It’s not always that there’s a one-and-done solution for your home maintenance. And it’s no secret that yard maintenance can be a never-ending chore for homeowners in Milwaukee, Green Bay and other cities. Luckily, there is one product that can give you a two-for-the-price-of-one result. When it comes to fertilization and weed prevention, “weed and feed” can be helpful.
“Weed and feed” often varies from their standard fertilizer product. If these companies offer both products, it can sometimes seem like a scheme to buy the all-in-one. When used right, weed and feed products can be a helpful tool for your yard maintenance.
What is Weed and Feed?
Weed and feed is a colloquial term for any product meant to fertilize your grass and kill common lawn weed. The chemicals in the product will improve your grass’ water and nutrient absorption. It contains a variety of common herbicides, which target the standard weeds.
What’s in the “Weed”?
The weed component is most commonly Dicamba, Mecoprop, and/or 2,4-D, which are common herbicides.
What’s in the “Feed”?
Each manufacturer has a different concoction that they call their own. However, they all typically contain a combination of:
- nitrogen
- phosphorus
- potassium
These all act as plant fertilizers.
When Should You Use It?
Weed and feed is most effective when used before a growing season. While Spring may be the obvious choice, you may also use a weed and feed product in early fall. There are specific products for Fall growth. Most weed and feeds have granules that need a moist surface. Because of this, it’s best to apply your weed and feed after a rain or after you use a sprinkler.
While weed and feeds need a wet lawn, they should not have extra water applied to them. This will cause your weed killer and fertilizer combo to wash away. Ensure you disengage your sprinkler system and have no more rain in the forecast for the next few days.
The Best Weed and Feeds on the Market
Not all weed and feed products are created equal. However, we’ve scoured the internet to come up with 6 solid products that work well.
Scotts Snap Pac Weed & Feed
Scott’s weed and feed formula is packaged in their convenient Snap Pac system. Their weed and feed will build strong roots in your lawn. It targets:
- dandelions
- white clove
- chickweed
- plantain
- ragweed
Most reviewers agree that application is intuitive and effective. Scott’s weed and feed is also kid and pet friendly.
When to apply: “apply in spring and fall when weeds are growing.”
Preen Garden Weed Preventer Plus Plant Food
Preen’s weed and feed product comes in a bag, a handheld jug, and a large-sized bucket, depending on how much of it you need. Unlike many weed and feeds, Preen states that you can use their product at any time. You will need to reapply it every 3 months though. However, their product is not a weed killer but more of a weed preventer. When used proactively, you can expect a completely weed-free yard! You may be asking yourself which common weeds are prevented. Preen provides an expansive list on their website.
When to apply: “apply Preen Garden Weed Preventer Plus Plant Food anytime in the spring, summer, or fall around established plants and transplants.”
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed
Their tagline is, “thicken your lawn while clearing out over50 types of weeds.” Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed is a multi-faceted miracle product. It needs to spread evenly on a moistened lawn. One large bag can cover up to a 14,000 square foot lawn with the use of a rotary spreader. Check their manufacturer’s website to see their huge list of weeds that are both prevented and killed by this product.
When to apply: “Apply with a Scotts drop, broadcast, or rotary spreader to a wet lawn during any season to thicken your lawn and crowd out weeds.”
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer Plus Lawn Food
Espoma’s product is so kid and pet friendly that they allege your children and pets can play on your lawn following application. Made from 100% corn gluten meal, Espoma’s Weed Preventer Plus Lawn food prevents:
- dandenlions
- crabgrass
- “other common weeds:
Only use their product on an established lawn or when over-seeding.
When to apply: “Apply 2 times per year: Early Spring before weed seeds germinate, & early Fall”
Greenview Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed and Crabgrass Preventer
While the product may be a mouthful to say out loud, GreenView’s weed and feed is a tool for your lawn care arsenal. Their product comes in two sizes; a 5,000 square foot variant and a larger 10,000 square foot one. GreenView advertises a 65% slower release of nitrogen. This will continue to fertilize your lawn for up to 12 weeks. It will make your grass thicker and healthier. This weed killer kills over 200 types of broad leaf weeds.
When to apply: “The best time to apply is when dandelions are visible but have not gone to the “puff ball” stage. Apply when the grass is damp so the product adheres to the leaves. This product can be applied in the spring or fall.”
Spectracide Weed & Feed (Ready-to-Spray)
Spectracide packages their weed and feed in a convenient, nozzle-attached bottle. One convenient bottle will handle up to a 7,500 square foot lawn, where it kills weeds and fertilizes your lawn. Connect the bottle to a hose and let your water pressure do the work.
When to apply: “The maximum number of broadcast applications per treatment site is two per year. Wait a minimum of 30 days between the two applications.”
Conclusion
It’s no secret that yard maintenance can be a never-ending chore for homeowners. And fertilization is one of that people always forget. If you want quality maintenance of your lawn, our company can help you. For more than 20 years, Earth Development has provided industries of all types with landscaping services including weed control, lawn maintenance, and more.
For more information, to get a free quote, or to speak to one of our friendly team members, don’t hesitate to get in touch! You can get a quote online, or give us a call!