The Best Grass Killers That Are Safe for Plants – Effective Weed Control Without Harming Your Garden

If grassy weeds are invading your flower beds or landscaped areas, you need an effective grass killer that won’t damage surrounding plants. Several selective herbicides are safe for use around established trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers when applied properly. Read on for tips on the best grass killing products that are plant-safe.

What to Look for in Grass Killers Safe for Use Around Plants

Selectively killing grassy weeds in garden beds and borders without injuring nearby plants requires using the right product. When choosing a grass weed killer, look for these features:

• Selective herbicide that targets grasses but not broadleaf plants
• Labeled for use in and around ornamental plantings
• Non-volatile formulation that won’t drift to desired plants
• Systemic action that translocates throughout the grass plant
• Rainproof once dry to avoid washing off plants

Products containing active ingredients like fluazifop, sethoxydim or fenoxaprop meet these criteria. Some Brands to look for are Bayer Advanced, Spectracide, Gordon’s Ornamec and Bonide Grass Beater.

Tips on Using Grass Killers Safely Around Plants

When using grass herbicides around valued plants perennials shrubs and trees, follow some key precautions

• Read and follow label directions carefully
• Control spray drift and apply on a non-windy day
• Avoid contact with leaves, stems or exposed roots of desired plants
• Water in treated area thoroughly after application to deactivate residues
• Use a shield to protect plants from accidental spraying

Repeat applications may be needed for persistent perennial grasses Allow time for the herbicide to translocate within the grass before mowing or tilling the area

Best Grass Killers Safe for Use Around Landscape Plants

1. Ortho Grass B Gon Garden Grass Killer

• Selective post-emergent grass herbicide
• Won’t harm listed ornamental plants, trees, etc.
• Fast-acting on annual and perennial grassy weeds
• Ready-to-use formula, no mixing required
• Treats up to 400 sq ft; rainproof in 1 hour

2. RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer

• Glyphosate kills existing grass and weeds
• Prodiamine prevents new weeds for 3-4 months
• Won’t harm most established plants
• Mix with water and apply with tank sprayer
• Treats up to 21,000 sq ft per bottle

3. Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide

• Selectively controls grass in listed ornamentals
• Systemic action moves throughout grass plant
• Avoid contact with leaves, stems and roots of desired plants
• Liquid concentrate mixes with water and covers up to 21,500 sq ft
• Reapply in 3-4 weeks for perennial grasses

4. Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer

• Combination of quinclorac, dicamba and sulfentrazone
• Kills crabgrass, dollarweed, dandelions, clover and 250 other weeds
• Won’t harm established ornamental trees, shrubs, etc.
• Ready-to-use hose end sprayer for spot treatment
• Treats up to 3,200 sq ft of lawn area

5. Bonide Grass Beater Landscape Grass & Weed Killer

• Selectively controls listed annual and perennial grasses
• Systemic action moves through both grass leaves and roots
• Labeled for use around over 100 listed ornamentals
• Liquid concentrate makes up to 21 gallons of spray
• Treats up to 21,000 sq ft of grass and weeds

When used as directed, these products offer effective grass and weed control in garden beds and borders without damaging nearby trees, shrubs, perennials or groundcovers. Always follow label instructions carefully when applying grass killing herbicides around valued plants. And consider hand pulling small infestations of grass rather than spraying whenever possible.