The Best Weed and Feed for Your Lawn
Maintaining a gorgeous, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but the battle against weeds often complicates the journey. That’s where weed and feed products come in, offering a dual-purpose solution: eliminating weeds and fertilizing your grass.
This guide will help you choose the best weed and feed products for your lawn, with a special focus on pre-emergent herbicides like Dimension 0-0-7 and Prodiamine 0-0-7. We’ll also discuss herbicide kits for controlling existing weeds if you’ve missed the ideal application window.
Why Use Weed and Feed Products?
Weed and feed products simplify lawn care by addressing two essential tasks simultaneously, adding great benefit to your lawn, your time, and your wallet.
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Weed control: Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating, while post-emergent options target existing weeds. By tackling weeds proactively, these products save you from dealing with an overrun lawn later in the season.
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Fertilization: Nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium feed your grass, promoting healthy growth and a vibrant green color. A well-fed lawn is more resilient against pests, diseases, and environmental stress.
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Convenience: Combining weed control and fertilization into a single application saves time and effort, making it an efficient choice for busy homeowners.
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Improved lawn health: With fewer weeds competing for resources, your grass has better access to water, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to thicker and healthier turf.
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Cost-effectiveness: Investing in a dual-purpose product reduces the need to purchase separate herbicides and fertilizers, making it an economical solution for lawn care.
By tackling multiple challenges at once, weed and feed products save time, effort, and money while ensuring a thick, weed-free lawn.
Related: When Should You Apply Weed and Feed?
The Best Weed and Feed For Lawns
Pre-emergent weed and feed products are ideal for preventing weeds from sprouting in the first place. Timing is critical — apply these products before weed seeds germinate, typically in early spring or fall, depending on your region.
1. Dimension 0-0-7 Pre-Emergent Herbicide with Fertilizer
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Key Features:
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Contains Dithiopyr, a powerful pre-emergent herbicide.
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Effective against crabgrass, goosegrass, and other common weeds.
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Includes a 0-0-7 fertilizer blend for soil health and grass growth.
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Why Choose Dimension?
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Offers both pre-emergent and early post-emergent control of weeds, making it versatile for use in varying conditions.
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Long-lasting protection: up to four months of coverage, giving you peace of mind throughout the growing season.
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Safe for various grass types, including Bermuda, Zoysia, and Kentucky Bluegrass, ensuring it fits well with different lawns.
Dimension 0-0-7 is an excellent choice if you aim to tackle weeds before they become a problem while giving your lawn a nutrient boost. Its dual action allows homeowners to address weed control even if some germination has already occurred.
2. Prodiamine .38% 0-0-7 Pre-Emergent Herbicide with Fertilizer
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Key Features:
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Contains Prodiamine, a widely trusted pre-emergent herbicide.
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Effective against broadleaf weeds and annual grasses like crabgrass.
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Includes a 0-0-7 fertilizer blend for enhanced turf health.
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Why Choose Prodiamine?
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Provides season-long weed prevention, ensuring your lawn stays weed-free for months.
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Works well on warm- and cool-season grasses, making it suitable for various climates and grass types.
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Highly cost-effective, especially for larger lawns, as it offers extensive coverage per application.
Prodiamine 0-0-7 is a go-to product for homeowners looking for reliable and affordable weed prevention while promoting healthy grass growth. Its formulation is designed to prevent weeds like crabgrass and other annual grasses from taking over, giving your turf the best chance to thrive.
How to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed and Feed
To maximize the effectiveness of Dimension or Prodiamine, follow these steps:
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Timing: Apply in early spring or fall before weed seeds germinate. Soil temperatures should be around 50-55°F (10-13°C).
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Preparation: Mow your lawn to a medium height and clear debris.
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Application: Use a broadcast spreader to ensure even coverage.
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Watering: Lightly water the lawn after application to activate the herbicide.
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Avoid Disturbance: Minimize foot traffic and avoid mowing for 48 hours post-application.
Related: What Are Pre-emergent Herbicides and When You Should Apply Them?
Dealing with Existing Weeds
If you’ve missed the ideal window for pre-emergent weed and feed, post-emergent herbicide kits are your next best option. These products are designed to tackle weeds that have already taken root, providing a second chance to reclaim your lawn.
1. Celsius and Certainty Herbicide Kit
The Celsius and Certainty Herbicide Kit is a powerful solution for tackling tough weeds in warm-season lawns. This comprehensive kit includes Celsius herbicide for broadleaf weeds, Certainty herbicide for sedges, a surfactant for improved adhesion, and a blue marking dye for precise application. Designed to target stubborn weeds like nutsedge, dallisgrass, and Virginia buttonweed, this kit delivers professional-grade results while being easy to use.
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Best For: Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia (not Bahia).
2. Tenacity and Sedgehammer Herbicide Kit
The Tenacity and Sedgehammer Herbicide Kit is the ultimate weed control solution for cool-season grasses. This kit combines the broad-spectrum power of Tenacity, which targets tough weeds like clover and creeping bentgrass, with Sedgehammer, specifically designed to eliminate stubborn sedges. It also includes a surfactant for enhanced herbicide adhesion and a blue marking dye for accurate application. Perfect for homeowners aiming to restore their lawn’s health and appearance, this kit offers professional-grade results with easy-to-follow instructions.
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Best For: Cool-season grasses like Fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and Ryegrass. It can also be safely used on Centipede grass.
3. Recognition and Fusilade Herbicide Kit
The Recognition and Fusilade Herbicide Kit is the perfect solution for removing invasive Bermuda grass from Zoysia and St. Augustine lawns. This specialized kit includes Recognition herbicide to target Bermuda grass selectively and Fusilade II for enhanced control in mixed turf situations. With the included surfactant for improved adhesion and blue marking dye for precise application, this kit makes it easy to restore your lawn's uniform appearance. Ideal for challenging lawn transitions, it delivers professional-grade results while protecting your desirable turf.
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Best For: Removing Bermuda grass from Zoysia and St. Augustine lawns.
Related: What Types of Weeds Look Like Grass?
Tips for a Healthy, Weed-Free Lawn
Achieving a weed-free lawn requires consistent care and the right strategies. Here are some practical tips to keep your turf in top shape:
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Soil Testing: Regularly test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Adjustments such as adding lime or sulfur can help create the optimal environment for your grass.
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Aeration: Aerate your lawn annually to alleviate soil compaction. This improves root development and enhances water, nutrients, and oxygen absorption.
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Mowing: Maintain the appropriate mowing height for your grass type. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade length at a time to prevent stress.
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Watering: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root systems. Early morning is the best time to water, reducing evaporation and disease risks.
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Fertilization Schedule: Follow a fertilization schedule tailored to your grass type and climate. Providing the right nutrients at the right time ensures vigorous growth and resilience.
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Weed Prevention: Stay proactive with pre-emergent applications to minimize weed outbreaks. Address visible weeds promptly with post-emergent treatments.
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Overseeding: Periodically overseed thin or bare areas to maintain a dense, competitive turf that naturally suppresses weeds.
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Seasonal Adjustments: Adapt your lawn care routine based on seasonal changes. For example, reduce mowing frequency in cooler months and increase fertilization in growth periods.
By integrating these tips into your lawn care routine, you’ll create an environment where your grass thrives while weeds struggle to take hold.
Weed and Feed FAQs
1. Can I apply weed and feed products if it’s about to rain? Yes, light rain can help activate the herbicide. However, heavy rain may wash it away, reducing its effectiveness. Check the weather forecast and aim to apply when only light rain is expected.
2. Should I apply weed and feed before or after mowing? It's generally best to apply weed and feed products after mowing, but the timing depends on the specific type of product you're using. Here's why and how it works:
Applying after mowing:
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Short grass enhances contact: Mowing ensures the grass blades are short, allowing granules or sprays to reach the soil more effectively.
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Reduced obstruction: Tall grass can block weed and feed products from evenly spreading across the lawn.
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Absorption of weed control: Many weed and feed products require the weeds to actively absorb the herbicide through their leaves. Mowing too close to application could cut off much of the weed’s leaf surface, reducing effectiveness.
Wait time after mowing:
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For granular products: Wait 1–2 days after mowing before applying. This allows the weeds to recover slightly and have enough leaf surface to absorb the herbicide.
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For liquid products: Some may suggest waiting longer, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, so the weeds are in an optimal state to absorb the solution.
Once you've applied weed and feed, avoid mowing for at least 48 hours. This ensures the product has enough time to be absorbed into the weeds and soil without being disturbed or removed.
3. Can I reseed my lawn after using a pre-emergent herbicide? You should wait several months before reseeding, as pre-emergent herbicides can prevent grass seed germination. Check the product label for specific guidance.
4. Are weed and feed products safe for pets and children? These products are generally safe once they’ve been watered in and the lawn is dry. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
5. What if my lawn has both cool- and warm-season grasses? Choose a product that is safe for both grass types. Both Dimension 0-0-7 and Prodiamine 0-0-7 are suitable for all-season grasses.
6. Can I use weed and feed on newly sodded lawns? Avoid using weed and feed products on newly sodded lawns until the grass is well established, usually after the first growing season.
7. How do I know if I need a pre-emergent or post-emergent product? If weeds haven’t yet sprouted, use a pre-emergent product like Dimension 0-0-7 or Prodiamine 0-0-7. For visible weeds, opt for post-emergent solutions such as the herbicide kits mentioned above.
8. Is it okay to use multiple weed control products in one season? Yes, but be cautious not to overapply herbicides, which can harm your lawn. Follow label instructions and allow sufficient time between applications.
Related: Identifying the Weeds That Could Destroy Your Lawn
Your Path to a Perfect, Weed-Free Lawn Starts Here
Achieving a beautiful, weed-free lawn is possible with the right tools and timing. For pre-emergent solutions, Dimension 0-0-7 and Prodiamine 0-0-7 stand out as reliable options. If you’ve missed the pre-emergent application window, herbicide kits like Celsius and Certainty or Tenacity and Sedgehammer can effectively tackle existing weeds. By choosing high-quality products and following proper lawn care practices, you’ll be well on your way to a greener, healthier lawn.
Invest in your lawn today with the best weed and feed products from Golf Course Lawn and enjoy the satisfaction of a yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood!