The Best Fall Weed and Feed for Healthier Lawns
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Applying a weed and feed is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. With a single application, these products provide essential nutrients to encourage the growth of healthy, thick grass. At the same time, they also treat weeds, which helps to improve the look of your lawn, while also encouraging healthier growth.
Lawn care products are often designed to be used during specific seasons or at certain times of the year. Fall is one of the most effective times of the year to apply weed and feed, and there are products that are made especially for autumn treatments. In this article, we’ll provide details on the best fall weed and feed so you can find the product that will help you to get the best lawn possible.
The Best Fall Weed and Feed Products
1. Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed and Feed
Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed and Feed
Scotts is the most trusted name in the industry, so it should be no surprise that they make the top-rated fall weed and feed. The Weedgrip Technology kills dandelions, clover, and other weeds that may be lurking in your lawn. At the same time, it feeds the grass. This encourages deeper, stronger roots that result in a better lawn the following spring.
This product will also repair damage caused to the lawn by the heat and drought of summer. Every granule contains 100% of the nutrients, so this product contains no filler. If you’re not sure which product to buy for your fall lawn treatment, this is our top recommendation on our Best Fall Weed and Feed list.
2. Jonathan Green Greenup Weed & Feed
Jonathan Green 12345 Greenup Weed & Feed
Jonathan Green recommends using its Greenup Weed & Feed in the fall for the best results. It is not recommended to be applied during hot, dry weather when the lawn is under extreme stress. It’s best to wait until the fall for cooler temperatures.
Feed your lawn for up to 3 months with this easy-to-use, time-released formula. Weeds gradually disappear while the lawn is fed, encouraging a healthy and green lawn in spring and summer. This product can also be used in the spring (although fall is recommended) but you should delay seeding for 4 weeks after applying.
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3. The Andersons Professional Surge Weed and Feed
The Andersons Professional Surge Weed and Feed
The Andersons Professional Surge Weed & Feed contains four proven weed killers that work together, killing weeds at the root. This revolutionary formula kills over 200 types of weeds including dandelions, clovers, and black medic. It is a post-emergent week killer, so it will destroy the weeds that already exist, but it does not prevent future weeds.
This product provides superior performance throughout the entire growing season and can be applied in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. It feeds to build thicker, greener lawns thanks to quick-release nitrogen (for immediate green-up) and slow-release nitrogen (for extended feeding). Apply it in the fall for healthier, stronger grass in the spring.
Andersons uses a smaller particle size than most competitors, which leads to more granules per square inch, giving you better coverage and performance. This is another great option on our Best Fall Weed and Feed list.
4. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control Fertilizer
This product controls weeds by providing a fast boost of nitrogen to your lawn. Dandelions, clover, and other listed lawn weeds (found on the product label) are all killed within a few days. Stubborn weeds may require a second application 3-4 weeks later.
At the same time, Scotts Liquid Turf Builder will fertilize and feed the grass to promote a healthier lawn. This product can be used whenever weeds are actively growing, including in early fall.
As a liquid-based product, it’s easy to apply on the lawn with the help of a garden hose. Simply connect the hose and begin spraying.
5. BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed
BioAdvanced 704865U 5 in 1 Weed and Feed Lawn Fertilizer and Crabgrass Killer
BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed and Feed is a concentrated, multi-purpose weed killer that provides 6 months of control for stubborn weeds. It’s designed for use on lawns to kill crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and more than 200 other types of weeds. It will kill the weeds that already exist, and it also works as a pre-emergent to prevent more weeds from popping up.
In addition to weed prevention, this product also includes fertilizer that promotes greener, stronger grass. In addition to the fall, the manufacturer also recommends applying this product in spring and early summer. It can be used on fescue, Bermudagrass, buffalograss, Kentucky bluegrass, Ryegrass, seashore paspalum, and zoysiagrass.
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Before You Purchase
Pick a weed and feed product that’s suitable for the type of grass you have. Grass species have diverse supplement requirements, so not everything is okay for various grass species. Utilizing an unacceptable item can harm your grass.
As a rule, grass species are separated into two classifications: warm-season and cool-season. The seasons don’t allude to the distinct four seasons of the year. Instead, they refer to the environment and normal soil temperature range.
- Warm-season turfgrasses develop best with normal soil temperatures somewhere in the range of 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These grasses flourish in hotter environments and are found in the southeastern and southwestern U.S. These include Bahia grass, Bermuda grass, cover grass, St. Augustine grass, and zoysiagrass (Japanese yard grass).
- Cool-season turfgrasses develop best with normal soil temperatures somewhere in the range of 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool-season grasses flourish in the cooler environments of the midwest and northern areas of the U.S. Some cool-season grasses are Kentucky Bluegrass and fescue.
Why Should You Apply Weed and Feed During Fall?
The best time to apply weed and feed is in the early fall before the temperatures drop significantly. This is when weeds are actively growing but before they go into seed production mode.
A late summer or early fall application will help prevent winter annual weeds like poa annual, annual bluegrass, chickweed, and henbit from germinating and taking over your lawn. It will also help get rid of existing broadleaf weeds like dandelions, plantain, and clover.
When applied at the right time, a weed and feed product will give your lawn a boost of nitrogen that helps grasses stay greener and healthier throughout the fall season. This is important because cool-season grasses go into a semi-dormant state during the winter. A late fall application of weed and feed can help grasses stay greener and healthier during this time.
Additionally, the lawn will be healthier in the spring. A late fall application of weed and feed will help grasses green up earlier in the spring and help them recover from any winter damage.
How to Apply Weed and Feed?
Most weed & feed products come in granular form. This makes them easy to apply with a spreader. If you’re using a broadcast spreader, set it to the manufacturer’s recommended settings and walk at a steady pace as you apply the product to your lawn.
If you’re using a drop spreader, set it to the manufacturer’s recommended settings and make sure to overlap each pass by about half. This will ensure that you don’t miss any spots and that the product is evenly distributed.
As always, be sure to read the product label before applying. This will ensure that you’re using the product correctly and safely.
Some products come in liquid formula and can be applied with the help of a garden hose. These products are just as effective as granular products if used correctly.
Depending on the product, you may need to water the lawn before or after applying the weed and feed. Be sure to read the product label from the product you chose from our Best Fall Weed and Feed list above to see if watering is necessary and to find out how much you should water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I put down fall weed and feed?
It depends on the weather where you live, but in North America, September and October are generally the best months for an autumn application of weed and feed.
How late can you apply fall fertilizer?
It’s best to apply fertilizer before the first frost in your area. This is because fertilizer can sometimes burn grass if the temperature drops too low after application.
Do I need weed and feed created specifically for fall application?
No, some weed and feed products are made to be used in spring, summer, or fall. Be sure to check the product label to see when the product should be used.
Can I use spring weed and feed in the fall?
Yes, you can, but you won’t get all of the same benefits.
Can I use weed and feed in the spring?
Yes, you can use weed & feed in the spring. However, it won’t benefit your lawn in all of the ways intended if it is not a specific spring weed and feed.
Do I need to water my lawn after applying weed and feed?
It depends on the product. Some products require watering before or after application, so be sure to read the product label.
Can I use a weed and feed product on my lawn if I have children or pets?
Yes, but you should always read the product label before using any lawn care product. Some products may have restrictions on use if you have children or pets. Additionally, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and safety.
How quickly does weed and feed work?
It depends on the product, but most products will show results within a few days to a week.
Should I use weed and feed or just fertilizer?
It depends on your lawn’s needs. If you have a lot of weeds, then weed and feed is the best option. If you just need to fertilize your lawn, then fertilizer will suffice.
How often should I use weed and feed?
Most products recommend using weed and feed once per season. However, your specific needs may vary depending on the severity of your weeds. Be sure to read the product label as many products require you to wait at least a few weeks between applications.
Should I cut my grass before weed and feed?
You don’t need to mow immediately before the application, but it is best to apply weed and feed within a few days of mowing.
When can I cut my grass after weed and feed?
You should wait at least one week after applying weed and feed before mowing. This will give the product time to work.
Will weed and feed burn my lawn?
If used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, weed and feed will not burn your lawn. However, some products may require you to water before or after application. Be sure to read the product label to see if watering is necessary.
Can I use a weed and feed product on my lawn if it’s already in bad shape?
Weed and feed products are designed to be used on healthy lawns. If your lawn is already in bad shape, it’s best to address the specific problems first. Once your lawn is healthy, you can then use a weed and feed product to help maintain a healthy lawn.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fall Weed and Feed
Weed and feed products are a great way to kill existing weeds and prevent new ones from germinating. They’re also a great way to fertilize your lawn and help grasses stay green and healthy throughout the fall season.
When applied at the right time and in the right way, the best fall weed and feed products can give your lawn the boost it needs to stay healthy and weed-free while encouraging a healthier lawn in the spring.
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