Discover effective weed control options tailored for southern turf. This guide compares popular products that target broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, and other common warm-season grasses. Each option balances immediate weed suppression with longer-term prevention, helping your St. Augustinegrass and Floratam lawns stay healthy and lush through the growing season.
| Product | Brand | Coverage | Key Weeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioAdvanced Season Long Lawn Weed Killer + Preventer for Southern Lawns 10 LB Granules | BioAdvanced | Up to 4,000 sq ft | Dandelion, Clover, Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Goosegrass |
| Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray | Ortho | Varies by lawn size | Crabgrass, Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed, Foxtail |
| Southern Ag Atrazine St. Augustine Weed Killer | Southern Ag | 3,720 sq ft per quart | Weeds in St. Augustine, Centipede grasses |
| BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns | BioAdvanced | Coverage varies by bag | Crabgrass, Dandelion, Dollarweed, Clover |
| Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 | Scotts | Varies by area (10,000 sq ft bag) | Dollar weed, Clover, Dandelion, Chickweed, Oxalis |
The following sections highlight five top options, organized to help homeowners compare immediate weed killing power, long-term prevention, and turf-friendly formulas for southern lawns.
BioAdvanced Season Long Lawn Weed Killer Plus Preventer
This granular formulation provides both rapid weed control and up to six months of prevention. It targets common broadleaf weeds such as dandelion and clover while also discouraging grassy weeds like crabgrass. Designed for southern turf, it treats up to 4,000 square feet and is specifically formulated for St. Augustinegrass and Floratam varieties. This product offers a practical, season-long approach to maintaining a weed-free lawn with minimal reapplication during peak growing periods.
Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray
Ortho WeedClear is a fast-acting solution designed to kill a broad range of lawn weeds down to the root with a single application. It is safe for use on common warm-season grasses when applied as directed, and it targets weeds such as crabgrass, dandelion, clover, and chickweed. The spray format provides convenient coverage for mid- to large-sized lawns, making it a practical choice for homeowners seeking quick weed suppression without major lawn disturbance.
Southern Ag Atrazine St. Augustine Weed Killer
This herbicide is formulated for St. Augustinegrass and Centipede grasses, offering targeted control for common southern lawn weeds. One quart covers roughly 3,720 square feet, making it a cost-effective choice for homeowners with medium to large–area lawns. It’s particularly noted for its performance on stubborn broadleaf invaders in southern turf, helping maintain a uniform turf color and density when used as directed.
BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns
BioAdvanced 3-in-1 combines weed control with lawn feeding specifically for southern grasses such as Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass, including Floratam. It provides up to six months of weed prevention, helping to keep listed broadleaf and grassy weeds at bay. In addition to killing certain weeds like dandelion and clover, it feeds to support turf health, promoting stronger roots and better overall lawn resilience against emerging weeds.
Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2
Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S combines weed control with lawn fertilizer, designed to kill existing southern weeds while feeding the grass to crowd out future ones. It targets problematic southern weeds such as dollarweed, clover, dandelion, and chickweed, helping to improve lawn color and root strength. Application timing is important; apply to a dry lawn when actively growing and water in promptly for best results.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations and Comparisons
When selecting a southern lawn weed control product, consider the following factors to ensure the best fit for your lawn and climate:
- Weed spectrum: Identify which weeds are most problematic in your area—crabgrass, dandelion, clover, dollarweed, or others—and choose a product that targets those species.
- Mode of action: Granules, liquids, and ready-to-spray formats differ in application effort and coverage. Choose based on lawn size, your tool availability, and willingness to measure and apply evenly.
- Prevention vs. treatment: Some products offer long-term prevention (up to six months), while others focus on immediate weed kill. For ongoing maintenance, a combination approach may reduce re-infestation.
- Turf compatibility: Southern lawns typically include St. Augustinegrass and Floratam variants. Verify that the product is formulated for your grass type to avoid turf damage.
- Impact on lawn health: Look for products that include or complement lawn feeding to promote turf vigor, helping compete against future weeds.
- Weather considerations: Apply during appropriate conditions (temperature, moisture) as directed. Avoid application during extreme heat or when rain is imminent if the label advises.
- Re-entry and safe use: Ensure pets and children can re-enter treated areas as specified by the product label after application.
- Cost efficiency: Compare coverage per bag or bottle to determine cost-effectiveness, especially for larger lawns.
In practice, homeowners may opt for a combination strategy: a pre-emergent or preventative product in early spring to curb crabgrass, paired with a post-emergent weed killer for existing invaders. For ongoing lawn health, select a product that also feeds the grass, supporting resilience against future weed pressure. Always follow label directions for best results and to minimize potential harm to desirable grasses.