When To Apply Weed And Feed-Complete Year Round Guide

Last updated on March 8th, 2025 at 12:56 pm

As a Lowes garden manager, one of the most asked questions I get is about healthy, green, weed free lawns. Here are my tips and directions for your Lowes lawn care program applying Sta Green or Scotts.

This is my guide to a 4-step lawn care program using Scotts or Sta-Green products from Lowe’s. Here are the key points:

The 4-Step Lawn Care Program

1. Step 1 (Early Spring: March-April): Apply crabgrass preventer with fertilizer when ground temperature reaches 55°F (when dogwoods bud and forsythias bloom)
2. Step 2 (Late Spring: April-June): Apply weed and feed to kill broadleaf weeds and strengthen grass
3. Step 3 (Summer: June-August): Apply fertilizer with insect control
4. Step 4 (Fall: September-November): Apply fall/winter fertilizer to strengthen roots for spring

Key Timing Guidelines

• Use summer holidays as application reminders: Memorial Day (Step 2), July 4th (Step 3), and Labor Day (Step 4)
• Apply Step 1 when soil temperature reaches 55°F
• Avoid applying when temperatures exceed 90°F
• Fall feeding is considered by some experts to be the most important application

Application Tips

• Most weed and feed products should be applied to a wet lawn (from rain or dew)
• Exception: Southern weed and feed products (Scotts Bonus S, Sta-Green Southern) and crabgrass control should be applied to a dry lawn
• Don’t water for 48 hours after application
• Avoid planting new grass seed or aerating for at least 4 weeks after application
• Use the correct spreader settings as indicated on the product package

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Step 1 (crabgrass preventer)
• Using the wrong product for your type of grass or region
• Applying before or after rain
• Applying at the wrong time of year
• Using post-emergent products on weeds that haven’t emerged yet

Weed and feed fertilizer will help improve your lawn.

The number one question: When is the best time to apply weed and feed to my lawn?

Well…it depends really. Where you live, whether you have sun or shade, and lots of other things make a big difference in what your lawn needs. Most regions in the United States can apply weed and feed from March till November.

A well-fed lawn is healthier, which means it has a better root system to combat heat, cold, drought, mowing, foot traffic and other stresses.

When To Apply Weed and Feed

One easy to follow rule is to use the summer holidays as your guide.

If you’re going to fertilize, remember the summer holidays of Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day as good times to apply.

• Memorial Day-Weed and Feed
• July 4th– Fertilizer with Insect Control
• Labor Day– Fall Fertilizer

Remember, crabgrass control will need to be early spring, so maybe around Easter.

There are some simple rules to follow when choosing and applying your weed and feed products. Lowes can help you build a successful program specifically for your lawn with Scotts Turfbuilder and Sta-Green Fertilizer programs.

And while fertilizing even once a year will improve the condition of the lawn, a well-fed lawn that receives 4 feedings a year will do much better.

Weed and Feed Basics and the 4 Step Process

Ok, this is my disclaimer: This is my version of the 4 step program that I have used for years. It works! Make sure you always follow instructions on the bag and use the correct settings on your spreader. It’s one of the most important DIY home improvement projects you will do.

You will find many different versions of weed and feed programs out there. They all will be some variation of the following:

• Step 1. Crabgrass Preventer
• Step 2. Weed and Feed
• Step 3. Summer Fertilizer with Insect Control
• Step 4. Fall or Winter Fertilizer

Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer (March-April)

The #1 Mistake: Skipping Step 1 and not using a crabgrass preventer.

The #1 Mistake: Skipping crabgrass prevention. Beautiful lawns are crabgrass-free because they use preventers annually.

Apply when ground temperature reaches 55°F – typically when dogwood trees start budding and forsythias begin blooming. This crucial application strengthens roots and gives your lawn a strong start.

Products to use:

• Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer
• Sta-Green Crab-Ex Crabgrass Preventer

These pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before weeds germinate. Once weeds are growing, pre-emergents become ineffective.

Step 2: Weed and Feed (April-June)

Spring is prime growing season for both grass and weeds. Step 2 weed and feed fertilizer strengthens existing grass while eliminating broadleaf weeds like dandelions.

Benefits include:

• Improved water and nutrient absorption
• “Green up” effect from nitrogen
• Targeted killing of actively growing broadleaf weeds
• Extended feeding through timed-release nitrogen

Recommended products:

• Scotts Turfbuilder with Plus 2 Weed Control
• Sta-Green Weed and Feed

Step 3: Summer Fertilizer with Insect Control (June-August)

Summer stresses your lawn with heat, drought, foot traffic, and insects. Feeding during summer helps protect and strengthen grass against these challenges.

Important: Avoid application when temperatures exceed 90°F, and wait at least 30 days between fertilizer applications.

Common Summer Problem: Insects! Use products containing insect control:

• Scotts Turf Builder with SummerGuard
• Ortho Bug B Gon Max granules (for additional protection)
• Bug B Gone liquid spray (for home perimeter protection)

Step 4: Fall Fertilizer (September-November)

Fall brings ideal growing conditions with cool nights, rainfall, and morning dew. Many experts consider fall feeding the most important application of the year.

This final feeding strengthens roots and increases nitrogen storage for early spring green-up next year. Apply until average daytime temperatures remain above 50°F (usually late October in most regions).

Recommended products:

• Scotts Turfbuilder with WinterGuard
• Sta-Green Weed and Feed Winterizer

When to Weed and Feed With Lowe’s Sta Green or Scotts

While feeding your lawn once a year will improve its condition, feeding it four times a year will make it even healthier. If you put your lawn on the regular schedule it will stay lush and green all season long.

Fertilize your lawn in the spring, early fall and/or late fall (such as late March, early April, early September and early November). However, if you live in an area with long, cold winters, then late April, August and the end of October may be best.

In most climates, late fall tends to offer better results because that’s when weeds grow stronger roots and take the herbicide to the roots along with it, killing them. You should also never fertilize any cool-season lawn during hot summer months.

If you live in the southern or western parts of the United States, such as Florida, Texas, Alabama or California fertilize your lawn in early summer and again in late summer or early fall. The application process is slightly different if you are using a product for southern lawns, such as Scotts Bonus S.

With all fertilizer schedules, you can add one treatment in midsummer, but avoid fertilizing when the temperature is too hot, particularly when it’s 85 degrees or above.

>Read our guide on southern weed and feed<

Some Products Need Dry Lawn, Others Need Wet Lawn

For most areas of the United States, weed and feed products should be applied to a wet lawn either from rain or dew, on a calm day and left on the surface for 24 to 48 hours.

You can also wet the grass with a garden hose or turn on your sprinkler system for a few minutes before applying weed and feed.

The general exception is crabgrass control and southern weed and feed products.

Note: Scotts Bonus S, Sta Green Southern weed and feed and most crabgrass control products should be applied to a dry lawn.

A wet lawn helps fertilizer particles stick to the blades of grass and the weed leaves. To ensure that the particles have the best chance of doing their job, don’t water the lawn again for 48 hours.

If you’ve recently used grass seed, sod or sprigging, wait until your new grass has been mowed at least three times before applying any weed and feed product. For best results use a broadcast spreader set to the level indicated on the product package.

Feeding your lawn in the spring strengthens roots and gets it off to a good start. Crabgrass control is the number one reason to use a pre-emergent fertilzer. If you had crabgrass last year, apply a combination fertilizer with a pre-emergent to control it.

Pre-emergents, such as those commonly used to prevent crabgrass, is weed control which must be applied before the weeds germinate. They are ineffective if the weeds are already actively growing.

You will only have about a 3 week window to apply Step 1. Use Scotts Halts plus Crabgrass Preventer or Sta-Green Crab-Ex Crabgrass Preventer. This early application is the most important part of getting a weed free and healthy green lawn. Yes, use it even if you didn’t have crabgrass last year.

Soil Temperature Map: Find your local ground temperature here

You can still apply weed and feed in the summer

It is not recommended to apply if the temperature will be above 90 degrees and no re-application of any fertilizer for another 30 days.

Summer is tough on grass. You can still apply a weed and feed product, but do so cautiously. Heat, drought, foot traffic, and insects stress it out. Feeding your lawn in the summer still helps to protect and strengthen it against these problems.

Lawns in warm-season grass areas should be fed over the summer months as they grow steadily from spring to fall. Also consider spot treatment of weeds by using a product such as Ortho Weed B Gon.

A more common problem you will see in the summer months are insects. If you see insects in your grass, use a feeding product that also contains insect control, such as Scotts Turf Builder with SummerGuard. For additional insect control try Ortho Bug B Gon Max granules or try Bug B Gone liquid spray around the perimeter of your home.

Reasons Weed & Feed Didn’t Work

Remember to always follow the directions on the package. Always use a spreader to apply. Here are some common reasons why a weed & feed application could be ineffective:

• Weed & feed targets broadleaf weeds like dandelions, and dollarweeds. It does nothing for crabgrass and other grassy weeds. For these, you should use a pre-emergent like Scotts Halts or Sta-Green Crab Ex crabgrass preventer in the early spring. Must be applied before weeds and crabgrass are growing.
• Mature weeds are not actively growing, so the product will not be as effective. Weed and feed should be applied early in the growing season and a couple days after mowing.
• Rain and sprinklers can wash away the granules. Make sure there is no rain in the forecast and avoid watering for two days after applying.

Correcting Over-Application

If you’ve applied too much, flush out the excess by watering your lawn with 1-2 inches of water for about 4 days. Be mindful of drainage and runoff. Avoid reapplication until the following year.

Creating Your Own 4-Step Program at Lowe’s

Creating and maintaining a beautiful lawn doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following this systematic 4-step approach with quality products from Lowe’s, you can achieve professional results without hiring a lawn service.

Key Takeaways to Remember

• Consistency is crucial: Follow all four steps each year for best results
• Timing matters: Use holiday reminders to stay on schedule
• Prevention beats treatment: Don’t skip that crucial early spring crabgrass application
• Regional adjustments: Modify your approach based on your climate and grass type
• Follow product instructions: Always use the correct spreader settings and application methods

While the official “4-Step Program” is only available at local hardware stores, you can easily create your own version at Lowe’s:

1. Step 1: Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer (30-0-04) or Sta-Green equivalent
2. Step 2: Scotts Weed and Feed (28-0-03) or Sta-Green equivalent
3. Step 3: Scotts with Insect Control or Sta-Green equivalent
4. Step 4: Fall/Winter fertilizer from either brand

With the knowledge you’ve gained from this guide, you’re well-equipped to transform your lawn into the envy of the neighborhood. Start your 4-step program this season and watch your lawn become healthier, greener, and more beautiful with each application. Follow this program, and you’ll enjoy a lush, healthy lawn year-round!