A thick, green lawn that chokes out weeds is the goal, but standard “weed and feed” products often shortchange you on the nitrogen side or skip the tough broadleaf weeds entirely. Buying a fertilizer with built-in herbicide means you get two actions in one pass — but only if the formulation matches your grass type and the weed pressure you actually face. The wrong ratio can burn your turf or leave dandelions standing tall.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my weeks digging into soil science data, comparing NPK formulations, and analyzing thousands of verified owner reports to find which lawn products actually deliver on their labels.
After sorting through the top dual-action blends, I’ve found the seven most reliable options that keep your lawn fed while eradicating broadleaf invaders. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for in a best fertilizer with weed control so you can skip the trial and error.
How To Choose The Best Fertilizer With Weed Control
Selecting the right weed-and-feed product boils down to three core decisions: your grass species, the type of weeds in your yard, and the nitrogen formulation. Get these right and you’ll see results in two to three weeks. Get them wrong and you’ll be reseeding bare patches.
Match the Herbicide to Your Grass Type
Many weed control fertilizers contain 2,4-D, dicamba, or mecoprop — effective on broadleaf weeds but deadly to St. Augustinegrass (especially Floratam), carpetgrass, bentgrass, and dichondra. If you have warm-season turf like bahia or bermuda, check the label for compatibility. Cool-season blends for fescue or bluegrass will vary, but the professional-grade formulations from The Andersons or Jonathan Green clearly list restricted grass types.
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent Control
Crabgrass preventers like Jonathan Green 20-0-3 stop seeds from germinating but won’t kill existing broadleaf weeds. Standard weed & feed products target already-sprouted dandelions, clover, and chickweed. The two are not interchangeable. If your yard has both crabgrass and broadleaf pressure, you may need a spring pre-emergent followed by a summer post-emergent weed & feed.
Nitrogen Source and Release Profile
Quick-release nitrogen gives an immediate green flush but fades fast and can burn if applied in high heat. Slow-release nitrogen, such as the 63% slow-release found in GreenView Fairway Formula, feeds your lawn steadily for up to 12 weeks without surge growth. Products with a high first number (like 21-0-3) supply a strong nitrogen hit; balanced ratios around 16-0-9 provide slower, more even feeding.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Andersons Professional Surge | Professional Granular | Large lawns with heavy weed pressure | 16,000 sq. ft. coverage / 16-0-9 | Amazon |
| Jonathan Green Crabgrass Preventer | Pre-Emergent Granular | Crabgrass and grassy weed prevention | 15,000 sq. ft. coverage / 20-0-3 | Amazon |
| Scotts Liquid Turf Builder + 2 Weed | Liquid Hose-End | Spot treating and small lawns | 6,000 sq. ft. coverage / 2-pack | Amazon |
| Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 | Liquid Quick-feed | Fast nitrogen boost + broadleaf kill | 7,500 sq. ft. per bottle / 20-0-0 | Amazon |
| Jonathan Green Green-Up Weed & Feed | Mid-Range Granular | Feeding and broadleaf control | 5,000 sq. ft. coverage / 21-0-3 | Amazon |
| GreenView Fairway Formula | Slow-Release Granular | Even greening without surge growth | 10,000 sq. ft. coverage / 27-0-5 | Amazon |
| Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 | Entry-Level Granular | First-time users and small lawns | 4,000 sq. ft. coverage / 11.32 lb bag | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. The Andersons Professional Surge Weed and Feed 16-0-9
The Andersons Professional Surge is a four-way herbicide and fertilizer blend that tackles over 250 common broadleaf weeds — dandelions, clover, chickweed, plantain, and more — while feeding your lawn with a balanced 16-0-9 NPK ratio. Its small particle size delivers more coverage per square inch, leading to more uniform distribution and fewer skips. With coverage reaching 16,000 sq. ft. from a single 40 lb bag, it’s built for larger properties or anyone tired of reapplying cheap blends every few weeks.
This formula uses a post-emergent herbicide that works in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, which is critical because many weed & feed products lose efficacy below 60°F. The slow-release nitrogen supports steady growth without the dark green flush that requires constant mowing. Avoid using it on Floratam St. Augustine, dichondra, carpetgrass, creeping bentgrass, or any turf with desirable clover species.
Owner feedback consistently highlights that visible weed wilting starts within 7–10 days, faster than most granular competitors. The trade-off is the price per bag — it’s the most expensive unit in this list — but the per-square-foot cost is actually competitive when you account for the large coverage area and the high kill rate. If you want a single application to handle heavy weed pressure and feed your lawn through the season, this is the top performer.
What works
- Professional-grade herbicide eliminates over 250 weed species
- Excellent coverage at 16,000 sq. ft. per bag reduces reapplication
- Effecive in cooler spring/fall temps unlike many competitors
What doesn’t
- Cannot be used on Floratam St. Augustine or carpetgrass
- Higher upfront cost than mid-range granular options
- Not for sale in NH or WA due to local regulations
2. GreenView Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer 27-0-5
GreenView Fairway Formula is a premium granular fertilizer with a 27-0-5 analysis that delivers heavy nitrogen without the burn. The proprietary blend includes 63% slow-release nitrogen, which feeds your lawn for up to 12 weeks with steady, even greening — no surge growth that forces you to mow twice a week. The zero phosphate content helps protect local waterways, making it an environmentally considerate choice for properties near ponds or drainage areas.
Coverage is 10,000 sq. ft. from a 33 lb bag, and the formulation works on any actively growing grass type. This is a pure fertilizer — it does not contain herbicide — so it’s best paired with a separate weed control product if broadleaf pressure is your primary concern. Gardeners who want a dense, dark lawn without the mid-summer yellowing often turn to this as their base feed, then spot-treat weeds with a liquid spray.
Customer reports emphasize that the product resists clumping in the spreader and distributes evenly even with a basic rotary spreader. The downside is the lack of weed control in the bag — you’ll need to buy a separate herbicide or use a second pass with a weed & feed later in the season. If your lawn is generally healthy and you want to maintain color without aggressive feeding, this granular option is hard to beat for the price per square foot.
What works
- 63% slow-release nitrogen provides 12 weeks of steady feeding
- No phosphate formulation is eco-friendly near water sources
- Works on all grass types without risk of burn
What doesn’t
- Contains no herbicide — requires separate weed spray
- High first-number nitrogen may cause surge growth in spring
- Large 33 lb bag can be heavy to carry without a cart
3. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control Ready-To-Spray (2-Pack)
The Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control uses a Ready-To-Spray hose-end applicator that attaches directly to your garden hose — no mixing, no measuring, no spreader calibration. The liquid formula provides a quick nitrogen boost while targeting broadleaf weeds including dandelions, clover, ground ivy, henbit, oxalis, and poison ivy. The two-pack covers up to 6,000 sq. ft. on warm-season lawns and 4,000 sq. ft. on cool-season lawns, depending on the dilution rate.
This is a post-emergent product, meaning it kills weeds that are already visible and actively growing. The liquid format allows you to see the treated areas and avoid overlapping, which reduces the chance of over-application. Owner reviews note that dandelions start curling within 24–48 hours and are fully dead in about a week. The quick-release nitrogen gives a visible green flush in 3–4 days, ideal if you want fast results before a backyard event.
The main limitation is that the hose-end sprayer, while convenient, can produce uneven coverage if you walk too fast or let the water pressure drop. Also, this product targets a narrower weed list compared to granular options like The Andersons — it won’t touch crabgrass or grassy weeds. If your lawn has a mix of broadleaf and grassy invaders, you’ll need a different product for the grassy side.
What works
- No-mix hose-end sprayer simplifies application dramatically
- Fast visible results — weeds curl within 48 hours
- Quick nitrogen boost greens lawn in under a week
What doesn’t
- Weed control is limited to broadleaf species only
- Uneven coverage possible with inconsistent water pressure
- Cool-season lawns only cover 4,000 sq. ft. per 2-pack
4. Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 (3-Pack)
Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 delivers a high-nitrogen 20-0-0 analysis that feeds your lawn and kills major broadleaf weeds including dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, and purslane. The three-pack comes with one universal spray nozzle that works with each bottle — just attach, turn on the hose, and spray. Each 32-ounce bottle treats up to 7,500 sq. ft. of lawn, giving you 22,500 sq. ft. of total coverage across the three bottles.
The liquid formulation is designed for quick uptake, and the 20% nitrogen gives an aggressive green color boost that shows within days. The weed targeting is effective on the most common lawn invaders, though it won’t handle tough perennials like wild violet or ground ivy that require triclopyr-based products. Since it’s a liquid, you need to be careful about spray drift onto flower beds — the same herbicide that kills dandelions in the lawn will kill your petunias.
Customer feedback on Amazon is generally positive for the kill speed and the convenience of the sprayer design. Some users reported that the nozzle can clog if not rinsed after each use, so flush it with clean water for about 30 seconds after spraying. For the coverage area and price, this three-pack offers strong value for homeowners with medium-sized lawns who want a dual-action product without buying a spreader.
What works
- Three-bottle pack treats up to 22,500 sq. ft. total
- Quick-release nitrogen gives visible green-up in days
- Universal nozzle works across all three bottles
What doesn’t
- Spray nozzle prone to clogging without immediate rinsing
- Not effective on tough perennials like wild violet
- Drift risk to ornamentals and flower beds
5. Jonathan Green Green-Up Weed & Feed 21-0-3
Jonathan Green Green-Up Weed & Feed uses a 21-0-3 NPK analysis combined with a herbicide that controls over 250 broadleaf weeds — including dandelions, chickweed, clover, wild onions, thistle, and even tough poison ivy. The fine particle size allows for more even distribution and better contact with weed leaves, which leads to faster absorption and quicker kill times. The 15 lb bag covers up to 5,000 sq. ft., and the slow-release nitrogen feeds the lawn for up to 3 months with gradual greening.
This formula works best when applied in late spring or early fall when weeds are actively growing. The fine particles mean you need to calibrate your spreader carefully — too wide a spread pattern and you’ll waste product on the driveway or flower beds. The herbicide is post-emergent, so it won’t prevent new weed seeds from germinating; you’ll still need a pre-emergent in early spring for crabgrass control.
Owner reviews consistently praise the weed kill list, noting that it handles clover and wild onion better than many competitors. Some users mention that the 5,000 sq. ft. coverage per bag is lower than some alternatives, meaning larger properties will need multiple bags. Overall, this is a solid mid-range choice for homeowners who prioritize a long weed control list and are willing to invest in precise spreading technique.
What works
- Controls over 250 weed species including wild onion and thistle
- Fine particle size improves leaf contact and absorption
- Slow-release nitrogen feeds for up to 3 months
What doesn’t
- Coverage of 5,000 sq. ft. per bag is below average
- Requires precise spreader calibration to avoid waste
- Not suitable for use at the same time as seeding a new lawn
6. Jonathan Green Green-Up Lawn Food with Crabgrass Preventer 20-0-3
Jonathan Green Green-Up Lawn Food with Crabgrass Preventer delivers a 20-0-3 analysis with season-long control of crabgrass and other grassy weeds. Unlike the standard Green-Up Weed & Feed, this product uses a pre- and post-emergent herbicide that kills crabgrass both before it sprouts and after it appears. It also suppresses goosegrass, dallisgrass, chickweed, henbit, oxalis, and spurge. The 50 lb bag covers up to 15,000 sq. ft., making it one of the largest coverage options on this list.
The slow-release nitrogen feeds for up to 3 months without surge growth, and the formulation does not stain hands, shoes, or walkways when applied correctly. The best application window is spring, before soil temperatures reach 55°F, which is when crabgrass starts germinating. It cannot be used at the same time as seeding a new lawn — the pre-emergent herbicide will prevent grass seed from germinating as well.
User feedback emphasizes that one bag often covers an entire yard for the season, reducing the need for multiple purchases. The main downside is that this product does not target existing broadleaf weeds like dandelions or clover — those require a separate broadleaf herbicide or a second application of a weed & feed later in the season. For the massive coverage area and reliable crabgrass suppression, this is a top-tier choice for spring lawn prep.
What works
- Covers 15,000 sq. ft. — one bag handles most full-size lawns
- Kills crabgrass both before and after germination
- Non-staining formula keeps walkways and shoes clean
What doesn’t
- Does not target existing broadleaf weeds like dandelion
- Cannot be applied with new grass seed
- 50 lb bag is heavy and requires a spreader with a large hopper
7. Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 (11.32 lb)
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 is a combination granular product that controls over 50 listed broadleaf weeds — including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane — while feeding your lawn with Scotts’ standard Turf Builder fertilizer. The 11.32 lb bag covers up to 4,000 sq. ft., making it an entry-level option for smaller lawns or first-time users. Apply it to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F.
It’s not safe for St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), dichondra, lippia, carpetgrass, or bentgrass, so if you have a warm-season lawn with one of those types, look elsewhere. Use a Scotts spreader for best results, though the granules also work with most third-party spreaders at the correct settings.
Owner reviews are mixed on the weed kill speed — some see results in two weeks, while others report that tough weeds like wild violet or ground ivy survive. The low price point makes it an easy test for homeowners who aren’t sure if they want to invest in a premium product. If your lawn is small and has basic weed pressure, this will get the job done without breaking the bank. If you have heavy weed issues or a large property, move up to one of the higher-coverage options.
What works
- Low cost entry point for weed & feed beginners
- Controls 50+ common broadleaf weeds effectively
- Works with Scotts spreader for consistent coverage
What doesn’t
- Small coverage area of 4,000 sq. ft. per bag
- Not safe for St. Augustine, bentgrass, or dichondra lawns
- Weed list limited to 50 species — misses tough perennials
Hardware & Specs Guide
NPK Ratio Explained
The three numbers on every bag represent nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). For weed & feed products, the first number (nitrogen) is typically the highest because you need leaf and stem growth to crowd out future weeds. A 21-0-3 blend means 21% nitrogen by weight, zero phosphorus, and 3% potassium. Phosphorus is often omitted to prevent runoff into waterways. Higher first numbers like 27-0-5 deliver aggressive greening but require careful watering to avoid burn.
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release Nitrogen
Quick-release nitrogen (often urea-based) gives fast green results within days but lasts only 2–4 weeks and can burn in hot weather. Slow-release nitrogen (coated granules or natural organics) breaks down over 8–12 weeks, providing steady color without surge growth. Products like GreenView Fairway Formula advertise 63% slow-release, making them safer for summer application. Read the label for the slow-release percentage — anything above 40% is considered good for sustained feeding.
FAQ
Can I apply weed & feed fertilizer to a wet lawn?
How long after applying weed & feed can I mow?
Can I use weed & feed on newly seeded grass?
What’s the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control?
Will weed & feed kill clover in my lawn?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best fertilizer with weed control winner is The Andersons Professional Surge 16-0-9 because it delivers professional-grade herbicide that kills over 250 weed species while feeding your lawn across 16,000 sq. ft. with a balanced slow-release formula. If you want a fast green boost and easy hose-end application, grab the Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control. And for massive crabgrass prevention and season-long coverage, nothing beats the Jonathan Green Green-Up Lawn Food with Crabgrass Preventer 20-0-3.