Selective herbicide for invasive grasses in our pollinator garden - Ask Extension
What selective herbicide should we use in our fairly large native plant pollinator garden to kill invasive grass that is taking over our garden? What...
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Selective herbicide for invasive grasses in our pollinator garden #865364
Asked April 21, 2024, 10:27 PM EDT
What selective herbicide should we use in our fairly large native plant pollinator garden to kill invasive grass that is taking over our garden? What should we use and how/when to apply? The garden is surrounded by fields and mowed field grass area where no chemicals are used and lots of Goldenrod grow. Hand removing the grass is very difficult and not very effective. We would like to treat the area the first week in May. The grasses grow throughout the garden. This garden was neglected for a long time and we are working to renovate and maintain it at an environmental education center. Picture attached to give you an idea of area.
Newaygo County Michigan
Expert Response
So long as there are no grasses you'd like to keep, there are selective herbicides that only kill grasses. In the residential market, there are two products I am aware of, though there may be others. One is Ortho Grass B Gon (active ingredient= fluazifop); found at places like Home Depot and Menards. The other is Grass Out Max by Agrisel (a.i.= clethodim); found at Tractor Supply Company (TSC).
In addition to impacting grasses, these herbicides can have a negative impact on other Monocot species, like lilies, sedges, and rushes. Goldenrod and most other showy flowering plants are Dicots, which will not be impacted when used as directed.
Care will need to be taken to avoid drifting onto the surrounding turfgrass, as it will also kill those species.
With any pesticide application it is critical to read and follow all labeled instructions to ensure maximum efficacy as well as environmental and personal safety. Also, 'the label is the law.'
If you have any questions, please reach out. I am happy to help as best I can.
In addition to impacting grasses, these herbicides can have a negative impact on other Monocot species, like lilies, sedges, and rushes. Goldenrod and most other showy flowering plants are Dicots, which will not be impacted when used as directed.
Care will need to be taken to avoid drifting onto the surrounding turfgrass, as it will also kill those species.
With any pesticide application it is critical to read and follow all labeled instructions to ensure maximum efficacy as well as environmental and personal safety. Also, 'the label is the law.'
If you have any questions, please reach out. I am happy to help as best I can.
