Selective Post Emergent Herbicides

Post-Emergent Selective Herbicide Products

Selective post-emergent herbicides are formulated to only kill certain types of broadleaf weeds and weed grasses, without hurting common turf grasses such as bermudagrass and St. Augustine grass.  Always read the label first to make sure the product you choose will target the right weeds without hurting your turf.

With all the different kinds of weeds in your garden or lawn and all the products on the market for weed control, it can get very confusing. There are two main categories of herbicides: selective and non-selective. Selective herbicides are formulated for a certain type of weeds and will not kill grass. These are the most commonly used in home situations, but there are categories within selective herbicides that are important to know to fully control your weeds.

Pre-emergent herbicides: These herbicides are applied to seeds in the soil before they germinate. To make this type of herbicide most effective, it must be applied about two or three weeks before seeds begin to germinate. This type of weed killer is very effective against annual weeds, like crabgrass.

Post-emergent selective herbicides: This type of weed killer affects plants that are already up and growing. Many must be absorbed through the leaves of the plant to be the most effective, and used to control annual, biennial, and perennial broad-leaf weeds without damaging grass. However, post-emergent herbicides can seriously damage or kill trees, shrubs, and flowers, so they need to be used with caution.

There are also herbicides formulated for broadleaf or grassy weeds. Broadleaf plants include: dandelion, thistle, chickweed, clover, ground ivy (creeping Charlie), yarrow, mallow, knotweed, and dock. Grassy weeds include: annual bluegrass, crabgrass, foxtail, goose grass, tall fescue, creeping bent grass, and brome grass. 

Always read instructions and warnings before applying any chemicals in your garden or lawn.