Product Features

  • Controls over 46 broadleaf weeds & grasses
  • Selective pre- and post-emergent weed control
  • Use when seeding cool-season lawns to prevent weeds from germinating
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Average Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars Rating: 4.3

620 Reviews | 682 Q&A

Product Overview

Tenacity Herbicide is a systemic pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide for the selective contact and residual control of weeds in turfgrasses. Tenacity can be used for weed control prior to or during seeding of certain turfgrasses during renovations. When applied as a pre-emergent, weeds absorb Tenacity during emergence from the soil. Dry conditions following application may reduce the pre-emergence activity. If rainfall (0.15 inches) has not occurred within 10 days after a pre-emergence application, activate with 0.15 inches of irrigation.  When used as a post-emergent, Tenacity weed killer is absorbed by susceptible weeds through foliar contact and soil absorption. Foliage of treated weeds cease growth after application, then turn white (loss of chlorophyll) and death may take up to three weeks. A repeat application is required after two to three weeks for improved post-emergence weed control. A non-ionic surfactant should be added in post-emergence applications. 

We also offer the Tenacity Herbicide Kit with Surfactant and Spray Indicator Dye which includes one 8 ounce bottle of Tenacity Herbicide, one 32 ounce bottle of Turf Mark Blue Spray Indicator Dye, and one 8 ounce bottle of Hi-Yield Spreader Sticker Non-Ionic Surfactant.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Tenacity is NOT for use on Bermudagrass when actively growing or St Augustine home lawns.
  • Tenacity does NOT provide post-emergent control of Poa Annua.  It will only provide suppression of Poa Annua when used as a pre-emergent.  
  • When treating for clover, or suppression of bermudagrass, it is recommended to tank mix Tenacity Herbicide with Turflon Ester for more improved control.  Please see Supplemental Label 2(ee) for complete instructions.   This 2(ee) Recommendation applies to the following turf species only: Tall fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Perennial Ryegrass.
 

Syngenta has recently updated its Tenacity packaging.  You may get either the new packaging or the old packaging until all of the old packaging style has been depleted.  There is no change to the product itself, only the exterior packaging. 

Tenacity New Packaging

Features and Specs

Active Ingredient Mesotrione 40%
Target pests Barnyardgrass, Carpetweed, Chickweed, Clover, Crabgrass (large & smooth), Dandelion, Foxtail, Goosegrass, Henbit, Yellow Nutsedge, Purslane, Thistle, Wild Carrot and others
* See label for complete list
For use in Kentucky Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Buffalograss, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue, St. Augustine Grass (grown for sod only)
Application 4 - 8 oz. per 30 gallons of water per acre
* Use a Surfactant to Increase Effectiveness
* See label for complete application instructions
Formulation Professional Product
Group 27 Herbicide
NOT FOR SALE TO AK, PR
Shelf Life 3-5 years from date of manufacture when properly stored. Keep out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
Shipping Weight 0.81 lbs
Manufacturer Syngenta (Mfg. Number: 46256)
EPA Registration 100-1267

Details

Tenacity Herbicide is a professional-grade, selective weed control solution that works both before and after weeds emerge. Powered by the active ingredient mesotrione, it targets over 40 grassy and broadleaf weeds while remaining safe for many common lawn types. Its unique ability to be used during seeding sets it apart from most traditional herbicides.

 

What Weeds Does Tenacity Herbicide Control?

Tenacity controls over 40 weed species, including both grassy and broadleaf weeds such as:

  • Crabgrass
  • Goosegrass
  • Bentgrass
  • Nimblewill

It is especially valued for controlling difficult perennial grassy weeds in turf. See the label for the full list of weeds that Tenacity will kill.

 

What Grass Types Can Tenacity Be Used On?

Tenacity is safe for use on many cool- and some warm-season grasses, including:

  • Kentucky bluegrass
  • Tall fescue
  • Perennial ryegrass
  • Centipedegrass

It can also be used at or before seeding these grasses. See the Tenacity label for a full list of grass types.

 

What Grass Types Should NOT Be Treated with Tenacity?

Do not use Tenacity on:

  • Zoysiagrass
  • Bermudagrass (common or hybrid)
  • Seashore paspalum
  • Kikuyugrass

Using Tenacity on these grasses may result in injury or discoloration. Always read the label and follow the instructions when using an herbicide like Tenacity.

 

Can I Seed or Reseed After Applying Tenacity Herbicide?

Yes. Tenacity is one of the few herbicides that can be used at or near seeding time.

  • You can apply Tenacity at the time of seeding or immediately after for most grass types
  • Exception: Wait 2–4 weeks before seeding fine fescue

When Should Tenacity Herbicide Be Applied for Best Results?

Tenacity works as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide, making timing flexible:

  • Pre-emergent: Apply before weeds germinate to prevent growth
  • Post-emergent: Apply to actively growing weeds

For optimal performance:

  • Apply when soil temperatures reach ~55°F or higher
  • Ideal air temperatures are typically 65°F–85°F
  • Avoid applications when temperatures exceed 85°F
 

How Much Tenacity Herbicide Per Gallon of Water?

For small, spot-treatment applications, mix 0.5 teaspoons of Tenacity Herbicide per 1 gallon of water to treat approximately 1,000 square feet.

For best results, add a non-ionic surfactant at 1.5 teaspoons per gallon to improve weed control by helping the product stick to and penetrate foliage.

 

How Long Does Tenacity Herbicide Take to Work?

Tenacity begins working soon after application:

  • Weed growth is suppressed within days
  • Visible whitening (bleaching) may occur in 1–2 weeks
  • Complete weed death typically occurs within 2–3 weeks

This whitening effect is normal and indicates the herbicide is disrupting photosynthesis.

 

Does Tenacity Need to Be Watered in After Application?

No, Tenacity does not need to be watered in when used as a post-emergent herbicide.

  • Allow at least 6 hours of dry time after application before rain or irrigation
  • Watering too soon may reduce effectiveness
 

How Rainfast is Tenacity Herbicide?

Tenacity Herbicide needs about 6 hours to fully dry on the plant before rain or watering. After this time, rainfall or irrigation should not reduce its effectiveness.

 

What Makes Tenacity Different from Other Herbicides?

Tenacity stands out because it features a unique mode of action (mesotrione) that:

  • Controls weeds both pre- and post-emergence
  • Selectively targets weeds without harming labeled turfgrass
  • Allows use during seeding, unlike most herbicides
  • Effectively controls tough grassy weeds like bentgrass and nimblewill

Currently, there are no direct equivalents with the same combination of selectivity and versatility available for residential turf use.

 

Can Tenacity Be Mixed with Other Herbicides?

Yes, Tenacity can be tank mixed with other compatible herbicides to broaden weed control, including:

  • Barricade
  • Atrazine
  • Simazine
  • Dicamba
  • Triclopyr
  • Three-way herbicides

Always follow label instructions and perform a compatibility test before mixing.

 

What Are the Key Benefits of Using Tenacity Herbicide?

  • Dual-action: pre- and post-emergent control
  • Controls hard-to-kill grassy weeds
  • Safe for use during lawn establishment
  • Works on over 40 weed species
  • Unique chemistry not found in other residential herbicides

Tenacity Safe for Seeding

 

Tenacity Herbicide What to Expect

Review Search   
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  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Tenacity Herbicide

    By Frank on 05/07/2012

    Verified Purchase

    I had a lot of weed grasses in my yard and they were invasive and spreading over the whole yard. Tenacity targets weed grasses and kills them while leaving the rest of the yard in tact and that is exactly what it did. All of my weeds are dying. One thing you must note is that this herbicide needs to be watered after it dries on the plant so that the plant takes it in. It will not work if you just spray it on and don't get rain or water it for a couple of weeks. It's pricy but I know of no other chemical that will kill weed grasses and leave what you want, alone.

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    652 of 681 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    A Miracle Herbicide!

    By Margaret on 08/14/2012

    Verified Purchase

    I had a lawn that was completely taken over by bentgrass. I used round up on the lawn and put in an entire new lawn. All was well for a year or two. Then the the bentgrass came back in a few isolated areas. I would have to round them up at the end of the season and reseed. This went on for a number of years. When I learned about Tenacity I was thrilled and gave it a try. It works wonderfully! Yes it is pricy, however it beats having to round up the bentgrass, clear it out, put down more top soil and reseed. Try it...you won't be disappointed.

    Was this review helpful to you?  YesNo

    407 of 424 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Death of Nimblewill grass

    By David on 10/02/2015

    It took a while, but the grass and other weeds are all white/dying. I used three teaspoons of "Dawn Ultra" & one teaspoon of Tenacity to two gallons of water, per a study by Ohio State University.

    Was this review helpful to you?  YesNo

    376 of 392 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Great product! Does exactly what it advertises!

    By Debi on 09/07/2012

    My mom completely re-sodded front and back lawns and within 3 years it had been invaded by bentgrass. My new lawn was hydro-seeded 5 years ago in a new subdivision that used to be a golf course. Our methodology was to use Roundup in the fall (when the bent grass really seems to take off in growth) and then reseed the large killed off areas, hoping that the Roundup did a thorough job in killing the bentgrass. This becomes very tedious every year, not to mention the expense. We waited a few years for Tenacity to be available to the public and have both been having great results with the product. The good thing is that the remaining blades of good turf remain green in the kill zone. That gives me hope that I may not have to reseed, just wait for the good turf grass to fill in by itself. Our lawns are a combination kentucky blue and fescue blends. My only complaint is that the product is so concentrated and thick. The high concentration makes it even more critical to measure accurately! Not too crazy about the enclosed syringe measuring device. I feel it is too difficult to use and the potential to spill is high. I would love if there could be a more diluted Tenacity product to purchase for the average homeowner. That would make the product easier to measure, plus ensure a bit of wiggle room on the measurements?

    Was this review helpful to you?  YesNo

    337 of 363 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    No more Crabgrass!!

    By Rob on 08/23/2012

    Verified Purchase

    This product really works. It does take time, so be patient. I still have to apply the second application to finish off the Crabgrass!!! It won't take much, the plants are almost dead now after 2 weeks.

    Was this review helpful to you?  YesNo

    278 of 287 people found this review helpful

See all 620 customer reviews

Questions & Answers

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Search results for "aerate"

Q
Should I aerate prior to applying Tenacity?

I am planning on aerating my lawn.

A

If you plan on aerating it is best to aerate prior to an application of Tenacity. This is especially important for pre-emergent weed control.

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23 of 26 people found this answer helpful

Q
Can aerate after using Tenacity Herbicide?

I'm trying to build a schedule but I have a hard time planning it out. I plan to core aerate my yard now and then after winter and again in the fall and overseed. Does it matter when I aerate after applying this stuff or do I need to wait until all the weed grasses are gone? I assume that the weeds being covered by this will still die even if they end up buried under the cores.

A

SInce you can use Tenacity Herbicide either prior to or during seeding of certain turfgrasses you could either aerate before or after using the product and it would still work. There is nothing on the product label stating that there is a certain time to do aerating. 

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10 of 11 people found this answer helpful

Q
When can the lawn be aerated and overseeded after applying Tenacity?
A

When spot treating with Tenacity Herbicide, you can aerate any time after that without any issues. If the plan is to make a broadcast application, we recommend to aerate before the treatment is applied.

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3 of 4 people found this answer helpful

Q
Should I use Tenacity before or after aerating and overseeding?

I'm starting to think about using my tenacity in September however I want to aerate and overseed my yard either before or after. What are your recommendations as to a timeline before after

A

If you are using Tenacity Herbicide as a pre-emergent herbicide, then you should aerate first and then apply Tenacity at the same time as seeding or just before. Do not wait until the new grass has started to come up before using Tenacity. If using Tenacity as a post-emergent, then you can apply anytime before seeding, but keep in mind that it may take a couple weeks to kill the target plants, so you would want to wait for those plants to die before aerating and reseeding.

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85 of 94 people found this answer helpful

Q
Should dead/dying crabgrass be pulled up before Sept. overseeding after using Tenacity Herbicide?

Crabgrass has taken over front lawn. Applied Tenacity in early August and crabgrass white/brown and dying 2 1/2 - 3 weeks later. Now I want to do a fall overseed. Do the massive areas of dead crabgrass (and some nutsedge) all have to be pulled up before roughing up, spreading top soil and reseeding? Need to reseed soon, but the crabgrass won't have withered and died in time. (in Mid-state NY).

A

When using Tenacity Herbicide you should remove the thatch layer before reseeding, and it is best to aerate prior to the application as well. You want to be sure that the new seed has the best chance to come in contact with the soil. 

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28 of 36 people found this answer helpful

Q
After you apply Tenacity and the weeds turn from white to brown, do you dig up the dead weeds?
A

You do not have to remove dead plant matter after using Tenacity Herbicide, however if you plan to overseed, then it is a good idea to rake out dead plants since you may need to dethatch or aerate before putting down your new seed.

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20 of 22 people found this answer helpful

Q
Can I combine Q4 and tenacity as a post emergent?

If so, what's the rate for application

A

Tenacity Herbicide should not be tank mixed with Q4. Q4 does not require the addition of a surfactant for post emergent applications while Tenacity does. You also only spot treat with Tenacity for post emergent control but can broadcast with the Q4.

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0 of 1 people found this answer helpful

Q
After a hot summer and appling tenacity late summer how and when do I get rid of all the dead white matter ?

Should I de-thatch the lawn before over seeding to clear out the dead weeds and white remnants ?

A

You do not have to remove dead plant matter after using Tenacity Herbicide. However if you plan to overseed, then it is a good idea to rake out dead plants since you may need to dethatch or aerate before putting down your new seed.

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1 of 2 people found this answer helpful

Q
Should I use a surfactant when applying Tenacity Herbicide to a newly seeded lawn?

Trying to restore my lawn and aerate/seed this past Saturday 9/3/2016. Waiting for my order of Tenacity and Surfactant to arrive sometimes this week. Should I use both products and apply to the new lawn even though it's a week after seeding? Also should I use surfactant with it for pre-emergence or is that only for post? Thanks in advance!

A

It is safe to apply Tenacity Herbicide at or near seeding for most types of turfgrass for pre-emergent control. You should avoid spraying Tenacity on newly germinated turfgrass plants. Please refer to the product label for complete application instructions. You would only need to use a surfactant when applying Tenacity for post-emergent weed control.

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6 of 9 people found this answer helpful

Q
Will Tenacity Herbicide kill weeds while my grass is dormant without injuring my lawn.
A

Tenacity Herbicide can be applied to dormant bermudagrass only without injuring the bermudagrass. However, a better product would be Negate 37WG

Negate 37WG can be used on dormant or growing turf for listed weeds as directed on the product label.

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Tenacity Herbicide 4.5 out of 5 stars Rating: 4.3 (620 Reviews / 682 Q&A)

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