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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Yard and Outdoors
Lawn Care
Lawn Problems
Lawn Weeds
How and When to Apply Weed & Feed to Your Lawn Download Article What you need to know about preparation, application, and aftercare Co-authored by Savannah Vold Reviewed by Ben Barkan
Last Updated: July 25, 2024 Fact Checked
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Preparation & When to Apply
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This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 386,582 times.
Got a lackluster lawn with wild and wicked weeds? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Weed and feed products can be a helpful tool for eradicating pesky weeds from germinating in your yard and fertilizing your grass—talk about a win-win! In this article, we’ll teach you exactly when and how to apply weed and feed so your lawn stays looking its best. Plus, we’ll provide you with some aftercare tips, so you can rest easy knowing your hard work lasts for as long as possible. Read on for a luscious lawn!
Things You Should Know
Apply weed and feed on a day with no rain in the forecast in the spring and/or fall.
Dampen your lawn with a mister before applying, then distribute weed and feed in linear passes with a spreader opened to about ¼ inch (0.64 cm).
Sweep or rake any excess product from sidewalks or driveways to prevent weed and feed from going down a storm drain.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Preparation & When to Apply
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1 Apply weed and feed in the spring and fall. Weed and feed is best applied when the daytime temperatures are between 60° and 90° F (15.5° and 32.2° C). In most areas, this means applying weed and feed once during the spring and once during the fall.[1]XResearch source
Use weed and feed no more than twice a year. Weed and feed is a powerful combination of nitrogen, phosphorous, and/or potassium that can be beneficial when applied properly but may severely damage your lawn if applied in excess.
2 Mow your grass 1-2 days before applying so it's 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm) tall. Mow your lawn to a medium height 1-2 days before using weed and feed to ensure the product distributes evenly throughout your lawn. Perfect, green grass, here you come![2]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source Advertisement
3 Plan your application for a dry, sunny week with no rain in the forecast. Rain will wash away weed and feed before it has a chance to start working on your lawn. To ensure all your hard work doesn't go to waste, check the forecast to ensure it won't rain the day you apply your weed and feed or the day after.[3]XResearch source
Avoid thoroughly watering your lawn the day of or the day after applying weed and feed.
4 Lightly dampen your lawn with a mister before applying weed and feed. A slightly damp lawn helps the weed and feed adhere to the blades of grass better, resulting in an even application. Water your lawn so it’s wet to the touch but doesn’t have any puddles or pooling water.[4]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Applying the Weed and Feed
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1 Check the weed and feed label for the best spreader setting and adjust. The exact setting depends on your product's brand and the spreader's make. Consult the packaging directions on your weed product to determine the correct settings for your spreader and ensure that you apply the perfect amount of weed and feed to your lawn.[5]XResearch source
Spreader settings are typically based on a rate of 3.3 pounds (0.4 kg) to 1,000 square feet (93 sq m).
Generally, most weed and feed products call for both drop-type spreaders and rotary spreaders to be opened at ¼ inch (0.64 cm).
Do not hand-apply weed and feed. Weed and feed is a dangerous combination of chemicals and must not come in contact with your skin.
2 Fill the spreader with weed and feed and spread it along your lawn. Load the weed and feed into your spreader and ensure it’s set according to your product's instructions. Then, start at one end of your lawn and slowly work your way back and forth in linear passes across your lawn to ensure you get the best coverage possible and don't run the risk of missing a spot.[6]XResearch source
Avoid applying weed and feed on a windy day, as the wind may disturb your application.
3 Overlap your passes to improve your coverage. To ensure that every inch of your lawn receives an even amount of weed and feed, slightly overlap your passes as you make your way across your grass. Walking on the edge of your last pass helps prevent any untreated spots, so you can rest easy knowing no weed stands a chance.[7]XResearch source
You’ll be able to see the product on the lawn to help guide you.
Avoid spreading weed and feed on any vegetables, flowers, or shrubbery.
4 Sweep or rake any excess product off of sidewalks and driveways. Use a broom or a rake to push excess product from any sidewalks, driveways, or roads back into your yard. This keeps unused product from washing away in storm drains and helps to prevent environmental damage.[8]XResearch source
Do not hose off excess weed and feed, as this will spread it down the drain.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Caring for Lawns After Application
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1 Keep kids and pets off the lawn until the weed and feed is washed away. Residual weed and feed on your lawn could be harmful to children and pets. Keep them away from the treated parts of the lawn until any residual product has had the chance to wash away in the first drenching rain. Alternatively, water your lawn for a few days in a row to ensure it’s free of residual weed and feed and safe for pets and kids to play on.[9]XResearch source
2 Wait at least 24 hours to mow or water your lawn. Watering or mowing your lawn too quickly after applying weed and feed could wash or clip away the product before it has a chance to work. Some variations of weed and feed recommend waiting up to 2-4 days before watering or mowing, so be sure to check your specific product’s instructions to get the most accurate recommendation.[10]XResearch source
3 Wait 4 weeks to reseed and aerate your lawn. Weed and feed can prevent seeds from germinating, so it’s important to ensure the product has fully absorbed before planting new seeds or aerating your lawn. While it may be frustrating to wait, doing so ensures that your efforts don’t go to waste.[11]XResearch source
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Tips
If necessary, wait 30 days before doing a follow-up application, though it’s best only to apply weed and feed a maximum of twice a year to protect your lawn from chemical damage.[12]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Liquid weed and feed can be used instead of seeded weed and feed, depending on your preference, though it tends to be the less popular option. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 3
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Warning
If you, a pet or a child comes in contact with any weed and feed, call poison control immediately to get recommendations for timely treatment options.
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Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 386,582 times. 78 votes - 94% Co-authors: 7Updated: July 25, 2024 Views: 386,582 Categories: Lawn WeedsArticle SummaryX
If you want to apply weed and feed to your yard, mow your lawn 2 to 4 days beforehand to ensure that the product will distribute evenly across your lawn. For the best results, plan to apply it in the spring and fall, when weeds are actively growing. Also, since standing water can affect your weed and feed, check the forecast for rain and wait for at least 24 hours of clear weather. To ensure your grass is wet enough for the product to stick, lightly spray your lawn with the misting or low-pressure setting on your sprinklers. Then, add your weed and feed to your spreader, according to the directions on the packaging. Finally, apply the product by walking your spreader across your yard in slightly overlapping lines for full coverage. For more advice, including how to care for your lawn after applying weed and feed, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Marie Van
May 27, 2018
"My daughter & I had never done this before. The how to article made it so simple & easy.Which is great when you have a busy schedule. It even included info on what to do or not to do after treatment. Picture art was wonderful also! So kudos to your art dept!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer Co-authors: 7Updated: July 25, 2024 Views: 386,58294% of readers found this article helpful. 78 votes - 94% Click a star to add your vote
Marie Van
May 27, 2018
"My daughter & I had never done this before. The how to article made it so simple & easy.Which is great when you have a busy schedule. It even included info on what to do or not to do after treatment. Picture art was wonderful also! So kudos to your art dept!"..." more
CC Kurtz
May 3, 2020
"I'm tired of watching video content; it was a relief to just read (with pics). All I wanted to know was how long before rain to apply, and boom, there it was. Thank you."..." more
Judy Listello
May 4, 2018
"The step-by-step instructions, specific waiting periods and specific tips regarding watering and kids and pets were most helpful."..." more
Belinda B.
May 9, 2019
"Thank you for the detailed information. Very useful."
Polly Duda
May 29, 2018
"Explained the whole procedure in a concise way." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article What you need to know about preparation, application, and aftercare Co-authored by Savannah Vold Reviewed by Ben Barkan 
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Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 386,582 times. 78 votes - 94% Co-authors: 7 Updated: July 25, 2024 Views: 386,582 Categories: Lawn Weeds Article SummaryX
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1 Apply weed and feed in the spring and fall. Weed and feed is best applied when the daytime temperatures are between 60° and 90° F (15.5° and 32.2° C). In most areas, this means applying weed and feed once during the spring and once during the fall.[1] 
2 Mow your grass 1-2 days before applying so it's 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm) tall. Mow your lawn to a medium height 1-2 days before using weed and feed to ensure the product distributes evenly throughout your lawn. Perfect, green grass, here you come![2] Advertisement 
3 Plan your application for a dry, sunny week with no rain in the forecast. Rain will wash away weed and feed before it has a chance to start working on your lawn. To ensure all your hard work doesn't go to waste, check the forecast to ensure it won't rain the day you apply your weed and feed or the day after.[3] 
4 Lightly dampen your lawn with a mister before applying weed and feed. A slightly damp lawn helps the weed and feed adhere to the blades of grass better, resulting in an even application. Water your lawn so it’s wet to the touch but doesn’t have any puddles or pooling water.[4] Advertisement 
1 Check the weed and feed label for the best spreader setting and adjust. The exact setting depends on your product's brand and the spreader's make. Consult the packaging directions on your weed product to determine the correct settings for your spreader and ensure that you apply the perfect amount of weed and feed to your lawn.[5] 
2 Fill the spreader with weed and feed and spread it along your lawn. Load the weed and feed into your spreader and ensure it’s set according to your product's instructions. Then, start at one end of your lawn and slowly work your way back and forth in linear passes across your lawn to ensure you get the best coverage possible and don't run the risk of missing a spot.[6] 
3 Overlap your passes to improve your coverage. To ensure that every inch of your lawn receives an even amount of weed and feed, slightly overlap your passes as you make your way across your grass. Walking on the edge of your last pass helps prevent any untreated spots, so you can rest easy knowing no weed stands a chance.[7] 
4 Sweep or rake any excess product off of sidewalks and driveways. Use a broom or a rake to push excess product from any sidewalks, driveways, or roads back into your yard. This keeps unused product from washing away in storm drains and helps to prevent environmental damage.[8] 
1 Keep kids and pets off the lawn until the weed and feed is washed away. Residual weed and feed on your lawn could be harmful to children and pets. Keep them away from the treated parts of the lawn until any residual product has had the chance to wash away in the first drenching rain. Alternatively, water your lawn for a few days in a row to ensure it’s free of residual weed and feed and safe for pets and kids to play on.[9] 
2 Wait at least 24 hours to mow or water your lawn. Watering or mowing your lawn too quickly after applying weed and feed could wash or clip away the product before it has a chance to work. Some variations of weed and feed recommend waiting up to 2-4 days before watering or mowing, so be sure to check your specific product’s instructions to get the most accurate recommendation.[10] 
3 Wait 4 weeks to reseed and aerate your lawn. Weed and feed can prevent seeds from germinating, so it’s important to ensure the product has fully absorbed before planting new seeds or aerating your lawn. While it may be frustrating to wait, doing so ensures that your efforts don’t go to waste.[11] Advertisement