Is Weed and Feed Bad for Your Lawn?

Let’s be honest: taking care of your lawn isn’t exactly a thrilling way to spend your weekend. That’s why so many homeowners love the concept of weed and feed, a type of lawn product that fertilizes a lawn while also killing stubborn weeds. In theory, these formulas can make lawn care a snap, but does weed and feed work?

As with most things that seem too good to be true, there are some notable drawbacks to using weed and feed products. Let’s look at the pros and cons of weed and feed so you can make an educated choice about whether to use it on your grass.

What Is Weed and Feed?

Weed and feed is the generic name of a class of lawn care solutions that use herbicides to attack weeds while also nourishing grass with fertilizers. These solutions come in granular and liquid forms.

While every formulation is different, most products contain similar ingredients. On the fertilizer side, weed and feed products will include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To tackle weeds, many formulations include both pre-emergent herbicides, which stop weeds from germinating, and post-emergent herbicides, which kill existing weeds.

Does weed and feed really work? The answer, by and large, is yes. But there are caveats.

The Benefits of Using Weed and Feed

Weed and feed products can seem like a godsend for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to care for their lawn. They are easy to find at most major garden centers and home improvement stores and are simple to apply. Follow the instructions, fill your spreader or sprayer, and spread them over your lawn. For homeowners with average-sized lawns, you can perform weed control plus fertilization in a jiffy.

Sounds pretty tempting, right? Before you pick up a container of weed and feed, make sure to understand the downsides of the product.

The Drawbacks of Using Weed and Feed

The use of weed and feed has ginned up considerable controversy in the world of lawn care professionals.

Environmental Concerns

One of the biggest worries associated with using weed and feed is the negative impact it can have on the local environment. Herbicides are typically used as a spot treatment on a specific area of weeds. Using weed and feed products will spread herbicides across your lawn. Rain or irrigation can cause runoff filled with herbicides. This can contaminate your local rivers and ponds, harming wildlife. It can also seep into groundwater, possibly compromising drinking water supplies.

Harm to Adjacent Flora

Broad weed killers found in weed and feed products are designed to spare grass but can harm other plants and animals. If you accidentally spread the product on your shrubs, flowers, or trees, it can damage those plants. Even if you’re careful, irrigation and rain can spread herbicides to other parts of your yard. Many broad weed killers also harm pollinators like butterflies and bees, which are an important part of a healthy ecosystem.

Risk to Seed Germination

Does weed and feed kill grass? It shouldn’t harm strong, existing grass, but it may damage or even kill new grass seed. That’s because the pre-emergent herbicides in many weed and feed products may indiscriminately kill weed and grass seeds before they can grow. It’s very important not to use this product if you’ve just put down new grass seeds.

Herbicide Dependency

Herbicides can build up in your lawn over time and train your grass to expect it in order to fight off weeds. Using weed and feed products too often could weaken your grass’s natural ability to resist weeds. Once you stop using the product, you may find weeds flourishing in your lawn.

Risk to Pets and Family Members

Do you have pets and kiddos who love playing on the lawn? You’ll want to take great care when applying weed and feed. Herbicide residue can irritate skin and damage sensitive feet and paws or any other part of the body. Dogs and cats often eat grass, and toddlers tend to put whatever they find in their mouths. Make sure not to let your pets or family members interact with a lawn that contains weed and feed.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Weed and Feed

Does weed and feed work? Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your lawn. On the one hand, weed and feed is convenient, simple to use, and easy to find. On the other hand, it can cause environmental harm, damage your plants and flowers, cause herbicide dependency, and even irritate the skin of your pets and kids.

Not sold on weed and feed? Fortunately, you have other options. You can always opt for organic fertilizers like mulch or compost. Mulch can also help protect your lawn from weeds. Want other ways to get rid of weeds? If you’ve got the time, you can always hand-pull them. Other natural weed killers include boiling water and corn gluten meal.

If you are looking to save time on lawn care, contact us at The Grounds Guys®. Our teams strive to use organic and natural products whenever possible. We can also perform weed control, fertilization, and ongoing maintenance for your lawn. Learn about the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ to see how we stand apart from the competition.

Ready to hand off your lawn care to a knowledgeable and experienced team? Find your local The Grounds Guys and request a free estimate today.