Does your perfect green lawn suddenly sport unwelcome invaders like dandelions or clover? You spend hours watering and mowing, only to have those pesky weeds steal the show. It’s frustrating when you want a beautiful, uniform carpet of grass, but instead, you get a patchy, weedy mess. Choosing the right selective herbicide can feel like navigating a minefield. You worry about killing the good grass while trying to eliminate the bad. Which product targets crabgrass without harming your fescue?
Understanding selective herbicides is the key to winning the lawn war without causing friendly fire. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly how these specialized products work, what ingredients you need to look for, and how to apply them safely and effectively.
By the end of this post, you will confidently select the best selective herbicide for your specific lawn problems. Get ready to reclaim your yard’s vibrant green glory!
Top Selective Herbicide For Lawns Recommendations
- Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
- Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
- Use in turf, pastures, rangeland, ditch banks, fences…
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- PREMIUM SELECTIVE HERBICIDE: Excellent control of more than 200 broadleaf weeds including dandelion, plantain, oxalis, chickweed, thistles and other hard-to-control species
- BROAD TURFGRASS TOLERANCE: Labeled for cool- and warm-season turfgrass including Bahiagrass, Creeping bentgrass, Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Ryegrass, Fescue, Carpetgrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass
- USE SITES: Residential Lawns, Commercial Lawns,
- USE RATES: .46 oz - 1.1 oz / 1,000 square feet
- ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: MCPA (51.05%), fluroxypyr (6.0%), dicamba (4.17%)
- Tenacity is a systemic pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide for the selective contact and residual control of weeds in turfgrasses.
- When applied as a pre-emergent, weeds absorb Tenacity during emergence from the soil.
- Target pests: Barnyardgrass, Carpetweed, Chickweed, Clover, Crabgrass (large & smooth), Dandelion, Foxtail, Goosegrass, Henbit, Yellow Nutsedge, Purslane, Thistle, Wild Carrot and others
- Active Ingredient: Mesotrione 40%
- Date printed on bottle is Manufacture Date, not expiration. Shelf Life: 5-8 years from date of manufacture when properly stored. Keep out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- This selective weed killer kills or controls many Broadleaf Weeds and plants susceptible to 2, 4-D.
- Works on Dandelion, Arrowhead, Buckhorn, Aster, Goatsbeard and more. See label for full list.
- Pairs great with Hi-Yield Spreader Sticker (31063) for increased effectiveness.
- Product can be used on Lawns, Ponds, Drainage Ditches, Pastures and Rangelands.
- See product label for application rates and instruction
- PREVENT WEED DEVELOPMENT: Barricade 4FL controls the growth and development of weeds before they germinate. Barricade 4FL will not control weeds after they have germinated. This product is labeled for use in a broad range of areas such as vegetation sites, turf species, weed control, grass, broadleaf weeds, established turfgrasses, lawns, sod nurseries, and Christmas tree farms.
- LONG-LASTING PREEMERGENCE WEED PREVENTION: Take action before unsightly vegetation infiltrates your landscaped lawn with our pre-emergent concentrate. One application can prevent weeds season long when used as directed. You can apply this selective weed spray solution several months before germination and expect it to work well into the peak season.
- ULTRA EFFECTIVE: You can use more Barricade for season-long targeted weed control and modulate your use during shorter growing seasons. It's the ideal weed prevention solution for your container, field-grown, and landscape ornamentals.
- BROAD-SPECTRUM HERBICIDE: The weed grass killer is super effective on residential turf, production, and landscape ornamentals. This grass killer can tackle up to 30 species of turf weeds, including both summer and winter annuals. It's all you need to clear your lawn of pesky weeds.
- INHIBITS GROWTH: Our herbicide for lawns prevents weed growth and development. This weed preventer focuses on controlling preventing pesky grass and weeds to the root in one swift application. Please note that Barricade must be applied before the targeted weeds germinate and emerge.
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- KILLS WEEDS: This lawn weed killer kills over 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- LAWN FRIENDLY: It contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won’t harm your grass (when used as directed)
- RESULTS YOU CAN SEE: Visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried
- EASY TO USE: To apply, connect your garden hose to the sprayer and set the nozzle to your desired setting
- TRUSTED PERFORMER: Torocity contains 40.0% mesotrione; the same active ingredient as the leading brand, Tenacity. For more than 20 years, mesotrione has been the trusted choice for effective weed control in newly seeded areas as well as established turf.
- FLEXIBLE APPLICATION TIMING: This double-hitter herbicide allows timing forgiveness with both pre- and post-emerge activity. Compared to pre-emerge only herbicides, Torocity widens the application window so you can stop new weeds before they start and take down the weeds you already have.
- BROAD-SPECTRUM WEED CONTROL: Torocity delivers powerful control of many broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass, ground ivy, clover, oxalis, and dandelion.
- IDEAL TURF RENOVATION PARTNER: Torocity is one of the few herbicides labeled for just-seeded Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and centipedegrass. Apply before seed germination to prevent weed competition and encourage new grass growth. Torocity may be used on new seedings, grass grown for sod, and established turf. Do NOT apply to Bentgrass, Zoysiagrass, and actively growing Bermudagrass. See label for complete list of tolerant turfgrass species.
- EASY-MEASURE TOOL INLCUDED: We took out the guesswork so you get the right rate – easily. Our pre-marked syringe highlights the exact amount of product needed per gallon of water. Torocity is activated by water, if rainfall doesn’t occur within 10 days of application, water the area with 0.15 inches of water.
Choosing the Right Selective Herbicide for Your Lawn
Keeping your lawn green and weed-free is a big job. Selective herbicides are your best friend here. They target unwanted weeds while leaving your good grass unharmed. This guide helps you pick the perfect product for a beautiful yard.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a selective lawn herbicide, check these features first:
- Targeted Weed Control: Does it kill the weeds you actually have? Look for labels that list common lawn invaders like dandelions, clover, and plantain. Some products only kill broadleaf weeds, while others handle grassy weeds too.
- Lawn Safety: This is the “selective” part! Ensure the product explicitly states it is safe for your specific grass type (e.g., Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, or Bermuda grass). Using the wrong one can turn your healthy lawn brown.
- Application Type: Herbicides come in liquid concentrates (you mix with water) or ready-to-use sprays. Granular forms are also available. Choose the format that fits how you prefer to treat your lawn.
- Speed of Action: Some herbicides work fast, showing results in a few days. Others are slower, requiring patience. Decide what speed works best for your schedule.
Important Materials and Active Ingredients
The “materials” in a herbicide are its active ingredients. These chemicals do the work. You do not need a chemistry degree to read the label, but knowing the common types helps:
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP: These are very common ingredients that effectively control most broadleaf weeds. They are powerful and work well when used correctly.
- Surfactants (Sometimes Included): These help the spray stick to the weed leaves better, improving how much chemical the weed absorbs.
- Fertilizer Combinations: Some products mix weed killer with lawn food. This saves time because you feed and treat your lawn at the same time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your results depends on the product and how you use it.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Temperature Matching: Most broadleaf weed killers work best when temperatures are mild (usually 60°F to 85°F). High heat can reduce effectiveness or even harm your grass.
- Proper Mixing: If you use a concentrate, measure precisely. Too little won’t kill the weeds; too much risks damaging your lawn.
- Weed Maturity: Younger, actively growing weeds absorb chemicals much better than old, tough weeds.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Rain Soon After Application: If rain washes the product away before it dries, the herbicide will not work well. Check the forecast!
- Windy Days: Applying herbicide on a windy day causes “drift.” The spray can blow onto desirable plants, flower beds, or even your neighbor’s lawn, killing plants you did not mean to target.
- Mowing Too Soon: Do not mow for two days before or two days after applying most liquid herbicides. The grass blades need to be tall enough to catch the spray properly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Good user experience means easy application and predictable results. Ready-to-use spray bottles offer the best experience for beginners because they require no mixing. Experienced gardeners often prefer concentrates because they save money when treating very large lawns.
Common Use Cases:
- Spring Cleanup: Treating early spring growth eliminates the first flush of weeds.
- Spot Treatment: If you only have a few stubborn weeds, use a targeted spot-spray bottle instead of treating the whole yard.
- Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent: Buy pre-emergent herbicides early in the season to stop seeds from sprouting. Buy post-emergent herbicides (like the ones discussed here) to kill weeds that are already visible.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Selective Lawn Herbicides
Q: What makes a herbicide “selective”?
A: A selective herbicide kills certain types of plants (weeds) but leaves other, similar plants (your desirable lawn grass) unharmed. This is the magic of the product!
Q: How long until I see the weeds die?
A: This varies by product, but most broadleaf weed killers start showing yellowing or wilting within 3 to 7 days.
Q: Can I use this if I have pets?
A: Yes, usually, but only after the lawn has completely dried following application. Always check the product label for specific re-entry times for children and pets.
Q: When is the best time of year to apply?
A: Spring and early fall are often the best times because weeds are actively growing, and the weather is usually mild.
Q: Does rain ruin the application?
A: Yes, heavy rain within a few hours of spraying can wash the chemical away, making it ineffective. Look for a dry forecast.
Q: Should I water my lawn before spraying?
A: It is generally best to water the day before or let the dew dry off in the morning. The weeds should not be soaking wet when you spray.
Q: What if my grass type is not listed on the label?
A: Do not use the product. If your grass is not listed as safe, you risk killing your lawn. Find a product specifically approved for your grass type.
Q: How much product do I need for my yard?
A: Check the label; it gives you the coverage area (e.g., treats 5,000 square feet). Measure your lawn area first to buy the correct amount.
Q: Can I mix different weed killers together?
A: Never mix different chemicals unless the label specifically tells you it is safe to do so. Mixing can create dangerous reactions or ruin the effectiveness of both products.
Q: What happens if I accidentally spray a flower bush?
A: If you notice spray drift immediately, you can try to rinse the bush gently with a hose, but severe damage may already be starting. For future safety, cover desirable plants with plastic sheeting during application.