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Weed and Feed: Pre-emergents to Avoid

Think you know 'weed and feed' products? Discover why Sunday separates fertilizer from weed control, find effective alternatives, and learn sustainable ways to prevent weeds in your yard.

What is "weed and feed"?

This is common terminology for lawn fertilizer products that combine pre-emergent herbicides and fertilizers in a single application.

They tend to boast how they're designed to feed and grow your lawn while eliminating weeds fast—but they're made for your lawn to become reliant on them.

The problem with weed and feed

Weed and feed products spread harsh herbicides all over your lawn—even in places where weeds might not grow. The pre-emergent herbicides typically remain in the soil for 6–10 weeks—with some lasting upwards of 20-30 weeks.

However, new weeds can still appear, requiring even more pesticide use in your lawn. This approach isn't sustainable and harms your lawn and the environment.

Pre-emergents to avoid

  • Pendimethalin
  • Prodiamine
  • Dithiopyr
  • Benefin or Trifluralin
  • Oxadiazon
Toxic pesticide flag in lawn

How Sunday approaches weeds

At Sunday, we believe there's a more thoughtful, sustainable approach to lawn care. Instead of weeding and feeding in one step, we apply nutrients and treat weeds separately.

This method helps your lawn grow thick and strong, treats weeds as needed and over time, your lawn can naturally outcompete weeds.

Applying Weed & Green to lawn

Get to know Sunday pre-emergents and weed killers

We formulate herbicides without harsh chemicals and always opt for spot treatment when possible.

Weed & Green Pre-Emergent

Weed & Green Hose-End Spray for Lawns is a powerful pre- and post-emergent weed killer that controls weeds and greens on your lawn. A custom-engineered hose-end sprayer eliminates weeds as quickly as watering your lawn.

Dandelion Doom

Dandelion Doom is an iron-derived selective herbicide designed to control and suppress broadleaf weeds, moss, and disease. It won't harm your grass, but its iron content may stain your sidewalks, so stick to using in the landscape.

Weed Warrior

Weed Warrior is an OMRI-listed non-selective herbicide that can control most weeds in your yard. It may harm desirable turfgrass, so use caution on your lawn and around plants.

Sunday tip brain icon

Sunday Tip:

Switching from traditional pre-emergent to Sunday weed control products? We have solutions for how to properly dispose of your unused chemicals safely and with the planet in mind!

How to reduce pesticide use in your backyard

Harness the power of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a proven method that focuses on keeping your lawn healthy to resist weeds over time.

  1. Know your soil. Good soil drainage helps prevent weeds and supports healthy grass.
  2. Plant the right grass seed. Our grass seed mixes are designed to resist stress and pests.
  3. Hand-pull weeds. Start by hand-pulling large weeds and then use spot treatments for smaller patches.
  4. Fertilize wisely. Grass needs fertilizer only when it's actively growing. With a custom lawn plan, we'll help you apply the right amount at the right time.
  5. Give grass more sun. Make sure your lawn gets enough sunlight to stay strong and resist weeds.

Experience the benefits of a greener, healthier lawn with Sunday's custom nutrients, unlimited expert support, and powerful, planet-friendly ingredients.

Create your custom lawn plan

    We use climate science and soil data to create a custom plan just for your yard, so it gets exactly what it needs. Nothing more, nothing less.

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    Photograph of author in prairie field

    Teri Valenzuela

    Teri Valenzuela holds a B.A. in Environmental Biology and leads science communications at Sunday, specializing in translating technical subject matter into engaging, accessible content. Previously, she led conservation work at the National Audubon Society, managing ecological restoration and community programs.

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