10 Great Spring Lawn Care Products for 2026

You want a thicker, greener lawn this spring, so start with a balanced fertilizer like Scotts Green Max with iron to green up fast, follow early with Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action or Weed & Feed to prevent crabgrass and kill broadleaf weeds, spot-seed bare areas using Rapid Grass Tall Fescue mix, protect roots from grubs with GrubEx1, dethatch where needed with a 19-tine tool, and time applications for active growth—keep going and you’ll find the full plan and timings next.

Some Key Points

• Choose a season-specific fertilizer like Scotts Green Max with iron to quickly green and feed lawns in spring.
• Use a combined weed-and-feed product (Weed & Feed5 or Triple Action) when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are 60–90°F.
• Apply crabgrass prevention (Triple Action) early spring on a wet lawn, then water-in after 24 hours for best control.
• For bare patches, seed with Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix and maintain soil temps 60–80°F plus regular watering for fast germination.
• Treat grubs in spring/early summer with GrubEx1, watering thoroughly after application for season-long protection.

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food with Iron Supplement

If you want fast, noticeable greening without fuss, Scotts Green Max Lawn Food with Iron Supplement is a smart pick, especially for homeowners who want solid results quickly; it’s a dual-action formula that feeds your grass and adds 5% iron to boost color, so you’ll start seeing deeper green in about three days. You’ll apply it in spring, summer, or fall, now measure to cover up to 5,000 sq. ft. per 16.67 lb. bag, and the key is even spread and watering afterward, this is where iron and nutrients sink in, and you’ll enjoy richer, healthier turf without staining.

Best For: Homeowners and lawn-care enthusiasts who want fast, noticeable greening and healthier turf with minimal fuss using a dual-action fertilizer and iron supplement.

Pros:

• Promotes deep greening quickly (results in about 3 days) thanks to a 5% iron content.
• Dual-action formula feeds grass and improves color in a single application.
• One 16.67 lb. bag covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. and won’t stain concrete or surrounding surfaces when used as directed.

Cons:

• Not a year-round solution for persistent lawn problems (best used spring, summer, or fall).
• Effectiveness depends on even spreading and proper watering after application.
• May not address underlying soil issues or nutrient imbalances beyond iron and basic fertilizer.

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food with Iron Supplement

For a homeowner who wants faster, noticeable greening without worrying about stains, Scotts Green Max Lawn Food with Iron Supplement is a great choice, especially if you’re treating up to 10,000 square feet and want results in as little as three days. You’ll appreciate the dual-action formula that feeds grass while the 5% iron boosts color quickly, now follow the spreader settings—Scotts rotary at 3 ¾ or drop at 7 ½ for recommended rates—and lightly water afterward. This is where timing matters: apply in spring, summer, or fall, avoid runoff, and you’ll see healthier color without staining concrete.

Best For: Homeowners with lawns up to 10,000 sq. ft. who want faster, noticeable greening without worrying about staining.

Pros:

• Dual-action formula feeds grass and provides fast greening (visible in ~3 days) thanks to 5% iron.
• Covers up to 10,000 sq. ft. in a single 33.33 lb. bag, convenient for medium-to-large yards.
• Guaranteed not to stain concrete or driveways when used as directed.

Cons:

• Granular application requires a spreader and correct settings (rotary 3 ¾ or drop 7 ½) for best results.
• Not a substitute for addressing underlying lawn issues (soil pH, pests, or severe nutrient deficiencies).
• Contains iron, which can cause uneven greening if overapplied or misapplied.

Scotts GrubEx1 Season-Long Grub Killer (5,000 sq ft)

Choose Scotts GrubEx1 when you want a single, season-long treatment that takes the guesswork out of grub control, especially if you’ve got up to 5,000 square feet of turf to protect. You’ll apply this granular formula in spring or early summer, set your spreader to the manufacturer’s settings, then water it in so the active ingredient, chlorantraniliprole, begins protecting roots for up to four months. The key is timing, because one correct application prevents grub damage by stopping larvae early, and it also helps manage caterpillars, chinchbugs, and beetles. Now monitor your lawn, re-enter when dry, and repeat only annually.

Best For: homeowners with up to 5,000 sq ft of lawn who want a single spring/early-summer granular treatment to prevent grubs and some other turf pests for up to four months.

Pros:

• Long-lasting, single-application protection (up to 4 months) against grubs and other pests.
• Easy granular application with specific spreader settings and safe re-entry once lawn is dry.
• Targets multiple pests (grubs, caterpillars/armyworms, chinchbugs, certain beetles) using chlorantraniliprole.

Cons:

• Only one application per year; not suitable if immediate control of large, established infestations is needed.
• Requires correct timing (spring/early summer) and thorough watering-in for effectiveness.
• Contains an insecticide (chlorantraniliprole), so users concerned about chemical use/pet safety may prefer alternatives.

Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix

Homeowners who need a fast, reliable fix for bare spots or want to thicken a thinning lawn will find Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix especially useful, because it combines seed and starter fertilizer so you’ll see grass emerge up to twice as fast as seeding alone. You’ll want to use this Tall Fescue Mix in spring or fall, when soil temps sit between 60°F and 80°F, because that’s when germination performs best; now, spread the recommended rate—one 5.6 lb. bag covers 615 sq. ft. for new lawns (1,845 sq. ft. for overseeding)—water gently and maintain care for prime results.

Best For: Homeowners needing a fast, reliable solution to repair bare spots or thicken thinning lawns who can seed in spring or fall when soil temperatures are 60–80°F.

Pros:

• Contains both Tall Fescue seed and starter fertilizer for faster germination (up to 2X faster than seed alone).
• Suitable for both new lawn establishment and overseeding (covers 615 sq. ft. new, 1,845 sq. ft. overseed per 5.6 lb. bag).
• Designed for durable, full green growth typical of Tall Fescue mixes.

Cons:

• Best results require seeding in spring or fall within the 60–80°F soil temperature range, limiting use in other seasons.
• A single 5.6 lb. bag may be insufficient for larger yards, requiring multiple bags for full coverage.
• Performance depends on proper watering and lawn care after application; neglect will reduce effectiveness.

Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 Lawn Fertilizer

If you want a single-step product that both kills common broadleaf weeds and feeds your lawn to help it thicken, Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 is a strong pick, especially if you’ve got cool- or warm-season grasses like bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, bermudagrass, or zoysia; the key is that it combines a selective weedkiller with a fertilizer so you’re treating two problems at once, and you’ll get coverage for about 4,000 square feet from one 11.32‑lb bag. You’ll target over 50 weeds using WeedGrip™ Technology, apply when weeds are active and temperatures sit between 60–90°F, spread on damp grass with a Scotts spreader for even coverage, then keep off the lawn until dust settles and don’t water for 24 hours so the product sticks and works.

Best For: Homeowners with cool- or warm-season lawns (like bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, bermudagrass, or zoysia) who want a single-step product to kill common broadleaf weeds and feed the lawn across up to 4,000 sq. ft.

Pros:

• Kills over 50 common broadleaf weeds (clover, dandelion, plantain, etc.) while feeding grass to thicken turf.
• Covers about 4,000 sq. ft. from an 11.32-lb bag, making it convenient for typical residential lawns.
• Uses WeedGrip™ Technology and is easy to apply with a Scotts spreader; works best when weeds are actively growing.

Cons:

• Not safe for several turf types (Creeping Bentgrass, St. Augustine including Floratam, Dichondra, Carpetgrass, Lippia).
• Can cause temporary discoloration on some grass species.
• Requires specific timing/conditions (60–90°F, grass damp for application, no watering for 24 hours, keep people and pets off until dust settles).

Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer Granules (10 lb)

You’ll appreciate Ortho BugClear’s 10 lb granules when you’re managing a medium-to-large lawn and need long-lasting, broad-spectrum insect control, because it treats up to 16,500 square feet and gives up to six months’ protection against most ants and three months against other pests. You’ll spread it with a Scotts or compatible spreader, apply when you first spot insect activity or damage, then water it in to activate the fast-acting formula that starts working in minutes (except fire ants). This is where you protect turf, ornamentals, and garden edges from grubs, ticks, fleas, armyworms, spiders, and more.

Best For: homeowners with medium-to-large lawns who need long-lasting, broad-spectrum control of common turf insects (ants, grubs, fleas, ticks, armyworms) and want an easy spreader-applied treatment.

Pros:

• Covers up to 16,500 sq. ft., making it cost-effective for larger yards.
• Long-lasting protection (up to 6 months for most ants, 3 months for other pests).
• Fast-acting once watered in and compatible with Scotts or similar spreaders.

Cons:

• Does not control pharaoh, carpenter, or harvester ants (and is slow/non-effective on fire ants).
• Granule application requires proper calibration of a spreader and watering-in to activate.
• Not suitable for small or indoor spaces and may affect beneficial insects if overapplied.

Scotts Turf Builder 4-Bag Lawn Care Bundle

For a small yard up to about 4,000 square feet, the Scotts Turf Builder 4-Bag Lawn Care Bundle is a smart, all-season pick that makes lawn maintenance straightforward and effective; it’s especially well-suited for busy people who want one curated program—crabgrass prevention in spring, targeted weed control in late spring, insect and heat protection in summer, and root-building nutrition in fall—so you can follow a clear, four-step schedule and actually see measurable improvement. You’ll apply Halts in spring to stop crabgrass and encourage deep roots, use Weed & Feed5 next to remove dandelions and clover, switch to SummerGuard for insects and heat stress, then feed with WinterGuard to build strong fall roots, and the result is a thicker, weed-resistant lawn you can actually rely on.

Best For: Busy homeowners with small yards (up to ~4,000 sq. ft.) who want a simple, seasonal, four-step lawn care program to prevent weeds, control pests, and strengthen roots.

Pros:

• Convenient all-in-one seasonal bundle covering spring crabgrass prevention, late-spring weed control, summer insect protection, and fall root feeding.
• Designed to promote deep roots and a thicker, weed-resistant lawn with measurable improvement.
• Granular products from a trusted brand (Scotts) with high customer ratings and clear application schedule.

Cons:

• Sized for lawns up to ~4,000 sq. ft.; not suitable for larger properties without buying additional bags.
• Requires timely applications across the season—less hands-off than a single-treatment product.
• Contains multiple chemicals (weed killers/insect control) that may concern users preferring organic or chemical-free lawn care.

Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed 3 (5,000 sq ft)

Think of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed 3 as the practical choice for homeowners who want a straightforward, two-in-one solution that kills broadleaf weeds while feeding the grass, especially if you’re managing up to a 5,000 sq. ft. lawn; its biggest advantage is that it combines a proven weed-control formula with a lawn fertilizer, so you treat existing problems like dandelions and clover while giving your turf the nutrients it needs to crowd future weeds out. Apply when weeds are actively growing, between 60°F and 90°F, to a wet lawn, using a Scotts spreader for even coverage and only twice yearly.

Best For: Homeowners with up to a 5,000 sq. ft. lawn who want a simple, two-in-one product that kills broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) while fertilizing turf to help prevent future weed competition.

Pros:

• Kills over 50 common lawn weeds while feeding grass, combining two tasks in one application.
• Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. per 14.29 lb. bag, convenient for small-to-medium yards.
• Can be applied when weeds are actively growing (60–90°F) and works best when applied to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader for even coverage.

Cons:

• Limited to a maximum of two applications per year, which may be insufficient for heavy weed pressure.
• Not safe for use on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, or Bentgrass and may cause temporary discoloration on some grasses.
• Requires specific timing and conditions (temperature range, wet lawn) for best results, adding some scheduling constraints.

DigiGlow 62″ Adjustable 19-Tine Lawn Dethatcher

If you want a dethatcher that makes quick work of heavy thatch while sparing your back, the DigiGlow 62″ Adjustable 19-Tine model is built for you — a homeowner or small-landscape pro who needs deep, reliable penetration without switching tools. You’ll appreciate 19 nickel-plated, cold-pressed tines that reach 0.5 inches into turf to pull out thatch and dead grass, the double-edged design boosting aeration by about 40%, and a corrosion-resistant coating that lasts far longer. Now adjust the 38–62 inch telescopic handle, lock it, use the foot pedal, and work confidently knowing it’s lightweight, sturdy, and warranted for life.

Best For: Homeowners and small-landscape professionals who need a lightweight, durable dethatcher that penetrates deeply without switching tools.

Pros:

• 19 nickel-plated, cold-pressed tines that reach 0.5″ for effective removal of thatch and dead grass.
• Adjustable 38–62″ telescopic handle with twist-lock and non-slip foot pedal for ergonomic use and reduced back/wrist strain.
• Corrosion-resistant coating and lifetime warranty against bending/rusting for long-term durability.

Cons:

• Weighs 4.2 lbs which may still be tiring for extended commercial use.
• 19 tines may be less efficient than wider professional dethatchers on very large properties.
• Ranked #101,091 in Patio, Lawn & Garden indicating it’s not a top-selling model compared to competitors.

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action Lawn Fertilizer & Weed Killer

Homeowners who want a single product that kills broadleaf weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds their lawn will find Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action a strong, time-saving choice, especially if you’re treating up to 4,000 square feet. You’ll appreciate the 3-in-1 formula—pendimethalin prevents crabgrass for about four months, dicamba tackles broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover, and nutrients feed grass—now, apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader in early spring when weeds are active. The key is to water in after 24 hours, avoid re-entry until dust settles, and expect gradual, visible improvement.

Best For: Homeowners with lawns up to 4,000 sq. ft. who want a single early‑spring treatment that prevents crabgrass, kills broadleaf weeds, and feeds grass.

Pros:

• 3‑in‑1 formula combines crabgrass prevention (pendimethalin), broadleaf weed control (dicamba), and lawn feeding for convenience.
• Covers up to 4,000 sq. ft., saving time versus separate products.
• Suitable for a wide range of grass types (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, Bermudagrass, Fescues, Zoysia).

Cons:

• Prevents crabgrass but does not kill existing crabgrass—must be applied before emergence.
• Contains herbicides (dicamba, pendimethalin); requires careful application and avoidance of re‑entry until dust settles.
• Needs application to a wet lawn and watering in after 24 hours, which may complicate timing with weather.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Spring Lawn Care Products

Now is the time to check your soil test results and match products to your grass type, because the key is knowing what nutrients your lawn actually needs and which formulas work for cool-season versus warm-season grasses. Consider timing and weather too, since applying fertilizer or weed control before heavy rain or a late frost can wash away active ingredients or stress young shoots, and you should assess pest and weed threats so you can choose targeted treatments rather than broad, unnecessary mixes. Start with a simple nutrient needs assessment based on pH and N-P-K numbers, then pick products labeled for your grass and local pests, and you’ll see healthier, more resilient turf as the season progresses.

Soil Test Results

Think of a soil test as your lawn’s report card, because it tells you the pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content that directly affect how well your grass will take up food and grow; read the results, and you’ll know whether to lime or sulfur to adjust pH, add phosphorus or potassium, or boost organic matter with compost. When you get the lab sheet, focus on N, P, K plus calcium and magnesium, now map deficiencies to specific amendments, and don’t guess. The pH number matters because most grasses prefer about 6.0–7.0, so the key is correcting acidity or alkalinity before heavy feeding; this is where targeted treatments prevent weeds and nutrient lock-up. Test every 2–3 years, and you’ll keep products effective and your lawn thriving.

Grass Type Match

Anyone can get better results if they match products to the grass you’ve got, because different turf types—Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Tall fescue, and others—grow and use nutrients in very different ways, so what feeds one might underwhelm or even stress another. Now, check product labels, because many fertilizers and herbicides list compatible grass types, and the key is following those recommendations so nutrients and weed control work as intended. This is where reading warnings matters, too, since some products can cause temporary discoloration on certain grasses, signaling incompatibility. Use products formulated for your turf to improve nutrient uptake and weed suppression, and if in doubt, pick a grass-specific option or consult a pro for tailored guidance.

Timing And Weather

You matched products to your grass, now the next big question is timing and weather, because when you apply spring fertilizers and weed controls can make or break their effectiveness. Start by watching temperatures: aim for consistent days in the 60°F–80°F range, that window supports active grass growth and helps treatments take hold. Apply herbicides when weeds are visibly growing in early spring, this is where they absorb chemicals best, and follow with fertilizer timed to the same growth surge so roots and shoots use nutrients efficiently. Check forecasts to avoid heavy rain that can wash products away, but don’t treat bone-dry turf either, light dampness improves uptake. The key is choosing calm, moderate days, now plan applications around reliable weather windows.

Nutrient Needs Assessment

How do you know which nutrients your lawn really needs this spring? Start with a soil test, because that objective snapshot tells you which elements are low, and this is where you stop guessing and start targeting products that fill real gaps. Know your grass type too — cool-season and warm-season grasses demand different balances, so match fertilizers to those needs. The key is nitrogen for top growth, phosphorus for roots, and potassium for overall hardiness; add micronutrients like iron if the test or pale color suggests deficiency. Time applications in spring to wake growth and help recovery from winter dormancy, applying when soil temperatures and forecasts are favorable. Do the test, pick products that address the results, and expect visible improvement in weeks.

Pest And Weed Threats

Because spring kicks off active growth for both your grass and the weeds that steal its resources, now’s the time to think strategically about pest and weed threats so you don’t end up fixing problems later. You’ll see dandelions, clover, and other weeds emerge fast, and the key is to act during that window when herbicides work best, usually between 60°F and 90°F, so plants absorb treatment properly. Now, grubs and lawn pests can quietly damage roots, this is where a targeted insecticide applied in spring prevents outbreaks and saves turf. Combine timely weed control with proper fertilization to reduce competition for nutrients, water, and light, and plan applications early because treating too late often leaves persistent problems unresolved.

Safety And Environmental Impact

You’ve just planned your timing for weed and pest control, and now it’s time to make sure the products you pick won’t create new problems for your yard or neighborhood. Think about surface-safe formulas that won’t stain patios or driveways, because that’s an easy, often overlooked sign of a cleaner, more responsible product, and it keeps runoff risks lower. Now, favor options that allow immediate re-entry into treated areas, which signals lower toxicity and safer use around kids and pets; this is where natural or organic ingredients often shine. The key is choosing targeted technologies that spare beneficial insects, following application timing closely to prevent water contamination, and reading labels for clear guidance so you get effective results without harming the ecosystem.

Some Questions Answered

Can These Products Be Used on Newly Seeded Lawns?

Yes, you can use some products on newly seeded lawns, but you’ll need to pick carefully and time applications; the key is to avoid harsh herbicides and high-rate fertilizers until seedlings are established, usually 4–8 weeks, because they can damage young roots and shoots. Start with a starter fertilizer labeled safe for new seed, follow label rates, water gently to activate nutrients, and hold off weed controls unless they’re specifically marked for new lawns.

Are Any Products Safe for Pets and Children Immediately After Application?

Yes, some products are safe immediately for pets and children, but you’ve got to check labels and follow instructions exactly; look for products labeled “pet‑safe” or “non‑toxic,” which use ingredients like iron or organic fertilizers, and rinse treated areas if advised. Now, keep pets off for any recommended wait time when pesticides are used, and this is where a quick wipe or watering down can reduce exposure, giving you safer play areas right away.

How Do I Dispose of Leftover Fertilizer or Insecticide Safely?

You should never pour leftover fertilizer or insecticide down drains or onto soil, instead check the product label for disposal instructions and follow local hazardous waste collection programs, now call your municipal waste authority if label guidance is vague, this is where they’ll tell you drop-off locations or approved disposal methods, the key is keeping chemicals sealed in original containers with labels intact, and don’t mix products, take them to a proper facility.

Can These Products Be Used on Slopes or Erosion-Prone Areas?

Yes, you can use some products on slopes, but you’ll need to choose slow-release fertilizers and erosion-control-friendly insecticides, apply them carefully, and time treatments after light rain or watering so they stick. The key is reducing runoff by using granular, coated formulas, applying at lower rates, and incorporating seed or mulch to bind soil. Now, monitor slope performance, adjust rates if you see movement, and retime applications as needed.

Do Any Items Require Special Protective Gear During Application?

Yes, some items need special protective gear, and you should treat them seriously: when handling concentrated herbicides or granular corn gluten you’ll want chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and if you’re spraying fungicides add a respirator rated for pesticides, long sleeves and pants, this is where the key is—follow label directions, mix outdoors or in ventilated areas, wash up immediately, and keep kids and pets off treated zones until it’s safe.