Does your beautiful Texas lawn look more like a patchy, weed-filled battlefield? You spend hours watering and mowing, but stubborn invaders like crabgrass and clover just keep popping up. It’s frustrating! Choosing the right weed killer for your Texas lawn is tough because our intense heat and unique soil conditions mean some products just don’t work well here, or worse, they might harm your grass.
You need a solution that tackles Texas weeds effectively without turning your St. Augustine or Bermuda grass brown. That’s where this guide comes in. We cut through the confusing labels and chemical jargon. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which weed killers are safe, powerful, and best suited for the harsh Texas climate.
Get ready to reclaim your yard. Let’s dive into the best weed control strategies designed specifically for the Lone Star State.
Top Weed Killer For Texas Lawns Recommendations
- KILLS & PREVENTS WEEDS* UP TO 6 MONTHS: Kills broadleaf weeds*, including Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed and Henbit with a proven blend of weed killers *Listed
- CRABGRASS PREVENTION: Prevents grassy and listed broadleaf weeds such as Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Common Dandelion, Goosegrass and Spurge for up to 6 months
- IDEAL FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Improve your lawn care with this broadleaf weed killer that treats up to 4,000 square feet of southern turf, including all varieties of St. Augustinegrass and Floratam
- READY FOR THE SEASON: With one application, this crabgrass preventer offers season-long weed control
- SIMPLE APPLICATION: Apply these weed killer granules with a rotary or drop spreader and water lightly 24 hours after applying
- 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.
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control kills weeds and gives your lawn a quick boost of nitrogen to promote greening
- Liquid weed killer plus fertilizer controls dandelion, clover, ground ivy, henbit, chickweed, plantain, poison ivy, and other broadleaf weeds as listed
- Apply this ready-to-spray weed and feed when weeds are actively growing
- This lawn care product is for use on Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, Bahiagrass, Common Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- One 32 fl. oz. container of Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control provides coverage of 6,000 sq. ft. for warm season lawns and 4,000 sq. ft. for cool season lawns
- 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
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 42.87 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 15,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ kills tough weeds and grasses to the root, including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, clover (red & white), spotted spurge, and other broadleaf weeds
- It is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
- Allows for planting 1 to 30 days after application (see booklet for details)
- Use in or around flower beds and perennial landscape plants, around trees and shrubs, on patios, walkways, and driveways, gravel, or mulch beds, along fences and foundations, and edging around foundations and retaining walls
- The Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer with an extendable wand provides up to 10 minutes of continuous spray and provides greater accuracy without bending over
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Kills major broadleaf weeds while feeding your lawn.
- FEEDS LAWN: Fertilizes with 20 percent nitrogen formulation.
- KILLS WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many broadleaf weeds as listed.
- QUICKFLIP SPRAYER: Just connect to your hose and spray – just grip, flip and go.
- COVERAGE: 32 ounces treats up to 7,500 square feet of lawn.
- KILLS TO THE ROOT: BioAdvanced Lawn Weed Killer controls listed weeds down to their roots and can cover up to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn
- KILLS OVER 200 WEEDS: Kills over 200 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, dollarweed, and chickweed
- EASY APPLICATION: One application will kill listed weeds and won't harm your lawn (when used as directed)
- VERSATILE FOR YOUR LAWN: Formulated for both Southern and Northern lawns like Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda, Buffalo, and some varieties of St. Augustinegrass
- RAINPROOF PROTECTION: Enjoy rainproof protection in 1 hour with this lawn weed killer spray
Your Essential Guide to Choosing Weed Killer for Texas Lawns
Texas heat and unique soil present a real challenge for keeping a beautiful, weed-free lawn. Choosing the right weed killer is crucial. This guide helps you pick the best product for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for specific features that match Texas conditions.
1. Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weed Killers: These are your best friends for lawns. They target specific weeds (like broadleaf weeds) while leaving your desirable grasses (like Bermuda or St. Augustine) unharmed.
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Use these only for driveways, patios, or bare soil preparation.
2. Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
- Pre-Emergent: This type stops seeds from sprouting. Apply it early in the spring before weeds like crabgrass germinate. This is preventative magic.
- Post-Emergent: This type kills weeds that are already growing. Use this when you see visible invaders like dandelions or clover.
3. Active Ingredients
The ingredients determine how the product works. Look for common active ingredients like 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP for broadleaf weeds. For tough grasses, look for products containing Quinclorac.
Important Materials and Application Types
Weed killers come in different forms. Your choice affects how you apply them and how quickly they work.
Liquid Concentrates vs. Ready-to-Use (RTU)
- Liquid Concentrates: You mix these with water. They are usually cheaper per gallon and better for large lawns. You need a sprayer.
- Ready-to-Use (RTU): These are pre-mixed in a jug with a sprayer attached. They are convenient but cost more. They are perfect for small touch-up jobs.
Granular Products
These dry pellets spread easily over the lawn using a spreader. They often contain slow-release fertilizers mixed with the weed killer. They require watering in after application to activate.
Factors That Affect Quality
The quality of your results depends on more than just the bottle label. Timing and weather matter greatly in Texas.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Temperature: Most post-emergent products work best when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F. Very high Texas heat (over 90°F) can cause the product to evaporate too fast or stress the grass, leading to burn spots.
- Wind Speed: Always apply when the wind is calm. High winds cause “drift,” moving the spray onto desirable plants or neighbors’ yards.
- Soil Moisture: Ensure your lawn is adequately watered but not soaking wet before application for best absorption.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Rain Immediately After Spraying: If rain washes the product away before it absorbs, it will not work well. Check the label for “rainfast” time—usually 2 to 4 hours.
- Improper Calibration: Applying too little won’t kill the weeds. Applying too much will damage your grass. Follow dilution rates exactly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product shapes your experience. Think about your lawn size and your tolerance for mixing chemicals.
For Large Areas (Over 5,000 sq. ft.)
Users prefer concentrated liquids mixed in a backpack or tow-behind sprayer. This method saves money and allows for broad, even coverage. You need a dedicated, clean sprayer.
For Spot Treating and Small Yards
RTU spray bottles are popular here. They offer quick, precise application right onto the weed without any measuring mess. This is ideal for homeowners who only see a few weeds popping up monthly.
10 FAQs About Texas Lawn Weed Killers
Q: When is the best time to put down pre-emergent in North Texas?
A: Apply pre-emergent when soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F, usually late February or early March, before spring weeds start growing.
Q: Can I use the same product for St. Augustine and Bermuda grass?
A: No. Always check the label! Some chemicals harm St. Augustine grass, which is sensitive to certain herbicides common in Bermuda grass formulas.
Q: How long after applying weed killer can my dog go outside?
A: Wait until the treated area is completely dry, usually a few hours. Check the specific product label for the exact reentry time.
Q: What kills dollarweed effectively in Texas?
A: Dollarweed is tough. Look for selective post-emergent products containing the active ingredient Dicamba or those specifically labeled for dollarweed control.
Q: Should I water my lawn before or after spraying post-emergent?
A: Water lightly a day before spraying so the weeds are actively growing. Then, wait at least 24 hours after spraying before watering again unless the label says otherwise.
Q: Why are my weeds turning brown but not dying completely?
A: This often happens in extreme heat. The weed stops growing (browning), but the roots are still alive. Reapply according to the label’s instructions, waiting several weeks.
Q: Are organic weed killers strong enough for Texas lawns?
A: Organic options, often based on vinegar or citrus oils, work best on very young weeds or as a non-selective burner. They usually lack the staying power needed for long-term weed prevention here.
Q: What is the major difference between a liquid spray and a granular product?
A: Liquids are absorbed faster by the leaves. Granules often stick around longer on the soil surface to prevent new seeds from sprouting.
Q: Can I apply weed killer when it is already raining?
A: Never apply when it is raining or if heavy rain is expected within a few hours. The rain washes the product away before it can work.
Q: How often should I apply a pre-emergent herbicide during the year?
A: For Texas lawns, you typically need two main applications: one in early spring and another in the fall (around September) to control winter annuals.