Does your otherwise perfect lawn have pesky weeds poking through? It’s frustrating! You want that lush, green carpet, but dandelions and clover keep crashing the party. Choosing the right weed killer feels like a guessing game. You see bags and bottles promising miracles, but you worry about hurting your healthy grass. Many homeowners struggle to find a product that targets the bad guys (weeds) without harming the good guys (your lawn).
That’s where selective herbicides come in. These specialized tools are designed to be smart shoppers, picking out only the unwanted plants. Understanding how they work unlocks the secret to a truly beautiful yard. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what a selective herbicide is, how it keeps your grass safe, and which types work best for your specific lawn problems. Get ready to take control of your turf and finally win the war against lawn weeds!
Top Selective Herbicides For Lawns Recommendations
- 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.
- 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%)
- Use with most pesticides to improve results
- 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.
- EFFECTIVE BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL - Effective broadleaf weed control for hard to control weeds.
- CONTROL - Spurge Power contains 3 active ingredients that control Spurge, Dandelion, Oxalis, Creeping Charlie, Clover, Wild Violet, and other broadleaf weeds in lawn areas.
- FOR WARM AND COOL SEASON LAWNS - May be used on both warm and cool season lawns such as bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, bentgrass, bahiagrass, bermuda grass, and zoysia.
- CONCENTRATED FORMULA - Covers up to 16,000 sq ft. of lawn.
- 3 ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: MCPA, Triclopyr and Dicamba.
- 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.
- Fast Acting Broadleaf Weed Control
- Professional Strength
- Kills most Broadleaf Weeds
- Easy to use
- SELECTIVE WEED KILLER. Our formula targets broadleaf weeds, not grass. You can easily take care of weeds without worrying about damaging your lawn.
- POWERFUL FORMULA. Triple Threat is an industrial strength herbicide. Use it to eliminate weeds entirely after one application.
- EASY TO USE HERBICIDE. Dilute as needed and then spray on the affected area.
- POISON PROTECTION. Don’t risk getting a rash by pulling out poisonous plants by hand. Triple Threat targets plants, such as poison oak and poison ivy, in addition to other broadleaf weeds.
- COST EFFECTIVE. Cover more ground using less product. Mix 8 oz. of Triple Threat in 6 gallons of water to cover 2,500 sq ft. Mix one gallon of Triple Threat in 50 gallons of water to cover one acre. NOT FOR SALE IN THESE STATES - AK, CA, CT, DE, HI, LA, ME, MA, ND, RI, VT, DC
Choosing the Right Selective Herbicide for a Lush Lawn
Weeds are the enemy of a beautiful lawn. Selective herbicides are your secret weapon. They kill the weeds but leave your good grass unharmed. This guide helps you pick the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a selective herbicide, several features matter most. These features determine how well the product works and how safe it is for your lawn.
Weed Spectrum Control
Check which weeds the product targets. Some herbicides only kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions). Others handle grassy weeds (like crabgrass) too. Choose a product that matches the weeds you see most often.
Turf Safety Rating
This is vital. Make sure the label clearly states which grass types the product is safe for. Using a product meant for Kentucky Bluegrass on a St. Augustine lawn can kill your whole yard. Always check the compatibility chart.
Application Type
Herbicides come in liquid or granular forms. Liquids mix with water and spray on. Granules spread across the lawn, often needing watering afterward to activate. Choose the form that fits your application method and effort level.
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
- Pre-Emergent: These stop seeds from sprouting. You apply them before weeds appear (usually early spring).
- Post-Emergent: These kill weeds that are already growing. Apply these when you see active weeds.
Many homeowners need both types for year-round control.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The active ingredients are what do the killing. Reading the label tells you what chemicals you are using.
Common Active Ingredients
Look for well-known compounds like 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. These target broadleaf weeds effectively. For grassy weeds, ingredients like Quinclorac are common.
Inert Ingredients
These are the carriers, surfactants, or stabilizers. They help the active ingredient stick to the leaf or spread evenly. While less important than the active ingredients, high-quality surfactants can improve performance, especially in hot or dry weather.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the product and how you use it greatly affect results.
Temperature and Weather
Improve Quality: Applying post-emergent herbicides when temperatures are mild (usually 65°F to 85°F) helps the chemical move through the weed effectively. Sunny days help too.
Reduce Quality: Applying when it is too hot (over 90°F) or too cold slows the weed’s growth, making the herbicide less effective. Rain shortly after application washes the product away, reducing quality.
Concentration and Mixing
Higher concentration doesn’t always mean better quality; it means you need less product. If you use a concentrate, precise mixing is crucial. Too little won’t kill the weeds. Too much can damage your lawn or waste money.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the product.
Ease of Use
Ready-to-use (pre-mixed) sprays are easiest for small patches. Concentrate formulas are better for large lawns because they are more cost-effective, but they require a sprayer and careful measuring.
Speed of Results
If you need fast results for curb appeal, look for fast-acting post-emergent liquids. Some show results in just a few hours, though full weed death might take a week.
Selective Herbicide Buying Guide FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between selective and non-selective herbicides?
A: Selective herbicides only target specific plants, like weeds, keeping your desirable grass safe. Non-selective herbicides kill everything they touch, including your lawn.
Q: How long must I wait after applying a selective herbicide before letting pets or children on the lawn?
A: This time varies by product. Always read the label! Usually, you must wait until the treated area is completely dry, which can take anywhere from one hour to 24 hours.
Q: Can I use a selective herbicide if my lawn is stressed (e.g., during a drought)?
A: No. Stressed or drought-stricken grass handles chemicals poorly. Wait until the grass is actively growing and healthy before applying any herbicide to avoid burning or killing your turf.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn after applying a granular selective herbicide?
A: Yes, usually. Most granular herbicides require watering immediately after spreading. This step washes the chemical off the granules and down to the soil or the weed leaves to start working.
Q: What is the best time of year to apply pre-emergent herbicides?
A: For most northern grasses, apply pre-emergents in early spring before soil temperatures consistently hit 55°F. This stops crabgrass before it sprouts.
Q: What happens if I accidentally spray the herbicide onto my flower bed?
A: If it is a post-emergent, the flowers or shrubs will likely suffer damage or die because the chemical is designed to harm plant life. Protect surrounding desirable plants with a shield or plastic barrier during application.
Q: How often can I safely apply a selective herbicide?
A: The frequency depends on the specific chemical. Most products recommend waiting four to six weeks between applications during the growing season to prevent over-application and lawn damage.
Q: Are organic selective herbicides available?
A: Yes, some natural options exist, often using ingredients like corn gluten meal or specific fatty acids. These often require more frequent applications and may have a narrower weed spectrum.
Q: Should I mow my lawn before or after applying a liquid selective herbicide?
A: It is best to mow two or three days *before* application. This gives the weeds time to grow new leaf surface area for the spray to stick to. Do not mow for at least 24 to 48 hours *after* application.
Q: Why are some selective herbicides more expensive than others?
A: Higher cost usually reflects a broader weed spectrum (killing more types of weeds), better safety margins for sensitive turf, or the inclusion of a built-in fertilizer component.