Weed Killer Buying Guide: Selective vs. Non-Selective
Quick Answer
Selective herbicide kills specific weed types while sparing your listed grass species — this is what you want for an existing lawn. Non-selective herbicide kills everything it touches and belongs on driveways and patios, not turf.
Selective vs. Non-Selective Herbicide
- Selective: formulated to target specific plant categories (broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, sedges) while leaving listed turfgrasses unharmed — the right choice for treating weeds within an existing lawn
- Non-selective: kills any green plant it contacts, grass included — appropriate for driveway cracks, gravel areas, or clearing a bed before replanting, never for spot-treating a lawn
Always check the grass-type label
Even selective herbicides list specific grasses they're safe for. Applying a product not labeled for your grass type can damage or kill your lawn along with the weeds.
How to Kill Weeds Without Killing the Surrounding Grass
- Confirm your grass type first — see our grass identification guide
- Choose a selective herbicide that lists both the target weed and your grass type on the label
- Spot-treat individual weeds or patches rather than blanket-spraying the whole lawn
- Avoid application during drought, heat stress, or within the pre-emergent-to-seeding window if you plan to overseed soon
- Follow label rates exactly — over-application is the most common cause of turf damage from "selective" products
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
Pre-emergent herbicide stops weed seeds from germinating and must go down before they sprout; post-emergent kills weeds that have already emerged. Most weed-control programs use both at different points in the season — see our pre-emergent timing guide and post-emergent application guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selective herbicide targets specific plant types (e.g. broadleaf weeds) while leaving listed grasses unharmed. Non-selective herbicide (like glyphosate) kills any plant it touches, including turfgrass — it's meant for driveways, patios, or full bed clearing, not lawns.