring and early fall the best windows.
Apply weed and feed when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are between 10°C–27°C (50°F–80°F). Too cold and weeds won't absorb the herbicide. Too hot and you risk burning your lawn. Morning dew on the leaves helps the granules stick — apply early in the day, then water in after 24–48 hours.
Weeds are actively growing and grass is pushing out of dormancy. Ideal timing for killing winter annuals and emerging broadleaf weeds.
Still effective but rising temperatures increase the risk of lawn burn. Apply early in the day and avoid applications during hot spells.
Second-best window. Weeds are feeding before winter and absorb herbicide readily. Fall fertilizer supports deep root growth heading into dormancy.
Summer heat causes lawn burn and reduces herbicide uptake. Winter applications are wasted — weeds are dormant and can't absorb the product.
Heavy rain within 24 hours of application washes the product off leaves before it can absorb. Also, do not overseed for at least 4–6 weeks after applying weed and feed — the herbicide component will prevent new grass seed from germinating.
5 Best Weed and Feed Products — Reviewed
| # | Product | Herbicide | Form | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 | 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba | Granular | Most lawns, dandelions & clover |
| 2 | BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed | 2,4-D, Quinclorac, Dicamba | Granular | Crabgrass + broadleaf combo |
| 3 | GreenView Fairway Formula Weed & Feed | 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba | Granular | Professional-grade coverage |
| 4 | Spectracide Weed Stop Plus Crabgrass Killer | 2,4-D, Quinclorac, MCPA | Granular | Budget, tough weeds |
| 5 | Jonathan Green & Sons Veri-Green Weed & Feed | 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba | Granular | Cool-season grasses, Northeast |
1. Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5
The most trusted weed and feed for North American lawns — widely available, proven formulaScotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 is the benchmark product in this category. Its three-way herbicide blend — 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba — targets over 50 broadleaf weeds including dandelions, clover, plantain, and chickweed. The fertilizer component delivers a 28-0-3 nutrient ratio that feeds your lawn for up to 6 weeks, promoting thick, dense turf that naturally resists future weed invasion.
Apply when grass and weeds are moist from dew or light watering, then wait 24 hours before watering in. One 14.29 lb bag covers 5,000 sq. ft. This product is available across Canada and the US at most garden centres and big-box stores, making it the most accessible weed and feed on this list.
🛒 Check Price Affiliate link — no extra cost to you.Pros
- Kills 50+ broadleaf weeds effectively
- Long-lasting fertilizer component
- Widely available in Canada and US
- Works on most common lawn grass types
Cons
- Not safe for St. Augustine or Dichondra lawns
- Requires moist leaves for best absorption
- Cannot overseed for 4 weeks after application
2. BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed
Kills grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds — the most complete weed and feed formula availableMost weed and feed products only target broadleaf weeds — they won't touch crabgrass or other grassy weeds. BioAdvanced 5-in-1 changes that by adding Quinclorac to the mix, which targets crabgrass, foxtail, and barnyard grass alongside the standard broadleaf weed killers. If crabgrass is a recurring problem in your lawn, this is the only weed and feed that handles it post-emergently.
The "5-in-1" name refers to its five actions: kills crabgrass, kills broadleaf weeds, feeds the lawn, prevents grub damage, and controls surface insects. Coverage is 5,000 sq. ft. per bag. Apply when weeds are actively growing and water in after 24 hours.
🛒 Check Price Affiliate link — no extra cost to you.Pros
- Kills crabgrass — rare in weed and feed products
- Adds grub and insect control
- Strong three-way herbicide blend
- One application handles multiple lawn problems
Cons
- Pricier than standard weed and feed
- Heavier granule application rate required
- Not available at all retailers in Canada
3. GreenView Fairway Formula Weed & Feed
A professional-grade weed and feed trusted by lawn care companies — serious coverage at serious valueGreenView Fairway Formula is the weed and feed you'll find being used by lawn care professionals. It uses the same three-way broadleaf herbicide blend as Scotts — 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba — but with a higher nitrogen load (30-0-4) designed to deliver aggressive green-up alongside weed control. Coverage is excellent at up to 10,000 sq. ft. per bag, making it significantly more cost-effective on larger properties.
The granule size is uniform and spreads evenly through standard rotary spreaders. It's safe for most cool-season grasses including Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass. Avoid on warm-season grasses such as bermuda, zoysia, or St. Augustine without checking the label first.
🛒 Check Price Affiliate link — no extra cost to you.Pros
- High nitrogen fertilizer for fast green-up
- Double the coverage per bag vs. Scotts
- Professional formula used by lawn care companies
- Consistent granule size for even spreading
Cons
- Higher nitrogen means more mowing after application
- Less available at retail — usually online or at pro stores
- Check label carefully for warm-season grass compatibility
4. Spectracide Weed Stop Plus Crabgrass Killer
The most affordable weed and feed with crabgrass control — solid results at a hard-to-beat priceSpectracide Weed Stop Plus covers a lot of ground for the price. Its formula combines 2,4-D, Quinclorac, and MCPA to kill broadleaf weeds and crabgrass in a single granular application. It's regularly available at major retailers and big-box stores at a lower price point than comparable BioAdvanced products, making it the go-to budget pick for homeowners who want crabgrass control without spending a premium.
Results are solid on actively-growing weeds in moderate temperatures, though it may need a repeat application in heavily infested areas. The fertilizer component provides a standard 22-0-4 ratio, which is adequate for general lawn feeding. Apply when weeds are moist and actively growing for best herbicide absorption.
🛒 Check Price Affiliate link — no extra cost to you.Pros
- Most affordable option with crabgrass control
- Widely available at retail stores
- Kills both broadleaf and grassy weeds
- Easy to apply with standard spreader
Cons
- Lower nitrogen ratio than premium options
- May require second application in heavy infestations
- Results slower than premium formulas in cool weather
5. Jonathan Green & Sons Veri-Green Weed & Feed
A regional favourite for Northeast and Canadian lawns — built for cool-season turfJonathan Green has been producing lawn care products for over a century, and their Veri-Green Weed & Feed is formulated specifically for cool-season grasses — the type most common in Canada and the northern US. The herbicide blend of 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba kills the same broadleaf spectrum as Scotts, but the fertilizer component uses a slow-release nitrogen source that feeds grass more evenly over time, reducing the risk of a flush of fast growth that increases mowing frequency.
The granule size and density are calibrated for cool-season lawns like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. If you're in Ontario, Quebec, or the northeastern US with a cool-season lawn, this is a strong regional choice that performs exceptionally well in lower temperatures where other products may underdeliver.
🛒 Check Price Affiliate link — no extra cost to you.Pros
- Slow-release nitrogen for even feeding
- Calibrated for cool-season lawn grasses
- Strong weed control performance in cool weather
- Trusted brand with 100+ years of formulation history
Cons
- Harder to find at retail vs. Scotts
- Not suited for warm-season grass types
- Slower initial green-up due to slow-release nitrogen
How to Apply Weed and Feed Correctly
Even the best weed and feed product can fail if applied incorrectly. Here are the six steps that determine whether your application succeeds or gets wasted.
Check the forecast. You need 24–48 hours of dry weather after application. Rain too soon washes the herbicide off leaves before it can absorb. Check for at least 2 dry days ahead before spreading.
Mow first, then wait 2–3 days. Mow your lawn to normal height before applying, then wait 2–3 days before spreading weed and feed. This gives weeds time to regrow leaf surface area for maximum herbicide contact.
Apply to moist grass. Apply in early morning when dew is on the leaves, or lightly water the lawn first. The moisture helps granules stick to weed leaves, which is what drives herbicide absorption.
Set your spreader correctly. Every product has a label-recommended spreader setting. Use a calibrated rotary spreader for even coverage. Uneven application creates both missed spots and over-applied areas that can burn grass.
Do not water for 24–48 hours. Let the herbicide work by keeping the granules on the weed leaves. After the waiting period, water in lightly to move the fertilizer component into the root zone.
Do not mow for 2–4 days after applying. Mowing too soon removes the product from weed leaves before it fully absorbs. Wait at least 2–4 days after application before mowing again.
For areas with very dense weed cover, consider spot-treating with a liquid post-emergent like Killex Concentrate a week before your weed and feed application. This softens the toughest patches and lets the weed and feed maintain what the spot treatment starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Your Lawn Weed-Free?
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 is the best starting point for most homeowners. If crabgrass is a problem, step up to BioAdvanced 5-in-1. For serious broadleaf infestations that need immediate results, pair any weed and feed with a liquid post-emergent for faster control.