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.
Re: How to kill weeds without harming other plants?
Commonly asked question but no luck here. Most herbicides will kill most plants. Some herbicides are selective and will mostly kill grasses, but that’s not what you need here. It’s best to use a contact herbicide like Glyphosate or an organic version of it, but be careful about how you use it. You can turn down the nozzle on the ready-to-use ones and only spray the plants you want to kill with the spray bottles. Alternatively, you can use the wiper wands or the gel versions – they work well. Some examples below.
Tradie tip: If you spray herbicide on a plant that you don’t mean to, wash it off right away with a hose or watering can.
How to kill weeds without harming other plants?
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DIY Weed Killer that is SAFE and EFFECTIVE
FAQ
How do you kill grass without harming plants?
What chemical will kill grass but not plants?
What grass killer is safe for plants?
Does grass killer hurt plants?
Does weed killer kill grass?
Weed killer is an easy, one-step option for removing wild, unwanted grasses, but some of these products may not provide the results required by certain users. Some weed killers have the capability of killing all plant types, making them hard to use in close-quarter gardens, vegetable gardens, or grassy areas.
How do you kill grass in a flower bed?
Regularly inspect your flower bed and promptly remove any grass shoots as soon as you spot them.This method requires vigilance but avoids the use of chemicals.
What is the best weed killer for lawns?
There are other common weed killer options that use harsh chemicals like Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate, Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer, and Ortho Nutsedge Killer for Lawns.
Can a weed killer be used on a lawn?
Many weed killers that made it through our vetting process cannot be used on lawns because they are non-selective, which means they will kill all types of vegetation, including your lawn. With this weeder, you can specifically pluck out the weed without having to worry about ruining the rest of your grass.
