Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed has been the go-to for New Zealand gardeners tackling Onehunga weed, clover, and daisies for years — and the logic behind it is straightforward: kill the weeds, feed the grass, and let the lawn fill in the gaps on its own.

4 related posts

Top Brand: Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed ·
Key Retailers: Bunnings, Mitre 10 ·
Action: Kills broadleaf weeds, adds nitrogen & iron ·
Formats: Hose-on 2L, 4L

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact optimal month varies by NZ region and microclimate
  • Long-term weed kill permanence — regrowth possible without follow-up
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Lawn fills bare patches as grass gets the nitrogen hit alongside weed control
  • Reapplication every 3 weeks (Hose-On) or 6 weeks (Granular) if needed

The product specs below summarise Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed Double Action coverage, safe lawn types, and reapplication intervals at a glance.

Attribute Value
Primary Product Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed Double Action
Weed Type Common broadleaf weeds
Feed Components Nitrogen and iron
Formats Available Hose-on 2L, 4L
Coverage — 2L size 130 square metres
Coverage — 4L size 260 square metres
Visible weed death 48 hours
Full effect timeline Up to 3 weeks
Safe lawn types (Hose-On) Fescue, Brown Top, Perennial Rye
Unsafe lawn types (Hose-On) Kikuyu, Couch, Buffalo grass

When to apply weed and feed in NZ?

Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed can technically be applied any time weeds are actively growing, but spring and autumn are the windows that NZ gardeners get the most from it — two applications per year is usually enough. The lawn grows rapidly in both seasons, which means it recovers quickly from the weed removal and draws on the nitrogen hit at exactly the right moment.

Best months for application

  • Apply before weeds have flowered and set seed for best results — catching them early in the growing cycle prevents reseeding and follow-up work
  • Spring (typically September–November in NZ) catches weeds before summer stress peaks and gives the lawn a strong start for the warmer months
  • Autumn (March–May) targets weeds that survived summer while allowing the lawn to rebuild before winter dormancy

Spring vs autumn considerations

Spring application aligns with the natural growth surge and is the most common timing NZ gardeners choose. Autumn application is particularly valuable for broadleaf weeds that thrive in cooler, wetter conditions — things like catsear and chickweed that persist past summer. Yates recommends the Granular formulation for Kikuyu and Couch lawns (which are common in warmer North Island regions) and notes the risk of burning is reduced during winter dormancy when the lawn is less active.

Bottom line: Two well-timed applications — one in spring, one in autumn — is the standard approach for most NZ lawns. If your region runs warmer, aim for early spring before soil temperatures climb too high.

Do weed and feed really work?

The dual-action formula works as advertised on broadleaf weeds. The Hose-On version contains fast-acting plant hormones absorbed by weeds and transferred to their roots, causing visible curling and yellowing within 48 hours and full eradication in up to 3 weeks. The Granular version burns weed leaves directly and requires 3 days on the lawn surface before watering or rainfall can be risked.

Effectiveness on broadleaf weeds

  • Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed Hose-On controls Onehunga weed, catsear, daisy, clover, chickweed, chamomile, dock, thistle, and dandelion — the broadleaf culprits NZ gardeners encounter most
  • Full effects take up to 3 weeks from application (Yates Australia)
  • Reapplication of Hose-On every 3 weeks if necessary, Granular every 6 weeks to handle regrowth

Lawn greening results

The nitrogen and iron in the feed component greens up the lawn quickly while the weeds are being eliminated. Killing weeds without concurrent feeding leaves bare patches that invite reinvasion — Yates designed the dual-action approach to prevent exactly this gap, letting the grass rush in to fill the space as it draws on the nutrients.

The upshot

Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed works as described for broadleaf weeds on suitable lawn types. Reddit gardeners note that the effect is more of a “sugar hit” for the lawn — quick greening that fades if follow-up feeding isn’t maintained. For permanently weed-free results, plan a seasonal feeding schedule, not a one-off spray.

“Weed and feed is just a sugar hit for the weeds. Turfix / Turfclean Ultra are both good.”

— Reddit nzgardening community member

“Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed contains fertiliser which can also encourage weed growth — particularly in subsequent seasons if the lawn hasn’t been maintained.”

— Yates Australia support documentation

Is Weed and Feed Bad for Your Lawn?

Used correctly, Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed is selective and safe on compatible lawn types. The risks come from misuse — applying to the wrong grass variety, too early in the season before grass is established, or during hot weather when the lawn is already stressed.

Potential downsides

  • Lawn type incompatibility: Hose-On is NOT safe on Kikuyu, Couch, or Buffalo grass — the active ingredients can burn these grass varieties, particularly in heat or drought conditions (Yates NZ YouTube)
  • New lawn restriction: Do not apply to grass less than 3 months old — new turf has insufficient root establishment to tolerate the herbicides
  • Heat risk: Avoid application when temperatures exceed 30°C — the lawn is already stressed and the product can cause damage (Yates Australia)
  • Children and pets: Wait 4–6 weeks after application before allowing access to treated areas so active residues break down (Yates New Zealand FAQ)

Safe use tips

Mowing and fertilising must stop 7 days before and after application — this is non-negotiable and applies to both Hose-On and Granular formulations. Do not water the lawn for at least 24 hours after applying Hose-On. For the Granular version, rain within 48 hours will wash the granules off weed leaves and drastically reduce effectiveness — check the forecast before applying this formulation.

Why this matters

Kikuyu is common in warmer North Island regions and quite sensitive to selective weedkillers. Applying Hose-On to a Kikuyu lawn in summer can cause significant burning. For these lawn types, the Granular formulation is the safer choice — Yates specifically recommends it as the better option for Kikuyu and Couch.

What is the best weed and feed in NZ?

Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed dominates the NZ market and is the most readily available option at major retailers. It comes in two formulations — Hose-On and Granular — and choosing between them depends on your lawn type and application precision needs.

Yates options review

The Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed Hose-On is the top-selling formulation at Bunnings and Mitre 10. It connects to a garden hose for easy, even coverage across larger lawns — the 2L size treats 130 square metres, and the 4L size covers 260 square metres. The spray pattern is calibrated for NZ lawn conditions and grass varieties.

The Granular version is applied by hand and works by burning weed leaves on contact. It’s ideal for areas a hose cannot reach or where more precise control is needed. Yates specifically recommends Granular for Kikuyu and Couch lawns due to the lower burn risk compared to the spray formulation.

Alternatives like Turfix

Community discussion on Reddit’s nzgardening forum points to Turfix and Turfclean Ultra as alternatives worth considering, particularly for gardeners who want a different active ingredient profile or have had poor experiences with the Yates product. Turfix comes in granular form and is available through some independent garden retailers alongside the Bunnings/Mitre 10 Yates stock.

The catch

Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed contains fertiliser that can also encourage weed growth — particularly in subsequent seasons if the lawn hasn’t been maintained. Regular reapplication is built into the product’s design, which means treating this as part of an ongoing lawn care schedule rather than a one-time fix.

What is the best weed killer for the lawn in New Zealand?

For broadleaf weeds specifically, a selective weedkiller combined with lawn fertiliser is the most efficient approach — it handles two jobs in one pass. For gardeners who want permanent elimination rather than control, the picture gets more complicated, and the best method depends on the weed type, the level of lawn invasion, and how much collateral damage to the grass you’re willing to accept.

Yates Weed Control products

Yates offers a broader weed control product range beyond Weed ‘n’ Feed, including targeted herbicides for specific weed types and situations. For persistent invaders like oxalis or creeping oxalis, a dedicated herbicide may be more effective than the general broadleaf control in Weed ‘n’ Feed. Yates also produces companion products like soil wetter, which Yates recommends applying one week before Weed ‘n’ Feed if the lawn has been dry or not watered regularly.

Permanent kill methods

  • Broadleaf weeds targeted by Weed ‘n’ Feed are selectively killed while the grass survives — this is the gentlest option
  • Non-selective herbicides (like glyphosate-based products) kill everything and require resowing — best for completely overrun lawns or areas being reset
  • Cultural control (hand-weeding, improving drainage, adjusting soil pH, regular mowing) prevents reinvasion but requires consistent effort
  • A combined approach — Weed ‘n’ Feed for selective control, followed by targeted herbicide for persistent survivors — gives the most complete results
What to watch

Permanent weed elimination in a lawn is largely a myth without ongoing maintenance. Any remaining weed seeds in the soil bank will germinate when conditions allow. The realistic goal is low weed pressure maintained through seasonal Weed ‘n’ Feed applications and good lawn health practices.

The comparison below breaks down the practical differences between Hose-On and Granular formulations across key application factors.

Factor Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed Hose-On Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed Granular
Application method Hose connection, even spray Hand spread, contact burn
Best for lawn types Fescue, Brown Top, Perennial Rye All types including Kikuyu, Couch
Rain restriction Do not apply within 24 hours of expected rain Do not apply within 48 hours of expected rain
Coverage — 2L/standard size 130 square metres Varies by spreader setting
Coverage — 4L/large size 260 square metres N/A
Reapplication interval Every 3 weeks if needed Every 6 weeks for regrowth control
Safe for new lawns No — grass must be 3+ months old Not recommended for new lawns
Leave on lawn to dry 24 hours before watering 3 days before irrigation or rain

Upsides

  • Dual-action: kills weeds and feeds grass simultaneously
  • Visible results within 48 hours for broadleaf weeds
  • Available at Bunnings and Mitre 10 nationwide
  • Safe for most common NZ lawn types (Fescue, Brown Top, Perennial Rye)
  • Two applications per year is sufficient for most lawns
  • Granular option available for Kikuyu and Couch lawns

Downsides

  • NOT safe on Buffalo grass, Kikuyu, or Couch (Hose-On)
  • Cannot be used on new lawns under 3 months old
  • Heat restriction — avoid when above 30°C
  • Contains fertiliser that can encourage future weed growth
  • 4–6 week waiting period before children/pets on treated lawn
  • Granular version requires dry weather window of at least 3 days

How to apply Weed and Feed: step by step

Successful application comes down to timing the weather, preparing the lawn, and respecting the post-application restrictions. Here’s the sequence that Yates recommends and NZ gardeners have refined through trial.

Step 1 — Check weather and lawn readiness

Confirm no rain is forecast within 24 hours for Hose-On or 48 hours for Granular. Ensure the lawn has been dry or watered normally — if the soil is severely compacted or hydrophobic, Yates recommends applying a soil wetter one week before the Weed ‘n’ Feed. Do not apply when temperatures exceed 30°C.

Step 2 — Stop mowing and fertilising

Cease mowing and fertilising 7 days before application. This window is critical — mowing too close to application distributes the product unevenly, and fertilising beforehand can cause chemical interaction that reduces effectiveness or burns the lawn.

Step 3 — Apply the product

  • Hose-On: Connect the bottle to a garden hose, turn on the tap, and walk the lawn systematically in parallel passes. Apply evenly — puddling reduces effectiveness and can cause localised burn. The 2L covers 130 sq m; the 4L covers 260 sq m.
  • Granular: Apply by hand or with a spreader in the evening when conditions are cool. Water in lightly only after the 3-day drying period.

Step 4 — Keep off the lawn

Do not mow for 7 days after application. Do not water the lawn for at least 24 hours after Hose-On application — the product needs time to be absorbed through weed leaves. For Granular, leave it on the surface for 3 full days before any irrigation.

Step 5 — Monitor and plan reapplication

Visible curling and yellowing of weeds should appear within 48 hours. Full eradication takes up to 3 weeks. If necessary, reapply Hose-On every 3 weeks or Granular every 6 weeks to control regrowth. Children and pets should stay off the treated area for 4–6 weeks.

Bottom line: The implication: two seasonal applications properly timed with weather and lawn preparation beats frequent spot treatments every few weeks. A well-executed spring and autumn treatment handles most of what NZ gardeners face without turning lawn care into a weekend project.

Related reading: Power Switch New Zealand: Compare Plans & Save Money · Lodge Cast Iron NZ – Buying, Prices and Care Guide

Additional sources

youtube.com, yates.co.nz, youtube.com

While choosing Yates or similar products at Bunnings, many Kiwis reference the best time application guide for precise seasonal timing on local lawns.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What are weed and feed instructions in NZ?

Apply when weeds are actively growing, preferably in spring or autumn. Do not mow or fertilise for 7 days before and after application. For Hose-On, avoid rain within 24 hours; for Granular, avoid rain within 48 hours. Do not apply when temperatures exceed 30°C or to lawns less than 3 months old. Keep children and pets off for 4–6 weeks after application.

Where to buy weed and feed NZ at Mitre 10?

Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed is stocked at Mitre 10 stores nationwide and on the Mitre 10 website. The Hose-On 2L and 4L sizes are the most common lines. Bunnings also carries the same range, so availability is broad across both major NZ hardware retailers.

What is weed and feed NZ price range?

Pricing varies by retailer and size. The Hose-On 2L is typically in the $25–$35 NZD range, and the 4L in the $45–$60 range. Granular pricing is generally comparable. Checking current prices at Bunnings or Mitre 10 directly gives the most accurate figure as prices fluctuate seasonally.

What do weed and feed NZ reviews say?

Community reviews (primarily from Reddit’s nzgardening forum) are mixed but generally positive for effectiveness. Key criticisms: the effect is described as a “sugar hit” that fades without follow-up feeding, and some gardeners prefer alternatives like Turfix for specific weed types or lawn sensitivities. The product is considered reliable for broadleaf control when used correctly on compatible lawn types.

Is Yates Weed and Feed NZ effective?

Yes — Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed is effective on broadleaf weeds including Onehunga weed, clover, daisy, catsear, and thistle. Visible results appear within 48 hours and full control takes up to 3 weeks. Effectiveness depends on applying to the right lawn type (not Kikuyu, Couch, or Buffalo with the Hose-On), respecting weather restrictions, and timing application before weeds flower and set seed.

What are alternatives to weed and feed nz bunnings?

Alternatives include Turfix Granular and Turfclean Ultra, which are available at some Bunnings locations and independent garden retailers. For gardeners who need to treat Kikuyu or Couch lawns, Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed Granular is the built-in alternative within the same brand. For non-selective control (killing everything), glyphosate-based herbicides work but require resowing the lawn afterward.

For NZ gardeners with Fescue, Brown Top, or Perennial Rye lawns, the choice is clear: a correctly timed spring and autumn Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed application beats improvised spot treatments every few weeks. For those with Kikuyu or Couch, grab the Granular formulation and plan around the weather window — the extra preparation is worth avoiding the burn risk. Either way, treat the fertiliser component as part of a seasonal lawn schedule, not a one-off fix, and your lawn will do the rest.