Does your beautiful Southern lawn look more like a patchy weed patch? You spend hours mowing and watering, but stubborn invaders like dollarweed and crabgrass still take over. It’s frustrating! The intense heat and humidity of the South create the perfect breeding ground for weeds, making lawn care a constant battle.
Choosing the right weed killer adds another layer of stress. Should you use a pre-emergent or a post-emergent? Will it harm your St. Augustine or Bermuda grass? Finding a product that works effectively in our unique climate without damaging your turf feels like a guessing game.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best, most reliable weed killers specifically designed for the challenges of Southern lawns. You will learn exactly what to look for to finally achieve that lush, green carpet you dream about.
Ready to reclaim your yard? Let’s dive into the secrets of successful weed control for Southern homeowners.
Top Weed Killer For Southern Lawns Recommendations
- Lawn weed killer sprayer kills the weeds and won't harm lawns when used as directed
- Fast-acting weed killer for lawn, with visible results in hours
- This weed killer for St. Augustine grass was designed for Floratam lawns and fits easily into everyday lawn care
- Weed killer for lawns kills the toughest weeds-down to the root
- A broadleaf weed killer for lawns that controls tough broadleaf weeds in southern grasses including St. Augustinegrass, Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipedegrass
- KILL WEEDS NOT YOUR LAWN: Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray weed killer sprayer to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- HOW TO USE: To apply this herbicide weed killer, connect your garden hose to the sprayer, slide the switch to 'ON' to begin spraying; visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after dried
- LAWN FRIENDLY: This weed spray contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won't harm your grass (when used as directed)
- LAWN WEED KILLER: This broadleaf weed killer for lawns kills over 250 common broadleaf weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- COVERAGE: One 32 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-to-Spray provides lawn care for up to 16,000 sq. ft. for Southern lawns or 8,000 sq. ft. for Northern lawns
- KILLS LISTED BROADLEAF WEEDS: Season Long Lawn Weed Killer + Preventer for Southern Lawns kills listed broadleaf weeds, including Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed, Dollarweed, and Henbit for up to 6 months
- PREVENTS WEEDS & CRABGRASS UP TO 6 MONTHS: Prevents listed grassy and broadleaf weeds, including Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Common Dandelion, Goosegrass, and Spurge, for up to 6 months
- FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Treats up to 4,000 sq. ft. of southern turf, including all varieties of St. Augustinegrass, including Floratam; Also use on Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysia, and more, as listed on the label
- SEASON-LONG WEED CONTROL: One application provides season-long control of over 50 listed lawn weeds; Apply these weed killer granules with a rotary or drop spreader and water lightly 24 hours after applying
- GET MORE FROM THE BLUE BOTTLE: From simple spot treatments to season-long protection, BioAdvanced science-based solutions make it simple to control unsightly weeds and protect against damaging diseases without harming the lawn, when used as directed
- WHEN TO USE: Use this lawn weed killer sprayer to treat small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F (and are not expected to exceed 90°F for 6 hours)
- HOW TO USE: This 1 gal. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-to-Use1 comes with the continuous-spray Comfort Wand weed sprayer to easily spot treat weeds in your lawn
- KILLS LAWN WEEDS: Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Use1 weed killer for lawns kills listed weeds including dandelion, dollarweed, chickweed, and clover without harming your lawn (when used as directed)
- FAST-ACTING WEED CONTROL: This broadleaf weed killer for lawns kills over 250 weeds (see label for complete list) and produces results in hours
- WHERE TO USE: Use this lawn weed control product to kill weeds in southern lawns including Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, Bermudagrass (hybrid and common), Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass (except Floratam)
- WEED KILLER FOR LAWNS: Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate2 weed killer concentrate kills weeds including dandelions, dollarweed, chickweed, and clover without harming your lawn (when used as directed)
- HOW TO USE: Apply using a tank sprayer or Ortho Dial N Spray hose-end sprayer to small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
- FAST-ACTING WEED CONTROL: This broadleaf weed killer for lawns kills over 250 listed weeds, including dandelion, clover, chickweed, creeping charlie, and dollarweed, and produces results in hours
- COVERAGE: This 32 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer Concentrate2 is a weed killer concentrate for sprayers that treats up to 10,600 sq. ft. (varies by grass type, see label for application rates)
- WHERE TO USE: Use this lawn weed control product on Southern lawns including Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, Bermudagrass (hybrid and common), Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass (except Floratam)
- KILLS THE WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Won’t harm lawns when used as directed – see results in hours.
- KILLS ALL MAJOR BROADLEAF WEEDS: Kills dandelion, chickweed and clover (see product label for complete list).
- KILLS WEED ROOT: Kills more than 200 types of weeds as listed.
- RAINPROOF IN HOURS: Rainfall or watering 6 hours after application will not wash away effectiveness.
- COVERAGE: 1 gallon bottle treats up to 32,000 square feet of Northern Grasses or 42,500 square feet of Southern grasses.
- QUICK NITROGEN BOOST: Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control is a weed killer and grass fertilizer for lawns that gives a quick boost of nitrogen while controlling weeds
- EASY-TO-USE: To apply the lawn food and weed killer spray, simply attach this hose-end applicator to your garden and spray lawn; apply when weeds are actively growing for best results
- BROADLEAF WEED KILLER: This weed killer for lawns with grass fertilizer targets buckhorn, chickweed, ground ivy, henbit, knotweed, lambsquarters, oxalis, pigweed, plantain, poison ivy, ragweed, and spurge
- KILLS LISTED WEEDS: This lawn weed killer plus fertilizer kills dandelions, clover, and other listed lawn weeds
- COVERAGE: Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control 32 fl. oz. Ready-To-Spray covers up to 6,000 sq. ft. for warm season lawns and 4,000 sq. ft. for cool season lawns
- For use on 9 turf types
- Controls a wide range of lawn weeds
- A patented combination of 3 proven weed killers
- Directions for use in conventional & hose end sprayers
- Recommend to use - Surfactant for Herbicide - for increased performance
Choosing the Best Weed Killer for Your Southern Lawn: A Buyer’s Guide
Southern lawns face tough challenges. Hot summers and humid weather help weeds grow fast. You need the right weed killer to keep your grass green and healthy. This guide helps you pick the best product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When buying weed killer, look closely at what the product does. Different sprays attack different weeds.
- **Selective vs. Non-Selective:** Selective killers target specific weeds (like broadleaf weeds) without harming your desirable grass (like Bermuda or Zoysia). Non-selective killers kill everything they touch, including your lawn. For general lawn care, choose **selective**.
- **Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent:** Pre-emergent products stop weeds before they sprout from seeds. Post-emergent products kill weeds that are already growing. Many Southern homeowners use both for the best control.
- **Fast-Acting vs. Slow-Release:** Fast-acting products show results quickly, often within hours. Slow-release formulas offer longer protection over several weeks or months.
- **Safety Ratings:** Check if the product is safe for pets and children *after* it dries.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The active ingredients determine how well the weed killer works. You should know what you are spraying.
For **post-emergent** control, common active ingredients include:
- **2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba:** These are standard chemicals that effectively kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover).
- **Glyphosate:** This is the main ingredient in many non-selective killers. Use this only for clearing patches of weeds where you plan to reseed.
For **pre-emergent** control, look for:
- **Prodiamine or Pendimethalin:** These ingredients create a barrier in the soil, stopping weed seeds from germinating. Apply these early in the spring before temperatures rise too high.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your weed killer depends on how well it works with your specific lawn type and the Southern climate.
**Factors that improve quality:**
- **Temperature Specificity:** High-quality Southern formulas work well even when temperatures are above 85°F. Some generic killers break down too fast in extreme heat.
- **Rainfastness:** A good product sticks to the weeds quickly. Look for a formula that is rainfast (weatherproof) within one to two hours. This prevents rain from washing the product away before it works.
- **Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use:** Concentrates often offer better value and allow you to customize the strength, improving control.
**Factors that reduce quality:**
- **Poor Adhesion:** If the spray beads up and rolls off the waxy leaves of weeds, it will not work well.
- **Using the Wrong Type:** Applying a product meant for cool-season grass onto St. Augustinegrass can severely damage your lawn. Always check the label for grass compatibility.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product greatly affects your success. Southern lawns need timely application.
**User Experience Tips:**
- **Timing is Everything:** For pre-emergents, apply them when soil temperatures are consistently around 55°F. For post-emergents, weeds are easiest to kill when they are actively growing, usually mid-morning when dew has dried.
- **Calibration:** If you use a hose-end sprayer or a pump sprayer, make sure you apply the correct amount. Too little will not kill the weeds; too much can burn your grass.
- **Spot Treating vs. Broadcast:** For a few scattered weeds, spot treating saves money and reduces chemical use. For a full infestation, broadcast spraying the entire lawn is necessary.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Southern Weed Killers
Q: Which weeds are the biggest problem in Southern lawns?
A: The biggest problems are usually broadleaf weeds like dollarweed and clover, and grassy weeds like crabgrass, especially during the hot summer months.
Q: When should I apply pre-emergent weed killer in the South?
A: You should apply pre-emergent herbicide just before the soil warms up enough for weed seeds to sprout. This is usually late February or early March, depending on your specific location in the South.
Q: Can I use a weed killer made for Northern lawns on my Bermuda grass?
A: You must check the label. Many Northern formulas contain ingredients that stress or kill warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustinegrass.
Q: How long must I wait after spraying before letting my dog back on the lawn?
A: This varies by product. Most modern selective weed killers are safe once the spray has completely dried, usually within one to four hours. Always read the label’s re-entry instructions.
Q: What makes a weed killer “rainfast”?
A: A rainfast product sticks to the weed leaves quickly. This means if it rains a short time after you spray, the chemical won’t wash off into the soil or run down the street.
Q: Does liquid or granular weed killer work better in the heat?
A: Liquid formulas often provide better immediate contact and absorption, which can be slightly better when temperatures are high. However, granular products are easier to spread evenly.
Q: Will one application kill all my weeds?
A: No. Most tough Southern weeds need repeat applications, especially if you have a bad infestation. You usually need to wait two to three weeks between post-emergent treatments.
Q: Should I water my lawn before or after spraying?
A: For post-emergent killers, apply when the grass is dry, usually mid-morning. Do not water for at least 24 hours afterward so the chemical has time to work.
Q: What if my lawn has both broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds?
A: You might need two different products. Use a broadleaf killer for the clover and a separate product (or a combination product specifically labeled for both) to handle crabgrass.
Q: Can I use weed killer when it is 95 degrees outside?
A: It is risky. Extreme heat can cause the weed killer to be absorbed too quickly, burning your grass, or it can cause the product to volatilize (turn into a gas) and drift onto sensitive plants nearby.