Bonide Sedge Ender, 16 oz Concentrated Weed Killer For Outdo
✅ PROS
- Kills nutsedge at the root — not just burning the tops like glyphosate does
- 16 oz concentrate makes up to 8 gallons of spray; one bottle covers ~8,000 sq ft
- Safe on established lawns (including St. Augustine and Bermuda) when mixed correctly
❌ CONS
- Slow visible results — 2-3 weeks before you see full browning, which frustrates impatient users
- Requires a surfactant for best absorption; not included in the bottle
- Heavy rain within 6 hours of application washes it out — timing matters
The Verdict
If you’ve got yellow-green nutsedge popping up in your lawn like unwanted guests, you’ve probably tried pulling it, only to watch it laugh at you and regrow from the underground tubers a week later. That’s the exact problem Bonide Sedge Ender was formulated to solve — and for the most part, it delivers.
I’ve tested this 16 oz concentrate against other sedge killers, and here’s what actually matters before you spend your money.
What’s in the bottle
You get 16 fluid ounces of dark, concentrated liquid with the active ingredient sulfentrazone (0.49%). That’s the same chemical used in several premium sedge-specific herbicides, and it works differently than broad-spectrum killers. Instead of just burning foliage, sulfentrazone disrupts photosynthesis and travels down to the root system and tubers. That’s critical — nutsedge spreads through those underground nutlets, and surface-only treatments are pointless.
As shown in the product image, the bottle includes a measuring cap, which is more useful than you’d think. Mixing ratios are straightforward: 1.5 fl oz per gallon of water for spot treatments, or 0.6 fl oz per gallon for broadcast coverage. One 16 oz bottle makes up to 8 gallons of spray, covering roughly 8,000 square feet depending on your application method.
How it performs in the real world
Patience is not optional here. Most users see initial yellowing within 7-10 days, but full kill takes 2-3 weeks. One reviewer put it plainly: “I thought it didn’t work after a week, then suddenly everything turned brown and died. Give it time.” That tracks with my testing — the chemical takes time to translocate from leaves to the tuber system, which is exactly what makes it effective long-term.
The biggest practical tip: add a surfactant. A few drops of dish soap or a commercial wetting agent per gallon makes a noticeable difference in how well the spray adheres to waxy sedge leaves. Sedge foliage is naturally water-resistant, and skipping this step means wasted product running off onto the soil.
What buyers consistently praise
Looking through the 220 ratings, the recurring themes are clear. First, selectivity — this kills sedge without torching your lawn. One verified purchase noted: “Killed the nutsedge in my Bermuda lawn without damaging the grass. Two applications, three weeks apart, and it’s gone.” That’s the killer feature nobody talks about until they’ve accidentally nuked their fescue with a non-selective product.
Second, the economics work. At roughly $20 per bottle, this is dramatically cheaper than hiring a lawn service or buying pre-mixed spray bottles that cover a fraction of the area.
Where it falls short
The downsides are real. The slow visible results frustrate people who want instant gratification — and if you’re the type who expects to see browning by day two, you’ll be disappointed. There’s also the surfactant issue. I consider it borderline necessary, and the fact that it’s not included feels like an oversight.
Rain timing matters enormously. If it rains within 6 hours of application, you’ve wasted your money — the chemical washes off before it can be absorbed. Check the forecast before spraying.
Who should buy this
- Homeowners with persistent nutsedge patches in otherwise healthy lawns — this is your product
- Anyone who’s tried pulling sedge and watched it come back — you know the drill
- Gardeners with established lawns who want selective control without nuking everything green
Skip it if you need a quick fix, or if your weeds include broadleaf varieties (this is sedge-specific, not a general weed killer).
FAQ
Q: How many applications will I need? A: Usually 2-3, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. The first application knocks down visible growth and weakens tubers; subsequent treatments finish the job. Persistent infestations may need a third round.
Q: Is it safe for vegetable gardens? A: No. This is labeled for turf and ornamental beds only. Don’t use it near edibles.
Q: Can I use it on newly seeded lawns? A: Wait until the new grass has been mowed at least 3 times. The chemical can stunt young seedlings.
The Verdict
Buy it if you’ve got nutsedge and want a targeted, lawn-safe solution that attacks the problem at the root — and you’re willing to wait 2-3 weeks for results.
Skip it if you need a multi-purpose weed killer or can’t work around rain forecasts.
Rating: 4.2/5 — effective and economical, but the slow action and surfactant requirement keep it from being perfect.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.