Prep Your Lawn for Fall: Why Weed & Feed Matters Now

Why August is the Prime Time

By late summer, your grass is often stressed from heat and drought. At the same time, weeds like dandelion, clover, and crabgrass are still actively growing, and planning to stick around through fall. Applying weed & feed now helps tackle two important jobs at once:

• Feed your grass so it can recover from summer stress and grow strong roots.
• Weed out unwanted plants before they spread seeds or store energy for winter.

Think of it as giving your lawn a head start before the prime growing season returns in fall.

Benefits of Using Weed & Feed in Late Summer

1. Jumpstarts Fall Growth – Cooler weather is right around the corner, and your lawn will soon enter a period of active growth. Feeding now ensures it has the nutrients it needs to bounce back quickly.

2. Control Weeds Before They Overwinter – Weeds are easier to control now than in spring. Knock them out before they hunker down for the colder months.

3. Improves Root Strength – A strong root system in late summer means better drought tolerance now and better winter survival later.

How to Apply Weed & Feed for Best Results

• Check the Weather – Aim for a calm day without rain for at least 24 hours.
   
• Apply to Moist Grass – Morning dew helps the weed control portion stick to leaves.
   
• Follow Product Directions – Some formulas need watering in, others don’t, read your label carefully.
   

Mind Your Seeding Plans – If you plan to overseed in early fall, make sure to check the label for the waiting period after weed & feed before spreading new seed.

Pro Tip from Our Green Team

If you’re overseeding this fall, do your seeding first and let the new grass establish (usually after 3 mowings) before applying weed & feed. This keeps young seedlings safe.

The Bottom Line

August is the sweet spot for lawn care prep. Weed & feed now, and you’ll head into fall with a healthier, greener lawn that’s ready to thrive.

Stop by McDonald Garden Center and talk to our lawn care experts, we’ll match you with the perfect product and give you insider tips for timing, application, and results you can see. To stay inspired and grow with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!