Did you know that you can kill weeds not flowers? One little product works this magic and your life is about to be changed for good. If you hate weeding flower beds, this is the post for you! A few weeks ago, I told you all about a great product I was going to give a go from Spectracide. Well, I am here with an update. A fantastic, amazing, you are going to love it update. Let’s kill weeds and NOT flowers!
Having grassy weeds invade flower beds, gardens and landscaped areas can be incredibly frustrating. While pulling them by hand is an option this is often temporary as any remaining roots will continue to sprout new growth. For more permanent grass weed control, using a selective herbicide is the best approach. But you need to choose the right product and apply it properly to avoid damage to surrounding ornamentals, trees, shrubs, and other desired vegetation.
Choosing a Grass-Specific Weed Killer Safe for Gardens
The key to killing grass weeds without injuring nearby plants is using a selective herbicide that specifically targets grasses, Broadleaf weed killers are ineffective against grassy weeds And non-selective glyphosate products will indiscriminately kill anything they contact,
To safely remove grass weeds from garden beds look for an herbicide containing active ingredients like fluazifop fenoxaprop, or sethoxydim. These selectively control annual and perennial grass weeds without harming broadleaf plants. Trade names to look for include Fusilade II, Ornamec, and Grass Beater.
You want the product label to clearly state it’s intended for use in ornamental plantings. The formulation should also be non-volatile to avoid vapor drift. Opt for ready-to-use liquids over concentrates, which require precise mixing. Granular products can also minimize drift risk.
How to Use Grass Killers Around Flowers and Shrubs
When applying grass weed killers around prized plants, trees, and shrubs, caution is needed. Here are some tips for safe and effective use of these selective herbicides:
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Read and follow all label directions carefully, including when and where the product can be used. Don’t exceed specified application rates.
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Control spray drift by applying on a calm, non-windy day. Use a coarse spray nozzle and keep pressure low.
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Avoid any contact with leaves, stems, or exposed roots of desired plants. Use a shield for extra protection if needed.
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Water in treated areas after application to deactivate herbicide residues. This prevents it from washing onto and damaging other vegetation.
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Repeat applications around persistent perennial grasses may be needed. Allow time between treatments for the herbicide to translocate within the plants.
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Do not mow, till, or disturb treated grasses for several days after applying. This allows time for the product to work.
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Mix concentrates carefully per label instructions. Only make up what you need for the job. Leftover spray mix can accidently harm other plants if applied incorrectly.
5 Best Grass Killers Safe for Use Around Plants
There are several selective grass weed killers registered for use in gardens and ornamental plantings. Here are 5 of the most effective options:
1. Ortho Grass B Gon Garden Grass Killer
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Selective herbicide for use around listed ornamentals and gardens
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Kills a wide range of annual and perennial grassy weeds
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Liquid spray formulation is ready to use with no mixing required
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Once dry, rainfall won’t wash product off of treated plants
2. Fertilome Over-The-Top II Grass Killer
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Controls annual bluegrass, crabgrass, foxtails, and other grassy weeds
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Won’t harm established ornamentals, shrubs, ground covers
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Liquid concentrate mixes with water for spot treatment
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Use with tank sprayer or sprinkling can
3. Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide
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For selective grass control in landscape ornamentals
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Labeled for use on over 60 woody plants like azaleas and roses
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Liquid concentrate makes up to 21 gallons of spray solution
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Apply as a coarse spray to avoid contact with desired vegetation
4. Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Crabgrass Killer
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Combination of quinclorac, dicamba and sulfentrazone
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Controls crabgrass, foxtail, barnyardgrass, and other grassy weeds
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Won’t harm trees, shrubs and established ornamentals
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Ready-to-use formula sprayed with hose end sprayer
5. Bonide Grass Beater Landscape Weed Killer
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Selective control of annual and perennial grass weeds
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Systemic action moves throughout entire grass plant
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Won’t harm desirable flowers, trees, groundcovers when used as directed
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Liquid concentrate covers up to 21,000 sq ft
Dealing with unwanted grass invading garden beds and landscaped areas is a common problem. But using non-selective weed killers risks damage to desired plants. The key is choosing selective grass herbicides intended for use around established ornamentals and gardens.
Products containing fluazifop, fenoxaprop, sethoxydim, or similar active ingredients target grasses while leaving broadleaf plants unharmed. Follow all label precautions when using grass weed killers around valued vegetation and flowers. With the right product and care in application, you can safely remove invasive grass growth from your garden beds and borders.
How to Kill Weeds in Flower Beds
Next, you are going to need your supplies. Mine included the hose because if you accidentally get the product on any of your precious flowers, you want to be sure to wash it off immediately with water. I also had a box so I could cover any flowers that were really close to weeds. A few rags will be handy as well especially if your sprayer drips a bit.
Are you all patiently waiting for some before and after pictures? For the major before pictures, you need to go back to my first post where I screamed for landscape help. But Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer came to my rescue y’all. Now my before and after looks a little like his.
That weed didn’t last 24 hours after being sprayed and yes it is right next to healthy thriving flowers. I went around my entire flower bed happily spraying weeds and then watching them fade away over the next couple of days. Want some more proof? Let’s look at a time-lapse this time.
Yep, I even used the product along the cracks in my sidewalk. I was extremely pleased with how everything looked after a few days. I had a flower bed that I could actually work in and make gorgeous. Now that is progress! Plus the weeds are dead down to the root so I don’t have to worry about those coming back.
What kills weeds but not plants?
I picked up the Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer shown below. You can usually find this product at your local home improvement store but you can also order online. Just be sure to look for the “use in flower beds” right on the front label.
Yep, you can use that in your flower beds. HOW?? (You might scream.) Well, the product only works on what you spray it ON and does not get into the ground. This particular bottle also requires a sprayer as it needs to be mixed with water.
You can also give the ready to spray version a try if you do not want to mix your own. I tried out both actually and had great results both ways.
You can actually see a wide selection of products and pick them up from Amazon in the widget below. Just be sure to look for that “safe in flower beds” labeling!
Vinegar Weed Killer – Works in 24 Hours
FAQ
How do you kill grass without harming plants?
Use a mixture of 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap to spray on your grass. This will kill the grass at the surface while keeping the roots intact, so it’ll eventually grow back.
What is the best grass killer that doesn’t kill plants?
Ortho Grass B Gon Garden Grass Killer is a ready-to-use, selective, systemic grass killer that can be used to kill existing weedy grasses in and around ground covers, plant beds, landscapes, individual shrubs, and trees. And it won’t harm listed landscape plants.
Can you spray grass killer around plants?
A product that kills one weed might not phase another. Also, take a look at what is growing nearby. In general, weed killers are not appropriate for use on or near plants that are to be eaten. Some weed killers, including weed and feed, may drift in the breeze and kill nearby plants that are germinating.
How do I kill weeds without killing my plants?
An effective way to remove weeds without killing plants is to pull them out by hand. Be sure to grab the weed at its base and pull the roots out, too.
Which weed killer does not kill grass?
Out of all the weed killers, Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns is easily the best overall weed killer that won’t kill grass. It is specifically designed to kill only broadleaf plants down to the root. Grass does not fall into this category, and it will come through undamaged. However, most weeds will be unable to withstand this weed killer.
How to choose a weed & grass killer?
Choosing the right one for you depends on your needs. You can opt for a selective or non-selective weed killer. Most weed killers don’t distinguish between the intruder and your favorite flowers. That said, let’s learn more about weed & grass killers and make a wise pick. What is Weed and Grass Killer?
What is the best grass & weed killer?
1. Ortho Grass B Gon Garden Grass Killer 2. RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer 3. Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide 4. Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer 5. Bonide Grass Beater Landscape Grass & Weed Killer
What Weed Killer can I use on my lawn?
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?
What is the best weed killer for vegetable garden?
(Best Weed and Grass Killer for Vegetable Garden) The Ortho GroundClear weed and grass killer has been specifically created to kill different types of green and growing weeds. The ready-to-use spray makes it easy to target the invasive weeds. You can use this weed and grass killer for landscape beds, hardscapes, and vegetable gardens.
Do you need a grass killer?
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.