Perennial weeds are persistent survivors, going from one growing season to the next and producing seeds each year. Yellow nutsedge (considered one of the world’s worst weeds) and Creeping Charlie (an aggressive weed that spreads into dense mats) are just two perennial weeds you may spy sprouting up in your lawn each year. However, they’re not indestructible when you’ve got the right tools to treat them.¹

Biennial weeds live over two growing seasons rather than just one. Their first season, they grow roots, stems and leaves. Before dying at the end of their next season, they make flowers, fruits and seeds.²

NON-SELECTIVE

(Weed & Grass Killer)

If you're looking to get rid of all the weeds popping up in places you don't want them, a non-selective formula is the ideal choice of herbicide. These formulas kill all broadleaf and grassy weeds, including grass. Basically, all plants in their path dies since they're not selective about what they kill. That makes them perfect for when you need to eliminate all unwanted plants (both weeds and grasses) for a fresh start.

However, don't use non-selective herbicides on your lawn unless you want to kill the grass along with the weeds. Instead, spray these undiscriminating formulas on concrete and brick walkways, driveways, patios and around fences with unwanted vegetation. You can protect desirable plants with a piece of plastic or cardboard. If they're accidentally sprayed, simply wash them with water right away.

SELECTIVE HERBICIDES

(Weed Killer)

If you need to get rid of weeds popping up in your lawn or landscapes, a selective herbicide is the right choice for you.

Selective herbicides are selective with respect to turf or lawn types, and most selective herbicides will kill broadleaf ornamentals. They can be used to spot treat weeds in your lawn or sprayed on the lawn to kill the weeds. Still, don't spray selective herbicides when it's too windy since the spray may drift onto your desirable vegetation and cause injury. Still, don't spray selective herbicides when it's too windy since the spray may drift onto your desirable vegetation and cause injury.

Be sure to check the weed list on the product label for weeds controlled by the product. If you're not sure exactly what kind of weed you're dealing with, check out our Weed Identification Guide.

EXPLORE GUIDE

With these herbicides, you can get the upper hand and start fighting the battle against weeds when they’re still underground. This type of formula prevents weeds from successfully growing in the first place, so you want to use it early in the growing season. You can apply pre-emergent formulas in early spring, before certain weeds have started growing, all the way through the fall.

When it’s warm out, it’s a good idea to make sure your landscape gets about an inch of water per week, either from irrigation or rainfall.⁵ If you can, watering your lawn in the morning is ideal so that the water doesn’t evaporate before reaching the roots. Remember that if your lawn is newly planted, it’ll need more than one inch per week to promote growth.

Also, keep in mind that there are many factors influencing how much and how often your lawn needs water, including soil type, sunlight, grass type and regional climate. So, be sure to make the decision that makes the most sense for your landscape.