How Fast Does Scotts Weed and Feed Work?

Scotts Weed and Feed is designed to fertilize your lawn while also killing common broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover. It comes in different forms for specific grass types. So, how fast does Scotts weed and feed work?

You will start to see weeds wilt and die within 5 to 7 days after application. On the other hand, the lawn will start to turn greener and lush within 1 to 5 days due to the fast release of nutrients.

Let’s look at the best time to apply Scotts Weed and Feed for the best results.

How fast does Scotts Weed and Feed Work?

It will only take you 1 to 5 days to see a positive change on your lawn after applying Scotts weed and feed. The grass will start to appear greener and healthier in a few days, with full results expected within 4 to 6 weeks. 

On the weed control side, the weeds will start to wilt and die within 7 days of absorbing the herbicide. It takes 24 hours for Scotts weed and feed to be completely absorbed into the system of weeds. Thereafter, they will begin to turn yellow and wilt.

Over time, the grass will grow greener and thicker as the weeds die completely. The grass will spread to cover the spaces that were previously occupied by weeds. 

Before using this product in your lawn, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Wait for at least 24 to 48 hours after application before resuming your routine watering. Watering too soon after application can wash it away and reduce the effectiveness of this product.

How to Know that Scotts Weed and Feed is Working

If Scotts weed and feed is working, you will be able to notice observable changes within a few days of application, as follows:

1. Within the first 1 to 5 days, the grass will start to appear, growing thick and greener. 
2. During the initial 7 days, the weeds will start to turn yellow and wilt as they die.
3. 14 days after application, most weeds in your lawn will have turned brown and died. You can simply pull them out easily by hand.
4.  In 30 days, almost all the weeds will be dead. The grass will start taking over the bare spots.

When Scotts weed and feed is applied appropriately, you will start to notice observable changes within a few days. The grass will surge in growth as broadleaf weeds wilt and die. With time, the grass will grow thick, greener, and healthier.

What is the best time to apply Scotts Weed and Feed?

Spring is the best time to apply Scotts weed and feed. This product works best when both weeds and grass are actively growing in spring to early summer. Apply when daytime temps are consistently 60–90°F (15.5- 32.2 degree Celsius).

Mow the lawn a day or two before (don’t mow the same day). Apply to a damp lawn. I recommend early morning when the dew is heavy, or you can lightly sprinkle with the hose first to make the grass damp, not soaking wet. This helps the granules stick to weed leaves so the herbicide can get absorbed.

How often should I apply Weed and Feed?

The official guidance from Scotts (straight from their product pages and labels) is: Do not apply more than 2 times per year. That’s the hard limit to avoid overdoing the herbicide part, which can stress the grass or cause other issues if you push it.

Minimum wait between applications: Usually at least 30 days (some spots mention 4-6 weeks or more for safety, but 30 days is the common baseline on many bags).

I often do one in early to late spring (when weeds are popping up and growing actively), and maybe a second in late summer or early fall if weeds are still a problem. Avoid applying it during peak summer heat, as it can burn the lawn.

Always double-check the exact bag you’re using. Some regional versions (like Southern Weed & Feed or Bonus S) might say that you wait at least 2 months between applications, but the main Turf Builder Weed & Feed line sticks to no more than twice a year. 

If your weeds are really stubborn, consider spot-treating with a liquid weed killer instead of reapplying the full Weed & Feed.

It is important to know that weed and feed products contain high levels of nitrogen. Feeding your lawn with these products throughout the seasons can have some negative effects. Excess nitrogen comes with the following dangers:

• The grass will experience burning on the tips while turning color from green to yellow.
• Lowers the ability of grass to withstand high or low temperatures.
• Increases grass vulnerability to diseases such as leaf spot.
• It also encourages shallow development of roots that are unable to absorb water and nutrients from deeper layers of the soil.

Excess nitrogen in the soil also creates an imbalance that causes depletion or imbalance of other important nutrients and minerals, such as phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. This not only causes secondary deficiencies but also causes other toxic elements, such as aluminum, to proliferate and harm your plants. 

When is it too late to apply Weed and Feed?

It will be too late to apply weed and feed preemergent on a lawn with fully grown weeds. If weeds have already matured and seeded heavily, the product won’t stop next year’s growth. It’s also important to avoid application in extreme dry periods when the grass is stressed to prevent burn.

Final Thoughts

When Scotts Turf Builder weed and feed product is applied correctly, it will deliver good results in killing the weeds as well as boosting the performance of your lawn. All it requires is proper application and time to do the job for you.