How to Apply Weed and Feed

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 21, 2022 References Approved

Weed and feed products can be a useful tool for keeping weeds from germinating in your yard. For them to be effective, though, you need to ensure that you apply them at the right time. Spreading the product once every spring and fall can help keep certain weeds at bay. Be sure to check the forecast before applying, though, to avoid rain washing the product away.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Yard

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Plan to apply it in the spring and fall. Weed and feed works best when applied when weeds are actively growing and the daytime temperatures are between 60° and 90° F (15.5° and 32.2° C). In most areas, this means applying once during the spring, and once during the fall.^{[1]
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2
Mow your lawn 2-4 days before you apply. If you can, mow your lawn to a medium height 2-4 days before you plan to apply weed and feed. This helps ensure that the product is evenly distributed throughout your lawn.^{[2]
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3
Check the weather forecast. Rain can wash away weed and feed before it has a chance to start working on your lawn. Check the weather forecast to make sure that it is not going to rain the day you plan to apply or the day after.^{[3]
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- The forecast should be clear for at least 24 hours for weed and feed to work correctly. You are also going to need to avoid watering your lawn during this period.
- Do not try to apply the product immediately after a heavy rain, either. Standing water in your lawn could wash away the particles.
4
Wet your lawn before applying. Use a misting or a low-pressure setting to lightly wet your lawn immediately before applying. You want your grass to be damp to the touch, but with no quick-draining or standing water. It should be just wet enough to help the product stick to the blades of grass.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Product

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Set your spreader. Weed and feed is best applied with either a rotary or a drop-type spreader. The exact settings you will need depend upon the brand of your product and the make of your spreader. Consult the packaging directions on your weed product to determine the correct settings for your spreader.^{[5]
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- If you do not already own a spreader, you can buy one at a home and garden store or online for under $30 USD.
2
Apply the product to your lawn. Once you have the product loaded and your spreader set, you can begin applying the product on your lawn. Get the best coverage by walking linear passes along the length of your lawn while disbursing the product from your spreader. Walking in straight lines ensures the most even coverage.^{[6]
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3
Overlap your passes to improve your coverage. To help ensure that all your lawn receives an even amount of the product, overlap your passes slightly. Walk on the edge of your last pass. You should be able to see the product on the lawn to help guide you. This helps prevent any untreated spots.^{[7]
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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.^{[8]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Lawns After Application

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Keep children and pets off the treated area until it washes away. Residual product that’s not fully absorbed into the soil 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. This means waiting until after the first drenching rain. Otherwise, wait until you have been able to water your lawn regularly for a few days in a row before letting pets and kids on it.^{[9]
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- If a pet or child ingests any weed and feed, call a vet or a doctor immediately to get recommendations for treatment options.
2
Avoid watering your lawn for at least 24 hours. Washing your lawn too quickly after you apply weed and feed could wash away the product before it has a chance to work. Wait at least 24 hours before watering your lawn. Some products recommend waiting up to 2-4 days before watering. Check your specific product’s instructions to get the most accurate recommendation.^{[10]
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3
Wait 4 weeks to reseed and aerate your lawn. Weed and feed can prevent seeds from germinating, so it’s important to make sure the product is fully absorbed before you plant new seeds or aerate your lawn. Wait at least 4 weeks after the date you applied the product to start reseeding or to aerate the treated areas.^{[11]
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