Does your perfect green lawn look more like a patchy battlefield dotted with unwelcome invaders? You spend hours watering, mowing, and admiring your turf, only to see stubborn weeds like dandelions and clover stubbornly refusing to leave. It’s frustrating when those broadleaf nuisances steal the spotlight from your beautiful grass.
Choosing the right selective herbicide can feel like navigating a maze. You need a product that targets the bad guys—the weeds—without harming the good guys—your precious lawn grass. Picking the wrong chemical can lead to yellow patches or, worse, dead grass where you wanted lush growth. It’s a balance act that demands the right knowledge.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what a selective herbicide is, how it works, and the best types to use for different lawn challenges. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect product to reclaim your lawn’s uniform 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…
- Roundup For Lawns₁ is a ready-to-use tough weed killer for Northern grasses that kills weeds, roots and all (when used as directed), with up to 3 month weed control (as listed)
- Kills 253 types of weeds (see inside booklet for weed list), including crabgrass, dandelion, clover, yellow nutsedge, poison ivy, chickweed, oxalis, and purslane
- Roundup For Lawns₁ starts working immediately and is rainproof in 3 hours
- Use this tough weed killer on listed Northern grasses, including Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Fescue spp. including Tall, Red, and Fine Leaf Fescues, and Zoysiagrass
- The easy reach extendable spray wand makes application a breeze with its continuous spray
- 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
- 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.
- Use with most pesticides to improve results
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as crabgrass and yellow nutsedge – see product label for complete list of weed types
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: No mixing required
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Selective Herbicide for Lawns
Tired of pesky weeds taking over your beautiful green lawn? A selective herbicide is your secret weapon. This guide helps you pick the right one so you can enjoy a weed-free yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at what the product promises to do. These features make a big difference in how well the herbicide works.
1. Target Weed Specificity
- Broadleaf vs. Grassy Weeds: Most common lawn weeds are “broadleaf” (like dandelions or clover). Make sure the bottle clearly states it targets the weeds you have. Some herbicides only kill broadleaf weeds and leave grass alone—that is what “selective” means!
- Weed List: Check the label for a list of weeds it controls. If your main problem weed isn’t listed, the product likely won’t work on it.
2. Lawn Grass Compatibility
- Safety for Your Grass: Always confirm the herbicide is safe for your type of grass (e.g., Fescue, Bermuda, or Zoysia). Using the wrong one can turn your healthy grass brown or kill it completely.
3. Application Type
- Ready-to-Use (RTU): These come pre-mixed in a sprayer. They are super easy to use but often cost more per ounce. Good for small yards or quick touch-ups.
- Concentrate: You mix this with water in a separate sprayer. It saves money for large areas but requires careful measuring.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The active ingredients are the chemicals that actually kill the weeds. You need to know what they are.
Active Ingredients
Look for common active ingredients like 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. These chemicals are designed to disrupt the growth of broadleaf plants without harming your turfgrass. Always check the percentages listed on the label—a higher percentage usually means a stronger product.
Inert Ingredients
These are the “other” parts of the mix. They help the active ingredients stick to the weeds or spread evenly. Good inert ingredients help the product work better, even after a light rain.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a selective herbicide depends on how effective it is and how long it lasts.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Rainfastness: A high-quality product dries quickly and resists washing away if it rains shortly after application. Check the label for the required dry time (usually 1 to 4 hours).
- Systemic Action: The best herbicides are systemic. This means the weed sucks the chemical down to its roots, killing the entire plant, not just the leaves it touches.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Temperature Sensitivity: Many herbicides stop working well or can damage your lawn if applied when temperatures are too high (usually above 85°F). Always check the application temperature range.
- Old or Expired Stock: Chemicals lose strength over time. Buying from a reputable store ensures you get fresh, potent product.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is it to use, and when should you apply it?
Ease of Use
If you are new to lawn care, an RTU sprayer is the simplest choice. If you use a concentrate, ensure the mixing instructions are clear. Messing up the ratio can harm your grass.
Best Time to Apply
Most experts recommend applying selective herbicides in the **spring** (when weeds are actively growing) or **fall**. Weeds are strong during these times, meaning they absorb the chemical better. Avoid heavy watering right before or right after application.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Selective Lawn Herbicides
Q: What is the main difference between selective and non-selective herbicides?
A: Selective herbicides kill specific types of plants, like broadleaf weeds, while leaving your lawn grass unharmed. Non-selective herbicides kill almost everything they touch, including your grass.
Q: How long until I see results after spraying?
A: Most selective herbicides start showing yellowing or browning on the weeds within 3 to 7 days. Full weed death might take a couple of weeks.
Q: Can I mow my lawn right after applying the herbicide?
A: No. Wait at least two days after application before mowing. This gives the chemical time to travel through the weed roots.
Q: Is it safe to let my pets walk on the lawn after treatment?
A: Wait until the treated areas are completely dry. Once dry, most common lawn herbicides are safe for pets, but always check the label for specific waiting times.
Q: What if it rains the day after I spray?
A: If the product has a short rainfast window (like one hour), you might need to reapply. If the label says 24 hours, you probably need to spray again.
Q: Does the temperature affect how well this product works?
A: Yes, significantly. Applying when it is too hot (above 85°F) can cause the herbicide to burn your grass instead of killing the weeds.
Q: Do I need to wear special gear?
A: Always wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. Some stronger concentrates recommend safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes.
Q: Will one application kill stubborn weeds like ground ivy?
A: Tough, established weeds often need two applications. You usually wait about two to three weeks between the first and second spray for the best results.
Q: Should I use a liquid or granular selective herbicide?
A: Liquids generally work faster because they are absorbed immediately. Granules are often easier for even coverage but need rain or watering to activate the chemicals.
Q: How do I store leftover herbicide?
A: Keep it in its original, labeled container, tightly sealed, and stored in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Never store mixed solutions.