Five Reasons Not to Use Weed and Feed EVER!

#1 Weed and Feed Products Threaten Human Health, and are Especially Dangerous For Children 
A growing body of scientific evidence continues to confirm the widespread health 
effects of Weed and Feed products. 2,4-D, the pesticide in most Weed and Feed products, 
is a neurotoxicant and contains half the ingredients in Agent Orange. Studies show that 
exposure to 2,4-D is associated with neurological disorders, reproductive problems, 
kidney/liver damage, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers, and disruption of 
the endocrine (hormonal) system.1 Children are especially at risk for increased 
exposure to Weed and Feed since they play on lawns for extended periods of time and 
put their hands and other objects into their mouths.2 In general, children are most 
susceptible than adults to pesticides because they take in more chemicals relative to 
their body weight than adults and they have developing organ systems that are more 
vulnerable and less able to detoxify chemicals.3 Endocrine disruptors are of particular 
concern for children because, depending on timing, minute doses can effect the 
function of cells and tissues and cause problems during critical growth stages. 
Disruption of the endocrine system is associated with a range of developmental 
problems including deficient brain function, learning disabilities, and other problems. 
Exposure to herbicides such as 2,4-D is not limited to the outdoors. Studies have 
shown that lawn chemicals drift and are tracked indoors where they may remain in 
carpets and on surfaces for up to a year when not exposed to direct sunlight.4 A single 
turf application of 2,4-D can remain inside the home at exposure levels ten times 
higher than pre-application exposures.5 In a 2003 study of indoor air toxins, 2,4-D was 
detected in the dust of 63% of sampled houses.6 
 
#2 Weed and Feed Hurts Dogs and Wildlife 
2,4-D has been shown to have negative impacts on a number of animals. Studies have 
found that dogs whose owners use 2,4-D lawn products are twice as likely to develop 
canine malignant lymphoma.7 The latest EPA assessment of 2,4-D acknowledges the 
susceptibility of dogs to poisoning by 2,4-D and other lawn pesticides but does not 
propose any label warnings to users.8 Wildlife is also negatively affected by Weed and 
Feed. Exposure to 2,4-D has shown to reduce hatching success and cause birth defects 
in birds.9 Studies also show 2,4-D products to be toxic to earthworms that are vital to 
healthy soil, and to have negative impacts on beneficial insects, such as honeybees, 
predatory beetles, and ladybugs. 10,11 
 
#3 Weed and Feed Pollutes Drinking Water Sources 
Since Weed and Feed combines a fertilizer and an herbicide, it directs the user to spread 
the herbicide throughout the lawn instead of just where weeds are present. Most users 
are believed to overuse Weed and Feed products, not realizing that it actually contains a 
pesticide or just by thinking that more is better. This is exacerbated by the fact that 
only around half of households actually read and follow the label carefully when 
using pesticides and fertilizers.12 Since 2,4-D is highly mobile in soil13 the overuse of 
Weed and Feed products leads to runoff that contaminates groundwater and 
watersheds. Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey show 2,4-D is the number one 
herbicide most frequently detected in streams and shallow ground water throughout 
the country from home and garden use.14 2,4-D has also been detected in groundwater 
in at least five states and Canada.15 Partially due to the problem of overuse and water 
contamination, the Canadian Medical Association passed a resolution calling for the 
ban of Weed and Feed products.16
 
#4 Local Governments Are Calling For a Ban on Weed and Feed 
As part of EPA’s assessment of 2,4-D for reregistration in March 2005, the public was 
able to submit comments. Over 1000 letters calling for the cancellation of Weed and Feed
products were received by the agency including some from local governments and 
state and local agencies such as Seattle Public Utilities, the California Regional Water 
Quality Board, Clark County(Washington), and King County(Washington).17 

#5 We Don't Need Weed and Feed 
Weed and Feed is not an effective solution to weed maintenance. It can actually damage 
the health of lawns by harming microorganisms, beneficial insects, and earthworms 
that are essential to maintaining healthy soil and therefore, healthy turf. Typically, 
weeds cover a small fraction of lawn area, and any herbicide applied to weed-free 
areas is wasted. Even if a lawn contains as much as 50% weeds, then half of the 
herbicide is unnecessary and contributes to runoff and health risk without providing 
any benefit. There is no need to expose the public to this toxic chemical in the water, 
the air and the soil when safe and effective alternatives exist. Examples of alternatives 
to 2,4-D include corn gluten as a safe pre-emergent general herbicide, vinegar to 
selectively kill certain weeds, weeder machines that simply use hot water or heat, long 
handled mechanical weed pullers, and pulling out weeds by hand. Natural organic 
fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers help to maintain a healthy lawn. ​

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