If you're standing on your lawn wondering why your weed and feed didn’t do much, you're not the only one.
Plenty of people have found out the hard way that these products often don’t work as advertised—especially when you’re dealing with tough weeds like creeping charlie or wild violets.
We’re sharing what’s worked (and what hasn’t) based on years of real-world experience from lawn pros and homeowners who’ve tried everything under the sun.
Don’t Count on Weed and Feed Alone
Weed and feed sounds like a good deal—kill the weeds and feed your lawn at the same time. But it rarely delivers both results. Here's why we suggest skipping it:
Most weed and feed products don’t work unless applied exactly when the weeds are wet.
Timing is everything. Miss the right conditions, and you're just fertilizing the weeds.
Brands like the ones from big box stores might work for light weed pressure, but once things get serious, they fall short.
Instead of relying on all-in-one products, we suggest splitting the job:
Use a spot-spray like Ortho Weed B Gon or T-Zone with a surfactant for better control.
Apply granular fertilizer separately, based on what your grass needs.
If you're not sure what type of grass you're dealing with, that’s step one. Here’s how to deal with clumpy or uneven grass patches.
Why Wild Violets, Clover, and Creeping Charlie Are a Real Pain
Some weeds are stubborn no matter what you use. From what we’ve seen, these are the top offenders:
Wild violets have waxy leaves that resist most sprays. You’ll need several applications, especially during early fall or right after flowering.
Creeping charlie is nearly impossible to kill with weed and feed. Liquid broadleaf sprays with Triclopyr Ester seem to be the most effective.
Clover and buttercup/swamp marigold should be sprayed before temps rise above 85°F or they won’t absorb the chemical.
Spray these weeds directly with a targeted herbicide. Don’t try to shortcut it.
Timing Your Treatments for Maximum Impact
The best time to spray weeds isn’t just “whenever you think about it.” Based on what we know from pros in different zones, here’s how to time it right:
Spray in the fall or early spring for hard-to-kill perennials.
Make sure the lawn is moist before applying—morning dew helps the granules stick.
Avoid applying just before heavy rain or during extreme heat.
And don’t panic if it takes weeks to see results. Some weeds curl up fast. Others need multiple rounds.
For those redoing damaged areas, see this guide to fixing your patchy lawn.
When to Fertilize and When to Hold Off
If you’re also fertilizing, do it smartly:
Don’t fertilize before spraying weeds—it just helps them grow faster.
After you’ve gained control of the weeds, then feed the lawn to help it bounce back.
Stick to slow-release products and don’t overdo it.
Using too much nitrogen can cause other problems like burning or fungal issues. If your lawn is struggling to grow after seeding, see our guide on boosting new grass growth.
What If Your Lawn Looks Okay?
You might be thinking, “I’ve used weed and feed for years and my lawn still looks good.”
That’s fair—some folks do get decent results, especially if their lawn isn’t heavily infested. But for stubborn problems or lawns with years of buildup, splitting weed control from fertilizing is usually more reliable.
And if you’re seeding this season, make sure you’re doing it right. Check how much seed you actually need.
Still Not Working? Consider Hiring It Out
If all this sounds like a lot—or you’ve tried everything and the weeds still won’t quit—it might be time to call a local spray company. They’ll know the right products, timing, and application rates to get results faster.
Just make sure they’re licensed and insured. Here’s a guide on choosing the right insurance as a lawn care pro.
And if you’re a contractor pricing this kind of job, this guide on pricing tough lawn jobs will help make sure you're not leaving money on the table.