Our Lawn Care Expert Ranks Popular Brands Of Weed And Feed

Any gardener knows the importance of not only fending off weeds in our lawns but also keeping up with fertilizing our grasses. Rather than researching and purchasing a weed killer and a separate feed to apply to your yard, you can tackle both with weed and feed combos and save yourself some valuable time and money. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, GreenPal CEO Bryan Clayton identifies the top two weed and feed products he recommends for lawn care: Scotts Turf Builder and Lesco.

"When you're picking out weed and seed products, you wanna get your hands on the best," Clayton said. "I've worked with all kinds in my days running a landscaping business, and I can tell ya not all products are made equal." Clayton named Scotts Turf Builder as one of his top picks, and when it comes to Lesco products, he explained, "These are what the pros use, and you can snag 'em at commercial retailers like SiteOne." Although these are two reputable products recommended by an expert, it is still essential to look into each one to choose which will work best for your grass type, weed issues, and budget. Luckily, Clayton has us covered on that front as well.

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, lawn care expert Bryan Clayton named Scotts Turf Builder one of his top go-to brands. "You can find it in any big box store, and while it may cost a bit more, you're paying for quality that delivers," he said. "This stuff is formulated to not only feed your lawn but also knock out those pesky weeds." On Scotts website, an 11.32-pound bag that can cover up to 4,000 square feet is at a price point of $34.99, and a 10% discount on monthly subscriptions. It works great for various grasses, such as Bahia, blue, Bermuda, fescue, rye, zoysia, and centipede. This product can defeat many different types of weeds, from dandelions and clover to plantain, chicory, and morning glories.

However, Scotts isn't the only brand Clayton praises; he has just as many great things to say about Lesco products. "The quality's top-notch, the seed germination rates are high, and the fertilizer lasts long. It's what you want if you're aiming for that lush, green look," he confidently stated. "For both [of] these brands, look for their weed and feed combos." At Lowe's, one can find a 50-pound bag of Lesco Weed and Feed Fertilizer that covers 12,500 square feet for $76.98. Working great for all kinds of grasses, including Bermuda, rye, blue, and fescue, the product kills more than 250 weeds and will slow-release nitrogen into your lawn for up to 45 days.

You always want to ensure you aren't misapplying lawn care products, so when is the best time to apply weed and feed? "These products are great because they double down –- feeding your grasses while fighting off weeds," Clayton told House Digest in an exclusive interview. "Apply them early in the morning when there's dew on grass so the particles stick better, improving effectiveness." For Scotts, apply when the weeds are actively growing in daytime temperatures of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait to water for 24 hours; if expecting rain, don't distribute until clear skies are in your forecast. It's also important to note that while Scotts works on a long list of common grasses, you shouldn't apply it to creeping bentgrass, St. Augustine, dichondra, carpet grass, or Lippia.

Lesco is great to use twice yearly — in the early spring and at the start of fall. Those who live in the Northeast and Midwest will find that April through June and September to November work best. For Southeast and Western regions, application should occur from mid-January to late June and from September through November. Additionally, unless a feed adheres explicitly to St. Augustine grass, avoid using Lesco on it. "Remember, whether you go for Scotts or Lesco, you're investing in your yard's future," Clayton remarked. "High-quality products might cost more upfront, but they save you time and hassle in the long run by doing the job right the first time."