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Selective Weed Killers: Controlling Weeds Without Killing Grass

Selective Weed Killers: Controlling Weeds Without Killing Grass

What Is a Selective Weed Killer?

Selective weed killers are herbicides designed to target specific weed types, usually broadleaf weeds, while leaving grass unharmed. Unlike total weed killers, selective products are ideal for lawns, sports pitches, amenity grass, parks, and landscaped areas where healthy turf needs to be preserved.

These products are widely used across the UK by:

  • Home gardeners maintaining lawns

  • Professional landscapers and grounds teams

  • Sports facilities (football, rugby, golf, tennis)

  • Councils and local authorities

  • Estates and country houses

Common lawn weeds controlled include dandelion, clover, daisy, plantain, buttercup, chickweed, and thistle.

Why Choose Selective Weed Control Instead of Total Weed Killers?

Selective weed killers are the correct choice when:

  • You want to remove weeds but keep grass

  • The area is already established turf

  • You are managing lawns or sports surfaces

  • Reseeding or turf replacement is not desired

Total weed killers kill everything — grass included.
Selective weed killers remove weeds only, allowing grass to recover and thicken naturally.

Types of Selective Weed Killers

1. Liquid Selective Herbicides

Liquid formulations are ideal for targeted spraying and professional applications.

Popular options include:

  • Icade Herbicide – excellent broadleaf weed control in lawns

  • Blaster Pro – strong selective control for amenity grass

  • Praxys – professional-grade selective herbicide

Best for:

  • Sports pitches

  • Large lawns

  • Councils and estates

  • Contractors using knapsack sprayers

2. Granular Selective Weed Killers

Granular products combine weed control and feeding, making them popular with gardeners and grounds teams.

  • Relva Granules – selective weed control in lawn grass

Best for:

  • Domestic lawns

  • Professional gardeners

  • Even coverage without spraying

Granular products are often applied using a lawn spreader and activated by rainfall.

Where Selective Weed Killers Should Be Used

✔ Lawns (domestic and commercial)
✔ Sports fields and pitches
✔ Parks and public green spaces
✔ Hotel and estate lawns
✔ Golf course roughs and fairways

❌ Not suitable for:

  • Flower beds

  • Shrub borders

  • Wildflower meadows

  • Areas without grass

Best Time to Apply Selective Weed Killers in the UK

Selective weed killers work best when weeds are actively growing.

Ideal application periods:

  • Spring: April–June

  • Summer: June–September

Avoid applying when:

  • Grass is stressed by drought or frost

  • Temperatures are below 10°C

  • Rain is expected within 6 hours (check label)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Selective Weed Killers

Step 1: Identify the Weeds

Confirm you are treating broadleaf weeds, not grasses like annual meadow grass.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Product

  • Use liquid herbicides for large or professional sites

  • Use granular products for domestic lawns or ease of application

Step 3: Prepare Equipment

  • Knapsack sprayer or handheld sprayer for liquids

  • Spreader for granular products

  • PPE: gloves, boots, eye protection

Step 4: Apply Evenly

  • Follow label rates carefully

  • Avoid overlapping spray areas

  • Do not mow 2–3 days before or after application

Step 5: Aftercare

  • Keep people and pets off treated areas until dry

  • Do not reseed for at least 4–6 weeks

  • Monitor weed dieback over 7–21 days

Selective Weed Control for Sports Facilities

Selective weed killers are essential for maintaining safe, playable sports turf.

Used on:

  • Football pitches

  • Rugby fields

  • Cricket outfields

  • Golf fairways and roughs

  • Tennis court surrounds

Benefits include:

  • Improved playing surface

  • Reduced trip hazards

  • Stronger, denser grass cover

  • Better drainage and recovery

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using total weed killer on lawns
❌ Applying in poor weather conditions
❌ Overdosing products
❌ Spraying stressed or newly seeded grass
❌ Cutting grass too soon after treatment

Correct use ensures healthy turf and effective weed removal.

Equipment for Applying Selective Weed Killers

Available from GardenersSupplies.co.uk:

  • Knapsack sprayers

  • Handheld sprayers

  • Measuring jugs

  • Lawn spreaders

  • PPE and safety equipment

Professional equipment ensures accurate, safe application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will selective weed killers kill grass?
No — when used correctly, they target weeds only and leave grass unharmed.

How long before I see results?
Weeds usually show symptoms within 7–14 days, with full dieback by 3 weeks.

Can I apply and fertilise at the same time?
Yes — products like weed, feed & moss killers combine both functions.

Can I overseed after treatment?
Wait at least 4–6 weeks, depending on product guidance.

Conclusion

Selective weed killers are the correct solution for lawns and grassed areas where weeds need controlling without damaging turf. From domestic lawns to professional sports facilities, these products help maintain clean, dense, healthy grass throughout the growing season.

GardenersSupplies.co.uk supplies a full range of selective weed killers, granules, sprayers, and professional equipment, trusted across the UK by gardeners, landscapers, councils, and contractors.