The Best Weed and Feed for Your Lawn
If you're asking "what's the best weed and feed," the honest answer is: it depends on whether you're trying to stop weeds before they show up, or get rid of ones that are already there. Those are two different jobs, and they call for two different products.
For preventing weeds while feeding your lawn, Dimension 0-0-7 and Prodiamine 0-0-7 are two of the most reliable pre-emergent options. For weeds that have already taken hold, you'll want a targeted post-emergent kit matched to your grass type, such as Celsius and Certainty for warm-season lawns, or Tenacity and SedgeHammer® for cool-season lawns.
We'll walk through both categories below, along with exactly when and how to apply each one, so you're not left guessing.
Why Weed and Feed Works (and Why "One Size Fits All" Doesn't)
Weed and feed products earn their place in a lawn care routine because they do two jobs in one pass: they feed your grass while dealing with weeds, instead of you buying, storing, and applying two separate products on two different schedules.
But "weed and feed" isn't quite one thing. There are two different situations it gets used for:
-
Preventing weeds before they germinate while feeding the lawn. This is what products like Dimension 0-0-7 and Prodiamine 0-0-7 do: they are pre-emergent herbicides combined with fertilizer, applied before weed seeds sprout.
-
Killing weeds that are already growing. Once a weed has emerged, a pre-emergent won't touch it, you need a post-emergent herbicide instead. The kits below (Celsius and Certainty, Tenacity and SedgeHammer®, Recognition and Fusilade) are built for this and matched to your specific grass type, so you don't accidentally damage your lawn while treating weeds.
Knowing which situation you're in before you buy anything saves you money and a wasted application. A quick way to tell: seeing weeds already up and growing? You need a post-emergent. Trying to stop next season's crop before it starts? You want a pre-emergent.
Related: When Should You Apply Weed and Feed?
The Best Weed and Feed For Lawns
These combine a pre-emergent herbicide with fertilizer, so you're feeding the lawn and preventing weed seeds from germinating in a single application. Timing matters more than the specific product you pick (more on that below), but here are two dependable options.
1. Dimension 0-0-7 Pre-Emergent Herbicide with Fertilizer
-
Key Features:
-
Contains Dithiopyr, a powerful pre-emergent herbicide.
-
Effective against crabgrass, goosegrass, and other common weeds.
-
Includes a 0-0-7 fertilizer blend for soil health and grass growth.
-
Why Choose Dimension?
-
Offers both pre-emergent and early post-emergent weed control, making it versatile for use under varying conditions.
-
Long-lasting protection: up to four months of coverage, giving you peace of mind throughout the growing season.
-
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
-
Key Features:
-
Contains Prodiamine, a widely trusted pre-emergent herbicide.
-
Effective against broadleaf weeds and annual grasses like crabgrass.
-
Includes a 0-0-7 fertilizer blend for enhanced turf health.
-
Why Choose Prodiamine?
-
Provides season-long weed prevention, ensuring your lawn stays weed-free for months.
-
Works well on warm- and cool-season grasses, making it suitable for a range of climates and grass types.
-
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, affordable weed control 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
Timing is the single biggest factor in whether a pre-emergent works. Here's the short version:
-
Watch your soil temperature, not the calendar. Weed seeds like crabgrass germinate once soil temperature holds around 50-55°F (10-13°C) for several consecutive days. Apply before that happens. Once seeds have already germinated, a pre-emergent can't stop them, so earlier is always safer than later.
-
Mow first, then wait. Mow your lawn, then give it 1-2 days before applying a granular pre-emergent. This lets any cut grass clear off the lawn so the granules reach the soil instead of sitting on top of grass blades.
-
Water it in lightly after application. A light watering helps move the herbicide into the top layer of soil, which is where it needs to be to form a barrier against germinating seeds.
-
Hold off on mowing for 48 hours afterward. This gives the product time to settle in before you disturb the surface again.
One honest caveat: pre-emergents work by forming a barrier in the soil, so anything that breaks that barrier (aerating, heavy raking, reseeding) can also break your weed control. If you're planning to overseed this season, get in touch about timing first, since most pre-emergents will stop new grass seed from germinating, too.
Related: What Are Pre-emergent Herbicides and When You Should Apply Them.
Dealing with Existing Weeds
If weeds are already up and growing, a pre-emergent won't help; you need something that targets the plant itself. These kits pair a herbicide with the right additives (such as a surfactant to help it stick to the leaf or a spray indicator dye so you can see where you've already sprayed) for a specific grass type.
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 such as nutsedge, dallisgrass, and Virginia buttonweed, this kit delivers professional-grade results while remaining easy to use.
-
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 to enhance 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.
-
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.
-
Best For: Removing Bermuda grass from Zoysia and St. Augustine lawns.
A few things that make post-emergent treatment work better:
-
Treat weeds while they're small and actively growing. Young, actively growing weeds absorb herbicide more readily than mature, stressed, or drought-hit ones. Catch them early in the season, and you'll usually get better control with fewer applications.
-
Match the herbicide to your grass type. This is the mistake that causes the most damage. A broadleaf herbicide that's perfectly safe on Bermuda can scorch St. Augustine, and vice versa. Always check the kit is rated for your specific turf before spraying.
-
Don't mow right before or right after spraying. Give the herbicide time to be absorbed into the weed before cutting it, and avoid watering for the period specified on the label so it isn't washed off the leaf.
-
Expect to spot-treat again. Very few weeds die completely after one application, especially those with deep or spreading root systems. Budget for a second pass 2-4 weeks later if regrowth shows up.
Related: What Types of Weeds Look Like Grass?
Tips for a Healthy, Weed-Free Lawn
Weed and feed products help, but the single biggest factor working in your favor is thick, healthy turf. Weeds need bare soil and light to get started, and a dense lawn simply doesn't give them the opening.
-
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.
-
Aeration: Aerate your lawn annually to alleviate soil compaction. This improves root development and enhances the absorption of water, nutrients, and oxygen.
-
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.
-
Watering: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root systems. Early morning is the best time to water, reducing evaporation and disease risks.
-
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.
-
Weed Prevention: Stay proactive with pre-emergent applications to minimize weed outbreaks. Address visible weeds promptly with post-emergent treatments.
-
Overseeding: Periodically overseed thin or bare areas to maintain a dense, competitive turf that naturally suppresses weeds.
-
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
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.
Can I use a pre-emergent and post-emergent weed and feed at the same time?
Generally, no. Most lawns only need one or the other at a given time. If you already have weeds growing, treat those first with a post-emergent, then switch to a pre-emergent schedule once they're under control.
How soon can I mow after applying weed and feed?
Wait at least 48 hours after applying a granular pre-emergent before mowing. For post-emergent treatments, check the specific product label; some require a shorter window, but allowing the herbicide time to be absorbed before cutting generally yields better results.
Is weed and feed safe for pets and kids?
Most products need the treated area to dry completely; some require keeping pets and children off the lawn for a set period before it's safe to use again. This varies by product, so always check the label for the specific waiting period.
Can I apply weed and feed and grass seed at the same time?
No, not with a pre-emergent. Pre-emergents can't tell the difference between weed seeds and grass seed, so they'll stop your new seed from germinating, too. If you're overseeding, wait until the pre-emergent's window has passed, or use a starter fertilizer without herbicide instead.
How often should I apply weed and feed?
Pre-emergents typically need to be reapplied every 3-4 months during the growing season, depending on the product. Post-emergent kits are usually applied as needed when weeds appear, with a second application 2-4 weeks later if regrowth occurs. Always follow the specific product's label for exact intervals.
What's the difference between weed and feed and a regular fertilizer?
Regular fertilizer only feeds your grass. Weed and feed combines fertilizer with a herbicide, either a pre-emergent to stop weed seeds from germinating, or a post-emergent to kill weeds that are already growing, so you're doing two jobs in one application.
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.
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.
How do I know if I need a pre-emergent or post-emergent product?
If weeds haven’t sprouted yet, use a pre-emergent product such as Dimension 0-0-7 or Prodiamine 0-0-7. For visible weeds, opt for post-emergent solutions such as the herbicide kits mentioned above.
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.
Will weed and feed harm my grass?
Used according to the label and matched to your grass type, weed and feed products are designed to be safe for turf. The risk comes from using the wrong product for your grass type (a warm-season herbicide on cool-season grass, for example) or applying more than the label recommends.
Related: Identifying the Weeds That Could Destroy Your Lawn
Your Path to a Perfect, Weed-Free Lawn Starts Here
The best weed and feed for your lawn really comes down to what your lawn needs right now: prevention before weeds show up, or treatment for weeds that are already there. Get that part right, match the product to your grass type, and get the timing right, and you're most of the way to a lawn that's noticeably thicker and greener by the end of the season.
If you're not sure which product fits your situation, our Weed Killer collection breaks things down by grass type, or drop us a line, and we'll point you in the right direction. And if you want to see these products in action before you buy, check out our videos on the Golf Course Lawn YouTube channel.
Originally published on January 15, 2025
Ron Henry
Ron Henry is the founder of Golf Course Lawn, which is dedicated to helping homeowners achieve golf course-quality lawns. He holds a certificate in Sports Turfgrass Management from the University of Georgia. With expert knowledge in turf care, fertilization, and weed control, he shares practical tips and product recommendations to create lush, healthy lawns.